MAY 30, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 1

♦ WEEKLY ♦ MAY 30, 2009 ♦

FEATURE PHILIPPINE NEWS GLOBAL NEWS SAKADA US OFFERS ISRAEL TO DEDICATE FINDS JOY IN $2.5 MILLION FOR MONUMENT TO SANSEVIERIA ARREST OF 3 ABUS

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE PRESORTED 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MAY 30, 2009

EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Editor loha and welcome to the lat- Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. No Easy Solutions est issue of the Hawaii Fil- ipino Chronicle! As the Publisher & Managing Editor to Ending Poverty Chona A. Montesines-Sonido school year draws to an end, t has been said that poverty has many faces. In the A thousands of high school Associate Editors , these faces number in the millions. Those who have never before seen the level of students will soon be receiv- Dennis Galolo Edwin Quinabo poverty in a Third World country are in for a rude ing their diplomas. Many families are awakening. In a vivid description, a first time vis- looking forward and preparing to celebrate Creative Designer I Junggoi Peralta itor to the Philippines says the poverty there “hits their accomplishments. We at the Chronicle extend our con- you in the face unapologetically the very moment gratulations to all of you graduates—both college and high Design Consultant you step in.” school—and wish you all the very best in your continued Randall Shiroma Philippine leaders for decades have wrestled with the prob- endeavors. Photographer lem of poverty with limited success. Efforts to emphasize ed- Our cover story for this issue is written by Dr. Belinda Tim Llena ucation, limit family size, generate more jobs, enhance social Aquino from the University of Hawaii-Manoa’s Center For Administrative Assistant services and improve agricultural productivity have barely Philippine Studies. Dr. Aquino takes an in-depth look at the Shalimar Pagulayan scratched the surface. Observers say that poverty will continue problem of poverty in the Philippines. She examines the im- Columnists to plague the Philippines as long as there is graft in govern- pacts that political events in the Philippines have had on cur- Carlota Ader ment and politicians in office who perpetuate cycles of cor- Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. rent poverty levels, factors that contribute to poverty and ruption and inequality that exacerbate poverty. Teresita Bernales, Ph.D. Consequently, poverty may be too well-entrenched in Philip- possible solutions to the problem. The fact of the matter is Carlo Cadiz, M.D. that there are no easy solutions. Those of you who have been Sen. Will Espero pine society and far too encompassing to resolve—unless there Grace F. Fong, Ed.D is first a drastic reform of the country’s political system. But with to the Philippines have seen for yourself first-hand the Mayor Mufi Hannemann a government so accustomed to corruption, reform would re- poverty there and know how bad the problem is. Please read Governor Linda Lingle quire nothing less than another social revolution, particularly more on Dr. Aquino’s analysis on pages 4-5. Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. Rosemarie Mendoza since there appears to be no political will for a charter change. Also in this issue, contributing writer Caroline Julian J.P. Orias The bottom line is that true impetus for change will not profiles Angel Ramos, a Kahuku resident who has taken a Pacita Saludes come from government, but from the average citizen with a liking for the Sansevieria, or snake plant, as it’s more com- Charlie Sonido, M.D. sensitive heart for the poor and true desire to help others. Non- monly known. Ramos, who is originally from Ilocos Norte, Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. government organizations and the influential Catholic Church Felino S. Tubera has collected and raised the plant for the past 30 years. Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. should put aside differences and partner together on programs Ramos, 80, retired from the Kahuku Sugar Mill and was des- that feed the hungry and provide quality education to more ignated as a living treasure by the Honolulu City Council. Contributing Writers young people. Focusing on these two areas won’t eliminate More on this interesting individual is available on page 7. Calvin Alonzo, O.D. poverty entirely, but would be a good start. Rowena Ballesteros Speaking of interesting, in a recent appearance on the Clement Bautista David Letterman Show, actor Alex Baldwin angered many Linda Dela Cruz Filipinos with a comment about Filipina mail order brides. Fiedes Doctor Take Advantage of State’s Gregory Bren Garcia Baldwin’s “joke” did not result in the level of controversy Danny De Gracia, II, MA Tax Amnesty Offer that ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” generated, yet he did Amelia Jacang, M.D. eeling a bit guilty about owing unpaid state taxes? enough damage that the Philippine officials have banned Caroline Julian Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Under the state’s Tax Fresh Start program, delin- him from entering the country. To his credit, Baldwin has Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. quent taxpayers can come clean on back taxes they apologized. Please read more on page 13. Glenn Wakai owe, pay the amount and receive exoneration for In closing, we hope that you will enjoy reading the other Philippine Correspondent F penalties and interest. articles and columns of interest in this issue, particularly the Guil Franco It is a sweet deal for the state, which faces “Legislative Connection” on page 3, “Governor’s Column” Big Island Distributor shrinking tax revenues and an uncertain economic on page 6, “Legal Notes” on page 13 and “Philippine Lan- Elmer Acasio Ditas Udani future. State tax officials hope to bring in millions of dollars guage” on page 14. that otherwise would have gone uncollected and to mirror the Until next time…aloha and mabuhay! Maui Distributor success of other states that have implemented similar tax Cecile Piros amnesty programs. Oklahoma, for example, received $82 mil- Molokai Distributor lion in unpaid taxes from its tax amnesty offer last year, which Maria Watanabe was twice the amount that officials there had hoped to collect. Advertising/Marketing Director By choosing a quick fix to replenish its tax coffers, the LETTERS Chona A. Montesines-Sonido State is willing to forego over $1 billion in unpaid taxes from Account Executives individuals and businesses. Rather than pursue lengthy audits Concern For Philippine Collection at UH Library Carlota Ader and lawsuits to collect back taxes it is owed, it would be less J.P. Orias

expensive in the short run for the state to administer a volun- I am among many Filipinos who are concerned about the UH The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published tary, one-time tax amnesty program. Hamilton Library’s intent to integrate the Asia collection (including weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- On the downside, it could very well undermine the pub- the Philippine collection) into the general repository. tributed at various outlets around Oahu and lic’s confidence in the tax system, especially since tax cheats I do hope that Belinda Aquino of the UH Philippine Studies De- the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- partment and other UH Filipino academics will initiate a dialogue ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- don’t have to pay a price for non-compliance. Furthermore, lication date. Subscriptions are available at some taxpayers could simply hold onto their money to invest with officials at Hamilton Library. And I would certainly invite the $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- or spend and then take advantage of the next time the state of- Filipino Caucus of the Hawaii State legislature to be a part of this lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country discussion. $90. Copyright 2006. The Hawaii Filipino fers amnesty. This explains why an amnesty program is un- Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu sound tax policy for the long term and why the state is unlikely As a researcher, I have found Hamilton Library’s Philippine Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone collection to be an excellent resource and helpful in making me (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678-1829. to ever make the offer again. E-mail [email protected]. Web- more aware of my ethnic history and identity. site: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions In the meantime, it would be wise for delinquent taxpayers expressed by the columnists and contribu- to make good on the state’s amnesty program which ends on tors do not necessarily reflect those of the June 26, 2009. After that, the situation could become more hos- Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Re- Mel Domingo production of the contents in whole or in part tile, as a bill pending before Gov. Lingle would lengthen the Honolulu is prohibited without written permission from statue of limitations for tax offenses, impose stiffer penalties the management. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. and add more resources to go after tax cheaters. MAY 30, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 3 LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION On Freedom and Captivity (Part 2) On the Other End of the Spectrum – Prison Confinement multiple arrests and multiple and emphasizes reentry pro- some offenders need to be in- Finally, House Bill 358 al- convictions. grams and servicing. It also carcerated on the mainland so it lows certain offenders to be There were several meas- creates an advisory Re-entry is important to review and audit placed in secure drug treatment ures that were successful in Commission to monitor and the system which has already facilities in lieu of incarcera- By Senator Will Espero helping to reform our prison work with the DPS to make cost the state hundreds of mil- tion. This bill just adds another system. The Senate inserted in certain the re-entry needs of in- lions of dollars. option to be used for drug of- his past session, the state budget over $500,000 mates are being met. HCR27 supports a study to fenders in our system. my Senate Com- over two years to fund a pilot House Concurrent Resolu- be completed by the Office of The Legislature believes mittee continued to project in the Department of tion (HCR) 199 will have the Hawaiian Affairs that would these bills and resolutions will look at ways of im- Public Safety that will utilize auditor conduct a private prison look at the criminal justice sys- have a positive impact on our T proving our re- GPS electronic monitoring as performance audit of the tem and its disparate treatment prison system and will continue entry programs in an alternative to incarceration. Saguaro Correctional Center in of Native Hawaiians. Native the on-going efforts to reform the prison system to help in- These inmates would be care- Arizona where we incarcerate Hawaiians are approximately our prison system in the future. mates who will one day be re- fully selected, non-violent of- almost 1900 inmates. We ex- 22% of our population but ac- The fewer dollars spent on leased into society. Since fenders who would be port over $60 million each year count for about 40% of the prisons means more for educa- statistics show the majority of monitored closely in the com- to care for our inmates out of prison population. Some think tion, social services and other inmates will be imprisoned for munity. Drug testing, manda- state, and the audit is intended the figure is higher. The study areas. less than 10 years, it is impera- tory employment, skill to ensure our tax dollars are is intended to look at the Judi- Many of our inmates must tive that those inmates in our building, and training should being spent wisely and effi- cial system and its treatment of stay incarcerated due to the na- custody are provided tools and be elements in an electronic ciently and to ensure we are Hawaiians and other minorities ture of their . For others, assistance in order to minimize monitoring program. getting the servicing and pro- to determine whether policies, incarceration with some reha- the chances of their return to Senate Bill 539 reorgan- gramming the contract details. procedures, or deficiencies have bilitation and personal pro- prison. Too often, we read or izes a division in the Depart- Although there are calls to re- led to the high incarceration rate gramming can improve the hear about offenders who have ment of Public Safety (DPS) turn inmates from the mainland, of Native Hawaiians. offender and the system. OPINION

an attempt to circumvent the from around the world are eas- The Freedom to Read Florence Agreement. To do so, ily and cheaply available to the ROSES & THORNS we fear, will further undermine Filipino. They should build on short, education should not United States, or read the latest our education system. Ignorance the Florence Agreement, an By Alejandro R. Roces merely be teaching people what news in The International Herald is something to be eradicated, agreement that the Philippines he man who they do not know, but more im- Tribune is thanks to the Florence not encouraged. has been a signatory of for over does not read portant give their lives purpose Agreement. Over 100 countries In the Philippines, we hope 50 years. Our greatest enemy is good books has and meaning. The primary tool became signatories, including that the government develops ignorance. The only thing that no advantage of education is books. And not the Philippines. At no point in programs to encourage reading can defeat ignorance is educa- “T over the man just text books, but any book or our history (even during the from a young age. An important tion. Reading is fundamental. who can’t read printed material, no matter great Marcos Regime) has there been aspect is making sure that books (www.philstar.com) them.” – Mark or small, is important. There is a Twain saying that knowledge is power. Next month is National Knowledge is found in books, of Book Development Month, as any type. specified by Republic Act No. In 1950, the Florence 8047. How important are books? Agreement on the Importation We quote Clarence Day: “The of Educational, Scientific and world of books is the most re- Cultural Materials was devel- markable creation of man. Noth- oped and approved by the UN- ing else that he builds ever lasts. ESCO (United Nations Monuments fall, nations perish, Educational, Scientific and Cul- civilizations grow old and die tural Organization) in Florence, out and after an era of darkness Italy. The UNESCO was new races build others. But in formed after World War II. In its the world of books are volumes constitution it was tasked to, that have seen this happen again “collaborate in the work of ad- and again and yet live on, still vancing mutual knowledge and young, as fresh as the day they understanding of peoples (…) were written, still tell of hearts of and to that end recommend such men centuries dead.” international agreement as may Ignorance is a form of slav- be necessary to promote the free ery. Wisdom begins with an flow of ideas by word and awareness of ignorance. And al- image.” Their major tool was though it is a fact that education the Florence Agreement. This is costly, ignorance is the only was a landmark international thing that is even costlier than treaty. It proved that across bor- education. And education is still ders in every nation, education the cheapest defense of any na- is important. tion. It is a better defense than We are a global village. Part any army. Education should of being a global village is the teach us not only how to work free exchange of ideas, informa- for a living, but how to live so tion, thoughts and philosophies. that we will be of service to the The ease with which we can read country and our fellowmen. In the latest bestseller from the 4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MAY 30, 2009 COVER STORY ROOT CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS TO have declined significantly be- cause the Philippine economy POVERTY IN THE PHILIPPINES grew by 7 percent under Ar- royo’s watch. The reasons for By Belinda A. Aquino, Ph.D perceive how poor they are this discrepancy can be attrib- based on their own assessment uted in large measure to previous and how outside institutions government policies that re- measure their “poverty” on the tarded economic growth by dis- basis of surveys and generated criminating against agriculture statistics. A more comprehen- and discouraging human capital sive methodology is needed to investment. These policies in yield a much closer “fit” be- turn were sustained and continue tween perception and reality. A to be sustained by powerful in- more accurate picture will terests that have historically probably emerge somewhere in blocked meaningful economic between. reform.

Poverty Over Time Who and Where Are the Poor? The poverty index in 1985, Luzon has 57 percent of the one year before the Marcos dic- population and carries 44 percent tatorship was overthrown, of the nation’s poor. The Visayas reached an all time high of 36.5 has 20 percent of the population percent, which means martial and a 20.5 percent poverty rating. law from 1972-1986 impover- And Mindanao, whose popula- ished the country to a pro- tion is 23 percent of the country's nounced degree. Despite the total, suffers from a 35.4 percent olita C. Monsod, a well-known Professor of Economics and much-touted “New Society” poverty index. media personality in the Philippines, delivered the 2009 pronouncements, unprecedented Mindanao, with less than corruption, cronyism, govern- half of the Luzon population, is Macaulay Distinguished Lecture in Philippine Studies at the mental mismanagement, raiding only about 9 points below the S University of Hawaii-Manoa. of the public treasury, siphoning latter’s index, making it the Monsod talked about the most fundamental problem that the of foreign exchange, bilking in- poorest region in the country. In ternational loans, smuggling and terms of extreme poverty, Metro Philippines can never seem to reduce to an appreciable degree— other fraudulent practices Manila is listed with a 7 percent poverty. She presented a wide-ranging perspective on the nature, meas- brought the economy to its rating, compared to the Au- urement, causes, incidence and impact of poverty on Philippine society. knees. The country got deeper tonomous Region of Muslim and deeper in debt, presaging the Mindanao (ARMM), which is Defining & Measuring Poverty officially establishes annual measure the economic health of final collapse of the regime in the poorest at 60 percent. Rizal Poverty is a difficult topic poverty thresholds for families the nation. Other measures, the 1986 “People Power Revo- province, which adjoins Metro to adequately define using stan- of varying sizes, e.g., P15,057 such as those used by the Social lution.” Manila, is the least poor at 6.4 dard statistics and objective cri- for one individual; P75,288 for Weather Stations (SWS), rely By 1991, towards the end percent. By contrast, Tawi-Tawi teria such as income, age, family of five, P120,480 for a on “self-rated” poverty, in of President Cory Aquino’s in the southernmost Philippines, family size, educational attain- family of eight, and so on. Out- which respondents are asked to term, poverty dropped to 30 suffers from 79 percent poverty. ment, rural-urban differences, come poverty is much harder to rate themselves compared to, percent, undoubtedly aided by As for municipalities, Bi- energy use, access to health fa- define because it involves qual- say, five years ago. economic reinvigoration and re- nondo in the heart of Manila has cilities, and so on. Poverty is itative conditions like illness, il- Based on this “self-rating,” stored political freedoms. This only 1 percent of its residents defined, of course, as all these literacy, unemployment, the SWS determined in Novem- index was further reduced to considered poor, whereas Siayan and more. But we never really mortality, and other negative ber 2007 that the national 20.5 percent in 1997, one year in Zamboanga del Norte has a get a clear and definitive picture consequences. poverty rate was 52 percent. This before Aquino’s successor, staggering 98 percent poverty because of the multi-dimen- The statistics that Monsod is much higher than the FIES Fidel Ramos, ended his term. index. sional character of the phenom- cited to explore Philippine findings in a comparable period, In retrospect, Ramos is gen- These figures are at best in- enon we are facing. poverty are derived from the which was estimated at 27 per- erally considered the best eco- adequate, though not unreliable, Monsod distinguishes be- Family Income and Expendi- cent. Why the discrepancy? nomic manager of the country when measuring the extent of tween income poverty and out- ture Survey (FIES) that is un- Obviously, there’s a huge among the post-Marcos presi- poverty nationwide. Some critics come poverty. The former dertaken periodically to difference between how people dents. Although Ramos did not have complained that “official” succeed entirely, his political- poverty statistics do not reveal the economic philosophy revolving “invisible poor,” such as ambu- around the 4 D’s (democratiza- lant transient or homeless poor, as tion, deregulation, decentraliza- well as indigenous people living tion and development) moved in remote areas. Therefore, ac- the economy forward and re- cording to this critique, the extent duced poverty levels. of poverty is much more severe Poverty shot up again during than can be apprehended by lim- the short-lived Estrada term. By ited facts and statistics. 2000, one year before Estrada was ousted in “People Power 2,” Income, Family Size & poverty increased to 22.3 per- Education cent. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo In terms of the overall pop- took over Estrada’s unexpired ulation, the income picture is term starting in 2001. terribly lopsided indicating in- In 2006, poverty held steady tense continuing social and eco- at 22 percent, although it should nomic inequality. The richest 20 MAY 30, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 5 COVER STORY percent controls 53 percent of ture and less on their own the Philippines’ total income. vested interests. This would include the wealth- Some hope may be coming iest families headed by Lucio in the growing civil society Tan, John Gokongwei, Henry movement that emerged in the Sy and other “taipans.” post-Marcos era. Though still Conversely, the bottom 20 relatively young, the movement percent consisting of the poorest has to explore viable alterna- sectors in the society controls tives that lie between the state only 4.6 percent of total income. and the market. This skewed income distribution What is needed is a core of is one of the worst in the devel- strong NGOs focused on the oping world. There is no signifi- fundamental problem of social cant middle class that could inequality, which exacerbates contribute to poverty alleviation. poverty. The project-by-project This explains why poverty per- approach funded by foreign sists, despite consistent eco- foundations can only do so nomic growth from 2003-2006. much. Until the structural prob- Positive economic growth is un- lem of inequality is addressed, equally distributed because of other priorities like regional in- have estimated that official cor- But this reform cannot be no amount of government or the class inequality to begin frastructure development. ruption costs the government done by one president or one in- outside aid to alleviate poverty with. Consequently, the rich get Population control is an- billions of pesos annually. The stitution alone. No matter will work effectively. richer and the poor poorer. other major way out, but this has continuing vicious cycle of cor- who’s at the helm of the coun- Thus, both short-run and In terms of family size, fared even worse. Several na- ruption increases the gap be- try’s leadership, things remain long-term solutions are needed, poverty increases exponentially tional population programs that tween rich and poor and the same or worse. And yet we but at the very least, the root with numbers. A family com- promoted family planning have intensifies basic inequality. continue to bank our hopes on causes of Philippine poverty prised of 3 members constitutes disappeared. Instead, there is a It is easy to prescribe the this or that candidate, and the have to be resolved first. That’s only 13 percent of the poor, National Anti-Poverty Commis- usual remedies that have been presidential circus is already on the bottom line. whereas 9-member families sion, which appears to be more repeated over the years: the need for the 2010 derby. As wishful for political will, if not a social or naïve as this might seem, make up an overwhelming 54 of a palliative rather than a real (DR. BELINDA A. AQUINO, an in- percent of the country’s poor. It’s cure. The responsibility for ad- revolution. While this is highly given the nature of Philippine ternationally recognized expert on axiomatic—the more there are in vocating reproductive rights has improbable in a country so used society, established institutions contemporary Philippine affairs, has a family, the poorer you are. fallen on a few non-government to a corrupt political system, it is like the Church, political and been professor of Asian Studies and Education is another major not an impossible goal. bureaucratic elites, and the Political Science for more than 30 organizations (NGOs) which years at the University of Hawaii- index. Monsod cited statistics face powerful forces opposing A drastic overhaul of the private sector should begin to Manoa, where she is also director of that show two-thirds of poor abortion rights and contracep- system can be initiated by the think more of the country’s fu- the Center for Philippine Studies). households are headed by those tion. The Catholic Church is re- country’s lead- who only had a primary school- lentless in its crusade to block ers, short of a ing. Someone who did not reach population planning. charter change. elementary school earns only It goes without saying that Electoral re- P90,326 a year, compared with the government should pursue form should be a college graduate whose annual agricultural productivity much undertaken so income is P525,823. A high more vigorously. Poor agricul- that the “usual school graduate earns an average tural productivity, underinvest- suspects” do P213,322. ment in rural infrastructure, not get elected high population growth, low over and over What to Do? quality of social services— to perpetuate Monsod pointed out that ob- combined with the unequal land cycles of cor- taining a higher level of educa- and income distribution— keep ruption and in- tion is the main avenue out of the country mired in much equality. A poverty. But she noted that this higher levels of poverty than its much more dis- has not been achieved. Instead, counterparts in developing re- ciplined politi- dropout rates in elementary edu- gions. cal party cation increased between 2001- Graft and corruption have system needs to 2005. It is imperative that been repeatedly studied as root be developed. education be pursued vigorously causes of poverty, yet these twin Parties and by the government, but this is cancers have not been dealt politicians not happening because there are with seriously. Various studies should run on the basis of hard issues rather than on tenuous per- sonal connec- tions or alliances. Unfortu- nately, the “bal- imbing” system (turncoatism) continues to dominate deci- sion-making perpetuating the worst features of Philippine Prof. Solita “Winnie” Monsod with Prof. Belinda A. Aquino . 6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MAY 30, 2009 GOVERNOR’S COLUMN The Challenging Times For Our State A major focus for my Ad- erode our economy and dis- trails and ocean recreation land and ocean recreational fa- ministration this legislative courage visitors from coming areas, and the Hawai‘i Broad- cilities, and the Department of session was dealing with the to Hawai‘i – in essence hurting band Initiative, which would Commerce and Consumer Af- immediate economic crisis in all of Hawai‘i’s taxpayers in have accelerated our transfor- fairs will take the lead in com- front of us by implementing their effort to protect one con- mation into a true information peting for $200 million in measures to boost our econ- stituency. economy, all died mysteriously federal stimulus funds for By Gov. Linda Lingle omy and create jobs. At the In addition to pursuing fair in the final days of session, broadband infrastructure proj- same, we felt it was important and necessary measures to even though they started out ects. ince the legislative to address the long-term future close the projected gap in our with broad bipartisan support. I’d like to thank all of you session ended on of our state, and introduced a state budget, my Administra- Despite the failure of the who participated in the 2009 May 8, my Admin- series of measures that planned tion also introduced a series of Legislature to pass these meas- legislative session by submit- istration has been for the future and were in innovative and forward-look- ures, I want to reassure Filipino ting testimony or contacting carefully analyzing synch with major federal ini- ing measures this session that Chronicle readers that my Ad- your legislators, as well as S those of you who took time out the 250 bills tiatives. laid the foundation for a ministration continues to do passed by the State Despite the serious nature stronger economic future, and everything in its power to push of your busy schedules to at- Legislature. As Governor, I have of the challenges we face, this which also would have created ahead with our economic re- tend my tax measure veto cere- until July 15 to sign the bills into legislative session was marked jobs and injected money into covery efforts. DOT will move mony on May 7. Your input law, veto them or let them be- by missed opportunities. In- our economy in the near-term. forward on highway projects remains critical as we continue come law without my signature. stead of supporting agreements These measures, including the already in progress, including to review bills passed by the We encourage the public to pro- with our public employee Department of Transportation’s the PM contraflow lane start- Legislature over the next few vide input on the bills that are unions that reflect a sense of (DOT) Highways Moderniza- ing at Radford Drive overpass weeks. Please visit my website still under consideration by e- shared sacrifice during these tion Plan, the Department of and the widening of the Middle at www.hawaii.gov/gov to mailing [email protected], historically difficult times, De- Land and Natural Resources’ Street merge. DLNR will move track detailed results from the faxing 808-586-0006 or calling mocrat legislators chose to in- (DLNR) Recreational Renais- forward with the repair and 2009 session, including new 808-586-0034. crease taxes that will further sance to restore our state parks, maintenance of our outdoor laws enacted and vetoed bills. HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

in their own homes or residen- Filipina Businessowner Nets Two Awards tial care facilities. gnes Reyes, president istration. The award is given to Her company is a licensed Within the last five years, of Case Management entrepreneurs who demonstrate home and community-based case Reyes expanded her business to A Professionals, Inc. the tenacity and skills needed to management agency that refers Kauai and added new services (CMP) has received two awards thrive in business and in today’s individual clients to the appro- such as billing, caregiving in- honoring her outstanding busi- economic fluctuations. priate certified community foster service education and training, ness achievements. In early May, A registered nurse by train- family home and assures that the and other individualized service Reyes received the 2009 Filipino ing, Reyes is one of the pioneers homes and caregivers’ skills are assistance to clients. Thanks to Entrepreneur of the Year Award who assisted the State in build- appropriate for clients. her hard-working staff of given by the Filipino Chamber ing its home and community- CMP is subcontracted by highly-skilled and qualified of Commerce of Hawaii. based alternative long-term are the State Department of professional nurses, social She was selected for the program for the elderly and dis- Human Services to provide workers and administrative prestigious award among five abled. She recruited, trained and case management services to staff, the company has enjoyed other very deserving nominees, Kapolei, Inc.; and Roberto M. certified the first several hun- elderly and disabled Medicaid an increase in profits and in the including Edward and Juliet Rongcal of Index Builders, Inc. dred community care foster recipients who are at nursing number of clients, despite the Nix of Nix Performing Arts Reyes was also awarded family homes in the State. home level of care, but reside slumping economy. Center; chef Elmer Guzman of with the State of Hawaii 2009 the Poke Stop; Joey Alcantra Jr. Home-Based Business Cham- from Group Builders Inc.; Lucy pion of the Year Award, given by Fil Chamber of Commerce Awards Pascual of Pascual Imports the U.S. Small Business Admin- profit organizations, donating of Duane and Agnes Hayashi. Scholarships my time and money to my As student government presi- our students from the church, and by just being a dent, she learned the impor- Class of 2009 have re- compassionate person,” she tance of taking responsibility F ceived scholarships from says. for yourself and the community. the Filipino Chamber of Com- Baclig attended Waimea “My extensive experience merce of Hawaii Foundation. High School, where he ranked in student government affairs The scholarships are awarded first in his class and carried a has helped me to recognize the annually to students pursuing 4.14 GPA. Benjie is the son of importance of engaging in civic higher education and who are in- Benigno and Inocencia Baclig. and government affairs to effec- volved with or seek to perpetu- He plans to major in economics tively and purposefully effectu- ate the Filipino culture. at the University of Pennsylva- ate change for the well-being of The students are Chelsie nia. He discovered a passion for our community,” she says. Neves, Benjie Allan Sevilleja leadership while serving as Ongie graduated from Baclig, Celina J.K. Macadang- Bayanihan Club president at his Hawaii Baptist Academy with a dang Hayashi and Charisse school. 4.102 GPA. She is the daughter Ongie. “I developed an appreciation of Ryan and Sandra Ongie. She Neves is the daughter of of what it takes to become a suc- will be attending Colorado State Manuel and Sheryl Neves. She cessful leader, role model and University and major in bio- is from Sacred Hearts Academy businessman,” he says. chemistry. Her dream is to be- and has a 4.0 grade point aver- Hayashi went to King come a successful veterinarian. age. She plans to major in chem- Kekaulike High School, where “Along with the ability to istry/pharmacy at Creighton she ranked first in her class and provide quality health care for University. earned a 4.077 GPA. She will animals, my career will allow “I will act as an example of attend Scripps College and me to affect many people’s lives good citizenship for the com- major in biology or biomedical because animals play an impor- munity by volunteering for non- engineering. She is the daughter tant role,” she says. MAY 30, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 7

FEATURE Getting big especially in Thai- which was part of the final Sakada Finds Joy in land.” wave of plantation workers to Ramos has devoted is time the islands. They became a sig- to the Sansevieria since his re- nificant part of Hawaii’s agri- tirement from a sugar mill in cultural history, by being Kahuku about 28 years ago. recruited to bust a strike by “I was a machinist when the union plantation workers. plantation liquidated in 1971, After nine months on Maui, SANSEVIERIA after (I served) nearly 22 years. he ended up working in Hon- By Caroline Julian plants or obtained a degree in the If the plantation did not close I olulu, then onto a plantation in area. The closest he’s gotten to would still be there,” said the 80 Kahuku where he and his wife becoming a botanist was during year old, who has been desig- Rose raised 13 children. Ramos a short stint working on a plan- nated as a living treasure by the has remained in Kahuku since, tation while testing sugar cane Honolulu City Council. enjoying retirement and his vast for its taste, etc. Like the Sanseveiria, Ramos plant collection. “But plants are my hobby. is resilient in his own way. He’s recently taken up an- I’m really into it. I’m doing In 1946 he traveled from other hobby, photography. And everything I can, but I’m learn- Ilocos Norte, Philippines to he’s found a way to blend his ing it on my own and I’m also Maui, as a 17–year–old to work two loves – photography and sharing it.” at the pineapple camp. Ramos Sanseveiria. Ramos is invited to share his was part of the last big wave of “I take picture of my plants knowledge about Sansevieria workers recruited from the every day. That’s part of my about twice a year with other Philippines, called the sakadas, life.” plant enthusiasts. His most recent talk was held at the Kahuku Library. He has also been a published contributor to the International Sansevieria Society’s Journal and a member of the Cactus and Succulent Society of Hawaii. Ramos began his hobby when a friend who had a collec- tion was moving to the mainland Sansevieria "Ed "Eby" looks like Marunggay fruit. The variegated "Ed in 1995. Eby" is still not found in many collections. “He told me take whatever ou don’t need a 7 feet, one inch tall. you want. And I took advantage green thumb to Ramos said it is not a thirsty of it.” master growing plant. It can go without water for And since then, Ramos has Sansevieria, about two weeks. Perhaps, it’s been able to maintain and add to which is com- because the Sansevieria is part the collection. He now has an Y of a group of 60 Agave related impressive assortment of a sev- monly known as the snake plant. species from India, Indonesia eral hundred Sansevieria. That’s according to and tropical Africa. “And that is ‘wow’. Per- Sansevieria collector Angel A resilient plant, it can sur- haps (I have) the biggest collec- Ramos. vive through a variety of ele- tion in this specific area,” he “Any kind color (thumb) ments. said. will do,” he said with his quick “It is the easiest to grow. “It’s hard to believe, but I wit. You can’t kill it. It’s hard to kill. rarely buy. My friends give “It’s not choosy with soil. Too much water will kill it…be- them to me.” You can put your cigarette butt cause it can’t swim!” “I got into the plant because (in the soil) and it’s still okay,” “I don’t think it’s affected by it was interesting looking and he laughingly added. disease at all, don’t have to spray different. It varies in shape and “(It) Looks like a pineapple, it,” he added. the way it grows,” he said. comes in many sizes, some grow A collector of the plant for It’s never been popular but to six feet,” Ramos described. more than 30 years, Ramos it’s been around for 200 years, he But he’s been able to grow hardly calls himself a botanist. explained. “It only recently got one big prized snake plant that is In fact, he has never studied popular in the last 5 years. (It’s) 8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MAY 30, 2009 SOCIETY PAGE PMAH Fashion Show Event, May 23, 2009

● Memorial Weekend ● Ihilani Hotel ● Photo courtesy by Richard Pecson MAY 30, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 9

HEALTHLINE 10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MAY 30, 2009 PHILIPPINE NEWS DOH: 4 More Test Positive for H1N1 virus By Sheila Crisostomo / Saturday, May 30, 2009 ANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) M said yesterday that four more individuals have been found infected with Influenza A(H1N1), bringing to 14 “We expect the number of callers to the total number of confirmed cases in rise, as people now seem to be encour- the country. aged by the government’s sincerity to The latest cases include two guests help them and prevent the spread of at a wedding party held on May 17 in A(H1N1),” he said. Zambales, which was attended by the Duque revealed DOH plans to shift Taiwanese tourists who had earlier tested its control strategy “from hospitalization positive for the flu. of all cases of H1N1 to outpatient and The two are a 42-year-old woman home management of mild confirmed and a 24-year-old man. cases, including cases under observa- The wedding had around 50 guests tion.” and eight of them have so far tested pos- But a change in approach, Duque itive for the virus. said, “is not in any way meant to under- Health Secretary Francisco Duque estimate the threat of this virus.” III said the two other patients – a 19- “The threat remains. We have to be year-old woman and a four-year-old girl vigilant, we have to be in-the-know in- – had traveled to the United States sofar as developments are concerned vis- where the virus has spread in many a-vis this virus and hopefully the mild cities. illness that it causes will remain for “All four cases have been started on everybody’s benefit,” he said. Oseltamivir and have mild respiratory “The most important thing is that we symptoms. All are Filipinos,” Duque said still do not have any severe case or any at a press briefing. death. There is no indication that there is Health officials have started tracking already sustained community transmis- down those who came in contact with the sion in the Philippines,” he added. four patients so they could be asked to The health chief reiterated his advice observe a 10-day self-quarantine. to anyone with fever, cough or sore Duque said the DOH is expecting throat after traveling to affected coun- A(H1N1) cases to rise, “as is happening tries or being exposed to confirmed in many countries” but maintained that cases to see a doctor. there “should not be any cause for “Proper handwashing, appropriate alarm.” cough manners and good hygienic prac- “The rapid increase in the number of tices will be your best defense. Boosting cases worldwide can be attributed to the your immune system and taking care of relative ease of transmission of the virus your health will also protect you against and the unrestricted flow of international the virus,” Duque maintained. travelers,” he added. Duque convened yesterday the 3rd In San Fernando, Pampanga, health National Disaster Coordinating Center officials said eight of the 50 wedding par- (NDCC) meeting at the DOH office in tygoers called up and volunteered to un- Manila to discuss A(H1N1). dergo examination, DOH Central Luzon As NDCC chair, Duque said they director Dr. Rio Magpantay told The would be tackling the preparation plans STAR. of the Department of Education for the Magpantay said six of the callers opening of classes next week and what submitted themselves to tests at the Jose the Department of the Interior and Local B. Lingad Memorial Hospital while the Government is doing to prevent the two were at a regional hospital. spread of the virus. (www.philstar.com) MAY 30, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 11

PHILIPPINE NEWS net worth in 2007 rose by P2.5 Only 4 of 238 House Members Are Non-millionaires million in 2008, or P99.2 million. So did neophyte Rep. Dios- By Delon Porcalla / P895,145 in assets with no lia- Compostela Valley Rep. dado “Dato” Arroyo of Ca- Thursday, May 28, 2009 bilities; followed by Jala, Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora, marines Sur whose P83.7 P782,000 with no liabilities; who famously rode his bicycle million in 2007 increased by ANILA, Philippines - Casiño with P118,900; and that carried a special “8” proto- P5.3 million the following year, Except for the 32 Mariano with only P55,501 in col plate and who listed farming or P89 million. M new lawmakers, only assets, and no liabilities. as his profession, is worth P9.7 Only the net worth of Pres- four out of the 238 members of Other militant lawmakers million. He authored bills on the ident Arroyo’s brother-in-law, the House of Representatives from the opposition bloc have lemon law, or against carmakers Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio are non-millionaires. The rest made it to millionaires’ row, no- who issue defective cars. “Iggy” Arroyo, has dropped, are multi-millionaires, with Las tably Gabriela party-list Reps. Thirty-five-year-old lawyer from P145.8 million in 2007 to Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar join- (P1.5 million) and Abigail Binay of City, P140.3 million in 2008, or a de- ing the Billionaires Club. Luzviminda Ilagan (P4.6 mil- daughter of Mayor Jejomar crease of P5.5 million. Of the four, 30-year-old lion), and Akbayan Rep. Risa Binay, has a net worth of P29.4 A fourth Arroyo, Ma. Lour- Bohol Rep. Adam Relson Jala Hontiveros who is worth P6.2 million. des Arroyo, younger sister of – a neophyte and a new lawyer million. It was reported earlier that Sen. Manny Villar with wife First Gentleman Jose Miguel – was the only administration The youngest House mem- the two lawmaker-sons of Presi- Rep. Cynthia Villar “Mike” Arroyo, is a representa- lawmaker to join the ranks of ber, 27-year-old Sharee Ann dent Arroyo have also grown nine long years. tive of party-list Kasangga. She, non-millionaire opposition Tan of Western Samar, is worth richer, although none of them As per the statement of as- along with 31 other new sec- Reps. and Teddy P2.1 million. The oldest legisla- were in the Top 10, which was sets and liabilities provided by toral representatives, have not Casiño of and tor, 83-year-old Rep. Pablo Gar- led by Hall of Famer Villar, who the House of Representatives, filed their SALN yet since they Rafael Mariano of . cia of Cebu, has P31.5 million has held the distinction of being Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel came in only last April. Ocampo ranked 235th with in assets with no liabilities. the “richest” House member for “Mikey” Arroyo’s P96.7-million (www.philstar.com) Binay Welcomes Puno as Rival in 2010 By Jose Rodel Clapano / poverty has increased and they administration’s political coali- Thursday, May 28, 2009 did not benefit from the claims tion selection process. of economic growth of this ad- In the event he is chosen as ANILA, Philippines – ministration,” Binay said. the administration standard- Makati City Mayor Under the Arroyo adminis- bearer and Puno would be his M Jejomar Binay wel- tration, government funds have running mate, Teodoro said the comed yesterday the declaration not been used wisely and mil- team will be very strong. of Interior Secretary Ronaldo lions have been lost to large- However, if he is not se- Puno that he will run for vice scale corruption. lected, Teodoro said he would president in the 2010 national “Under Mrs. Arroyo, our abide by the decision of the ma- elections. national agencies have become jority. Binay said the tandem of notoriously injudicious in un- Teodoro said that his deci- Vice President Noli de Castro dertaking projects and imple- sion to seek the presidential and Puno that was proposed by menting programs; and that’s nomination was not solely his the Kabalikat ng Malayang the kindest word I can think of. own but also the prodding of Pilipino (Kampi) is a welcome Worse, national funds are being supporters from various political development. allocated and disbursed as if groups. “Whether it’s Secretary they were the personal kitty of Asked if he is willing to Puno or any other administration Mrs. Arroyo. This is the record slide down as the vice presiden- personality running for vice that the administration candi- tial candidate of De Castro, president, and regardless of dates will defend before the Teodoro said this matter should whom President Arroyo will people. Good luck to them,” also be decided during the selec- anoint as her presidential bet, Binay said. tion process. (www.philstar.com) they will have to contend with the people’s dissatisfaction with Teodoro open to tandem with the Arroyo administration,” Puno Binay said. Defense Secretary Gilbert Binay said the 2010 elec- Teodoro Jr., hailed Puno’s deci- tions would be a referendum on sion to announce his intention to the Arroyo administration. run for vice president. “What matters to the people He said Puno is a veteran in 2010 is whether or not a can- public servant and has vast ex- didate can offer them a better perience in running the affairs of government than what we have local governments and handling now and could assure that the the country’s security. government will work to put “This makes him the most food on their table and provide qualified vice presidential candi- jobs,” Binay said. date in next year’s elections,” He said the country reached Teodoro said during the gradua- record poverty and hunger levels tion rites of the Naval Officers’ under the administration of Mrs. Candidate Course (NOCC) held Arroyo. at the Navy base in San Antonio, A majority of the people do Zambales. not believe the Arroyo adminis- On the possibility of a tration’s claim that the economy Teodoro-Puno tandem, the de- is growing. fense chief said this is very much “The number of Filipinos welcome to him but stressed that suffering from hunger and this must first pass through the 12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MAY 30, 2009 PHILIPPINE NEWS 10 Years of VFA Marked with Protests US Offers $2.5 Million By Katherine Adraneda / “Ten years after the VFA inspections and thermal scans for Arrest of 3 Abus Thursday, May 28, 2009 was ratified, the Philippines is on US forces. Under the VFA, it By Pia Lee Brago / ANILA, Philippines no better nor safer. What has is the US commander who issues of US and Filipino citizens, US Thursday, May 28, 2009 – Militant organiza- happened is that our sover- a health status report for US sol- authorities consider Sahiron to be a threat. tions opposed to the eignty has been constantly un- diers. M ANILA, Philippines Sahiron is believed to be presence of American soldiers in dermined by the permanent – The US govern- hiding in southern Mindanao. the country yesterday marked presence of foreign troops. Crimes against women ment has offered a Because of his association Women’s group Gabriela M What happened were cases of the 10th anniversary of the con- total of $2.5 million as reward with US-tagged international also denounced the crimes of US troversial Visiting Forces Agree- rape, human rights abuses and for information leading to the lo- terrorist organizations, Basit is troops against women and reiter- ment (VFA) with protests even corruption,” said Bayan cation, arrest or conviction of considered by American author- ated the immediate abrogation of deploring US intervention in the secretary-general Renato Reyes three Filipino terrorists belong- ities to be a threat to US and Fil- the VFA. Philippines. Jr. ing to the Abu Sayyaf Group. ipino citizens and interests. “Barely six months into the The Junk VFA Movement, Reyes said President Ar- The US embassy said the Basit, reportedly hiding in Bagong Alyansang royo’s regime has shown its year, we have witnessed several State Department announced a central Mindanao, is believed (Bayan), Gabriela, and other “utter subservience” to US in- violations of the US troops on reward of up to $1 million for in- to have orchestrated several cause-oriented groups burned terests when it allegedly caused women and children,” noted formation on Abu Sayyaf senior bombings that have killed, in- an American flag and marched the acquittal of a previously Gabriela spokesperson Joms leader Radullan Sahiron. jured, and maimed many civil- from Plaza Salamanca in Kalaw convicted US soldier in the sup- Salvador, citing cases like the State Department ians. and Taft Ave. to Rajah Sulay- posed rape of a Filipina, refer- killing of a child in Bicol, ac- spokesman Ian Kelly also an- Mundos, who is suspected man Plaza in Roxas Boulevard ring to US Marine Daniel quittal of L/Cpl. Smith in the nounced a reward offer of up to to be hiding in southern Min- in Manila to denounce the VFA. Smith. Subic rape case, and the alleged $1 million for Abdul Basit danao, has confessed to having arranged the transfer of funds The protesters wore masks “President Arroyo is now rape of another Filipina by an- Usman, a bomb-making expert from al-Qaeda to ASG leader with the words “VFA kills” and hoping to reap the rewards of other US serviceman. with links to the Jemaah Is- Khadaffy Janjalani to be used in “Junk VFA.” her subservience when she “Worse, the Arroyo govern- lamiyah (JI) and Abu Sayyaf, and another $500,000 bounty for bombings and other criminal The group also read a soli- meets Gates on May 31. She’s ment, time and again, treacher- Khair Mundos, a key Abu acts throughout the island of darity message from former banking on increased military ously colludes with the US Sayyaf leader and financier. Mindanao. aid for her repressive regime,” government to cover up the Vice President Teofisto Guing- The State Department said Since its inception in 1984, crimes committed by US troops ona Jr. and former senator Serge Reyes added. many innocent men, women and the Rewards for Justice pro- against our people,” Salvador Osmeña III affirming their ad- Bayan also slammed the re- children have been killed or seri- gram has paid more than $80 also said. herence to “national sover- fusal of US soldiers to be sub- ously injured as a result of Sahi- million to more than 50 persons eignty, genuine independence jected to health inspections for In the first place, Salvador ron’s activities. for information that prevented and human rights.” possible A(H1N1) infection be- said US troops have no right to Sahiron played a role in the international terrorist attacks or The militant groups staged fore entering the Philippines. be in the Philippines since they May 2001 kidnapping of three helped bring to justice those in- the rally three days before the The Department of Health’s were kicked out in 1991 after US citizens and 17 Filipinos volved in prior attacks. reported visit of United States Bureau of Quarantine has com- the Senate voted against the ex- from a tourist resort in Palawan. Malacañang and the Armed Defense Secretary Robert Gates plained that they are not al- tension of the bases’ lease. Several of the hostages, includ- Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the Philippines. lowed to conduct quarantine (www.philstar.com) ing American Guillermo Sobero, welcomed the $2.5 million in were murdered. rewards offered by the US According to the State De- Executive Secretary Ed- partment, Sahiron continues to uardo Ermita said that the pro- plot terror schemes that affect gram of the US government has many communities in Min- proven to be effective in the danao. Because of his leadership campaign against terrorists, in- position in the ASG, whose at- cluding bandits engaged in kid- tacks have resulted in the deaths napping. (www.philstar.com) MAY 30, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 13

LEGAL NOTES 2nd Preference Option for Professionals These visas are open to igibility under the EB2 cate- ingly complex and responsible requirement may be waived if qualified beneficiaries in two gory, if they have a combination duties demonstrating advancing the employment of the appli- subgroups: foreign nationals of of a bachelor’s degree plus five levels of responsibility and cant will be in the national in- exceptional ability in the sci- years of progressive experience knowledge in the specialty.” terest. To support a national ences, arts or business and pro- in the profession. This is con- For those under the EB-2 interest waiver, the employer or By Reuben S. Seguritan fessionals with advanced sidered by the U.S. Citizenship sub-group of Exceptional Abil- the applicant may submit with degrees. and Immigration Services ity Workers, they need to show the ETA 9089 form documents ith the unavail- To qualify as advanced de- (USCIS) as having the equiva- a degree of expertise in their to show that the benefit to be ability of visa gree professionals, two critical lency of a master’s degree. field that is “significantly above provided by the alien will be numbers in the requirements must be satisfied: A bachelor’s degree is a the ordinary”. This is proven by national in scope, such as the employment- first, the alien beneficiary must threshold requirement. Work any three of the following: de- improvement of the U.S. econ- W based third pref- be a member of the professions experience cannot be consid- gree relating to an area of ex- omy, improvement of wages erence (EB3) holding an advanced degree or ered in evaluating attainment of ceptional ability, letter/s from and working conditions for category, which means a wait its foreign equivalent; and sec- a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, current or former employer/s U.S. workers, improvement of for green card of about seven ond, the position must require, the USCIS would consider one showing at least 10 years expe- education and programs for years, a viable option for quali- at a minimum, an advanced de- foreign degree equivalent and rience; license to practice pro- U.S. children, improvement of fied professionals from all gree. not a combination of degrees or fession; a salary or remuneration health care and environment. countries, except India and The advanced degree re- a combination of education or history demonstrating excep- In one of our cases, we China, is the second preference quirement is satisfied if the ben- experience to equate to a bach- tional ability; membership in were able to obtain a national (EB2) category. eficiary has a U.S. master’s elor’s degree for professional professional association; or interest waiver for our physi- The EB2 category has a degree or higher, or a foreign positions. recognition of achievements and cian client upon showing that yearly worldwide allocation of degree evaluated to be the “Progressive experience” is significant contributions to the he would be practicing in an 40,000 visa numbers, plus any equivalent of a U.S. master’s not defined by statute or regula- industry or field by peers, gov- underserved area. unused visas in the first prefer- degree or higher. Lawyers and tion. The USCIS memo issued ernmental entities, or profes- ence category. Visa numbers medical doctors may qualify as in 2000 interpreted it as, “em- sional or business organization. REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been advanced degree professionals. ployment experience that re- Prior to applying for the practicing law for over 30 years. For are currently available for all further information, you may call him countries for this category, ex- For those without a mas- veals progress, moves forward, EB-2 immigrant visa, a labor at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his web- cept China and India. ter’s degree, they may prove el- and advances toward increas- certification is required, but this site at www.seguritan.com MAINLAND NEWS Actor Alec Baldwin Apologizes For Mail Order Bride Joke merican actor Alec thinking about getting a Fil- commodities for sale. Despite Baldwin has apolo- ipino mail-order bride at this his apology, Baldwin is still A gized for statements point… or a Russian one.” not welcome in the Philip- he made during a recent guest The comment sparked pines. appearance on the “Late Show outrage and protests in the “I believe that most peo- With David Letterman” that Philippines, where Baldwin ple understood that this was a critics say disparaged Filipino has been banned and labeled joke and took it as such,” women. as an “undesirable alien.” Baldwin said in an online Asked by Letterman if he Many Philippine officials say blog. “However, I do apolo- thought about adding to his Baldwin’s comment stereo- gize to anyone who took of- family, Baldwin replied “I'm types Filipino women as easy fense. Such anger and frustration about the issue of sex trafficking is understand- able.” Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Willy C. Gaa thanked Actor Alec Baldwin (left) and the talk show host, David Letterman Baldwin for his public apol- dressing the problem of the reflection on Baldwin’s char- ogy and for recognizing the trafficking of women and acter to acknowledge the sen- serious challenges the Philip- children. timents of those who took pines faces in actively ad- Gaa says it was a positive offense over his joke. (DFA) 14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MAY 30, 2009 PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE BAHAGHARI Kuwentong Maranao: Bakit Nangangagat ng Tao ang Lamok

Pinuntahan ng lamok ang pos masabat ang hangin, “ikaw makadudurog araw. Sa halos mapaos na na nagpapahiwa-hiwalay ng naman ng higan- boses, tinawag niya ang pansin ulap na nakatatabing ng teng bato na nito: “Araw! Ikaw na humigop araw na nakahihigop ng kayang mag- ni Ruth Elynia S. Mabanglo, sa hamog at naging dahilan para hamog na naging dahilan pahinto ng Ph.D mapilay ang paa ko! Matapang ng pagkapilay ko, mata- hangin, na agbubukang-li- ka ba?” pang ka ba?” “Ay, hindi pwedeng mag- wayway. Isang Bagaman matindi ang sikat po, hindi ako pahiwa-hiwalay lamok ang nag- ang araw, sumagot ito ng matapang," ng mga ulap na papahinga sa “Hindi... hindi ako matapang. sagot ng maaari namang tum- ibabaw ng isang Siguro ang mga ulap kasi kaya hangin. "Pero abing sa araw na nakahigop M patak na hamog. nila akong tabingan. Kukulim- para sa akin ang mga ng hamog at naging dahilan Masaya siya. Ti- lim ang sikat ko kapag natabin- higanteng bato ang para ako mapilayan ng paa, wasay ang loob. Malamig- gan ako ng ulap. Sila ang matapang kasi kaya matapang ka ba?” lamig ang hamog. tanungin mo!” akong patigilin sa “Hindi," tugon ng tubig. Di-kaginsa-ginsa, sumilay ang Papilay-pilay na hinanap ng pagsalpok o pagsimoy." “Tao ang tunay na matapang araw. Lingid sa lamok, unti- lamok ang ulap. Nang makita Samakatwid, kasi maaari nila akong unti nitong hinihigop ang niya ito, agad niyang tinanong. lumakad na muli ang gamitin sa anumang hamog. Samakatwid, naglaho "Hoy, ulap na nakakatabing sa lamok at tinanong layunin. Ginagamit nila ang hamog at nahulog sa lupa araw na humigop sa hamog at ang higanteng bato. akong panghugas, ang lamok. Napilay ang isang naging dahilan ng pagkapilay "Higanteng bato na panlaba, pan- paa nito. ko, matapang ka ba?" nagpapatigil ng ligo, pan- Galit na galit ang lamok. “Naku, hindi!” sagot ng hanging nagpa- luto, at kung Sinigawan niya ang hamog. mga ulap. “Ang alam kong mat- pahiwa-hiwalay ng mga ulap, ay ang apoy, kaya akong lu- anu-ano pa.” “Hinahamon kita, matapang ka apang ay ang hangin kasi kaya na tumatabing ng araw, na hu- sawin ng apoy?” Sa wakas, nasalubong ng ba?” niya kaming paghiwa-hi- migop ng hamog, matapang ka Muling lumakad ang lamok ang isang tao at kanyang “Aba, hindi… hindi ako walayin!" ba?" lamok at hinanap naman ang tinanong. "Tao na gumagamit matapang,” imik ng lamok. “ Lumakad na naman ang Umiling ang higanteng bato apoy. Pagkakita rito, sinabi ng tubig na nakapapatay ng Pero sigurado, matapang ang lamok at hinanap ang hangin. kaya umiwas ang lamok at baka niya, “Apoy na nakalulusaw ng apoy na nakalulusaw ng bakal araw. Nahigop niya ako e…” “Hangin,” anang lamok mata- siya madurog. “Hindi, pero bakal na makadudurog ng hi- na nakadudurog ng higanteng matapang ang bakal... Kaya ganteng batong makapagpa- batong makapagpapatigil ng akong durugin ng bakal.” Sagot pahinto sa hanging hanging makapagpapahiwa-hi- ng higanteng bato. makapagpapahiwa-hiwalay ng walay ng mga ulap, na Lumakad uli ang lamok at ulap na maaaring tumabing sa makatatabing ng araw na mahi- nakita niyang nagpapahinga araw na nakahigop ng hamog higop ng hamog, na naging lang ang bakal. “Bakal na at naging dahilan para mapilay dahilan ng aking pagkapilay, pwedeng dumurog ng higan- ang mga paa ko, matapang ka matapang ka ba?” teng bato na kayang mag- ba?” “Oo,” sagot ng tao. pahinto ng hangin, na maaaring “Ako? Matapang?” May kasiyahang bumadha magpahi-hiwalay ng mga ulap, Nagtawa ang apoy. “Hindi, oy! sa mukha ng lamok. “Mula na maaaring tumabing sa araw Baka pa ang tubig. Kaya ngayon, magkaaway na tayo.” na humigop sa hamog at nag- akong patayin ng tubig.” Samakatwid, bilang paghi- ing sanhi ng pagkapilay ng Kaya nagpunta ang lamok higanti sa pagkapilay niya, ki- aking paa, matapang ka ba?” sa tubig at nagtanong. “Tubig nagat ng lamok ang tao. Iyon “Hindi,” sagot ng bakal. na nakapapatay ng apoy na ang dahilan kung bakit nan- “Pero ang alam kong matapang nakalulusaw ng bakal na gangagat ng tao ang lamok GLOBAL NEWS Israel to Dedicate Monument named official from the Israeli Ephraim and his parents to Filipinos embassy. fled to the Philippines in 1939, The “Open Doors” monu- when he was 8, taking advan- ore than a thousand ment, designed by Filipino artist tage of President Manuel Que- Jews who fled perse- Jun Yee, is scheduled to be un- zon’s decision to welcome M cution in Nazi Ger- veiled June 21, 2009 at the Ris- Jewish refugees. Preparations many found refuge in the hon Lezion Holocaust Park in were made to accept 10,000 Philippines, thanks to the gov- central Israel. Jews a year, but only 1,200 ernment’s “open door” policy The idea came from Holo- made it to Manila. that Israel will honor next caust survivor Frank Ephraim’s Sixty-seven Jewish refugees month with the unveiling of a book “Escape to Manila,” pub- were among the 100,000 civilian new monument, according Is- lished in 2003. The book details casualties in Manila during the raeli officials. the author’s and 35 other Jew- 1945 U.S. liberation of the capi- “The warm hospitality of ish refugees’ journey to the tal city and the heavy bombing the Filipino people undoubtedly Philippines—then a U.S. com- that preceded it. The bombing shed light on one of the darkest monwealth— just before it fell destroyed Temple Emil, and most difficult periods in to the Japanese during the early Manila’s only synagogue. (Good Jewish history,” says an un- years of World War II. News Pilipinas) MAY 30, 2009 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 15

CLASSIFIED ADS BUSINESS DIRECTORY MOBILE DJ, BAND, PHOTOGRAPHER AND NEEDED IMMEDIATELY! BABYSITTER VIDEO KARAOKE, HULA, SOUNDS for a 6 year old boy of a Filpino family in Waikiki Beach/Diamond Head area. Able to drive kid to AVAILABLE call 808-382-9495 and from school (Maryknoll Catholic School) pre- VARIOUS OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT ferred but not necessary. If you are interested, please call Angela at (714)6067199. Located in Waipahu. Call 678-8930 for details. NON-MEDICAL CAREGIVERS WANTED I NEED HELP In-house training program for non-certified candidates. CNA & HHA welcomed. Elder care/domestic, in exchange for room in my Part time and full time positions available. Ewa home.Must be reliable /female. Contact: Lynn at Aloha Home Care Services Please contact Lynn at 271-0885 Phone: 271-0885 WANTED YARDMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS WANTED Looking for a yardman to work at my Nuuanu Experience preferred, Please submit writing home. Exchange for a free room including utili- samples or published works and resume to ties. Call 531-7377 [email protected]

SIGNIFICANT DATES IN 2009 WHEN THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN HONOLULU WILL HOLD COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL EMILY AT 595-6316 EXT 242

JUNE TO AUGUST—Over- Philippine passports to ac- and another activity at 6:30 pm. seas Absentee Voting Regis- complish the application tration for Filipino citizens form. JULY 10-14TH — Ambassa- who wish to vote in the presi- dors and Consul Generals dential elections in May 2010. JUNE 12, 8:30am, at the con- Tour to the Philippines, a spe- Registrants may come to the sulate grounds — “Araw ng cial package tour for the public. Consulate in person with their Kalayaan” (Independence Day) COMMUNITY CALENDAR RENTAL LITTLE MISS PHIL. HAWAII / person: Eddie Agas-783-3327, Car- MISS OAHU FILIPINA PAGEANT / SATURDAY lota Ader-688-3215 SATURDAY May 30, 2009 ● Call Maggie June 14, 2009 ● 6 pm ● Hawaii Domingo-841-2841, Estrella 11TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE Prince Hotel ● Contact event chair Ramos-927-8188 and Janice PROCLAMATION OF PHIL. Danny Villaruz at 778-0233 or Sevilla-595-8000 INDEPENDENCE / FRIDAY Lina Longboy at 375-0828 June 12, 2009 ● 7 pm ● Featuring LITTLE MISS PHILIPPINES the music of Jay Cayuca and his OFCC GOLDEN JUBILEE PRESI- HAWAII SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT band ● Hilton Hawaiian Village DENT'S BALL/ FRIDAY / SATURDAY Tapa Ballroom ● For more info. call June 26, 2009 ● 6 pm ● Hilton May 30, 2009 ● 6 - 9 pm ● Em- Jean Jeremiah at 387-5481 or Hawaii Village Resort & SPA H press Restaurant ● For more info. Emily Reyes at 595-6316 x 242 ● Contact event chair Leo call Maggie Domingo at 841-2841 Gozar at 230-0088 or Lina or Janice Sevilla at 595-8000 ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY PROJECT / Longboy at 375 0828 SATURDAY MRS. HAWAII FLIPINA PAGEANT June 13, 2009 ● 9:30 am - 1:30 OAHU FILIPINO COMMUNITY BY UFCH / SATURDAY pm ● Likelike Highway & Kalihi COUNCIL (OFCC) ANNUAL June 6, 2009 ● 6 pm ● Hilton Hawai- Street ● Contact Lina Longboy at CONVENTION/ SATURDAY ian Village, Tapa Room ● Contact 375 0828 June 27, 2009 ● 7:30 am - 4 pm ● Hilton Hawaii Village Resort & SPA ● Contact event chair Carlota Ader at 688-3215 or Lina Longboy at 375 0828 for more details

FILIPINO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF HAWAII INSTALLATION BANQUET / SATURDAY July 11, 2009 ● 6 pm. ● Hilton Hawaiian Village ● Call Rose Mendoza at 371-3902 or Bennett Evangelista at 398-5988

VISAYAN CENTENNIAL EVENTS CARS FOR SALE VISAYAN CENTENNIAL FIESTA May 2009 ● Lanai

VISAYAN CENTENNIAL TOUR May 15 - June 3, 2009 ● (Iloilo, Cebu and Davao) Philippines

VISAYAN CENTENNIAL AWARDS GALA / SUNDAY July 19, 2009 ● 6 pm. ● Hale Koa Hotel, Waikiki

For more information, send email to [email protected] 16 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE MAY 30, 2009