MarCh 17, 2012  filipinO ChrOniCle  1

♦ ♦FEBRUARY MARCH 17, 19, 2012 2011 ♦ ♦

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS IMMIGRATION GUIDE FOOD & LEISURE OperatiOn ManOng tax evasiOn– the aDObO tO Celebrate 40th is it a DepOrtable iDentity anniversary Offense? (Crisis)

HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE PRESORTED STANDARD 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID , HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  MARCH 17, 2012 EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor t’s sure nice to see sunny blue skies Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. OFWs Find the Real once again, especially after several harrowing days of stormy weather Publisher & Managing Editor Thing in Coca Cola that slowed commute times, ruined Chona A. Montesines-Sonido weekend plans and canceled scores Associate Editors Promo I of outdoor sporting events. But de- Dennis Galolo he plight of Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) was spite the hail, thunder and light- Edwin Quinabo perhaps no better captured than in a Coca-Cola pro- ning, we are still blessed to live in paradise. If you motional campaign this past Christmas. The soft drink commute into town, traffic was also notably lighter this past week Creative Designer Junggoi Peralta giant, as part of its “Happiness is Home” project, due to Spring Break. Most private schools will enjoy an additional handpicked three OFWs and brought them back to the week off but public school students will soon resume classes. To our Design Consultant Randall Shiroma T Philippines. students, hang in there and continue to work hard for this fourth and The promo centers around three OFWs, the first of final quarter! Photography whom works as an x-ray technician who hasn’t seen his family for Speaking of working hard, our cover story for this issue exam- Tim Llena 5 years. Rather than spend his hard-earned money on a ticket home ines the Philippines’ growing number of Overseas Foreign Workers Administrative Assistant to see an ailing, nearly blind father, the OFW instead remits money (OFWs). The number currently stands at 9.5 million. For these Fil- Shalimar Pagulayan for his medicine. A second OFW is a caregiver who hasn’t been ipinos, working abroad means sacrifice. It’s more than just missing Columnists home for 9 years. Wanting badly to visit her children, she instead family members and special events back home. Many of them are Carlota Ader forces herself to continue working since they all depend on her in- unable to return home for years at a time, if not decades, due to visa Carlo Cadiz, M.D. come to pay the bills. The third OFW is a babysitter who feels all issues, job restrictions or money problems. We salute our OFWs for Sen. Will Espero Grace F. Fong, Ed.D alone in a foreign land. His son was barely 1 when he last saw him— their hardwork and sacrifice. They enrich not only their lives but Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. and that was 11 years ago. Thanks to Coca-Cola, all three OFWs also contribute to the Philippines’ economic growth. Please see page J.P. Orias pay a surprise visit on unsuspecting family members during Christ- 4 for more about OFWs and steps that the Philippine government Pacita Saludes Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. mas, an especially important time of the year for Filipinos. The tears, can take to better assist them as well as their families. Charlie Sonido, M.D. excitement and overwhelming joy on their faces are priceless. Many of our readers are familiar with Operation Manong, a pro- Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. The heart-tugging promo was clearly meant to sell Cokes, yet it gram established in 1971 at the UH-Manoa campus which provided Felino S. Tubera accurately portrays the numbing sadness and plight that many OFWs a support group and networking opportunities for college students of Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. find themselves in. The promo certainly won’t decrease the num- Filipino ancestry. Operation Manong is celebrating its 40th An- bers of Filipinos seeking employment overseas or do away with the niversary with a gala celebration on March 25th at the Fil-Com Cen- Contributing Writers diaspora, but its positive vibe garnered emotional reactions from Fil- ter. Though renamed as the Office of Multicultural Student Services Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. Clement Bautista ipinos around the world. And its particularly good message just may (OMSS) in 2000 to reflect a broader scope of cross-cultural and so- Teresita Bernales, Ed.D encourage other corporate giants to engage in similar projects to up- cial justice activities, many Filipinos still refer to the program as Linda Dela Cruz lift the Philippines’ OFWs. simply “OM.” If you are one of the many Filipino students who re- Fiedes Doctor With OFW numbers now at 11 million and counting, it’s safe to ceived financial aid or enjoyed OM’s numerous outreach and social Danny De Gracia, II, MA Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand say that just about every Filipino has a relative who is working activities, we encourage you to read page 6 for more details on how Amelia Jacang, M.D. abroad. We expect the trend to continue so long as corrupt politi- to RSVP for this exciting event. Caroline Julian cians hinder the Philippines’ economic progress and bureaucratic Lastly, in health news you can use, we would like to warn our Maita Milallos red tape discourages foreign and local investors from launching new readers of the dangers of drinking too much sugary drinks. A recent Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Glenn Wakai business ventures that will generate much-needed jobs. Until there study shows that men who drank a 12-ounce sugar-sweetened bev- Amado Yoro are more opportunities for meaningful employment in the Mother- erage daily had a 20 percent higher risk of heart disease compared Philippine Correspondent land, Filipinos will continue to go almost anywhere in the world to men who didn’t drink any sugar-sweetened drinks. If you are a Greg Garcia where better opportunities exist. man who enjoys soft drinks or know of a man in your life who does, Big Island Distributor please find out more about this very important study on page 6. Grace Larson In closing, I'd like to once again thank our readers for their con- Ditas Udani tinued support. We encourage you to provide feedback, story ideas, Relocating OCCC, Maui Distributor tips or concerns via email at: [email protected]. We’d Cecile Piros Expanding Halawa certainly love to hear from you! Molokai Distributor Prison Until next time… aloha and mabuhay! Maria Watanabe Advertising/Marketing Director he State Department of Public Safety recently unveiled Chona A. Montesines-Sonido plans to bring back all of its inmates on the mainland posal lost steam under succeeding governor ’s admin- Account Executives by reducing the prison population by about 1,100 and istration. Carlota Ader building additional prison space on the islands of The proposal to close and relocate OCCC makes even more J.P. Orias Oahu, Maui and the Big Island. sense considering that the City’s rail project is scheduled to be built Plans for new prison space on Oahu include ex- along Dillingham Boulevard. Coupled with a transit station at the The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published T weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. panding Waiawa Correctional Facility, a 334-bed, Middle Street bus facility, transit-oriented development (TOD) op- It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- minimum-security prison in Waipio. The State is also considering a portunities abound for the OCCC site. Such opportunities would in- tributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- new prison in Puunene, Maui and either reopening Kulani Correc- clude housing, retail, commercial and recreational uses that would ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- tional Center or building a new facility on the Big Island. encourage transit ridership. A prison would simply be incompatible lication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor is- An even better option as far as Oahu is concerned would be to with TOD proposals slated for the area. lands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country close the Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) in It’s a bold proposal that will require strong leadership from a $90. Copyright 2006-2012. The Hawaii Fil- ipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 and expand the Halawa Correctional Facility in Halawa Valley community leader, an elected official perhaps, to champion this push. Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Tele- which is already located in an industrial area. OCCC is the state’s We call on Kalihi’s elected officials and Gov. to phone (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678- 1829. E-mail [email protected]. largest jail and situated on 16 prime acres of real estate in urban support this proposal and move forward with OCCC’s closure and Website: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Honolulu. Kalihi-Palama residents have long advocated relocating subsequent relocation. Opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect those OCCC. In a 2004 Action Plan adopted by members of the Kalihi- of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle manage- Palama Vision Group, the OCCC property is envisioned as a com- ment. Reproduction of the contents in whole Cover Photo: or in part is prohibited without written per- munity gathering place or a multi-cultural marketplace. Residents Photo shows a Filipino store in mission from the management. All rights re- and community groups from Kalihi have lobbied their elected offi- served. Printed in the U.S.A. the Middle East taken by one of cials, including former Gov. Ben Cayetano who began tinkering with www.thefilipinochronicle.com www.efilipinochronicle.com the proposal towards the end of his term. Unfortunately, the pro- our staff reporters stationed there. MarCh 17, 2012  haWaii filipinO ChrOniCle  3 4  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  MARCH 17, 2012 COVER STORY The Rising Number of OFWs and Its Impact on the Philippines By HFC Staff report released by the Center for Filipinos Overseas (CFO) shows that there are about 9.45 million A Filipinos living in 217 countries and territories around the world as of December 2010, an increase of 10 percent from the previous year.

Filipinos account for 4 per- migrants, dual citizens and cent of the total number of in- legal permanent residents, ternational migrants, which was whose stay abroad does not estimated by the International depend on work contracts Organization for Migration to • Temporary migrants— be around 214 million in 2010. those whose residence Released in February, the abroad is employment-re- 2010 Stock Estimate of Fil- lated and who are expected ipinos Overseas is the CFO’s to return at the end of their A Filipino convenience store in the Middle East, a region where many Filipinos work as OFWs latest report on the aggregate work contracts; (196,700; 2 percent), Hong about what my life would be children back home. I want to number of all Philippine-born • Irregular migrants—those Kong (169,700; 2 percent) and like here—if I’m going to enjoy be able to provide for their Filipinos who are residing or who are not properly docu- Kuwait (169,100; 2 percent). my job, if I’m going to make needs,” she says. working overseas. The report mented, working without new friends—things like that,” Mike took out a 10 riyal mainly draws data from the an- valid residence or work per- The Filipino Dream he says. (US$2.7) bill and gave it to her nual administrative statistics of mits and who are overstay- Mike, a computer technolo- When asked whether Fil- in return for a pack of kutsinta. the CFO, the Philippine Over- ing in a foreign country. gist, left the Philippines in 2011 ipinos have an inherent capabil- “I hope this helps, somehow,” seas Employment Administra- to work in Qatar, a country in ity to adjust to different he says. Sheila smiled and tion (POEA), and the The report also showed that the Middle East. Backed by cultures, Mike says it has some- thanked him. “Next time, buy Department of Foreign Affairs the top 10 destination countries wealth derived from its hydro- thing more to do with motiva- two packs,” she quips. (DFA). The secondary sources were the U.S. (3.17 million; 33 carbon resources, Qatar is mak- tion. of information include census percent), Saudi Arabia (1.5 mil- ing every effort to diversify its “It’s all for our families. Keeping Filipinos Safe data from host countries and re- lion; 16 percent), Canada economic base and reinvent it- That’s our main motivation. Sheila might be luckier than ports submitted by Filipino (667,600; 7 percent), United self as a knowledge-based econ- Aside from achieving personal other Filipinos who find their communities in other countries. Arab Emirates (636,100; 7 per- omy. This economic boom has prosperity for oneself, the Fil- way to countries considered by The stock estimate report cent) Australia (345,500; 4 per- turned the once-poor nation into ipino dream is really about pro- Philippine authorities to be categorizes overseas Filipinos cent), Malaysia (316,200; 3 the wealthiest country in the viding a good life for one’s problematic when it comes to into three main groups: percent), Japan (290,300; 3 per- world, with a GDP share per family,” he says. protecting and ensuring the wel- • Permanent migrants—im- cent), United Kingdom head of $109,000 in 2012. This Mike is one of the lucky fare of its citizens. has attracted foreign workers few Filipino migrant workers In November 2011, the like Mike, who left the Philip- who are happy with their jobs Philippine Overseas Employ- pines because of personal ambi- and paid relatively well in their ment Administration disclosed tions. It was his first job abroad. adoptive foreign countries. two board resolutions—one that “I have a lot of goals,” he But in this oil-rich state, approves the deployment of says, “and this includes having there are Filipinos who unfortu- overseas Filipino workers to 49 my own home, car and busi- nately find themselves on the nations and another banning ness. I’m not really picky over short end. As Mike walked out OFWs from 41 other countries. the kind of business I want. A of a Filipino convenience store, Mike and Sheila’s chosen coun- computer shop or even a drink- he was approached by Sheila, try of migration, was not listed ing water refilling station is who was selling homemade rice among these 41 nations. enough for me.” cakes. When asked why she According to Atty. Golda Mike wants to work abroad was selling the cakes at such a Roma of CFO, the 41 countries for about five years and is will- late hour, she says it was all she are deemed by the Philippines ing to settle permanently in an- could do to make ends meet. to be non-compliant with a crit- other country if given the “I’m still looking for a job. ical provision of Republic Act opportunity. He did not suffer My kababayans are basically 10022, or the revised Philippine from anxiety that other Fil- my lifeline for now. If they did- Migrant Workers Act. ipinos felt when they first left n’t buy from me, I would be liv- “The law limits the deploy- the Philippines to work abroad. ing on the streets,” she says. ment of overseas Filipinos to “In all honesty, I never felt Sheila is trying to find a job countries which, through their anxious. I wasn’t even that ex- before her visa expires. If not, own national or local legisla- cited. I guess the feeling was she will have to return to the tions, are compliant with inter- curiosity. Before I left home, I Philippines. nationally-recognized means to used to make mental pictures “I’m doing all this for my (continued on page 5) MARCH 17, 2012  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  5 COVER STORY (from page 4, THE RISING....) provide services to distressed ment and allied agencies have secure the rights and welfare of overseas Filipinos. A specific limited means to reach out to migrants, or are signatories to agency called the National them. international conventions or Reintegration for OFWs was es- In addition, Roma also talks treaties promoting the same, or tablished to focus on the needs about the challenge of human have multi-lateral or bilateral of returning migrants,” she trafficking. agreements with the Philippines says. “The President increased to comply with the standards of “The Integrated Bar of the the budget for anti-trafficking decent and reasonable working Philippines also recently part- initiatives but what’s lacking is conditions,” Roma says. nered with DFA, CFO, DOLE providing sustainable livelihood If a country does not com- (Department of Labor and Em- to our countrymen so that they ply with any of these condi- ployment), DOJ (Department of will decide not to go abroad and tions—despite the high salaries Justice) and other agencies to be victimized again. The de- A small park in this city's Paloma District is where FIlipino's hobnob after offered and the great demand provide more legal assistance to mand side of trafficking and il- work. With the economic crisis facing Europe, these meet-ups are also op- portunities for OFWs to support each other | OFW Journalism Consortium Photo Service for OFWs—then the Philip- overseas Filipinos. The DFA is legal recruitment remains a big pines is constrained from send- also in constant discussion with challenge,” she says. ing its nationals to that country. host countries of Filipino mi- Opiniano adds that efforts Jeremaiah Opiniano, Exec- grants for bilateral or social se- should be made to ensure three utive Director of the Institute curity agreements.” basic things. for Migration and Development Opiniano believes that the “First, assure that labor Issues (IMDI), says that even Philippines is a global model of contracts to host countries are though Filipinos are aware of organized handling of the over- legitimate and not prone to con- the risks involved in migrating seas mobility phenomenon— tract substitution upon arrival in to such countries, it can’t stop prior to departure, while host countries; second, improve them from going to these places overseas and upon return. He the legal redress system for Fil- for work. says that the government’s han- ipino workers in distress and “As long as the pay is right, dling of migration through poli- immediately dispose of previ- endurance can make up for the cies, programs, interventions ous cases; and lastly, increase, differential between safety at and personnel have improved. whenever possible, public funds Filipino OFWs dance the night away in a nightclub in Bogota, Colombia work and higher pay. But before Roma adds that President accorded to overseas Filipinos' | OFW Journalism Consortium Photo Service going overseas, whether in safe Benigno Aquino III clearly concerns,” he says. jected to receive $58 billion, on money sent from abroad. or ‘risky’ countries, Filipinos stated in his social contract with followed by China ($57 bil- Furthermore, income disparity should be well-informed and the Filipino people that govern- Remittances: Bane or Boon? lion), Mexico ($24 billion) and among households in communi- government should continue to ment should not lose track of OFWs remain as one of the the Philippines ($23 billion). ties can intensify because of in- provide information about safe continuously providing the major workhorses of the Philip- This situation presents both equitable distribution of and orderly migration,” he says. needed help and support for pine economy. Based on data disadvantages and advantages remittances. But is the government overseas Filipinos. This is on top from the Bangko Sentral ng for the Philippines. Various Nevertheless, Roma says doing enough in order to ensure of making sure that migration for Pilipinas, overseas Filipinos re- studies conducted by the World remittances also have positive that Filipinos are afforded pro- Filipinos will not be an eco- mitted US$18.76 billion in Bank, the International Mone- socio-economic contributions. tection and lawful aid when nomic strategy and that their de- 2010. The following year, in tary Fund and local scholars “Such monies are spent for they need it? According to parture for overseas will be one 2011, remittances reached from the Philippines show that the needs of migrants, including Roma, there has been steady of choice and not of necessity. US$20.11 billion. These remit- overseas remittances could pro- food, shelter and education for improvement over the years in But the Philippine govern- tances were estimated to ac- mote idleness on the part of re- their kids. At the same time, terms of policies and strategies. ment continues to face a num- count for around 10 percent of cipients and serve as a they also spend for their wants, For instance, she says that the ber of challenges, primary the country’s gross domestic disincentive to work among mi- which include cars, gadgets and Philippine Migrant Workers Act among which is budget and per- product (GDP). According to grant household members as travel among others. This in- has helped protect migrants sonnel limitations. For example, the CFO report, the top three they become more dependent (continued on page 15) from the pre-departure stage, to Roma cited the fact that despite sources of remittances were the onsite services, to return and the increase in government per- U.S., Canada and Saudi Arabia. reintegration. sonnel in Saudi Arabia, there re- Based on World Bank data, “The government increased mains less than 100 of them the Philippines now ranks the number of labor, welfare responding to the needs of more fourth globally in terms of re- and social welfare attachés so than 1.5 million OFWs in the mittances. The top remittance- that there is a government rep- country. Since Filipinos are receiving countries based on resentative readily available to globally dispersed, the govern- 2011 estimates are India, pro- 6  haWaii filipinO ChrOniCle  MarCh 17, 2012 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Operation Manong to Celebrate 40th Anniversary he University of Hawaii- new immigrant public school ships and trained future teachers ducer Emme Tomimbang, State Manoa and Friends of students and to increase the and community leaders. In 2000, Rep. and House Vice Speaker TOperation Manong will number and success of Filipinos, OM became the Office of Multi- Joey Manahan, Office of Hawai- celebrate OM’s 40th Anniver- , Pacific Is- cultural Student Services ian Affairs Chairperson Collette sary on Sunday, March 25, 2012, landers and other under-repre- (OMSS) to reflect a broader Machado and numerous teach- from 3 pm to 8 pm at the Fil- sented student groups at scope of cross-cultural and so- ers, social workers, lawyers, en- ipino Community Center in UH-Manoa. cial justice activities. gineers, doctors and nurses. Waipahu. The public is invited OM has successfully pre- Distinguished OM/OMSS For more details about the to attend. pared students for undergraduate alumni include Robin Campani- celebration and to RSVP, please The anniversary celebration work, assisted with the transfer ano (Ulupono Initiative general go online and visit: http://op- is an opportunity to reflect on best tion of university and commu- of community college students partner and former UH Regent), manong.ssc.hawaii.edu or call practices and to thank OM nity leaders, including Amefil to UH-Manoa, provided scholar- local media and television pro- Adrianne Guerrero at 956-4090. alumni, students and staff for their Agbayani, Bienvenido Junasa, service and leadership. OM was James Misajon, Ethel Ward, An- one of the university’s first pro- thony Marsella and Sheila For- Honolulu Gets $542,000 Grant for grams to address campus diver- man. OM developed extensive grateful to HUD for its support sity and equal access to higher community outreach programs Homeless Assistance of these important local pro- education in the early 1970s. and services for public school he City has received grams, which provide funding grams,” he says. It was launched by a coali- and pre-college students to assist $541,772 in new federal for transitional housing; for Continuum of Care grants Tgrant funds for two services such as job training, are awarded competitively. The homeless assistance activities. health care, mental health coun- City’s grant application was Of this amount, $518,700 will seling, substance abuse treat- prepared by the Department of provide new permanent sup- ment, child care and for Community Services, culminat- portive housing for homeless permanent supportive housing ing a year-long process that in- persons with disabilities, while for homeless persons with dis- cluded an annual Point-in-Time $23,072 will be used to update abilities. Count of sheltered and unshel- the local Homeless Manage- Mayor says tered homeless persons in Janu- ment Information System. that the grants provide essential ary 2011, a comprehensive In December 2011, the City support to meet critical needs of inventory of shelter beds and received $8.9 million through individuals and families who services, identification of gaps the U.S. Department of Housing experience homelessness in the in homeless services and estab- and Urban Development community. lishment of Continuum of Care (HUD) Continuum of Care pro- “I’m very pleased and funding priorities. New Study Links Sugar Drinks to Increased Risk of Heart Disease ministration’s work to educate The American Heart Asso- in Men the public in making healthier ciation supports public policy ew research shows that choices, including drinking less efforts that reduce coronary men who drank a 12- sugar,” says State Department heart disease and its risk factors Nounce sugar-sweetened of Health Director Loretta like obesity. Dr. Corilee Wat- beverage a day had a 20 percent Fuddy. “We stand with the ters, advocate and spokesperson higher risk of heart disease American Heart Association in for the American Heart Associ- compared to men who didn’t the fight to reduce cardiovascu- ation, says that public health ap- drink any sugar-sweetened lar disease in Hawaii by arming proaches that include policy drinks. The study was recently the public with the newest and changes and pricing changes published in the American best information to make have influenced consumers’ be- Heart Association journal “Cir- healthier choices and help re- havior. culation.” duce chronic disease and pre- “We need to create healthy “The study supports this ad- vent obesity.” (continued on page 7) MarCh 17, 2012  haWaii filipinO ChrOniCle  7 IMMIGRATION GUIDE Tax Evasion – Is It A Deportable after admission is convicted of was convicted for aiding and as- plication of the present statute Offense? two or more crimes involving sisting in the preparation of a was clear enough that resort to poses, tax evasion falls within moral turpitude, not arising out false tax return under 26 U. S. the rule of lenity was not war- the first category. Even if intent of a single scheme of criminal C. §7206(2), were ordered de- ranted. Kawashima v. Holder, to defraud is not explicit in the misconduct, regardless of ported because they had com- No. 10-577, United States By Atty. Emmanuel statutory definition, a crime whether confined therefor, and mitted an aggravated felony Supreme Court, 02/21/2012. Samonte Tipon nevertheless may involve moral regardless of whether the con- under 8 U. S. C. COMMent: Section his is the height of turpitude if such intent is “im- victions were in a single trial, is §1101(a)(43)(M). 8 U. S. C. 240A of the Immigration and the tax filing sea- plicit in the nature of the deportable (now removable). §1101(a)(43)(M)(i) defines “ag- Nationality Act [8 U. S. C. § son and aliens crime.” Intent to defraud is im- Persons who provide fraud- gravated felony” to mean an of- 1229b] gives the Attorney Gen- should be espe- plicit in willfully failing to file a ulent information or grossly un- fense that “involves fraud or eral the authority to cancel re- T cially careful that tax return with the intent to derreport their income in a tax deceit in which the loss to the moval for a narrow class of they do not file evade taxes. By willfully failing return are considered persons victim or victims exceeds inadmissible or deportable false tax returns in trying to to file his tax returns, the person who are not of good moral char- $10,000.” 8 U. S. C. aliens, but it does not include save a few dollars lest they face attempts to deprive the govern- acter and will be denied certain §1101(a)(43)(M)(ii) defines anyone previously convicted of deportation which will cost ment of revenue — or, in other immigration benefits requiring “aggravated felony” as an of- any aggravated felony.” I.N.S. them more. A number of words, to obtain a free pass on good moral character like natu- fense that is “described in sec- v. St. Cyr, 533 U.S. 289, 295 tax preparers try to impress taxes. The terms "evasion" and ralization and voluntary depar- tion 7201 of title 26 (relating to (2001). Thus, in the case of con- their clients to obtain repeat "fraud" have been treated inter- ture if they are placed in tax evasion) in which the rev- viction for an aggravated felony business by making inappropri- changeably. Carty v. Ashcroft, removal proceedings. enue loss to the Government ex- removal is a certainty. ate deductions, not reporting or 395 F.3d 1081 (CA9, 2005) ceeds $10,000.” Under 8 U. S. underreporting income, and The Immigration and Na- Tax evasion is aggravated C. §1227(a)(2)(A)(iii) “Any (atty. tipOn has a Master of Laws de- doing other unlawful acts in tionality Act provides in Section felony if loss to government alien who is convicted of an ag- gree from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the order that the client will pay 237(a)(2)(A) that any alien who exceeeds $10,000 gravated felony at any time Philippines. Office: 800 Bethel St., Suite 402, less taxes or get a bigger tax re- is convicted of a crime involv- In a case decided by the after admission is deportable.” Honolulu, HI 96813. Tel. (808) 225-2645. fund. There are also people who ing moral turpitude committed U.S. Supreme Court on Febru- The Supreme Court said E-Mail: [email protected]. Websites: fail to file tax returns. within five years (or 10 years in ary 21, 2012, an alien who was that although in the past it had www.MilitaryandCriminalLaw.com, and www.ImmigrationServicesUSA.com. Listen The courts have generally the case of an alien granted per- convicted of willfully making construed ambiguities in depor- to the most witty, interesting, and informa- held that tax evasion is a crime manent resident status under and subscribing a false tax re- tation statutes in the alien’s tive radio program in Hawaii on KNDI at involving moral turpitude. Section 245(j)) after the date of turn under 26 U. S. C. §7206(1) favor, as in INS v. St. Cyr, 533 1270, AM dial every Thursday at 7:30 a.m., Crimes of moral turpitude are of admission and is convicted of a which had caused a loss to the U. S. 289, 320 (2001), the ap- rebroadcast at www.iluko.com.) basically two types, those in- crime for which a sentence of Government volving fraud and those involv- one year or longer may be im- in excess of ing grave acts of baseness or posed is deportable. Further- $10,000, and depravity. For analytical pur- more, any alien who at any time his wife who

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS (cont.) (from page 5, NEW...) environments where the healthiest The American Heart Association choice is the easy choice in terms of and DOH recommend no more than half price and availability,” she says. “Sugar- of discretionary calories come from sweetened beverages are the largest sin- added sugars. For most American men, gle source of sugar in our diets and that’s no more than 150 calories per day provide no nutritional benefits.” and 100 for most American women. Dis- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is cretionary calories are those left in your the leading cause of death in Hawaii. In “energy allowance” after consuming the 2009, more than 32 percent of all recommended types and amounts of deaths in the state were due to CVD. Of foods to meet all daily nutrient require- these deaths, 73 percent were due to ments. heart disease and 21 percent were due The DOH launched its “Take the to stroke. CVD is also a major source Leap” campaign in 2010 to educate of hospitalization, accounting for Hawaii residents about the risks associ- 18,372 discharges in 2010. Risk factors ated with obesity and over-consumption for heart disease include obesity, smok- of sugar-sweetened drinks. The DOH ing, physical inactivity, diabetes and will continue its public education efforts poor diet. to urge people to make healthier choices The study followed 42,883 men and advocate for policy changes that over 20 years. Participants were prima- support healthy lifestyles and reduce rily Caucasian men 40 to 75 years old healthcare costs. and all were employed in a health-re- “Reducing consumption of sugar lated profession. Researchers found that and sugar-sweetened beverages is an the increase in risk of heart disease per- important goal in preserving the health sisted even after controlling for other of Americans,” says Dr. Jay Maddock, risk factors, including smoking, physi- Director of the University of Hawaii’s cal inactivity, alcohol use and family his- Office of Public Health Studies. “This tory of heart disease. Less frequent study adds to the body of knowledge on consumption of sugar-sweetened bever- the negative health effects related to ex- ages—twice weekly and twice cess sugar consumption in the Ameri- monthly—didn’t increase risk. can diet.” 8  haWaii filipinO ChrOniCle  MarCh 17, 2012 FOOD & LEISURE The Adobo Identity (Crisis) TURO-TURO Text & photos By Claude Tayag Adobong puti: ilipino cuisine all the creative Filipino cuisine To many a purist, this is the real has been making we can get.” thing. The meat a lot of headway Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, is first marinated in the US the past host and executive producer of in vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper Photography by Roy De Leon two years or so. New America Now, reported: (no soy sauce, F At long last, it’s “The Year of the Dragon will puh-lease), then CPA - Chicken Pork Adobo pan-fried in its finally coming out of the be the Year of the ‘Adobo’ if o w n f a t u n t i l kitchen closet, so to speak, but some local foodies are predict- browned, and more importantly, breaking ing it right. Braised chicken or with the burnt crust stuck on away from the long, dark pork in soy sauce, vinegar and the pan deglazed shadow of lutong bahay or garlic, adobo is considered a home-style cooking found is signature dish in Filipino cook- Adobo sa gata karinderiaor cafeteria-style es- ing, which, judging from the flavors, in the alchemy of the rolled into one.” tablishments that have bleakly buzz at this year’s Winter process. Cooking softens the Sifton interviewed Amy of their best-selling dishes is represented our cuisine in the Fancy Food Show in San Fran- acidity of the vinegar, which Besa and Romy Dorotan of the Dorotan’s signature chicken land of milk and honey for far cisco, could be poised to ride then combines with the flavor Purple Yam restaurant (purp- adobo with soy sauce, gata too long. the next gourmet food wave.” of the meat to enhance it. leyamnyc.com) in Ditmas (coconut milk) and siling The internet newspaper Another article going viral Whether consumed in Manila’s Park, Brooklyn, which he de- labuyo (bird’s-eye chili), a Huffingtonpost.com made a among Pinoy food bloggers heat or on the edge of a New scribed as “excellent” and dead giveaway of his Bicolano list of the Top 10 New Foods was written by Sam Sifton, York winter, adobo holds the whose chicken adobo recipe he roots, growing up in Irosin, Of 2011, with Filipino cuisine New York Times food critic, power to change moods and featured. It must be said that Sorsogon, where “he ate every as number three, calling it about our very own adobo. He alter dining habits … As a re- the couple had been operating dish with gata anyway,” ac- “Nouveau Filipino”: “Filipino wrote: “It is the national dish, sult there is great fun (italics by the popular and highly ac- cording to my kabalen Besa, food is among the most far-out many Filipinos say: protein me) to be had in asking Fil- claimed Cendrillon (French for born in the Pampango-speak- in the world, so it was only a braised in vinegar until pun- ipinos how to make adobo, par- Cinderella) in the hip Soho dis- ing side of Tarlac. This is the matter of time before it got a gent and rich, sweet and sour ticularly when they are in trict of Manhattan for more same creamy adobo that hipster update. FromAdobo and salty at once, sometimes groups. Filipino cooking is an than seven years serving Fil- Dorotan cooked on Martha Hobo’s Filipino tacos in San crisped at the edges in high evolutionary masterpiece, a ipino and pan-Asian cuisine, Stewart’s show back in 2006. Francisco to Maharlika Fil- heat, always served with the cuisine that includes Chinese, but were finally forced to seek Meanwhile, on the west ipino Moderno’s spicy arroz remaining sauce. Its excellence Spanish, American and indige- out greener (read: cheaper) coast, Amy Scattergood reports caldo in New York, we’ll take derives from the balance of its nous island influences, all pastures due to high rent. One (continued on page 10) MarCh 17, 2012  haWaii filipinO ChrOniCle  9 10  haWaii filipinO ChrOniCle  MarCh 17, 2012

FOOD & LEISURE (from page 8, THE ADOBO...)

in the LA Weekly blog that Marvin Ga- chef Roland Laudico of Bistro Filipino pultos and Natassia Johnson, both LA- serves an over-the-top Adobo Overload. based Fil-Am food bloggers It is a generous portion of seared foie (burntlumpia.com and letmeeatcake.com, gras nesting on adobong kangkong on a respectively), broke barriers by becoming mound of sticky rice (cooked with adobo the first food bloggers to start their own sauce, we were told), stuffed with food-truck business and the first in South- chicken adobo and salted duck egg, ac- ern California to specialize in Filipino companied by more adobo in the form of cuisine in June 2010. In such a short time, pork cubes in a puddle of adobo sauce their mobile restaurant The Manila Ma- reduction. Does it make it any less “au- chine gained quite a following as well as thentic” with the chef’s risqué interpre- critical acclaim. In fact, Gapulto’s recipe tation, daring to go out of the rigid box for Pineapple Adobo won the runner-up with his western styling, without com- award for “Best Noveau Street Food” at promising the dish’s original essence yet the 2010 LA Street Food Fest, getting still remaining within its comfort-zone praise from the likes of famous American Pinoy panlasa or taste/palate? chefs Susan Feniger and Walter Manzke, Adobo as the cooking process is in- and from Jonathan Gold, a Pulitzer Prize- digenous to our archipelago, dating back winning food writer. to pre-colonial times, as noted by Amer- ican food historian Raymond Sokolov. It Where’s the beef, or rather, the chicken should not be confused with the Spanish & pork adobo? and Latin American adobos, as they are So, do we finally see our adobo trend- completely different in nature, using dif- ing in the US as a unifying dish that could ferent ingredients despite having the propel Filipino cuisine into the main- same name. When the Spaniards arrived stream American consciousness? After in the Philippines in the late 16th cen- all, there are some five million Fil-Ams tury, they encountered a cooking method living in the US, making up the third commonly used by the natives that in- largest ethnic group. But wait, “nacho volved stewing with vinegar. For lack of fast,” as a popular food chain would have a better term, perhaps, they simply re- it. Which adobo, may I ask? In the Fil- ferred to it as “adobo” due to its seem- ipino context, adobo generally refers to ing similarity to the Spanish adobo the chicken/pork stew braised in vinegar (“Parece nuestro adobo” must have been and garlic. It is perhaps the country’s the observation). most popular dish, spawning countless Doreen G. Fernandez wrote in variants, such that it is inaccurate to call Palayok that the Spanish and Mexican it a singular dish. To say there are 7,100 adobos refer exclusively to meat, while recipes of our adobo is an understate- the Filipino adobo is an entirely differ- ment; there are as many kinds of adobo as ent process of cooking not just with there are households. meat, but also with seafood and vegeta- Treating adobo as a cooking technique bles, with vinegar as a matter of season- will give us a better understanding of its ing and as a natural preservative nature. It is the braising of any meat necessary in our tropical climate. It is (chicken, pork, beef, quail, duck, venison, quite distinct from Spanish adobo, which seafood, etc.) or vegetable in vinegar, gar- uses a marinade of paprika, oregano, lic, black peppercorn, and bay leaf, with salt, garlic, and wine vinegar, while the regional variations or personal preferences Mexican version uses a spicy marinade of adding soy sauce (from the Chinese), called chipotle, a mixture of chilies, sea- achuete (a Mexican import achiote during sonings, and seeds that goes particularly the galleon trade), onion, coconut cream, well with pork. lemongrass, or turmeric. It can be made like a saucy stew or thickened with Bistro Filipino’s Adobo Overload by chicken liver, or the cooked adobo meat chef Roland Laudico pulled apart to be deep-fried into crispy In The Adobo Book by Ronnie G. flakes. It is this versatility that makes it the Alejandro and Nancy Reyes-Lumen, most popular and well-loved Filipino com- there are at least 150 recipes of adobo, fort food. It is also the great leveler, both from the usual chicken, pork (belly, legs, the cooking method and the cooked dish trotters, innards), and beef, to duck, transcending all economic boundaries. quails, snipes, fish, eel, prawns, crabs, And for the record, it is the venerable oysters, mussels, squid, dried fish, frogs, Glenda Barretto of Café Via Mare who kamaru (mole crickets), sawá (boa con- first served crisp adobo flakes way back in strictor), balut (fertilized duck egg), 1975. It was such a novelty back then tokwa, eggplant, ampalaya(bitter when it first came out, but it caught on and melon), radish, and banana blossoms. became part of our adobo repertoire. And Indeed, it is a living testament to the ver- to think all she had in mind was pleasing satility and popularity of adobo as a her dad, who was fond of crispy dishes. cooking method. She fried some leftover chicken adobo, So, to claim your adobo is better and voila, a new dish was born! Indeed, than others is pretty much a personal necessity is the mother of all invention. thing. Isn’t it more fun having so many Taking a quantum leap to the present, kinds of adobo? (www.philstar.com) MarCh 17, 2012  haWaii filipinO ChrOniCle  11 PHILIPPINE NEWS nerable to threats and harass- “Yes, given the evidence Palace: No Way CJ Can Be Acquitted ment over pending cases. that has been presented thus far,” does not see (an acquittal). It will official can conceal his The only two justices who Valte said, echoing the predic- by Delon Porcalla eventually lead to a conviction,” SALN, which should have been made public their SALNs were tion made by her boss. Monday, March 12, 2012 Valte said over radio station made public, Aquino said. Antonio Carpio and Ma. Lour- Valte also called on Corona ANILA, Philippines dzRB. Aquino, in effect, could des Sereno. to stop his media blitz and start - Taking the cue from Aquino has said Corona have referred to the entire 15- Sereno was Aquino’s first ap- answering the disparities in his M her boss, deputy could not escape liability under man Supreme Court since all of pointee to the SC while Carpio’s SALN, among them cash de- presidential spokesperson Abi- the 1987 Constitution when he them – except for two – have law firm and associates have been posits and real estate properties. gail Valte indicated yesterday kept his statement of assets, lia- kept their SALNs from scrutiny. rendering legal assistance to “The discrepancy between there is no way Chief Justice Re- bilities and net worth (SALN) in SC justices – from the time Transportation and Communica- the assets that were declared and nato Corona could be acquitted “a locked vault.” of the late Chief Justice Marcelo tions Secretary Manuel Roxas II, not only for 2010 – this starts by the impeachment court. This alone could merit a Fernan to retired Chief Justice a close ally of Aquino. from 2002 where he started in “Given the weight of the ev- conviction since nowhere in the Reynato Puno – have kept their In several interviews, the Supreme Court and it was idence that has been presented, Constitution has it been stated SALNs from the public, saying Aquino said he “cannot imagine proven that they were all his,” President Aquino said he really that a government exposure would make them vul- an acquittal” for Corona. she said. (www.philstar.com) equitable and efficient for the Phl Can Survive Weak Global Demand - BSP overall economy,” he said. demographic dividends, and The BSP sees the country’s by Lawrence Agcaoili national reserves. manageable inflation would Once the revitalized tourism gross international reserves Monday, March 12, 2012 serve as countervailing forces to program of the national govern- (GIR) - the sum of all foreign ex- ANILA, Philippines - offset weak global demand. ment goes into full swing, change flowing into the country The Bangko Sentral “The country enjoys three... Tetangco said the country’s ex- - hitting a new all time high of M ng Pilipinas (BSP) no, four factors that have be- ternal liquidity position would $79 billion this year from $75.3 has identified four countervailing come countervailing forces to improve even more. billion last year. It also expects forces that would help the Philip- offset the slack in external de- “This will further enhance the balance of payments (BOP) pines survive the weak global de- mand that we now face (because the country’s self-insurance. The surplus stabilizing at $2.8 billion mand amid the fragile economic of the volatile global market),” BSP maintains a policy of a mar- this year from $10.9 billion last growth in advanced economies Tetangco stressed. BSP Gov. Amando Tetangco ket-determined exchange rate, year. The BOP position refers to led by the US as well as the sov- He pointed out that the fa- exchange inflows, including re- with scope for official action onlythe difference of foreign ex- ereign debt crisis in Europe. vorable external sector dynam- mittances of overseas Filipinos against excessive rate move- change inflows and outflows on BSP Governor Amando ics would continue to be a and earnings from the business ments. With the varying effects ofa particular period and repre- Tetangco Jr. said the country’s source of strength for the process outsourcing (BPO) sec- exchange rate movements on dif- sents the country’s transactions strong external payments posi- Philippine economy. tor have provided the BSP the ferent economic sectors, this pol- with the rest of the world. tion, resilient banking system, He said sustained foreign opportunity to build up its inter- icy has proven to be most (continued on page 12) 12  HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE  MARCH 17, 2012 PHILIPPINE NEWS Sandigan Orders Arrest of GMA, 3 Others Over ZTE by Michael Punongbayan The former first gentleman to the news. gail Valte said. Wednesday, March 14, 2012 also posted bail in the amount He vowed to prove their ac- The issuance of the war- ANILA, Philippines of P30,000. cusers wrong in the trial in the rants would now allow the de- - The Sandiganbayan Former President Arroyo – anti-graft court. fendants the opportunity to M ordered the arrest of represented by counsel Estelito He said the Office of the rebut the allegations hurled former President Gloria Maca- Mendoza – and Abalos are both Ombudsman should not have against them and that “they will pagal-Arroyo and her husband detained for the non-bailable filed the charges against him be able to defend themselves in Jose Miguel Arroyo for al- offense of electoral sabotage. and his wife since the contract the best possible manner,” she legedly receiving millions of Former secretary Mendoza, was cancelled in the first place. said. dollars in bribes from a Chinese through his lawyer Alex “That contract (with the Mr. Arroyo’s lawyer Ferdi- telecommunications company Poblador, also posted the of accepting money to push ZTE) was abrogated so there’s nand Topacio expressed sur- for a contract later found to be P30,000 bail. through a $329-million govern- no damage done. Also why was prise over the issuance of an overpriced. Mrs. Arroyo, for her part, ment contract with China’s ZTE she (Mrs. Arroyo) charged, arrest order against his client Apart from the Arroyo cou- tasked her lawyer Jose Flamini- Corp. to set up a nationwide when she did not sign it (con- considering that a motion for ju- ple, the anti-graft court also or- ano to file a motion asking the broadband network in 2007. tract),” he said. dicial determination of probable dered the arrest of former Sandiganbayan to send a court The contract was originally Mr. Arroyo said the previ- cause was filed Monday. elections chief Benjamin Aba- officer to the Veterans Memo- priced at $130 million. ous panel in the Office of the “We asked for a hearing to los and former transportation rial Medical Center (VMMC) Mrs. Arroyo approved the Ombudsman that investigated determine probable cause on secretary Leandro Mendoza where she is currently detained deal, but later backtracked the deal noted the most impor- this case, so we were surprised who were also charged over the to undergo bail proceedings under public pressure and a tant part of the graft investiga- about the arrest warrant,” Topa- anomalous contract with there. congressional investigation. tion, which is the contract, was cio said. China’s ZTE Corp. Gabriel Villareal, legal Mr. Arroyo has denied missing. He said there is already a Mr. Arroyo, accompanied counsel of Abalos, said the for- wrongdoing and said the graft “There is no contract so Supreme Court ruling that by his counsel Ferdinand Topa- mer elections chief is in no rush charges are flawed because the there is no corpus delicti (body stated that if a deal did not push cio, personally went before the to post bail since he is already former president canceled the of crime),” he said. through, there could have been anti-graft court’s Fourth Divi- in detention. deal. no damage to the government. sion where he submitted his pic- Mr. Arroyo, a lawyer who “This (warrant of arrest) ‘A step in the right direction’ The Sandiganbayan, how- tures instead of being subjected was seen as a backroom opera- comes as a surprise to me be- Malacañang said the arrest ever, junked the motions filed to mug shots and samples of his tor during his wife’s troubled cause there are no valid charges warrants issued by the Sandi- by the respondents asking for a fingerprints taken. nine-year presidency, is accused against me and my wife,” he ganbayan against the Arroyos hearing for the presentation of said. and the other accused in the oral arguments on Friday. “Besides, this does not ZTE deal are a “step in the right In its four-page ruling, the apply to me because I’m a pri- direction” in light of the Aquino anti-graft court said judicial de- vate citizen,” he said, adding his administration’s campaign termination of probable cause is lawyers have filed a motion on against corruption. a procedure that is required the issue of probable cause “The warrant is a preven- “without need of any motion or against him. tive measure in order to assure intervention from the parties” Mr. Arroyo said he in- that the accused persons are who cannot even “assert any de- formed his wife of the issuance here and that they can be pres- mandable right to be heard or of the arrest warrant against her ent in their day in court,” deputy participate thereon.” but did not say how she reacted presidential spokesperson Abi- (www.philstar.com)

(from page 11, PHL ...) adequacy ratio (CAR) stood at year. The BSP chief also cited 17 percent way above the BSP Monetary policy has cer- the country’s banking system treshhold of 10 percent and the tainly been successful in pro- that continued to remained sta- international standard of eight viding just the right amount of ble amid the mounting chal- percent. domestic liquidity.. to fund the lenges posed by the current He also noted the country’s productive sectors of the econ- global economic conditions. demographic dividends and do- omy. This favorable inflation “The reforms - which were mestic consumption continued outlook has allowed BSP to ac- instituted well ahead of this cri- to be fuelled by strong remit- commodate economic growth, sis — paved the way for banks tances from Filipinos working without fuelling an asset price to enhance their risk manage- abroad. bubble,” Tetangco stressed. ment systems, adopt interna- ‘We have a vibrant, young, The Cabinet-level Devel- tional accounting standards and skilled, ready-to-consume pop- opment Budget Coordination improve transparency and dis- ulation. The country’s domestic Committee (DBCC) sees the closure to clients. These have, in consumption has certainly con- country’s gross domestic prod- turn, promoted well-capitalized, tinued to buoy our economic uct (GDP) growing between better-governed, and ... prof- growth. Consumption has also five percent and six percent this itable banks,” Tetangco said. remained to be underpinned by year after slackening to 3.7 per- He pointed out that the strong remittances from over- cent last year from 7.6 percent bank regulator does not foresee seas Filipinos and receipts from in 2010 due to weak global a significant adverse impact on the BPO sector,” he added. trade and cautious spending by banks even if the BSP an- According to him, the the Aquino government. nounced an accelerated adop- country’s inflation remained “Given all these factors, I tion of higher capital manageable and is expected to believe there is basis for contin- requirement under the Basel 3 fall within the mid-point of the ued optimism on the country’s framework starting January BSP target of three percent to growth prospects,” the BSPchief 2014 as the industry’s capital five percent this year and next said. (www.philstar.com) MarCh 17, 2012  haWaii filipinO ChrOniCle  13 LEGAL NOTES Aliens of Extraordinary Ability May When it comes to evidence Self-Petition for a Green Card of contributions of major sig- stance, only 5,198 applications The foreign national must tions or other media; evidence nificance to the field, the for- were filed. At the same time, have been recognized in his of original contributions of eign national must show that however, approval can be diffi- field and received acclaim for major significance to the field; his contributions significantly By Reuben S. Seguritan cult to obtain. Of those 5,198 those accomplishments. This authorship of scholarly articles; influenced the field and place very year, more applications, only 62% were can be done in either of two display of the alien’s work at him significantly above his than 40,000 im- approved and this is already the ways. First, it can be through a artistic exhibitions or show- peers. migrant visa highest approval rate since one-time achievement in the cases; evidence of performance Evidence of high remuner- numbers are 2005. form of an internationally rec- in a leading or critical role for ation as compared to others in available for the Nonetheless, for those ognized award. In reality, how- organizations that have a distin- the field is also helpful but less E first employment- who can meet its high require- ever, very few people receive guished reputation; evidence of so for individuals in science or based preference (EB-1). This ments, the EB-1 is a good op- this type of international ac- high remuneration in relation to education where salary levels category is open to aliens of ex- tion not only because of the claim. others in the field; and evidence are not good indicators of the traordinary ability, outstanding exemption from the job offer More frequently, applicants of commercial success in the worker’s ability, unlike in ath- professors or researchers, and and labor certification require- use the second way of demon- performing arts. letics or the performing arts. certain multinational executives ments but also because there is strating extraordinary ability Published material about In order for the extraordi- and managers. currently no visa backlog status which is by submitting the foreign national must relate nary ability alien to be eligible Unlike the last two classes under this category. evidence of at least three of ten to his work in the field for for a visa under EB-1, his entry of workers, the extraordinary In order to qualify, the for- criteria, or the so-called “three- which the classification is must “substantially benefit ability alien does not need a eign national must show that he out-of-ten” rule. sought and must contain the prospectively the United job offer from a U.S. employer. has extraordinary ability in the These criteria are: receipt of title, date and author of the ma- States”. This means that he The extraordinary ability alien sciences, arts, education, busi- lesser nationally or internation- terial and a translation if neces- must continue to work in his may “self-petition” or file an I- ness or athletics. He must be ally recognized prizes or awards sary. As for the criterion of field upon admission to perma- 140 him/herself. There is also able to demonstrate that his for excellence; membership in proof of membership in an as- nent residence. no labor certification require- level of expertise indicates that associations in the field that de- sociation, the focus of the REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been ment for workers in the EB-1 he is one of a small percentage mand outstanding achievement USCIS’s inquiry is the require- practicing law for over 30 years. For category. of those who have risen to the of their members; published ments for membership and not further information, you may call him The demand for this cate- very top of the field of en- material about the alien in pro- the association’s overall reputa- at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his web- gory is low. In 2010 for in- deavor. fession or major trade publica- tion. site at www.seguritan.com MAINLAND NEWS vorite dishes included “Eggs “For Filipino-Americans, Maharlika Filipino Moderno Named Imelda,” which is poached eggs this is the family photo album. It on pan de sal with taro leaves, is kitsch and not kitsch, irony coconut milk, prawns and siz- and homage both,” says Times Best New Restaurant in New York zling sisig. Also mentioned was restaurant review critic Ligaya aharlika Filipino trends of the year. tions dishes like longganisa hot a tropical cocktail called Mishan. “For everyone else, Ma- Moderno has been Young Filipino-Americans dogs with pickled papaya and Manileño, which mixes brandy, harlika is a gateway restaurant M named Best New entrepreneurs Nicole Ponseca, shrimp-paste mayo, goat adobo pineapple, maraschino, Pey- — an exotic excursion with a Restaurant of 2012 by Metromix Enzo Lim and Noel launched braised in soy sauce, ube waffles chaud’s Bitters and lime. soft landing, a chance to dis- New York. Maharlika in January 2011 as a and a Filipino party staple, The prestigious New York cover an unsung cuisine without Maharlika was also nomi- weekend “pop-up” restaurant, spaghetti with hot dogs. The Times also gave the restaurant a getting too down-and-dirty.” nated in the Best International moving from one host restaurant restaurant’s interiors was in- full review. (Good News Pilipinas) Eats category of Time Out New to another. As its popularity grew, spired by 1970s and 1980s Fil- York’s 2012 Food & Drink the trio decided to open a perma- ipino homes and includes a Awards. The magazine high- nent location in East Village. photo of 1973 Miss Universe lights New York’s best restau- In its write-up on the restau- Margie Moran. rants, bars, chefs and dining rant, Metromix New York men- Time Out New York’s fa- Western Union Introduces ‘$50 for sumers to send the gift of cash $5’ Promo and show their love to more o facilitate long-distance family members and friends— gift giving solutions, for graduations, birthdays, an- TWestern Union recently niversaries, weddings, introduced its newest promotion baptismals and other special oc- “$50 for $5.” casions. With more than 44,000 Consumers from the U.S. agent locations in the U.S. and can send up to $50 from partici- more than 8,000 Agent locations pating U.S. agent locations to in the Philippines, Western loved ones in the Philippines for sion or how small the amount, to Union is close to loved ones who a $5 transfer fee. The new trans- the Philippines. want the gift of cash. fer fees help facilitate gifting so- The gift of cash through For more information or lutions for consumers who send Western Union is the perfect current exchange rates, call 1- money more often and to more present for all occasions. This 877-PERA-ITO or visit loved ones, no matter the occa- new pricing also enables con- www.westernunion.com. 14  haWaii filipinO ChrOniCle  MarCh 17, 2012 MAINLAND NEWS small businesses, companies Strong 3 Months of Hiring as US Adds 227,000 Jobs being started, farm workers and the self-employed. from www.philstar.com ready two of the best months for done, it gives me confidence The household survey found Saturday, March 11, 2012 jobs since the recession, were there are better days ahead. I that 428,000 more Americans re- even stronger than first estimated. would bet on American workers ported having a job in February. ASHINGTON (AP) January job growth was re- and American know-how any When the economy is improv- — The United States vised higher by 41,000 to day of the week." ing, many economists say, the Wadded 227,000 jobs 284,000. December job growth Mitt Romney, the leader in household survey does the better in February, the latest display of was raised by 20,000 to 223,000. delegates among Obama's would- job of picking it up because it the breadth and strength of the The overall job growth for Feb- be challengers, did not directly detects small business hiring. economic recovery. The country ruary of 227,000 beat econo- address the fresh economic data Over the past three months, has put together the most im- mists' estimate of 210,000. at a stop in Mississippi, but he the household survey has shown pressive three months of job "It's a very strong report," criticized Obama for failing to that the number of employed The Dow Jones industrial aver- growth since before the Great said Bob Baur, chief global bring the unemployment rate people has risen by 1.45 million, age closed up 14 points at Recession. economist at Principal Global below 8 percent. the biggest three-month gain 12,922. Last week, it closed The unemployment rate Investors, an asset management The unemployment rate has since 2000. above 13,000 for the first time stayed at 8.3 percent. It was the company. "I could hardly find remained above 8 percent since Normally the gain of since May 2008, four months first time in six months it didn't anything not to like in it." February 2009, a month after 428,000 in February would before the financial crisis. fall, and that was because a half- Since the beginning of De- Obama's inauguration, a point lower the unemployment rate. The improving jobs picture million Americans started look- cember, the country has added regularly hammered by Rom- But a long-awaited trend is figures to improve the re-elec- ing for work. In the past two 734,000 jobs. The only three- ney. But as more jobs are cre- emerging to offset: Unemployed tion chances for President months, almost a million have month stretch that was better ated, it is increasingly likely people who had given up look- Barack Obama and to compli- started looking. since the recession ended was that the rate will fall below 8 ing for a job have started look- cate the political strategy for the "I have more optimism," March through May 2010, when percent by Election Day. ing again. Republicans competing for the said Freda Bratcher, 54, who had the government was hiring tens Matt McDonald, a partner at The work force consists of right to replace him. worked as a substance abuse of thousands of temporary work- Hamilton Place Strategies and those with a job and those look- Obama on Friday visited a counselor but has been unem- ers for the census. former Bush White House offi- ing for one. People who aren't manufacturing plant run by ployed 16 months. She had Before that, the last stretch cial, calculates that the economy looking aren't part of the work Rolls-Royce, a maker of aircraft stopped searching, but showed that was better was February needs to add about 185,000 jobs force, and the government does- engines, in Virginia, a state ex- up Friday at a Miami career cen- through April 2006. A three- per month to get to that point. n't count them as unemployed. pected to be closely contested in ter after some of her friends month gain of 734,000 is "It will be a photo finish to News that the economy is November. He told workers landed jobs. roughly what the country was get below 8," he said. starting to perk up has caused there that American manufactur- "There's something out there achieving in the late 1990s, al- Hiring in February was many of those "discouraged ing is adding jobs for the first for me," she said. "And if other though it is less impressive now broad-based and improved in workers" to start looking again. time since the 1990s. people are getting hired, then because the country holds about both high-paying and low-pay- They're still unemployed, but "The economy is getting why not me?" 40 million more people. ing industries. The industries of they're back in the work force. stronger," the president said. The Labor Department, in its Stocks rose after the report manufacturing, professional The work force surged by "When I come to places like this monthly jobs report, said Friday came out, though they lost most services and health care all 476,000 in February and almost and I see the work that's being that December and January, al- of their gains later in the day. added jobs. 1 million the past two months. And government — federal, There are still about a mil- state and local — cut only 6,000 lion discouraged workers in the jobs in February and a revised United States. Workers are no 1,000 in January. Last year, gov- longer counted as discouraged if ernment cut an average of 22,000 they haven't looked in the past jobs a month, taking some of the year. economic punch out of job cre- The gains produce some- ation in the private sector. thing of a paradox: If the work The small government force keeps growing because losses meant the private sector more people are confident added 233,000 jobs in February. enough to look for a job, the un- In all, 142.1 million Ameri- employment rate won't decline cans reported that they had a job as quickly. in February, the highest since The labor force participation January 2009, during the depths rate, which measures how many of the recession. The low was adults are working or looking for 138 million, in December 2009. work as a share of the adult pop- The government uses a sur- ulation, rose in February for the vey of mostly large businesses first time since last August. and government agencies to de- The rate came in at 63.9 per- termine how many jobs are cent, up from 63.7 in January, added or lost each month. That the lowest since 1983. It had is the survey that produced the fallen gradually for two years — 227,000 number. But the payroll even after the worst layoffs of survey tends to undercount small the recession were finished, as businesses and does not count people continued to give up the self-employed. looking for work. It uses a separate survey of A measure of all unemployed American households to calcu- and the so-called underemployed late the unemployment rate. That — people who are working part- survey picks up hiring by com- time but would rather by working panies of all sizes, including (continued on page 15) MarCh 17, 2012  haWaii filipinO ChrOniCle  15 COMMUNITY CALENDAR CLASSIFIED ADS BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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COVER STORY (cont.) (from page 5, THE RISING...) travel among others. This increased cies, has also taken an active ap- These reforms being made by spending power intensifies economic proach to reducing the costs of remit- the country’s financial decision mak- activity. Real estate boomed in the tances and to mobilizing remittances ers are pinned on the idea that inter- country by reason of the remittances. towards development and productive national migration is a reality which There are also plenty of good stories activities. Filipinos must face. The challenge is about returning migrants who have For instance, the Central Bank for both the government and the peo- successfully established their busi- improved access to competitive data ple to maximize its benefits and har- nesses in their hometowns,” she says. about banks’ remittance-related ness its potential for development, The Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas products and services, helping over- while at the same time mitigating so- (BSP) has likewise pointed out the seas Filipinos and their beneficiaries cial costs. benefits of remittances, which include make more informed decisions about “The Philippines must now be in creating a broadened middle class, the money they send. The BSP has the position to finally convert the supporting private consumption, rais- also been instrumental in helping im- gains of migration into productive ing people’s savings and increasing prove remittance channels, encour- jobs, businesses and investments so investment in human capital, espe- aging overseas Filipinos and their that the country improves and Fil- cially for the education and health of families to increase savings and in- ipinos will somehow have more beneficiaries. vestment and promoting financial choices to earn a living, not just by The BSP, in partnership with var- learning among overseas Filipinos going overseas,” Opiniano says. ious government and private agen- and their beneficiaries. 16  haWaii filipinO ChrOniCle  MarCh 17, 2012