march 19, 2016 hawaii filiPino chronicle 1
♦ MARCH 19, 2016 ♦
CANDID PERSPECTIVES WHAT’S UP ATTORNEY? TAX TIME Politics anD Part 1: UsefUl showbiz in Poe Decision:is it tax tiPs anD america UnconstitUtional? strategies
PRESORTED HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE STANDARD 94-356 WAIPAHU DEPOT RD., 2ND FLR. U.S. POSTAGE WAIPAHU, HI 96797 PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 9661 2 hawaii filiPino chronicle march 19, 2016 EDITORIALS FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor ax season is fast approaching! Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Uniquely Filipino Easter Filing tax returns can be a time Publisher & Managing Editor consuming process for some, Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Traditions Associate Editors while for others it is downright Dennis Galolo | Edwin Quinabo daunting. Kudos to you early or Filipino Catholics, Easter is the “other Christ- T Contributing Editor filers but for procrastinators, Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. mas.” The Philippines is the only country in the keep in mind that the deadline to file your Creative Designer world that celebrates Christmas for an entire three Junggoi Peralta federal tax returns is Monday, April 18, months. But as far as religious holidays go, Easter Photography 2016. If you are in need of good tax filing advice, please turn is a very close second to Christmas in the hearts and Tim Llena F to page 16 for “Useful Tax Tips and Strategies.” Administrative Assistant minds of Filipinos. Lent starts with Ash Wednes- Shalimar Pagulayan April also means the Lenten Season, which is a beloved day—the beginning of Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and temptation Columnists time of the year for Filipinos. Most Filipinos set aside time in the desert—and culminates in a joyous Easter Sunday cele- Carlota Hufana Ader during Lent to reflect on the passion, death and resurrection Emil Guillermo bration when He arose from the grave three days after his cru- Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. of Jesus. Lilia Quindoza Santiago, Ph.D., writes more about cifixion. Ron Menor Lent in her cover story entitled “The Rituals of Lent: Sem- J.P. Orias Ever since Catholicism was introduced to the Philippines Pacita Saludes ana Santa in the Philippines.” If you usually give up meat over 500 years ago, the people have developed uniquely Fil- Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. or your favorite dessert during Lent, why not try something Charlie Sonido, M.D. ipino traditions in observance of the Lenten Season. In lieu of Cong. Mark Takai new this year? Consider going on an electronic fast and give Easter egg hunts as seen in Western countries, Filipinos have Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. up watching TV, Facebook, email, texting and all things Felino S. Tubera early morning mass, solemn processions and parades, Scrip- Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. electronic. No matter what you decide to do or give up dur- tural readings, church-to-church pilgrimages and dramatic Contributing Writers ing this Lenten season, let’s draw closer to God and prepare recreations on Easter Sunday. Most deny themselves from con- Clement Bautista for a fresh experience of His love this Easter. Teresita Bernales, Ed.D suming meat or other guilty pleasures, while the more devout In other news, if you have or know of a teenager who's Rose Churma ones choose to atone for their sins by having their backs Serafin Colmenares, Jr., Ph.D. into dancing or singing, you may want to sign them up for Julia Crowley whipped, wearing crowns of thorns or having their hands and the upcoming “Music, Art & Dance (MAD) Fest” scheduled Linda Dela Cruz feet nailed to a wooden cross. Fiedes Doctor for March 27, 2016 from 3 pm to 8 pm at the Filipino Com- Danny De Gracia, II, MA Some say that with the passing of time, more of these munity Center (FilCom) in Waipahu. Contestants will be Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand uniquely Filipino traditions will slowly fade away, due mainly Amelia Jacang, M.D. able to strut their stuff in music (Filipino song, contemporary Caroline Julian to increased secularization and Western influence. In metro- English and rap); art (illustrations and photography); or Raymund Ll. Liongson, Ph.D. politan areas, the Easter Bunny, egg hunts and mini-carnivals Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. dance (Filipino folk dance, contemporary and hip hop) cat- Deborah T. Manog are commonly seen at malls, shopping centers and hotels. egories. The event is co-sponsored by the Rizalian Youth Maita Milallos Some Filipinos use the long four-day holiday, which includes Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Council and FilCom and is open to all youth. The deadline Renelaine Bontol-Pfister Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, for family outings and to submit applications is Friday, March 25, 2016 by 3 pm. Seneca Moraleda-Puguan getaways. Thankfully, such foreign influences are still a long Lilia Q. Santiago, Ph.D. Call FilCom at 680-0451 for more details. Jay Valdez, Psy.D. way from replacing the traditional Easter traditions observed In closing, we encourage you to read the other informa- Glenn Wakai by Filipinos—a deeply religious people who take the Lenten Amado Yoro tive columns and articles in this issue. Feel free to email us Season seriously. Philippine Correspondent: at: [email protected] with any story idea, sug- Greg Garcia The choice to observe Lent is a personal one—the whole gestion or concern you may have. Neighbor Island Correspondents: point is to focus your heart and mind on Jesus who demon- Until our next issue…aloha and mabuhay! Big Island (Hilo and Kona) strated His immense love for mankind by laying down his life. Grace Larson | Ditas Udani The Lenten Season is a reminder of the importance of God’s Kauai love for us and the steep price that was paid for our salvation. Millicent Wellington Maui May the Blessed Hope of Easter fill our hearts and minds and Christine Sabado sustain us throughout the year. Easter blessings to all! America strong again; but any economist would tell you the Big Island Distributor Grace Larson | Ditas Udani dangers a trade war could have on the U.S.’s already fragile Kauai Distributor economy. Retail, one of the only few bright spots of the na- Amylou Aguinaldo 2016 Presidential tion’s economy, would sure to tailspin to abysmal lows as Nestor Aguinaldo Jimmy Iloreta most products sold in American retail stores could suddenly Maui Distributor Election: Decline of Media be too expensive to import. Imagine all those “Made in Cecile Piros China” products that practically all retailers carry – without Molokai Distributor Coverage And Rise of new suppliers and adequate manufacturing infrastructure in Maria Watanabe Oahu Distributor the U.S. – how could retailers replace these products that Populism Yoshimasa Kaneko their companies depend on for survival. The net result: more Jonathan Pagulayan learly the age of propaganda is upon us and it’s bankruptcies, less jobs, and a deeper recession looms. Advertising/Marketing Director no surprise that a masterful propagandist as Don- It’s a symbiotic relationship – Trump’s and the media. Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Account Executives ald Trump is reaping the benefits. Trump plays them for free publicity while the media Carlota Hufana Ader The ceiling may be collapsing on millions of bankrolls off his controversy and radical, inhumane ideas. J.P. Orias Americans but the mainstream media is more in- Speaking of radical, the GOP’s number two hopeful Ted The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published C weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. terested in shock value and profits to report on and is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Cruz wants to abolish the IRS almost entirely and keep a Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone (808) 678- real solutions to most of our pressing problems. bare-bones staff to process simple postcard payments from 8930 Facsimile (808) 678-1829. E-mail fil- [email protected]. Website: On the issue of jobs and the economy as an example, his revamped flat tax scheme. Shouldn’t the media be fol- www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions expressed by the columnists and contribu- Trump boastfully claims that he would be the greatest jobs- lowing through on what this would actually do to govern- tors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Re- creating president. But when Trump is pressed on the details, ment – a practically volunteer tax payment system resulting production of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the media is clearly content on his empty words and would in a shortfall of tax revenue that ultimately affects all the management. All rights reserved. much rather highlight rhetorical absurdities. branches of government, safety, security, and infrastructure? Printed in the U.S.A. Trump elaborates that restructuring foreign trade with Inquiring minds would want to know. But don’t expect a U.S. SBA SmAll BUSineSS JoUrnAliSt AwArdee memBer, Society of ProfeSSionAl China, Japan and Mexico through tariffs is one way to make (continued on page 3) JoUrnAliStS march 19, 2016 hawaii filiPino chronicle 3 CANDID PERSPECTIVES Politics and Showbiz in America Caucus. Were you all not feel- By the way, if you in the piece without being beholden stopped there. ing well? Was it some bad poi? Philippines are paying attention to a sense of truth, ethics or fair The Oscars could have set Unrefrigerated poke? What- to more than the anatomy of play? Of course, the politicians things straight if the very first ever it was, you gave thumbs candidates, then you’ll be want to keep all that. And so do award, the one for Best Origi- up to the man who has turned pleased to know that 1) Donald the TV folks, because who else nal Screenplay, went to Del By Emil Guillermo American politics into his own Trump has reversed himself on runs the advertising? Bottom Carmen, the only Asian Amer- reality show. torture and targeting families of line? Everyone wants every- ican nominated in one of top ay before the The debate before Florida, terrorists. Someone told him thing. Greed wins at every turn. categories. It could have made Republican De- yet another episode of “U.S. about the Geneva Convention And we’re not even to the con- a statement about diversity in bates, it was co- Democracy Live!” drew an au- and he’s decided it’s a decent ventions yet. There’s still the Hollywood but it wasn’t to be. median Jay dience of 16.9 million on Fox. document; 2) While defending campaign for the Fall and the Still Del Carmen was pretty ex- W Leno who said The ratings were consistently his “Build-a-Wall” idea to sat- last minute November blitz. cited to be there. famously that high with every debate and isfy xenophobic tendencies of Elections this year in the “Watching the show is “politics is show business for there’s been 12 of them now. some Americans and riffing U.S. are ratings gold. And the such a rare treat and so differ- ugly people.” Now it’s just TV execs realize they’ve about China’s “Great Wall,” he profit margins? No one’s pay- ent from what we’d see on ugly. got a real boondoggle going. did say he’d do something ing a big star or two or three, TV,” Del Carmen told me. “I If you saw the violence Ratings gold for news channels about China’s reclaiming land with writers and production had to stay in the moment, this erupt at the Donald Trump rally that would otherwise draw a and build up in the South China costs for a prime-time TV se- was a great honor to be here fi- in Chicago, then you know we handful of people to watch Sea. So he’s aware of the issue ries. Just a couple of podiums nally. I heard my name read on have a problem. If you don’t some rehashed cable news enough to mention it at a rally in an auditorium and Donald the very first category being think Trump incited this all, thing. They surely can’t be this week. Trump telling penis jokes. awarded. Blows the mind. We then you haven’t been watch- doing it to further democracy. But that doesn’t get as Politics as show business made it! ing the debates. Even in the so- Not unless you really think much play as his ongoing ex- for ugly people, indeed. Just “We won for Best Ani- called “nice” debate in Florida, people should be debating the change about his hands with ask Ronnie Del Carmen, who mated Feature and not for Best Trump couldn’t tone down his size of Donald Trump’s hands. the man he calls “little” Marco returned this week to the Bay Original Screenplay. We had anti-Muslim rhetoric. And it all seems to be working, Rubio. Of course, the real rea- Area after attending the Oscars quite the evening. After the The problem is Trump at least for Donald Trump. son to have more and more de- as a nominee for Best Original Governors’ Ball, my wife and I wants to be the leader of the Rubio’s campaign could be bates should be obvious. Screenplay for providing the skipped the Vanity Fair party free world. And that requires a finished after March 15 if he We should have them, and story for “Inside Out.” and went back to the hotel to little better temperament than doesn’t win in Florida. And Ted lots of them, if the debates and He was in Hollywood to be see my two kids. We sat down being head barker at the World Cruz has attributes that make their side-by-side comparisons among the really beautiful peo- to toast our victories. I was so Wrestling Federation. But then you say, “Hmm, Donald Trump could help control the high ple. This year, that meant happy they could join me on you know Trump’s appeal, may just be joking around. He costs of political campaigns “white,” especially if you were my special day.” Hawaii. might not be THAT bad…” and their biggest expenditure— a nominee. The Oscar show Typical for a humble guy The state sent him away After Chicago, I’m not sure. As political advertising. was must-see TV because of who shared his tale of EDSA the leader in last week’s record smarmy as Cruz can be, I don’t But giving up the right to the shutout of people of color with me last week. Del Carmen turnout for the Hawaii GOP think he’d incite a riot. produce your own targeted hit in the top Oscar categories. said the Asian joke that caused The night’s emcee, come- such a hubbub, the sight gag EDITORIALS (from page 2, 2016 PRESIDENTIAL....) became the first Black Amer- dian Chris Rock, was funny in with the Chinese kids brought write up anytime soon. ing both populist movements ican president. Considering his monologue, even with jokes out as the Oscar accountants, Interestingly, at the very from the right and left how much social change oc- about grandma hanging from a didn’t get much of an audience least the GOP is starting to wherein both Republicans curred during Obama’s tree. But he should have (continued on page 12) sound more in touch with the and Democrats actually share tenure, imagine what kind of average Joe’s struggle; and at similar values: investing changes the next president times, almost resembling more in the American people will be able to accomplish. talking points of the Demo- with better job and education The time is truly ripe for rev- cratic Party. opportunities. olutionary populist change. Gov. John Kasich’s talk Strip away the division Already, we are witnessing on tolerance of gays and uni- and blame game that the the revolutionary make-over fying all Americans to get party leaders espouse for of the Republican Party and along and Sen. Marco their own gain and what do the divorce of its two major Rubio’s quest to alleviate the you have: struggling Ameri- components: the Wall Street burdens of college graduate cans wanting a better life. elite now being abandoned by debt -- both are key tenets But why would the its once loyal white, working straight off the Democratic American media want to pro- class, uneducated, evangelical Party handbook. mote this populist concept, a base. Already, we have wit- Perhaps the biggest news media whose origin was built nessed a self-proclaimed so- story that has yet to be writ- on the societal woe of divi- cialist actually give Hilary ten is the sharp rise of pop- sion, antagonism and war. Clinton a run for her money in ulism from both the right and The 2016 presidential parts of the country. left. The media and politi- election is turning out to be If the current political en- cians still do everything in even more revolutionary, his- vironment is any indication their power to promote parti- torical, and frankly entertain- of what lies ahead, anything san politics. But there is an ing than the 2008 presidential is possible after the election organic real movement link- election when Barack Obama of our new president. 4 hawaii filiPino chronicle march 19, 2016 COVER STORY The Rituals of Lent: Semana Santa in the Philippines By Lilia Quindoza Santiago, Ph.D.
eople give up many things in the Christian world during the Lenten season. Children may give up chocolates, moms give up shopping and dads give P up their nightly can of beer.
Waipahu resident Desiree Santa.” In Tagalog, it is “Mahal rative of Jesus Christ becoming Joi Mateo and her brother have na Araw.” The season begins man, Filipinos have re-in- given up meat—a decision that five weeks early on Ash vented and spruced up the challenges their resolve. Wednesday, usually during the Lenten narrative to come up “Every Friday has been a month of February or early with social gatherings that are struggle to get through because March. Filipino Catholics at- part of the Filipino Holy Week of the fact that I cannot eat tend mass to have their fore- ritual. Foremost among these meat,” she says. “My brother heads marked with the sign of rituals are the Senakulo, the and I are the only ones in the the cross. The cross reminds Pasyon, the Moriones Festival family who follow this restric- them of their need to repent if in Marinduque, the Visita Igle- tion. When our parents cook life has not been good, or if sia, Stations of the Cross, the meat for a meal on Friday, my they have done some bad Siete Palabras on Holy Thurs- on Calvary and his ultimate many epic poems among the brother and I have to cook our things to others. They need to day and Good Friday, and fi- crucifixion and death. The ethnolinguistic groups in the own food or go out and buy ask forgiveness for their human nally the “Salubong” drama is staged in town plazas country. food. It’s a good thing we love errors. The mark of the cross is (Meeting), that precedes Resur- or municipal halls located near In the Pasyon ritual, the sushi.” an acceptance of one’s mortal- rection rites on the eve of the church. neighborhood gathers at a Whatever is given up is in ity and vulnerability. From then Easter Sunday. In Manila, urban poor house, a community chapel or the spirit of sacrifice, however on, the Catholic mass liturgy A closer look at these ritu- communities such as the ones “visita,” a room in the town little or inconsequential, it is in and gospel, including the als show how Lent is drama- in Tondo re-enact the Senakulo hall or even at a made-up altar keeping with the Lord’s sacri- priest’s homily, focus on the tized and now part of to call attention to the suffering on a sidestreet to chant and fice of giving up His life for all story of the Passion, death and Philippine theatrical history. of the poor and their struggles offer prayer. Chanters have a of humanity. On Easter Sun- resurrection of Jesus Christ. The dramatization has been against poverty. The suffering lead person known as the “can- day, there is rejoicing, rebirth, Being the only Catholic woven into custom and tradi- of the poor is depicted as simi- tora” (singer) who is a master life is renewed and hopefully, a and Christian country in Asia, tion for hundreds of years. lar to that of Christ carrying the of the tune and thus leads in the better kind of life begins. the Philippines has developed cross on Calvary. singing. The chorus collec- In the Philippines, Lent is Lenten traditions that are Senakulo tively reads from a printed text. known in most places for its uniquely Filipino. While liter- The Senakulo is the fore- The Pasyon There are three texts that Spanish name, “Semana ally following the biblical nar- most religious drama for Lent. The most popular Lenten have been used in the Pasyon. This drama was imported from ritual undeniably is the Pasyon, The earliest known one is writ- Catholic Europe during the also known as the “Pabasa.” ten by Gaspar Aquino de Spanish period and is a main- As the name implies, this is the Belen, published in Tagalog in stay in many Lenten celebra- reading of the passion of 1704 as “Ang Mahal na Pasyon tions in the provinces as the Christ. Jesus’ life from birth to ni Jesu Cristong Panginoon drama is written in the lan- death is chanted through verses Natin na Tola” (The Holy Pas- guages of the regions. written in five stanzas, each sion of our Lord Jesus that is a The plot follows the narra- with octava (eight syllables) Poem). tive of the suffering of Jesus lines. The chanting and the for- Aniceto de la Merced pub- from his agony in the Garden mat of the Pasyon have been lished “El Libro de la Vida” of Gethsemane, to the Last sup- indigenized and follow the pat- (The Book of (Jesus) Life in per, to his carrying of the cross tern of the chanting of the 1852. Then there is the Pasy- ong Genesis or Pasyong Pilapil published in 1814. Filipino scholar Reynaldo Ileto studied Pasyon in all three texts and published a book on Pasyon and Revolution (1979). He as- serts that the Pasyon, rather than render Filipinos sub- servient to Spanish rule, may have instead inspired them to take up arms against their (continued on page 5) march 19, 2016 hawaii filiPino chronicle 5 COVER STORY
(from page 3, THE RITUALS...) Spanish colonizers. soldier Longinus, who partici- The chanting of the Pasyon pated in the crucifixion and can begin as early as the night saw Christ rise from the tomb. of Domingo de Ramos or Palm He goes around confused and Sunday and may end on Good proclaims that he saw the risen Friday or Holy Saturday. The Christ. His fellow Roman sol- community or barangay where diers beheaded him in order to the Pasyon is read usually has stop him from spreading the a host who takes charge of pro- message about the resurrection. viding food and merienda for The rising of Christ from the participants. Sometimes, a the tomb and Longinus going whole family invites profes- around town to proclaim that sional Pasyon readers to their he saw the Risen Christ are re- A procession is held in Vigan, Ilocos Sur on Good Friday where huge statues are pulled by a car and home and their own guests to enacted in the town plaza with taken around the plaza. (right): The Galvan's residence in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur serves as the 7th Sta- tion of the Cross. Photos by lorenz-Jo Galvan sing with the chanters. the soldiers wearing different types of masks and parading Galvan visited his hometown The Domingo de Ramos the streets. A mock chase of of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, in Formal Holy Week cele- Longinus and his beheading April 2012 for a family funeral. brations are ushered in through are staged as some townspeo- He participated in the Stations the Domingo de Ramos or ple acting as Roman soldiers of the Cross in Vigan and Santa Palm Sunday. In this ritual, exchange dialogues and recite Maria. palm leaves are brought by their dramatic lines in Tagalog. “In Vigan, there were huge Catholic parishioners into The re-enactment of these statues that were pulled by a car church as they take part in a scenes is accompanied by and went all around the plaza procession led by the priest. music from a brass band. The and the town,” he recalls. “The The palms are blessed in the people who join in the Mori- prayers were in Ilokano and mass. Street vendors peddle ones, many of them tourists, played over a speaker and we palm leaves designed in exqui- line up on the sidestreets to bowed during some parts of it.” site shapes and sizes for sale on watch. In Galvan’s hometown, his sidestreets of churches. parents’ home was used as one went on our knees during parts The Siete Palabras Honolulu resident Kenneth Visita Iglesia and Stations of of the stations of the cross, with where we needed to kneel and The mass where the “Siete Simon remembers how his rel- the Cross each station lasting about an held candles,” he says. “It was Palabras” or the “Seven Last atives would visit the public On Holy Thursday, an af- hour and a half. His family also an interesting experience. I was Words” before Jesus dies is market and buy bouquets of ternoon mass is usually held contributed a statue of Jesus in happy that I participated in- done at noon on Good Friday. palm leaves that were folded with the officiating priest the parade. stead of staying home and The day is the most solemn of into birds or flowers. inviting prominent parish- “Me and my siblings watching TV with my all days during the Semana “They were works of art ioners of the town for the rit- walked all around the town, cousins.” (continued on page 6) and very beautiful to look at,” ual of the washing of the feet. he says. “During the Palm Sun- The priest washes the feet of day mass, the palms are waved these parishioners during and the priest would go around mass. It is also on Holy Thurs- and bless the ramos with holy day that devout Catholics do water. After the mass, my the Stations of the Cross and grandmother would hang the the Visita Iglesia. In most ramos in front of our door and Catholic churches in the little altar. She told me it would Philippines, there are icons help to bring rain for a good that signify one station where harvest season.” Jesus stopped on the road to The reading of the gospel Calvary where he was cruci- on Palm Sunday is also one of fied. the longest. There are three Sometimes, these Stations readers—a narrator, Jesus and of the Cross are taken outside one who represents the people. of the church and spread out Jesus is followed by His disci- throughout one village of the ples and predicts His coming barangay. Fourteen houses in death as He tells the disciples the neighborhood or locality they would disappoint him, be- are selected and then set up ginning with Peter who denies with an altar and made as sta- him twice. The liturgy then nar- tions of the cross. rates how Judas finally betrays In the Visita Iglesia, devout him for 30 pieces of silver. parishioners go around differ- ent parts of the town to offer The Moriones prayers at different churches. The Moriones is a unique This usually happens in large ritual that is held only in the cities and municipalities where towns of Marinduque, a small there is more than one Catholic island province south of Luzon. church. The ritual is about the Roman Waipahu resident Lorenz J. 6 hawaii filiPino chronicle march 19, 2016 OPINION The Worsening Climate Problem world if we can achieve INTROSPECTIVE By Tony Katigbak it. But in order to do that, have written pity we had to get to this point, we all have to help reach about our deteri- it’s not too late and we should our goals. orating planet in focus now on making a change Here in the Philip- the past and will while we still can. pines it really has become continue to do In line with this, former time to focus on renew- I so because the United States Vice President Al able energy. That is how problem is real Gore was in the Philippines for we can do our part. We and it’s just getting worse. Just a three-day leadership corps need to stop relying on because we don’t think about it training by the Climate Reality carbon based fuels for the or talk about it doesn’t make it Project, of which he is the majority of our energy less real. In fact, we’re just kid- founder. Climate warriors from and focus on renewable ding ourselves if we think we all over Asia (roughly 700) energy sources like solar can do nothing and the problem gathered in the country for the and wind. So much of it is will go away. It’s this ignorance training and to learn more After all, who can forget We have definitely come to available to us – solar energy in and indifference that brought about solid steps we can all the devastation of the extreme the point where we can no particular – it seems a waste us to where we are in the first take to reduce our carbon foot- weather events that have rav- longer ignore the effects climate not to harness this energy place and if we continue on this print and begin to make a real aged the country in the past? change is having on our planet. source and continue using dirty way, this indifference is what difference in our world. From Milenyo to Ondoy to the Last weekend, Gore went to carbon based fuels. With alter- will spell our doom. Personally, I don’t think most recent Super Typhoon Tacloban as part of his new doc- natives at our disposal there is As far back as when my the news of this training and Yolanda (Haiyan). We have umentary on climate change. no excuse for us not to be using daughter was a little girl, peo- this environmental summit is had our share of horror from Along with Senator Loren clean energy. Granted it will ple were already talking about getting as much traction as it Mother Nature and it’s only Legarda and Tacloban Mayor take a big investment on our the effect we were having on deserves. We are instead focus- just a preview of how bad Alfred Romualdez, Gore went part to get the infrastructure our planet. Back then, in the ing so much on the candidates things can become. Even those to the different recovering into place, but the investment late 1980s the fear was already and the election and the whole who are suspicious and dubi- barangays and visited with sev- will be worth it in the long run. there in terms of the longevity circus that comes with it. While ous of climate change can’t eral families who were dis- At the end of the day, I of our natural resources and the I understand that this is also deny that things have steadily placed when the super typhoon think we need to recognize sustainability of our planet, but important, it seems like looking become worse in the last five hit. He also went to the ceme- that we only have one world. the threat was abstract and ob- at the small picture when the years alone. The world is get- tery where thousands were We need to do our part in tak- scure. It was like talking about big picture is crumbling right ting hotter and the natural buried in a mass burial site. ing care of it. If we do, it will running out of snacks from a before us. calamities are getting worse. I honestly don’t know what take care of us. If we don’t… giant bowl that was still full. According to the Long- We have just been lucky that else will motivate us to act. We well, we’ve seen what can We knew that we might run out Term Climate Risk Index of the since Yolanda we have not yet have all seen, with our own happen. As we head into the eventually, but we knew that it thinktank Germanwatch, the had to endure another storm of eyes, the horrors climate elections it’s important for us would still be a long time be- Philippines ranks fifth as the similar magnitude. But, that’s change can unleash and yet to take a closer look at the en- fore that day arrived. most affected country in terms not to say it won’t happen we’re still dragging our feet. vironmental platforms of the Well, that day is here. As of weather events from 1994 to again. After all, after Yolanda Globally, countries have made possible candidates. We need we continue to grab snacks 2013 with roughly 1.13 deaths hit, researchers have claimed the commitment to trying to to choose a leader who we from the bowl we can already per 100,000 people as well as that if we don’t change, it’s limit global warming to just know will be a good steward see the bottom and we know losses to the GDP in the same only a matter of time before two degrees Celsius. This is an not just of the Philippines, but that it’s only a matter of time period. The country experi- storms like Yolanda are the important decision that can o f t h e w o r l d t o o . before there is nothing left. And enced the most number of ex- norm. help make a difference in the (www.philstar.com) the worse part is that we could treme weather events with a have prevented this situation if total of at least 328. Looking at COVER STORY (from page 5, THE RITUALS....) we had just taken action it that way it’s almost cold and Santa. It is on Good Friday that in church or attending the mass participation of children as an- sooner. Instead we chose to ig- sanitized. To see the suffering Jesus dies. Silence and reverie can hear them. gels who come down from nore the signs and just continue of so many reduced to statistics is observed. This is usually de- In many towns especially heaven to assist in the meeting on our way and now we find makes me feel exceptionally clared a holy day and people those in Bulacan, icons of saints of the Holy Virgin Mary and ourselves in a position of hav- sad. While other countries stay home, fast and do peni- or santos, as the parishioners her son Jesus Christ. The ritual ing to be reactionary when we around the world see only the tence. call them, are brought out of the is set up at a high level at the could have practiced preven- numbers, we in the Philippines Meat as food is avoided household, adorned with deco- church where the choir sings tion instead. Still, while it’s a have lived them. and unnecessary and noisy ac- rations in a float and displayed and a child dressed as an angel tivities are shunned. In the to the townspeople in a long descends to remove the veil of Seven Last Words, the priest street procession. Thus, it is also the Virgin Mary so she can see invites laymen to do a reflec- on Good Friday during the town her Son and meet Him. tion of the meaning of each of procession that people are re- Statues of the Virgin and the Seven Last Words. Those galed with the different santos Christ are then set up to meet invited write down their that are usually owned by the each other in the central part of thoughts and deliver them in richest people of the town. the church. The members of the the pulpit where the priest does choir are dressed as angels sing the homily or sermon. At times, The Salubong (Meeting) the Alleluia chorus. This is these reflections of the Seven The final interesting and done on the evening of Holy Last Words are broadcast in indigenized ritual of Lent is the Saturday and precedes the res- town so that those who are not “Salubong” which features the (continued on page 7) march 19, 2016 hawaii filiPino chronicle 7 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS
Hirono Urges High Court to Uphold President’s grant the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Immigration Actions system. ance does this by encouraging broad discretion to determine A section from the brief eligible persons to submit to a how to best enforce our coun- .S. Sen. Mazie K. Hi- Americans (DAPA) and ex- reads: “Apart from its hu- background check so they can try’s immigration laws. rono and 224 other panded Deferred Action for maneness in keeping families be identified and classified, The Supreme Court will Umembers of Congress Childhood Arrivals (DACA) intact, the DAPA Guidance fa- and by enabling those with an hear oral arguments in United filed an amicus brief to the programs. cilitates the implementation of economic need to support States v. Texas on April 18, Supreme Court in the United Both programs are on hold the Secretary’s priorities and themselves lawfully.” 2016. In December 2015, Hi- States v. Texas case, in which until the case is resolved by thus promotes the efficient and The brief filed by Demo- rono joined 33 Senators and Texas and 25 other states sued the Supreme Court, leaving effective execution of the im- cratic members of Congress 184 Representatives in author- to block implementation of workers and families across migration laws consistent with makes it clear that DAPA and ing a separate amicus brief President Barack Obama’s the country in limbo due to our the limited enforcement re- expanded DACA are based on urging the Supreme Court to Deferred Action for Parents of nation’s broken immigration sources available. The Guid- laws enacted by Congress that hear the case. State DBEDT Launches Creative Lab Accelerator Program he State Department of sive Program, which is a year- oping the opportunities and Skinner, CID Chief Officer and trepreneurs have been men- Business, Economic long experience comprised of skills needed to navigate CLH Program founder. tored to hone their craft and to TDevelopment and three phases: an immersive 5- today’s multi-platform media “Through a public-private part- expand their global export ca- Tourism’s (DBEDT) Creative day workshop, 10-months of landscape in film, television, nership, Hawaii’s creative en- pacity.” Industries Division (CID) re- project mentoring and a week of mobile and online media. cently announced the start of its business development meetings Qualified applicants will Creative Lab Hawaii Accelera- with industry leaders in key receive coaching from John Phil Consulate to Use tor Program (CLH Program). markets outside of the state. Soriano, a graduate of the Uni- The CLH Program is an Strategic partners include the versity of Southern California Modified Postal Voting economic development initia- Writers Guild of America, West, film school who has wrote, de- tive that started in 2012. The Producers Guild of America, veloped and supervised motion for 2016 Election program is designed to acceler- The Modern Honolulu, Hawaii picture and television projects he Philippine government’s Commission on Elec- ate the growth of Hawaii’s cre- International Film Festival and in Hollywood for more than 20 tions has adopted the use of Automated Election ative entrepreneurs through SpeediShuttle. years; Kevin J. Foxe, a pro- TSystem Modified Postal Voting which will allow immersive, hands-on training The Screenwriting Immer- ducer, writer and director who Philippine citizens to cast overseas absentee ballots at the in broadband/new media, pro- sive workshop was held March has been worked in film, digi- Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu from April 9, ducing, screenwriting, interac- 14-18, 2016 at The Modern tal, web and multimedia for 2016 through May 9, 2016—just in time for the country’s tive media, music and Honolulu for writers in all gen- over 30 years; and Sonia elections. design/fashion. res looking to develop new Mehandjiyska, a 15-year enter- All registered voters of the Philippine Consulate Gen- “We continue to focus on content for motion pictures, tel- tainment industry veteran who eral in Honolulu who wish to receive their ballots through our overall growth strategy to evision and broadband. Se- has extensive experience in the the mail are requested to submit to their request to the Con- create jobs, raise income and lected applicants in the selling and distribution of films sulate’s Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group before cultivate innovation,” says immersive workshop received and television series and is April 22, 2016. Voters must submit requests via email to: DBEDT Director Luis Salave- coaching on script writing and head of international distribu- [email protected] or by calling (808) 595- ria. “These types of programs taking projects to market on tion at Electric Entertainment. 6316. help to position Hawaii as an multiple platforms. “We are absolutely thrilled All requests received after April 22, 2016 will not be ac- innovation and knowledge- A second workshop, the about the caliber of coaches cepted. based economy.” Producing Immersive, is who have agreed to share their The 2016 season begins scheduled for March 21-25, time and expertise with our with the Creative Lab Immer- 2015 and will focus on devel- participants,” says Georja
COVER STORY (from page 6, THE RITUALS....) Hawaii continue to hold fast to the Lenten season and its rich traditions. “My relatives still observe Lent but in a lighter, yet still solemn mode like in the Philip- pines,” Galvan says. Filipinos in Hawaii know the impact of Lent in their per- sonal lives. They have a good memory of the Lenten tradi- tions that have been kept alive urrection on Easter Sunday. day, churches are usually filled through the years. These tradi- To Filipinos, Easter Sun- with parishioners who have tions encourage individuals to day is celebrated as the “other taken part in all the rituals and live their lives with humility Christmas of the year” and is feel they have undergone some and grace, to reflect on their known as “Pasko ng Muling kind of cleansing to be able to flawed humanity, to seek for- Pagkabuhay” or Feast of the live the everyday over again. giveness and to move on as Resurrection. On Easter Sun- Many Filipino families in changed people for the better. 8 hawaii filiPino chronicle march 19, 2016 BUSINESS Analysis: Financial Scandals Put Philippines on
heist and has put the Philip- 'Dirty Money' Map pines on the map as a destina- By Emmanuel J. Lopez tion for dirty money. Initial volving a former employee of amount uncovered was $81 the PSE who doubles as an in- million with a peso value of at ecent local fi- structor of a reputable school least P4 billion was traced to a nancial scandals while sidelining as an invest- local bank and wired back have embraced ment advisor will not do any overseas, in a span of only a the headlines of good to our local bourse, In few days. The total amount major news fact it is certain to create a stolen and hacked from the R dailies the past drawback in our drive to at- victimized country, two weeks. The tract investors in this side of Bangladesh, could reach $1 double-whammy experience, the market. billion. The stashed amount, no matter how you look at it, This smart alec was occu- meanwhile, could have been has stirred suspicions and un- pied with deceitful activities afforded interested investors the die has been cast. As a re- bigger had it not been for the certainties on our local stabil- as early as 2013 despite al- an innate confidence. He is sult, many have fallen prey to timely detection of concerned ity and control as well as our ready been out of the PSE also authorized to give semi- the scam—an offshoot of lax- authorities. sincerity as an investment des- commission. He went on and nars that provide literacy and ity of agencies that are sup- The activity should re- tination. The first occurrence, continued to pursue his ill-in- information about financial posed to protect people’s quire intense investigation. the alleged large-scale swin- tent with utmost impunity. operations. Given these re- interest and gains. Foreign as well as local in- dling activity perpetrated by a This thick-faced guy was able sponsibilities, who would not As if the incident was not vestors who wanted extreme former point man of the to cheat an undetermined believe him? There is that big enough to cast doubt on our protection for hard-earned cur- Philippine Stock Exchange number of individuals, poten- probability that you will be local financial market which rency might fall prey to this (PSE), has put the agency and tial and existing investors to- duped because of his back- in truth still needs to make its kind of cyber criminals in the the entire bourse market in a taling to an approximate ground as a legitimate em- mark, a case of money laun- midst of the country’s thrust fix in terms of trust and confi- amount of P350 million which ployee of the the PSE and dering, perhaps the biggest in for development. The govern- dence that should be accorded includes both the principal and fully authorized to disseminate our history, and a high-level ment, for its part, should take the institution. Likewise, the interest. The amount could information about the nitty conspiracy allegedly involving a proactive position to protect occurrence of what could be even be higher had we in- gritty of the trade. prominent names in business not only local financial stabil- the country’s biggest money cluded transactions made be- If a person, an insider of through a reputable bank has ity but likewise our image in laundering scandal and biggest fore 2013, the time when he an agency, whose job is to pro- been perpetrated. This “dirty the international financial cyber heist of recent years was still with the PSE. The mote and protect the welfare money” upon investigation community. (www.philstar.com) should be a test of mettle on amount, without doubt, has of an investor, is capable of came from a bank robbery in the country’s financial market been accumulated over years committing a scam of this Manhattan, allegedly owned emmanUel J. loPez, Ph.D. integrity. of covert operation. This dis- magnitude that has adversely by the Bangladesh Central is an associate professor at the University of Santo Tomas and the The country, particularly honest practice—done instead affected people’s lives, then Bank, transferred to the local chair of its Department of Econom- who can be trusted? How can bank via cross-border elec- the financial market, has been of enticing existing sharehold- ics. Views reflected in this article seriously calling for active ers to expand their invest- we attract new and interested tronic fraud. It can qualify as are his own. For comments participation of people who ment—will most likely reduce investors in the local securities the world’s biggest cybercrime email:[email protected] can engage and invest in the people’s interest or even cause market? The occurrence has shares market, yet the call fell active investors to withdraw already created mixed reac- HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS on deaf ears. Perhaps people from it, dealing a big blow to tions and apprehensions in the know the risk that accompa- our drive of stabilizing our fi- local and international scene. Philippine Consulate to nies the trade, the uncertainty nancial market. The PSE, for its part, should brought by the volatility of The mere fact that the al- have been extra vigilant with Hold Araw ng Kagitingan this kind of venture and the leged perpetrator was an em- its job and must have released stumbling blocks behind the ployee of an agency that a disclaimer against the sus- Ceremony Araw ng Kagitingan will very low literacy rate of Fil- promotes the interest of in- pect as early as 2013. It seems, he Philippine Con- include speeches by guests of ipinos behind this investment vestors to engage in this kind however, that none has been sulate General in Hon- honor, the laying of memorial medium. The recent scam in- of investment medium already made until very recently, when Tolulu will observe the wreaths in honor of fallen sol- 74th anniversary of Araw ng diers, the playing of taps and a Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on memorial gun salute. April 16, 2016 at the National Invited guests for Araw ng Memorial Cemetery of the Pa- Kagitingan include state and cific’s Main Memorial Shrine city elected officials, military from 2 pm to 4 pm. officials, veterans, the Con- The ceremony will pay sular Corps of Hawaii and tribute to all Filipino and members of the Filipino com- American veterans who munity. The scheduled guest fought in defense of freedom speaker is Jose L. Cuisa Jr., during World War II. The Con- Philippine Ambassador to the sulate is co-organizing the U.S. event with leaders of the Fil- More information on ipino community and the Fil- Araw ng Kagitingan is avail- ipino-American Veterans of able by calling the Consulate World War II. at 595-6316. march 19, 2016 hawaii filiPino chronicle 9 WHAT’S UP ATTORNEY? Part I Poe Decision: Is It Unconstitutional? church in Iloilo City, Philip- he/she filed a COC for? Did pines on September 3, 1968 by the majority read our book a certain Edgardo Militar. He with retired Judge Artemio S. By Atty. Emmanuel turned over custody of Poe to Tipon “Winning by Knowing Samonte Tipon Emiliano Militar and his wife. Our Election Laws” where we On September 6, 1968, Emil- cite cases decided by the person who iano reported Poe as a Supreme Court stating or rec- aspires to oc- foundling in the Civil Regis- ognizing that the Comelec has cupy the high- trar of Iloilo City. The name jurisdiction under Sec. 78 of est position in given Poe was Mary Grace the Omnibus Election Code the land must Natividad Contreras Militar. over a petition to deny due “A obey the high- When Poe was 5 years course or cancel a certificate est law of the old, Ronald Allan Kelley Poe of candidacy and determine land.” Elamparo v. Poe, SPA (Fernando Poe, Jr.) and Jesusa whether a false representation No. 15-001 (DC) Comelec, Sonora Poe (Susan Roces) as to material facts was made Second Division, Resolution, filed a petition for Poe’s adop- in the COC? See Domino v. Dec. 1, 2015. tion in San Juan, Rizal. On Comelec, 310 SCRA 546 The term “unconstitu- May 13, 1974, the court United States. She stated that ity opinion, Justice Jose Portu- (1999) (Comelec has jurisdic- tional” means not allowed by granted the petition and or- she had resided outside of the gal Perez, correctly stated that tion under Section 78 of the the constitution of a country; dered Poe’s name to be U.S. (specifically the Philip- the issue before the Comelec Omnibus Election Code over not according or consistent changed to Mary Grace Na- pines) from September 3, was whether Poe’s COC petition to deny due course or with the constitution of a body tividad Sonora Poe. 1968 to July 29, 1991 and should be denied due course or cancel COC and can deter- politic.” Merriam-Webster On July 27, 1991, Poe from May 2005 to the present. cancelled on the ground that mine whether false representa- Dictionary. The term also married Teodoro Misael On October 2, 2012, Poe filed she made a “false material tion was made as to residence means “in violation of the re- Daniel V. Llamanzares, a dual with the COMELEC a COC misrepresentation”. For the of candidate; Labo v. Com- quirements of the constitution Filipino-American citizen, in for Senator for the 2013 elec- majority opinion see elec, 211 SCRA 297 (1992) of a nation or state.” San Juan City. They went back tions wherein she answered “6 http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/ (Comelec cancelled COC of http://www.thefreedictionary.c to the U.S. where they had years and 6 months” to the web/viewer.html?file=/ju- candidate stating he was a om/unconstitutional. been residing. On October 18, question “Period of residence risprudence/2016/march2016/ “natural born” Filipino when On March 3, 2016, the 2001, Poe became a natural- in the Philippines before May 221697.pdf in fact he had become an Aus- Philippine Supreme Court ren- ized American citizen. On De- 13, 2013.” Poe was elected But the opinion incor- tralian citizen. The most recent dered a decision by a vote of 9 cember 13, 2004, Poe returned senator on May 16, 2013. rectly stated that the Comelec decision is Caballero v. Com- to 6, granting the petition to to the Philippines upon learn- On October 15, 2015, Poe “cannot itself, in the same can- elec, G.R. No. 209835, de- annul and set aside three Com- ing of her adoptive father’s de- filed her COC for the Presi- cellation case, decide the qual- cided on 09/22/2015, where elec resolutions canceling the teriorating health condition. dency in the May 9, 2016 elec- ification or lack thereof of the the Supreme Court held that Certificate of Candidacy After her father died, Poe went tions, stating that she is a candidate.” How can the Com- the Comelec did not commit (COC) of Mary Grace Nativi- back to the U.S. on February natural born citizen and that elec decide whether there is a an error in cancelling the COC dad S. Poe-Llamanzares 3, 2005. On May 24, 2005, her residence in the Philip- “false material misrepresenta- of a mayoral candidate for ma- (“Poe”) for President of the Poe returned to the Philip- pines up to the day before the tion”, unless it determines terial misrepresentation when Philippines in the May 9, 2016 pines, obtained a Tax Identifi- May 9, 2016 elections would whether the candidate is qual- he stated in his COC that he elections. The Comelec had cation number, her 3 children be ten years and eleven ified for the position that (continued on page 12) ruled that Poe is not a natural followed, she purchased a months counted from May 24, born citizen, that she failed to condominium unit in San Juan 2005. Four petitions were filed complete the ten year resi- City in the latter part of 2005. with the Comelec to deny due dency requirement, and that On February 14, 2006 Poe course or cancel Poe’s COC. she committed material mis- traveled to the U.S. to super- The petitions basically alleged representation in her COC vise the disposal of the fam- that Poe committed material when she declared therein that ily’s belongings and returned misrepresentation in her COC she has been a resident of the to the Philippines on March when she stated that she is a Philippines for ten years and 11, 2006. natural-born citizen and a res- eleven months as of May 9, On July 7, 2006, Poe took ident of the Philippines for ten 2016. The Supreme Court held her oath of allegiance to the years and eleven months be- that Poe is a qualified candi- Republic of the Philippines fore the May 9, 2016 elec- date for President in the May pursuant to Republic Act tions. Two divisions of the 9, 2016 elections and that the 9225. On July 10, 2006, Poe Comelec granted the petitions procedure and conclusions filed with the Bureau of Immi- and cancelled her COC. Poe from which the Comelec reso- gration a petition to reacquire then filed a petition for certio- lutions emanated are tainted Philippine citizenship. On July rari with the Supreme Court, with grave abuse of discretion 18, 2006, the BI issued an which on March 8, 2016, amounting to lack of jurisdic- Order that Poe had reacquired granted her petition and set tion. her Philippine citizenship. On aside the Comelec resolutions Mary Grace Natividad S. July 12, 2011, Poe executed by a vote of 9 to 6. Poe-Llamanzares (“Poe”) was before the U.S. Embassy an found abandoned as a new Oath/Affirmation of Renunci- Primary Issue born infant in a Catholic ation of Nationality of the The ponente of the major- 10 hawaii filiPino chronicle march 19, 2016 FOOD & LEISURE Meatless, Guiltless Pleasures at Crimson Hotel By Ching M. Alano (Editor's Note: If you are visiting Manila and looking for a meat-free dishes during the Lenten season, you may want to read this article for your reference.)
ANILA, Philippines – The Lenten season is upon us, a M time when C h r i s t i a n s are called on to repent, relent, rethink and re-examine their Pan-tastic: Pan-seared sea bass with baby spinach, sweet pea puree, and spiced sweet potato. lives. Since the reason for the holy season is that Jesus Christ with the Golden Easter Kids At Crimson Hotel, guests sacrificed His life to save Fest that includes a Mad Sci- also get a fine taste of great art mankind, the assorted hard- ence kids show, Easter egg by local artists that brighten up core carnivores among us are hunt, kids’ maze, loot bags, a wall here and a corner there. making the supreme sacrifice Get fresh: Salmon comes fresh daily at Cafe 8. and snack box at the Grand “The hotel owners invest a lot of abstaining from meat — Ballroom, 2 to 4 p.m. (at in local art,” says Sagaran. and other meaty, guilty pleas- bass that’s grilled to thrill in cream will melt your heart — P1,198 per ticket). For March 24-25, room ures! crusty, caramelized perfection. you can repent later and burn To make Sunday family rates start at P6,000 net with Not eating meat for a Truly, in crust, we trust! It sits the calories by jogging (no, bonding even more exciting breakfast for two and Visita whole week (or maybe even on a mound of baby spinach you won’t burn in hell for eat- and enticing, chef Bower has Iglesia transportation. Yes, for a lifetime) is not really with sweet pea puree and ing ice cream during Holy come up with a dim sum sta- Easter Mass will be held. For hard to do if you visit Crimson spiced sweet potato. And then Week). Another sweet tempta- tion, a Wagyu beef rump carv- March 26-27, room rates start Hotel, where the new execu- there’s poached asparagus, tion that’s hard to resist is Cafe ing station, and a selection of at P7,900 net with Sunday tive chef, Martin Bower, has your dream green, smothered 8’s leche flan, a take on the cured fish and terrines. brunch for two and Golden whipped up some meat-free, with soft poached hen eggs cherished Pinoy custard that’s In addition, health buffs Easter Kids Fest tickets for guilt-free offerings for Lent. A and Bearnaise sauce. as indulgently egg yolk-rich as will surely love Cafe 8’s two. true Brit gentleman from Of course, non-meat what your grandma probably healthy selection of fresh The truth is, Crimson Rugby (yes, the home of the eaters can also choose from used to make. greens and light appetizers at Hotel in Filinvest, Alabang, rugby sport), Martin trained in the fresh buffet offerings at “Weekends are made for the salad bar. Over at the bev- with its five-star modern, artsy classical French cuisine at the Cafe 8: steamed fish soy and family bonding over good erage bar, you can enjoy your but homey, welcoming, and re- Stratford College under ginger, fried popcorn shrimp food and fun activities,” says healthy share of refreshing, laxing ambience is fast becom- renowned chefs. Having curry salt, stir-fry yellow noo- Michael Anthony Sagaran, nutrient-packed drinks from a ing not just a foodie honed his craft with chefs dles with vegetables and marketing and communica- juicer with select fresh vegeta- destination but also a favorite from the fine culinary corners seafood, fried rice eggs at the tions manager, Crimson Hotel bles and fruits. staycation place down south. of the world, Martin’s cooking Asian Section; seared salmon Alabang. So, what else is brewing at Putting a premium on guests’ bears such influences as the saffron and chive sauce, The Sunday brunch buffet Cafe 8? There are upgraded welfare, the hotel boasts fusion food culture of Mel- steamed veggies herb butter, caters especially to kids with sections that include Japanese rooms with air-conditioning bourne (Australia) and Phuket baked fish with mango, chili familiar, well-loved food with its premium selection of units that are equipped with (Thailand). And now, this cre- and coriander salsa, sinigang items such as chicken nuggets fresh tuna and salmon sashimi, energy recovery ventilation for ative, innovative chef is bent fish, gratin of eggplant and given a healthier twist by an improved seafood section, continuous circulation of fresh on making Crimson Hotel Al- tomato with mozzarella at the Crimson’s dream team of and eggs benedict section. air. There are 345 guest rooms, abang the premier dining des- Western Section; assorted chefs, who prepare everything The latest additions to the 20 suites and 34 executive tination south of Manila. sushi at the live station; from scratch using only the brunch buffet set (priced af- rooms with amenities of inter- For Holy Week, Martin seafood soup, potato, herb and freshest, natural, preservative- fordably at P1,600 per head, national standards. Aside from prepares two lean but mean white truffle soup at the soup free ingredients. But of including bottomless juices) Cafe 8 for breakfast, lunch and dishes exclusively for The station. course, there are the sweet include imported cold cuts of dinner, it has the Lobby Philippine STAR, to delight The dessert offerings are treats at the dessert station for salami from Italy, Serrano Lounge for desserts, nibblers, the taste buds and lighten the to diet for. The divine home- kids and kids-at-heart. There’s ham from Spain, and Saucis- coffee and tea; the Deck Bar spirit. There’s pan-seared sea made (or is it hotel-made?) ice also the kiddie candy bar with son sausages from France, for open-air dining with the ice cream and crepe sta- from suppliers personally Dedon Nestrest loungers for tion, plus a variety of ingredi- handpicked by chef Bower. some quiet relaxation; the ents you can toss into your And if you wanna get real Grand Ballroom for conven- glass to make your own halo- cheesy, this is the place to be, tions and events; and seven halo. what with its cheese station meeting rooms named after fa- Sundays are made even teeming with different kinds mous artists Monet, Calder, sweeter for kids with kid- of imported soft and hard Miro, Pollock, Warhol, Mon- friendly film showings and a cheeses (think Reblochon Lait drian, and Joya. fun mini playground. Cru, Brillat Savarin Mons, At Crimson, you can ex- Easter Sunday will have Pont L’Eveque, Valencay, Brie pect a truly rosy and cozy stay- kids happily hopping about Boite Blue, etc.). cation. (www.philstar.com) MARCH 19, 2016 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 11 PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
complexities and superfluities Living Life Without Conventions and extravagances—the latest fashion trends, a Louis Vuitton By Renelaine Bontol Pfister purse, a big house, a nice car. There’s nothing wrong with t’s the Lenten did not believe in the material them, but they don’t equal Season. For us riches of the world and good. Filipinos, it’s shunned them. He refused to Diogenes and Jesus Christ usually a time even own a wooden cup. He led humble and simple lives, for more church, lay on the street like a dog, and free from complexities and su- I less baboy and smelled like a dog. He perfluities and extravagances. being a little preached to those who would That made them free. more conscious about Jesus’ listen. Meanwhile, word of Since I moved to and life. For me, Lent is a time for him had reached Alexander worked in the U.S., I’ve lived reflection. the Great’s ears. Alexander, in New Jersey and California, But don’t worry. I’m not being a student of Aristotle’s but I think Hawaii is a place going to give a lecture here. I and hoping to learn from Dio- where people live with the have no credentials for that. genes, wished to meet him. We pore over People magazine inspiring. I’ve read it over and least conventions. Many of my But I do want to share some- When Alexander found him, and US Weekly. What about over: friends and colleagues moved thing inspiring that I read re- Diogenes was lying on the those people who do good— “Live without conven- to Hawaii for the beauty of the cently. ground. He did not stand up or the humanitarians, the altruistic tions, which are artificial and place and not for the extrava- A little background. “Dio- acknowledge the king. and the philanthropists? (Have false; escape from the com- gances. We simply cannot af- genes and Alexander” is an “Is there anything I can do you ever watched CNN He- plexities and superfluities and ford to buy a big house here or essay written by Gilbert for you, Diogenes?” Alexan- roes, for example? It never fails extravagances: only so you indulge all our wants. We Highet about the meeting be- der asked. To which Diogenes to impress me and make me can live a free life.” moved here because we enjoy tween Diogenes, a Greek replied, “Yes, stand to one feel useless at the same time). I I think this is great advice the outdoors, the beautiful Cynic philosopher and the side. You’re blocking the sun- wish there were more maga- for us, right here, right now. weather and the lovely people. Macedonian King, Alexander. light.” zines about those people. I I’m not saying we should I feel lucky to be here. I Diogenes was kind of a weirdo I thought this was profound wish children idolized those be homeless like Diogenes (I think this is the place where I in his time, to those who didn’t because today, we are so enam- people. would be the first to protest if live with the least conventions know him and what he stood ored by celebrities and fanta- There is a passage from I couldn’t take a shower twice (and headaches) of a material for. He lived on the streets like size about their lives as if they Highet’s essay which is beau- a day). But I do think we’re world. This is the place where a homeless person, because he were the models of perfection. tifully constructed and truly too caught up these days in I can be free. 12 hawaii filiPino chronicle march 19, 2016 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Deadline to Register for Conservation Program Fast
Approaching formance, the higher their payment. ime is running out for farmers and CSP is a continuous sign-up program ranchers to participate in the Con- that producers can apply to enroll at any Tservation Stewardship Program time of the year. NRCS applies a cut-off (CSP) for 2016. This year’s deadline is date for applications to be considered dur- March 31. ing a particular fiscal year. Once the cut- Administered by the U.S. Depart- off date is past, producers may continue to ment of Agriculture’s Natural Resource apply, but they will not be considered for Conservation Service (NRCS), CSP is a entry until the following year. voluntary stewardship incentives pro- March 31 is also the deadline by gram that rewards farmers, ranchers and which initial applications are needed foresters for managing their land in a way from farmers with expiring 2012-2016 that produces real and measurable con- contracts if they want to renew them for servation outcomes—healthy soil, clean another five years. Some 12 million water and air and wildlife habitats. acres already in the program are eligible Since the program began in 2009, for renewal this year. nearly 70 million acres of farm and ranch To sign up, call Bernadette Luncs- land have been enrolled in the program. ford, district conservationist, at 541- CSP participants receive an annual land 2600 ext. 109. More information about use payment for operation-level environ- the program is available online at: mental benefits they produce. Under CSP, http://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-con- participants are paid for conservation per- tent/uploads/2015/02/CSP-Farmers- formance— the higher the operational per- Guide-2015-final.pdf
( CANDID PERSPECTIVES from page 3, POLITICS ...) reaction where he was. like “Spotlight” while they’re at it. That Funny how Del Carmen lost out to film cost just $20 million to make and “Spotlight,” a movie about abusive has made $39 million in the U.S., plus Catholic priests in Boston. It featured the another $24 million in foreign sales. work of director Tom McCarthy and That’s $63 million total to date. composer Michael Giacchino, both of Reports have the film opening in the whom worked with Del Carmen on the Philippines in February to just under Pixar animated feature “Up.” $10,000. Too bad. Filipinos need to see And both of whom were nominated that film. The Philippines was not spared for Oscars. I loved Del Carmen’s “Inside from the abuse scandal. The film shows Out.” But as a Catholic, how could I not just how difficult it was to uncover. It love “Spotlight,” the movie that exposes took a free press and journalists empow- the church’s hypocrisy? ered to seek out the truth. It was no fluke The U.S. Catholic Bishop’s most re- that the film won the Oscar for Best Pic- cent report in 2015 (covering the year ture. It showed how showbiz can con- 2014) showed $150,747,387 in costs re- nect us to real life in an important way. lated to child protection efforts and to al- legations of clergy sexual abuse of emil gUillermo is an award-winning minors. The majority of that $150 mil- journalist and commentator who writes from Northern California. He recently won the 2015 lion paid out by the church went to vic- Dr. Suzanne Ahn Award for Civil Rights and tims and lawyers. Social Justice from the Asian American Jour- They should just make more movies nalists Association.California.
( WHAT’S UP ATTORNEY? from page 9, POE DECISION: ...) had been a resident of Uyugan, Batanes, To be continued in Part II for one year prior to the May 13, 2013 elections, but failed to present compe- atty. tiPon has a Master of Laws degree tent evidence to prove it. The Com- from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. elec’s jurisdiction is founded on He specializes in immigration law and crimi- Section 2(1), Article IX-C of the Con- nal defense. Office: American Savings Bank stitution empowering it to “[e]nforce Tower, 1001 Bishop Street, Suite 2305, Hon- and administer all laws and regulations olulu, HI 96813. Tel. 808 225 2645 E-Mail: relative to the conduct of an election.” [email protected]. Websites: www.Mili- taryandCriminalLaw.com. He is from Laoag As Justice Carpio pointed out in his City and Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. He served as dissenting opinion “Screening initially an Immigration Officer. He is co-author of the qualifications of all candidates lies “Immigration Law Service, 1st ed.,” an 8-vol- within this specific power.” For Justice ume practice guide for immigration officers Carpio’s dissenting opinion, see and lawyers. This article is a general http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/pdf/web/view overview of the subject matter discussed and is not intended as legal advice. er.html?file=/jurisprudence/2016/march 2016/221697_carpio.pdf march 19, 2016 hawaii filiPino chronicle 13 LEGAL NOTES Immigrant Visa Waiting List is Long registrants. The other coun- For fiscal year 2016, or second highest number of managers and executives)- tries that round up the top five from October 1, 2016 through family preference registrants 3,474; EB2 (advanced degree in terms of number of regis- September 30, 2017, the total with 388,214. The per-country professionals and aliens of ex- trants are: Mexico- 1,344,429; number of visas to be issued is limit on the annual number of ceptional ability)- 11,440; India- 344,208; Vietnam- 226,000 in family-based pref- family preference visas for FY EB3 (skilled workers and pro- By Reuben S. Seguritan 282,375; and China- 260,265. erences and 140,000 for em- 2016 is 15,280. fessionals)- 61,584; EB3 These numbers include ployment-based preferences. Mexico ranked first in all (other workers)- 6,208; EB4 23,524 applicants not only the principal appli- The total per-country limit family-based preferences. The (special immigrants and reli- were added last cants or petition beneficiaries will be 25, 620, which trans- Philippines ranked second in gious workers)- 379; and EB5 fiscal year to the but also their spouses and chil- lates to decades-long wait F2B and F3 categories; fourth (employment creation)- immigrant visa dren entitled to derivative sta- times for applicants in certain in the F2A category, and sixth 17,662. 1 waiting list in the tus. However, they do not categories from countries such in the F4 category. More cases The Philippines ranked various prefer- include spouses, unmarried as Mexico, India, Vietnam, may be added to the F1 wait- first in the EB3 (skilled work- ence categories subject to nu- children under 21 years of China and the Philippines. ing list because of the auto- ers) category, fourth in the merical limits. age, and parents of US citi- The numbers of registrants matic conversion pending 2B EB2 and third in the EB3 A report from the National zens who are not subject to the for the family-based prefer- cases into F1 cases upon the (other workers) categories. Visa Center (NVC) and sub- numerical limitations. ences (F) are: F1 (adult un- naturalization of the peti- Registrants from the Philip- mitted to the Department of The figures do not also in- married sons and daughters of tioner, but this can be avoided pines comprise 30% of the State shows that as of Novem- clude the significant number of US citizens)- 322,786; F2A by availing of the opt-out pro- total for employment-based ber 1, 2015, there were applicants for adjustment of sta- (spouses and children of per- vision under the Child Sup- preferences at 29,297, of 4,455,274 family-based appli- tus. Also excluded are those manent residents)- 276,022; port Protection Act. By opting which 96% fall under the EB3 cants, an increase of 123,524 who failed to respond within F2B (adult sons and daughters to remain as an F2B case, a (skilled workers) category for or 2.9% from last year. The one year to the visa application of permanent residents)- longer wait time under the F1 the Philippines. For FY 2016, number of employment-based instruction letter sent by the Na- 480755; F3 (married sons and category is avoided. the per-country limit is only visa applicants was 100,747 tional Visa Center notifying daughters of US citizens)- For employment-based 9,825. up by 9,837 applicants from them of visa availability. In 825,991; and F4 (brothers and preferences (EB), the break- last year. such case, the petition is consid- sisters of US citizens)- down of registrants is as fol- reUben s. segUritan has been practicing law for over 30 ered inactive and not counted The Philippines placed 2,549,718. lows: EB1 workers with years. For further information, you second over-all, with 417,511 in the waiting list totals. The Philippines has the extraordinary ability, out- may call him at (212) 695 5281 or standing professors and re- log on to his website at www.segu- PHILIPPINE NEWS searchers, and multinational ritan.com Balikatan 2016 Kicks Off in Palawan, Panay by Jaime Laude Thursday, March 17, 2016 ANILA, Philip- pines – This year’s Mfirst phase of the US-Phl Balikatan series had its the exercises’ official opening Crow Valley in Tarlac, Fort soft opening yesterday with the on April 4 and will run until Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, joint launching of construction April 15. Clark Air Field in Pampanga, and medical engagements in A beachhead landing to Subic Bay in Zambales and in Panay and Palawan. capture an “illegally occupied Palawan, all aimed at improv- Capt. Frank Sayson, area by foreign forces in Panay” ing the ability of both forces Philippine-side exercise will be conducted by combined working together. spokesman, said five different Filipino and US troops on the “One of the main joint op- school buildings and scores of beaches of the capital town of erations for this year’s exercise local residents in the two is- San Jose in Antique. will be the conduct of a joint lands benefited from yester- Antique province in Panay rapid reaction force as part of day’s shoulder-to-shoulder directly faces the island the distributed operations in the joint American and Filipino ac- province of Palawan. vicinity of Panay, demonstrat- tivities. “Throughout the joint exer- ing the partnered capability in Balikatan is an annual cises both forces will be work- rapid response,” Sayson said. Philippine-US military bilateral ing together to enhance Invited as observers to this training exercise, a signature maritime law enforcement yearly joint military event are element of the alliance focused throughout the Philippines to the military representatives on a variety of missions includ- meet annual training require- from seven Southeast Asian- ing humanitarian assistance, ments and enhance techniques, member states – Brunei, Cam- maritime law enforcement and tactics and procedures as a crit- bodia, Indonesia, Laos, environmental protection. ical part of interoperability of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand This year’s joint military our forces,” Sayson said. and regional allies India, Japan, drills will take place in various The annual joint military South Korea and Timor-Leste. areas of the country following drills will also be conducted in (www.philstar.com) 14 hawaii filiPino chronicle march 19, 2016 HEALTHLINE Treating Computer Vision Syndrome By Christopher Tortora, M.D. screen contrast and brightness mericans spend poor lighting, screen glare and to level comparable to sur- seven hours a poor workstation setup for pos- rounding light; and use screen day on the ture and viewing. covers, lower lighting and cur- computer dur- During March, which is tains or blinds to reduce glare. ing the average Workplace Eye Wellness Lastly, follow these simple A work day. Time Month, medical experts are tips: take regular breaks and spent staring at raising awareness about this blink frequently to rehydrate a screen takes its toll on one’s very common but treatable your eyes; every 20 minutes, eyes. Between 50 to 90 per- condition. focus on an object at least 20 cent of computer users experi- “The good news is that feet away for 20 seconds ence symptoms related to there’s currently no scientific (20/20/20 rule); and try over- computer vision syndrome evidence that CVS perma- the-counter lubricating eye (CVS) or digital eye strain. nently damages the eyes; how- To protect yourself from crease any added strain on drops. CVS can occur from ex- ever, some experts believe CVS, the first step is to correct your eyes. “If CVS symptoms be- tended use of any device with daily computer use may be a any refractive errors by visit- The next step is to properly come chronic, speak with your a digital screen. Symptoms in- contributing factor to the rise ing your eye care professional. arrange your workstation: posi- eye care professional to see if clude dry eyes, blurred vision, in dry eye disease,” says The National Eye Institute es- tion monitor between 20 to 28 special computer glasses are headaches and neck and shoul- Steven Rhee, D.O., corneal timates that 11 million Ameri- inches away from your eyes; needed or treatment for dry der pain. CVS is caused by any specialist at the Hawaiian Eye cans age 12 and older suffer adjust chair to support upright eyes is recommended,” says combination of the following Center. “Dry eyes can lead to from easily treatable refractive sitting that allows you to view Dr. Rhee. factors: uncorrected refractive more serious eye conditions errors. Having the proper the screen’s center just below CHRISTOPHER TORTORA, errors (nearsightedness, far- and even vision loss if not glasses, contacts or surgery to eyelevel at a 15 to 20 degree M.D. is a board-certified ophthal- sightedness and astigmatism), properly treated.” correct these issues will de- downward angle; change mologist at Hawaiian Eye Center. PHILIPPINE NEWS FEATURE Politicians Urged to Try ‘Balagtasan’ During Sorties etry, can be a fresh, catchy al- the local poets in the of the Second National Litera- ternative to boring campaign provinces,” Almario added. ture Month in April. By Evelyn Macairan speeches. Meanwhile, Almario said Almario, National Com- ANILA, Aside from the usual he is looking and would vote mission for Culture and the Philippines – singers, dancers and comedians for candidates who would Arts officer-in-charge execu- Tired of the hired to provide a break from champion the cause of promot- tive director Adelina Suemith routine and speeches, Almario said candi- ing literature and knowledge in and National Book Develop- b o r i n g dates could add the balagtasan the country. ment Board (NBDB) chairper- M speeches of to their routine. He believed that the voting son Flor Marie Sta. Romana candidates on Almario, chairman of the National Artist Virgilio Almario public should understand the Cruz said they have scheduled stage? Try sprucing up the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino, poets in the areas where they importance of literature in cre- several literary and cultural campaign sorties with “balag- said that he would encourage will hold sorties to give a pat- ating the people’s identity as events next month. tasan,” including the use of politicians and their political ula or poetic-style of introduc- Filipinos. The theme for this year’s verse to introduce candidates. parties to revive the old Fil- ing themselves to the crowd. While there might be more celebration is “Alab ng Pani- This is the suggestion of ipino way of verbal jousting. “In fact, I have seen politi- urgent issues, Almario said that tikan.” National Artist for Literature “I think this will click, es- cians who were given a patula literature should also be given One of the activities is the Virgilio Almario, who believes pecially in the provinces,” he way of introduction. There the same importance. youth camp at the Orion Ele- that the balagtasan, where two said. could be politicians who prefer His call for candidates to mentary School in the Bataan or more persons debate on a He also encouraged politi- a literary way of promoting include the promotion of liter- town where the Tagalog poet particular subject through po- cians to consider hiring local themselves. They could hire ature in their platforms was an- Francisco Baltazar, known as nounced yesterday during the Balagtas, lived a significant press launch for the celebration part of his life. (www.philstar.com) march 19, 2016 hawaii filiPino chronicle 15 BIG ISLAND MEMORIES By Grace Larson BiFCC Valentine's and Mrs. hi Filipina Coronation Banquet | February 27, 2016 | Nani Mau Gardens, Hilo, Hawaii
Attendees and contestants enjoy the Big Island Filipino Community Council's (BIFCC) Valentine 's Day Celebration and Coronation . ▲ A pose to remember (Standing): Ann Carbery, Mila Parker, BIFCC Ms. Hawaii-Filipina after the coronation of Kamakaila Waipa and Mrs. AFHA Big Island Princess Arcelie Weaver. Mrs. Hawaii Island (Seated): Alma Cerra, Nick Cerra and Esther Skinner . Filipina 2016 Marilyn Domingo, together with BIFCC’s executive board and board of directors.
◄ BIFCC officers, members and guests dance to the tune of the Hot Mamas of the Electric Slide Big Island pose during BIFCC’s with Ronald Valentine ’s Day Salvador before Celebration and their dance Coronation . performance. ►
hilo Visayan CluB (hVC) aCtiVities and eVents
Elvira Pinar Johnson and HVC Ms. Filipiniana Hilo Visayan Club President Dayday Hopkins thanks Hilo Visayan Club Valentine’s Day celebration at the Marjorie Sato-Kawamoto winner Liberty Medicare/ Medicaid guest speaker Jo Yamada and Nick Aupuni Center conference room last February 14, with HVC-VP Grace Quiroga showcases from the Hawaii County Office of Aging after their 2016. Attendees enjoyed dancing and feasting with Larson during the Ms. her winning attire with presentation last March 13, 2016 at the County's friends and loved ones. HVC Filipiniana event. 2nd AFHA Princess of Aupuni Center conference room in Hilo. the Big Island 2015 Arcelie Weaver. Boodle Fight Feasting PotlUck boodle fighting is the latest trend at family gatherings on the Big Island. Boodle fighting is a military style of eating where long ta- bles are prepared and food is placed on top of banana leaves. Viands and rice are ready to eat using bare hands, while jugs of water are placed on the side to wash hands be- Boodle fight birthday celebration of Hilda Baldwin fore the "eating combat." The last February 26. From left: Grace Larson, Hilda Baldwin, Esther Jaton, Connie Savage, Ann McStott “combat” refers to the act of and Caroline Minick. A Boodle fight at the residence of Family and friends of Petronila grabbing and eating as much Joy Escalante in Pahoa on March 5. Tabudlo Blank (center, end of table) are ready for a boodle fight at her as you can before others do or birthday celebration at Kahakai before the food runs out. Beach Park on March 12. 16 hawaii filiPino chronicle march 19, 2016 TAX TIME
Xxxxxx Useful Tax Tips and Strategies ith the deadline to you paid may be de- ment or letter of your gift ceeds the relevant thresh- that is not subject to with- file taxes quickly ductible as mortgage inter- when the contribution is old. The IRS has created holding, you may be re- Wapproaching, tax- est. Refer to IRS less than $250. Review Form 8960 to calculate and quired to make estimated payers may need additional Publication 936 to check your check records or credit report this additional tax tax payments on Form help. The following are useful your eligibility. card statements for any for- • extending your tax re- 1040-ES in order to avoid tips and reminders that can help • health insurance Pre- gotten charitable donations. turn: In some cases you penalties. Your tax advisor taxpayers maximize their re- mium tax credit: If you If you took a qualified char- may not have all of the in- can help with this determi- funds and stay on top of their purchased health insurance itable distribution (QCD) formation needed to com- nation. returns: through the Health Insur- from your IRA in 2015, be plete your income tax • tax returns for chil- • ira contribution De- ance Marketplace in 2015, sure to review the instruc- return by the April dead- dren: It is easy to forget duction: Have you told you may be eligible for the tions for Form 1040 to line. For example, if you that your child had income your tax preparer about premium tax credit. To properly report this type of have investments that re- during the year. Children your IRA contributions for claim the credit or recon- IRA distribution. port tax information to you with investment income or 2015? Investors commonly cile advance payments of • medicare taxes for high on a Schedule K-1 instead capital gains transactions forget to mention this fact the credit, file IRS Form income taxpayers: High of Form 1099, you may not may be required to file a unless they make the con- 8962 with your income tax income taxpayers must receive your Schedule K-1 tax return of their own. To tribution near the time they return. The Marketplace is consider additional until after the return due determine filing require- actually file the tax return. required to provide IRS Medicare taxes when filing date. If this is your situa- ments for your child’s situ- A Traditional IRA contri- Form 1095-A no later than their income tax return. A tion, you may consider fil- ation, review IRS bution must be reported on January 31 to assist you 0.9 percent tax applies to ing Form 4868 to receive Publication 929, Tax Rules your tax return, whether or with claiming the credit. compensation and net self- an automatic 6-month ex- for Children and Depend- not it is deductible. • tax benefits for educa- employment income that tension of time to file your ents. • foreign taxes Paid: If tion: There are many de- exceeds $200,000 for a sin- return. However, this is an you invest in foreign secu- ductions and credits gle person ($250,000 for extension of time to file, Please keep in mind that rities, you may have had to available to taxpayers who joint filers). IRS Form not to pay. You must pay the information above is for pay foreign withholding have education related ex- 8959 is used to report this your tax due by the original general purposes only and does tax to another country. In penses. These expenses tax. Taxpayers with modi- due date. not represent legal or tax ad- this case, you may be able may have been reported to fied adjusted gross income • estimated tax Payments: vice. Because individual cir- to claim the taxes paid as you on IRS Form 1098-T. above these same thresh- The IRS requires that you cumstances vary, please an itemized deduction on To determine which credit olds may also owe an addi- pay your income tax consult your legal or tax advi- Form 1040 Schedule A or or deduction is most bene- tional 3.8 percent on the throughout the year as the sor about your specific situa- claim the taxes paid as a ficial to you, refer to IRS lesser of their net invest- income is earned (with a tion. foreign tax credit on Form Publication 970 for a com- ment income or the amount few exceptions). This is plete list. This publication by which their modified typically done through Article courtesy of Wells Fargo Ad- 1116. For many investors, visors, LLC. these amounts are small will also help you with re- adjusted gross income ex- withholding. For income and easily overlooked. porting and taxation of • Points Paid on new or withdrawals from a 529 PHILIPPINE NEWS refinanced mortgage: If plan or Education Savings you purchased a home or Account. Foreign Leaders Respect refinanced the loan on your • charitable contribution current home in 2015, the Deduction: Not all charities Philippines’s Good Governance – points (prepaid interest) send a confirmation state- Noy by Delon Porcalla Wednesday, March 16, 2016 ANILA, Philip- pines – It only took Mthe administration of President Aquino for foreign leaders to respect the Philip- pines – which used to be the “Sick Man of Asia” – after the U.S. President Obama and Phl President Aquino government laid out the princi- ples of good governance, ac- “There was a time when purpose of his travel. cording to the interior state leaders would even treat Aquino said he experi- secretary. us like we were beggars. Now enced the same thing, and on Speaking before governors they are asking me how I was the national level, unlike during a meeting of the League able to spur our growth and Sarmiento who was a former of Provinces at the Century Park economy,” he said. mayor in Samar province. Hotel in Manila yesterday, “And I told them: good “And I told Mel, we are in the Aquino said he could relate to governance is good econom- same situation.” the anecdote shared by Interior ics,” he added. Sarmiento cracked a joke Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento Sarmiento told the Presi- that when he was still a local on how foreign leaders treated dent the story of foreign immi- chief executive, he envied Filipinos shabbily. gration agents doubting the (continued on page 18) march 19, 2016 hawaii filiPino chronicle 17 TECHNOLOGY FOR DAILY LIVING Energy Net Zero and No More NIMBY By Sheryll Bonilla, Esq. supplied half the facility’s elec- lower importing of fossil fuels. resham, Ore- tricity needs. Adding the Private-public partnerships gon – a city east throw-away food generates and active grant writing efforts of Portland – enough biogas to run the plant by city staff enabled these saves $500,000 and send extra electricity into wastewater treatment facilities a year in the grid, enough for roughly to become net zero energy G avoided elec- 1,250 homes. consumers and excess energy tricity costs. contributors. Eliminating the monthly Back Here at Home The other important bene- electric bill is a big advantage These success stories hold fit is diversion of waste away for the 114,000 customers of promise for the state with the from landfills. Councils are the facility. Gresham’s waste- highest SPAM consumption in deadlocked in finding the next water treatment plant used to the country (another high en- dump site by political Not In be its largest energy user and is Gresham’s wastewater treatment basin. Photo: www.greshamoregon.gov ergy content food). Our My Back Yard pressure. Tak- now the city’s biggest energy county councils struggle to ing organic waste out of the producer. In 2005, a co-gener- plant gets credit on future bills in less than a year for most of meet all of the demands on is- landfill and instead turning it ation engine was installed at rather than income. The the treatment plants, with 4.6 land budgets, which include into electricity usable by the treatment plant, beginning WWTF expects to use the years being the longest period. paying for sewage treatment everyone kills both birds with a ten-year project to reduce en- credits in situations when en- These investments save their plant operating costs. Oahu one stone. The benefits to us ergy bills. In 2010, the city gines are down for mainte- county budgets money on op- alone has nine wastewater as Hawaii residents are worth formed an Energy Manage- nance or if electricity demand erating costs. treatment plants scattered the evaluation – diverting food ment Team and set a goal of is more than production. Un- Sheboygan WWTF in- around the island. If we could waste from our landfills so achieving net zero energy con- used credits are transferred stalled its system under a part- achieve Gresham and Sheboy- that we don’t have to fight sumption within five years. In each year to a fund for fami- nership with Allied Energy gan’s net zero energy success, over where the next landfill is 2015, the city met its goal right lies on the PGE energy assis- which funded the project. To we could chop a bunch of dol- placed; lower council operat- on schedule. tance program. maximize electricity genera- lars off our strained council ing budgets (and hopefully Two 400kW Caterpillar The Energy Management tion, energy efficient linear- budget. If we could replicate lower taxes); lower electricity 3508 learn-burn engine gener- Team meets monthly to brain- motion mixers are used to Oakland’s excess energy pro- costs from locally fueled ators enable the wastewater storm and monitor progress on boost biogas production. Each duction, we could send locally power, and cleaner air. Let’s treatment facility (WWTF) to goals for power generation, of the four digesters connects fueled electricity into the grid, hope our leadership invests in generate 92% of its daily elec- conservation, and consump- independently to a common bringing down rates from a team to make it happen. tricity demand. A 420 kW tion. Smaller energy efficiency header to be distributed to the solar array contributes the re- projects included capturing en- utilization equipment. Parallel maining electricity needed. gine heat to heat the building switchgear in the microturbine ADVERTISE NOW AND SEE The solar power system didn’t and digester system. It part- system synchronizes output HOW THE FACE OF BUSINESS cost the city anything to install nered with a vendor that was with the electric grid. Like IS CHANGING! because it was done through a contracted for a major LED Gresham, Sheboygan’s high No matter how small your ad, it gets our readers attention! 20-year power purchase agree- street lighting project for the production comes from fats, CALL 678-8930 OR GO TO OUR WEBSITES @ ment at 2/3 the going utility city, offering to allow the com- oils, and grease, in this case, www.thefilipinochronicle.com rate. Gresham invested pany to stage their equipment cheese production wastewater. www.efilipinochronicle.com roughly $5 million over 10 on the WWTF property for a When plant engineers began years and was aided by $4 mil- year for free in exchange for adding the cheese wastewater, lion in grants from the Energy giving the facility LED exterior biogas production skyrock- Trust of Oregon and the Ore- lights for free. eted. Sheboygan’s success is gon Department of Energy. To the result of a collaboration save even more money, the Across the country with Allied Energy, Union So- city staff wrote all the grant In Wisconsin, the sustain- lutions, Inc. and Energenecs, proposals instead of hiring ex- ability award winning Sheboy- which manufactured and sup- pensive consultants. gan WWTF also achieved net plied the biogas conditioning The WWTF takes in about zero energy using biogas. It skids and Capstone microtur- $250,000 in revenue from an 8 was the first in Wisconsin to bines for the net zero energy cents per gallon tipping fee for regularly produce more elec- system. fats, oil and grease (FOG). tricity than needed to operate, Because these substances have and the excess renewable en- The City Across the City by high chemical energy content, ergy is exported to the utility the Bay adding them into the sewage grid. The state of Wisconsin Oakland, California’s boosted biogas production took notice and evaluated the WWTF processes food waste from 180,000 cubic feet to return on investment in cogen- from more than 100 semi- more than 300,000 cubic feet eration technology for all the trucks each day, which provide per day. About 5% of its gen- WWTF across the state. The free fuel for its electricity eration is excess, which gets numbers were encouraging. needs. The food is ground, exported back to the Portland Installing anaerobic digesters made into slurry, and fed into General Electric (PGE) grid. and microturbines to produce 12 anaerobic digesters that pro- Under its net metering agree- and generate electricity using duce biogas. Biogas produc- ment with PGE, the treatment biogas, gave an average ROI tion from sewage alone (continued on page
PHILIPPINE NEWS (from page 16, FOREIGN....)
other local officials from other would exchange cards with countries that every time they him, probably out of fear he are invited to a conference might solicit for fire trucks or abroad they easily pass the im- ambulance. migration process. In the same meeting with His foreign counterparts the governors, Aquino re- had always been “welcomed,” minded local executives that but when his turn at the immi- the government does not need gration desk came, the agent to make promises since they would always look at his pass- have delivered much in terms port, visa and match this with of massive infrastructure proj- his face, repeat the process, ects across the country. then check the watch list. Aquino endorsed the can- MAINLAND NEWS (from page 13, FDA....) Sarmiento also recalled the didacy of Liberal Party stan- final common query: “What is dard-bearer Manuel Roxas II the purpose of your visit?” to before the governors. which he would reply, “I was He asked the governors to invited to this conference.” help Roxas continue the daang The immigration agent matuwid policy of his adminis- would then make a follow up: tration. “Do you have proof?” Aquino said he endorsed He would then be forced to Roxas and his runningmate Ca- go over his files and show the marines Sur Rep. Leni Ro- official invitation. bredo because he can Sarmiento also vividly re- personally guarantee that both members how the 100 pieces of will continue the reforms he business cards he brought re- initiated in government. mained intact, as nobody (www.philstar.com) MARCH 19, 2016 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 19 COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS CLASSIFIED ADS SArILINg gAwA youTH CouNCIL'S 36TH ANNuAL ANNuAL TErNo BALL, HAwAII FILIPINo BIg ISLAND Cook PoSITIoN LEADErSHIP CoNFErENCE CAMP | March 19-21, 2016 woMEN'S CLuB (HFwC) | April 30, 2016 | 6:00 PM | AlA Must know Pork Adobo. Will train the rest. | yMCA CAMP ERdMAN IN MOKUlEIA FOR HIGH SCHOOl MOANA HOTEl, HIBISCUS BAllROOM | Contact Nelly Great pay / benefits. ANd COllEGE STUdENTS; COST: $140.00 per person | Pongco Liu @ 228-7808 or Carlota Ader @ 688-3215 Apply @ Paradise Pizza, Contact Rouel Velasco, [email protected]/218- Waikoloa Beach Resort. 0833 for more information. 11TH ANNuAL FEAST oF our LADy oF MANAoAg | April 28 – May 6, 2016: Nightly Novena at 7:00 PM | May 7, FruIT/vEgETABLE CuTTEr (FT/PT) FILIPINo CHAMBEr oF CoMMErCE oF HI'S 22ND 2016 | HOly FAMIly CATHOlIC CHURCH, 830 MAIN ST., Paid Vacation+Overtime Possible ANNuAL goLF TourNAMENT | March 25, 2016 | EWA HONOlUlU, HI 96818 | For information: Cely Querido at (808) Super Foods, Inc. BEACH GOlF ClUB | For more info, contact Eddie Agas, Sr. @ 368-8052/email: [email protected] or Fred Martinez at (808) 358- 3209 Ualena St., 834-1541 808-783-3327 8049/email: [email protected] JANITorS PArT TIME |TowN | DAyS $8 Hr FILCoM SuNDAy: MAD FEST (MuSIC, ArT AND uNITED PANgASINAN oF HAwAII 48TH Full time utility esp strip/wax floors, clean DANCE FESTIvAL) | March 27, 2016, EASTER SUNdAy | ANNIvErSAry DINNEr & DANCE | May 14, 2016 | carpets,windows 3:00 - 8:00 PM | FIlCOM CENTER, WAIPAHU, HI | For more PACIFIC BEACH HOTEl GRANd BAllROOM | Tickets & 6AM-2:30 PM or 7PM-3AM | $9- $11 hr info please call (808) 680-0451 Information: Cely Villareal - (808) 778-2481 or (808) 689-4911 dr lic & US Citizen helpful but not needed Call 8451955| 9-4PM M-F kAuA'I PHILIPPINE CuLTurAL CENTEr'S FILCoM CENTEr'S 24TH ANNuAL FILIPINo FIESTA grouNDBrEAkINg CErEMoNy | March 29, 2016 | 3:00 & PArADE | May 14, 2016 | KAPIOlANI PARK, WAIKIKI | PM | To take place on the lAWN NExT TO THE yMCA For details, contact 808-680-0451 DrIvEr & ProCESSIoN SWIMMING POOl IN PUHI (FUTURE SITE OF THE KAUA'I rooM workEr PHIlIPPINE CUlTURAl CENTER | For further info, contact 808- STrokES oF BrILLIANCE, HoSTED By PHIL ■ Clean abstract required for driver. 645-0257 SABADo, Co-SPoNSorED wITH MAuI FILIPINo ■ Competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, & CHAMBEr oF CoMMErCE | May 26, 2016 | 9:00 AM – FILIPINo FILM FESTIvAL | April 2-16, 2016 | Opening- 12:00 PM | KAUNOA SENIOR CENTE R , 401 AlAKAPA Pl, 401k Night Reception: April 2, 6-7:30 p.m, to be held at the lUCE PAIA, HI 96779 | Contact: (808) 270-7308 ■ profit sharing benefits. PAVIlION CAFE inside the museum but entrance is through Application hours: doris duke Theatre entrance (on Kinau Street). Opening- MAuI FILIPINo CHAMBEr’S gINToNg PAMAMA’S 10am-3pm, Mon-Fri night tickets cost $35 (non-museum members) and $30 (for LEADErSHIP AwArDS BANquET | June 16, 2016 | museum members) and includes dinner with no host bar. MAUI BEACH HOTEl. | Contact: Jenna Gamboa at (808) 419- Apply in person at: All FIlMS WIll BE SHOWN AT dORIS dUKE THEATRE, 1617 KOHA FOOdS HONOlUlU MUSEUM OF ARTS. Film prices tickets cost $10 500 Alakawa St. #104 (general) , $9 (museum members), Free for 17 + under with the FILIPINo CHAMBEr oF CoMMErCE oF HAwAII Honolulu, HI 96817 exception of special events. | Call: 808-532-3033 for further INSTALLATIoN oF oFFICErS | July 16, 2016 | 6:00 PM | information or purchase tickets at honolulumuseum.org/event/films TAPA BAllROOM, HIlTON HAWAIIAN VIllAGE | Contact: HELP WANTED Bernadette Fajardo @ 342-0890 Full time & Permanent 74TH ANNIvErSAry oF THE "ArAw Ng LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE kAgITINgAN" or DAy oF vALor | April 16, 2016 | SANTANIANS ASSoCIATIoN oF HAwAII-uSA Entry Position 2:00 - 4:00 PM | NATIONAl MEMORIAl CEMETERy OF THE INSTALLATIoN oF oFFICErS AND BoArD oF JOB REQUIREMENTS: PACIFIC (NMPC) | Contact the Consulate at 595-6316. DIrECTorS | July 16, 2016 | 6:00 - 11:00 PM | HIBISCUS Ilocano/Eng. speaking; farming experience; Knowledge of plants ; BAllROOM, AlA MOANA HOTEl | Contact: Dr. Julius Soria Experienced with some power tools; Quality conscious ; Team Player FILIPINo CHAMBEr oF CoMMErCE oF HI'S 2016 (722-9958); Amy Quides (255-6380); Aurora Garcia (722-3150) BENEFITS: FILIPINo AND youNg FILIPINo ENTrEPrENEur or email [email protected] Medical/Dental/Vision HMSA coverage - fully paid oF THE yEAr AND SCHoLArSHIP AwArDS Paid Holidays (15), Vacation Pay, and Sick Pay BANquET | April 16, 2016 | 7:00 AM | AlA MOANA HOTEl | FILCoM CENTEr'S BAyANIHAN gALA DINNEr Annual Raises and Annual Bonus Contact: Rocky Anguay @ 808-696-7970 2016 | October 14, 2016 | 6:00 PM | SHERATON WAIKIKI COMPENSATION: HOTEl | Contact 808-80-0451 for more information Start $11 - $12/hr; Opportunity for advancement MAuI FILIPINo CHAMBEr FouNDATIoN ANNuAL SCHoLArSHIP goLF TourNAMENT | April 23, 2016 | PASko SA FILCoM | december 4, 2016 | FIlCOM CENTER LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE THE dUNES @ MAUI lANI | Call 808-873-8605 or email | Contact 808-680-0451 for details. Experienced Professional [email protected] for details. JOB REQUIREMENTS: Ilocano/English speaking; Irrigation Repair & Controller Knowledge; Commercial/Industrial experience; Knowledge of Herbicides; MAINLAND NEWS Pesticides, and Fertilizers; Knowledge of plants; Experienced with tools, equipment & machines; Team Player; Quality Conscious; Industry References; Valid Drivers License Program Allows Int’l STEM Grads to BENEFITS: Medical/Dental/Vision HMSA coverage - fully paid ADVERTISE NOW AND SEE HOW advantage of the new STEM in 2008, Paid Holidays (15), Vacation Pay, and Sick Pay THE FACE OF BUSINESS IS CHANGING! Stay Longer in U.S. extension. which vio- Annual Raises and Annual Bonus No matter how small your ad, COMPENSATION: it gets our readers attention! lates the Ad- by Allyson Escobar According to US Immigra- The new STEM OPT rules Start $14 - $16/hour depending on industry knowledge, CALL 678-8930 OR GO TO OUR WEBSITE @ tion and Customs Enforcement were initially proposed in Oc- ministrative experience, & capabilities www.thefilipinochronicle.com tober 2015 by the Department P r o c e d u r e NTERNATIONAL stu- (ICE) records, there are approx- CALL 721-6520 dents who earn their de- imately 70,000 students cur- of Homeland Security, after a Act (APA).” Igrees in highly-sought rently in OPT–of those, about federal judge vacated the pre- District of Columbia Dis- rule under the correct APA STEM (science, technology, 23,000 are studying in Science, vious rules that August. The trict Court Judge Ellen Segal procedures. engineering and mathematics) Technology, Engineering, or judge’s action also left an esti- Huvelle gave a six-month Beyond offering graduates fields may be able to extend Mathematics fields. Some of mated 50,000 STEM workers deadline for a replacement more field experience, the ex- their stay in the United States these students were selected as and their employers hanging, program to be developed, after tension serves to give immi- longer. skilled foreign workers eligible until the DHS drafted a re- a technology workers’ labor grant students more time. “If The revamped STEM Op- to apply for an H-1B, starting in placement for the public stu- union filed suit against the my work visa gets denied this tional Practical Training pro- October 2008, as part of the old dent visa program, which first STEM OPT program. year, I still have two more op- gram, or STEM OPT for short, program. Others can choose to essentially paves the way for Huvelle’s ruling centered portunities to apply, and I can adds an additional seven continue their education, while hands-on job training and ex- on procedural issues discov- keep working with the coun- months to the previous length some will depart the United perience after graduation. ered in 2008 with the rule’s try,” said 24-year-old Shruthi of stay required, while offering States. According to Numbers original implementation. Aramandla, a New York Uni- some safeguards to address ICE and the United States USA, the original STEM exten- DHS proposed the new versity graduate from India labor concerns voiced by hun- Citizenship and Immigration sion was struck down “because rule on October 19, 2015, and working as an engineer. dreds of American workers and Services (USCIS) officials DHS did not go through the received over 50,000 public The new OPT STEM ex- STEM students, reported the have estimated that approxi- public and comment process comments. They had until tension will take effect on May US News & World Report. mately 12,000 people will take when they issued the extension February 12 to establish the 10. (www.asianjournal.com) march 19, 2016