ID Card Queen Elizabeth II Blessed Mother to for the Honors Filipino Protect US from China Undocumented Cancer Patient

may 9, 2015 haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  1

♦ MAY 9, 2015 ♦

COMMENTARY LEGAL NOTES GLOBAL NEWS US PInoyS: Pray to ID CarD QUeen elIzaBeth II BleSSeD mother to for the honorS fIlIPIno ProteCt US from ChIna UnDoCUmenteD CanCer PatIent

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  may 9, 2015 EDITORIALS FROM THE PUBLISHER Publisher & Executive Editor anny Pacquiao’s loss to Floyd Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Rail Construction Mayweather by unanimous decision was a bitter pill to Publisher & Managing Editor Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Disrupts Waipahu swallow for Filipino boxing fans. What made it especially Associate Editors aipahu residents and small businesses owners are M Dennis Galolo agonizing was that May- Edwin Quinabo finding their patience stretched to the limit as con- weather refused to box straight up whenever struction of the rail project winds its way along the Pac Man pressed in, choosing instead to Contributing Editor Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. Farrington Highway, the main arterial through dance around the ring and hold on. Had Mayweather done so, their neighborhood. Residents have had to adjust we all know that Pacquiao would have emerged victorious. Nev- Creative Designer W travel times, seek alternate routes and endure Junggoi Peralta ertheless, Filipinos are still extremely proud of Pacquiao and all noise, dust and sleepless nights, while some businesses have seen that he has accomplished inside and out of the boxing ring. Photography customer traffic slow to a trickle, prompting reduced store and This Sunday, May 10th is Mother’s Day. In honor of Tim Llena employee hours. Mother’s Day, we have included in this issue a special supple- Administrative Assistant Waipahu is the first community to feel the full brunt of the ment dedicated to our moms. We hope that you will enjoy read- Shalimar Pagulayan heavy construction work and its disruptions. In fact, what’s now ing the various stories, profiles and personal quotes from people Columnists happening in Waipahu is a good indication of what will unfold in young and old who share what their moms mean to them. Happy Carlota Hufana Ader Emil Guillermo urban Honolulu when construction reaches the area—but on a Mother’s Day to our moms and a heart-felt “thank you” for all much bigger and uglier scale. But if there is a silver lining, Hon- Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. that you have done and continue to do for your families. Ron Menor olulu Authority For Rapid Transit (HART) officials can certainly Our cover story, written by associate editor Dennis Galolo, J.P. Orias learn from construction mitigation efforts in Waipahu—what focuses on Honolulu’s fixed rail project and the impacts of con- Pacita Saludes Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. works and what hasn’t in terms of engaging the community and struction work on Waipahu’s residents and businesses. If you’ve dealing with complaints. Charlie Sonido, M.D. traveled to Waipahu recently via Farrington Highway, you’ve Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. As construction progresses through Waipahu and reaches probably wished you took another route since you were no doubt Felino S. Tubera neighboring Pearl City and Aiea, HART needs to continue to do stuck in traffic. In all fairness, the Honolulu Authority For Rapid Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. all it can to address complaints and inconveniences and be as Transit (HART) is doing all it can to respond to complaints. Contributing Writers forthright as possible about the full impacts. In other words, Some say more can and should be done, but HART and contrac- “under-promise and over-deliver”—which may prove to be the Clement Bautista tor Kiewit are doing their best. For an update on the construction Teresita Bernales, Ed.D best approach for the long-term, especially since too many dead- work and suggestions on how to cope with its impacts, turn to Serafin Colmenares, Jr., Ph.D. lines have been unmet and uncertainty continues to cloud the pro- page 4 for our cover story “Rail Construction Grips Waipahu Julia Crowley Linda Dela Cruz ject’s funding and duration. By under-promising and Residents and Businesses.” over-delivering, the public’s expectations are tempered but can Fiedes Doctor On page 12 is an Open Forum article submitted by Ewa Danny De Gracia, II, MA hopefully be exceeded some time later. Making ambitious claims Makai Middle School student Jazryn Nagum who shares her Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand and failing to live up to them will only result in a increasingly ir- thoughts and suggestions on homelessness. She and several Amelia Jacang, M.D. ritated and misled public. Caroline Julian classmates recently toured Honolulu Hale and testified on a City Dr. Raymund Liongson If it’s any comfort for frustrated Waipahu residents and small Council resolution dealing with homelessness (see page 7). Federico Magdalena, Ph.D. businesses, there will be the proverbial light at the end of the tun- Kudos to these exceptional students from Ewa Beach for their Deborah T. Manog nel. If other communities have suffered through rail construction interest in what goes on in our government! Maita Milallos in their neighborhoods and survived, they can too. We urge them Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Lastly, the month of May also marks the annual Flores de Seneca Moraleda-Puguan to remain patient and continue to weather the storm. The incon- Mayo celebration which has become a popular event enjoyed by Lilia Q. Santiago, Ph.D. veniences will pay off eventually in the form of transportation Hawaii’s Filipino community. Special events celebrating the Jay Valdez, Psy.D. Glenn Wakai options, new investments and development in the neighborhood week-long Flores de Mayo kicked off on May 2 with a Fil-Am and a more economically vibrant transit corridor. Amado Yoro Young Leaders Conference and will culminate with the ever- Philippine Correspondent popular 23rd Annual Filipino Fiesta on Saturday, May 9 at Ka- Greg Garcia piolani Park from 10 am to 5 pm. Hope to see you there! Big Island Distributor CEOs Ought To Set A Moral That’s all for now. Our sincerest thanks to all of you for read- Grace Larson ing and faithfully supporting the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle— Ditas Udani Example And Accept the state’s leading Filipino newspaper! Until next time…aloha Maui Distributor and mabuhay! Cecile Piros Molokai Distributor Reasonable Salaries Maria Watanabe Advertising/Marketing Director cross the board surveys have shown – from Democ- Chona A. Montesines-Sonido rats to Republicans, to people making more than Account Executives $100,000 a year to those just scraping by financially Princeton University Study on Well-being and Income Carlota Hufana Ader – a majority of Americans believe that top corporate He added that a compelling motivation factor came from a J.P. Orias

executives and CEOs are paid too much. study he read by Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published A So when Dan Price, founder and CEO of credit of Public and International Affairsthat found income level is weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and dis- card processor Gravity Payments, made national news with a sur- linked to people’s emotional well-being and happiness. The study tributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertis- prising announcement very atypical for a CEO, people paid at- factored that $75,000 was the ideal annual income. Happiness de- ing deadlines are three weeks prior to pub- lication date. Subscriptions are available at tention. clined the father away people’s income was from that point, either $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor islands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country Price announced that he was cutting his nearly $1 million lower or higher. Those farther lower and farther higher had higher $90. Copyright 2006-2014. The Hawaii Fil- salary to $70,000 and use the difference of that money to pay his stress levels that interfered in happiness. ipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Tele- 120-person staff pay raises. He will raise the salary of all his em- The study shows that high income buys life satisfaction but phone (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678- 1829. E-mail [email protected]. ployees over the next year to a minimum of $70,000. The current not happiness, and that low income is associated both with low Website: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions expressed by the columnists and average salary at the company is $48,000. At least 30 employees life evaluation and low emotional well-being. In times of misfor- contributors do not necessarily reflect those will double their salary. tunate such as divorce, illness, and being alone, low income ex- of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Reproduction of the contents in whole “There’s greater inequality today than there’s been since the acerbates the emotional pain associated with those down times. or in part is prohibited without written per- mission from the management. All rights re- Great Recession. I’d been thinking about this stuff and just In addition to helping Price’s employees live more stress free served. Printed in the U.S.A. thought. It’s time. I can’t go another day without doing something and emotionally fulfilling lives, his move toward more equitable www.thefilipinochronicle.com about this,” Price said. pay in his company could be a sound business move as well. Em- www.efilipinochronicle.com MeMber, Society of ProfeSSional (continued on page 3) JournaliStS may 9, 2015 haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  3 CANDID PERSPECTIVES Does Bruce Jenner as Trans Poster Boy Tell the Story Better than a Filipina?

ways wear this t-shirt on my class and celebrity. If you ground was 11 percent multi- suicide, compared to 1.6 per- head. And my mom asked me, missed Jenner’s Malibu inter- racial, five percent Latino, cent of the general popula- By Emil Guillermo ‘how come you always wear view with Diane Sawyer, five percent Black, five per- tion, with rates rising for that t-shirt on your head?’ I don’t worry. I’d say the Ro- cent Asian, 1 percent Native those who lost a job due to had a cousin in said, ‘Mom, this is my hair. cero reveal is much more to American and 76 percent bias (55 percent), were ha- the Philippines I I’m a girl.’ I knew then how the point and succinct. White. rassed/bullied in school (51 met once. My to self-identify.” Besides, I don’t think a From the executive sum- percent), had low household cousin dressed She continued: “Gender guy in Malibu who tells mary: “Discrimination was income, or were the victim of I like a woman, has always been considered Diane Sawyer and 16.9 mil- pervasive throughout the en- physical assault (61 percent) went by a femi- an immutable fact but we now lion people on national TV tire sample, yet the combina- or sexual assault (64 per- nine nickname and no one know it’s actually more fluid, that he isn’t doing this as a tion of anti-transgender bias cent).” commented on it. complex and mysterious. Be- publicity stunt for his reality and persistent, structural And then there’s Joseph Filipino family love? Or cause of my success, I never show, but then announces the racism was especially devas- Scott Pemberton, a U.S. ma- denial? had the courage to share my next day a new “E” show is tating. People of color in gen- rine lance corporal on trial in I don’t know what hap- story, not because I thought the best public face for trans eral fare worse than white the Philippines for the murder pened to her. But I hope she what I am is wrong, but be- people. participants across the board, of Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude. was able to emulate Geena cause of how the world treats All Jenner seems to want with African American trans- Concurrently, Laude’s family Rocero, the Filipina who did those of us who wish to break to do is find a new Wheaties gender respondents faring has filed a $40 million civil her full reveal in a TED Talk free. Every day, I am so grate- box. Most trans people are worse than all others in many suit against Pemberton in last year that lasted less than ful because I am a woman. I lucky to have a box of areas examined. connection with Laude’s 11 minutes and seen more have a mom and dad and fam- Wheaties. “Respondents lived in ex- death last October. Laude was than two million times. ily who accepted me for who “Injustice at Every Turn,” treme poverty. Our sample found in an Olongapo motel, “I was assigned boy at I am. Many are not so fortu- a 2011 report by the National was nearly four times more drowned in a toilet. She was birth based on the appearance nate.” Transgender Discrimination likely to have a household in- last seen alive with Pember- of my genitalia,” said Rocero A lot actually and that’s Survey reveals trans people come of less than ton. in her TED talk. “I remember my basic problem with the are hardly anything like $10,000/year compared to the It’s a familiar tale that’s when I was five years old in Trans-Jenner phenomenon. It Bruce Jenner. The survey general population. A stag- far too typical throughout the the Philippines walking has nothing to do with Bruce polled some 6, 6436 trans gering 41 percent of respon- trans world. Oh, I’m sure Jen- around our house, I would al- Jenner’s “trans-ness” but with people, whose racial back- dents reported attempting (continued on page 6)

EDITORIALS (from page 2, CEOs...) ployees with less personal financial prob- decades since 1978, CEO pay rose 725 lems to worry about at home make better percent compared to worker pay that rose employees when they are in the office. just 5.7 percent, according to a study by They are able to concentrate on work the Economic Policy Institute. This trans- more without distractions over bills. lates to CEO pay growing 127 times faster Overall production and a more harmo- than worker pay. So whatever gains and nious work environment could make the profits a company has been making, CEOs company ultimately perform better. have been consistently taking a larger percentage of company gains. CEOs pay In real dollars, the average CEO pay at The average pay of a CEO in the U.S. 327 of the nation’s biggest companies is hundreds of times that of the average reached $12.3 million a year when worker. That ratio is in the U.S. is 475:1, bonuses are included. When broken down as compared to other developed capitalist per hour, the average CEO makes $7,000 nations: Japan 11:1, Germany 12:1, an hour compared to a worker getting paid France 15:1, Canada 20:1, and U.K. 22:1. $20 an hour, according to the Bureau of Other developed capitalist nations Labor Statistics. outside of the U.S. have a more equitable Some economists believe that the as- sharing of profits. Their workers enjoy a tronomical pay of CEOs and their top ex- greater share of companies’ benefits. ecutives is bad for the economy and In the U.S., the trend for decades has contributes to poor-to-mediocre perform- been to reward the top echelon of compa- ance. A greater percentage of profits could nies considerably more than workers even go to reinvesting into a company and mak- in bad times when companies report ing it more robust; instead of short-term lower profits. That is how the CEO-to- exorbitant rewarding of overpaid top ex- worker ratio in the U.S. has gotten to its ecutives. current, and some could say, reprehensi- bly out of control state. The inequality has Reverse Trend been going on for so long that Americans At some point the income inequality have become numb to it and almost ac- trend cannot go unnoticed without major cepting of this business practice as simply instability, especially when America be- business culture. gins to exhibit features of a third world Income inequality between CEOs and country. workers has exploded. For over three (continued on page 5) 4  haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  may 9, 2015 COVER STORY Rail Construction Grips Waipahu Residents, Businesses By Dennis Galolo f at all possible, avoid the area. That’s the advice from frustrated motorists venturing into or out of Waipahu via Far- I rington Highway. The reason is the myriad of lane closures and detours due to rail construction work along a three-mile stretch of Farring- ton Highway, beginning on the west side at Fort Weaver Road and ending on the east at the H-1 Free- way Waiawa Interchange near Leeward Community College (LCC).

For lifelong Waipahu resi- the Honolulu Authority for When HART receives a Road has also caused traffic “The rail is going to be in dent Rachel Viloria, who lives Rapid Transit (HART), says complaint such as noise or around the campus to back up. very close proximity to our about 1 block from the con- rail construction is steadily dust, it works with Kiewit to School officials, however, de- school, so we are concerned struction work, the project has making progress. Crews are mitigate the issue. Grabauskas cided against staggering about the noise level. HART added 1-2 hours of travel time relocating underground utility says noise readings are regu- school hours to deal with the continues to say that there will to and from work each day, lines in Waipahu in prepara- larly taken during construction traffic delays. be no impact. We disagree and forced her to take alternate tion for guideway and column work, particularly during Fugitive dust and noise are with that.” routes. work taking place this year overnight hours, while dust at also constant challenges, Grabauskas says the “I no longer take Farring- and in 2016. Contractor construction sites is kept under Hayashi says. school has already benefited in ton Highway to get to the free- Kiewit has also began drilling control using water trucks and “We have been trying our part from rail. With the rail way near Waipahu High work along the median of Far- dust screens when applicable. best to keep things as clean as line running along the edge of School,” she says. “I use an al- rington Highway for the un- “Noisier types of work are possible but the constant flow the campus, HART purchased ternate route which consists of derground foundations that not allowed near residential of dust makes it very, very dif- two replacement portable taking Waipahu Street and cut- will support the columns. areas at certain times of the ficult to upkeep,” says classrooms to house students ting through residential areas According to HART, con- evenings and early mornings,” Hayashi. “We have made at a more suitable location. Air to bypass traffic. On work struction along Farrington Grabauskas says. many requests to Kiewit to conditioning units were also days, I leave at 5:30 am to Highway is about 60 percent “We’re always looking for minimize dust and assist with installed in several classrooms avoid any backlogs even complete, while the rail oper- opportunities to engage and cleaning.” to deal with noise and dust. though I start at 8 am.” ations center next to LCC that inform the public and meet So far, Kiewit has cleaned “We acknowledge that will house and maintain the regularly with business own- the gym’s window sills and the construction has impacted Current Status rail vehicles is about 70 per- ers along the rail alignment to stadium bleachers, but has yet traffic near the campus before Dan Grabauskas, CEO of cent done. keep them informed on our to address the gym floors and and after school. We thank the work and any potential im- classrooms across campus, principal, school officials and pacts.” Hayashi says. students for their continued As for noise, school offi- patience as we complete the Hard Hit cials call a designated contact work and remind them to Waipahu High School has person who promptly takes travel safely through construc- been especially hit hard by care of complaints. The school tion work zones,” Grabauskas construction. On a typical day, and Kiewit have also agreed to says. the school’s 2,500 students limit the hours of the day and 200 faculty members must when certain loud noise activ- Impact on Businesses navigate their way through ities can take place. Rail is having a similar ever changing lane closures Hayashi gave Kiewit an negative impact on small busi- and detours. overall score of “6” when nesses located along Farring- “There have been many asked to rate the contractor’s ton Highway. One such days when lane closures have efforts to address the school’s business is DA Fish Market, caused students and staff concerns. On the plus side, located at Tropicana Square on members to be late,” says Hayashi says the contractor al- Moloalo Street about 100 Principal Keith Hayashi. “Our ways listens to concerns and yards from Farrington High- school has needed to make takes care of things as quickly way. many adjustments because of as possible. Rail construction has this project.” “Kiewit tries to minimize forced owner Johnny Sanidad The decision to shorten the impact to the school as to adjust the store’s hours. As the left turn lanes from Far- much as possible, but the ef- for dust and noise, Sanidad rington Highway west-bound fect is still greatly felt,” says has instructed his employees onto Waipio Point Access Hayashi. (continued on page 5) may 9, 2015 haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  5 COVER STORY

(from page 4, RAIL ....) construction work, followed be enormous but hopefully we struction updates via to keep the doors closed as by a question-and-answer ses- can receive financial assis- Patience Needed www.HonoluluTransit.org. much as possible. sion. tance from the City to remedy So how much longer will The bottom line, “It has impacted my busi- “HART and Kiewit work this situation.” Waipahu have to bear with Grabauskas says, is to think of ness a lot,” Sanidad says. “Our together with residents and To HART’s credit, Simba- construction along Farrington rail’s long-term benefits. market got slower. It’s been re- businesses to keep them in- hon says church officials met Highway? According to “We thank the public for ally hard for us. Hopefully formed and updated on con- with HART and Kiewit prior HART, the work is expected their patience during the on- they can get it done as fast as struction activities,” to construction to address con- to last at least two more going work. Once completed, they can.” Grabauskas says. cerns and to inform them of years, barring unforeseen in- rail will definitely benefit the DA Fish Market has nine what to expect. Simbahon cidents. Waipahu community in a full-time employees and four Church Impacted? gave HART a 7.5 score for “We expect rail construc- number of ways, including part-timers. One of the largest helping to address the tion in the Waipahu area to be providing an efficient and Another affected business churches in the area is St. church’s concerns. He did, completed by early 2017,” convenient commuting option is the 7-11 store located at 94- Joseph Church of Waipahu, however, offer a few sugges- Grabauskas says. “Once the for residents,” Grabauskas 911 Farrington Highway. One which attracts upwards of tions. contractor hands over the says. employee, who refused to give 5,000 parishioners for its “Kiewit needs to adjust completed guideway, HART Waipahu resident Viloria her name, says the construc- masses. Fortunately, the its work schedule to alleviate will test-run the train vehicles takes a philosophical approach tion has impacted the store church’s services have been traffic, especially during our along that initial 10-mile sec- to the project and its impacts, “big time” but would not elab- largely unaffected by con- public school start and finish tion between East Kapolei saying that the construction orate further. struction since the work is times. It would also help if and Aloha Stadium before has already started and should For reasons unknown, normally suspended during they would lessen the amount opening for public use in be pushed through until the Waipahu’s small businesses the weekends. of labor and vehicles just to 2018.” end. have not banded together as a One problem facing St. clean-up Farrington High- In the meantime, HART “I believe in a progressive single voice to state their con- Joseph’s is the dust, since the way. Three service vehicles advises the public to call its city and having rail will bene- cerns. church and its school do not on each side of Farrington at 24-hour hotline at 566-2299 if fit many people,” she says. HART encourages busi- have air conditioning units. once is an absolute waste of they have complaints or sug- “Rail is one of several solu- ness owners to attend the West “This is a definite problem money and time and adds to gestions, or to sign up for tions to reducing traffic con- Oahu Farrington Highway that needs to be remedied,” the frustration.” weekly email traffic and con- gestion on our island.” Guideway Business and Com- says Al Simbahon, director of munity Meeting held on the St. Joseph’s youth and young second Wednesday of each adult ministries. “Air condi- month at Waipahu High tioning would be a part of the School’s library beginning at solution, being that our parish 6:30 pm. and school have always oper- Kiewit usually prepares a ated without this convenience Powerpoint presentation that in the past, but this is now a updates attendees on the latest priority. The cost factor will

EDITORIALS (from page 3, CEOs...)

Inequality in America has gotten so bad that a majority of all income now goes to just one in 10 people. Think about that, and think about how those who control the political structure of the country manage to propagate this system of inequity. CEOs, as leaders of business, ought to be setting the best and most moral standard for society, not one of greed and unfair power-sharing among themselves and their top executives to maintain an unfair system. The example that Price of Gravity Payments has set is re- markable and perhaps might be too high of a selfless standard for most CEOs to replicate. But CEOs making absurd salaries while their company’s average workers barely can make it on a low per-hour wage really ought to rethink what their earnings should be. It no longer should be socially acceptable to receive fat bonuses or for society to glamorize extreme wealth while others, employees, and even our nation, struggle through tough times. Kudos goes to Price of Gravity for being a man of great moral character to understand his responsibility to society. 6  haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  may 9, 2015 HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

candidate profiles, go online to: Neighborhood Board Elections Now Open honolulu.gov/nco. oters can now cast mately 203,000 eligible voters Hale) second floor from 8 • Hau‘ula Civic Center Work The City’s Neighborhood their ballots for candi- who may use the passcodes to am to 4:30 pm on week- Links room on April 28, Board System was created in Vdates running for con- cast ballots online via their days. May 5 and May 12 only, 1973 to increase community tested seats in the City’s 2015 computers or mobile devices. • Kapolei Hale’s Conference from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm participation in the decision- Neighborhood Board elections The City will also make Room A, from 8 am to Election results will be making process of government. now through to May 15, 2015. computers available to the pub- 4:30 pm on weekdays. announced shortly after voting A total of 33 neighborhood The Honolulu Neighbor- lic at the following locations: • The KEY project in Ka- concludes. Newly-elected boards across Oahu meet hood Commission Office has • Mission Memorial Build- haluu (47-200 Waihee board members will assume of- monthly to discuss issues af- mailed passcodes to approxi- ing (next door to Honolulu Road) from 8 am to 4 pm. fice on July 1, 2015. To view fecting their communities. Pecson Named State Lawmakers Approve Rail transmitted to Gov. David Ige Leading Financial Tax Extension for his signature, also allows he State Legislature ap- In the House of Represen- other counties to levy a half- Advisor proved a bill that al- tatives, members voted 39-12 percent GET surcharge and ichard Pecson, an in- Tlows the Honolulu City to approve the measure. Cast- gives the state air rights above dependent financial Council to extend for another ing ‘no’ votes were Tom the rail line and its stations. Radvisor affiliated with five years Oahu’s tax surcharge Brower, Aaron Johanson, Bert The rail tax was set to ex- Commonwealth Financial to fund the rail project. Kobayashi, Sam Kong, Chris pire in 2022, but will continue Network and managing direc- Lawmakers overwhelm- Lee, Nicole Lowen, Scott until 2027 under the extension. tor of Honolulu-based Pecson ingly passed House Bill 134 Nishimoto, Takashi Ohno, Joy Oahu’s rail transit project is & Associates, has achieved HD1 SD2 CD1 by a 21-4 vote San Buenaventura, Cynthia facing an estimated $900 mil- Commonwealth President’s in the State Senate with Gil Riv- Thielen, Andria Tupola and lion shortfall due to delays in Club status for 2015. iere, Sam Slom, Laura Thielen Gene Ward. construction, cost overruns and This distinction recog- and Glenn Wakai voting ‘no.’ The bill, which has been less than anticipated revenues. Richard Pecson nizes successful financial advisors based on a ranking of conference offered attendees annual production among educational sessions geared McDermott Blasts State Budget Commonwealth’s network of toward uncovering new busi- approximately 1,600 inde- ness opportunities and provid- For Ignoring Campbell Students pendent financial advisors na- ing exceptional client service. genuine need of our kids,” tionwide. Commonwealth is The conference also provided McDermott says. the nation’s largest privately attendees ample time to con- Campbell serves students h e l d i n d e p e n d e n t nect with peers, reflect on ac- from Ewa and Ewa Beach. Ac- broker/dealer–RIA and the complishments and strategize cording to some estimates, broker/dealer of choice for ideas for future growth. nearly half of Campbell’s stu- Pecson. Originally from Tugue- dent body population is of Fil- “We are pleased to recog- garao, Cagayan in the northern ipino descent. The school also nize Richard with this exclu- Philippines, Pecson is a well- has a sizeable number of stu- sive distinction,” says Wayne respected leader in the local dents from military families. Bloom, CEO of Common- Filipino community. He has wealth. “As a highly regarded served as president of the Uni- CANDID PERSPECTIVES advisor within the industry versity of the Philippines (from page 3, DOES BRUCE:....) Campbell High School students rally at the State Capitol Alumni Association in Hawaii and a valued member of the ner has had his moments of and as chair of the Filipino tate Rep. Bob McDer- “Instructors are faced with Commonwealth community, pain. But he has the money Coalition for Solidarity. He is mott sharply criticized having to provide a quality ed- Richard represents the scale and the status to insulate him- also a strong supporter of the legislative leaders for ucation for 35-40 students and stature of a President’s S self from the real dangerous Aloha Medical Mission and approving a budget that he stuffed into a stifling class- Club-level advisor.” stuff. He’s just so far removed the Philippine Medical Asso- says ignores pressing needs at room,” he says. In honor of this distinc- from the norm. ciation of Hawaii Foundation. highly-overcrowded Campbell McDermott pointed out tion, Pecson joined his peers at If Jenner wants to be the In 2011, Pecson received High School. that the state budget includes the Commonwealth Presi- hood ornament for trans peo- the “Best Awards” in financial Originally built to accom- $9 million for a performing dent’s Club conference held ple, he better know the car planning from Honolulu Mag- modate 1,800 students, Camp- arts center and another $1.2 April 28 to May 3, 2015 in most trans people are riding County Wicklow, Ireland. The azine and Hawaii Business. bell is bursting at the seams million for a recording studio with some 3,000 students on at other Oahu schools. He isn’t a Bentley. campus—and growing. The questioned the sense and pri- They are the real people number of students is pro- orities of the House Finance who make up the trans world, jected to increase within the Committee for failing to ap- victims of discrimination next five years to 3,500. To propriate a single dollar for each and every day. add insult to injury, many portable classrooms at Camp- emIl GUIllermo served on classrooms lack air condition- bell. the editorial board of the Honolulu ing. “I talked to the finance Advertiser. An award winning jour- McDermott referred to chair and told her of the criti- nalist, he was the first Filipino to Campbell’s teachers as “no- cal needs at Campbell. But host a national news program when he hosted NPR’s “All Things mads with no classroom to call back room deals and alliance Considered.” He lives in Northern their own.” maintenance overcame the California. may 9, 2015 haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  7 IMMIGRATION GUIDE Best Defense – In Boxing and In Law “Dancing with the Stars”. ered a birth certificate of the ing on the alien, and that the stating the date of birth in an Mayweather’s tactic differs alien containing a birth date charge of ineffective assistance immigration application was from Muhammad Ali’s win- different from what she stated of counsel could not be sus- not material because even if the ning rope-a-dope strategy in her first application for ad- tained because the second alien stated her true date of against George Foreman in the justment of status. The alien lawyer did not comply with the birth rather than an incorrect By Atty. Emmanuel Rumble in the Jungle. Ali was placed in removal pro- Lozada requirements. Under date she would still be entitled Samonte Tipon would back against the ropes ceedings for fraud. Lozada, the lawyer accusing to adjustment of status since ayweather and protect his head while Her lawyer admitted the al- another of ineffectiveness must she was being petitioned by her must love Foreman kept punching at Ali’s legations of the notice to ap- notify the first lawyer of the husband and she was of legal me very body until Foreman got tired, pear and conceded charge and get the lawyer’s ex- age at the time of their mar- much, he and then Ali would counter at- removability. Later the lawyer, planation and must also file a riage. We contended that the kept hug- tack. Pacquiao skillfully used without any explanation, de- complaint against the first second lawyer was ineffective “M ging me,” the rope-a-dope strategy nied the charges. At the next lawyer with the Bar association for not complying with Lozada j o k e d against Miguel Cotto in their hearing, the judge asked why and/or the state Supreme Court. in charging the first lawyer Manny Pacquiao after their 2009 WBO welterweight the lawyer was contesting the The alien hired this writer with ineffectiveness. The ap- “Fight of the Century”. championship fight resulting in charges. The lawyer responded as her third lawyer to appeal to peal is pending. There is an ancient adage a knockout. Rope-a-dope in- that she was not contesting the the Court of Appeals. We con- that “the best defense is a good volves body contact, but box- charges but was conceding tended that the first two atty. tIPon has a Master of offense” which means that "if ing cha cha cha’s purpose is to them. lawyers were ineffective. We Laws degree from Yale Law School you attack your opponents, avoid body contact. The Judge was confounded complied with the Lozada re- and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. He they will be so busy fighting In immigration law, how- and irritated. The lawyer was quirements. We contended that is originally from Laoag City and off your attack that they will ever, a lawyer who dances an dancing an immigration cha the inexplicable conduct of the Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. Atty. Tipon not be able to attack you.” See immigration cha cha cha or cha cha. The lawyer abruptly first attorney in doing an immi- specializes in immigration law and The Free Dictionary by Farlex. does a rope-a-dope will lose changed strategies without any gration cha cha cha was so de- criminal defense. He served as an immigration officer and co-au- Mayweather’s defense was and the client will be deported. reason or explanation. This is ficient and so inadequate thored “Immigration Law Service, dance a boxing cha cha cha The best defense is to deny all ineffective assistance of coun- resulting in prejudice to the 1st ed.,” an 8-volume practice guide (one step forward, two steps charges so that the government sel. The judge ordered the alien alien because it may have af- for immigration officers and backward) to evade Pacquiao’s is kept busy proving them. removed. fected the outcome of the pro- lawyers. His radio program airs punches and when Pacquiao An alien applied for adjust- The alien hired a second ceeding, thereby denying the Thursdays at 7:30 am on KNDI managed to get close to May- 1270 AM. He can be reached via ment of status. It was denied. lawyer to appeal to the Board alien due process. If the first mail at: 800 Bethel St., Suite 402, weather, he would hug Pac- The alien divorced her husband of Immigration Appeals. The lawyer had not conceded re- Honolulu, HI 96813, by telephone quiao, thereby preventing and married another. The new second lawyer charged the first movability, the alien would at (808) 225-2645 or by e-mail: fil- Pacquiao from hitting him. It husband filed an immigration lawyer as ineffective for con- have had a plausible relief – [email protected]. For more on was a winning strategy, al- visa petition for the alien and ceding the charges. The Board termination of the proceedings Atty. Tipon, go online to: www.Mil- itaryandCriminalLaw.com. This ar- though unimpressive. A dis- the alien filed an application dismissed the appeal, saying for failure of the DHS to estab- ticle is a general overview of the gusted spectator twitted that for adjustment of status. It was that the first lawyer’s admis- lish materiality and willfulness subject matter discussed and is not this was not a boxing bout but approved. Later USCIS discov- sion of removability was bind- of the misrepresentation. Mis- intended as legal advice. HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

in government emerge from Ewa Makai Students Testify at City Council this outstanding group of students’ visit was participating is an elective course focusing dents.” in a Public Health, Safety & on student government, serv- The students were led by Welfare Committee hearing ice learning and environmen- student activity coordinator chaired by Councilmember tal stewardship. Vanessa Ching, who thanked Menor. The students testified “I enjoyed meeting with Councilmember Menor for en- on Resolution 15-109, intro- the students who were sharp, couraging students to get in- duced by Councilmember articulate and did an excellent volved in government and Menor, which urges HPD to job of sharing their personal make their voices heard. consider additional ap- insights into dealing with “He made their day by al- proaches when dealing with Oahu’s homeless population,” lowing them to participate in a homelessness. says Councilmember Menor. real committee hearing and to During their testimony, the “I commend them for their in- learn about the democratic students shared personal expe- terest in civics and govern- process,” Ching says. “The stu- riences in dealing with the ment affairs. One day, we dents felt empowered and that homeless and the efforts by might even see future leaders their hard work does matter.” some Ewa and Ewa Beach wenty students from 28, 2015. families to help those in need. Ewa Makai Middle The students were hosted They also took a guided tour ADVERTISE NOW AND SEE TSchool’s Leadership by Councilmember Ron of historic Honolulu Hale and HOW THE FACE OF BUSINESS Program toured City Hall and Menor who spoke with the enjoyed the various displays IS CHANGING! learned about the legislative students about City govern- and activities that were part of No matter how small your ad, it gets our readers attention! process as part of the National ment and his duties as an the open house event. CALL 678-8930 OR GO TO OUR WEBSITES @ County Government Month elected City official. Ewa Makai Middle www.thefilipinochronicle.com Open House event on April The highlight of the stu- School’s Leadership Program 8  haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  may 9, 2015 HEALTH & FAMILY Tips for Parents Considering Helping Their Child Buy a Home By Alexa Veiga (associated Press) rower's debt-to-income ratio. ising prices and That's a calculus banks use to a dearth of help determine the borrower's homes for sale ability to pay back a mort- in many mar- gage. kets have made If the funds are given as a R it harder for gift, they don't count as debts many looking to buy their first that have to be repaid. home. "When you apply for a One of the biggest obsta- loan they want to know how cles many are facing is saving much money you have," said up for a down payment, partic- Erika Safran, a certified finan- ularly in hotter markets where cial planner with Safran competition for the more af- Wealth Advisors in New York. fordable homes can quickly "If you're receiving gift, that drive up prices and put pres- person is going to have to sure on buyers to bring more write a letter saying that they cash up front. don't expect it back." That trend is prompting many parents to step in, some Rising prices and a dearth of homes for sale in many markets have made it harder for many Consider Alternatives looking to buy their first home. opening their wallets, others Parents can help give welcoming their adult children 1,000 parents and has a mar- This is particularly impor- tential gains on the money. their children a financial leg to live with them again tem- gin of error of 3 percent. tant if the parents are close to Avoid withdrawing funds up on their home purchase, porarily while they save Whether it's a cash gift or retirement, when they will from individual retirement ac- but there are other ways to do money or pay down debt. another form of aid, it pays for have to live on their assets, counts, or IRAs. so beyond just giving them Some 13 percent of par- parents to consider how to savings and investments. Generally, the IRS will cash. ents with children between the best aid their children without "Do not in any case put tack on a 10 percent tax for Local charities some- ages of 20 to 38 helped their placing their own financial your retirement security at risk anyone who withdraws funds times offer first-time buyers child buy a home in the last well-being at risk. just to get your child into a from their IRA if they're incentives to save by offering five years, according to a sur- home," said Elizabeth Grahsl, under 59 ½ years old. Still, matching contributions. vey conducted by GfK Cus- Assess Your Finances a private banker at Prosperity there are exceptions, includ- That's also a good approach tom Research North America Parents may be tempted to Bank in Dallas. "He or she ing one allowing parents to for parents to take, say, by of- for lender loanDepot. pitch in financially to help get will have plenty of chances to withdraw up to $10,000 to- fering to match their chil- Of those, 65 percent con- their children into their first own real estate, but you prob- ward the first-home purchase dren's savings toward a down tributed the down payment home, but they shouldn't do so ably don't have time to catch of their child. payment. and 24 percent assisted with before going over their own up if your retirement is de- Even so, you'll have to Another option is to make closing costs. The survey, finances and ensuring they railed." pay taxes on that $10,000 at sure their children are explor- which was conducted in Feb- can they can afford to live An accountant or financial your normal income-tax rate. ing down-payment assistance ruary, included responses from without the funds. adviser can help figure out So if your child needs programs run by state and whether you can afford to $10,000, you'll end up paying local housing authorities. make a sizeable contribution more to cover the portion lost These programs can be to your children's homeowner- to taxes. found in all states and pro- ship fund. vide an average down-pay- Another option is to use an Make It A Gift ment assistance of $11,565, online retirement calculator to Some parents may decide according to an analysis of estimate the impact that any they can't afford to give their 2,290 such programs by real big withdrawals would have children a large sum of estate data firm RealtyTrac. on your retirement savings. money, instead preferring to Most of the programs es- Try this one from Bankrate: do it as a loan. But that can sentially lend the borrowers http://www.bankrate.com/cal- have an impact on the bor- the money for the down pay- culators/retirement/retirement- rower's ability to qualify for a ment, collecting on the loan plan-calculato... mortgage. when the home is sold, said Mortgage lenders gener- Rob Chrane, CEO and Go With Cash ally allow borrowers to use founder of Down Payment If you decide to kick in funds received as a gift from a Resource, which tracks the some money toward your relative to cover their down programs. child's down payment or other payment, closing costs or to "There may be some pro- costs, it's best to go with dis- add to their savings. grams that are targeted to cer- cretionary cash, say from a But if the money is being tain census tracts or certain savings account. That's be- borrowed, the homebuyer is neighborhoods, but basically cause it's likely not earning required to disclose that loan there is something out there much in the way of interest, so to the bank, which could alter for everybody who qualifies," you're not losing much in po- their evaluation of the bor- he said. (www.philstar.com) may 9, 2015 haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  9 FOOD & LEISURE Summer-lovin' Split Pea and INGREDIENTS: Lentil Soup 1 cup dried red lentils 1 cup dried yellow split peas By Johanna Garcia 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil 2 slices bacon, diced n case the swelter- 1/ 2 cup chopped onions ing heat wasn't a 1/ 2 cup chopped carrots dead giveaway, 1/ 2 cup chopped celery summer is here 2 cloves garlic, minced with a vengeance. 2 bay leaves I My social net- 1 teaspoon dried thyme work feeds are lit- 2 quarts chicken stock tered with photos of friends and their families at various ACCOmPANImENTS: beaches and outdoor events, Greek yogurt and it seems like the last thing Chopped cilantro or parsley anyone wants to do right now is cook. PROCEDURE: Now, why on earth, you 1. Rinse your lentils and peas and pick over for any stones. may ask, would I want to your effort is huge. The recipe ter suited for a later date, one 2. In a large Dutch oven, sauté your bacon, onion, carrot, cel- spend hours in the kitchen makes a lot of soup, so you can that's cold and rainy and has ery, garlic, bay leaf and thyme over medium heat until slaving over a hot stove to chill or freeze leftovers and you snuggled on the couch bacon is browned and vegetables are soft. Add your butter make soup, of all things? And heat them up for the next time binge-watching sullen, fur-clad or olive oil as needed to ensure your vegetables don't burn. while I will concede that soups it's too hot to cook. men ominously muttering, 3. Add lentils and sauté for 1-2 more minutes. Add chicken are traditionally rainy day fare, This split pea and lentil "Winter is coming." stock and bring to a boil. this particular one using yellow soup makes a great light lunch So, take my advice, make 4. Lower the heat and simmer for 2-3 hours or until lentils split peas and red lentils is the or dinner, either on its own, this soup, and I promise, you are soft, stirring occasionally. perfect summer meal. with a green salad, or even a won't be sorry. Enjoy your first 5. Garnish with yogurt and cilantro. Granted, it's true that mak- hunk of good bread and butter. few bowls with the recom- ing this vibrantly delicious pot I like to serve this with a dollop mended summer toppings, and of sunshine takes hours, but of Greek yogurt and some then freeze the rest and reheat your actual prep time only freshly chopped cilantro, for whenever you need a hit of takes a few minutes. Once which brings yet another di- warm, delicious, golden sun- you've got everything simmer- mension of summer freshness shine. (www.philstar.com) ing in your pot, you can walk to the soup. away and spend that time on Sautéed mushrooms, fried The author is the owner of Real Girl important stuff, like figuring eggs or even sour cream, Toy Kitchen. Visit www.realgirltoyk- itchen.com or send an email to Jo- out what (or who!) you're tak- bacon and sliced bratwurst also [email protected] for ing to the beach. make great toppings. To my any questions, comments or sugges- Best of all, the payoff on mind, though, these are far bet- tions. PHILIPPINE NEWS Binay Accuser Exposes University of Makati Scam by Patricia Lourdes Viray adding that there was no pub- Bondal claimed that Tuesday, May 5, 2015 lic bidding done for the proj- Binay earns from the tax div- ANILA, Philip- ect during the term of Binay idends of Philippine Health- pines - Vice Presi- as Makati City mayor. care Educators, Inc. which Mdent Jejomar Binay Bondal insisted that manages the tuition in UMak is facing another corruption al- Makati did not need to enter College of Nursing. legation as the Senate Blue a joint venture with STI since The lawyer also accused Ribbon sub-committee re- the local government allots Jack Arroyo, nephew of for- sumed its hearing on Tuesday. P2 billion every year for mer Sen. Joker Arroyo and Lawyer Renato Bondal UMak. one of the shareholders of the accused Binay of benefiting According to Bondal, the college, of being the Vice from the P1.2 billion worth quality of education in UMak President's dummy. building of the University of was also declining while Sen. Aquino "Koko" Pi- Makati (UMak) College of Binay continues to earn from mentel III urged Bondal to Nursing. the college. further substantiate his claims The lawyer questioned The tuition in UMak cur- while Sen. Antonio Trillanes the joint venture between rently costs P1,000 per year IV moved to invite Jack Ar- UMak and Systems Technol- for Makati residents while royo for the next hearing ogy Institute (STI) in Decem- non-residents have to pay scheduled on May 11. ber 2003 for the building, P23,000 to P37,000. (www.philstar.com) 10  haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  may 9, 2015 SOCIAL SECURITY UPDATE Answers to Social Security you’re eligible. Applying now will pro- Questions tect you against the loss of any potential benefits. You can apply safely and se- By Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay curely at www.socialsecurity.gov/apply- he rules governing Social Se- online. Learn more about Social Security curity are numerous and for same-sex couples by visiting complicated. To help readers, www.socialsecurity.gov/same-sexcou- the following are answers to ples. T some frequently asked questions about Society Security. Q: I’m planning my retirement. What is Q: I’ve only been working for a few the maximum Social Security benefit I years and I’m wondering how I earn So- might receive? cial Security benefits. What are credits A: The maximum benefit depends and how many do I need to qualify for on the age you retire and how much you benefits? earned in your lifetime. For example, if A: We use your total yearly earnings you retire at age 62 in 2015, your maxi- to calculate your Social Security credits. mum benefit will be $2,025. If you retire “Credits” are the units we use to measure at full retirement age in 2015, your max- whether you qualify for Social Security imum benefit will be $2,663. If you retire benefits. The amount needed for a credit at age 70 in 2015, your maximum benefit in 2015 is $1,220. You can earn a maxi- will be $3,501. You can estimate your mum of four credits for any year. The benefits by using our Retirement Estima- amount needed to earn one credit in- tor at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. creases automatically each year when average wages increase. Q: I’m retired and the only income You must earn a certain number of I have aside from my Social Security re- credits to qualify for Social Security ben- tirement benefit is from an Individual efits. The number of credits you need de- Retirement Account (IRA). Are my IRA pends on your age when you apply and withdrawals considered “earnings?” the type of benefit for which you are ap- Could they reduce my monthly Social plying. No one needs more than 40 credits Security benefits? for any Social Security benefit. You can A: No. We do not count non-work learn more about earning credits by read- income, such as annuities, investment in- ing How You Earn Credits at www.so- come, interest, capital gains, and other cialsecurity.gov/pubs. government benefits, and they will not affect your Social Security benefits. Q: My same-sex partner and I recently Most pensions will not affect your bene- married. Will we qualify for Social Secu- fits. However, your benefit may be af- rity benefits? fected by a government pension from A: You may be eligible to apply for work on which you did not pay Social Social Security benefits. Many factors af- Security tax. If you have wages or self- fect your eligibility for benefits, including employment income and you are under how long you worked and your age. So- your full retirement age, this income may cial Security is now processing more affect your benefit amount. claims in which entitlement or eligibility More information on Social Security is affected by a same-sex relationship. is also available online at www.socialse- We encourage you to apply for bene- curity.gov or by calling toll free at 1-800- fits right away, even if you aren't sure 772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS ‘Ekahi Clinic to Hold Free Family

Health Fair demonstrations. Attendees will receive a haki Urgent Care Clinic in souvenir gift from ‘Ekahi Urgent Care. Waipahu will hold a free fam- A portion of proceeds from food and ‘Eily-friendly health fair on Sun- beverage and booth sales will benefit the day, May 17, 2015 from 10 am to 2 pm. Filipino Community Center. The clinic, which held its grand-open- ‘Ekahi Urgent Care offers a wide ing in January 2015, is located at the cor- range of laboratory tests, sports and ner of Farrington Highway and Waipahu school physicals and radiology services. Depot Street. The clinic is open 7 days a week, Mon- The parking lot adjacent to the clinic days through Fridays, from 9 am to 7 will be the site of food booths, games, pm, and weekends from 9 am to 5 pm. health and wellness information and enter- For more details on the free health tainment, including CrossFit and Hot Hula fair, call 535-9099. may 9, 2015  haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  11 COMMENTARY US Pinoys: Pray to Blessed mother to Protect Us from China China announced that it would not participate in the proceed- NO LIMITATION rial disputes. This encouraged ings nor honor it’s decision. Of By Ted Laguatan China to send more naval and course, it would have an ice fishing boats inside Philippine block’s chance in hell to win hrough prayer waters. Meeting no resistance, there. However, since no force and fasting, one it proceeded to rush the con- is stopping China, it rushed can stop wars, struction of military bases and military construction has pro- one can sus- stations. ceeded merrily along in Philip- “T pend the laws of When these are completed, pine waters. n a t u r e . ” - bombers, fighter planes, heli- Over a year ago, I found Blessed Mother Mary to Mir- copters, missiles, warships, out about China’s initial base jana, Medjugorje visionary, gunboats and thousands of mil- construction in Philippine terri- July 21, 1982. itary personnel will be sta- tory. I immediately wrote about tioned there. It will then be a the dangerous implications of Satellite pictures have now cakewalk to install their giant increasing Chinese aggression exposed to the world China’s super oil rigs and also control domain as an added benefit. China’s ridiculous territorial on Philippine security and eco- secret, immoral, rushed con- the fishing over thousands of China justified its imagina- ownership claim it conve- nomic interests. I urged Philip- struction of extensive military square miles of Philippine ter- tive plan with obvious fictions. niently adopted another fiction pine officials to persistently bases, runways and stations in ritory. China will exclude the It started by claiming owner- concocted in 1947 by an un- seek logistical and moral sup- seven different areas deep in- Philippines from benefiting ship of the whole South China known official in Chiang Kai port from our powerful allies side the Philippines’ UN-de- from its own vast energy and Sea on the basis of ludicrous Shek’s Kuomintang govern- and immediately destroy this fined 200-mile Exclusive marine resources. reasons, which cannot possibly ment. The official arbitrarily Chinese project. But great fear Economic Zone (EEZ). Mas- This, essentially, is China’s legally stand upon scrutiny. It drew a U-shaped line com- can shrivel and fossilize peo- sive fortified buildings and run- game plan. Any other represen- absolutely knows this but it posed of 11 dashes on a map of ple’s minds. Like so many of ways are at advance stages of tations by Chinese officials to doesn’t care: “Might makes the South China Sea. Nobody our citizens they believe that we construction in expanded reefs the contrary are nothing but right” is its only actual, real, really knows whether he just are helpless and alone against and islands. sneaky, misdirecting cover- raw, brute argument. wanted to show the extent to China’s military might. We are The driving force behind ups. Upon the global commu- Beijing claims that various which Chinese fishermen not. We have powerful allies these constructions is China’s nity’s discovery of these bases, ancient Chinese maps show could go fishing or maybe was and countries friendly to us. demonic plan to own and con- a Chinese spokesperson imme- that the whole South China Sea just fantasizing that Chiang’s Ironically, by announcing trol the Philippines’ enormous diately announced the obvious belongs to China, including the government might someday that we are limiting our options oil and marine resources. To lie that these constructions Philippines’ 200-mile Exclu- own a huge designated area. In only to the ITLOS action, we sustain continuous economic were to be used merely as serv- sive Economic Zone as defined any case, no formal or any kind gave China effective notice that growth, China needs a constant ice stations for fishermen. by the United Nation’s Con- of territorial claim was ever it could proceed with its rushed supply of energy. It is now the If these bases are com- vention on the Law of the Seas made by Chiang’s government constructions without interfer- world’s biggest importer of oil, pleted, the national security of (UNCLOS) which China in based on this map which later ence. Now, not only one but most of it from Russia, Iran and the Philippines and surround- fact signed in 1996. It has not became known as the “nine seven deadly military bases Saudi Arabia. The fish and ing countries and the welfare publicly shown any of these dash line map” (the eleven and stations are already in ad- other foods from vast Philip- of generations of Filipinos and supposed maps. In response, dashes were later shortened to vanced stages of construction. pine marine resources can also other nationalities would be Philippine Supreme Court Jus- nine). I’m a lawyer and I respect feed millions. perpetually threatened as it tice Antonio Carpio publicly Clearly, an action by a the rule of law. But what if you However, having legiti- would then be practically im- exhibited authentic, ancient government claiming territory are faced with the reality that mate needs does not justify possible to dismantle them. maps. None of them supported based on an arbitrarily drawn the other side has a Mafia men- stealing resources from other Relevant background in- China’s claims. line on a map neither has any tality and acts in bad faith with people who also need them. formation: The now detained Even assuming that there legal or other rational authority no respect for the law nor for But China’s leaders show no previous Philippine President are such maps, these cannot that can be taken seriously. As you. Then you had better face concern for moral niceties. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo fa- give legal ownership rights to such, the map was just moth- reality and defend yourself as They see the Philippines as cilitated China’s extensive oil China over such an area as the balled. It was never used for appropriate or you will get a weak, dysfunctional, corrupt exploration of Philippine wa- Philippines 200 mile EEZ. His- any formal territorial claim. slaughtered. nation with practically no mili- ters from 2005 to 2008, in ex- torical events over time cause That is, not until China dis- But even if we don’t have tary power, whose enormous change for all kinds of personal changes in national boundaries. covered the massive oil de- the admirable courage of the natural resources are easy to considerations. She authorized The Philippines was under posits in Philippine waters. Vietnamese and the Israelites in take. They expect Filipinos to the treasonous Joint Marine Spain, then under Great Then suddenly, on May 7, facing powerful enemies, be helpless and frozen with fear Seismic Undertaking (JMSU), Britain, back to Spain, then 2009, China started using the heaven has recently favored us. when they invade and establish which shocked many foreign under the United States, then to concocted Kuomintang gov- Because of the alarming satel- military bases in Philippine ter- observers. The obvious sellout the Japanese, back to the ernment’s 9-dash line map to- lite pictures showing China’s ritory. Their expectations have resulted in serious conse- United States, then independ- gether with the supposed extensive military base con- so far been proven to be true. quences for the Philippines. ence. China’s legal ownership ancient maps as a basis for structions, the U.S. and the Their only concern: If the Upon discovering the claim based on ancient maps is claiming ownership of a whole other most powerful industrial- U.S., the Philippines’ powerful enormous oil reserves in pure garbage. Italy might as ocean plus the territories of ized countries in the world — ally, interferes and stops them. Philippine waters, China con- well also claim ownership of other nations. Japan, U.K., Germany, France, But when disputes escalated ceived of a bold, devious plan Europe and parts of Africa be- The Philippines has filed a Italy, Canada, known as the between China and the Philip- to own and control the precious cause these were once under complaint against China in the Group of Seven (G-7) — have pines, the U.S. announced that black gold. It would also get the Roman Empire. International Tribunal on the now become aware of China’s it would not interfere in territo- the Philippines’ vast fishing To further supplement Law of the Seas (ITLOS) but (continued on page 12) 12  haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  may 9, 2015 OPEN FORUM

Homelessness is Everyone’s Concern and create more shelters that By Jazryn Nagum specialize in educating the children and homeless, we can y name is help to decrease the amount of Jazryn Nagum homelessness in Hawaii. With and I am an fewer homeless people, there 8th grade stu- will be cleaner public areas, M dent represen- such as beaches and places tative at Ewa like Waikiki. And with Hawaii Makai Middle School. I am looking more pristine and aware of efforts to implement much safer, our tourism num- programs that assist the needs and unsheltered people living One way that we can make How can we help you? Are bers will increase. of the homeless and I myself in Hawaii. this happen is to allow teach- you ready to get off the street Everyone can and should support Resolution 15-109 One proposal I have which ers, librarians or other volun- today?’ We live for the days contribute to ending homeless- which urges HPD to consider I believe will help to resolve teers to teach homeless when they say yes.” ness in Hawaii. I hope that you additional approaches in deal- homelessness in Hawaii is to children how to read and The continued support and support this resolution and a ing with homelessness. create more shelters around write. Allowing them to help generosity of these outreach safer and more pleasant com- According to the the island that not only take will also create a bond be- workers enable the homeless munity for everyone to enjoy. Statewide Homeless Point-in- care of the homeless but also tween the homeless and out- in Houston to see that there is Time Count 2015, an esti- educate their children as well. reach workers. a bright side and a chance for (Jazryn naGUm is an eighth mated 4,903 people on Oahu We need to create a place at According to an online ar- them to turn their lives around. grader at Ewa Makai Middle School. She and other students in are homeless and 1,939 people homeless shelters that is ticle “Truly Good Guys: HPD Not only are the homeless the school’s Leadership Program specifically dedicated to edu- are unsheltered. Knowing this, Unit Brings Hope to Home- given guidance and an abun- testified on Resolution 15-109 be- HPD should not be the only cating the children, so they can less,” a team of outreach dance of support, they are mo- fore members of the Honolulu City one to deal with this prob- be taught important lessons workers in Houston, Texas tivated to take steps towards a Council’s Public Health, Safety & lem—everyone should con- that students in school are also said: “Every day we ask (the better future. Welfare Committee on April 28, tribute to helping the homeless learning. homeless) ‘What do you need? If we seize the opportunity 2015).

COmmENTARY (from page 11, U.S. PINOYS...) violations of international law, to pursue the peaceful manage- which is being damaged ex- These military bases fast at least one day a week in- it’s aggression and apparent ment or settlement of maritime tensively because of China’s threaten not only the Philip- gesting only bread and water or greed-based, malicious plans. A disputes in accordance with in- massive constructions. pines’ national security and doing some other form of sac- powerful joint collective state- ternational law, including President Barrack Obama economic interests but also rifices. She is the Patron Saint ment was issued a few days ago through internationally recog- himself did not mince words those of the G7 and other of the Philippines. by the G-7 countries, specifi- nized legal disputes settlement when he strongly criticized countries as well. They also The USPGG is also re- cally referring to China’s mechanisms, and to fully im- China for using “sheer size threaten world order and spectfully asking Cardinal Philippine territory construc- plement any decisions ren- and muscle” to intimidate and peace. And they also threaten Luis Tagle, other church offi- tions: dered by relevant courts and “elbow” smaller countries. the security and safety of the cials, priests, brothers, nuns “We strongly oppose any tribunals which are binding on This was preceded just days Chinese people. These bases and laymen to support this im- attempt to assert territorial or them.” before by statements from can lead to a terrible war that portant sacred call for prayer maritime claims through the The G7 countries also U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander no one wants. The world can- and fasting and announce this use of coercion, intimidation called for the protection of the Harry Harris and Defense Sec- not allow them to exist. They call in schools, Sunday masses and force…We call on all states delicate marine environment retary Ashton Carter declaring have to be destroyed one way and other venues. that the U.S. is prepared to use or another. Under the protection of military force against China if US Pinoys call on Blessed our Blessed Mother and her necessary. Virgin Mary for help son Jesus, even with its These policy statements Since China respects nei- mighty army, the dragon will were followed a few days later ther international law nor not prevail. Let us also pray by massive war exercises in- moral law, a group of influen- for the good Chinese people. volving around 12,000 military tial Filipino-Americans be- They are not our enemy. The personnel from the Philippines, lieves that asking help from a darkness and the evil in the U.S. and Australia near China’s higher authority to protect the minds and hearts of their lead- bases construction sites, which Philippines from China’s ag- ers are the real enemy. They are still ongoing. gression is necessary. also cause much pain and dan- China’s more responsible The US Pinoys for Good ger to the Chinese people. leaders and citizens should im- Governance (USPGG) has Please air this call to all mediately stop the construc- passed a unanimous resolution Filipinos and ask them to do tion of these military bases in calling on Filipinos in the the same. We are praying Philippine territory to serve Philippines and all over the peacefully for our future and their interests. The very strong world to pray to the Blessed the future of generations of collective expressions of Mother and to her son Jesus Filipinos. warnings from the most pow- Christ to protect the Philippines erful nations on earth are from China’s aggression. Con- atty. teD laGUatan is a telling China in no uncertain sistent with Christian tradition, U.S. based human rights lawyer and a California State Bar certified ex- terms that its rogue nation bul- when asking for favors from pert on Immigration Law. Email lying behavior is not accept- our Blessed Mother or from [email protected] tel 650 able. our Lord, those who wish may 991-1154 may 9, 2015 haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  13 LEGAL NOTES

ID Card for the Undocumented license to the undocumented ously not available to them be- migrants simply by their use of censes, among others. There include Washington state, New cause of lack of a government- the card. To entice all New are currently 12 enrollment Mexico, Utah, Illinois, Ne- issued ID. Yorkers to obtain the ID card, centers across the five bor- vada, Maryland, Vermont and The ID card which will be IDNYC cardholders will also oughs and enrollment for this Colorado. The District of Co- accepted as identification in enjoy free one-year member- year is free. lumbia and Puerto Rico also By Reuben S. Seguritan more than 10 financial institu- ship at the Bronx Zoo, City Aside from New York, issue driver’s licenses to un- s many await the tions will allow them to open Ballet, and other top zoos, mu- cities such as Los Angeles, San documented immigrants. implementation an account with these banks seums, concert halls, and Francisco, Oakland in Califor- In Illinois, immigration of President and credit unions. This will botanical gardens in the city. nia, and New Haven in Con- status alone would no longer Obama’s execu- also address the problems According to Mayor Bill necticut, have also established be a valid for state police to de- tive action on im- faced daily by undocumented de Blasio, "New York City has municipal ID programs. tain a person. Outgoing Gov. A immigrants who are not able to always been the place for in- Meanwhile in California, Pat Quinn issued the executive migration which stands to benefit some 5 mil- fill a prescription, sign an clusion and possibility. We de- undocumented immigrants can order so that immigrants who lion undocumented immi- apartment lease, gain access to fend that. And this ID now apply for driver’s licenses. are victims of or witnesses to grants, a growing number of city schools and offices, and epitomizes keeping this an An estimated 1.5 million im- crime will be more willing to cities and states have also initi- other such undertakings requir- open city.” migrants are expected to apply cooperate with law enforce- ated measures to help the un- ing a photo ID. With this ID Data gathered through the for driver’s licenses in three ment. documented better integrate in card, they can now provide program will not be shared years’ time. The new policy is These measures initiated their communities. identification to police officers with immigration authorities expected to make the road by states and local officials, In New York City, the when asked for it. and other government agencies safer and improve public will without doubt, not only largest municipal identification The program is expected to except for verification purposes safety. make the lives of the immi- program in the country has benefit not only the estimated of the applicant’s eligibility for The law allowing undocu- grants bearable, but more im- been launched offering munic- 500,000 undocumented immi- additional city benefits and mented immigrants to apply portantly, allow them to ipal ID cards to all New York- grants, but all New Yorkers liv- only in response to a judicial for driver’s licenses also took contribute more and be pro- ers age 14 or older regardless of ing in the city, especially the subpoena or a warrant. effect in Connecticut. Around ductive in their communities. their immigration status. most vulnerable residents, such To obtain the IDNYC card, 28,000 undocumented immi- The municipal ID card or as the homeless and the elderly. applicants are required to sub- grants have already scheduled reUBen S. SeGUrItan has All New Yorkers are en- mit documents proving their an appointment for their been practicing law for over 30 IDNYC will provide undocu- years. For further information, you mented immigrants access to couraged to get the IDNYC identity and city residency driver’s test. may call him at (212) 695 5281 or city services, programs, and card so that it will not be easy which include passports, birth Other states which have log on to his website at www.segu- benefits, which were previ- to identify undocumented im- certificates, and driver’s li- enacted law offering driver’s ritan.com MAINLAND NEWS Open to Rematch Pacquiao Welcomes Mayweather’s Offer for Megafight II he was not 100 percent in “Rematch! Fight ako “I will fight him in a year shape due to a torn rotator diyan (I’ll take it),” said the after his surgery,” said May- cuff on his right shoulder suf- 36-year-old Pacquiao when weather. fered during training. told of Mayweather’s offer. The Filipino boxing icon The disclosure has virtu- The unbeaten American, is scheduled to undergo sur- ally made Pacquiao a target who racked up 48 wins, gery to repair the torn rotator for lawsuits, with one filed counting his unanimous vic- cuff at the Kerlan Jobe Ortho- yesterday morning at the Fed- tory over Pacquiao Saturday, pedic Clinic within the week eral Court in Nevada. apparently reacted in a text and will be out of commis- The world eight-division message through ESPN’s sion for six weeks, although a champion accepted May- Stephen Smith, who asked Team Pacquiao insider said weather’s challenge while he Mayweather whether he’s he could be out of action for was resting in his Larchmont willing to meet Pacquiao in as long as nine months to a mansion in Los Angeles. another showdown. (continued on page 15)

Floyd Mayweather Jr. hugs Manny Pacquiao after their welterweight unification bout on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. aP photo by Abac Cordero next year when the Filipino Thursday, May 7, 2015 champion shall have fully re- OS ANGELES – covered from his right shoul- Floyd Mayweather Jr. der injury. Ladded to the tumul- The offer was accepted tuous aftermath of last Satur- by Pacquiao, providing a new day’s Fight of the Century twist to the post-event contro- with Manny Pacquiao when versy triggered by the Fil- he offered a rematch possibly ipino camp’s disclosure that 14  haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  may 9, 2015 TRAVEL & TOURISM Summer Escapade in Iligan’s Majestic

Waterfalls sprinkles spewing from the by Jay Decenella holes in between stacks of tricity, Maria Cristina Falls has stones, we beat the summer ANILA, Philip- also become a must-visit site, heat with a splash onto the pines - Summer lest your trip to Iligan won’t be cool, turquoise-blue water. It time could never complete. is a sure guarantee you would be better spent Surrounded by green lush forget the dry season. Modest than in ice-cold mountainsides, it is also popu- cottages have been erected in M the surrounding banks so that water flowing larly called the “twin falls” from lofty cascades that pro- owing to a huge boulder at the visitors – families, friends, duce aqua-hued streams and edge of the riverbed above that foreigners and pack of photog- alabaster swirls in a blue splits the flow into two, raphers – come in droves. basin, an idea that brings to though you would rarely see A few kilometers from Tinago lies Mimbalot Falls in mind waterfalls. Iligan, the its grand view due to opera- Hidden in the deep ravine of Buru-un is Tinago Falls city of majestic waterfalls, is tional requirements. (Full dis- nearby Iligan Paradise Resort therefore the place to be. closure, you can catch the full without having to go the extra gan’s tourism triangle devel- and Eco Park, a half-kilometer And we are not just talk- grandeur of Maria Cristina mile of trekking for hours opment zone, perhaps because walk from the national high- ing about waterfalls that meas- Falls every Saturday and Sun- through dense bushes along they form a triangle when con- way. The 90-foot cascades on a ure five or ten-meter high, day at 11 in the morning.) rocky paths, Maria Cristina is nected on the map. wall of rocks form natural according to Agnes Clerigo- The National Power Corp. perhaps the most easily acces- More significantly, Main- small pools in the rock-littered Maingat, supervising tourism developed the site into a na- sible waterfall in the country. gat explained that the three basin where children and adults operations officer of Iligan ture park that opened in 2006. Nestled at the borders of waterfalls qualify into the can take a dip, though it is not City’s local government unit. The park comprises picnic ca- Maria Cristina, Ditucalan and tourism triangle because they advisable to swim in the water “We’re talking of water- banas, aviary, crocodile park, Buru-un, it is a nearly 10-kilo- have satisfied the three pillars due to the abundant pile of falls that can generate electric- butterfly garden, mini zoo, meter drive from the city for a destination to be consid- stones. The eco-park also ity, that can power the entire tree top canopy and three zip proper and the NPC plant gate ered a tourist spot: attraction, houses zip lines, ATV ride, Mindanao,” Maingat said in lines that offer a breathtaking is visible from the national accessibility and amenities. mountain biking and kayaking. an interview, referring to aerial view of Maria Cristina highway. What sets Iligan apart Tucked away in the far Maria Cristina Falls. True Falls. It is a fixation that hob- The river stream flowing from other cities in the Philip- more remote village of Digki- enough, Maria Cristina Falls byist photographers like me out to Maria Cristina comes pines is its claim to 39 water- laan is Dododiongan Falls, generates a great portion of would always pursue. Indeed, from the ancient lake of Lanao falls, though the tourism office some 14 kilometers away Mindanao’s power supply there is no lack of sights to del Sur, which also feeds says it is promoting only 23. from the city’s bustling indus- through the Agus VI hydro- marvel. water into the neighboring The major consideration is ac- try and commerce. This water- electric plant. Luckily for tourists look- Tinago and Mimbalot Falls. cessibility. fall is less accessible Beyond providing elec- ing to spend time with nature These waterfalls compose Ili- Hidden in the deep ravine compared to the tourism trian- of Buru-un is Tinago Falls. A gle, with the habal-habal (mo- descent along the 500-step torbike) being the easiest flights of stairs brings you to means of transportation to the basin that changes hue reach the place. But it is one of from blue to green and any- those undisturbed, serene wa- thing in between depending on terfalls in Iligan that have yet the sunlight angle, according to be frequented by adventur- to Maingat. ers seeking the quiet of nature. The 240-foot waterfall is a Turning left at a river bend, household name for adventur- we were finally greeted by a ers seeking to test their stam- wing-like rock formation over ina. I was unfortunately not which the seemingly calm cut out for its long, winding water of Dodiongan Falls flows staircase as I was heavily pant- in perfect calmness. The 65- ing upon returning to the top foot drop is dead silent, with no of the ravine. Tinago Falls is traces of raging water until the definitely meant for the more flow reaches the basin. adventurous travelers used to However, Dodiongan falls climbing mountains. But the short of the accessibility fac- difficulty with plodding the tor, which explains why most stairs is nothing compared to people living in Iligan have no the refreshment Tinago offers. idea this charming waterfall Vested with a rented life exists. Nevertheless, the city’s jacket, I took a deep plunge tourism office does not lack in into the ice-cold blue lagoon its effort to make the place a along with friends who obvi- household name as well, at ously enjoyed their first least among the Iliganons. Tinago adventure despite the “In the tourism industry knee-shaking descent. you really have to find your Beneath centuries-old niche,” said Maingat, who trees, engulfed in curtains of (continued on page 15) may 9, 2015 haWaII fIlIPIno ChronICle  15 COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS CLASSIFIED ADS ([email protected]) or Clem Montero ([email protected]) UNITED PANGASINAN OF HAWAII 47TH CASHIER, PREP./COOK ANNIVERSARY DINNER & DANCE | May 16, 2015 | PHILIPPINE NURSES ASSOCIATION OF HI, 36TH 8.50 TRAINING /9.00 STARTING Pacific Beach Hotel Grand Ballroom | Tickets & Information: Kaneohe area/ Town area PNA GALA NIGHT | July 25, 2015 | HILTON HAWAIIAN Cely Villareal - (808) 778-2481 or (808) 689-4911 Call 2351311/9471311 VILLAGE | 5:00 PM | Contact: Marise Aczon Armstrong, 542- 5133 or Tina Salvador, 426-6183 PULSO (PULSE, RHYTHm OF THE HEART): A AFFORDABLE LOTS ON BIG ISLAND CELEBRATION OF PHILIPPINE DANCE AND CULTURE mRS. ISAH 2015 CORONATION AND GALA NIGHT OWNER FINANCED - $99D/$125m | May 21 & 22, 2015 | KENNEDY THEATER, UHM | 11:00 AM - 573-747-8875 - heartlandfinance.net | October 24, 2015 | ALA MOANA HOTEL | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 3:00 PM | DANCE PERFORMANCES FEATURING THE HOUSE | Contact Danny Villaruz 778-0233 OF DANCE, PHILIPPINES | Contact Vina Lanzona VALLEY OF THE TEmPLE HOLY CROSS SECTION / 1 PLOT $2,500 GLOBAL NEWS Call Kanani @ 699-5154 Queen Elizabeth II Honors Filipino Cancer Patient ANILA, Philippines - says on its website. British Queen Elizabeth It is also MII recognized a Birming- awarded for local ham-based Filipino cancer patient "hands-on" serv- for her "services to the community." ice, which stands Hailing from Butuan City, out as an example Doreen Jaen-Mooney of New to other people. Heights, Kingstanding was granted Mooney is Doreen Jaen-Mooney Queen Elizabeth II the rank of Member under the Order among the volunteers who estab- breast cancer herself. of the British Empire, an order of lished a community café to build "I am so grateful and honored to chivalry, earlier this month. friendships and get access to training be given such award. Never in my The rank is awarded to persons and jobs, the Great Barr Observer re- dreams that I would be given such for "significant achievement or out- ports. honors! What a humbling experi- standing service to the community," She has also taken care of dis- ence, indeed," she tells the local pub- the United Kingdom government abled people despite suffering from lication. (www.philstar.com) FREEZER-WAREHOUSE/DRIVER Clean abstract required. PHILIPPINE NEWS (from page 13, OPEN) Competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, & year. during the fight it really af- naire that was filled out dur- single night, 401k profit sharing benefits. Application hours: 10am-3pm, Mon-Fri Pacquiao said he hurt the fected my game. I felt I lost ing the weigh-in he did not and Pacquiao Apply in person at: shoulder while training at the the power in my right hand. It disclose the injury. no less than KOHA FOODS Wild Card Gym a month be- was different from thereon,” Pacquiao could also be $80 million. 500 ALAKAWA ST. #104 fore the fight, and aggravated he said. facing charges of perjury. In The fans HONOLULU, HI 96817 the injury in the fourth round. Pacquiao had requested Las Vegas, a couple of resi- s p e n t s o “If you will remember, I the Nevada State Athletic dents have filed a class-suit much for fight tickets an LA Times article, that he was hitting Floyd with my Commission for medication against Pacquiao. amounting to over $100,000 would want to face Pacquiao punches when I suddenly two hours before the fight but They claimed that be- and those at home shelled out again next year. backed off. That’s where it was denied. cause Pacquiao climbed the $100 each for a pay-per-view Pacquiao said it may take happened,” he said. The NSAC said it could ring with an injury and did pop. him around six months to re- Pacquiao said it’s an old not give Pacquiao the medica- not inform the commission Pacquiao admitted that cover from the injury after injury that had gone away for tion he wanted because the about it, he denied the fans after the injury kicked in, he surgery, but added that he can some time, and that it may boxer did not inform the com- what they deserved. fought the rest of the way at go straight into a rematch have first occurred during a mission of the injury ahead of Pacquiao did not com- only 60 percent of his ability. with Mayweather once he has jetski accident in 2009. the fight. ment on the issue. Mayweather said he will recovered. He said he was riding the As a result, Pacquiao is The fight was the richest fight again in September, and “Puwede diretso na sa re- jetski at full speed when he facing disciplinary action in boxing history, with May- it will be his last. match. But let me recover was thrown off the machine. from Nevada officials, con- weather expected to earn as But he did text Stephen from the injury first,” he said. “When it kicked back sidering that in a question- much as $180 million for a Smith yesterday, according to (www.philstar.com)

TRAVEL & TOURISm (from page 14, SUMMER) noted that there is no other city and Mindanao as a whole. in the country that has a claim “Other places or other to more than 23 waterfalls. people think of Iligan as dan- I consider myself lucky to gerous and that is really a be living near Iligan City. challenge to the tourism indus- Weekends are perfect for try because we are not,” Main- leisurely visits to its sprawling gat explained. waterfalls, admiring their “Iligan City is a tri-people beauty and creating amazing city. We have the Christians, landscape photographs of Muslims and Higaonons who these natural wonders. Such is co-exist peacefully and that the gift Iligan presents to somehow is very unique and every guest, despite the chaos very different from other des- in neighboring provinces that tinations in the country,” she paints a bad image on the city said. (www.philstar.com) MAY 9, 2014