April 15, 2013 1

Vol. XXII, No. 11 Online: www. manilamail.us April 15, 2013 Bulosan’s poem theme of Asian Heritage Month For the 2013 Asian Ameri- highlight the poem by acclaimed can dream. Like Bulosan’s poem, For all the free. can and Pacifi c Islander (AAPI) Filipino American writer Carlos the AAPI community is aspira- I want the wide American earth Heritage Month in May, the Bulosan. tional, unwavering in its belief for my people. White House Initiative on Asian This year’s AAPI Heritage in the promise of America for all. I want my beautiful land. Americans and Pacifi c Island- Month celebrates the contribu- As Bulosan so eloquently writes: I want it with my rippling ers announced that the theme of tions of millions of AAPIs to the strength and tenderness this year’s observance is “I Want American story and reminds Before the brave, before the Of love and light and truth the Wide American Earth.” The us of the unique and emerging proud builders and workers, For all the free. Smithsonian’s Asian Pacifi c challenges facing AAPIs as they I say I want the wide American Carlos Bulosan. American Center selected it to continue to embrace the Ameri- earth Continued on page 23

WASHINGTON D.C. - Hundreds of Filipino and Asian Americans joined the massive demonstration in front of Capitol Hill April 10 to demand reten- tion of family-based visas and Foreign Sec. Albert del Rosario quick passage of an immigration reform bill. Manila hits Asian and Filipino Ameri- cans joined the demonstration to urge the retention of the family- China anew based visas in the bill that is now MANILA - Foreign Secre- being deliberated in Congress. tary Albert del Rosario used the TV stations estimated the launching of the 12-day Balika- predominantly Hispanic crowd tan manoeuvres to accuse China at more than 70,000. Simultane- of destabilising the region with ous demonstrations have been aggressive and illegal actions in held in California, New York, the South China Sea. Georgia and other cities. He said China’s “excessive FilAms proudly carry the Philippine fl ag at the rally (Photo by M.C. Branigin). Continued on page 22 Continued on page 23 PH duns US $1.4-M Presidential hug for Jessica OAVs start for damages to reefs mid-term polls MANILA - The Philippines Angelique Songco. MANILA - The Department will ask the United States to pay Two weeks after the salvage of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has P58 million ($1.4 million) in com- of the US ship, a Chinese fi sh- urged more than 988,384 regis- pensation for damage caused by ing vessel ran aground also at tered Filipino voters overseas a US minesweeper to the Tub- the World Heritage Site-listed to exercise their right and par- bataha Reef, the manager of the Tubbataha Reef. The 12 Chinese ticipate in the overseas absentee protected reef said. fi shermen, including what Phil- voting (OAV) for the mid-term The amount is based on ippine navy offi cials said were Philippine elections that started studies by Philippine agen- Chinese intelligence offi cers, Saturday April 13 and ends May cies, including the coast guard, were arrested. They reportedly 13, 2013. that found the USS Guardian offered $2500 to the arresting They will be joining some 20 damaged at least 2,345 square offi cers to release them. President Obama gives Filam singer Jessica Sanchez a hug after she sang million voters in the Philippines meters (25,240 square feet) of the Philippine Secretary of For- the US national anthem opening the White House Easter Egg Roll April. who will cast their ballots on reef, said park superintendent Continued on page 22 2. Looking on are First Lady Michelle, children and others. Continued on page 23 Kerry backs Pinay transgender Teach for WSF in Palawan Viloria loses arbitration P4 fi ghts P6 Philippines P8 P10 title P12 22 April 15, 2013 USMPH presses drive for Medicare portability The Washington D.C.-based by the Commission on Filipinos burse, to guarantee payments retired Americans living over- lower-cost healthcare options US Medicare Philippines advo- Overseas in Manila late in Febru- and to partner with Philippine seas and the millions more who abroad,” added Downs. cates are continuing to push for ary, 2013. hospitals for eligible Medicare travel extensively abroad must But the US Congress will the passage of a law by the US “Our goal is to promote patients visiting there.” either go without care until they have to fi rst amend the Medi- Congress to allow Americans and expand the current policy of One of the topics during the return to the United States or pay care law to allow Americans to Diaspora summit was Medicare out-of-pocket for the care they use their benefi ts in case they get portability -- a favorite topic need,” wrote Matthew J. Downs, sick abroad where medical care among Americans and Filipino founder and president of the is cheaper. While the system will Americans who plan and hope Center for Medicare Portability, save money, the main stumbling to retire in the Philippines. based in Washington, D.C. block is how to manage medical Currently, Medicare prohib- “We see this as a fundamen- reimbursements. its coverage for Americans resid- tally unfair situation for retired ing, retiring or traveling outside Americans who have paid into Previous cases of fraud of the US. And the cost per ben- Medicare their entire working allegedly committed by doctors efi ciary over the years has risen lives. This restriction on Medi- in claiming reimbursements for --signifi cantly doubling, from care coverage is also unfair to medical care for American war an average of $6,000 in 2005 to American taxpayers because it veterans living in the Philippines $12,000 per benefi ciary in 2010. ignores the potentially huge cost have cast some doubts about the “The nearly half-million savings to Medicare offered by system.

US Medicare Philippines offi cers meet with Manila hospital offi cials. Among those in photo are Daisy Tucay, Dr. Bambi Lamoglia, Rodel Rodis and Eric Lachica. and Filipino American retiring in temporary ‘emergency/urgent the Philippines to avail of their care’ coverage in the Philippines Medicare benefi ts. under the Medicare Advantage These advocates have also or Part C plans of major US expanded their base in Manila health insurance companies,” by renewing partnerships and said Eric Lachica, organizer and alliances with Philippine health incorporator of US Medicare PH. offi cials and local accredited He said the group’s plan is hospitals when they attended to “encourage US health insur- the Diaspora summit sponsored ance companies to directly reim- April 15, 2013 3 Pinoy convicted for fl eecing elderly of $10-M FLORIDA - Decades ago, a she could not recall if she had a an’s mental condition to their with exploiting the elderly wom- Richard Sherman, a prosecutor savvy woman bought stock in a hysterectomy, and she did not attorney when she signed the an’s now-deceased sister, the in offi ce’s Elderly Exploitation little company called Apple. That Attorney’s Offi ce said. Unit. move, plus some skillful margin “Elderly abuse is a serious “We will continue to aggres- trading, made her a millionaire. problem in this community and sively prosecute elderly exploita- Now, age 94 and suffering it will become even more seri- tion in our community to protect severe dementia, she has noth- ous as the population ages,” said our seniors.” ing ‘duped’, say authorities, by a pair of South Florida con artists into signing over her $10 mil- lion estate and disinheriting her family. Cynthia Franke and Tyrone Javellana, of Hollywood, were convicted March 26 of fi nancial exploitation of an elderly person, a fi rst-degree felony that could result in up to 30 years in prison. Sentencing is set for April 10. The defendants, fully aware of her mental condition, knew that the victim lacked the ability Cynthia Franke and Tyrone Javellana to consent at the time she signed the ocuments, said Ron Ishoy, a know where her sons lived.” amendment that would leave spokesperson for the State Attor- Franke and Javellana, a everything to them” rather ney’s Offi ce of Broward County. stockbroker and fi nancial plan- than the victim’s family” Ishoy “The victim thought it was ner, explained. 1990, did not remember her respectively, had a business Adult Protective Services mom’s name, could not draw and personal relationship with launched an investigation after the face of a clock, could not tell the victim that spanned 30 years. someone submitted an anony- an APS (Adult Protective Ser- vices) investigator what she had “However, the victim never mous tip to the group’s hotline. for breakfast, lunch or dinner,” gave the defendants anything “Within 24 hours of a com- Ishoy told the Daily News. until she began showing signs of plaint, APS sends out an inves- “She could not name all of dementia,” said Ishoy. tigator to follow up,” Ishoy her siblings, she did not know Neither Franke nor Javel- explained. the value of a dime or a nickel, lana disclosed the elderly wom- Javellana is also charged 44 April 15, 2013 Kerry supports Manila’s decision on UN arbitration WASHINGTON D.C. - US to settle the disputes peacefully provocation is an important will continue to cooperate in the eign Affairs Assistant Secretary Secretary of State John Kerry and in accordance with the rule part of this cooperation. In this areas of humanitarian assistance Carlos Sorreta, Deputy Chief says the Philippines’ decision to of law.” context, we discussed our joint and disaster relief,” the Secretary of Mission Maria Austria, and elevate the confl icting claims in Del Rosario said he also efforts to build the capacity of emphasized. Executive Director Rosalita Pros- the West Philippine Sea to the updated Kerry on our arbitra- the Philippines to defend its On regional coopera- pero of the Offi ce of American United Nations’ arbitral court tion initiative. “I emphasized its territory and people. We also tion, both offi cials agreed to Affairs. has the full support of the United importance to the future stability exchanged views on the imple- work together to build stron- “I stressed that we are com- States. of our region in particular and mentation of our agreed policy ger ASEAN-US relations. “We mitted to seeing this arbitration He gave this assurance to the future effi cacy of interna- of increased rotational presence agreed on the importance of through. when he met with Philippine tional law in general.” and enhanced exercises,” Secre- working together in ASEAN to There should be no confu- Secretary of Foreign Affairs “We agreed that as strategic tary Del Rosario stated. promote our mutual interests as sion or any doubts about our Albert del Rosario to underscore partners, it is important for both the common history and shared our nations to further deepen our “We also reiterated our well as regional cooperation,” resolve,” del Rosario added. values between the Philippines relations on all levels. We agreed agreement that our defense and the Secretary said. He said Kerry also commit- and the United States at the State that our long shared history and security cooperation extends to Del Rosario was accompa- ted to work with Brunei, the cur- Department on April 2. It was profound common values serve facing other threats in the region, nied by Philippine Ambassador rent chairman of Asean, on the their fi rst meeting since Kerry as a fi rm basis for including natural disasters. We to the US Jose Cuisia Jr., For- West Philippine Sea issue. assumed his post as sectary of this,” Secretary Del state. Rosario said after Kerry said the case lodged his meeting with his by the Philippines through the American counter- United Nations Convention on part at the Depart- the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) ment of State here was a “step in the right direction. this morning. China, however, has rejected the With Secretary Philippine move. Del Rosario during

US Secretary of State John Kerry meets Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario in Washington D.C. Instead, China said in a his fi rst meeting statement issued at the 19th with his American China-ASEAN Senior Offi cials counterpart were Consultation on April 3 in Bei- Ambassador Jose L. jing that it agrees with the Asean Cuisia, Jr., Foreign to set up a binding code of con- Affairs Assistant duct in the disputed seas. Senior Secretary Carlos offi cials of Asean-China have D. Sorreta; Deputy committed to fully implement Chief of Mission the Declaration on the Conduct Maria Andrelita S. of Parties in the South China Sea Austria; and Execu- and work toward a binding code tive Director Rosal- of conduct. ita S. Prospero of the In their meeting, Kerry said Offi ce of American after meeting Del Rosario: “The Affairs. Philippines is one of our fi ve In a statement, Asia-Pacifi c allies and a very, the Department very important relationship at of Foreign Affairs this point in time when there are said both offi cials tensions over the South China acknowledged that Sea, where we support a code of there are current conduct.” challenges to the “We are deeply concerned peace and stabil- about some of these tensions ity of East Asia and and would like to see it worked that it was in the out through a process of arbitra- common interest tion,” he added. of both countries Del Rosario said “Secretary to work together Kerry emphasized the impor- to prevent confl ict tance the United States gives to and resolve mat- maintaining peace and stability ters peacefully and in the area. More importantly, in accordance with Secretary Kerry assured me that international law. the US is committed to support- “Our ability ing the efforts of the Philippines to deter threats or April 15, 2013 5 Sen. Ried to ask Obama to pay WWII vets LAS VEGAS - Senate Major- accepting records from Fili- It was more than six decades were fi nally recognized. The ity Leader Harry Reid says he pinos who have authenticated ago when President Franklin huge number of claim denials, will ask President Obama to proof of US military service Roosevelt promised military however, has left many veterans reconsider compensation claims is the quickest solution to the benefi ts to Filipinos who fought uncompensated. by Filipino Veterans of World problem of World War II veter- with the American military “An executive order from War II who have been denied ans, most of whom are frail and against the Japanese in World the benefi ts because of faulty in their advanced ages, a Las War II. But in 1946, the US Con- the president will get the Fili- records. Vegas-based advocacy group gress passed the Rescission Act pino veterans out of 66 years of Sen. Ried (D-Nevada) made had noted. which stripped Filipinos of the not getting recognition,” Cesar this assurance in an interview Since the Obama admin- benefi ts they were promised. Elpidio had told a Nevada with the Asian Journal news- istration set aside $198 million Since then, several bills have senate hearing last year. Elpidio paper. He said he will write a in 2008 for benefi ts of Filipino been introduced in Congress in is adviser to advocacy group letter to the President to issue an veterans who fought in World Senator Harry Reid an attempt to give full equity to Filipino-American Veterans and immediate order. War II, thousands of claims these Filipino war veterans. A White House order will were turned down because their showed proof of US military ser- It was only through the Families of Nevada (FAVFA) direct government agencies to names were not on a prescribed vice authenticated by the Philip- 2008 American Recovery and which works to help WWII vet- start list. This is even if the soldiers pine government. Reinvestment Act that Filipinos erans in Las Vegas. 6 April 15, 2013 Unlawfully expelled Pinay transgender sues school RIVERSIDE, California - herself as female since she was a College. says she checked the box marked accepted her as an honors stu- California Baptist University child,” the complaint states. ‘On the application, she ‘female.’ dent in a June 10, 2011 accep- (CBU) expelled a Filipino stu- California Baptist Univer- To complete the application, tance letter, which said she was dent when it learned she’s a sity is an accredited university Cabading says, she had to click eligible for fi nancial aid. transgender after appearing and founded in 1950. It is affi liated ‘I agree’ in response to a state- She says she applied for an discussing “the stigma of being with the California Southern ment of agreement that outlined academic scholarship and was transgender” on MTV show Baptist Convention and is the CBU’s policies for student con- awarded $3,500, and received “True Life.” “only Southern Baptist college duct. $2,000 more after she auditioned Domainlor Javier Cabading or university on the West Coast,’ Among other things, the for the CBU’s women’s choir and sued the university, its dean of according to its website. agreement banned smoking, impressed them with her “skills students David Anthony Lam- The college has more than drinking, and tobacco, requires as a female singer.” mons, and its vice president for 6,000 students “from 37 states students to attend weekly But a little over a month student services Lowell Kent and 30 foreign countries,” and church services, and tells them later, Cabading says, she Dacus, in Riverside County 508 faculty members at four Cal- to ‘respect the personal integ- received a letter from defen- Superior Court. ifornia campuses, according to rity of every member of the dant Dean Anthony Lammons, Cabading, whom the com- the complaint. campus community...by refrain- stating that CBU was ‘suspend- plaint refers to as ‘Ms. Javier,’ The school says on its web- ing from profanity, harassment, ing her registration eligibility” claims the school unlawfully site that its mission is to pro- [and] physical or verbal abuse,’ because she had lied about her expelled her “only weeks before vide a Christ-centered educa- according to the complaint. identify. she was to begin pursuing her tional experience that integrates Domainlor Javier Cabading Cabading claims: “Neither ‘In response, Ms. Javier degree in nursing’ because it academics with spiritual and the application, nor the state- acknowledged being transgen- found out she is transgender. social development opportuni- indicated that her academic goal ment of agreement, nor any der but denied committing fraud Cabading, who is 26 and a ties. Graduates are challenged was to graduate from CBU with of the documents referenced or concealment of identity, and native of the Philippines, says to become individuals whose a Bachelor of Science in Nurs- therein, address gender identity, explained how selecting female she came to the United States in skills, integrity and sense of pur- ing,” the complaint states. gender expression, or transgen- for her gender on the application 2007 to earn a college education pose glorify God and distinguish In response to questions der persons.” was consistent with her gender and a fi nd a job so she could take them in the workplace and in the about her religious beliefs, she Cabading says CBU identity. care of her mom. world.” wrote that she is Catholic and “Although Ms. Javier was Cabading says she submit- goes to a Catholic church in Riv- born male, she has viewed her- ted an online application to CBU erside, Cabading says. 2 nature fotogs to record self as female for as long as she around Feb. 28, 2011, while she When the application asked can remember and as presented was a student at Riverside City her to identify her gender, she PH barrier reef WASHINGTON D.C. - Two ically important region of central of the world’s top nature photog- Philippines.” Filam con linked to slay raphers are mounting a 2-week Peschak is a retired marine expedition in April to help draw biologist who’s now a contrib- of correctional offi cer international attention on the uting photographer to National unique but endangered Danajon Geographic Magazine. He was WAYNE COUNTY, Penn- and other means to win favor Bank in the Philippines. recently named one of the 40 sylvania - Filipino American with other gang members while Tyler Stiem, a spokesman most infl uential nature photog- Jessie Con-ui, who is described they traffi cked marijuana, meth- for Project Seahorse, a marine raphers in the world, produc- by the media as a cold-blooded amphetamines and cocaine conservation organization based ing three books â “ Currents of killer, has been identifi ed as the throughout the southwest. at the University of British Contrast, Great White Shark suspect in the Feb. 25 murder of Mr. Con-ui and two other Columbia in Canada, emailed and Wild Seas Secret Shores. He a correctional offi cer at the US gang members fatally shot this writer about the upcoming describes himself as a nomad, Penitentiary at Canaan in Wayne Carlos Garcia outside a laundry mission. Photographers Thomas spending most of the year on County. facility in East Phoenix, Ariz., Peschak and Luciano Candisani assignments. Con-ui, already jailed for in August 2002 to “further or join Project Seahorse scientists Candisani has been taking life for killing a gang rival in assist” the gang’s criminal con- studying the country’s only pictures of wildlife since 1996. Arizona, is said to be the alleged duct, according to state prosecu- double barrier reef April 5-15. The Brazilian photojournalist The scientifi c team report- killer of correctional offi cer Eric tors and Maricopa County, Ariz., has decided to devote his life edly includes Dr. Amanda Vin- Williams. court records. to promoting biodiversity and cent and Dr. Heather Koldeway That killing could carry a Fourteen months later, conservation, his works often Jessie Con-ui of Project Seahorse and the Zoo- featured in National Geographic, death sentence, Chief U.S. Dis- federal investigators charged logical Society of London. GEO and BBC Wildlife. He has trict Judge Yvette Kane said tional offi cers with knowledge of Mr. Con-ui and six other gang The 135-kilometer-long worked with primates in Brazil- as she assigned a pre-eminent the investigation. members in a widespread drug- Danajon Bank stretches north of ian rain forests to the Rocas Atoll death penalty-certifi ed attorney He could remain there traffi cking scheme. Mr. Con-ui Bohol, between Cebu and Samar in the Atlantic. He has produced to represent him throughout the indefi nitely. pleaded guilty to conspiracy to islands in the Visayas. It’s home at least 5 photographic books, investigation and potential pros- Mr. Williams died after an distribute cocaine and was sen- to more than 200 species of coral including the latest ‘Jubarte” ecution. inmate blindsided and attacked tenced to the 11-year term that reefs, over 500 fi sh species and about humpback whales released Mr. Con-ui, an enforcer for him as he made his rounds for eventually led him to Canaan. hectares upon hectares of eco- in 2010. the violent New Mexican Mafi a nightly lockdown between 9:45 A presentence report for a logically important sea grass and They hope to show the gang, was jailed at Canaan at the and 10 p.m. co-defendant in the drug traffi ck- mangroves. It is only one of three photographs in public exhibits time of Mr. Williams’ death on ing case described Mr. Con-ui as double barrier reefs in the Indo- The attacking inmate hurled at aquariums in Chicago, Hon- an 11-year sentence for his role possessing a weapon and said Pacifi c region (from the Red Sea the 34-year-old Nanticoke native gkong, Manila and London by in the gang’s Arizona drug-traf- down a set of steps and pounced, the New Mexican Mafi a’s role to the Indian Ocean and onto the Pacifi c) and one of only six in the June. Project Seahorse also plans fi cking operation. beating him and repeatedly stab- in the operation “was to provide world. to publish them in a new book Mr. Con-ui, 36, was sched- bing him with a crude, knife-like security during the delivery of Various species roaming about conservation efforts at uled to complete the federal sen- weapon known as a “shank.” the drugs.” the vastness of the Pacifi c Ocean Danajon Bank. tence in September and would Mr. Williams’ parents, During the investigation, are believed to have evolved at The expedition is a col- have immediately been returned federal prosecutor Glenn B. Donald and Jean, said they had Danajon Bank. It is home to at laboration of Project Seahorse to Arizona to begin serving his read online news reports that McCormick wrote in a court least 200 threatened animals, and the International League life term for the 2002 murder. identifi ed Mr. Con-ui as the fi ling, members of the gang including the elusive tiger-tail of Conservation Photographers After Mr. Williams’ death, attacking inmate and detailed his were observed sending heroin seahorse. (ILCP) to help raise awareness of prison offi cials swiftly trans- criminal history. to incarcerated members, talk- “The photos will be turned the threats against the Danajon ferred Mr. Con-ui to a high-secu- Court records in Arizona ing about drug deals, taking part into a series of photo exhib- Bank. They are hoping the Phil- rity prison in Allenwood, Union and federal courts showed Mr. in drug deals and talking about its that will travel around the ippine government will improve County, according to the federal Con-ui as a climber in the New people they need to murder - world,” Stiem wrote, “to pro- protection of the threatened Bureau of Prisons and correc- Mexican Mafi a, using violence including police offi cers. mote conservation of this ecolog- reefs. April 15, 2013 7 Jose Vargas locks horns with columnist Malkin By Joseph Pimentel Earlier, the 40-year-old Malkin, whose parents legally immigrated from Two prominent Filipino writers on the Philippines to the US on an employer the opposite side of the immigration and visa, wrote a piece criticizing the Associ- political spectrum battled it out on Twit- ated Press for dropping its use of ‘illegal ter on April 4, trading tweets over what immigrant’ when referring to the undocu- the US government should do to undocu- mented. Malkin rebukes ABC’s coverage and writer Christina Constantini, who in the story and later tweet credits Vargas as one of the people for spearheading the change. Malkin was not pleased. Jose Antonio Vargas, the former Washington Post reporter who spear- headed the whitewashing of our language and our laws on behalf of illegal aliens,” Malkin wrote on Twitchy, a site she Columnist Michelle Malkin and Jose A. founded. Vargas. ‘In 2011, with great fanfare and mented immigrants. elite media sympathy, Vargas publicly Fil-Am conservative columnist declared himself an ˜undocumented and TV personality Michelle Malkin immigrant.”Except, as he himself con- and undocumented Filipino journalist fessed, Vargas had documents coming and Pulitzer Prize winner Jose Antonio out of his ears”, including a fake passport Vargas battled it out on the social media with a fake name, a fake green card and a site, providing an insightful look at the Social Security card his grandfather doc- polarizing issue as the Gang of Eight Sen- tored for him at a Kinko’s. ators in Washington continue to work on This led to the “adobo’ dinner a bi-partisan comprehensive immigration response by Vargas on Twitter. reform bill. Michellemalkin, I can cook it w/ What sparked the Twitter feud? more vinegar. I can make pork ‘adobo’ or Vargas sent an invitation to Malkin to chicken-and-pork ‘adobo’. Name a time, discuss immigration matters over ‘adobo’, place, I’m there, he tweeted. a traditional Filipino dish which he volun- Because of her ethnicity, Malkin teered to prepare. (who was born Michelle Maglalang) was Thanks, Malkin tweets. expected by many to sympathize with “I like my ‘adobo’ with an extra- the plight of undocumented immigrants. heavy dose of vinegar.” However, she does not. 88 April 15, 2013 5 Filams are ‘Teach for the Philippines’ fellows By Joseph Pimentel and Japan, to name a few). The rest are Vea, co-director of US Strategy: school administrators from 1999, only 51 of 100 school children until it transitioned into TFP in enrolled in the fi rst grade gradu- Mico Letargo young professionals and gradu- Recruitment and Selection at ates from some of the top schools Teach for the Philippines. August 2012. ate from high school. The mission remains the Adding to that is a dearth SAN FRANCISCO - Five same: remove the educational of teachers, who either fi nd jobs Filams have chosen to take part disparity that plagues the coun- abroad or change professions, in in Teach for the Philippine’s pro- try. order to work elsewhere. gram that trains high achieving “Every child, no matter The innovative and new pro- Filipinos to teach in struggling where you are should have gram Teach for the Philippines public elementary schools in the access to a high quality of educa- (TFP) aims to bridge the achieve- country. tion. But the reality is, sadly, that ment gap between children from They are committing the is not the case,” said Vea. low-income backgrounds and next two years of their lives to The launch of the TFP pro- their wealthier peers. teaching, for the betterment of gram comes at a crucial time “At the end of it all, only 14 public education in the country. when the country is revamp- percent graduate from college,’ One is continuing a legacy. ing its educational format, and said Stanly Sy, public relations Another one is taking a leap of trying to retain teachers and and emerging media offi cer for faith. The rest plan are in it to keep them from going abroad. TFP. connect with their Filipino roots. The educational inequality As a way to compete with For the next two years, these is too substantial. other countries around the world, Filipino-Americans will embark Philippine national hero Jose the Philippines revamped its old on a bold journey and a once-in- Rizal once said: ‘Ang kabataan system where students attend 10 a-lifetime experience -- as part of ang pag-asa ng bayan’ (The years of schooling (grades 1 to 6 the inaugural class of TFP. youth is the hope of a nation.”) elementary level and fi rst year to Filams Adam Crayne of San However, looking at the fourth year for high school level), Jose, Lesley De Leon of Chicago, shocking numbers of the youth to a K-12 system (primary educa- Leslie Espinosa of New York, in the Philippines today reveals tion to Grades 1 to 10 plus two John Navarra of San Francisco, that every year, two million Fili- years of senior high school). and Leah Villanueva of Flor- pino school-aged children drop Department of Education ida will join 49 other Filipinos Leah Villanueva, Adam Crayne, Leslie Espinosa and Lesley de Leon out. offi cials hope with this new (including Christophe Henares- 700,000 children do not com- model (which takes effect on Chuidian, who studied in Boston in the Philippines, including De “These people are the future plete elementary school; about 2016), by making primary educa- but was recruited in the Philip- La Salle University,University leaders and have joined, to make 1.36 million will not fi nish sec- tion compulsory, it would lead pines), as part of this historic of the Philippines and Ateneo a difference in the country.” ondary school. Another million to less drop outs and higher-edu- corps in the TFP. school children will be unable to cated Filipinos. De Manila University, among As an organization, TFP Their success would impact enroll, due to poverty. “The new K-12 system will the lives of 22 million elementary others. traces its roots from the Sa Aklat During ‘The State of Basic produce graduates who are more school students in the country. “These are the trailblazers Sisikat Foundation, which advo- Education: Gaining Ground” prepared for college education,” Among the other 49, four who will set forth the path for all cated for functional literacy and presentation last year, offi cials wrote Erica Delos Santos for are based abroad (Australia and future enrollees,” said Michael better training for teachers and found that from 2001 to 2010, ‘IConnect’ newsletter. April 15, 2013 9 Kristel’s death ‘not in vain’ as UP eases rule QUEZON CITY - In a direc- walked out of their classes and UPM Department of Behavioral home in Manila. the fi nancial burden of under- tive released to all Chancellors held daily vigils, protests, and Sciences last Monday in a Mass The eldest of four children, privileged students by studying and UP Cebu Dean, Dr. Alfredo other mass actions to demand held in her honor. Her father she had high hopes for herself in UP without having to pay the Pascual, president of the Univer- and family. She wanted to be a full tuition fee. Students even sity of the Philippines, urged all doctor for the poor and eventu- receive monthly stipend depend- chancellors to allow a reasonable ally help support her other sib- ing on their bracket. The STFAP amount of time for registration lings. brackets are based on the annual and payment of (tuition) fees by A consistent honor student family income and have corre- students. since elementary, she graduated sponding fees or benefi ts. This latest development was salutatorian at the Rizal Elemen- Kristel was classifi ed under among the major changes that tary School in Tayuman, Manila. Bracket D was required to pay have resulted from the suicide In high school, Kristel studied at only R300 per unit (R7,500 per of student Kristel Tejada because the Manila Cathedral School as semester), equivalent to a 70 she was suspended because she a full scholar from fi rst to fourth percent discount on base tuition failed to pay her tuition fees. year. So even if the tuition there fees, full miscellaneous and labo- ‘’It’s a welcome develop- was worth P33,000, Christopher ratory fees. ment. At least Kristel’s death says, he did not pay a single cen- Under this bracket, the was not in vain because the very tavo. dream. annual family income ranges policy that deprived her of edu- He said his daughter would from R135,000 to R250,000, cation and cost her life was now go to school mostly without any which Kristel’s father strongly lifted. It’s an admission that the allowance. One time, he gave contests. said policy does not cater to the her a ‘’baon’’ of R70. She used ‘’Paano kami naging Bracket interest of the students. I just it to buy R20 worth of candies D eh wala akong trabaho nung hope that it will lead to more and gave two pieces to her dad. nag-apply ng STFAP? Nung nag- meaningful changes such as The Oblation in UP is covered in black tarpaulin. When he asked her what were all katrabaho naman ako one month the complete revocation of this those candies for, she said that it palang natanggal ako. Ang policy,’’ says UP Prof. Andres the scrapping of the policies, Christopher Tejada was touched will be her lunch in school that sahod ko nun R426 a day lang. Martinez. the junking of the STFAP and its by this unexpected gift which day. kahit icompute mo yun hindi Kristel’s death has sparked ongoing review, a big-time roll- does not have any use now. The Her teacher in General Psy- aabot ng R135,000 sa isang taon. outrage from the UP community, back in tuition in UP, a tuition Manila City government also chology, Behavioral Sciences, Naging truthful naman kami, at youth and militant groups, as moratorium for all state colleges gage him a job. according to Prof. Martinez, said nung nagkatrabaho ako dine- well as netizens who condemned and universities, and the resig- For his daughter, the UP ID Kristel usually went to school clare namin, pero dapat talaga the institution’s alleged repres- nation of top UP offi cials. The was the only proof of her associ- with no transportation money. nasa Bracket E kami,’’ laments sive policies. Oblation was wrapped in black ation with the country’s premier Sometimes, she would shell out Christopher. UPM student council vice until the burial of Kristel late last state university and symbolized some cash from her own pocket Under Bracket E1 and E2, chair Adrian Sampang stressed month. her education which was her and give to Kristel just so she students from families with an that the bracketting classifi cation The much-cherished I.D. only way out of poverty. could be able to go home. annual income of R80,000 and of students is fl awed. of UP-Manila freshman Kris- Kristel poisoned herself The STFAP, according to less, enjoy free tuition, miscella- To rxpress their indignation, tel Tejada was returned to her to death by drinking a bottle UPM Chancellor Dr. Manuel neous and laboratory fees, and UP students in Diliman, Manila family by the offi cials of the of silver jewelry cleaner in her Agulto, was designed to ease receive monthly stipend. 1010 April 15, 2013 WSF brings surgical, medical aid to Coron WASHINGTON D.C. - Vol- arrived, a 40-foot container continue providing needed help describe their time at the hospital Medical Humanities Initiative. unteers of the Pennsylvania- van sent to the hospital earlier in the future. and our mission trip this week. Dr. Alvear has conducted his based World Surgical Founda- arrived in several in truckloads. Dr. Flores said that because What an honor for our work to fi rst surgical volunteer trip to his tion (WSF) have undertaken The crates contained heavy of the equipment that a modern be thought of at the same level as native Philippines as a medical a fi ve-day medical mission in medical equipment that were hospital needs, Coron District theirs. student in 1963, and has passion- Coron, Palawan late in February, unloaded and assembled by doc- Hospital can now serve as a base Outside of the operating ately continued the practice for 2013. tors, nurses and volunteers along for future missions not only by room, Sister Margaret and some the past 39 years. Unlike other medical mis- with local help. WSF but also by local Philippine recent nurse graduates volun- WSF’s surgical teams have sions, they also brought medi- doctors who can return with reg- teering from the local Rural improved the quality of life for cal and surgical supplies to the thousands of patients in the Phil- Coron District Hospital which ippines and around the world they used in their mission. by performing a wide range of The Coron mission is part of surgical procedures, including WSF’s adopt a hospital program. thyroidectomies, hernia repairs, WSF was founded in 1977 cleft palette repairs, and hys- by Filipino American doctor, terectomies. During his many Domingo T. Alvear, a graduate international medical trips, he of Santo Tomas University. is known as a teacher who takes Besides treating patients time to work with local physi- and bringing surgical and medi- cians in sharing ideas and teach- cal supplies good for six months, ing new concepts and techniques. the WSF missioners also taught Back in the states, he serves as an the small staff of the hospital enthusiastic advocate for surgi- about the latest techniques in Dr. Domingo T. Alvear, The Coron, Palawan District hospital. cal volunteerism. surgery and medical care. Medical missions are The Coron hospital is Coron District Hospital is ularity and sustainable health- Health Unit (RHU) discussed common in rural hospitals of the headed by Dr. Edgar Flores. In the fi rst hospital in the Philip- care is achieved. the practice of inserting an IV Philippines. One unique element cooperation with the Philippine pines to be adopted by a for- “Everything is so organized, into patients and the cultural to WSF, however, is its commit- College of Surgeons, WSF per- eign organization. WSF said it and everyone is so helpful,” said norms surrounding it. Inside the ment to providing needed items formed 224 procedures includ- is using this hospital as a model Mayette, the chief nurse of Coron operation room, doctors showed and recycled equipment for hos- ing 110 minor surgeries, 50 OB/ for future adoptions to come. It District Hospital and one who unique techniques of their own pitals to continue doing good GYN, 41 general, 16 plastic and promised to be different from has worked here for 32 years. “I specialty in how they perform work. 7 pediatric. The 5-day mission in other drive-by missions to never was so touched to see Dr. Jason surgery. There’s a strong com- Dr. Flores said that before, Coron that started Feb. 24 proves return. cleaning the tables, and doctors/ mitment to educate and learn on the Coron hospital has been the model of collaboration works Palawan Governor Kahlil B. nurses moving patients from OR these mission trips. doing minor surgeries and successfully with equal numbers Mitra attended the fi rst day of beds to recovery room,” said Dr. Alvear is the recipient orthopedics but major surgical of WSF doctors and local Philip- the mission thanking the WSF Judith, head OR nurse and staff of the 2005 American College of cases are referred to Manila and pine counterparts, WSF said. for its generous donation, adopt- member of 22 years. ‘Service’ Surgeon Surgical Volunteerism Culion. Before the missioners ing the hospital and promising to was the word they both used to Award sponsored by Pfi zer April 15, 2013 11 ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ by Jocelyn Porteria Passengers are getting loud look- excited to share my latest expe- Filipinos cheered not just fl ag waved in victory and thank ing at the plane window getting riences in one of my usual four every time AZKALS scored you to these young men coming MANILA a glimpse of the Philippines from times trip to the Philippines goals but whenever they touched from different parts of the globe “Mangyari po lamang na the air and the traditional clap- each year. Yes, I’ve been here the ball. It is a non-stop cheer- to share their skills and uplift isuot ang inyong sinturong pan- ping once the plane landed. in the U.S. for 18 years but I’m ing until you have no voice at Philippine Football. I know gkalikasan at tayo po ay lala- I’m writing through the always excited to go home; my all.. The greatest feeling as a they were being bashed as “not pag na sa Ninoy International mercy of Wi-Fi my sons carry Philippines dear Philippines!! mother is when people cheered Filipinos” but who cares; these Airport” Aaahhhh, the sweet- with them all the time. I called I came home in time for the for your son and chanting his boys are more Filipino with their spirit to help the country raise est words most of our kababay- it portable internet café; it is a AZKALS 2014 Challenge Cup name when he is being called the bar and until the grassroots ans are so excited to hear after small gadget same size as the cell as their springboard to the AFC to get in the game. He is being program will become a reality. months of preparation, shopping phone and function like a router Asian Cup that will take place in tagged as “The Filipino Messi” Their bashers just to realize, it for pasalubongs, sleepless nights where they can have Wi-Fi all the Sydney, Australia 2 years from and “The Future of Philippine takes time. and the struggle to fi t all the stuff time but same as cell phone that now. The ambiance and the Football”. My heart was swollen IT’S MORE FUN IN THE in two 50 pounds box or luggage. they have to buy loads. spirit of being a Filipino to the with pride and memories fl ashed PHILIPPINES!! I also meet some To top it all, enduring the 24 Hmmnn, IT’S MORE FUN Rizal Memorial Stadium gave as I remember him as a 5 year old condo builders to get update on hours fl ight including lay overs. IN THE PHILIPPINES!! I’m all me goosebumps. boy starting to learn soccer. Our what’s new in Philippine Real Estate. I found myself enthralled with “The Fort” in Taguig where Emperador Stadium is located in nearby Fort Bonifacio. Lucky are those investors and home owners who were able to purchased properties here when it was still developing around four to fi ve years ago. The area is amazingly beautiful!! It is not the usual crowded city but although it is a busy place, it is so relaxing and you can fi nd almost all amenities you can wish for in walking distance. You can also fi nd American Stores and Restaurants just in case you are craving for one. These are a little bit pricey compared to local com- mercial establishments but still reasonable. There were always lines to get into Starbucks, the latest one IHOP, and PF Chang. 1212 April 15, 2013 PNoy orders deeper probe of Burgos disappearance MANILA - The Department few days after he was abducted. the speedy resolution of the case their personnel who may be held of Justice, upon orders of Presi- In the said picture, she said which had bothered the national accountable on enforced disap- dent Aquino III, is conducting a Jonas wore a white T-shirt and a conscience for more than fi ve pearance cases. deeper probe of the disappear- fabric used in blindfolding him years over the likelihood that the The law also prohibits the ance of activist Jonas Burgos. was seen hanging from his neck. crime had been state-sponsored, issuances of “orders of battle” The Armed Forces of the Burgos hopes her motion the senator said. by the military, police or any law Philippines (AFP) said it was will be included in the agenda of Jonas, son of a journalist Jose enforcement agency as justifi ca- also in favor of solving the issue the scheduled en banc session of Burgos and a farmer-activist, dis- tion for an enforced or involun- as soon as possible. the SC justices. appeared after being abducted tary disappearance. Meanwhile, Editha Burgos, In the ruling of the CA by suspected state agents on The law seeks to make the mother of the missing on March 18, 2013, it said the April 28, 2007 at the Ever Gotesco enforced disappearances a thing activist,os has asked the Court of Armed Forces of the Philippines Mall, Commonwealth Avenue, of the dark past of the nation and Appeals to reopen the case after (AFP) and Philippine National Quezon City. it is the fi rst law that guarantees receiving documents from an Police (PNP) were involved in The Court of Appeals (CA) the rights of the family of vic- anonymous source that strength- the forced disappearance of Jonas Burgos ruled last March 27, after a three- tims in seeking redress with the ened links between the abduc- Jonas in 2007. year review of the Burgos case, tion of Burgos and the suspected The CA particularly identi- Escudero urged both the Depart- that the Armed Forces of the courts. in-volvement of certain elements fi ed Army Maj. Harry Baliaga ment of Justice (DoJ) and the Philippines (AFP) and the Philip- The CPP pointed out that of the Armed Forces of the as responsible for the disappear- Commission on Human Rights pine National Police (PNP) were the principal military offi cial Philip-pines (AFP). ance of the activist. (CHR) to immediately take hold accountable for the enforced dis- who was responsible for the Included in the newly It added the Burgos case can of the alleged new evidence. appearance of Burgos. actual act of Burgos’ abduction obtained documents, Mrs. be considered a case of enforced In view of the latest claims Escudero said the law pri- then 1st Lt. Harry Balliaga, Jr. Burgos said, is the picture of disappearance and is covered by of Mrs. Burgos on the supposed marily mandates command has since been promoted by the Jonas inside what appears to be a the rules in the Writ of Amparo. new evidence, the government responsibility on military and Philippine Army to his current detention cell which was taken a Reelectionist Sen. Francis now holds the ball in ensuring police offi cials on the acts of position as army major. Viloria wants rematch with Marquez Pacman’s next fi ght in September MANILA - Philippine in different weight divisions, MACAU - His swollen faced for his turn to be called up the on Melindo next, and maybe the boxing hero Manny Pacquiao and was until recently regarded laced with plasters after losing stage, seemed to have agreed 32-year-old Viloria can face the plans to fi ght again in Septem- by many as the best pound-for- to younger Mexican fi gthter instantly, and Viloria gave him winner. ber, with the bout likely to be pound boxer. Juan Estrada, Filipino American the thumbs-up sign while saying, The Filipino-American staged outside the United States But Pacquiao lost his World boxer Brian Viloria said he wants fought Estrada hard for 12 to avoid high taxes, his spokes- Boxing Organization welter- a rematch. rounds and dropped a split deci- woman said April 3. weight crown in June last year But Viloria, now the former sion. He felt he could have won Negotiations are ongoing in a controversial points decision WBO and WBA fl yweight cham- the fi ght while others thought he for a rematch with Mexican Juan to US fi ghter Timothy Bradley, pion, will have to wait a while blew it. Manuel Marquez, who knocked then suffered his shock knockout because it looks like Estrada has Neither fi ghter went down Pacquiao out in his last fi ght in defeat to Marquez. already agreed to face Filipino although at times in the closing December, although the oppo- His losses prompted calls Milan Melindo in August. rounds, Viloria looked ready to nent and the venue are yet to for him to retire, but Pacquiao “I want a rematch. I gave go. But he managed to hang on, be fi nalised, Rose Tamayo told has consistently signalled his you this chance so you give me ducking and throwing punches Agence France-Presse. intention to keep on fi ghting. a chance. You can reciprocate,” until the end. “The fi ght is defi nitely in Pacquiao’s sporting Viloria, bruised and battered, One judge had it 115-113 September. We will talk about achievements lifted him and his said during the post-fi ght press for Viloria while the two others the opponent and the place after family out of deep poverty, as he conference at The Venetian “I’m had it 117-111and 116-111 for the May 13 elections,” Tamayo became one of the highest paid not fi nished yet. Tonight was Estrada. Brian Viloria said. sportsmen in the world and an just a little bump on the road. I’m Viloria walked into the con- Pacquiao, 34, is running for endorser of a myriad of products going to come back, said Viloria, “Okay? Let’s do it again.” ference room with a swollen face re-election as a congressman in in the Philippines. 32, who apologized to his Fili- Fight promoter Bob Arum and plasters above his eyes due next month’s poll. He translated his boxing pino fans for “letting you down.” cut the impromptu negotiations to cuts that needed a couple of Tamayo said Pacquiao success into the political ring, Estrada, who was waiting short by saying Estrada will take stitches to close. wanted his next fi ght to be out- winning a seat in the nation’s side the United States, where he lower house of parliament in Another PBA import faces deportation has traditionally fought in front 2010. MANILA - Jamelle Cornley of huge crowds and for enor- Pacquiao is running for re- mous pay-per-view television election unopposed in the May has won the Philippine Basket- revenues, to avoid high taxes. polls, while seeking to build a aball Associations’s 37th Season ‘Manny wants to fi ght out- power base for his family. Pac- Governors Cup Best Import. side the United States because quiao’s wife and brother are also But he may not play any- of the taxes...Singapore is one of running for political posts in the more if it is proven that he the top places for consideration. May elections. allegedly assaulted a Quezon There is also Macau and Dubai,’ Many Philippine politicians City police offi cer for creating a Tamayo told Agence France- draft in relatives to stand for ruckus in a local hotel. Presse. other elective positions to spread PBA Commissioner Chito Pacquiao has won an their infl uence and strengthen Salud said in a statement that unprecedented eight world titles their power networks. Cornley, who was rrested after allegedly assaulting a police responded to the call from This marked the third time offi cer March 27 will have “zero Sir William’s Hotel where the in less than a month where the Jamelle Comley is shown being restrained by PC police. chance of playing in the PBA former Penn State star report- PBA’s image took a hit involving edly damaged some properties again” if the charges pressed may, I’d perhaps take the occa- Governors’ Cup where he also imports “starting with former including computers after claim- against the six-foot-fi ve forward sion to remind our players that bagged the best import award, Petron Blaze reinforcement ing that three women stole his are ‘proven to be true.’ playing in the PBA is imbued will be facing alarm and scandal, Renaldo Balkmanâ’s choking ‘I understand that this is money amounting to P60,000. with public interest and they are malicious mischief, direct assault incident which caused him a life- now a police matter where facts “If the allegations and thus subject to close public scru- and resisting arrest charges fi led time league ban and a P250,000 will continue to be established. tiny within the context of higher at the Quezon City Police District charges in this incident are fi ne followed by ousted Glo- Mr. Cornley is not currently standards and expectations.” Station 10. proven to be true, I see Mr. Corn- associated with the PBA in any Cornley, who led Rain or The 25-year-old Cornley ley as having zero chance of balPortimport Walter Sharpe’s manner whatsoever.” Shine to its fi rst-ever PBA cham- allegedly punched Polcie Offi - playing in the PBA again, at least alleged drunken photo which Salud added: “Be that as it pionship during the 2012 PBA cer 2 Armando Lazatin, who not under my watch.’ circulated on the Internet. April 15, 2013 13 1414 April 15, 2013 VA teen recounts escape from Abu Sayyaf LYNCHBURG, Virginia- and a half months mostly in a to sneak past the guards and fl ed the courage of Kevin himself, Kevin Lunsmann has recounted 5-feet-by-6-feet wooden cage to the coast overnight. He came and his family, throughout this how he escaped from the terror- when Gerfa was freed. The kid- across farmers on the way but long ordeal.’ ‘It felt so good,’ ists Abu Sayyafs in the moun- nappers demanded $10 million wasn’t sure he could trust them Heiko said. ‘It felt good, good, tains of Basilan island in the in ransom. (Manila reports said until one approached him and good.’ Philippines after 5 months in ransom was paid but authorities asked him who he was in Eng- ‘This is home. Good people, captivity. denied it.) Her husband, Heiko lish. Kevin told the Washington Lunsmann, 50, a nursing home He told him he would con- good community. This is where Post about his ordeal. He said care worker, sought the assis- tact the military and then the Kevin learned how we respect that 15 months after his escape tance of their congressman and helicopters arrived. each other, how we value each he still has nightmares he’s back the state department. He said he Kevin was fi ne - except for other,’ Gerfa, who is a lab techni- in Philippines hungry, afraid and was in contact with the kidnap- bruises on his legs and arms - cian, said. alone. He is now back in school pers and told them he had no and his courage was remarked ‘This country appreciates its and getting used to life in the US. money to pay them. upon by many. people — and they will do any- Kevin who was then 14, and After Gerfa was freed, it U.S. ambassador Harry thing to protect their people.’ his Filipino mom Gerfa, 42, were took another two and a half Gerfa and Kevin Lunsmann. Thomas said at the time: ‘In this Now Kevin is adapting to visiting Tictabon island near months before Kevin made his holiday season nothing makes Zamboanga city when on July daring escape. Gerfa stayed in Manila to me happier than knowing that life back at Brookville High - 11, 2011 they were taken hostage Heiko believed they would negotiate with the terrorists for an innocent victim is returned skateboarding with his older along with his cousin, Romnik release their son too but it wasn’t the life of her only child while to his family in time for holiday half-brother, Josh Driskill and Jakaria, 21, by the Abu Sayyafs. to be. But soon his cousin was Kevin remained in the camp. celebrations,’ playing soccer with friends. They were held for two released as well. One night, Kevin managed ‘I also want to acknowledge ‘I just feel grateful,’ he said. Metrorail Silver Line

Metrorail’s Silver Line is ers are putting up windscreens expected to open the Vienna- on pedestrian bridges and pre- Reston route later this year, paring elevators and escalators according to the Washington to carry passengers into new sta- Post. It said the third rails along tions. the tracks in the middle of the Dulles highway are now being The fi rst phase of the Silver energized. Over the next few Line should begin carrying pas- months, drivers may spot train sengers through Tysons Corner cars testing new systems. Work- to Reston later this year. April 15, 2013 15 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD ippine Festival and Asian Festi- 8:30pm. PAFC Planning Meeting 20745. Contact: Aylene Mafnas val. 12700 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite for Philippine Festival and Asian 703 868 5660 120, Fairfax, VA 22033 Contact: Festival. 12700 Fair Lakes Circle, April 27 (Saturday) Filipino Aylene Mafnas 703 868 5660 Suite 120, Fairfax, VA 22033 American Basketball Associa- May 4 (Saturday) OLGC Contact: Aylene Mafnas 703 tion (FABA) FundraisingTrip to Atlantic City Bus Trip. $45. 868 5660 Atlantic City. Meeting Places : Details TBA. June 6 and 13 (Thursdays) (a) 6:45am Springfield Mall in May 23 (Thursday) 6:30- 6:30-8:30pm. PAFC Planning front of JC Penny parking lot 8:30pm. PAFC Planning Meet- Meeting for Philippine Festival If you would like to include (b)7:30am Clarion Hotel , 6400 ing for Philippine Festival and encouraged for its support. Con- and Asian Festival. Locations to your organization’s event in this tact: Grace Villanueva – 301-567- Oxon Hill Rd Oxon Hill,MD. Asian Festival. Sweet City Des- be announced. Contact: Aylene calendar, kindly send your informa- 2280 $50.00 per person with $20.00 serts, 131-A Maple Avenue W, back from Bally’s. Breakfast and Mafnas 703 868 5660 tion to Maurese Oteyza Owens at April 20 (Saturday) 7:30pm Vienna, VA 22180 , tel: 703-938- drinks will be provided. For 8188. Contact: Aylene Mafnas June 15 (Saturday) 6:00pm- [email protected]. Filipino Mass at St. Bernadette information and reservations 703 868 5660 12:00pm. Philippine Indepen- April 20, 27 (Saturday) Catholic Church, 7600 Old contact: [email protected] May 11 (Saturday) dence Gala Ball. JW Marriott 8:00pm-12:00mn Philippine Keene Mill Road, Springfield, or Agnes Espeleta 240.441.9377. 12:00noon-4:00pm. Asians Washington, DC. Continues the Multi-Cultural Center Fund- VA 22152. Sponsored by Filipino April 27 (Saturday) 7:00pm for Mary Annual Pilgrimage, tradition of celebrating Inde- raiser with Julian Oteyza and his Ministry of St. Bernadette. Con- San Pedro Calugnsod Memorial includes a 60 Filipino man/ pendence Day with Philippine Tutubi Band, 7500 Livingston tact 703-569-1054. Mass, Sacred Heart Chapel at woman choir for the event. Embassy dignitaries, the FilAm Rd, MD. Guest bands and enter- April 25 (Thursday) 6:30- OLGC. Light refreshments after Basilica Shrine of The Immacu- community, special guests. $85; tainers are welcome. Public is 8:30pm PAFC Planning Meeting mass at the Counsel Room. direc- late Concepcion, Upper Church. premier seats $110. Contact: free. Visual artist create artwork for Philippine Festival and Asian tions: www.olgcva.org 400 Michigan Ave., Washington, Nanette Carreon at NSuyat1681@ to the music of the band. Help Festival. Philippine Multicul- May 2 (Thurs), 6:30-8:30pm. DC 20017. Contact: Jacinta Mas- sustain the Center -- donations tural Center Ladies Night, 7500 PAFC Planning Meeting for Phil- carenhas [email protected]. aol.com. Details to follow. June 15 (Saturday) 7:30pm May 11 (Saturday) Marin- Filipino Mass at St. Bernadette duqueneo Assn of the Capital Catholic Church, 7600 Old Area Atlantic City Fundraiser. Keene Mill Road, Springfield, Pickup at Montgomery Mall, VA 22152. Sponsored by Filipino Bethesda 6:00am, drop-off 10. Ministry of St. Bernadette. Con- $45(21 and over) $35(under 21) tact 703-569-1054. includes busfare and voucher. June 30 (Sunday) PAFC RSVP by March 31; payment due Philippine Festival’s Commu- by April 6. Contact: mataac@ nity Picnic and Sports Fest. Fun comcast.net and food, games for children May 16 (Thursday) PAFC and sports for grown-ups plus Planning Meeting for Philip- pine Festival and Asian Festival a cultural show and a band Philippine Multicultural Center, marathon pull the community 7500 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, together. Special Feature: Parada MD 20745..Contact: Aylene ng Lechon, Tucker Road Recre- Mafnas 703 868 5660 ational Park, Fort Washington, May 18 (Saturday) 6:00- MD Contact: Mya Talavera at 11:30pm, Feed the Hungry, Inc. [email protected]. “Spring Shindig.” Fort Myer July 20 (Saturday) 7:30pm Community Center, McNair Filipino Mass at St. Bernadette Road, Fort Myer, VA. Contact: Catholic Church, 7600 Old Mila Nazal 301 288-7010 Keene Mill Road, Springfield, May 18 (Saturday) 7:30pm VA 22152. Sponsored by Filipino Filipino Mass at St. Bernadette Ministry of St. Bernadette. Con- Catholic Church, 7600 Old tact 703-569-1054. Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22152. Sponsored by Filipino July 27-28 (Sat-Sun) Asian Ministry of St. Bernadette. Con- Festival with Philippine Village tact 703-569-1054. at Fairfax Government Center. May 26 (Sunday) Miss Cultural performances and food Teenage Philippines Pageant, from different Asian countries; Inc. Annual Coronation and product and service booths, chil- Ball. Hyatt Regency Crystal dren’s area and more. Contact: City, 2799 Jefferson Davis High- Bing Branigin at mcbranigin@ way, Arlington, VA 22202. Con- aol.com. tact Trini Padama-301-705-8550 . Nov 16 (Saturday) 2pm – May 29- 31 PAFC Philip- 5pm PAFC “Dr. Jose Rizal Youth pine Festival’s Brown Strokes Awards” Romulo Hall, Philip- on White Canvas Art Exhibit. pine Embassy, Washington. Opening reception Wednes- day, May 29 at 6:30pm. Loca- Contact: Aylene Mafnas 703 868 tion Romulo Hall, Philippine 5660. Embassy. Contact: Julian Oteyza Dec 1 (Sunday) PAFC, Phil- at [email protected] or ippine Embassy and FOCUS, 703.969.5469 “Paskong Pinoy.” Pryzbyla Hall, May 30 (Wednesday) 6:30- Catholic University of America. 1616 Around DC in Pictures April 15, 2013

The Asian and Pacifi c Islander American Vote (APIA Vote), held a de-brief and retreat in Washington, DC, last March 22 to 24. Volunteers of the national campaign attended the three-day event, organized by Ms. Christine Chen, Execu- tive Director, APIA Vote. The team exchanged ideas on how to effectively ran a registration and voters campaign and to continue to advocate for more participation by the Asian Pacifi c Islander and American community. An estimated 58.7% of eligible voters turned out to vote,in the 2012 Presidential election, below the 2008’s benchmark high but still above most presidential elections in the past 40 years.Minesota rank number 1 in turnout with an estimated 76% of eligible voters casting votes, follwed by Wisconsin by 73.2%. Virginia was 7th with 66.9%, and Maryland in 8th with 66.8%. Washington, DC was 22nd, with 63.3%, and last was Hawaii with 44.5%.

Avante-Garde artist and magician Julian Oteyza, from Virginia, presented Juliana Chang, a world champion female magician from China, an original rotating “Dyslexart” painting, at the conference of the International Broth- erhood of Magicians held in Alexandria, Virginia April 6, 2013. Chang was an acrobat touring with a Chinese group when she injured her foot and was forced to retire a few years ago. This forced her to focus on her other inter- est, performing magic. She got so good at it that she started performing all over the world and winning competitions.

The Philippine American Foundation For Charities, offi cially acknowledged the 2013 grant recipients April 3 at the Philippine Multi Cultural Center. They are Al Santoli for Asian America Initiative (AAI), Ron Curameng for YOYO Cultural Group, Marindoqueno Inc, Gawad Kalinga, Angkop, Mabuhay, Inc., and American University-FOCUS. Also in photo are offi cers and members of the PAFC Board and offi cers headed by Mr. Ador Carreon (right, fi rst row.) (Bing C. Branigin)

The Mail’s Bing Branigin, after a long wait, fi nally gets a picture of the Cherry Blossoms in bloom. Asian Heritage Festival set May 18 in DC WASHINGTON, D.C. - In online. Entertainment and activi- celebration of Asian Heritage ties are scheduled for nine con- Month, Asia Heritage Founda- secutive hours featuring fi ve tion once again brings Asian stages, fi ve zones, over eight fl air to the Nation’s Capital hundred performers and sev- Main Street with its 8th annual enty diverse groups from over National Asian Heritage Festi- twenty cultures locally, region- val--Fiesta Asia. The Signature ally and internationally. Celebration is a multicultural Admission to Fiesta Asia street fair on Saturday, May 18, Street Fair is FREE and open 2013 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM to the public. In addition to the along Pennsylvania Avenue NW May 18th street fair, DC metro between 3rd & 6th Streets in the area residents can explore and District of Columbia. Fiesta Asia The All Nippon Airlines held a reception at the Mayfl ower Hotel recently to announced their new aircrafts from experience a variety of cultural Street Fair is a Key Partner Event Dulles Airport to Tokyo, Japan and continuing to other major cities in Asia, including Manila. Hundreds attended activities including, Fiesta Asia @ of Passport DC. the reception, including Filipino American owned travel services in the Washington, DC., area. (By: Bing Cardenas Silver Spring on May 4th, Fiesta Branigin) This year’s featured high- light is the new Fiesta Asia Asia Planet Family @ Smithson- Emerging Stars Contest - a live ian’s National Zoo on May 12th talent search for ages 5 to 17. & Fiesta Asia Film Fest @ West AsiaMoves, our annual ‘learn End Cinema on May 28th -30th. online, dance in the streets’ proj- For more information about par- Visit us online: ect is rocking a Bhangra Mania ticipation as a partner, sponsor, theme. Everyone can try their exhibitor, volunteer, or about www.manilamail.us skills at the Fortune Cookie our month long activities, please Writing Contest and vote for visit www.asiaheritagefounda- their favorite ‘word of wisdom’ tion.org. April 15, 2013 17 Philippine Oriental Market & Deli celebrates 35th year By Jennie L. Ilustre

Oscar and Evelyn Bunoan marked the 35th anniversary of the Philippine Oriental Market and Deli on April 9 with the blessing of their newly-reno- vated store, located in Arling- ton, Virginia. The event was a double celebration, as friends also toasted Oscar’s birthday. Through the years, the cou- ple’s business has been a part of Mainstream America. Ameri- Fr. Randy Gonzales, CICM, leads a prayer as he blesses the newly-renovated cans keep coming back for pancit Philippine Oriental Market and Deli, which Evelyn Bunoan (center) opened (noodle dishes). The spring roll 36 years ago in Arlington , Va. The April 9 event was also a celebration of remains the all-time favorite of Oscar Bunoan’s 67th birthday. (Photo by Jon Melegrito) most customers. Evelyn herself has been fea- Oscar and Evelyn Bunoan proudly pose in front of their renovated Philip- tured in the D.C. Examiner. She pine Oriental Market & Deli. was a guest on WUSA-TV9. She’s a regular guest at the Summer Asian Festival, conducting cook- ing demonstrations. Evelyn and Oscar put in a lot of hours in growing their business. It’s a partnership that’s rooted in “caring about pro- viding varied, healthy food for our customers, and also offer- ing a wide range of items,” said Evelyn. They are popular with people of all ages. They also have a wide following as Manila Friends of Oscar and Evelyn Bunoan gathered at the Philippine Oriental Mail columnists. He has a jokes Mart in Arlington Va. on April 9 to celebrate Oscar’s 67th Birthday and the The paintings of Evelyn are displayed on walls of the Deli. column. She shares her own reci- blessing of the newly-renovated store, which opened 36 years ago. Attending Miriam Riedmiller and her mom, Later, she enrolled at Le Cordon pes and kitchen tips. were, from left: Oscar, Fr. Randy Gonzales, Evelyn, Becky and Pat Pagsibi- Bleu in London and studied “It is a major milestone, gan, Herb Manila, Julius Jose, Jose Donato, Emy Batulan, Lem and Becky Mrs. Bustamante. yes,” said Oscar, who is known Ramos. Guests also included Tony Donato, Jennie Ilustre, Miriam Riedmiller Nowadays, customers can French cuisine and patisserie, for his keen sense of humor and and her mother, Mrs. Bustamante. (Photo by Jennie L. Ilustre) also enjoy the display of Evelyn’s graduating with French Master paintings, while gobbling down Chef credentials. friendly ways. “What makes it sions–the way one would ask of crab salad, sisig, vegetable special is we view our customers their food. Yes, this chef also She bought the store in 1978, their mom or aunt. They like that lumpia, grilled jumbo shrimps as family and friends.” paints. Self-taught, she has sold while she was still working at the everything tastes home-cooked, and adobo. Cake was served Evelyn recalled: “Yes, oil paintings to customers. One World Bank. She retired from the or home-baked.” with tea and Starbucks coffee we consider our customers as wonders where she fi nds the Bank in 2000, after working for family. When I started, some Indeed, Fr. Randy Gonza- and the Philippine favorite, cara- time (at night, when she’s doing nearly three decades. The store of my customers were college les, CICM, who offi ciated at the melized sago drink. the laundry, working on three is located on 3610 Lee Highway students. Now, their grown-up store and deli’s blessing, and Guests also included Jon paintings at a time.) in Arlington, Virginia (across children are among my custom- guests felt that way. “Everything Melegrito, Tony and Josie Evelyn Bunoan started her Safeway) with Tel. No. (703) 528- ers. Some families call me up and is fresh and home-cooked–and Donato, Lem and Becky Ramos, career in numbers, not in art (she 0300. It is open from 10:30 a.m. order a whole lunch or dinner, the hosts are so nice,” said Becky Pat Pagsibigan, Emy Batulan, earned her B.A in accounting to 5 p.m., from Wednesday to or cakes for some special occa- Pagsibigan. The menu consisted Julius Jose, Herb Manila, and from the University of the East.) Sunday.

Carlo Yano fi nally ties the knot with longtime girlfriend Monique Arciaga in a civil wedding ceremony last April 4, 2013, in Maryland. The event was attended by close family members and Hon. Maria Andrelita Austria, Charge d’ Affaires of the Philippine Embassy, led a wreath-laying some friends from the diplomatic circle. In this picture are from left, fi rst row: Roberto Gunio, ceremony at the World War II Memorial to commemorate the Fall of Bataan 71 years ago on Jane Docampo, Thelma Arciaga (mother of the bride), Monique Arciaga and Carlo Yano, Estela April 9. Participating were Ret. Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba, Ret. Maj. Gen. Delfi n Lorenzana, Yano (mother of the groom), Kim Razon Second row: Gino Sarrate, Mike Docampo, Delfi n Brig. Gen. Yano, Filipino American community leaders and supporters, Philippine Embassy offi - Lorenzana, Alexander Yano, Maj. Gen. Cesar Yano (Father of the groom). cials and military attaches. (photo by Jon Melegrito) 1818 U.S. News Briefs April 15, 2013 Lorna assumes post as NY district court judge NEW YORK - Lorna G. sive and assertive. Most impor- liberation of the Philippines in Queens College-Fitzgerald Gym, noted that Filipino Americans Schofi eld, the fi rst Filipino tantly, real men never, ever, talk 1945. She was awarded due rec- hosted by the New York State are the largest Asian population American district court judge, about their feelings. All of those ognition by the American gov- Taekwondo Federation. Jaron in California and continues to was sworn in by Chief US Dis- misconceptions and more are ernment as a Deserving Guerilla Rothbaum, 8, won a gold in spar- grow, yet the story of Filipinos’ trict Court Judge for the South- the targets of a new group on ring competition, while Jamie contributions to the farm labor campus whose aim is to help Fil- Schimmer, 6, received a gold in movement is an untold part of ipino men navigate a universal poomse/forms. Both Rothbaum California history.” search: the search for who they and Schimmer are now qualifi ed The goal of AB 123 is to are. “Lalake,” or boys in Taga- to compete for the 2013 USAT supplement California’s public log, is a new support group at SF National Championship sched- school instruction on its “rich State for male Filipino students uled in July in Chicago, Illinois. farm worker history,” explained to discuss and explore their cul- ■ Bonta, who is the fi rst Filipino tural and gender identities in a No more illegal American to be elected to the safe, protected space. It’s a place immigrants - AP State Legislature. Latino farm to talk. The Associated Press’s AP worker icon Dolores Huerta, Started through a collabora- Stylebook made some changes who was inducted into the Cali- tion between Filipino-American in how we describe people living fornia Hall of Fame, stated that history professor Eric Pido and in a country illegally. Senior Vice although she rarely had time to Lorna G. Schofi eld Ismael de Guzman, a university President and Executive Editor testify in support of legislation, counselor, the group meets once Kathleen Carroll explains the she did not want to miss this his- ern District of New York Loretta a week in Burk Hall in the hope thinking behind the decision: The toric opportunity to support AB A. Preska at the ceremonial court that an open forum can heal the Stylebook no longer sanctions 123. Fe Tolentino room on Pearl Street in Manhat- wounds for men exploring what the term “illegal immigrant” or ■ Virgin the best, tan on March 28, 2013. Over 100 it means to be Filipino. The idea of World War II. the use of “illegal” to describe a guests, including Sen. Chuck for Lalake came from the sheer She worked with the Phil- person. Instead, it tells users that United the worst E. Schumer (D-New York) who number of male Filipino students ippine government’s Commis- illegal should describe only an NEW YORK - Virgin Amer- recommended her to President that would come to Pido with the sion on Elections; managed and action, such as living in or immi- ica did the best job of fl ying cus- Obama, Lorna’s partner Stephen same identity struggles time and operated a family-owned theater grating to a country illegally. AP tomers last year while United Landsman and her daughter, time again, he said. business before going to Vietnam has rejected descriptions such as Airlines was the worst, though close friends and colleagues wit- “undocumented” because it is passengers experienced over- ■ Jessica Sanchez where she was the chief docu- nessed the event. A proclama- mentation offi cer of the Army not precise. A person may have all better performance, a study tion from President Obama was returns to ‘Idol’ and Air Force at Nhatrang Depot plenty of documents, just not showed. The performance of read as Schofi eld, clad in black LOS ANGELES - Filipino until the fall of Saigon in 1971. the ones required for legal resi- the 14 leading carriers in 2012 robes, stood up to be sworn in. American Jessica Sanchez late Predeceased by her husband, dence.) was about the same as the best Then she climbed the stairs to last month performed at the Jonas Tolentino, she is survived The new section on mental year ever in 2011, according to sit alongside her judicial peers elimination round of the 2013 by her children, Erly Cortez, health issues argues for using the 23rd annual national Airline and the Chief Judge. Schofi eld American Idol show and sang Pepe Tolentino, John Tolentino credibly sourced diagnoses Quality Rating (AQR), which is the fi rst Filipino American to a tune from her fi rst single and and Frayda Ascrate; nine grand- instead of labels. Saying some- ranks airlines based on U.S. serve as an Article III U.S. Fed- fi rst solo album “Me, You & The children; seven great-grandchil- one was “diagnosed with schizo- Department of Transportation eral court judge. During the Music”. Sanchez, the second dren and various in-laws, nieces, phrenia instead of schizophrenic, fi gures. reception that followed, Judge placer in American Idol last year, nephews and other relatives. for example. The industry improved in Schofi eld received the congratu- performed the song with R&B ■ ■ two of four areas: on-time per- lations from Schumer, Temple star Ne-yo. She told “Balitang Pinoy Taekwondo’s Tribute to Filam formance and baggage handling. University School of Law Dean America” that she was initially winning streak labor movement Involuntary denied boardings JoAnne A. Epps, and others. nervous about doing the perfor- NEW YORK - Former Phil- SACRAMENTO, Califor- and customer complaint rated ■ mance on the Idol stage, but she ippine Team Taekwondo cham- nia - A bill requiring California were higher, the study said. APAICs leadership eventually got over her jitters. pion turned coach Rodolfo public schools to instruct stu- Virgin America had the best bag- award for 2013 “I just let go because I was, like: Valenzuela Jr. has produced dents on the contributions of gage handling rate, 0.87 mishan- WASHINGTON D.C. - ˜Girl, you’re not gonna be judged several gold medalists among Filipino Americans to the farm dled bags per 1,000 passengers, Applications are open for the tonight,” Sanchez said. She also his students in the Philippines. labor movement unanimously and American Eagle had the 2013 APAICS National Lead- pointed out that having Ne-yo on Now based in New York, he passed the Assembly Education worst, at 5.80 mishandled bags ership Academy. The annual hand for the performance helped continues that winning streak Committee on March 20. AB 123 per 1,000 passengers. Hawaiian Academy gives Asian Pacifi c her get over her nervousness. as a teacher and coach of Tae- will now move to the Assembly Airlines, owned by Hawaiian American leaders the tools to About her fi rst single and fi rst kwondo at Central Park in Man- Appropriations Committee and, Holdings Inc, was best at stick- successfully reach their goals, solo album, Sanchez explained hattan. Just recently, two of his if successful, it will go to the ing to schedules, while Skywest whether they are to be elected that she had a big hand in craft- students, bagged gold medals at fl oor for a full Assembly vote. Inc’s ExpressJet and AMR Corp’s to a higher political offi ce or ing her music. the 2013 USAT New York State Assemblymember Rob Bonta American Airlines were the coalition building. Academy Sanchez also confi rmed that Championships held March 16 at (D-Oakland), the bill’s sponsor, worst, the study showed. alumni include Representative she will be a guest star on the hit Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) musical TV show, “Glee”.San- and Hawaii State Representative chez’s two-episode arc on ‘Glee” and APAICS Board of Directors will air in May. Later this year, in Member Scott Nishimoto. This June, Sanchez will again return year, the Academy will be held to the Philippines to promote her from May 9th and 10th at the fi rst solo album. Washington Hilton in Washing- ■ ton, D.C. on 1919 Connecticut Filam guerrilla dies Ave NW. The Academy will be in NJ at age 87 split into two separate tracks for BERGENFIELD - Fe Tolen- local elected offi cials (Day 1) and tino (Pening), of Bergenfi eld, community activists (Day 2). New Jersey died March 25 at age ■ of 87. She was born in the Phil- FASA starts search ippines and came to the United for Pinoy identity States in 1981. SAN FRANCISCO - A new Before retiring in 1987, she student group fosters Filipino worked at Bradley’s in Hacken- men in developing identity in sack. During World War II, she Campus. Real men don’t cry. joined the underground move- Real men also don’t talk about ment, Filipino American Irregu- family issues, real men don’t lar Troops conducting intel- suffer, and real men are aggres- ligence surveillance until the April 15, 2013 19 ‘Flirter in Chief’ apologizes! RNC reaches out WASHINGTON D.C. - Pres- to Asians; ‘Mail’ ident Obama has apologized WASHINGTON D.C. - As out to the most voters and build to California Attorney General part of its campaign to include the best infrastructure ever. Kamala Harris for saying she minorities and Asians in its new A passion for the issues was “the best-looking attorney outreach program, the Republi- general in the country” during can National Committee chaired a Democratic fundraiser April 4. by Reince Priebus has included Obama’s comment stirred the ‘Manila Mail’ in its mailing up a controversy, particularly in list. the California press. The latest press release to White House Press Secretary the Mail was about the speech of Mr. Priebus at the National Jay Carney said April 5 that after Press Club breakfast March 18 the event, Obama called Harris titled “The Party of Growth and “to apologize for the distraction Opportunity.” Priebus said the created by his comments.” loss in November was a wake “They are old friends, good up call that spurred the GOP friends and he did not want in to initiate the most public and any way to diminish the attorney most comprehensive post-elec- general’s professional accom- tion review in the history of any plishments and her capabilities,” national party.. Reince Priebus The review, he said, he said. drives good campaigns; and explained the reasons why the Asked whether Obama only voters of all races, income levels, Republicans lost in the presi- and backgrounds need to under- apologized for the “distraction,” dential race. “Our message was stand that our policies offer a Carney clarifi ed that “he apolo- weak; our ground game was President Obama with Kamala Harris, the “best looking Attorney General chance for a brighter future. gized for the remark.” insuffi cient, we weren’t inclu- in the US.’ “The report offered some A spokesman for Harris also sive; we were behind in both data “You have to be careful to, attorney general in the coun- specifi c examples of areas where said that she and the president and digital and our primary and fi rst of all, say she is brilliant and try -- Kamala Harris is here. Republicans fell short in this “had a great conversation and debate process needed improve- she is dedicated and she is tough, It’s true. Come on. And she is a regard, highlighting the ways she strongly supports him.” ment,” Priebus declared. He said and she is exactly what you’d great friend and has just been a “the fi ve most important areas some groups of voters have been The unusual slip came turned off. It also highlighted want in anybody who is admin- great supporter for many, many where we’re taking immediate, during a Democratic fundraiser examples of Republican inno- istering the law, and making years.” substantive actions: messaging... in Atherton, California. demographic partners...cam- vation - particularly among our sure that everybody is getting a The married president took While toggling through the paign mechanics...technology... governors - that have won over routine introductions of local fair shake,” Obama said. some ribbing for the comment, and the primary process. newvoters. These governors pro- dignitaries, Obama offered effu- He added: “She also hap- which teetered on the line of pro- Excerpts: vide new ideas for the way for- sive praise for Harris. pens to be by far the best-looking priety. “Our task will be to reach ward.” 2020 April 15, 2013 PAFC Helps Rebuild Classrooms Filvets protest Obama’s When Typhoon Sendong hit the southern Philippines at the inaction on equity claims pino WWII veterans living in the end of 2011, the Board and Offi - By Jennie L. Ilustre Philippines. cers of PAFC quickly reacted by Washington, D.C.-Area Some 4,000 of over 20,000 organizing back-to-back fund- veterans protested the Obama rejected veterans have applied for reconsideration. The US gov- raisers, including a Happy Hour administration inaction on denied one-time equity pension ernment has paid equity pen- and an instant Alay Concert. In benefi ts at a wreath-laying cer- sions to over 18,000 qualifi ed a matter of weeks, $8,000 was raised and turned over to Feed the Hungry for the rebuilding of classrooms in Indahag Elemen- Principal of the Indahag Elementary School Karen C. Verdad is interviewed tary School (IES), Cagayan de by ABS-CBN in front of the new classrooms. Oro. Additional funds were pro- vided by Jonathan and Terry Gaw of American Express, Kona Visayan Club of Hawaii, and FilAm Communities in Washing- ton, DC, Kona and LasVegas. At the end of 2012, even before the classrooms were inaugurated, the classrooms were in use by Filipino American veterans show support for those who were denied pen- sions. fi fth graders. Indihag Elementary School emony marking Bataan Day of veterans in the Philippines and Valor April9 Tuesday. The cer- in the US. compound holds several build- emony took place at the Bataan- Remarked veteran Celestino ings, but some were damaged Chairman Ador Carreon of PAFC and his wife Nanette visited the class- Corregidor fountain in the WWII Almeda, in an interview at a pro- rooms last February 26 accompanied by their host Bong Pelaez, son of when the Sendong typhoon hit. National Memorial here in the gram held subsequently at the former Ambassador/Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez and regional chair- nation’s capital. Philippine embassy: “It has been Classrooms donated by PAFC man of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals. Mr. President Barack Obama six months since Obama formed Carreon said he was pleased and proud of what he witnessed, “Education is and groups mentioned above signed the stimulus law in 2009, his Interagency Working Group so important to Filipino families, so it was wonderful to see that PAFC was hold 50 students each and came which included the equity pen- to solve our veterans’ service rec- able to contribute classrooms for many children.” He continued, “I want sion provision for Filipino and with desks, blackboards and to tell everyone back in Washington, DC, their contributions have brought ognition problem. We’ve been Filipino World War II veterans. waiting and waiting. Nothing much joy to these children.” Last year, advocates and other needed items. has happened.” the Philippine embassy urged In a statement issued by Obama to issue an Executive the American Coalition for Fili- Order to allow other offi cial doc- PH marks Bataan pino Veterans, of which he is a MANILA, Philippines - As uments certifying to the service of the rejected veterans, such as member, he noted: “Our friend the nation observes Araw ng in the White House, Cabinet Kagitingan April 9, the Depart- offi cial discharge papers. Under the law signed by Secretary Chris Lu, resigned in ment of the Interior and Local January. He was the head of the Government (DILG) has called Obama on Feb. 17, 2009, only those whose names are in the Interagency Working Group. He on all local government units has not been replaced. No rec- (LGUs) to lead in the 2013 cel- 1948 Revised Reconstructed ommendations have been made ebration by holding meaningful Guerrilla Roster (RRGR) kept in after two years of our talks with activities that will highlight the Missouri, are qualifi ed for the the White House staff, (then) bravery and valor of our coun- equity pension of $15,000 for Defense Secretary Leon Paneta try’s veterans. Filipino American WWII veter- and Veterans Administration Executive Order No. 203, ans residing in the US and the Series of 1987 has declared April Philippines, and $9,000 for Fili- Secretary (Eric) Shinseki.” 9 of every year as Araw ng Kagit- ingan, and the theme for celebra- tion this year is: “Ang Beterano: Oldest Bataan Death Sigla at Inspirasyon ng Kabataan Tungo sa Tuwid na Daan.” March vet honored To ensure a meaningful observance, the Secretary of MANILA - Technical Ser- the thousands of Filipino and National Defense was tasked geant Tranquilino Olarte Cabil- American soldiers who were by the President to lead the cel- ing, 112, the oldest living survi- forced to walk 145 kilometers to ebrations and create a technical vor of the 1942 “Death March,” Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac from working group, with the DILG was given recognition for hero- Bataan by Japanese soldiers as one of its members. ism during the 71st celebration after the fall of Bataan and Cor- In this light, all local chief of Araw ng Kagitingan or Day regidor. executives (LCEs) have been of Valor at the Mount Samat President Benigno Aquino tasked to conduct activities in National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan. III gave Cabiling a Plaque of commemoration of the Araw ng Day of Valor. Tranquilino appreciation in March during Kagitingan in areas with histori- The Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) a 92-meter cross erected at Olarte Cabiling, left, and the the celebration of the Army’s 555 meters above sea level in Mount Samat, Bataan was again the focal cal value and to observe Philip- Libingan ng mga Bayani are 116th Anniversary. point of attention April 9 as the nation celebrated Araw ng Kagitingan. pine Veterans Week from April 5 shown here on the eve of Araw Military records say Cabil- to 11, 2013. April 5, and a tribute to all Fili- Araw ng Kagitingan proper ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor. ing joined the service on Aug. The activities lined up for Cabiling was born on July 3, 1922, and became part of the celebration include a wreath-lay- pino heroes at Filipino Heroes will be observed at the Mount 6, 1900, in Albuera, Leyte. United States Armed Forces in ing ceremony which was held at Memorial in Cavite which was Samat National Shrine in Pilar, He said he was among the Far East. the Libingan ng mga Bayani on held on April 7. Bataan. April 15, 2013 21 Neophytes with names, money top Senate surveys MANILA - Money, power larly the candidates in conten- ranked 3rd-4th with UNA bet Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino leap up from 16th in February. and name recognition seem to and San Juan City Rep. Joseph tion -- to rest easy. IV, was in sole 10th place with Statistically below 12th be putting some neophytes in As of the March 15-17 poll, Victor “JV” Ejercito, who clawed an unchanged score of 42%, from In 16th-17th, meanwhile, the Senate race in the Magic 12 six administration and two back February’s positional loss 9th-10th previously, but fellow Circle. The three are Nancy Binay, daughter of Vice President Jejo- mar Binay and sister of Makati Mayor J. Binay; Rep. Jack Enrile, son of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Rep. JV Estrada, son of former president Joseph Estrada. Others in or near the circle are Paolo “Bam’ Aquino, cousin of President Aquino III; Rep. Grace Poe Lamanzares Cynthia Villar, wife of former Sen. Manuel Villar; Rep. Juan Sen. Loren Legarda Rep. JV Estrada Sen. Chiz Escudero were former senators Maria Ana Angara, son of Sen. Edgardo Consuelo ‘Jamby” A. Madrigal opposition bets are in statistical to 9-10th. administration bet Grace Poe- Angara and Grace Poe Laman- (LP-PNoy) and Richard “Dick” positions to take the top eight Mr. Ejercito, the son of Llamanzares was not as fortu- zares, daughter of Fernando Poe, J. Gordon (UNA), with scores of seats, while four Team PNoy and former President Joseph E. nate as she fell six places to 11th Jr. 33% each; former partylist Rep. three UNA candidates are com- Estrada and a fi rst-termer in via an eight points lower score of Team PNoy takes the lead in Ana Theresia “Risa” B. Honti- Congress, added fi ve points to 40%. latest SWS-BW poll. peting for the last four. veros (Akbayan, 18th, 29%); and share a 48% score with Mr. Escu- Ms. Llamanzares, former On the other hand, Pulse “Given the statistical ties, former senator Ernesto “Manong dero, who lost 14 points. Movie and Television Review Asia survey says that of the total the possible Team PNoy-UNA Ernie” Maceda (UNA, 19th, Battling for 5th to 7th place and Classifi cation Board chief, of 33 candidates for senator, at score could range from 10-2 to 18%). were Maria Lourdes Nancy S. is the daughter of deceased actor least ”nine from Team PNoy and 7-5,” the SWS said. Sharing 20th-21st places Binay (UNA), former Las Pinas Fernando Poe Jr., who unsuc- six from the opposition United Still leading the list of likely were the president’s aunt, Mar- City Rep. Cynthia ‘Misis Hanep- cessfully ran for president in Nationalist Alliance (UNA) have winners was reelectionist Sen. garita “Tingting’ Cojuangco buhay” A. Villar (NP-PNoy) 2004. statistical chances of winning a Lorna Regina “Loren” B. Legarda (UNA) and Zambales Rep. Maria and reelectionist Sen. Aquilino The 12th slot went to Aurora place in the 12 senatorial seats. of the Nationalist People’s Coali- Milagros Esperanza “Mitos” H. Martin “Koko” D. Pimentel III Rep. Juan Edgardo M. Angara Pulse Asia said majority of tion, although she saw her sup- Magsaysay (UNA, 14% each), (Partido Demokratikong Pili- of the Laban ng Demokratikong probable winners were re-elec- port falling fi ve points to 59% in while Eduardo “Bro. Eddie’ Vil- pino-Lakas ng Bayan-PNoy), Pilipino-PNoy, who scored an tionist members of Congress, but the latest survey. lanueva (Bangon Pilipinas, 13%) each with scores of 47%. unchanged 39%. He ranked 11th- two neophyte politicians, Nancy The Nationalista Party’s Sen. and Puerto Princesa Mayor Ms. Binay, the daughter 12th in the last survey. Binay and Grace Poe, were Alan Peter Cayetano -- another Edward “Ed” S. Hagedorn (inde- of Vice-President Jejomar C. Still in striking distance of strong contenders. reelectionist -- rose to number pendent, 11%) placed 22nd and Binay, was 7th in the last survey. the last four slots in the Magic Administration bets still two with the backing of 57% of 23rd, respectively. Her score was unchanged. Mr. 12, according to the SWS, were dominate the race for the 12 the respondents (from 58% pre- With single-digit scores Pimentel, the son of former Sen. Cagayan Rep. Juan Ponce “Jack” Senate seats up for grabs in the viously) after staying third in were partylist Rep. Teodoro A. Aquilino Pimentel, was previ- Enrile (UNA) and former Sena- May 13 midterm elections, but four prior SWS-BW polls that Casino (Makabayan, 7%), Marwil ously 5th-6th. Ms. Villar, wife of tor Ramon “Jun” B. Magsaysay, with fresh positional changes it began in August last year. Llasos (Ang Kapatiran, 4%), outgoing Sen. Manuel B. Villar, Jr. (Liberal Party-PNoy) -- tied is too early for the Team PNoy Erstwhile second-placer Sen. Samson Alcantara (Social Jus- fell from 4th in February. Their for 13th-14th with scores of 37%, and United Nationalist Alliance Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escu- tice Society, 4%), Richard Penson previous scores were 48% and and former senator Juan Miguel (UNA) lineups -- and particu- dero, meanwhile, found himself (Independent, 4%), Ramon Mon- 53%, respectively. “Migz” F. Zubiri who was 15th. tano (Independent, 4%), Baldo- Reelectionist Antonio Mr. Enrile, the son of Senate hero Falcone (Democratic Party ‘Sonny” V. Trillanes IV (NP- President Juan Ponce Enrile, has of the Philippines, 4%), Rizalito PNoy) was the sole candidate yet to recover from rankings Yap David (Ang Kapatiran, 3%), not to have moved, staying in 8th downturns seen in prior sur- Christian Seneres (DPP, 3%), with a score of 44% -- down two veys but the latest result was not John Carlos De Los Reyes (Ang points from last month. markedly different from Febru- Kapatiran, 3%) and Greco Anto- In another rebound, reelec- ary’s 13th place. His score was nious Beda Belgica (DPP, 2%). tionist Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” B. down a point to 37%. Two percent of the respon- Honasan (UNA) took 9th place Mr. Zubiri, meanwhile, dents in the SWS-BW had no with a score of 43%, after falling slipped out of the Magic 12 for answer or were undecided, to 15th last month. the fi rst time as his support fell while 5% of the ballots counted President Benigno Simeon to 35% from 39%. Mr. Magsaysay were ruled to have invalid mark- Noynoy S. C. Aquino III’s cousin, added fi ve points to 37% for the ings. 2222 April 15, 2013 FilAms join D.C.... from page 1 Filipinos and Filipino Amer- “Let’s take this opportunity to ican community leaders and engage our political leaders and supporters in the DC area joined let them know how much we the nationwide “Call to Action” care about reuniting families.” to press immediate passage of For four hours under the an immigration reform bill that hot sun, the demonstrators would provide a path to citi- urged Congress to speed up the zenship for 11 million undocu- legalization of the millions of mented immigrants and protect undocumented immigrants and family reunifi cation provisions. the retention of the family-based The rallyists on Capitol visa provisions that are so dear Hill were made up of Hispan- to the hearts of Asians. ics, Asians, religious communi- Some Republicans and ties, immigrant rights coalitions, Democrats are inclined to pres- labor organizations, and others ent a bill that would reduce the who came from other cities in quota for family-based visas. the East Coast to hear speakers Senate Majority Leader chant “Si, Si Puwede” (Yes We Harry Reid (D-Nevada) had ear- Filipinos and Filipino Americans joined the Family Reunifi cation Rally last April 10, at the West Lawn of the US Can) and “The Time Is Now.” lier sounded ambivalent about Capitol. The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), was one of the organizing associa- A bi-partisan group of eight the limited family-based visa as tion of the rally. Photo: Vida Benavidez, Mitzi Pickard, Maurese Owens, Jon Melegrito, Naomi Tacuyan, and Jacko senators are expected to intro- proposed by the Senate Gang of leads the team at the rally. (Bing Cardenas Branigin) duce a comprehensive immi- Eight. gration reform bill as early as He told the Asian Jour- next week. The rally was orga- nal recently he does not want nized mainly to put pressure on to make the family-based visa the senators not to impose any backlog worse. At the same time restrictions on the path to citi- he said he is inclined to recom- zenship for the undocumented mend more relaxed provisions immigrants. Asian Pacifi c Amer- on family-based petitions in the ican Islander (AAPI) advocates bill being hammered out in the are also concerned about attacks Senate. on family reunifi cation provi- Earlier in Los Angeles, sions, particularly the elimina- Asian American Pacifi c Islander tion of family visas. (AAPI) advocacy groups led by Representing the National the Asian Pacifi c American Legal Federation of Filipino American Center (APALC) made a call for Associations (NaFFAA) were an end to “attacks” on family leaders and supporters from the reunifi cation. Capitol Region, who also partici- At the press conference held pated in congressional visits ear- at the Beverly Union Park, Rep. Photo shows the massive rally in front of Capitol Hill April 10. lier in the day. Former Maryland Judy Chu (27th District of Cali- Delegate David Valderrama led fornia) joined a coalition of com- Chu went on to explain that Bur Sen. Lindsey Graham tough enough so that Repub- a delegation that met with legis- munity organizations called API there are those in Congress who (R-SC), one of the Gang of Eight licans can convince their party lative aides of U.S. Senators Ben FIRE (Asian Pacifi c Islanders for believe that in order to make drafting the reform bill, said he that it’s not amnesty but not so Cardin and Barbara Mikulski. Immigrant Rights & Enforce- room for work-based visas, the wants to reserve green cards for onerous that they lose support “We should not eliminate ment) to ask Congress to legis- number of family-based visas the country’s economic needs from the left, and risk repeat- family visas in exchange for late fair and just reform to immi- need to be trimmed down. and less of family-based peti- ing mistakes from past reform more high skilled foreign work- gration law while strengthening Basically, they propose that tions. efforts. ers,” Valderrama said. “That the family immigration system. LPRs will no longer be able to Reid noted he is confi dent Democrats are under intense that his recommendation to would undermine our cherished Rep. Chu also called for bring their siblings to the US, and pressure from the White House, parents will no longer be able to allow more family-based peti- values of family unity. America immigrant families to make labor unions and immigrant petition for their children who tions will get the support of benefi ts when immigrant fami- their voices heard and express advocates to craft as clear of a their concerns over immigration are married and above the age other legislators during delibera- lies come together. They work path as possible to legal status hard, pay taxes, buy homes and reform, particularly on family of 21, and effectively preventing tions in Congress. and citizenship. That means no start job-creating businesses.” reunifi cation provisions. reunifi cation among immigrant Reid also said his proposal border-security benchmarks In a statement, NaFFAA The group called for protec- families. will address the exceedingly National Chair Ed Navarra tion of the provision in immigra- Today there is a huge back- lengthy twenty-year wait to get a that must be met before undocu- called on community leaders tion law that allows citizens and log of family-based petitions family-based petition approved. mented immigrants can secure to let their voices heard by call- legal permanent residents (LPR) with Filipinos topping the list. He cited the cases of Filipinos citizenship. No exorbitant fi nes ing or writing their senators to be reunited with their imme- Thousands have to wait up to 20 who hae to wait 20 years for their and fees. And realistic require- and US representatives. “This diate family from their home years for visa petitions for broth- green cards to be approved. ments for proving work history, issue directly affects our families countries through family-based ers, sisters, parents and grand- The Gang of Eight has learning English, and passing and our communities,” he said. visas. parents. sought to make the pathway criminal background checks. Manila duns US $1.4-M... from page 1 January 17 grounding of the Guardian. boosted the fi nal total to slightly Salvors fi nished extricat- less than P60 million, or roughly eign Affairs Albert del Rosario, required by a law passed to pro- ing the ship, which had to be $1.4 million, the organization during his meeting in Wash- tect the reef, a Unesco World dismantled piece by piece, on said. ington D.C. with US Secretary Heritage site in a remote area of March 30. WWF-Philippines vice-chair of State John Kerry, secured the Sulu Sea. According to the report of and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan the assurance of Kerry that the Meanwhile, the US Navy the assessment team, ‘results said the fi ne to be paid to TMO US will pay for damages to the relieved the captain and offi cers indicate the damaged area spans should help it build a signifi cant reef. But he said a joint body of the Guardian for failing to 2,345.67 square meters - smaller endowment fund to sustain its will determine the cost of the follow the rules in navigating than the 4,000 square meters operations through the years. damage. through the waters of the Philip- originally estimated by an Amer- The basic issue here is not The fi ne of $1.4 million is but pines. It was on its way to Indo- In this photo taken on March 30, ican team, WWF-Philippinesd tourism. It is food security. This a slap on the wrist, as the salvage nesia after stopping over in Subic 2013, and released by the Philippine said in a statement. fresh infusion of funds will allow operation has been estimated to two months ago. Coast Guard on April 1, the stern Under Republic Act 10067 TMO to concentrate on putting cost close to $45 million, she said. A team of divers and of the minesweeper USS Guardian or the Tubbataha Reefs Natural the money to good use - from Songco said a letter request- researchers from the TMO and is transferred to another ship after Park Act of 2009, a fi ne of about building a better Ranger Station ing compensation would be sent the World Wide Fund for Nature being lifted out of the water at the $600 or P24,000 per square meter to upgrading their capacity to to the US embassy next week, (WWF)-Philippines just fi nished Tubbataha Reef, a World Heritage of damaged reef is mandatory. manage the country’s most pro- stressing this is the amount assessing the full damage of the site. Further park rule violations ductive coral reef, he said. April 15, 2013 23 OAVs start mid-term... from page 1 a.m. (designated country time) voters of the automated and per- They will have to accom- until May 13 at 6:00 p.m., the sonal modes of voting to bring plish the ballot, affi x their right May 13, 2013. OAV will be “honest, orderly DFA said. their passports or other personal thumb mark at the lower portion, But many overseas voters and peaceful.” Daily voting schedules will identifi cation documents. tear off that portion and place it will be going to the polls without The poll body has auto- thus be at least eight hours a day, In the automated mode, inside the ballot envelope. knowing who the candidates are, mated the election in seven it added, and Embassies and voters will have their names Before sending their ballots their platform of governance, selected countries for overseas Consulates General may adopt verifi ed against the list of regis- back by mail to their respective their qualifi cations and other Filipino voters. a fl exible schedule to accommo- tered voters by the Special Board Embassies or Consulates Gen- details that are needed to cast an It also announced that date the most number of voters. of Election Inspectors, similar to eral, voters will have to affi x intelligent vote. 36 precinct count optical scan All votes, including those the process in the Philippines. their name and signature on the The Commission on Elec- machines will be dispatched and sent through the mail, should be Voters will be given a ballot, left-hand corner of the ballot tions has relied on the 2 TV used for Filipino voters in Hong received by the end of the voting a folder and a pen <#>, and will envelopes. channels to inform the overseas Kong, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, period. then be directed to the voting Registered Filipino seafarers voter probably because of lack Jeddah, Kuwait, Dubai, and “Our Embassies and Consul- area. may likewise personally vote at of funds. But last week, several Riyadh for the May 13 mid-term ates General are well-prepared Candidates’ names will be the Embassy or Consulate Gen- Comelec commissioners fl ew on polls. to conduct the overseas absen- listed in alphabetical order on eral where they are currently a junket ostensibly to check the Of the seven countries, Hong tee voting process. Our person- the ballot, and voters will have to docked. readiness of the embassies and Kong has the highest number of nel have undergone a three-day shade the ovals beside the names Votes will be counted at the consulates abroad to perform voters with 101,482, followed by training in Manila last February of their chosen candidates. Embassy or Consulate General their task. Singapore with 36,323 registered to prepare them for their duties The ballot will then be fed where the votes were sent or “The overseas Filipinos voters while Abu Dhabi has in this election,” Seguis said. into the Precinct Count Optical are our new heroes. Beyond 21,418 registered voters. He added similar trainings Scan (PCOS) machine which will cast. The DFA said the counting the economic contributions and The Foreign Affairs depart- in Los Angeles, Madrid, Abu read the votes on both sides of will start immediately after the the sacrifi ces they do to ensure ment said the 988,384 OAVs Dhabi, Riyadh, Hong Kong and the ballot. close of polling precincts, and their families of a good life, they marked a milestone for over- Singapore were also held as part The voters’ index fi nger will will be done uninterrupted in are now also given their politi- seas Filipinos who are working of preparations for the elections be marked with indelible ink, public until all the votes have cal right through the OAV. It is or living abroad. Of the total Overseas voters may only elect and they will affi x their thumb been counted. time that they exercise the right number, there are 398,554 OAV the President, Vice President, 12 mark in the list of voters. In line with the start of the to vote,” DFA Undersecretary new registrants. senators and one party-list repre- The same process goes for OAV, a migrants’ rights group Rafael Seguis said in a statement These voters will be cast- sentative. personal voting, except that a will organize a gathering in posted on the department’s web- ing or sending in their votes in The OAV involves three compartment will be provided Manila of relatives of over- site. Seguis also serves as chair of the 93 Philippine Embassies and modes of voting: automated for voters to drop their ballots in. seas Filipino workers (OFW) the OAV Secretariat. Consulates General around the counting in Hong Kong and Postal voters meanwhile to encourage their loved ones OAV Secretaruat vice- world. Singapore, personal voting, and will receive a mailing packet abroad to exercise and guard chair Nestor Padalhin likewise The OAV will last for 31 postal voting. containing their ballot and the their right to vote in the month- assured the public that this year’s days starting April 13 at 8:00 The DFA thus reminded ballot envelope. long OAV. Bulosan’s poem theme... from page 1 Progress for the AAPI Commu- versations with AAPI communi- necticut Ave NW. The Gala is nity; An overview of recent Fed- ties. a chance to celebrate the mile- AAPI Heritage Month is education, and immigration eral Agency accomplishments For more information, stones and trailblazers of the reform. and priorities for the AAPI please contact: White House an annual call to action for the Asian Pacifi c American com- AAPI community and an oppor- The following resources community and list of commis- Initiative on Asian American tunity for the country to see its are provided to help guide your sion members as an “in-person and Pacifi c Islanders, 400 Mary- munity as part of Asian Pacifi c breadth of its diversity in “pluri- heritage month conversations: resource” across the country. land Avenue SW, Washington American Heritage Month. bus unum.” AAPI Population Info-graphic; If you are in the process of DC 20202 E-Mail: WhiteHouse- We look forward to seeing The White House Initiative A demographic illustration of developing an event, we would [email protected] www. ones this year, Apaics said. Islanders is providing state and the United States from the year observe AAPI Heritage Month whitehouse.gov/aapi local AAPI commissions and 2000 through 2010;Policy Pri- this year. Metro Manila, the issued by the embassy about the meet- bears lately. Some Tsismoso sources country s capital region. Only one senatorial aspirant -- inde- ing between US Secretary of State John appear to have gone in hibernation, prob- Kerry and Philippine Secretary of Foreign ably because of the long Winter. But a pendent candidate Ramon Montaño -- originated from and is Affairs Albert del Rosario at the State few are still active. Take for instance this considered a resident of the Visayas. He was born in Cebu, the Department April 2. This Tsismoso, who unconfi rmed report that a former commu- most vote-rich area outside Luzon, and is a registered voter in obviously knows something about diplo- nity leader owns condos in the National Negros Oriental. matic niceties and protocols is wondering Harbor, the new development along the why the press release was issued by the Potomac. That a rich Middle Eastern man It’s time for the Comelec to wake up. It must fulfi ll its duties Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila is funding the business of a Pinoy. In to keep the OAVs informed! . and not the Philippine embassy in Wash- McLean, Virginia. ington D.C. Didn’t DFA trust Del Rosa- *** rio in issuing the statement himself? Or Hurrah! Three Cheers. Tsismoso has was he being censored? Were offi cials in Manila afraid the secretary might declare found a compadre, a counterpart in the war on China? he asked. Philippines. My newlyl-discovered fellow Tsismoso in the Philippines is a man in *** a Cossack. He is none other than Arch- Well, after ignoring the repeated bishop emeritus Oscar Cruz, former presi- requests of Filipino American activists dent of the Catholic Bishops Conference supporting the Filipino Overseas Work- of the Philippines. ers in Louisiana for a meeting with Phil- This Tsismoso bishop was reported ippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. the to have swore on a stack of Bibles that embassy fi nally relented last month. That Kristina Bernadette (alias) Kris Aquino, was because some protesters were dem- President Aquino’s 3rd youngest sister, onstrating in front of the embassy and has set her eyes for the second highest calling for the fi ring of the ambassador. position in the land in 2016! But instead of meeting with the top Msgr. Cruz said his information was honcho, the activists calling itself the Jus- confi rmed by “credible” sources from tice for Grand Isle Shipyard met with an within the present administration. And embassy offi cial. But he was not a top- the Manila media went wild over the level offi cial. He’s First Secretary and bishop’s report. Consul Elmer Cato, previously the press He said “this information was con- offi cer and part-time photographer in the fi rmed by credible sources from within embassy. the present administration.” After the meeting, the embassy issued “Formerly, it was only in whispers. a statement saying “The embassy is satis- Now, it has become more commonly said fi ed with the discussion.” And the online and heard that the youngest sister of the magazine, The Filam, said they “agreed to President of the Republic will also run as disagree.” vice president [VP] of the Republic come As expected, the activists went away 2016,” Cruz said. still grumbling and asking for the fi ring of “I’m not saying that she will do it in the ambassador for not helping the work- 2016. I’m just saying that, up to now, this ers. is what is being said,” the retired prelate *** said. According to some Tsismoso report- When asked if the movie and televi- ers, there is a favorite ditty being recited sion actress has a strong chance of suc- by some disgruntled staff of the Phllip- ceeding Vice President Jejomar Binay, pine embassy every time the ambassador Cruz answered in the affi rmative. April 15, 2013 Opinion 29 Single First Lady n a recent interview with a TV station in Burlington, IVermont, First Lady Michelle Obama referred to herself as a busy single mother who faces the same problems many mothers do trying to balance family time with work. She corrected herself retary to do her offi ce chores, breakfast table, then security as soon as she realized she had a few butlers to do personal briefi ngs, then sword splay with The Ties that Bind her foot in her mouth. errands, Secret Service agents to Speaker John Boehner, then Opps! Those who doubt that arlos Bulosan was 17 Filipino men were having chil- keep away the fl ies from disturb- consulting Defense psychics to Pres. Barack Obama was born in years old when he left his dren as old as 81 years old. Some ing her peace and quiet, and the predict what the young North Hawaii will now have another Chometown of Binalonan, went back to the Philippines entire staff of the White House Korean leader will do next, then issue. They will demand to see Pangasinan. Along with thou- to rekindle fl ames from former kitchen to see to it that scram- 18 rounds of golf.” sands of other young Filipinos, the marriage certifi cate of Barack loves.” bled eggs are ready for breakfast “But then Michelle owns the he arrived in California where and Michelle. Forced by the exigencies every morning. What else is there evening, I said. “That’s when the they labored as farm workers of racism, and because U.S. Some celebrities tend to to do other than copy the body real action begins.” for big plantation owners and employers did not usually pay enjoy highlighting their misfor- language of her idol, Beyonce?” “Not anymore”, my barber houseboys for rich, white Ameri- for the passage of family mem- tune or challenges in life. Ophra “OK, I get it. But nobody smiled. In the evening, Holly- can families. They worked hard bers, these migrant workers suf- reveals that she was abused as a ever questioned the marriage of wood descends on the White despite low wages and inhu- fered loneliness and isolation. child. Olympic gymnast Gabby the fi rst couple.” House and Barack spends the mane working conditions. Deprived of marriage and family Douglas claims she was discrimi- “Personal admissions are entire evening pressing celebrity The America in the 1930s life, these manongs lived out their nated in her childhood. telling. You can be married and fl esh. through the 1940s was a hostile days in the grim shadows of their My smart aleck barber how- be single.” “What happens after the world for brown-skinned men aging years as “hurt men.” In the ever insists that truth comes out “You are confusing me now. celebrities leave?” like Bulosan. Recruited as vital words of writer Ben Santos: “old in unguarded moments. By the way, be careful with those “Barack sits by a telephone help to meet the country’s eco- timers” and “socially excluded, I said,” I can believe that she scissors.” and watches Michelle fall asleep nomic needs, they were nonethe- childless Filipino bachelors.” is busy but of course she is not “Consider this”, my barber while he makes follow-up calls less treated like dogs and hunted Still, while America failed single.” gestures with those pair of scis- for contributions from the top down like criminals. They suf- to live up to his “most cherished “It’s the other way around”, sors to catch my serious atten- 1% that he so despises.” fered beatings, threats and ill- dream” of American citizen- my barber insists. tion. “Is Michelle really com- health. ship, Bulosan’s faith and love for “You mean, she is not busy “The President wakes up plaining?” America never faltered. Despite but single?” early and goes to the White “You can see a Pope resign the rejection and bitterness, “Listen carefully, he says. House gym then takes a quick the suffering and abuses, he First, she has more than one sec- shower before dropping by the Continued on page 31 remained hopeful in his vision of America as an “unfi nished ideal in which everyone must invest The threat time and energy” and contribute “something toward the fi nal ful- fi llment of America .” within A Cherished Dream. My y wife is terrifi ed by own family’s journey to this the prospect of North land of promise in the 1960s MKorea launching a was not as heroic or dramatic as nuclear-tipped missile on the Bulosan’s. Like him, my father United States or the Philippines. plowed his farm with a carabao I tried to explain why that was and struggled to improve his unlikely but the steady drone family’s chances of a better life. of ominous news reports on TV American citizenship was also seemed to drown everything out. p29image001.tif a cherished dream. He and my Now that the yearly US- Erie, guided by satellites, used a tilities do break out in the Korean mother came as students and South Korean joint military exer- standard Aegis ship-to-air mis- Peninsula. later got their green cards. My cises are winding down, expect sile to knock out a dummy mis- Ultimately, North Korea’s In his autobiography, “ two younger sisters and younger the rhetoric to follow suit. The sile launched from Hawaii. The antics pose a greater danger America is in the Heart,” Bulo- th brother, carrying student visas, North, despite its bluster and the statement said it was the 24 suc- not against the US, but against san wrote: “I came to know after- soon followed. But when it was unpredictability of its leaders, cessful intercept in 30 tests (an 80 China. It could drive South Korea ward that in many ways it was my turn to come, I made the mis- know it can’t win. The hermit percent ratio which is better than to acquire a nuclear weapon; the a crime to be a Filipino in Cali- take of telling the US Consul in nation is obviously trapped in most operational anti-missile only reason Japan hasn’t fully re- fornia . I came to know that the th defense systems). armed is because of the US secu- public streets were not free to my Manila that I planned to join my the 20 century, its vaunted mili- th The US and Philippines rity guarantee. Vietnam, which people.” siblings, as it was my parent’s tary (said to be 4 largest in the kicked off their own bilateral is contesting Chinese claims on They also suffered a more dream to bring us all together as world) relying on Soviet-style training exercises last week. The islands in the South China Sea, insidious form of oppression. one family. Wrong answer. Visa doctrines and weapons that have US dispatched a fl ight of F-18 could travel through the same About 80 percent of Filipino men denied. I dreaded the prospect been proven ineffective in the Hornets although the offi cial path. India and Pakistan already in California were under 30 years of being separated. A friend Sinai Peninsula, Iraq, Libya, etc. statement said this year’s Balika- have a nuclear arsenal. If China of age and unmarried. The ratio later told me that I should have And Soviet-era military calculus tan “war games” is more geared doesn’t rein its clients in North of Filipino males to females was answered, “I’m dying to see is anchored on one overriding towards responding to natural Korea, it could wake up to its fourteen to one. Filipino young snow,” to the consul’s question concern – survival. worst nightmare – a border women were not allowed to of why I wanted to go to Amer- The US has time and again disasters. Curiously, the Philip- shared with nuclear-armed leave home at the time. Under ica . Snow, not siblings, don’t demonstrated its capability to pines lost the last of its fi ghter neighbors. the circumstances, brown men raise red fl ags. Fortunately, the take unwanted regimes down. jets to obsolescence a few years Much has been said about dated white women. But misce- US Embassy reversed its deci- It’s costly but if you give Amer- back and this is the fi rst time the penchant of the press to scare genation laws prevented Filipi- sion after an American mission- ica a compelling reason to do it, since the country has any kind of its audiences – it drives TV rat- nos from marrying whites. ary intervened. There is a God, she probably will. supersonic interceptors, even if ings up and sells newspapers. Inevitably, starting a family after all, I exulted. Last month, I received a they happen to be American. This will surely fuel that percep- in the US was nearly unfeasible. In the meantime, my brother press release from the Missile Feeding the North Korean tion even as the White House As historians point out, “many received a deportation order Defense Agency announcing the threat storyline further, For- said it was trying to dial down had waited years, and even because he was caught working success of tests to intercept bal- eign Affairs Secretary Albert del on the rhetoric, perhaps giving decades, to marry a woman and after graduating from college in listic missiles over the Pacifi c Rosario said the US can use Phil- start a family. Because of this, Continued on page 31 Ocean. The cruiser USS Lake ippine ports and airfi elds if hos- Continued on page 31 30 April 15, 2013 Immigration Notes VISA PRIORITY DATES FOR THE PHILIPPINES By J.G. Azarcon, Esq. APRIL 2013

Love visa • FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES rue love may pave the way First: Unmarried sons/daughters for a ticket to the United of US citizens Feb. 15, 1999 States. T Second: An alien who is the fi ance(e) of a U.S. citizen petitioner may A: Spouses/minor children of be issued a K-1 visa which will permanent residents: Dec. 15, 2010 allow entry to the U.S. for the B: Unmarried sons/daughters 21 years purpose of marrying the U.S. of age or older of permanent residents Jul. 15, 2002 citizen petitioner. Senators-in-Waiting To qualify for a K-1 visa, the Third: Married sons/daughters of citizens Oct. 01, 1992 MANILA ects to fi nance. petitioner and the alien must sat- Fourth: Brothers/sisters of citizens Aug. 15, 1989 y the time you’re reading But here pork barrel money isfy the following requirements: • EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES this, the Philippines will also fi nds its way into the sena- (i) the parties have personally First: Priority workers Current be edging closer to judg- tors’ pockets in the form of met within two years preceding Second: Professionals holding advanced B the date of fi ling of the petition; ment day for politicians vying kickbacks. Pork barrel funds degrees or persons of exceptional ability Current for positions all over the land. are allotted to specifi c projects (ii) they must have a bona fi de May 13 is election day for sena- favored by a senator and the intention to marry; and (iii) they Third: Skilled workers, professionals Sep. 08, 2006 tors (who are voted nationwide) projects’ contractors (favored are legally qualifi ed and actually Other Workers Sep. 08, 2006 and local offi cials from town ones as well) “kick back” part willing to conclude a valid mar- Fourth: Current mayor to governors to members of the money to the sponsoring riage in the U.S. within ninety Certain Religious Workers Current days after the fi ance(e)’s arrival. of Congress. senator (or congressman). Thus, Fifth: Employment creation/ These elections are pivotal senators become rich just for The requirement for a per- in how the nation will be gov- that. In the Philippines, there are sonal meeting within two years (Million or half-million dollar investor) Current erned in the next three years and no senators who live in shanties, preceding the fi ling of the peti- beyond. It’s because the politi- even if that’s were they used to tion may be waived by the Immi- cians the people will vote into reside before they became sena- gration Service if the parties can to marry includes, among others, fail to marry within 90 days of offi ce will either be supportive tor. That’s a fact of life here. establish that the meeting would photographs of the parties being the alien’s arrival, the alien then of President Benigno Aquino III No wonder senatorial can- result in extreme hardship to together, letters, e-mail, tele- becomes subject to removal. A or not. Aquino has said the elec- didates (and all the other can- the petitioner or would violate phone bills and affi davits of rela- K-1 visa holder will not qual- tion winners will be key to his didates for offi ce here) shell out the traditional customs of the tives who have personal knowl- ify for an extension of stay or reform program, and he has been lots of money just to get elected. benefi ciary’s foreign culture or edge of the relationship. change to another immigration travelling around the country to Campaigning requires a lot of social practice, as in marriages If the alien benefi ciary has status, i.e. B-2, H-B1 or employ- persuade people to vote for his money. The sheer logistics alone arranged by parents. Health rea- minor children, the children can ment based immigrant petition. chosen candidates. This is espe- of campaigning need massive sons, travel restrictions or fi nan- come with the principal ben- If the alien marries another U.S. cially true for the candidates for funding. And when you have to cial burdens are circumstances efi ciary under a K-2 visa, either citizen instead of the petitioner, the Senate. cover a lot of ground, the fi nan- that may merit a waiver based accompanying or following to the alien cannot apply for adjust- Besides the President, sena- cial requirements of campaign- on extreme hardship. join within one year of the issu- ment of status while remaining tors are the only other offi cials The documentation neces- ance of the K-1 visa. ing get multiplied. That’s why Continued on page 31 who are elected by a nationwide the winning candidates need to sary to prove contact and intent If the alien or the petitioner vote (unlike in the United States recoup their “investment” later where senators, like congress- on through kickbacks and other men, are voted by state). For forms of stealing. Caribbean this reason, senators are held in As you read this, the can- higher regard among all gov- didates for the May 13 polls are Piggy Banks ernment offi cials, except for the right in the middle of the cam- President of course. For this paign. Having started the cam- MANILA reason too, the senate is seen as paign in the middle of last Febru- ollow the smell of a breeding ground for future ary, the senatorial candidates are money”. Investigative presidents. by now exhausted, both physi- “Freporter Amitabha Having to court all the cally and fi nancially (candidates Chowdhury worked by that voters around the country is of for lower offi ce started their cam- rule in his “Ananda Bazar course a grueling task. Senatorial paign last March 29 only). Those Patrika” exposes of murky candidates have to cover prac- who have money on their own, contracts in India . Chowd- of global tax havens. Former links with offshore trusts…Half tically all the major cities and those who have fat cats as back- hury won the 1961 Magsaysay Sydney Morning Post’s Gerard have public profi les, of varying towns around the archipelago. ers and large political parties to Award for Journalism. Ryle, marshaled 86 journalists in prominence”. Others are busi- That takes a lot of time and effort. support them obviously have a Anna Politkovskaya used 46 countries, including the Phil- nessmen in foreign companies. “accountability reporting” And money, lots of money. Sena- built-in edge. The less endowed ippine Center for Investigative Public offi cials must list in “Novaya Gazeta” exposes torial candidates have to spend make do with physical exertion Journalism. all assets in annual Statements of Vladimir Putin’s regime millions of pesos and mount by trying mightily to cover as They picked apart a hard of Assets, Liabilities and Net and abuse of Chechen people. nightmarish logistics in order to much ground as they humanly drive, delivered mysteriously, Worth. SALNs should include A gunman, in 2006, cut her cover the whole nation. can. They will slog through Agence France Presse reports.. stashes abroad. The Constitution down in a Mocow lift. She was But the rewards are hand- to the fi nish line on May 12, if Crammed into it were accounts directs : “Upon assumption of 48. some. Being a senator brings indeed they have the stamina to offi ce, ( legislatiors must ) make Bob Woodward and Carl of 120,000 offshore companies prestige and clout. Senators are get there. a full disclosure of their fi nancial Bernstein’s reporting on and 130,000 individuals. In it’s next only to the President in As of this writing, the sena- and business interests.” the Watergate break-in won the fi rst release Easter week, ICIJ terms of political power. And torial bets who are doing well Imee is a benefi ciary of 1973 Pulitizer Prize for Public nailed the Azerbaijan presi- any one of them, in theory at in the surveys are reelectionists Sintra Trust. Others in the Service Their reports led to US dent’s family and the French least, is a potential president. Loren Legarda, Chiz Escudero, trough are her adult sons with President Richard Nixon’s one president’s former campaign And it also pays in money Alan Peter Cayetano, Koko estranged husband Tomas sentence letter of resignation.. treasurer. terms. Senators get P200 million Pimentel, Antonio Trillanes and Manotoc: Ferdinand Richard, “Watchdog journalism” PCIJ pinpointed three each in pork barrel funds (con- Gregorio Honasan. Grace Poe, Matthew Joseph; and Fernando can uproot malfeasance at Filipinos who hold secret off- gressmen get P70 million each) Cynthia Villar, Nancy Binay, JV ”Borgy” Martin. “Documents national levels. What if jour- shore trusts in the Virgin Islands that they can allot for projects Ejercito, Jack Enrile, and former up to 2010, show that Imee also nalists “follow the smell : Ilococ Norte governor “Imee” anywhere they like around the senators Dick Gordon, Ramon had interests in a company in of money” across borders? Marcos- Manotoc, Rep.Joseph country. The pork barrel system Magsaysay and Jamby Madrigal which Sintra Trust was a ben- The International Consor- Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito and Sen. here works essentially the same are also within the ambit of win- efi cial shareholder: ComCentre tium of Investigative Journal- Manuel. Villar Jr. way as the one in the United ning. Corporation. Formed in January States in terms of the senators ists did just that. This April, ICIJ “ICIJ found more than 500 being able to pinpoint what proj- Continued on page 31 completed a 15-month probe Philippine residents who have Continued on page 31 April 15, 2013 31 and is touted by his party and The Ties that Bind... from page 29 Senators-in-Waiting... from page 30 supporters as qualifi ed for the Loren Legarda, the reported tant. Jojo Binay won a startling senate. But, to this Observer, Missouri . He was “out of status.” families. If these senators have front-runner in the senatorial and come-from-behind victory President should not have My parents sought the help of a their way, millions of mothers, race, is a former television news- in the 2010 election as vice presi- approved Bam’s candidacy for US Congressman who later fi led children, spouses and siblings reader who has distinguished dent, trouncing the front-runner, the reason that they’re cousins, a bill to keep my brother in the could be separated indefi nitely. herself as an environmental former senator Mar Roxas. Binay thus taking away the President’s country. Happily for my two sis- Immigration reform is not advocate. Very ambitious (she and Roxas appear to be the main moral ground for attacking ters, one a nurse and the other a just a “Latino issue.” It affects has run for vice president twice protagonists in the presiden- dynastic politics, which has been social worker, they got sponsors all of us. Family visas are just as but lost). Chiz Escudero too tial election of 2016. A possible a bane here for keeping poli- who helped legalize their status. important as employment visas has higher political ambitions, third candidate is current sena- tics so feudal still, with political In 1965, Congress fi nally in hastening assimilation and having once fl irted with the tor Bong Revilla, a former and families controlling elections and passed a landmark immigration providing a safety net for family heady thought of running for present movie star, but this is a how localities are governed and bill which made family reunifi - members. Workers, after all, president but relented when his ludicrous prospect if ever there administered. cation the bedrock value of the have spouses and children and expected campaign money didn’t was one. The other candidates men- country’s immigration system. siblings. materialize from a conglomer- JV Ejercito is a son of former tioned above haven’t really The Act abolished national ori- “Immigration is more than ate tycoon. Alan Cayetano is a President Joseph Estrada who distinguished themselves in gins quotas that was American a business relationship Amer- member of a brother-and-sister had served as town mayor (in any earth-shaking importance. immigration policy since the ica has with selected foreign- act in the senate who likes to their bailiwick of San Juan, a 1920s, replacing it with a pref- Except for Miguel Zubiri, in a ers,” says the New York Times fi ght brinkmanship games like suburb of Manila, and as con- erence system that focused on negative way, who won in 2007 in an editorial. “It’s a process impeaching presidents (then gressman). The luckiest politician immigrants’ skills and family on the strength of vote-rigging that renews this country; it President Gloria Arroyo) and in modern Philippine political relationships with citizens or manipulations allegedly ordered means going all-in on America , verbal jousts with his nominal history is Joseph “Erap” Estrada. U.S. residents. by then President Arroyo. Zubi- through binding ties of love and boss, the senate president (Juan He too (!) was a movie star who But all that is about to ri’s bogus win robbed Koko blood. Recruited workers enrich Ponce Enrile who himself has later became a petty politician change. While a bi-partisan Pimentel, a son of another sena- the country. Reunited families fi gured in dramatic political epi- (town mayor of, where else, immigration reform measure is sodes as a henchman of the dic- San Juan) who then was voted tor (Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel), laudable in many respects, nota- do, too.” tator Ferdinand Marcos in the into higher offi ce (senator, vice of four years of his legitimate bly the path to legalization for As we engage in this historic 1970s and 80s). president, president) by the star- term in the senate. Koko, natu- the 11 million undocumented debate, let us remember Bulosan Grace Poe is the daughter of struck masses. He was convicted rally, is bitter about Zubiri’s immigrants, one aspect threatens who would have been 100 years the late movie icon Fernando Poe of plunder (amassing money usurpation of his victory, and family reunifi cation. Some sena- old in November. “ America is Jr. who is respected, like both her illegally), then pardoned by the has been very vocal about it in tors are talking about blocking not a land of one race or one class father and mother (movie star opportunistic Gloria Arroyo, the ongoing campaign. What citizens from sponsoring their of men,” he wrote. “We are all Susan Roces), in the fi lm com- and in 2010 ran for president happens if they both win this family members living outside Americans that have toiled and munity. From this Observer’s and came in a distant second to time? the country. suffered and know oppression eyes, a liberal in political persua- President Aquino (Manny Villar This current crop of would- Today, according to the and defeat, from the fi rst Indian sion. Cynthia Villar is a former was an even more distant third). be senators isn’t exactly the Asian American Justice Center that offered peace in Manhattan congresswoman and the wife And now Joseph Estrada is run- creme de la creme, but what to (AAJC), 4.3 million people are to the last Filipino pea pickers. of former Senate President and ning for mayor of Manila against do? The present membership of separated from their loved ones America is a prophecy of a new 2010 presidential candidate the incumbent Fred Lim, himself the senate (and worse, also of the because of the family visa back- society … that knows no sorrow Manny Villar. Doing well in the a former senator. Estrada, who House of Representatives) is so log. Filipino families, in particu- or strife or suffering.” surveys because of early visibil- has no qualifi cation whatsoever undistinguished and undeserv- lar, face wait times of over 20 Send your comments to jon- ity by engaging in charity work for higher offi ce (his supporters ing that the potential winners years to be reunited with their [email protected] and capitalizing on the family will dispute this of course) has this time aren’t likely to raise the name. remained alive in politics despite quality of either chamber of Con- Single First Lady... from page 30 Nancy Binay is the daughter having no gray matter between in your lifetime, but never a income documentation. gress. And yet people continue of Vice President Jojo Binay, and his ears and his conviction as a First Lady in the White House. It When the G. W. Bush to vote them into offi ce. that’s her only apparent qualifi - plunderer. He also maintains didn’t even occur in the mind of administration tried to sound the As the saying goes: People cation and surely the only reason several wives. Only in the Philip- former FL Hillary Clinton. Single alarm by proposing the creation deserve the government they why she’s doing well in the sur- pines! in the White House? It’s not the of a review board to oversee the elect. Please tell your relatives veys. Has never held any elec- “Bam” Aquino is a cousin of fi rst time.” operations of Fannie Mae and here not to waste their votes and tive position before and spent President Aquino and, for those Freddie Mac, Democratic big vote wisely. The Philippines will *** many years as either her father’s in North America who remem- guns Sen. Chuck Schuler and continue to be in the doldrums if Remember the time when or mother’s (who had both been ber Ninoy Aquino, a Ninoy Rep. Barney Frank dismissed the mayor of Makati, a wealthy look-alike. Bam is a youth leader the quality of our leaders doesn’t liberal activists were picketing Bush administration’s concerns. suburb of Manila) personal assis- who has won several awards improve. Savings and Loans Associa- tions protesting against alleged The housing bubble burst The threat within... from page 29 in America along with his wife “red lining” in order to force the and Pres. G. W. Bush got the and kids, so they can enjoy what fi nancial institutions to loosen blame even when the seeds of the crisis were not planted by him. North Korea’s chubby 30-year- As of this writing, the Asian I have had these past 10 years. their credit guidelines to enable old leader Kim Jong Un space to American community is busy low income homebuyers to qual- Now, according to a Wash- I’ve always believed that back down without losing face. mobilizing for a protest on Capi- ify for home loans? ington Post report, the Obama North Korea has provided tol Hill against a proposal by America’s strength lies less on Their efforts paid off with administration is pushing banks the Obama administration a wel- North Carolina Sen. Lindsey its unmatched military heft as the support of Fannie Mae and to lend to people with weaker come distraction – only 88,000 Graham to exclude the adult it is on the superiority of her Freddie Mac and even the Fed- credit with assurances that the jobs were added in March com- children and siblings of US citi- people’s values, especially those eral Reserve under Chairman fi nancial institutions will not face pared to nearly 270,000 the pre- zens from being petitioned to in the armed forces, who hold Alan Greenspan. The push for legal action for extending loans vious month; meaningful gun come to the US. them true and dear, determined easy credit gave birth to sub- to riskier borrowers in the event prime loans and many applica- of default. legislation from Congress seems That to me is a more funda- to preserve them. The family is more elusive than ever; federal mental threat to American values tions approved without verifi ed History repeats itself? at the core of those values and agencies are set to enforce the and way of life than any North in conduct of offi cial duties. On sequestration; and perhaps more Korea can hurl our way. It’s for Congress to enact something Love Visa Ilocos Norte’s foundation day, disconcerting, reports from Cap- unsettling because I have a son that blocks the family from being Imee opens up the capitol to ... from page 30 itol Hill on the comprehensive in the Philippines whom I dream whole is the biggest threat of all people, literally. “We even immigration reform (CIR) bill. of one day being re-united here and that’s what scares me. in the U.S. The only way for a opened a provincial safe to show K-1 visa holder to adjust status tax collections, how they process Caribbean Piggy Banks... from page 30 statements do not list them. the money and bring them to the to permanent resident in the U.S. 2002 in the Virgin Island , it is named investment adviser of “ Realize that when I was 20 years old, I had a house, a bank,” she told Inquirer. Alas, still in operation.. the Sintra Trust, according to a is by marriage to the petitioner Mercedes, a Corvette, plus mil- that didn’t include Virgin Island One Sintra Trust document document uncovered by ICIJ. As within 90 days of arrival. lions in an offshore Carribean slush funds. refers to a United Overseas such, she can direct any fi nan- account, before I could buy alco- “Ferdinand and Imelda, (Any questions pertaining to Bank account Limited Singa- cial institution in the purchase, hol legally.” It was not Imee who early in their rule, opened secret this article may be addressed to 703 pore. Another refers to an HSBC sale, liquidation, and investment said that. But she proclaimed , Swiss bank accounts . account. In June 2005, Imee was of trust assets. Imee’s disclosure at every turn, “transparency” 893 0760) 32 April 15, 2013