Asian Journal Oct 30 2009

$34,000 condo units in Tagaytay. While you are away, you can rent out your unit as a condotel and make money on your investment. Presentations available on Friday, Oct. 30th and Saturday, Oct. 31st, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Asian Journal office at 550 East 8th Street Suite 6, National City, CA 91950 (in Old Schoolhouse Square). Call (619) 851-9547 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Attend a free presentation for MONTELUCE -

the high point of Tagaytay

Clouds over Buswang, Amlan, Negros Oriental. Photo by Ferdinand Edralin

Bouillabaisse

David was also taken aback. He quietly took an-other sip of the soup, and

calmly said: “Grandma…” “Don’t call me ‘grandma’,

you are not married to my grandaughter!” Dona

Pepay’s curt replied.

By Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

Publisher and EditorAsian Journal San Diego

The original and first Asian Journal in America

See page 3

PHILIPPINE STORIES

The Secret Recipe

October 30 - November 5, 2009

Zena Sultana-Babao EntertainmentThe spirit world’s

dangerous dark side

Msgr. GutierrezI am with you,

wherever you go!Kho charged

(Continued on page 6)

Philippine Scene PHILIPPINE NEWS SERVICE -- EXECUTIVE Secretary Eduardo Ermita yes-terday brushed aside remarks of at least five presidentiables that they would not hesitate to prosecute President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo if there is evidence that she amassed wealth while in power.

Ermita ignores plunder prosecution plan vs GMA

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita

Short of saying it is a mat-ter of jumping the gun, Ermi-ta said that all are nothing but speculations, stressing that the five presidential aspirants are not even sure of winning in the 2010 elections.

Administration Sen. Rich-ard Gordon said that should a case of wrongdoing be filed against Arroyo, he will make sure that the proper course of justice would flow unhin-dered.

Also participating in the media forum of the United Nations Millennium Goals and The Foreign Correspon-dents Association of the Phil-ippines (FOCAP) in Makati were Sen. Francis Escudero, former President Joseph Es-trada, environmentalist Nick Perlas and Olongapo City Councilor John Carlos Delos Reyes.

Escudero said he believes that once an order to file information for a non-bailable offense is issued against Mrs. Arroyo or once she is con-victed by final judgment, the next president must simply do his or her job to implement the order.

Estrada said he is all for punishing crooks in govern-ment but stressed that Mrs. Arroyo should not be singled out.

Adjustment to Life in America

By Opal Ragucos

Moving to the United States at the age of 12 was one of the hurdles in life! had to go through. Adjusting to this new world, now I call home, was the hardest thing to do. Living in the United States together with my family and going through changes, we were able to overcome the feeling of home sickness. Though we may have fitted in and assimi-lated~ my family and I had to go through a lot before reach-ing this stage.

I was born and raised in the northern region of Luzon in the Philippines where we are also known as Ilocanos. My dad was from the city of La Union and my mom was from the province of Abra where

Opal Ragucos


I was born. I have four other siblings; two older sisters, an older brother, and a little brother. All of us are now old enough to take care of our own selves.

My oldest sister works as

Cindy Chan receives the Special Congressional Certificate of Recognition from Manny Doria, the Special Assistant to California’s Border Congressman Bob Filner, during the Awards Ceremony at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3787 in Mission Valley. Ms. Chan is coordinating the “Operation Courage is Beautiful,” which is a non-profit community project geared towards making a difference in the lives of our courageous military women in harm’s way by sending them care packages.

Congressional Recognition for Operation “Courage is Beautiful”

by Scott Alford

If you live outside of the Philippines and you watch or read the news you may feel very justified in believing that the Philippines is a very dangerous country. Savaged by typhoons, earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, and terror-ist attacks. You may also be assured in your belief that it is a poor country with images of children picking through gar-bage, slums, and corruption scandals broadcast in most international news reports. I am not going to deny that these things are true, how-ever, they are not all that the country contains. Not every person in the Philippines is poor, a terrorist, or a victim of terror. In fact other countries around the world suffer from these same problems yet they do not become iconic images of those nations.

Viewing the Philippines in a Different Light

The common view of the Philippines

A few months ago I was at a roof-top birthday party in Makati filled with socialites and expats. Whilst there I was introduced to a German ‘journalist’, and my friend asked him why the Philip-

pines is portrayed in such a negative light in the foreign media. His response was in two parts; Firstly because in his experience he could not sell stories about the Philip-pines in Germany if they were not about poverty violence, or corruption. Secondly, he said that because there is so much

Cebu maintains rank as 7th best island destination in the world

Cebu has retained for the third straight year its seventh ranking in the list of best island desti-nations in the world by inter-national Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

A Cebu resort, the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City has also maintained its ranking in the prestigious list.

Conde Nast Traveler magazine has recently released the results of the annual Readers’ Choice Awards 2009, a listing of the best cities, islands, hotels, transporta-tion and resorts worldwide.

At 72.6 points, this is Cebu’s (Continued on page 18)

El Nido, Palawan

October 30 - November 5, 2009Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.com


When launching a new movie star, movie producers and direc-tors can be very choosy when it comes to picking a screen name for their discoveries. After all, a name that has no impact (or “dating” in Filipino) can spell the doom of a new fi lm star. In the early years of the Philip-pine Cinema, most of our movie celebrities were given Spanish sounding names, mainly because of the Spanish infl uence on our culture, (after all we were under Spanish rule for 300 years!)

The screen names of most movie stars then were quite sym-bolic. They are usually identi-fi ed with a fl ower or a color and were euphonic-sounding as well. To name a few, Flor-ence Danon’s screen name Rosa Rosal means “Pink Rosal”, Mila del Sol’s is the nickname for Milagros meaning “Miracle of the Sun,” veteran actress Rosa Mia’s name means “My Rose,”

Linda Estrella: The Beautiful Star

and Cielito del Mundo’s means “little heaven of the world.”

The name “Linda Estrella” lit-erally means a beautiful star. It was a simple, easy to remember name yet everyone knew that it characterized the famous actress’ dazzling movie career during the pre and post war eras.

Consuelo Rigotti, better known as Linda Estrella in the Phil-ippine Cinema, was born on December 3, 1926 to Jose Alcala Rigotti, of Italian descent, and Francisca Vera. Her father’s birthplace was Pulangi, Albay while her mother’s was Pandan, Catanduanes. The couple met while her father was assigned in Catanduanes as a school princi-pal.

Conching, as she is fondly called by her family and friends, grew up in Virac, Catanduanes. When they moved to Manila, she obtained a degree in Home Economics at the Philippine Women’s University at Taft Avenue. She is known to be a good cook and delights her friends and family with her

cooking. But when I asked her if she cooks the Bicol delicacy, “Laing,” she told me that she has a cousin in the Philippines that cooks her favorite Laing. Whenever she goes home to the Philippines, she would bring back to the States a lot (at least 10 cans!) of her cousin’s canned “laing”.

When I ventured into my mis-sion of fi nding past movie icons and “reviving” their stories for the younger generations to know more about them, I immediately thought of Linda Estrella and her daughter, Tessie Agana who was also a famous child star in the 50’s. For more than a month now, I have been trying to get the contact numbers for Linda Estrella and Tessie Agana. Fi-nally, my friend, Pempe Rodrigo was able to get the information from Marichu Vera Perez, one of the owners of the former Sam-paguita Pictures.

Linda Estrella is the niece of Judge Jose Vera, the famous founder of the Sampaguita Pic-tures and Marichu Vera-Perez is her niece. I also have a friend, Jose de Guzman from Seattle, who upon learning that I wanted to interview Linda Estrella told me that his mom, Carmen de Guzman is Linda’s cousin. Both Jose and Carmen de Guzman are close friends of mine because we all served as Board Members of the Filipino Community of Seattle. Manang Carmen, (as I would call Carmen de Guzman), called Linda Estrella and advised her of my interest to interview her. That call made it easier for me to talk to Linda.

I was apprehensive at fi rst, because I wasn’t sure if Linda will welcome the interview. Of-tentimes, when past movie stars decide to leave showbiz and relocate overseas, they are reluc-tant to come out in the limelight again. While they have fond memories of their glorious days in the movie, most would rather stay away from the media. Nor-ma Vales, another famous star of the 50’s for instance, would not want to be interviewed even after her dear friend, Myrna Delgado tried to convince her to talk to me.

I was so pleased after Linda gave in to my request for an

Linda Estrella’s publicity photos (top and right)

interview. She was gracious enough to share with me tidbits of her life on and off screen and even offered to convince her daughter, Tessie Agana to grant me an interview as well.

Her Love Life

Tita Conching (I call her “Tita” as sign of respect) is married to Adriano Agana, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist by profession whom she met at a Red Cross canteen. The two were introduced to each other by Dr. Agana’s cousin, Felici-dad Pineda, who happened to be Linda’s classmate in PWU. His fi rst invitation was to go to a dance to which Tita Conching replied, “Naku, hindi pwede. Hindi ako nagsasayaw. At saka magagalit ang mama ko!” Besides, she was wearing bobby sox and she would not want to dance with him in bobby sox. Soon love blossomed and the two got married and had two children, Tessie and Cynthia. Their second daughter, Cyn-thia, however, passed away at the early age of 12 because of bronchitis. It was unfortunate that when Cynthia’s condition worsened, Dr. Agana could not save her, because he was in Tar-lac campaigning for his father, Marcelino Agana who was then running for governor of Tarlac. Tita Conching, had to take a taxi to take her daughter to Singian Clinic in Dr. Agana’s absence. Cynthia did not survive. The death of Cynthia was a bitter

experience for Dr. Agana be-cause he was not able to help his daughter when he was needed. His grief was even made more as he thought that he was able to help a patient who had the same disease as his daughter, and yet he wasn’t there when his daugh-ter needed him.

They moved to the United States in 1956. Her husband did not want Tessie Agana to grow up in the movies. Dr. Agana wanted Tessie to grow up with a normal life. Tita Conching would recall, “Tessie had a trau-matic experience with her movie fans. Kinukurot siya sa pisngi hangang sa umiyak siya.”

The Aganas later on adopted another child, Marylou, when she was just one year old. Linda chose for Marylou to grow up in the Philippines as advised by her parents and took Marylou to the US when she was six years old. Marylou is now a successful nurse with three kids.

Her Movie Career

Being the niece of the famous Sampaguita Studios founder has its benefi ts. When her uncle, Judge Jose Vera (whom she fondly calls Uncle Pepito) was looking for a child who would play the role of young Carmen Rosales in the movie, “Princ-esita”, he asked Tita Conch-ing (who was just 13 years old then) if she would want to take the part. He asked Tita Conch-ing, “Este Consuelo, quieres factiones del Carmen. Pwede

pasar con small Carmen?” Tita Conching agreed to do the part and Judge Jose Vera talked to her mother and said, “O Kikay, kukunin namin si Conch-ing lumabas sa pelikula.” Her mother gave her permission to appear in the movie as the young Carmen Rosales in “Prinsesita” (1941). “Then I grew up”, Tita Conching says, “Wala na. Wala na sa isip ko na lalabas ako sa pelikula.”

During the Japanese period, she took up voice lessons at PWU. Her Uncle Pepito asked her to continue with her movie career. She was given a screen name that changed several times (one of which was “Daisy Re-gala”) before she got the name “Linda Estrella”. She appeared on stage shows at the Life The-ater and other movie theaters.

She had her fi rst starring role in the movie “Maria Kapra” (1947) and shared the limelight with her daughter, Tessie in the movie “Labintatlong Hakbang” (1950).

To this day

Tita Conching lives a happy and quiet life in Valparaiso, Indiana, far from the lights, glitz and glamour of the entertain-ment industry. She enjoys the company of her “apos.” From time to time, she would travel to Las Vegas to visit three of Tessie’s children. I was amazed that Tita Conching could give me all the names of Tessie’s 9 children! She knows them by heart --- in fact, she could give me all the dates they were born by memory. Tessie gave birth to 11 children, namely Marita, the eldest, followed by (in suc-ceeding order) Radmar, Rodger, Roderick, Consuela, Mylene, Rodolfo, Jr., Rodney, and Rode (all the names of the boys start with letter “R” after Tessie’s husband Rodolfo). She had two miscarriages. All the 9 children are now grown-ups and have sta-ble jobs. Two of the children are married and have kids, which makes Tita Conching a great grandmother. She told me that Tessie brought up her children in

Tessie Agana and Linda Estrella today

10717 Camino Ruiz, Ste. 122 San Diego, CA 92126Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry• State-of-the-Art Technology and Sterilization• Digital X-rays and Massage Dental Chairs• Caring and Friendly Staff• Affordable Fees• Military Dependents Welcome• Evening and Weekend Appointments Available• New, Walk-in and Emergency Patients Welcome• Most PPO Plans Accepted•

Email: [email protected] Phone: (858) 566-6099

Open: Monday – Friday 9am – 6pmSaturday 8am – 2pm

Credit Cards AcceptedZOOM!

Exam, Digital X-rays & Cleaning *

*Over $200 in savings, in the absence of gum disease, new

patients only.Limited time offer.

$3499Reg. $238 Towards Any

Dental Service$550 or more

Cannot be combined with insurance.

Limited time offer.

$10000

In Offi ce Teeth WhiteningIn Just an Hour!

Limited time offer.

$29899Reg. $600

Balik-Tanaw: The Filipino Stars

of Yesteryears

Read Dr. Romy Protacio’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Dr. Romy R. Protacio

Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.comOctober 30 - November 5, 2009

“Rita and her friend are already at the airport,” Nida, one of the maids, told the family and guests who were gathered around the huge family dining table.

“Can’t wait for them, let’s eat. I’m hungry,” General Enrique Roque, the family patriarch, ordered everyone. A general in the Philippine Armed Forces, he was spending his Holy Week vacation with his family in their ancestral home in Bacolod City. He was seated on one end of the table with his wife, Elena, on the right, and his mother, Dona Pepay, on his left. Next to Dona Pepay were his son Daniel and wife Margie, Jacques Clouseu and wife Marcel; his son Turno and wife Tina; his daughter Eleonora and husband Marco. Jacques, a Frenchman, was Daniel’s boss and spend-ing the weekend with them with his wife. There were two vacant seats beside Elena, reserved for their youngest daughter, Rita, who was coming in from the airport with her new boyfriend.

For the family, the boyfriend was an unwelcome guest. They were hoping for Rita to marry her childhood sweetheart, Peter, the scion of one of the richest sugar plantation owners in the town. But a month ago, Rita broke off the engagement and hooked up with this new guy she met at school. Now she’s coming

The Secret RecipeFor the family, the boyfriend was an unwelcome

guest. They were rooting all along for Rita to marry her childhood sweetheart, Peter, the scion of one of the richest sugar plantation owners in the town. But

a month ago, Rita broke off the engagement and hitched up with this new guy she met at school. Now

she’s coming in with him to meet the family.

in with him to meet the family.They heard the sound of a

tricycle in front of the house. It was the maids who got excited.

“Rita’s boyfriend is good-looking,” Nida exclaimed as she peeked out of the window. Rita soon appeared at the top of the stairs and said “hello” to every-one. She proceeded to kiss the cheeks of her mom, her dad and her grandmother.

“This is David,” she said as she introduced her companion to ev-eryone. Then she identified each one seated around the table.

Daniel, with a stern face, introduced his boss, Jacques, and Jacques wife, Marcel.

“Sit down,” Rita’s mom, Elena, told the two without looking at her daughter’s friend. Every-one was uneasy and quiet, as if a dark cloud suddenly cast its shadow over them. Their happy banter a few moments ago died down.

“Try this, this is Grandma’s secret recipe,” Rita said as she handed a bowl of soup to David. She was trying to ignore the cold treatment they were getting from her family.

David held the bowl, scooped soup into his cup, tasted it, and rendered his verdict, “It’s good!”

“No one knows about the secret recipe because Grandma won’t tell us,” Rita told him.

“I think I know the secret,”

David said.“What?” Rita asked.“I can’t tell you, it’s a secret.”From nowhere, Dona Pepay’s

annoyed voice boomed: “You are a liar. You are just fooling my granddaughter!”

“Grandma!” Rita was shocked at the blatant show of disrespect to their guest. She knew that David was not welcome, but she was surprised that he would get such a rude treatment, --- from her grandmother at that.

“He is just fooling you, Rita. He will tell you he knows the secret but he won’t reveal it because it is a secret. How con-venient! He doesn’t really know it!”

David was also taken aback. He quietly took another sip of the soup, and calmly said: “Grandma…”

“Don’t call me ‘grandma’, you are not married to my grandaughter!” Dona Pepay’s curt replied.

By this time, Rita was truly embarrassed. She was about to cry. Everybody, except for the French guests, seemed to be privately enjoying the moment and egging on the old woman to continue her affront of Rita’s boyfriend.

But David remained unfazed.

“Mrs. Roque,” he continued as he changed his form of address to the combative woman. “I will just tell you three words and let me know if I know the secret or not.”

“What?” Dona Pepay could not hide her irritation.

“Ermita Women’s Club!” Da-vid replied.

“Hesusmaryosep (Christ, Mary and Joseph),” the old woman exclaimed. “How did you know about that?”

“What was that all about?” Rita was surprised too.

“The recipe of this bouilla-baisse came from the cookbook of the Ermita Women’s Club published in 1940,” David ex-plained.

“How did you know about that? “ Dona Pepay asked again.

“You know, Mrs. Roque, the dish’s recipe was contributed to the cookbook by my grandmoth-er. She cooks the soup every time, that’s why I know your secret recipe.”

“Who’s your grandma?”“Francisca Servillano.”“Kikay is your grandma?”“You know her?” David asked.“Naku, sorry hijo. I disre-

spected you. I didn’t know that you are Kikay’s grandson. May her soul rest in peace and forgive

me!”“But Grandma Kikay is still

alive.” “What? Wasn’t she killed in

Ermita during the liberation by the Americans?”

“It was her other friend, Grand-ma Marta, who was killed there.” David explained. “My grand-mother was already in Pampanga when the Americans came.”

“Where is she now?”“She’s retired in our house in

New Manila, still playing cards with her old friends like before.”

“Who?”“Grandma Lilay, Grandma

Susie and Grandma Mary.”“Lilay, Susie and Mary are still

alive?”“Are you their Visayan

friend?” It was David’s turn to ask her. “Yes, I remember, you’re Grandma Pepay! They all thought you were long dead!”

“Where can I reach them? How can I contact them?” Dona Pepay was eager to ask.

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Roque,” David said. “We can call them this afternoon. They all gather at Grandma Kikay’s house to play card games just like before.”

“Call me ‘Grandma’,” Dona Pepay ordered the young man she just disrespected a while ago. “And I am sorry again for my rude treatment of you.”

“Don’t you remember me?” David asked. “You said I was the only guy, aside from your husband, who ever saw your womanhood!”

“You’re David, the little boy?” Dona Pepay’s face lit up.

David turned to Rita and explained. Everybody around the table was in rapt attention, surprised at the sudden turn of events.

“When my Grandma Kikay and her friends used to play cards at our house, I used to crawl under the long skirt of your Grandma. Her friends teased her that I had already saw what had to be seen under your grandma’s skirt.”

Then David turned to Dona Pepay.

“Is Rita that little girl I used to play with?”

Dona Pepay smiled: “No, you used to tease her and make her cry every time.”

She picked up the bowl of asado dish in front of her son,

General Roque.“But…” General Roque

wanted to protest.“Save this for our guest.

You’ve eaten enough,” she told the military man as though she was denying a little boy his food.

He gave the food to David. “Sorry, David,” once again,

Dona Pepay asked for forgive-ness.

“That’s okay, Mrs. Roque,” David replied.

“Call me ‘Grandma’,” she cor-rected him again. - AJ

Bouillabaisse

Linda Estrella: The Beautiful Stara very good environment. They are all well-disciplined and re-spectful so Tita Conching has no problem with her grandchildren nor with her great grandchildren. Her “apos” are all well-behaved and Tita Conching proudly says that Tessie’s children were not like some American spoiled brats.

One of Linda’s grandsons, Radmar Agana (born on No-vember 7, 1966 in the Philip-pines) followed the footstep of his mother. He made a name for himself in his own right as an up-and-coming actor in the U.S.. He appeared in a number of top U.S. television shows such as “ER”, “Dharma and Greg”, “Seinfield”, “JAG”, and “Beverley Hills 90210”. In the movies, Radmar has had roles in blockbusters such as “Minor-ity Report”, “The Phantom” and “Diplomatic Siege”.

However, Radmar decided to leave his promising career when he joined the Society of Jesus. He is now a Jesuit novice at the University of San Francisco. Tita Conching said that in two years, Radmar will be ordained as a priest.

Linda’s taste of showbiz glam-our and glitter may have been short, but her legacy continued with Tessie and her son, Radmar. The “acting gene” for sure is in their blood, and it will be no sur-prise if any of her grandchildren or great grandchildren will once again grace the silver screen with their acting talents.

(Continued from page 2)

Philippine Stories

Read Sim Silverio’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.


Law Offi ces of Chua Tinsay & Vegawww.ctvattys.com

by Atty. Dennis ChuaLegal Buzz

Read Atty. Dennis Chua’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Genevieve Tagudin-Silverio

In Perspective

Read Genevieve Tagudin-Silverio’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

By: Dennis E. Chua, Esq | SAN FRANCISCO, 10/30/09 -- A law which was enacted in 2006 may af-fect immigrant petitions fi led by US citizens or lawful permanent residents on behalf of their spouses or rela-tives. This law otherwise known as the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act was enacted to protect children from sexual exploitation and violent crimes, to prevent child abuse and child pornography, and to promote internet safety.

Although the law seeks to protect minors, the law contains provisions which would even affect spouses of US citizens and lawful permanent res-idents. This law specifi cally prohibits U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents who have been convicted of any “specifi ed offense against a minor” from fi ling a family-based visa on behalf of any benefi ciary. The law further enumerates the types of of-fenses which may fall under the term “specifi ed offense against a minor”, and these include the following:

An offense (unless committed by a parent or guardian) involving kid-napping.

An offense (unless committed by a parent or guardian) involving false imprisonment.

Solicitation to engage in sexual conduct.

Use in a sexual performance.Solicitation to practice prostitu-

tion.Video voyeurism as described in

section 1801 of title 18, United States Code.

Possession, production or distribu-tion of child pornography.

Criminal sexual conduct involving a minor or the use of the Internet to

Conviction Of U.S. Spouse May Affect Immigrant Petition

facilitate or attempt such conduct.Any conduct that by its nature is a

sex offense against a minor.The US Citizenship and Immigra-

tion Services (USCIS) has made a very broad interpretation as to what constitutes an “offense committed against a minor” such that even a misdemeanor case for indecent expo-sure may have dire consequences on an immigrant petition fi led by the US citizen or lawful permanent resident relative. The USCIS has now been conducting background checks on US citizen and lawful permanent resident petitioners before adjudicating the petitions filed by these petitioners and if the petition has been approved, the USCIS will revoke the approved immigrant petition.

To illustrate: Sometime in 1982, John was evicted from his apart-ment. Jobless and homeless, John was forced to sleep in his car. One morning while his car was parked outside a shopping mall, John decided to change his clothes inside his car. Bystanders saw him changing and reported him to the police. Police ar-rested him and charged him with com-mitting a lewd or obscene conduct in a public place. Since he had no money to retain the services of a lawyer, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of indecent exposure. In 2005, he met Gilda who entered the Unites States as a visitor in 2003. Their friendship later developed into an amorous relationship. Out of their relationship they had two children. John eventually fi led an immigrant petition for Gilda who concurrently fi led an application for adjustment of status with the USCIS. The USCIS issued a Notice of Intent to Deny on the immigrant petition fi led by John for Gilda.

In order for a petitioner to over-come any Notice of Intent to Deny or Revoke issued by the USCIS, the petitioner must show that the offense committed was not a “specifi ed of-fense against a Minor Under the


On Thursday evening, October 29, as the Asian Journal San Diego goes to press, fi fty or so, fi fty-something individuals will be gathering at the Camden Suites in Eastlake to celebrate “Autumn: A Second Spring.” The event brings together indi-viduals who have never lost that common bond of kinship with their countrymen and who con-tinue to believe in a better future for the country they left behind.

That anyone, let alone some-one fi ftysomething or so, should come to such a meeting -- decades after they have left for good -- speaks of something greater. Fifty-year olds, after all, are a tough crowd. At that age, it seems that one has seen it all. Therefore it gives one pause when a cause like Gawad Kalinga comes by and draws a crowd of tough-minded expa-triates, who are waiting in the wing, a chance to hope again.

Indeed as the event indicates, it is the autumn of our lives; a new season that gives us another reason to celebrate. Wiser by fi fty years, the time we have has indeed become a “second spring” in the beautiful prose of Betty Bael. At fi fty, we have spent a good part of our time pursuing what was worth our while. The idea that one can make a difference at the ripe old age of fi fty or more, therefore, is a radical idea.

Getting old is not that bad. We can still accomplish what matters without the missteps of youth. Looking at the distance we have covered and what lays ahead, we can say to others half

The Social Artistry of GK our age who may be wondering what we could be up to now that there is more. Just wait.

It also helps to know that 50-somethings carry clout. We are the last of the baby boomers. Because of the size of our demo-graphic, we can push our weight around.

On a personal level, fi fty is also the time we then look back and see if the path has led us to where we want to be at this point in our lives. A few simply stop on cue ending their precious lifework before their time is up. However, others, always curi-ous and aware, like Myrna T.F. Reyes and myself, for instance, who have been following Gawad Kalinga with the enthusiasm of people half our age, take the opposite direction compelled by the urgency of what we have left undone.

We remain amazed at how GK has impassioned us. And yet it we are also humbled knowing we are simply picking up where others have left off.

Take for example, the late Asian Journal poet Soledad Bau-tista who at ninety followed her passion anew leaving an artistic legacy behind. Before her death, Soledad Bautista wrote a book of poems entitled “Smiles from the Heart” which she dedicated to the children of Gawad Kal-inga and her precious grandson Christopher Linus who turned two this year. The book will most likely be released in Spring 2010 in time for Mother’s Day.

Although none of us are poets like Soledad, we too can engage

in art at its most intimate level in the medium called “social art-istry.” We too can paint with the bold strokes of our imagination. Like Soledad, we too can use for our canvass the blank slate of hope for a new generation to en-joy. The portrait to be painted is GK 2024. So in time, like street artists working on a collective idea of what we want to see, we can begin to give shape to GK 2024 -- the vision of the Philip-pines as a fi rst-world country in the time it takes to raise one generation in the new millenium.

It seems impossible to see what would result from our actions from our own point of view. However, it is suffi cient to know that we are headed in the right direction this late in the game, taking our licks as we inch forward.

We may recall that just a few years ago the same people in government who used to scoff at GK by their own admis-sion have now become its most ardent admirers. As a matter of fact the 2009 GK Global Sum-mit in Harvard was a revelation. It showed a cross-over crowd. Brand names in the senate and the local government were mix-ing it up with the academicians from the hotbed of dissent, the University of the Philippines, in the midst of expatriates who, inspite of what intentions one might construe from the gather-ing, could not vote for them in the coming election because of their non-citizenship.

If GK were a state, it would be like Switzerland, unarmed and, more importantly, disarming because of the power of its ide-als. Gawad Kalinga has in fact become the point of converge for issues that transcend class struc-tures and the way for neighbors, near and far, sharing time and talent to bring about change.

It was actually Alex Brilliantes, the Dean of the University of the Philippines School of Business Administration, who pointed out that this was the social artistry of Gawad Kalinga. GK was in-deed proof of “practice defi ning

theory” or loosely interpreted, in my own words, life emulating art. During a lecture at the 2009 GK Global Summit Harvard, the dean pointed out that GK has become the emerging model for sustainable development. GK, says the professor, is not a fl eeting, feel-good panacaea but a faith-based, evidence based paradigm for public discourse and governance.

So how much of an artist are you? Art is the language of the soul. The vivid paintings of Georgia O’Keefe takes us deep into the hidden life of fl owers. Soledad Bautista’s poetry opens our eyes to what we often miss about life. In the same way, GK is an art. It is the art of trans-forming what can be the ugly truth about poverty and the sta-tus quo into affi rmations about our life and what we can be as a people.

Anchored in a deep-seated sense of transcendent love, the idea of life imitating art seems to be at the crux of the “social artistry” of Gawad Kalinga. And we have seen it in the transfor-mative effect that has already begun in the lives of the poor touched by the bright colors of a GK Village and the kindness of strangers.

It would take someone like painter Joey Velasco to open one’s eyes to the life behind the art, choosing the tableau of Christ at the Last Supper for its context. The fi rst painting portrays what life is like today for street children in the Table of Hope, and, the second, what it could be in its sequel, the Table of Love. A brave man, Velasco does not stop at the brush but follows each child telling us of their lives in a moving documen-tary of the humanity we refuse to see.

GK continues to attract the best minds. Before I left Ma-nila for San Diego, Washington Sycip was featured in an article written by Tony Meloto himself in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The piece entitled “ A Man named Washington,” showed the venerable co-founder of the fi rm Sycip Gorres and Velayo, and Tony Meloto at the GK Village which Washington established in his name.

The feature showed the patri-arch smiling as children gawked and milled around unaware that history was being made.

Like Washington Sycip, we could only hope to add to the legacy long after we are gone.


Adam Walsh Act.” Alternatively, the petitioner can show that the pe-titioner poses no risk to the safety or well-being of the benefi ciary, which includes the principal benefi ciary and any derivative benefi ciaries.

Atty. Dennis E. Chua is a partner in The Law Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV) - a full service law fi rm with offi ces in San Francisco, San Diego and Manila. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor in-tended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; (632)470-1283 [email protected]

Conviction Of U.S. Spouse May Affect Immigrant Petition(Continued from page 4)

Rick Wright, design engineer do-ing the lion share of pro bono work and Ilse Hanning. At St. John of the Cross Parish, “Working Together” always gets things done, and this one should not be an exception.

By Ray R. Ramirez | LOS AN-GELES, 10/30/09 -- For 20 year old Eleonore “Elle” Santos, a sophomore at Cal State Long Beach majoring in Fashion Design and Merchandising, “Project Ethos” was her doorway to the real world of fashion. She was the only designer featured at the “Rock Povera” show last August 21 with singer Ryan Starr modeling her creations; and last Saturday, October 24, Elle, the youngest among seven designers, paraded her creations with the rest to a packed audience at the Sunset Blvd. House of Blues.

“Project Ethos” started with its fi rst show on August 27, 2005 at the El Rey Theater. The show takes place several times a year featuring the latest in fashion, music and art. Indie artists often make their debut at the shows.

Pinay Coed Shines at

Project Ethos

T h i s time the e v e n t c o i n -c i d e d w i t h L . A . Fashion We e k . M u s i c talents includ-ed Liz P a i g e , Electro-l ightz , C o l d Flamez a n d

DJ’s Robb Rockwell and Mixtine. Art displays were put up at the pa-vilion.

Buyers lined behind the upper fl oor railings as they gaze down on the models strutting the catwalk wearing designs by Li Cari (Jazmin Whitley), GOCI (Golnessa Farmanara/Cindy Ayvar), Rina Palma, Privatearts, Cowgirl Heaven (Houstina Sum-mers), Street Youth Couture from Unwanted Kids (Bucky Bakes) and Garden Party (Eleonore Santos). The event lasted from 7 PM to 2 AM.

Elle is the only daughter of Ric and Bernie Santos from the Carmel Valley in San Diego.

With more than a century of strength, integrity and customer trust behind it, American General Life and Accident Company is ready for another successful century with you.

Maximize your potential with the company that is changing the way you think about, purchase and use lifeinsurance. We are looking for sales agents and management candidates in the San Diego area. We offer:

• Paid training• Excellent earnings potential• Competitive compensation plan• Comprehensive Benefits plan• On-going education and continued professional development

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THIS CAREER OPPORTUNITY,

PLEASE CONTACT US AND JOIN OUR TEAM!

2650 Camino Del Rio North, Ste. 2San Diego, CA 92108

Jeff Comunale, J.D.General ManagerCA Lic #OB29002Office: 619.299.5213Cell: [email protected]

AGLA is an equal opportunity employer. © 2009 American General Life and Accident Insurance Company

Alfonso MercadoAssociate ManagerCA Lic #0742860Office: 619.299.5213Cell: 619.200.4404

Around TownRead Conrad Reloj’s previous articles by visiting our website at

www.asianjournalusa.com. Email: [email protected]

by Conrad I. Reloj, Jr.

October is Fi-nancial Aware-ness Month and last Saturday, October 3, 2009 at St. John of the Cross they held their “State of the Parish” meeting along with continental style breakfast. Because of the parishioners’ fi -nancial support, the congregation

“State of the Parish” held at St. John of the Cross in

Lemon Grove, CA

Parish meeting at St. John of the Cross

St. John of the Cross hopes to renovate this building in the near future

The new St. John of the Cross Church

has been able to continue with the church’s well attended activities.

I met familiar faces I usually see during Sunday mass. I met Msgr. Brockhaus, and Father Brown, Karen Bennett, Business Manag-er, Mar Patron, President of the Filipino American Association of Lemon Grove Parish, and his wife, Daling Patron, Karen Ben-nett, Jennie A. Maschmeier, St. John’s business manager, Manny Montoya, facilities manager, and Ilse Hanning, chairperson of the Finance & Building Together

Committee, fi nancial expendi-tures discussed, budgets for the year approved and at the end-of the year- budget report to the di-ocese must be signed by the Fi-nance Chairperson. The Charter is very specifi c –2 and1/2 pages. We meet ten to eleven times a year. The Finance Committee is com-posed of eleven lay persons repre-senting the diversity of St. John of the Cross Parish appointed by the pastor, plus two ex-offi cio mem-bers.” They are: Father Brock-haus, Pastor and Sister Marilupe

Mier Y. Teran, School Principal. Color-coded statements were

distributed to the parishioners, printed in yellow, pink and green colored paper. I did not see any-thing printed in red. The Parish Operating Statement for the year ending June 30, 2009 is printed in yellow; the Building Togeth-er Statement, in green, and the Spiritual Report was printed in orange – showing a brief sum-mary of the spiritual activities done during the past year; from baptism, fi rst communions, mar-riages performed, Funerals, Faith Formation, Youth programs, Par-ish Missions, Adult & Teenage & Youth Retreats, Housed & Fed Homeless for two weeks, Food Pantry for the Needy- weekly. There are over 250 individuals who volunteered their services: choir, lectors, Eucharistic min-isters, ushers, faith formation teachers & aides, gardening, alter services, and bereavement. Be-sides the Spiritual Report and Operating Budget for the twelve months - July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 – the following issues taken were also discussed and summa-rized responses provided by Ms. Hanning.

Q u e s t i o n s : 1. Will the dead palm tree in the Plaza be replaced? Yes, and at no expense to us. 2. Were the benches in the Plaza still under warranty since all but one broke and are greatly missed? Our business manager will investigate and replace benches as soon as possible 3. The perennial need for meet-ing space and the bumping from or double booking of groups into the same room or hall, made the headlines. Three recommendations: a) book as far in advance, up to one year, as possible and b)check with the offi ce - Angelina - once or twice to make sure the

Committee. The Finance

Committee at St. John of the Cross Parish is governed by a charter of the Diocese of San Diego. Accord-ing to Ms. Han-ning, “Our role is consultative, but with clear instructions that all fi nancial ac-counts must be shared with the

space/room is still under your group’s name. c) If a glitch occurs, remem-ber the gifts of the Holy Spirit and practice understanding - that to err is human and for-giveness - ac-cording to the prayer,” forgive us our trespass-es as we for-give those who

trespass against us. 4. To dust high places in the church and Blessed Sac-rament Chapel twice a year. 5. And who is in charge of rent-ing the Knights of Columbus Hall? The San Miguel Council of the Knights of Columbus rents it out. A charter member of the Knights who was present informed us that under Pastor Kearny, in the 60’s, the Knights entered into an agreement that they could use the building rent-free in exchange for taking over all expenses for the up-keep of the Knights of Columbus Hall. After the meeting there was a tour of the blighted Youth Center, and everyone agrees that this 37 year old building needs a complete overhaul The youth center team “on top of this project” are Barry Fennell, a parishioner, ex-perienced in building contract work, Michelle Puentespina, architect,


by Dr. Ofelia Dirige Co-Founder and Executive Director

Voices & Images

Read Dr. Dirige’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

Opal Ragucos and family members

Adjustment to Life in America


Perspectives

ASIAN JOURNALThe first Asian-Filipino weekly in Southern California

An award-winning newspaper, it is San Diego’s most widely circulated Asian-Filipino newspaper!

Ashley SilverioAssistant Editor

In Pursuit of ExcellenceEugenio “Ego” Osin, (1946 - 1994)

Joe Cabrera, (1924 - 1996)Soledad Bautista (1917-2009)

Dr. Rizalino “Riz” Oades (1935-2009)

The Asian Journal is published weekly and distributed in all Asian communties in San Diego County. Publication date is every Friday of the month. Advertising deadline is Thursday prior to publication date at 5 p.m. For advertising rates, rate cards, or information, call (619) 474-0588. Subscription by mail is available for $50 per year (56 issues). The Asian Journal is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs but welcomes submissions. Entire content is © 2008 copyrighted material by Asian Journal. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced without specific permission from the publisher.

Genevieve SilverioManaging Editor

Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Publisher & Editor

Miles BeauchampAssociate Editor

Santi SilverioAssociate Publisher

At Large...

Read Miles Beauchamp’s previous articles by visiting our web-site at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Miles Beauchamp

Bill’s Corner

Read Bill Labestre’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Bill Labestre, MBA

Hank Beauchamp, my father, is now 87 years old and won’t

see 88. This past week his physicians told him and my mother that there are no more options (which is okay, he wouldn’t have taken them anyway). The cancer has spread from the hip to the lungs and beyond.

For the past 10 years, in ad-dition to cancer, he has fought ever-worsening macular degen-

The time approachesHeading for the final wave goodbye

eration. For the past 20 he has fought growing hearing impair-ment. He now wears two hear-ing aids turned up so loud they squeal most of the time.

He has been everywhere, seen the best doctors and bought the latest gadgets to help his sight. But there isn’t a cure for macular degeneration.

He has been sublimely un-happy for the past few years. My father was an active guy his entire life. Born in Illinois, grow-ing up in Phoenix during the Depression and then later in Los

Angeles he became tough. He was a champion weight-lifter on the western seaboard before en-listing in the Merchant Marines in World War II. He circled the earth numerous times, often in blacked-out ships, delivering medical supplies, ammo, and food. His ships dodged torpedoes and avoided bombs. He was a pacifist but recognized that sometimes pacificism just may not work. So to help the Allies he spent the years on unarmed ships delivering supplies.

He was in the Philippines, the South Pacific, South America, Northern and Southern Europe and many more places that needed all the things required to keep armies moving.

After the war he settled down, married my mother, and started a real estate and construction business. It was successful but more than that was how he continued to live his life. He and a friend and brother drove from San Diego to the tip of South America. He went on a safari to Africa (the only shooting he did were photos). He sailed a yacht from the West Coast through the Panama Canal to Florida.

Like so many people of that era he was changed. WW II changed him from a kid to an adult in a hurry. And he kept on changing. After the war he went from an Eisenhower conserva-tive to an Obama moderate. I’ve always liked that about him – he would argue, passionately, until shown something better and then

he could change. My father is dying. It is un-

believably hard to write those words. And yet, this is what he now wants. Not that he wants to leave; it’s just that he’s tired. He’s tired of not hearing, he’s tired of not seeing, he’s tired of being weak, and he’s tired of be-ing dependant on my mother, on me, on so many others.

Hank Beauchamp really is a member of what Tom Brokaw and others call “the greatest gen-eration.” A World War? Just tell them where to go. A depression? They’ll scrounge. A recession? They’ll find some kind of work to do. An illness? Well, an ill-ness is another matter. An illness is something they aren’t familiar with, don’t know how to deal with, can’t always fix.

And so my father is depart-ing. He doesn’t want to go but is ready. It appears as though he will be leaving us close to exactly one year after my sister died. It’s been a tough year and it doesn’t look to be getting much better anytime soon. So be it – that’s the way of life. But personally I’m saddened and yes, a bit angry.

A few years ago my wife and kids and I took a trip to Lake Tahoe. We went through Phoenix to see if the house where my dad lived as a kid, and the school he attended, was still there. They were.

The house was being lived in, but the school was closed and abandoned. We snapped a

photo with Ryan on leaning on a flagpole in front of the school. It wasn’t all that hard to see my dad on that same schoolyard eighty years ago, surrounded by laughing kids, playing, before being called in to class.

Hank Beauchamp, one hell of a guy.

My son Ryan standing in front of the school my dad Hank attended as a child many decades ago

It is amazing how some people stress themselves on problems that have simple solutions. May-be they believe they are destined to suffer and there is no way out. The unhealthy negative outlook in life can cause stress, then later sickness and even early death. Most of us started with simple lives but some made it more complicated. They created their own problems and later com-plained about it.

Why do some people still reside in their homes which are now worth less than half of their original prices? Is it because of the large down payment made but, where did that money come from? Most of them used equity loans from the older homes. Even if they can get these loans modified, it is only a temporary relief. Do they really believe that home prices will soon appreci-ate? How long can they afford to work so hard just to keep up with the still enormous bills?

If you’re over 60, and not in good health, think clearly and ask yourself if your house is worth dying for. It has no equity, and you have a very expensive Homeowner’s Association fee plus the Real Estate tax is ri-diculous. Most likely your house is the only one left occupied in your once neatly groomed street.

Some people also kept their rental properties which are no longer tax shelters. They can’t even claim the current losses because of their high income. The rent paid by their cheap rela-tives or their low income tenants is not even enough to cover the monthly expenses. Why is it?

Don’t you get tired of hearing or reading sad stories of people

OK, Enough Already!!

a nurse while my younger sister is a Financial Analyst at SHARP Hospital. My other brother is one of those typical Filipino boys they call “istam-bay” who works at the USS Midway and loves hanging out at our drive way fixing Asian make cars with his friends during his spare time. My little brother is currently working at the airport but he also just signed in the military as a Ma-rine. I am currently working at SHARP Hospital as a pre-biller for commercial insurances at their psychiatric and drug fa-cilities called Mesa Vista.

Due to our age differences, the oldest siblings were the first ones to come to the United States. My older sisters had to be petitioned before the age of 18. We were separated for a few years before the rest of the family can follow.

It was my grandfather who first came to the United States as a serviceman. By joining the military, he was able to petition the rest of his family including my dad. Like my grandfather, my dad joined the Navy and followed his footsteps and petitioned us to come to the US. Two of my older sisters were petitioned in 1996 before they reached the age of 18. Two years later, my father petitioned

(Continued from page 1) the rest of the gang which is my mom, two brothers, and me.

The first initial problem we encountered when we came to the U.S. was the delay in registering at school and our health care coverage due to the waiting period for our green cards and social security cards. As soon as we were reunited, we rebuild a new home, went back to school, my parents looked for a part time job, and we met new friends. Another initial problem was finding the right location for a home. Liv-ing in an apartment or a condo got really crowded. Because my mom did not work at that time, we had a hard time get-ting approved to purchase a bigger place.

As time passed by, new is-sues arose. School was not an issue anymore because we all did well. Both of my parents were happy but they had more difficulty in parent-ing the American way. My parents did not understand a lot of the things we did and why we acted that way. We met friends and hung out because they filled the gap of being homesick. My parents saw it as ‘pagbubulakbol” or too much partying. My parents did not like the ways of the American teen. They got mad at us for

talking on the phone too much, for the way we dress, coming home late, going out on week-ends and losing our Filipino manners.

Another big issue we en-countered was financial. In the Philippines, my mother had a very good job. We lived a wealthy life but when we came to the US we had to do house chores and budget our school allowance. We all got a job as soon as we could to either help our parents with bills or by not asking them for an allowance. Growing up in the Philippines, I got used to everything being provided to me. Here in the states, we all became more independent and everyone pays for their own things such as school tuition, car, insurance, cell phone bills, clothes, and even food! Coming here with nothing, my mother works at an entry level job and tries to help us with whatever she has.

Although it was tough fitting in this new place, I can defi-nitely say I am glad we moved to the US. I may have had a better life growing up in the Philippines but I have better opportunities here in the US. I learned to love this country as my home and so did my broth-

ers and sisters. My parents still wish to be able to return to the Philippines some day.

All my plans are set to happen here in the US and the Philip-pines have just become a vaca-tion place to visit new relatives and to shop. It was just two years ago when I finally decid-ed to become an American citi-zen. I have shortened my name to Opal so it doesn’t sound so Filipino. This doesn’t mean that I am forgetting where I came from and my Filipino values. I am proud to be a Filipino, I will always be a Filipino, and Filipinos will always be close to my heart.

Opal Ragucos is a senior student in Accounting at San Diego State University She is a student of Dr. Ofelia Dirige in AS 310, Contemporary Issues in Filipino American Commu-nities.

ReminderKCS will celebrate the 7th

anniversary of the founding of the FilAm Wellness Center on November 14, 2009 Saturday from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Four Points Sheraton. Tickets are $50 per person. Call Dr. Dirige at the center at (619) 477-3392 or (619) 656-1983.

losing their homes through foreclosures? All of a sudden most of them are claiming they are victims of fraudulent loan practices but, are they really?

Please analyze what happened in the past. Some lied on their loan applications in order to be qualified for overpriced homes they could hardly afford. Then they filled their garages and living rooms with items bought with their home equity line of credit. In the past, they tried to show they were well to do finan-cially. Now, they are claiming insufficient income to get their loans modified. Who should be blamed for all this insanity and stupidity?

The other group cashed out the once bloated home equities to the max. They spent most of that money on personal stuff thinking they were investment earnings. The current fair market values of these homes are not even half of their loan balances. Most homeowners will just abandon their homes expecting govern-ment bail out. Do you believe that is fair?

There is no recession for hom-eowners who never left their old homes and never touched their home equities. They still have normal lives and will retire as planned. They have resisted the temptations to move up. They may have lost money in their funds for retirement but, so did every one else.

Why can’t most people see the real picture? Why hold on to something that is quickly sink-ing? Get a good tax and legal advice. For God’s sake, it’s only a house. Stop crying and enough already!!!

poverty, violence, and corrup-tion there is nothing else to report on. After saying this he sipped his glass of red wine and was whisked away into a group of Filipino socialites.

Perhaps the red wine was ‘poor’ in taste, or the fact that that particular roof-top was one of the few in Makati which doesn’t have a swim-ming pool made him focus on the poverty in the Philip-pines, or maybe the sounds of merrymaking were ‘violent’ on his ears. I think that it was none of these things. Germa-ny, a developed country, has slums. But if the focus can be moved away from the poverty in the developed countries and put on some islands way out in the Pacific Ocean, then people in developed countries can feel a little bit better.

I remember growing up in Australia, taking garbage out to the dump after clean-ing up the garden. I would see Aboriginals picking through the garbage for food. Yet that has never been an iconic image of Australia. I went to ‘water villages’ in Malaysia and Brunei and thought how similar they look to slums in Manila. Yet ‘water villages’ are tourist attractions and the slums

here are not. I lived in South Korea a few hundred kilometres away from the DMZ, with jets and helicopters flying overhead all the time it felt like a war zone. In the spring I would have 40 tanks facing in the direction of my apartment. Yet South Korea is generally not viewed or branded as a dangerous country. And South Korea has slums too. Perhaps the time will come when people outside the Philip-pines will come to realise that the branded image of the Philip-pines portrayed in the media is only a small piece of the full picture of this country.

A Different View

Since the Philippines was settled by people 30,000 years ago this country has blossomed into a mix of over 180 indig-enous ethnic groups, over half of which also represent unique linguistic groups. This array of cultures, languages, and cultural artifacts cannot be matched by most nations of the world. From the Ilocano, Pangasin-ense, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, and Visayans to the Binukid, Moros, Ati, Igorot, and the T’boli, just to name a few. These cultures are rich, strong and proud and in most cases the people that make up these cultures are very friendly and welcoming to outsiders. On a trip to Sagada I was welcomed into a very warm and friendly Kankanaey family. They showed us around Sagada and told us stories of Kankanaey cultural practices. They even taught me how to wear a traditional bahag (a hand-loomed loin cloth or G-string).


Viewing the Philippines in a Different Light


Tuloy PoKayo

Tel: (619) 477-5643 • Suite # 5

V i e t n a m e s eNoodle House

Permanent Make-up and Skin Care

TESS R. REYESREALTOR

(619) 477-4173 • FAX: (619) 477-4819CELL: (619) 252-8377

MEDICAL CENTEREDNA M. BAY, R.P.T.(619) 474-3294 • Suite 14

Nesty and Elvie Arbulante(619) 477-1666 • Fax (619) 477-1690Specializing in Women’s Clothing and Gift Items

SUITE 10

ELVIE’SBOUTIQUE

Bernardita N. Lizan, D.M.D.

550 E. 8th St., Ste. #12National City, CA 91950

Tel. (619) 477-7570

San Diego

Asian JournalLJ Printing

(619) 474-0588 - Asian Journal(619) 474-1878 LJ Printing

Fax: (619) 474-0373Suite # 6

Quality Custom Framing

Manny I. MiclatOwner

(619) 477-2010Suite # 7

NOBLE PREMIUMS, INC.GENERAL SUPPLIES/INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS

“Excellence through Quality and Service”Phone: (619) 477-4387

550 E. 8th Street, Suite #1

(619) 336-1880 Of fice(619) 575-2598 Home(619) 336-1891 Fa x

600 E. 8th St., Suite #1

ED PASIMIORealtor - Broker

ROSE PASIMIORealtor - Owner

OLD SCHOOLHOUSE SQUARE

Gra

phic

sby

The

Filip

ino

Pre

ss

“Your Little Manila Shopping Center”

550 East 8th Street Suite 3

AMY’SHAIR SALON

550 East 8th St. #16 (619) 477-1795

MabuhayTailoring & Cleaners

DYNAMICProperties & Investments

(619) 336-0761 • Ste. 15FULL SERVICE SALON • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Hair design • ColoringNail service • Perms

General Dentistry

Law Offices ofA. Erwin Bautista

Attorney at Law

550 E. 8th St. #11National City, CA 91950

(619) 474-7755 • Fax (619) 474-0051

24 HOUR REMITTANCETel: (619) 336-1112

Hours: 9-6 M to F • 9-1 Sat.

LUCKYMONEY

Specializing in: Military Uniforms,Embroidery Name Plates and Patches

and Mounting Medals

– Produce, Seafood, Meat –Open 7 Days a Week • 8:30 am - 7:30 pm

(619) 477-7954

WORLD-CLASS REALTY, INC.Ellen Nobles-Sexsion

Tel: (619) 336-4885

��

�

� �

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FORBANQUETS UP TO 100 PERSONS, CALL (619) 477-8512

• C L O S E D O N M O N D AY S •

Fried Chicken and Filipino Cuisine None Can Compare.

Comevisit us!

Tuesdays & WednesdaysBUY ONE & GET ONE

50% OFF ONFRIED CHICKEN

from 11:00am to 2:00pm ONLY**Some Restrictions apply. Void on holidays and special days like Valentines Day, Christmas Day, Father’s Day etc.

MELINDA S. CASASOwner

(619)474-9640 • 550 E. 8th St. #17

MSC Physician Billing Services, Inc.

500-600 E. 8th St. National City, CA 91950 (7-Blocks East of I-5)

(619) 474-2300

MANANSALAINSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

• BOOKKEEPING • TAX PREPARATION •• NOTARY PUBLIC •

LOURDES B. MANANSALAAGENT/ BROKER/REALTOR

TEL: (619) 477-9709RES: (619) 428-4191

SUITE # 2

COIN LAUNDRYFluff & Fold

(619) 477-8613

Filipino Desserts & Turo-TuroSuite #9 (619) 434-6255

Pan-de-sal Bakery& Barbeque

Coming soon!Expansion &Frozen Yogurt

Coming soon!Expansion &Frozen Yogurt

600 E. 8th St., Suite # 3

Of fice: (619) 477-0940Fa x: (619) 477-1024email: [email protected]

Your Key to the Filipino Community

NEW!

Work Visas/Green Cards thru Employment• Family Visas• Student, Trainee, Tourist, Investors, Visas • Reinstatement of Petition • Deportation Defense• International Adoption• Appeals, Motions to Reopen/Reconsider• Battered/Abused Spouse• I-601 Waivers (Hardship)• Consular Support in Manila•

IMMIGRATION (619) 819-8648Speak directly with an Attorney for FREE

The Law Offi ces of SUSAN V. PEREZ offer the following services:

We also handle ALL PHILIPPINE cases and have an offi ce in Manila to service your needs there.

*Susan Perez is a licensed attorney both in the State of California and the Philippines. She has eighteen (18) years of combined experience in both jurisdictions in the areas of Immigration, Family, Appellate, Juvenile Dependency, Civil, Criminal, Labor, Contracts, Tax, and Business Law. She is also admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit of the Court of Appeals, and the District Courts of Southern California and Central District of California. She is a Certifi ed Public Accountant and pursuing Master’s of Law at the University of San Diego.

Nagsasalita ng Tagalog asin Bicol.

By Appointment only from 9:00 to 5:30, Monday thru Friday.

San Diego Office: Manila Office:625 Broadway, Suite 1015 Suite 2502-A East TowerSan Diego CA 92101 Philippine Stock Exchange CentreTel. No. (619) 819-8648 Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig CityFax No. (619) 923-9555 Tel. Nos.: (632) 687-2565 / 687-9851 Email: [email protected] Fax No.: (632) 687-2565

Atty. Susan V. Perez

Visit our website: www.law-usimmigration.com

“MURA NA. MABILIS PA”

A.C.E.associated consolidators express

balikbayan boxes directNVOCC#17753NF

Sub-agents and co-loaders are welcome - We accept credit cards. Subject to Terms & ConditionsPrices are subject to change withoout notice * Subject to peace & order in some parts of the Philippines.

*Subject to weather conditions, typhoon, fl oods & other calamities. * Palawan, Puerto Princesa & Mindoro. Calapan Only.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HEADQUARTERS PHILIPPINE VILLAGE CENTER

4515 Eagle Rock Blvd. Ste. 133 Los Angeles, CA 90041(323) 258-0087 (323) 258-0089

For box pick-up and inquiries, please call:

Billy Spring Valley

(619) 384-6438 (619) 784-1006

Carol (RP Engineer, Inc.)National City

(619) 245-1539 1-877-490-1004NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HEADQUARTERS

1273 Industrial Parkway Unit #290 Hayward, CA 94544Satellite Offi ces: Las Vegas and Phoenix, Arizona

SUPER SALEDROP-OFF ONLY

NO REPLACEMENT BOX

REGULAR BOX (23” x 20” x 17”)(Kalookan City, Quezon City, Malabon, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Muntinlupa, Makati, Marikina, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Navotas, Pateros, Valenzuela, San Jose Del Monte)

METRO MANILA

$35Regular Box

$40 $45 $50LUZON

VISAYAS

MINDANAO

PICK - UP (EVERYDAY) + FREE STRAPPING PROMO VALID UNTIL September 30, 2008

METRO MANILA$40 PICK-UP ONLYNO REPLACEMENT BOX

REGULAR BOX (23” x 20” x 17”Regular Box

$45 $50 $55LUZON

VISAYAS

MINDANAO

Carol RP Engineer, Inc.

833 E. 8th St., National City, CA 91950

Billy

Spring Valley552 Felicita Ave., Spring

Valley, CA 91977

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:

“MURA NA. MABILIS PA”

A.C.E.associated consolidators express

balikbayan boxes directNVOCC#17753NF

Sub-agents and co-loaders are welcome - We accept credit cards. Subject to Terms & ConditionsPrices are subject to change withoout notice * Subject to peace & order in some parts of the Philippines.

*Subject to weather conditions, typhoon, fl oods & other calamities. * Palawan, Puerto Princesa & Mindoro. Calapan Only.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HEADQUARTERS PHILIPPINE VILLAGE CENTER

4515 Eagle Rock Blvd. Ste. 133 Los Angeles, CA 90041(323) 258-0087 (323) 258-0089

For box pick-up and inquiries, please call:

Billy Spring Valley

(619) 384-6438 (619) 784-1006 1-877-327-8900NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HEADQUARTERS

1273 Industrial Parkway Unit #290 Hayward, CA 94544Satellite Offi ces: Las Vegas and Phoenix, Arizona

SUPER SALEREGULAR BOX(23” x 20” x 17”)

(Kalookan City, Quezon City, Malabon, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Muntinlupa, Makati, Marikina, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Navotas, Pateros, Valenzuela, San Jose Del Monte)

METRO MANILA

$45Regular Box

FREE REPLACEMENT BOX + PICK - UP (EVERYDAY) + FREE STRAPPING PROMO VALID UNTIL October 30, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO - LOS ANGELES - SAN DIEGO - LAS VEGAS- PHOENIX

$50 (Rizal Province, Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon Province, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, San Mateo, Antipolo, Angono, Cainta)

4550 (Rizal Province, Bulacan, Batangas,

Cavite, Laguna, Quezon Province, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija,

luzon 1(Baguio, La Union, Benguet, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Cgayan Valley, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Bicol, Camarinez Sur, Camarinez Norte, Sorsogon, Albay, Marinduque, Catanduanes)

San Juan, Muntinlupa, Makati, Marikina, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Navotas, Pateros, Valenzuela, San Jose Del

San Juan, Muntinlupa, Makati, Marikina, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Navotas, Pateros, Valenzuela, San Jose Del Monte)

(Rizal Province, Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon Province,

(Baguio, La Union, Benguet, Abra, Ilocos (Baguio, La Union, Benguet, Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Cgayan Valley, Norte, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Cgayan Valley, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Bicol, Camarinez Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Bicol, Camarinez

luzon 2

anywhere in visayas

$55 anywhere in mindanao

$60

$60For box pick-up and inquiries, please call:

Billy Spring Valley 1-877-327-8900

FREE REPLACEMENT BOX + PICK - UP (EVERYDAY) + FREE STRAPPING PROMO VALID UNTIL October 30, 2009

50 Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, San Mateo, Antipolo, Angono, Cainta)San Mateo, Antipolo, Angono, Cainta)

Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Bicol, Camarinez Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Bicol, Camarinez Sur, Camarinez Norte, Sorsogon, Albay, Sur, Camarinez Norte, Sorsogon, Albay, Marinduque, Catanduanes)

anywhere in visayas

$55 anywhere in anywhere in mindanaomindanao

$6060

6060metro manilaJUMBO BOX (24” X 18” X 24”)Outside Metro Manila, Visayas & Mindanao, please call for pricing.

by Atty. Susan V. Perez

Legal BriefRead Atty. Susan Perez’s previous articles by

visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

I’ve been receiving a lot of inquiries whether le-gal permanent residents or greencard holders can sponsor their spouses to live or stay in the United States. Most of these in-quiries involve a foreign national who is in the U.S. on a tourist visa and had met a legal permanent res-ident who offered him or her marriage. They want to know if the foreign na-tional can stay in the U.S if they get married. While a legal per-manent resident can sponsor or petition his or her foreign national spouse, this does not give the for-eign national spouse the status of an immediate relative. Therefore, the foreign spouse cannot stay in the U.S. while waiting for the le-gal permanent resident spouse to become a U.S. citizen. Only U.S. citizens have means

of bringing their foreign husbands or wives to the US to live. The U.S. citizen can “sponsor” his or her spouse’s immigrant visa for entry to the United States. First, an immigrant petition has to be fi led with USCIS. After USCIS, the National Visa Center and the US Embassy complete all the necessary administrative pro-cessing the foreign spouse will be granted an immigrant visa. The foreign spouse will receive an IR1 or a CR1 visa. An IR-1 (IR stands for “Immediate Rela-tive”) visa allows your spouse to immigrate to the U.S. A CR1 Visa (CR stands for “Conditional Res-idency”) will be to the foreign na-tional if the marriage is less than 2 years old. It is conditional for two years. A K-3 visa is relatively new and

the fastest way of getting your spouse to live in the U.S. It is

Getting Your Foreign Spouse a U.S. Visa

a non-immigrant and is granted normally within a few months. You should use the K3 visa to start the process outside of the US, then travel to the US to com-plete the immigration process. In this case, the application must be made in the country where the marriage took place. If your mar-riage took place in the US, your spouse must apply for a K3 visa through the US Embassy in the country of his/her residence. Af-ter the visa has been issued, the spouse can travel to the US. To obtain a visa for a foreign

spouse, the following require-ments must be met: 1) the mar-riage must be legal; 2) the U.S. citizen must be a resident of the U.S., and 3) the U.S. citizen must be at least 18 years old. If the U.S. citizen is currently living outside the U.S., he or she must submit the immigrant petition to either the local offi ce of USCIS or directly to the US Embassy where the foreign spouse resides. If the spouses are already in the U.S., the immigrant petition and adjustment of status can be sub-mitted simultaneously with US-CIS. Spouses of U.S. citizens, and the spouse’s children, can come to the United States on nonimmi-grant visas and wait in the United States to complete the process.


$34,000 unit in TagaytayCondotels in the Philippines, the best option for Condo Ownership and Investment through Hassle-Free Property Management and Rental Revenue Generation

Condo hotels or what is termed as Condotels is the newest trend and most practical vacation home ownership now in the Philippines. Buyers can own a luxury vacation condo at a world-class leisure estate and receive rent revenue whenever they are not using it.

Condo hotel unit owners have the option of putting their condo hotel unit into the hotel’s rental program. This is what makes condo hotels so attractive. A professional management company takes care of renting out the units when they are not in use by the owner. The rental revenue, which is shared with the operator, helps defray the condo owner’s expenses such as condo fees and utilities. But of course, the unit owner still has a maximum of 6 months per year to stay in his condo unit whenever he wants and then earn rentals for the rest of the 6 months by entering into the condotel pooling program. Typically, a regular Balikbayan stays atleast for a month or two in the Philippines, thus, if a unit owner consumes only 2 months’ stay in his unit, he can earn 10 months rental pooling revenues for the year. The gross income of the unit is computed by getting the condotel gross room revenues, deduct the total cost of operation, fi nancial charges (if any), and taxes to get the net revenue which is the divided by the total square meters of the units in the condotel pool. Ownership is 100% hassle-free as all maintenance and rental issues are handled by a professional , in-house management and hospitality company.

By capitalizing on the condotel’s name recognition, advertising, national affi liations, organized and centralized reservation system and management expertise, condo hotel unit owners typically receive a higher level of rental income than they would from a traditional vacation condo/home.

Investment wise, such condo units even appreciate in value over time and can be readily resold because of their prime locations, limited inventory and upscale quality. Unlike a timeshare which can be diffi cult to resell, even if the seller is willing to take a loss. And considering the recent economic downtrend of real estate in North America, it is best to rethink investment options by considering Philippine condotel investments.

Mr Joel Santos, the Marketing Director for North America of Landenmore Properties and Major Properties from the Philippines will be sharing more insights on this new trend of

Philippine real estate investment for free on Oct 30 & 31 (Friday & Saturday) from 10 AM to 5PM (Open House) at the San Diego Asian Journal Offi ce, 550 East 8th St. , Suite 6,

National City, CA 91950. For seat reservations, interested parties may call : 619-474-0588

A FREE INVITATION

BALLY TOTAL FITNESS

from Jup, Bally Total Fitness Manager, to enjoy 15 FREE VISITS at Bally!

Swim in theOlympic-Style Pool.

Relax in theJacuzzi, Sauna

and Steam Room.

Experience aRefreshing dip in the

Ice Cold PlungeAdvanced

Training Center

... and for your workout:

Phitsanu “Jup” MarkklamBally Total Fitness Manager

Group ExerciseClasses

and much, much more!

1910 Sweetwater RoadNational City, CA 91950

(One block West off the I-805)

Stop by or call “Jup” directly at

(619) 646-4592Must be at least 18, sign guest register, & take club tour & presentation prior to using club. Limit 1 pass redemption per person in any 6-month period. 15-day pass must be redeemed by a BTF representative by 11/30/09. Membership is valid for 15 consecutive days from date of redemption. Limited to club where redeemed. Cannot be sold, reproduced, or redeemed for cash. Some restrictions and club rules apply. ARV $25. Services, hours, prices & facilities may vary. Additional charges for some services including Personal Training & Small Group Personal Training. Online nutrition program not available with guest pass. O�er valid San Diego clubs only.

State-of-the-ArtCardio Equipment

TM

The U.S. Census Bureau today kicked off its communications campaign to reach every resident in America with the launch of its 2010 Census Web site, 2010.CENSUS.GOV. The Web site will serve as a platform for a national dialogue about how the census develops a “Portrait of America.”

2010.CENSUS.GOV fea-tures an animated marquee that symbolizes the Census Bureau’s place at the intersection of the American experience. By click-ing on images representative of the population, visitors can enjoy vignettes that ease fears about the census and encourage par-ticipation in the once-a-decade population count. The marquee will evolve over time, bringing the diverse voices of America to the site.

“2010.CENSUS.GOV puts the census in the hands of the public,” said U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert M. Groves. “You can fi nd out when you will get the form, and how to fi ll it out and mail it back. The site also provides a substantial amount of information regarding our com-mitment to privacy and confi den-

Census Bureau Launches 2010 Census Campaign

With New Web Sitetiality.”

Inside the site, the director’s blog will offer a look at census efforts nationwide. Comments will be enabled so that readers can share their thoughts and par-ticipate in the conversation. As they go live, social media sites and tools will provide additional opportunities for the public to get involved.

Site features include an interac-tive census form that provides a history and explanation for each of the 10 questions. This form is one of the shortest in history and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. In order to track census progress and motivate localities, the site will include next year a map widget that displays interac-tive mail back response rates.

The Web site also demonstrates the Census Bureau’s commitment to reaching traditionally hard-to-count populations. In mid-No-vember, a one-page destination about the census will be available on the site in 59 languages. In addition, users will be able to download an in-language guide about how to answer the form. By the end of 2009, the entire site will be presented in Spanish.

Four of Los Angeles’ fi nest Filipino-American chefs, culinary artists, and restaurateurs topbill a special dinner event presented by Ayala Foundation USA for the benefi t of underprivileged children in the Philippines.

Dubbed “Dining with the Chefs,” the benefi t dinner on November 7 will feature the individual reper-toires of Cecilia de Castro, Andre Guerrero, Carlito Jocson, and Gary Menes. Leilani and Christina Raquel will host the event at their private residence in the former Mary Pick-ford estate, a historical landmark in Los Angeles, California. Guests will also delight in the original designs of Negros Occidental-born Tomiko, now one of L.A.’s most sought-after fl oral artists.

This US$300-per-plate dinner event is the second in Ayala Founda-tion USA’s series designed to show-case the culinary expertise of US-based chefs with Filipino roots and to engage the support of the Filipino American community for worthy causes back in the motherland. Last year’s benefi t dinner hosted by Di-osdado and Maria Banatao, featured fi ve of the Bay Area’s brightest culinary stars and raised more than US$50,000 for development proj-ects in the Philippines.

The “Dining with the Chefs” culinary team is comprised of Filipino Americans whose works are widely acclaimed in the industry. De Castro is founder of the Academy of Culinary Education and culinary producer of the Emmy Award-winning Wolfgang Puck Show and formerly of Spago. Guerrero is chef/partner at Marché in L.A., BoHo in Hollywood, The Oinkster in Sherman Oaks, and Butter Tart in Glassell Park. He was named Top Chef by Los Angeles Times Maga-zine. Jocson is corporate executive chef and partner/owner of The Yard House, a chain of upscale-casual restaurants in Southern California and across the United States. Menes is executive chef/partner at Marché and formerly of French Laundry, Patina and Palate Food + Wine. The four chefs readily agreed to create what promises to be an unforget-

Top Filipino chefs in Los Angeles to present

exquisite benefi t dinnertable gourmet tasting menu as a unique way of giving back.

“Ayala Foundation USA is thrilled at the participation of these interna-tionally renowned Filipino chefs at our Los Angeles fund-raiser. It high-lights the capacity of the Filipino to be globally competitive as well as their generosity in supporting the cause of underprivileged children and youth in the homeland,” says foundation president Victoria Garchitorena.

Ayala Foundation USA is a recognized 501c3 organization that creates opportunities for Filipinos in the United States to help the Philippines by facilitating meaning-ful and tax-deductible contributions to social development initiatives. With over 100 projects supported in partnership with Philippine non-profi t organizations, Ayala Founda-tion USA is able to help address the country’s greatest needs while as-sisting Filipinos abroad who wish to give to causes closest to their hearts. For instance, in the week following Typhoon Ondoy, U.S.-based donors contributed more than US$100,000. Its fi rst benefi t dinner, called “Fili-pino Bytes,” championed GILAS, or Gearing Up Internet Literacy and Access for Students, a program that aims to connect all Philippine high schools to the Internet.

As with the previous year’s event, “Dining with the Chefs” is expected to draw the participation of promi-nent members of the Filipino Ameri-can community, including trustees of Ayala Foundation USA as well as its volunteers and supporters across the United States.

Says Garchitorena: “We thank our Los Angeles-based steering commit-tee—Lynn Hess, Michael Balao-ing, Joe Lumarda, Cora Oriel, Eric Manlunas, and Josie Chernoff—for their leadership in organizing this event. We also thank the chefs for their spirit of giving and their love of country; our wonderful event co-chairs, Leilani and Cristina Raquel, our sponsors, and our trustees and volunteers for their untiring support and enthusiasm.”

Laughing MatterRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

Mister: “Ako ay malapit nang mamatay. Ipagtapat mo na sa akin kung sino ang ama ng bunso natin dahil siya lang ang pangit sa siyam nating mga anak.”

Misis: “Huwag ka galit siya lang tunay mo anak!”

Huling pagtatalik

Minsan nagpunta sa doktor ang beteranang lola.

Doctor: Lola, kailan ho ba kay-ong huling nakipagtalik?

Lola: Mga 1955 pa.Doctor: Matagal na ho pala

ano?Lola: Di naman! 20:55 pa lang

naman ah (habang nakatingin sa relo)!

Modern husbands and mod-ern jobs

Nagkita si Juan at Pedro na mag-kumpadreng matagal na ring di nagkikita.

Juan: “Pare saan ka nagtatra-baho ngayon?”

Pedro: “IBM, Pare”, ang sagot.”

Juan: “IBM eh, wala ka namang computer back-ground ah?”

Pedro: “Istambay Buong Maghapon. Eh, ikaw Pare anong trabaho mo ngayon?”

Juan: “Chemist, Pare”

Pedro: “Chemist, paanong nangyari ‘yon eh, di ka naman nag-college?”

Juan: “Ke Misis um-aasa, Pare.”

Tunay na intsik

Tunay na anakBago mamatay si Mr. Wong

ay isa-isa nyang tinawag ang kanyang pamilya.

Mr. Wong: “Akyen junior ‘ndyan ba?”

Junior: “Dito po!”Mr. Wong: “Akyen panganay

‘ndyan ba?”Panganay: “Dito po!”Mr. Wong: “Akyen anak na

babae ‘ndyan ba?”Anak: “Dito po!” “Akyen asawa ‘ndyan ba?”Asawa: “Honey, andito ako!” Mr. Wong: “Walahiya! Dito

kayo lahat! Wala tao tindahan!”

Inosente

Isang araw sa eskwelahan, tinanong ng kanyang guro si Juan.

Guro: Sino ang bumaril kay Jose Rizal?

Juan: Hindi po ako ang bumaril kay Jose Rizal.

Guro: Juan, di ako nag-bibiro. Sino ang bumaril

kay Jose Rizal?Bata: Hindi po

talaga ako, peks-man.Galit na galit ang

guro kay Juan. Sin-abihan nito na dalhin ang magulang bukas.

Kinabukasan........Guro: Ang anak nyo

ay hindi masagot ang tanong ko. Tinatanong

ko lang naman sa kanya kung sino ang bumaril kay Jose Rizal.

Tatay ni Juan: Ayyyyy mabait po ang anak ko. Inosente po

siya. Hindi po siya talaga ang bumaril kay Jose Rizal.


Read previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjo-urnalusa.com

by Atty. Rogelio Karagdag, Jr.Member, State Bar of California & Integrated Bar of the Philippines

Phil - Am Law 101

888-268-2527

NOW

OPENMira Mesa Branch

11269 Camino RuizSan Diego, CA 92126

(858) 536-8808

MABILIS AT LIGTASMAGPADALA SA ALAS

PADALA TIME? ALAS CARGO NA!!!

MAIN OFFICE: (310)808-0041 (310) 8080042FAX: (310) 808-0047

205 W. TORRANCE BLVD. CARSON, CA 90745

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL

$35Price valid at new ALAS Cargo Branches: Mira Mesa, Artesia, Long Beach,

Los Angeles (North Vermont and South Vermont), Moreno Valley

Metro Manila Drop-off Only

REGULAR BOX

23 X 20 X 17

$65$70$80$85

Travel Period : 08/01/09 - 11/27/09 $580 2 Mos





Travel Period : 08/01/09 - 08/31/09 $440 60 Days


TAXES/FUEL SURCHARGES TO BE ADDED TO BASE FARESPrices valid for travel during weekdays and subject to change without prior notice.

SAN DIEGO:MIRA MESA 858-536-8808858-536-816911269 CAMINO RUIZSAN DIEGO, CA 92126

NATIONAL CITY619-470-1023619-472-25273126 E. PLAZA BLVD STE FNATIONAL CITY, CA 91950

LOS ANGELES310-808-0041229 S. VERMONT AVELOS ANGELES, CA 90004(Inside Island Pacific)

LOS ANGELES627 N. VERMONT AVELOS ANGELES, CA 90004(Inside Island Pacific)310-808-0041

LOS ANGELESTRI-MEDIA BLDG4515 EAGLE ROCK BLVD. SUITE 145LOS ANGELES, CA 90041323-340-8888323-340-8896

LONG BEACH2535 SANTA FE AVE. STE ALONG BEACH, CA 90810310-808-0041

ARTESIA/ORANGE COUNTY562-809-507011620 SOUTH STREETARTESIA, CA 90701(Beside Sea Palace Supermarket)

PANORAMA CITY818-894-56888340 VAN NUYS BLVD. UNIT APANORAMA, CA 91402(Inside Island Pacific)

WEST COVINA626-820-88701512 E. AMAR ROAD. UNIT DWEST COVINA, CA 91792(Inside Island Pacific)

MORENO VALLEY951-220-5374951-243-958124907 SUNNYMEAD BLVD. UNIT BMORENO VALLEY, CA 92553

SAN JOSE408-661-61031188 N. CAPITOL AVE.SAN JOSE, CA 95132

UNION CITY510-475-88374122 DYER ST.UNION CITY, CA 94887

VALLEJO707-644-03882110 SPRINGS ROAD #24VALLEJO, CA 94591

DALY CITY650-616-8886950 KING PLAZA UNIT 103DALY CITY, CA 94015

TAWAG NA!!!TIPID REGULAR JUMBO

$35$40N/AN/A

$50$55$65$70

MANILALUZON VISAYASMINDANAO

PICK-UP PRICES:

Prices may vary in some provinces.Prices subject to change at any time.

$5.00 Off Promo Drop off only (Regular/Jumbo) Expires 10/31/09

What is the best way to bring your wife’s adopted child into the United States? This was the question posed to us by Steve when he came to our Manila of-fi ce for consultation.

At fi rst blush, one might think that Steve can fi le a stepchild petition. After all, a plain reading of Sec. 101 (b)(1) of the Im-migration and Nationality Act (INA) does not seem to require that the “stepchild” must be a natural child of your spouse, viz:

SEC. 101(b)(1)The term ‘child’ means an

unmarried person under twenty-one years of age who is -

(B) a stepchild, whether or not born out of wedlock, provided the child had not reached the age of eighteen years at the time the marriage creating the status of stepchild occurred;.”

However, the Department of State, in its Foreign Affairs Manual, categorically says that the stepchild must be the natu-ral offspring of the petitioner’s spouse. It states that ”the provi-sions of INA 101(b)(1)(B) pro-vide for the creation of a steprel-ationship between the natural offspring (whether or not born out of wedlock) of a parent and that parent’s spouse.”(CT:VISA-1000; 09-03-2008) 9 FAM 40.1 N2.2 Stepchild Relationship Under INA 101(b)(1)(B).

Since Steve cannot fi le a step-child petition, what other options does he have to bring his step-child into the United States? Let us hear his story.

Steve had been a widower for many years when he met Lea, herself a widow with a daugh-

How Can I Bring My Wife’s Adopted Child to the U.S.?

ter. They were introduced by a common friend. Steve is a U. S. citizen who lives in the United States, while Lea lives in the Philippines. They started com-municating by telephone and internet. Finding that they share many things in common, they became very close, so much so that Steve decided to visit the Philippines to personally meet Lea and her family. Their per-sonal meeting made their rela-tionship deeper and stronger.

Meanwhile, in March 2007, Lea fi led a petition in the Philip-pine Court to adopt Angelina, the fi ve-year old child of her daugh-ter. Lea’s daughter is a single mother who was abandoned by her boyfriend when she got preg-nant. Lea has been supporting and taking care of Angelina since birth. Her daughter, Angelina’s mother, has been working in the Middle East since after giving birth to Angelina in 2002. The adoption decree was granted by the Court in November 2007.

Let’s pause for a while. At this point, we can see that Lea had acquired physical custody over Angelina since 2002. As you know, U.S. immigration law requires that the adoptive parent must have two years of physical custody and also two years of legal custody. Physical custody is the exclusive parental control of the child. Legal custody is counted from the time the court grants the adoption decree.

Steve eventually fi led a fi an-cée petition for Lea, which was approved by the USCIS. From what they had heard, Lea would be able to go to the U.S. as a

fi ancée using a K-1 visa, while Angelina would be able to join her as her child under a K-2 visa. Lea and Angelina were inter-viewed at the U.S. Embassy in Manila in April 2008. Their ex-citement turned to anxiety when the consular offi cer told them that Angelina cannot be issued a K-2 visa. The reason given was that Lea did not have the two years of legal custody over Angelina. He explained that the adoption decree was less than two years old.

The consular offi cer is correct. The adoption decree was issued in November 2007, so at the time of the interview in April 2008, Lea only had fi ve months of legal custody. Now, Article 36 of the Child and Youth Welfare Code, which has remained unaf-fected by the Family Code, says that the adoption decree shall be effective as of the date the original petition was fi led. This means that the legal custody should be counted from March 2007, when Lea fi led the adop-tion. However, even if we do this, Lea would still not have required two years. As of April 2008, she only had a little over one year. Because Lea did not meet the two-year legal custody requirement, Angelina could not be considered as her child for U.S. immigration purposes.

Next Week : Lea gets her green card and asks the U.S. Embassy to allow Angelina to “follow-to-join” her in the United States. Will it work?

Atty. Rogelio Karagdag, Jr. is licensed to practice law in both California and the Philippines. He practices immigration law in San Diego and has continu-ously been a trial and appellate attorney in the Philippines since 1989. His offi ce address is lo-cated at 16486 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 228, San Diego, CA 92128. He also holds offi ce in National City inside the S&S Travel Agency at 2409 E. Plaza Blvd. Please call (858)348-7475 & (619) 475-3262 for your free consultation. Our email is [email protected]. Articles written in this column are not legal advice but are hy-potheticals intended as general, non-specifi c legal information.

SAN DIEGO, USA, Novem-ber - On November 7, World Diabetes Day, members of the San Diego Premier Lions Club, along with their friends and families, will participate in the “Strides” Walk for Dia-betes Awareness.

The walk will begin between the hour of 9:00 a.m – 1:00 p.m. from the designated area of Poway Community Park. Total distance covered will be about 2 miles. One hundred people are expected to partici-pate. Diabetic screenings and information will be available to the public free-of-charge in

Local Lions Walk for Diabetes Awareness

November 7the park.

“There’s still time to gather your friends and families to walk in the Strides event,” said Club President Laurence La-zaga. “Contact any local Lion or call (619) 962-0689. In addition, we will be able to take your regis-tration at the park any time between 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.”

The “Strides” program is offered to Lions all over the world encour-aging them to organize

walks in their communities to raise awareness of the health complications of diabetes and to provide information on preventing and managing the disease.


SUMMER SPECIAL

Light &Shadows

Read Zena Babao’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Zena Sultana Babao

It’s Halloween time again, and it seems an appropriate time to talk about some of the danger-ous dark side of the spirit world. The appeal of this dangerous dark side is even stronger now, especially among the young who still have gullible and impres-sionable minds.

Strange practices and religions such as Wicca, Santeria, voodoo and channeling are growing in popularity. What’s behind them? Are such things harmless, or is there more to them than meets the eye?

I came across an article about this subject in the Good News magazine written by Mario Sei-glie about two years ago – a sub-ject that is even more relevant today as it was then. Knowing is better than not knowing so we could caution our younger gen-eration against the inroads of this “dangerous dark side”. A portion of Sieglie’s article follows:

As traditional Christianity has lost its appeal for many people, growing numbers have sought to fill that vacuum in their lives in other ways. Some turn to al-ternate religions popular in other parts of the world. Some turn to witchcraft and pre-Christian paganism. Some seek answers in the occult. A few even know-ingly turn to Satanism and evil spirits.

Some are simply curious; others are very serious. But whether they recognize it or not, all are dabbling in dangers that likely are well beyond their limited comprehension. That’s why these dangers are often referred to as the occult – things that are secretive, mysterious and

The Spirit World’s Dangerous Dark Side

concealed.Maybe you’ve never seen Sa-

tan or his demons, but certainly those familiar with the Bible recognize their influence in this rapidly degenerating world. No wonder the Scriptures describes Satan as “the god of this age” (Corinthians 4:4).

is so popular that the United States, Great Britain and many other nations now recognize it as a legitimate religion with legal rights.

The term Wicca was popu-larized in 1954 by the British leader of the movement, Gerald Gardner, who described it as a return to the “Old Religion” popular in Europe before Chris-tianity.

Wicca, from an old English word for “witch,” incorporates many of the trappings of ancient British witchcraft practices. The satanic pentagram is used as its symbol, and one of its main tenets is adoring nature through different rituals and deities. Some, but not all, covens, or groups, practice casting spells, divination and magic. Wicca is an umbrella group or movement that gathers under its fold very different beliefs and prac-tices – but is at its core a thinly disguised type of old-fashioned witchcraft.

Santeria is a Caribbean religion based on mixing African witch-craft with Roman beliefs – simi-lar in many ways to voodoo or pure African witchcraft. Its fol-lowers practice animal sacrifices and perform feverish dancing during Santerian rituals that can lead to possession of a person by an orisha or “saint” being invoked. The individual then is said to speak and act as that saint. If this is an actual spiritual ex-perience, however, it is nothing more than demonic pos-session.

All of these practices have this in common: Satan is their originator and they should be absolutely avoid-ed. God, who knows exactly how Satan and his demons work, emphatically warns us not to have anything to do with them. He tells us to not “give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27 NIV.)

What is channeling?Most have heard of the term

channeling. It has become increasingly popular on TV and radio, especially with the arrival of the “New Age” movement. This is a modern version of mys-

ticism with roots in Hinduism, Buddhism and occultism. Some famous actors and actresses have promoted this new take on some very old religious practices.

Those who do the channel-ing claim they are receiving information or comments from a divine or unknown source. In effect, they say, they are like a radio receiving a signal from a transmitter.

On TV and radio shows, the “channeler” or “medium” has one or more spirits enter his mind and then he becomes the “mouthpiece.” Through the me-dium, the spirit then offers infor-mation, advice or predictions on almost any subject imaginable, from the present condition of a departed loved one, to medical counsel, financial advice or even how to improve one’s love life.

Who is speaking to the chan-neler? The spir-its claim to have varied identities. Some say they are the spirits of the dead, sometimes of famous persons, such as Napo-leon, Winston Churchill, the so-called Virgin Mary, and even

Jesus Christ. Others claim to be aliens of extraterrestrial origin.

In reality, there is not much that is new with the “New Age” movement. Mediums were used to consult with the dead from the dawn of history. They were used in Babylon, Egypt, India, China, Asia Minor, Greece (which had the famous oracle at Delphi) and even by the native North and South American Indians.

The Bible constantly warns us

not to participate in any type of “channeling” that requires us to open our mind to these spirits. Instead of exposing our minds to foreign sources, we should keep the natural barriers of our minds well protected from any outside spirit influence.

Tarot cards and Ouija boardsSome use manual devices such

as tarot cards or Ouija boards to consult directly with spirits. These objects should be avoided at all costs – they are not inno-cent “games” but ancient ways of attracting evil spirits.

Think of these instruments as potential passports into your mind – possibly opening an entry to the zone that should only be inhabited by your own thoughts and God’s Holy Spirit. If you do not invite these evil spirits, they cannot enter. Yet sometimes even an unsuspecting invitation through these devices can give demons a green light! Sadly,

His influence is not new, but its prevalence in modern soci-ety certainly is. What was once banned or very limited in dealing with the dark spirit realm is now mostly out in the open. Satanism is rampant in movies, and move-ments based on it, such as Wicca, Santeria, voodoo and channeling (consultation with mediums), are thriving, especially with the young.

The apostle Paul tells us we should be wary of such practices, “lest Satan should take advan-tage of us, for we are not igno-rant of his devices” (2 Corinthi-ans 2:11).

Wicca, Santeria and voodoo

One of the fastest growing movements in Western nations is Wicca, a modern version of witchcraft. Part of its popularity is due to American TV programs such as Buffy the Vampire Slay-er, Angel and Charmed. Wicca

many people have unknowingly invited evil spirits into their minds – and they are never quite the same again.

Simply say “No!”We must simply say “No!”

when enticed to play with this dark spirit world. Don’t fold under the pressure from friends, family or anyone else. Put God and His Word first! Literally, your life and your mental wel-fare could depend on it!

God, who knows exactly how Satan and his demons work, em-phatically warns us not to have anything to do with them. We should not consult with people associated with these spirits in spite of any stated intentions to help us. God’s word is clear: “Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:31).

PNS -- AFTER his first Holly-wood film, “The Echo,” director Yam Laranas is back in the local scene with Patient which stars Richard Gutierrez and Cristine Reyes.

Cristine to invade

Hollywood soon?

Cristine Reyes

It is no surprise that direk Yam wanted to work again with Richard who was his lead actor in “Sigaw”, the film that brought him to Hollywood. The Echo is now showing in local theaters, and we urge people to watch it before it’s gone. We feel so proud that a Filipino director is at the helm of a Hollywood movie, starring one of the most-sought-after Hollywood actors, Jesse Bradford (he was also in a remake of another Asian hit, My Sassy Girl) and one of the most beautiful actresses, Amelia Warner (who, if you still don’t know was Colin Farrel’s first wife ”her nickname Millie still tattooed on his left ring finger).

Now, with “Patient” (which will be released October 28), direk Yam puts to good use what he learned from Hollywood. We learned that the movie will be entered in a foreign competition and will have a premiere night in Hawaii simultaneously in SM Manila on October 25.

Meanwhile, Cristine looked so beautiful in the film (in the early part, at least). We won’t be surprised if in direk Yama’s next Hollywood outing, he will have her (Cristine) star in it, after giv-ing that big break to Iza Calzado in “The Echo.”


(619) 702-3051

On Saturday November 7th and Sunday November 8th, Filipino-American groups and organization from all over San Diego County will come together in local Seafood City locations to help support the ongoing disaster relief efforts created by recent typhoons in the Philippines that have lefts thousands homeless and with-out basic necessities.

At this time we are reach-ing out to our Fil-Am leaders and Organizations, not only for your support but for your participation. Help is being re-quested on several levels. First, we ask that you contact friends, family and organizational members to let them know of this upcoming and important event. In the next couple of days we will be producing a poster as well as an e-mail let-ter which you can pass along to your contacts. Secondly, on the days of the event, if you or anyone you may know would like to participate at one of the drop off locations we will be setting up volunteer times.

If your organization is able to be a part of this community driven event, please send us your name, contact information and names of any groups you will be representing to [email protected]. Also, if you group will be actively participating, please submit an electronic ver-sion of your logo which we can place on flyers and posters.

What is Operation Bayani-han?

Coalition of Filipino-Amer-ican groups and organizations in San Diego County coming together to help support the ongoing disaster relief efforts created by recent typhoons in the Philippines that have lefts thousands homeless and with-out basic necessities.

On the days of the event, drop off locations will be set up

LettersOperation Bayanihan: Disaster

Relief for the Philippinesoutside Seafood City in Mira Mesa on Mira Mesa Blvd and Seafood City in National City on Plaza Blvd, to collect dona-tions to be shipped to the Phil-ippines. According to the relief efforts the following items are in high demand.

1. New and like New Clothes2. New and Like New Blan-

kets3. New and Like New Tow-

els4. Canned goods (preferably

with a pull-open tab)5. Ready-to-eat food (cereal,

crackers, snacks)6. Instant noodles7. Baby formula8. Diapers9. Toiletries (shampoo, bath

soap, toothbrushes)10. MedicineDepending on drop off loca-

tions, items collect will be boxed and shipped by either LBC or Atlas free of charge. All donated items coursed through LBC USA will be sent to the LBC Hari Ng Padala Foundation (LHPF). LHPF will in turn distribute the goods to various non-profits that are conducting relief efforts in the affected communities in Metro Manila and Luzon provinces.. According to Atlas Shipping’s Web site, they are partnering up with all Seafood City loca-tions and their donations will go directly to the Department of Social Welfare and Develop-ment & designated NGO’s.

The drop off location will consist of at least two 10 by 10 canopies set up next the entrances of Seafood City and will be fully staffed by volun-teers who will be on hand to accept, sort, pack and trans-port the boxes to the shipping companies. Proposed location of these drop off zones would been near the entrances of Sea-food City so that people will have easy access to the drop off zones without impeding foot

traffic to Seafood City.All items received will be

sorted to insure that only qual-ity and usable goods are sent. Anything not meeting our stan-dards will be given to Goodwill or discarded.

In addition to receiving sup-plies to send to the Philippines, Gawad Kalinga will be on site at both locations to take mon-etary donations which will be turned over to Ancop., which is a 501 (c)(3) organization that is partnered with Gawad Kalinga. As with the Fil-Am Fest 2009, Gawad Kalinga will provide free custom made shirts to anyone who gives a donation of $20 or more.

The use of local newspa-pers, E-mail and social web sites will be our main focus for targeting donor and rais-ing awareness to our drive. Posters will be made and can be put up at key locations and Fil-Am Newspapers. Also, on the day of the drive, we will have volunteers doing phone banking by calling friends and family to have them come to the donation locations and drop off usable items.

For more information, ques-tions or comments, please visit http://www.filamsandiego.com, e-mail us at [email protected] or contact Joseph Roley-Arzaga at (619) 252-5438.

National City, CA – The Filipi-no American Chamber of Com-merce of San Diego County’s (FACC) newly elected Board of Directors welcomes new, return-ing and prospective members to their first event mixer, Together We Rise. The event will usher in a new era in FACC leadership and member development by offering innovative opportunities to strengthen member businesses during challenging economic times.

“The Board has a vision to ‘go big’ as an organization. Its

Welcoming New and Returning FACC Members at

Together We Rise Kick-Off Eventgoals are to find more ways to improve members’ business prospects and benefits, raise the profile of our organization, and strengthen the Filipino American business community’s voice. We are going to accomplish all of these goals together,” said Audie de Castro, its newly elected President.

FACC Board of Directors, Audie de Castro, Willie Racelis, Vince Bumanglag, Tony Olaes, Brenda Dycus, Aileen Catapu-san, Rufino “Pie” Roque, and Veronica Papa collectively have

decades of success in local, na-tional and international business, as well as in high profile com-munity leadership positions.

To assist with FACC’s trans-formation, it has retained Ms. Alicia Deleon-Torres as its man-agement consultant. Ms. Deleon-Torres has extensive experience in community involvement and capacity building, as well as non-profit organizational leader-ship experience. She is currently the National Director of the National Asian Pacific Ameri-can Families Against Substance Abuse and former Division Manager for the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC). She has served on many boards and commissions including the City of San Diego’s Commis-

sion on Gang Prevention and Intervention, San Diego Police Department’s Chief’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Board, and the State of California’s Office of Attorney General, Civil Rights Commis-sion on Hate Crimes.

Together We Rise will be held on Wednesday, November 4 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Villa Manila Restaurant located at 500 East 8th Street in National City. The cost is $15.00 for members, $20.00 for non-mem-bers. Interested individuals are encouraged to RSVP by Novem-ber 2, 2009 at [email protected]. For more information, contact Lorena Dominguez at 619-702-8690 or send email inquiries to [email protected].


3490910/27/09

IW Group

01 100 240 Con BR F-F

X CS3 CS4 CS3


34634

F-I

09/25/09 IW Group

01 100 240 BR

X CS3 CS3

Entertainment

PHILIPPINE NEWS SER-VICE -- CRIMINAL charges were filed yesterday before a Pasig court against celebrity doc-tor Hayden Kho for videotaping his sexual liaisons with actress Katrina Halili.

The case was filed following a

PHILIPPINE NEWS SER-VICE -- IT’S official. Movie actor Ronald Naldo Ricketts is now the chairman of the Optical Media Board.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita yesterday confirmed the appointment of Ricketts, who he said earlier is among those being seriously considered for the post. Ricketts will replace another showbiz personality, Edu Manzano, who is reportedly running for senator in next year’s elections.

Ermita said President Maca-pagal-Arroyo also made a few other appointments including former Philippine Information Agency chief Renato Velasco as member of the board of directors of the Development Bank of the Philippines. Velasco was former head of the Presidential Manage-ment Staff.

The other new appointees are Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez as undersecretary of the Office of the Press Secre-tary; Gina Lynn Graellos-Ange-les and Arturo Clemente Medina

PNS -- LYKA Ugarte was in-terviewed by Raymond Gutierrez in “Showbiz Central” about her fourth and most recent suicide attempt by taking various kinds of sleeping pills. This is GMA7’s way of helping her since finan-cial trouble is one of the reasons that prompted her to end her life.

She hasn’t paid the rent for their apartment for six months and when she was confined at Makati Medical Center, the check she issued them didn’t have enough funds. Lyka was given a talent fee for her in-

PNS -- LORNA Tolentino gives her piece regarding the hot rumor that Willie Revillame is courting her.

I don’t want to even think about it. My priorities as of the moment are my career and chil-dren. I want to ensure that Ralph and Renz will have a bright future, LT explains.

Does this mean she’ll not be open to the idea of falling in love again in the future?

Well, let’s just say I’m not looking for one. I’m already content with the memories of my late hubby (Rudy Fernandez), ends Lorna.

PNS -- DIRECTOR Joel La-mangan has nothing but praises for Pauleen Luna. Since he directed her in her first dramatic role in the film, “Blue Moon”, direk Joel knew Pauleen has a wide range of emotions. So, when he was assigned to do the afternoon drama, “Ikaw Sana,’ he had Pauleen in mind for the pivotal role of the main contra-vida.

Now, she’s reaping the fruits of a good acting. Everyone hates her and her e-mail box is full of cuss words.

“Masarap isipin na effective ako as contravida,” she says, “but, I hope people understand that it’s only a role.

Some notice the big change in her, too. Pauleen now wears sexy dresses on “Eat Bulaga,” and every bit a fashionista in “Ikaw Sana,” a complete op-posite when she was still going steady with Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian. Not that the mayor was conservative, but it was Pauleen who was trying her best to protect his good image. Now that she’s free, she’s having a grand time as an actress. She might accept sexy roles in the

PNS -- MARIAN Rivera re-veals that she felt awkward when she did her first kissing scene with Mark Anthony Fernandez in “Darna” recently.

“I think it’s understandable since for the longest time, it’s Dingdong (Dantes) whom I get to kiss on screen because of our numerous projects together. It wasn’t easy, especially that Mark also felt shy at that particular moment. It’s good we were able to do it right,” she says.

According to the actress, it helped that before the scene was shot she and Mark talked and discussed how they would get things done.

After the take, the two already

LT denies Willie

Lorna Tolentino

Ronnie Ricketts new OMB chair

Pauleen enjoys bad image

future but of course, with limita-tions.

Pauleen wants to achieve her dreams on her own. She still wants to finish her studies, focus on business and travel abroad, preferably Europe . With that she needs to work harder and save more. Then, if she finds the right man, marriage can come in.

Pauleen Luna

as Senior State Solicitor; Masli Quilaman, executive director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples; and Ernest Punzalan as member of the board of directors of the Philippine Reclamation Authority.

Ronnie Ricketts

Former actress in dire need

Lyka Ugarte

terview not only in “Showbiz Central” but also in “Startalk”. She has resorted to selling their household appliances but, as fate would have it, they were affected by the recent floods and their appliances were damaged. She

also got depressed when a Pag-cor employee sexually harassed her and her partner of two years dumped her. Lyka was last seen in a villain role in ABS-CBN’s “Pieta.”

Kho charged

Hayden Kho

recommendation by the Depart-ment of Justice for Kho’s indict-ment.

The DoJ panel said charges for violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004 should be filed against Kho.

The DoJ dismissed the ac-cessory charges against Kho’s ex-lover Dr. Vicki Belo and his friends Erick Johnston Chua, Dr. Mark Herbert Rosario, and Princess Marie Velasco.

However, the DoJ asked the National Bureau of Investiga-tion to investigate them further to determine whether they were responsible for the uploading of the controversial videos on the Internet.

Marian feels awkward with Mark

Marian rivera

at ease with each other.“It broke the barrier, so to

speak. In fact, Mark and I just laughed it out. I’m certain that in our future kissing scenes in the show, we’ll be more relaxed already,” Marian states.


Spiritual Life

Read Monsignor’s previous articles by visit-ing our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Msgr. Fernando G. Gutierrez

Lower Your Nets Balintataw

Read Virginia Ferrer’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Virginia H. Ferrer

Bato at Buhangin (2)Sa patuloy na paglalakad nakaramdam ng pagod ang magkaibigan sa maghapong nilang paglilibotng walang anu-ano paningin nila ay natisodng ‘sang malinaw na batis sa may paanan ng gulod.

Tuwang-tuwa ang dalawa at dahilan nga sa initmga kamiseta nila na basang-basa ng pawisminabuting hubarin at sa batis ay magpalamigat sinamantala nila ang mapag-enganyong tubig

Batang kanina’y nasampal ngayon paa’y pinulikathabang masayang naliligo sa batis na malawakmuntik nang malunod kaya nagsisigaw at umiyaksinagip ng kaibigan na mabilis at maagap.

Joke of the Week: After a Sunday school teacher discussed the com-mandment, “Honor thy father and thy mother,” she asked her class if there was any commandment that taught how to treat brothers and sisters. A boy from a family of eight promptly answered, “You shall not kill.”

In a book, Children’s Letters to God, a little girl wrote: “Did you re-ally mean do unto others as they do unto you? If you did, then I’m going to fix my brother.”

Scriptures: First Reading: Deu-teronomy 6: 2-6. God promised his people that he would give them a land flowing with milk and honey, and he did keep his promise. The Promised Land is a proof that God is true to his words. However, in spite of being grateful for that gift, the Hebrews faltered in their allegiance to God. Many of them worshiped other gods. Jeremiah and Ezekiel lamented the fact that pagan rituals were held in the temple. Second Reading: Hebrews 7: 23-28. The author of this letter is not downplaying the importance of the Levitical priesthood. He juxtaposed the sacrifice of Christ with his blood that was offered once and for all from the heavenly sanctuary with the sacrifice of the Levitical priest-hood that offers annually animal blood from the earthly sanctuary. Christ’s holiness and eternal priest-hood make his sacrifice sufficient, final, and complete. Gospel: Mark 12: 28-34. The evangelists, Mat-thew, Mark, and Luke, agree that linking of Deuteronomy 6: 4 = love of God with Leviticus 19: 18 = love of neighbor is the greatest commandment. There are indica-tions that the linking of the two commandments is also found in some ancient writings, such as, The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, and in a few Judean-Hellenistic writings. However, as these com-mandments appear in today’s Gospel, they are solely and deeply rooted in Israel’s profession of faith: “The Lord Is Alone God.” This is explicitly made clear with the use of Shema (“Listen/Hear, O Israel) which every pious Hebrews must recite three times a day to constantly remind themselves of the Torah and their responsibility to serve God faithfully. Belief in one God should automatically lead to love of self and neighbors. Reflections: The religious experi-

ences of mankind has always been linked with and nourished in holy places, such as volcano, a body of water, pieces of stone, or a mysteri-ous apparition or event that hap-pened at some spots, where the di-vine or holy being was accessible to man. For example, Mt. Tai is one of the sacred mountains in China, site of Taoist temple and is associated with sunrise, birth and renewal. Ise shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in Japan and is dedicated to Amaterasa, a sun goddess, who is the most important Shinto deity. Hill Cumorah in Palmyra, New York is very important for the members of The Church of Latter Day Saints, because it is believed that their prophet Joseph Smith received on that site the Golden Plates or records of his people from the angel, Moroni, For the Shiites Najaf is a holy site because Imam Ali, a cousin of the prophet Mohammad, is buried there. For the Sunnis, Baghdad is important in terms of its dominance and legitimacy to lead the Muslim world, because the caliphate at its height ruled from that city.

The former Joseph Cardinal Ratz-inger, now Benedict XV1, in his Introduction to Christianity, wrote that the ancient fathers of Israel started with a God as a “numen personale” (a personal God), not as a “numen locale” (a local god). Israel’s God is considered as the One who is not bound by any spot or place, but is present where man is. “Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you, wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). He is the God Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. He is a personal God on the level of “I-You” relationship. God is there where man is and where man decides to relate to him.

Localizing one’s God or experi-encing the divine in one place alone might lead to a multiplication of gods. Because of the innate desire

I am with you, wherever you go!

of man to encounter the divine, a god is exclusively identified with the place where he is experienced. Thinking that the same god cannot be experienced at other places, man starts looking for other gods at other sites. These gods would become the particular gods of those respective places. This multiplication of gods was the common practice in the ancient pagan Rome. There was a particular god for harvest, another god for good weather, and a god for deliverance from sickness and natural disaster. The ancient Isra-elites had possessed the land. They had also fallen into the temptation of worshipping the gods of the land. The sin of Adam and Eve was primarily their worship of the pagan fertility god that has link with the land. Cain’s offering was not pleas-ing to the Lord, because he was “a tiller of the soil” (Genesis 4).

Israel professed that the Lord alone is God and that he is the high-est God of all, over all principalities and powers. He showed that he has power over all by creating the heav-ens, the earth, the lights, the moon, and the sun that were venerated as gods by the ancients. Two conclu-sions can be drawn from this profes-sion: 1) one’s heart should not be set on things and people more than the Creator; 2) because one loves God, that love automatically results into loving self, other people, and the whole of creation. One’s love of God carries with it the respon-sibility of believing that God loves me no matter who I am; also, that I love all people, even one’s enemies, and respect God’s creation by not desecrating one’s environment. Our relationship with God is that of an “I-You,” that is based on love. Our relationship with one another and with the rest of creation should also be personal and rooted equally in love.

Quotation of the Week: “If we gain our brother, we gain God; if we upset our brother, we sin against Christ.” St. Anthony of Padua.

PHILIPPINE NEWS SER-VICE -- PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yeste rday called on rich and industrialized nations of the world on the ur-gency of the challenge of climate change even as she urged them

GMA to rich nations:

Lend support to developing

countries

CHEAPEST AIRFARE TO THE PHILIPPINES

to lend support to developing countries such as the Philippines in setting up green industry.

In her address at the clos-ing ceremony of the three day International Conference on Green Industry in Asia at the Philippine International Conven-tion Center, the President said that the government is resolved in its campaign to addressing global warming and renewed the Philippine government’s com-mitment in pushing for the green industry in the country.

“We also call on them to sup-port developing countries to mitigate and adapt to worsening changes in climate by fulfilling their treaty obligations to provide technological and financial sup-port including support for green

industry,” the President said.The President also enumerated

the various measures under the green revolution being undertak-en by the Philippine government in minimizing pollution and the ill effects of climate change.

She cited the Philippine’s bio fuel law and other laws envi-sioned to attain a cleaner envi-ronment even as she vowed to cut green house emissions and the consumption of fossil fuels in the country.

Mrs. Arroyo reiterated the Philippines’ goal of achieving by 2020 doubling its utilization of indigeneous energy and to attain energy independence.

Among the green industry be-ing pushed in the country include environment friendly industries

like furniture and eco tourism, which is focused at the grassroots by encouraging entrepreneurship among local folks and offering livelihood assistance in the set-ting up of eco tourism oriented sites.

The said conference is fo-cused on how the region could effectively manage and reap the benefits of the transition to resource-efficient and low carbon industries, and, in the process, sustain rapid economic growth and trade competitiveness.

The conference is organized

by the United Nations Indus-trial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), and the United Nations Econom-ic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Anchored on the theme, “Managing the transition to resource-efficient and low-carbon industries,” it was hosted by the Philippine government through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

It specifically provided a forum for the sharing of infor mation


The Law that Matters

Read Atty Bautista’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Atty. A. Erwin Bautista

When can you pay the pres-ent value of your car instead of the loan amount?

Question: My car’s value is less than the amount of my loan, I heard that I am only required to pay the value of the car in a Chapter 13 petition, is that true?

Answer: Yes but only if your car loan was obtained more than 910 days before the filing of the petition.

What is the cramdown provi-sion of the Bankruptcy Code?

Cramdown is the right to limit the enforceability or change the terms of a creditor’s contract over the creditor’s objection. (Collier Consumer Bankruptcy Guide 2008)

The debtor may modify se-cured claims by both returning the collateral and treating any deficiency as unsecured debt or by keeping the collateral and paying it under the plan that pays the present value. Sometimes an interest has to be paid in order to arrive at the present value. (Col-lier Consumer Bankruptcy Guide 2008)

Section 506 (a)(1) of the Bank-ruptcy Code defines secured status as “ an allowed claim of a creditor secured by a lien on property in which the estate has an interest, … is a secured claim to the extent of the value of such creditor’s interest in the estate’s interest in such property…”

Section 506 (a)(2) defines how value shall be determined “per-sonal property securing an al-lowed claim shall be determined based on the replacement value of such property as of the date of the filing of the petition…”

Section 1325(a)(5)(B) permits the cramdown. Cramdown for our purposes means reducing the loan value of a secured claim to its replacement value or present value or as we call it fair mar-ket value and paying it under a Chapter 13 plan.

Bankruptcy: Cramdown/Chapter 13

The purpose of the present value requirement is to place the holder of an allowed se-cured claim in the same position economically as if the debtor exercised the option of surren-dering the collateral. Through the payment of interest, the creditor is compensated for the delay in receiving the amount of the allowed secured claim, which would be received in full if the collateral were liquidated. (Collier Consumer Bankruptcy Practice Guide 2008.)

What are the limitations of the cramdown provision?

Section 1325(a)(9) limits the application of Section 5 thus:

“For purposes of paragraph (5), section 506 shall not apply to a claim described in that paragraph if the creditor has a purchase money security interest secur-ing the debt that is the subject of the claim, the debt was incurred within 910-day preceding the date of the filing of the petition, and the collateral for that debt

consists of a motor vehicle (as defined in Section 30102 of title 49) acquired for the personal use of the debtor…”

The cramdown provision therefore can apply to (1) a mo-tor vehicle that was purchased for (2) personal use of the debtor if it was a (3) purchase money security interest and the (4) debt was incurred more than 910 days on the day of the filing of the petition.

The debtor therefore can-not cramdown a car loan if the car loan was incurred less than 910 days and if the debt was refinanced. The debt has to be the original loan at the time of purchase.

So if the debt was incurred even within 910 days but the ve-hicle was purchased for business or for the use of someone other than the debtor the limitation does not apply and the cram-down can therefore be availed.

Should you be in this type of situation and you feel the need to avail of the protection of the Bankruptcy Code consult an at-torney.

(We invite readers to set up their initial consultation with The Law Offices of A. Erwin Bautista. Atty. Bautista prac-tices Immigration, Bankruptcy, Personal Injury, Family Law and Income Tax Preparation/Audit Representation. Atty. Bautista obtained his law degree from Western State University, Ful-lerton, CA and his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of the Philippines. You can reach him in Los Angeles at (213) 365 7690 at 3435 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 2700, LA, CA 90010 or in San Diego at (619) 474 7755 at 550 E. 8th St., Ste. 11, National City, CA 91950)

BENTONVILLE, Ark. Oct. 23, 2009 – For the first time since 1998, Halloween falls on a Saturday and Walmart is set to serve trick-or treaters and fami-lies looking for unbeatable prices during this once in a blue moon occasion.

Every year on Halloween, parents look forward to dressing their children in costumes and taking them to trick-or-treat at night. Many families also enjoy decorating their homes with Hal-loween props and handing out

Walmart Brings Savings For Frighteningly Fun

Halloween Saturday NightMoms Can Outfit Their Children for Less Than $10

candy to trick-or-treaters. For this special occasion, Walmart has all the essentials for a fun and safe Halloween. Walmart has the costumes, candy and decorations to fit every budget. Parents can have their children trick-or-treat-ready for less than $10 – with a $7 costume, $0.94 treat tote and $1 light stick for safety.

“It’s been more than a decade since Halloween landed on a Saturday, and we anticipate more people will have the chance to celebrate,” said Amy Wyatt-

Moore, Walmart spokesperson. “We want them to feel confident that they can depend on Walmart to have affordable selections to help them create the spooky and fun atmosphere they want.”

Costumes for the Entire Family

Whether it’s finding popular costumes for kids or adult and couples costumes, Walmart has the latest trends for Halloween at a low cost.

This Halloween, children’s cos-tumes will reflect the latest video games and summer blockbuster mov-ies and Walmart offers a full range of popular licensed costumes at unbeat-able prices. For boys, you’ll see Optimus Prime, Bumble Bee and Megatron from Transformers as well as Snake Eyes, Duke and Storm Shadow from G.I. Joe. Parents can pur-chase the same quality licensed boy costumes that sell for around $20 at specialty stores for only $12 at Walmart.

For girls, expect to see Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (70th an-niversary) and Alex from Wiz-ards of Waverly Place (Walmart exclusive). Walmart also carries costume classics like princesses, witches, pirates, fairies and gob-lins.

For adults, couples costumes are popular this year. Expect to see men in gangster and decade costumes and women in flapper costumes and decade costumes. Adults and kids alike can look to Walmart’s expanded selection of

costume make-up, including fake eyelashes, glitter make-up, brightly-colored hairspray and wigs for their unique costume idea.

Halloween Entertaining on

a Budget

Halloween is on a Saturday this year, which means more fami-lies plan to entertain and attend parties. Walmart offers a large selection of partyware at unbeat-able prices*. Shoppers can also

choose from a wide assortment of spooky décor items for only $2 or select a ‘Best Halloween Costume’ trophy for their guests for only $5.

About Walmart

Every week, millions of custom-ers visit Walmart stores, Neigh-borhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Walmart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $378 million to local communities in the United States. More information about Walmart can be found by visiting www.walmartstores.com.

* Our stores will match the price of any local competitor’s printed ad for an identical prod-uct. Not applicable to Walmart.com. Restrictions apply. See store for details.


14897 Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064(Right next to The Original Pancake House

Combination PlatesOne (1) Entree w/ Pancit

& Rice....$5.99Two (2) Entree w/ Pancit

& Rice....$6.99BBQ w/ Pancit & Rice....$6.99

Phone/fax: (858) 679-0644 www.amerasiancuisine.com

Dine-In or Carry-Out

Special Events

Catering

PHIL-AM PARALEGAL SERVICENotarizing & Assisting

Notary Public Power of Attorney Transfer of Real Ownership Will-Living Trust Assist Preparing immigration Paper Work requirements For: Affidavit of support Under Section 213A Petition of Relative or Fiance Natuiralization Adjustment of Status to Premanent Residence

With Contractual Attorney in: Divorce Auto Accidental Injury

EFREN J. TULAOLicensed Paralegal

Individual Income Tax PreparationReal Estate Sales/Mortgage Loan Services

Business Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00-4:30 Saturday 10:00-2:30Call Office or leave a message for an appointment Bus. (619) 420-5868 (619) 420-5823

Cell: (619) 913-2027 Fax: (619) 420-0019License No. B2004010830 Error & Emission Bonded

240 Woodlawn Avenue, Suite 3 Chula Vista, CA 91910

by Fr. Shay Cullen Why would Philippine judges

hamper a human rights investiga-tion into a killing fi eld where many human remains are found in Davao, victims allegedly of the infamous death squad? Why would the mem-bers of the Commission on Human Rights be charged themselves? Human Rights Watch says local au-thorities are obstructing the course of justice and investigation into almost a thousand assassinations in the past decade. How can this be in an Asian democracy?

Most people in northern de-mocracies presume that there is a democratically elected government in the Philippines and that human rights will be generality respected and upheld. It also presumes that the rule of law prevails most of the time and that the democratically elected government will respect the provision of treaties, conventions and protocols it has signed. In the Philippines that is not so.

Corruption is widespread and elec-tion fraud, cheating, vote-buying and intimidation are common, so de-mocracy is far from real. The same powerful wealthy family dynasties continue to dominate the so-called election process and it’s not so much rule by the people or for the people, but the rule of the elite for their own interests. In the Philippines, tradi-tionally, an oligarchy of a few very powerful families rules the country and control the economy. They place their family members into

Food for thoughtRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

government positions to advance their own economic interests.

They thus control the congress and other branches of government. Many are incompetent to govern and they form a military and police force that is built around their own relatives, friends and benefi ciaries. Therefore the forces are loyal to the patriarch or family head, not to the people. They are selected not on the basis of their professional merit and competence but on their loyalty to the head of the dynasty. Promotion in the ranks military or police de-pends on the power of their patron.

Thus, history of street protest shows police and military shooting dozens of protesters that challenge the ruling elite. The military will stand against the farmers and protect the interests of the powerful land owner. Human rights are cast aside in favor of protecting the politicians and the ruling families.

The “Democratic” Philippines is a myth and the enduring “death squad” and cover up is proof of that. The death squad existing in many cities is to create a culture of fear and control and suppress the people’s protest of injustice and unendurable poverty.

Davao City and the surround-ing province is rife with inequality and land exploitation, injustice and widespread poverty and a few vastly wealthy families control the land and the banana industry. The mili-tary and police protect their interests against impoverished peasants or militant social and human rights

activists demanding land reform, just wages and health care.

Davao is the most prominent example of murdering death squads that kill even street children, although it is a similar situation all other Philippine provinces. It arose they say in the 1970 and ‘80 and ground swell of protest by organized impoverished farmers and their supporters frightened the ruling families and they set up the assassi-nation squad to eliminate them. The insurgents counter with their own assassination squads.

There was much killing and violence. The government-backed assassination squads triumphed and

a permanent well paid “assassina-tion squad” was established.

Men dressed in black clothes, equipped with radios, guns and knives and riding motor cycles calmly ride up to suspects and shoot them dead. Until the present, the squad operates with impunity. National and International Human rights organizations have con-tinually called for an investigation and for the killers to be brought to justice. When Human Rights Commission Chair Leila De Lima did so this year, she was met with uncooperative justices, offi cials and citizens. The politicians and police commanders say that rival gangs are killing each other.

Politicians deny its existence but the discovery of many corpses makes that untenable. The au-thorities are desperate to prevent the truth from being revealed. The chal-lenge and International pressure on the government to end the killings and disband the assassination squad is growing. If they do, the suffering poverty and injustice may against surface to challenge the “democrati-cally” elected elite. Some strange democracy this is.

For more information

Contact Fr. Shay Cullen at the Preda Center, Upper Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Philippines. e-mail: [email protected]

Tawa at TulaRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

ni Joe Cabrera

Eye ExamMay isang optician, may pasyente bagaNag-pa-pa examin, nang kaniyang mataAlamin mo nga Doc, ano’ng differensyaAng mga mata ko’y, parang malabo na

Upo ka sandali, ang bilin sa kanyaTatapusin ko lang, ‘to pasyenteng isaAt pagka-tapos ay, susunod na kitaAyan ang magazine, magbasa ka muna

Sirang optico ‘to, sa loob loob nyaKung bakit ako ay, pag-babasahin paSamantalang alam, na nya kaninaNa itong mata ko’y, mayrong diperensya

Natapos na si Doc, at sya’y nilapitan“Pinasok sa kuarto, at siya ay tinignanTapos pina-tayo, at pinagsabihanLumagay ka diyan, itong litra’y tingnan

Basahin mo itong, letra isa isaMga nakasulat, dito sa pizarraMahirap po yatang, basahin and libro‘Yan nga pong pizarra, ay di ko Makita

The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is reporting two additional deaths associ-ated with the pandemic H1N1 Infl uenza virus. The deceased are a 39-year-old pregnant fe-male with underlying medical conditions and a 35-year-old male with underlying medical conditions.

San Diego County has had 417 hospitalized cases of pan-demic H1N1 Infl uenza to date. There have been 27 deaths of San Diego County residents as-sociated with H1N1, plus three deaths of non-residents.

The general public is en-couraged to stay home from work or school if they have

HINI Infl uenza Weekly Updateinfl uenza-like illness or symp-toms similar to the seasonal fl u which include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, head-ache, chills and fatigue. It is recommended that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

Individuals with underlying medical conditions experienc-ing infl uenza-like illness or symptoms should contact their primary care physician in a timely manner.

For additional information on pandemic H1N1 infl uenza visit www.sdcounty.ca.gov or www.cdc.gov or call 2-1-1 San Diego.

Death Squads and Democracy

SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITYNOTICE INVITING BIDS

The San Diego County Water Authority is soliciting proposals for the following project.

Title: Design of Package 4 – San Vicente Bypass Pipeline Project

Information: Please visit our website at http://www.sdcwa.org/opps/contracts.phtml to view project information, Project Fact Sheet, Order Form, and links to the Request for Proposals document. Your completed order form may be emailed to Anna

Foster at [email protected], or faxed to her attention at(858) 268-7802. For general information, please call Anna at (858) 522-6872.

PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING: November 5, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. PSTSan Diego County Water Authority, Board Room

4677 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 522-6800

SITE VISIT: A site visit will be conducted immediately following the Pre-proposal Meeting. Directions and other infor-

mation related to the site visit will be given at the meeting. Due to site limitations, only one representative per company will be allowed on the site visit. Site visit attendees are required to present a current and valid photo identifi cation card, such as a driver’s license, and shall sign in before participating in the site visit. Site visit identifi cation review and sign-in will begin at

10:30 a.m. at the San Vicente Construction Management Trailer Complex, outside Trailer A. Attendees must provide their own transportation to the site. Some of the site visit may be to active construction areas. Therefore, all attendees shall wear appro-priate personal protective equipment, including but not limited to sturdy closed toe shoes, long pants, safety vests, hard hats, and eye protection during the site visit. Attendance is not mandatory but strongly encouraged. Attendees shall RSVP to Anna

Foster at [email protected].

PROPOSAL DUE DATE: December 2, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. PST

SCOPE OF WORK: The San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority) is seeking proposals from qualifi ed fi rms for design services and engineering support services during bidding and construction of Package 4 – San Vicente Bypass Pipeline

Project.

The scope of work is to provide design services and engineering support services during bidding and construction of the Package 4 - San Vicente Bypass Pipeline Project. The project includes the replacement of approximately 5,500 linear feet of the City’s existing Bypass Pipeline; pipeline alignment analysis; installation of an all-weather unpaved access road from the

future marina area to the First Aqueduct terminal structure; evaluation, and depending on the results of the evaluation, modifi -cations to the First Aqueduct terminal structure; construction of a vent pipe or other surge control device for the Bypass Pipe-line; installation of a new fl ow meter; installation of permanent platforms to access existing valve hand wheels in the existing San Vicente 1 and 2 valve vaults; and abandonment of the existing Bypass Pipeline after the new pipeline has been put into

service. See Exhibit A, Design Professional Services Contract, Attachment A for required services. The services listed are not all inclusive, but represent those expected during the performance of the project.

LOCATION: The project site is located approximately 25 miles northeast of the City of San Diego. Access to the area of the

site is via Highway 67, Vigilante Road, and Moreno Avenue. See Thomas Brother’s Guide (2008 Edition) page 1211, Grid J4, and page 1212, Grid A4.

PREVAILING RATES OF WAGE: In accordance with provisions of the California Labor Code, the Water Authority has ob-

tained from the Department of Industrial Relations the general prevailing rates of wages in the locality in which the work is to be performed. For purposes of the prevailing wage laws construction also includes work performed during the design and pre-construction phases of construction. It shall be mandatory upon the contractor to whom the contract is awarded and upon any

subcontractor to pay not less than the specifi ed rates to all workers employed in the execution of surveying, inspection, drilling, geotechnical services and all other public works components of this contract. The trades involved are surveying, inspection, and geotechnical services. The contractor shall cause a copy of the prevailing wage rates to be posted at the job site. Copies

of the prevailing wage rates are on fi le at the Water Authority’s offi ce at 4677 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123 and are available for review upon request.

INSURANCE: The Water Authority has established an Owner Controlled Insurance Program for the project. Coverage will

include: General Liability, Excess Liability, and Workers Compensation. The Design Professional will be required to maintain the following coverage outside the OCIP.

1. Workers Compensation/ $1,000,000 per occurrence Employers Liability 2. Automobile Liability $1,000,000 per occurrence 3. General Liability $1,000,000 per occurrence 4. Professional Liability $1,000,000 per occurrence Small Contractor Opportunity and Outreach Program: The Water Authority’s Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunities

Program is designed to maximize participation of diverse, qualifi ed, small contractors, consultants and vendors seeking to do business with the Water Authority. Due to the limited scope of this project, the Water Authority anticipates limited subcontract-ing opportunities. The Water Authority does continue to promote opportunities for small business participation and encourages outreach to small fi rms should subcontracting opportunities become available on this project. If subcontractors are to provide services related to this project, the contractor must complete a Schedule A-1, Designation of Subcontractors, Vendors, and Ser-

vices Providers.Please send a “Certifi cate of Publication” with the billing statement to:

San Diego County Water Authority Attention: Anna Foster 4677 Overland Avenue San Diego, CA 92123

If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact Anna Foster, Contract Administrator, (858) 522-6872.


8979 Mira Mesa blvd. San Diego, CA 92126

“Homemade Filipino Cuisine at its Best”

Manila FastfoodRestaurant and Desserts

COMBINATION PLATESDESSERTS AND KAKANIN FOR ALL OCCASIONS

“Whole LECHON also available”

Lechon Kawali, Pancit, Kare-kare, Crispy Pata, Fried Lumpia, Menudo, Dinuguan, Sinigang and many more Filipino dishes.

DINE IN - TO GO - CATERING

HOURS: Tues – Fri 9:30 am. –7:30 pmSat. 8:30am - 7:30pmSun. 8:30am - 6pm & Monday - Closed

(858) 695.9104(858) 578.0968WE SERVE

BREAKFASTON SATURDAY

& SUNDAY

New Loacation!!!

8979 Mira Mesa Blvd.

x

Post Offi ce

S&S TRAVEL AGENCY (Under New Management)

9815 Mira Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92131 Tel. (858) 271-6122

●San Diego’s No.1 Seller Of Philippine Airtickets ●Airport Shuttle Service – SAN, LAX or MNL Airports

●Weekly Philippine Consular Services (Passport Renewals, Authentications, Dual Citizenships, etc)

●Preparation Of All Legal Documents For Philippine Use ●Balikbayan Box Cargo w/ Free Small Box

●Notary, Western Union Passport Photos, Phone Cards, Fax, Copy, etc.

Classified Ads

To:

From: Eugene De Leon

Herewith is proof of your classified ad for publication in the Asian Journal. Please proofread i t and fax back the correction if any or call us for your approval. The ad is tentatively scheduled to be published in the

issue of the Asian Journal if we receive your approval on time. At $4 per line

lines, it costs

$______.00 to be paid upon your receipt of the invoice and tear sheet. Thank you.

Fax #

If approved please sign and fax back to

(619) 474-0373

__________________

Asian JournalFirst Asian Weekly Newspaper in Southern California & San Diego’s Most Widely Circulated Asian-Filipino Newspaper

550 East 8th Street, Suite 6, National City CA 91950 • Tel. (619) 474-0588 • Fax (619) 474-0373

10/30/09

40

Tala Pnones

1x4x10

Environmental Planner

The Environmental Planner will play a key role in coordinating the environmental review for various capital projects. The Planner also will participate in technical studies and design programs for the region’s environmen-tal conservation and preservation efforts. Qualifications: a degree in regional planning, environmental science, geography, public administration, or a related field, and recent experience in environmental planning. This is a limited term position. SANDAG offers competitive salaries and benefits. Visit www.sandag.org/jobs or call (619) 699-1900 for information. Closes: Friday, November 13, 2009. EOE.

Wanted:Valet Parking Attendant,

Cashiers with work permit and driver’s licence.

All shifts available, close to San Diego Airport.

E-Mail: [email protected]. no. (310) 642-7740

BATAAN Residential Lots for Sale

Location: St. Michael II Subdivision (fully developed)Km 134 National Road, Brgy. Daan PariORION, BATAAN PHILIPPINES

Area: 200 +/- sq.m. As low as $ 99/ monthFor more information or sample computation, please contact: Ms. Alicia A. Mercado Tel: 858-603-8302 or email: [email protected] *Limited lots available

NANNY WANTEDLive-In Preferred

Nice Family * Beautiful Home in North County $1200/month

Child Care of a 4 year old, Light Cooking & Housework

Contact Charrie at (760) 412-0994 or (760) 633-4560

Paradise Valley Hospital, the largest employer in National City dedicated to whole person wellness through healthy living, evident in the variety of compli-mentary or low-cost health edu-cation classes; support groups and preventative care services provided to the community in their continued commitment to improving the health and well being of our community.

And The National City Times, an award winning community

The National City Council approved to co-sponsor “Health & Wellness – a thanksgiving fair!” on Sunday,

November 22nd from 10am-4pm at Paradise Valley Hospitalnewspaper, awarded by the US Small Business Administration, focus on local and regional news and information affecting quality of life, present as a contribution to a healthy community –

Health & Wellness – a thanks-giving fair! on Sunday, Novem-ber 22, 2009 from 10am – 4pm at the Paradise Valley Hospital grounds corners of E. 8th Street & Euclid Avenue in National City.

Vice Mayor Sotelo-Solis expressed that the health fair

benefits our community. Coun-cilmember Frank Parra stated that partnering in the efforts to promote health & wellness is good for our community. And in today’s tough economic times, health & wellness on preventive care will help our constituents, said Councilmember Van Deven-ter.

The Health Fair features FREE Flu shots to the community – it will also highlight medical practitioners and professionals speak on prevention, counseling and provide for information on healthy minds, healthy hearts, healthy bodies. Dr. Blanca Fresno of Pediatrics @ Paradise

and Dr. Irineo Tiango of Irineo Tiangco, MD Internal Medicine are two of the doctors providing their services at the health fair!

Health & Wellness – a thanks-giving fair! supports the fund raising efforts of the follow-ing non profit organizations. American Heart Association will feature “Heart Walk” in coopera-tion with the Center for Health Promotion; American Lung As-sociation will provide informa-tion on asthma and smoke free apartments ; several Lion Clubs led by the Presidents Lions Club will provide blood pressure and diabetes screening ; Paradise Senior Health Center will pro-vide counseling and information on diabetes and healthy seniors; American Red Cross will pro-vide information on emergency preparedness, COPAO – San Diego and Granger Wellness Society will provide outreach and logistics; Philippine Nurses Association will provide first aid and will assists in facilitating flu shots; Kalusugan Community Center and Lutuang Best will provide information on healthy eating plus several other health & wellness programs to be pre-sented at the event.


Scribd.com/asianjournal 538,750 total reads


(Continued from page 1)ranking for the third straight year and the fourth time in the last fi ve years. Cebu got 70.9 in 2008; 72.3 in 2007 and 72.8 in 2004.

It has been ranked 8th best island destination twice in 2006 with 71.0 points and in 2005,

with 69.5. Rounding up this year’s top 10

island destinations in the Asia/Indian Ocean group are: Mal-dives-87.5, Bali-84, Phuket-79.9, Sychelles-76.7, Koh Samui-75.3, Mauritius-74.1, Cebu-72.6, Langkawi-69.8, Borneo-65..4, and Lamu-63.6.

This year, Cebu, along with Maldives, Bali, Phuket, Lang-kawi and Borneo, maintained their rankings, while Mauritius slid down. Seychelles and Koh Samui each earned one notch higher. Lamu, a new entrant, edged out Lombok at tenth place last year.

Borneo maintained is 9th rank-ing since it joined the list last year.

On the same survey, Planta-tion Bay Resort and Spa, an 11.4 hectare resort in Mactan has maintained its position at 16th place with 88.5, lower by 5 points in last year’s score.

The resort surpassed some resorts in Bali, Cambodia and Phuket; trailing behind resorts in

Langkawi and Maldives in the resorts category. It is the only Philippine resort included in the 25 top Resorts in Asia.

Every year since 1988, a select sample of Conde Nast Traveler readers have taken the Readers’ Choice Survey.

This year, the questionnaire was available to all readers

through a secure web site. The fi nal tabulations of 25,008 responses this year were done by Madiamark Research Inc. of New York City.

Last August, Cebu was also named 4th best island in Asia by another New York-based maga-zine Travel + Leisure, when it released its World’s Best Awards 2009, a listing of the best hotels, airlines, cruises islands and cit-ies all over the world.

Cebu got a rating of 79.68 points and trailed behind Bali (87.41), Maldives (84.43) and Phuket (80.93).

Cebu maintains rank as 7th best island destination in the world

by Manuel Buencamino“You can fool some of the

people all of the time and those are the ones you want to con-centrate on.” – George W. Bush, Washington, DC, March 31, 2001.

Last week a rheumy-eyed, wheezing, and bulol Joseph Ejercito “Erap” Estrada swore to his loyalists that he was going to run for president again—for their sake, of course.

“This is the last performance of my life and I will not fail you…Sumusumpa ako, si Jo-seph Ejercito Estrada, na lalahok ako sa susunod na halalan upang muling maglingkod sa masang Pilipino bilang pangulo ng Pilipinas.” (“I, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, swear to run in the coming elections so I can serve the masses again, as president of the Philippines.”)

Estrada spoke for about forty minutes. Struggled was more like it. He looked weak, weary, and unfocused. I was afraid he would not fi nish his speech.

But Erap, 72, debunked con-cerns about his health, claiming he felt like he was only forty. Well, he looks forty going on ninety if you ask me.

Is there no one among his dif-ferent families, no one among his friends, cohorts, and political advisers who will dare tell him the stress of campaigning could kill him?

Erap played the victim at the Tondo rally.

“I was demonized then uncon-stitutionally removed.”

He claimed he did not commit any crime.

“If I had sinned against you, I would not have the nerve to stand before you.”

The crowd believed him so I was reminded of a quip by the American social commentator Will Rogers.

“There are three kinds of men. The one that learns by reading. The few who learn by observa-tion. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for

Banking on stupidity and forgetfulness

themselves.” Erap’s hopes for winning the

presidency are riding on those with burnt genitalia.

His loyal followers don’t care that he turned Malacañang into jueteng central, that he earned a commission for arm twisting the GSIS and the SSS into buy-ing stocks in a company owned by his crony, that he opened a dummy bank account for a “friend.” They place more value on his dole-outs.

“He has never forgotten us. Even when he was in jail, his wife and children still sent us canned goods,” said a slum dweller to a reporter from a daily paper.

Erap’s fans won’t accept any suggestion that he screwed up. They won’t admit that if he had only lived up to the promise he made in his inaugural speech—that his presidency would be “the greatest performance” of his life—there would have been no impeachment trial, no Edsa Dos, no Gloria Arroyo, no Garci and everything else that followed.

They don’t realize they have Erap to thank for Gloria Arroyo. And they may be thanking him again in the near future.

If Erap is allowed to run it will be a precedent for Gloria Arroyo to run again in 2016. Maybe that’s why Malacañang strate-gists said they were not going to fi le a disqualifi cation case against Erap.

The Palace, like Erap, banks on a public that never learns, that easily forgets what it’s like to pee on an electric fence. -- From Global News Balita

Neighbouring Sagada is Ifugao, with vast rice terraces that shape the mountains of the region. The oldest rice terraces are 6,000 years old, which is 1,000 years older than the oldest pyramid in Egypt. If put end to end the rice terraces dwarf the Great Wall of China and the rice terraces were not made by using slave labor like most other ancient wonders of the world.

The Banaue Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site. But they are not alone. The Philippines have numerous UNESCO world heritage sites including the Baroque churches of San Agustin Church in Ma-nila, Nuestra Señora de la Asun-cion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, and Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church in Miag-ao, Iloilo. There is also the beauti-ful and historic town of Vigan in Ilocos Sur. Furthermore, there are the natural UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Lastly the Philippines consists of 7,107 beautiful islands. These islands contain remote beaches and amazing

Viewing the Philippines in

a Different Light

Blackberries (duhat)

rock formations as well as other natural wonders like the Choco-late Hills in Bohol, the perfectly conical Mt. Mayon volcano or the stunning Bacuit Bay in El Nido, Palwan. But also on these islands is a range of biodiversity not seen in most other places on the planet. In Romblon, Sibuyan Island is known as the Galapa-gos of Asia as it contains such a diverse range of species which can be found nowhere else on the planet. If you get off these islands and dive into the cool blue-turquoise waters of the Philippines, you may also see some of the richest biodiversity in the world’s seas. The Verde Island Passage has been named as the ‘centre of the centre’ of marine biodiversity in the world. It has over 300 species of corals as well as vast numbers of fi sh that you will not fi nd anywhere else.

With all that this country has to offer I am baffl ed as to why it has been branded in such a nega-tive way by the International me-dia. However, I think that more and more people are starting to discover that there is a different side to the Philippines to the one they have been bombarded with for the past few decades. Those who come to the Philippines to seek out the beauty of this country will not be disappointed. However, fi rst time travellers to the Philippines should beware, just like me and many other foreigners, this amazing country may compel you to stay quite a bit longer than you initially planned.

Asian Journal Oct 30 2009

Documents

Transcript of Asian Journal Oct 30 2009