asian journal february 17-23, 2012 edition

President of US bishops un-leashes his wrath on Obama

Administration .. p. 19Away from God and Community .. p. 11

DOJ starts probe of NBI chief for kidnapping, extortion

Ex-Envoy Arrested

“Becoming a Leader: The Heart and Soul of Leadership”

A bouyant belief in the American Dream. The irrepressible Ernie Delfi n multitasks with his grandaughter as he holds a book on Rizal in one hand and spins the globe with the other

A Scourge and a TravestyBY: CESAR D. CANDARI, MD,

FCAP EMERIITUSOnce upon a time, Mila-

gros Tamboung of Barangay San Roque, Libertad, Antique, would look at the bloom-ing forest canopy of Mount Pinupo in appreciation for the sustenance it provided to her village. Today, Milagros is saddened with the mining activities that many political forces are trying carry to out, despite the inevitable cata-strophic economic and envi-ronmental harm.

This is indeed a tragedy. How can we mitigate environ-mental hazards brought about

by mining in our country? Are there any assurances for mini-mizing such hazards during mining? Can the government monitor the proper implemen-

tation of responsible mining? Do mining fi rms even bother caring about protecting the environment and people? My answer, sad to say, is a re-sounding NO!

The rich people of the Phil-ippines, Cojuangco and Ang (San Miguel Stallwarts) made money on mining, and they made a lot of it. The mining foray bodes especially well for the country, says Mark Mobius, who oversees about $50 billion as executive chair-man of Franklin Templeton

by Ed Punay, Philippine Star | MANILA, Philippines, 2/16/2012 - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has started the preliminary investigation against dismissed National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Magtanggol Gat-dula and other offi cials of the bureau over the alleged kidnapping and extortion of an undocumented Japanese woman last year.

Prosecutor General Claro

Arellano created a three-man panel of state prosecutors to immediately conduct the investigation on the formal complaint fi led recently by the victim, Noriyo Ohara.

The panel composed of As-sistant Prosecutors Juan Pedro Navera, Hazel Decena-Valdez and Irwin Maraya were di-rected to determine if there is probable cause to fi le charges of kidnapping and serious il-legal detention against Gat-dula, dismissed NBI-Security Management Division chief Mario Garcia, his executive offi cer Jose Odelon Cabillan, their assets Chona Elen Es-plana and Virgelito Gutierrez; and Gatdula’s special assistant Raul Dimaano.

Garcia and Esplana would also undergo preliminary investigation for grave coer-cion, falsifi cation and robbery, while Cabillan and Gutierrez were also facing falsifi cation and robbery charges, respec-tively.

The DOJ cited the “interest of service and pursuant to the provisions of existing laws” as basis for the start of the preliminary investigation.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Magtanggol Gatdula (PDI)

Joe SonMsgr. Gutierrez Zena BabaoDance While the

Music’s Playing .. p. 20

February 17-23, 2012

(Continued on page 17)

A Filipino American LegacyGawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning Pilipino Awards goes global

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Anti-Mining In Antique Province, Philippines (Part 2)

Ernie D. Delfi n

Tourist Arrivals from the UK Exceeds 100,000 for the First Time in History

My column for this week is a transcript of my speech delivered before the UCI Sage Scholars of the University of California, Irvine (UCI) on February 7, 2012, about LEADERSHIP.

Thank you for the kind introduction, Melissa. Thank you for this rare privilege to speak before the SAGE Scholars of the University of California, Irvine. My speaking be-fore you tonight is indeed a great honor that came totally unexpected as a priceless gift, especially considering my personal and peculiar background. I still vividly remember my early years in the USA, be-fore all of your were born, when I was a controller of a big hospital in Los Angeles, when I went to the com-pany’s Speech Pathologist, and asked: “Dr. Jones, I always wanted to improve myself to be able to succeed in this country, how do I get rid of my accent? And the wise doctor said, Ernie that is very easy to do, JUST GO BACK HOME TO THE PHILIPPINES!” …. But I never went back home to stay , except a dozen or more vacation trips to the land of my birth. For you to appreciate more with what I will share you tonight, with your indulgence, please allow me to briefl y tell you about myself and the million miles journey that I have travelled the last half a century of my life, up to this conference hall where we are gathered now by your kind invitation.

I was born in a farming village where there was no electricity until I was in the elemen-tary grades when one of the most visionary presidents of the USA, Pres. John F. Kennedy

For the fi rst time in history, tour-ism arrivals from the United Kingdom reached 104,466 in 2011, 7.78% higher than the registered visi-tors of 96,925 in 2010. Arrivals from the United Kingdom contributed to a record-breaking 3.917 million foreign visitors to the Philippines in 2011.

In the face of the economic downturn

experienced across Europe, the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) London tirelessly implements innovative promo-

tional projects and marketing campaigns to drive tourists to the country.

In 2011, PDOT London assisted and organized no less than three dozen individual familiarization,

press and fi lming trips for TV personali-ties, journalists and photographers. The

MANILA, Philippines - Former ambassador Francisco “Paqui” Ortigas III was arrested yesterday by the police on a complaint of con-cubinage fi led by Madrigal heiress Susana Bayot, his wife of 43 years.

Ortigas, 67, was arrested by opera-

tives of the Southern Metro Manila-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) armed with a warrant of arrest issued by Pasig Metropoli-tan Trial Court Branch 72 Judge Joy Nerves Casihan-Dumlao.

The former ambassador to Mexico had just come from a meeting with his lawyers at the Tektite Towers at the family-developed Ortigas business district in Pasig City when policemen led by Chief Inspector Bernouly Abalos picked him up.

Abalos said Ortigas and his lawyers Alfred Molo and Elizabeth Loriega voluntarily went with them to work on posting bail of P10,000 for his temporary liberty.

Susana Bayot; “Paqui” (inset)

Worldwide search for Fili-pino organizations

doing extraordinary service kicks off this

month

REDWOOD CITY, CA, February 10, 2012 – “Where there are Filipinos, there are heroes, and it’s time to honor them.”

With this campaign line, fi rm belief and an internation-al network of regional teams in place to make it happen, the Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Baya-ning Pilipino Awards is going global this year, the fi rst time since its inception in 1994.

“It is a huge and momentous

initiative to reach out to Filipinos all over the world and recognize their

“The government should not force Americans to act as if pregnancy were a disease to be avoided at all costs.” -- Cardinal Timothy Dolan

Geny Lopez, Jr.

February 17-23, 2012Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.com

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British Tour-ists ..

(Continued from page 1)results speak for itself. TV celebrities like Carol McGiffi n of Loose Women, Camilla Andersen of Travel Channel and Profes-sor Brian Cox experienced the numerous attractions of the country and raved about it online, on magazines, and on their respec-tive shows with entire episodes devoted to the Philippines.

PDOT London also embarked on multi-platform advertising campaigns to raise awareness for the destination in the UK: the most prominent are the 50 London taxi cabs and four Route-master buses carrying the Philippines tourism banner. Numer-ous competitions were also run on TV and broadsheets like the ‘Holiday of a Lifetime’ aired over Travel Channel, with 300 30-second spots for a month.

The offi ce also focused on strengthening its core activity markets. Diving public-ity for the Philippines was at an all-time high with the destination almost a constant feature on Dive, Diver and Sport Diver magazines every month. Almost all UK diving operators that specialise in Asia report that the Philippines is in their top fi ve selling destinations.

Another integral part of PDOT London’s projects is its internet marketing strategy, with its social media accounts generating massive interest. Members of the Tour-ism Philippines UK Facebook Fan Page exceeded 7,500 last year and video views

on Youtube totalled 200,000. The highly-successful website, tourismphilippines.co.uk generated 286,120 page views last year and each month, the e-newsletter reaches 12,000 consumers, travel trade and media subscribers.

PDOT London fostered stronger relation-ships with the travel trade by implementing more joint-promotional activities in 2011 than in recent years. The offi ce conducted staff training for Audley Travel, Black To-mato, Kenwood Travel, Kuoni and Luxury Holidays. Further sales calls and meetings were also held with over two dozen opera-tors throughout the year at trade events like the PATA Exchange and Taste of PATA. Many operators were also invited to the country for special events such as the Phil-ippine Travel Exchange and Dive Seafari, resulting in the inclusion of the destination in their brochures.

Trade and consumer shows proved very effective for PDOT London with the country garnering massive exposure. The Philippines is usually nominated as the des-tination of choice by attendees at various events like the London Dive Show, Dive Birmingham, Destinations Holiday and Travel Show and the World Travel Market, to name a few. At these shows, huge quanti-ties of promotional DVDs, destination fl yers, maps and brochures, all produced by the offi ce, are distributed.

This sustained drive of PDOT London to implement the most effective marketing program, especially with the new tourism brand campaign --- “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” will hopefully see tourism arrivals in 2012 even higher.

By: Aurora Vega-Buzon

Twenty years ago, Abel who was 20 years old, entered the United States using his cousin’s passport which has a United States visa. They looked alike and were the same age. He overstayed his tourist stay but went home after one year. Ten years later, Abel re-entered the United States on a student visa, now using his real name. He later married his classmate, a United States citizen. They submitted a spouse petition and Abel’s adjustment application for permanent residence. During the interview, and thinking that it hap-pened so long ago, Abel disclosed having entered the United States using his cousin’s passport and identity.

Five years ago, Marcela entered the United States on a valid one year tourist visa and was given three months of authorized stay. It was before Thanksgiving at the start of the holiday season, and her aunt told her she can get her a part-time job at the big discount store in New York where she (aunt) worked. Marcela fi lled out an application form and upon her aunt’s direction put “U.S.” in the box asking for her citizenship. After the holidays, the store decided to hire Marcela permanently and was again asked to fi ll up some forms – this time, the immigration form I-9. Marcela also started dating a handsome co-worker and within the year, they got married. The spouse

petition fi led by her husband was approved, but Marcela’s adjustment application was denied. USCIS investigation revealed that in the I-9 (the second form Marcela fi lled-up), Marcela checked the box for “U.S. Citizen or National.”

Abel’s misrepresentation twenty years ago constituted visa fraud. Marcela’s misrepresentation is more serious – a false claim to United States citizenship.

Visa Fraud. A United States visa is a document, obtained at any United States embassy or consulate, grant-ing a non-U.S. traveler permission to apply for admission into the United States at a port of entry. A United States visa authorizes the border of-fi cial to grant the alien holder entry into the United States, but does not guarantee entry into the United States.

An alien who, by fraud or will-fully misrepresenting a material fact, seeks to procure or has sought to procure of has procured a visa, other documentation or entry into the U.S. or other benefi t provided under the Immigration and Nation-ality Act (INA), is inadmissible. This “misrepresentation of material fact” is visa fraud. Other forms or types of visa fraud include: the sale or transfer of otherwise legitimate visas, misrepresentation of reasons for traveling, or forgery or altera-tion of a visa. Common visa frauds are lying in visa applications, or in answering questions at the port of

entry; using someone’s identity or name; presenting a false green card or claiming to be a green card holder at the port of entry; denying that one has children and omitting their names in applications for immigrant or non-immigrant visas; etc.

A misrepresentation is material if disclosure of the truth would have led to an investigation that might have uncovered facts warranting denial of a visa. “Material misrep-resentation” is determined on a case by case basis, and the issue of mate-riality relates to the person’s state of mind. In certain cases, as in Abel’s case, a waiver of inadmissibility is available as a relief to cure his visa fraud committed twenty years ago.

False Claim to United States Citizenship. Falsely claiming U.S. citizenship is where a person falsely represents or has falsely represented himself/herself to be a United States citizen to obtain a benefi t under the Immigration Act or any other federal or state law. Examples of falsely claiming U.S. citizenship include: representing to an employer that one is authorized to work in the United States by stating that one is a United States citizen; marking off an I-9 Employment Form that states “U.S. Citizen” after 2009 (I-9 forms prior to August 7, 2009 states “U.S. Citizen or National and there is case law holding that checking this box is not necessarily a false claim to U.S. citizenship); and replying “U.S.”

Visa Fraud and False Claim to United States Citizenship

to a question regarding citizenship or country – to a policeman, or im-migration offi cer at the border.

A false claim to United States citizenship is a ground for inad-missibility, and is a permanent bar to admission to the United States, under present laws. This means that an alien found to have made a false claim to United States citizenship is forever barred from immigrating to the United States. What’s more – it is also a ground for deport-ability. Unlike visa frauds, there is NO waiver available for false claims to citizenship. Alien appli-cants, as well as green card holders/permanent residents, should be very careful in their representations about their citizenship in any forms, including private employment ap-plications.

Atty. Aurora Vega-Buzon is a partner in Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law fi rm with offi ces in San Francisco, San Diego and Philippines. 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; [email protected]

Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.comFebruary 17-23, 2012


Posted by Say No to Greed, Face-book on 2/11/2012

Chief Justice Renato Corona wants to project the image that he is a loving husband to his wife, Cristina. The fact is, the Chief Justice has not only betrayed the public trust but most importantly, has betrayed his marital vow.

If the Chief Justice is man enough, He should admit the fact that he has a long-standing romantic relation-ship with a gentle lady named EVA with whom the Chief Justice has two (2) illegitimate sons. EVA also hails from Batangas and had her education from Assumption Col-lege just like his wife Cristina who also graduated earlier from the same school.

For Chief Justice Renato C. Co-rona not to mention his children with EVA as if they do not exist at all, is the highest form of ignominy and immorality that he can commit not only against his legitimate wife and family but against his oath as the highest magistrate of the land.

An inquiry into his relationship with EVA and his illegitimate chil-dren in connection with the on-going impeachment trial becomes ex-tremely necessary in the light of the properties given by the Chief Justice to them. EVA, who has previously undergone a heart bypass operation,

is known not to have worked from the time she had this romantic liai-son with the Chief Justice nor does she have any known business of her own and yet, EVA is luxuriously living in the United States, together with her two (2) illegitimate children with the good Chief Justice.

The SALN of CJ Corona does not

indicate any such properties.And the reason for the frequent

trips of CJ Corona to the United States, the latest of which was late last year, was to visit EVA and his children with her. That CJ Corona could afford to support the kind of luxurious lifestyle of EVA and her children in the U.S. is certainly for the Chief Justice to explain consider-ing his small salary.

A simple investigation on the iden-tity and circumstances of EVA can easily be done by a simple inquisi-tion in Batangas as well as from the classmates, relatives and friends of EVA and of CJ Corona.

I know these facts because EVA is a relative of mine and it pains me immensely to see the Chief Justice professing his love for Cristina on nationwide television when he has confessed to my relative that he loves her far more than his wife. In fact, the Chief Justice made EVA believe that he was already separated from his wife Cristina. This probably explains why for the longest time, the Chief Justice has not reported in his SALN the fact of Cristina's working in government and the fact that Cristina has not signed the SALNs as his wife.

Betrayal of public trust? This is a small matter than what the Chief

Justice has done to his wife and family which constitutes the highest form of immoral act - BETRAYAL OF MARITAL TRUST.

Real name of CJ Corona's girl-friend - Eva Auria; She hails from Rosario, Batangas; She graduated from Assumption College (not from Maryknoll College) She has two (2) sons with CJ Corona who are now in their teens; She is residing now in the United States. CJ Corona's wife, Cristina, knows about the elicit re-lationship of her husband with Eva. To know more about the details on Eva, a simple investigation of Eva's background in Rosario Batangas and Assumption College would elicit the necessary informations. Eva has plenty of properties in the US. They keep secret the exact address. The bagman of CJ Corona (who facilitates the transfer of funds from Corona to Eva is "Abet" who is a relative by affi nity of Eva, being married to a stepsister of Eva. (The wife of Abet has the same mother as Eva but different Fathers). The biggest delivery to Eva involves the bribe money given by the Aguirres of Banco Filipino.

If the bank accounts of CJ Corona and his wife are opened, it will not be a surprise to see a running bal-ance of not less than P200M. The bribe from the owner of the previ-ously closed alone was a whopping P200M. And most money went to Eva through the Assistance of Abet.

The sons of Corona carry the name of the mother. But CJ Corona has openly recognized Ate Eva's sons as his. A simple search at the NSO using "Renato C. Corona" would readily reveal this. For a time, when Eva was still in the Philippines, Renato and Eva lived as husband and wife. In fact, all our relatives in Rosario, Batangas and in the United States, knew the long-standing relationship. We all thought that Renato was already separated from Cristina. Some of Renato's relatives in Tanuan, Batangas where he hailed from, know about this relation-ship. Some friends of Renato have seen the 2 sons and have been their ninongs. All our relatives thought really that Renato will never deny his relationship with Ate Eva. Sana hindi nya gagawin iyon kasi kawawa sya at ang mga bata.

By: PedestrianObserverGB

Betrayal Of Public, Este, Marital TrustFantasy Land

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

by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.

By Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Publisher & EditorAsian Journal San DiegoThe Original and First Asian Jour-

nal in America

Chapter 21There was a small item in the

newspaper that caught the attention of President Lino Majeras. It was about a government–owned corpora-tion that was generous in providing housing for its employees. It was clearly a press release from the cor-poration, boasting of its generosity in taking care of its people.

The item intrigued President Ma-jeras. He remembered that just a few days ago, a report passed his desk about the huge losses being incurred by the said corporation. How come it had a liberal housing program for its workers? Majeras became curious. He asked his executive secretary to give him back the report to study it further. Together with his staff, they perused over it. They found out that reason for the huge losses was the fact it had been generous to its employees. Moreover, the fi rm had a lot of other frivolous expenses. For instance, the employees and the board of directors could avail of housing, car and other loans that were so cheap they were way below the prevailing interest rates offered by the banks. All the members of the board as well as department heads had cars provided for them by the company for free, with gasoline expenses way above the normal use also paid for by the fi rm. The repre-sentation expenses were so liberal that practically all the lunches and dinners of the offi cials were subsi-dized by the corporation under the guise of “promotional expenses to generate business for the company”. Even trips abroad by the offi cials

and employees were way beyond the normal standards. The excuses for such trips were purportedly to conduct study tours on how to im-prove the operation of the company. And the bonuses! They were so huge they were practically double, if not triple the salaries of the offi cials and employees which were already way above those of the private fi rms. Clearly, the offi cials and employees were fl eecing the corporations’ fi -nances dry. In due time, the corpo-ration would go bankrupt, with its blood sucked away by the people working in and running it.

President Lino Majeras and his staff went one step farther and studied the operations of the other government-owned fi rms. They were shocked to discover the same corrupt policies being practiced there. It was as if somebody opened wide the government’s fi nancial vaults and threw away the keys. Everyone was helping themselves with the govern-ment money at the expense of the public who owned them.

At fi rst he thought only the elec-tive offi cials were corrupt: the senators, congressmen, governors, mayors and councilors. They were the ones who were approving the budgets for themselves and others, and they were susceptible to bribery and overpricing of government fi nanced projects. Even the projects fi nanced not by the government but also by other entities like the foun-dations and foreign countries were also overpriced, with the excess funds going to the pockets of the ap-proving parties despite the stringent fi scal procedures imposed by the donors and fi nanciers.

It was even reported to him that the corruption had gone down to the level of the barangays, the lowest branch of government in the country.

The barangay concept was the brainchild of a detective in the met-ropolitan city, Pablo Fernando, who picked up the idea during a study tour in Australia. He proposed divid-ing the city into districts, with a ba-rangay chairman and his kagawads (councilmen) ruling over the do-main, enforcing the implementation of the city ordinances and serving as liaisons to the city government. At fi rst the offi cials were appointed and given small allowances during Christmas time. Eventually they were elected and given salaries. The elections of barangay offi cials had become hotly-contested just like the elections of the offi cials in the higher echelons of the government. This was because there were a lot of moneys to be made. Unknown to the public, there was always a tacit agreement with the mayor for the offi cials to get a percentage of the public projects being done in their district, in the same manner that the practice was being done in the municipal, provincial and national level.

“Bale wala ang suweldo namin (Our salary is nothing),” one ba-rangay offi cial boasted. “We get so much from our ‘cuts’ in the projects that it is worth spending thousands, if not millions, of pesos for our elec-tion campaigns.”

Because of the discovery, Presi-dent Majeras ordered the elimination of the corrupt practices. He had the law books reviewed and checked if there were any existing laws being violated. He found the laws wanting, and proposed new laws that would curb the loopholes for his allies in Congress and the Senate to pass.

The effects on the operations of the government fi rms and the agen-cies directly under the offi ce of the president were drastic. The entities were forced to operate within their means. If they consistently incurred losses, they were required to cut down on expenses, like for instance eliminating several positions. Huge bonuses were banned, representation expenses were scrutinized. The offi -cials, especially the appointed ones, found serving in the board un-lucra-tive. They quit and looked for other endeavors to enrich themselves. They found nothing and eventually had to work honestly to survive. The true public servants, those with integrity eventually took over the realms of the corporations and other agencies. The corporations also

became profi table and started truly serving the public, the very purpose they were organized for. AJ

Editor’s note: As you may have noticed, my articles had not been published for the past several weeks. This was because I went to the Philippines to cover some events, conduct interviews and do researches as part of my duties as editor and publisher of this paper. I will try my best to write and publish the continuation of this series in the following weeks. - SGS

(To read the previous and weekly installments of this series, visit www.asianjournalusa.com. Once there, click the “Editorials” head-ing, then click “Fantasy Land by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.” title to see the list of all previous chapters of the series. Click the title of the chapter you want to read and the article will appear.)

A Can of WormsFantasy Land, Chapter 21


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CHULA VISTA -- Southwestern College’s Acting Chief of Police Robert Sanchez has formalized an agreement with the A Child Is Missing alert program to assist local search efforts for missing children, elderly, college students, and other persons who may be mentally or physically challenged or disabled.

Upon receipt of a missing person call, Southwestern Police procedure will now involve calling A Child Is Missing, which will use its database and mapping system to contact nearby registered users within minutes with a message detailing the missing person’s description and last known whereabouts. The message will also include a Southwestern College Police Department phone number to be called by anyone who has information regarding the loca-tion of the missing person.

Phone numbers that are called by this program include listed numbers available to A Child Is Missing in the selected area. To enter your cell phone, unlisted, broadband/voice over IP or TDD/TYY device number, please visit www.swccd.edu/police and click on the “Sign Up for A Child Is Missing Alert” link or www.achildismissing.org. This information will only be used for emergency message alerts.

A Child Is Missing is a nationwide non-profi t organization that helps law enforcement agencies locate missing children, missing elderly, college students and missing persons who are mentally or physically chal-lenged or disabled.

###

Southwestern College Police

Connect with “A Child Is Missing”

Alert Program

How can a community success-fully address the issues that affect youth and create structures for safe-ty, opportunity, and deeper connec-tion between generations and among cultural groups? The answer lies in listening to the collective voice of the next generation and building partnerships that provide accessible and relevant solutions.

“Silence is Worse than Violence: A Youth Town Hall Meeting” opens an important conversation in south-eastern San Diego between young people, adults, community leaders and service providers on Friday, March 2, at 6 p.m. at the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center, 404 Euclid Avenue.

The need for this community conversation was sparked by several recent incidents in southeastern San Diego involving young people from various cultural, ethnic, and neigh-borhood groups.

“The teenagers of this community want to feel safe. They want to know their role in building the future, and to understand and create oppor-tunities for positive change,” said Sherehe Hollins, program manager for Civic & Cultural Engagement at the Jacobs Center for Neighbor-hood Innovation. “So, a group of young leaders decided to come together across cultural groups to voice their concerns about the grow-ing atmosphere of hostility, and to address these issues in a way that is not problem-based, but solutions-based.”

The town hall will lay the founda-tion for a plan that actively engages youth in leadership development and civic and cultural participation to address needs and take ownership of the solutions.

A panel of multicultural residents between the ages of 14-19 will discuss some of the most pressing issues and challenges they face in Southeastern San Diego and share possible solutions for overcom-ing these challenges. The goal is to foster specifi c outcomes that require involvement, commitment, and

shared resources between those in attendance.

Hollins said, “Students in our community have fi ve key areas of concern: education, employment, safety, health, and recreation. Our hope is that this town hall launches a network that connects teens to resources and creates understanding between groups to prevent future violence.”

The meeting will also feature a presentation by Kevin Powell, a na-tionally recognized activist, writer, speaker, and entrepreneur who understands the issues of growing up in an under-invested community from his own childhood. Powell has focused his work on the importance of fostering youth voice, leadership and organizing, as well as providing solutions for strengthening commu-nities by meaningfully engaging the next generation.

The town hall is open to all southeastern San Diego adults and youth, youth-serving agencies, community organizations, political leaders, business leaders, and educa-tors. It is being co-sponsored by the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, San Diego City Council President Anthony Young, the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego, the Elementary Institute of Science, and CHOICES Inc.

The Jacobs Center for Neighbor-hood Innovation has been working in the southeastern San Diego neigh-borhoods since 1997 to support resi-dents in owning and driving change in their community. A major focus of their work has been cultivating the collective voice of the com-munity across generations, cultural groups, and neighborhoods.

To learn more about the town hall, contact Sherehe Hollins at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood In-novation, 619-527-6161, ext. 262.

###

March 2 Town Hall Harnesses the Collective Voice of Youth

to Address Current Issues and Create Community Change

The newly launched San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy has a new tool in its effort to highlight the cause of saving endangered species: a short video that can service as a public service announcement. The video (http://bit.ly/yjA6Bq), created by Selim Mete, was se-lected from an online process that invited video producers from around the world to create a segment that inspires conserva-tion. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Con-servancy partnered with Poptent, a global video production company that produces crowdsourced videos through a social net-work of more than 40,000 videographers in over 140 countries, to develop the video. The selected video highlights the important relationship between children and wildlife.

“The concept of wildlife conservation is a complex one,” said Debra Erickson, San Diego Zoo Global’s director of com-munications. “The video submitted by Mr. Mete delivered a strong, emotional message concisely in a short video, perfect for a public service announcement.”

The video selected was one of over 70 submitted online through Poptent. It is hoped that broadcasting this video will help raise the profi le of Wildlife Conser-vancy efforts to bring endangered species back from the brink of extinction.

“The San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy has an important global mis-sion, and we are very pleased that Poptent was able to facilitate development of a compelling video segment refl ecting the importance of conservation,” said Neil Perry, Poptent president.

The winning video depicts a child playing with his toy animals. The animals begin to disappear, one by one, from his play set. This upsets him, but his tears turn

to joy when the animals are reintroduced. Through this depiction, the video addresses the concern of which species will be left for future generations.

“It is a privilege not only to work with the Wildlife Conservancy but to really get something out there that conveys the im-portance of preserving wildlife for future generations,” said Selim Mete. “While I was super excited to get word that the spot was selected, this goes beyond traditional video work toward building awareness in the bigger picture of the need for preserva-tion.”

More information about the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy can be found on its website, www.sandiegozoo-global.org. In addition to information about the Conservancy’s wildlife conserva-tion work, the website features a live web camera in a California condor nest. The dynamic content available online at www.sandiegozooglobal.org gives visitors to the site access to content used by conserva-tion researchers to better understand the wildlife they study, including a comical time-lapse video of a family of nine bur-

San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy Selects Public Ser-vice Announcement to Highlight Emotion of Saving Species

rowing owls - seven chicks and the parents - busying themselves at the opening to their burrow.

About Poptent: Poptent (www.poptentmedia.com) is

a crowdsourced video production company for Fortune 500 brands and agencies, pro-ducing commercials and other video assets through a powerful social network of more than 40,000 videographers in over 140 countries. Poptent’s marketing and social networking professionals work with clients to develop high quality commercials and other video assets at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods for both online and offl ine use. Brands who “Poptent” their videos get the benefi t of reviewing numer-ous video executions, then choosing the perfect videos for their needs. Poptent cre-ators benefi t through the industry network-ing and other resources available to them at Poptent, and by having their work seen, reviewed and potentially purchased by leading brands and ad agencies. Founded in 2007, Poptent’s principal offi ces are in Southern California and suburban Phila-delphia, with regional sales offi ces in New

York, Chicago, and other key US markets. The company also opened an offi ce in Sao Paulo, Brazil in mid-2011.

The San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy is dedicated to bringing endangered species back from the brink of extinction. The work of the Conservancy includes onsite wildlife conservation ef-forts at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, and international fi eld programs in more than 35 coun-tries. In addition, San Diego Zoo Global manages the Anne and Kenneth Griffi n Reptile Conservation Center, the Frozen ZooTM and Native Seed Gene Bank, the Keauhou and Maui Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Centers, San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike Breeding Facility, Co-cha Cashu Biological Research Station, the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center, and a 900-acre biodiversity reserve adjacent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The important conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego.

County Public Auction Set for February 18

WHAT: Several autos, televisions,

laptops, furniture and many more items will be up for bid during an auction hosted by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Public Administrator/Public Guardian (PA/PG).

Media is invited to preview auc-tion items during the week before the auction. Photos of items for sale are available on the PA/PG website at www.papg.org. Please call the number above to make arrange-ments.

WHEN: Saturday, February 18, 2011, 8:00 a.m.—Viewing of items

Autos, Televisions, Laptops And More

Up For BidConstruction to Begin Febru-ary 5, Lane Opening February

23 SAN DIEGO — U.S. Customs and

Border Protection offi cials will open a pilot pedestrian Ready Lane at the Otay Mesa port of entry on February 23. Similar to the existing vehicle Ready Lanes, any traveler with an approved document that has Radio Frequency Identifi cation (RFID) technology can use the lane for a faster border cross-ing.

The pedestrian Ready Lane will oper-ate from 4 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Docu-ments that may be used in the Ready Lane are: the U.S. passport card, Trust-ed Traveler cards (SENTRI/ FAST/Global Entry) and the newer versions of the legal permanent resident and laser visa/border crossing cards issued after 2008. All travelers over 16 years

of age must possess an RFID-enabled card to use the lane.

“This pilot will allow us to test the best ways to leverage existing technol-ogy to shorten processing times for travelers crossing the border on foot,” said Chris Maston, director of Field Operations in San Diego. “At CBP, we are committed to continuing to fi nd ways to make our border safer and more effi cient.”

CBP is installing three new kiosks at the Otay Mesa border crossing for the pedestrian Ready Lane. Travelers eli-gible to use the pedestrian Ready Lane will approach the facility from the left, in a separate line from general travelers with non-Ready Lane documents.

When a traveler approaches the kiosk they will scan their document, allowing it to be read electronically before they approach the inspection booth. This allows the CBP offi cer to receive the traveler’s information in advance, allowing for faster processing while enhancing overall security.

Pilot Pedestrian Ready Lane Coming to Otay MesaCBP offi cers need real-time access to

a traveler’s information to make a rapid and thorough admissibility decision. By receiving the information in ad-vance after the traveler scans their own document at the kiosk, the CBP offi cer can focus on the individual instead, improving offi cer safety and allowing for faster processing.

A slightly different expedited pedes-trian processing system using approved Western Hemisphere Initiative travel documents is already in place and be-ing tested in El Paso, Texas at the Paso del Norte pedestrian crossing. The results from the pilot in El Paso and the pilot at Otay Mesa will help CBP deter-mine if the systems merit widespread and national usage.

Vehicle Ready Lanes have proven effective at improving throughput by 20-25 percent which translates into shorter overall crossing times, benefi t-ing travelers.



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Asian Journal San Diego

ASIAN JOURNALThe fi rst 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 distrib-uted in all Asian communties in San Diego County. Publication date is every Friday of the month. Adver-tising 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 photo-graphs but welcomes submissions. Entire content is © 2012 copyrighted material by Asian Journal. Materi-als in this publication may not be reproduced without specifi c permission from the publisher.

Genevieve SilverioManaging Editor

Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Publisher & Editor

Miles BeauchampAssociate Editor

Santi SilverioAssociate Publisher

At Large...

Miles is Assistant to the Dean and Assistant Professor in the Shirley Hufstedler School of Education at Alliant International University where he teaches new media and diverse writing courses. He has been with the Asian Journal since the 1990’s.

by Miles Beauchamp, PhD

by Dr. Ofelia Dirige Founder, President & CEO Kalusugan

Community Services. www.fi lamwellness.org

Contemporary Asian American Issues

Perspectives

FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company and the Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation/Safe Kids Vietnam recently organized a ‘PHOTO-VOICE’ photography exhibition to promote pedestrian safety from the point of view of children. More than 100 photos taken by eight students at Nguyen Minh Quang Primary School were chosen to be showcased in the exhibit.

PHOTOVOICE uses photogra-

phy as a medium to promote social change and improve quality of life in the community. It has been success-fully implemented as part of the Safe Kids program in seven major world cities: Sao Paolo, Brazil; Toronto, Canada; Shanghai, China; Mumbai, India; Seoul, South Korea; and Ma-nila, Philippines.

In Vietnam, the PHOTOVOICE project was launched in Octo-ber 2010 at Nguyen Minh Quang Primary School, District 9, Ho Chi

Minh City. A group of 16 students from Grade 4 and Grade 5 were selected to participate in photogra-phy training and pedestrian safety education. After completing two training courses, eight students were invited to join a research fi eld trip and take pictures. Each student submitted at least 10 photos for display in the exhibition with summaries regarding what type of improve-ments are necessary to ensure a safer commu-nity for children and pedestrians. During the exhibition, FedEx and AIP Foundation representatives also gave prizes for the “Three Best Traffi c Safety Pho-tos” and “Three Best Traffi c Safety Photos Comments.”

A child’s point of view

“FedEx is pleased to be supporting the PHOTOVOICE project as part of the Walk This Way program. It is an opportunity for children to express themselves and communicate their opinions about the environment using photography and words,” said Mr. Nguyen Duy Binh, Senior Country Manager Indochina, Chief Representative of FedEx Vietnam. “Each picture gives a child’s point of view on the issue of traffi c and pedestrian safety. Together with the Traffi c Safety Park located in Dong Nai and the E-learning program for schools of which FedEx is also a proud sponsor, we believe that this PHOTOVOICE exhibition will do much to educate primary school students and the community about pedestrian safety,” added Mr, Binh.

“We are delighted that AIP Foun-dation/Safe Kids Vietnam and FedEx have launched PHOTOVOICE in Vietnam where there is such a strong need for traffi c and pedestrian safety education. We believe this project will help to educate children about pedestrian and road traffi c safety”, said Mirjam Sidik, Executive Direc-tor of the AIP Foundation/Safe Kids Vietnam. “Looking at the results of the PHOTOVOICE project in seven other countries, I am confi dent that this program will be a great success in implementing change and starting dialogue on global road safety.”

About Safe Kids Walk This Way

The Walk This Way program was created by Safe Kids Worldwide and FedEx in the United States in 1999. The program has worked with more than a million students and thou-sands of schools in Brazil, Canada, China, India, Korea, Philippines and the United States. Walk This Way is

a multifaceted program that includes education, safety task forces that make environmental improve-ments to areas where children walk, research and law enforcement --all working to promote child pedestrian safety.

FedEx, the exclusive corporate sponsor of the Safe Kids Walk This Way program, provides safety expertise and assists in the collec-tion of research data to document the problems faced by child pedestrians. With FedEx fi nancial assistance, Safe Kids Worldwide also helps fund pedestrian safety task forces in high-risk areas. FedEx volunteers conduct classroom education, escort children to and from school on International Walk to School Day and serve on school-based pedestrian safety com-mittees. Every year, more than 2,000 FedEx volunteers in 200 communi-ties around the world work with Safe Kids to keep children safe. For more information visit: www.usa.

safekids.org/wtw. Safe Kids Worldwide and the Asia

Injury Prevention Foundation Safe Kids Worldwide is a global

network of organizations whose mis-sion is to prevent accidental child-hood injury, a leading killer of chil-dren fourteen and under. More than

450 coalitions in nineteen countries bring to-gether health and safety experts, educators, corporations, foundations, govern-

ments and volunteers to educate and protect families. The organization is dedicated to the prevention of unin-tentional injuries such as road traffi c injuries, falls, burns, drowning and poisoning.

The Asia Injury Prevention Foundation (AIP Foundation) is a nonprofi t organization dedicated to combating the epidemic levels of road traffi c crash fatalities in the developing world. Its milestone

achievements in Vietnam have led to regional expansion in Cambo-dia and Thailand. AIP Foundation owns and operates Protec Helmets, the world’s fi rst ‘helmet business for social progress,’ a commercial operation wherein all profi ts are put back into AIP Foundation’s commu-nity programs. The helmet operation designs and produces high quality, affordable ‘tropical’ helmets, also used in its signature Helmets for Kids program.

PHOTOVOICE

The PHOTOVOICE method has been successfully adopted as a tool for community needs assessment, research and advocacy. It is a meth-odology which uses photography to reveal everyday social and political realities that infl uence people’s lives. It aims to reach, inform, and orga-nize community members, enabling them to prioritize their concerns and discuss problems and solutions, and to promote policy changes focused on social well-being.

Reference: www.PHOTOVOICE.com

FedEx and Safe Kids Vietnam Promoting Pedestrian Safety

Filipino Americans take pride in good-tasting food, yet many continue to pre-

pare the dishes in the traditional methods that are very high in fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar.

Kalusugan Community Services be-lieves in “holistic eating” or consum-ing, shopping, cooking and dining on healthy food at home and in the outside environment. Just as “holistic care” is defi ned as comprehensive or total care that considers the whole person (mind, body and spirit) or considers the physical, mental, social, fi nancial, and spiritual needs of a per-son, so KCS also promotes holistic eating.

Healthy eating starts with healthy shopping and then healthy cook-ing. This article will concentrate on healthy cooking as part of healthy eating. In KCS’s revised book, “GLOBAL FILIPINO CUISINE: HEALTHY RECIPES”, the authors, Dr. Dirige, Oades, Cudal and Clau-dio, featured 100 modifi ed Filipino recipes from Filipino-American (FilAm) chefs, FilAm

restaurant owners, Healthy Eating Campaign Advocates, and dietitians from the FilAm Dietetic Association. These recipes were modifi ed in fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar.

Modifying Filipino dishes to obtain the authentic taste takes practice and some effort. But after you have done it, the steps becomes easier and easier. An example is the “Chicken

Adobo” recipe that was modifi ed by Amy Domingo, NUTRI-FIT Coordi-nator that is found in the book.

According to Claudio, Joves and Ruiz, adobo, which is the national dish of the Philippines and the best known Filipino dish, is a product of Spanish infl uence. In Spanish cuisine, adobo refers to a pickling sauce made with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, oregano, paprika and salt. Filipinos selected their favorite fl avors—vinegar, garlic and bay leaf along with peppercorns, and more recently, soy sauce, and used it for a stewing sauce for chicken and/or pork and gave it the Spanish name, adobo. There are many regional or individual variations of adobo and this is just one of them but they all taste delicious especially when eaten with rice.

ADOBONG MANOK (MARINATED CHICKEN STEW)_____

Yield: 4 servings Serving size: 3 oz chicken, boneless, skinless

_____

Ingredients:1Tbsp olive oil

¼ cup vinegar2 whole fresh garlic, minced

1 Tbsp black ground pepper2 whole onions, chopped

1Tbsp bay leaves1 lb chicken breast or thigh, no

skin, cut into pieces 1 tsp paprika

2 Tbsps light soy sauce 1-2 red tomatoes for garnish

Preparation:• Combine olive oil, garlic

and onions in a pan.• Add chicken; cook until

brown.

• Add liquid and dry ingredi-ents and stir

• Bring to a boil; simmer until chicken is done.

• Continue to boil the sauce in the uncovered pan until volume is reduced

To half and the sauce is thick.• Garnish adobo with fresh

red tomatoes if desired

Nutrition Information:Calories: 214

Total Fat: 5 g Diet Exchanges per serving:Protein: 28 g

Cholesterol: 66 mg 3 meat, leanCarbohydrates: 12 g

Sodium: 367 mg ½ fat ½ vegetable, non-starchy As seen from the nutrient

analysis, it is low in calories, fat, cholesterol and salt. The allowance for salt each day is 2300 mg so that 367mg is only 16% of total recom-mendation. It was low in fat and cholesterol because she used only a small amount of fat (1 Tbsp) for sau-téing, used chicken breast and thigh (not wings) and removed the skin.

Her choice of olive oil was excellent as it is high in monounsaturated fat. The low sodium is due to the use of light soy sauce (green label). She also increased vegetable intake by adding red tomatoes as garnish. You may also add vegetables to some of the meat or fi sh dishes that you cook to increase your vegetable intake.

The list below shows some alter-natives that are lower in fat, salt, cholesterol and sugar that you can substitute for the ingredients that are higher in the four items mentioned.

INSTEAD OF……. USE……

======Whole milk

Skim or 1% milkCheese, cream cheese, sour cream

Lower fat versions; low fat yogurtMayonnaise or salad dressing

Nonfat or light mayonnaise or salad dressing

Butter and margarine Vegetable oil: canola, olive, soybean, peanut

Regular bouillon or broth Low fat versions

White rice or white bread Brown rice or whole wheat bread

Meat (beef or pork) Lean meat, tofu, beans

Patis Dilute with water or vinegar

Bagoong Strain and wash under water; squeeze before use.

Pastries, cakes Angel Food cake; fruit

Ice Cream Sherbets and ice milk

THE GLOBAL FILIPINO CUI-SINE contains many ideas on how to lower fat, cholesterol, salt and sugar not only during cooking but also to consider this while shopping at the supermarket and dining out. The wisest recommendation is to choose foods that are lower in the food items mentioned (fat, salt, cholesterol, and sugar) and use substitutes such as sugar sweeteners, egg substitutes, low fat and low salt foods, and fruits packed in their own juice instead of sugar. New information about the Dietary Guidelines 2010 and the “Choose My Plate” concept that replaced the Food Guide Pyramid are also found in great detail in the book. Many news discoveries are coming out every day so we should be alert to the changes that occur in our food and the environment in which we

Healthy Cooking Is Part Of Healthy Eating

live.

REMINDER

The book, “Global Filipino Cui-sine: Healthy Recipes- A revised and expanded version of 100 modifi ed recipes” will be released on Febru-ary 28, 2012, Tuesday, from 5:00-8:00 PM at Villa Manila Restaurant, 500 East 8th St., National City, CA 91950. The authors, chefs, advocates, and contributors will be there to greet you and sign the book including their recipes.

Donation will be $20 for dinner that will include the healthy dishes in the cookbook contributed by Villa Manila such as Chicken Tinola, Fresh Lumpia with Sweet Sour Sauce and Villa Manila Salad. Advocates will prepare Chicken Lumpia with sweet sour sauce, Modifi ed Leche Plan, and Brown Rice. The book costs ap-proximately $20. Call KCS at (619) 477-3392 to reserve your ticket.

Amy Domingo, NUTRI-FIT Coordinator


by Atty. Susan V. Perez

Immigration 911

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

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

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.

Nagsasalita ng Tagalog asin Bicol.

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

San Diego Offi ce: Manila Offi ce: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

"Se Habla Espanol"

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

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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

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600 E. 8th St., Suite #1

ED PASIMIORealtor - Broker

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OLD SCHOOLHOUSE SQUARE

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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

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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

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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!

IMMIGRATION 911 by Atty. Susan V. Perez | SAN DIEGO, 2/17/2012 --

Good moral character issues can be a major obstacle to approval of a naturalization application. Good moral character must be established by the applicant for the entire period of five or three years. Before filing for naturalization, one must ask himself or herself if he or she has done something during the required period that may show lack of good moral character.

Deliberate or willful failure to pay child support can constitute lack of good moral character. “The natural instinct to provide for and defend man’s progeny is one of the moral values that go to make up the dignity of man.” These are the words of the United States District Court of Minnesota, Fifth Division in a 1960 case where a native of Yugoslavia failed to pay child support for his dependents living with their mother in Italy. The applicant was a refugee from Yugoslavia, while in refugee camp in Italy in 1948, married an Italian citizen. They had two chil-dren together. In February 1952, the applicant immigrated to the United States. His wife refused to go with him and refused to permit him to take their children with him in the United States. The applicant found a good job and became a regular em-ployee of an ore and steel company. In 1954, the applicant divorced his Italian wife and remarried to a U.S. citizen. In 1957, the applicant filed for naturalization. During the naturalization interview, he was asked if he has fulfilled his duty of supporting his minor children in Italy. The applicant admitted that his first wife had asked for money for their children, but the applicant had not sent them money for more than a year. The immigration of-ficers asked the applicant: “Do you intend to pay for the support of your children in the future until they are no longer minors?’ The applicant replied: “No, because my first wife says she can support them”. Accord-ing to the applicant, his first wife came from a very good family and had a very nice home in Italy. The

District Court found that the appli-cant evaded his solemn obligation to support and care for his two minor children. As a husband, the appli-cant had the right to choose his place of domicile and to withhold support from his wife who failed to follow him, but his wife’s deficiency in this respect affords no justification for his failure to support his two infant children, whom she retained in Italy. The District Court said: “The milk of human kindness flows naturally in the age-old stream of fatherhood to his helpless child. The responsibility of parenthood springs from the Can-ons of the Everlasting….Petitioner, as the father of two infant children, was and is obligated by all appli-cable law, “natural, human, moral and divine to protect, support and care for them.” The District Court affirmed the government’s denial of the application for naturalization.

Deliberate or willful refusal to pay child support can also be a federal or state crime. In California, a party subject to a valid court order who, with knowledge of the order and ability to comply, fails to comply with the terms of the order is subject to a contempt and adjudication and statutory contempt penalties (Cal. Civ. Pro sections 1218 and 1219). A contempt proceeding is criminal in nature and the possible penalties include jail sentence. Family law orders and judgments which include child support are enforceable by the court’s contempt power.

The Passport Denial Program, which is a part of the Federal Offset Program, was created to help states enforce delinquent child support obligations. Under the program, noncustodial parents certified by a state as having arrearages exceeding $2,500 are submitted by the Federal Office of Child Support Enforce-ment (OCSE) to the Department of States (DOS), which denies them U.S. passports upon application or the use of a passport services. Noncustodial parents are not auto-matically removed from the Passport Denial Program even if the arrear-ages fall below $2,500.

I’ve been receiving inquiries from the Philippines on how to enforce a

Deliberate Failure To Pay Child Support Is A Ground For Deny-

ing Citizenship

foreign child support order against a U.S. resident. If there is an exist-ing federal bilateral child support arrangement between the United States and the foreign country, the foreign country should contact the local child support enforcement agency in the state where the person owing child support resides. If the parent’s whereabouts are unknown, the foreign central authority can contact the U.S. Central Authority, Director, U.S. Central Authority for International Child Support, Office of Child Support Enforcement, Department of Health and Human Services. If there is no federal ar-rangement with the foreign country, it may be necessary for the individu-al seeking enforcement to retain the services of a private attorney in the United States to attempt to enforce the foreign judgment in accordance with the U.S. law.

We welcome your feedback. If you have any immigration questions, please feel welcome to email me at [email protected] or call 619 819 -8648 to arrange for a telephone consultation.

ROOM FOR RENT. Quiet Neighborhood in

National City.No smoking. No drugs.

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San Diego, CA – Free tax preparation services are available to lower-income Logan Heights residents today from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Logan Heights Branch Library, 567 South 28th Street, San Diego, CA 92113.

During today’s event, taxpayers can pre-pare and fi le their own taxes for free, with the help of volunteers, using TurboTax® Free-dom Edition software, which helps people identify and claim all of the tax credits and deductions they deserve. This event is part of a statewide free tax prep tour sponsored by the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) and the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation, and is being held with the support of the San Diego Public Library.

“Providing free tax assistance is a vital service for our community,” said Branch Manager Eileen Labrador. “And through a partnership with the Computer and Commu-nications Association using Intuit Tax Free-dom Project’s Free File offering, Turbo Tax Freedom Edition, the Logan Heights Branch Library will be able to provide this benefi cial service to many for the third year.”

Taxpayers are eligible to prepare and fi le their taxes for free today if they had an ad-justed gross income (AGI) of $31,000 or less in 2011, are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, or were on active military duty and earned $57,000 or less AGI. Thanks to committed employee volunteers from Intuit, a California-based company and maker of TurboTax, today’s event is expected to serve more than 100 people.

“By giving people the tools to prepare their taxes themselves and fi le for free online, we are helping Logan Heights families become more fi nancially literate, which is a big step toward better money management,” said CCIA representative Brittany Jibby. “And by making more working Americans aware of their eligibility for the EITC, which can be worth as much as $5,700 based on income and family size, we can maximize their tax refunds and put urgently needed cash back in their pockets.”

The Intuit Financial Freedom Founda-tion donates TurboTax® Freedom Edition software through its Tax Freedom Project, as well as through IRS Free File (www.freefi le.irs.gov) and 22 state Free File programs. Tur-boTax® Freedom Edition software empowers taxpayers by helping them understand—in simple language—many of the complexities of their own taxes and fi nances.

By using the available computers to visit WEb Connector (www.webconnector.net), an online benefi ts calculator that helps deter-mine eligibility for California public benefi t programs, attendees will be able to identify other programs that can help improve their family’s fi nances, including: California Alter-native Rates for Energy, California Lifeline Program, Low Cost Auto Insurance, and Cal Fresh. This online resource is hosted by the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation and is a part of former First Lady Maria Shriver’s WE Connect campaign to connect Californians to programs and resources that can put money in their pockets.

Interested taxpayers are encouraged to call 1-866-577-1231 to learn more about this event or make an appointment.

About the San Diego Public Library: San Diego Public Library, which is the larg-est library system in the region, serves a population of more than 1.3 million people. Its mission is to respond to the information needs of San Diego's diverse communities; ensure equal access to local, national and

Free Tax Preparation Event Helps Logan Heights Families

TodayNonprofi t Organizations Offer Free Services to Lower-

Income Taxpayers

Community

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City Of Oceanside MLK Scholarship Applications Now

AvailableApplications for the 2012 City of

Oceanside – Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Program are now available at local high schools and at the Oceanside Public Library. Any graduating senior who lives in Oceanside and will attend college after graduation is eligible to apply, regardless what high school the student attends. The scholarship program has no racial, ethnic, gender or other arbitrary criteria; residency in Oceanside is the only requirement for application.

Students may contact the scholar-ship coordinator at their high school for information about the program and application forms. The deadline for submission of applications this year is April 18.

The scholarship program awarded $27,000 to fourteen students from fi ve different high schools in 2011 and has awarded over $500,000 since the fi rst scholarships were awarded in 1993. All funds for the program come from commu-nity donations; no public monies are used for the scholarships. The 2012 recipients will be introduced to donors at the annual Scholarship Garden Reception on June 1, 2012. This is the only fundraising event for the program. Call 760.435.3393 for more information about the scholar-ship program.

global resources; anticipate and address the educational, cultural, business and recre-ational interests of the public; and develop and provide welcoming environments. Learn about other events at the San Diego Public Library’s Central Library and 35 branches, fi nd links to numerous additional resources, or search for materials in the Library’s online catalog.

About CCIA: The Computer & Commu-nications Industry Association (CCIA) is an international nonprofi t membership organiza-tion dedicated to innovation and enhancing society's access to information and communi-cations. CCIA promotes open markets, open systems, open networks and full, fair and open competition in the computer, telecom-munications and Internet industries.

About the Intuit Financial Freedom Foun-dation: The Intuit Financial Freedom Foun-dation directs programs that help to empower disadvantaged, lower-income individuals, small businesses, and the nonprofi t organiza-tions that serve them. By donating Intuit's tax preparation, fi nancial management and accounting software and online services, the Foundation promotes fi nancial literacy and independence, helping people and organiza-tions master their fi nances and bridge the digital divide.www.intuitempowers.com

For many years now, I’ve been attend-ing parties about this time of the year to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Most were typically extravagant with food and booze, matched with endless chatters among friends. However, last weekend’s Valentine’s Day celebration was quite

a surprise to me and one that gave new meaning to the occasion. I was invited to a “Dinner for a Cause”, a fund-raising event organized by Kenneth Vallester, a young 4th year high school student from Mountlake Terrace High School.

How It All Started

Kenneth could have spent a night par-tying with his friends or on a date with a special girl near to his heart to celebrate Valentine’s Day. But rather than do what typical youngsters would have done on this special occasion, he preferred to spend hours organizing the “Dinner for a Cause” event. As early as the fi rst week of January, he already had a list of guests whom he can invite to the $25.00-a-plate dinner. Considering the number of those who attended the event, I would say Kenneth’s efforts did not go to waste.

It all started as a class project where they were required to come up with a project that can positively impact a com-munity. Most of his classmates made easy choices – one demonstrated how to make lumpia, (eggroll, a Filipino deli), another showed the class how to cut hair. But Kenneth wanted to do something more meaningful and challenging.

He remembered his trip to the Philip-pines last year. Again, he did not spend it the way most tourists would have done such as frequenting beaches like Boracay or going out till the wee hours of the morning drinking with his friends. These were not Kenneth’s idea of fun, simply because he does not drink nor even smoke. Indeed, he is an excellent model for young teens!

Instead, he spent a lot of time at the Manila Bible Seminary (MBS), a Bible College which is closely associated with the Filipino American Christian Church (FACC) in Edmonds, Washington (FACC’s pastor, Jim McElroy, and wife, Karla, used to be members of the MBS faculty. FACC is celebrating its 16th Anniversary on March 18, 2012. For additional information, log-in at www.faccwa.org). During Kenneth’s brief stay in the Philippines, MBS grew even closer to his heart. Towards the end of his trip, he thought how wonderful it could be to do something good for the school. And this gave birth to his plan of organizing a benefi t dinner which can help MBS meet its objectives of bringing

quality Christian education.

The Manila Bible Seminary At the Valentine’s Day party, I had

the privilege of meeting the president of the Manila Bible Seminary (MBS),

Jeannie Hoffman, who came to the US to be a part of the Dinner for a Cause. I was told MBS is a school dedicated to the task of training students to know the foundation of their faith and gain the skills to share that faith in the local churches. Currently, it is home to about 120 students, 60 male and 60 female. The school believes that every Christian needs to be prepared to serve no matter what vocation a person might choose. The school’s curriculum centers on what a Christian worker needs to know and should be able to do.

Manila Bible Seminary currently has a faculty of 26 members since starting with a faculty of four in 1926. Many of the MBS students and graduates have become instrumental in the spread of the Gospel of Christ throughout the Philippines and foreign lands including India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and the Marianas Islands. Some are now professors of MBS, while others hold important positions in vari-ous Christian organizations.

In his visit, Kenneth saw several areas of the school that needed improvement and he saw how FACC has been instru-mental in developing the MBS commu-nity. There was some construction going on to improve the dormitory facilities which were separate for boys and girls. Some of the rooms were named after the FACC members who provided support in the renovations.

The Graduation Project

Kenneth also saw that most of the computers being used in the computer laboratory are outdated and some were no longer functioning. It inspired him to fi nd ways to improve the computer laboratory by raising funds to buy new computers. His parents were very sup-portive of his project for the school. His dad even assured him that if he could not fi nd Good Samaritans to donate computers, Kenneth could donate the three notebooks they have at home. That could surely have completed his school’s graduation requirement.

Upon his return to the United States, it did not take long for Kenneth to formal-ize the project for his graduation require-ment. He immediately decided to launch an MBS fund drive. He wrote a proposal for the purchase of some computers and

Dinner For A Cause – Finding Meaning While Celebrating Valentine’s Day

- Nonstop services to Boston, San Diego and Helsinki to be inaugu-rated with 787-8 Dreamliner-

- Targeting network expansion to give customers more options and greater convenience-

TOKYO February 15, 2012: Japan

Airlines (JAL) announced today as part of its Mid-Term Management Plan for fi scal years 2012 to 2016, that it will launch new nonstop services from Tokyo (Narita) to San Diego in December 2012 and to Helsinki in March 2013, utilizing the strategic Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft on both routes, in addition to the inaugural service between Tokyo (Narita) and Boston which will com-mence April 22 this year*.

First to Link San Diego with AsiaJL066/065 will be the fi rst nonstop

fl ights linking San Diego with Japan and Asia, and will be operated with the 787 Dreamliner fi tted with Executive Class and Economy Class cabins. JAL will begin serving the eighth most populous U.S city, also the city with the largest Asian com-munity currently without a direct fl ight to Asia, with four fl ights a week from December 2012 and daily from March 2013 to/from Narita.

With approximately 1.4 million residents, San Diego is a thriving

Japan Airlines is First to Link San Diego to Asia

"San Diego has the largest U.S. passenger market to Asia, and thanks to Japan Airlines, these passengers are now linked nonstop to Asia,” -- Thella F. Bowens, President/CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

city with an economy made up large-ly of international trade, tourism and defense sectors. Furthermore, it is home to many research centers and higher educational institutions, and enjoys a healthy traffi c of travel-ers going through each year, with substantial demand to/from Asia. San Diego is situated 200km south of Los Angeles and adjacent to the Mexican Border near the city of Tijuana where several Japanese companies operate factories. JAL’s new direct service will eliminate the need for transit at U.S gateways, offer customers the superior comfort of the 787 Dreamliner, and also cut down more than two hours in travel time.

The latest addition to JAL’s U.S network is part of the transpacifi c joint business agreement between JAL and its oneworld alliance partner, American Airlines (AA), which is scheduled to codeshare on this route. Together with fellow al-liance partner British Airways, who offers direct fl ights between London and San Diego, JAL’ new route is expected to further strengthen oneworld’s position in the market, enabling it to offer customers in California’s second largest city even greater convenience and benefi ts.

presented this to the FACC Board of Elders and later on to the congregation. Kenneth’s proposal was immediately ap-proved and what followed next was the reality of his dream to help improve the MBS computer laboratory.

As of this writing, MBS already has wireless internet connectivity in the of-fi ce. Kenneth donated one Dell Vostro 1500 notebook. After the Valentine’s “Dinner for a Cause,” he will be buying at least 3 or more wireless computers.

The Dinner for a Cause

Kenneth’s much awaited event fi nally took place. The social hall was deco-rated with roses and red heart shaped balloons. Hundreds of lighted candles illuminated the room and provided the romantic atmosphere that completed the Valentine’s Day celebration.

A short program preceded the sit down dinner. Pastor Jim McElroy welcomed the guests and praised Kenneth for a job well done. Pastor Jim, together with the church elder, Sendy Jimenez, presented a symbolic check to Kenneth for $1,500 to purchase more computers. Kenneth also received a huge Valentine’s card in rec-ognition of his contribution to MBS with

the guests signing the card and wishing him well for his project.

Dinner was served promptly after the short program. It started with tossed salad and dinner rolls followed by the main entrée of baked salmon with cubed potatoes and blanched asparagus. Coffee and red chiffon cake completed the evening’s dinner. Young boys and girls, Kenneth’s classmates, helped in serving the dinner. Watching them serve the guests like professional waiters was simply awesome.

Dancing followed after the dinner. Music was provided by Danny Inclan, Rose Inclan, and Reuel Lubag. Alyssa Jean and Jorge Alcantara were the eve-ning’s hosts.

It was an evening well worth the $25.00 which everyone knew went to a good cause! To Kenneth, may other young boys and girls follow your exam-ple. You just showed us that no matter how impossible a task may seem, it can be achieved if done with a joyful heart. Your unselfi sh commitment to help oth-ers is the best legacy that you can leave behind for others to follow.


Subic Coal Plant Getting Permits

by Stealth?by Fr. Shay Cullen, PREDAWherever there is a coal-fi red power

plant, people get sick and die and the environment is damaged beyond repair. Coal is the dirtiest and most toxic form of power generation.

The people of Zambales, Bataan and Olongapo City vehemently oppose the proposed coal plant to be built on scenic Subic Bay and are asking what dirty coal deals have been made between the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and "The Power Company", made up of Aboitiz Power Corporation, RP Energy, and the Taiwan Cogenera-tion Corporation (TCC) and the higher Philippine government offi cials who have allowed this to go forward?

The toxic fumes of the electricity-generating coal plant will cause many diseases especially among the children and the elderly. Despite the campaign of President Aquino for a transparent, clean nation, environment and good government, a dirty deal from the past administration is still going ahead in the SBMA and will bring shame and hurt to the President.

The three main provisions of the origi-nal Memorandum of Understanding set up under the corrupt Arroyo Administra-tion have not been honored or imple-mented by the proponents of the coal plant. The agreement started out as a


ROOM FOR RENTQuiet Neighbor-hood in National City. No smoking.

No drugs. 619.746.3416

Follow Asian Journal on Twitter @asianjournal

~ Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 7:30PM!

Featuring a dazzling cast of Broadway stars and

an all-star New York band, Neil Berg's 102 Years of Broadway recreates the biggest moments from the fi nest Broadway shows of the century includ-ing The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Evita, Wonderful Town, Jesus Christ Superstar and Fiddler on the Roof. The amazing performers will light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred in the Broadway productions. Neil Berg’s 102 Years of Broadway comes to the Historic Balboa Theatre on THURSDAY, FEBRU-ARY 23, 2012 at 7:30PM!

Neil Berg has brilliantly revived the arrange-ments of these Broadway classics as well as fantastic numbers from Broadway's newest hit shows, featuring the music of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and more. This unforgettable evening of music will keep Broad-way buffs tapping their toes and humming along for days after the event.

Composer/Lyricist/Producer Neil Berg is the creator and co-producer of Neil Berg’s “100 Years of Broadway” which is now the number one tour-ing concert in the U.S., playing in over 120 cities in 2010/2011. He leads an all-star cast including Chuck Wagner (Les Miserables, Hello Dolly!,) Lawrence Clayton (Dream Girls, Les Miserables,) Andrea Rivette (Miss Saigon, Jekyll & Hyde) and real life couple Sandra Joseph (Phantom of the Opera) and Ron Bohmer (Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables). Joseph, who played Christine on Broadway longer than any other actress, ultimately

Neil Berg’s 102 Years of Broadway brings fi ve of Broadway’s fi nest sing-

ers to the Historic Balboa Theatre

An Evening of BOBBY McFERRINFebruary 22, 2012Ten-time Grammy Award winning vocalist BOBBY McFERRIN in a special

(mostly) a capella perfor-mance with Special Guest

Jeff CarneyListening to BOBBY McFERRIN

may be hazardous to your precon-ceptions. Side effects may include unparalleled joy, a new perspec-tive on creativity, rejection of the predictable, and a sudden, irrevers-ible urge to lead a more spontaneous existence.

As a vocalist, McFerrin often switches rapidly between modal and fl asetto registers to create polyphon-ic effects, performing both the main melody and the accompanying parts of songs. He makes use of percus-sive effects created both with his mouth and by tapping on his chest & he is also capable of multiphonic singing.

Enjoy this uniquely talented performer as he displays his incred-ible talent on this one-night only performance!

RUN TIMEapprox. 90 minutes* No intermission *CHILDRENChildren ages 6 & older are wel-

come to attend this performance.For your comfort and the enjoy-

ment of others, please use discretion when bringing young children to any live theatre performance.

Pricing (includes $2.00 Facility Fee): $82.00 - $28.00

Information & Charge by Phone: 619-570-1100

Monday through Friday, 10 AM - 6 PM. MC/VISA/AMX/DSC (per ticket convenience charge will ap-ply).

Window Sales:Monday through Friday, 10 AM - 6

PM. Cash/MC/VISA/AMX/DSCTDD/TTY:619-615-4177, Monday through

Friday, 10 AM - 6 PM.Location868 Fourth Avenue, San Diego,

CA 92101 (map/directions)

unmasked Bohmer, the Phantom, while playing opposite each other in the Phantom of the Opera. They fell in love and are now married!

Don't miss this One-Night-Only performance LIVE onstage at the Historic Balboa Theatre!

Tickets can be purchased online at:http://www.sandiegotheatres.org/eventstickets/

eventdetails.cfm?eventID=2359;at the San Diego Civic Theatre ticket offi ce or

by calling 570-1100 (619/760/858 area codes). For more information, visit: www.SDBalboa.org.

WHEN: Thursday, February 23, 2012 WHERE: Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth AvenueTIME: 7:30PMTICKETS: $28- $58 (including $2.00 Facility

Fee)TICKET PURCHASE: Advance Ticket

Purchase: Civic Theatre Ticket Offi ce, 1100 Third Avenue Day of Event Purchase:Balboa Theatre Ticket Offi ce, 868 Fourth

Avenue(619/760/858) 570-1100; Monday – Friday,

10AM-6PM www.SDBalboa.orgTHEATRE ADDRESS: 868 Fourth Ave, San

Diego 92101PARKING: Paid parking available in the NBC

Building Garage at 225 Broadway.Enter Broadway Circle from

2nd Ave. and Broadway; to garage entrance down-ramp on the left, directly across from Levi's Store.

WEBSITE: www.SDBalboa.org

BIRDS EYE VIEW by Babes Ro-mualdez

Thirty years ago, I had a rare op-portunity of interviewing Senator Ninoy Aquino in Tokyo while he was traveling in exile. I was then a news reporter for Channel 9 when I bumped into the senator at the shopping arcade of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. He invited me for coffee in his suite that evening where he was having a meet-ing with Doy Laurel, Lorenzo Tañada Sr., and Ernie Maceda. I distinctly remember asking him, “Why do you want to go back at this time when you know Secretary Enrile is going to have you arrested?”

I will never forget his classic Ninoy answer: “Sila ang pari, sila ang hari. Tell them they can start cleaning their guns. I am going home.”

The world — and our country’s history — has indeed turned around many times since then. Today, Ni-noy’s son Noynoy is president, facing what is perhaps the biggest test of his administration thus far - the impeach-ment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, whom he has identifi ed as a stumbling block in his fi ght against graft and corruption. But for many Filipinos however, the underlying issue has gone beyond the removal of Renato Corona - and has inadvertent-ly shifted to the separation of powers between co-equal branches of govern-ment. The question now foremost in the minds of people is whether the Senate, acting as the impeachment court, has the sole authority to decide on matters pertaining to the impeach-ment without interference or interven-tion from the Supreme Court.

Our 1987 Constitution is almost the exact replica of the American system, wherein the House of Representa-tives has the power to impeach while the Senate is vested with the power to conduct the impeachment trial. That the country is poised towards a historic moment goes without saying, but the tedium marking the early days of the proceedings almost drove people to lose interest. That is, until Ilocos Norte Congressman Rudy Fariñas stood up and debated with the defense and even the Senate president on whether the impeachment court is indeed above the Supreme Court.

It was actually a learning oppor-

tunity for many to hear two brilliant minds — one a seasoned legislator and politician, the other a relatively younger man - debating the fi ner points of law, the articles of impeach-ment, and whether the substance of the complaint should be based on the contents of the pleading, not just the title. No doubt the Ilocano legislator - who fi nished Law from the Ateneo and was at the top 10 of the 1978 Bar exams — is emerging as the shining star of the prosecution team, effec-tively arguing that any offi cial who violates public trust must be made accountable, strongly cementing his argument that for the longest time, the Supreme Court has been lording it over (and presumably getting away with so many things because they have relatively been shielded from public scrutiny) when he said: “Sila lang ang laging hari.”

The arguments of Fariñas — deliv-ered in the vernacular and in layman’s terms — certainly resonated among many Filipinos who feel that no one should be above the law — not a single public servant — from the president down to the lowest govern-ment clerk. After all, it’s no secret that even members of the judiciary are susceptible to corruption, to put it mildly. In the minds of many — the issue is simple: if the Chief Justice has nothing to fear or hide, then details of his dollar accounts should be disclosed. This was the same chal-lenge issued by President Noy, stress-ing that as a public servant, the Chief Justice should be able to evoke public trust — in which case he should voluntarily disclose details of the questioned accounts to demonstrate his innocence.

As it is, the defense has sought relief from the Supreme Court which issued a temporary restraining order to stop the Senate from subpoenaing foreign bank deposits — triggering fears of a potential constitutional crisis should the Supreme Court and the Senate go head to head over the issue. Many leaders of the banking industry argue that the subpoena could set a dangerous precedent that violates bank secrecy laws — which was disputed by experts who pointed out that an exception to bank secrecy laws can be made if it involves cases

“Sila ang pari, Sila ang hari”of impeachment.

Naturally, opinion is divided even among experts, with constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas saying the Senate and the SC are equal, and that the latter can intervene if there is abuse of discretion. There are those however who are convinced that the impeach-ment court is imbued with the unique power to decide on the accountability and culpability of offi cials who are, so to speak, more equal than oth-ers because the only way they could be relieved from offi ce is through the process of impeachment - with the Senate being the only entity that could conduct the trial. Even in the United States, the courts refused to intervene in cases dealing with the impeachment of judges because the US Constitution has granted such power to the legislative branch.

Many Filipinos now more than ever appreciate the crucial role senators play in maintaining the balance of power. In this instance, they have in fact become the court of last resort. The days of kings and dictators are long over. It would be wise for all public servants to remember that “a public offi ce is a public trust,” and be reminded of “hubris” — the arrogance of power before a fall. Recent ousted leaders like Muam-mar Gaddafi , Saddam Hussein and Hosni Mubarak found this out the hard way. No one has a monopoly on power. There are no more kings; only kingmakers — and that role belongs solely to the people.

E-mail: [email protected]


(Continued from page 1)

The Metamorphosis

Read Ernie Delfin’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Ernie Delfin

was assassinated in Dallas in that fateful Friday of Novem-ber 22nd, 1963. My family was neither very poor nor very rich, but we worked very hard from sunrise to sunset in our desire to have a better life. My parents believed as we did at a very young age that only good education can improve the life that we were born into. I was the first person in the whole village to finish college by going to school at night and working during the day time. Eventu-ally I became a CPA and my former professor in Advanced Accounting recruited me to work in his accounting and management firm in Los Angeles. That was in the mid 1970s, when your parents were probably in high school or college too.

Unlike many of you, I worked ex-tra hard to prove not only to myself but also to my professor who took chance of hiring me that he did not make a mistake of bringing me to America. And above all, to make my poor parents proud of me and for my brothers and sisters to have a role model.

After a year in California, I enrolled at the Cal State University-Los Angeles, which was only about 15 minutes away from my work at that time, for my MBA. That helped me significantly to be ac-culturated faster in America which also contributed greatly to my own

ing others. It is about courageously casting off fear, doubt and limiting beliefs and giving people a sense of hope, optimism and accomplish-ment. It is about bringing light into a world of uncertainty and inspiring others to do the same. This is what we call passion, the fire within. Pas-sion is a heartfelt energy that flows through us, not from us. It fills our hearts when we allow it to and it inspires others when we share it. It is like sunlight flowing through a doorway that we have just opened. It was always there. It just needed to be accepted and embraced. Under the right conditions, this “flow” ap-pears effortless, easy and graceful. It is doing what it is meant to do. It is reminding us that we are meant to be purposeful. We are meant to be positive. We are meant to be pas-sionate. We feel this when we listen to and accept our calling in life. We feel it as inspiration when we open the door of resistance and let it in. Inspiration springs forth when we allow ourselves to be “in-spirit,” aligned with our true essence. Stop and think about it: When you feel truly passionate and inspired about someone or something, what frame of mind are you in? What are you willing to do? What kind of effort are you willing to put forth? How fearful are you? Chances are, you feel motivated to do whatever it takes, without fear or doubt, to turn your vision into reality. You grow in confidence. You believe you can do it. You are committed from the heart and soul. (Paraphrase from the writ-ings of John J. Murphy)

***

Many leaders have contributed greatly to make our world a better place to live like Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi , Mother Teresa or Nelson Mandela but there are also some leaders that made the opposite, like Hitler, Napoleon and Emperor Hirohito who was implicated in the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 that led to World War II.

There are thousands of books about leaders and on leadership. Just google leaders or leadership and you will read countless of personali-ties or articles about them. When you read history, you are standing on the shoulders of the authors and can learn much. You will read also about different kinds of leaders and styles of leadership. For instance, when you visit a museum, like the Museum of Tolerance about the

Holocaust, you will learn about the destruction of human lives led by a misguided leader, yet you also will read that the heroism of other lead-ers sprung from such tragedies. (I am just curious, how many of you have visited that historic museum in West Los Angeles, just about an hour from Irvine?)

There are political leaders, aka politicians, like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy of yesteryears. There are also military leaders, like Patton, Cromwell or McArthur. There are also religious leader, like Jesus Christ, Mohammad, Luther or the Pope. In every phase of our lives, you will meet and read about leaders in business, politics, religion, education, organizations, or even in IT or even in entertainment and music. IT, business or entertain you find leaders.

As a long time student and now a businessman, I am always reading the biographies of many men and women who made a difference in our world. Lately, although I am not an IT person, I am fascinated by the lives of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Face book founder, Mark Zuck-erberg . Irvine is also the seat of so many visionary leaders, like the Chairman of the Irvine Company, Donald Bren, who had the vision of donating the land where your univer-sity now stands with one condition to make it a campus of UCI, a very wise and strategic investment that contributed greatly to the success of the Irvine Company. Our county is full of many visionary compa-nies like Disneyland and research and development corporations like Allergan, Baxter that make the economy of our county more vibrant and diversified as opposed to Las Vegas or Detroit.

Millions of young people in the world can just dream to be where you are today. You are indeed very lucky and a winner in so many ways. But if you are not seriously taking that as a great advantage to make a difference in your world, where you soon become its leaders, you will not become an effective leader and may not have a very meaningful or fulfilling career in the future. So, my challenge to you, is please do not squander your God’s blessings as I hope that in the future you can also share your success in leading others to a better future.

Your university also has many leaders. In most of its depart-ments are successful leaders in their respective fields, especially in sciences, research and medicine. The UCI College of Law that just started in 2009 and now is gain-ing a national reputation with the hiring of its first dean, Erwin Chemerinksy (who spoke before our Rotary Club of Newport Irvine when he was just arrived in Orange County) Also, a Rotarian friend of mine, Dr. Raj Desai, the first Chief Hematologist of the UCI Medical Center many years ago, told us stories that he witnessed happening in OC 50 years ago. He has shared with us that he was one of the first Indian nationals who came to the United States as a full scholar. His journey started in a huge ship, called the Queen Mary, that is now docked as a hotel-conference room in Long Beach. Dr. Desai is almost 90 years old now, but still enjoying his life in a beautiful and expensive house in Balboa Bay that serves as his “back-yard”. Those are very fascinating stories, from which one learns a lot, without much research and read-ing. Every factual information or knowledge that you get from others will give you some extra-yards- ad-vantage over your competitors in the real life.

Even in your own family, you can find your kind of a leader who can be your role model or inspiration to become the best you can be. Even at my age, I still find some leaders, my own role models to become a better person. Even in my church, there are great leaders (as there are also not so good leaders in my diction-ary) In our Rotary organization, I am in awe learning what other lead-ers do in their lives, always thinking how they can make a difference in the lives of others. Collectively, these leaders have somewhat influence me also to become a more effective leader and a better human being.

You can do that too, my dear friends… You do not look very far to find somewhat worth emulating who can provide you some proven formula to become more successful, to become a winner in the field that you so choose to belong, and in the process to become a leader in your own right.

*** Now, let me briefly describe and

suggest to all of you, some AC-TION WORD, active verbs for you

to consider as you continue your education and prepare your own ca-reer or profession in this great land of opportunity. I pray that 10, 20 or 30 years from now, you too become a leader who can provide a good role models for others to follow.

Last night, I just made up this acronym: L E A D E R:

L = LOVE WHATEVER YOU DO… LEARN as much as you can about that field or endeavor. If you want to be a doctor, go find dozens of doctors that you can learn from, nor from rappers or basketball players or musicians. Be an intern in a company…. While learning new things however, be always open as your first “love” may just a stepping stone of another greater love. For instance, although I was a licensed CPA, it didn’t give me the fulfillment that I dreamt for myself, so I left the accounting industry and became an entrepreneur and engaged in marketing which I think suited my personality more than a boring accounting job. However, that background in accounting and finance also gave me extra points ahead from my competitors in the real estate and mortgage industry for over 25 years.

E = EXCEL IN SOMETHING THAT YOU WANT TO BE A LEADER.. Exceed the expectations of your boss. There is a saying in business “Under promise and Over deliver. But don’t just do activi-ties ONLY for money but also other things for the greater good in the community. Give back to your com-munity, as much as you can along the way.

A= ACCUMULATE RELEVANT EXPERIENCES THAT WILL PROPEL YOU TO YOUR DREAM. Accumulate also personal contacts along the way… You never know when you needed them. That’s why I strongly recommend you to consid-er to join Rotaract (while in college) and when you can afford to join, Rotary International, where you will know your fellow Rotarians by first name basis. (For example: Dr. Arun Ganhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.. (who autographed his book for us when we went to hear him speak in Palm Springs last Novem-ber)… or Bill Gates who gave RI $255 M dollars for poverty allevia-tion and malaria and polio eradica-tion in the world. Rotary Interna-tional, founded in 1905, is now in over 200 countries with 535 Rotary Districts (one is Orange County) and has over 1.25 million members. As young adults, you have opportuni-ties to become full Peace Scholars or exchange students in one country for several months or several years. If you are interested, explore those possibilities. Again, you can get those informations in our www.rotary.org website or contact me.

D - DISCIPLINE YOURSELF… DELIVER YOUR BEST IN WHAT-EVER YOU DO… Discriminate the kinds of friends you hang with, the TV shows you watch. There is a saying that says “Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are!” Also discover and nur-ture your strengths and follow where your passion is. Practice your skills. Even a great basketball player, like Kobe Bryant, who lives in Orange Coast, by the way, practices his craft regularly with discipline.

Do not just become like these relaxed rubber bands (while throw-ing them a handful of rubbers to the audience) that are totally useless until they are stretched and just have the right tension to hold some-thing of value…. Be a DIFFERENT in a positive manner, from the guys or girls next door.

Be that leader likened to the goose in front of a flock of Canadian geese flying in formation in their seasonal migration to warmer places.

E- ENERGIZE YOURSELF .. AND BECOME LIKE AN EAGLE… “LEADERS ARE LIKE EAGLES, THEY DON’T FLOCK YOU FIND THEM ONE AT A TIME…. The trait of an eagle will make you stand out anywhere.. when you are looking for a job or even in the community of your peers. At-tend and listen to as many speakers who are accomplished and leaders in their own right. Many of them come to your university as invited guest speakers. Several times, I have come to UCI Bren Hall to listen to great speakers, like the Dalai Lama and Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Airlines and many others. Listening to others who have done great accomplishment can inspire you to become more successful person too.

R = READ BOOKS and find your own ROLE MODELS…. Watch movies that can only entertain you but learn much. Gandhi is just one example.. Now showing in local theatres is “IRON LADY”, starring Meryl Streep about the life of Mar-

garet Thatcher. Or some movies like “The Bucket List”, starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are good movies that touch on the finer essence or meaning of life. Another one is “The Way” starring Michael Douglas about a doctor’s journey to find the meaning of his life. The Good Book says that “For where your treasure is where your heart will be!” Each one of us has that hidden “treasure” but it is us, us alone, who must find and discover it. Once you found it, nurture and develop it to its fullest potential Then, treasure it forever for your I believe a long time ago that there are only the two most important factors that determine your success in life are: GOOD BOOKS that you read, and the PEOPLE YOU ASSOCIATE with more frequently. And these things will not happen by accident but by critical choices throughout your life.

SOONER OR LATER, you too become successful in whatever you do, and without even asking for it, you will be asked to lead others… and that is the reward of all your efforts, perseverance and determi-nation to become the ‘Salt of the Earth’ to be a person of substance that is recognized by your peers for whatever you really are. Life is a gift from your God (or Allah, or whatever name you call him) but what you do with your life is your gift to God. So don’t waste it.. make it worthwhile and useful to enhance the quality of life of your fellow hu-man beings.

Last but not the least, I would like to leave you a challenge or some kind of self-evaluation quiz dif-ferentiating the characteristics of a LEADER VS. MANAGER, which you can apply not only to yourself but also on your own professors or bosses at work or in any organization that you belong to. It goes this way: in school

A LEADER CREATES. A MAN-

AGER COPIES.A LEADER GIVES CREDIT. A

MANAGER GIVES BLAME.A LEADER INCITES DESIRE. A

MANAGER INCITES FEAR.A LEADER VALUES PEOPLE. A

MANAGER VALUES PROCE-DURES . A LEADER EX-PECTS INNOVATION. A MAN-AGER EXPECTS CONFORMITY.

A LEADER PREFERS JUDGE-MENT. A MANAGER PRE-FERS RULES.

A LEADER EXPANDS LIB-ERTY. A MANAGER EX-PANDS POWER.

A LEADER EMPLOYS PEO-PLE. A MANAGER EMPLOYS OBJECTS. A LEADERS WELCOMES CRITICISM. A MANAGER WELCOMES PRAISE.

A LEADER PROMOTES OTH-ERS. A MANAGER PROMOTES HIMSELF.

A LEADER MAKES MIS-TAKES. A MANAGER MAKES EXCUSES. A LEADER SEES OPPORTUNITY. A MANAGER SEES PROBLEMS.

A LEADER CORRECTS HIM-SELF. A MANAGER CORRECTS OTHERS.

A LEADER ACQUIRES WIS-DOM. A MANAGER ACQUIRES KNOWLEDGE.

A LEADER DEVELOPS PRIDE. A MANAGER DEVEL-OPS EGO.

A MANAGER WANTS RE-SPONSIBILITY. A LEADER WANTS RIGHTS.

A LEADER SEEKS A JOB. A MANAGER SEEKS A POSITION.

A LEADER SEES THROUGH MIRRORS. A MANAGER SEES HIS OWN IMAGE.

A LEADER HAS FAULTS. A MANAGER IS PERFECT.

PEOPLE LOVE TO BE LED. PEOPLE HATE TO BE MANIP-

ULATEDLEADING IS EXTREMELY

DIFFICULT. MANIPULATING IS EASY.

YOU MAKE YOURSELF A LEADER.

ANYONE CAN MAKE YOU A MANIPULATOR.

and my all-time favorite…YOU LEAD PEOPLE! YOU MANAGE THINGS! NOW, TAKE A DEEP BREATH,

THEN HONESTLY ANSWER TO THE

GUY IN THE MIRROR, ARE YOU A LEADER OR JUST A MAN-AGER?

___

Email writer: [email protected] or [email protected]

“Becoming A Leader : The Heart And Soul Of Leadership”

success in this land of opportunity where real work and determination are justly rewarded.

After ten years in Ameri-ca, I also involved myself in a few chosen organizations outside work and church. In the l980s, I was also very active in the Jaycees, the Junior Chamber of Commerce or Jaycees, for short, and our CPA Society. I eventually joined the Rotary Inter-national, where I have been very active the last l5 years. (Ask more about Rotary from your friends who are members of the Rotaract Club of UCI, that I founded about 4 years ago, when I was the Youth Director of the Newport Irvine Rotary Club that still meets at your University Club every Thursday noon. To know more about Rotary, go to www.rotary.org, or simply contact or email me anytime.)

With that condensed background, let me proceed to my assigned topic about “BECOMING A LEADER: THE HEART AND SOUL OF LEADERSHIP”

Who is a leader? Mr. Webster defines a leader as “one who com-mands or leads or guides others” or “one who has influence or power.”

For just a few moments, let me

now invite to close your eyes to visualize more profoundly this scenery:

Light a match in a dark room and watch as the light instantly overcomes the darkness. Observe the power and grace of that single, solitary flame dancing with life. Now light several candles or kindle a fire and experience the added warmth and comfort extending from that first, vulnerable flame through others. This is the heart and soul of leadership - the essence of inspir-


Ngayon (1)

Ngayon ang pakiramdam ko ay puno ng pagkainisdahil sa malakas ang ulan at panaho'y masungitsubalit dapat lamang pala ako'y magpasalamatsapagkat damo'y nadidilig ng libre, walang bayad.

Ngayo'y malungkot ako dahil sa ako'y walang peraat wala akong mapuntahan dahil walang panggastasubalit aking naiisip mabuti na rin itonang ang kaunti kong kabuhayan ay natitipid ko.

Ngayo'y marami akong reklamo sa aking katawanbakit ba iba ako sa maganda kong kaibigansubalit naisip ko dapat ako'y magpasalamatmay buhay pa ako ngayon at malakas na malakas.

Ngayon ako ay may tampo sa aking mga magulangdahil mga gusto ko nuo'y 'di nila naibigaysubalit ang nanaig sa akin ay ang pagmamahaldahil sa kanila binigyan nila ako ng buhay.

Ngayo'y umiiyak ako dahil sa ako'y natiniknitong halaman kong rosas na nasa aking paligidsubalit ano kaya ngayon ang aking madaramakung tinik na lamang at walang bulaklak na kasama.

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

©2012 Virginia H. Ferrer. All rights reserved.

About the Author: Virginia H. Ferrer is a Filipino Language Teacher at Otay Ranch High School in Chula Vista.

Feb. 19: 7th Sun. in Ord. Time

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supervised by Atty. A. Erwin Bautista

FREE ELECTRONIC FILINGwith preparation

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* Although we did not increase our prices your fee will vary if you have more of schedules or forms to fi ll out compared with previous year tax returns.

GENERAL TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICESInside the Law Offi ces of A. Erwin Bautista

550 E. 8th St., #11, National City, CA 91950Phone: 619.474.7755 Fax: 619.649.8070

1341 East 8th St. Suite D National City, CA 91950

Dr. Art PalaganasDr. Aleli Amos Palaganas

Lumineers

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Oral Exam• Cleaning/Polishing• (In the absence of gum disease. • Necessary X-rays• New patient and wtihout insurance•

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cash, without insurance

THE FIAT OF THE ETERNAL FATHERsay every morning

My Beloved Father, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven .Be Thou my Father. Be always my Eternal Father. Do not leave my soul . Do not abandon me . Do not leave me out of Your sight, my Father,for I am Your child, whom You have created to please You, to adore You, to honor You, living my days as You have given me the license to live it. (I offer up this Fiat through Mary, to Jesus, to You, Eternal Father]

“Day after day, my children, say that in your mind. That will be the way you will say your FIAT to your Father. And I your Father will open My arms like this (and He stretched out his arms) and I everyday will gather you in My arms and I will hold you and I will rock you as your BELOVED MOTHER (Blessed Mother) rocks each baby in her arms. For yes, you are My children. Remember the FIAT of each day as you live. As you do this from the beginning of the day, I promise you, My children, I guarantee you I will cover you in My arms. I will send you My angel s with St. Michael to protect you and all the saints of your baptisms and of your devotions to be with you during the day to guide you and assist you. I promise you, you will feel the power of My great LOVE for you that I will send you day in and day out. But you have to offer me - everyday - as you get up in the morning - that FIAT.” -- Mary’s Call, 12400 Olive • Kansas City, MO 64146. 816-942-9783 • Fax 816-942-4313 • [email protected]

Joke of the Week: For the umpteenth time Mrs. Young came to her pastor to tell him, “I’m so scared! Joe says he’s going to kill me if I continue to come to your church.” “Yes, yes, my child,” replied the pastor, more than tired of hearing this over and over, “I will continue to pray for you, have faith and the Lord will watch over you.” “Oh, yes, he has kept me safe thus far, only …” “Only what, my child?” “Well, now he says if I keep coming to your church, he’s going to KILL YOU!” “Well, now,” said the pastor, “perhaps it’s time to check out that little church on the other side of town.”

Scriptures: First Reading: Isaiah 43: 18-19, 21-22, 24-25. The exile in Babylon by which Yahweh had punished his people for their sins, crimes and offenses was about to end. This passage from Second Isaiah pre-pares the Israelites for the new blessing Yahweh is about to be-stow upon them: He will forgive their failures. Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 1: 18-22. False rumors were being spread about Paul: he is inconsistent. When he changed his plan to visit Corinth, the Christians in that city thought that he is unreliable. Though as a man, he might be unstable, yet the doctrine that he preaches is always consistent. Though God’s people are unfaithful as had been explained in the fi rst reading, yet Paul is always faithful. This faithfulness of God is fully realized in his Son, Jesus Christ, who is always and forever a “yes” to his Father.

Gospel: Mark 2: 1-12. “He is blasphem-ing.” The scribes’ accusation of Jesus as blaspheming for forgiving the sins of the paralytic refl ects more their doubt about his identity. “Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Later on, Mark will point out that the scribes are the ones guilty of blasphemy for not having recognized the Holy Spirit in Jesus. They had said, “He has an unclean

spirit.”Refl ections: Blasphemy is one of the

most serious crimes mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures. It is considered as an abusive or irreverent speech about God because either he is not the kind of Su-preme Being humans think he is or humans want to be gods themselves. Blasphemy is prohibited because humans claim to

Away from God and Community

appropriate to themselves what God alone possesses: his power. Simply, humans want to be adored as gods. In other words, this is idolatry or idol worship. (Please take note that Catholics do not “worship” statues and images as they only reserve this kind of worship to God alone.) The Hadith, a compilation of Islamic traditions, strictly prohibits iconic representations of God and his prophets, such as Jesus and Mohammed (pbuh), because such practice, according to Islam, encourages idolatry.

From the 16th century, Persian and Ottoman arts represented The Prophet Mo-hammed (pbuh) in miniatures, though his face was either veiled or merely emanated radiance. All Muslims manifest a great love and respect for the Prophet Moham-med (pbuh). When speaking or writing about him, his name is always preceded by the title “The Prophet” and followed by a phrase, Peace be upon him (pbuh). The Prophet’s relics, such as his grave, his sword, and clothing are deeply venerated by many Muslims, in almost the same way

that Catholics venerate the relics of their saints.

Freedom of the press is relative. Together with their intention of informing the public, while at the same time resisting attempts to limit their freedom, the news media must also observe religious sensitivity. Religious sensitivity demands respect for what other faith traditions consider sacred and venerable even though they are different from one’s own. For most Muslims, it is blasphemous and reprehensible to depict The Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). However, the way some Muslim countries react violently to this lack of religious sensitivity on the part of some news media in the past is equally unacceptable. Chapter 3, verse 172 of the Holy Qur’an states, “Of those who answered the call of Allah and the messenger, even after being wounded, those who do

right and refrain from wrong have a great reward.” Again, Chapter 5, verse 32 says, “If anyone slew a person – unless it be for murder or spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people. And if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole person.” I believe that for all Muslims of good will, violence violates Allah’s will, because the Holy Qur’an’s central message is peace, love and unity among people that Islam hopes to deliver to all.

In today’s gospel, Jesus shows us what religious sensitivity is all about. Es-trangement from the community because of one’s physical condition is the worst kind of punishment, coming in second to inabili-ty to performing religious duties, which can be infl icted on any human being. Adding insult to injury, the paralytic stayed outside the synagogue and could not worship God. Conversely, unable to worship, he could not also participate in communal events. Sensitive to the religious and communal needs of the paralytic, Jesus cured him not only of his physical deformity, but also of his spiritual illness: his broken relation-ship with God. He restored fi rst the man’s broken relationship with God by saying, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then he restored him back to the community, “Rise, take up your mat and walk.” These two kinds of relationship are inseparable: a person can-not truly say he loves his neighbor without honestly loving God and confess sincerely he loves God without affectionately loving his neighbor.

A foolish man heard that Buddha taught that you should never return evil for evil. One day the man met Buddha, and decided to fi nd out if he practiced what he taught others to do. The man began to verbally abuse the teacher and call him all kinds of names. All the while, Buddha

Sunday February 5, 2012

What can we say about God’s love? We can say that God’s love is unconditional. God does not say, “I love you, if ...” There are no ifs in God’s heart. God’s love for us does not depend on what we do or say, on our looks or intelligence, on our success or popularity. God’s love for us existed before we were born and will exist after we have died. God’s love is from eternity to eternity and is not bound to any time-related events or circumstances. Does that mean that God does not care what we do or say? No, because God’s love wouldn’t be real if God didn’t care. To love without condition does not mean to love without concern. God desires to enter into relation-ship with us and wants us to love God in return.

Let’s dare to enter into an intimate

relationship with God without fear, trust-ing that we will receive love and always more love.

Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc.

Daily Meditation: God’s Unconditional Love

Prayer to St. Jude

O Holy St Jude! Apostle and Martyr,great in virtue and rich in miracles,near kinsman of Jesus Christ,faithful intercessor for all who invoke you,special patron in time of need;to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart,and humbly beg you,to whom God has given such great power,to come to my assistance;help me now in my urgent need and grant my earnest petition.I will never forget thy graces and favors you obtain for meand I will do my utmost to spread devotion to you.Amen.

St. Jude, pray for us and all who honor thee and invoke thy aid.(Say 3 Our Father's, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 3 Glory Be’s after this.)

From: David Family

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, You who made me see everything and showed me the way to reach my ideals, You, who gave me the divine gift to forgive and for-get the wrong that is done to me and You who are in all instances of my life with me, I want to thank You for everything and confi rm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be with You and my beloved ones in Your perpetual glory. Thank You for favors granted. Amen.Mention your request while making the request, please promise to pub-lish the prayer or circulate the favor. This prayer should be said for 3 consecutive days and after the 3rd day, expect your prayer to be answered.

From: David Family

listened quietly. When the man had fi nished his test, Buddha asked him, “If a man declines to accept a gift from another, to whom does the gift go?” The man replied, “The gift goes back to the giver.” “You have just given me verbal abuse,” said Buddha, “I refuse to accept your gift. A man who slanders a virtuous person is like a man who spits at the sky. The spit doesn’t soil the sky: it returns to soil the face of the one who spat.”

FEBRUARY 22 IS ASH WEDNESDAY That starts the season of Lent until Holy Thursday, exclusive. “You’ve got dirt on your face.” This season reminds us all that we’ve got dirt, we are sinners. Let us turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.

P.S. BLESSED WISHES AND CON-GRATULATIONS TO DEREK AND CATHY EMBALSADO ON THEIR 1ST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. They are dedicated volunteer musicians at Paradise Village Sunday Mass. Marriage is like a good wine. A good wine gets better as it mellows in years. Here’s a quote from an unknown author to guide you through the years: “Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” It simply means that if your other half is happy, you will be happy as well.

Quotation of the Week: “Human nature will fi nd itself only when it fully realizes that to be human it has to cease to be beastly or brutal.” Mahatma Gandhi.


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DG

EntertainmentShowbiz Watcher

Read Ogie Cruz’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Ogie Cruz


Anne Curtis

By Ogie Cruz

Kamakailan naging usapan ang ginawang pang-iisnab ni Vice Ganda ng mga Press People sa kanyang show sa “ Its Showtime” sa channel 2.Pero pinabulaanan niya ang mga bagay na ito sa pamamagitan ng patatanggol sa kanya ni Gladys Reyes sa “Juicy”.

Wala raw matandaan na ganong insi-dente na nangyari sa naturang show ayon kay Vice Ganda.Before daw mag-start ang “Its Showtime”, na-acknowledge pa niya ang mga ito , then nang matapos ang show kinamayan pa at nai-hug pa niya si

Manay Ethel.Kaya raw takang taka si Vice Ganda bakit nagkaroon ng ganong intriga.

Hindi naman raw lahat ng Press ay kilala niya para kanyang mabati, marahil yung ibang Press lang ang nagrereklamo na nadaanan niya na hindi niya nabati.

Ayon naman kay Cristy Fermin, para raw araw ang feeling ni Vice Ganda sa sarili niya,na siya lang ang dinadaanan. Dapat raw maging isa siyang planeta na siyang umiikot sa araw para makilala niya ang ibang Press.

Ayon pa kay Ate Cristy, nadinig niya sinabi ni Vice Ganda ng ganito “Paano ba masasabi na hindi mag-iisnab?Pakakainin

ko ba sila,ganon! “.Isang statement na negative ang dating para sa mga reporters na tulad niya.

“Anong tingin mo sa mga reporters,nakukuha sa pagkain?”sumbat ni Ate Cristy kay Vice Ganda.

“Dati na siyang bastos at mayabang,”dagdag pa ni Cristy Fermin.

Pero kita namin sa show ng “Juicy” kung paano siya pinagtanggol ni Gladys Reyes pero iba rin ang katwiran ni Ms. Fermin.Kapag marami na ang nagr-ereklamo sa isang tulad ni Vice Ganda, ibig sabihin may problema raw ito.Sa katunayan pa nga raw maraming sumulat na reporters sa nasabing insidente na pang-iisnab ayon kay Cristy Fermin.

MARAMING FANS NI ANNE CUR-TIS ANG GALIT KAY LEA SALONGA !!! Minsan napanood namin sa news show ng channel 5 na nagsalita ang international singer na hindi raw siya manonood ng isang concert na out of tune ang isang

singer.Siempre ang nasa isip namin ang katatapos pa lang na concert na ginawa ni Anne Curtis sa Smart Araneta ang pinariringgan niya.Doon nagsimulang nagalit ang mga fans ni Anne Curtis kay Lea Salonga.

Siempre dumepensa naman ni Lea, na hindi si Anne ang kanyang pinariring-gan kundi yung mga singer na off key singer.Para kay Lea, hindi naman singer si Anne kundi isang entertainer na mismong inamin naman ng host ng “Its Showtime”.

“The thing about Anne, Im glad for her, ‘Im not a singer.Im an Entertainer’.

“So , I can’t get angry at her.And she does’nt represent herself as a singer.What I get angry at is when somebody who clearly has no voice to speak of….Every

single song that they get their hands or fancy themselves as a singer and thinks they can make a career out of it,”mismong pahayag ni Lea Salonga.

Malaki kasi ang pagpapahalaga ni Ms. Salonga sa profession bilang singer, kaya ayaw niya sa mga singers na nawawala sa tono.Isa raw malaking insulto ‘yun para sa kanya.Pero alam n’yo ba hanggang ngayon marami pa rin ang nagmumura sa kanya sa twitter dahil sa intrigang ‘yun, kaya nga naglabas siya ng ganito sa kan-yang twitter account na ganito..

“What kind of person would cuss some-one out on twitter?Anong klaseng tao ang mga namumu- ra sa iba sa

Patungkol kay Vice Ganda: “Dati Na Siyang Bastos at Mayabang”-Cristy Fermin-

Sarah Geronimo

twitter?Duwag o matapang? Coward or brave?,” last tweet ng International Singer Lea Salonga.

MASASAMANG TWEET NI MO TWISTER KAY OGIE ALCASID !!!Nung nakaraang valentines concert nina Ogie Alcasid at Regine Velazquez sa Smart Araneta, nai-spoof ni Ogie ang video noon ni Mo Twister na kumalat sa internet last year about sa abortion issue with Rhian Ramos.

Talagang ginaya pa ni Ogie ang pagig-ing slang pa sa English ni Mo at ayos nito,pati ang pag-iyak na nakarating naman sa kaalamanan ni Mo.Nagalit si Mo dahil ginawang katatawanan ang ginawang pag-iyak nito noon sa video.

Mabuti pa raw siya at buhay pa ang anak niya.Nakakatawa pala ang mga namamatayan ng anak pero siguro kung anak niya ang namatay tiyak hindi raw niya gagawing katatawanan ito.Ayon ito sa nilalaman ng tweet ni Mo kay Ogie .

Ayon sa depensa ng manager ni Ogie Alcasid narito ang kanilang sagot “ It was done in spirit of comedy, no

intention to offend anybody”.Ayon na rin sa huli naming

balita,humingi na rin ng apology si Ogie Lea Salonga Vice Ganda

The newest noontime show to conquer television’s afternoon block kicked off with a big bang as mentions on the much-anticipated pilot of “It’s Showtime” flooded the micro-blogging site Twitter yester-day (Feb 6).

The open-ing dance and song number of hosts Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, Billy Craw-ford, ‘Kuya’ Kim Atienza, Karylle, Vice Ganda, Teddy Cor-puz, Jugs Jugueta, Jhong Hilario, Ryan Bang, Coleen Garcia, and Eric ‘Eruption’ Tai elicited delight and thrill among Filipino netizens, prompting the hashtag ‘#ItsShow-time’ to top the trending topics on

Alcasid through text kay Mo Twister at humingi rin ng apology ang huli dahil sa mga sunod-sunod na masasakit na tweets niya sa naturang singer.

SARAH GERONIMO MAGIGING DARING NA RAW NGAYON !!!Ma-giging daring na raw ngayon si Sarah Geronimo sa kanyang bagong show sa channel 2, lalo na sa kanyang pananamit at more skin daw ang ipapakita niya.

Maging sa gagawin daw niyang movie,puedeng puede na rin daw ang mga kissing scene.23 yrs old na siya siguro napapanahon na para baguhin ang conservative image pero how true itong nababalitaan namin na hanggang ngayon bantay na bantay pa rin siya ng kanyang ina,tatay at P.A. kahit saan siya pumunta.Kahit raw sa Gym nakabantay ang tatlo, totoo ba ito?

Maging ang kinikita niya sa mga movies,teleserye ,concert at commercials nakaintriga pa rin sa kanyang ina ang lahat, at takenote may commission pa ang nanay niya?Kahit sa manliligaw sa kanya kailangan, nakabantay pa rin ang magulang niya at may approval.Ganon raw kahigpit ang magulang niya. Simula na kaya ito ng pagrerebelde?Nagtatanong lang kami.

“It’s Showtime” Pilot Creates Online Buzz

Twitter Philippines. Also trending were “Baliwag U,”

a term popularized by Anne, and the “Sine Mo ‘To” segment wherein the hosts perform in a comical skit and audience members win cash prizes for participating.

The mad-lang people also saw the return of the clas-sic talent search portion and the “Arte

Mo!” hosted by Anne at Vhong where the remaining contestant ad-vanced to Kuya Kim’s “Rock Clock” round and could win as much as P500,000.


Trends

Tequi-la vs. Techie Life (Part II)As I promised my barber, I will be

specifi c in describing my techie life.My iPad 2 is virtually a permanent

companion. I access it when I wake up in the morning and throughout the day until I sleep at night when I plug it for recharging.

When I turn it on, it shows my home screen that contains those applications that I fi nd most useful and those that make my life more productive.

Prominent are the clock, the calendar and reminders. The Notes, Notability, AudioNote and 7notesHD Premium are apps that allow me to take down notes by either writing, typing, recording and organizing the same.

I have immediate access to my emails, Facebook, and Twitter through the apps specially downloaded for my iPad 2. Such apps automatically bring me the built-in MAC browser Safari. Mercury is a new browser for the iOS that I have but seldom use. I also have the option to use either iPad’s Spotlight search or my favorite search engine Google that I downloaded.

My library of music and videos are also instantly available just by tapping the apps in my home screen. The soft-ware named Photos is the destination for the still pictures and videos that have been taken through my iPad 2 Cameras. The Camera Zoom is used for what it is named after.

The collection of music and videos were downloaded either from iTunes, YouTube, or from my MacBook Pro by syncing them with my iPad 2. My MacBook Pro also has a Windows 7 Operating System and a Virtual PC application. They allow me to make use of Windows-based applications as well. It also has a CD/DVD drive that allows me to convert and transfer CD/DVD contents (documents, photos, music and videos) to the internal hard drive that can then be synced with my iPad 2 through iTunes.

Either FaceTime or Skype allows me to communicate with anybody anywhere either by voice, video or just by chat for free if the other parties are also using similar applications. Both apps are in my home screen too.

A special app called Whistle even gives me a separate telephone number, which I can use to call and be called. It is provided for free and can be used to call anybody in the United States and Canada. Right now, I have it for emergency use.

I also have several apps to access all the major news organizations such as the Washington Post, USA Today, CNN, ABC News, MSNC, CNBC, Wall Street Journal, NPR News, TIME Mobile, BBC News, Huff Post, Pulse News, Net NewsWire, Nightly News, Newsweek, New Yorker and The New York Times. I put them into 2 separate folders named News and Newsstand.

Flipboard is one of my favorite apps in my iPad 2. In one app, it gives me access to my social media accounts such as Twitter and Facebook, to News, Technology, Lifestyle, Details, Google Reader, Sports, Travel and all other accounts that I identifi ed as my interests.

For productivity, I made sure I have Keynote, Pages and Numbers. Keynote is for creating and developing presenta-tions. Pages is for creating documents not unlike Word. Numbers is for creat-ing spreadsheets like Excel. I also have Calculator, Pocket Math, Portable Math, and BizExpense apps, which facilitate my computation requirements in both business and ordinary activities.

The Teleprompt+ is an app that con-verts my iPad 2 into a teleprompter. It is a cool, exciting and useful tool to aid in delivering a speech or lecture. It also gives you running access to the lyrics of a song that you are singing.

I have the iBook, Kindle, and B & N Readers. This means that I can access eBooks created for the Mac, Kindle and Barnes & Noble. In fact, I also have the software to convert documents to the eBook format for the said readers. This is why I have a library of iBooks, Kindle eBooks, Google Books, and B & N eBooks which are all accessible in my iPad 2 either offl ine or online.

I use Google Docs to store docu-ments and various fi les. I upload them online so I can access them in my iPad 2 anywhere I am, wherever I have Internet access.

The app of my choice to download and retrieve any of the documents that I uploaded in Google Docs is GoodRead-

er. Once downloaded, I read the chosen documents wherever I am offl ine. It is very convenient and makes me very productive.

There are also web sites that I like to access without having to go online every time. These are sites that contain materials that I like to read offl ine and store for easy retrieval. This is the rea-son I have the app called iSaveWeb Pro. This app copies all the contents of a web site I choose to save.

For education purposes, I also have in my device an app called TED. This gives me access to numerous lectures, speeches and works in video format of famous, learned, wise and reputable personalities worldwide.

Some special contents such as the Holy Bible, the New Mass, Old Testa-ment, Historic Classics, Quotes, 1001 Mottos, Weird Laws, Quotia and others that enrich my knowledge on different facets of life are also stored for easy retrieval in my iPad 2.

For entertainment, I have games like Solitaire, Angry Birds, Scrabble Free, Sudoku, Sudoku Guru. I also have ac-cess to movies and TV shows through my HBOGo, Netfl ix, and my Sling Media which allows me to control my home TV channels wherever I am in the world provided that I have Internet access.

Yahoo’s IntoNow application allows me to update friends as to what movies or TV shows I am currently watching.

Since MacBook Pro is the reposi-tory of most of my documents, photos, music, audio fi les, videos, applications and other fi les in different formats because of its powerful capacity, I want to be able to access it and control it through my iPad 2 wherever I am. This is because the latter, being hand-held, portable and mobile, is with me most if not all the time.

LogMeIn makes me capable of doing that. Because of this app my MacBook Pro is virtually with me all the time. Air Display also lets me use iPad 2 as a separate monitor.

There are now more than 500,000 apps available for download. There are more being developed everyday. Be you barber, lawyer, doctor, farmer, old, young or any human being, you cannot avoid being exposed to or experiencing a techie life.

Have a Tequi-la if you must. But a Techie Life you should have. Either you have IT or you just don’t have it!

Gathered by Benjamin Maynigo

1. From the Virtual Press Offi ce (VPO)

3DTV Ventures LLC is Proud to Announce the Full Release of Its 3D Internet Portal Website 3DTV.COM

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 3DTV.COM is the fi rst 3D Portal that is devoted solely to fi lling the needs of the online 3D video community, the fastest growing market in the Video space. Founded by Brad Beckerman,Wayne Naphtal, and John Davimos in April of 2011, 3DTV.COM is a free mem-bership site that features a patented 2D to 3D conversion process which converts 2D pictures and videos to 3D in real time, as well as allow-ing members to upload native 3D content. Members are provided with their own private channels to store their content, but may elect at any time to make their content or channel public to the 3D com-munity. 3DTV.com was developed to be the leading social network-ing community in the 3D industry, allowing sharing, embedding, and commenting, as well as posting pictures and videos on other major social networking sites. According to Naphtal this is all made possible

by their proprietary player. “Our player really is the most unique one in the space; it allows you to watch 3D with anaglyph glasses, Pas-sive glasses, or on any glasses-free device. I don’t believe any player is as effective or user friendly as ours, and we are really only in the fi rst inning of 3D. We are continuing to develop our player, and other fea-tures including a mobile website and apps, so that we remain fresh, ahead of the curve and continue to be the leader in this industry.”

3DTV.com was originally launched in Beta on December 1, 2011 to an overwhelming positive response from the internet com-munity. The success of the Beta test has allowed the company to move to a full release and forward with their plans for the future. Again from Naphtal, “Even though our initial fi nancial raise was last April, this has really been a three year process. Brad had the vision several years ago that 3D was the future and bought the most valuable branded URL in the space. Since that time we have been developing a plan to market this property, and the release of the site is only step one.”

2. From the KURZWEIL

SELECTED SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY NEWSNEWSLETTER

a. A military robot that does it all

iRobot 710 Warrior (credit: iRo-bot)

With the offi cial launch of the iRobot Warrior, a large wheeled robot with a hefty mechanical arm, military robots just got signifi cantly larger and more adaptable.

The robot can climb stairs and cover rough terrain, and perform tasks ranging from the delicate (opening car doors) to the destruc-tive (smashing car windows) with its two-meter-long mechanical arm, and could be weaponized — in one test it launched a rocket that trailed explosives behind it to clear mines or other obstacles.

Two prototypes of the robots were sent to explore damaged buildings at the site of the Fukushima Daiichi power plant after the nuclear ac-cident last year.

b. 10-year-old student discov-ers molecule that can store energy

Prof. Robert Zoellner, with a model of the molecule created by ten year-old Clara Lazen (credit: Humboldt State University)

For Kansas City, Mo. student Clara

Lazen, 10, a classroom assignment turned into a scientifi c fi nding: a new molecule, and her fi rst mention in a scientifi c journal.

Lazen randomly arranged a unique combination of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon atoms.

Responding to a request by the teacher, Kenneth Boehr, Humboldt State University chemistry professor Robert Zoellner, a computational chemist, searched Chemical Ab-stracts.

The result:a molecule with the same formula but a different arrangement of atoms than La-zen’s. But Lazen’s molecule was unique: it had the potential to store energy, with the same combination of atoms as nitroglycerin, a power-ful explosive. Zoellner submitted a research paper to the January issue of Computational and Theoretical Chemistry. Both Lazen and Boehr are listed as co-authors.

Ref.: Robert W. Zoellner, Clara L. Lazen, Kenneth M. Boehr, A com-putational study of novel nitratoxy-carbon, nitritocarbonyl, and nitrate compounds and their potential as high energy materials, Computation-al and Theoretical Chemistry,]

Honda Rated as Top Manu-facturer; PVC Reduction

Efforts Hailed(Ann Arbor, MI) - Today the

Ecology Center released its fourth consumer guide to toxic chemicals in cars at HealthyStuff.org, fi nding the Honda Civic at the top of this year’s list, and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport at the bottom. Over 200 of the most popular 2011- and 2012-model vehicles were tested for chemicals that off-gas from parts such as the steering wheel, dashboard, armrests and seats. These chemicals contrib-ute to “new car smell” and a variety of acute and long-term health con-cerns. Since the average American spends more than 1.5 hours in a car every day, toxic chemical exposure inside vehicles can be a major source of indoor air pollution.

“Research shows that vehicle interiors contain a unique cocktail of hundreds of toxic chemicals that off-gas in small, confi ned spaces,” said Jeff Gearhart, Research Direc-

New Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Cars Helps Consumers Avoid “New Car Smell” As Major Source of Indoor Air Pollution

tor at the Ecology Center. “Since these chemicals are not regulated, consumers have no way of knowing the dangers they face. Our testing is intended to expose those dangers and encourage manufacturers to use safer alternatives.”

Chemicals of primary concern in-clude: bromine (associated with bro-minated fl ame retardants); chlorine (indicating the presence of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC and plasticizers); lead; and heavy metals. Such chemi-cals have been linked to a wide range of health problems such as allergies,

birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer. Automobiles are particularly harsh environments for plastics, as extreme air temperatures of 192 F and dash temperatures up to 248 F can increase the concentra-tion of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) and break other chemicals down into more toxic substances.

“Automobiles function as chemi-cal reactors, creating one of the most hazardous environments we spend time in,” added Gearhart.

The good news is overall vehicle ratings are improving. The best vehi-

Best Picks: Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, Honda CR-Z Worst Picks: Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Chrysler 200, Kia Soulcles today have eliminated hazardous fl ame retardants and PVC. Today, 17% of new vehicles have PVC-free interiors and 60% are produced without BFRs.

Top ranking cars in this year’s release are: 1) Honda Civic 2) Toyota Prius and 3) Honda CR-Z. Worst ranking: 1) Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2) Chrysler 200 SC and 3) Kia Soul. The Civic achieved its ranking by being free of bromine-based fl ame retardants in all interior components;


Tech ITfrom My Barber

by Benjamin Maynigo


Health and Wellness

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ScienceDaily (Feb. 14, 2012) — The amount and quality of sleep you get at night may affect your memory later in life, according to research that was recently released and will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 64th Annual Meeting in New Orleans April 21 to April 28, 2012.

“Disrupted sleep appears to be associated with the build-up of amyloid plaques, a hallmark marker of Alzheim-er’s disease, in the brains of people without memory problems,” said study author Yo-El Ju, MD, with Wash-ington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. “Further research is needed to determine why this is hap-pening and whether sleep changes may predict cognitive decline.”

Researchers tested the sleep patterns of 100 people between the ages of 45 and 80 who were free of dementia. Half of the group had a family history of Alzheimer’s disease. A device was placed on the participants for two weeks to measure sleep. Sleep diaries and question-naires were also analyzed by researchers.

After the study, it was discovered that 25 percent of the participants had evidence of amyloid plaques, which can appear years before the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease begin. The average time a person spent in bed during the study was about eight hours, but the average sleep time was 6.5 hours due to short awakenings in the night.

The study found that people who woke up more than fi ve times per hour were more likely to have amyloid plaque build-up compared to people who didn’t wake up as much. The study also found those people who slept “less effi ciently” were more likely to have the markers of early stage Alzheimer’s disease than those who slept more effi ciently. In other words, those who spent less than 85 percent of their time in bed actually sleeping were more likely to have the markers than those who spent more than 85 percent of their time in bed actually sleeping.

“The association between disrupted sleep and amyloid plaques is intriguing, but the information from this study can’t

determine a cause-effect relationship or the direction of this relationship. We need longer-term studies, fol-lowing individuals’ sleep over years, to determine whether disrupted sleep leads to amyloid plaques, or whether brain changes in early Alzheimer’s

disease lead to changes in sleep,” Ju said. “Our study lays the groundwork for investigating whether manipulating sleep is a possible strategy in the prevention or slowing of Alzheimer disease.”

The study was supported by the Ellison Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

“Disrupted sleep appears to be associ-ated with the build-up of amyloid plaques, a hallmark marker of Alzheimer’s disease, in the brains of people without memory problems,” said study author Yo-El Ju, MD, with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. “Further research is needed to determine why this is happening and whether sleep changes may predict cognitive decline.”

Researchers tested the sleep patterns of 100 people between the ages of 45 and 80 who were free of dementia. Half of the group had a family history of Alzheimer’s disease. A device was placed on the par-ticipants for two weeks to measure sleep. Sleep diaries and questionnaires were also analyzed by researchers.

After the study, it was discovered that 25 percent of the participants had evidence of amyloid plaques, which can appear years before the symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Trouble Sleeping? It May Affect Your Memory Later On

disease begin. The average time a person spent in bed during the

study was about eight hours, but the

average sleep time was 6.5

hours due to short awaken-ings in the night.The

study found that people who woke

up more than fi ve

times per hour were more likely to

have amyloid plaque build-up compared to people who didn’t wake up as

much. The study also found those people who slept “less effi ciently” were more likely to have the markers of early stage Alzheimer’s disease than those who slept more effi ciently. In other words, those who spent less than 85 percent of their time in bed actually sleeping were more likely to have the markers than those who spent more than 85 percent of their time in bed actually sleeping.

“The association between disrupted sleep and amyloid plaques is intrigu-ing, but the information from this study can’t determine a cause-effect relation-ship or the direction of this relationship. We need longer-term studies, following individuals’ sleep over years, to determine whether disrupted sleep leads to amyloid plaques, or whether brain changes in early Alzheimer’s disease lead to changes in sleep,” Ju said. “Our study lays the groundwork for investigating whether manipulating sleep is a possible strategy in the prevention or slowing of Alzheimer disease.”

The study was supported by the Ellison Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214171036.htm

Keeping our homes clean is a nev-er-ending task, so knowing where to focus our efforts can come in mighty helpful. Of course we know germs can linger in toilets or on dishes con-taining raw meat, we might overlook a few other common spots bacteria and viruses like to hang out. A quick wipe-down with diluted vinegar will clean up these offending spots quickly and easily.

1. Sponges and rags. When we wipe dishes or counter-tops with soiled rags, we’re simply transferring bacteria from one place to another. To make sure you’re actually ridding your kitchen of bacteria, wash sponges and rags with soap and hot water between uses or replace these items often. Dropping a sponge in boiling water or heating it (while wet) in the microwave for four minutes will kill most disease-causing germs. The sponge will be hot, so be careful when removing it from the microwave.

Another great option? Make your own quick-wipes: Store multiple squares of cotton cloth (think cut up old T-shirts or pajamas) in a con-tainer fi lled with a mixture of 1 cup water, 1 ounce liquid castile soap and 6 to 8 drops of your favorite essential oil (try antimicrobial lemon or tea tree). Wipe down counters with the wipes, then toss them in the wash and return them to the jar for reuse. Get many more natural clean-ing recipes.

2. The remote control. Often used but rarely cleaned, remotes can harbor tons of germs, especially if you have kids. Dilute white vinegar in warm water, then wet a soft cloth with the solution. Wipe remote and dry with another soft cloth. And don’t forget video game controls and computer mice while you’re at it!

3. The vacuum. We think of the vacuum as a cleaning tool, not a home for germs. But vacuum brushes, bags and fi lters make great hiding places for germs like E. coli. Because food is sucked into the vacuum, bacteria can survive for a long time inside. To keep bacteria out, change vacuum bags often, and remove brushes and fi lters for a quick cleaning monthly. Clean the cavity of a bagless vacuum with vinegar or all-purpose cleaner and let it air dry.

http://mytechnologyworld9.blogspot.in/2012/02/top-3-germiest-places-in-home.html

Top 3 Germiest Places in the

HomeIf you’re not getting fresh lemons

into your diet, you may want to reconsider after reading the many health benefi ts of lemons, lemon juice, pith (the white part), or zest (skin).

Here are 13 amazing healing pow-ers of lemons:

Bowel-Cleansing: The bitter taste of lemon gives these fruit the ability to increase peristalsis–a pumping-motion in the bowels–which helps to eliminate waste from the bowels and improve regularity. Add the juice of one lemon to warm water and drink fi rst thing in the morning.

Cancer: Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer com-pounds, including limonene—a naturally-occurring oil that slows or halts the growth of can-cer tumors in animals. Lem-ons also contain a substance called fl avonol glyco-sides which stop cell division in cancer cells.

Colds and Flu: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and fl avonoids that work in conjunction for a serious punch against infection.

Liver: Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifi er.

Nutrition: Lemons contain vitamin C, citric acid, fl avonoids, B-complex vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and fi ber.

Balances Body Chemistry: While lemons are acidic they interact with the body’s metabolism to have an alkalizing effect on the bodily fl uids helping to restore balance to the body’s pH.

Allergies: Lemons contain the phytonutrient hesperetin which has been shown in studies to alleviate

allergic symptoms.Brain and Nervous System Disor-

ders: Containing the potent phytonu-trient tangeretin in the peel, lemons have been proven to be effective for brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

Eye Disorders: Rutin, found in lemons, has been shown in research to improve the symptoms of eye disorders, including diabetic retin-opathy.

Anti-Viral: In addition to being ef-fec- tive against cold and

fl u viruses, terpene limonoids found in lemons have proven anti-viral effects on other types of viruses.

Diabetes: In addition to improv-ing eye problems linked with diabetes, lemons contain hes-peretin which lowers blood sugar levels (when they are high).

Gall and Kidney Stones: The citric acid found in lemon juice helps to dissolve gall-

stones, calcium deposits, and kidney stones.

Anti-Aging: The vitamin C found in lemons helps to neutralize free radicals linked to aging and most types of disease.

http://mytechnologyworld9.blog-spot.in/2012/02/13-healing-powers-of-lemons.html

13 Healing Powers of Lemons



It’s Showtime

Mga Tula ng BayanRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

New Guide ..


It is estimated that California is amongst the top 3 states in the nation for human trafficking. By its very nature, human trafficking, in all of its forms, is largely hidden from view. This is due in part to the large im-migrant communities, within California, which provide for good conceal-ment of a trafficking operation - in many cases, these persons can be hidden in plain sight. Many of these communities are not trusting of law enforcement and tend to maintain cultural norms – some which dictate maintaining silence in the face of illegal enterprise.

The state’s extensive international border, its major harbors and air-ports, its powerful economy and accelerating population, its large immi-grant population and its industries make it a prime target for traffickers. Apart from the harm that this crime causes its victims, the infrastructure that is necessary to support this heinous crime can serve the needs of ter-rorist wishing to smuggle themselves and/or dangerous weapons into the country.

If you would like to help, please call:Trafficking in Persons Information and Referral Hotline (US HHS) 1-888-373-7888Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation Task Force Hotline (US DOJ) 1-888-428-7581Source: California Office of Emergency Services (OES)

Ex Envoy Arrested


Read Romeo Nicolas’s previous poems by vis-iting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

Mga Tulang Tagalog

by Romeo Nicolas

(Second edition - A revised and expanded version of 100 modified choices with nutrient analysis)By Dr. Ofelia V. Dirige et al.

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utilizing PVC-free interior fabrics and interior trim; and having low levels of heavy metals and other metal allergens. The Mitsubishi Outlander contained bromine and antimony-based flame retardants in the seating and center console; chromium treated leather on several components; and over 400 ppm lead in seating materials. The full list of top 10 best and worst cars is found below:__

“We’re pleased to be recognized by HealthyStuff.org for our efforts. Over the past decade, Honda has taken a number of steps to reduce or remove chemicals of concern from our vehicles. We voluntarily report these efforts in our annual North American Environmental Report,” stated Marcos Frommer, Manager of Corporate Affairs & Communica-tions at American Honda.

Anyone looking to buy a new car can visit www.HealthyStuff.org and search by model, comparison shop between different models, and cross reference with fuel economy standards to find both a healthy and fuel-efficient vehicle. A widget and mobile phone application are also available. Visitors to the site are encouraged to contact car manufac-turers and ask them to subscribe to voluntary third party eco labels, such as the TUV Toxproof and Oko-Tex Standard 100, and reduce their use of toxic chemicals in vehicles. A num-ber of leading automakers, including Ford (TUV) and Volvo (Oko Tex), have already adopted these standards for some of their vehicles.

Other Findings:Most improved automakers in

terms of the average ratings for their vehicles are VW (+42%), Mitsubishi (+38%) and Ford (+30%). These represent improvement from the 2009/2010 models to the 2011/2012 models.

Two automaker had overall declin-ing average scores from 2009/2010 to 2011/2012: Diamler AG (-29%) and Volvo (-13%).

On a fleet-wide basis PVC use is declining. Zero percent of pre-2006 vehicles had PVC-free interiors, versus 17% (34) of the 2011/2012 vehicle models which had PVC-free interiors. Flexible PVC often contains hazardous plasticizers, or “softeners,” called phthalates, which off-gas during vehicle use and are deposited on dust particles and windshields, where they cause “fogging.” In recent years, automak-ers have begun replacing PVC with polyurethanes and polyolefins, which contain fewer harmful additives and are easier to recycle.

40% of vehicle tested in 2012 contained Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) in the vehicle interiors. BFR’s refer to a wide range of chemicals added to materials to both inhibit their ignition and slow their rate of combustion. Alterna-tives which provide the degree of fire safety required under law without using organic compounds of bromine exist, as well as options in product redesign.

Note: HealthyStuff.org only tests for a limited set of chemical hazards. Vehicles may also contain other chemical hazards, including chlori-nated flame retardants (CFR) which were NOT tested for in this study.

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“He (Ortigas) did not resist arrest and cooperated with the police,” he said.

Bayot accused her husband and his personal secretary Ma. Anto-nia Legarda of concubinage. Both Ortigas and Legarda have denied the allegations.

“Judge Dumlao signed the warrant on Tuesday and we were furnished a copy. We served the warrant (of ar-rest) at his office. Our only function is to account for a person with war-rant of arrest,” Abalos explained.

Abalos said Ortigas was booked, photographed and fingerprinted at the CIDG office in Pasig City as part of police procedure.

Following his arrest, Ortigas is-sued a statement to the media.

“He doesn’t like to be interviewed by the media, that is his policy since the beginning,” Loriega explained.

Ortigas said in his statement: “I am saddened by having to endure the course of events, which continue to turn a private matter between me and my wife Susana Ortigas into a public spectacle.

Ortigas said his arrest “was so obviously designed to ensure my public humiliation. Thus it would be only logical for me to expect my detractors, who include a cabal of individuals out to please my wife, will continue to exhaust all means in their attempts to malign my person.

“And those vicious attacks against me manifest how these people are evidently devoid of the basic ethics or morals found in cultured, educat-ed individuals of a civilized society,” he said.

“Allow me to reiterate, as far as I’m concerned, that this is a purely private matter, which refined and civilized individuals avoid elucidat-ing on. Thus, it is my fervent hope that the public will understand my preference to keep silent on the matter.

“But my silence should not be mis-construed as my waiving my right to clear my name at the appropriate time.”

Molo added Ortigas was “sur-prised” by his arrest but is “deter-mined to fight this all way to the end.”

Ortigas is a scion of the Ortigas clan, which owns large tracts of land in the east of Metro Manila. Ortigas & Co. is the developer of Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan City. – Aie Balagtas See

Tama ba ang ngayo’y naririnig at nababasaAng isang Obispo’y nakuhang magpatawad naKay Noynoy na walang nagawang pagkakasalaGayong sila ang nasangkot sa kontrobersiya? Mabait din naman itong si Pangulong NoynoySa kabila nang lahat ay nagpakahinahonIginagalang pa rin bilang ka-relihiyonAng mga Obispong sa kanya ay humahamon. Sila ba’y mayroon pang sapat na katinuanHamon kay Noynoy bumaba sa panunungkulanNoong ang kutong lupa ang nasa MalacañangTagapagtanggol sila pagka’t nakikinabang? Hindi naman masama na sila ay tumanggapNg biyaya kung ibabahagi sa mahirapDatap’wa’t kung ito’y gagamiting pampasarapMalisya’y nar’yan, sa kahihiya’y mabibilad. Saan kaya naman nila pinagdadadalaAbuloy sa simbahan, walang tuos ang kwentaAng nakikinabang ay kamag-anak ng kuraBakit ‘di suriin pondo ng bawa’t parokya? Isipin na lang sila’y walang binubuwisanSapagka’t sa ating batas ‘yan ang pinagtibayNguni’t ang bayarin sa kanila ay ang mamahalUpa sa binyag, kumpil, kasal, libing ng patay. Ang serbisyo nila’y mayroon ding kaurianMay para sa mahirap, iba ang sa mayamanPag aranya’y sindi, may kaya ang ‘kinakasalSubali’t kapag dukha, di man lang pagmisahan. H’wag namang maghugas-kamay at magmalinisPagka’t ang ginagawa’y kita ng mapagmasidTigilan na’t itikom, matatabil na bibigUpang maiwasan ang usaping maligalig. Sa halip na atupagin ang pakikialamSa pagpapatakbo ng ating pamahalaanSuyuin ang kotolikong nagngaglilipatanSa ibang relihiyong ang namumuno’y banal. Ika-19 ng Hulyo, 2011

Obispo At Simbahang Katoliko!

Problema sa MILF Naku Diyos ko! Ano ba ‘tong nangyayari sa bayan ko,Sa dinami ng problema itong isa ay DELUBYO.Mantakin mong ating bansa ay gusto pang maikambyo,Maging SUB-STATE ang Mindanao, Naku grabe! ‘to’y INSULTO.

Paano na ang BAYANING nagbuhos ng mga buhay,Makita lang itong bansa na mayroong KALAYAAN.Dahil lamang sa RELIHIYONG ngayo’y kalat sating bayan.Ay nais pang magsarili na SUB-STATE, kahangalan.

Palibhasay nadiktahan nitong bansa sa paligid,Kaya itong mga TANGA naniwalang pa-TAGILID.Nuon pa man dulot nila’y problema na walang patid,Paano na kung MINDANAO, kanila na, naku LINTIK!.

Kahit anong paliwanag ng sikat na ABOGADO,DAGA lang ang makikinig at hindi ang mga tao.Mangarap ka ng mangarap, hanggang diyan ka lang, APO,Malabo mong MALOLOKO kaming dugong PILIPINO.

LUZVIMINDA, kabuuan nitong bansang PILIPINAS,Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, may damdamin, mayrong UTAK.Sa sino mang magsusulong mag-SUB-STATE itong PINAS,Matakot ka kababayan, may sapi ka ni SATANAS.

Mahalin mo itong bansang kay daming nagbuwis-buhay,At ugat ng kasaysayang suma puso at isipan.Mabuo lang itong bansa, kahit kalat, IISA LANG,Sa mithiing KALAYAAN ng bayaning nagsipanaw.

Tigilan na ang pagusad nitong planong walang saysay,Pagtuunan ang panahong mapagbuti itong buhay..Tigilan rin ang putukan, pandurukot at pagpatay,Iigting lang yaong galit ng KRISTIYANONG kinalaban.

Tandaan mo kababayan kung ikaw ma’y NATURUAN,LASON ito sa isipang sana’y di na nagtatagal.Dati-rati naman tayong pangunawa’y pantay-pantay,Tayo’y mga PILIPINO, tandaan mo kababayan.

Di mo dapat na dadalhin, ugali ng ibang bansa,“Extrimist” na kung pumatay pati ulo nawawala.Pilipino ay hindi ganyan, may lawak ang pangunawa,Sukul langit man ang galit, gawa pa rin yaong tama.

Batikos ni: Romeo S.Nicolas8/18/2011

Meanwhile, Vice’s “Singing V” challenges participants’ musical knowledge, while teams go against each other in answering trivia ques-tions in the “Pitik Bulag”.

Before the much-anticipated pilot of “It’s Showtime,” a ‘Countdown Party Party’ for the network’s employees and the hosts’ fans was mounted at the ABS-CBN com-pound Sunday night (Feb 5).

Aside from the “It’s Showtime” hosts, ABS-CBN’s brightest talents also turned up at the event to show

their support for the new show, in-cluding Erik Santos, Jovit Baldivino, Bugoy Drilon, Marcelito Pomoy, Ejay Falcon, Empress Schuck, Gab Valenciano. Entertaining the crowd were bands Sponge Cola, Itchy-worms, Rocksteddy, and “Show-time” Season 1 grand champion XB Gensan and child wonder Bugoy Carino.

Party-party with the unkabogable barkada of “It’s Showtime” week-days and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m on ABS-CBN in the Philippines and onTFC worldwide. (Kane Errol Choa, ABS-CBN Corporate Affairs & PR Director )


Arellano explained that the department is not violating an outstanding temporary re-straining order (TRO) issued by the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) last Jan. 30 in favor of Gatdula enjoining the DOJ from conducting a pre-liminary investigation on the Ohara case based on the fi nd-ings and recommendations of the fact-fi nding committee headed by Justice Undersecre-tary Francisco Baraan III.

He explained that the TRO does not cover the preliminary inves-tigation stemming from Ohara’s complaint since the court order was based on the fact-fi nding panel report.

“The basis of this preliminary investigation is the formal complaint of Ohara. It is our duty to act on that. The TRO covers the result of fact-fi nding probe. Those are two different things,” he explained.

Gatdula’s lawyer Abraham Espejo assailed the order to conduct the preliminary investigation that vio-lates the existing TRO issued by the Manila court.

“That is a glaring evidence that she (Justice Secretary Leila de Lima) is out to persecute Director Gat-dula. There is a still existing TRO preventing the DOJ from conducting and yet here she is ordering a probe. They have no respect for the rule of law,” he said.

Espejo said they would question the DOJ’s action on the Ohara case before the Manila RTC.

In his petition for certiorari and prohibition fi led with the Manila RTC, Gatdula also sought to declare null and void the DOJ’s fact-fi nding committee’s proceedings and recom-mendations in connection with the Ohara case.

Named respondents in his petition were Secretary De Lima, Baraan, Assistant Secretary Zabedin Asis and Quezon City Prosecutor Donald Lee.

Gatdula also asked Judge Felixber-to Olalia, presiding judge of Manila RTC Branch 8, to declare Depart-ment Order Nos. 1007, s. 2011 and 047, s. 2012 as null and void for be-ing unconstitutional and restrain the respondents from transmitting any report to other government agencies, including the Offi ce of the Ombuds-man.

He also prayed for the court to consider all evidence, whether docu-mentary or testimonial evidence, as inadmissible in any proceedings before the court.

In its report, the panel said based on the testimony of NBI special investigator Cabillan, Gatdula “ap-pears to have prior knowledge and participation as well as in its cover-up” in the operation to abduct and extort P6 million from Ohara.

Gatdula, a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo, earlier blamed politics for the decision of the fact-fi nding panel, which recommended his prosecution for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Earlier, De Lima ordered the fact-fi nding committee to review its fi ndings insofar as the criminal cul-pabilities of Gatdula are concerned.

The DOJ chief said a further review is necessary to determine the extent of participation of Gatdula in the Ohara case.

Missing a print edition of the Asian Journal? Read the digital edition at www.asianjournalusa.com/digital

Street Poetry

Read about Michael’s upcoming book of poems “Crushed Violets” by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Michael R. Tagudin

©2012 Michael R. Tagudin. All rights reserved. About the Author: Michael R. Tagudin Educated as an engineer in the Philippines, the City of Los Angeles employee hopes his legacy of poems will provoke a dialogue about the human condition. He is donating the proceeds from the book “Crushed Violets” to the “Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Traffi cking (CAST)”, a non-profi t that provides public awareness and advocacy efforts against human traffi cking in the City of Angels. To learn more, visit www.castla.org. To help, call the CAST 24 hour hotline 888.KEY.2.FRE(EDOM) or 888.539.2373. Contact [email protected] for more information about ordering the book “Crushed Violets.”


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Attorney is available daily on regular business days at the San Diego Offi ce

*Member, California State BarLicensed to practice before the US Federal District CourtSouthern California and California Supreme Court

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*Former San Diego Regional Coordinator for U.S. Immi-gration Amnesty for Catholic Community Services, Catholic Diocese of San Diego

*Legal Advisor, Los Chabacanos of Cavite CityAssociation, Inc., San Diego, California

*Juris Doctor law degree, University of San Diego (1985),Diploma; Oxford Institute on International and Comparative Law (USD), Oxford, England (1984);Bachelor Degree, University of Southern California (1983);Montgomery High School, San Diego (1979)

*Born in the Philippines (Cavite)

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by Rudy D. Liporada

Pusoy, A Russian Poker -- Chapter 28

DOJ starts probe ..


by Rudy D. Liporada

“Dad, you said that, our life would be better here in America,” said Danny, my eldest. He was 14.

“We just arrived, son. Things will be better,” I said.

Although we did not have to queue for anything and could have all the apples and milk and sugar and bread and whatever we want in America, my children missed our three bedroom fl at in Zambia. They missed their playmates like Zulu and Jelita. They missed being dubbed as Chy-nee-see which commanded an aura of respect from their classmates and special considerations from their Zambian teachers.

Cynthia missed being addressed “Madam” by our Zambian cook, gardener, and laundrywoman who we had only paid $1.00 each a month – they even curtsy when they had to greet her. I missed being ad-dressed Big Bwana.

We became FOBs – Fresh off the Boat – awed and fumbling with the knobs for the desired combination of heated showers; doing our own laundry, puzzled with the numerous dial settings on the washer and dryer machines; and confused with TV remote controls.

My brother-in-law generously squeezed the six of us in one of the rooms of their three-bedroom-house, mercifully demoting two of his sons to share their sister’s room till we found a place of our own – indefi -nitely.

Our movements then were pleas-antly at the mercy of Cynthia’s sister-in-law.

Introduced to relatives and friends, we felt the burning measurement of their eyes from head to foot.

“We want to go home to Zambia,” Carlos, my third son, age 10 then, had said.

“We can’t” I said. “We have to make our life here in America now.”

Apples and cakes and chocolates and milk and toys, specially toys, fi nally comforted the children and, soon, Zulu and Jelita became just part of their happy memory banks.

Our Zambian money bank savings, however, became depleted and I had no job yet after three months in America. Cynthia readily became a nurse at one of the hospitals but she did not earn enough for us to be on our own. Although my brother-in-law was generous, they had problems of their own and we were becoming his family’s burden.

We decided to sell our house in the Philippines and used the sale as down payment for another in Ven-tura County, California. Taking the plunge and me without yet a regular work, we got behind in electricity, water, and telephone bills – so long as we kept the mortgage payments.

The Mormon bishop issued checks before our city services would be cut off because we had become devoted members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, attend-ing church every Sunday and with me becoming a scout master for the boys of the church which included my horde.

I fi nally bit a job in an assem-bly plant because no management needing company or teaching entity recognized my Philippine college degree or government or Zambian teaching credentials. Tears streaked down my cheeks as I twiddled on micro chip parts I had to assemble on the lines, working alongside those without degrees or have barely

fi nished high school. That other Filipinos, who had degrees in ac-counting, law, and teaching worked with me in the graveyard shift, was no comfort to me.

The assembly work reminded me of the diametrical relationship of workers and capitalists, the move-ment in the Philippines, and the international proletarian struggle. The revolutionary fervor rekindled in my soul.

Nonetheless, I landed a much better job as claims adjuster for California’s workers’ injury com-pensation systems. This involved processing of the medical fees and compensation of workers with work related injuries. I felt like I was serving the proletariat while being paid with my children afforded over bare subsistence. The luxury placed me back on my petty burgis bearings and satisfi ed status.

Content with our livelihood with a house, cars, and vacation capabili-ties to boot, my venting revolved on founding a community ethnic newspaper and stringing for the Ven-tura Times, the county’s mainstream newspaper. I wrote on community organization activities and ventured on political criticisms against the lo-cal and national governments. After all, the US is still a highly demo-cratic country where freedom of the press exists as long as one does not show the fangs of the extremes of whatever one democratically writes about. I questioned the necessity of the Iraq war. “Al-Qaeda is in Afghanistan, why go for Saddam Hussein?” Since we did not fi nd weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, “Why have we not yet brought home the troops?’

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pay for and pick up their property by 2:00 p.m. the same day. Proceeds from the auction benefi t the estates administered by the County.

PA/PG investigates and adminis-ters the estates of persons who have not created a will before their death or who don’t have an appropriate person willing or able to act as their administrator. The County manages the affairs of 300-400 estates at any given time. PA/PG also investigates conservatorship matters and serves as the legally appointed guardian for elderly and disabled persons found by the Court to be unable to manage their own assets and personal care.

Guarding the safety and well-being of PA/PG’s clients is part of the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiaive, a 10-year campaign to improve health in the region.

The personal property estate sales are held quarterly. For additional information about items available for sale and auction dates, please call (858) 694-3500.

Poem No. 34

Do you feel anything?What do you mean babe?When you do me.Of course! You ‘re my babe!You being thereUnder meHelplessAccepting whateverMercy or crueltyIt doesn’t really matter!Me! Running like a wolf .Through the forestSmelling bloodHunting for my preyExcited, longing, halfcraze madSurviving, living, celebrating life,The moon is up!Bow and give praise to her majesty!Tonight she is full!In my salutation I howl!Giving, breathing, wantingIn blood and lustFor you babeAlways hereAlways touching, sharing, caring, wantingTo be near youEver near youAlways loving, living, foreverHowling in pain and lustEver for you babeI bleed for love!

©2009 Michael R. Tagudin

I Bleed for Love



“The souls that say this chaplet will be embraced by My mercy during their lifetime and especially at the hour of their death (754).” -- Words of Jesus in the Diary of St. Faustinaespecially at the hour of their death (754).” -- Words of Jesus in the Diary of St. Faustina

CHAPLET OF THE DIVINE MERCYUsing the rosary beads, recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one I Believe in God.

On the Our Father beads say this prayer, which was given by Our Lord to St. Faustina (1905-1938).

Eternal Father, I o�er You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the Hail Mary beads say:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

In conclusion say three times:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

The Hour of Great Mercy

At three o’clock, implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion,

particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great

mercy. In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in

virtue of My Passion (Diary, 1320). -- Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary of Saint Faustina

Kowalska

You expired, O Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls and an ocean of mercy

opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable

Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us. O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the

Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You. Amen.

Free Divine Mercy Posters for Families (9”x15”) while supplies last. Call 619.851.9547

FilipinianaMiracles of The Divine Mercy: My Journey of Faith

5th of a Series by Mercy Lotilla-AsencioA Spiritual Autobiography by Mercy Lotilla-Asencio

(author)My own life is replete with Godly

miracles. Twice in my life I almost died. Before reaching age one (1935) in Sibalom, Antique, my mother told me that a severe diarrhea brought me to the border of death, and my

eyes were just a fl ickering light that would extinguish any moment then. Mama Angelina prayed: “Lord God, I surrender the life of this baby to you. Whatever is Your will for her, let it be done.” And I live!

World War II Years

During World War II (1942 to 1945), my faith grew for amidst the ravages and destruction of the cruelty of man against man, my fam-ily experienced the miracles of God manifested in so many ways. One example, one time after the people shouted “Hapon!” (the Japs were coming!) we all got ready to go with our balutan (prepared clothes or food packages) but my mother would not budge anymore. She got her Bible and said she was preparing for death. We chose not to go too, and instead joined her prayers.

That day, the Japanese soldiers were not able to cross the swollen river because it rained very hard. So they did not reach our barrio.

Thanks to my guiding parents, the lessons of the many miracles that happened in the Lotilla family (Antonio, Crisostomo, Grace, Mercy, Humberto and Precious) during my childhood and early adult life were explained to us as they happened. They taught us, how good God is!

The Crossroad of Decision

From an early age, I learned to love the Lord from the example of my devoted parents, Vincente and

Angelina Lotilla and from the exposure to active Parish life in An-tique. Eventually, I sought to deepen that relationship with the Lord, who became number one in my life.

After fi nishing my Bachelor in Mu-sic degree in UST, (major in voice and minor in piano) at age 21, the crossroad of decision stood before me. Would I take the rugged and thorny road to a convent as a reli-gious nun, or the other common road but equally diffi cult -- family life?

Eventually, in December 1957, the Lord respecting my personal-ity and my desire for a family, He covenanted me to my fi ance, the lawyer-musician Johnny Asencio of

Cabatuan, Iloilo. Out of our union were born our beloved:

Mary Anne, Ma.Theresa, Clement, Rosemary, Ma.Cecilia, Ma.Pauline Jackie and Vincent.

The Exodus to Mindanao

In the hustle-bustle of family life, gone was that perspective of pursu-ing my fi rst love-God. And the tra-vailing of my spirit had begun. Like a journey from the Biblical Egypt to Canaan, the moving from Manila

(1960) to Mindanao -fi rst to Cotabato City, then to Milbuk of North Cotabato (1965), and fi nally to General Santos City, in 1970, was a desert-like experience both from the spiritual and the temporal standpoint. Coping with the concerns of a family of seven children, the full time teaching-business career, the fi nancial discontentment, the worri-some cash strapped meagerly funded business, the pervading problems of daily living, and the seemingly lost relationship with the God of my childhood dissipated the fl ickering faith left in my spirit. Where is the God of my youth? Why is He so dis-tant now? Why are my spiritual life so dry and my prayers unanswered? I wondered.

Fear

Added to that anxiety-laden life was the fear of being uprooted any-time by the warring Christians and Muslims in Mindanao. My troubled sleep was intermingled with traumat-ic attacks of fear, of being unable to cope with fi nancial, health, business problems, resulting to irritability, which badly affected my relation-ship with my husband Johnny, and children, and employees. Johnny and I were growing cold and aloof to each other, slowly drifting apart. There was a time in this confl ict-

laden relationship that he verbalized his frustrations, “If life is just like this, we might as well separate.” I could only cry, “No, we must fi nd a solution!”

And I began to cry out to God for help. The more miserable I was, the more intense was my longing for a God I could relate to: Where are You, Lord, in all these?

I did not know then, that there was an option to live a Spirit-fi lled life. I was longing for something; yet, I could not discern or understand what I needed to do. I was living a life of defeat, failure, and frustration.

Almost a ‘Jordan’ Time

In that period of spiritual immatu-rity, I was looking for a real God, a God of the saints that I used to read about during my high school and college years; someone I could relate to as the saints did. I tried joining un-renewed religious organizations, but He was not convincingly there. There was no one to guide my un-yielding, faithless heart. Was that the unproductivity of a Church, which was in it unrenewed, static, apathetic, and unalive during that time? Or was God allowing that ‘Jordan’ time, sub-jecting me to adverse circumstances so that when my surrender comes, it would be full blast? How I travailed before the entrance!

It must have been almost a ‘Canaan journey‘ for I was undergoing satanic assault in myriads of ways: attacks on my thought life, discouragement, sleepless anxieties, fear, and psycho-logical and spiritual turmoil. I was ignorant of the devices of Satan. (2 Cor. 2: 11)

The Desire for a God

Yet, in all these circumstances and situation, I was longing for a God I could embrace, I could truly love; One in whom I could truly feel love and care. And so upon reading the article of the Charismatic Duquense (USA) weekend experience of a group of Catholic professors and college students in 1965, I prayed fervently: God, I need to experience You just as these people experienced You… Please send your instruments.

Several years later, in this same condition of thirsting for God, in mid 1977, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal opened the fl oodgates of God’s grace and mercy to start and bring renewal to me and eight other people as we began a small Prayer Group in Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish in General San-tos City. The Lord heard my cry!

‘Canaan’ At Last: My New

Pentecost

Six months after, in January 1978, a ‘Catholic Life in the Spirit Semi-nar’ (CLSS) was conducted for us. At the highlight of that CLSS, ‘the Baptism in the Holy Spirit’, Bishop Arliss with the SPC nuns prayed-over us. Thank God, the Holy Spirit really descended for all! For me, that night, a peaceful sleep was unmarred by traumatic attacks of fear!

Bathing in the Streams of Living Water!

When I woke up the next morn-ing, I greeted God, I love You, Lord! Lo, and behold! The Lord enveloped me with His tremendous Love! A love so intense, so joyful, a stirring inside me I could hardly contain! My heart was just full to the brim! I exclaimed, Wow, Lord, how sweet is Your Love! I am bathing in the streams of Your Living Water! It seemed like I stepped into ‘Jordan and the water parted!’ I experienced God! What a New Year gift from the Lord!

The Holy Spirit Began His Work in Me

The Scripture tells us that when the Holy Spirit comes, we become children of God, new creatures, with a new life. How true it is! My former spiritual activities took a new meaning and value. The Mass became very meaningful; the Gospel alive; Holy Communion, a heart-stirring experience of love and worship, the Words of God in the Scripture opened new avenues of life, of service, of healing, of caring. The spiritual and corporal Works of Mercy took fl esh!

My Christ-focused life was begin-ning to produce amazing results. As the Lord touched my spirit to begin His inner healing process, fear, anxieties, resentments, hatred, unfor-giveness, unbelief and other garbage of my psyche began to disappear, although not overnight.

The infi lling of the Holy Spirit created a hunger for God’s Word. Meditation time on His words made God’s love fl ow, oftentimes bringing me into memory lane – a fl ashback of my past life telling me, those hurting or diffi cult events were part of God’s loving embrace, the crosses that unknowingly stuck me to Christ. My faith was growing. Oh, I was on fi re with the Spirit!

The Decision to to Make Jesus Number One

As I was growing in my new relationship with the Lord, He gave me the grace to sort out my life and its priorities. I was touched by an insight from Charles Singson’s state-ment: “God works more easily to form a God-like character in a person when her heart is pliable, has inner depth, and is not crowded with many other priorities.”

I realized at that point that my own life was indeed overcrowded with many other priorities, and wrongly focused. I was teaching at NDDC, underwriting insurance, teaching music in my studio and doing home service, managing a small business, and mothering seven children. No wonder, my inner self was often troubled before that conversion experience. I was trying to cope with so many responsibilities and the pressure often left me irritable. I had no time to pray, to refl ect on God’s Words, no time to serve Him even in small ways. Work, work all the time for money that did not stay in the pocket long enough. It was kill-ing me physically. I thought that by doing all these things myself (super self-effi ciency without the help of God), I could very much improve our life. So this time, I had to re-focus

my life’s priorities to Jesus Christ, my Lord.

After much praying for the right decision regarding my professional and job load, I quit those side jobs, including teaching at NDDC after losing my voice due to a perennial laryngitis.

God’s Action After Surrendering My Life To Him

I surrendered my time to the Lord that 1978 as I began to concentrate in my Music Studio and small business of retailing musical instruments. In no time God manifested His pleasure with my decisions. That week, He blessed us with big Yamaha organ sales. I was fl abbergasted! The sup-plying company’s dictated margin of profi t was equivalent to one year of my college teaching salary! The enrollment in my Music Studio also multiplied. God affi rmed my deci-sion!

Such manifestation of God is quite signifi cant for me. Answered prayers gave me a special feeling of being cared for, and of being loved by the Lord. They added block after block to build my faith.

The Lord became the center-focus of all my activities, my recreation, and my monetary and business deci-sions.

A Revolutionized Prayer Life

Experiencing a deepening union with God in prayer was a very excit-ing discovery! Prayer became a bask-ing in the joy of His presence! The prayer of repentance, of silence, of adoration, of love, of peace, of praise and thanksgiving, and of contempla-tion of Jesus’ life and Passion in the Rosary became a celebration in being with God. The very longings of my heart – that deeper love-relationship with Him which I have searched for all my life was now unfolding. Alleluiah! That was never attained before, and I found out that my spiri-tual struggle then was a mere striving of my limited human power devoid of my empowering of the Holy Spirit. Wow! I said to myself. “So we ordinary mortals can experience God in the same way as saints or contemplatives do! What a beautiful discovery! Thanks to the Charismatic Renewal for introducing the Holy Spirit to us!

Months after, this style of praying would face the test. Our 7-year-old Vincent, our youngest, was para-lyzed. I was pleading to the Lord to heal him.

On the 3rd day, he just jumped out of bed saying, “Papa, Mama, I can walk, I can run now!” God had healed him!

I was fi lled with praise and thanks-giving to the Lord, for His compas-sionate love for His people!

It was in this prayer context also when I began to discover that God speaks to us in the silence of adoration. One of these experiences proved to me the Lord’s concern for the poor. He said to me “If you really love Me, then love My poor brethren.”

A New Perspective of Valuing Relationships

With the new habit of studying and refl ecting on God’s words in the Scripture, our Lord moved me to examine more areas of my life especially in my relationships with my family and with other people. Before, forgiving those who have injured or hurt me was most diffi cult, now the Holy Spirit’s action brought me to daily repentance, to the gift of humility in swallowing my pride and reconciling with my family members and people.

With God’s love, I was chang-ing day by day, that my husband made this remark, “Wow, what a

tremendous change in you! What has Charismatic Renewal done to you?” But I was intensely praying for him to mellow down too.

Indeed, goodness, love, and pa-tience had overfl owed to them. The Lord pointed out to me the things wrong in the past: my negative at-titude with my husband, hence, the confl ict in our relationships. Where I took him for granted and saw only his weakness and faults, this time, I focused on his strengths and virtues, and I affi rmed his goodness. As a re-sult, his endearing ways came back, rekindling the love gone cold into fl aming intimacy again with each other. This new found Godly love and its results later on convinced this lawyer-husband of mine to stop criticizing the Charismatic Renewal and eventually attracted him to seek spiritual renewal too.

Refl ecting on this later, I under-stood why Jesus does not allow divorce. He knows that when a couple makes Him the center-focus of their home, love will fl ourish, strengthening it to embrace will-ingly life’s crosses. He gives fi delity great rewards of spiritual, material consolations in the form of harmony, success, fulfi llment and joyful and peaceful old age.

Hence, when couples with mar-riage problems come to me for help, I recommend to them to go back to the source of love –God who is Love, and that love will overfl ow to their family and to others.

A Happy Family

I realized just on time that our growing teenaged children were feel-ing so constricted by our parenting tyranny and their unexpressed rebel-lion were just waiting to explode. After that spiritual conversion, our understanding love for them over-fl owed. The nagging and sermon-izing were changed to friendly chats, and the virtues we hoped emulated became internalized through a gentle osmosis. Our family became a happy one. When they came home from college, the house was full of joyful noise of laughter, and the house often reverberated with the music of piano, organ and singing from the whole family. Hence, after Christmas 1985, when our second daughter Ma.Theresa, a graduate in Music from UST, Magna Cum Laud (excuse the mother’s pride!) was bidding us goodbye to become a religious nun, she was crying.

“Hija, why? What is it that you fi nd painful to give up?” I asked.

“We have become a happy family, Mama. I will miss this joyful togeth-erness.”

“Go and answer the call of God. Your happiness will be ours too.”

Thanks to God, she said her Perpetual Vows in 1995. This happy nun is now the head of the Music and Culture Dept. of Quezon City’s St. Paul.

The Open Doors

On my 43rd birthday, (6 months after CLSS), I fell asleep during my prayer while I was asking the Lord the right ministry to get in. Then I dreamt we were in a university on top of a hill (Ateneo, I guess because we just had our ‘Maturing in the Spirit Seminar’ there). There, the Lord pointed to me where to go: to a white mansion on top of another mountain. But to get there, I had to fi nd a door and only one was avail-able to me among the many, that of the students’ door. And I found my-self later in a jungle where I was in fear, but my faith made me continue my journey until I reached a narrow door.

When I was about to pass through that dimly lighted, narrow door, I

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Lifestyle

Read Joe Son’s past articles on www.asianjournalusa.com

by Joe Son

You’re Invited…

“Learning Conversational Filipino with Flavor!”

February 18 & 25, March 3, 17, 24 & 31, 2012 Saturdays, 9AM to 12:00PM Hall of Nations, Balboa Park

Join us for this special 18-hour “crash course” for beginning students

Learn common phrases used for everyday conversation Learn Filipino relating to the culture and tradition involving FOOD

Enjoy young and adult learning experiences

Highly interactive sessions FUN and Non-intimidating

Instructors:

Virginia Ferrer: 15 years teaching Filipino in different schools in the district of Sweetwater. Writes poems for local newspapers: Philippines and Asian Report (Lawiswis Kawayan) and Asian Journal (Balintataw) Gloria Guilas: 12 years teaching Filipino in San Diego Mesa Community College, World Language (Filipino and ASL) High School Teacher for the last 15 years, San Diego Unified School District, Member, Subpanel for BCLAD in Filipino for the Commission On Teacher Credentialing, CA (1994-1996)

Fee: $99 per person (before February 15) $115 per person (after February 15) Special Offer: Register yourself and bring a friend for $69 Children (grades 1-8) FREE with Registered Parents Family Rate: $168 Maximum Fee

Questions? Contact Sam Besa: (858) 538-8706 / [email protected] or Willie Racelis: (619) 405-2603 / [email protected]

Presented by “Mag-Filipino Tayo, Inc” In cooperation with House of the Philippines

Please mail Registration Form and check payable to “Mag-Filipino Tayo” to Willie Racelis, 1006 Paraiso Avenue, Spring Valley, CA 91977 --------------------------------------cut here----------------------------------------------------- Name(s)

Phone (H) (C) Email

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If you are not a grandparent you will still love this. If you are it shows how precious

the babies are and what we mean to them.

WHAT IS A GRANDPARENT? (Taken from papers written by a

class of 8-year-olds) Grandparents are a lady and a man

who have no little children of their own. They like other people’s.

A grandfather is a man, & a grand-mother is a lady!

Grandparents don’t have to do

anything except be there when we come to see them. They are so old they shouldn’t play hard or run. It is good if they drive us to the shops and give us money.

When they take us for walks, they

slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.

They show us and talk to us about

the colors of the flowers and also why we shouldn’t step on ‘cracks.’

They don’t say, ‘Hurry up.’ Usually grandmothers are fat but

not too fat to tie your shoes. They wear glasses and funny

underwear. They can take their teeth and gums

out. Grandparents don’t have to be

smart. They have to answer questions like

‘Why isn’t God married?’ and ‘How come dogs chase cats?’

When they read to us, they don’t

skip. They don’t mind if we ask for the same story over again.

Everybody should try to have a

grandmother, especially if you don’t have television because they are the only grownups who like to spend time with us.

They know we should have snack

time before bed time, and they say prayers with us and kiss us even when we’ve acted bad.

A 6-YEAR-OLD WAS ASKED

WHERE HIS GRANDMALIVED. ‘’OH,’’ HE SAID, ‘’SHE

LIVES AT THE AIRPORT, AND WHEN WE WANT HER, WE JUST GO GET HER. THEN WHEN WE’RE DONE HAVING HER VISIT, WE TAKE HER BACK TO THE AIRPORT.’’

GRANDPA IS THE SMART-

EST MAN ON EARTH! HE TEACHES ME GOOD THINGS, BUT I DON’T GET TO SEE HIM ENOUGH TO GET AS SMART AS HIM!

It’ funny when they bend over; you

hear gas leaks, and they blame their dog.

Send this to other grandparents,

almost grandparents, or heck, send it to everyone. It will make their day.

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

journalusa.com

What is a grandparent?

(In relation to my previous article, dated 2/10/2012, Manny Cabildo sent in this clippings from Vatican (Herald Malaysia) by e-mail for publication in the Asian Journal, San Diego as an update on the protest of Catholic heirarchy against the administration.)

President of US bishops unleash-

es his wrath on Obama adminis-tration

Published on: February 11, 2012 at

13:21 PMVATICAN (Herald Malaysia): The

head of the US Catholic Church has unleashed thunder on the “bible” of the financial community against the White House. “The government should not force Americans to act as if pregnancy were a disease to be avoided at all costs.”

Cardinal Timothy Dolan put pen to paper and in a harsh statement published in the Wall Street Jour-nal, asserted the right of the US Episcopate to protest against the pro-contraception healthcare plan presented by the Obama administra-tion. Obama is engaged in a tough battle to get re-elected in next No-vember’s elections. The day before Dolan’s “thunder” came crashing down via the Wall Street Journal, William McGurn recalled that in 2008, Barack Obama had obtained the majority vote among Catholics. But now many Catholics who once supported Obama are “scandalised” by the Department’s decision.

Among them are people such as the rector of the University of Notre Dame, Fr John Jenkins, who has been strongly criticised for inviting the President to make a speech and for awarding him a degree honoris causa. In an article published on the Wall Street Journal, McGurn pointed out the paradox of the fact that “the decision was imposed by a Catholic health and human services minis-ter, Kathleen Sebelius, who works alongside Catholic Vice-President, Joe Biden.” The leader of US bish-ops pointed the finger at the White House, using a tone that left no room for interpretation. “The Catholic Church defends the religious free-dom of everyone, including the free-dom of conscience” – the President of US.bishops wrote in the American financial paper. The Amish do not

take out health insurance and the govern-ment respects their prin-ciples. It also respects the choices of Quak-ers and Christian Scientists.

The Obama administration has not shown the same respect, however, for the beliefs of Catholics and oth-ers who do not see pregnancy as a disease.” The newly elected cardinal, Dolan, condemns “the erosion of our primary freedom.” The Catholic Church does not want to be forced to pay for contraception. “Religious freed om in the United States is at risk,” Fr John Flynn, a Legionary of Christ, commented to Zenit news agency. The federal government of the United States’ decision to put pressure on Churches to reimburse contraception expenses has attracted a wave of criticism.” Cardinal Dolan spoke categorically, “President Obama is basically telling us we have a year to work out how we are going to violate our consciences.”

He pointed out that the law means that sterilisation and contraceptives that induce abortion will necessar-ily be included in health care plans. The new national healthcare law approved by Washington’s Con-gress, leaves it up to the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) to decide which institutions will be exempted from having to pay for the contraceptive care expenses of their employees, covered by their respec-tive health insurance plans.

It was Pope Benedict XVI who set the way for the US Church’s bioethi-cal & #8220;crusade.” “It is crucial that the entire Catholic community of the United States be aware of the serious threats posed to the Church’s public moral testimony by a radical secularisation that is expressing itself more and more through politics and culture.” The Pope finds “certain attempts to limit America’s most respected freedom, the freedom of

religion, particularly worrying.” De-spite Pope Benedict XVI’s appeal, on January 20, the Pope announced that although Churches will be exempt, other associations linked to the Church, such as hospitals and charities, will not be, and will

therefore have to reimburse their employees.

The only concession made by the Ministry is that employers have been given until August 2013 to adjust to the law. This pushes their obligation to get in line with the law forward to the next elections. In a statement, the Health Minister Kathleen Sebelius said, “I believe that this solut ion is a good balance between show-ing respect for religious freedom and increasing access to important preventive health care services.” It is not just Catholics protesting. 60 Protestant and Orthodox Jewish representatives have written a letter to Obama, asking him not to force all private insurance companies to provide cover for contraception and sterilisation. “It is certainly not just Catholics who are so deeply opposed to having to pay health insurance policies that cover abortion contra-ception expenses,” they wrote. “We believe that the federal government is obliged by the First Amendment to meet the beliefs of all types of religious organisations half way, whether these are Catholic or not.”

Even one of America’s most “liberal” cardinals, the Emeri-tus Archbishop of Los Angeles, Roger Mahony, has taken a hard line against Obama. “I cannot imagine a more a direct, head-on attack against the freedom of conscie nce. Personally I do not believe there is any fundamental principle that is more important than this, just as the Presidential and Congress election campaigns begin.” The Washington Post also condemned the Obama ad-ministration’s decision, saying that the President “pretended to give in to making a compromise, by giving employers one more year to work out how to get in line with the new law. It is an unproductive game that does nothing to solve the bottom line problem which is asking religiously affiliated institutions to spend their money on something that goes against the principles of their faith.” Furthermore, “requiring an employer with religious affiliations to spend their own money on something that violates their religious principles does not constitute a satisfactory agreement.” -- Vatican Insider

Joe C.Son, [email protected], San Diego, CA

President of US bishops un-leashes his wrath on Obama

administration

Cardinal Timothy Dolan

“The government should not force Americans to act as if pregnancy were a disease to be avoided at all costs.” -- Cardinal Timothy Dolan

By Alexis Romero (The Philippine Star) Updated February 16, 2012 12:00 AM Comments (14)

MANILA, Philippines - Four new combat utility helicopters acquired from two foreign firms have arrived in the country, the military said yesterday.

Armed Forces deputy chief for plans and programs Maj. Gen. Roy Deveraturda said the helicopters ar-rived at Clark Airbase in Pampanga.

“We can use these for transport-ing troops, air evacuation of the wounded or disaster response,” Deveraturda told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Miguel Okol said the helicopters were purchased from Augusta PZL Swidnik of Italy and Poland.

Okol said four more combat utility helicopters from Augusta PZL Swid-nik are expected to arrive in the last quarter of the year.

The eight helicopters are worth P2.8 billion.

Okol said the “Sokol” (Polish for “falcon”) helicopter is an ideal air asset since it can be fitted with equipment depending on its mission.

He said the helicopters are night-vision goggle-capable and equipped with an SN 350 Autopilot.

Each Sokol helicopter can accom-modate 10 passengers and reach a maximum range of 402 nautical miles in a single flight with airspeed of 140.5 knots.

The Air Force has 40 operational utility helicopters in its inventory.

Some P3.4-billion worth of mili-tary modernization projects will be completed this year. The projects include the delivery of eight combat utility helicopters, three multi-purpose attack craft, equipment for coast watch stations, and 33 multi-purpose rocket launchers for the Presidential Security Group.

New combat choppers ar-rive in Clark

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Investments’ Emerging Mar-kets Group: “We believe in commodities, whether nickel, iron ore or coal.

That’s where the Philippines’ potential is.” However, Mr. Mo-bius seems not to care about how these mining applications in places like Panay and Guimaras Islands will affect environmentally critical areas inhabited by indigenous people. It seems the quest for profit is greater than the care for his fellow man.

How can we Filipinos fight these individuals high in the government monarchy? It really depends on leadership and governance of our country. Everyone is corrupt, as our so-called leaders are little more than thieves, liars, crooks, plunderers, scam, opportun-ists, smugglers and tax cheats. While proponents of mining operations, including Libertad Mayor Norberto Raymundo and Mayor Jonathan Tan of Pandan, utter some nonsense about giving short term employment to the residents and supporting responsible mining, we all know these are just sound bites meant to cover their motiva-tions and justify their behavior.

During the Arroyo administra-tion we were witness to the political backing and financial support of the mining industry, despite the com-munities in the Philippines broadly opposing these transnational mining corporations (TNCs). Since 1995, the private banks and other financial institutions have grown every year and become large-scale operations, proliferating all over the country. These mining TNCs intend to cover the whole archipelago with their mining projects and plunder the country’s mineral resources in order to rake in billions in profit.

And who is there to protect us? Surely not the government, which has supported these intensified operations. Mayor Tan even claims that minerals and natural resources are God’s gifts; this is a poor attempt to justify his supporting the utter destruction of communities. Fortu-nately, those affected by the mining have remained valiant and steadfast in their struggle against them, and such opposition continues to widen.

Mining in Northwest Panay, albeit protected under various acts of government mandates, is a scourge and a travesty of the rights of the residents.

FRAGILITY OF ECOSYSTEM

The Northwestern Visayas Pen-insula Park (NWPP)---declared as a Natural Park per Presidential Procla-mation No. 186 issued on April 15, 2002---by law must not be disturbed by the current mining exploration in the area. According to the Depart-ment of Natural Resources, the Park is home to diverse and en-demic wildlife, including the Tarictic Hornbill, the Negros Bleeding Heart Pigeon, and the Serpent Eagle. This protected peninsula covers the towns of Libertad and Pandan in Antique and the towns of Nabas, Malay, and Buruanga in Aklan.

In spite of this law, mining contin-ues, and there are still applications for mining permits being filed even in core protection zones.

Why in the world was permission issued by the government officials of Antique to Mayor Jesry Palmares of Passi City in Iloilo, the President of Archlegan Mines Corp. (AMC)? The exploration permit (EP) covers the barangays of San Roque and Pajo in Libertad, and barangays Luhod-Bayang, Duyong,Tingib and Mag-aba in the neighboring town of Pandan. It was endorsed by the regional MGB to its central office on June 30 for approval of the bu-reau. Not only that, another Mining company---JC Hartman Mines Inc.

(JCHMI) with Mayor Palmares and others as incorporators---are also interested in San Roque and four other barangays of Libertad (the site of Tudor Mineral Exploration Corp.) for expansion of their mining proj-ects. A Hong Kong national, Chan Ka Che Ong, is the chairman of the corporation. It is the extraction and processing of metallic and nonmetal-lic minerals including gold, copper, chromite, manganese, iron, marble, silica and limestone that attract these individuals with one and only pur-pose…to quench their own glorious quest for the big moolah.

I am extremely concerned about the mine’s familiar catastrophic impacts on the environment and the serious health vulnerability it creates on the residents. Contamination from the leakage of chemicals are tremendous health risks. The deg-radation of land and water resources may last for decades. The fragility of the ecosystem makes the environ-ment hazardous that we pray for the tide of public and political opinion to turn and be against the continu-ation of the mining venture in the area.

I am aware of the mining indus-tries in the Philippines that had been cited for human rights abuses in local communities, especially to indigenous people. Extra-judicial killings of protestors and corruption in the local, provincial and national government are well-known. These “judicial killings” of those who op-pose rampant deforestation and min-ing concessions had been tolerated by corrupt politicos.

It is notoriously known that min-ing companies have a very poor record with regard to environmental protection and clean up. There are some 800 abandoned mines in the Philippines which are not cleaned up

and damage is never fully reversed. Water contamination is inevitable. With some mine areas close to the sea, damage to valuable marine resources is a constant threat.

AROUND FIVE MILLION HECTARES IN THE PHILIP-PINES ARE POTENTIAL MINING AREAS OPEN TO LOCAL AND FOREIGN INVESTORS. If only the DNR and other departments in the Philippine government that are overlooking the mining industry in our country can be trusted. But nay! Thus the elites with their dominance

towards exploitative behavior cannot be controlled. Now, the mining approval in Libertad and Pandan can only be aborted if our government officials can be cured from their pathological greed for more spondulicks than is needed.

Who are we to blame? Those people we have elected to lead us are the ones we must fault. They are shallow because they have become enslaved by gross materialism, by the glitter of gold and its equivalents. For whatever reason, they think that only the material goods on this earth can

satisfy them and they must therefore grab as much as they can while they are able to.

It’s a never-ending controversy be-tween the mining industry claiming economic benefits and the citizens who oppose the mine, pointing out its lasting major environmental and health hazards.

The interest of mining firms to venture into Antique remains as a conflagration in the region. I am absolutely happy of the popular sup-ports from the Antiquenos and the residents of nearby provinces who have overwhelmingly expressed the bad effects of large-scale mining. I hope we shall be victorious in our “No Mining in the Northwest Panay Peninsula” campaign.

OUR KABABAYANS IN PAN-DAN UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MIMI ORTIGA RECENTLY ORGANIZED A PROTEST RALLY in the capital of the province, San Jose de Buenavista. An appeal to the Honorable Governor Exequiel Javier to reconsider his support of mining in Libertad/Pandan was delivered.

I am one of the sons of Pandan. This is my home region, and as we Antiquenos of indigenous origin would claim, we are all Pandan-anons, born to the place and grew up in it. We are children of the great outdoors where our mountains are endless and forested, where Pandan boasts of its eco-tourist attractions, like the Malumpati Health Spring and Tourist Resort and the Bugang River, which won the national award of “Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran” as the cleanest inland body of water in the Philippines. Every tourist will be amazed and impressed by the river’s blue, clear, and tranquil water that illuminates its purity. For heaven’s sake, let no one poison our land and our waters!

View from Buruanga, Aklan

By Zena Sultana Babao

Stephen Coonts, New York Times bestsell-ing author, wrote: “The

greatest triumph of the mind in the history of man is the passing of ideas across the abyss of time.” Jim Rohn, a top motivational speaker, also wrote: “Ideas are life-chang-ing. The ideas you grab hold of today, and act upon, can make all the difference in the fulfillment of your dreams.”

In my journey through life, I have gleaned some ideas/observations that I enjoy sharing. Live, love, laugh – and dance while the music’s playing!

* * *

Dreams are journeys that take us from familiar shores, strengthen-ing our hearts and empowering our souls.

* * * If you have never felt ground

under with despair and grief, you have not really lived.

* * * Trying to get success is not

easy. Holding on to success is even more difficult. Hold on!

* * * Most of the shadows in this

life are caused by basking in our own light.

* * * Your greatest blessings are

on the other side of your struggles. Your greatest triumphs are on the other side of failure.

* * * Prayer is not a spare wheel

that we do when in trouble. It is a steering wheel that directs our right path through life.

* * * Do you know why a car’s

windshield is so large and the rearview mirror so small? Because the past is not as important as the future, so look ahead and move on.

* * * Friendship is like a book. It

takes a few seconds to burn, but years to write.

* * * All things in life are tempo-

rary. If going well, enjoy it, for they won’t last forever. If going wrong, don’t worry about it. They won’t last long either.

* * * Often when we lose hope and

think it’s the end, God smiles from above and says, “Relax, my child, it’s just a bend along your way, and not the end!”

* * * When God solves your prob-

lems, you have faith in His abilities. When God doesn’t solve your prob-lems, He has faith in your abilities.

* * * Question: “Can there be any-

thing worse than losing your sight?” Answer: “Yes, losing your vision.”

* * * Worrying does not take away

tomorrow’s troubles. It takes away today’s peace.

* * * Ladies, your fragility and sen-

sitivity could be both your weakness and your strength. Use them to your advantage.

* * * Why can’t things ever shake

out easy? Life gives and life takes. We simply never know nor can pre-dict what will happen. Put up with what life brings, do the best with the hand you’re dealt, and hope!

* * * If you are going to change

your life, give it a sense of urgency, of impetus. Take the opportunity to dance while the music is still play-ing.

* * * War – the easiest thing to start

and the hardest thing to end. * * * The great thing in this world

is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving. Time traveling is the greatest pleasure!

* * * Everything changes, grows.

It’s the way of life, the way things are meant to be.

* * * Recognition of another’s tal-

ent is a talent in itself. Doing the right thing is an end in itself.

* * * There is no such thing as “the

real truth and nothing but the truth.” Why? Perspective differs depending on the speaker as well as the viewer. One person’s truth is another per-son’s fallacy.

* * * How you look to other people

do not count nearly so much as how you look to yourself, and to your own personal integrity. Honesty transcends artifice.

* * * The older we get, the faster

time seems to pass. We each have to find our dimensions, and be very sure that what we are doing is really what we want.

* * * In our mad rush through life,

let’s not forget the lovely, valuable moments. The spontaneous mo-ments are always the best!

* * * Life is like ice. Enjoy it be-

fore it melts!

Dance While the Music’s Playing

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Light &Shadows

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

by Zena Sultana Babao

Anti-Mining ..(Continued from page 1)

Sign the Petition to Place the CASE Act in the November Ballot

Miracles of Di-vine Mercy


trembled with fear. And I heard a booming voice of the Lord: “My child, do not be afraid, for I your God am with you!”

1981: A Year of Stupendous Sun-shine and Great Storms

That was a year of awards, of achievements, of honors for the entire family. Topping it all was the success of our family concert to cel-ebrate my parents’ 63rd wedding an-niversary in Antique, and then later in Iloilo and General Santos City.

Then by April, my eldest airline pilot brother died of cancer. On June, I underwent hysterectomy surgery. On September 20, the greatest storm struck my immediate family. Our youngest son Vincent died (with another boy) in a vehicular accident of the Rotary’s ‘Father and Sons Camping’. That death of a beloved son, a pruning for me, manifested the fruit of the Spirit in me. (Gal.5: 22-26). I was not in anguish at all, but in a total surrender to God’s will. The result would have been a nervous breakdown had God not renewed me in His Spirit! It was a strong proof to my family and to many people on the value of renewal in the Spirit.

I believe nothing comes by ac-cident, but are allowed by God for a purpose. And that child’s death had its own purpose. In fact, a strong conversion for Johnny and my family followed after that.

The Lord made Me Whole

The Lord continued to purify my whole being. He started with my spiritual healing, the healing of my mind, intellect and emotions, the healing of painful memories; then, He healed my body too with surger-ies of benign tumors (despite my doctor’s prognosis and the fact that I come from a cancer–prone family). He showed me in dreams what He was doing to form and to transform me that I maybe whole. Then He began to open doors for me to greater spiritual possibilities and learning.

The Holy Spirit opened for me a vast avenue of spiritual knowledge I never knew before through Scripture, inspired books, teaching sessions at growth seminars, witnessing by re-newed Christians, and even through His inner locution messages with me in my prayer and Bible reflection time. I learned from great healers and writers like Agnes Sanford of America that God is an active and powerful reality, that He works through us and not for us. And in order for us to really benefit from His ever-flowing graces and blessings, we need to learn His ways. God’s water of life can rush through us for a healing or for answered prayers, if our pipeline between God’s Spirit and our spirit is intact. And how do our pipelines get connected? When we have faith in Him! Everyday, I would ask the Lord to help me learn to trust Him and to adapt my earthly tabernacles to His Laws of Love and Faith, so that I would be able to experience His promised abundant


Today’s Lifestyle

Promised Land

Simeon G

. Silverio Jr.

SIMEON G. SILVERIO, JR.

PROMISED

LAND

“Promised Land” by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.PROMISED LAND, the inspirational and difficult journey of two Filipino cousins marrying U.S. Navy personnel for migration and financial purposes. As a piece of the Filipino-American

experience, this story also applies to the lives of all people.

Excerpts from the book“You must join the U.S. Navy so we can live abroad,” Isabel of-

ten told her boyfriend Lando as they walked in the park, weav-ing dreams for their future together. He would just shrug his shoul-ders in response. – from Chapter 1 – Her U.S. Navy Dreamboat

The clash of two cultures, Filipino and Mexican, had taken its toll. He grew weary of the enchiladas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican dishes she prepared repeatedly. He longed for the Filipino dishes from his na-tive land that he would always eat as a child. Teresa would not let him cook his favorite adobo and tuyo (dried fish) due to their stinking up the house. When he brought her to the Philippines, Teresa refused to stay and sleep in their house in the barrio. “It is hot and there are liz-ards on the ceiling,” she complained. – from Chapter 3 - Trophy Wife

“Let me make this clear with you again,” Ditas once told Romy when he accosted her while tipsy from drinking with friends nearby. “I will never marry you even if you are the last man on earth.” The friends laughed hard and Romy retreated in shame. The next day he left town and she didn’t hear from him until she received a letter from the United States Naval Base in San Diego from her jilted suitor, now a mem-ber of the U.S. Navy. – from Chapter 5 - The Last Man On Earth

One evening, when Romy and his friends were drinking in the house, Ditas showed Andy the photo of Isabel. “Check her out, Andy,” she told him. “She’s looking for a boyfriend here in America.” “No way,” Andy replied. “I know what she’s up to. She will just marry and leave me once she gets her green card.” “But she’s very pretty,” Romy told his friend. “With your looks, you can never have a wife as beautiful as her.” – from Chapter 8 – Pretty Girl’s Photo

“Is this your first time riding an airplane?” her seatmate, a wom-an in her fifties, asked Isabel. “How did you know?” “Because you’re holding your bag tightly and you look scared. And also, that huge envelope in plastic bag contains the x-ray film carried by first time immigrants.” Isabel sheepishly smiled. – from Chap-ter 12 – Land of Milk and Honey

Now Available: Books by Asian Journal San Diego

Betel Nuts &

Other Stories

Simeon G

. Silverio Jr.


BETEL NUTS &

OTHER STORIES

“Betel Nuts & Other Stories” by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Entertaining and easy-to-read short stories inspired by a

Filipino’s experience in growing up in the Philippines.

Excerpts from the bookOne day, however, the duckling went inside an opening under the house.

Borobot waited for it to come out but it did not. He kept waiting even when it got dark, but there was no sign of the duckling. When his father came home that evening, he told him about his missing duckling. His dad took a flashlight and pointed it toward the opening. He inserted a long stick inside and tried to stir it. They could hear some squealing but no quacking. Finally, his dad told him the bad news: “The rats have eaten your duckling.” Borobot cried and cried for a very long time. – from Chapter 2 – Childhood Tales

If there is a person that can aptly be called “the son of a bitch”, which in Pilipino, is synonymous to the phrase, “the son of a whore” (“anak ng puta”), it would be Tikboy. Tikboy was one of Eric’s playmates on Platerias Street where Eric lived with his family on the second floor of his father’s printing business in Manila in 1957. Tikboy’s mother, Purita, worked as a prostitute in a brothel across the street from Eric’s house. – from Chapter 6 - Just Like Any Mother

From where he sat, he could tell Juanita had just bathed. Her hair was still damp and the fragrant scent of her cheap bath soap wafted through the air. She hardly no-ticed him as she was minding her own business. While he pretended to be concen-trating on his reading, he would occasionally take a sneak peak at her, feasting his eyes on all of her seductive beauty. For a hot-blooded fourteen-year-old, she was not just an object of curiosity. – from Chapter 9 – Fragrant Scent of Bath Soap And All

By the time they reached Platerias Street, everything was quiet. There was hardly a soul in sight; it was ten minutes past midnight. Narding frantically ran inside the brothel in search of Clarita, but he was told the Chinese took her just ten minutes before. He ran outside towards P. Paterno Street. Finding no speed-ing taxi, he ran back towards Carriedo Street, turned right towards Rizal Avenue, hoping the taxi holding Clarita had broken down. Finally, a loud, agonizing cry was heard all over in that quiet neighborhood of Quiapo. – from Chapter 11 – True Love

Everyone was looking up at the top of an electric post, where sparks of light shone bright against the dark of the night. When the firemen trained the spotlight to the top of the post, they saw a body of a man lying on a wood across the post. It was Fred, the drunkard pimp. Without anybody noticing, he woke from deep slumber and this time, success-fully climbed the top of the post. He was electrocuted while celebrating his feat. – from Chapter 15 – A Day In The Life Of The People Of Platerias Street


Philippine Hom

ecoming

Simeon G

. Silverio Jr.

“Philippine Homecoming & Other Memories”An entertaining and easy-to-read account of a Filipino American’s homecoming to the Philippines and the

interesting memories it triggered.

Excerpts from the bookSeeing the Philippines for the first time after many years would give any former

resident a “culture shock.” The roads, which looked to be wider before, appeared narrow. The buildings and the streets, which were dilapidated and dirty before, looked more dilapidated and dirty now. – Chapter 2 – Balikbayan Culture Shock

All of a sudden, the small kids from before were now grown up. Their faces had changed, yet somehow looked familiar. Some of his relatives who lived in a compound beside them had already died. Gone forever dur-ing a span of just ten years were his maternal grandmother, three uncles, two aunties and two cousins. – Chapter 3 – Like A Video Tape Experience

Their vehicle moved towards the man and again they asked: “Boss, alam mo ba ang bahay ni Maning Bakla (Boss, do you know the resi-dence of Maning, the homosexual?)?” The man looked serious and glumly said: “Yes, I am Maning, what do you want?” They were embarrassed as they were sure that Maning did not appreciate the unsavory nick-name. – Chapter 6 – Maning Bakla And the Duty Free Shops In Manila

There was a full moon above, and they could see its reflections on the water as the waves slapped on the sand. They could feel the cool breeze kiss their face, the warm water wet their feet. On that cold December evening in Maryland Beach Re-sort in Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines, they wanted to freeze time and enjoy every moment of their stay – Chapter 10 – Nasugbu Market Place And The IUD BBQ

Manila Mayor Antonio Villegas proved to be an innovative mayor; for example, he introduced the free elementary and high school education in the city, the first of its kind in the country. He was also a poet in the ver-nacular; at every opportunity, he would recite or talk in the form of a poem he himself composed. In answer to his critics, he once said: “Marami ang nagtatanong kung bakit ako tumutula, bakit, ang tula ba ay masama (Many are asking why I am reciting a poem, why, is a poem bad)?” Chapter 17 – When “Gatpuno” Villegas warmed his “Salumpuwit” at Maharnilad

Their playmates from the barrio were cautious and made a sign of the cross when passing ant hills, which they would call “nuno sa punso”. They would reverently say, “Makikiraan, po (Please allow us to pass!)!” Chapter 31 - Nuno Sa Punso And Other Weird Provincial Experiences

The boys, usually five at a time, would line up and march without their pants towards the rice fields at the back of the house. They would pass by a guava tree, pull out several leaves and wash them in the artesian well. Once in the field, the quack doctor would hammer a stake into the ground made of a branch of a guava tree with the other end bent towards the boy. – Chapter 34 - Circumcision: Why Do Some Boys Walk Bow-Legged During Summertime In The Province?


PHILIPPINE HOMECOMING’S

CHERISHED MEMORIES

To order a copy, send $13.95 (mailing cost included) to Asian Journal San Diego. 550 East 8th Street, Suite 6, National City, CA 91950 Tel. (619) 474-0588

For more information, e-mail [email protected] To order copies through the Internet, go to amazon.com, go to

“books”, go to “advance search” and type name of author, SIMEON SILVERIO, and follow instructions.

To order by mail, fi ll outMail Order Form

(Check quantities in space before book title)

____ Promised Land by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.

____ Betel Nuts and Other Stories by Simeon G. Sil-verio, Jr.

____ Philippine Homecoming’s Cherished Memories – by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

____ Complicated Affairs by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

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Fill out form below and send it together with check pay-ment payable to: Asian Journal San Diego, 550 East 8th Street, # 6, National City, CA 91950

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Com

plicated Affairs

Simeon G

. Silverio Jr.

SIMEON G. SILVERIO, JR.“Complicated Affairs” By Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

The colorful and incredible story of a Filipino American’s complicated affairs.

Excerpts from the book:How did you know Richard?” she asked. Danny was fast to the draw. “I

produced his shows there,” he lied. He could see Menchie, the movie star, was impressed. “And I can also produce your show,” he continued the charade. She was pleased. “Do you think people will pay just to watch me? “Why, are we going to charge them?” he asked instead. Menchie was aghast, but realized he was joking. She hit him on the shoulder. He knew the ice was broken. – Chapter 2 : Movie Star

“So how are you doing?” Danny was pleased to hear from Juanita. “I am okay, how about you?” “So-so,” he replied. “I’ve missed you,” his playboy persona took over again. “Really?” she asked. “I have something to tell you.” “What? “ Danny was rejuvenated. He had not dated for a while and was eager to do so. He saw an opportunity with Juanita. “I just gave birth to a baby girl.” “Congratulations,” Danny said. “Are you sexy again?” He was hoping to renew their relationship but was unsure about it since she was with her husband. Juanita did not answer his question; instead, she said, “And it’s yours.” – Chapter 3 :Another Child

“This is Mindy,” Diaz introduced a pretty twenty-five year old girl to him when he arrived at the dock. “She’s Digna’s sister.” Mindy shyly extended her right hand which Danny shook. He noticed that Digna was teasing her sister, as though there was a pre-arranged plan between Diaz and the two girls unbeknownst to him. Later on, during the course of the fishing trip, he discovered the plan: Digna wanted Danny to hook up with her sister. “Marry my sister,” Digna told him as they ate lunch aboard the boat in the middle of the bay. “So she can migrate to America.” She knew Danny was a divorced American citizen. – Chapter 5: Gone Fishin’

Danny called up his friend Pepito and asked for ideas on how to best help Kate. Pepito was the brother of his comedian friend, Elvis, one of the top enter-tainers in the Philippines at that time. “Jackpot ka, pare (You’ve got a jackpot, friend),” Pepito told Danny. “She is a gold mine.” “What do you mean?” “We can set her up with rich Chinese men playing at the casinos and charge them at least 50,000 pesos to spend the night with her. I am sure many of them would be willing to spend that much just to be with a beautiful white girl like Kate. We will get our commission afterwards.” – Chapter 8 : Leading Lady

After Danny gave him her name, the clerk spent a few minutes in the com-puter. “That’s it,” the clerk said afterwards. “She has pension due her, and you are entitled to it!” Danny was surprised. He didn’t expect this bounty. “How much do you think you will get?” the clerk asked him. Danny was hesitant to give him an amount. He was happy to get $100 a month. That would go a long way espe-cially if one was living in the Philippines. “One hundred dollars,” he answered. “That’s way too low, make it higher.” “Three hundred?” “Way too low.” “Five hundred?” “Still very low.” “How much?” he finally asked. “Try fourteen hundred dollars.” He could not believe what he heard. – Chapter 9 : Windfall

COMPLICATED AFFAIRS

Promised Land

by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

The inspirational and diffi cult journey of two Filipino cousins

marrying U.S. Navy personnel for migration and fi nancial purposes.

As a piece of the Filipino-American experience, this story also applies to

the lives of all people.

Excerpts from the book“You must join the U.S. Navy so we

can live abroad,” Isabel often told her boyfriend Lando as they walked in the park, weaving dreams for their future together. He would just shrug his shoulders in response. – from Chapter 1 – Her U.S. Navy Dreamboat

“Betel Nuts & Other Stories”


Entertaining and easy-to-read short stories inspired by a Filipino’s

experience in growing up in the Philippines.

Excerpts from the book

If there is a person that can aptly be called “the son of a bitch”, which in Pilipino, is synonymous to the phrase,

“the son of a whore” (“anak ng puta”), it would be Tikboy. Tikboy was one of Eric’s playmates on Platerias Street where Eric lived with his family on the second fl oor of his father’s printing business in Manila in 1957. Tikboy’s mother, Purita, worked as a prostitute in a brothel across the street from Eric’s house. – from Chapter 6 - Just Like Any Mother

Philippine Homecoming’s

Cherished Memories


An entertaining and easy-to-read account of a Filipino American’s

homecoming to the Philippines and the interesting memories it trig-

gered.

Excerpts from the book

Seeing the Philippines for the fi rst time after many years would give any former resident a “culture shock.” The roads, which looked to be wider before, appeared nar-row. The buildings and the streets, which were dilapidated and dirty before, looked more dilapidated and dirty now. – Chapter 2 – Ba-likbayan Culture Shock

Complicated Affairs


The colorful and incredible story of a Filipino American’s compli-

cated affairs.

Excerpts from the book:How did you know Richard?” she

asked. Danny was fast to the draw. “I produced his shows there,” he lied. He could see Menchie, the movie star, was impressed. “And I can also produce your show,” he continued the charade. She was pleased. “Do you think people will pay just to watch me? “Why, are we going to charge them?” he asked instead. Menchie

was aghast, but realized he was jok-ing. She hit him on the shoulder. He knew the ice was broken. – Chapter 2 : Movie Star

Tula ng mga Piling

KatatawananBy Joe Cabrera

Excerpts from the bookMayrong isang tao, ito’y “impresa-

rio”Na ang hanap buhay, maglabas ng

floor showMinsa’y nag-advertise, ng bihirang

aktoNa naiba naman, diyan sa ordi-

narioMay isang dumating, nag-prisinta

bagaAng mga ibon daw, kanyang na-

gagayaKay daling gawin niya, ang sabi sa

kanyaMarami na ko nyan, alis ka na munaMagre-reklamo pa, itong tao sanaNguni’t itong boss, medyo napika paKaya’t itong tao, kagyat umalis naSa bintana’ng daan, lumipad pag-

dakaHEEEEHAAWWWW!!!

Balik Tanaw:The Filipino Movie Stars

of Yesteryearsby Dr. Romy Protacio

Lives and Loves of the Filipino Movie Stars of Yesteryears

Tidbits from this book your inquiring mind wants to know:

How many children does Tessie Agana have?

Who are the two movie star cousins of Robert Arevalo?

Whose autograph of a famous come-dian Perla Bautista sought that led her to become a movie star?

What physical attributes did Bernard Bonnie have that made him a top sprinter in college?

Who is the other movie star brother of Robert Campos?

Who was the Manila couturier that was instrumental in making Charlie Davao a movie star?

Who was the top actor Myrna Del-gado had an affair with that produced a love child?

Who was the legendary actor who gave Dolphy his first break in the movies?

How did Amalia Fuentes get her last name?

Get all the answers in this book, “Balik Tanaw:

The Filipino Movie Stars of Yesteryears”!

ScienceDaily (June 28, 2011) — That panicked feeling we get when the family pet goes missing is the same when we misplace our mobile phone, says a Kansas State Univer-sity marketing professor. Moreover, those feelings of loss and hopeless-ness without our digital companion are natural.

“The cellphone’s no longer just a cellphone; it’s become the way we communicate and a part of our life,” said Esther Swilley, who researches technol-ogy and marketing. This reliance on cellphones and other mobile technology in daily life is an interest of Swilley’s, and a phenomenon she hopes to explain.

One long-term study has Swil-ley looking at the attitudes people have toward their mobile phone and how these attitudes are infl uenced by a user’s relation-ship with their device. That attach-ment, called mobile affi nity, depends on whether an owner views their cellphone or smartphone as a device that’s more fun than it is functional or vice versa. Gaining insight into this relationship could enable retail-ers to better understand the con-sumer mindset and could even make it possible to market to consumers individually based on their interests and beliefs.

To fi nd and collect this data, Swil-ley uses a hotbed of information: a college campus. She observes how Kansas State students use and respond to their phone, as well as surveying students in her marketing course.

According to her data pool, the majority of participants are between ages 19-24, with 52 percent being male. More importantly, 99 percent

Attachment to Cellphones More About Enter-tainment, Less About Communication

own a mobile phone.“Honestly I’m surprised this

wasn’t 100 percent,” Swilley said. “People share other devices like computers, but cellphones are an in-teresting thing because we each have our own. That individual ownership is a really big deal for people.”

Swilley found that a majority of the participants said they are attached to their phone because of

its functionality as an entertain-ment device rather than as a tool that can communicate anytime and anywhere. So it comes to no surprise to Swilley that games are the most downloaded application for cell-phones, according to app stores.

What is surprising to her is that study participants indicated their mobile phone allowed for little to no self-expression. This is odd because while mobile phone owners have said their phone is a part of them-selves, it’s not a way they express themselves, Swilley said. A future study looking at what makes mobile technology aesthetically pleasing may eventually answer this, how-ever.

With the adoption of more smart-phones and the introduction of apps, Swilley has noticed that for many owners, their phone’s entertainment factor has become a source of pride

and joy -- similar to that of a lovable new pet.

“It’s sort of similar to when people had those Tamagotchi pets as children; cellphones are just the adult version of that,” Swilley said. “People don’t turn them off, are constantly playing with them, and want to show off the neat things the phone can do.”

The concept for looking at con-sumer attitudes toward their phone stemmed from the time Swil-ley was employed at BellSouth Corporation, now a subsidiary of AT&T Inc.

“Every employee was given a BlackBer-ry. Some of us weren’t interested in having a pager, so the phones just sat there for some time,” Swilley said. “But when I left three years later, I almost cried because I had to give up my Black-Berry. It had become

a part of me and I was attached to it. It was the way I communicated. Today when I look at people now with their cellphones I see the same attachment.”

Swilley’s future mobile-related studies include looking at:

Mobile coupon use and which sites the majority of consumers use to get these coupons.

How a user reacts when he or she is making an online purchase on their phone and receive an incoming call.

What it takes to make a functional and appealing website that is only visited via cellphones, including how the design will look and how it is standardized for various screen sizes.

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110628113139.htm

ScienceDaily (Mar. 17, 2009) — Romance does not have to fi zzle out in long-term relation-ships and progress into a companion-ship/friendship-type love, a new study has found. Roman-tic love can last a lifetime and lead to happier, healthier relationships.

“Many believe that romantic love is the same as passionate love,” said lead researcher Bianca P. Acevedo, PhD, then at Stony Brook University (currently at University of California, Santa Barbara). “It isn’t. Romantic love has the intensity, engagement and sexual chemistry that passion-ate love has, minus the obsessive component. Passionate or obsessive love includes feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. This kind of love helps drive the shorter relationships but not the longer ones.”

These fi ndings appear in the March issue of Review of General Psychol-ogy, published by the American Psychological Association.

Acevedo and co-researcher Arthur Aron, PhD, reviewed 25 studies with 6,070 individuals in short- and long-term relationships to fi nd out whether romantic love is associated with more satisfaction. To determine this, they classifi ed the relationships in each of the studies as romantic, pas-sionate (romantic with obsession) or friendship-like love and categorized them as long- or short-term.

The researchers looked at 17 short-term relationship studies, which included 18- to 23-year-old college students who were single, dating or married, with the average relation-ship lasting less than four years. They also looked at 10 long-term relationship studies comprising middle-aged couples who were typi-cally married 10 years or more. Two

of the studies included both long- and short-term relationships in which

it was possible to distinguish the two samples.

The review found that those who reported greater romantic love were more satisfi ed in both the short- and

long-term relationships. Compan-ion-like love was only moderately associated with satisfaction in both short- and long-term relationships. And those who reported greater passionate love in their relationships were more satisfi ed in the short term compared to the long term.

Couples who reported more sat-isfaction in their relationships also reported being happier and having higher self-esteem.

Feeling that a partner is “there for you” makes for a good relationship, Acevedo said, and facilitates feelings of romantic love. On the other hand, “feelings of insecurity are generally associated with lower satisfaction, and in some cases may spark confl ict in the relationship. This can manifest into obsessive love,” she said.

This discovery may change peo-ple’s expectations of what they want in long-term relationships. According to the authors, companionship love, which is what many couples see as the natural progression of a success-ful relationship, may be an unneces-sary compromise. “Couples should strive for love with all the trim-mings,” Acevedo said. “And couples who’ve been together a long time and wish to get back their romantic edge should know it is an attainable goal that, like most good things in life, requires energy and devotion.” -- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317153039.htm

Contrary to Widely Held Beliefs, Romance Can Last in

Long-Term Relationships, Say Researchers

Tomeo responds to disturbing fi ndings and points to the root

causes SAN FRANCISCO, CA (December

15, 2011) – Research released yester-day reveals that about 20 percent of women are raped in their lifetime and, in most cases, the attacker is someone the woman knows, according to a new survey on sexual violence from the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-tion (CDC). This fi rst ever study by the CDC fi nds that nearly one in fi ve women has been raped in her lifetime, one in four has experienced serious physical violence from an intimate partner at some point in her life and one in six has been a victim of stalking. Men have been victimized as well: About one in seven reports an intimate partner has been physically violent and one in 19 has been the victim of stalking. More than a fourth of all male rape victims were fi rst abused at age 10 or young-er. “This study is another example of how the culture is impacting women, men and society as a whole,” said Teresa Tomeo, bestselling author and syndicated radio host. “It’s time that we radically examine the infusion of nega-tive images in TV, in music and other media which corrupt the image of wom-en and the dignity of the human person. It’s not enough to be shocked by the re-sults of the latest alarming study. What are we going to do to change the culture for the next generation?” The infor-mation drawing response from various agencies and organizations comes from the ongoing National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey; these 2010 results are from interviews with 9,086

CDC’s national study on intimate

partner and sexual violence confi rms need for Extreme

Makeover



Now Available:

TAWA’T TULA NG MGA PILING KATATAWANAN

By Joe Cabrera

A Collection of Jokes Written in Pilipino Verse

$10.00 a copy

Call Asian Journal San Diego619-474-0588

Miracles of Di-vine Mercy


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

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SAVE THE DATE!!

RIZ A. OADES MEMORIAL

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Fr.. Shay Cullen, PREDA

It is Valentine’s day yet again and it is time to think about the meaning of life and love. The media and most of society will be absorbed with the romantic emotions of human attraction and their connotations and sexual innuendoes. They are not in themselves the essence of a loving relationship. They are the chemistry of human encounter, while they are important and to be properly valued, disciplined and hopefully guided by respect.

Mostly, they can spin out of control and dominate one’s life and lead to un-happy consequences. Teenage pregnan-cies frequently end in neglected, battered and abandoned children. So much for red hearts, roses, and brief and frequently meaningless sexual encounters. Human fulfi llment and purpose of life is not found in the mere physical exertions of procreation.

We need to examine deeper, more enduring relationships that will give us

more full human experiences like mar-ried love, love of family and children, friendship and above all, the commitment to serve others for no reward.

An examination of conscience and a review of our behavior towards others and ourselves is healthy and rewarding. We should ask if we are really caring for others or mostly satisfying ourselves. Too much unhappiness comes from broken homes, abandoned friendships, betrayal, selfi shness and an egotistical life.

The greatest challenge is to strive towards the greatest love of all, the unselfi sh life of service that puts the care and needs of others before ourselves. It’s not easy but worth trying. Jesus of Nazareth showed us the way towards the highest form of love by his own life and example.

Of all great personalities in history, he stands out above all because of his ideal of love and because he offered it to human kind as a way to save themselves from evil, misery and unhappiness. He showed and taught it by example by loving his friends, the poor, the wretched of the earth, the sick and the hungry and above all, the oppressed that hungered for justice and truth. His love was so

genuine and pure that he took his un-swerving and uncompromising stand for justice and right and he died for them.

He showed us the great love of friend-ship and that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend. That’s what he did in the end. He called his disciples and helpers “friends”, not servants. In fact, that love of unselfi sh service extended not only to his friends and family but to the nation and the world. He showed us that leadership is based on humility and self-sacrifi ce. He got down on his knees and washed the feet of his band of brothers. Had there been a band of sisters there, he would have done it too.

A truly caring leader is a servant, not a dominating tyrant ruling by force, threats or anger. His personality radiated compassion, concern, care and cure. His friendship was open to all who came calling, who trusted him and had faith in his integrity and honesty. The love he taught was one of self-sacrifi ce and not self-satisfaction. In his life and friend-

ship, there was no place for superiority or punishment, just giving respect and being open and available to all irrespective of race, color, age, gender, belief or religion, rich or poor. He was there for all who wanted to know him and be his friend and join his mission to change the world.

Genuine love of the poor, integrity and honesty, and doing what is just and true is what’s lacking in our political, economic, moral and religious leaders. That is why there is so much corruption and evil, poverty and injustice.

Many may present themselves as being religious, but in fact they don’t follow Christ. They may perform rituals and rites but do not have the commitment to bring about community transformation and make this a happier and more just world. It’s a diffi cult challenge but one worth striving for.

His ideal of love is not impossible for ordinary people to imitate. Hundreds of thousands of good people do live similar heroic lives and many have died for just causes serving the people as he did. Val-entines Day ought to celebrate more than romantic nonsense but genuine friendship and commitment to a just cause. END

Valentines Day, Yet Again

Cast All Your Cares Upon Me (oil on canvas) by Joey Velasco

Jesus and Satan competed on the computer.

They started typing. They did reports, e-mails, attach-

ments and downloads. But before the time was

up, Brownout came! Satan cursed. Jesus sighed.

When electricity was back, Satan lost everything he had done.

But Jesus started printing all His fi les.

Satan shouted: YOU CHEATED! Jesus just smiled because He did

what Satan didn’t know.

HE SAVES. :) Amen. ♥

Jesus Saves

life. (John 10:10).Indeed, that key factor – faith

brought so many spiritual and mate-rial blessings in our life. Hand in hand with my spiritual growth was our business’ growth too. Because the Lord had planted us in business, it became a training ground for my faith to grow. He would allow tri-als, and then out of it the answered prayers would promote my faith. In my unpublished book, I cited the cir-cumstances of those faith-fostering happenings.

An Encounter With The Lord

Sometime in the 1980s, I asked in prayer, “Lord, how can I be closer to you?”

“Meditate on My Passion” was His answer. These words reverberated inside me. It was confi rmed by many incidents that week.

The following Friday, in Marbel where we had a store, a sudden brown out at 7:30 PM occurred, and in the darkness I meditated on bed on the Passion of our Lord – the Sor-rowful Mystery of the Holy Rosary.

Meditate on His PassionIn each mystery, I contemplated

on the Sorrowful Passion of Jesus for 15 minutes and the Hail Mary in the beads became intermissions. I began to feel the sorrows of Jesus on each mystery, which culminated on the 5th mystery –The Crucifi xion. When I repeated His words, “Father, why have You forsaken Me?” I had a vision of Jesus looking upwards in great pain and loneliness! My heart felt His forlorn state. I wept bitter tears for my rejected and lonely God – my Jesus! My Redeemer!

The Laughing ChristThen after a while, the vision

changed into a new scene. I saw the happy, loving Jesus seated in front of a small table opposite me. His shoulder-length hair combed without

parting showed His full handsome face! At that intimate moment, I thought I would ask from Jesus my heart’s desire. But before I could think, He said (all in thoughts) in a jesting manner, “I know what you will ask Me! You desire that your children will marry real Christian men and woman!”

“Ah, yes, Lord! Will you grant it?”He did not say yes, nor no, but all

I could remember was His laughing face with His white set of perfect teeth as He was kidding me. The mu-nicipal bell jolted me as it rang the 9:30 PM time cutting the vision.

I mentioned this encounter with the Lord in a Cotabato City seminar. Years later, I was surprised when a lady from Cotabato City asked me regarding the result of that encounter with the Lord. “Have your children married real Christian men?”

“Yes, in fact, our Ma.Theresa not only ‘married’ a real Christian man, but Christ Himself!” I explained that she became a religious nun!

At this period of time, August 2003, all my 4 other girls (except the youngest who is still single) married read good Christian men, and Clem-ent, our only son – a real Christian woman!

Jesus granted my heart’s desire in my encounter with Him!

Receiving An Award: A Prophetic Dream

During the Martial Law Years (1973-1985) of the Marcos ad-ministration in the Philippines, the economy was at its worst. Many businesses closed down. Our Music and Appliance business ebbed so low too. In 1983’s very discourag-ing days, I prayed, “Lord, shall we survive these hard times?”

DreamThat night, I dreamt that I was the

honoree in a large ornate place. As I gazed upon an offi ce-table-size beau-tifully decorated cake, I saw a small statue of myself ornately dressed in pink. As I looked about the surround-ings, I saw a large crucifi x standing at the back of the cake where my statue was. I remarked: The success of my entrepreneurship is due to Him – my Lord Jesus! The dream faded.


joint-partnership agreement between the SBMA, the Aboitiz Power Corporation, RP Energy, and the Taiwan Cogenera-tion Corporation (TCC), call them "The Power Company". The government was to have a role as partner to monitor compliance with safety and health stan-dards, but that has been eliminated.

The government is just a lessor of the public land for a measly give-away pit-tance, no more than US$3.50 a sq meter to be paid over 50 years. This is grossly detrimental to the public interest, it is worth vastly more than that and it smells of a corrupt sweetheart deal. The present SBMA board must rescind it.

The people will get nothing from the profi ts or the lease but will, in effect, pay for the plant which will damage them and their environment. The rich families will get richer and the poor will get very sick.

Another provision of the Memoran-dum of Understanding agreement was that "The Company" would assist local communities off-set any damage to the environment and reduce the health risk with “state of the art” technology. But no written commitment as to what would have been signed. Such health problems has been clearly forecast and acknowledged. A third provision agreed upon was that low-cost electricity would be supplied to the local communities and the SBMA. None of these will hap-pen. The plant will sell all its power to the national grid.

As soon as the "The Company" got the Environmental Compliance Certifi -cate (ECC) issued by higher authorities under strange and questionable circum-stances, "The Company" failed to sign any binding contract with the SBMA. They failed to show any evidence of meeting the strict ECC standards. Inexplicably, they mysteriously got the fi nal permit fi rst. The SBMA offi cials issued a Permit to Operate (PTO) before the other necessary permits were issued. The requirements for a PTO apparently were waivered. Besides, all safety and design requirements needed to qualify for a Permit to Operate were allegedly not complied with.

Also the original project application stated that it would be a 300 Megawatt coal plant and now they are trying to get an extension of the ECC to double the project to 600 Megawatt plant. The ECC is only good for a 300 MW, it can't cover a 600 MW. "The Company" must start again and follow the requirements to qualify for an ECC for a 600 MW. The ECC for a 300MW plant is null and void since they will build a 600 MW plant, a project with double the hazards to health and the environment.

The proponents of the coal plants are trying to push for "Clean coal", "Green coal, Safe coal", There is no such thing as clean coal and don't believe the profi t-hungry companies that tell you there is. All over the world, they are into coal plants for the money, big profi ts and all to be paid for by the tax payers.

Perhaps the government offi cials behind this coal plant are the saintly exceptions and will never take a single dollar in exchange for a signature. If they are indeed true and honest people of integrity with the best interests of the Filipino people at heart, they will join the protesting people and oppose the project and allow the alternative renewable energy projects to go ahead instead. END

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CDC Study ..(Continued from page 21)

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AJ-CA_02.10.2012

Bobbi JonesCity of San Diego

4.5x4x10180

City of San DiegoConsolidated Plan Advisory Board Meeting

FY 2013 CDBG Entitlement Proposed Funding Recommendations

The City of San Diego is expecting a 21% reduction from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develop-ment (HUD) for the FY 2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement which is estimated to be $10,703,022. In addition, to the CDBG Entitlement funds, the Redevelopment Agency’s Repayment of $3,842,200 to the program will be used to fund eligible projects and programs approved for CDBG funding. This represents an estimated total of $14,545,222 of CDBG funding available for the FY 2013 allocation process.

Notice is hereby given that a Consolidated Plan Advisory Board meeting has been scheduled to discuss and make funding recommendations for FY 2013 CDBG applications. These recommendations are to be presented to the City Council on a future date. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at 8:00am and will be continued on to Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 8:00 am in the North Terrace Rooms, 202 C Street, San Diego, CA 92101.

To order information in an alternative format, or to arrange for a sign language or oral interpreter for the meetings, please call the City Clerk’s office at least five (5) working days prior to the meeting at (619) 533-4000 (voice) or (619) 236-7012 (TDD/TTY).

Public comments will be accepted during the meeting. In addition, written comments will be accepted at the CDBG Program office (1200 Third Avenue, Suite 1400, San Diego, CA 92101) or by email ([email protected]) through February 23, 2012. All updates will be posted on the CDBG website (http://www.sandiego.gov/cdbg/general/).

PUBLICATION DATES:

FEB 10, 2012 $180 FEB 17, 2012 $180

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REF: CBDG 2013 HUD - BOBBI JONES

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women and 7,421 men. Researchers also discovered that for nearly 70 percent of women who were victims of some type of intimate partner violence - that vio-lence, according to the study, happened for the fi rst time before the age 25. The shocking revelations in this study prompted this reaction from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, “This landmark report paints a clear picture of the devastating impact these violent acts have on the lives of millions of Americans.” Tomeo could not agree more, “As devastating as this study is to see on paper, there is a root problem to the sexual pervasiveness and violence which is rampant in our culture – a culture which has been desensitized by a toxic saturation of graphic and negative images which freely promote sex and violence which is available 24/7 on TV, radio and the internet. Our families are under siege.” In her new book EXTREME MAKEOVER, avail-able now from Ignatius Press, Tomeo reports on the impact of media on today’s culture and talks about ways that women, children and families can make an “extreme media makeover” to rid themselves of the messages and toxic images that bombard them daily, and instead embrace the truth about their hu-man dignity. -- Catholic Newswire

collective efforts in serving their less fortunate Filipino brothers and sisters wherever they may be. We are truly excited by this develop-ment,” said Fr. Nilo Tanalega, SJ who heads Ugnayan at Tulong para sa Maralitang Pamilya (UGAT) Foundation (translated literally as Relations and Assistance for Poor Families). UGAT, a non-profi t or-ganization based in the Philippines, oversees the screening of nomina-tions and selection of winners.

“My father would be smiling right now,” said Raffy Lopez, COO of ABS-CBN Global which oversees the promotion and production of the distinguished award ceremo-nies. “He started Bayaning Pilipino (Filipino Heroes) with Father Nilo. It would warm his heart to know that ABS-CBN in Manila, TFC globally and UGAT, have expanded their long-running partnership to search around the world for ordinary folks doing extraordinary work in the service of the Filipino people. This is true to his vision and mission.”

The “father” is Don Eugenio “Geny” Lopez Jr., founder of ABS-CBN Corporation, the largest entertainment and broadcasting com-pany in the Philippines. He is known in the industry as the “Father of Phil-ippine Broadcasting”. The award, which was named after him, began after he learned of a Filipina maid in Hong Kong who got run over by a car in pursuit of saving a child. The award gives recognition to Filipinos (now as organizations) who in the face of challenges and diffi culties manage to rise and emerge as role models of service in their communi-ties.

“We have honored so many Filipi-nos, but taking the search to a world-wide level posed major logistical requirements. We are so enthused by the energy and commitment of TFC teams in all regions in taking part in the project. It shows their involvement and love for the Fili-pino communities that they serve,” said Chit Guerrero, vice president for ABS-CBN Corporation’s Special Projects which works directly with UGAT in Manila for this project.

Gawad Geny Lopez Jr Global Bayaning Pilipino has kicked off this month. The search is open to all Filipino organizations in the U.S., Canada, Asia-Pacifi c (covering Singapore and Hong Kong), Europe (covering Italy and U.K.), Middle East, Australia and Japan. The cri-teria are as follows: (1) Measurable impact: scope and number of benefi -ciaries with known effective results; (2) Highlight the value of unity/PAGKAKAISA (effective elimina-tion of selosan (jealousy), inggitan (envy), siraan (negative criticism), etc. or has effectively dealt with these either through interventions or through innovative methods); (3)

Focused on service and/or an issue (poverty, health, education, etc) as felt either in your respective country or in the Philippines; (4) Transcend regionalism/parochialism; (5) Par-ticipatory/people-oriented leadership (as shown in the manner of how they choose their leaders and their accep-tance thereof); (6) Promote Filipino values and culture and Filipino heritage.

Deadline of submission of nomina-tions is on March 15, 2012. Re-gional winners will be announced late May 2012 after a period of tight screenings and validation. The winners will be fl own to Manila, Philippines for the national awarding ceremony to be held in June 2012.

For nomination forms and more information, visit www.globalbayan-ingpilipino.com.

About ABS-CBN Global ABS-CBN Global Hungary Kft is

a wholly owned subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation, the Philippines’ largest entertainment and broadcast-ing company. It was created over 15 years ago to be in service to all Filipinos. Its global fl agship product is The Filipino Channel (TFC). For more information, visit www.abs-cbnglobal.com.


Construction for the pedestrian Ready Lane kiosks at Otay Mesa will begin February 5, but will be limited to overnight hours only to limit the impact on travelers.

CBP continues to strongly encourage travelers to obtain RFID-enabled travel documents to expedite their entry to the U.S. and to help make the border cross-ing process more effi cient. Travelers who have one of the RFID-enabled secure travel documents may use both the new pedestrian and the existing vehicle Ready Lanes.

For more information, please visit www.GetYouHome.gov or www.CBP.gov.

Prior to the opening of the pedestrian Ready Lane at Otay Mesa on February 23, CBP offi cials will be testing the system, and will invite media to view and use the new kiosks on a date to be announced.

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In the News

Good News Pilipinas | MANILA, 2/13/2012 -- The National Geographic Channel (NGC) will soon broadcast the documentary about the Presidential Palace, “Inside Malacañang.”

Directed by fi lmmaker Marnie Manicad, the documentary gives viewers a peek into the country’s most tightly guarded address – the offi cial residence and workplace of President Benigno Aquino III.

Manicad didn’t go into the project blindly; she was fully aware of the chal-lenges. Securing all the necessary permits and gaining the insiders’ trust were only the beginning.

“We got access to the most secluded parts of the Palace,” Manicad recounted.

“We also had to convince the Presidential Security Group (PSG) that we needed to fi lm their training sessions and operations.”

Manicad and her team had to justify their every move, especially if it involved the

four people who are closest to the Presi-dent – the group commander of the PSG, the personal security aide, the food tester and the presidential photographer.

She was stunned to discover that there

actually was a person assigned to taste the President’s meals beforehand. She admit-ted, “I thought the food tester was an urban legend.”

Making the docu yielded other discover-ies as well. “I learned more about the his-tory and evolution of the place. It provided

National Geo Channel set to air “Inside Malacanang”

MARNIE Manicad (left) interviews President Aquino, along with four of his closest aides for the docu.Photo courtesy of JR and Ari-anne Rodriguez

us with a deeper insight on the Pal-ace – not just the physical structure, but its meaning to us, as Filipinos.”

In making “Inside Malacañang,” Manicad said, she was inspired by the NGC docus “Inside the Vatican,” “Inside: The Obama White House,” “Air Force One” and “Restrepo: Outpost Afghanistan.”

These “nontraditional” stories encour-aged Manicad to “push the limits” of local docu-making. “It’s diffi cult to make docus, especially if it’s about a heavy topic,” she admitted. “In doing narrative feature fi lms, you can adjust on the set. But with docus, you need complete grasp of the subject, because you can’t make excuses once you start shooting.”

Things are made more arduous by the very high journalistic and fi lmmaking standards set by NGC, whose editors went over every line of the script with a fi ne-toothed comb.

“For this docu, I had a 16-page voi-ceover script,” Manicad related. “But with the added research annotations and references, it reached over 84 pages. NGC is that strict when it comes to facts and details.”

NGC doesn’t accept popular online sources such as Wikipedia for the kind of information she needed. “You should only rely on books, actual reports and fi rst-hand interviews,” the fi lmmaker said. “The script had to be cleared by NGC Singa-pore, Hong Kong and Washington DC before we could record the fi nal narration, done by veteran actor Joonee Gamboa.”

It’s a landmark docu. It will not just give viewers an unprecedented, all-access pass to the Palace; it will also be shown on National Geographic channels all over the globe in the fi rst quarter of this year.

“It’s unbelievable. I only used to dream about making docus. Now, not only did I fi nish one; as a bonus, it will be aired on NGC,” Manicad said.

(Story courtesy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Philippines overtakes India as top BPO pro-

vider in the worldGood News Pilipinas, 2/13/2012 -- The

Philippines is now the number one call center agent provider in the entire world, outnumbering erstwhile leader India, an offi cial from the De-partment of Transportation and Communications

(DOTC) revealed on Friday.DOTC Undersecretary Rene Limcaoco said

that based on details provided to them by the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, the Philippines had 350,000 call center agents in 2011 compared to the 300,000 of India.

The end result is that the BPO-Information Technology industry is now emerging as the second biggest contributor to the local economy, following the remittance infl ows from overseas Filipino workers. Limcaoco said that the BPO in-dustry almost netted $9 billion in export revenues in 2011, or equivalent to 4.8 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). He said that if the trend continues and the income from the BPO industry continues to grow, the $11-billion target could be achieved by the time President Benigno Aquino 3rd ends his term in 2016. Limcaoco added that the BPO industry could even equal the amount of remittances being sent by overseas Filipinos.

By Zinnia B. Dela Peña, Philippine Star. MANILA, Philippines - Stockhold-ers of Boulevard Holdings have approved a proposal to acquire resort developer Cala Paniman for P100 million.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange, Boulevard Holdings said the purchase amount will be payable in seven years.

Cala Paniman is currently developing a 21-hectare seaside subdivision in Creta-

grande in Ternate, Cavite inside the Puerto Azul leisure estate.

Boulevard Holdings said it intends to forge partnerships with local and foreign

entities to develop the property.Boulevard Holdings is the owner and

operator of Friday’s Boracay Island beach resort in Aklan, Crown One Land Inc. and Friday’s Puerto Galera.

Shareholders likewise approved the ac-quisition by resort unit Friday Holdings Inc.

Panlilio-owned Blvd Holdings acquires Cavite, Cebu resorts

of a 353,810-square meter (SQM) land in Moalboal, Cebu for P707.62 million.

In addition, shareholders gave their consent to the planned acquisition of a beachfront with an area of around 729 sqm in Boracay Island for $1.31 million.

They likewise approved a plan to raise P300 million through a private placement to facilitate the entry of other investors.

The Panlilio family, the majority owner

of Boulevard Holdings, is keen on reviving Puero Azul, which was once dubbed as “Asia’s Paradise Resort” and the “World’s Golfting Capital”.

Under the plan, Boulevard Holdings said it would build 11,563 residential units over a period of up to 25 years starting with 350 units of apartment residences. The resort component also involves the development of hotels, golf courses, country club, marina, theme park, sports and recreation facilities.

asian journal february 17-23, 2012 edition

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