June 30, 2013

Vol. XXII, No. 16

Online: www. manilamail.us

June 30, 2013

Senate OKs immigration reform bill

WASHINGTON D.C. - As we go to press, the US Senate was set to approve the comprehensive immigration reform bill. The Upper Chamber made a giant step forward June 24 by approving a bipartisan amendment promising a strong border security. The bipartisan vote, 67-to27, opened the gates for more Senate Republicans to help assure the bills overwhelming nal passage this weekend. Fifteen Republicans voted in favor of the measure. But the bill faces a rougher

Special to the Manila Mail By JON MELEGRITO

The pain and anguish of families torn apart by a broken immigration system was the core message of the lm Documented, which had its world premiere on June 21 at the American Film Institutes Documentary lm festival (AFI Docs). The centerpiece screening was held at the National Portrait Gallery, which drew a standing ovation and rave reviews from the more than 400 guests who attended. Written and directed by Filipino American journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, the 90-minute documentary is a personal account of Vargas journey to

Continued on page 21

the United States as a child, his efforts to deal with his status as an undocumented immigrant, his travels across the country as an immigration reform activist and his inward journey as he reconnects with his mother, whom he hasnt seen in 20 years. Two years in the making, the lm took a different turn according to Vargas after sending a crew to the Philippines to interview his own mother. I didnt want it to go there but it had to go there, he said. In the clip that showed their emotional conversation via Skype on Christmas Day last year, his mother, Emily Salinas, begged her son to come home soon so

Jose Antonio Vargas and skyped photo of his mom, Emily Salinas

Continued on page 20

US hails Ople as anti-trafc, OFWs hero

By Lito Katigbak
WASHINGTON Susan Ople, youngest daughter of the late Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople, has been hailed by

DFA confirms OFW sex trade

MANILA - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario on June 24 said some allegations of sexual harassment, molestation, and abuse of authority in some Philippine embassies in the Middle East have been conrmed. It was a lengthy meeting over the weekend Del Rosario and the 12 heads of Philippine diplomatic posts in the Middle East and North Africa. This came as more witnesses to the sex trade surfaced. Plans are afoot to replace ambassadors and labor attaches with women to stop the exploitation of Filipino women OFWs. The ambassadors were told to go home to participate in the probe into allegations that some Philippines embassy staff are exploiting and even prostituting distressed Filipino workers. Del Rosario is personally leading the investigation. The Department of Labor is also conducting its own investigation of it attaches in the Middle East. We were able to one, collate all possible information that I think will enable us to have justice for the victims. We would be able to punish the guilty. And we also will be able to review all the policies and procedures governing our conduct pertaining to cases such as these, he said in a press brieng. Del Rosario also met with DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario

Continued on page 21

FilAm judge in NJ to fight raps

SOMERVILLE, New Jersey The rst Filipino American to be appointed superior court judge in New Jersey is in trouble. Carlia Magpantay Brady, 41, who was appointed by Gov. Chris Christy in February this year, was arrested at her home in Woodbridge allegedly for interferring with police who were seeking to arrest her boyfriend. On her arraignment on June 19, Bradys lawyer, Robert Scrivo, entered a plea of not guilty, adding that she will ght the charges. Donning a business suit and with her hair pulled back tightly into a bun, Brady did not speak and showed no signs of emotion during the arraignment before Presiding Somerset County Superior Court Judge Robert Reed. He ordered Brady not to leave New Jersey as the case proceeds and told her to surrender her passport. Reed noted that Brady was to be released on her own recognizance pending the outcome of the case, with no bail required. Authorities have been tightlipped from the start regarding the charge against Brady, who was appointed to the bench in February. The 41-yearold Woodbridge resident was arrested for allegedly harboring Jason Prontnicki in her Coolidge Avenue home for about an hour without making any attempt to contact police; Prontnicki, who also is 41, is charged with robbery in connection with an April incident at a pharmacy in Old Bridge. As of last week Prontnicki was being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correction

Sussan Ople the US State Department as a hero for her work against trafcking in persons (TIP) and outspoken advocacy on behalf of the millions of overseas Filipino

Continued on page 22

Judge Carlia Magpantay Brady

Continued on page 21

US to ensure SEA peace P6

Pinoy in 7-11 Scheme P8

PH independence reception P16

Happy July 4th to our readers

2
JERSEY CITY -Thanks to the united FilAm votes, incumbent Councilman-at-large Rolando Ramos Lavarro, Jr., a fullblooded Filipino, was re-elected to a full four-year term in the June 11 run off elections in this city. He now holds the distinction of being the rst FilAm to win a full term elective position in the city government here. He is also the rst Fil-Am ever to get elected to a public ofce in Jersey City, the second largest city in New Jersey, when he won the elections in 2011 to assume a vacancy in the City Council brought about by resignation of one of its members. Lavarro also hkas the distinction of being the only local FilAm political leader who unied the large number of Filipinos (estimated between 15,000 to 20,000) under one FilAm candidate. In previous elections, a number of Filipinos ran under different and opposing political groups, thus, dividing the so-called Filipino vote and resulted in the repeated failures of Fil-Ams in more than 25 years to gain even a seat in the City Council. When the 42-year-old Lavarro surfaced into the citys political arena a few years ago, many observers readily conceded he would have a bright future in local politics because of his passion, deep sense of community service and uency in

June 30, 2013

United Pinoys elect Lavarro to Jersey City Council

director for grants at the New Jersey City University. He is married with a child. In a mass text sent even before the ballots were tallied, Lavarro thanked his supporters. Without you, I wouldnt be where I am. Thanks for all your help, he said in his email. At the same time, Team Fulop (political group of Mayorelect Steven Fulop), other Atlarge candidates Joyce Watterman and Daniel Rivera, as well as its candidates in Wards A, B and F won the run off elections. The results give Fulop a 7-2 majority in the council. Fulops candidates in Ward C and D lost the electoral contest. With that majority, the new mayor now has a full council that he desired during the campaign so he could do the changes he plans to introduce. In an unofcial but almost complete tally by the Hudson County Election Ofce, the following results were obtained for the Filipino Reporter for council-at-large: Joyce Watterman-11,587; Daniel Rivera11,324; Rolando R. Lavarro, Jr.11,069; Viola Richardson-5,542; and Sean Connelly-3,384.

Rolando Lavarro, Jr. ashes victory sign. English. A graduate of New York University with a degree in business, Lavarro works as assistant

June 30, 2013

3
of the NNAAP(r) Exam. Once the student passes the exam, he or she receives state-certication as a Certied Nursing Assistant. Astar Education Institute of Northern Virginia is a non-prot organization designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security & Immigration to handle international and domestic students. Astar has been offering enriching the community through education since 2006, and has full approval from the Virginia Board of Nursing to grant CNA certicates. If you would like more information about the program, please call Astar Education Institute at (703) 368-6838 or send an e-mail to info@astarinstitute.org.

CNA school lures Tagalog-English students

MANASSAS, Virginia Astar Education Institute, a local ESL and occupational training school, is launching Northern Virginias rst Certied Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program aimed at the bilingual Filipino community. The sixweek course, which begins July 8th, prepares students to perform nursing procedures under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). A CNA assists individuals with their daily healthcare needs such as ambulation, output measurement and vital sign testing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the average annual salary for a CNA ranges from $19,925 to $35,000. Astar is currently enrolling students who want to begin a career in the health care eld. Students who are uent in Tagalog are welcomed to join Astar as the school hopes to build an assembly of bilingual CNAs to serve the ever-diversifying Washington Metropolitan area. Unlike other nurse training programs, optional Medical English classes are available to those who need to study English at Astar before admission into the CNA program. The program consists of classroom and skills lab training as well a clinical component in which students gain practical experience in long term care facilities and hospitals. The course culminates in the administration

June 30, 2013

VA driver in skateboard accident charged

The 17-year-old driver of the car that was involved in the skateboarding accident that caused the death of a Filipino American student in Arlington, Virginia June 4 has been charged with reckless driving. The 17-year-old driver, whose name has not been released because he is still a minor, is the schoolmate of John Malvar, 18, who died when he fell and hit his head on the pavement in the 300 block of South Highland Street in Arlington, Virginia. Trial of the young driver is set for August 8. Malvar was scheduled to graduate from high school this month. Police said Malvar was clinging to the side of a pickup truck driven by a schoolmate while skateboarding when he fell and hit his head on the pavement. He was not wearing a helmet. He died at George Washington Hospital. attended the same school as John, may also have run over his friend. When John fell to the ground, he suffered a signicant head trauma and left a large pool of blood on the road when paramedics arrived. Medics performed CPR, Malvar regained a pulse, and he was rushed to George Washington University in critical condition, police said. He was later pronounced dead. Guys who have skated with John say skitching is not common in Arlington. They say it was out of character for their friend, who planned to go to VCU in the fall for nursing. This was pretty uncharacteristic of him. Ive told a couple people this didnt seem like the kind of thing he would do, says Brandon Toone, who had just gone to the prom with John May 31. Like a lot of Arlington teens, hes struggling with the fact that the smiling teen he loved so much is gone.

Mechanical failure cause of deadly Limo re

SAN MATEO, California The ofcial cause of last months tragic limousine re on the San Mateo Bridge that claimed the lives of ve Filipino women and injured four others has been ruled as a result of mechanical failure. Last week investigators concluded that the vehicles suspension system had failed and that the air springs in the rear of the limo had popped,which led to friction, a fuel leak then the deadly eruption. Whether or not the limousine company will face charges of criminal negligence in the vehicles maintenance, that decision rests in the hands of the San Mateo County District Attorneys ofce and the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The night of Saturday May 5 began as a celebration for nine close friends, all from the Philippines and connected through their ties as nurses. After meeting in Alameda, the group was picked up by the limousine driver then the entourage began the short trip to Foster City, where a bridal party awaited 31-year-old Nariza Fojas, a Fresno resident, who along with her new husband planned to be wed in the Philippines in front of family and friends in the middle of June. As the 1999 Lincoln Town Car made its way over the bridge, on what had to be a bumpy ride, ames began to overtake the rear of the vehicle. The stretch white came to a halt and four of the riders, along

John Malvar Earlier, police intimated the young driver has a bad driving record. Washington Lee High School has allowed Johns father, George Malvar, to receive his sons diploma during graduation rites last week. His mother died several years ago. Johns cograduates wore ribbons to honor him. Earlier, police said the driver of the pickup truck, who

Photo of burning limo in San Francisco that killed 5 FilAm nurses. with the limo driver, managed to escape the blaze. Initial reports are that the locks on the doors in the back had shorted out. The ruling that mechanical failure was the culprit brought a small sense of closure to the unthinkable tragedy. Yet no matter what ofcials determine, nothing will ll the void left by the loss of the ve women. The names of the victims in remembrance are Fojas, Felomina Geronga, 43, Jennifer Balon, 39, of Dublin City; Anna Alcantara, 46, of San Lorenzo and Michelle Estrera, 35, of Fresno. (FilAm Star)

Suspects in 2 FilAm students slay arrested

SAN JOSE, California - San Jose Police ofcers early this month arrested the two suspects in the May 26 killing of two Filipino American high school students. The victims, Christian Comilang, 15, and Johnson Cular, 16, were students of Independent High School and members of the Filipino Youth Coalition, a community service group founded in 1992. The two were San Jose residents who would have been sophomores in the fall. After a week-long wait without word from the SJPD as to possible motive or suspects in slayings of the two, the youth coalition appealed to authorities for action. Police nally arrested Matthew Clifford, 19, and a 17-year-old juvenile. The two suspects were booked at the Santa Clara County Jail and Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall, respectively. Clifford is a resident of this city, but the other suspect has not been named since he is still a minor. According to FYC sources, Comilang and Cular separated from a group of youths enjoying a late afternoon frolic toward the end of Rinehart Drive, behind Kohls department store along McKee Road. They were seen talking to a stranger on a bicycle, who had one hand in his pocket. The bicyclist suddenly pulled out a gun and shot Comilang and Cular pointblank. The police report logged the 911 call at around 6:30 p.m. and reported that both victims suffered from a gunshot wound each. It also said one of them was pronounced dead on the scene while the other died at the hospital. Comilang and Cular were not gang members and did not have police records. Speculation in the Filipino community is that the slaying was done as part of laugh and his desire to be a boxer someday. He didnt do anything and didnt deserve this, said one of the young women. They were just at the wrong place and at the wrong time. Both said they didnt know Cular personally, but that both Cular and Comilang were in the same grade and would hang out together. One coed said she couldnt talk about Cular and Comilang with her own familybecause they didnt know, but she felt she was among family with the FYC. Friends and relatives set up this makeshift shrine where Comilang and Cular were slain FYC counts among its members, students from Independence, Silver Creek,Mount Pleasant, Overfelt, Piedmont Hills, Milpitas, Evergreen Valley, Fremont (near Sunnyvale and Cupertino), Santa Clara and Wilcox high schools. Executive Director Sarah Gonzalez said the FYC is meant specially for at-risk youth and youth who are impacted by gangs. Its a community outreach program that involves its members in alternative positive afterschool programs. This means, among other things, talent shows, dances and distributing food to the homeless in their area, with an emphasis on going back to ones own cultural roots. Just this year, past FYC member Marlon Custodio came back from an API internship at the White House to encourage the current FYC members.

FilAm mayor makes Milpitas nances +AA

MILPITAS, California - Fiveterm Mayor Jose Esteves, a Filipino American, told hundreds of constituents at his very rst State of the City address late last month that the city nance were a better than others in Northern California. Let me say plainly that our current nancial standing is +AA and our outlook is very positive, Esteves told the standing-room-only crowd at the Chamber of Commerce venue. I dont want to move ever, said Deritha May Randall who has lived in Milpitas for 50 years. Thank God for the (Milpitas) Police and Fire Departments. The mayor is good and has improved Milpitas more than any man, especially in the Dixon area (where she lives). Mayor Esteves has got it under control. Esteves admitted, however, that the last seven years were the most difcult in the citys history. Tough decisions and sacrices had to be made, he said, for Milpitas to become nancially solvent. We cut costs internally and redened our service delivery without compromising it. This is an accomplishment not all

Christian Comilang a gang initiation or hazing. Both the community grapevine and Facebook are abuzz with this theory. SJPD homicide detectives issued a statement saying they believed the crime was not gangrelated. About a third of the 22 crimes so far this year in San Jose is attributed to gangs. According to many in the Filipino community served by the FYC in the east side, gangs wield a heavy inuence. Not too many individuals are willing to speak about the slayings openly or to the authorities for fear of retaliation. Both victims parents were unavailable for comment. Two coeds who requested anonymity remembered Comilangs ability to make friends

Mayor Jose Esteves cities can claim, he explained. But the solvency came at a price. In the last year, the city council had to cut $9.2 million from the $69.2 million general fund in June, as a result of States decision to eliminate redevelopment agency funding. This forced the city to cut its expenses by $7 million on top of a $2.2 million structural decit. Like most cities, Milpitas residents and businesses felt the impact of reduced public works maintenance and recreation programs, reduced police and parks protection, a halt to repairs, cuts in service hours in libraries and limited ability in code enforcement activity.

June 30, 2013

5
statement the embassy shared the concerns expressed by Mylenes family in the Philippines. Her mother was pictured on TV crying after hearing the news of her daughters death. The Washington Post as well as the Filipino American community wondered how a small woman weighing only a little over 100 pounds posed a threat to the sheriffs deputies. They asked probers to release copies of TV monitors as they felt law enforcement ofcials may have responded with disproportionate force. Reports said Mylene, who was depressed by her divorce and separation from her two children, de leon scottReports says Mylene de Leon Scott allegedly became hostile while serving sample pizzas at Costcos on that day. The sherrifs deputies said she was holding a knife and a pair of scissors and was threatening fellow employees when they arrived at the scene. When she refused to follow their orders to drop the knife and scissors, they shot her ve times after their stun gun failed to stop her. Her mom in Manila, Medina de Leon, questioned the excessive force used by authorities in Virginia. She also denied police theories that what caused her to be aggressive was her separation from her American husband. Medina de Leon explained that they have already been living separately for two years and her daughter has moved on from the relationship.

FilAms await VA police report on Mylenes death

Almost a month after two Sheriffs deputies killed a FilAm woman at Cotsco store in Sterling, Virginia, police have yet to release a report of their formal probe into the incident that many people claimed was the use of excessive to kill a small woman. The Philippine embassy and community organizations have expressed hope the authorities would conclude its report into the killing of Mylene de leon Scott, 38, at the store on May 29, 2013. Meanwhile, reports are that the Philippine embassy will help facilitate the repatriation of the remains of Mylene to the Philippines. Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Jr. paid his nal respects June 15 to Mylene and personally extended his condolences to her former husband, their two daughters and her uncle. The ambassador also expressed hope that authorities would soon conclude their investigation and release the results, the embassy added. Earlier, Cuisia said in a press

6
WASHINGTON - Danny Russel, the nominee to become the top US diplomat in East Asia told the Senate during his conrmation hearing June 20 he will do everything in his power to lower the temperature in territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas. He also said it was unacceptable for China to demand only bilateral negotiations with the other claimants, and voiced strong US support for efforts by Southeast Asia to negotiate as a bloc and frame a code of conduct to manage the disputes, an issue to be taken up at regional security talks in Brunei later this month. Earlier, Senator r. Menendrez (D, New Jersey), and his co-sponsors Senators Benjamin Cardin (D, Maryland), Marco Rubio (R, Florida), and Bob Corker (R, Tennessee) led Senate Resolution 167 condemning Chinas use of force and provocative acts in the South China Sea. Resolution 167 blamed China for several dangerous incidents in the waters involving countries it has territorial disputes with, like the Philippines, Vietnam and Japan. Russel is currently White House senior director for Asian affairs. He is nominee to become assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacic Affairs, replacing Kurt Campbell, who resigned in February to enter business. Russel is a 28-year career diplomat, less ebullient than Campbell, with long experience in Japan and Korea. His association with Asia began in his 20s when he spent three years studying martial arts in Japan. He has played a central role in the Obama administrations strategic pivot to Asia.

June 30, 2013

Russel vows to lower tension in East, South China Seas

South China Sea. Six governments have overlapping claims to tiny reefs and islands across those rich resource waters, with China claiming it has sovereignty over virtually all of it. While the US itself is not a claimant it says it has a stake in the freedom of navigation in its busy sea lanes, which are crucisl to world trade. I certainly will do everything in my power to try to lower the temperature, push claimants including China into a diplomatic track and continue to warn them that the region in which China will ourish is a region of law, a region of order and a region of respect for neighbors, not one in which there is space for coercion and bullying, Russel said. He said that President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have raised the issue of Chinas behavior on the seas with its leaders, and the Chinese are in no doubt that America stands by our allies. The most volatile maritime disputes involving China in the past couple of years have involved US treaty allies, the Philippines and Japan nations whom Beijing has blamed for triggering tensions. While acknowledging USChina competition, Russel, said the US supports the rise of China that is stable, prosperous and abides by international rules and norms. He said the US seeks a practical cooperation that benets both countries and the region. He said positive cooperation with China would be essential in getting North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons.

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Danny Russel Thats seen the U.S. stake out a diplomatic position on maritime issues that has irked Beijing, with Washington saying it has a national interest in the peaceful resolution of disputes in the

Global anti-China imperialist rally set July 24

NEW YORK - American groups opposed to Chinas claim on islands off the Philippines will hold a protest rally at the United Nations headquarters here on July 24. The U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance (USP4GG) is denouncing Chinas latest incursion on Ayungin Reef which is located just 105 nautical miles from Palawan and is close to Kalayaan island which is now part of the province of Palawan. In Manila, Rep. Walden Bello of the Akbayan partylist announced that his group is joining the July 24 mass action in the Philippines and will encourage its supporters throughout the world to join in global actions to denounce Chinas provocative actions in the Ayungin Reef. China seized the Philippines Mischief Reef in 1994, then our Scarborough Shoal last year, stated Loida Nicolas Lewis, the national chair of USP4GG and former national chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). This year, China is set to invade and occupy the Ayungin Reef. We refuse to accept Chinas expansionist agenda. Lewis explained that July 24 marks the rst anniversary of Chinas establishment of the Sansha City Prefecture, which Beijing mandated to have jurisdiction over more than two million square kilometers of the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), including islands and reefs in the Spratlys that are within the 200-mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) protested the creation of the Sansha Prefecture, after learning that its jurisdiction covered the Kalayaan Island Group in the Spratlys, which is an integral part of the Philippine territory falling under the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan province. Sansha City has been a subject of a Philippine protest as its administrative jurisdiction encompasses Philippine territory and maritime zones in the West Philippine Sea, DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said. The USP4GG said the July 24 action at the United Nations would include simultaneous town hall meetings to discuss the China threat in Filipino communities throughout the United States. It would also call on the U.S. communities of the claimant countries whose territories are being invaded by Chinese ships from the Sansha Prefecture. All patriotic Filipinos should join in the July 24 denunciation of Chinas imperialist activities in the South China/West Philippine Sea, the group stated. The Ayungin Reef is guarded by a Philippine marine detachment on board the BRP Sierra Madre, which is permanently moored on the reef to protect it. The Ayungin Reef is considered the gateway to the Recto Bank, which the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) estimates to contain 2.5 billion barrels of oil and 25.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

China slams PH occupation of Ayungin reef

MANILA - China has condemned the illegal occupation of a disputed coral reef by the Philippines, and vowed to protect its sovereignty as Manila moved new soldiers and supplies to a grounded vessel that serves as base for Filipino troops. The Second Thomas Shoal, known in China as the Renai reef and Ayungin in the Philippines, is at the center of the latest territorial dispute between Beijing and Manila. The Philippines is accusing China of encroachment after three Chinese ships, including a naval frigate, converged just 5 nautical miles from an old transport ship that Manila ran aground on a reef in 1999 to mark its territory. Chinas determination to safeguard its national sovereignty is resolute and unwavering and (we) will never accept any form of illegal occupation of the Renai reef by the Philippines, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular brieng. Philippine armed forces chief General Emmanuel Bautista told reporters the military had brought in a fresh team to replace soldiers stationed on the grounded ship on the reef and replenished their supplies, including food, water and fuel. The Second Thomas Shoal, a strategic gateway to Reed Bank, In 2010, Manila awarded an Anglo-Filipino consortium a license to explore for gas on Reed Bank, but drilling stalled last year, because of the presence of Chinese ships. Manila says Reed Bank, about 80 nautical miles west of Palawan island at the southwestern end of the Philippine archipelago, is within the countrys 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Beijing says it is part of the Spratlys, a group of 250 uninhabPhoto of grounded, old Philippine navy ship on Ayungin shoal. believed to be rich in oil and natural gas, is one of several possible ashpoints in the South China Sea that could force the United States to intervene in defense of its Southeast Asian allies. itable islets spread over 165,000 square miles, claimed entirely by China, Taiwan and Vietnam and in part by Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines.

June 30, 2013

Sharon Stone settles with FilAm nanny

LOS ANGELES - Basic Instinct star Sharon Stone has reached a settlement with her former nanny after she claimed the Oscar nominee insulted her Filipino heritage and did not pay her for overtime. Erlinda Elemen was red by the star in February 2011, after Stone reportedly discovered she had wrongly been paid overtime, and Elemen alleges Stone made a number of disparaging comments about Filipinos, including calling them stupid people. The amount of the settlement was not revealed. Elemen, in her suit, sought damages from the actress. According to the lawsuit, Stone criticized Plaintiff for frequently attending church and, on one occasion, forbade Plaintiff from reading the Bible in Plaintiffs room in Defendants residence and ordered her not to speak to her three kids Roan, Laird and Quinn because she did not want them to talk like her. Elemen claimed she began working for Stone as a back-up nanny to take care of one of the actress sons, then was promoted to head nanny in 2008. She added that she moved in with Stone in 2008 and began travelling with the actress and the children until she was red in 2011. After Stone allegedly made the racist remarks, events came to a crescendo when she accused Elemen of stealing for getting overtime pay and demanded that Elemen pay her back. This was despite the fact, Elemen alleged, that she worked seven days a week. According to the lawsuit, Elemens hours and pay were reduced after Stone accused her of stealing for getting overtime pay despite an alleged seven-day workweek. The nanny claims she was then terminated for no reason. Because abuses in overtime pay are common for household employees it seems ironic that Ms. Stone initially did the right thing and paid Mrs. Elemen overtime wages and then terminated her for accepting those same wages, Solomon Gresen, Elemens lawyer, said in a statement at the time.

Pinoy wins Asian Karting championship

MANILA - Duplicating his feat in the opening leg of the Asian Karting Open Championships last month, Seaoil-DC karter and Kosmic Japan factory driver Gabriel Tayao-Cabrera lived up to expectations by again bagging the lone championship for the Philippines in round 2 of the race series held at the Kartdromo de Coloane in Macau. Despite being the youngest driver in the junior grid, TayaoCabrera dominated the Formula 125 Open Junior event, topping the time trials and was likewise the only junior karter to hit the 59 second mark in Heat 3, matching the best lap times of the upper Formula 125 Senior class. Tayao-Cabrera showcased his driving skills particularly in the Pre-nals as he engaged in a neck and neck battle with Chinese karter Chan Tsun Piu of Hong Kong who managed to snag the lead from the Filipino in the last few laps of the event. It was however short-lived when Tayao-Cabrera executed a wellplanned dive at the last turn of the last lap which elicited a huge Gabriel T. Cabrera on board the go-kart. gasp from the karting crowd who marveled at the Filipinos bold move. The 13-year old eventually bagged the championship after breezing through the nals as his contenders struggled to maintain control of their karts in the 18-lap wet race. I had limited time to get used to the track and my competitors either had home-track advantage or have been competing in the class longer compared to this being my rst year in Formula 125 cc Junior-- a big jump from my MiniROK 60 cc class last year. Aside from being glad I had the opportunity to race with good drivers, I am also fortunate that I have a good working relationship with my mechanics, said Tayao-Cabrera. The son of Los Angelesbased former MBA Negros Slasher ball player Richard Cabrera, Gabriel is set to leave again soon to compete in Indonesia and Japan for the Asian Karting Open Championships Round 3 and the All-Japan Junior Championship leg respectively.

8
WASHINGTON, D.C. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said consular and legal assistance will be extended to undocumented Filipinos allegedly being exploited by 7-11 convenience stores in New York and Virginia Beach. Cuisia said the assistance will include Filipino citizen Ramon Nanas, 49, of Great River, New York, who was among nine persons arrested and indicted by authorities for exploiting undocumented Filipino in various 7-11 convenience stores in both cities. The Embassy in Washington D.C. and the Consulate General in New York are in touch with concerned United States authorities in connection with the investigation of the case. Acting on instructions of Cuisia, Labor Attache Luzviminda Padilla and New York Consul General Mario De Leon contacted the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nassau County District Attorneys Ofce and the Eastern District Court of New York to inquire on the status of the case. We also want to check the condition of the Filipino nationals involved in order to determine the kind of assistance that could be extended to them, Cuisia said in a statement. Cuisia said that other than Nanas and the eight others who were indicted, US authorities have not released the names of the more than 50 employees of various 7-11 stores in New York appear in a hearing scheduled on July 18 at the Eastern District

June 30, 2013

Cuisia vows to aid Pinoys involved in 7-11 charges

14 7-11 stores in Long Island and Norfolk, were indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, stealing identities and concealing and harboring illegal immigrants. The Eastern District Court of New York had said the investigation of the case is still ongoing and may involve other undocumented foreign nationals working in other 7-11 stores in several states. NEW YORK - Federal agencies busted an alleged multi-state scheme involving the employment of illegal immigrants at 10 franchises in Long Island and four in Virginia. Nine individuals, including a Filipino, were arrested and charged after federal authorities seized control of these 7-11 Eleven franchises Monday. According to the ofce of Loretta Lynch, U.S. attorney for the eastern district of New York, the defendants employed more than 50 illegal immigrants at 7-11 stores on the Island and in Virginia since 2000. They allegedly equipped the workers with stolen identities from more than 20 American citizens, housed them in properties they owned and pocketed wages that were due to those illegal employees. A spokeswoman for Lynch said the employees worked 80 to 100 hours per week, but were only paid for 25 to 30 of those hours. The defendants also allegedly took rent money out of the employees paychecks. The defendants have been charged with wire fraud conspiracy, related to submitting payroll to 7-11 under false identities, alien harboring and aggravated identity theft. They were arraigned June 17 at courthouses in Central Islip and Norfolk, Va. The defendants in Central Islip all pleaded not guilty and were being held without bail. According to the indictment, defendants Farrukh and Bushra Baig, residents of Head of the Harbor, owned, co-owned or controlled 12 of the 14 franchises on Long Island and in Virginia. Virginia residents Zahid and Shannawaz Baig, Farrukh Baigs brothers, helped manage and control those stores with assistance from Malik Yousaf, a resident of South Setauket, Virginia resident Tariq Rana and Filipino of Great River Ramon Nanas, the indictment said. Brothers Azhar Zia, of Great River, and Thomas Zia the other two stores, located in Suffolk County, and were indicted separately. Rana and Uppal are Pakistani citizens and Nanas is a citizen of the Philippines, while the remainder of the defendants are U.S. citizens. Edward Jencks, an attorney for Nanas, declined to comment on the case because he had not yet met with his client.

One of the 7-11 stores involved in the case. and Virginia that included a still undetermined number of Filipinos. De Leon said US authorities have also made it clear that the employees have not been arrested, detained or charged for any offense and are considered victims of exploitation. They will serve as witnesses and will Court of New York. According to De Leon, the US Department of Justice said the employees were exploited, their wages stolen and were required to live in unregulated boarding houses. Nanas and the eight others, who have been described as owners or managers of at least

Pinoys proud of Spoelstra; Obama congratulates him

WASHINGTON D.C. - The White House says President Barack Obama congratulated Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on winning the NBA championship for a second consecutive season. Obama called coach Spoelstra on June 21. The White House says Obama pointed out the teams relentless determination and noted it was a historic season for the team and for its MVP, LeBron James. The White House says Obama told the coach that hell have the team to the White House to congratulate them in person on their victory. Last year he similarly met the team in the White House. Miami won its third NBA championship June 20, beating the San Antonio Spurs 95-88 in Game 7 of the nals. In Miami, the Heat team held a victory parade on June 24 with all players, the owners and Spoelstra. stra, in basketball, is the coach of back-to-back NBA champions Miami Heat. Spo to the basketball community,is a Filipino. Half Filipino, that is. And as such, he now commands 90 million or so following from the country of his mothers origin. For gifting South Florida, a pair of NBA championships, Spo has suddenly become a national hero a treasure. People from all walks of life now consider him an inspiration. Pride of the nation. In the mold, perhaps, of eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao. Miami was lucky enough to have the Big Three in LeBron James, Duayne Wade and Chris Bosh it also has a very talented and coach. Im proud to be a Filipino. Every Filipino should be proud of him, former Congressman Prospero Butch Pichay, now the president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, said of the basketball guru. Pichays sentiment was shared by communications mogul and Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan, Philippine sports Commission chair Richie Garcia, rst Filipino chess Grandmaster Eugene Torre and 13 other sportsmen. chair Garcia, for his part, said. I really never doubted Miami to win the crown, knowing that it has a Pinoy Coach.Sana maging inuenced the likes of LeBron, Wade and their teammates to play a never-say-die attitude that carried them from adversities after another. Truly inspiring, Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio eloquently put his admiration to Spoelstra, whose mother Elisa hails from San Pablo City in Laguna. Spo was a picture of poise even when they were on the brink of losing the series. Leading his team to a two-straight NBA championships is an incredible feat. Im proud of him. Proud to be Pinoy, PBA buddies Alvin Parimonio and Jerry Codinera chorused as they were joined former pro cagers Atoy Co, Jimmy Mariano, Fritz Gaston, coach Norman Black, Gilas Pilipinas team manager Butch Antonio and educator Peter Cayco. Im proud that a Pinoy is making history in the international sporting stage as the NBA, Co, many-time councilor of Pasig City, averred. Indeed, coach Spo is an inspiration for all of us Filipinos because he just showed what a Filipino is capable of doing.

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra leads team to victory in nal game. Were happy for coach Spo. Basta Pinoy, suportahan nain, Pangilinan, MVP to the business and sports sectors who will be presiding over Philippines hosting of the coming FIBA-Asia championship, said, adding: Go Spo for the third (title). Iba talaga ang Pinoy, PSC inspirasyon siya ng ating mga atleta who will represent our country in the coming Southeast Asian Games. Like a true Filipino, coach Spo was cool under pressure in the entire best-of-seven nals against the San Antonio Spurs, Torre said. His coolness had

By EDDIE ALINEA
MANILA (PNA) -- In boxing, Erik means Morales. In basketball, it is Spoelstra. Spoel-

June 30, 2013

10

June 30, 2013

Ampatuans offer P50-million each to victims

MANILA President Aquino III has directed state prosecutors handling the Maguindanao massacre case to oppose any dilatory tactics by the accused in the wake of reports that the accused are offering P50 million (About $1.2-M) to each of the victims families to drop their case. The government has expressed opposition to any settlement between the accused Ampatuan family members and the relatives of the victims of the November 2009 massacre and will press for the swift resolution of the case. Our public prosecutors will never support a move like that, said a presidential spokeswoman. The Presidents instructions to prosecurotrs is to avoid delay in trying the 3-year old case and object to all the dilatory tactics of the defense. Lawyer Harry Roque had earlier revealed that 14 families of the victims have supposedly agreed to withdraw the case against the suspects in exchange for nancial settlement without his knowledge early this year. Roque, however, claried that such settlement will not be recognized by the court since the law prohibits settlement in murder cases. Malacanang also disagree with Roques claim that the government is mandated to provide compensation to the families of the massacre victims. It said while the suspects of the Maguindanao massacre were elected the attempt of the Ampatuan clan to settle the case with some of the families of the victims is a clear indication of the respondents guilt. De Lima said this a day after

NPA says 5 abducted soldiers are POWs, undergoing probe

MANILA - The communist New Peoples Army said the ve soldiers seized in Davao del Norte are undergoing investigation for alleged human rights violations. In a statement, the NPASouthern Mindanao Regional Command identied those being held captive as Cpl. Emmanuel Quezon, Pfcs. Ronald Gura, Vernie Padilla and Donato Estandia, and Pvt. Marteniano Pasigas. The rebels described the soldiers as prisoners of war. The POWs are currently undergoing investigation for possible serious human rights violations, violations of International Humanitarian Law and crimes versus the people that they may have committed in the course of their participation... as elements of the reactionary armed forces, the NPA said in the statement. The ve soldiers were on board motorcycles to buy food stock for a feeding program when they were abducted by the rebels clad in military uniform in Davao City. At the time, the soldiers were unarmed. A sixth soldier, 1Lt. Neven Canitan, escaped after he leaped to a ravine and incurred bruises. Canitan and his men are members of a peace and development team deployed in Paquibato District. Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Randolph Cabangbang said the NPA has resorted to kidnapping for a fee. There is no other purpose for kidnapping soldiers unless may kapalit yan. I-re-release nila yan eventually but may kapalit, Cabangbang told GMA News Online in a phone interview. This kidnapping validates what the Army has been saying all along that they have shifted to kidnapping soldiers for a fee, he added. Meanwhile, Armed Forces information chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said they do not negotiate with this terrorist group that abducted our soldiers. We ask them (rebels) that if they are really concerned for thecommunity that they are ghting for, they should release our soldiers who are helping that very community....They [captive soldiers] should be released without any condition, Zagala said.

The Ampatuans, father (left) and son, Andal. ofcials, the government is not part of the crime. In any criminal case, there is an accused and it is understood that once he is proven guilty in court, that will include the civil aspect of the case, it said. The President had earlier expressed hope that the perpetrators of the Maguindanao killing would be convicted before he steps down from ofce in 2016. Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima stressed that Roque bared that at least 14 of the victims in the massacre, four of whom are clients, signed the authorities to negotiate without his knowledge in February. While she urges families of the victims of the November 2009 Maguindanao massacre to resist temptations for monetary settlement, De Lima believes that the action of the Ampatuans was an implied admission of guilt on their part.

Binay takes crash course on legislation

MANILA - Get elected rst and learn to legislate later. This seems to be the motto of Senator-Elect Nancy Binay who has just completed a short course on legislation at the UP as she prepared to take on a job for which she had been criticized as unqualied. She said she was doing this for her self enhancement and for her constituents. During my campaign up to now, hindi sila ang main concern ko. Ang main concern ko is mapagsilbihan ngayon ang mga kababayan natin, lalong lalo na yong mga sumuporta sa akin. The executive course on legislation, designed by the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance for Binay and her team, ran for a week. Subjects include the roles and accountabilities of a legislator, the Philippine administrative system, the national legislative process, and preparing the national budget, among others. Exciting. Feeling ko freshman ako ulit, said Binay, a tourism graduate of UP. Binay said she is particularly interested in learning how to draft a bill and seeing it through the legislative process, especially Development Coordinating Council. I admit hindi ako familiar with the workings of the Senate, she said. I guess malaking

Enrile son spent P150-M in failed bid

MANILA - Defeated senatorial candidate Juan Jack Ponce Enrile Jr., son of resigned Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, was the top spender in the 2013 senatorial race, according to Commission on Elections (Comelec) records. Enrile, who landed in 15th place, spent P150,797,910.18 (about $4 million) on his failed campaign for a Senate seat and also received the biggest contribution from donors at P150,401,072.09, according to his statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE). Senator-elect JV Ejercito, who ranked 11th in the 12-man Senate race, was the second-highest spender at P138,207,825.76. He spent P2,276,085.01 of his own money and received P135,931,740.75 in contributions. Among his contributors were Inigo U. Zobel, who gave P15 million. Among those who used their personal funds, Senator-elect Cynthia Villar spent the most, shelling out P131,656,672.84 of her own money. Villar, who ranked 10th in the race, spent P133,979,127.25 and received only P2,616,454.41 in contribu-

Juan Jack Ponce Enrile Jr. tions. The other top spenders were Alan Peter Cayetano (P131,044,782.33), Nancy Binay (P128,695,057.10) and Bam Aquino (P124,327,987.81). Grace Poe, who topped the Senate race, ranked 7th in expenditures with P123,448,994.86. She was followed by Juan Edgardo Angara (P120,136,752.86), Chiz Escudero (P100,723,309.10), Risa Hontiveros (P88,628,348.11), Loren Legarda (P83,034,205) and Koko Pimentel (P75,552,863.49). Of the top 12 spenders, Enrile and Hontiveros, who spent P8,835.448.11 of her personal funds, did not win. Among the Magic 12, Senator-elect Gregorio Honasan, who landed in the 12th spot, spent the least at P24,111,848.96, of which P1,009,707.92 came from his own pocket.

Senator-Elect Nancy Binay since her experience is limited to the governments executive branch. Before running for the Senate, Binay was a personal assistant to her father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, who also heads the Housing and Urban tulong ito to familiarize myself with the Senate. Aside from taking the short course, Binay is also attending briengs and holding consultations with sectors involved in her advocacies, such as transportation and childrens welfare.

June 30, 2013

11

12
By Jennie L. Ilustre
WASHINGTON D.C. Some 2,000 Filipino American Catholics from the East Coast, including this capital city, Virginia, Virginia Beach and Maryland, attended the 16th Annual Filipino National Pilgrimage, held on June 22 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The pilgrimage, organized by the Birhen ng Antipolo USA group led by Ed Caparas, honors the Blessed Virgin Mary who is known by her different titles, including Our Lady of Good Counsel and Good Voyage. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia and his wife, Mrs. Ma. Victoria Cuisia were among those who attended the mass. Devotees came from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,and Delaware. Many brought images of the Blessed Virgin Mary for a procession before the mass. The principal celebrant of the mass was visiting Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc. Im no longer surprised at the big crowd, or the number of images in the procession, usually about 50 of them, said Caparas.

June 30, 2013

2000 attend 16th annual Antipolo pilgrimage

Pilgrimage organizer Ed Caparas (center, in Philippine barong), is shown with Rev. Msgr. Walter Rossi, rector of the Basilica (behind him, in black vestment), and the priests who took part in the concelebrated mass, led by visiting Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc. He thanked Rev. Msgr. Walter Rossi, rector of the Basilica, Msgr. Vito Buonano, Basilicas director of pilgrimages, for the events success, as well as the Fil-American groups and individual participants, volunteers, and donors. He invited the community to attend next years pilgrimage on June 28. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. Archbishop of Manila, will be the main celebrant. Among the devotees was Mrs. Ligaya Veranga, mother of choir conductor Red Veranga of the San Lorenzo de Manila Choir of Tidewater, Virginia. She brought two icons of Our Lady of Manaoag. Pamela Cindy Felix Emmanuel sang the Birhen ng Antiolo Hymn. Mass lectors were Dr. Luth Garda Tolentino of Ohio and Benildo Bautista of New York. Petition leaders, who rendered the prayers in Philippine dialects, were: Susan Motus, Ellen Carag, Domingo Patawarn, Nina Palangdao, Isidoro Badua, Dina Adams, Sheila Gonzales,

Some participants brought images of the Virgin Mary for the procession held before the Mass. Photo shows the image of Birhen ng Antipolo whose larger-than-life icon is venerated at the Basilicas crypt church. (All photos by Jaypee Salvatierra) Mila Oasan, Linda Mendiola and Susan Gorospe. The Antipolo Choir is composed of the Voices of St. Columba and St. Ignatius, with Commigos of Bowie, Maryland, Himig Alay of New York and the Joy in the Spirit Choir of Baltimore. Other participating choirs came from New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Screening of Abayas Filmmaker on a Voyage set July 30

The Philippine embassy is inviting the community to the Washington DC premiere of the documentary Marilou DiazAbaya: Filmmaker on a Voyage written, directed and produced by Mona Lisa Yuchengco on July 30 at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine embassy. Reception starts at 6:15 p.m. and screening starts promptly at 6:45 p.m. The lm runs one hour and 20 minutes. The director will be available to answer questions after the screening. Seating is limited. Please send RSVPs to monalisa. yuchengco@gmail.com no later than July 15. Marilou Diaz-Abaya was one of the most successful and inspiring directors the Philippines has ever seen. Her second movie, Brutal, was the rst Filipino lm to deal with rape in a social justice framework and it won six awards in the 1980 Metro Manila Film Festival. Some of her memorable works include: Sa Nunal ng Tubig (In the Navel of the Sea, 1977), Jose Rizal (1998) and Muro Ami (Reef Hunters, 1999). The lm has a natural ow from the directors early struggles as a lm director to her coming to terms with her art and life...This is a landmark docu for Yuchengco who managed to capture an artists life in all its searing intensity minus the emotional blackmail....It is a beautiful lm. - lm critic, Pablo A. Tariman, Philippine Star ...a rich and thorough visual rendering of her (Marilou) life and work...She tackled subjects that were groundbreaking and controversial and helped in the demise of old thinking...This documentary will be very instructive to the younger generation...to people confronting their own illnesses...to all who yearn to use the craft to deepen our humanity. - activist and blogger, John L. Silva

Charice sings at DOH anniversary

Elephant tusks destroyed

As a symbolic gesture denouncing worldwide ivory trafcking, the Philippines destroyed ve tons of seized ivory worth almost $10 million were crushed by a eet of industrial rollers while the remaining parts were burned. With the slaughter of elephants approaching its worst level in a decade, the predominantly Roman Catholic nation will be the rst ivoryconsuming country to destroy its stock of harvested blood ivories. This action is meant to send a message that the Philippines is against the illegal trade of ivory and the merciless massacre of elephants, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau head Theresa Mundita Lim said.

President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to the performance of International singing sensation Charmaine Clarice Pempengco during the 115th Department of Health (DOH) Anniversary celebration at the DOH grounds of the San Lazaro Compound in

Manila City on Tuesday (June 25). It has for its theme: Taong Pangangalaga Sa Kalusugan Ng Bawat Pilipino. Also with the President is Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona. (Malacaang Photo)

June 30, 2013

13
continue to deduct fees from the retirees account. SSS retirement, death and funeral ofcer Zenaida Losarito said closing the door on 65-yearold members to pay contributions was based on a 1968 resolution, which the Social Security Commission, the policy-making body of the SSS, wanted implemented. We were asked by the Social Security Commission to revisit the commission resolution number 3586,Losarito said. The 2003 actuarial valuation showed about 13 million members were non-contributing, which means they are out of jobs or in-between jobs. Actuarians estimate about 10.97 percent will need to contribute beyond age 65 to qualify for pension. Under the new policy, an estimated two million members will be disqualied to receive a lifetime pension, including a percentage of 610,873 new entrants in 2002, who were 55 years-old and could no longer meet the required number of contributions when they reached age 65. Losarito said receiving voluntary contributions from 65-years-old members would not be nancially healthy for SSS, and based on the 1968 resolution they should only get a refund of their contribution payments. The SSS will incur a net liability if the practice (voluntary payments from 65-year-old members) continues, Losarito said. Losarito offered two options for members who reached the age of 65 on April 1 and wish to continue paying until they meet the required number of contributions to qualify for pension. She said those whose birth dates were prior to last Aprils announcements had until July 31 to le an application to continue paying, and those whose birthdates were after the announcement would be given 30 days to le their applications. They will have to pay until the gap is lled, but should they fail or miss one contribution month, the privilege to complete the 120 month requirement will be revoked, Losarito said. Again, should they fail to pay less than their dues, the chance to complete the requirement will be revoked, she said.

Pinoy retirees in US may lose SSS pensions

WASHINGTON D.C. Thousands of Filipino Social Security System pensioners who are now residing in the US or elsewhere around the world may lose their benets because of stringent new rules adopted by the SSS in Manila. At the same time, almost two million Social Security System members, who lacked 120 monthly contributions when they reached age 65 on April 1 this year, will lose their pension if they fail to apply and get approval for voluntary membership payment, which is no longer allowed under a policy, a senior ofcial said. Under the new SSS rule on overseas retirees, the pensioner living abroad must personally collect their monthly benets. If their relatives collect them in Manila, they must present a duly accomplished consular powerof-attorney obtained in the Philippine embassies or consulates every year before the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), the SSS repository, will release their pension. If they fail to do so, BPI will

14

June 30, 2013

June 30, 2013

Ministry of St. Bernadette. Contact 703-569-1054. July 30 (Tuesday) 6:15pm. Washington, DC premiere of the documentary, Marilou DiazAbaya: Filmmaker on a Voyage. Written, directed, and produced by Mona Lisa Yuchengco. Romulo Hall, Philippine Embassy at 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW. Limited seating. RSVP to monalisa.yuchengco@ gmail.com no later than July 15. August 3, 2013 (Saturday) 9:00am to 8:00pm ... Marinduquenos of the Capital Area, Inc. MCA, Inc. Annual Family Picnic at Black Hill Regional Park - Shelter C, 20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD 20841. POT LUCK, come one - come all - bring your favorite food to share. Contact: Xavier Cugie Dela Santa 301-728-1684 August 3 (Saturday) 8:00am ANCOP Global Walk 2013 to raise funds and awareness for the poorest of the poor in the Philippines. Online registration via www.ancopwalk.us; Occoquan Regional Park. To register, visit www.ancoopwalk.us. Registration fee: $15 August 17 (Saturday) 7:30pm Filipino Mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springeld, VA 22152. Sponsored by Filipino Ministry of St. Bernadette. Contact 703-569-1054. August 24 (Saturday) 7:30am ANCOP Global Walk 2013 Washington DC-Southern and Central Maryland to raise awareness and funds for its various programs- Childrens educational sponsorship, Community development, Family health and Nutrition, Medical and Surgical Mission. At 1771 Tucker Rd, Oxon Hill-Glassmanor Md. 20745. Online registration, visit www.ancopwalk.us Registration fee $15.00. October 5 (Saturday) 8 pm-2 am. Ateneo Alumni Association of Metro Washington DC Charity Gala Dinner-Dance and Auction. Crystal Gateway Marriott Grand Ballroom, 1700 Jef-

15
ferson Davis HighwayArlington, VA 22202. Contact: Aimee San Ramon at aimeesr@yahoo.com October 19 (Saturday) 6pm12mn Bicol Association of Metropolitan Washington DC30th Sarung Banggi Gala Fundraising. Bethesda Ballroom, 5521 Landy Lane, Bethesda, Maryland 20816. Attire Formal. For all the charitable causes including scholarships and the Surgical Mission.$65 pre-paid; $70 at the door. Nov 9 (Saturday) 6:0012:00pm Feed the Hungry, Inc. Handog 2013 at Hilton Markham Center, Alexandria, VA. Contact Person: Solita Wakeeld (703) 992-4610 or swakeeld09@gmail. com Nov 16 (Saturday) 2pm 5pm PAFC Dr. Jose Rizal Youth Awards Romulo Hall, Philippine Embassy, Washington, DC. Contact: Aylene Mafnas 703 868 5660. Dec 1 (Sunday) PAFC, Philippine Embassy and FOCUS, Paskong Pinoy. Pryzbyla Hall, Catholic University of America.

June 30 (Sunday) PAFC Philippine Festivals Community Picnic and Sports Fest. Fun and food, games for children and sports for grownups plus a cultural show and a band marathon pull the community together. Special Feature: Parada ng Lechon, Tucker Road Recreational Park, Fort Washington, MD Contact: Mya Talavera at myatalavera@aol.com.

July 13 (Sunday) 11:00am - 3:00pm UPAA Annual Picnic and Election of Ofcers and Board of Directors, River Bend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls, VA 22066. Contact: upaadcmdva@yahoo.com July 20 (Saturday) 7:30pm Filipino Mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springeld, VA 22152. Sponsored by Filipino

Cuisia seeks closer PH-Jamaica ties

KINGSTON, JamaicaThe Philippines is looking forward to strengthening its relations with the Caribbean island-state of Jamaica by opening new doors for increased trade and cooperation. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. conveyed President Aquinos strong desire to further improve relations with Jamaica when he formally presented his credentials as Manilas non-resident ambassador to Governor General Patrick Allen in ceremonies at the Kings House here on recently. The Philippines would like to strengthen its relationship with Jamaica not only by expanding trade but also exploring other areas where our two countries could cooperate, Cuisia told Allen. He said the Philippines, which is among the top providers of seafarers in the world, would like to enter into an agreement on cooperation in maritime training and manning services to allow it to share its best practices with Jamaica, which is host to as many as 100 Filipino seafarers. He said Manila would also like to explore the possibility of exporting more Philippine-made products such as furniture to the former British colony as well as deploying Filipino workers in sectors where their skills and expertise may be required. At present, Jamaica ranks as Manilas 125th export destination and 123rd import source with more than $730,000 in exports from January to October 2012. Philippine exports to Jamaica include electrical and electronic machinery, equipment and parts; pineapple juice; and lead acid while imports include rum and taa; stainless steel waste and scrap; and recovered paper and paperboard waste and scrap. In his earlier call on Sen. Arnold Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Cuisia thanked Jamaican authorities for accommodating the close to 300 Filipinos who have made the island their second home. The Ambassador noted that Jamaica is one of the few Caribbean governments that the Philippines has recognized as having adequate labor and social laws that protect the rights of migrant workers. Cuisia said he expects a more robust engagement with Kingston with the promotion of Jamaican businessman Everoy Hugo Chin from Honorary Consul to Honorary Consul General of the Philippines. According to Chin, majority of the Filipinos based in Jamaica are missionaries and seafarers. The rest are administrative and managerial workers, equipment operators, technicians, clerical and related workers, engineers, accountants, chefs, teachers and household service workers.

16 Around DC
By Maricar CP Hampton
Pomp, pageantry and patriotism lled the historic Hay-Adams Hotel on June 12 as ofcials and a whos-who of the Filipino community dressed in colorful Filipiniana gowns celebrated the 115th anniversary of Philippine Independence. With the theme Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., and wife Maria Victoria Cuisia hosted a reception dinner in celebration of freedom from the Spanish rule. Over 300 distinguished guest including Rep. Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, Rep. Ed Royce of Californias 39th district and Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry Gregory Domingo joined the celebration. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns in his keynote speech recounted the long friendship between the Philippines and the United States and their shared history and sacrices for a common purpose. American and Filipinos soldiers fought and perished together there and in other locations Corregidor Bataan and Leyte, he said. He added Today more than 7 decades later the Philippines has overcome the threats the authoritarianism and communism and the two countries are working together to realize our shared vision for a secure peaceful prosperous Asia pacic region in the 21st century. Domingo in his remarks reported that the Philippines has been improving in the global competitiveness ranking among countries. The World Economic Forum has raised us from 85th place in 2010 to 65th place. We hope to continue to see more improvements in this rating, he said, citing also the Philippines recent investment grade ratings from Standard and Poors and Fitch and its emergence as the No. 1 call center destination in the world. For his part, Royce said: Our economic ties are an important part of this relationship. For too many years, the Philippines had failed to reach its enormous potential. The problems have been bad government, corruption, and generally harmful economic policies. There are welcome signs that conditions are improving. A ceremonial toast was then offered as a testament to continued friendship and camaraderie between our people. Also during the program, recognition awards were given to Filipino Americans Dr. Gabriel

June 30, 2013

Pomp, pageantry, patriotism at PH Independence celebration

hand is the White House executive chef since 2005. Its very humbling rst of all to be recognized. Ambassador Cuisia and the community is so close knit. Its almost like family. Every time its the same people you see everywhere and for me the more you see each other the relationship gets so much closer, Comerford said of the award. The evening was capped with classical entertainment provided by Stephanie Reese where she performed songs like The Payer and a Broadway Medley. The audience gamely joined in when she crooned the popular Bayan Ko. In choosing my pieces I wanted to sing my favorite Broadway songs but also I wanted to sing a special Filipino song which I felt really reect our deep love for our country and patriotism, she said. The Philippine national anthem was a prerecorded bamboo ute performed by Chad Hugo and the Yardnoise. Guests also enjoyed an open bar buffet of sumptuous Filipino food such as lechon, Paella, lumpiang sariwa and halo-halo while gazing at the panoramic views of Washington, including the view of the White House.

Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. offers toast during independence day reception at Hay Adams Hotel in Washington D.C. June 12. (All photos in this page by Elmer Cato)

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. welcomes Rep. Ed Royce (R, California), Chair of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the United States House of Representatives, during the Independence Day Reception at the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. (Philippine Embassy Photo by Elmer G. Cato) 20th president of Seton Hall University and the rst Filipino to lead the Universitys more than 900 faculty and 1,800 employees and nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students to aspire to excellence in scholarship and service and is committed to the institutions 157-year Catholic mission. Comerford on the other

Deputy Secretary of State William Burns delivers his remarks with guests in background.

Cuisia extols Bonifacio at Independence Vin

Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., noting that this years 115th anniversary of Philippine independence concided with the sesquicentennial of the birth of one of our most revered heroes- Andres Bonifacio - called on Filipino Americans to help ensure that the fruits of the current development will benet the majority of the Filipino people. He said the theme for this years commemoration is Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran. It is particularly appropriate in the context of the country reaping the fruits from reforms being instituted pursuant to the Aquino Administrations program of good governance. The recently concluded elections not just reects the vibrancy of our democracy, but the faith voters have placed in the governments agenda, he said. This is where the broader concept of ambagan, or of the community coming together towards a single purpose, comes in. Throughout our history, countless brave men and women fought valiantly for the cause of freedom during the fateful period of the late 19th century. Bonifacio, who founded the Katipunan, penned stirring manifestos and roused nationalism that would help overthrow three centuries of subjugation to Spain. The Katipunan was a society direly needed by the country then. Today, in a different and far less tumultuous setting, Filipino American associations can also serve as important catalysts for change, as we build on the sacrices of our heroes. The efforts of sociocivic organizations in attaining the Philippines development objectives contribute to a future of peace and prosperity that Filipinos from all walks of life rightfully deserve. With this years theme, each one of us is called upon to do our share to ensure that our development is sustained, and its fruits are enjoyed by the most number of people. It is imperative that we join hands and march alongside one another toward an era of even greater stability and equitable progress.

Ambassador and Mrs. Jose L. Cuisia Jr. pose with Dr. and Mrs. Gabriel Esteban after giving the doctor an award of recognition for being selected president of Seton Hall University, the largest Catholic university in New Jersey.

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. presents award of recognition to White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford . (Philippine Embassy Photo by Elmer G. Cato) Esteban president of Seton Hall nicant contribution in building University in New Jersey, and the image of Filipinos in the PhilWhite House Executive Chef and ippines in the United States. Dr. Esteban was appointed Cristeta Comerford- for their sig-

June 30, 2013

17
monies for organizations whose mission complemented that of PAFC. Gracing the occasion were Ambassador and Mrs. Jose Cuisia who reported a bright and encouraging report on the Philippine economy, citing a 7.8% GDP growth rate beating even China. Guest speaker of the evening was Jose Antonio Vargas, an advocate for immigration reform. A Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, lmmaker, and social activist, he has been at the forefront of the immigration debate, especially on the issue of how to treat the young undocumented individuals in the country. He is the founder of Dene American, a nonprot organization intended to open up dialogue about the criteria people use to determine who is an American. He was much applauded for his bravery and candor, but he also created some controversy among the listeners. It did open healthy dialogue throughout the evening. Music at dinnertime was provided by the the Quion Quintet, which is made up of children of Drs. Jun and Nathalie Quion.

PAFCs gala ball, a parade of gowns

June 15, 2013 was the annual PAFC Philippine Independence Gala Ball celebrating the 115th anniversary of independence from Spain at the JW Marriott Washington. Our Families, Our Communities: Helping Shape America, was the theme that the participating youth and their elders sought to express by their working together this particular evening. Greeting the guests with familiar Filipino tunes was the Virginia Rondalla ensemble. Gala Ball Chair Nanette Carreon welcomed the guests while PAFC president Aylene Mafnas updated the audience on the organizations successful projects this past year and its grants program that provided

Ador Carreon, chairman of PAFC poses with Cristeta Comerford, White House Executive Chef, and Jose Antonio Vargas, DREAMERS Founder, and keynote speaker, at the annual PAFC Gala Ball. (Photo: Bing Branigin)

Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC), ofcers and volunteers, at the 2013 annual Philippine Festival Gala, held at the JWMarriott, last JUne 15. Front row: Elvi Bangit, Chair, Silent Auction, Kevin Owens, volunteer.Back Row: Elvie Melegrito, Souvenir Journal, Maurese Owens, Souvenir Journal, Nancy Ceniza, Chair, Rafe, Marilou Tablang Jimenez, volunteer, and Bing Branigin, Co Chair, Gala 2013.

Jon Melegrito, Manila Mail columnist poses with Malou Araque, USPhilippine Society staff, at the PAFC Annual Gala.

Ambassador and Mrs. Jose Cuisia (left) pose with PAFC Silent Auction winners, Atty. Miriam B. Riedmiller and William V. Ridings, Sr. at the PAFCs 2013 Independence Gala Ball D.C. on June 15, 2013. Riedmiller bid for the Juan Ponce Enrile Memoirs and her escort, Mr. Ridings, an executive at SAIC, bid for the two Plate chargers because of the poignant farm/ mill design which portrays his mother, Mrs. Janet Ridings farm located in Powhatan, Virginia.

Lynn Francis, Filipino American Accountants Associations of Metro DC., Marita Etcubanez, Asian American Justice Center, and Bing Branigin, PAFC Board Member at the PAFC annual Gala, June 15, JWMarriott Hotel,Washington DC.

Internatioal FilAm singer Stephanie Reese sings Bayan Ko at the independence day reception at Hay Adams June 12.

MHCs theme: America Powered by Immigrants

Elegant evening gowns and mens formal evening vested suits, the latest barong style and Filipina gowns sparkled in the night of June 22, 2013 during the annual gala held by the Migrant Heritage Commission at the huge ballroom of the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington DC. Graced by the presence of HE Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia and his wife, and ABS-CBN Balitang Amerika, tv anchor, Gel Santos- Relos, embassy ofcials, community leaders and other VIPs, the celebratory theme of the night was America is Powered by Immigrants. The gala was formally opened with a soulful rendition of Pilipinas Kong Mahal by Justin Fronda, while colors were presented led by the US Army Military District of Washington DC and Embassy of the Philippines Military Ofce. During dinner, a brief cultural entertainment was provided by Hannah Johnson and Alyssa Patalinhug , MHCs Champion for the Rising Young Star competition, 2010 International Migrant Heritage Festival, 2010 MHCs Filipino Migrant Workers Day and MHC Fil-AM Dance Ensemble, Justin Fronda and Josette Francia. Ambassaor Cuisia commended MHC for recognzing honoring and celebrating the many achievements of Filipino migrants. Awards were handed out to the following: Sarah Bengzon, Cecile L. Motus and Stella Choi for the most community service and promotion of cultural diversity; Greg Abella, Arthur Caliguiran, Rebecca Amor and Ben and Zeny Frasier, for community service; and Marivir R. Montebon, Nimfa Rueda and Ben Cal for outstanding migrant award

Opening ceremonies of the Migrant Heritage Commissions gala ball in Washington DC on June 22. for media. Group awardees were Katipunan (Katipunan Filipino American Association of Maryland, Inc. for outstanding community service and promotion of cultural diversity; both the Alexandria Asian American Lions Club of VA (AAALC) and the Foundation for Aid to the Philippines, Inc. (FAPI) for community and health services and the Justice for Filipino American Veterans (JFAV) and the Assisted Living Home Providers Association of Alaska (ALHPAA), outstanding migrant organization for human rights. (Boots Felixberto)

18

Around DC in Pictures

June 30, 2013

Former Philippine President suddenly holds the May 31st issue of the Manila Mail to the camera as the Mails Angelyn Tugado-Marzan presents him said copy. (Photo by Eric Lachica)

President Fidel V. Ramos was in Washington, DC., and held several meetings with policy makers, think tanks, and the Filipino American community, last June 11. Photo shows former President Ramos with Amb. Jose L. Cuisia, Sec. Rafael Alunan, and Philippine Embassy ofcials. Photo: Bing Cardenas Branigin Ofcers and members of Medicare Portability met with visiting former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos, an original partner of the portability campaign during his June 10 visit to Washington D.C. The ofcers updated FVR, former Tourism Sec. Rafael Alunan and Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. on recent developments with our other partners in the PH.

L to R: Deputy Chief of Mission, Meian Austria, Lito Katigbak, and Mrs. Rosie Bruland, show the Philippine Coffee as give-away, during the 115th Philippine Independence Celebration, at the Hay Adams Hotel.

First birthday party for Eva Flores

Eva C. Flores, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ian Flores, marked her rst birthday June 12, 2013 at the Park Crest Condominium party room in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Though now residing in San Jose, California, the party was held locally so that Eva

would be able to celebrate her birthday with her Virginia-based cousins, aunts, uncles, grandfather and grandmothers. The proud grandparents are Jun and Rebecca A. Flores & Rose and the late Johnny Felipe. Photos show Ian and Vanessa holding the

celebrant on the left, while at right shows the cousins and families of the second generation of the Alfaro family in Virginia. Not pictured are the Virgina Beach-based Felipe family.

Milagros Sophia A. Lopez, 12, shows her diploma after graduation from Navy Elementary School in Fairfax, Virginia early this month. She received special honors award for reading. Milagros is the youngest daughter of Teresa A. and Pacico Lopez.

June 30, 2013

19
sonal care occupations, while more than 18 percent of Filipina women worked as registered nurses. * The Filipino born were less likely to live in poverty in 2011 than the native or foreign born overall. * About 617,000 children under the age of 18 resided in a household with at least one immigrant parent born in the Philippines. In 2011, over 1.8 million Filipino immigrants resided in the United States, representing more than 4 percent of the foreignborn population. Filipino-born immigrants accounted for 4.5 percent (1.8 million) of the countrys 40.4 million immigrants in 2011. This population has grown 17 times its size since 1960, when an estimated 104,800 Filipino immigrants resided in the United States, or just over 1 percent of all immigrants that year. Prefer California Forty-ve percent or 811,900 of Filipino immigrants resided in California in 2011 followed by Hawaii (112,200, or 6 percent). Other states with Filipino-born populations greater than 80,000 were New Jersey (86,600, or 5 percent); Texas (86,400, or 5 percent); Illinois (84,800, or 5 percent); and New York (84,400, or 5 percent).

Pinoy immigrants 4th largest in US; TNTs 270,000

WASHINGTON D.C. - A study undertaken by Sierra Stoney and Jeanne Batalova of the Washington DC-based Migrant Policy Institute says that over the past 50 years, the share of immigrants from the Philippines in the United States has grown modestly from just over 1 percent of the overall US foreignborn population in 1960 to more than 4 percent in 2011. The study released to coincide with the 115th anniversary of Philippine independence said Filipinos now represent the fourth largest immigrant group in the United States by country of origin behind Mexico, China, and India. (This does not include Filipinos of mixed races). As a group, immigrants from the Philippines are better educated, more likely to have strong English language skills, more likely to be naturalized citizens, less likely to enter the United States as refugees or asylum seekers, and less likely to live below the federal poverty line than the overall foreign-born population. Working Filipinoborn men and women are more likely to be employed in the healthcare sector than foreignborn workers overall. Yet despite some differences, Filipinos mirrored trends in the overall foreign-born population in terms of age and arrival period. The study bared a wide range of characteristics of Filipino immigrants, including the populations size, geographic distribution, admission categories, and demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Data are from the US Census Bureaus 2011 American Community Survey (ACS), the 2000 Decennial Census (as well as earlier censuses), and the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Ofce of Immigration Statistics (OIS). Geographic Distribution * In 2011, over 1.8 million Filipino immigrants resided in the United States, representing more than 4 percent of all immigrants. * Forty-ve percent of all Filipino immigrants resided in California. * One-third of all Filipinoborn immigrants lived in three major metropolitan areas: greater Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. * In 2011, more than 57,000 Filipino-born immigrants were granted US legal permanent residency (LPR status, also known as obtaining a green card). * Filipino nationals accounted for less than 1 percent of persons granted asylum in 2011. * More than 42,500 Filipino-

Map shows the states where Filipino Americans prefer to settle. born immigrants became US citizens through naturalization in 2011. * The share of Filipino-born immigrants who have naturalized (65 percent) is signicantly greater than the share of all US immigrants (45 percent) who have naturalized. * About 56 percent of Filipino-born green card holders in 2011 were eligible to naturalize. * In early 2011, 2 percent or about 270,000 of all unauthorized immigrants in the US were from the Philippines. More women than men * Filipino immigrant women far outnumbered their male counterparts in 2011. * The foreign born from the Philippines were more likely than the native born, but slightly less likely than the foreign born overall, to be of working age. * Over two-thirds of all Filipino immigrants have strong English-language skills. * As a group, Filipino-born adults were more likely to be university graduates compared to all immigrant and US-born adults. * Filipino-born immigrants have generally mirrored the arrival patterns of the foreign born overall. * Nearly 17 percent of employed Filipino-born men worked in service and per-

20
Vargas bares pain... from page 1

June 30, 2013

Jose Antonio Vargas receives a standing ovation at the American Film Institutes world premiere of his lm Documented, while Festival Director Sky Sitney extends her congratulations. PHOTOS by Jon Melegrito we can see each other. Butknowing that their reunion, like many other families, depends on the passage of the immigration bill working its way through Congress, Vargas can only respond soon, soon. Both mother and son broke down in sobs as they tried to reach out to each other on a TV screen.

Photo shows the extended family of Vargas during reception hosted by Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. In the picture is the grandmother who took care of Vargas, Leonila Salinas, 75, (beside Cuisia). She later talked about the pain of separation and the sacrice she had to make so my son would have a better life. That emotional scene between mother and son was the heart of the lm, said Gem Daus, an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland in College Park. Without that, it would have been a self-centered lm about Jose, and not about the personal struggles of many families who are being torn apart because of a broken immigration system. Vargas said to AFI that his original plan was to make a lm on DREAMers, the thousands of young people who were brought to the U.S. without legal papers. He started documenting their stories two years ago, speaking at their gatherings and protest actions. In the lm, he is seen holding a sign I Am an American Without Legal Papers while politely engaging Mitt Romney supporters during the Iowa Caucuses. Clips also included encounters in Birmingham, Ala. and his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on the bi-partisan comprehensive immigration reform bill. At one point in the documentary, Vargas declared: I am not really coming out. We are just letting you in, referring to the need for a national conversation about a subject that, he says, most people are uncomfortable talking about. Vargas received a standing ovation when he was introduced by Festival Director Sky Sitney prior to the screening. He received another one at the end of the lm, which was followed by a question and answer period moderated by Juan Williams of Fox News. With humor and thoughtful insight, Vargas related how he called the ofces of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ask why he was not being arrested, his constant fear of being in the shadows, the tensions in his own family when he revealed his decisions, and his own relief when he nally decided to come out and become an advocate himself. Joining Vargas at the screening were a dozen members of his own extended family from Mountain View, Calif., including his grand mother, Leonila Salinas, 75, who took care of him when he arrived. He was 12 years old when he left his mother in their hometown of Iba, Zambales. Earlier in the day, Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisa Jr. invited the whole Vargas family to the Philippine Embassy for a reception. In his remarks, he paid tribute to Vargas for his talents, expertise, persistence and hard work. Citing statistics from the Migrant Policy Institute, Cuisa noted that 2 percent of the 11 million undocumented immigrants are Philippine citizens, or 270,000. They dont deserve to be mistreated, the ambassador said. They are valuable assets to U.S. society. Prior to his coming out in June 2011, Vargas sought the assistance of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). He spoke to NaFFAA board members and was warmly welcomed. The Filipino American Legal and Defense Education Fund (FALDEF), a NaFFAA afliate, offered its services to Vargas and has been providing legal guidance and assistance since. At the Philippine Independence Gala Dinner hosted by the Philippine American Foundation for Charities (PAFC), Vargas was the keynote speaker. It was his rst public appearance before a Filipino American audience in the Washington, D.C. area. In his remarks, he challenged the Filipino American community to be politically involved and civically engaged. Being in the shadows, he said, haunted him for many years. The issue of immigration is bigger than us, he noted. Its about citizenship and what it means to be American. He said he was pleased that the PAFC theme for the event was Our Families, Our Communities: Helping Shape America. This theme afrms why we need to be talking among ourselves and having a conversation even if the topic makes us uncomfortable, he added. While a few guests at the PAFC dinner expressed opposition to his presence as guest speaker, PAFC board member Mya Talavera explained that Vargas does not present an immediate signicant threat to public safety as determined by criminal history and taking into consideration the specic facts of each case, including immigration history. I admire this man for all the right reasons he stands for. Patrick Ferraren, a community leader and ofcer of the Filipino American Institute of Accountants (FAIA), said Vargas bold and candid speech was an eye-opener that should spur us to participate in this countrys political process. In the lm, Vargas mother, Emily Salinas, begs her son to come home.

June 30, 2013

21
ference both dislikes and distrusts the Senate, which is why the suggestion that a formidable margin in the upper chamber will impact the House strikes many conservatives as laughable. But proponents of immigration reform, as well as some political handicappers, argue that the clout of the GOP antiimmigration wing has waned in the wake of Mitt Romneys defeat last November. While the House bristles at taking direction from the Democratic Senate, they argue, it might listen to business lobbies like the Chamber of Commerce, anti-tax icons like Grover Norquist, evangelical churches, and a high-tech community it sees as an emerging donor base. Immigration reform has a powerful advocate within the House in former vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan, plus a cadre of conservatives who support the concept if not the Senate bill. Few people dispute the U.S. immigration system is broken, and an overwhelming majority support efforts to x it. The conference will meet on July 10 to map out a battle plan on immigration. The House has three paths at its disposal. One is to try to move its own comprehensive measure. The odds of that appear long, since the working group tasked with assembling a bipartisan plan has so far come up empty. Many conservatives prefer a piecemeal approach, passing one or more bills that beef up border security and enforcement standards without the citizenship path Democrats seek. There is also a faction in the House that doesnt want to pass anything at all, because of fears that sending immigration measures to a conference with the Senate could backre. The DOLE will use their testimonies in its preliminary investigation on assistant Labor Attache Antonio Villafuerte, who is accused of molesting and prostituting the victims. The said ofcial will have to answer the charges or accusations against him dito sa Pilipinas, said Leah Fortuna, head of the Labor Departments investigating team. The three women also submitted their afdavits to Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello who exposed the alleged sex trade. We will go to the DOLE and DFA give and submit the afdavits with the expectation na ipo-process na ang criminal complaints, Bello said. The 2 Filipinas who worked in Saudi Arabia claim to have been victimized by the scheme. One of the women, Michelle, ed an abusive employer. She sought assistance from the Philippine Consulate in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, little did Michelle know that she

Senate OKs immigration... from page 1

road in the House of Representatives where Republicans hold the majority. The Lower House appears in favor of a piecemeal approach to the immigration problem. The expense that would be needed for the socalled border Security surge is expected to turn off congressmen who are bent on reducing the countrys decit. The compromise amendment broke the Senates stalemate on immigration by the introduction of a compromise for a stronger border security to pave the way for a path to citizenship for the some 11 million undocumented aliens. The bipartisan group of senators think the overwhelming vote for passage would convince the House to do the same. In addition to addressing border security, the amendment was important because it also incorporated amendments from Sens. Susan Collins (R) of Maine and Bernie Sanders (I) of Vermont that should swing more support to the nal bill. And that process isnt nished. Proponents say other amendments to be introduced would widen the appeal and add more Republican votes to the Senate version of the reform bill. The expected passage of the bill in the Senate is considered historic. Under the border security amendment, more than 19,000 new border patrol agents should be hired by 2019, nearly doubling the size of the border patrol, and separately add some 3,500 more customs agents by 2017. It will undertake The construction of 700 miles of fencing along the US-Mexicoco border, up from 350 miles in the original legislation and provicespecic border security materiel for each section of the border. Besides the setting up of a number of ground sensors buried near San Diego, for example, there will be four border surveillance drones and a clutch of Blackhawk helicopters for borderwide surveillance and enforcement. All these will be added to the conditions set in the original bill. These include the establishment of an improved system of tracking entry and exit to the country at air and seaports, and the implementation of E-Verify, a nationwide workplace-verication system. All those benchmarks must be achieved before any of the 11 million undocumented immigrants can become permanent residents. Now it is the turn of the House of Representatives, dominated by the Republican majority, to take up the bill after the July 4th recess. The success in the Senate represents a milestone in the push to overhaul U.S. immigration laws for the rst time since 1986. Now it is the turn of the House to draft their own version of the immigration reform bill. A big portion of the House Republican conference are willing to defy both popular opinion and political pressure in service of ideology and self-preservation. To this group, which numbers perhaps 100 members or more, the Senate bill is unacceptable. It is too big and too expensive. It rewards law-breakers with health-care benets, and kicks off the citizenship process before the border is secure. The House Republican con-

FilAm judge in NJ... from page 1

Center in North Brunswick in lieu of $100,000 bail, according to the correctional centers records department. Informed about the case, been harboring a live-in companion who is wanted for an alleged armed robbery. It said Brady has been charged with two counts of hindering the

Judge Carlia Brady is anked by her lawyers during her arraignment in court. Gov. Christie, through spokesman Michael Drewniak said: If the accusations about a sitting Superior Court judge are true, then the conduct is deplorable and frankly, stupid, After her arrest, New Jerseys Chief Justice Stuart Rabner suspended Brady immediately without pay from her $165,000a-year job. She will perform no judicial functions until further notice, he said, adding her case will be moved to Middlesex County. Frontnicki was arrested either at Bradys home or as he was leaving the house, the law enforcement sources said. Prontnicki is charged with robbing an Old Bridge pharmacy on April 29. The police report said a man wielding a crow bar entered the pharmacy at about 7 p.m. and demanded drugs. Authorities later identied Prontnicki as a suspect and secured a warrant for his arrest. The suspended judge knew Prontnicki was a wanted man but failed to notify authorities of his whereabouts, police sources said. The Somerset County Prosecutors Ofce said Brady had would also suffer abuse from the people who were supposed to help her. She revealed that she was molested by a labor ofcer. Hinalikan nya ako sa bibig at tinaas ang palda ko. Nang sumigaw ako na may tao atsaka kumalas, she said. Michelle said she was also prostituted to an Egyptian. However, the Egyptian took apprehension of a fugitive. The rst count, a seconddegree offense, charges Brady with failing to report her companion to authorities, according to a statement released June 20 by County Prosecutor Geoffrey Soriano. The second hindering charge, a third-degree offense, alleges Brady was harboring or concealing a fugitive at her Woodbridge home, Soriano said. The case has been transferred to Somerset County because Brady is a judge in Middlesex County. Before rising to Superior Court judge, Brady was an attorney with the Lawrenceville rm of Stark & Stark, working in the accident and personal injury group. She had a good track record as a lawyer, said state Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union), chairman of the Senate judiciary committee. Brady was approved unanimously by the committee, and Scutari recalled her conrmation hearing as uneventful. He added, I think just as anybody else, Judge Brady has a right to a full vetting of the facts. pity on her and offered to buy her a ticket back home. Analisa, another Filipina migrant worker in Riyadh, said she suffered the same ordeal at the hands of the same labor ofcer. Hindi po ako pumayag kaya ang tagal ko pong nakauwi. Hindi na ako tinulungan, she said.

DFA confirms OFW... from page 1

three alleged victims of abuse in Saudi Arabia. Certain allegations were conrmed. And this was accomplished by the three witnesses from Riyadh coming forward and providing us their testimony, he added. Del Rosario refused to name who are being investigated. However, he said the ambassadors who were summoned home have not been implicated in the controversy. No need to re-shufe or change the ambassadors, Until other victims and witnesses come forward, all other allegations including sex rings remain as allegations requiring further investigation, he said. Del Rosario said nearly all the allegations involve Filipina workers staying in halfway houses, while awaiting repatriation. This is why the DFA has also asked heads of Philippine diplomatic posts in Hongkong, Singapore, and Malaysia to come home, so they too can help in the investigation. Malacanang also said it will not tolerate any misconduct by Philippine embassy personnel, and those responsible for the abuse will be punished. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ordered an ofcial to return home and answer the accusations against him. In a meeting Monday morning between the investigating team of the Labor Department and alleged victims of the sexfor-ight scheme, Michelle, Analisa, and Angel gave details about the nightmare they endured inside the labor ofce in Riyadh, Saudi arabia. Sobrang trauma po unang una po sa pamilya ko ayaw kong malaman nila ang nangyari sa akin lalo na sa mga anak ko, Angel said.

22

June 30, 2013

FilAm is top teacher in New York

MANILA - A Filipina has been named one of New York Citys best teachers. Marietta Geraldino, geometry teacher in 10th and 11th grades at the Fredrick Douglas Academy II in Manhattan, was one of the 11 teachers who received the Big Apple Award last June 12. On its website, the NYC education department said the award was meant to recognize the top teachers in public schools across the city. Marietta is able to deconstruct the most complex mathematical concepts and make them palpable to even the most resistant students, the website quoted Geraldinos principal as saying. Geraldino has been teaching for 24 years nine in New York and 15 years in the Philippines. During her 24 years of teaching, she has constantly searched for schools and families.

Pascual, Mail editors colleague, wins award

Philippine Star columnist Federico D. Pascual Jr., a close friend of the Manila Mails editor-in-chief, has won the most prestigious tri-media award given out yearly by the Rotary Club of Manila, the oldest Rotary Club in Asia. Pascual was given the most anticipated Journalist of the Year (2013) award in ceremonies last June 6 at the Manila Polo Club, Makati. The STAR was adjudged Newspaper of the Year for its fair, accurate and balanced reporting. Other Rotary awardees included: ABS-CBN, Television Station of the Year; dzMM, Radio Station of the Year; and Mike Enriquez of GMA-7, Broadcast Journalist for TV. After Pascual retired as editor-in-chief of the Philippine Daily Inquirer in 1992, lene Pajarito (2011) and Cecilia Flores-Oebanda (2008). After a lengthy government service including a stint as Undersecretary of Labor and Employment during the Arroyo presidency, Ople has decided to devote her time to her advocacy work which she describes as her true calling. She is also a journalist and has a Sunday column in Manila Bulletins Panorama Magazine and Tempo. Ople said she is aware of the dangers in her job and the risks involved but it is a job she embraces. One particular case that stands out for her involved a Filipina she identied only as Alice who was recruited to the Middle East under false promises. On arrival in Dubai in 2006 an agent conscated her passport and other papers and sold her as a domestic servant for little food and money. She was resold in Jordan and nally ended up he joined the STAR as opinion

Marietta Geraldino ways to grow as an educator and seeks out professional development opportunities to improve her practice, the website added. Geraldino was chosen from the more than 2,000 nominees submitted by students, teachers, Aside from the Big Apple trophy, the winners received $3,500 each and classroom grants. They were also named Big Apple ambassadors for school year 2013-2014. (Helen Flores, Philippine Star) abroad, increasing many of its nancial and human resource allocations to combat trafcking. On the other hand it did not make signicant progress in addressing the underlying weaknesses in its judicial system, which stymied efforts to hold trafcking offenders accountable. The overall number of prosecutions and convictions remained disproportionately low for the size of the problem. Ople who heads the Blas Ople Policy Center, a labor advocacy NGO she formed and named for her father, dedicated the award to him --a journalist who went on to became Senate President, longtime labor secretary and foreign secretary before his death in December 2003. He is my inspiration. Every OFW I help and every worker I manage to bring home is like a planting a ower in his garden of memories. This is for him,z she told the Manila Mail in a telephone interview. Fighting human trafcking is a lonely, 24/7 job and this award is particularly satisfying because it came at a time when I did not expect it, she said. Each year, the Department of State honors individuals -- NGO workers, lawmakers, police ofcers and concerned citizens -- around the world who have devoted their lives to the ght against human trafcking. They are invited to Washington to receive awards in recognition of their tireless efforts despite resistance, opposition, and threats to their lives to protect victims, punish offenders, and raise awareness of ongoing criminal practices in their countries and abroad. Ople is the third Filipino awardee. The others are Dar-

Federico D. Pascual Jr writer. He was also previously assistant managing editor of the now defunct Philippine Daily Express, and senior reporter of the pre-martial law The Manila Times. practically a slave in Damascus, Syria. Alice who had a cell phone her Syrian employers did not know about was somehow able to get in touch with Ople who lobbied hard to convince the Philippine embassy in Lebanon to send a team to locate the distressed Filipina and convince her employers to let her go. Alice is now married and an OFW in Hong Kong. Ople described her telephone talks with Alice, spread over several months, as heartrending. Alice would often complain about going hungry. When she was able to buy food in the market, she would place it in a plastic bag, bury the bag in a eld and dig it up at night to eat when her employers were asleep. Ople was one of nine people recognized this year for their tireless efforts in the ght against human trafcking.

US hails Ople ... from page 1

Secretary of State John Kerry congratulates Susan Ople at the State Department ceremonies. workers. deemed to be making signicant Toots as she is known by efforts to comply with minimum friends was ofcially honored standards to eliminate trafckwhen the State Department ing. released its annual TIP Report The Philippines received which ranks countries on their bouquets and brickbats at the ability to comply with US efforts same time. to ght trafcking. The 2013 TIP report said In the TIP report the Phil- the Philippine government on ippines for the third straight the one hand undertook notable year received the equivalent of efforts to prevent the trafcking a B report card. It was grouped of overseas workers and to proin the Tier 2 list of countries tect Filipino victims exploited

June 30, 2013

Entertainment 23

3 Pinays in this years Miss Universe tilt

The Philippines Miss Universe candidate will join two other candidates with Filipino blood - Miss Canada Riza Santos and Miss Gabon Ruth Jennifer Ondo Mouchita - in this years contest. Aside from our own Miss Universe bet Ariella Arida, fullblooded Filipina Riza Santos of Canada will compete for the prestigious Miss Universe pageant later this year. Santos, was recently crowned Miss Universe Canada 2013 after a recount showed that Denise Garrido from Bradford who was earlier declared the winner on May 25 at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in Toronto actually placed third runner up. A validation of the computerized scoring results whowed a typ among the ve top candidates. Santos parents are both Filipino - Ruel Santos from Bulacan and Dina Buenaventua from Bataan. She was raised in Calgary and became a naturalized Canadian citizen. The 25-year-old beauty queen is veteran of beauty pageants, having represented the Canada in Miss Earth 2006 and Miss World 2011. In Philippine showbiz industry, Santos has made a numerous appearance in TV shows and movies like Dobol Trobol, When Love Begins, beauty will represent her country also at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant. According to her Wikipedia entry, Mouchita is the second Gabonese Beauty Queen who is a mixed race with Filipino and

Bimby doesnt like Moms kissing scene

Not one to keep mum on his mothers affairs, James Yap, Jr., more popularly known by his nickname Bimby, expressed his disapproval of Kris Aquinos kissing scenes in an upcoming Kapamilya series, Kailangan Koy Ikaw. Bimby, Aquinos son with basketball player James Yap, was with his mother on the set of ABS-CBNs upcoming soap Kailangan Koy Ikaw when he saw her kissing her co-star for a scene. Nung Friday sumama siya (Bimby) sa taping ng Kailangan Koy Ikaw, eh 15th wedding anniversary naman yung sinushoot, so siyempre may kiss, Aquino said during the Wednesday episode of her morning talk show Kris TV. In the series, Aquino will play the wife of actor Robin Padilla. My God, hanggang Saturday, hindi tumigil, sinumbong ako kay Pinky. Im going to call Tito Noy, Im going to tell him youre kissing a boy, Aquino said. Sabi ko, Bimb, its just acting. You make sumbong if its real life, she added, laughing. It had been a week of torment for the ve-year-old, according to Aquino, as he also stressed over his mothers conversation with actress-politician Lucy Torres-Gomez about her love life.

Rizza Santos of Canada and Ruth J. Mouchita of Gabon. and Ikaw Parin Bonga ka Boy after she won Second Big Winner in PBB in 2007. Earlier, half-Filipina Ruth Jennifer Ondo Mouchita was declared as Miss Gabon 2013 last December 22, 2012 at the City of Democracy Hall in Libreville. The 21-year-old black Gabonese Ancestry, following Channa Divouvi in Miss Universe 2012. Mouchitas mother is a pure Filipina, while her father is a Gabonese. The representative of the province of Haut-Ogoou is said to be uent in English, French, Tagalog and Fang.

Actress Kris Aquino poses with her co-star, Robin Padilla in this wedding scene. Bumulong ako kay Kris, said Torres, who was the guest co-host of KrisTV on the same episode. Sabi ko, Kris namimiss mo magkaroon ng love life? And Bimby was so far away. Sinabi ni Bimby, Tita Lucy, why are you telling my mama to have a boyfriend? Sabi ko, No, Bimb, I didnt say. Sabi niya, I heard, I heard. You want me to die? Torres added, laughing. Aquino and Yap were married in civil rites in 2005. They separated in June 2010 and in January this year, their marriage was annulled.

Ex-Miss Us reeling from bad breakups!

Miaa Universe runners-up Venus Raj and Janine Tugonon now have one thing in common: both are reeling from bad breakkups with boyfriends. Venus, the 2010 Miss Universe fourth runner-up, recently ended her relationship with her Umagang Kay Ganda co-host Andrei Felix after one year. Janine, the rst runner-up in last years tilt, also just broke up with her former ofcemate Jaypee Santos after a year of dating. Attending a fashion event recently, the two beauty queens admitted their break-ups were less than amicable. Venus refused to divulge her reason for parting with Andrei but said they are not on speaking terms at the moment. Regarding reports that Andrei was devastated by her decision, Venus said, Kung may isa na hindi sang-ayon denitely may masasaktan talaga sa relasyon. Instead of rushing back to the dating scene, Venus has elected to go back to school. The dusky Bicolana has enrolled in a three-year Community Development course at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. Matagal ko na rin kasi plano mag-aral even before. Matagal ko na hindi nagagawa dahil wala ngang oras, she explained. For her part, Janine said she was not proud of the new expression na-Janine Tugonon Janine said. Nevertheless, she is determined to turn this setback into something positive. I wouldnt like that failure to dene who I am. Yung mag-

Adobo Nation wins Emmy Award

The Filipino Channels (TFC) Adobo Nation has nabbed yet another Emmy Award this year. The weekly lifestyle magazine show, which is produced in the United States, was recognized for best Public/Current/ Community Affairs feature segand are now committed to keeping kids out of trouble and off the streets. Aside from the lifestyle magazine show, TFC also won another trophy from the awardgiving body for the Balitang Americas documentary The Filipino Champions of SOMA.

Janine Tugonon and Venus Raj pose for the media at the Mega Pinoy Pride Ball recently. ka, which has become shorthand for a pretty woman dumping an ugly boyfriend. She felt bad for her ex and believes the backlash was all her fault. Parang kasalanan ko naman ata kung bakit lumabas yun. Weve learned a lot from that experience. Sa akin lang ngayon I accept that I was wrong. Alam ko yun na ako ang at fault at ako talaga ang mali, dikta kung anong gagawin ko sa susunod ko na relasyon; Mistakes do happen but it doesnt have to dictate to me where I am going, she said. Because of the media fallout from the split, Janine decided not to join showbiz in deference to her familys wishes. She said her family members were even more affected by the issue than she was.

The cast of Adobo Nation pose with their Emmy Awards. ment with its story titled Arise. Last year, the Adobo Nation team also won an Emmy in the same category for its story on a group for former ex-convicts who turned their lives around Balitang Americas resident lm critic Manny Dela Rosa also won another Emmy in the Best On Cam Talent category. Finally, TFCs cameraman Jeremiah Ysip won the Emmy for Craft, Best in Photography.

24

June 30, 2013

Protecting the Condentiality of Your Medical and Health Information

Q
On Debt and Gratitude

t is a story of regrets. On a warm summer afternoon, while I was coming from a graduate course in management at the American University in Washington, D.C. I noticed a classmate standing under an oak tree, a few feet away from the Metro bus stop. I could easily sense that he had been in that spot for quite a while, seemingly unable to make a move, his face expressing indecision. I asked him what was going on and he replied with pained hesitation that he had lost his bus ticket; as was his habit, he had taken with him only his student ID, his notebook and a course book. He added that as a precautionary act he had left his wallet in his room. He didnt know how to get to his apartment. I offered him ten dollars to cover his bus fare and politely assured him that my gesture was voluntary, no repayment was expected. He accepted my offer with professed thanks, expressed a few times in English and in his native language. But the pained expression on his face remained up to the time he boarded his bus. He was a foreign student, from Japan. I cant recall his full name, except his last name, Nishino, which he explained meant from the West. This incident has haunted me for years for it duplicated a grave moment of helplessness that happened to me a few years back. The same gesture of kindness was offered to me by a stranger without any expectancy of payback. This has stayed in my conscience for quite a while; the offer was made with no conditions and there was no way I could ever pay him back. My acceptance of this act of kindness is a burden I have to carry for a long while spiritually, morally, and mentally. It is in my nature as one born and nurtured in the ways only Filipinos can ever acquire. The acceptance and the carrying of this burden, a load on ones conscience, is an aspect of Filipino culture, a learned pattern of behavior handed down from parents to children. Utang na Loob is a debt of conscience freely and unconditionally given by someone who is fully aware that repayment is never forthcoming. And the person to whom it is given must acknowledge the fact that henceforth his actions,

orally or physically, will forever be dened by this kind act. This makes him a debtor. Culturally, as is true with peoples in and from the Orient, Filipinos and their descendants are indebted to past actions and events, debtors to the ages. Utang na Loob, the Filipino way, can take the form of obligation, loyalty, kindness, or love. Our obligation to our parents for giving us life and nurturing us to adulthood is an act of lial piety that can never be repaid. We owe them big. The obligation is unconditional, perpetual. We accord them respect, give them our love, tend to their needs in their waning years, all in the spirit of indebtedness. It is because of this that the western equivalent of a nursing home might not prosper in the Philippines. Philosophically, this act of indebtedness is not a virtue. The repayment becomes a virtue when a debtor knowingly engages in acts or expression of gratitude. Filipinos and their descendants acknowledge a favor, accept a kind gesture, with the word salamat, with the obligatory po. (Thank you in English.) The equivalent in Spanish is gracias, merci in French, grazie in Italian, danke in German, spashiba in Russian, terima kasih in Bahasa Indonesian, xiexie in Chinese Mandarin, cam on in Vietnamese, kamhasamida in Korean, and si yuus maasi in Chamorro, in Guam. It is another story in Japanese culture. The acceptance and acknowledgement of a favor or a kind gesture, from which utang na loob has a cultural origin, is measured in degrees depending on how much the burden is perceived by a debtor. Hence, one can hear someone saying thank-you in replies of arigato, kino doku, and sumimasen. Another word expressed more strongly is katajikenai which can be translated into loss of face, insult or shame. In the Seventh Century in Japan and up to the end of the Second World War, the burden of debt to the Emperor overrode all other obligations to anyone. Filipinos and their descendants way of replying to

Continued on page 30

UESTION: Over the years I have sought medical assistance for several ailments and, in fact, I am under medical care at the moment. I often wonder if there are laws and/or regulations that protect the condentiality of my medical records and health information. Are there? ANSWER: Yes, there are, and I will explain them briey here. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 or HIPAA was enacted by the U.S. Congress on August 21, 1996. The law requires the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish standards for the electronic exchange, privacy and security of health information. To implement the requirements of HIPAA, the HHS established rules and national standards for the protection of certain health information, addressing the use, protection and disclosure of individuals health information (called protected health information or PHI) by organizations subject to the rules (called covered entities). A major goal of the privacy rules is to ensure that individuals health information is properly protected while allowing the ow of health information needed to provide and promote high quality health care and to protect the publics health and well-being. The privacy rules apply business associate is a person or organization, other than a member of a covered entitys workforce, that performs certain functions or activities on behalf of, or provides certain services to, a covered entity that involve the use or disclosure of individually identiable health information. QUESTION: What kinds of information are protected under HIPAA and the privacy rules? ANSWER: The privacy rules protect all individually identiable health information held or transmitted by a covered entity or its business associate, in any form or media, whether electronic, paper, or oral. The privacy rules call this information protected health information or PHI. Individually identiable health information is information, including demographic data, that relates to the individuals past, present or future physical or mental health or condition; the provision of health care to the individual; or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to the individual, and that identies the individual or for which there is a reasonable basis to believe can be used to identify the individual. Individually identiable health information

includes many common identiers (e.g., name, address, birth date, SSN). QUESTION: What are some of the permitted uses and disclosures of PHI under HIPAA and the privacy rules? ANSWER: There are several instances in which PHI may be disclosed, but I can only describe a few here due to space limitations. A covered entity is permitted, but not required, to use and disclose PHI to the individual who is the subject of that information, without that individuals authorization. It may also use and disclose PHI for its own treatment, payment, and health care operations activities, without the individuals authorization. In some circumstances, informal permission may be obtained by asking the individual outright. PHI may also be used or disclosed, without an individuals permission, for certain prescribed national priority purposes. Where the individual is incapacitated or in an emergency situation, covered entities may generally use and disclose PHI if, in the exercise of their professional judgment, the use or disclosure is determined to be in the best interest of the individual. A covered entity, however, must obtain the individuals written authorization for any use or disclosure of PHI that is not for treatment, payment, or health care operations. An authorization must be written in specic terms, and it must be in plain language. Likewise, a covered entity must obtain an individuals authorization to use or disclose psychotherapy notes, subject to very limited exceptions. Note that the privacy rules require a covered entity to treat a personal representative (i.e., the person legally authorized by an individual to make health care decisions on that individuals behalf) the same as the individual with respect to uses and disclosures of the individuals PHI. QUESTION: What rights do I have over my health information? ANSWER: HIPAA and the privacy rules give you certain rights over your health information. For example, you may ask to see a copy of your medical record and other health information. You may also ask to change

any wrong information in your medical le or add information to your medical le if you think that something is missing or incomplete. You may seek information about how your health information is used and shared by your doctor or health insurer. Likewise, you may ask that your health information not be shared with certain people, groups, or companies. QUESTION: Can one le a complaint against a covered entity for violating HIPAA and the privacy rules? ANSWER: Yes. Anyone can le a complaint alleging a violation of the privacy rules with the HHSs Ofce of Civil Rights (OCR). A complaint must be led in writing, either on paper or electronically, by mail, fax, or e-mail. You must le the complaint within 180 days of when you knew that the act or omission complained of occurred. The 180-day period may be extended by the government if you can show good cause. QUESTION: Are there are penalties for violation of HIPAA and the privacy rules? ANSWER: Yes. HHS may impose civil monetary penalties on a covered entity of $100 per failure to comply with a privacy rule or requirement, which may not exceed $25,000 per year for multiple violations of the identical privacy rule or requirement in a calendar year. A person who knowingly obtains or discloses individually identiable health information in violation of HIPAA may face a ne of $50,000 and up to one-year imprisonment. The criminal penalties increase to $100,000 and up to ve years imprisonment if the wrongful conduct involves false pretenses, and to $250,000 and up to ten years imprisonment if there is intent to sell, transfer, or use health information for commercial advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm. The U.S. Department of Justice imposes criminal sanctions. A. Enrico C. Soriano, Esq., is the managing member of Axxis Law Group, PLLC (www.axxislaw. com). The answers and discussions provided in this column do not constitute legal advice, and no attorneyclient relationship is created hereby. You should consult a competent attorney for further assistance.

June 30, 2013

25
Immigration Notes
By J.G. Azarcon, Esq.
VISA PRIORITY DATES FOR THE PHILIPPINES JULY 2013 FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES First: Unmarried sons/daughters of US citizens Jul. 01, 2000 Second: A: Spouses/minor children of permanent residents: Oct. 08, 2011 B: Unmarried sons/daughters 21 years of age or older of permanent residents Dec. 22, 2002 Third: Married sons/daughters of citizens Nov. 22, 1992 Fourth: Brothers/sisters of citizens Dec. 15, 1989 EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES First: Priority workers Current Second: Professionals holding advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability Current Third: Skilled workers, professionals Oct. 01, 2006 Other Workers Oct. 01, 2006 Fourth: Current Certain Religious Workers Current Fifth: Employment creation/ (Million or half-million dollar investor) Current
approved family-based visa petition, including beneciary and any derivative beneciaries; any derivative beneciary of a pending or approved employment-based visa-petition; the beneciary of appending or approved Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition; an alien admitted as a derivative T or U nonimmigrant; or a derivative asylee. The Immigration Service denes qualifying relative as an individual who immediately before death, was: the petitioner or principal beneciary in a family-based petition; the principal beneciary in an employment-based visa petition; the petitioner in a refugee/ asylee relative petition; the principal alien admitted as a T or U nonimmigrant; the principal asylee who was granted asylum.

Approval of petitions after death of relative Were not a serious people

MANILA e seem to have reached a point here where we take for granted as regular happenings the street snatchings and riding-in-tandem killings, burglaries and home invasions, bank holdups, all sorts of scams, and many other crimes. Are the cheating, stealing and widespread corruption in our country the new normal? Lets take the recent elections (last May 13) as an example. Violence against one another, cheating, unfairness, deception, deviousness, and a general tendency to break the law. These are among the bad things we do just to get what we crave. They dont speak to the strivings of a relatively young nation whose people tout themselves as intelligent, enterprising, courageous and world-class. We have no sense of country. We dont know how to build a nation, how to make it strong and permanent. We need to look at whats happening to society, whats happening in our neighborhoods, in places of business that get burglarized, and in both the streets and homes where innocent people get hurt or killed by lawbreakers who make an excuse out of being poor. The common excuse of criminals is, I was in need; I needed to feed my family. What about the person that that criminal robbed, hurt or killed? Didnt he need to feed his family, too? Now that he or she is dead, whos going to take care of the orphaned family? We need to look at the big picture for this is what weve failed to do. We lament the crimes, the cheating of all kinds, the taking advantage of the weak and vulnerable, the retail and wholesale corruption, the stealing from businesses or private homes, the kidnappings-forransom, the riding-in-tandem phenomenon that involves assassins killing people while riding a motorcycle, and many other willful violations of the law (such as bus operators who eld multiple units with the same license plates). We complain about corrupt politicians, private armies, armed criminals, hoods in judges robes, thieving bureaucrats, shoddy products in our

stores, inefcient service from public utilities and government bureaucrats, prot-hungry oil companies, and so on and so forth. We whine about those things and many, many more but fail to decry what all these acts and crimes, taken together, are doing to us as a society. What they do is continually erode and destroy us as a nation. A nation never falls but by suicide, wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. We are slowly committing suicide and, before we know it, we will all be gone, society will be asunder, and the nation will be dead. We are divided by politics, religion and economic classism. We have become a community of individuals, in itself a contradiction in terms. A wellfunctioning community consists of team players, not individuals, out to win the game for all. Instead, were composed of colonies of self-interests. Ant colonies are more cohesive, coordinated and choreographed. We are the opposite: were forever ghting against one another, when were not stealing from each other. We lack focus as a people. Because we dont see the big picture, we concentrate on little, often inconsequential, things. Were distracted by things we shouldnt even waste a minute of our lives on. The lives of other people, especially the so-called celebrities, telenovelas that titillate the simple-minded, and fantasy television shows that dont even make sense, occupy our time. And we crave gossip so much, whole shows are devoted to it, with even news programs putting in their share. Politicians manufacture controversies to hide their failings as public servants. And when the dust settles from their contrived entertainment, our attention has been diverted from their sins against the public, either through historical revisionism or corny pick-up lines by politicians that we lap up with glee because weve been brainwashed to accept their regurgitations as erudition. There are far more important things that should occupy our lives, attract our scrutiny, and invite our anger. Lets not be too onion-skinned and bristle

n the past, if the petitioner dies while the visa petition is pending, the beneciary would not be entitled to seek approval of the petition. The law changed with the amendment of Sec. 204(l) of the Immigration Act in 2009. Under current law, an alien seeking immigration benet through a deceased qualifying relative may obtain approval of a visa petition or adjustment application and refugee/asylee relative petition if the alien meets the following illegibility requirements: Resided in the United States when the qualifying relative died; Continues to reside in the United States on the date of the decision on the pending petition or application; Is at least one of the following: the beneciary of a pending or approved immediate relative visa petition; the beneciary of a pending or

Right Disaster?

Continued on page 30

he window to ease impacts of global warming is closing more rapidly than earlier estimated, says World Bank in a study released last June 19. Sea level surges will double as mountain glaciers melt. Theyll interlock with intense storms inicting deaths and damage. What happens when, in words of the study, rainfall becomes more sporadic and, in rainy season, even more intense? Inquirers Michael Tan sketches a graphic answer from Emong, this seasons rst storm. Monday night, I broke my own record of airport commuting ordeals, clocking 13 hours to get from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to my home in San Juan . I left Naia at about 5:30 p.m. in a taxi. By 8 p.m.,Tan was still stuck in Makati . At 11pm, he gave up and took a hotel room. I nally got home at 6:30 a.m the next day. Hindi ka nagi-isa, political prisoner Ninoy Aquino used to say. Thousands were also stranded. Storm Fabian lurks around the corner..And rainy

seasons end is 17 or more typhoons away. Among seven cities, Manila is second most at risk from climate change, says 2013 Climate Change Vulnerability Index which covers 197 countries. Others are: Dhaka, Bangkok , Yangon, Jakarta , Ho Chi Minh and Kolkata, Rising sea levels could uproot 13.6 million Filipinos by 2050, Asian Development Bank projected in an earlier study: Addressing ClimateChange and Migration in Asia and the Pacic. Three typhoons, in as many years, lashed Mindanao . The island used to reel from a waywardstorm every 17 years or so World leaders are committed to curb greenhouse emissions and tamp down temperature increases to about 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, ( 2 degrees Celsius.) Thereve been concerns that temperatures will soar to ve

degrees Celsius over a century, the 2012 WB study noted. The 2013 study, therefore narrowed the focus to the next few years. The heaviest impact will slam parts of Asia most prone to ooding and harsh tropical storms, it found. Bangkok could be swamped by oods in 2030. Hanoi s just-built new ood control systems are obsolete. Rising ocean temperatures and saltwater intrusion into rivers could ruin local sheries. Fish is a key source of protein for people Vietnam , Indonesia and the Philippines. Countries must redo earlier estimates.. A 20-centimeter sea level, rise here over the next 40 years, is obsolete. This threat still runs along the Pacic seaboard: from Samar to eastern Mindanao , Wendy Clavano wrote in Environmental Science

Continued on page 30

26

June 30, 2013

BABY SQUID ASADO WITH GREEN MANGO

This is one of the many dishes I cooked for my husband when we were vacationing in the Philippines. Finally, I found the baby squid, which is my husbands favorite. Try this recipe when your taste buds long for that unique Filipino taste. Baby squid can be served as an appetizer or can be added to green salad, and it is also an ideal ingredient for paella. Makes 5 to 6 servings sprinkling some bread crumbs and quickly cook over high heat for just a few minutes (1 or 2 minutes). Season with salt and pepper and mix in the red bell pepper. Can be served warm or cold, garnished with green mango. Les Dames dEscoffier International, Washington DC Chapter; Member, International Cake Exploration Society, Member: Culinary Historians of Washington, D.C.; Master Chef, French Cuisine and Patisserie, Le Cordon Bleu, London.

Chefs Tips:
To clean the squid: Hold the body of the squid in one hand and pull off the head and tentacles. For this recipe, discard the ink. Pull out the inedible pen, which looks like a long piece of plastic, then discard. Cut the tentacles from the head and squeeze to remove the beak; cut off and discard. Optionally, you can cut off eyes and mouth and discard. Editors Note: Master Chef Evelyn: 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S., 2009, Filipina Womens Network; MHC Most Outstanding Migrant Award in Culinary Arts, 2011; PAFC Dakila Special Achievement Award, 2011; Owner/Chef, Philippine Oriental Market & Deli, Arlington, Virginia; Founder and President of CHEW (Cancer Help Eat Well) Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) public charity formed to help and cook pro-bono for Filipino-Americans who are afflicted with cancer and other serious illnesses; Culinary writer; Member,

Ingredients:
2 pounds baby squid (about 2 or 3 inches long) 1 tablespoon granulated garlic 2 tablespoons bread crumbs salt and pepper few pieces of thinly sliced red bell pepper 1 or 2 green mangoes, peeled, and meat thinly sliced

Methods:
Clean the squid (see Chefs tips) and rinse gently. Drain to remove excess water. Preheat a large non-stick skillet and add the squid and granulated garlic; blanch quickly (1 or 2 minutes), then drain thoroughly. Wipe clean the same skillet and drizzle a small amount of vegetable oil. Preheat the skillet again. Stir fry the squid while

BLIND MAN
A daughter walked into the bathroom where her mother was taking a shower. Mom, there is a blind man to see you, she says. Well, if he is a blind, than it does not matter if Im in the shower. Send him in. The blind man walks into the bathroom, and the mother starts to tell him how much she appreciates him for a fast service. She goes on and on for 10 minutes until the man interrupts: Thats nice and all, maam, but you can put your clothes on now. Where do you want me to put these blinds?

DEAR ABBY,
My boyfriend is going to be twenty years old next month. Id like to give him something nice for his birthday. What do you think hed like? -- Carol Dear Carol, Never mind what hed like. Give him a tie.

DAGOHOY
It was the rst day of school in Washington, DC and a new student named Dagohoy, the son of a Filipino immigrant, entered the eighth grade. The teacher began, Lets review some American history, class. Who said Give me liberty or give me death? She saw a sea of blank faces, except for Dagohoys who had his hand up, Patrick Henry, 1775. Very good, said the teacher. Who said Government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the earth? Again, no response except from Dagohoy: Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg, 1863, he said. The teacher snaps at the

CELEBRATE
An aged farmer and his wife were leaning against the edge of their pig-pen when the old woman wistfully recalled that the next week would mark their golden wedding anniversary. Lets have a party, Homer, she suggested. Lets kill a pig. The farmer scratched his grizzled head. Gee, Ethel, he nally answered, I dont see why the pig should take the blame for something that happened fty years ago.

class, Class, you should be ashamed, Dagohoy who is new to our country knows more about our history than you do. She hears a loud whisper from the back: Screw the Filipinos. Who said that? she demanded. Dagohoy put his hand up. General John Pershing, Manila, 1896. At that point, Jack, another student says, Im going to puke. The teacher glares and asks, All right! Now who said that? Again Dagohoy answers, George Bush, Sr. to the Japanese Prime Minister during the state dinner, Tokyo, 1991. Now furious, another student yells, Oh yeah? Suck this! Dagohoy jumps out of his chair waving his hand and shouts to the teacher at the top of his voice, Bill Clinton to Monica Lewinsky, the Oval Ofce, 1997! Someone shouts, You little shit if you say anything else, Ill kill you. Dagohoy yells, Congressman Gary Condit to Chandra Levy, Washington, D.C., 2001!

The teacher faints. Im outta here! mutters one student as he sidles to the door. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Baguio City, December 30, 2002! Dagohoy responds. As the class gathers around her on the oor, someone says, Oh shit, now were really in big trouble! Saddam Hussein, on the Iraq invasion, Baghdad, May 2003! Dagohoy bellowed. Now, I really have to run, Jack mutters, heading for the exit. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo again, Pampanga, October 4, 2003! Dagohoy shouts triumphantly jumping with glee. Then a burly African-American boy grabbed Dagohoy and strangled him, about to give a

stful to a frightened Dagohoy. Then an Asian boy stood up and shouted, Hey easy on him. Im a Filipino! Dagohoy then blurted out before he got socked out, Fernando Poe, Jr. Manila, January, 2004!

INDAY
The husband ay galit na galit kay Inday dahil she burned a hole in his uniform. He angrily asked her, Paano mo naman nasunog to? She answered: Secret! Sir: Inday, natanggal mo yung mantsa sa barong ko? Inday: Opo, sir! Tanggal na tanggal! Sir: Good! Anong pinangtanggal mo? Inday: Gunting, sir... gunting!

June 30, 2013

27

Summer Soirees

W
A Family Affair

he time has nally come to let go of our home. It housed nine adults and one child for a year in its early life. This gracious dwelling was made for a big family. We have become empty-nesters. Even Balou is not dog enough to ll up the rooms. So after 25 years it is time to downsize. I heard it groan in pain and sorrow. Or was that my echo? How does one say goodbye to an inanimate object? It is not a conversation, but rather a soliloquy. Ive said hellos and goodbyes to temporary apartment lodgings as well as semi-permanent homes. Every change of address was painful for me. Except for our rst move. I have pleasant memories of that one. It was in July 1976. We moved out of the cramped one room studio in Newark, NJ. Everything we owned lled the back seat of our battered Chevy Nova. By then I was eight months pregnant with our rst child. The severe nausea from that pregnancy had become a distant memory. I was nally healthy and strong enough to help in the move. Our most prized possession was a Sony Trinitron TV set. The new neighbors at Elizabeth, NJ were horried when they saw me balance that TV on top of my ballooned stomach. The baby didnt care. She was quiet and happy enough to help. I was over the moon. We thought ourselves rich and grinned ourselves silly for getting that one bedroom one bath apartment. The rent included a designated parking space. The anxiety each time we came home looking for and nding a parking spot was a thing of the past. It appeared large. We didnt have furniture except for a table and four chairs we bought from K Mart for $35. Mitch and I slept on the oor until a neighbor, shocked beyond belief, offered us a bed which was to be donated to the Salvation Army the next day. When the baby was born, we placed her inside a halfopened drawer before purchasing a plastic baby carrier. That served as her make shift crib until we had saved enough to buy her a proper one. That was four decades ago. We have changed addresses ve

times since then. Our taste has evolved as our family nances improved. A little over 25 years ago, we were on our way home from a day of picking apples. We made a detour through winding country roads. A cluster of new homes piqued my familys interest. The houses were nestled among mature trees. The neighborhood was peaceful. Mitch and the children were impressed. I was anxious and tried to appear indifferent. I am a nester. I never want to change homes. But I was outnumbered and over-ruled. So we pulled stakes once more and moved. I cried as I said goodbye to our old house. It took a while before I warmed up to our new residence. To furnish it we visited model homes on weekends and took notes of our likes and dislikes. Hechingers, that now defunct home improvement store, became our go-to resource place. We enjoyed spending time at auctions. Our children gorged on hotdogs and sodas and they were as delighted as we were when we won bids on our selected items. Our daughters and our son grew up appreciating interior design. They had strong opinions and were not coy in rating my successes as well as my disasters. I went through several styles before I settled into an eclectic look. Along the way I learned how to edit and simplify. My family approved. Decorating became a family affair. Our home was the party place. Thanksgivings, birthdays, reunions, and Christmas holidays happened here. One Thanksgiving we opened our home to 40 family and friends. In 2004, at my nursing school reunion picnic, we welcomed more than 80 people. The house remained gracious and t through it all. It was indestructible. And now it is time to bid adieu. The family has collectively exed its muscles. I am outnumbered once again so I have acquiesced. But this is a group decision, a family affair. I will share the burden of the logistical frenzy. Dear family, were off to another adventure. Are you ready?

e seemingly skipped spring when old winter overstayed. Then summer quietly crept in. It is nally here. In fact, we were not even sure if spring has already sprung if not for some sporadic rain drops in May that usually poured in April. Consequently, numerous spring owers were hesitant to appear as a result of this vagarious weather condition. The Azaleas in our front yard were not in full bloom and did not last long. Likewise, the supposedly big Pansy owers of yellow and lavender only produced small blooms. To add, the normally vibrant and colorful Day Lilies were noticeably absent from the garden scenario. But, to be fair, the culprits here were the family of deer that enjoyed the Day Lily salad feast in front of our house while we slept the stag, the doe and their darling Bambi blissfully helped themselves with our freshly planted annuals. Well, thats what we get for getting their once upon a time domain. Pretty soon June will be gone and our focus on the catastrophes that happened across the nation will momentarily be distracted by the summer festivities, fun and social gatherings. Of course, for those who were directly hit and still without roofs on their head, the situation is still very challenging. We hope that the promises they were given by government authorities who visited their areas will not be forgotten. We say- Blessed are the people who are resilient and have the strength to cope with the adversities of life. With pride, I can also say that, likewise, the Filipinos are also resilient by nature and therefore, blessed. More so, in the face of difculty, are creative, ingenious and almost always nd practical solutions even to seemingly heavy burdens.

to celebrate Fathers Day for their dearest Daddy on June 15. My chef daughter prepared the grilled succulent baby pork ribs as the main fare with all the salads, breads and Filipino desserts. He also received beautiful cards and money gifts. My husband was very appreciative of this effort to celebrate him. As fathers are as important as mothers, our children made sure he was accorded equal attention. Amen.

The Gala Ball

The Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC) held its gala ball at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in DC. As the highlight of the 115th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Independence, this formal event featured the theme, Our Families, Our Communities: Helping Shape America.H.E., Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. in his message said that The various events and activities presented by the PAFC to the community ttingly celebrate the contribution that prominent Filipino Americans have made to US society. Similarly, Governor of Virginia, Robert F. McDonnell, in his written message reected that The economic and cultural outreach effort of Filipino Virginians has enriched us all.To add, Sonny Busa, a retired visiting professor of International Relations at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, wrote in the souvenir program, as a part of Asian immigrants, the Filipino American immigrants are better educated and more afuent than their parents; they highly value family, hard work, education and loyalty and furthermore, assimilate better than other immigrant groups. It is easy to see how Fil-Ams shape America for the better. Led by Ambassador and Mrs. Cuisia and the guest speaker, Jose Antonio Vargas, the event was well attended. Also invited to the Ambassadors table was Cristeta Pasia Comerford, the Executive Chef at the White House. But I say, equally important in attendance were the guests from the Filipino American organizations and the community at-large. Being in hiatus for some months, it was so refreshing to see my PAFC colleagues and friends in the community once again. I was temporarily out of circulation the time our damaged

Picnics: Onset of Summer

Meanwhile, families, communities or organizations have already started having summer fun with group gatherings and get-together socials. Those homeowners with decks are now busy bugs having parties with everything grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, pork ribs, steak, corn, vegetables, etcetera. The Metro Washington, DC area parks are similarly bustling with people hurrying up to get their chosen picnic tables with nearby grills. They carry big watermelons, picnic baskets, portable chairs, boom box, trays of foods, with children tugging along and even with Fido on the leash. My family was one of them when our children organized a picnic at the Great Falls Park

roof was being reconstructed as a result of the catastrophic windstorm last year. It took some months before the work was done. For a change, I was not involved in any committee or incharge of something at the gala ball unlike the past years. Being the immediate past president of PAFC, I circulated among the guests, but I also had the chance to just observe and watch the ongoings and the program. My husband and I were with Dr. Willie and Lottie Buhain, Dr. Cesar and Sonia Soriano at the dinner table which gave me the chance to catch up with them. Father Gary Villanueva, who said the invocation before dinner, danced Cha-cha with me. He was a good dancer with his Zumba experience. It was nice to see old friends like Dr. Charlie and Fe Patalinghug from Baltimore,MD. Vellie Dietrich-Hall who just arrived from Manila with husband Harry Hall made it to the ball. I chit-chatted a little bit with Frank Bituin and wife Nora representing PAMWE, Bobby and Gloria Federigan, Mencie Hairston and Lulu Alexander from Mabuhay, Inc., Alice Andam from PNA, Yolly and Johnny Arzadon from Medical Mission of Mercy with Romy and Sally Rosal who just arrived from Manila for a six months vacation. Dr. Jovy Eusebio with husband, Jun Eusebio arrived a bit late because of Jovys late closing of her Potomac Skin Care clinic meeting the demands of her clientelle. She wore a very elegant Philippine terno newly arrived from Manila. The Embassy diplomats, ofcers and staff were also so pleasurable to meet. One cannot help but notice their outstanding personalities and demeanor. There were others I met. It was so humbling to have associated with all these ne and lovely friends in the community. I truly enjoyed going around greeting and chit-chatting with them a little bit. In between my round with friends, my husband and I enjoyed dancing the Tango, Rhumba, Merengue and Swing. Dancing is denitely therapeutic to me. As always, it was refreshing to speak with Cris Comerford whose pleasing personality I admired. I joined her at her table with Jose Vargas after dinner for some catch-up moments. The last time we saw each other was when we had brunch with

Continued on page 30

28 Editorial

June 30, 2013

Celebrating July 4th

As we observe this countrys anniversary of independence, its good to be reminded that July 4th signies so much more than the birthday of a great nation. It is the adoption of the Declaration of Independence which tells us about our common beliefs and aspirations as a people. The Declaration, after all, afrms that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The possibilities of such a bold assertion are really what we the people should celebrate on this occasion. And yet, we know that inequality still permeates U.S. society. Divisive issues like immigration reform are stirring so much rancor and bitter debates. Arriving at a national consensus has been difcult because of political calculations and partisan bickering. With Congress working its way to pass a comprehensive immigration reform, it is our hope that this country is moving forward nally to achieving the ideal that July 4th signies: that we are a great nation of open-minded people who can put aside our differences, respect each other and be the shining city on the hill. The plight of 11 million undocumented immigrants is not about policy or politics, but about the morality of treating them as human beings. Filipino Americans have a great stake in this national conversation that will most assuredly shape and transform America. As a community, we have been blessed with high educational attainment, strong English language skills, the second highest median income among Asians, even higher than the average U.S. income and high naturalization rates. We are now nearly 4 million strong, with a potential impact on public policy. And yet, as is so often raised by public ofcials, Filipino Americans have low voter registration and even lower voter turn out rates in national elections. We have yet to translate our numbers into political clout. We are even generally silent on an issue that is so close to our hearts, one that should keep families together instead of tearing them apart. It is within each of us who have beneted from Americas promise to take steps to ensure that we do our part to combat the inequalities inherent in U.S. society. The way to celebrate July 4th is to remind ourselves that indeed, all men are created equal. It is a simple declaration of who we want to be as a people. (J. Melegrito)

Its more fun in PH

If you have a camera. This is the report of Pablito Alarcon, an ofcer of Feed the Hungry, who recently distributed these photos taken of advertising signs in Manila and provinces. The photos were forwarded by you know who, Klaus Buntua, to the Manila Mail editor who, in turn, passed it on to Tsismoso. Talking about Klaus, who spreads the word all over town that he has traveled to practically all the countries in the world, someone has suggested that we dare him to travel to areas where other Pinoys fear to tread. Ask Klaus if he is willing to travel to Yemen, Somalia, Iran and other countries where violence reigns, ask one Tsismoso. *** Tsismoso has decided to use these photos of Pablito and others which are self-explanatory. Klaus did not specify if these photos are copyrighted, so I decided to use them.

June 30, 2013

Opinion 29

Red vs blue

R
Of Families and Fertility

he most poignant scene in Jose Antonio Vargas nationally-acclaimed lm, Documented, is the conversation via Skype between Vargas and his mother, Emily Salinas, on Christmas Day 2012. They havent seen each other in 20 years. He was 12 years old when his mother sent him off to the U.S. to live with his grandparents. With fake papers, it turned out. It was a sacrice she had to make for his own good, the mother says. But Jose apparently felt so conicted about it he stopped writing and talking on the phone to his own mother the last few years. Until one day in December. Both mother and son tried once again to re-connect. This time on a TV screen. And this was all caught on lm. Its Vargas creative attempt not only to document his own painful journey as an undocumented immigrant in America but to chronicle the human stories of 11 million others, especially the DREAMers young people like him who grew up American but are undocumented. Its a compelling story of families being torn apart, thanks to a broken immigration system that has kept millions in the shadows for years. Vargas was among those in the shadows and it haunted him. In the lm, the mother is seen in tears, begging her son to come home so we can see each other. Soon, soon, he replies, breaking down in sobs, knowing that their reunion, like many other families, depends on the passage of the immigration bill working its way through Congress. I just want to be able to hug him like I did before, she says after they hang up. Even without words, I just want to embrace my child. She talks about how painful it was to be separated. EXTENDED FAMILY. Until Joses personal story drove home the point about our broken immigration system, I had always taken for granted how relatively easy it had been for my own family and my extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces to come to the U.S. and later become permanent residents and citizens.

There are more than a hundred of us now all across the U.S. Every two years, we hold a family reunion in different cities, hosted by a relatives family on a rotation basis. We will be hosting the next one in July 2014. In recent years, however, it had been extremely difcult for other close relatives from the Philippines to attend our family reunions. Even visitors visas have been difcult to come by. We wondered if it had something to do with immigration ofcials suspecting something other than visiting. Overstaying perhaps? Then disappearing in the shadows? I heard Ambassador Jose L. Cuisa cite some 2011 statistics the other day noting that two percent of the 11 million undocumented in the U.S. are Philippine citizens. Thats about 270,000. On top of being the second largest immigrant group among Asians, Filipinos are also known to have the highest fertility rate, next to Mexicans. But fertility is good for the county, according to former Texas Gov. Jeb Bush. He said that women who immigrate to America are more fertile than women who are born in the country. Well, lets see: my U.S. born daughter has two children while my Philippine-born cousin has four. So that checks out. Immigrants are more fertile, and they love families, and they have more intact families, and they bring a younger population, Jeb declared. Immigrants create an engine of economic prosperity. The Dizon engine, named after my maternal grandfather, comprises four generations of teachers, soldiers, farmers, lawyers, ministers, writers, social workers, nurses, doctors, domestic workers, engineers, secretaries. Aunts and nieces have won beauty pageants. Uncles and nephews have excelled in various elds. I thank my great grand mother Lola Lelangs fertility for bringing into this world talented, hard working and fertile descendants. And to Jose Antonio Vargas and Jeb Bush for their compelling arguments on why the 11 million undocumented should become Americans soon. Send your comments to jdmelegrito@gmail.com

ed states are Republican states. It is mostly run by politicians who espouse the conservative philosophy of lower taxation and smaller government. It is based on the belief that lesser nancial burdens on citizens and job creators stimulate consumption and economic activity generating more revenue for the public good. Blue states are Democratic states. Its political leaders favor more taxation to provide for public services thereby giving the government a bigger responsibility in looking after the welfare of its citizens. Government needs to step in when the free enterprise system falls short in meeting the essential needs of people. While all politicians profess altruistic desires to use government as an instrument to promote prosperity for the good of all, two diverging philosophies cannot possibly bring the same results. A recent report by the American Legislative Exchange Council show that red states fared better than blue states in economic performance and prospects. As excerpted by Valerie Richardson writing for the Washington Times, the divide is expanding between pro-growth

states, which tend to elect Republicans and those anti-growth policies promoted by Democrats. Between 2001 -2010, eight of the top ten economic performers based on gross domestic product, absolute in-migration and nonfarm payroll employment were dominated by red states, led by Texas, followed by purple Nevada, then red states Utah, Wyoming, North Dakota, Idaho, Arizona, Alaska and Montana. Only one blue state, Washington made the top ten. Of the bottom ten, eight are blue states including Wisconsin, California, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois and New Jersey, with Ohio as the only purple state and Missouri as the only red state. Blue state Michigan is at the bottom although the report expects a turnaround based on the changes made by the incumbent Republican governor Rick Snyder and conservatives in the legislature.

As for economic outlook gauged by 15 economic indicators including tax rates, regulatory burden and labor policies, eight of the top ten are red states led by Utah, while two are purple states Florida and Virginia with Republican governors. The report shows that over a ten year period, the nine states without personal income taxes have outperformed the nine states with the highest income tax rates in population, job and revenue growth. Most of the nine states are red states, with the exception of Washington. The clash of conservative and liberal brand of government is also in full display on both sides of the Potomac River. Liberal Democratic Governor Martin OMalley is at the helm of the Maryland government. Conservative Republican Governor Bob McDonnell runs the capitol

Continued on page 30

Need a little more work

mmigrants powering America that was the theme of this years People Ball, a civic rally masquerading as a dance party or is that the other way around? The Migrant Heritage Commission organizes the annual event easily one of the largest FilAm parties in the Metro DC region around the time thats book-ended by the June 12 Philippine Independence Day and the American 4th of July Independence Day. The Peoples Ball has come to symbolize the FilAms dual personality and celebrates their legacy as one of the fastest growing and successful Asian immigrant groups in the United States. Led by lawyer Arnedo Valera, his sister Grace and MHCs dynamo Jessie Gatchalian, the group is able to draw a diverse section of the FilAm community here and around the US. The causes they champion from the plight of Maryland public school teachers and Fil-Am nurses red for speaking Pilipino to showing off Filipino culture in American festivals (theyve represented Filipinos in past July 4 parades in Washington DC and Philadelphia), has built a sizeable army of volunteers who help propagate their vision of public service. They are also a fertile audience for people who want to sway FilAms.

That was precisely what Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. tried to do as he delivered the keynote address amid the din of people who just wanted to have fun. He had to demand their attention, no matter how briey. He had an important message to tell about progress back home (certainly welcome news), current efforts to broaden those gains, and perhaps more importantly, about the developments swirling in our backyard. The Ambassadors very charming wife, Vicky (who professes to be an ardent reader of this column) asked us what we thought about the prospects of immigration reform on Capitol Hill and I replied, I wasnt too hopeful especially for the House of Representatives. Despite its deep and worrying potential for affecting the FilAm community, immigration reform appears to remain a

distant concern for the average Filipino in the US. It could determine the future size, shape and character of that community as some lawmakers restrict which of our loved ones can join us here or how long we should wait to be reunited with them or if the undocumented among us will nally have an opportunity to become lawful members of this great nation. Filipinos now represent the 4th largest immigrant group in the US, next to Mexico, China and India. They have grown from just 1 percent of the total US population in 1960 to about 4 percent in 2011. Filipinos can be a force to reckon with but alas, divided or worse, ambivalent, that too seems like a distant proposition. Ambassador Cuisia also revealed that the Loudoun sher-

Continued on page 30

30
Need a little more... from page 29
iffs ofce has promised to reveal its ndings into the fatal shooting of kababayan Mylene de Leon at a Costco store in Leesburg, Va. before the end of June. We are skeptical about that too, especially after authorities refused to open an independent investigation, leaving the sheriffs ofce to probe their own men. Theres been nary an outcry from the FilAm community over de Leons fate shot to death by two sheriffs deputies after she allegedly threatened them with a pizza knife. There are a host of other issues Filipino oil rig workers allegedly exploited in the Gulf of Mexico, domestics reportedly abused by their employers, etc. True, there are a few whove taken the cudgels for them but the muted response conceals the potential for a more orchestrated, broader response that could reinforce the image of a vigilant, caring FilAm community. Harnessing the power of the Filipino collective has always been an immense challenge. Time and again, we have proven to be a patient, forgiving, carefree people whod prefer to go line-dancing than marching down a congressmans ofce. Former Miss Virginia and 2012 Miss USA Nikki Poteet was among the guests at the Peoples Ball. Shes volunteered to coach contestants in a local FilAm beauty pageant and proudly proclaims shes had more pictures taken with Filipinos than any others. What was her most interesting take about Filipinos, we asked, and she quickly replied Filipinos like to sing and they like to dance. And for that evening at least, Filipinos indulged themselves. Still, while the tipping point may be high, Filipinos have demonstrated a sweeping capability for profound change (e.g., EDSA People Power). They just need a lot more work but the rewards can truly be great. least $360 million to the taxpayer rolls according to the Tax Foundation. Liberal vs. conservative government will be at stake again in the coming gubernatorial elections in Virginia featuring Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and former Democatic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe. The good thing is that we have a clear choice. will generate more economic activity. Dont we wonder why the government allows its citizens to be hired by mall owners and then let go after ve months to escape paying them regular benets? Were a people distracted from the serious things in life and we dont even know it. Were so easy to please (mababaw ang kaligayahan) and to manipulate. Those who control us give us cheap wages, cheap products, cheap service and cheap entertainment. Were thrown bread crumbs and were already delirious with gratitude. No wonder we would settle for trickle down instead of an equal share of economic growth. But thats an accepted economics term, someone told me. And thats exactly the problem, we accept everything experts tell us. We enjoy our sad lot so much, were not even aware were being robbed blind. Were so distracted, we dont even know our pockets are being picked. Why dont we get serious for a change? from storms and natural disasters. Those funds are needed in health, education and other services. The Bank will provide loans for Asian countries to cope with inevitable climate shifts. It prods agribusinesses to focus on how major crops can be altered to live with less water, hotter temperatures. Support is given for crop science and genetics. Will scientists win the race to produce

June 30, 2013

On Debt and Gratitude... from page 24

salamat po expresses a depth of meaning. The reply walang anuman or ayos lang (In English, it is nothing, from nothing, everything is in order) assures the recipient of a favor that it is not a burden to be carried for life. Not a debt but a part of the social practices of etiquette. The same is true in the replies de nada or no hay de que given in Spanish or de rien in France. (all, meaning from nothing.) Prego and bitte in Italian and German, both mean please which say in silence that I am pleased to do it and that you are not accountable to me. You are welcome or dont mention it are expressed as pashalisto in Russian, kembali in Bahasa Indonesian, bu keqi in Chinese Mandarin, khong co cahi in Vietnamese, cheonmaneyo in Korean, and buen prohecchu in Chamorro in Guam. Utang na loob or debt of gratitude or debt of conscience is part and parcel of Philippine culture. A favor is given orally with mutual consent of the debtor and creditor, with no conditions or limits of obligation. It is perpetual, unlike any legal written contractual agreement, signed and notarized, which is common in the United States and in many other countries. This written agreement carries clauses identifying boundaries of commitment. Utang na loob does not. But it can be a trap. In essence, utang na loob is connected to lial piety and the obligation owed extends even to those outside family relations. The padrino system as practiced in the Philippines where a job applicant is hired or appointed because of a favor owed to someone has been an anomaly in the Philippines. The ensuing consequences of utang na loob are even reected in national and local government policies and practices, even in a barangay where positions with responsibility are granted as a payment to a favor owed to someone. How is then should a favor freely given, solicited or not, be accepted? In times of extreme needs, it must be handled with care, for the consequences can be damaging spiritually, morally, and spiritually. It can be a cancer that gnaws at the innards. It can be a set trap. And regret is always lurking around the corner.

Red vs blue... from page 29

in Virginia. Gov. OMalley according to TV host Lou Dobbs is responsible for at least 19 tax hikes since he took ofce. His government has carried budget decits year after year. McDonnells Virginia on the other hand could brag of three straight years of budget surpluses. Maryland has 6.5% unemployment rate while Virginia is at 5.2%. Maryland is a union state while Virginia is a right to work state. Between 2007 a d 2010, Maryland reportedly accounted for the largest taxpayer exodus of any state in the region with 31,000 residents leaving the state, many of them relocating to Virginia and bringing with them at

Were not a serious... from page 25

in anger over ctional gates of hell (author Dan Browns description of Manila) or whether our children have complete limbs (supposedly a comment by actress Claire Danes). Lets forget about nonsensical controversies and instead rage against those who steal from us everyday, inveigh against poverty, and demand that the government help the poor, the vulnerable and the weak. Lets make those who ran for ofce promising to make our lives better get to work and fulll their promises. Lets not allow them to take advantage of our individualism and selshness and, thus, control us. Those who control us, whether its government or big economic powers, like things just the way they are. They like us divided and quarreling among ourselves for its easier to divide and conquer when were already divided. And of course they like us poor, the better to keep us vulnerable and helpless, and forever begging for their patronage . We as a nation need to refocus our attention and energies. We need to depolarize ourselves and work as one people. We need to be a Japan, where people dont have to riot and loot to get a piece of relief bread. We need to be a South Korea where, when faced with national bankruptcy, people volunteered their personal money and jewelry so their government could pay its debts. We need to be like the Scandinavian countries where people are embarrassed when they earn or own more than their neighbors. We need to be a serious people, one that isnt easy to satisfy or fool. One that makes a big deal out of Independence, national heroes Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, and not of show biz stars domestic and foreign. How many of us participated in the last Independence Day (June 12) rites? How many went to shopping malls instead? Theres no great country that doesnt make a big deal out of its independence or national day. We must be a people that prefers museums to malls. Malls dont create serious jobs or churn out machinery or products that

Summer Soirees... from page 27

Ambassador Willy and Mrs. Linda Gaa who was visiting from Manila last year. Jose Vargas was nangungupo sa akin as we talked. He said his lola trained him the Filipino way of being polite and respectful to anybody older than himself. Up close and personal: Bata pa siya, inteligente at magalang. At the same table were Ambassador and Mrs. Cuisia. They were warm, amiable and accommodating. Guests surrounded them during the kodakan time. The gala ball was a success with the concerted efforts of the PAFC ofcers, directors and numerous volunteers from the community and various organizations. The sponsors of the gala and the icnicsort of the Philippine Embassy were most appreciated. Other Summer Joie de Vivre Festivities and events are abound the area and nearby drought-resistant varieties of corn and other plants --- or lose to mass hunger, say in Sub-Saharan Africa? A magic bullet may prove elusive. In a report ,released Friday in Nairobi, UN Environment Programme said * *The private sectors future will hinge on its ability to develop goodsand services that reduce impacts from water scarcity to emissions of harmful chemicals GEO-5 for Business: Impacts of a Changing Environment on the Corporate Sector notes signicant business opportunities for greener states like arts and craft shows, golf tournaments, farmers markets, Fil-Am Fiestas, sports fests, home and garden shows, community center festivals and cooking lessons, owering plants garden shows, yoga and Zumba sessions, book sales in community libraries, painting shows, school or community stage concerts, song and piano recitals, bicyclists meet, book reading sessions in public libraries, gem shows and for some others - trips to Atlantic City, MD and Charlestown, VA. Most of these events and activities are free, anyway. First, we have to look for them in the local newspaper, libraries, TV news and internet, then, make plans. Investing your time and energy in worthwhile activities are valuable in the long run. Enjoy! urban construction and retrots. These are in cities where 60 percent of infrastructure still has to be built.. Markets for organic food and beverages expanded by 10 to 20 per cent yearly during the last decade. Companies certied as sustainable food producers can also tap into growing customer demand.

Right Disaster?... from page 25

for Social Change. Only it is more severe. The high risk provinces ank Lingayen Gulf, Camotes Sea , Guimaras Strait , waters along Sibuyan and central Sulu, plus bays in Iligan, Lamonand Bislig. Chances of Manila ooding yearly rose to 65 percent, and Davao s to 90 percent, estimates Clavano, a Cornell University PhD..Rising sea level took a back seat because increased ooding had a more immediate effect. This issue is a major stumbling block to alleviating global poverty, warned World Bank President Jim Yong Kim Progress of the last 20 years, could be set back if nations must divert scarce resources to recover

June 30, 2013

31

32

June 30, 2013