asian journal mar 13 2009

IN SEARCH OF THE GOOD LIFE:Reflections on Tagalog

Family, Class, and Values

(Continued on page 14)

PHILIPPINE NEWS SERVICE -- HOUSE Speaker Prospero Nograles said he will transmit the impeachment complaint against Ombuds-man Merceditas Gutierrez to the plenary today.

The House of Representa-tives has extended its session until Friday in order to com-plete the unfinished business of passing vital measures like the “companion bill” for the automation election.

Earlier, civil society groups and former Senate President Jovito Salonga filed a com-plaint against Gutierrez for her alleged inaction on graft and corruption cases involv-ing high ranking officials especially those close to Malacañang.

Despite the appeal of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo to solons to leave Gutierrez alone, Nograles has no choice but to implement his “ministe-rial job” of transmitting the complaint to the plenary.

Under the rules, the Speaker has 10 session days to transmit the impeachment complaint to the plenary and the Committee on Rules has three session days to refer it to the Committee on Justice for deliberation.

“We will transmit it tomor-row at the latest,” Nograles said yesterday.

Majority Leader Arthur Defensor said in a media forum Ayes and Nays, that it will be up to the Committee on Justice to decide the fate of Guti errez.

Defensor explained that the House leadership’s duty is only to refer any impeachment complaint filed and it will be the members of the justice committee that will discuss the merits of the case.

“Let’s leave it to the wis-

Impeach bid vs Ombudsman moving

Snaphot of Philippine Life

Pushing a cart with riot police in the background. Photo by Ferdinand Edralin.

It is considered a showcase of the best of the Filipino…..

Jollibee’s ‘langhap-sarap’ Chicken Joy, Red Ribbon’s award-winning Mango and

Ube Cakes, and Chowking’s super-delicious mami choices

for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The long wait for the grand opening of the three biggest Filipino

eateries in Westfield Plaza Bonita, located in the South Bay area of San Diego County will soon be over.

On Friday, March 20, Jol-libee, Red Ribbon Bakeshop

Jollibee, Red Ribbon Bakeshop and Chowking

Three Filipino restaurants open in Westfield Plaza Bonita

By Joseph Roley-Arzaga http://www.FilAmSanDiego.com

Last week I received word of an award winning author from the Philippines com-ing to National City to give a talk. I was intrigued not some much that a Filipino author was coming to town as I was in knowing more about his book, now in its 9th printing, entitled “12 Little Things Ever Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country”. The same au-thor also wrote the passionate award winning poem I am Filipino.

In breaking with Filipino tradition, I showed up early at Kalusugan Community

I am Filipino, what can I do?

(Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 4)

By Ashley SilverioAssistant EditorThe San Diego Asian Journal

Few physical records remain of San Di-ego’s early Filipino

communities. Principal establishments like the Mabuhay Café shut their doors decades ago and the first Fil-Am pioneers have long since passed. Howev-er, some believe that there are still remnants of the past, in old photo albums and dusty storage boxes, waiting to be shared and preserved for future gen-erations.

The Filipino American National Historical Soci-ety (FANHS) is leading an effort to compile images of

Filipino Americans of San Diego County gather

memories of the past

Judy Patacsil



Filipinos in San Diego for a photographic history book. The target date to be released is set for October of 2009. The book is a part of Arca-dia Publishing’s Images in America series.

With the publication of the forthcoming title, FANHS hopes to “to be able

What is happening now in Wall Street is a great con-cern to those who plan to retire soon. People worry

about their diminishing retirement funds like 401k that is tied up with the stock market. Even the liquid money in most financial institutions can be lost if the banks go under. For most, the gain in real estate investments is

gone and home equities are going down.

By Bill Labestre

See page 7

What would you do?

Today, fifty years later, the family togetherness are rare and far in between. His parents and a brother

are gone and he and his other siblings live in differ-ent parts of the world. But the memories, the happy memories of their Sundays in Quiapo, will always remain in their hearts and minds, for all of them to

forever cherish and enjoy.

By Simeon G. SilverioPublisher & Editor

The San Diego Asian JournalSee page 5

Quiapo MemoriesSunday, Sweet Sunday

Quinta Market

PNS -- CONCERT king and now acknowledged King of Remakes Martin Nievera has recorded his new album under Polyeast Records to which he has pledged his allegiance by exclaiming, “I will never move on to anoth-er recording company.” It is entitled For Always featuring classic songs from the 80s and the 90s.

Does he mind being called king of remakes or revivals?

“Not at all because this trend has been going on for quite sometime. I grew up listening to songs like “The Nearness of You” or “Misty.” I like singing these songs because they are simple and meaningful. We don’t come out with magical songs like this. Ang mga notes ngayon ng kanta eh halu-halo and it is hard to follow their rhythm kung meron man. The songs of yesteryears are so roman-tic you feel proud choosing one and dedicating it to your

Martin admits trying to save marriage

Martin Nievera

girlfriend.” How do you choose

which songs to include in the album?

“We list down as many as we could and the list could really be long. Then we started crossing out until we settled for the ones we feel na dapat ay irecord. We save the rest for the next album. We also give in to requests from fans who want a par-

Alex Lacson talking to community members about ways they can make a positive difference in the lives of all Filipinos.

Artist’s perspective of the soon-to-open store in Westfield Plaza Bonita

March 13 - 18, 2009

Msgr. Gutierrez Miles BeauchampCommercialism in God’s name

Riz A. OadezStanding on my head

so I can hear you

March 13 - 19, 2009Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.com

Letters to the EditorRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

LAW OFFICES OF

E.B. ALEJO“20+ Years Experience”Been living in San Diego since 1977

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

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

*Author,”How to Apply for the US Tourist Visa” as listed by worldwide bookseller Amazon.com Bookstores

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

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

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

*Born in the Philippines (Cavite)

For your convenience, walk-ins acceptedespecially between 2:00pm – 7:00pm

Business days Monday to Friday

IMMIGRATION LAW • DIVORCE • WILLS & TRUSTS • CRIMINAL DEFENSE • BUSINESS LAW • CREDIT/DEBT DISPUTES and PROBLEMS • WAGE & HOUR

VIOLATIONS • UNEMPLOYMENT APPEALS • WORK CONTRACTS • LANDLORD – TENANT DISPUTES • BANKRUPTCY ASSISTANCE • FORECLOSURES

FAIR PRICES/COURTEOUS AND FRIENDLY SERVICE

We can accept the following on a Contingency Basis (NO ATTORNEY FEES UNLESS WE WIN):

AUTO ACCIDENT/PERSONAL INJURY • WRONGFUL TERMINATION • SEXUAL HARASSMENT/HOSTILE WORK

PLACE • WORK DISCRIMINATION (Racial, Age, Gender, Disability)

240 Woodlawn Avenue, Suite 11, Chula Vista, CA 91910Convenient location and plenty of free parking;

Near Chula Vista trolley station. Nagsasalita kami ng Tagalog

call (619) 203-5782 • (619) 254-7610We can help you stop worrying about your legal problems.

Also Available:Tax Preparation Services (Low Prices!)

Imagine my surprise when I happened to glance at your “Let-ters to the Editor”

Section. If Asian Journal be-lieves in the proposed ‘Fairness Doctrine Bill’, then this newspa-per is way ahead of the game.

The other Filipino-American newspapers are mere sound-ing boards of President Barack Obama’s administration. Some Filipino-Americans are no different from lemmings that blindly follow the command of Obama, the great messiah. They jump from the ledge of the cliff just to conform with the major-ity.

The sad truth is that being with the majority does not necessari-ly mean doing the right thing. It takes courage and valor to stand up against the majority. It takes fortitude to resist bowing to the image of Obama.

I compliment and salute Mc King Alanis for writing his stand against the ruining of the mili-tary retirees’ Tri-Care for Life program. I am not surprised that Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid would scheme in cutting this benefit. Obama already announced he would cut 10% of the Defense budget.

The fact of the matter is that some columnists in other Fili-pino-American newspapers are retired military personnel. And to boost, these men used to be military officers, the so-called leaders of other enlistees. Yet, these men swallow Obama’s ev-ery word, hook, line, and sinker. I can understand mainstream TV hosts like Chris Matthews, who gets “a thrill in his legs” when-ever he hear Obama speaks. A famous liberal female journalist also wrote fantasizing having sex with President Obama. An-other media personality recently commented that listening to Barack Obama speak, is better than having sex. In a sence it

Speak Up and Be Heard !is true, for every time Obama speaks, the American people get screwed.

Two weeks ago, I told Jay-son, my 13 year-old grandson, to remember the name Barack Obama. The way things are going even his future grandsons’ grandchildren would be heavily taxed in order to recover from Obama’s stimulus bill.

The only good earmark in the economic stimulus bill is the money allotted for the old Filipi-no veterans, who fought along-side the American forces against the Japanese in World War II. Some of the agenda driven earmarks include: spending millions of dollars for protect-ing some rats in San Francisco, and for people who want their tattoos removed; billions will be spent for building a train trans-port system from Disneyland to Las Vegas;

Four and a half billions is reserved for ACORN, the or-ganization involved during last year’s election scandal.

Pray tell, how could these spending provide jobs and stimulate the economy? The only semblance of stimulation is for the study and eradication of STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases).

I call on the brave Filipino-Americans, military retirees or civilians, to speak up, and be counted. Fight for your rights, as dictated by your values. Do not give in to the Socialists. Remember the oath you made when you became an American citizen- “To protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and DOMES-TIC.”

Very Respectfully,

MAC(SW) Narrie Babao, USN (Retired)

(Continued from page 1)Services in order to get some

candid photos and catch up with folks I’ve not seen in a while. As I was watching people come and fill the room, I found myself standing next to a quiet gentle-man, similar to me in size and age, who looked oddly familiar. I started making small talk, mainly in hopes I could remember where I’ve met him. Well, about 2 minutes into our conversation, it hits me where I’ve seen him. His name is Alex Lacson, the au-thor that everyone was coming to see that evening. By the way, his photo on the promotional flyer is exactly what he looks like in person.

Having personally organized dozens of these types of events, Alex came across as one of the most down to earth speaker I’ve had the honor of meeting. His words were soft yet heartfelt and he didn’t talk about himself or try to impress me with his accomplishments. His demeanor reminded me of another coun-tryman, the former Philippines Ambassador, Albert de Rosario whom I had the pleasure of bringing to San Diego just before he retired.

I am Filipino, what can I do? Moments later, after the cus-

tomary singing our national an-thems, a prayer by Dr. Cudal and introduction by Tony Olaes, Mr. Lacson took hold of the mike and began a most captivating of speeches aimed at explaining our need to take care of Filipi-nos; not only here in America but Filipinos worldwide. He laid the groundwork by giving a brief history lesson about how the Philippines, in just under 40 years, went from being the number one country in Asia to being number seven. He went on to further discuss the current outlook of the Philippines and how we are now seen as having one of the most corrupt govern-ments in Asia. Additionally its people are seen and portrayed as servants, objects of sexual ridi-cule or uneducated people - as seen in last year’s controversial show “Desperate Housewives” and on BBC’s show Paul and Harry Show.

Alex then went on to talk about the current state of affairs in the Philippines, referring to the November 24th, 2008 Time Magazine article entitled “The Motherless Generation” which showed that in the Philippines

almost 10 million kids, 1 one 4, are growing up without a mother or father. Because the govern-ment cannot provide job for the parents, one or both parents are forced to seek work abroad. With so many Filipinos abroad, the lack of parental supervision and income has resulted in over 11 million school age children who are not able to attend school to get an education. It is this lack of education, Mr. Lacson purports, which prevents many Filipinos from being able to become good leaders and stew-ards, a basic component of any

progressive society.To overcome this disparity,

it was suggested that Filipinos abroad, not only in America, but in other places such as Canada and Australia consider adopt-ing a child and sponsoring their education. If 100,000 families sponsored just one child, imag-ine the potential of 100,000 more Filipinos being educated and going on to provide for their families and their country. With more people being educated comes the potential that a better selection of leaders can emerge


Author Alex Lacson taking a moment to pose with members of Gawad Kalinga - San Diego.

Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.comMarch 13 - 19, 2009

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo lead the unveil-ing of the marker during her visit to Juan Macaraeg National High School in Barangay Canarvacanan, Binalonan, Pangasinan. Join-ing her are (L) DepEd-1 Regional Director Ligaya Miguel, DepEd Secretary Jesli Lapus, (C) Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino and (R) Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico. CHARLIE OLILA/PCPO/ PNS

PHILIPPINE NEWS SER-VICE -- AROUND 111,536 “green-collar” jobs await fami-lies in upland areas as the =0 A Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has opened up new employment opportunities in response to the directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to intensify government’s income-generating services under the Comprehen-sive Livelihood and Emer-gency Employ-ment Program (CLEEP).

DENR Secre-tary Lito Atienza said the “green-collar” workers will operate under two major components comprising the DENR-CLEEP, namely, the Upland Develop-ment Program (UDP) and the “Bantay Gubat” (BG) Project.

“The Upland Development Program and the Bantay Gubat Project form part of President Arroyo’s endeavor to provide green-collar jobs to society’s most vulnerable sectors by giv-ing them access to short-term employment opportunities, which, in turn, will give them economic resiliency to respond to the anticipated adverse im-pacts of the ongoing worldwide economic downturn,” Atienza

DENR to hire 111,536 ‘green-collar’ workerssaid.

Under the UDP component, Atienza said around 52,425 upland farmers will be hired as workers to plant forest and fruit tree seedlings, including high-value cash crops. “Under the UDP component, we have set aside some 49,318 hectares of upland areas and around 2,000 hectar es of mangrove areas, where reforestation and agro-

forestry activities will be under-taken by upland families.”

Under the BG component, on the other hand, Atienza said some 59,111 qualified upland residents will be hired as forest guards, with a monthly pay of P3,000. “The task of the Bantay Gubat will be to conduct foot patrol to detect timber poaching while monitoring for any sign of forest fire. They will also be tapped in collecting seeds while on patrol,” Atienza said.

Each BG will be allotted an

area of 342 hectares to monitor, bringing to a total of 6.2 million hectares of forest lands placed under the BG project.

For its UDP’s agroforestry scheme, each farmer will be given a hectare to develop for a fee of P3,270 per month to plant cash crops. Projected earnings are expected to reach around P23,270 per year from the sale of their produce.

Priority areas for reforestation are watersheds, stream banks, mangrove areas, and open and denuded forestlands not covered by any DENR-issued tenurial in-strument like community-based forest agreement but needing immediate rehabilitation.

The Cordillera Administrative Region topped the UDP-com-ponent list with 7,733 hectares (has.) followed by Regions 5 and 10 with 4,841 has. (4, 601 has. upland, 240 has. mangrove) and 4,246 has. (4,126 has upland, 120 has mangrove), respectively.

Other areas targeted under the UDP-component include: Region 2 with 3,752 has. (3,694 has. upland, 102 has. man-grove); Region 9, 2,725 has. (2,398 has. upland, 327 has. mangrove); Region 8, 3,706 has. (3,680 has. upland, 26 has. mangrove); Region 3, 3,674 has. (3,572 has. upland, 102 has. mangrove); Region 13, 3,551 has. (3,346 has. upland, 211 has. mangrove); Region 11, 3,274 has. (3,244 has upland, 30 has. mangrove).

PHILIPPINE NEWS SERVICE -- WORLD Bank officials have agreed to meet the senators to discuss the pro cesses observed in blacklisting firms which they found to have employed cor-ruption to win contracts funded by the agency.

But in his letter yesterday to Finance Secretary Marga-rito Teves, Bert Hof-man, WB country director for East Asia and Pacific Region, set his own terms on how the “informal tech-nical meeting” on the debarment case will be conducted.

The WB officials will not discuss the investigation that its Institutional Integrity Divi-sion had conducted against the three construction firms which allegedly colluded to corner WB-funded infrastructure projects.

WB execs to meet senatorsUpon the request of Sen.

Miriam Defensor-Santiago, chair of the Senate committee on economics, Teves had written Hofman last Feb.17 to “invite” the latter for an informal briefing

at the Senate on the blacklist-ing of EC de Luna Construction firm, Cavite Ideal Construction firm, and CM Pancho Construc-tion firm. The briefing will be on Feb. 24.

Santiago, who earlier assailed WB officials for their refusal to attend Senate hearings, said she will no longer issue a subpoena to Hofman. “Instead, as he himself has suggested, we shall

invite him through the secretary of finance to an informal techni-cal briefing, to be attended not only by the members of the three committees handling the World Bank issue, but by all the sena-

tors, if that is the wish of our col-leagues,” she said.

”The objective of the World Bank is simply to find out if there

is some evidence if collusion has taken place, because their main objective is to prevent corruption in the bidding of World Bank-funded projects,” she stressed.

”In the case of the Senate, we are conducting an inquiry in aid of legislation. We have to find out what things are covered by the jurisdiction of the World Bank,” she said.

PHILIPPINE NEWS SER-VICE -- VICE President Noli de Castro yesterday said there is no need for a law requiring journal-ists to give the subject of their stories the opportunity to reply but stressed this should serve as a wake-up call for writers to be fair and responsible.

De Castro, also a veteran broadcast journalist, issued the statement after the Right of Re-ply Bill in Congress was filed.

Journalists’ code of ethics enough -- Noli

“I don’t see th e need for a law requiring journalists to give their subjects the opportunity to reply. This is already ensured in their sworn duty as journalists based on their Code of Ethics, giving the chance of rejoinder to the parties involved in their respec-tive stories,” De Castro said.

He believes that the contro-versy stirred up by the Right of Reply Bill should remind jour-nalists they must be ethical and not abuse freedom of the press.

“Well, we cannot deny that what prompted our legislators to propose this bill was the fact that we were all witnesses and some were even victims of irresponsi-ble journalism. Now is the time for all journalists to reflect on the abusive ways that have now been vicious practices in the field of journalism. Freedom of the press is not a tool to oppress but a tool to reveal the truth to the people,” De Castro said.

“What is really important is for media practitioners to be faithful to the ethical standards required of them. The basic tenets of fairness will impel a journalist to air both sides of every issue,” De Castro said.

Moreover, De Castro said, the Constitution guarantees press freedom, which the Right of Reply Bill seems to curtail.

“It is a subtle way of tell-ing journalists how to write or broadcast their story on pain of legal sanctions. A free journal-ist is one who is not afraid but is instead responsible, the Vice President said.

VICE President Noli de Castro


(619) 702-3051

(Continued from page 1)to tell the San Diego story of Filipinos,” San Diego chapter president Judy Patacsil says.

Patacsil and other FAHNS members are encouraging mem-bers of the community to share their vintage photographs by submitting digital copies of the images in a .tif file or by bring-ing photographs to FANHS community days. At the next community day scheduled on March 14th at the Educational Cultural Complex 4343 Ocean View Blvd in room 144, scan-ners will be available so that photographs may be returned to contributors in a matter of minutes.

Contributions can be made in person, with most images returned to the owner within a matter of minutes. The pho-tograph is scanned to create a high-resolution file of the image, after which the original is returned to the owner. After signing a release form, contribu-tors fill-out a caption form to provide details about the image. FANHS also accepts photo-graphs as donations to their permanent collection.

Submissions must be received by the end of March. Inquiries may be directed to Patacsil at [email protected]. Over two hundred images will be selected for publication with full credit to the contributors.

FANHS plans to tap their cata-logue of vintage photographs. The anticipated title will include images of Filipino pensionados and students circa 1900, the earliest images of FANHS col-lection.

A number of FANHS chapters throughout California and in Chicago and Jersey City have released versions of the slim, sepia-toned books through Ar-cadia publishing, which special-izes in publishing local history and niche market titles.

The FAHNS San Diego chap-ter has timed the release of its edition to coincide with Filipino American History Month in October.

Defining moments for Filipi-nos in this country have marked Patacsil’s life. As a second gen-eration Filipina who grew up in Southeast San Diego, Patacsil has championed the Filipino American causes in her work as a founding member of the San

Filipino Americans of San Diego County gather

memories of the pastDiego chapter of FANHS and as a Miramar College counselor/professor. Her father came to the US in the 1920s as part of the manong generation, and then returned to the Philippines and fought in World War II. He then married and brought his wife back to California.

“We grew up near the area of Imperial and Market. That was the area where people of color could buy property back in the fifties, before I was born... On that block where I lived, there were about six Filipino fami-lies,” Patacsil remembers. After time, Filipino families started to disseminate into other com-munities, including Paradise Valley, Chula Vista, and Mira Mesa.

Patacsil’s family, how-ever, stayed near Imperial and watched as the former enclave transformed. Although few physical details remain the same from that time, Patacsil still re-members her early experiences as a Filipina in San Diego.

dom of the lawmakers,” he said.

Malacañang meanwhile branded as a “nuisance” the personalities behind the im-peachment complaint against Ombdusman Merceditas Guiterrez.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez said the initiators of the im-peachment complaint were the same group behind the com-plaint filed against President Macapagal-Arroyo.

“Parang iisa lang yata ang motibo ng grupo na ito. They are just nuisance to the works of every institution which actually at the end of the day, ilang beses nang nabasura ang impeachment laban sa ating Pangulo dahil wala silang maipakitang ebidensya,” Golez told a radio interview.

Impeach bid vs

Ombudsman moving

(Continued from page 1)

SACRAMENTO, CA — Ac-cording to a new report released today, continuing support for older youth in foster care can create substantial cost savings for California while helping build better lives and futures for some of the state’s most vulner-able young people. The report estimates that California could realize at least a 2-1 benefit-to-cost ratio in extending foster care for youth to age 21. Released at a Sacramento briefing featur-ing legislative leaders Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) and Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), Supreme Court Justice Carlos Moreno, Assembly Health Services Committee Chair Jim Beall, Jr. (D-San Jose), As-semblymember Danny Gilmore (R-Hanford), Assemblymember Nathan Fletcher (R-San Diego), children’s advocates, including John Burton of the John Burton Foundation for Children Without Homes, and former foster youth, the report provides additional support for implementing AB 12 (Beall, Bass), legislation recently introduced in the California Assembly to draw down newly-available federal funds to provide enhanced support for relative caregivers and foster youth from age 18 to 21.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS The report, California’s Fos-

tering Connections to Success Act and the Costs and Benefits of Extending Foster Care to 21, chronicled the positive outcomes experienced by youth who were allowed to remain in care past the age of 18 in Illinois, versus those who exited the system at 18 in Wisconsin and Iowa. The report found that youth who remained in care until age 21 experienced the following positive outcomes:

· Three times more likely to

enroll in college.· 65% less likely to have been

arrested.· 38% reduction in the risk of

teen pregnancy. In contrast, emancipated youth

who do not receive assistance are more likely to be incarcerated, unemployed and/or homeless, which results in extraordinary costs to public systems. The challenges faced by youth who age out of foster care in Califor-nia and across the nation include:

· 1 in 4 become incarcerated

within two years of leaving foster care.

· Less than 50% graduate from high school; fewer than 5% graduate from college.

· 1 in 5 experience homeless-ness within a year and a half of aging out of foster care.

The report states that the net cost of extending foster care to age 21 in Illinois and other

New report finds benefits out weigh costs 2 - 1 in providing foster care support, services to

California youth to age 21

Report Strengthens Push for Foster Care Legislation

Midwestern states is approxi-mately $37,948 per youth. (This figure reflects the total cost of overall program participation.) Available information suggests that the cost of extending care in California may be less. Under the federal-state partnership created by recent passage of federal leg-islation, the federal government is expected to pay approximately 50% of these costs. The report was co-authored by Dr. Mark Courtney of the University of Washington and Amy Dworsky and Clark Peters of the Univer-sity of Chicago. The report was underwritten by the Walter S. Johnson Foundation.

STATEMENTS OF PARTIC-

IPANTS “This report along with historic

federal legislation has provided us with a unique opportunity to realize our vision for foster youth in California,” said Bass. “AB 12, the California Fostering Con-nections to Success Act, would enable us to improve outcomes for older foster youth while maintaining our firm commit-ment to fiscal responsibility.”

“The evidence is clear: it pays to support foster youth,” said Steinberg. “AB 12 allows California to provide older youth in foster care with the health, education and other supports and services they need, and helps our state save substantial money in future costs.”

“No responsible parent would cut their child off at age 18 or 19, and say to them ‘You are an adult now, and you can no longer return home, rely on my support or turn to me for guidance,’” said Justice Moreno, who serves as Chair of the California Blue Ribbon Commission on Children in Foster Care and as a relative caregiver himself. “But that is exactly what California does to its foster youth.” In its final rec-ommendations, the Blue Ribbon Commission has urged the state to extend foster care supports to youth up to age 21.

“California’s leadership on child welfare issues provides us an opportunity to capture savings and reinvest them in our foster youth,” said Beall. “AB 12 lets California use newly available federal funds to assure that youth in foster care can realize their full potential, while saving the state money at the same time.”

“I am very pleased to co-author AB 12 with Assemblymember Beall. So many former foster youth and those who are aging-out of foster care are ill-equipped to be out on their own, with little to no adult support or assistance with things that other young people take for granted. This bill will help foster youth ac-cess resources that will help to give them a brighter future,” said Gilmore.

“By supporting AB 12 and opting into an existing Federal program we reduce the likeli-hood of foster youth experienc-ing homelessness, involvement with the legal system, and unwed pregnancy,” said Fletcher. “This is an investment in our youth that will dramatically pay off.”

“Every $1 invested in con-tinued foster care supports and services results in a return of $2.40,” said Dr. Courtney. “Our research shows that support-ing foster youth to 21 increases their ability to become educated, productive, taxpaying members of society, and increases their lifetime earning potential by at least $92,000.”

“Providing transitional sup-port services to foster youth until age 21 will give more youth the chance to be prepared to leave the system and survive on their own. The devastating statistics we know too well of our former foster youth no longer have to be true, and AB 12 is their chance,” said former foster youth Kevin West. “I truly believe that every foster youth deserves the chance I had been given. Finally, hav-ing some stability in my life has enabled me to go back to school, I currently attend community college and I plan to transfer to a

four-year university to eventually become a social worker.”

AB 12 HIGHLIGHTS AB 12 would enable California

to implement provisions of recent landmark federal legislation reforming the way the nation’s foster care system is funded. AB 12 has two key provisions:

· Modifying California’s suc-cessful state-only funded Kin-GAP program to align with new federal requirements, allowing the use of federal dollars to sup-port relative guardians.

· Reinvesting the savings realized from this modifica-tion -- as well as accessing new federal funding -- to provide transitional support for eligible California foster youth until age 21. The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates these saving to be between $31 to $36 million during 2009-2010 phase-in, $70 million in 2010-2011 and annu-ally thereafter. These savings more than offset the costs to the State of California for extending support.

Each year, more than 5000 youth “age out” of California’s foster care system at 18 or 19 years of age, depending on whether they are close to high school graduation. Young people emancipating from California’s foster care system face a difficult transition to adulthood complete-ly on their own, with no family to rely on for support and guidance. Foster youth are no more ready for independence at age 18 or 19 than their peers outside the foster care system. Research reveals that most Americans do not con-sider a person an adult until age 26 or until he/she had finished school, started a full-time job and begun to raise a family.

AB 12 is sponsored by the Alliance for Child and Family Services California Youth Con-nection, the Children’s Law Cen-ter of Los Angeles, the County Welfare Directors Association of California, the John Burton Foundation for Children Without Homes, the Judicial Council of California, the Service Employ-ees International Union (SEIU) State Council and the Youth Law Center. To read the full report and learn more about AB 12, visit: www.cafosteringconnec-tions.org

by Ashley Silverio

On the moveRead Ashley Silverio’s previous articles by visit-

ing our website at www.asianjournalusa.com


(619) 423-1504 San Diego(619) 477-8891 National City(619) 855-9687 Chula Vista

(619) 479-5718 Spring Valley

“Wake up.”With a nudge on

his shoulder, his mother’s soft voice had awakened him from deep slumber. It was early Sunday morn-ing. Six o’clock to be exact. Way too early for him to be awakened on a Sunday. Like his other siblings, weekends for him gave him a time to recover from sleep after the daily grind of waking up at six a.m. to go to school on weekdays. His brothers and sisters would take the most of the practice and sleep in until ten in the morning to rest.

But he was the chosen one to accompany his mother to the market. At ten years old, he was big enough to carry the bay-ong (bag made of palm leaves) filled with items after an hour of inspecting freshly ladened food stands at the Quinta Market, the wet market on Echague Street, located just a few blocks away from their house on Platerias Street in Quiapo, the downtown area of Manila. His elder brother, at fourteen would be old enough to balk at the chore, since as a teenager, he was already con-scious of what people would think of him as he accompanied his mother to the market. His el-der sister, at twelve, would have been at the right age, but she was a girl and heavy lifting was

Sunday, Sweet SundayQuiapo on Sundays, with all the business establishments closed, was like a ghost town. It was the time for peace

and quiet and for their family members to be together and enjoy each other‘s company.

a task assigned to boys like him. It was the practice of his mother to do the marketing on Sundays, a special day when everyone in the family would sit together to enjoy a sumptuous lunch. On weekdays, the task was assigned to the maids since his mother would attend classes as a public school teacher. Besides, they did not eat together during lunchtime on weekdays, as each had differ-ent school schedules to follow.

He was very careful not to wake up the others as he put on his clothes and his shoes. He did not bother to have breakfast as he and his mother would have it at the public market after hearing mass.

Quiapo Church was already overflowing by the time they arrived. The Parish was said to have the largest alms collection in the Philippines, as its patron saint, the Black Nazarene, at-tracted thousands of devotees. Being in the heart of Manila, the church was in the center of activ-ity and people from all over town passed through the area. As they did so, they were obligated to go inside the church, say a prayer or two, and put in a donation in the poor box. That Sunday morning, all he and his mom could do was stand by the door as they listened to the priest say mass inside. Amidst the solemnity of the oc-casion, he could hear the vendors by the fence of the church sell-ing their goods to churchgoers: candles, sampaguita flowers, rosaries, prayer books, different medicinal herbs and root prod-

ucts and other wares that could be imagined.

As always, it was a muggy Sunday morning. After mass, they walked across Plaza Miran-da along Villalobos Street. At the end was Echague Street where the Quinta Market was located. Vendors pestered them along the route, some selling kalamansi on a bilao, others had other fruits and vegetables like banana, string beans, papaya and even the imported fruits like apples and grapes.They proceeded to the cooked food section of the market and sat down on the stools at their favorite eatery.

“What would you like?” his mom asked him.

He opted to eat suman and ripe mango that time. Last Sunday, he had dinuguan and puto and next Sunday, he planned to have pancit palabok. His mom settled for arroz caldo as he eagerly ate his breakfast.

“Let us get mudfish,” his mom told him afterwards. Broiled mudfish was his dad’s favorite dish. Although it was the food his dad grew up with in the province, he never got tired of it. In contrast, some of his dad’s uncles who still lived in the province could deftly catch mud-fish with the use of a salakab but would never eat them again. He remembered his dad telling him that years before, there were plenty of fish in the rice pad-dies. These days, with the use of the fertilizer farmers are able

to harvest rice in a field at least three times a year. However, most of the fish, frogs and crabs that were once plentiful have disappeared.

“Anong gusto mo, suki (what do you like, frequent custom-er)?” the vendor asked his mom.

She pointed at a huge mudfish wriggling in a wet and huge pan in front of the vendor. The price haggling started until both the vendor and the buyer agreed on an amount that was half that of the quoted price. Haggling was a standard practice that gave satisfaction to the buyer and enabled the vendor to sell his wares. It may have been the tacit assumption by everyone that the prices were actually half the quoted price, hence, the buyer would short change himself if he did not haggle on the prices of the goods.

The vendor quickly grabbed the fish, hit its head with a piece of wood to immobilize, if not kill it, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to his mom. His mom bought another fish since one would not be enough for their big family and three maids. They then proceeded to the meat section. Huge carcasses of meat, like the body of a cow split from shoulder to hoof hung from spikes at the back of the stalls while vendors carved the meat into small pieces. Another vendor, whose supply of meat had not yet been delivered, was busy peeling off the layers of the

wood where the meat would be placed with a big chopping knife. Instead of merely scrubbing the top of the wood every time with soap and water, they wo uld prefer scraping off its top.

Another was busy making longanisa (native sausage), He would put pieces of meat on a grinder, hook up dried intestine of a pig on one end, and rotate a handle with his right arm. As the meat was ground, it was squeezed into the intestine. To make it more delicious, the butcher would occasionally put small cubes of fat in between. When the filling was about four inches long, the vendor would tie up one end, and continue filling up the intestine using the same process.

His mom bought two dozens of longanisa and a kilo of soup bones. From another vendor, she purchased two dozens of pork chops until her son felt the bayong getting heavier. But they were not done with their shop-ping. Although almost an hour had passed, most of the time his mom continued to haggle for a bargain. After buying veg-etables and spices, they went to the coconut section and ordered

two shells of ground coconut. The vendor broke into half the brittle coconut shell with a bolo, drained the water into a waiting pail, turned on the automatic grinder, and placed half shell of the coconut meat against a bulb-shaped rotating blade. The shredded coconut meat were ac-cumulated in a small plastic bag. They would have chicken curry that day.

At the chicken section, his mother asked for two native dumalaga (spring chicken). The native spring chicken was much more delicious than the imported white leghorns raised in poultry farms. Native spring chicken typi cally were not cooped up, roamed in the farm and had much more delicious meat.

On their way home, they saw Chito, the sweepstakes ticket vendor with deformed arms and legs already settled in his station on the sidewalk in front of the Quinta Pharmacy on the corner of Carriedo and Evangelista Streets. He had been selling sweepstakes tickets on that corner since five years ago and it had been his only source of live-


Chicken Curry

Quiapo Memories

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

by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.


Perspectives

ASIAN JOURNALThe fi rst Asian-Filipino weekly in Southern California

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

In Pursuit of Excellence

Ashley SilverioAssistant Editor

Eugenio “Ego” Osin, (1946 - 1994)Joe Cabrera, (1924 - 1996)

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

Genevieve SilverioManaging Editor

Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Publisher & Editor

Miles BeauchampAssociate Editor

Santi SilverioAssociate Publisher

At Large...

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

by Miles Beauchamp

by Riz A. Oades

Voices & Images

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

Shangri la and Brig a doonThe east has their Shangri-LaThe west has their Brig a doonFantasy secluded places fullof love, peace and harmonyAway from the hustle and bristle of civilizationConjured by men still longingfor that true EdenLost, by eating the forgotten appleBut all is not lostThere’s still the conscienceAnd free will to be usedWisely or otherwiseTo regain that beautiful realm of joy peace and total harmonyWith the help of Jesus of course

©2008 copyright by Soledad O. Bautista. All rights reserved.

By Jean Jenkins

A friend of mine, Jean Jenkins, is taking the column this week because she talks about some-thing all of us think about but never write. She wrote about it better than I ever could.

My cell phone is possessed. Some evenings it won’t ring, sending calls straight to voice

Standing on my head so I can hear you

Snap, crackle and pop isn’t just for breakfast cereal anymore

mail, banishing friends and clients alike without prejudice. Then around the time I’m relax-ing quietly on the edge of sleep, electronic tones jerk me awake announcing that I have a mes-sage. Or two. Or fi ve.

Most afternoons between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. I have no signal at all. If the house caught on fi re, I’d have to run into the street and scream for help.

Listening to voice mail reminds me of trying to communicate with someone on the other side of Mars.

When I call for messages, as I play and replay the message, hoping that I can eventually decipher it, I picture myself trapped in a game of Charades. ‘The meeting is (static) at (sound dropout) night. Liz said to bring (fuzzy fade) and it’s… (then comes the rude double-beep signaling a disconnect).

It’s just as well the Voice Mail Lady isn’t standing in front of me. The police frown on what I’d like to do to her.

Last week, I called technical support. A nice man answered from somewhere in the Midwest. I started with the easiest prob-lem: I have four solid bars until I start to make a call, then they drop to one or less. He quickly had an answer. Cell coverage isn’t good in my area, but the company is upgrading and I should see a big difference in a couple of months. However, I’m now on my third address with the same dropout problem, and that’s been tech’s answer every time. Do they use a different calendar? Measure months in millennia maybe?

Next I asked about having no signal afternoons between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. He wasn’t as quick this time, but eventually he had it. I live on a hill surrounded by freeways: the 5, the 8, the 163. “Think of all those people stuck in traffi c,” he said. “What do they do? They talk on the phone to kill time.” Going by his theory, on the 4th of July, when every resident from east county heads to the beach to watch the fi reworks and all freeways at my end of town are at a standstill, I shouldn’t be able to get a signal from noon on. Doesn’t happen. Only happens 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. Like clockwork.

On to the next question I’d been dying to ask. I live near both Lindbergh Field and San Diego Bay, where the Navy plays all sorts of games and tests more equipment than civilians are supposed to know about. Could my signal problems have something to do with all that ra-dar? Could the Navy be doing a

computer dump or something at that time every afternoon? “It’s possible,” he said, “although there’s no way to prove it. But I have to tell you, I’ve had that same question from people all over the country who live near military bases.”

Last question: Why has my phone developed a compulsion to disconnect just as an outgoing call starts to ring? “It’s an older phone,” I said, “but not that old.’ The clucking noise he made relegated my phone to past the age of dirt. “When it starts doing that, I have to reboot it in order to be able to put a call through,” I told him. “Is it the service or the phone? Do you think any-thing would change if I got a new phone?”

You could try that,” he said quickly. “Or it could be the SIM card. Those do get wear on them. You can go to any of our stores and they’ll be glad to put in a new SIM card for you – or if you want to upgrade your phone…”

“If I upgrade, doesn’t that mean I’m committed to another couple years of service from this company?” I asked.

Silence on the other end of the line. Then: “Not necessarily.”

Yeah, sure. But we ended the call on a

happy note. He sent the very latest enhancements to my phone and said he hoped they worked. I thanked him and hung up wondering why in the world I am paying thirty-plus dollars a month for an alarm clock, which is the only function this phone performs well and without fail.

Yesterday was my brother’s birthday. He lives east of the Mississippi in a mountainous region. Between the time differ-ence and our busy schedules, we seldom talk.

But on this special day, I called him on my cell phone. I was perched on my easy chair, lean-ing hard toward the window to fi nd the best signal. He an-swered and we were able to talk for almost a minute. When my phone cut out, I called him back. A few more words, then the call dropped again. I called again. This time, from the sound, he had obviously driven into the

middle of the nearest river. “I’ll call you back,” he said, right before the call dropped again. I waited. And waited.

Finally I reached for my phone – and found that his call had gone straight to voice mail; the phone had been sitting right beside me and hadn’t rang. Our next call lasted long enough for me to complain about some com-puter problems and he—a tech—offered to walk me through a fi x. “You can’t,” I told him. “I’m standing in the middle of the liv-ing room fl oor turned away from the computer. That’s the only way I can hear—“Before I could

fi nish the sentence, I heard two little beeps, signaling a discon-nect.

After several calls back and forth, we gave up. Later that evening, we made contact by jury-rigged landline.

Cell phones do have their place, like at two in the morning when you have car trouble on a dark street. But, believe me, nothing beats Ma Bell hardwired into the wall. Depending on where you live.

Jean Jenkins is a San Diego author, editor, book reviewer and more fun than should be allowed

Growing up in the town of Lumban and Pasay City with

meager educational op-portunities in his boyhood, Rosel Aquino Zobel never could have dreamed that as an adult he would be an ac-complished university pro-fessor on both sides of the Pacifi c, an award-winning journalist and founder of a model nonprofi t organiza-tion in California.

The term “culture” applies to all Filipinos. They have some kinds of cultural traits and be-haviors conditioned by the way they are raised, how their envi-ronment or education infl uences them, and the society in which they live. So are the people of Lumban, Laguna, Philippines.

Family & Town Wonders Family life centers on the chil-

dren. “As agent of socialization, the family prepares the children for life in society; inculcates such characteristic Filipino virtues as conformity, nonin-terference with others, loyalty to family – teaching these by

Bangkero festival, one of the river festivities in nearby Lumban.

Beatriz Aquino

Dual Heritage2nd of a Series

IN SEARCH OF THE GOOD LIFE:Refl ections on Tagalog

Family, Class, and Values*

precept and example,” according to Anthropologist Robert Fox.

In both urban and rural areas, both boys and girls have specifi c duties – all of which are thought to train them for their adult roles. Ordinarily, girls learn housekeeping and the boys, as soon as they are old enough to help the family earn a living.

The strong economic interde-pendence among family mem-bers is an important fact that keeps the Zobel family together.

This family also provides a rel-atively large, close-knit family

that includes children, 4 broth-ers -- Rosel, Bernie, Roque, and Ruben -- and 5 sisters – Avelina, Mila, Emma, Luz, and Bea.

As adult, the oldest son Rosel maintains a special bond with his aging parents and regarded by them as the protector of the family values. He also continu-ally contributed to the family’s livelihood; and was instrumental in getting all family members, except one, to the United states.

The nuclear family serves as link between two extended fami-lies – that of the husband and that of the wife. Authority within the household resided primarily in Rosel’s father Lorenzo but also in his mother Beatriz, in older members of the extended or joint family who live in the

same roof, and in older siblings, relative to younger ones.

Lorenzo married Beatriz and at fi rst the couple resided at his par-ent’s household; and then built their own home in nearby empty lot owned by Don Fernando Villagas, a rich Chinese-Filipino farmer-proprietor.

The nuclear family fi nances were in the charge of his mother at least with regard to normal household expenses. Among families the wife and mother is a role consulted on all important business as well as family mem-

bers. A lot of women help toward the support of the families by work not only in the fi elds but also in the various little domestic industries.

Lorenzo was a student of University the Philippines (UP) School of Agriculture at Monuz, Nueva Ecija and Los Banos, Laguna when his father died. He quit school to take over the fam-ily rice fi elds.

During off-agricultural season, he fi shed and worked with the government National Power Cor-poration in the nearby Caliraya lake and dam projects. This place has been a popular tourist place for aqua sports and game fi shing.

His mother, Sebia, comple-mented the family livelihood by making and selling kesong puti in Baybay towns. At the time the Zobel family was one of the two families in Maracta that pro-duced the tasty delicacy.

The cheese is similar to cot-tage cheese, only that the town’s kesong puti is made of mixed carabao’s milk, salt, and cow’s stomach acid, which makes the cheese last up to a month if kept refrigerated. Today, two families – De Lunas and Del Valles -- monopolized the business from the town’s Barangay Wawa.

Beatriz was a young widow, with a 2 year-old daughter (Avelina), when Lorenzo mar-ried her. The wife’s mother was Agapita de Leon of the prominent Santa Maria, Bulacan

family, who married to Graciano “Garce” Aquino, a handsome, witty Spanish mestizo sculptor and painter of Lumban.

The rest of the De Leon sisters married rich, whose children equally exchanged vows with prominent clans in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces. These clans included the Reyes, Panganiban, Tambunting, and Cojuangco. Such family connec-tions would play an important role to Rosel’s career opportuni-ties and upward mobility.

Beatriz married young when she was attending the Sta. Cruz High School. As customary with the other town girls, she learned dress making, embroidery, and cooking while growing up. These were the skills that would help the family in times of need such as recessionary economies and World War II.

The family supplementary income came from barong and dress making. Lumban is now the only Laguna town where em-broidery, as well as hand-painted fabrics, is a major industry. About 80 percent of the town is engaged in the fi ne embroidery business.

Lumbenos claim that all fami-lies have at least one member participating in this thriving industry. “But more than being a means for livelihood,” com-mented Che Che Tablico, a librar-ian, “their town’s embroidery and barong business also demonstrates how art runs in their blood.” Their producers supply outlets in Metro

Manila include Rustan’s, SM, and Robinsons’ malls.

Marivic Gordovez, one of the exhibitors in Burdang Lumban Festival, has been doing hand-made embroidery since she was 14 years old. “She learned the craft from her grandparents,” according to Vangie Baga-Reyes. “She now owns La Burda de Filipina, which has been supply-ing products from designers like Patis Tesoro, Rene Salud, and Rajo Laurel..

Lumban’s barong festival is an annual event, held annually since April 29, 1996 in the town plaza beside the historic San Sebas-tian Church. The Cathedral-like church is 406-year-old structure, the fi rst Franciscan building outside of Metro Manila, whose bell tower has three huge bells, one of them dating to the 17th century.

Here in the church plaza, Lum-benos display their renowned, ancient barong craft, together with a variety of native delica-cies such as ginataang hipon, kesong puti, and chewy espasol.

The festival, supported by the Department of Tourism, showcases different handmade embroidery products, led by the barong in pina cloth, ladies’ wear, wedding gowns, veils, scarves, shoulder and hand bags, Maria Clara gowns and home ac-cessories, curtains, table, cloths, table napkins, bed sheets, and hankies. There are also walis, bolos, yunot, and native bags made of sun-dried water lily.

Two more noteworthy events that enable Lumban to attract tourists, as well as visitors from all over the province, are the Ko-medya and the Paligong Poon.

Growing-up I had witnessed and participated in the feast of San Sebastian, patron saint of

Typical Barong Tagalog

San Sebastian Lumban Church


Sol Poetry

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

by Soledad O. Bautista


Tuloy PoKayo

Tel: (619) 477-5643 • Suite # 5

V i e t n a m e s eNoodle House

Permanent Make-up and Skin Care

TESS R. REYESREALTOR

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

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

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

SUITE 10

ELVIE’SBOUTIQUE

Bernardita N. Lizan, D.M.D.

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

Tel. (619) 477-7570

San Diego

Asian JournalLJ Printing

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

Fax: (619) 474-0373Suite # 6

Quality Custom Framing

Manny I. MiclatOwner

(619) 477-2010Suite # 7

NOBLE PREMIUMS, INC.GENERAL SUPPLIES/INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS

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

550 E. 8th Street, Suite #1

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

600 E. 8th St., Suite #1

ED PASIMIORealtor - Broker

ROSE PASIMIORealtor - Owner

OLD SCHOOLHOUSE SQUARE

Gra

phic

sby

The

Filip

ino

Pre

ss

“Your Little Manila Shopping Center”

550 East 8th Street Suite 3

AMY’SHAIR SALON

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

MabuhayTailoring & Cleaners

DYNAMICProperties & Investments

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

Hair design • ColoringNail service • Perms

General Dentistry

Law Offices ofA. Erwin Bautista

Attorney at Law

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

(619) 474-7755 • Fax (619) 474-0051

24 HOUR REMITTANCETel: (619) 336-1112

Hours: 9-6 M to F • 9-1 Sat.

LUCKYMONEY

Specializing in: Military Uniforms,Embroidery Name Plates and Patches

and Mounting Medals

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

(619) 477-7954

WORLD-CLASS REALTY, INC.Ellen Nobles-Sexsion

Tel: (619) 336-4885

��

�

� �

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

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

• C L O S E D O N M O N D AY S •

Fried Chicken and Filipino Cuisine None Can Compare.

Comevisit us!

Tuesdays & WednesdaysBUY ONE & GET ONE

50% OFF ONFRIED CHICKEN

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

MELINDA S. CASASOwner

(619)474-9640 • 550 E. 8th St. #17

MSC Physician Billing Services, Inc.

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

(619) 474-2300

MANANSALAINSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

• BOOKKEEPING • TAX PREPARATION •• NOTARY PUBLIC •

LOURDES B. MANANSALAAGENT/ BROKER/REALTOR

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

SUITE # 2

COIN LAUNDRYFluff & Fold

(619) 477-8613

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

Pan-de-sal Bakery& Barbeque

Coming soon!Expansion &Frozen Yogurt

Coming soon!Expansion &Frozen Yogurt

600 E. 8th St., Suite # 3

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

Your Key to the Filipino Community

NEW!

Bill’s Corner

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

by Bill Labestre, MBA (Tax Practitioner)Tel: (619) 475-1931

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

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

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HEADQUARTERS PHILIPPINE VILLAGE CENTER

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

For box pick-up and inquiries, please call:

Billy Spring Valley

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

Carol (RP Engineer, Inc.)National City

(619) 245-1539 1-877-490-1004

VALID UNTIL MARCH 31, 2009

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HEADQUARTERS 1273 Industrial Parkway Unit #290 Hayward, CA 94544

Satellite Offi ces: Las Vegas and Phoenix, Arizona

2340 E. 8th St., Suite H, National City, CA 91950 (Near Friendship Manor)

619-470-2558 We Speak Tagalog & Spanish

Walk - In & Emergencies welcomeOpen: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm

Saturday & Evening Appointments Available

We accept most insuranceMost insurance cover 100% of initial visit

Service Offered:Preventive and Restorative Dentistry• Porcelain crowns and bridges• Cosmetic bondings & veneers• Partial and complete dentures• Valpast / Removable Non-Metal Partial •

DenturesTooth Extractions• Root canal treatment• Gum treatment• Teeth whitening - in offi ce or take home kit•

Service Offered:

Military Dependents Welcome

Senior Citizens Discount

Zero Interest Payment Plans

Gentle & quality dentistry for children and adults

Rossana T. Alfonso, DDS

New Image Dentistry

FREECONSULTATION!!!

FREETeeth Whitening(Take Home Kit worth $200)

With CompleteDental Treatment

Coupon $aver

Coupon $aver

New Client Special

Zoom 1 hr. Teeth Whitening

$29900*Reg. $600.00

$3500*DENTAL EXAM & CLEANING

(or insurance payment)

Reg. $160.00

INCLUDES:A Full Oral Examination• Individual Diagnosis & •

ConsultationAny & All necessary X-rays• Plus: One Thorough Cleaning & •

Polishing*Does not include periodontal treatment in

adsence of gum disease

Mira Mesa Dental Care 6755 Mira Mesa Blvd. Ste. #142

San Diego, CA 92121

Tel: (858) 457-7747 Fax: (858) 457-0731

These are tough times in the USA and surely our fi nancial problems affect the global market. We can only hope that our ailing economy can bounce back soon. We just have to trust our government and tighten our belts. This maybe an election year but, it’s not the time to point fi ngers. We have to work togeth-er to fi nd solutions and make the U.S. strong again. We may come from many different ethnic back-grounds but, we should think America fi rst. This is our home, the country that helped us fulfi ll our dreams. This is the time to show our colors, our gratitude and our pride.

In San Diego, the housing mar-ket is still bad. More homes are foreclosed by the lenders or just abandoned by its owners. It is supposed to be a buyers market but it is tough to be approved for loans. The empty houses only make our neighborhood look bad and ugly. Plenty of Real Estate people lost their jobs and their investment properties.

Maybe it’s time for most of us to check our current assets and liabilities. You have to fi gure out what you need to do to stay afl oat. Maybe it’s no longer prac-tical to keep your rental property with a bad loan. What about your own principal residence with a mortgage payment beyond your means? How about those luxury cars or large SUV’s in your garage? Do you really need them? How long can you work overtime just to keep up with your bills? We can make intel-ligent choices for now. We are free to correct our past mistakes and we can always swallow our pride and live.

What is happening now in Wall

What would you do? Street is a great concern to those who plan to retire soon. People worry about their diminishing retirement funds like 401k that is tied up with the stock market. Even the liquid money in most fi nancial institutions can be lost if the banks go under. For most, the gain in real estate invest-ments is gone and home equities are going down. This is not the time to go shopping spree and buy items not really needed. Some people lost their jobs or their small business. Others have to take lesser pay just to keep their jobs. You should be thank-ful that you still have yours, so stop whining and do your best to stay employed.

There are still a number of Fili-pinos who relied on their friends, co-worker, or family for a badly needed tax, legal or fi nancial ad-vice. Why don’t you seek good advice from the Professionals? Sometimes there are problems that we can’t solve by ourselves. That is why we see a Doctor when we get sick. Your situa-tion may not be as bad as you think. Get it out of your system but speak to the right person. You can always ask around for recommendation.

If you are getting laid off, you may have to rollover your 401k money to an IRA. Later, when you really need money, just withdraw whatever you need un-til the end of this year. Whatever you take by January and later will not be taxed in 2008. If you have to, you can tap the principal on your Roth IRA account with-out paying taxes. If you are in a very diffi cult situation, you may have to do what you need to do to survive the fi nancial crisis.


LOS ANGELES—The Philip-pines is no longer the “sick man of Asia,” Philippine Cabinet Secretary Edgardo D. Pamintuan declared in a series of dialogues with Filipino-American commu-nity leaders in the United States.

“It used to be that when America sneezes, the Philippines is already suffering from pneu-monia. But as the US, Japan and many other countries slide deeper into recession, the Philip-pines has still been registering respectable economic growth,” Pamintuan said.

Pamintuan, chair of the Subic-Clark-Alliance for Development, is head of a four-man delega-tion from the Philippines on a “good news” road show about the economic performance of the country in the face of the global crisis; the developments of key infrastructure projects; as well the progress of the conversion of Clark and Subic from military to economic bases.

With Pamintuan, who is also development champion for the Luzon Urban Beltway super region and presidential adviser for external affairs, are Alexan-der Cauiguiran, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Clark International Airport Corporation, Undersec-retary Danilo de Austria Con-sumido and Director Leonardo Kirk Galanza of the Office of External Affairs of the Office of the President.

Pamintuan and his team met with leaders of the Filipino-American community in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. They will meet with Filipino-American leaders in San Fran-cisco this weekend.

Noting that infrastructure development is key to mitigating the impact of the global crisis, Pamintuan enumerated several key infrastructure projects being implemented in the Luzon Urban Beltway super region, which covers Central Luzon, Metro Manila and the Southern Luzon provinces.

He said these projects are mainly road and highway networks, rail systems, airports and seaports that are aimed to

‘RP no longer sick man of Asia’interconnect the production and industrial enclaves of Southern Luzon to the commercial and consumption centers of Metro Manila, and to the rest of the world through the freeports of Clark and Subic.

“We are trying to create a seamless network of multi-modal transport-oriented infrastruc-tures that would promote greater efficiency in the movement of goods, services, people and information,” Pamintuan said, adding that these projects would greatly reduce the cost of doing business.

“Because of the global crisis, companies would now be locat-ing to areas where there are effi-cient facilities and where the cost of doing business is lower. Add to this the availability of highly-skilled Filipino labor, I believe we can even take advantage of the opportunities offered by the global economic situation,” he explained.

Consumido, meantime, pre-sented the measures being put in place by government to mitigate the impact of the global eco-nomic meltdown. He cited the optimism of global financial institutions and credit rating agencies on the chances of the Philippines in even benefiting from the situation.

For his part, Cauguiran pre-sented the dramatic development of Clark and Subic as freeport zones where major global eco-nomic players are now among their locators. He also cited the record growth in passenger traf-fic of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, which, he said, is fast de-veloping to be the main interna-tional gateway of the country.

He said the DMIA has better runways and radar systems that can accommodate the biggest airplanes in the world, including the gigantic Airbus 380. The DMIA has since become a hub for budget international airlines catering to overseas Filipino workers from Central and North-ern Luzon.

On the issue of human rights, Pamintuan said that the recent US State Department country

assessment on human rights in the Philippines is “more or less fair.” He said the report noted that the necessary policies, laws and institutions are in place to protect human rights, but their implementation has to be more strictly ensured.

He declared that the human rights situation has greatly im-proved in the Philippines in the last two years, particularly on the issue of unexplained kill-ings. He said that from a high of 145 verified cases in 2006, the figures went down to six in 2007 and to five in 2008.

“We should have zero tolerance on political killings, but there is still a long-running insurgency in some parts of the country-side, and a Moro rebellion in the south. These are dirty little wars, and the combatants of both sides are accusing each other of committing certain atrocities,” said Pamintuan, a human rights lawyer imprisoned during Mar-tial Law.

“There is no country in the world that can claim a perfect human rights situation,” he said. “Not even the US can lay claim to that.”

lihood. Most of the shoe stores on Carriedo were closed on Sun-days, and itinerant vendors had the sidewalks to themselves. In front of Happy Valley Restaurant on the corner of Palma and Car-riedo, Aling Isa, a seventy-year-old palm reader sat on a small stool with a small table in front of her. An empty stool, reserved for a customer, was beside her. For ten pesos, Aling Isa would predict the fortune of people, whether they would become rich, be lucky in love or travel abroad, just by looking at the lines on their palm. Using tarot cards, she would tell how a person could avoid an impending disaster. Al-ways, the customer left satisfied and happy, expecting a good for-

tune ahead, or determined to fol-low Aling Isa’s advice to avoid a forthcoming misfortune. Beside Valleson Department Store across the street, Barry, the blind guitarist played Pilipino music as passersby dropped coins and bills into a small can placed in front of him. Had he not been able to elicit pity from pass-ersby, he would be a no match to Mang Julio, the one-man-band. As he strum his guitar, Mang Julio would play music with the harmonica attached to the guitar and positioned in front of his mouth while at the same time beating a drum with the use of a foot pedal.

By the time they arrived home, everybody was awake and already had their breakfast. One of the maids got the two mud-fish, degut them and skewered them with a bamboo stick. She would broil them over a hot bed of charcoal and then serve them with vinegar and bagoong sauce. Another was assigned to butcher and cook the chickens. She placed one on the floor, held its legs with her left foot, held down its wings with her right knee, plucked some feathers in its neck while holding the head, and slit the neck with a sharp knife. She let the blood drain over a plate with rice spread over it. She did the same to the other one.

Their dining table was too small for all of them to eat at the same time, the parents, seven children, and the three maids. During these occasions when they all ate together, they would spread newspapers on the floor and eat their lunch picnic style. The coconut sauce of the chicken curry was always as white as milk, unlike the yellowish color made from the pre-packaged coconut sauce available in stores today. The white chicken curry, especially with native spring chicken, was the most delicious one could ever taste, barring none.

Quiapo on Sundays, with all the business establishments closed, was like a ghost town. It was the time for peace and quiet and for their family members to be together and enjoy each other‘s company.

Today, fifty years later, the family togetherness are rare and far in between. His parents and a brother are gone and he and his other siblings live in differ-ent parts of the world. But the memories, the happy memories of their Sundays in Quiapo, will always remain in their hearts and minds, for all of them to forever cherish and enjoy. - AJ

Sunday, Sweet Sunday


to rise above the corruption and, by providing good stewardship, return the Philippines back to its former glory. No matter where we live, we are still One People, One Nation and mustn’t forget that what happens in the Philip-pines, either for the good or for the bad, affects us all. Each and every one of us is born a part of the whole, as part of the answer to the question, as part of the hope to our people. We are part of the SOLUTION, wherever we may be in the world.

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that “There is no right time


I am Filipino, what can I do?

to do the right thing. Now, today, is the right time”. As a community, now is the time for all Filipinos to come together and be united for our mother-land. We must come together as one Voice and demand our lead-ers here and in the Philippines be accountable. We need to vote for honest leaders who, given the power, can prove their worth. In doing so we will also benefit by become stronger since we will be voting out the corrupt leaders who feed their selfish needs at the expense of our people. As Jose Rizal is often quoted as say-ing “It only takes for good men to do nothing, for evil people to succeed”.

So how can each and every one of do our part to make the solu-tion work? According to Alex, there are 12 simple things one can do, they are as follows:Follow traffic rules. Follow the • law. Whenever you buy or pay for • anything, always ask for an of-ficial receipt.Don’t buy smuggled goods. • Buy local. Buy Filipino.When you talk to others, espe-• cially foreigners speak positive-ly about us and our country.Respect your traffic officer, • policeman and soldier.Do not litter. Dispose your • garbage properly. Segregate.

Recycle. Conserve.Support your church.• During elections, do your sol-• emn duty.Pay your employees well.• Pay your taxes.• Adopt a scholar or a poor child.• Be a good parent. Teach your • kids to follow the law and love our country. Alex Lacson is a lawyer by

profession. He finished law at the U.P. College of Law in Diliman. At present, he is a partner at the Malcolm Law Office in Makati. He was a former legal counsel of the United Nations Develop-ment Programme (or UNDP) in the Philippines for 7 years. He is a champion debater and a sharpshooter. He is an awardee of the Galing Pilipino Award for 2005. He is also an awardee of the Young Filipino Achiever’s Award for 2006 given by Global Pinoy. Mr. Lacson is married with 4 children.

Special thanks goes out to Gawad Kalinga - San Diego for bringing Alex Lacson to National City, to Goldilocks and Maha-rlika for providing food for the guests, to Tony Olaes & ODM and Eric Elagado & Associates for their sponsorship as well as Kalusugan Community Services for hosting the venue. For addi-tional photos of the event, please visit http://www.filamsandiego.com/photos/GK/index.html


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

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

Phil - Am Law 101

During my long flight to Manila, it was my pleasure to have met the acquaintance of Arnold, a very likable fellow who introduced himself as a former politician in the Philippines. Arnold and his family migrated to the United States in 1990. He is now a U.S. citizen and nearing retirement. Recently, he visited the Philip-pines and saw the appalling conditions in his hometown. His relatives and former supporters encouraged him to make a come-back. Although he just laughed off their suggestion, he is now beginning to feel that public ser-vice is really in his blood, which perhaps explains why he is com-ing back this early. The images of his poor town mates and the thought that he could have done something to alleviate their plight kept bugging his mind. However, somebody told him that he might lose his U.S. citizenship in case he runs for public office in the Philippines. Is this true?

Arnold’s inquiry gives us the chance to clarify certain intrica-cies of Republic Act No. 9225, the “Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003.” In our previous column, we cited the case of Byron who has decided to retire in the Philippines as a farmer. We said that he should have no problems in re-acquiring his Filipino citizenship.

Arnold’s situation as a come-backing politician is more compli-cated. The law imposes additional requirements for him to be able to resume his aborted political career in the Philippines.

R. A. 9225 mandates that “those seeking elective public in the Philippines shall meet the quali-fication for holding such public

Politicians & Dual Citizenship

office as required by the Constitu-tion and existing laws and, at the time of the filing of the certificate of candidacy, make a personal and sworn renunciation of any and all foreign citizenship before any public officer authorized to administer an oath.”

This means that Arnold himself, and not somebody else (say, his lawyer), will have to make the written renunciation of his U.S. citizenship. It is noteworthy that only those running for public office are required to make this special renunciation. For instance, “those intending to practice their profession in the Philippines shall apply with the proper authority for a license or permit to engage in such practice.” No mention whatsoever of renunciation. Also, those already (not merely seek-ing to be) appointed to public positions are simply required “to renounce their oath of allegiance to the country where they took that oath”, without specifying how the renunciation should be done, which suggests that they can do it through their lawyers or representatives, and even orally and privately. Maski pabulong lang. On the other hand, in Ar-nold’s case, he cannot even run for election without first making the renunciation. This clearly shows the legislative intent to impose a much higher standard of allegiance to elective office.

Hence, the requirement of mak-ing a personal and sworn renunci-ation of his U.S. citizenship may seriously jeopardize Arnold’s U.S. citizenship. Remember what we said in our previous column? That the U.S. government recognizes dual citizenship, and that accord-ing to the “Advice About Possible

Loss of U.S. Citizenship and Dual Nationality” issued by the Depart-ment of State, dual citizenship can cause loss of U.S. citizenship only “if performed voluntarily and with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship”? It seems quite obvious that making a personal and sworn renunciation of his U.S. citizenship may amount to a voluntary and intentional relin-quishment by Arnold of his U.S. citizenship.

In essence, therefore, politi-cal candidates in the Philippines cannot be dual citizens. Since they will have to first renounce all their foreign allegiances, only their Filipino citizenship remains the moment they file their certifi-cate of candidacy. In light of this, Arnold should think hard before formally renouncing his U.S. citi-zenship. While he may have noble intentions in serving his constitu-ents, he should realize the great risks he is taking, especially if he is not too sure about his chances in the election.

Announcement : Free Consul-tation in Manila

We will be in Manila the whole month of March. If your loved ones are interested in consulting with us there, they can contact our Manila office at 522-1199 or 526-0326 to schedule an appointment. We will be offering free consulta-tion. Tagalog po ang usapan kaya hindi sila dapat mag-alangan. Meanwhile, our National City office inside the S&S Travel will continue entertaining your inqui-ries. Please visit our office or call (619)475-3262. Salamat po !

Atty. Rogelio Karagdag, Jr. is licensed to practice law in both California and the Philippines. He practices immigration law in San Diego and has continuously been a trial and appellate attor-ney in the Philippines since 1989. He travels between San Diego and Manila. His office address is located at 16486 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 228, San Diego, CA 92128. He also holds office in National City inside the S&S Travel Agency at 2409 E. Plaza Blvd. Please call (858)348-7475 & (619) 475-3262 for your free consultation. We also encour-age readers to write us questions about both U.S. immigration and Philippine laws to be future top-ics in this column. Our email is [email protected].

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

journalusa.com

Pasahero: Mama, Magkano Po Yung Pasahe?

Driver: 7.50 Yung MinimumPasahero: (Dumukot Ito Sa

Bulsa Para Kunin Yung Pera Niya, Ngunit sa Di Sinasadyang Dahilan Kulang Yung Pama-sahe Niya.) Patay, Kulang Yung Pera Ko. Paano Kaya Ito? (Nag Isip Ito At Lumingon Sa Driver. Napansin Niya Na Dul-ing Ito. Sabi Niya Sa Kanyang Sarili, Tama Duling Yung Driver Sigurado Pag Nagbigay Ako Ng 3.75 di Niya Mapa-

Pasahe Sa Isang Jeeppansin Na Kulang Yung Pera Ko. Kasi Doble Yung Paningin Nito. Inabot Niya Sa Driver Yung Pera.

Ngunit Lak-ing Gulat Niya Nung

May Sinabi Yung Driver Sa

Kanya.Driver: Kulang Ito!Pasahero: Anong Kulang? Di

Ba Sabi Mo 7.50 Yung Mini-mum?

Driver: Oo Nga 7.50 eh Da-lawa Kaya Kayo.

Patay! Akala Mo Lusot Kana ha?

Whisky Lesson

A father was trying to teach his son about the evils of alcohol. He put 1 worm n a glass of water and another

worm in a glass of whisky. D worm in the water lived, while d 1 and the whisky curld up and died.

Father:ol ryt son, wt have u lerned from d show? Son:well dad, it shows that if u drink alcohol,hindi ka magkaka-bulate sa tyan....


TIPID REGULAR JUMBO$40$45N/AN/A

$50$55$65$70

$65$70$80$85

02/15/09-03/15/09 21 days 535.0002/15/09-03/15/09 30 days 619.0002/15/09-03/15/09 45 days 694.0002/15/09-03/15/09 2 mos. 767.0002/15/09-03/15/09 6 mos. 879.0002/15/09-03/15/09 1 year 1,140.00

02/15/09-03/15/09 6 mos. 685.00

02/15/09-03/15/09 3 mos. 555.00

02/15/09-03/15/09 60 days 555.00

02/15/09-03/15/09 45 days 509.00

02/15/09-03/15/09 3 mos. 631.00

02/15/09-03/15/09 6 mos. 738.00

02/15/09-03/15/09 2 mos. 485.00

God is in command and always will be! That is why during these difficult and trying times, when our world is being turned upside down by all sorts of problems and trouble, we need to pray. Pray-ing has always been a way of life ever since, and the book of Psalms shows us how.

Found in the center of the Bible, between the books of Job and Proverbs, the book of Psalms is a collection of songs and prayers expressing the heart and soul of humanity. In it, the whole range of human emotions and experiences are expressed. King David and the other psalmists praise and worship God, confess their sins, express their doubts and fears, and ask God for help in times of trouble and de-spair. They also pour out their true feelings – reflecting a dynamic, powerful, and life-changing friend-ship with God.

If some of us struggle in our prayer life nowadays, it may be because we don’t understand a lot how prayer works. To some of us, because of unbelief, prayers may seem unnecessary. Some of us even say that “why pray?” when the Lord, our God, doesn’t answer prayers.

We must grasp at the outset that if we are not getting the answers to our prayers, the problem lies with us, not with God. We are the ones who need to broaden our understanding of prayer and learn the right way of praying. Isn’t it interesting that the disciples asked Jesus about prayer, and not about other methods of connecting or communing with God?

Jesus taught us a system of pray-ing, which is more like a formula. Prayers have five steps, which are: praise, confession, petition, direction, and praise. Praise lets us enter into God’s presence – and when we are there, we then confess our sins, ask for our needs, ask for direction, and end the prayer by giving thanks and praise again.

Some of us just ask and ask,

Prayers and the Book of Psalmssaying, “Lord, give me this, and give me that” without undergo-ing through the steps, and then we wonder why our prayers are not answered! In praying, we should be persistent and tenacious. If we don’t get our answer immediately, it doesn’t mean that our prayers were denied, but just delayed. We also need to be specific when ask-ing for our needs and wants, even if God knows them before we ask.

I love the book of Psalms, and when my heart is searching for the right words to pray, I often read the songs of praise and worship found there. Just as the book of Genesis tells us how mankind was created, fell into sin, and was then promised redemption, many of the psalms discuss the blessings available to us by asking in the form of prayers.

The Lord our God is our res-cuer, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Right now, we are in trouble and our country is in trouble. Neither the government, nor us, can solve all these prob-lems. We have to go to the giver of life himself!

Jesus has promised: “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened.” If we pray and believe, God will release upon us an outpouring of blessings that will bring about a spectacular change in our lives, and will release to us his miraculous power, now and for eternity.

Here are some of my favorite passages in the book of Psalms:

“O Lord, our Lord, how majes-tic is your name in all the Earth! When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”

“The Lord is my rock, my for-tress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord who is worthy of praise.”

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.”

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside the quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth – who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army, no warrior escapes by his great strength. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfail-ing love.”

“How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”

“Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increase; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Though while he lived he counted himself blessed – and men praise you when you pros-per – he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life. A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.”

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Be exalted, O God, above the heav-ens; let your glory be all over the earth.”

“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth.”

Light &Shadows

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

by Zena Sultana Babao


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

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

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

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

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

Nagsasalita ng Tagalog asin Bicol.

Walk-ins are welcome from 8:30 to 6:00, Monday thru Friday.

San Diego Office: Manila Office:2220 India St., Suite 3 Suite 2502-A East TowerSan Diego CA 92101 Philippine Stock Exchange CentreTel. No. (619) 819-8648 Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig CityFax No. (619) 923-9555 Tel. Nos.: (632) 687-2565 / 687-9851 Email: [email protected] Fax No.: (632) 687-2565

Atty. Susan V. Perez

SAN DIEGO - The Internal Revenue Service recognizes that many taxpayers may be facing fi-nancial hardships and need extra help this filing season. In light of that, IRS has dubbed March 21, 2009 as “Super Saturday.” Of-fices in Santa Ana, San Marcos, San Bernardino and San Diego will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The office in Las Vegas will also be open for residents in Southern Nevada.

IRS offices will be fully staffed that day to help with the follow-ing services:

· Prepare basic tax returns for lower income taxpayers (gener-ally < $42,000) and offer the lucrative Earned Income Tax Credit. Often overlooked, EITC provides a large refund for eli-gible taxpayers.

· Resolve tax issues· Answer tax law questions· Make account adjustments

IRS to open doors on Saturday, March 21, 2009

· Accept payments· Establish payment agreements

for those who cannot pay taxes in full

· Work with taxpayers who are having a tough time with a tax obligation

· Provide tax forms and infor-mation

Taxpayers are invited to visit these offices to get free tax help on Saturday, March 21, 2009:

San Diego---880 Front Street, San Diego CA 92101 (San Di-ego Federal Building)

San Bernardino---290 North “D” Street (In the Vanir Tower)

San Marcos---1 Civic Center Drive. (Civic Center building next to Hwy. 78)

Santa Ana --- 801 Civic Center Drive, West (Downtown S.A. across from courthouse)

Las Vegas --- 110 City Park-way (Downtown across from downtown casinos)

SAN BERNARDINO -- At-torney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that three individuals have pled guilty to loan modification fraud against hundreds of “desperate Cali-fornia homeowners” and were sentenced to as much as 6 years of prison.

“While doing nothing to help and pocketing all the money, these individuals ripped off desperate California homeown-ers who paid thousands of dollars to stop the foreclosure of their homes,” Attorney General Brown said.

The defendants sentenced

Attorney General Brown Sends Perpetrators of Loan

Modification Fraud to Prisonwere part of a foreclosure scam engineered by the First Gov company, which was based in San Bernardino, Calif.

• Rosa Conrado, 51, of San Bernardino, was sentenced today to six years, four months of prison for 6 counts of grand theft.

• Alejandrina Maldonado, 33, of St. Lucie, Fla., was sentenced on February 26, 2009, to a three year prison term for one count of grand theft.

• Martin Jesus Flores, 33, of Baldwin Park, was given three years of probation today based on his limited participation in the

scheme. • David Giron, 44, of Ontario,

and Saul Amador, 23, of West Covina are scheduled for a pre-liminary hearing on March 19, 2009, for theft, money launder-ing, and conspiracy.

• Three other members of the ring -- Juan Jose Perez, 48, Isu-ara Hernandez, 33, of La Habra, and Antonia Gonzalez, 66, of San Bernardino – are believed to have fled the jurisdiction and may be out of the country..

In November 2008, Attorney General Brown announced the break up of the First Gov scam ring. First Gov, -- which also

operated under such mislead-ing names such as Foreclosure Prevention Services; Resolu-tion Department; Reinstatement Department; and Reinstatement Processing -- solicited hundreds of homeowners, offering to help them stop the foreclosure of their homes.

Ring members promised vic-tims they would renegotiate their mortgages and reduce monthly payments. They demanded an up-front fee, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, to participate in the loan-modification pro-gram.

Victims were told to stop making mortgage payments and communicating with their lender because this would interfere with the loan modification process. After collecting their fee, ring members pocketed the money and did nothing to help victims.

The action today is part of At-torney General Brown’s cam-paign to fight predatory lending and loan modification scams.

• In March 2008, the Attor-ney General’s office arrested members of Lifetime Financial Corporation for perpetrating a similar mortgage-modification scam that cheated hundreds of

California homeowners out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

• In October 2008, the Attorney General secured $8.6 billion in loan relief for eligible homeown-ers in a landmark settlement with Countrywide Financial Corpora-tion for engaging in deceptive and predatory lending practices.

The Attorney General has also issued a Consumer Alert regard-ing foreclosure scam rings and tax reassessment scams. Hom-eowners should be on high alert when approached by companies offering ways to save your home or lower your property taxes.

San Diego News


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

Combination PlatesOne (1) Entree w/ Pancit

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

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

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

Dine-In or Carry-Out

Special Events

Catering

Today in HistoryRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

By Thomas S. TananaSan Diego Pet Food

Home Deliveries Income Tax Day is this

Wednesday -- three days after Easter this year and one week before “Administrative Profes-sionals Day”. Appropriately enough, Tax Day falls on the 97th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Federal troops

Income Tax Daybegan incinerating the Branch Dividian Church in Waco, Texas four days after Tax Day in 1993 -- which was “commemorated” by Timothy McVeigh exactly two years after that (when he blew up Oklahoma City’s federal building on April 19, 1995).

April is Prevent Animal Cru-elty Month. For more informa-tion, go to www.aspca.org. You certainly won’t be cruel giving

Fido his favorite doggie biscuits! By the way, if you really want to treat your best buddy to his favorite biscuit, try liver-flavored snacks. Fresh liver -- not even filet mignon -- is the absolute favorite flavor to set a dog’s taste buds on fire.

The battle of Lexington and Concord also erupted on April 19th, but in 1775. This is the battle that truly WAS “the shot heard ‘round the world”, be-cause it started the American Revolution. Paul Revere took his ride the night before, warn-ing everyone in the area that “the redcoats” were coming. The American military first bombed the Japanese mainland in World War II exactly 167 years later.

Solidarity was granted legal status the day before the 47th anniversary of the first bomb-ing of the Japanese mainland,

clearing the way for the even-tual downfall of communism in Poland. One day before THAT, now-Pope Benedict XVI turned 62. His predecessor, Pope John Paul II had a hand in helping crack the dam of communism in his native Poland.

The Bay of Pigs disaster was launched exactly 28 years BEFORE Solidarity was given legal status and Cambodia fell to the Khmer Rouge exactly 14 years AFTER the Bay of Pigs fiasco. The Warsaw ghetto revolt against Nazi occupation erupted April 19, 1943 -- on both the 40th birthday of G-man Eliot Ness and the 171st birthday of classic free market economist David Ricardo.

Thomas Jefferson was born April 13, 1743. He is quoted with saying that: “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from

time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants”. Abraham Lincoln was shot April 14, 1865 and slavery was abolished in our nation’s capitol on April 16, 1862. Scopes Monkey Trial civil libertarian lawyer, Clarence Dar-row, entered this world on April 18, 1857. The notorious San Francisco earthquake rocked that city on Darrow’s 49th birthday.

The first multi-planeted solar system aside from our own was discovered April 15, 1999. It’s a three-planet system rotating around Andromeda -- a star that can actually be seen with the naked eye. Around 50 other similar multi-planeted systems have since been discovered, and it’s only been ten years.

The astronomer who discov-ered Saturn’s rings, Christiaan Huygens, came into THIS world on April 14, 1629 and Wilbur Wright was born April 16, 1867. The Florentine navigator, Giovanni Verrazano, discovered New York Harbor (in the service of France) on April 17, 1524. New York was first settled by the Dutch, however. But the English ultimately got it for real by conquering it from the Dutch, changing its original name of “New Amsterday” to “New York”.

“The Grapes of Wrath” was published by John Steinbeck on April 17th, but in 1939 -- on the 111th anniversary of Merriam Webster’s release of his first dic-tionary. Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” hit book store shelves one day before in 1962 and and novelist Henry James was born April 15, 1843. Television news anchor Harry Reasoner entered this world April 17, 1923.

That was also financier J.P. Morgan’s 86th birthday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit 3,000 for the first time that day in 1991 and Ray Kroc opened the first franchised McDonalds on Income Tax Day of 1955. Western outlaw Butch Cassidy was born April 13, 1866.

Country western singer Lo-retta Lynn entered this world on April 14, 1935. Al Green’s big day was the day before, but in 1946 and Roy Clark took his first breath one day afterward in 1933. Crooners Selena (1971) and Bobby Vinton (1935), along with Henry Mancini (1924), all share April 16th birthdays.

So do actors Charlie Chaplain (1889) and Peter Ustinov (1921). Hayley Mills of Pollyana fame (1946) and Conan O’Brien (1963) share an April 18th date. Dudley Moore was born April 19, 1935 and for Julie Christie it was five days earlier, but five years LATER.

Baseball manager Pete Rose is exactly one year younger than Julie Christie. The color barrier was broken one day after his sixth birthday when Jackie Rob-inson became the first Black to play for a major league baseball team. Basketball great, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born April 16, 1947. He celebrated his 16th birthday three days after chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov entered this world.

And the greatest teacher of them all, Anne Sullivan, was born April 14, 1866. She was

the tutor who taught the deaf and blind Helen Keller how to com-municate.

When is YOUR birthday? Was a friend, work associate or relative born this week? If you would like the full unedited ver-sion of today’s column, we will happily send you an e-mail copy of the whole complete text! Of course, there is no charge. Just e-mail us at: [email protected].

Mr. Tanana makes San Diego’s own Home-Made and Natural Real Liver Snack Dog Treats. Yummy, healthy and fresh! No byproducts, preservatives or other chemicals.

Lumban, as well as the moro-moro or the Komedya staged on the eve and the night of the Fiesta. Local talents are selected as performers of this extant old Spanish drama.

In their younger years, both my father and his sister Coring, both deceased, participated in the play for sometime. Wearing colorful costumes, they were popular in the town for their good looks, resounding voices and acting prowess that never failed to de-light their teeming spectators.

The other event, which takes place on January 19, is the Paligong Poon. It is a traditional procession held on the Lumban River, where the icon of the pa-tron saint, San Sebastian together with hundreds of devotees, is floated on “kaskitos”, a bunch of big boats. Scores of bancas and crowds of people, holding lighted candles, do ritual turn across the river, amidst groups of bands, providing festive music and bangkeros producing cel-ebratory strokes and sounds.

The icon is then parad-ed around the town while locals take turns in dousing the saint and devotees. The grand proces-sion is witnessed by spectators from the municipality and neigh-boring towns.

Reflecting, then I could anticipate that one river par-ticipant would die by drowning in each river procession of San Sebastian, sometimes a few more than one. This happened with some consistency that a few towns folks would often won-dered and asked the question, Sino kaya ang biktima ngayon? (“Who’s the victim this time?”)

Kinship & Relationships

At one time or another, three generations of relatives lived together under the same roof. Spouses accepted each other’s blood kinsmen as their affinal kinsmen.

People get strength and stabil-ity from their family. It is the centre of the social structure and included the nuclear fam-ily, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and honorary relations such as godparents, sponsors, and close family friends.

Concern for the extended family is seen in the patronage provided to family members when they seek employment. It emphasizes the tight bonds that unite the family and kinship group.

“Kinship solidarity” observes R.L. Youngblood, “is inculcated at an early age, so as Filipino matures, his behavior is increas-ingly determined by consider-ations for the welfare, name, and status of his family and relatives with the understanding that his successes and failures, as well as theirs, reflect on the entire group.”

Moreover, Youngblood com-mented, a Filipino “…is taught from early childhood that beyond the boundaries of the family the world is full of risks and dangers that cannot be anticipated.”

The outcome of this socializa-tion process is that a Filipino will hardly risk being alienated from the social group into which he is born, “for engendering the displeasure of one’s family is not only dangerous but implies bad character as well.”

As elsewhere in southern Ta-galog region, Lumbenos believe they must live up to the accepted

IN SEARCH OF THE GOOD LIFE:

Reflections on Tagalog Family,

Class, and Values*(Continued from page 6)



Spiritual Life

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

by Msgr. Fernando G. Gutierrez

Lower Your Nets

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

journalusa.com

Joke of the Week: A priest was giving a test on the command-ments. He gave an example and asked the children to tell him what commandment was broken. “First,” he said “he was tired one Sunday and decided to stay home.” Eager hands went up. “Third Commandment, keep holy the Lord’s day.” “Next, he saw Jimmy’s bike and took it home to keep.” Again, eager hands, “Seventh Commandment, you shall not steal.” Finally he said “He was walking along and saw John’s dog. He started pull-ing the dog by the tail.” Hands went up and quickly went down. Then one hesitant voice said, “I don’t know the number but it goes like this, ‘What God has joined together, let no man pull apart.’”

Commercialism in God’s name. Scriptures: First Reading:

Exodus 20: 1-17. The passage starts with God reminding his people, “I am the Lord, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery.” First and foremost God is a liberator and protector of his people, and secondly a lawgiver. God’s Commandments are signs of his solicitous concerns for the welfare of the Chosen People. God wants his people to remain liberated not only from physical slavery but also from spiritual bondage. To do so he gave them the commandments as their guideposts in life. Second Read-ing: 1 Corinthians 1: 22-25. St. Paul considers the cross of Christ as sign of God’s wisdom, yet for those who do not be-

lieve in Christ, it is a stumbling block and a mere stupidity: it is impossible for Christ, the Son of God to become man and die on the cross! Gospel: John 2: 13-25. Some commentators of this passage believe that Jesus drove the moneychangers and merchants out of the Temple area because they take advan-tage of the poor people. These extortionists impose high price over and above the regular price of the poor people’s offering: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Still others consider that Jesus was outraged by the irreverent commercialism on the Temple grounds. There are some exegists who think that those men enraged Jesus because their business transactions took place in the court of the Gentiles and interfered with the latter’s worship. Jesus’ action should be an eye-opener to those who use religion for their own vested interest, such as commercial-ism, financial profits and mate-rial gains. Evangelists who take advantage of unsuspecting and trusting Christians and preach the Gospel to further their selfish motives are no different from the moneychangers and merchants who were driven out of the Temple.

Reflections: It is a widely held opinion among the Jews that for God to become man is impossible and a mere foolish teaching, to say the least. For the ancient Greeks, especially those of Gnostic belief, knowledge of God is the key to salvation. For these Greeks, the body is a capsule that imprisons the soul. The only way for the soul to get out of this prison is for man to possess true gnosis, or wisdom. The big difference between what St. Paul presents as true wisdom and mere foolishness highlights what Jesus showed by his actions in today’s gospel: the big gap between God’s values and the world’s: Jesus’ use of power to defend the exploited, and the exploiters’ use of power to further oppress the powerless; God’s love that can be discerned in the deeper meaning of and beyond the signs, and the really foolish ones who remain focused merely on the signs.

The Second Vatican Council Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World declares, “The tensions disturb-ing the world of today are in fact related to a more fundamental tension rooted in the human heart. In man himself many ele-ments are in conflict with each other.” The statement attributes one causal origin of this tension to man’s limitation as a created being, and on the other hand, to the realization that he is called to an eternal destiny. Conflicts arise when man, due to his weakness, does what he does not want to do, and fails in doing what he is supposed to do. Man becomes haunted by his conscience in knowing that he misses the target (literally, that is what sin means, to miss the bull’s-eye). This situation becomes pathetic when materialism has a strong grip on man. Man cannot see properly the foolishness of his life and the sinfulness of his situation because his vision is blurred by a value that is opposed to the gospel.

Sin externalizes itself in human inter-actions. When different modes of human inter-actions constantly occur with a distinct pattern and rhythm, it becomes habitual. As this situation per-sists over a long period of time, it gains a life of its own and develops into a social structure. If this social structure becomes infected by sin, such as pride, greed, and materialism, it dete-riorates into a sinful structure. In the end, the sinful structure can institutionalize itself and prevent the growth of Christian life. Man’s aspiration for a higher destiny can be thwarted by a materialistic and sinful structure. In this case, what matters is the here and now. God does not matter anymore; his Command-ments are no longer relevant. Man becomes his own savior relying on his fragile power. There is a Philippine government employee who was appalled at what he saw the first time he reported for work. He remarks to another employee who has been there for almost ten years that he is scandalized by the pay-offs that are going on right before his eyes. The senior employee told the younger person that he is still new and that in due time he will get used to the environ-ment. One day I was horrified to read in the papers that the young employee is under investigation for bribery. Another example is that of a Philippine government top-ranking official who offered my friend a job to be his pub-lic relations officer. My friend

The difference between the poor countries and the rich ones is not the age of the country:

This can be shown by coun-tries like India & Egypt , that are more than 2000 years old, but are poor.

On the other hand, Canada , Australia & New Zealand , that 150 years ago were inexpressive, today are developed countries, and are rich..

The difference between poor & rich countries does not reside in the available natural resources..

Japan has a limited territory, 80% mountainous, inadequate for agriculture & cattle rais-ing, but it is the second world economy. The country is like an immense floating factory, importing raw materials from the whole world and exporting manufactured products.

Another example is Switzer-land , which does not plant cocoa but has the best chocolate in the world. In its little territory they raise animals and plant the soil during 4 months per year. Not enough, they produce dairy products of the best quality! It is a small country that transmits an image of security, order & labor, which made it the world’s strongest, safest place.

Executives from rich countries who communicate with their counterparts in poor countries show that there is no significant intellectual difference.

Race or skin color are also not important: immigrants labeled lazy in their countries of origin are the productive power in rich European countries.

What is the difference then? The difference is the attitude of the people, framed along the

The Differenceyears by the education & the culture & flawed tradition.

On analyzing the behavior of the people in rich & developed countries, we find that the great majority follow the following principles in their lives:

1. Ethics, as a basic principle.2. Integrity.3. Responsibility.4. Respect to the laws & rules.5. Respect to the rights of other

citizens.6. Work loving.7. Strive for savings & invest-

ment.8. Will of super action.9. Punctuality.10. and of course...DisciplineIn poor countries, only a mi-

nority follow these basic prin-ciples in their daily life.

The Philippines is not poor be-cause we lack natural resources or because nature was cruel to us. In fact, we are supposedly rich in natural resources.

We are poor because we lack the correct attitude. We lack the will to comply with and teach these functional principles of rich & developed societies.

If you do not forward this mes-sage nothing will happen to you. Your pet will not die, you will not be fired, you will not have bad luck for seven years, and also, you will not get sick or go hungry.

But those may happen because of your lack of discipline & lazi-ness your love for intrigue and politics, your indifference to sav-ing for the future, your stubborn attitude.

If you love your country, let this message circulate so that many Filipinos could reflect about this, & CHANGE, ACT!

honestly declined the govern-ment employee’s offer because he believes that he would have nothing to do except to dole out payola to the mass media so that newspapers would not print anything that is derogatory and unfavorable to the public servant and to his department.

Quotation of the Week: “Though there are very many

nations all over the earth … there are no more than two kinds of human society, which we may justly call two cities … one consisting of those who live according to man, the other of those who live according to God … To the City of Man belong the enemies of God … so inflamed with hatred against the City of God.” St. Augustine.


Entertainment

Pagsubok Ang kailangan ko sa tuwina ay maging matapang at maging laging handang harapin ang katotohanan kung minsan ay masakit na tunay ang mapapakinggan subalit kung ito ang totoo tanggapin na lamang.

Pagdating ng panahon ‘to ang magtuturo sa akin kung paanong mga pagsubok ay aking haharapin taas ang aking nuo at matapang kong tatanggapin na may kalakip pa itong ngiti tanda ng paggiliw.

Ang pakikipagsapalaran sa buhay nating ito dapat ay maunawaang tunay ng sinumang tao mga pagsubok lamang ‘to para tingnan ang kaya mo sa ganitong mga hilahil dito ka matututo.

ticular song included. “ For Always marks Martin’s

27th as a recording artist. It kicks off with the single, “Maybe This Time,” originally popularized by Michael Murphy during the 80s.

Without any doubt, the CD is a trip down memory lane. There

Martin admits trying to save

marriage(Continued from page 1)

are liner notes in the album which Martin himself wrote wherein he shares personal thoughts about every song.

“Every song has a story to tell. Putting them all together would sum up the story of my life. As a rule, I always keep a journal and jot down little piece of events. It should come in handy one day when I decide to write my autobiography. Where would you want me to start? Sa downfall agad ng aking marriage? ,” he said with a poker face.

If and when Martin writes his “memoirs,” we are positively sure it will be a sell-out because he is a frank person who calls a spade a spade. His humor might even be mistaken for something else. When he told us in pass-ing how he tried to “repair” his marriage with a pastor at their side, we could only presume the different reaction he will get from his ex-wife once she hears his story.

Anyway, back to the songs of yesteryears. 20 Choice cuts include: Now and Forever, Old Photographs, All at Once, Some-times When We Touch, Heaven (and Everything I Do,I Do It for you) and The Search is Over to name a few.

No love duet with Pops Fer-nandez with whom he got re-united even through a Valentine concert?

They sung Reunited, a ballad about lovers getting back which was done by Peaches and Herb in the 80s.

and Chowking will open its doors to serve the needs of the thousands of Filipinos and other nationalities who fre-quent the very popular mall in the area.

For months after the place-ment of the soon-to-open sign on the ground fl oor, south wing area of the mall beside Target, people have been looking forward to patron-izing the “three delicious and beloved Filipino brands in one location!”

It boasts of an ample dine-in space that will seat 157 patrons. It is considered a showcase of the best of the Filipino…..Jollibee’s ‘langhap-sarap’ Chicken Joy, Red Ribbon’s award-winning Mango and Ube Cakes, and Chowking’s super-delicious mami choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Plaza Bonita will be Red Ribbon’s 32nd store in the U.S. and the 5th in San Diego County, it’s Jollibee’s 26th in the U.S. and 3rd in San Diego; and it’s Chowking’s 17th store in the U.S. and 4th in San Diego

The store’s address is Westfi eld Plaza Bonita, 3030 Plaza Bonita Road, Space 1430, National City, Califor-nia, 91950. - AJ

Jollibee, Red Ribbon Bakeshop and

Chowking

Three Filipino restaurants open

in Westfi eld Plaza Bonita


BalintatawRead Virginia Ferrer’s previous articles by visiting our website

at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Virginia H. Ferrer

Manila Fastfood & Desserts“Homemade Filipino Cuisine at its Best”

(858) 695.9104(858) 578.0968

8979 Mira Mesa blvd. San Diego, CA 92126

Dine - in and To GoCombinations Plates - Try our “Crispy Pata”

We serve breakfast on weekends

Catering, Desserts and Kakanin for all Occasions

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

Business Hours:Tues-Fri: 9:30 am - 7:30 pmSaturday: 8:30 am - 7:30 pmSunday: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

CAROLENTERPRISES

A.C.E. “Balikbayan Boxes” Direct“MURA NA MABILIS PA”

Metro Manila 38.00LUZON 1 & 2 43.00VISAYAS 48.00MINDANAO 53.00JUMBO BOX (MM) 55.00

(Promo ends March 31, 2009)Contact: CAROL

Tel # (619) 245-1539 / (619) 474-1004833 E. 8th St. National City, CA 91950

Contact: CAROL

Nancy DunnSALES & LEASING CONSULTANTfor New and Certifi ed Pre-Owned Vehicles

Call (619) 370-0402

Nancy DunnSALES & LEASING CONSULTANTfor New and Certifi ed Pre-Owned Vehicles

Call (619) 370-0402

“Profe� ional and Friendly Service”

PNS -- JINGGOY Estrada’s forthcoming movie, “Magkaibi-gan” revolves around friendship. Produced by Maverick Films and written and directed by Jose Javier Reyes, it might as well be called a tribute to the late action star Rudy Fernandez. We won’t be surprised if the true accounts of Daboy’s remaining days since he succumbed to cancer are vividly depicted in the story. In real life, Jinggoy and Daboy were the best of friends forming a formidable bonding with Phil-lip Salvador and senator Bong Revilla,Jr.

Christopher de Leon plays the cancer stricken Atoy and

Another grade A movie?his moving performance will defi nitely touch everyone. His on-screen wife Dawn Zulueta shares his sufferings as well as their children.

Maricel Laxa is cast as the wife of Jinggoy. We can smell an-other graded A movie in Magkai-bigan and possibly one that will gather numerous awards.

The artistic success of Ka-tas ng Saudi prodded Jinggoy to join the Metro fi lmfest the second time around. The movie depicted the plight of a returning OFW and it was shown all over the world where there are large Filipino communities. Senator Estrada champions the cause of OFWs and the masa at the Sen-ate.


JOCHI’S FAST FOOD, INC.

1340 3RD Ave. Suite B Chula Vista, CA 91911(Inside Seafood City Supermarket)

Del & Chit Rivera(Proprietors)

(619) 426-7804

Pinakamasarap na Lechon and Filipino cuisine

LEE ConstruCtion serviCes

(Residential Remodeling Specialist)

• Room Addition • Patio Deck & Fences• Flooring (Laminate & Tiles)• Painting (Interior & Exterior & custom Crown Moulding)• Roofing, Renew, Repair • Bath Remodeling

For FREE ESTIMATE Call

[email protected]. # 824754

(858) 717-5778

10th

REDWOOD CITY, Ca –- (March 6, 2009) – MYX®, the only Asian-American music and lifestyle channel, scored its sec-ond consecutive nomination at the 2009 NAMIC Vision Awards (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications). The prestigious entertainment industry award honors achieve-ments in television programming diversity.

The nationally distributed MYX®, which is owned and operated by ABS-CBN Inter-national, got its 2009 NAMIC nod for “Dig: Lyrics Born” in the Digital Media Short Form category. Other nominees in said category are: “Ugly Betty Presents: Mode After Hours” of ABC.com; “MTVU’s Stand In: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf” of MTVU; and “Extra on Es-sence” of Telepictures Produc-tions & Time Inc.’s.

“Dig” is a two-minute monthly

MYX® Nominated for NAMIC Vision Awards 2009 “Dig”, channel’s monthly artist vignette, nabs second consecutive nomination in annual awards recognizing

diversity in television programming

vignette that features mainly up-and-coming, independent artists at work – recording in a studio, performing in a concert, or shown in a music video. “This is a show that resonates very well with our audience,” said Miguel Santos, head of MYX® Channel Management. “It is our fl agship artist platform featuring buzz-generating artists who need to be seen and heard by the general public. ‘Dig’ fi ts right in with the mission and brand position-ing of MYX®.”

Nominated for the second time for “Dig” is its youthful pro-ducer, Melanie Veloria. “As part of the MYX® team, I take my inspiration from the directives of our management,” she said. “Not many companies are willing to take chances on unproven tal-ent, but MYX® and ABS-CBN International have the foresight to see that independent artists are the future of music.”

ABS-CBN International management was all praises for the MYX® team for its latest achievement.

“This is where the future is headed. There will be more pervasive Asian infl uences seen in American culture in years to come and MYX® will be the platform,” said Business Devel-opment Director Enrique Olives. “We are very proud of the work that people behind MYX® have produced and delivered, and we’re gratifi ed that the industry has recognized it,” said Manag-ing Director Chinky De Jesus. “We’re excited to pave the way for Asian-inspired entertainment. We want to give recognition to what the art, lifestyle and music of Asian Americans stand for and we’re glad this NAMIC nomi-nation affi rms that,” said Chief Operating Offi cer Raffy Lopez.

The NAMIC Vision Awards has recognized achievements of cable networks producing qual-ity, multi-ethnic and cross-cultur-

al original programming content. The 2009 competition marks the expansion of the awards pro-gram with eligibility extended to national broadcast networks, local affi liates, local origination programs from cable operators, and VOD content produced for digital platforms.

Entries were judged by a distinguished panel of entertain-ment industry professionals. Judging focused on overall im-agery (creative merit, originality, and presentation quality), sen-sitivity (the consideration given to cultural nuances), writing (the depiction of issues relevant to people of color) and the qual-ity of acting in the performance categories.

The 15th Anniversary NAMIC Vision Awards will be presented on April 17, 2009 at a luncheon ceremony hosted by Access Hol-lywood’s Shaun Robinson at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

TULAO INCOME TAX SERVICE 240 Woodlawn Avenue, Suite 3, Chula Vista, CA 91910

“TAX SEASON AGAIN”We can help you on complicated

individual tax preparationFor free consultation:

Bus. Tel: (619) 420-5823Cel: (619) 913-2027Rental IncomeSmall BusinessSales of ResidenceCapital Gain on Stocks/InvestmentsPension AnnuitiesEducational CreditsIRS NoticeIndividual 1040 for Short and Long Form

Business Administration in Real EstateMaster of Science in TaxationNational University, San Diego, California

Filipino-American Community Business PersonTulao Realty/Mortgage Co-Notary PublicLicensed California Tax Practitioner since 1977

EFREN J. TULAOLicensed Tax Practitioner

Lic. No. A012789


Classifi ed Ads

RN’s, LVN’s, CNA’sCAREGIVER, COMPANION, HOMEMAKER

Caregivers Wanted Live In Caregivers Must be able to

communicate in English with 20 emergency personnel,

Hardworking,willing and able to do the job Send Resume to: POB 2142 Spring Valley, Ca 91979

Other Plans availableMexico - $24.95 / mo (Includes USA/Canada)Asia - $24.95 / mo (Includes USA/Canada/China/Hong Kong/Singapore/Taiwan/Thailand/Korea/Japan)SE-Asia - $39.95 / mo (Includes USA/Canada/China/Hong Kong/Taiwan/Thailand/Korea/Japan/Vietnam/Laos/Cambodia)Vietnam - $29.95 / mo (Includes USA/Canada/Vietnam/China/Hong Kong/Singapore/Taiwan/Thailand/Korea/Japan/Cambodia/Laos/AustraliaPhilippines - $29.95 / mo (Includes USA/Canada/China/Hong Kong/Singapore/Taiwan/Thailand/Korea/Japan/Australia

Learn How Our Members Pay $0 For This Service

www.outstandingphone.comReferral Code 29

UNLIMITED CALLING TO THE PHILIPPINES

$29.95 / moDriver - Atlas Shippers is looking for experienced Driver to join Op-erations and Marketing team. Qualifi ed Candidates must have good driving records, valid California Drivers License. Must be marketing oriented, aggressive and hard working.

Clerical Support - Atlas Shippers is seeking energetic individual that can handle heavy interactions with customers, phone inquiries and sales in Travel and Money Transfer. Qualifi ed Candidate must possess excellent customer service, skills in building customer rela-tionship. Experience in Marketing or Marketing graduate is a plus.

Atlas is providing excellent Compensation package, competitive salary plus commission. Benefi t includes medical and dental insur-ance.

Must be able to present proof of eligibility to work in the US upon hiring.

Interested and qualifi ed candidates should send resume and DMV Print-out to Atlas Shippers Attn: Human Resource, 1011 E. Edna Place Covina CA 91724 or fax at 626-858-9665, or email us with attachment at humanresource @atlasshippers.com

Job Opportunities (Los Angeles, San Diego & San Francisco locations)

standards of behavior and if they fail to do so they bring shame (hiya) not only upon themselves but also upon their family.

One indication of this might be some Lumbenos’ proclivity to spend more than they can afford during the fi esta (e.g., lavish handaan or celebration) rather than mapahiya by their economic circumstances.

Sometimes, they really over-extended their resources; hence, if they do not live up to expecta-tions, they feel shamed. To avoid hiya and loss of self-esteem, families borrow money or seek personal loans (pacto de ret-roventa), providing creditors, usually the “big town people” with land title of their homes as collateral.

Class & Changes

People of Lumban have, more or less, the same social and cultural traditions and invariably share the same historical experi-ence of the Tagalogs in central and southern Luzon. Lumbenos retain much of their Malay’s cul-ture, although they grew slowly to accept foreign, especially Spanish, Chinese and American cultural infl uences.

Traditionally, Lumbenos are mostly farmers, fi shermen, and migrant laborers. They have a very strict adherence to con-duct, politeness, etiquette, and respect, and this exemplifi ed by their practices and their language structure. They are easygoing, brave, macho, and proud group – sensitive to insult.

Parenthetically speaking,

IN SEARCH OF THE GOOD LIFE:

Refl ections on Tagalog Family,

Class, and Values*(Continued from page 12)

HOUSE FOR RENT with swimming pool Beverly Hills, CA

Education system among the best.4 BR - Can be 5 BR, 3 BA

$4,000/mo.

ROOM FOR RENTNear Briarwood and Highway 54

1 @ 550.00/mo Free Meals & Utilities1 @ 500.00/mo. Free Meals & Utilities

Call Tony (858) 705-0458(619) 472-1194

APT-AFFORDABLESENIOR HOUSING.Studios - singles,

1br - couples1-2yr wait. Affi rm.

Fair Housing. HUD Subsidized. Green Manor

(619) 297-16014041 Ibis St. SD, 92103

To:

From: Eugene De Leon

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

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

lines, it costs

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

Fax #

If approved please sign and fax back to

(619) 474-0373

__________________

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

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

03/13/09

140

Evelyn Bell

3.5x4x10

Southeastern Economic Development Corporation

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS/QUALIFICATIONSA DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY IN THE

SOUTHCREST NEIGHBORHOOD

The Southeastern Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), on behalf of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Diego (Redevelopment Agency), is seeking proposals from qualified developers or development teams for the development of 3 parcels located in the Southcrest neighborhood (Site). The Site is located within the Southeastern San Diego Community Planning area of the City of San Diego, approximately five miles east of downtown San Diego. Located near Z Street, Alpha Street and 40th Street, the Site is within the Southcrest Redevelopment Project Area. The Request for Proposals/ Qualifications may be obtained at the SEDC website, www.sedcinc.com. Questions may be directed to Jill Sabo, Project Manager at (619) 527-7345. Responses to the RFP/Q are due by April 3, 2009, at 12:00PM at the SEDC Corporate Office located at 4393 Imperial Avenue, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92113.COUNCIL DISTRICT: District 8, Council Member Benjamin Hueso.

Lumban is also notorious as a battle ground of warring families like the Ablao and Samonte. The family feud was even made by Viva into a movie years back. This aspect of Lumban notoriety, including some other killings and court proceedings, will be discussed in subsequent issues.

They are faithful to their moral and economic obligations and love the fi ner things in life. But they are neither extravagant nor frugal.

Unlike the Ilokanos and Bisayans, they generally prefer their “native soil” to any other; thus, they develop the tendency to live with their parents of in-laws even after marriage, a lifestyle that gives an outsider an impression that Tagalogs tend to be dependent and indolent.

There appears to be a two-class system, with a small developing middle class. These classes are distinguished from each other by the presence or absence of eco-nomic security. Members of the lower class depend on members of the upper class for assistance, and repay this assistance with utang na loob, personal service and political support.

However, such diffused role expectations and symbiotic rela-tionships are increasingly being replaced by functionally specifi c roles as partners in economic enterprise, or by class-conscious antagonisms, especially true in big cities.

In Pasay City and other urban towns, reciprocal obligations between the well-off and the insecure are found also; but the division between the secure and the insecure is less clear-cut and less signifi cant for the structur-ing of the community as a whole.

Still, writes John J. Carroll, “the patron-client relationship can exist between individuals at any two levels of wealth or power; and many have rejected the role of patron or client in

favor of alternate roles.”Upward mobility within the

system is possible, particularly with the aid of an upper-class patron who may provide educa-tional opportunities in Manila or elsewhere. Without such help it is diffi cult to better one.

The traditional relationship between upper-class and lower-class individuals and families is frequently maintained in the dealings of a family with its household help, an employer with his employees, and a politi-cal leader with his followers.

Similar patron-client relation-ships are found also between individuals with the upper ranges of the socioeconomic scale, for example, between junior and senior executives.

But many in the upper- and middle-income ranges increas-ingly refuse to accept the tradi-tional upper role benefactor and patron, or restrict it as much as possible. The pattern of life, val-ues, and status symbols of this “emerging middle class” appears to be derived more from their American counterparts than from the traditional upper class of the Philippines.

With overseas Filipino employ-ment and globalization, many of the traditional structures have weakened, but certain ideals and values remain among Lumban town folks. As with other Fili-pinos elsewhere such as acqui-escent behavior and mistrust of individualism persist. – Riz

_____________

*In its present working draft, no portion of the article may be quoted without the permission of the columnist. Sources for this essay are also omitted partly be-cause of space limitation. The se-ries will continue in two weeks.

ROOM FOR RENTShared Utilites

Close to all (619)

656-0409

LIVE-IN CAREGIVER for RCFE Facility

In North CountyExperience not necessary.

Speaks English.Will assist with immigration

papers to qualifi ed applicants.

Call (858) 349-6441


By Alex P. Vidal/ PNS CHICAGO, Illinois --Five Fili-

pinos were among the 16 people recently charged with federal passport offenses in San Francis-co, California, reports from the United States Attorney’s Office North District of California said on February 26.

Joseph P. Russoniello, United States attorney, said the 16 Bay Area residents wer e charged with federal passport offenses between December 2008 and February 2009.

The report was confirmed by Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) special agent-in-charge Patrick Durkin.

The charges are reportedly part of the “zero-tolerance policy” towards impostors who try to obtain authentic American pass-ports as more than 125 Bay Area residents have been similarly prosecuted since 2007.

The five were identified as Efrain Molina, Antonio Flores, Francisco Asis, Victor Topete, and Gloria Paniagua.

Molina, of South Francisco alleg-edly applied for a passport using another person’s birth certificate. She was arrested by DSS special agents on Decem-ber 15, and his case is in progress.

Flores, of San Jose California, was convicted of possess-ing a fraudulent Social Security Number when he applied for a pass-port. Flores previously self-sur-rendered to DSS special agents and was convicted on December 9 and now awaits sentencing.

Asis, of Concord, California, was convicted of possessing a false driver’s license when he applied for a passport. Asis was previously arrested by DSS spe-cial agents and was sentenced to two years probation on Decem-ber 10.

Topete, of Pittsburg, California, was convicted of possessing a false identification document when he applied for a passport. Topete was previously arrested by DSS special agents and was sentenced to three years proba-tion on December 16.

Paniagua, of Pacifica, Califor-nia, was convicted of possessing a false identification document when she applied for a passport. Paniagua was previously arrested by DSS special agents and was sentenced to one year probation on January 16.

According to court records and proceedings, the 11 other defen-dants all made misrepresenta-tions of their identity on applica-tions for passports. They were:

Berta Aldana-Fernandez of San Francisco, is alleged to have pos-sessed an authentic United States passport in a false name. Aldana-Fernadez was previously charged on December 5, and her case is in progress.

Gabriel Zuniga-Murillo of San Lorenzo, California, was con-victed of possessing a fraudulent birth certificate when he applied for a passport. Zuniga-Murillo previously self-surrendered to DSS special agents and was sen-

Pinoys charged for U.S. Passport fraud

WORLD WAR 2 VETERAN SHOWS OFF WAR AWARD PHO-TO - A Filipino World War II veteran shows off his Bronze Star Award certificate to prove he fought for the United States during the world war in the Philippines. Filipino and Filipino American Veterans of World War II are starting to line up in different regions of the Philippines for their share of the $198 million stimulus pack-age signed recently by President Barack Obama of the US of which $9,000 each will go to surviving members of the Filipino veterans and $15,000 will go to Fil-Am veterans. PINOY GONZALES/ PNS

tenced to three years probation on December 16.

Billy Joe Blu Degolyer of Pacifica, was convicted of selling his birth certificate to another person, who then used it to apply for a passport. Degolyer previ-ously self-surrendered to DSS special agents and was convicted on January 22. Degolyer awaits sentencing.

Julio Kleber Lemos Souza of Daly City, California, is alleged to have applied for passport using another person’s birth cer-tificate. Souza eluded arrest on February 2 and remains a DSS fugitive.

Rodigo Carvalho of San Fran-cisco, is alleged to have applied for a passport using another per-son’s birth certificate. Carvalho eluded arrest on February 2, and remains a DSS fugitive.

Juan Ruiz-Gonzalez of Con-cord, Calif., is alleged to have applied for a passport using another person’s birth certificate. Ruiz-Gonzalez was arrested by DSS special agents on

February 5, and his case is in progress.

Gabriel Soto-Magana of Santa Rosa, California, is alleged to have applied for a passport using another person’s birth certificate. Soto-Magana was arrested by Department of Homeland Security of-ficers in San

Diego on February 14, and is in the process of be-

ing transferred to federal court in San Francisco where his case is in progress.

Maria Floreano of Rohnert Park, Califonia, is alleged to have applied for a passport using another person’s birth certificate. Floreano self-surrendered to DSS special agents on February 20, and her case is in progress.

Matthew Blake Morrow for-merly of Concord, is alleged to have applied for a passport using counterfeit school records and false witness statements used to prove his identity. Morrow was Indicted on February 18 and is in the process of being transferred from Tennessee state prison to federal court in Oakland, where his case is in progress.

Victor Hugo Barajas of Red-wood City, California, is alleged to have applied for a passport using another person’s birth cer-tificate. Barajas was arrested by DSS special agents on February 24, and his case is in progress.

Miguel Peral Cervantes of Berkeley, California, is alleged to have applied for a passport using another person’s birth certificate. Cervantes has agreed to self-surrender to DSS special agents on February 26, and his case is in progress.

The maximum statutory penal-ties for the offenses they alleg-edly committed ranges from one to 10 years of imprisonment, although any20 sentence follow-ing conviction was or would be imposed by the court after con-sideration of the U.S. Sentenc-ing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence.

PHILIPPINE NEWS SER-VICE -- About 22,000 tourism-related employment opportu-nities are up for grabs in the forthcoming jobs fair dubbed as Trabaho sa Turismo to be held by th e Department of Tourism in Metro Manila and Cebu.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano will lead the tourism jobs fair to be held on March 13 and 14 at the Megatrade hall in Cebu City.

Organizers, notably the Philip-pine Convention and Visitors Corp., said there will be more job openings this year.

The jobs fair in Metro Manila is slated on May 22 and 23 at the SMX Mall of Asia in Pasay City where more than 18,000 job openings will be offered.

Durano said “the pre-vailing stable economic condition in the country is a boon to the tourism industry

DoT offers 22,000 jobs

which stakeholders have to gear up in terms of highly quali-

fied professional and highly skilled person-nel.”

“The Philippines will be very at-tractive since our country is the least

affected and whose economy appears to be

the more stable in the region,” he said.

Philippine Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano

PHILIPPINE NEWS SER-VICE -- More than three mil-lion students across the country simultaneously fled their class-rooms yesterday in a rehearsal of life-saving evacua-tion plans for strong earth-quakes, offici als said.

The south is part of the so-called “Ring of Fire” of islands that were formed by volcanic activ-ity and are regularly hit by big quakes.

However, the last major earth-quake to cause widespread death and destruction in the Philippines occurred nearly 19 years ago, when about half the country’s rapidly growing population of 90

Earthquake drill all over RPmillion were not yet born.

The 7.7-magnitude quake on July 16, 1990, killed 2,400 people in the north.

As firetruck sirens wailed at 8:30 a.m., the thousand-strong stu-dent body of the

San Fran-cisco High School in Manila filed out of class with their palms

clasped above their heads for protection.

Pupils squatted in orderly rows at the open-air school quadrangle in drills observed by Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and chief government seismologist Renato Solidum.

asian journal mar 13 2009

Documents