asian portal news arizona

In the United States the number of internationalmarriages is increasing. As of 2010, there were morethan 5 million marriages performed in which onespouse was from another country. Many differentfactors account for this trend, including theglobalization of commerce and business.

Phoenix ready to mark 'Year of the Horse'

Volume 01, Issue 1 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014

Miss CougarArizona Pagenat!

Asian Portal News

ImmigrationWho is thatmasked man?

"Miss Cougar Arizona"and "Mr. Arizona Cub"will be crowned.Story on Page 6

Arizona residents of all cultures celebrateChinese New Year during Phoenix Chinese Week

The Year of the HorseThe Phoenix Chinese Week Committeecelebrates Chinese Week 2014 and theChinese New Year 4712, “The Year of theHorse” from Feb. 3 to 9, with cultural andeducational events throughout the valley.A highlight of the activities is a free,

three-day Chinese Week Culture and FoodFestival, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb.7; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb 8; and 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb 9; at Margaret T.Hance Park, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix.Parking is free.

The 24th annual festival features liveentertainment including the dragon and liondances, martial arts demonstrations, folk,traditional dances, musical performances,mah-jong booth, a Children’s Pavilion, theChinese Culture and History booth, photoexhibit and art display, delicious Chinesefood and much more.

International marriages inthe U.S. are increasing

Continued on Page 2

Page 2This practicing dentistsays his stand-upcomedy is just a hobby.Page 5

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Three Acres and Pond

The first thing that we would like to do is towish everyone a prosperous and healthy newyear!We also want to thank “Dr. Dave” for this

opportunity to greet the members of the Asiancommunity through the inaugural edition ofthis paper. We hope that it will serve as avoice for the Phoenix Asian community andassist a close community to become evenmore informed of those things that areimportant and of interest to communitymembers.

My name is Kurt Spilker and I am writingon behalf of myself and my partner, TomDean. We are attorneys here in Phoenix. Ihave just formed a new law firm, LibertyLegal, and one of the reasons we have takenthis step is because we are absolutelycommitted to serving the Asian community inimmigration and almost any other area inwhich members of the community might needlegal services. If we cannot help you withyour legal issue, we will be glad to refer youto a competent attorney who practices in thatarea.I have had the privilege to live and work in

Asia, and although I was not fortunate enoughto marry someone from Asia, I always tell myfriends that I left a bit of my heart there.

As a student and teacher of history, I amwell aware of the critical role that the Asiancommunity had and continues to have in thegrowth and prosperity of this great nation.From the first days of the new nation untiltoday, the Asian American community hascontributed their labor, their loyalty, theirskill, and the riches of their cultures to theAmerican experience.

Unfortunately, those in power have notalways recognized the treasure that we gainedby welcoming the Asian community to theUS. We hope that the reforms that are comingwill help to address some of those injustices.There are a couple of issues in immigrationlaw specific to the Asian community that arecurrently available and we do have some ideaof what will be .

included in the reform package which shouldbe approved by congress in the spring.

While the U.S. continues to deport recordnumbers of undocumented immigrants,immigration from Asian nations has continuedto grow. About 430,000 Asians, or 36 percentof all new immigrants, arrived in the U.S. in2010, according to the latest census data.That’s compared to about 370,000, or 31percent, who were Hispanic. There were over61,000 new China-born residents in 2012.Many Asian immigrants are sought by U.S.

companies to meet the demand for scienceand engineering talent. Of the top ten H-1B(skilled worker visa) recipient countries, sixare from Asia. International students studyingat U.S. colleges and universities also are nowmost likely to come from Asian countries,roughly 6 in 10, and some of them are able tolive and work in the U.S. after graduation.Of course, many immigrants from Asian

countries enter the U.S. without a collegedegree and a high-tech job offer. Many ofthem are eligible for visas through U.S.relatives who have already gained lawfulstatus. Others may be edible for politicalasylum if they have a legitimate fear ofpersecution should they be forced to return totheir country of origin; or qualify forTemporary Protected Status if they arevictims of natural disasters, such as Philippinenationals displaced by Typhoon Haiyan.Many others have no lawful means ofimmigration and remain out of status, in theshadows, in fear of possible apprehension byICE. There is hope on the horizon, however,for these individuals as well. The next biglegislative item for both Congress and theWhite House is immigration reform. A newbill is on the table that would significantlyoverhaul the current system, legalizing manycurrently unregistered US residents andpotentially allowing the return of somedeportees. We are tracking this legislationvery carefully and will certainly share theinformationwith you as it becomes available.

Immigration

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Vinyl Banner printing in Phoenix AZ. Call us at 623-225-4303 Email: [email protected]

Internationalmarriages inthe U.S. areincreasing

The K-1 visa is available to those who arelooking to grant their fiance entry into the U.S.from another country. This type of visastipulates that the couple must marry within90 days of the immigrant's entry, and if thisrequirement is not met, the fiance will have toleave the United States within 30 days.However, once the marriage takes place, theindividual can apply for permanent residentstatus.The majority of individuals that apply for a

K-I visa are approved. In 2009 95 percent ofall K1 visas that were requested were granted.The largest group of people entering the U.S.with this type of visa hail from the Ukraineand Russia, which are not countries thatgenerally see large populations of immigrantscoming to the United States.Newly married individuals can begin the

adjustment of status procedure to secure apermanent residency in the U.S as soon afterthe marriage as possible, or they have theoption to apply for an employmentauthorization. These are important steps totake because the safety and ownership of theU.S. citizen's estate could be at risk if theimmigrant spouse is not a recognized citizen.Assets left to the foreign-born spouse may besubject to taxes and could be claimed by theIRS, a fact motivatingmany spouses whomarried with the use of a K1 visa toimmediately get on the path to citizenship.

Continuedfrom Page 1

THE ASIAN PORTALIS HIRING 2014 STAFF

STAFF WRITERSGRAPHIC DESIGNERS

PAGE EDITORSAND MORE.

For details visit us athttp://www.asianportalnews.com/careers/

-Kurt Spilker-

Participants are rising juniors, seniors, orrecent grads. They are provided a livingstipend and placed in full-time positions inorganizations in the Washington, DC. area

The program exposes interns to publicpolicy/advocacy efforts while gaininginvaluable work experience.Assignmentsare at federal agencies, nonprofitorganizations, congressional offices, andpublic affairs units of companies.

For more information on the OCASummer Internship, visit OCA’s website atwww.ocanational.org and click ‘Internship’tab under ‘Programs Section. Applicationsand support materials must be submitted byMondayMarch 3, 2014.

Asian Portal News

And, Cougars will help decide who winsthe Cub pageant. Adults of all ages arewelcome.

“Age discrimination is perhaps the mostpervasive prejudice in American Society,”says the Miss Cougar Arizona Pageantcommittee, Producers of these Pageants.“Older women, in particular, are victimizedby our youth-oriented society. They areregarded as ‘non-sexy’. Supposedly everyAmerican male is only attracted to nubile20 year olds found in the centerfolds ofmen’s magazines. The truth is that there aremillions of American men who find olderwomen attractive, and we will prove it atthe Miss Cougar Arizona 2014 Pageant”

The cost to attend the Miss CougarAmerica Contest Cougar is $20/door,which includes a Dance Party, featuringtoday’s hottest hits and the greatest songsof yesteryear.

Web: http://www.misscougararizona.com

Scottsdale, Arizona -- The Winner of the1st Annual Miss Cougar Arizona Pageantwill receive gifts/prizes a sash and crownalong with lots of attention and recognition.She also has the opportunity to move on tothe Miss Cougar USA and Miss CougarInternational Pageants.Cougars and Cubs from throughout

Arizona are invited to compete for thetitle of Miss Cougar Arizona 2014, andMr. Arizona Cub 2014.

Cubs (younger men) in attendance willhelp decide who wins the Cougar pageant.


The Organization of Chinese AmericansAsian Pacific American Advocates, anational group dedicated to advancingpolitical, social, and economic well-beingof Asian Pacific Americans.

OCA invites students from across theUSA to apply for the opportunity to beinvolved in the political process through anational organization. This Internship hassuccessfully led former participants tobecome more active on their collegecampus and significantly increased thelevel of APA civic engagement in local,state, and national public policy issues. Anumber of OCA alums have pursuedcareers in public service, advocacy, asappointed officials as well as in non-publicsector positions.

“The program is an excellentopportunity for students to be in thedynamic atmosphere of Washington, DCand to continue to discover their self-identities and how to use those identitieseffectively for our APA community andour country,” said Stan Lou, Vice Presidenton Culture and Education.

Apply Now for 2014 Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC.

"Miss Cougar Arizona" to Be Crowned at Cougar Convention in DecemberAnniversaries, BirthdaysSpecial Occasions

Margie Huff & Dahlia Sesante (2 Birthday Girls)

AidaJanguinOmayan(left)

Birthday

Lucille Go Walter (Above) Birthday

Hai-Yen Nguyen Birthday

Authentic Cuisine of the Philippines may soon bemainstream in U.S. by Louis Hwang/Asian Portal

Asian Portal News

The Lunar New Year has many namesamong the countries in which it isobserved. For example, in Vietnam, it isknown as Tet Nguyen Dan, while inThailand the celebration— which takesplace in April — is known as Songkran.Korea celebrates Sol and Cambodiacommemorates Chaul Chnam Thmey.China recognizes Chuen Jie (the SpringFestival), a time when families and friendscome together to wish one anotherhappiness and pay respects to ancestors ina celebration beginningwith the New Yearand continuing for 15 days.Considered by many to be the oldestcalendar system in the world, the Chineselunar calendar traces its origin back as faras 2637 B.C.E. Each year is represented byone of the 12 animals of the zodiac: Rat, Ox,Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse,Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

The Year of the Horse comes thunderingin beginning January 31, 2014, and itsarrival will be celebrated not only by Asiannations such as China, Korea, Nepal,India, and Iran, but also in western culturesand beyond. As with many traditions,the Lunar New Year observationdates back to an ancient legend: China’sJade Emperor scheduled a race for 12animals in the kingdom to determine theirorder in the calendar. The Horse came inseventh, following the Rat, the Ox, theTiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, and theSnake. In 2014 we celebrate the popularand productive Horse.


According to the U.S. Census Bureau,Filipinos are the second-largest Asiangroup in the country, totaling 3.4 millionpeople based on their 2010 estimates.

When immigrants leave their nativecountries so they can pursue their careersin the U.S. – and in the process, sendmoney back home to their loved ones– family is almost certainly the componentof life they missed the most about thecomforts of home.But in a conversation for the joys of life

that immigrants long for the most is homecooking, be it Mexican, Indian, Thai orChinese.While many of these options are availablein the U.S., some are less popular thanothers, such as Filipino fare.

Continued on Page 5

Happy Lunar New Year!The Horse gallops in

The staff at The Asian Portal wishyou and your family a safe and

happy Lunar New Year!

Save the Date: Arizona Consortium for the Artspresents the 6th Annual Spring Blue GuitarFestival of the Arts. The Festival will be heldat the Desert Ridge Marketplace on Sunday,March 30 - noon - 6pm. Open to the public.Free to attend. visit www.artizona.org==================================

========================================

The Food Channel and Travel Channel hostAndrew Zimmern recently commented aboutFilipino food becoming more commonplace inthe U.S., both among individual consumersand in restaurants. “It’s just starting,” saidZimmern. “I think it’s going to take anotheryear to get up to critical mass, but everybodyloves Chinese food, Thai food, Japanese food,and it’s all been exploited. The Filipinoscombine the best of all of that with Spanishtechnique.” He added that between now and2015, he wouldn’t be surprised if Filipinofood earns the distinction as the country’s“next big thing.”Filipinos attempt to make cuisine moreeasily recognizable. There’s been a concertedeffort among Filipinos in Phoenix to makeFilipino cuisine more mainstream. Tony &Tess Menendez, this pair of husband and wifechefs at Casa Filipina Bakeshop andRestaurant in Phoenix, told the Asian Portalthat they are determined to take food that’stypically only found in the Philippines to awider audience. “We base our flavors ontraditional Philippine flavors, and we get,

Who is that masked man? It's Jimmy Earll

Asian Portal

Not long ago Jimmy Earll performed atthe Tempe Improv. One of the Asian Portalstaff accompanied by commedian KeithEllis attended the show and interviewedJimmy immediately following.

Earll is a Filipino-American who ishappily married to his college sweetheartand the proud father of 2 sons. He is a busyprofessional and a active father, yet his loveof comedy has never wavered.For comedian Jimmy Earll, everyday life

-- from his Filipino family to his 18-yearmarriage and two kids provides plenty offodder for his standup routines. But for hisalter ego -- a practicing dentist helpingfamilies in need is no laughing matter.Earll told Asian Portal (out of respect for

his patients and his practice, he asked thatonly his stage name be used for this article)."Making someone laugh is fun, but this ishealth and healthcare."

"The marriage of dentistry and mypersonality and my creative side reallycame together," he said.

Comedians Keith Ellis & Jimmy Earllwith Maribel Dillard and Maridith Esquivel

recommended it, I tagged along for lunchand loved it. I must agree with Carlo.Wow! This is amazing cuisine! The bakeryitems are delectable as well.Perhaps one of the best Arizona areas to

frequent for fine Filipino cuisine is metro-Phoenix. This area is increasinglybecoming a major metropolitan area forresidents native to the Philippines.Restaurants, like Casa Filipina, featuresdishes that exemplify Filipino cooking,including empanadas, barbeque pork andvarious chicken dishes.. These dishes are extremely affordable,and they post specials on the white boarddaily.How quickly Filipino food becomessynonymous with Chinese food in terms ofits pervasiveness is anyone’s guess, butone thing for sure is that the Casa FilipinaBakeshop and Restaurant is one restaurantthat should be on your list. Casa Filipinaat 3531 W Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix, AZ85053

Cuisine of the Philippines mainstream in the U.S. Continued from Page 4

inspired by them,” saidTony. “We innovate, wedo our own style, and wemake it accessible forforeigners.”He added that becauseFilipino food is among themost flavorful varieties of

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food in the world, clearly taste is not thereason it’s not more popular than it could be.He suggests that its unpopularity may derivefrom Filipinos not giving this food therespect that it deserves.Carlo, a Filipino native now living inGlendale, Arizona overheard us during thisinterview and agreed. He added, that toooften “dinner hosts apologize to their guestswhen dishes like adobo, sinigang, lumpiaand pancit are being served. They should notdo this because Filipino food is good. Theyshould not apologize…they should letpeople eat it and enjoy it.”Myself being Chinese, I had never tried

Filipino food before, but since my friend

friendly and cheerful but should be wary ofothers trying to take advantage of them, asthey tend to be gullible in their eagernessto help others..

Asian Portal

The winningCub, in attendance, must be atleast 18 years of age, attracted to olderwomen, and available to the news media forinterviews.The cost to attend the Miss Cougar Arizona

Contest is $20/door, which includes a DanceParty, featuring today’s hottest hits and thegreatest songs of yesteryear. Dressy nightclubattire is recommended.

Anyone wishing more information visit

Web: http://www.misscougararizona.comGeneral Information:[email protected] Cougar Arizona 2014 Application:[email protected]. Arizona Cub 2014 Application:[email protected] Inquiries/Information:[email protected] Inquiries:[email protected]

Despite the fact it's devolved into someweird parody of itself, the cougar movementcontinues unabated in its quest to breakdown the last great straight-relationshiptaboo: the older woman and the youngerman. They already have sitcoms, movies,books, and themed cruises for cougars -- andnow they're having a convention. One will beheld right here in Phoenix this December,during which "Miss Cougar Arizona" andMr. Arizona Cub will be crowned.

Only one Cougar and one Cub, inattendance, will be awarded the title andprizes. The winning Cougar must be legallysingle, at least 35 years of age, attracted toyounger men, and available to the newsmedia for interviews.


Every culture has different traditions,and in the case of the lunar calendar, theanimals that populate the yearly cyclessometime differ. For example, in theVietnamese tradition, the Rabbit isreferred to as the Cat, the Sheep as Ram,and the Rooster as Cock. In the Tibetancycle, the Rat is instead called the Mouse,the Rabbit is the Hare, and the Rooster isthe Bird.Every 12 years, each animal returns, butin a different incarnation based on one offive elements — metal, water, wood, fire,and earth. For example, this year is theYear of the Wood Horse, which was lastcelebrated 60 years ago in 1954. After thisyear, the Wood Horse will not reappearuntil 2074.According to Chinese astrology, peopleborn in the Year of the Horse (1906, 1918,1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002,2014) are known for their energy, enthusiasm,confidence, and logic. They arepopular and enjoy making new friends.Horses, includingWood Horses bornbetween January 31, 2014 and February18, 2015, are open-minded and love tryingout new ideas and technology. They are

All cultures celebrate Chinese New Year Continued from Page 1

Miss Cougar Arizona 2014/Mr. Arizona Cub 2014 PageantsContinued from Page 3

For many cultures, the arrival of the NewYear marks a spiritual time in which celebrantsgive thanks at temples and pray for a year’s goodluck.Another widely practiced tradition involvessweeping homes clean of evil spirits by literallycleaning and sweeping dwellings of dirt and dust.In addition, new clothing is often purchased incommemoration of the New Year.The Spring Festival in China ushers in thecountry’s busiest travel season, as familiesjourney great distances, often by train, to reunitewith loved ones. In the Thai festival, Rohd NamSongkran,revellers get wet and wild by dowsingone another with water to bring rain in the comingyear.Worldwide celebrations also bring out manyculinary traditions.Many in Korea spend theirday preparing traditional foods to share withfamily and friends.Chinese eat dumplings and rice cakes incelebration of the Lunar New Year, Vietnamesedine on a kind of rice cake called banh trung, andthose in Korea savor a rice cake soup called duk-kuk.Children celebrating the arrival of the LunarNew Year are greeted with many treats. In Chinaand Vietnam, youngsters receive special redenvelopes containingNew Year’s money (inChina, the envelopes are called hong bao).Korean children bow to their parents andgrandparents and, in return, receive freshlyminted money, though not in red envelopes.During the next Lunar New Year, the Year ofthe Sheep will plod in, from February 19, 2015 toFebruary 7, 2016.

Chinese New Year Traditions

Year of the Horse FactsContinued from Page 1

Year of the Horse: January 31, 2014 toFebruary 18, 2015Chinese Calendar Year: 4712Horse Years: 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942,1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026Characteristics: Those born in the Year ofthe Horse are independent and\versatile.They love being with others and makefriends easily. Horses are seen asadventurous people who love to travel,which may lead them to leave home atan early age. They radiate sex appeal andtend to be quite active, playing sportsand spending time outdoors.Best careers: Horse people make goodathletes, doctors, teachers, and architects.Their popularity and gregariousness alsoleads them to become superiorpoliticians, salespeople, and entertainers.Compatible signs: Dog and TigerLucky numbers: 2, 3, and 7

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For Info http://www.baysanproductions.com/davidpomeranzSharon Jane Baysan – Tel: 602.350.9403

Email: [email protected]

Anniversaries, Birthdays, Special Occasions

Al Vee (Birthday) Happy 2nd Wedding AnniversaryFrank and Joan Anderson

Diệu Phước Birthday Janet Zhou-Wilt Birthday

Merlinda Smith Birthday Emma Rose Nesbit Birthday

Michael Davis BirthdayMaria Chona RobinsonBirthday

Dale Hardel BirthdayRhonda Parry BirthdayMarry Nguyen Birthday

Shawee Butanas Birthday Asia Climaco-Lghlimi Birthday

Johnny Cases Birthday

Who belongs to the sandwich generation? This is the generation of adults who are raising their growing children while caring fortheir aging parents. They are squeezed between these two generations and are providing emotional support, financial assistance,housing, and other forms of care to both simultaneously.

Are you alone? According to a recent survey conducted by Pew Research Center, nearly half (47%) of adults between the ages of40 and 60 have parents that are 65 years and older and are raising a child or financially supporting a grown adult child (Parker &Patten, 2013). As a result, this form of care is more common than some may realize.

Is there any support for adults in the Sandwich Generation? Those of this generation are supporting multiple family members andthis form of care has been recognized by many including Carol Abaya, who has written an article in the New York times about thisphenomena and has developed a website to support members of the Sandwich Generation.This website is http://www.sandwichgeneration.com/. The New York Times Article can be found here as well as material to aidthose in this generation.

This website discusses stressors and caregiver tips for those in the Sandwich Generation:http://www.caregiver.com/channels/rural/articles/sandwich_generation.htm

Written by: Jennifer Hamilton, MSW

Pew Research Center Article can be found at:

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