FilipinOnline

Thursday, May 22, 2008

FIL AM I AM: Going Home

I just had a semi-crisis: It's been so long since I posted last that for a moment I forgot my blog password. Thankfully, my morning-brain freeze was only temporary.

So, I went home to the Philippines last month. I found it apt that before both my departure and arrival, I thought of the same thing: "I'm going home." As one quippy Fil Am told me once: "America is our homeland; Philippines is our motherland." We Fil Ams - like many Pinoys who live all over the world but still maintain Philippine roots - have two homes, and we're so lucky.

Manila is so different, and yet it's still the same. Masikip is the best physical description I could come up with as soon as I entered the always-chaotic NAIA terminal. But Manila has always been masikip. Its very limited space is part of its appeal, I guess. If you're poor and un-connected, it is so hard to survive there that some people from the provinces probably treat it as a badge of honor to be able to eke out a living there.

The traffic is as slow as I remembered - but not, I thought, any worse than the 101 freeway in L.A. at rush hour. But the crazy driving and careless pedestrian-crossing are a different matter altogether. The photo I took of this truly Pinoy behaviour (see above pic) was on the front page of Philippine News a few weeks ago. Of course, in true Pinoy fashion, humor seeps through the seriousness of this situation. Tell me you don't get the urge to chuckle when you read the sign. Morbid humor. Pinoys do it best, I tell ya.

The only place I got the time to visit was Malacanang (to interview Press Secretary Bunye), and the popular Mall of Asia. I hope to write about both in later posts.

I wish I have more interesting stories to share today about my trip but since it was short and my time to write today feels shorter, I would include in this post a promise to double my efforts to write more in the coming days.

There's info galore in my Ask a Kababayan and Buhay America Tips folders so please come back later. (I know I'm writing as if I have a steady group of readers, but I can dream, can't I?:)

I also have several Q&As lined up. I've done four or five stories (for PN and Balitang America) since I came back but I didn't even find the time to write about them for my own website. Pathetic, no? While covering those stories, I witnessed a Pinay mom break down after her daughter's and grandson's killer was sentenced to life in prison; laughed at a breakdancing young Pinoy wearing kamisa de chino backstage at a Filipino Cultural Night in Knot's Berry Farm; and hear both Hillary and Obama prominently mention their support of Filipino WWII vets at the historic (if horribly attended) first-ever Asian & Pacific Islander Americans Presidential Townhall.

I'm also busy getting my mom settled here (she's the reason I went home; my petition for her went through fast and without a hitch, yay!) My mom is quickly adjusting to Fil-Am life; you should see her cheering for American Idol's David Cook last night. I myself was cheering for Archie, but what the hey. There were definite Pinoy moments in the show (Ramiele & Renaldo were there, of course) but the best thing for me when we were watching it was seeing her appreciate how in America, everything is possible if you work hard. Say what you will about AI (cheesy, repetitive, with shameless and crass commercialism - all true, BTW) but at its best, it's truly great TV for us impossible-dreamers.

She is still converting everything to pesos and misses her Tagalog soap operas (Have you heard of Lobo? Apparently, wolves roam the Philippines like askals. In TVland, that is.) but she is now addicted to Law & Order and Crossing Jordan reruns on cable. She also appreciates many things about American living. For instance, she was amazed by how quickly the process for applying for a senior ID took at the DMV.

"Lahat mabilis dito. Tsaka lahat malaki," she says while looking at a watermelon double the size of her torso at Walmart.

Through her, I'm gaining a lot of information for new and senior citizen-immigrants that I could share with other Pinoys undergoing/about to undergo similar family petitions. By the way, did you hear about the new H2B ruling? This might help you, so check it out.

All these post-trip activities on top of my regular workload required busier-than-ever multi-tasking that of course pointed out one undeniable fact: I'm home. Time to get crackin'.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

BUHAY AMERICA TIP:
Intruder Alert for your E-mail Account

Setting up an intruder alarm for your e-mail account is another way by which you can repel ID thieves.

Here's an article written by PCWorld's Erik Larkin - he talks about how it's done (getting a hacker alarm) para malaman nyo kung may tumitingin na iba sa email account ninyo.

Eto ang sabi sa article:

1.) Open an account with OneStatFree.com, and use a disposable e-mail address to complete the registration process.
2.) You'll receive an email from OneStat with an attached file. Save the file, note the account number, and then delete the email.
3.) Rename the file with a name that would catch a hacker's eye like "AccountPasswords." Save the .txt file as an .htm file so it opens up in a web browser.
4.) Send an email with the .htm file to the account you want to monitor. Use a subject title that is eye catching.
5.) Wait for the hacker to take the bait. If the attachment is opened by anyone else but you, the hit counter will record their IP address.
6.) Change your password frequently to something that's a little harder to crack.

[photo: Yahoo.com]

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Monday, March 24, 2008

BUHAY AMERICA TIP:
Beware of Scammers Stealing Tax Refunds

If you get a call from someone saying that they are IRS agents and asking all kinds of personal financial information in relation to your tax refunds and rebates, hold the phone.

Better yet, disconnect.

Here's a story about how some scammers are targeting people expecting money back from the government. With tax season in full swing, some criminals are having a busy time, too, stealing money from those who are supposed to receive refunds (and soon, rebates).

Some people have received e-mails that looked like they came from the IRS and other government agencies, complete with believable logos, instructing them to click on a special attached form to provide personal information.

Never, ever, ever click. Tandaan ninyo: The IRS will never ask for bank account or similar information over the phone or Internet.

If you ever get this bogus call or e-mail, go to the IRS Web site and report it.

[photo: CNN.com]

Friday, March 21, 2008

PAPAYA DANCE

Pinoys did it again. Through the Papaya dance - dubbed as the new Macarena - we have another viral hit.

The Papaya dance was popularized by a Philippine game show and was recently featured in "Good Morning America." Go here to see Diane Sawyer and co. attempt to do the dance.

Click on the YouTube link above to see a Pinoy family from San Francisco getting jiggy with it.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

BUHAY AMERICA TIP: Family Watchdog

FilipinOnline reader Jon Dela Cruz sent this informative link about Family Watchdog, an organization that maintains a website where parents can know where registered sex offenders live in your area.
It's creepy because in one click you can even see the pictures of the offenders, but a useful tool nonetheless for parents who would like to know if any of the offenders live near their home or the child's school.

Friday, March 7, 2008

The Filipino Healing Priest

Text and photos by: Yong B. Chavez

To the church ushers' consternation, the intention of the woman wearing a yellow sweater has skipped their notice. After making her way through the dense crowd, she marched straight to the altar and is now hunched in front of the seated priest, a boyish-looking petite man.

They are talking indistinctly. The mass has just ended and a healing service is about to commence.

"Mga Pinoy talaga, ang hilig sumingit," one of the men says, making jokes but obviously seething. It does look like the woman wanted to bypass the long queue so most of those within the disapproving man's hearing distance nod in agreement. "There's a line, all these people in wheelchairs... She can't just cut. She should wait her turn to be healed by Father," he adds.

"Father" is Father Fernando Suarez, the now-famous Filipino-Canadian Catholic healing priest, who travels all over the world to hold healing services. The 41-year-old man of God was in town for a 2-week stop in Southern California which began in mid-February. He is currently in the country for a multi-city healing tour.

The St. Catherine of Siena church, a good-sized place of worship in the San Fernando Valley, is filled to the rafters despite the rain.

The woman in yellow was led to the microphone by another priest. By the time she began speaking through tears, most have realized that she's no line-cutter. She doesn't need to; she's already healed, she says.

Elvira Lacson, a 58-year-old businesswoman from Rancho Cucamonga, said that before she was prayed over by Suarez in 2007, her left eye was completely blind due to diabetes. She had a host of other ailments, topped off by a mini-stroke.

"After he prayed, Father told me, 'Now, open your eyes,' I did, and then I saw him, I saw the crowd. I saw everything," she said. Her other illnesses? Also gone. "My doctors were amazed. My family was amazed."

It is her first time to share her story publicly but since she became better, Lacson has become some sort of a Suarez stalker, albeit the positive kind.

"Now, I follow Father wherever he goes. When he went to the Philippines, I went there, too," Lacson said.

In this devotion, she is hardly alone.

Since going public with his healing ministry a few years ago, Suarez's miraculous touch has become legendary.

"He's like the Pied Piper. Everyone just wants to follow him," said Vic Perez, a Los Angeles resident. (Perez is organizing a big healing concert for the priest in May 17 to be held at the Los Angeles Sports Arena. Admission is free.)

But instead of drowning those who follow him like in the famous legend, Suarez lifts up everyone he encounters, Perez said.

"When I first heard about him, I didn't believe," Perez said. There are a lot of fake healers in the world, he added. "But upon seeing what he does up-close, it's… I don't know, it's just mind-boggling. My life has changed since meeting him."

Even Suarez did not believe his own gift at first.

Born and raised in a small barrio in Batangas by a tricycle driver dad and a seamstress mom, Suarez did not envision "healing priest" to be his future job title. He was the eldest child and he took the practical route of getting a college degree.

However, there was an incident when he was in high school that made him wonder if he was living the life meant for him.

At 16, he met a paralyzed old woman, and feeling sorry for her, Suarez prayed over her. To both their surprise, she was able to walk right after.

He continued with his studies and worked after college as a chemical engineer, but later on, the young man could no longer ignore the call of priesthood.

"When I was a child, I never thought I would end up in priesthood, but it has given me so much peace and joy that my soul was longing for," he said.

Still, Suarez's road to priesthood wasn't bump-free.

He entered the Franciscan Order but left after less than two years, and his stint at the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) was even shorter: He was asked to leave after 6 months. But although he stayed with SVD for only a short time, it was there that Suarez reported being visited by the Virgin Mary who told him to spread the word of God.

In 1985, Suarez immigrated to Canada where he eventually found his priestly home, the Companions of the Cross. In 1997, he joined this religious community of priests and seminarians.

By that time, many people have told him that his prayer and touch have healed them. Initially, he told those people to keep their healing stories confidential.

"I was confused. I don't know – I just didn't feel worthy. I didn't want to be the center of attention. I was so reluctant to admit it and basically just avoided the issue for a long time. Now, looking back, I realize that I just didn't feel ready to face the challenges and responsibilities of this gift," he said.

"I finally embraced it the day before I was ordained when my spiritual director told me that this gift is not for me; that I have to share it because this is for the people."

Suarez was ordained as a priest in 2002. While representing the Companions of the Cross, he goes to parishes all over the world, performing healing services. He also created the Mary Mother of the Poor Foundation (MMP) which supports a number of indigent families in the Philippines. He is also building a Blessed Virgin shrine in Batangas. Suarez's ministry is supported through donations from many countries.

Since he started traveling, testimonials about the priest's healing touch have multiplied. Some can be read through his website, www.fatherfernando.com.

"Explanation ko dito, healing is possible and it is happening in order for us to know that God is present and He is available and He is alive and is there to help us. Because of this healing ministry, I have the opportunity to tell many people about our faith and the beauty and the gift of being a Roman Catholic," he said.

He conducts the healing service only after celebrating mass.

During a recent homily, he reiterated that "healing flows from Jesus. He is the only one who heals. Jesus will be offended if you go to church only because I am here, and if you go to church only because you're sick. Even when I'm not here, the same God is available to heal you."

But whether he likes it or not, people have been packing churches he visits largely because of him. He dismisses this notion, and even makes jokes about his gift.

"I get people all time telling me that they have a headache, I tell them, 'Then take Tylenol,'" he said while the congregation laughs.

He also loves to tell the joke about how one follower revealed that the reason why the priest is able to get to so many people so fast during the healing service is because Suarez's prayer consists of only one, quickly uttered sentence: "There's nothing wrong with you."

Turning serious, he added, "It's true – for those who believe in God, there's nothing wrong with you."

Suarez is very specific in what he says and doesn't say to those who seek healing. He never promises any miracles.

"I don't give false hope – I never say that if they come, every cripple will walk, every blind person will see, everyone with cancer will be cured. No. I tell them to be open to God. The bottom line is, it's all about God's will. If they don't get healed physically, maybe they'll get healed in other ways," he said.

Suarez adds that more than physical illnesses, more people today are afflicted with emotional and spiritual pain.

"There are a lot of people who won't forgive, who have so much hatred in their hearts, who wishes ill on other people. That's a serious illness." He prays over them just as much as he prays for anyone else, he adds.

The exploding popularity of his healing ministry has recently been met with challenges.

In the aftermath of the healing masses that he recently officiated in the Philippines where tens of thousands attended, Catholic bishops in the country said in January that "while they are happy for Suarez," they will be "watchful" of his healing activities. One bishop has even lodged a complaint against him for not following church rules on healing activities, specifically the one that asks that priest healers first ask "explicit permission" from the governing bishop before conducting a healing mass in his diocese.

A Las Vegas church also cancelled his healing masses last week because, aside from other unnamed reasons, the last time he conducted a service there, the church was displeased with the multitude of clutter left behind by the mass attendees. Suarez has instructed those who invite him in their parishes to follow church protocols but unfortunately this time, this violation caused many Las Vegas devotees to lose out on a chance to attend his healing service.

But those who seek him will get many other opportunities in the future as the priest does not show any sign of slowing down. His schedule is fully booked for 2008.

At the beginning of his healing service at the St. Catherine of Siena church, Suarez sat down on the steps in front of the sick and downed a bottle of water in one big gulp. He looks tired, and he should be. Every single day of the week since he arrived in Los Angeles, he has been officiating healing masses.

At each one, he picks up people in wheelchair in a seemingly random fashion and helps them up to the altar for instant testimonials.

He doesn't know how many he has healed and doesn't sound interested in finding out.

"It's not about me. It's about God," he says. He is aware of skeptics, and he asks them to come to church just the same. "Just come and see the power of God."

He adds that it is there, during the mass, that the biggest miracle happens when the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ.

"Our understanding of healing is very limited," he says. "For a miracle to happen in their life, people just have to open their heart and believe."

After his short rest, the priest stood up, cracked a big smile, and began healing.

[A shorter version of this story currently appears on Philippine News]

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

ASK A KABABAYAN:
My husband and I just became US citizens. My 9-year-old child, who's born in Manila, is also a US citizen now, di ba?

Per USCIS, a foreign-born minor child of alien parents who naturalized is a citizen but you still need to file for her an "Application for a Certificate of Citizenship" using Form N-600 to document her naturalization. (Alien here means foreign, of course, not Martian, he-he.)

Pwede kang mag-apply ng U.S. passport for her even without her citizenship certificate but remember that passports expire. Naturalization certificates don't. That's her document for life.

Here's a story about how one's failure to apply for an N-600 affected his life.

The fee is currently $460, non-refundable. Here are the requirements.

Speaking from my own experience using the USCIS L.A. district office, here are what you can expect when you file this form:

1. It will take forever before you'll get the certificate. All right, not really. But it will take about 6-8 months before you even get the interview letter.

2. When you file the N-600 with the payment, you won't get one of those official-looking receipts from the USCIS. You will get a small receipt that looks like it came from an adding machine. When I got this receipt I almost felt like I paid for a siopao instead of $255 - that was the fee a year ago. Now it's $460. Ang taas na ngayon, ano?

Tip: Pay with a personal check so that you have another evidence of payment (from your bank statement) that you could produce when needed.

3. The interview takes only a short time but when you get to the district office, be prepared to wait for about 1-2 hours to get your appointment called. Meaning, your appointment might say 9 a.m. but get comfy seats because you'll wait. Still, be there on time. After the interview, you will be asked to go to another room where you will wait some more before your child's citizenship certificate can be claimed.

4. The interview's purpose is to positively determine that all of the application details are legit and that the child is in fact yours and the same one on the application so if you have complete documents, your interview will be short (and hopefully, sweet, as ours was). No US history questions, like in the adult's citizenship interviews.

5. While you're waiting for the interview letter, use that 6-8 months of waiting time to make sure you have the originals or certified copies of your marriage contract, your child's birth cert, and of course, your naturalization certs.

6. Bring picture IDs (like passports) to the interview - your child's and yours. Bring all the other requirements as stated in the interview letter.

To periodically check on the status of your N-600 application, click here, then choose the district office when you reside. It will take you to another page where you can see which priority dates (the month of your application) are being currently processed. To test this, I entered Los Angeles, CA and I saw that the N-600 applications that they are processing now are those submitted back in July, 2007.

Call the USCIS at 800-375-5283 if you have more questions.

[Photo: USCIS]

HELPING FILIPINOS

There are many Fil-Ams who do so many good things for our kababayans back home. These Pinoys heroically give their time, money and effort without fanfare. Here is one example. You can also be a bayani to our kababayans back home by sponsoring a wheelchair. Instructions on how to help can be found below. ---Yong

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

WHEELCHAIRS DONATED TO LEYTE RESIDENTS

Ten brand new wheelchairs were donated to needy children and one adult in Leyte by the Wheelchair Foundation of California last January at a turnover ceremony held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Two Leyte children with disabilities attended the ceremony. They are Vanessa Bernal, 12 years old from Barangay Hiluktugan, Carigara, Leyte; and Raymark Galit, 7 years old from Barangay Santol, San Miguel, Leyte.

The Wheelchair Foundation has been donating wheelchairs all over the world and finally chose to come to the Philippines to give aid there. The foundation has offered to pay half of the cost of a wheelchair for other wheelchairs in the Philippines while part of the shipping cost will be covered by Knightsbridge Foundation. Donors are encouraged to contribute $135 for each wheelchair to be given to an individual. In Leyte there is a waiting list for 100 individuals requiring wheelchairs but are unable to afford one.

Donors are wanted to provide the wheelchairs to any of the towns where the needy people are from: Baybay, Dulag, Alangalang, Leyte, Burauen, Tabontabon, Tolosa, Pastrana, La Paz, Tunga, Julita, Jaro, Palo, Carigara, and Dagami. The list was prepared by Provincial Social Worker Clotilde Malatbalat.

Contributions for Leyte may be sent in the name of Knightsbridge International and addressed to PO Box 12186, La Crescenta, CA 91224. The contributions will be coordinated by Art Pacho of the Leyte Development Advisory Council and forwarded to the foundation (a non-profit organization) so that one lot order could be made for the province.

Two children received new wheelchairs from the Wheelchair Foundation of California. Shown in the photo seated in the wheelchairs are: Vanessa Bernal and Raymark Galit. Standing next to them is Leyte Provincial Social Worker Clotilde Malatbalat who accompanied the children.

Friday, February 29, 2008

PANAWAGAN: Calamity victims need help

Several provinces in the Philippines were severely affected by recent landslides and flooding incidents. The calamities, caused by Low Pressure Area (LPA) and tail-end of a cold front, have affected the provinces of Mindoro, Bicol, Samar, Leyte and some parts of Mindanao.

As of February 25, 2008, the following areas were declared under state of calamity: Eastern Samar, Albay province, Sigma, Capiz and Magallanes, Sorsogon.

According to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), 124,500 families or 597,077 individuals have been displaced from 1,297 barangays (villages) of 123 municipalities in 10 cities. The incessant rain caused the lives of 35 persons, while 27 were injured and 10 are still missing.

The estimated cost of damage to properties has now reached almost $26.6 million or Php 1.089 billion: $6.4 million on agriculture and $ 20 million on infrastructure.

The government's Department of Social Welfare and Development, Office of Civil Defense and other agencies have already initiated relief operations and extended other types of assistance in the affected areas. The provincial governments together with local non-government organizations are also working together to mobilize the needed resources.

Ayala Foundation USA (AF-USA) would like to appeal for your immediate assistance as our fellow Filipinos suffer from the destruction that this severe weather condition has caused.
Please send your donations to:
Ayala Foundation USA
255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 428
Redwood City, CA 94065 USA
Tel. no. (650) 598-3126
Fax no. (650) 508-8988
Contact person: Marivic Padilla (marivic@af-usa.org)

[press release]

MANNY MANIA RAGES ON

Pacman is ready and raring to face Juan Manuel Marquez in the ring in two weeks.

"I've never trained harder - NEVER - for a fight. Two days ago I hit the mitts with Freddie Roach for 17 straight rounds with no timeouts. I run high in the mountains every day, then I go to the Wild Card gym and train 3 hours non-stop. I don't like timeouts while training and do not use them. I am very serious about this fight as I know Marquez is the last great Mexican to beat. There is no more Morales or Barrera. I have a lot of power. In my heart I don't believe Marquez can stand up to my power. It will be too much for him to overcome. I am focused on Marquez and my boxing career. When I am in training, that is all that matters to me," Pacquiao said during his recent open workout in San Francisco.

Added Freddie Roach: "The best thing Manny did was come to the U.S. and train. He has worked very hard. He's been very tough on his sparring partners. One got hit on the chin, went down, continued but went home the next day. Manny is very serious about Marquez, which he should me. It is a difficult fight and Manny understands that. Marquez represents the last line of defense in Manny's domination of Mexican champions. We know he's prepared to go down swinging."

Marquez-Pacquiao II Unfinished Business will take place Saturday, March 15 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. Remaining tickets, priced at $600, $400, $300, $200 and $100, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office and all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith's Food and Drug Centers, Macy's Wrst at the Fashion Show Mall, and Ritmo Latino). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000 or Mandalay Bay (702) 632-7580. Tickets are also available for purchase at http://www.mandalaybay.com/ or http://www.ticketmaster.com/

Photo: Chris Farina, Top Rank

NEED A JOB?

Here's an opening if you're in the L.A. area.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: RESEARCH ASSISTANT (Part-Time Temporary)

Position Summary: The Asian Pacific American Legal Center seeks a Research Assistant to help implement agroundbreaking project aimed at increasing voter turnout among low-propensity Asian American voters, including those in Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and South Asian communities this election season. Underthe supervision of DRP's Project Director, the Research Assistant will manage voter data used in nightly phone banking efforts, report on daily progress, and assist in other research as needed. The position is part-time (20 hours per week) and temporary (eight weeks between April and June).

Compensation:$14 per hour and parking provided.

Application Procedure: Mail, fax, or e-mail cover letter, resume, and three references to Dan Ichinose, Asian Pacific American Legal Center, 1145 Wilshire Boulevard,Second Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017, FAX (213) 977-7595, dichinose@apalc.org. No telephone inquiries please.

Monday, February 25, 2008

PINOY HEALER PRIEST VISITS SO CAL

Over the weekend, hundreds of Filipinos in Southern California packed churches to be at the healing masses of Father Fernando Suarez. I'm doing a lengthy article and a Balitang America story about this former chemical engineer and Batangas native this week, if you're interested in finding out more about him.

Does he really perform healing miracles? I guess you have to see for yourself.

Here's a link to find out where to catch his healing masses. Father Fernando also accomodates online prayer requests.

FILIPINOS IN HOLLYWOOD

Hollywood native Carina Monica Montoya recently released a book called "Filipinos in Hollywood." It features amazing photos and tells a fascinating story of Filipinos' past and present presence in Hollywood.

The book retails at $19.99 and can be purchased through Arcadia Publishing, which publishes it as part of its Images of America series. Call (888) 313-2665 or go to http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/ to order your copy.

Oscars

I've watched the Oscars since I was a movie-crazy young girl living in the Philippines way back when Hollywood was just a dream destination.

One of my favorite I-can't-believe-I'm living-in-America moments was covering a pre-Oscars show in 2005 and actually walking the red carpet a couple of hours before the ceremony, thanks to my past Philippine News editor Lara Climaco who gave me that assignment.

In 2006, I also did an exclusive interview with Pia Clemente, the first Pinay Oscar nominee, in her limo ride to the event. You can watch that report here.

My favorite Oscar moments this year were seeing Once collect the Best Song honors, and catching a glimpse of Pinoy actor Dante Basco of Hook in a montage (that's him on the left in an old still photo).

If you haven't seen Once, see it now: It's my favorite 2007 movie, such a simple but hopeful movie with an amazing real-life backstory. I know that other Oscar fares such as No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood are excellent movies showing compelling stories about men, but Once has a heart and soul that you'd like to remember long after the credits rolled. Its stars Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard turn in naturalistic performances. At the Oscars, Marketa's acceptance speech about keeping your dream no matter the odds says it all.

Speaking of movies, before the Oscar telecast, I caught one on DVD called Fierce People, which featured Tagalog dialogue. It's an indie movie starring Diane Lane. It starts out charming then makes a dark and disturbing turn towards the end. The Tagalog dialogue came via a native tribe shaman. If you watch it, when you hear the familiar Tagalog words, tell me if you're elated that the language is featured in a Hollywood movie, or disappointed because it portrays Tagalog-speaking people as savages.

[photo: Dante Basco, USCU Colorado]

Saturday, February 23, 2008

FALLEN FIL AM SOLDIER: Michael T. Manibog, 31

Today, the body of a Fil Am soldier who lost his life in Iraq will be laid to rest. His name was Michael Manibog, 31, of San Leandro, California.

Michael left behind a 9-year-old son, the reason why he joined the Army in the first place. Described as a happy-go-lucky young man, Michael wanted to stay on the right path and provide a good future to his son by becoming a soldier.

The Army specialist was deployed to Iraq for the first time in December. He was among four soldiers killed Feb. 8 when their Stryker vehicle was destroyed by a roadside bomb in Taji, Iraq, north of Baghdad.

Anyone who wants to leave a note on an online guestbook honoring Michael may do so by going to this website.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

PINAY IDOL RAMIELE MALUBAY

If you're a Pinoy and you haven't heard that one of our own is once again on American Idol's top 24, you might wanna get out of that rock you live in.

Kidding aside, how cool is it that Ramiele Malubay (who corrected Simon's mangled pronunciation of her last name during her audition, by the way) came off as one of last night's best performers? Today, she graced TV Guide.com's cover and its resident critic praised her and called her "gorgeous".

The 20-year-old Florida native lists Filipina singers Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha as two of her favorite singers in her official Fox bio. Below are some excerpts from it:

What is your most embarassing moment?
My most embarrassing moment has to be when I was singing for an event and right at the beginning of the song I slipped because of my heels.

Do you have any rituals or things you do before you perform?
I pray & hold onto the guardian angel coin with my birthstone on it that my mom gave me.

What album would your friends be surprised you own?
Spice Girls!

What are your personal goals in life?
My personal goals in life are to become a better daughter/sister, finish school, have a better relationship in the love department...just continue to be happy.

If you don't make it on American Idol, what will you do?
If I don't make it on American Idol, I'm still going to continue to sing and go to school for nursing.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

PINAY AT WORK: Johanna Ilagan, Nurse

Las Vegas resident Johanna Ilagan grew up in a baryo with ample rustic charm called San Antonio, located in Batangas, a beautiful city south of Manila.

Like many Pinoys raised in the Philippines before the computer age and the OFW boom, Johanna started getting a strong work ethic as soon as she entered elementary school. It's not at all forced child labor, she says, but just her own desire to help her family even in a small way and also to spend time with her like-minded friends. During summers, like many girls and boys her age, she raised money to buy school supplies for the coming schoolyear by sewing pawid leaves, materials that were used to build nipa huts. She treasures this experience because it taught her the value of hard work.

In college, she found a way to connect her homegrown diligence with her passion: by becoming a nurse.

"I love being a nurse because I am able to help people on a daily basis," she says. Currently, she works as a surgical ICU nurse at the Valley Hospital in Las Vegas.

From a proactive small girl in a small town to owning a house in and living in one of the biggest cities in the world, Johanna has come a long way. Here are her vital signs:

How she got into nursing

"I studied nursing at EAC Manila. I worked first at Medical Center Manila, then after a few years, I was hired for my first job abroad, in a Middle East hospital. In 2000, I took my NCLEX and that's when I moved to the U.S.," she says. She is now a member of several nursing organizations: American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Philippine Nurses Association, and she is licensed to practice in Nevada, California and Connecticut.

Job Perks

It is common knowledge that nursing is one of the most lucrative fields in the country. "I think the salary for RNs is about 25 thousand to 50 thousand a year, depending on experience. Plus OT and weekend and night differentials," Johanna says. She adds that whatever state you want to live in, you'll find a job easily if you have good work record.

Workload

"I work 3 days a week on a 12-hour shift. I take care of surgical patients and critical cases. When I get in, first I take the reports from the outgoing nurse, do bedside care, assess the patient, check doctor's orders... Then I take care of the patient's needs, kung kailangang paliguan, kung may kailangang gamot, kung nakakahinga ba siya ng maayos. I take care of about 1 to 4 patients a day."

Greatest Achievement

"My job provides financial stability but the greatest achievement that I get out of it is when a patient's condition improves."

Most Difficult Job Aspect

"Kapag namatayan ako ng pasyente, kahit 17 years na akong nurse, naapektuhan pa rin ako. But you have to be tough."

Her Advice To Prospective Nurses

1. "Be true to yourself. Don't get into it just for the money. I've said before that nursing is like pagma-madre - it's a vocation. You have to really care for others. Pag nagkamali ka, buhay ang nakataya."

2. "You should never stop learning. I always attend conferences and seminars."

3. "Strive hard. When I first came here, I worked in the East Coast. First time kong tumira sa Amerika, sa napakalamig na lugar pa. Tapos nag-re-review pa ako and also working at the same time. It's not easy, but it's doable."

[PINAY/PINOY AT WORK is FilipinOnline's new column featuring one of R.P.'s most admired exports: working Pinoys. If you have an interesting job and you'd like to be considered to be featured here, please e-mail me at ybchavez@gmail.com.]

Thursday, February 14, 2008

TAX REBATE

Before Valentine's Day, President Bush signed the law that will benefit some 130 million Americans. The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 (H.R. 5140) ,a.k.a. tax rebate law, is the good news in the form of a check that some cash-strapped kababayans is counting on.

Intended to spur our sickly economy to life, the government is expecting the check recipients to do some serious retail therapy right after getting the money. However, my favorite financial guru, Suze Orman, has some ideas on how to spend this "found" money more responsibly.

But before natin bilangin ang mga sisiw bago mapisa ang mga itlog, let's see first if you qualify.

Makaka-receive ka ba ng check?

If you have net tax liability for 2007 and/or earned at least $3,000 last year, yes, you will.

Ano ang net tax liability? This is the amount of tax you owe entered on line 46 on the 2007 Form 1040. Most individual tax filers will have a net tax liability above $600, but if your tax liability is less, then that will be the amount of your rebate check.

Yung iba can still qualify for a rebate of $300 for single filers (double for joint filers) as long as you have at least $3,000 in income from a job or Social Security or veterans' disability benefits.

Magkano ang matatanggap ko?
Individual taxpayers could receive at least $300 and up to $600.
Married taxpayers who file joint returns will get a maximum rebate of $1,200, depending on your tax liability. Kahit yung asawa lang ninyo ang nagtrabaho, you will still get the maximum amount, just make sure to file jointly.

Most individuals who have income of $3,000 but who do not have to file a return will get $300.

Those with children can receive an additional $300 per child.

Lahat ba ng anak ko kasama sa bilang?
No. Ang qualified lang sa rebate ang yung mga anak na younger than 17.

Will nonresident aliens who work here get a rebate?

Nope.

Also, mababa rin ang rebates ng mga rich taxpayers. If you're a single filer with an adjusted gross income, or AGI, of more than $75,000; more than $150,000 for married couples filing jointly, you will get less (you probably don't need the extra moolah, anyway, right?)

What do I need to do to get the check?

You need to file your 2007 income tax return. Even if you have no taxes due, it might help to let the government know that you have $3,000 earned income for 2007.

Those who don't file might still count on the IRS and Social Security Administration to find you, if you're eligible but don't have to file a return.

Kailan dadating ang check?

They will start issuing checks by mid-May, according to reports. You can check the IRS Web site during that time for updates. If you have a direct deposit account on file for your tax refund, that's probably where it will end up, too - mas mainam kasi mas madali n'yong makukuha doon kesa mag-i-intay pa kayo ng mail.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Time To Stock Up On Forever Stamps

On May 12, the cost of a First-Class stamp will increase from 41 to 42 cents.

Tataas din ang presyo ng ibang mailing services, such as Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services (including single-piece Parcel Post), and Special Services.

Before May 12, you can save some money by buying Forever stamps.

Last year, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) issued the Forever stamp, which will always be valid as First-Class postage on standard envelopes weighing one ounce or less, regardless of any subsequent increases in the First-Class rate.

“The Postal Service developed the Forever Stamp for consumers to ease the transition during price changes,” said Postmaster General John Potter of the USPS. “We encourage Americans to buy Forever Stamps now for 41 cents, because like the name suggests, they are good forever.”

When the price goes up to 42 cents on May 12, all Forever stamps bought at 41 cents will still (and forever, naks) be valid.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

BUHAY AMERICA TIP:
Recycling Matters

Kicking soda-drinking habits may be difficult for some of us but recycling those cans shouldn't be. Before you ditch that can into the garbage pail, think of the money you'll get back for it for its CRV (California Refund Value, typically 5 cents per), and how you can help the environment.

Sa Pilipinas we can just return the softdrinks bottle and get our deposito back sa sari-sari store, dito there are recycling centers where you can return them. If you live in California, just plug in your zip code in this page and it will give you the nearest centers. If you live elsewhere, information can be found here.

WHAT TO RECYCLE

Most bottles and cans be recycled. If you have any container from the following list, you're set. To see the complete recyclable list, go to the Bottles and Cans website.

GETTING PAID PER CONTAINER

If you want to get paid by container, you have to redeem only 50 or fewer items per visit, then request being paid by count rather than by weight. Otherwise, if you have more than 50 beverage containers, recycling centers are allowed to pay by weight.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

BUHAY AMERICA TIPS:
Be sure to check your W-2 for errors

This is the time of the year when we get our W-2 forms. The deadline for employers to put W-2s in the mail is Jan. 31 so if you haven't received yours by that time, tanungin na ninyo ang inyong accounting department.

[If you're a new immigrant: The W-2 is the tax form distributed by employers which lists the income you earned, retirement plan contributions, and the income taxes that were withheld for the previous year. This is needed to file individual tax returns.]

Kahit di mo natanggap ang W-2 mo, you're still required to file your tax return on time. Kung nahihirapan kang kunin ang W2 mo dahil may problema sa employer, you can file a complaint with the IRS by calling 800-829-1040 or go to http://www.irs.gov/. Don't call until after Feb. 14.

The deadline to file individual tax returns is on April 15.

After reviewing your W-2 and wondering where all the money went (or feeling depressed about how little the amount was), check your W-2s for any errors.

This article lists some potential problems to look for when you receive your W-2:
• Wrong name.
If you got married last year and changed your name, the name on your W-2 may not match the one on your Social Security card. Notify your employer of name mismatches right away. You may be able to get it corrected before your W-2 is sent to the Social Security Administration and your state.
• Misplaced W-2s.
You're supposed to get a W-2 from every company you worked for in 2004, even if you stayed for only a day or two. Companies that have gone out of business are supposed to send employees a W-2 form by the end of the month following the quarter they stopped operations.

What if Your Employer Refuses to Give You Your Form W-2?

Kung ayaw kang bigyan ng W2 for whatever reason, your employer still doesn't want to give you one, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

Pag tumawag ka sa IRS, have this information ready:
1.) Your name and address, Social Security number, and contact information.

2.) The employer's name and complete address, including zip code, the employer’s identification number (if known), and telephone number.

3.) An estimate of the wages you earned, the federal income tax withheld, and the dates you began and ended employment.

[photo: msn.com]

Saturday, January 19, 2008

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER TO VOTE!

Election day is coming up so DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER.

Voter registration is permanent - if you already did so during your oath-taking then you're set. However, you should re-register kung lumipat kayo, wish to change your political party affiliation, or have changed your name.

For the upcoming presidential primary elections on February 5, the last day to mail in the registration form for California residents is on Jan. 22 . For more information about registration and voting, go to this site: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm

You may register to vote if you meet the following criteria:

You are a United States citizen
You are a resident of California [or the state of your residence]
You are at least 18 years of age (or will be by the date of the next election)
You are not in prison or on parole for conviction of a felony
You have not been judged by a court to be mentally incompetent to register and vote

To find the deadline to register in other states, just Goggle your state's name and add "voter registration."

Thursday, January 17, 2008

RENALDO LAPUZ, FILIPINO AMERICAN IDOL

You knew it was just a matter of time. On the second day of American Idol Season 7 auditions, another Pinoy has made it to the show of shows.

Upon seeing previews of a contestant in a shiny silver cape and gaudy hat, I groaned knowing that he's Pinoy. I was afraid that the 44-year-old, 100% Pinoy, Renaldo Lapuz will do something completely embarassing. But as it turned out, he was so guileless and so sincere that he won me over.

Yes, he probably will be in the Worst list in the inevitable American Idol's Best & Worst, but unlike the completely deluded AI should-not-bes, Renaldo wasn't cringe-inducing (okay, maybe the costume was).

In fact, he did the most funny and entertaining audition so far. He even got the hosts to sing along and dance along with him.

The Reno, Nevada native didn't actually get the golden ticket to Hollywood (where many contestants wash out anyway) but he got something better: Fifteen minutes of fame and a prediction from his idol, Simon Cowell, that his audition piece - an original composition called "We're Brothers Forever" - will be a "hit record."

Okay, so Simon was laughing when he said that but it's not unthinkable: Renaldo could be this year's William Hung. And he already has one thing over Hung: Renaldo sings better, and I guarantee you, once you've heard him, for better or for worse, his song will stick in your mind like day-old malagkit. As one blogger described his performance: "He is freakin' hilarious!"

"If I were an American Idol, then I would give hope to those who are in despairs, and to be tough, to be strength," Renaldo said.

His English might be broken but his spirit surely wasn't when he tearfully thanked Simon after his audition for "giving a chance to everyone to sing to the whole world...to give a chance to any talent, free of charge."

Other kababayans might get crabby and start bagging on him but I hope for the opposite. Sure, talent-wise, he's no Jasmine Trias - not even AJ Tabaldo - but he just seems to be a happy Pinoy with a song in his heart so let's let him have the time of his life.

So - congrats, Renaldo! Idol ka namin.

And now, here are the lyrics to his song. All together now!

We're Brothers Forever

By Renaldo Lapuz

I am your brother
Your best friend forever
Singing this songs
The music that you liiiike!

Brothers till the end of time
Together or not
You're always in my heart
Your hurt, your feelings
And you will worry no mooore!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

USCIS TO HOLD U.S. HISTORY & CIVICS ORIENTATION SEMINAR

Volunteers To Receive President’s Award for Service to Older Immigrants

LOS ANGELES – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the White House Office of USA Freedom Corps will hold a volunteer and civics orientation seminar at Los Angeles City College on Thursday to encourage individuals to volunteer to help legal immigrants become more actively engaged in their communities.

During the seminar, the Project SHINE chapter at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) will receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award for helping older immigrants learn English and prepare to become United States citizens.

Following the seminar, Alfonso Aguilar, Chief of USCIS’ Office of Citizenship, will teach a citizenship class using the new USCIS video, A Promise of Freedom: An Introduction to U.S. History and Civics for Immigrants and engage the students in a discussion using the lesson plan in the accompanying booklet.

January 17, 2008- 10 a.m.
Los Angeles City CollegeEl Camino Theatre
855 N. Vermont AveLos Angeles, CA 90029
Main Office: (323) 953-4000

MANNY PACQUIAO'S UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Boxing champions Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez had a press conference today in Beverly Hills to promote their upcoming fight called "Marquez vs Pacquiao II - Unfinished Business".

The highly-anticipated match for the Super Featherweight world championship will be staged on Saturday, March 15 , at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. This bout is a rematch of their legendary May 8,2008 battle which ended in a draw. The fight will be telecast live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

SCAM ALERT

The Internet Age brought us many great things but it also brought us spam, ID theft, and other hideous things perpetrated by hideous (and usually anonymous) people.

I'm starting a new segment on FilipinOnline today to help expose these scams, and to warn our kababayans against them.

For starters, I got this e-mail yesterday (see picture above) saying that I have a pending item for delivery for a free laptop.

Wow, a free laptop. I sure could use one. And I was lucky enough to be chosen by these wonderful people!

Too good to be true, right? Right. That's my first clue that this e-mail was bogus. So I hit Report Spam.

I've heard of sob stories of kababayans who fell prey to these kinds of things. They lost money, time and their sense of security because they trusted so easily.

If you wanna share your story so you could help others be informed, please e-mail them to me: ybchavez at gmail.com (no space in between, @ replaces 'at').

Here's a list of common Internet scams, from the FBI.

Internet Auction Fraud
-
Non-Delivery of Merchandise
-
Credit Card Fraud
-
Investment Fraud
-
Business Fraud
-
Nigerian Letter Scam

To file a complaint, go to this Internet Crime Complaint Center, ran by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center, and fill up a form.

Monday, January 14, 2008

ASK A KABABAYAN: I read that Hillary Clinton won the New Hampshire caucus. Ano ba ang kaibahan ng caucuses at primaries? Ano'ng susunod na mangyayari?

ANSWER:

These are the same things being asked by other Fil-Ams who are voting for the first time or who are just wondering what the heck these caucuses and primary elections mean. Here's what I know:

First: what they had in New Hampshire where Hillary (for Democrat) and McCain (for Republican) won was not a caucus; it was actually a primary election. Sa Iowa yung caucus where Obama and Huckabee won.

Caucuses and primaries accomplish the same basic thing: They are used by each political party to let voters nationwide select their party's presidential nominee. Magkaiba lang sila ng implementation.

Ang caucus is sort of like a classroom election/barangay-level elections, while the primary elections are just like any other secret ballot election. Sa Iowa, they held several caucuses - depende sa dami ng counties (ang counties ay parang provinces sa atin, kumbaga). Sa Iowa Democratic caucuses, taasan ng kamay ang elections, at pwedeng mangampanya during the process.

The primaries and caucuses are used to select delegates (representatives of party members in each state) to send to the party's Presidential Nominating Convention.

Ang importance ng Iowa caucus is that, in the election season, it's the earliest to have any kind of voting process in an election year. It's the first time that the candidates and the public can see kung sinong kandidato o anong plataporma ang kinikilingan ng publiko.

So maraming publicity kasi well-covered ng media. Parang nagkakaroon ng momentum kung sinuman ang manalo dito kahit hindi naman nito ni-re-represent ang cross-section of the American voting public.

Iowa has been described in news reports as a lily-white state - meaning, it's a state na hindi masyadong maraming immigrants like Latinos and Asians, unlike California. Ganun din ang demographics ng New Hampshire.

Ang susunod na inaabangan ngayon ay ang mga primaries where minorities, like us Pinoys, vote.

Bawat state gets to have caucuses or primary elections kaya lang unang-unang gumagawa ang Iowa ng caucus at ang New Hampshire ng primary elections kaya sila ang unang center of media attention.

Sa primary elections and caucuses, nade-determine ang state party's nominee for president, which it will present sa susunod na event - which is the Presidential Nominating Convention where each (Dem and Rep) party's delegates will select the party nominee.

The outcome decides kung sino ang magiging official na kandidato per party sa general elections, which will be held in November.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Most Commonly Mispronounced English Words

Yes, we're known for sometimes confusing our Ps and Fs but there are other English words that trip even native English speakers.

Speaking of our Ps and Fs, naalala ko tuloy yung kwento ng isang katrabaho ko dati. She called a Pinoy client but the client wasn't home so the voicemail came up. The voicemail prompt left my coworker confused as to where and how exactly to leave her message for the client. This is what the client's recorded voice said:

"Sorry we missed your call. Please leave a message after the beef."

Anyway-- Here's a partial list with explanation from yourdictionary.com. Scroll down to get the full link. The first word is the commonly misprounced usage; the correct pronunciation is highlighted.

Some entries may surprise you. I didn't know that I've been mispronouncing "forte" till now:

Antartic - Antarctic
Just think of an arc of ants (an ant arc) and that should help you keep the [c] in the pronunciation of this word.

athelete - athlete
Two syllables are enough for "athlete."

[David Spader used this mispronunciation to great comedic effect in "The Benchwarmers". I know it's not an Oscar movie but it has Rob Schneider, who is Pinoy, so rent it now. - YBC]

cannidate - candidate
You aren't being canny to drop the [d] in this word. Remember, it is the same as "candy date."

[I know some of us are tempted to pronounce this with an American accent, like saying "twenny" instead of "twenty", but it doesn't make it correct - YBC]

duck tape - duct tape
Ducks very rarely need taping though you may not know that ducts always do—to keep air from escaping through the cracks in them.

Febyuary - February
We don't like two syllables in succession with an [r] so some of us dump the first one in this word. Most dictionaries now accept the single [r] pronunciation but, if you have an agile tongue, you may want to shoot for the original.

fedral - federal
Syncopation of an unaccented vowel is fairly common in rapid speech but in careful speech it should be avoided. See also "plute" and read more about the problem here.

forte -fort
The word is spelled "forte" but the [e] is pronounced only when speaking of music, as a "forte passage." The words for a strong point and a stronghold are pronounced the same: [fort].

'erb - herb
Does, ''My friend Herb grows 'erbs,'' sound right to you? This is a US oddity generated by the melting pot (mixed dialects). Initial [h] is always pronounced outside America and should be in all dialects of English.

irregardless - regardless
"-Less" already says ''without'' so there is no need to repeat the same sentiment with "ir-."

lambast - lambaste
Better to lambaste the lamb than to baste him—remember, the words rhyme. "Bast" has nothing to do with it.

often -ofen
We have mastered the spelling of this word so well, its spelling influences the pronunciation: DON'T pronounce the [t]! This is an exception to the rule that spelling helps pronunciation.

Here's the complete list of the 100 Most Commonly Mispronounced Words.

[picture from Savvy Traveler]

Monday, January 7, 2008

"JOURNEY" LEAD SINGER IS A PINOY

Discovered via YouTube, bonafide Quezon City boy and singer-extraordinnaire Arnel Pineda skipped gazillion steps in securing a spot desired by many aspiring singers. Last December, he became the new lead singer of Journey.

This juicy piece of good news was first brought to my attention by FilipinOnline reader Jon Dela Cruz, and I even talked about it when I guested on Kababayan LA. Today, I got another e-mail about this talented Pinoy from FO contributor Art Pacho. Thanks, Jon & Art, for the tip!

On its official website, Journey welcomed Arnel with Open Arms.

The group, which achieved its biggest commercial success thus far in the '80s, had another high-profile moment recently when one of its biggest hits, Don't Start Believing, was used in The Sopranos' much-talked about fade-to-black finale.

Here's Arnel singing:

TRAGIC END FOR A HEROIC FIL-AM

A Pinoy husband and father of five died on Christmas Day when he aided in rescuing children who had broken through the ice on Jackson Lake in Wrightwood, Calif.

Claro "Bhoy" O. Claridad II, 41, slipped beneath the ice and died from hypothermia.

Bhoy was born in Manila and has lived in California for 23 years. He and his wife Judith and their five children - all under 12 - resided in Victorville in the last four years. Bhoy was a Verizon store manager and he was also a former U.S. Army man.

"He risked his life for something he would do for everybody," said co-worker Diane Bach in a report. "He doesn't think, he just acts. No matter what anybody needs." In the same article, Bach described Bhoy as the manager that everyone loved who brought lavish lunches to work, "oftentimes wrapped in banana paper."

The Claridads went to the snowy lake for a family picnic to celebrate Christmas, not knowing that it will be their last day together.

When the incident happened, Judith had momentarily left to change her two youngest daughters. When she came back, she was informed that Bhoy has been brought to the hospital.

There, Bhoy's belongings were returned to her, including a hat with a Filipino flag, according to a news report.

A trust fund has been established to help Judith and the Claridad children.

Donations may be made at any Washington Mutual branch under the Claridad name and account number 3403135523.

Donations may be sent to Claridad Fund, c/o Washington Mutual, 12690 Hesperia Road, Victorville, CA 92302.

BUHAY AMERICA TIP:
Airline Restrictions on Spare Batteries

Travel Alert!
Effective January 1, 2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation have prohibited loose lithium batteries in checked baggage.

In response to exploding laptops incidents, the government agency has issued this directive.

Eto ang mga detalye:
1.) Iba ang treatment sa mga installed batteries na nakakabit na (sa telepono, computer, camera, etc.), at sa spare batteries (carried loose). Only lithium-based batteries are affected, not nickel-based rechargeables or alkaline batteries.

2.) You can't pack spare batteries in checked baggage but equipment with batteries installed can be checked in.

3.) Sa carry-on bag mo, you can take as many batteries as you want (installed or spare), basta hindi lalampas sa 8 grams of lithium content each battery. How much lithium is in a battery? This informative article from Yahoo! tells you how to figure it out:
"An 8-gram battery equals about 100 watt-hours of power. Now, your battery won't say how many watt-hours it provides, but it's easy to do the math. Look on the bottom and you'll find a voltage rating and a mAh (milliamp-hours) rating. Multiply these two together and divide by 1,000. That's your watt-hours. In the (big) battery I'm looking at as an example, it offers 11.1 volts and 7,800 mAh. Multiply and divide by 1,000 and you get 86.58 watt-hours, acceptable under the new rules."

Since most travelers don't typically carry these big batteries, not a lot of people are affected by this restriction. But if you carry them, check out FAA's safety tips.

For more details, here's the link to the DOT website.

[Photo: US-DOT website]

Saturday, January 5, 2008

IMMIGRATION NEWS:

H-2B Cap Is Reached;
Suspension of R1 Premium Processing Services Suspended

USCIS REACHES H-2B CAP FOR SECOND HALF OF FISCAL YEAR 2008
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced this week that it has received a sufficient number of petitions to reach the congressionally mandated H-2B cap for the second half of Fiscal Year 2008 (FY2008). USCIS is hereby notifying the public that January 2, 2008 is the “final receipt date” for new H-2B worker petitions requesting employment start dates prior to October 1, 2008. The “final receipt date” is the date on which USCIS determines that it has received enough cap-subject petitions to reach the limit of 33,000 H-2B workers for the second half of FY2008.

The cap was reached with existing totals for that day. USCIS will reject petitions for new H-2B workers seeking employment start dates prior to October 1, 2008 that arrive after January 2, 2008.

USCIS will apply a computer-generated random selection process to all petitions which are subject to the cap and were received on January 2, 2008. USCIS will use this process to select the number of petitions needed to meet the cap. USCIS will reject, and return the fee, for all cap-subject petitions not randomly selected.

Petitions for workers who are currently in H-2B status do not count toward the congressionally mandated bi-annual H-2B cap. USCIS will continue to process petitions filed to:

Extend the stay of a current H-2B worker in the United States;
Change the terms of employment for current H-2B workers and extend their stay; or
Allow current H-2B workers to change or add employers and extend their stay.

More information about the H-2B work program is available at www.uscis.gov or by calling the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

*******************************************************

USCIS Extends Suspension of Premium Processing Service
for Religious Workers (R-1) Nonimmigrant Visa Classification

WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that suspension of premium processing services for religious worker (R-1) visa petitions will be extended until July 8, 2008. A previous six-month suspension was announced on June 18, 2007.

The Premium Processing Service provides faster processing of certain employment-based petitions and guarantees a 15-calendar day processing time. USCIS needs additional time to assess whether it is possible to provide this level of service for nonimmigrant religious worker petitions. Due to the complexities with adjudicating R-1 visa petitions, USCIS cannot reasonably ensure a level of processing service within 15 calendar days.

On April 25, 2007, USCIS proposed significant revisions to its regulations related to the special immigrant and nonimmigrant (R-1) religious worker visa classifications. USCIS is currently considering comments on the proposed rule and promulgating the final rule. The proposed rule suggested steps to eliminate fraud in the religious worker program and discusses concerns addressed in an August 2005 Benefit Fraud Assessment conducted by USCIS’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security. That assessment revealed potential vulnerabilities in the religious worker program.

USCIS will continue processing R-1 visa petitions which include already-established procedures designed to ensure the legitimacy of the petitioner and statements made in the petition. The procedures may include inspections, evaluations, verifications and compliance reviews for religious organizations – procedures that exceed the 15-day guarantee for premium processing.

In the future, if USCIS is able to properly process these cases within 15 calendar days of receipt, the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) requesting R-1 nonimmigrant visa classification may once again be available for premium processing services. Additionally, USCIS may prescribe additional conditions of availability on the Premium Processing Service for religious worker petitions.

USCIS Press Release

Friday, January 4, 2008

BACK TO BLOG

I started this blog on January 2007 so, yes, one year na tayo!

One of the many memorable things that I got to do in 2007 happened during its last week: I was invited as a guest at "Kababayan LA" for its year-ender report, and I had a blast.

Choosing the top 10 Fil-Am stories that made an impact on me as reporter and an immigrant was difficult but ultimately rewarding. I'll post my choices later today.

"Kababayan LA" is the first and only Filipino daily show in LA and it enjoys a wide following so it's an honor to be asked. I couldn't make it last year but this time, I made sure to come.

Here's a link to the video. Here's another link.

Seeing Kababayan's tireless host/producer Jannelle So in action is always a treat. When I started reporting for ABS-CBN more than two years ago, Jannelle was the regular freelance correspondent so I've known her for quite sometime na. The success of her show is a testament to her talent and determination.

Check out her show on KSCI 18 weekdays at 4:30pm, and check out my Q&A with Jannelle this week on this blog.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

THE ULTIMATE PINOY HERO

Today is Rizal Day.

Dr. Jose Rizal was executed on December 30, 1896 in Bagumbayan.

He was a revolutionary during the Philippines' Spanish colonial era. His writings were said to entice insurgency among Filipinos and for this and his other patriotic activities, he was imprisoned in Fort Santiago, Intramuros.

Rizal was executed by a Spanish firing squad. Before he died, he wrote Mi Ultimo Adios or My Last Farewell.

Written in Spanish, English translations of the poem can be found online. Here's one:

Mi Ultimo Adios
Dr. Jose Rizal

Farewell, my adored Land, region of the sun caressed,
Pearl of the Orient Sea, our Eden lost,
With gladness I give you my Life, sad and repressed;
And were it more brilliant, more fresh and at its best,
I would still give it to you for your welfare at most.

On the fields of battle, in the fury of fight,
Others give you their lives without pain or hesitancy,
The place does not matter: cypress laurel, lily white,
Scaffold, open field, conflict or martyrdom's site,
It is the same if asked by home and Country.

I die as I see tints on the sky b'gin to show
And at last announce the day, after a gloomy night;
If you need a hue to dye your matutinal glow,
Pour my blood and at the right moment spread it so,
And gild it with a reflection of your nascent light!

My dreams, when scarcely a lad adolescent,
My dreams when already a youth, full of vigor to attain,
Were to see you, gem of the sea of the Orient,
Your dark eyes dry, smooth brow held to a high plane
Without frown, without wrinkles and of shame without stain.

My life's fancy, my ardent, passionate desire,
Hail! Cries out the soul to you, that will soon part from thee;
Hail! How sweet 'tis to fall that fullness you may acquire;
To die to give you life, 'neath your skies to expire,
And in your mystic land to sleep through eternity !

If over my tomb some day, you would see blow,
A simple humble flow'r amidst thick grasses,
Bring it up to your lips and kiss my soul so,
And under the cold tomb, I may feel on my brow,
Warmth of your breath, a whiff of your tenderness.

Let the moon with soft, gentle light me descry,
Let the dawn send forth its fleeting, brilliant light,
In murmurs grave allow the wind to sigh,
And should a bird descend on my cross and alight,
Let the bird intone a song of peace o'er my site.

Let the burning sun the raindrops vaporize
And with my clamor behind return pure to the sky;
Let a friend shed tears over my early demise;
And on quiet afternoons when one prays for me on high,
Pray too, oh, my Motherland, that in God may rest I.

Pray thee for all the hapless who have died,
For all those who unequalled torments have undergone;
For our poor mothers who in bitterness have cried;
For orphans, widows and captives to tortures were shied,
And pray too that you may see you own redemption.

And when the dark night wraps the cemet'ry
And only the dead to vigil there are left alone,
Don't disturb their repose, don't disturb the mystery:
If you hear the sounds of cithern or psaltery,
It is I, dear Country, who, a song t'you intone.

And when my grave by all is no more remembered,
With neither cross nor stone to mark its place,
Let it be plowed by man, with spade let it be scattered
And my ashes ere to nothingness are restored,
Let them turn to dust to cover your earthly space.

Then it doesn't matter that you should forget me:
Your atmosphere, your skies, your vales I'll sweep;
Vibrant and clear note to your ears I shall be:
Aroma, light, hues, murmur, song, moanings deep,
Constantly repeating the essence of the faith I keep.

My idolized Country, for whom I most gravely pine,
Dear Philippines, to my last goodbye, oh, harken
There I leave all: my parents, loves of mine,
I'll go where there are no slaves, tyrants or hangmen
Where faith does not kill and where God alone does reign.

Farewell, parents, brothers, beloved by me,
Friends of my childhood, in the home distressed;
Give thanks that now I rest from the wearisome day;
Farewell, sweet stranger, my friend, who brightened my way;
Farewell, to all I love. To die is to rest.