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Weekend Balita December 5, 2013
Weekend Balita is the Number One Filipino-American newspaper in Southern California.
LOS ANGELES Sultry KZ Tandingan denies she is a single mom See ENTERTAINMENT, page 27 VOL. XX, NO. 48 JANUARY 5-11, 2013 PHL birth control law faces 1st challenge MANILA, Jan 3, 2013 (AFP) – A Catholic couple has asked the Philippines' top court to stop a historic birth control law, their lawyer said Thursday, in the first of many legal challenges church leaders have vowed against the measure. The petition was filed Wednesday at the Supreme Court by lawyer James Imbong and his wife, who claim the law signed by President Benigno Aquino two weeks ago was unconstitutional. Imbong's mother Jo, who is representing the couple in the case and is the lawyer for the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, told AFP that "the state has no business entering the bedroom". "This law corrupts Philippine culture, mainly the emphasis we put on family values and marriage, taking care of children and parenting," she said, having earlier warned that lay Catholics would challenge the law in court. The Philippine constitution guaranteed the protection of the family and in passing the law "the government overstepped its powers", Jo Imbong said. "This is just the first salvo," she added. "We are paving the See BIRTH CONTROL, page 17 President Barack Obama with Department of Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano in the Oval Office. (Whitehouse file photo by Pete Souza) Family unity made faster New immigration rule allows visa applicants to apply within U.S. Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) raise their service pistols which were sealed with tape during a ceremonial sealing of the muzzles of firearms at the National Capital Region Police Office in Taguig city, south of Manila, December 29, 2012. The taping of the muzzle was a tradition to ensure that no police officers will accidentally fire their guns during New Year celebrations, thereby preventing deaths and injuries. (MNS photo) Girl's death triggers gun debate in PHL MANILA, Jan 3, 2013 (AFP) – The death of a girl hit by celebratory gunfire on New Year's Eve sparked calls Thursday for stricter gun controls in the Philippines, where unlicensed weapons are widely blamed for rampant violence. As this developed, a gunman with a semi-automatic pistol killed seven people and wounded 11 others during a drug-fuelled rampage in a slum near the PhilipSee GUN DEBATE, page 17 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published a final rule, effective March 4, 2013, permitting certain visa applicants to file for family unity waivers within the United States, reducing the amount of time families must spend apart. "We applaud the Obama Administration for prioritizing family unity by easing burdensome bureaucratic hurdles," said Erin E. Oshiro, senior staff attorney at the Asian American Justice Center, member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice. Under current immigration law, U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (LPRs) can apply for a green card for their spouse or child. However, many applicants and their families face long backlogs in obtaining a green card, forcing many families to live apart for years, sometimes even decades. Under the new rule, certain eligible family members may apply for a provisional unlawful presence waiver (also called the family unity waiver) prior to leaving the United States for their visa interview in their home country. With an approved waiver in hand, these family members can then complete their travel and visa appointment in a short time and avoid spending additional time in their home countries separated from loved ones in the United States. Asian Americans are the most likely group to have family members caught in the visa backlogs. While Asian Americans are only six percent of the U.S. population, they sponsor more than one third of all family-based immigrants. As of November 2012, there were nearly 4.3 million people in the family backlog and almost 1.9 million of them come from Asian countries. After Mexico, close family members from the Philippines, India, Vietnam and China experience the longest wait times. Currently, applicants must file a visa petition, which must be approved. Upon approval, an interview is scheduled in their home country, requiring the spouse or child to travel, leaving the United States for an undetermined length of time. Departure, alone, can trigger a three or ten year bar to re-entry into the United States for family members who are undocumented and have been living in See FAMILY UNITY, page 17 PCGG set to quit chase for Marcos wealth with $5-B still missing MANILA, Jan 1 (Mabuhay) – The Presidential Commission on Good Government may wind down a near30-year hunt for the embezzled wealth of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, with more than half the supposed $10 billion fortune still missing, the man in charge of the search said. With Marcos' widow and children back in positions of political power, and the government tightening its belt, the cost of the pursuit has become prohibitive, said Andres Bautista, head of the PCGG. "It has become a law of diminishing returns at this point," Bautista said in an interview at the commission's offices, a now rundown building where Marcos' oldest daughter Imee used to hold office. "It's been 26 years and people you are after are back in power. At some point, you just have to say, 'We've done our best', and that's that. It is really difficult. "In order now to be able to get these monies back, you need to spend a lot." Since its creation, the agency has recovered P164 bil- lion (about $4 billion), some invested in prime New York real estate, jewelry, and about $600 million stashed in secret numbered Swiss bank accounts. The jewelry, including a 150 carat giant Burmese ruby and diamond tiara, is locked in a vault at the central bank, and at one point the international auction house Christie's estimated it could fetch up to $8.5 million. More recently Bautista worked closely with the New York district attorney's office to charge a former personal See $5-B STILL MISSING, page 17 ALWAYS OPEN IN GLENDALE THE LAW OFFICES OF The Original PAUL M. ALLEN Of Manila The Home of Authentic Filipino Cuisine Our food is loved by all! 818 NORTH PACIFIC AVE. 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View Our Entire Inventory Online at PHMazda.com Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Balita "Tutulungan ko po kayo" Pancho Maraña Toll Free 888.416.3644 Call Direct 714.249.0808 PANCHO'S CREED: "I ALWAYS MAINTAIN MY INTEGRITY; I NEVER offer anything I cannot provide • I never sacrifice principle for opportunity or career • I do not lie or cheat • I do not sell using manipulation, gimmickry, high pressure closes • I do not sell for companies whose values I cannot share • I maintain the highest standards of accountability • Doing the right thing is good for business." CALL FOR DISCOUNTS! Triple A & COSTCO Members, RNs, LVNs, CNAs & Other Medical-related Professionals!! Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 3 Binay wants stricter gun laws MANILA, Jan 3 (Mabuhay) – Vice-President Jejomar Binay on Thursday joined calls for stricter enforcement of gun laws in the wake of the death of 7-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella due to a stray bullet. In a statement, Binay said gun control laws must be enforced to the letter. "We have enough laws to penalize but the problem has always been in the enforcement of the laws, especially those on loose firearms. That is the challenge for the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies," he said. Binay said the PNP should exert all efforts to bring those responsible to justice. "This incident should not be allowed to become just another statistic," he said, echoing President Benigno Aquino III's sentiment that Ella's death was senseless. Stephanie Nicole was hit by a stray bullet in the head while she and her family were outside their house celebrating the New Year's Eve. She passed away at 2:26 p.m. Wednesday. An autopsy on her remains was conducted by members of the Philippine National Police - Crime Laboratory at around 11 p.m. Wednesday. The PNP-Crime Laboratory said the report will be released after five working days. (MNS) Abolishing PCGG sends wrong signal: Selda MANILA, Jan 3 (Mabuhay) – Human rights group Selda opposed Thursday the proposed abolition of the Presidential Commission on Good Government. Selda national coordinator Jigs Clamor said if the Aquino administration is bent on pursuing the ill-gotten wealth case against the Marcoses, now is not the time to give up. "It sends a signal kasi when you recommend to wind down, it says 'Tigilan na ang paghahabol sa Marcoses.' It is very ironic to think that the Marcoses are now back in power especially in the second Aquino administration." He alleged the PCGG has not done its best since only 40% of the $10 billion ill-gotten wealth has been recovered. PCGG Chairman Andres Bautista has confirmed that he had recommended to President Aquino that the agency's work be transferred to the justice department. He said pursuing all of the Marcos wealth on a limited budget had become difficult with Marcos's widow, Imelda, and her three children back in positions of power. Clamor, however, pointed out that once all the illgotten wealth has been recovered, it will outweigh the cost of litigation expenses. Selda represents a group of former political prisoners in the Philippines. The group says they cannot just forgive and forget what the Marcoses did to them. President Ferdinand Marcos was toppled by a popular revolt in 1986 and replaced by Corazon Aquino, the incumbent's late mother. Her first act was to create the commission to try to recover the plundered assets. Bautista said the commission has recovered 164 billion pesos ($4 billion at the prevailing exchange rate), or less than half of the estimated 10 billion dollars in wealth believed plundered by the Marcos family. (MNS) A police officer tapes the muzzle of a service pistol during a ceremonial sealing of firearms at the National Capital Region Police Office in Taguig city, south of Manila, December 29, 2012. (MNS photo) Bullet from Cal. 45 pistol killed Stephanie MANILA, Jan 3 (Mabuhay) – The bullet that hit the head of 7-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella was traced to a .45-caliber pistol, the Philippine National Police– Crime Laboratory said on Thursday. The bullet hit the head of Ella while she and her family were outside their house in Malaria, Caloocan, celebrating the New Year's Eve. Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos, spokesperson of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said: "Napaka-importante po 'yung pagkuha ng slug na kumitil sa buhay ng bata. 'Yan po ay magiging basehan o ebidensiya para matukoy 'yung baril na pinagmulan ng slug." "Gagamitin po natin itong mga basyo, slugs. Through forensic and ballistic examinations ma-determine kung saang baril galing 'yan," Carlos added. Carlos said he is confident that police investigators will be able to trace the owner of the gun, even as the country is notorious for having numerous loose and unlicensed firearms. "I believe hindi po imposible. Though magiging matagal ang proseso, what we have on our database and the slug recovered from the body of the victim. Ang magaling pong imbestigador, ang mahaba pong pasensya at determinadong pulis, will find a resolution to the case. I'm a positive thinker and I know very well that we have very good investigators in Metro Manila," he said. Ella passed away at 2:26 p.m. Wednesday. Earlier, doctors at the East Avenue Medical Center said Ella suffered cardiac arrests and had slipped into a coma while inside the hospital. Ella, a consistent honor student according to her family, was supposed to return to school from Christmas vacation today. Her family appealed for justice, as the suspect in the indiscriminate firing remains unidentified. Meanwhile, the local government of Caloocan pledged financial assistance to the family. (MNS) CBCP counsel's son asks SC to strike down RH law MANILA, Jan 2 (Mabuhay) – The son of a legal counsel for the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has questioned the legality of Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012. In a petition for certiorari and prohibition with a prayer for a writ of injunction filed with the Supreme Court Wednesday, James Imbong and his wife LovelyAnn said the government should cease from implementing the law for being "unconstitutional." The couple said they filed the petition "in behalf of our minor children." Mr. Imbong is the son of lawyer Jo Aurea Imbong, executive secretary of the CBCP legal office. The CBCP has staunchly opposed the RH bill when it was being deliberated in Congress. The Catholic Church, which only espouses natural family planning methods, is against the passage of the RH law as it promotes both natural and artificial family planning methods. Unconstitutional In their petition, the Imbong couple said the RH law "introduces policies that negate and frustrate the foundational ideals and aspirations of the sovereign Filipino people as enshrined in the Constitution." "The act cannot be implemented without exceeding the boundaries of government action as established in the Constitution," they added. The petitioners also claimed the law "mocks the nation's Filipino culture — noble and lofty in its values and holdings on life, motherhood and family life — now the fragile lifeblood of a treasures culture that today stands solitary but proud in contrast to other nations." The theme of the 124th Rose Parade in Pasadena is " Oh the Places You'll Go". Miko Lamayo traveled with his parents from Arizona to volunteer and help decorate the Lions International Float (other photo). It was a fulfilling experience for the family and Miko wants to volunteer again as float decorator for next year's Rose Parade. Photo by JAY FERMIN/FRONTLINERS MEDIA GROUP 4 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Balita PNP shifts focus to preparing for May 2013 polls MANILA, Jan 1 (Mabuhay) – With the New Year revelry now over, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is shifting its focus from the holidays to the coming May elections. PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said they will gradually move from securing Filipinos who celebrated the holidays to securing the polls. "Mag-shift tayo ng operation, pagiibayuhin natin ang operations para sa paghanda sa nalalapit na election," he said. In late December, the PNP had gone on heightened alert in Luzon and Visayas - and remained on full alert in Mindanao - for the holiday celebrations. Filipinos who spent the holidays in the provinces are expected to start returning to Metro Manila. Now, Cerbo said the PNP will again be going full blast against loose firearms and private armed groups. "Ngayon tututukan at tutuluyan nating gagawin para magkaroon ng Secure and Fair Elections sa 2013," he said. On Monday, President Benigno Aquino III had said 2013 will be a crucial year because of the midterm elections. Aquino, in his New Year message Monday, said 2013 being an election year will be critical to his administration's crusade of ensuring long-term progress and good governance. "Ang 2013 ay kritikal na yugto sa ating krusada ng pangmatagalang kaunlaran at tuwid na pamamahala. Ngayong bagong taon, mas maigting na pagkakaisa ang kailangan. Umaasa akong magiging mapanuri ang taumbayan sa pagkilatis ng mga itatalagang pinuno," he said. "Kaya naman mahalaga ang ating paninindigan at pagtitimbang kung saang direksyon tutungo ang ating bansa: Sabay-sabay ba tayong sasagwan patungo sa landas kung saan nangingibabaw ang kapakanan ng Pilipino? O hahayaan lang natin na muling matangay ang Pilipinas sa mga daluyong ng panlalamang, pagkakanya-kanya't kurapsyon?" he asked. (MNS) CA backs findings vs Plinky Recto's ex MANILA, Jan 4 (Mabuhay) – There will be no stopping a lawsuit against Pulupandan, Negros Occidental Mayor Magdaleno Peña after the Court of Appeals backed a state prosecutor's findings that he committed violence against his ex-girlfriend, actress and television host Maria Roxanne "Plinky" Recto. The CA Fourth Division backed a Department of Justice resolution in 2006 that found probable cause that Peña violated Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act. In a 19-page decision penned by Associate Justice Eduardo Peralta, the CA said there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of Prosecutor Hazel Valdez when she conducted a preliminary investigation on the case. Then Justice Secretary Alberto Agra Join Our VOCATIONAL NURSING PROGRAM Please visit our campus to speak to one of our counselors personally and learn more about the programs being offered. FINANCIAL AID FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY OTHER CLASSES OFFERED GE PROGRAM DISCLOSURE: For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our webpage at www.homesteadschools.com/VN. • Medical Assistant • Nurse Assistant • Home Health Aide CALL US NOW TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT HOMESTEAD SCHOOLS please visit our website www.HomesteadSchools.com 23800 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 200, Torrance, CA 90505 (310) 791-9975 • (800) 253-0088 President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Jessie Dellosa and National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno in a wreath laying ceremony During the observance of the country's 116th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal Sunday, December 30, 2012 at the Rizal National Monument, Rizal Park, Manila. The commemoration of Rizal's martyrdom is also being held at the Calamba Rizal Shrine in Laguna and at the Rizal Shrine in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte. (MNS photo) had earlier backed Valdez's recommendation on June 29, 2010, prompting Peña to file an appeal. The court noted Peña had admitted pushing Recto thrice and trapping her with a rattan chair during a fight in their condo unit in Mandaluyong last June 29, 2005. The CA, meanwhile, backed the decision of the Mandaluyong regional trial court denying Recto's petition for a Per- manent Protection Order. It said the RTC decision merely showed that there is no threat that the abuse against Recto will continue. The CA decision was issued December 17, 2012. Peña disbarred Last year, the Supreme Court ordered Pena's disbarment for violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility. SC junks Oragon plea to reverse disqualification MANILA, Jan 4 (Mabuhay) – The Supreme Court (SC) junked the petition of Organization of Regional Advocates for Good Governance Onward Nation-Building (Oragon) for a reversal of its disqualification as a party-list group by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). In a 2-page en banc resolution dated Dec. 4, 2012 but released to the media only on Friday, the high court dismissed the petition of Oragon for failure to comply with the requirements under the Rules of Court, and for late filing of the petition. The high court noted that Oragon failed to attach to its petition duplicate original copies of the assailed Comelec ruling – a ground for its immediate dismissal. "The Court resolved to dismiss the instant petition for certiorari for non compliance therewith, particularly for (a) late filing; and (b) failure to accompany the petition with a clearly legible duplicate original or certified true copy of the assailed judgment in violation of Section 5, Rule 64," the resolution read. The high court further pointed out that the Comelec did not commit grave abuse of discretion in denying accreditation to Oragon. "[T]he petition would still be dismissed for failure to sufficiently show that any grave abuse of discretion was committed by the Commission on Elections in rendering the challenged resolution which, on the contrary, appears to be in accord with the facts and applicable law and jurisprudence," the resolution read. (MNS) Malacañang assures police retirees release of their pension benefits MANILA, Jan 3 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang assured retired personnel from the Philippine National Police on Thursday that their pension benefits would be released soon. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda gave the assurance in a press briefing at Malacanang after Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said that funds for the pension benefits of some 62,000 PNP retirees were already available. Lacierda, however, said the release of said funds would depend upon the submission by PNP top brass of its "cleansed pension roster," a PNP-led program to determine qualified and eligible retirees who will receive their benefits. He added that these retirees should also comply with the PNP requirement of securing and submitting ATM (automated teller machine) accounts to which their pension benefits will be sent directly. "Nakatanggap po kami ng text kay Secretary (Florencio) Butch Abad. Ito ang sinabi niya – makakasiguro sila na tiyak na mari-release ang funds. Available na po ang funds but the release is subject to PNP's submission of its cleansed pension roster," Lacierda said. "So we are aware that, at this point, the process of cleaning the pensioners' list is 80 percent complete. This means that of the 62,000 pensioners about 50,000 pensioners have been vetted at meron na silang registered ATM accounts," he added. He pointed out the need for PNP retirees to secure ATM accounts in order to verify their legitimacy as pensioners and to cleanse the pension roster of those who have already passed away. Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 5 Firecracker-related injuries top 1,000 MANILA, Jan 3 (Mabuhay) – The number of firecracker-related injuries has breached the 1,000 mark, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Thursday. The NDRRMC said as of 6 a.m. Thursday, there have been 1,130 cases of firecrackerrelated injuries recorded in the the entire country, with 390 coming from Metro Manila and 740 coming from the following regions: Ilocos Region – 273 Cagayan Valley Region – 47 Central Luzon – 133 CALABARZON – 91 MIMAROPA – 13 Bicol Region – 24 Western Visayas – 45 Central Visayas – 18 Eastern Visayas – 4 Zamboanga Peninsula – 50 Northern Mindanao – 4 SOCCSKSARGEN – 9 Cordillera Administrative Region – 23 Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – 6 Two children, 7-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella and 4-year-old Ranjelo Nimero, died due to indiscriminate firing. The suspect in Nimero's death has been arrested, while justice remains elusive for the family of Ella. (MNS) A boy, injured by a firecracker, arrives at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila, early on January 1, 2013. (MNS photo) Palace vows to solve cases of indiscriminate firing MANILA, Jan 3 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang appealed for information about people who may have fired their guns indiscriminately during the New Year's celebration, lamenting the death of sevenyear-old Stephanie Nicole Ella who was hit by a stray bullet on New Year's Eve. Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Philippine National Police has been tasked to go after the perpetrator. "This is clearly a direct violation of what the President wanted: to have a safe New Year celebration. And so the PNP has been tasked to… locate [and identify] that reckless individual who fired that shot that caused the death of Nicole," he said. "May mga shells na na-recover in that particular area. So we are in the process of identifying who owned the gun that killed [Stephanie] Nicole." He said the public may call the police hotline for information, saying that the government is bent on solving all cases of indiscriminate firing. "You can [be assured] of this government's resolve to go after all those who fired indiscriminately their guns during the last New Year… We would like to continue to ask them send those information [on] any incidents of indiscriminate firing to that number of to us. We will take action on those reports," Lacierda said. Meantime, the presidential spokesperson said the government has been cracking down on loose firearms and private armed groups especially as election season is coming up. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, on the other hand, said it is pleased to report that none of its soldiers indiscriminately fired their service weapons during the New Year's Eve Fr. James Reuter dies at 96 MANILA, Jan 1 (Mabuhay) -- Around 12 hours short of 2013, the Catholic Church received the bad news about the passing of the renowned Fr. James Reuter at the age of 96. "Fr. James Reuter, SJ died of old age at 12:51 p.m. today, December 31. He was 96," read a tweet of The Guidon (@ TheGuidon), which is the official student publication of the Jesuit-run Ateneo De Manila University. According to the official news agency of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Reuter had a mild stroke four days ago before he died at the Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Parañaque City, where he had been staying in the last three years. "We join the Society of Jesus in the Philippines, the generations of alumni of the Ateneo de Manila University, and men and women of media, arts, and letters, who mourn the loss of this man of faith, good cheer, and eloquence," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement released in Malacanang Monday. "From the time he first came to this country before World War II as a young Jesuit novice, to his passing after a lingering illness today, Fr. James B. Reuter found happiness and fulfillment in his priestly vocation in the Philippines," the statement added. Sr. Eva Maamo, president of the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission Inc., an organization founded by Reuter, told CBCP News that the priest's remains will be brought to the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City. Reuter served as executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines' Commission on Social Communications and Mass Media (ECSCMM) for 39 years. This was highlighted by Reuter receiving awards and recognition for his work in the promotion of the Catholic Church by utilizing the mass media. In 2008, the CBCP had conferred on Reuter the "Jorge Barlin Golden Cross Award," thus becoming the second recipient of one of the highest Church awards for his pastoral works using the mass media. In an article posted by CBCP News, it recalled that Reuter first came to the country in 1938 as a missionary – a 22-year-old Jesuit scholastic. As a Jesuit in formation, he took up his philosophical studies in Novaliches and Baguio. He then taught at the Ateneo de Manila on Padre Faura just before World War II. When the war broke out, the Japanese army interned him. While jailed at the Ateneo on Padre Faura, and later in the prison camp in Los Baños, with other Jesuits, he wrote songs and produced plays during the course of war. After the war, the priest went to the US to finish his theological studies at Georgetown University and was ordained a Jesuit priest at Woodstock, Maryland in 1946. He also spent another year at Fordham University in New York to study radio and television. revelry. "Information based on the reports gathered from AFP field units, there is zero incident of soldiers firing their issued firearms other than discharge of (their) official duties responsibilities," military spokesperson Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos, Jr., said. 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REYES Established 1999 6 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com NPA rebels call off truce New People's Army rebels show their force during the Communist Party of the Philippines 42 nd Anniversary somewhere in northeast Mindanao as posted on NPA's official website: www. philippinerevolution.net. Happy Sun Travel & Tours SOT# 2065240-40 WWW.HAPPYSUNTRAVEL.COM * Headquarters: Manila * 24 HRS DAILY LAX: (310) 787-8688; (626) 593-7798; (213) 674-8668 (562) 735-0891; (714) 881-4788; (818) 574-6988 Ontario: (909) 895-3889 * SFO: (415) 992-9888; (408) 786-5568 LAS: (702) 357-8788; SAN: (619) 618-1288; (858) 380-5598 Toll Free: (866) 923-3588 * Email: email@example.com Add: 316 W. Carson Street. Suite. 202, Carson, CA 90745 4 Days 3 Nights WOW Roundtrip Beijing Package UP To Manila Korean $899 $ Included Ticket Tax PER TAX Land & Adult only Asiana $968 $ Min. 2 Pax 3 Days 2 Nights 3 Days Package Tours Delta $958 With Dom. Tkt. Hong Kong $ Package Tour Boracay…..$149 Cathay $998 Cebu …..…$178 China $988 Promotion Bohol ….....$199 Special PTA Limited Seats Ticket from Manila Davao ……$198 EVA $978 RTT - $998 Palawan …$218 Next Fare & Next Fare Tutulungan Namin Kayong Makatipid! Air China $868 $ 838 Up $ 868 Up Tawag na Po! Kahit Saan, Kahit Kelan! Hawaiian $978 Please call for other Hotels, Packages, Tours, Cruises, Air Tickets & Tourist Visa. PAL $1048 68 This rate is Booking for valid in conjunction with the purchase of an airline ticket from us. Included Ticket Tax Balita 798 30 We Accept all major Credit Cards. All prices are subject to change without prior notice. All taxes are not included. MANILA, Jan 2, 2013 (AFP) – Communist insurgents in the Philippines called off a truce with the government on Wednesday, almost two weeks ahead of schedule, raising concerns about the future of peace talks. The Communist Party of the Philippines blamed the government for their action but a spokesman for President Benigno Aquino said the CPP just wanted an excuse to cut the ceasefire short. A CPP statement said the truce, originally scheduled to run from December 20 to January 15, had ended at noon Wednesday because it believed the government only wanted a truce to remain in place until then. "The (communist New People's Army) and the people's militias should immediately assume an offensive posture and confront and frustrate the enemy campaigns of suppression," the statement said. However Aquino's spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the government would observe the ceasefire until January 15. He said the rebels had found an extended ceasefire to be "detrimental" to them so they chose to cut it short and blame the government. "The CPP-NPA has always been making excuses... and now they're coming up with other stumbling blocks to peace," Lacierda told reporters. The government and the CPP agreed to the ceasefire in mid-December when they held their first high-level peace talks for 13 months. Southern Philippine military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Lyndon Paniza said Wednesday the CPP had already violated the ceasefire. He said communist gunmen descended on the outskirts of the southern city of Davao on Monday and Tuesday, briefly holding two government militiamen and three civilians to intimidate them. The CPP pulled out of peace talks in November 2011 after the government rejected rebel demands to free jailed comrades whom they claimed were consultants to the negotiations. The Maoist rebels have been waging an armed rebellion to seize power since 1969 and more than 30,000 people have died in the conflict, according to the government. The military estimates the current NPA strength at about 4,000 fighters, significantly down from more than 26,000 at its peak in the late 1980s. Naval helicopters to be delivered by 2014 MANILA, Jan 2 (Mabuhay) – With the signing of the contract of agreement for the Philippines' three naval helicopters a done deal, the Dept. of National Defense expects the aircraft to be delivered and commissioned by 2014. This is expected to gain impetus with the submission of the letter of credit to the manufacturer, AugustaWestland S.P.A., within the first quarter of 2013. The Philippine Navy wants to acquire AW 109 Upon receipt of this document, the "Power" helicopters from AgustaWestland as helicopter builder and supplier has 365 shown in this photo. working days to deliver the aircraft to the Philippines. DND observers said they see no problem with the submission of the needed documents, adding that the waiting period for this will be quite short. Earlier, the DND announced that the contract of agreement for the three naval helicopters were finally signed last Dec. 20. The three rotary wing aircraft has a net price of P1,337,176,584. The contract was signed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and supplier AugustaWestland S.P.A. The acquisition project was done under negotiated procurement through Section 53.2 (Emergency Procurement) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9184. "The acquisition of these naval helicopters is one concrete step towards the fulfillment of our goal to modernize the Philippine Navy, and our Armed Forces in general," DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said. On Nov. 28, AugustaWestland was declared by the Naval Helicopter Acquisition Project Negotiating Committee as the single calculated and responsive proponent after going through the process of a negotiated procurement. The Italian Ministerio Della Difesa conducted a review of AugustaWestland's proposal for the procurement of AW 109 Power Helicopter, including related logistic support and found out that the price per helicopter "seems to have been progressively reduced", meaning they were sold cheaper. The AW-109 a twin-engine, eight-seat multipurpose chopper. First flown as the Agusta A109 in 1971, the craft has proven itself in light transport, medevac, search-and-rescue, and military roles. It has a crew of one or two pilots and is capable of carrying seven to eight passengers and length of 42 feet 9 inches (13.04 meters). The AW-109 has a rotor diameter 36 feet 2 inches (11.00 meters). It has height of 11 feet 6 inches (3.50 meters). The AW-109's powerplant consist of two Pratt & Whitney Canada 206C or Turbomeca Arrius 2K1 turboshafts, 567 hp or 571 hp (423 kW or 426 kW) each. It has a maximum speed: 177 miles per hour (154 knots, 285 kilometers/hour). It has ferry range: 599 miles (521 nautical miles, 964 kilometers) and a service ceiling: 19,600 feet (6,000 meters). The AW-109 also has a rate of climb: 1,930 feet per minute (9.8 meter per second). Upon the recommendation of the DND Bids and Awards Committee, the Secretary of National Defense issued a notice of award last Dec. 4. "With the other projects in the pipeline and our planned acquisition, we are now louder and clearer in our intent to upgrade the capability of our AFP to address its constitutional duty to 'secure the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the national territory'," Gazmin concluded. (MNS) Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 7 Visit www.Balita.com PHL anger at logging ban murder MANILA, Jan 3, 2013 (AFP) – The Philippine government has voiced outrage at "ruthless" illegal loggers intent on defying a nationwide ban on destroying forests, following the New Year's Day murder of an environment officer. Two unidentified men armed with M-16 rifles shot environment department officer Alfredo Almueda in the head as he waited at a forest checkpoint to intercept a truck carrying logs on Tuesday, the government said in a statement. "We condemn in the strongest possible terms the killing of yet another environment officer. We are angered and outraged by the attack," Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said in the statement issued late Wednesday. Paje said Almueda, 59, was the victim of persistent efforts by illegal loggers to silence "environmental defenders". "This attack clearly demonstrates the ruthlessness of those responsible for the rape and destruction of our forests," Paje said. Almueda's killing brings to 21 the number of environment department personnel, deputized workers and volunteers who have been killed since a nationwide logging ban was imposed two years ago, according to government data. The Philippines, a tropical Southeast Asian archipelago, has lost more than half its forest cover over the past century with only about 7.6 million hectares (18.8 million acres) left, Paje told reporters last year. These forests are guarded by underfunded, outnum- bered and poorly armed government personnel who often face resistance from illegal loggers often linked to powerful businessmen and corrupt officials. Clemente Bautista, national coordinator for the non-government environmental group Kalikasan (Nature), said illegal loggers felt they could operate with impunity. "Initially, they will be intimidated and if that does not work, (the loggers) file a case against the officials or have them removed from their post. If the officials are hard-headed they will even kill them," he said. Out of all the 21 murders since the start of 2011, only one suspect for one of the cases has been caught, environment department assistant secretary Danny Nicer told AFP on Thursday. SC: No suspension of judicial affidavit rule MANILA, Jan 3 (Mabuhay) – The implementation of the Judicial Affidavit Rule (JAR) has not been suspended and the request for its suspension has yet to be tackled by the Supreme Court (SC) en banc. This was clarified by the high court's Public Information Office (PIO) amid a pending request by the Prosecutors League of the Philippines (PLP) for the deferment of the Rule's implementation. In a statement, the SC PIO said the matter will be deliberated upon by the high court when it resumes its sessions next week. "Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno, responding to a request from the PLP for the deferment of the implementation of the JAR for at least a year in criminal cases, has directed that the request be included in the agenda of the Supreme Court's First En Banc session of the year on Jan. 8, 2013," the high court said on Thursday. The Rule, which took effect on Jan. 1, requires the submission of judicial affidavits in place of the direct testimony of witnesses in criminal cases. It is said to be effective in cutting down trial time for the speedier disposition of cases. In a letter to Sereno, the PLP said the submission of judicial affidavits is more time consuming than conducting direct examination. The group pointed out that while it has been successful in pilot test area Quezon City, the same would not be true in the provinces where there are less prosecutors. "The prosecutors in the regional, provincial and city prosecution offices have limited time to prepare judicial affidavits because they are already saddled with heavy workloads, such as trial, including criminal and special proceedings cases; preliminary investigation, inquest proceedings and summary investigation (direct filing)," the PLP said. It may be recalled that through Circular No. 146 issued by the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) to all Justices of the Court of Appeals (CA), Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals (CTA), trial court judges, and investigating officers authorized to receive evidence including the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and arbiters of Special Courts and QuasiJudicial bodies, the OCA said it would be more prudent, as recommended by Associate Justice Roberto Abad, to suspend the implementation of the JAR pending the court en banc's action on the PLP letter. (MNS) THE MOST TRUSTWORTHY AGENCY BEST DEAL IN TOWN! LIMITED SEATS BOOK NOW @ rbtravelonline.com MANILA FARES OTHER AIRLINES Spring Special Philippine Airlines 620 BACOLOD/CEBU/ ILOILO ......................... $ Limited Time ONLY! BUSINESS CLASS $ 3188 EUROPE LONDON $780 MADRID $795 BRUSSELS $846 PARIS $810 ROME $869 ZURICH $750 FRKFURT $856 ECONOMY CLASS JANUARY 2013 $ 618 +$90 +$90 TACLOBAN/ROXAS... 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Please call for details. **Employer sponsorship not guaranteed & based on qualified education, training & experience in specific professions 8 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com De Lima supports deferment of implementation of JAR MANILA, Jan 2 (Mabuhay) – Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima supports the petition of the Prosecutors League of the Philippines before the Supreme Court seeking the deferment of the implementation of the judicial affidavit rule (JAR) beginning this month. In an on-the-spot interview Wednesday, De Lima said the petition of PLP president Jaime Umpa is a legitimate one so the prosecutors will be given enough time to acquire sufficient knowledge about the JAR. In a seven-page petition filed before the SC, the PLP sought the deferment of the implementation of the JAR within one year. Umpa argued the prosecutors in the regional, provincial and city offices need more time to prepare for the JAR because of the "backlog" of pending cases and that they lack the reasonable number of prosecutors. Under the JAR, the prosecution panel will merely submit before the court the written statement of the witness such that there will be no more need for a direct examination, instead, a cross examination will immediately proceed. (MNS) Balita Drug-fuelled gunman kills 8, then self By Cecil Morella Kawit, Philippines, Jan 4, 2013 (AFP) – A gunman with a semi-automatic pistol killed eight people and wounded 11 others during a drug-fuelled rampage in a slum near the Philippine capital on Friday, authorities said. The ordeal, which ended when police shot the assailant dead, again raised concerns about the country's lax gun controls after the week began with two children dying from bullets fired by revelers to celebrate New Year's Eve. Two girls, aged three and seven, as well as a pregnant woman, were among the seven confirmed fatalities in Friday's rampage, according to police in Kawit town on the outskirts of Manila where the killings occurred. "It was random. He would fire at anybody who crossed his path," Kawit police investigating officer Arnulfo Lopez told AFP, adding the shooting spree lasted for about half an hour. Residents of the rundown town hid in their homes and gardens as the man, a former low-level local politician named Ronaldo Bae, roamed through narrow streets and a market firing what police said was a .45 semi-automatic pistol. "As we were hiding out in the muddy yard, I was thinking about my nephews and niece (in their house)," resident Edwin Lacorte told AFP. "I wanted to go back. The children were crying for help, but what can you do, the man has a gun." Bae lived in a nearby house and most of the victims were his neighbours. One of the others killed was 56-year-old Alberto Fernandez, who was shot as he stood on his porch, according to the victim's brother-in-law, Lito Ronquillo. Ronquillo spoke to AFP in the narrow street where the initial shootings took place. A bullet hole could be seen in a window above the porch where Fernandez died. Bae then walked towards a nearby market, shooting more people before returning home where police demanded he surrender, according to Lopez, the local police officer. "He opened fire on the police. So a gunbattle ensued which resulted in the death of the suspect," Lopez said. Bae had once served on a local council but was also a known drug dealer and had been taking methamphetamines since New Year's Eve, said Juanito Victor Remulla, the governor of Cavite province in which Kawit town is located. Kawit police chief Superintendent Dionisio Borromeo also told reporters that "paraphernalia" used for methamphetamines, known locally as shabu, had been found at Bae's home. Borromeo said Bae had originally been looking for an auto rickshaw driver who lived in a shanty home behind the gunman's house, but was not there at the time. Bae then started started shooting randomly, according to Borromeo, although he said it was still unclear why the gunman had been hunting the driver. Friday's shooting came after the New Year's Eve deaths of a seven-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy by celebratory gunfire triggered outrage and condemnation of the Philippines' poorly enforced gun laws. There were 1.2 million registered firearms in the Philippines last year, with another 600,000 unlicensed weapons in circulation, according to data from the police firearms and explosives office. 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Nothing contained in this advertisement implies any guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter or the result of any legal representation. 9 10 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Balita More than half a billion released to build roads, foster peace, development in ARMM MANILA, Jan 4 (Mabuhay) – More than half a billion pesos were released to help build roads, dispose firearms, and support peace and development efforts in the Philippines' poorest and most conflict-ridden region, the government announced on Friday. An additional P745.5 million were released to further strengthen the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program, the budget department said. These funds will assist families in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) gain access to goods and services that were previously compromised by armed conflict, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said. "The release complements the prog- ress we've so far made at facilitating security and development in the ARMM," he added. The amount will be used to support development in resettlement sites in the region, the disposition of arms and forces, and the construction of strategic roads and public infrastructure, among others. "The Pamana program is one of the Akbayan Rep in favor of abolishing pork MANILA, Jan 4 (Mabuhay) – A partylist lawmaker said she was in favor of abolishing the "pork barrel" after her office received funds following her appointment as a caretaker representative of a province. However, Akbayan partylist representative Arlene "Kaka" Bag-ao, Dinagat Island's caretaker representative, acknowl- edged that the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), also known as pork barrel, was still needed. Dinagat Island has been neglected and deprived of development projects for years, said Bag-ao, who will be running as the island's congressional representative in the May 2013 elections. "I come from a political tradition where pork barrel is not seen as a tool for political patronage," she said in a statement. "Kung ako lang ang masusunod, dapat lang na i-abolish ang pork barrel. But Dinagat has been deprived of development projects and has been severely neglected," she added. (If it were up to me, I'd abolish Send your PRECIOUS Balikbayan Box for FREE Extended due to popular public demand! (now until March 31, 2013) OPEN TO ALL in 3 EASY STEPS: 1. Call our PROGRAM HOTLINE (714) 678-7614) or Toll Free 1-877-458-8842 to register. Please give your and your friends full name, address, cellphone number and email address. 2. Refer as many friends and family members (excluding those with the same address as yours) who will ship through Victory Cargo FOR THE FIRST TIME. 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Actual delivery time frame might be adversely affected by fortuitous events beyond our control such as ocean vessel delays, Customs inspection, equipment breakdown, legal holidays, strikes, acts of nature, road conditions, peace & order issues and other force majeur. Refer a Friend & call... Watch us on Hot Line (714) 678-7614•Toll Free 1-877-458-8842 Email: email@example.com the pork barrel.) Bag-ao reiterated that he appointment was decided by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. because it was where she grew up and that she was familiar with the province's situation. It had nothing to do about boosting her candidacy in the May 2013 elections, she said. "My appointment is simply due to the fact that I am from Dinagat. I grew up here, and none of the reps could claim that they know the province," she said. Bag-ao added that "those who think that a few months of serving as caretaker rep would tilt the balance in my favor is obviously unfamiliar with how powerful the Ecleos are. They are well entrenched, and there are even rumors that they are reviving their private army. This is not giving me undue advantage – actually, this is like being given a stick to slay a dragon." Bag-ao, who was serving her first term in the House, was appointed caretaker after Dinagat's representative and cult leader Rubel Ecleo, Jr. was dropped from the roll following his conviction for graft and corruption. After her appointment, the Department of Budget and Management released P140-million in pork barrel, representing two years of withheld pork barrel because Ecleo was unable to serve his district. Bag-ao said that she will win a congressional seat because of her track record as community organizer, and not because of her connections to Malacanang. (MNS) December inflation slows down to 2.9% ask us about PICK UP METRO MANILA key ways through which we are able to address socio-economic issues that have long plagued the region," Abad said. He added, "Not only will ARMM communities benefit from the reform and economic successes posted under this administration, they can also make a gradual transition towards enduring peace and stability." (MNS) (1-877-I-Luv-Victory) MANILA, Jan 4 (Mabuhay) – Despite slight increases in the costs of food and so-called "sin" products that drove consumer prices a bit faster in December, inflation settled at the lower end of 3 percent to 5 percent targeted by the government for 2012. Headline inflation moved by 2.9 percent in December, nearly unchanged from 2.8 percent in November 2012 and much slower than the 4.2 percent in December 2011. The December inflation "was effected by higher annual rates in the food and non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages and tobacco indices," NSO administrator Carmencita Ericta noted in a statement Friday. It pushed the inflation rate for the whole of 2012 to 3.2 percent – the exact forecast of the Bangko Sentral – from 4.6 percent in 2011. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expected inflation to settle between 2.6 percent and 3.5 percent last month. Because of annual adjustments the heavily-weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages index rose 2.3 percent in December from 2.2 percent in November, while the alcoholic beverages and tobacco index inched up 5.1 percent from 5.0 percent, NSO data showed. Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Debt collection harassment – It can be stopped immediately! If you, like so many However, even when a CONSUMER Americans today, have collector stays within the MATTERS found yourself in financonfines of this law, they cial trouble, you are not can call you repeatedly alone. 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A Chapter 13 is a debt the last thing you need is the constant, reorganization where you will pay a portion unrelenting demand for money that you of your debt to your creditors via a paysimply do not have. ment plan over the course of 3-5 years. The It is important to know that there are amount you pay, depends entirely on your laws to protect the consumer. The Fair Debt disposable income, and could vary from as Collection Practices Act prohibits debt little as $100.00 per month upwards. collectors from using abusive, unfair and A major advantage of filing either types deceptive practices to collect their debt. of bankruptcy is that all collection efforts Visit www.Balita.com must stop immediately. This is known as the "automatic stay" provision. Once you retain an attorney and your initial bankruptcy petition is filed, all of your creditors are immediately barred from contacting you in any way. 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Rizal Monument Photographers record a piece of local history when City Movement in cooperation of Carson Mayor Jim Dear and other city council members with the Carson Mayor Jim the unveiled the statue of Dr. Jose P. Rizal in the Carson Dear and Councilmember International Sculpture Garden last September 29. Despite the strong rains, City of Carson officials and commissioners and Elito Santarina, the simple Filipino American community leaders attended the first Rizal program was held inside the Day last Dec. 29 which commemorated the 116th anniversary Carson Community Center of the martyrdom of the Philippine national hero. due to the inclement weather. The wreath laying at the Rizal monument was led by Consul General Hellen Barber De La Vega assisted by Consul Ruel U. Gunabe, Adrian Peran and Carson Mayor Jim Dear and Councilmember Elito Santarina. Consul General De La Vega expressed her gratitude for accepting the statue of Jose Rizal and said, "We are grateful to the City of Carson for this honor. Dr. Jose Rizal is a light to our nation. He sparked the national revolution in 1898 decades before the fight for independence in India. Rizal envisioned the Philippines as an industrialized nation in Asia. Today, the Philippines is headed for economic progress. Its GDP is 7.1 %. The contribution of the Overseas Filipino Workers is 17.5 billion. President Aquino and the government had the peace talks with the MILF. We call upon you to continue Rizal's heritage of loving out country and to keep "our hearts burning with nationalism." Carson Mayor Jim Dear explained that the monument of Jose Rizal is the first public art in the international sculpture garden. He stressed that the theme of the garden is world peace with heroes and heroines of liberation democracy. "We hope to showcase the importance of unity among many people and befitting for all Americans to appreciate the history and struggle of international heroes," Dear said further. Councilman Santarina added that commemorating the martyrdom of Rizal will focus on the spirit of "bayanihan" especially among the youth. Chito Mandap, chairman of the JPRMM reiterated the gratitude of the community to the strong support of Mayor Dear and Councilman Santarina. He likewise thanked community members who came to event despite the cold and raining weather. Also present at the event was Councilmember Lula Davis Holmes. Mr. Apollo de Rosas recited excerpts from "Huling Paalam", a translation of Rizal's poem Mi Ultimo Adios written by Philippine revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio. Carsonite Kyra De Castro led the U.S. national anthem while Rudy Ferran sang "Bayan Ko." Atty. Antero Pagusan, vice chairman of the JPRRM said the closing remarks. (Fe Koons) Explore...Enjoy...Energize... We get you the lowest prices (WHOLESALE) on • Airline Tickets • Vacation Packages • Cruise & Bus Tours Local bus tours to SFO/ Yosemite, Las Vegas/ Grand Canyon. Cruise the MEDITERRANEAN, CARRIBEAN, MEXICO, EUROPE. New Year Special L Angeles – Manila roundtrip Los 903 $ taxes included Discover the world. Go take a vacation now! Call JOEY SY 818.459.3880 www.hyssoptravel.com firstname.lastname@example.com CST #2109786 12 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Exciting news! Provisional waiver law announced; Spouses of citizens with illegal entry can apply for immigration visa waivers (Paul Choi is an immigration attorney and professor of law located at 16000 Ventura Blvd. Ste 1201, Encino, CA. 91436. Atty. Choi will answer all questions regarding immigration and naturalization for free. Address questions to firstname.lastname@example.com or telephone 818 714-2226. Atty Choi is pleased to announce that his administrator is Philip Abramowitz .) Question: I have read in your column before that the USCIS was supposed to pass a law last year to permit persons with illegal entries into the U.S to apply for waivers of forgiveness in the U.S. before they leave the country. I understand that these waivers are necessary in order to obtain permanent residence for persons who entered unlawfully. When will this law really go into effect? Answer: Happy New Year! With the New Year comes exciting news! After over eight months of deliberation and consideration, the USCIS announced on the first business day of 2013, that it has published a final rule instituting what it calls the "Provisional Waiver" law. This law is very exciting and long awaited because it will help Monday to Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am-2pm PACKAGE TOUR AND CRUISE AVAILABLE FOR BEST PRICE, PLEASE CALL 24hrs 714-774-2250 562-572-9642 firstname.lastname@example.com CST#2062577 ® Balita of these forms. However, it must be proven that the hardship to be suffered is not just ordinary but what is termed "extreme" meaning out of the ordinary. The burden is on the applicant to prove this hardship. We have had lots of experience in helping clients establish extreme hardship for waivers in the past and we admit that it is not easy. However, if properly documented, the waiver can and will be approved paving the way for the immigrant visa to be issued at a U.S. embassy abroad. The USCIS promises that the new law will go into effect on March 4, 2013. Waivers will be filed on a new form I-601A. This new regulation is not amnesty, but it is a generous provision that will help many persons obtain the dream of U.S. permanent residence. (Paul Choi will answer all questions regarding immigration and naturalization for FREE. Address questions to email@example.com or call 818 7142226. He is located at 16000 Ventura Blvd. Ste. 1201, Encino, CA. 91436. Phil Abramowitz can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or on his cell at 818 324-8110) hundreds of thousands before they travel CHOIce of persons who otherabroad to collect their IMMIGRATION CORNER immigrant visas. This wise would not be able to safely obtain permagreatly cuts down the nent residence. risk of being stranded The problem begins abroad by getting prewith what is known as approval. the ten year bar. This Under the new reglaw states that persons ulations, persons file who overstay their perthe new waiver form mitted period of stay with the USCIS in the BY ATTY. or persons who enter U.S. and obtain the apPAUL CHOI as crewmen, in transit proval before departor illegally without a ing the country. To visa accrue unlawful presence. Once obtain approval, under the regulations, a person has accrued one year or more the applicant must be married to a U.S. of unlawful presence in the U.S. , any citizen or otherwise be what is called trips outside this country will prohibit an immediate relative of a citizen, that the person from returning for ten years- is a parent of a citizen or a minor child. unless that person obtains permission He must prove that his spouse and/or to return sooner. parent will suffer extreme hardship if The application to obtain permission he is not permitted to return promptly. to return to the U.S. is called a waiver Hardship can be in the form of ecoform. Up until now the problem has nomic hardship, physical hardship, or been that waivers could only be sought emotional hardship or a combination outside the U.S. at the U.S. Embassy in the applicant's home country. This was very risky as if the waiver was denied, the applicant was barred from returning to the U.S. for ten years. For this reason, very few persons risked leaving MANILA, Jan 4 (Mabuhay) – At least 82 Taiwanese who were arrested in the the U.S. to seek an immigrant visa. Philippines and deported last year for their involvement in a telecom scam were Under present law, the only persons indicted before a Taiwanese court on Thursday. who can adjust status in the U.S. are The 82 were indicted in Taichung City on charges of fraud, according to a those who entered lawfully, maintained report by Taiwan's Central News Agency on Friday. lawful status at all times, or those who The prosecutors said the 82 belonged to two groups led by ringleaders identientered lawfully overstayed and were fied only as Chang and Lin. petitioned by U.S. citizen spouses, They also said the 82 were among some 200 suspects deported by the Philipadult children or were petitioned as pines in October 2012 for allegedly carrying out phone fraud there. minor children of U.S. citizens. PerThe investigation showed they took part in telephone scams targeting Chinese sons who entered illegally, entered as people, and that they set up four telephone stations in Metro Manila to engage in crewmen, or entered legally but cannot phone fraud from March 2011 to June 2012. prove it, could not adjust status in the Under the scam, the perpetrators called Chinese people in Mainland China, U.S. There are literally hundreds of and claimed hackers had broken into the victims' bank accounts. thousands of persons in this situation They would then urge the victims to transfer their funds into bank accounts who are virtually stranded in the U.S. controlled by the rings. because they cannot adjust and they Citing the indictment, the CNA report said the gang stole hundreds of millions fear taking a risk of leaving the U.S. of New Taiwan dollars from hundreds of victims. to seek a waiver abroad. At least nine of the Chinese victims have sought damages, even as prosecuNow the risk of travel has been tors said NT$4 million, 20 cars and eight pieces of property owned by Chang greatly reduced. Under the new Prohad been seized. visional Waiver law, persons who During Thursday's indictment, prosecutors asked the court to impose the heaviplan to travel abroad to obtain an imest possible penalty on the defendants except three who supposedly confessed migrant visa can have their waivers of during investigation and deserved a lenient treatment. (MNS) unlawful presence filed and approved 82 Taiwanese deported for PHL-based phone fraud indicted in Taiwan CARSON NISSAN MATULUNGIN! #1 RATED* NISSAN DEALER IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FR VACAEE PACK TION AGE! MAUNAWAIN! N! 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SUCH AS CUSTOMER & LOYALTY REBATE. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS QUALIFY FOR LOYALTY REBATE. TO QUALIFY CUSTOMER MUST BE A CURRENT MITSUBISHI VEHICLE REGISTERED OWNER. ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE PRICES PLUS GOVERNMENT FEES AND ANY DEALER DOCUMENT PREPARATION CHARGE AND EMISSION TESTING CHARGE. ALL FACTORY REBATES IN LIEU OF SPECIAL RATES OFFERED BY MITSUBISHI CREDIT AND SPECIAL RATES ARE NOT AVAILABLE WITH ANY ADVERTISED VEHICLES. SEE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. 18,777 0 $ PowerTrain Repair Cost Until August 2020 10 Yr.-100,000 Mile Limited Power Train Warranty (Excludes 2007/08 Lancer Evolution X) South St. Cerritos Auto Square South St. Del Amo Blvd 10944 South St. Cerritos CA 90703 San Gabriel River Fwy NOW ONLY NO ONE OFFERS MORE! $ 2011 Kia Sportage LX SUV Studebaker Rd. Replace up to 5 qts of oil (Raiders slightly higher) Install a Genuine Mitsubishi Oil Filter Top off all vital fluids Check tire condition & air pressure Inspect brakes Perform 27-point inspection Rotate tires Add windshield washer fluid Road test 13,250 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS Sport Convertible San Gabriel Ave. * * * * * * * * * $ 2010 Honda Civic LX Sedan 605 14 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Balita Hundreds of new laws greet Californians in 2013 California's legislative and others to show proof AROUND mill churned out more than of insurance and registra800 laws that take effect tion when requested by TOWN January 1. law enforcement. The new laws cover a T h e e x i s t i n g l a w, vast array of issues includwhich prohibits drivers ing internet privacy, giving from using any type of drivers licenses to children electronic wireless comof illegal immigrants, banmunications device to ning psychotherapy for write, send or read a textbased communication young gay teens and the allows the use of devices use of dogs when hunting that are specifically debobcats or bears and many BY RAY ANDRES signed to allow voiceothers. operated and hands-free Some of these laws are brand new while others are improvements operation to dictate, send or listen to a text-based communication. of the previous ones. Gun advocates who in recent years have It's legal to text or talk while driving again for as long as you use some sort demonstrates for their rights to carry unof voice activated software and not your loaded long guns in incorporated cities were fingers to do it. They can also use an elec- deprived of those rights away by Assembly tronic device, such as a smart-phone, tablet, Bill 1527 as early bill did with handguns. Assembly Bill 131 expands the rights of illegal immigrants who want to attend state colleges what the law previously restricted (BPPE, CDPH Approval School) them. The law passed in 2011 allowed certain people who are in the country ilBeginner's Class (2 weeks)........$1,200 legally to received state-funded financial Advanced Class (20 Hours Course)........$699 aid for college. You could get Those with Facebook accounts will find a bit of relief in Assembly Bill 1844 2 Licenses which prevents employers and potential 1. NHA National License employers from requesting social media usernames and passwords. Likewise, 2. California State License another bill prevents colleges from requesting similar information from students or prospective students. Be a professional in medical field Some other notable laws are: with our highly demanded programs Driving under the influence – The law no longer allows a person who has been arrested and is suspected of driving under Main Campus 1930 Wilshire Blvd. #300, Los Angeles, CA 90057 the influence of drugs the option of a urine San Gabriel Campus test. Before this change, a person had the 18145 San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel, CA 91776 option of submitting either urine or blood Toll Free 1-888-7456-888 to determine the drug content of his blood. Emergency service – Similar to an Visit to www.westlakecollege.com Amber Alert, the CHP would activate a Phlebotomy License School Westlake College TINIG PINOY OUTREACH: Internet-based Oras ng Biyaya Program that airs a variety of content hosted by Fergel Cruz (at extreme left) reaches out to its Filipino audiences in the U.S., Asia, the Middle East and other places every Friday at 7:30 p.m. over www.ustream. tv/channel/tinigpinoytv from its studio in Fullerton, California. The program celebrated its second year with a special episode with guests Nel Lasam, Abet Celestial, Josie Perrine, Pros Sanchez, Mila Lobarbio, Al Lobarbio and Ralen Morales. "Silver Alert" upon request if a person, age 65 or older, is reported missing to a law enforcement agency after determining that certain criteria are met which include the person is missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances or the law enforcement agency believes the person is in danger due to age, health, mental or physical disability, environment or weather conditions; the person is in the company of a potentially dangerous person; or there are other factors indicating that the person may be in peril. Health Care – A provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, calls for a new 2.3 percent levy on the sale of certain medical devices by the manufacturer or importer. Driver's License – This law allows a driver's license applicant who provides satisfactory proof that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, but who is not eligible for MOTORS SALES and LEASING • ALL MAKES & MODELS a Social Security number, to receive an original driver's license if he or she meets all other qualifications for licensure. California Homeowner Bill of RightsStops the "abusive tactics" of loan servicers and protects struggling homeowners who are trying, in good faith, to renegotiate their mortgages. Pension Reform Law- The law requires current state employees and all new public employees to pay for at least 50 percent of their pensions and establishes this as the norm for all public workers in California. Charter-party carriers of passengers, alcoholic beverages, open containers – The law requires that bus and limousine drivers be held responsible for telling all underage passengers that drinking alcohol is illegal. If alcohol is being transported in a bus or limousine with underage passengers on board, a person at least 25 years old must be on board to guarantee there is no underage consumption. DITO NA KAYO SA MADALING KAUSAP! • REPOSSESSIONS • FORECLOSURES • COLLECTIONS • SLOW PAYS "Broker Jun Guintu was very accommodating. I think he is very sincere in helping customers and he seems true to his promise to make car buying simple." ANONYMOUS COMMENT (Posted on Dec. 28, 2005, CARFAX VOICE OF THE CONSUMER) JUN GUINTU 323-547-1291 email@example.com "Thanks a lot for your help and good accomodation. I found no hassle in getting a new car from L.A Motors. I compliment Jun Guintu as a man with integrity , a man who is willing to help the customer. " PASTOR PHILIP, Los Angeles "Walang paikot-ikot na usapan...WALANG HASSLE!" BOBBY & ROSEVILLA BAYRON, Panorama City "Galing kaming mag-asawa sa isang dealership sa Norco at nabentahan ng sasak-yan pero hindi namin inaasahan nang tawagan kami para ibalik ang sasakyan. Hindi raw na-approve ng financing company dahil sa hindi sila tumatanggap ng international license. Sa LA Motors kami pumunta at walang problema. Ngayon naghuhulog na ako sa nabili kong sasakyan." MARLON & GRACE, West Covina "Totoong totoo ang ads ni Jun...pag sinabing kaya ka nyang tulungan KAYA NIYA... Di tulad ng ibang ads - sa dyaryo lang. Pagpunta mo wala lahat. Walang hassle at madaling kausap si Jun." LOLOY & REGINA DALOYOC, Panorama City WE MAKE CAR BUYING SIMPLE! Ang dealer ng Pinoy na tumutulong sa mga Tax ID pa lang ang hawak at International Drivers pa lang ang lisensya. • BAGO SA AMERICA? • FIRST TIME BUYER? LAHAT • NO CREDIT HISTORY? • LEASE RETURNS? TRADE INS? • TAX ID NUMBER? WALANG PROBLEMA! • INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S LICENSE? OK "Galing na kami ng asawa ko sa mga ibang dealer ng sasakyan, pero lahat kailangan nila ng Social Security No. May nabasa kaming ad sa dyaryo, sa LA Motors kay Jun Guintu, sinabi namin ang aming problema na wala kaming papel. Dala lang namin ay ang Arizona Drivers License at TAX ID NO. Diretso magsalita at madaling kausap si Jun. Sa sitwasyon naming ito - di namin akalain na magka-karoon kami ng bagong sasakyan. Sa araw din na 'yon ay dala na namin ang aming sasakyan.." CARDING, North Hills CA Dumating ako dito 3 months ago at nagtatrabaho sa isang hospital dito sa may Los Angeles. Sa hirap ng schedule ko ay talagang kailangan ko na ng sasakyan. Minsan pag punta ko sa Pilipino Store ay kumuha ako ng Balita at nakita ko ang mga ads ng mga kababayan natin na makakatu-long daw sa akin para makabili ng car. Subalit lahat ng makausap kong ahente ay iisa ang hinahanap… co signer… wala akong kamag-anak o kaibigan na makakatulong sa akin dito sa Amerika. Tinawagan ko si Kuya Jun at sinabing puntahan ko siya at matutulungan niya ako. Yung araw na iyon ay hindi nag-aksaya ng panahon si Kuya Jun at inorder ang ang bagong kotseng napili ko at ngayon ay masaya at nakakapagtrabaho na ako ng husto. Mga kasabay kong dumating dito sa LA ay pinapunta ko rin kay Kuya Jun at natulungan na rin niya… ANITA, Los Angeles Tinawagan ko si Jun at sinabi ko lang na gusto kong kumuha ng Honda Civic LX at ilang oras lang ay may sagot na sinabi niya ang interest rate at qualified daw ako sa low rate at presyo ng sasakyan at pati na ang monthly payments ko. Sinabi ring pag-isipan ko muna at kung ready na ay tumawag lang. Hindi ako makapaniwala nang magdesisyon ako at pumunta ako sa opisina niya ay ready na ang bago kong sasakyan. Kakaiba ang pagbili kong ito dahil hindi na ako dumaan sa salesman, asst. manager at sa finance manager na sobra kung magbenta ng extended warranty na hindi naman kailangan, ang isa pa hindi ako naghintay ng 6 na oras na naging experience ko sa last na pagbili ko ng car sa malaking dealership. walang pressure at sa telepono lang ang dealings namin. EUGENE & LEILA, Bellflower, CA As a first time buyer 3 years ago, I was so scared of scrupulous sales agents so I prayed for an honest one. I saw Jun's ad and took the risk. He is so easy to deal with over the phone; much easier to deal with in person. I got my first car without any hassle. I recently traded my old car. This time, I did everything over the phone. When I met Jun the second time, all documents are ready for my signature and my new car ready for pick up. Everything was exactly what he promised over the phone. —BETH CAROLINO, Los Angeles 323-547-1291 1930 W. 6TH ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90057 Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 15 House oks bill to boost private security industry MANILA, Jan 2 (Mabuhay) – The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill which seeks to strengthen the private security industry in the country. House Bill 6737 aims to professionalize the private security industry by strengthening the requirements for training and professional certification of security practitioners. It also seeks to improve the efficiency of the security industry by making more efficient bureaucratic processes with respect to licensing, operation and regulation of private security agencies. Another objective of the measure is to make the Private Security Agency Act more responsive to the needs of private security agencies as well as that of the society. Under the bill, private security industry refers to those engaged in the legitimate business of providing private security and detective, security training, K9 security and VIP protection services; and those in the management and administration of company guard forces. The measure requires certain qualifications from those who wish to apply for a license to practice the private security profession and engage in the occupation, calling or employment after complying with academic, scholastic, skills and training requirements. These basic requirements include being a Filipino citizen; at least 18 years of age; must have taken a private security course or seminar and must have adequate training; of good moral character and must not have been convicted of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude; and has passed the neuro-psychiatric test and drug test administered by any governmentaccredited neuro-psychiatric testing center, among others. The bill provides for the qualifications of a private security guard, security consultant, private detective and protection agent and safeguards against private armies. The bill also designates the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), in consultation with various stakeholders, to determine the minimum capital requirement and minimum bank deposit required to operate private security agencies. The proposal also requires that a Philippine private security agency shall be 100 percent Filipino-owned. The authors of the bill are Reps. Emmeline Y. Aglipay (Party-list, Diwa), Angelo Palmones (Party-list, Agham), Catalina C. Bagasina (Party-list, ALE ), Pablo John F. Garcia (3rd District, Cebu), Rodolfo W. Antonino (4th District, Nueva Ecija), Romeo M. Acop (2nd District, Antipolo City), Juan Miguel "Mikey" Macapagal-Arroyo (Party-list, AGP), Leopoldo N. Bataoil (2nd District, Pangasinan), Roilo Golez (2nd District, Paranaque City), Loreto Leo S. Ocampos (2nd District, Misamis Occidental), Nasser C. Pangandaman (Party-list, AA Kasosyo), Maximo B. Rodriguez Jr. (Party-list, Abante Mindanao), Jesus N. Sacdalan (1st District, North Cotabato), and Susan Yap (2nd District, Tarlac). (MNS)oa The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Southeast Corridor (FACC-SEC) recently held its inaugural board meeting at the office of its founding President Felix B. Lopez at the City of Cerritos. Shown from left seated are: Eduardo V. Bolos of Christina's Uniforms Co., Jose Lacson of Lacson's Veterinary Services, Felix B. Lopez of Pinoy General Services, Dan E. Nino of Summit Business Counselors/Network Advertising & Promotions and Gilbert Castillo of Special Education Services. Standing from: Willie Baello of Willy Baello Realty/ Cerritos Video, Atty. Jaime G. Monteclaro of Monteclaro Law Firm, Lydia F. Soriano of MSM Services, Inc., Virgil Sy of American Ranch and Eddie C. Ferrer of E.C. Ferrer Custom House Broker, Inc. Not in photo was Joe Iglesias. During this meeting, committee chairmanships were also distributed including Membership, Membership Benefits and Services, Government Affairs, Marketing, Public Relations, Fundraising, Events, Finance and Community Services. The primary mission of FACC-SEC is to promote and enhance the business interest of the Filipino-American business entrepreneurs and owners in the Southeast region of California. The next meeting will be held on Jan. 8 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bautista-Oriel Dental Office in Artesia. Business owners who are interested to join FACC-SEC are enjoined to call Felix B. Lopez at email@example.com or Dan E. Nino 562-921-5116/denino@ verizon.net – Photo by Doris Iglesias 16 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Balita Give me a break: Who really won that lunch break case? Q: I heard that the Supreme Court last year PROTECTING decided a case about the employer's obligation EMPLOYEE & to provide lunch breaks. Some say the employers CONSUMER RIGHTS won the case. But others say the decision favored employees. Can you clarify this issue? A: The case is Brinker Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court, one of the most-awaited cases last year on employment. In Brinker, restaurant employees sued the employer for one extra hour of pay, for employer's failure to provide them the 30-minute meal breaks. The employer said employees were provided breaks but employees chose not to take them. In California, if an employer fails to provide a BY C. JOE SAYAS, JR. 30-minute uninterrupted meal period to its employees, employees shall be paid an extra hour of pay. In Brinker, the meaning of the term "provide" was the main problem. Does the employer "provide" if it simply tells employees they can have a 30-minute break? Should the employer police its workplace to ensure that employees take the break? The Supreme Court clarified the employer's duties. Merely offering or allowing a meal break is not enough. The employer must affirmatively perform these obligations: Relieve the employee of all duty for an uninterrupted period of 30 minutes Afford employees the freedom to come and go as they please during their break. Air Plus SINCE 1995 Travel Tel: 562-863-0624 562-863-6074 firstname.lastname@example.com Your getaway to an exciting travel experience! 12631 E. Imperial Hwy, Bldg. B Suite 216 Santa Fe Springs, CA 90650 CST 2061414-40 www.airplustravelonline.com ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE 7 DAY from LONDON to PARIS HOLY LAND Jordan, Israel & Egypt 14 days (including flight) $ 3802 PER PERSON ON TWIN SHARING (Includes: US Tax, Border tax & Visa) DEPARTURE • December 17-30, 2012 - Christmas in Bethlehem • April 07-21, 2013 LAX - MANILA - LAX KOREAN $ 1080 TRAVEL DATE: OCT - 30 NOV TICKET BY: 31 OCT 2012 ASIANA $ 1070 TRAVEL DATE: OCT - 30 NOV TICKET BY: 31 OCT 2012 MANILA - LAX HAWAIIAN (INCLUSIVE OF TAXES) DEPARTURE • 24 Mar - 30 Mar, 2012 • 31 Mar - 06 Apr, 2012 INCLUDES • Superior hotel accommodation • Sightseeing with services of professional tour guide • Eurostar transport - London to Paris • Meals: Full Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 1 picnic lunch, 2 three course dinner, welcome and sendoff dinner 7 DAY ITALY ROME FLORENCE VENICE TWIN SHARING $ 1869 (NOT INCLUDING AIRFARE) PAL $ SHARING $ 1,899 TWIN (NOT INCLUDING AIRFARE) 1120 DEPARTURE • 11 Mar - 17 Mar, 2012 • 25 Mar - 31 Mar, 2012 TRAVEL DATE: 7 NOV - 24 NOV TICKET BY: 31 OCT 2012 (Includes US TAX without PI TAX) DELTA INCLUDES • Superior/first class hotel accommodation • Daily breakfast, 2 three course dinners • Sightseeing with services of professional tour guide FOR RENT/LEASE: FULLY FURNISHED CONDO Location:$ The Forst - 1 Bedroom with nice location, 24 hour Location: The Fort - 1 or 2 Bedroom available. $security, Nice location, 24 hour security, closed to Market Market. close toDATE: MarketOCT Market, DailyDEC (Min 3 nights),TRAVEL Weekly DATE: OCT - 15 DEC TRAVEL - 17 Daily (min. stay 3N); weekly, monthly, yearly rates! Monthly, Yearly ratesAIR PLUS TRAVEL IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF FILIPINO TRAVEL 699 796 AGENTS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (AFTA) LAW OFFICES OF LEON J. FROMMER 25050 Avenue Kearney, Suite107 Valencia, CA 91355 "Bringing families closer together" • Over 35 years of combined experience in the field of IMMIGRATION LAW, personal injury, estate planning, bankruptcy, and civil litigation. • Quality and cost efficient legal services • Aggressive and competent representation of client. IMMIGRATION • Citizenship / Green Card • Fiance (K-1) / Spouse (K-3) Visas • Labor Cert / Employment and Investor Visas / PERM • Visitor (B-1, B-2), Student Visa (F-1, M1) Exchange (J-1), Religious Workers (R-1, EB-4) • Deportation Defense / Motion to Reopen / Reconsider, Appeals and Waivers • • • • • • • • ESTATE PLANNING Wills And Living Trust Power of Attorney Health Care Directives Transfer of Property into Trust BANKRUPTCY • Chapter 7 • Chapter 13 • Emergency Filings PERSONAL INJURY Auto / Bicycle / Motorcycle Accidents Slip / Trip and Fall Accidents Dog Bites Bus / Train Accidents WE SPEAK TAGALOG Call for your FREE office consultation: 1.800.882.9832 firstname.lastname@example.com Member of Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce; Past President LA Pacesetters Lions Club; Member of Consumer Attorneys Association of LA; Member of Public Justice OFFICES IN: VALENCIA • VAN NUYS • PALM SPRINGS • ORANGE Employees must be free to leave the workplace during breaks. Relinquish control over the employees' activities during the break. Employees should not be impeded or discouraged from taking their breaks In light of these rules, the employer fails in its legal duty to provide meal breaks if: 1. Employees were not relieved of ALL duties but were required attend to work-related issues while on breaks. 2. Employees are required to remain on the work premises where their breaks can be interrupted. 3. No specific lunch break time is scheduled and employees are merely told to take a break when not busy, even though work is continuous and always busy. Employers' attorneys hail the court ruling because employers do not have to "police" or make sure that employees take their meal breaks. However, employers must provide an off-duty meal period. Moreover, employers should not pressure or coerce employees into performing duties that omit breaks. Nor should employers create incentives that forego the taking of said breaks. Because the court further mandated what employers should do, and clarified that paying lip service to the law is not enough, the case is a win for employees. © [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is trial attorney who has obtained several million dollar recoveries for his clients against insurance companies and employers. He has been selected as a Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, featured in the cover of Los Angeles Daily Journal's Verdicts and Settlements, and is a member of the Million DollarAdvocates Forum. He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center Washington, D.C. and the University of the Philippines. Visit his website at www.joesayaslaw.com or contact his office at (818) 291-0088 for a no-cost inquiry.] Green card through marriage to U.S. citizen spouse The economic crisis and changes in immigraBARRISTER'S tion legislation has made it more difficult to pursue certain traditional paths to obtaining permanent CORNER residency in the United States. Employment based immigration has been affected by long wait time in priority under the EB3 category. H1-b visas has been affected by is a viable option if the immigrant is fortunate enough to find a job or an employer to offer them a job under the current economic environment. However, one traditional way of obtaining permanent residency which has remained unchanged is through a petition by a US citizen spouse. BY KENNETH REYES As a spouse of a US Citizen, an alien is considered & DARRICK TAN an immediate relative and entitled to immediately apply for a green card inside the United States. This is usually done by simultaneously filing an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative and an I-485 Application to adjust status. However in order to do this, the alien spouse must have been inspected when the alien entered the United States or if not inspected must be grandfathered by section 245(i) of the immigration and nationality act. Being inspected means that the alien entered using a valid visa, paroled inside the United States, entered using the visa waiver program. The alien is grandfathered by section 245(i) if a family petition or a labor certification has been filed for the benefit of that alien prior to April 30, 2001. If the alien was not inspected nor grandfathered under section 245(i), such as if the alien crossed the border illegally, the alien cannot obtain his or her green card inside the United States. Along with the application and petition, the alien is also required to take a medical examination by a physician designated by the USCIS. The result of that physical examination is reported in a USCIS form and sealed in an envelope submitted with the Petition and Adjustment Application. The alien spouse may also apply for a work authorization card with the Petition and Adjustment application. The work authorization card will allow the alien spouse to work legally in the United States, obtain a social security card, and a driver's license while that person is waiting for his or her green card interview. Work Authorization card are usually issued in about1 to 2 months from filing the application. The green card interview is usually set in about 5 to 6 months from the time the Petition and Application is filed. The green card interview is the most important step in the process. It is through this process that the USCIS officer usually determines whether the marriage, which forms the basis of the Petition, was entered in good faith. The adjudicating officer usually asks detailed questions about the marriage relationship between the US Citizen spouse and alien spouse. If the couple do not have children, the marriage are usually subject to closer scrutiny. Along with this inquiry process, the USCIS would usually request for certain documents that proves a bona fide marriage. Some of these documents may be in the form of pictures, joint utility bills, health insurance documents, and many more. If everything goes well, the USCIS officer will approve the case and a green card will be mailed to the alien' address within a reasonable time period. If the couple has been married for 2 years or more, the alien spouse will receive a permanent greencard. If the couple has been married for less than 2 years, the alien will receive a conditional green card. The alien spouse will have to file a petition to remove the condition 3 months prior to the expiration of the conditional greencard which is good for 2 years. Obtaining legal status in the United States is a one shot deal. People should seek the assistance of an experienced Attorney to guide them through this important and once in a lifetime process. Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail email@example.com. Web: usimmigrationatty.com or kenreyeslaw.com Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 17 BIRTH CONTROL $5-B STILL MISSING way for other similar suits from many faith-based groups." Imbong said big "prayer rallies" were also being planned across the country in the weeks to come. The law will take effect on January 17, unless the Supreme Court issues an injunction. Court officials have not indicated if they will hear legal challenges to the law before then. The law requires government health centers hand out free condoms and birth-control pills, benefiting tens of millions of the country's poor who would not otherwise be able to afford or have access to them. It also mandates that sex education be taught in schools and public health workers receive family-planning training. Proponents have said the law will slow the country's rapid population growth, cut poverty and reduce the number of mothers dying at child birth. The Catholic Church had managed to stall the legislation for more than a decade, cowing legislators and presidents by threatening to turn the public against them. Eighty percent of the country's roughly 100 million people are Catholic, and the church helped lead "people power" revolutions that toppled two corrupt presidents over the past 27 years. Nevertheless, public opinion surveys have consistently shown a majority of Filipinos support the "Responsible Parenthood Act". secretary of Imelda and two others over a conspiracy to sell a Monet painting that had been bought by the family. Marcos, an astute art buyer, distributed the priceless collection of at least 300 artworks to cronies when his regime was about to crumble. Only half have been recovered so far and the rest are missing, Bautista said. No convictions of Marcos heirs, cronies Bautista, 48, left a high-paying corporate job two years ago to answer a call to help the government of President Benigno Aquino III, who promised to end corruption and uplift the lives of millions of poor Filipinos. He and like-minded young lawyers who joined the agency soon found out that reforming the under-funded commission – itself prone to corruption – while at the same time going after powerful people, was no easy task. Despite numerous criminal and civil cases being filed against them, none of the Marcos heirs or their cronies, who have been accused of plundering government coffers, have so far been successfully prosecuted, while high-powered lawyers have been used to tie up the judicial process for years on end. From page 1 GUN DEBATE From page 1 REAL ESTATE LOANS SHORT SALE NEGOTIATOR Guaranteed Rates & Fees! From page 1 pine capital on Friday, authorities said. The ordeal, which ended when police shot the assailant dead, again raised concerns about the country's lax gun controls after the week began with two children dying from bullets fired by revelers to celebrate New Year's Eve. The girl, Stephanie Ella, aged seven, died Wednesday from a gunshot wound to the head, triggering outrage and condemnation of poor law enforcement that allows hundreds of thousands of unregistered firearms to be on the streets. "This incident should not be allowed to become just another statistic," Vice President Jejomar Binay said in a statement. "We have enough laws to penalise but the problem has always been in the enforcement of laws," he stressed, as he challenged the police to catch the person responsible for Ella's death. Ella and her father were watching a fireworks display outside their home in a Manila suburb on Monday when a bullet, apparently fired from celebratory gunfire, struck her. Ella was the second young victim to die from stray bullets in New Year's eve celebrations, when gun owners traditionally fire bullets into the air or explode powerful firecrackers to make noise. A four year-old boy was also killed, while a 16-year-old was in a coma after being wounded in a similar incident. Ella's ordeal, however, was prominently covered in national media, as her grief-stricken parents tensely waited by her hospital bedside as doctors lost the battle to save her. In the latest incident, reports said residents of the rundown town hid in their homes and gardens as the man, a former low-level local politician named Ronaldo Bae, roamed through narrow streets and a market firing what police said was a .45 semi-automatic pistol. "It was random. He would fire at anybody who crossed his path," Kawit police investigating officer Arnulfo Lopez told AFP, adding the shooting spree lasted for about half an hour. "As we were hiding out in the muddy yard, I was thinking about my nephews and niece (in their house)," resident Edwin Lacorte told AFP. "I wanted to go back. The children were crying for help, but what can you do, the man has a gun." Bae lived in a nearby house and most of the victims were his neighbours. One of the others killed was 56-year-old Alberto Fernandez, who was shot as he stood on his porch, according to the victim's brother-in-law, Lito Ronquillo. Ronquillo spoke to AFP in the narrow street where the initial shootings took place. A bullet hole could be seen in a window above the porch where Fernandez died. Bae then walked towards a nearby market, shooting more people before returning home where police demanded he surrender, according to Lopez, the local police officer. "He opened fire on the police. So a gunbattle ensued which resulted in the death of the suspect," Lopez said. Bae had once served on a local council but was also a known drug dealer and had been taking methamphetamines since New Year's Eve, said Juanito Victor Remulla, the governor of Cavite province in which Kawit town is located. FAMILY UNITY From page 1 the United States for more than six months. Waivers are available for the re-entry bars but individuals can only apply for these waivers while waiting in their home country. Meanwhile, families are separated and spouses and children are forced to wait apart until a waiver decision is made and the visa process can be completed. All applicants will still have to leave the United States for their home country visa interviews, and they must show that a three or ten year bar from the United States would cause their U.S. citizen spouse or parent "extreme hardship." However, under this new process, applicants can apply for a provisional waiver before departing the United States. AAJC appreciates the support of members of Congress, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and specifically Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Jared Polis (D-Colo.), Michael Honda (D-Calif.), and Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), who also urged the administration to make these changes in support of family unity. AAJC looks forward to working with the Obama administration to extend this new process to the spouses and children of green card holders. "Allowing close family members to apply for waivers inside the United States will encourage eligible immigrants to come out from living in the shadows, apply for legal status, and preserve family unity, the cornerstone of our immigration system," Oshiro added. Further information on the process change can be found at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' website. KEN GO • Purchase or Refinance - Best Rates Offer • FHA Loans 3.5% Down Only • Help Raise Credit Score - 3 days guaranteed! 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Antonette Mangrobang said the Alien Registration Act of 1950 requires foreigners staying in the Philippines to report to the agency within the first 60 days of every calendar year. "This is their chance to make changes in personal circumstances, like change of address or nag-asawa na. We encourage them to appear in person in (any of the) more than 30 offices nationwide and annual report payments can be done in any of our offices," she said. She said the annual report fee is P310. Foreigners who fail to make the annual report will be meted out administrative fines and may face deportation proceedings. Foreigners should bring with them their ACR identity card (I-Card) and certificate of residence when paying the annual report fee of P300 and P10 legal research fee. Old paper-based ACR shall be dishonored until an ACR I-Card is secured. (MNS) MANILA, Jan 2 (Mabuhay) – Filipinos illegally staying in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are urged to take advantage of the amnesty and leave the country without penalty or regularize their visas. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the amnesty was made available last December 4, 2012. It will run until February 3, 2013. Baldoz said she received a report from Labor Attache to Abu Dhabi Nasser Munder. Munder said the illegal residents should visit residency departments across the UAE to obtain exit visas or outpasses and leave the country without penalty. The DOLE said the last time the UAE has an amnesty for illegal residents was in 2007. A total of 341,958 illegal residents of various nationalities availed of the amnesty and 95,000 illegal workers, also of various nationalities, legalized their status. An estimated 209,385 Filipinos are working in the UAE. (MNS) 'Sin tax' introduced, dampens PHL New Year fun MANILA, Jan 1, 2013 (AFP) – A "sin tax" on cigarettes and alcohol dampened the New Year party spirit when it was introduced in the Philippines Tuesday, as part of a government bid to boost finances. Many stores started selling tobacco and drink at inflated prices before midnight, ahead of the official implementation of the tax hikes on January 1, hitting partygoers in the pocket. Tax on cigarettes will gradually be raised to 30 pesos ($0.72) per pack by 2017, roughly doubling the current price to around 52 pesos. Duty on alcohol will also increase gradually until 2017, increasing the price of a bottle of beer by 23.50 pesos, with varying levels for other drinks including wine and spirits. It will be further increased by four percent each year thereafter. "The new prices compared to countries like Singapore for example, are still low, but for the ordinary Filipinos they are expensive," said Laudemer Angeles, a 33-year-old shop owner in the town of Bacoor, south of Manila. "Many of my customers were complaining about the higher prices and were not too happy when they bought their booze and smokes for their parties last night." GOLDEN TRAVEL & TOUR SERVICES 4238 MAINE AVE. BALDWIN PARK, CA 91706 TEL.NO.I(626) 814-0513•(626) 962-8066 FAX. (626) 962-2711 SPECIAL LOW FARES TO MANILA KOREAN 998 $ ASIANA 985 $ DELTA ALL NIPPON 968 $ WITH TAXES AND SURCHARGES INCLUDED 863 $ (3 MONTHS PROMO) AUG. 21 - NOV. 30 AUG. 21 - NOV. 30 SEP. 5 - NOV. 17 AUG. 21 - NOV. 30 PAL CATHAY CHINA EVA (3 MONTHS PROMO) AUG. 11 - NOV. 6 AUG. 15 - DEC. 9 AUG. 20 - NOV. 30 AUG. 24 - NOV. 30 $ 1152 $1105 $1070 $1065 CST #2052059-40 PREPAID FARES FROM MANILA AVAILABLE. CRUISE & TOUR PACKAGES. CAR RENTAL, TRAIN AND HOTEL RESERVATIONS. US. DOMESTIC & OTHER INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE TICKETS. GROUP & SENIOR DISCOUNTS. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. FARES SUBJECT TO SPACE AVAILABILITY. RESTRICTIONS APPLY. The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement marks 10 years of saving women's lives from heart disease. Join the celebration at a Go Red For Women Luncheon near you. VENTURA Feb. 8, 2013 | Four Seasons Hotel, Westlake Village VenturaGoRedLuncheon.org, (213) 291-7048 ORANGE COUNTY March 22, 2013 | The Island Hotel, Newport Beach OCGoRed.org, (949) 885-1514 INLAND EMPIRE May 16, 2013 | Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario IEGoRedLuncheon.org, (310) 424-4164 LOS ANGELES May 16, 2013 | JW Marriott Hotel, LA Live, Downtown LA LAGoRedLuncheon.org, (213) 291-7048 National Sponsors Media Sponsors Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 19 OPINION Rights victims angry at end to Marcos wealth hunt MANILA, Jan 2, 2013 (AFP) – Philippine torture victims under the 20-year regime of Ferdinand Marcos vented their anger Wednesday at a government plan to wind down its hunt for the late dictator's embezzled billions. The proposal, now under consideration by President Benigno Aquino, would give the signal that people in power can commit crimes with impunity, said the group which calls itself Selda, the local word for a prison cell. "We cannot just forgive and forget what the Marcoses did to us, nor must the Aquino government stop pursuing justice for martial law victims and the rest of the Filipinos," the group said in a statement. The Presidential Commission on Good Government, the agency tasked with recovering the Marcos wealth, said last month that it would soon wind down its operations after almost 30 years. Its head Andres Bautista told AFP he had recommended to Aquino that the agency's work be transferred to the justice department. He said pursuing all of the Marcos wealth on a limited budget had become difficult with Marcos's widow, Imelda, and her three children back in positions of power. Both Aquino spokesman Edwin Lacierda as well as the justice department confirmed Wednesday that the proposal had been sent to Aquino, and that it was under study. Marcos was toppled by a popular revolt in 1986 and replaced by Corazon Aquino, the incumbent's late mother. Her first act was to create the commission to try to recover the plundered assets. Bautista said the commission has recovered 164 billion pesos ($4 billion at the prevailing exchange rate), or less than half of the estimated 10 billion dollars in wealth believed plundered by the Marcos family. Selda groups anti-Marcos activists who were jailed and abused during martial law. A U.S. court in 2011 awarded some 7,500 rights victims 7.5 million dollars in compensation for their suffering, in what was seen largely as a token victory. The funds came from assets held in the US by a crony of Marcos that were seized. Balita w w w. B A L I T A . c o m 520 E. Wilson Ave, Suite 210 Glendale CA 91206 Tel. • 818.552.4503 Fax • 818.550.7635 CEO Luchie Mendoza Allen Rhony Laigo Automotive Advertising Manager Liza Rafallo Office Manager/Classified Advertising Lyn Mendoza MANILA, Dec 31 (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday said the new year is critical to his administration's crusade of ensuring long-term progress and good governance, and urged Filipinos to be discerning in choosing their leaders and lawmakers in the May 2013 elections. "Ang 2013 ay kritikal na yugto sa ating krusada ng pangmatagalang kaunlaran at tuwid na pamamahala. Ngayong bagong taon, mas maigting na pagkakaisa ang kailangan. Umaasa akong magiging mapanuri ang taumbayan sa pagkilatis ng mga itatalagang pinuno," Aquino said in his New Year's message. Aquino, who started his term two years ago with the anti-corruption drive "Daang Matuwid," appealed to his countrymen's conscience to pave the way for good governance. "Kaya naman mahalaga ang ating paninindigan at pagtitimbang kung saang direksyon tutungo ang ating bansa: Sabay-sabay ba tayong sasagwan patungo sa landas kung saan nangingibabaw ang kapakanan ng Pilipino? O hahayaan lang natin na muling matangay ang Pilipinas sa mga daluyong ng panlalamang, pagkakanya-kanya't kurapsyon?" he added. Aquino also called on Filipinos to unite and continue showing their spirit of bayanihan to meet the challenges of 2013. While 2012 had been full of challenges and triumphs, the Filipinos' will to right what is wrong had prevailed, the President noted. "Ang aking hiling ngayong 2013: ituloy lang natin ang bayanihan. Kapit-bisig tayong humakbang tungo sa maliwanag at masaganang kinabukasan ng ating bayan," he said. Challenges, triumphs of 2012 Aquino said 2012 had been full of triumphs over challenges, noting many had tried but failed to block his administration's reforms. He cited reforms that led to rice self-sufficiency, such that the country can now aim to export rice by 2013. He also cited reforms in the education system that he said will soon address a shortage of 66,800 classrooms. On the economy, he said the Philippines, once referred to as the "Sick Man of Asia," has attracted many investors and earned the confidence of the business sector. "At mukhang magpapatuloy ang ganitong kompiyansa ng mundo sa atin: ang 7.1 percent na pag-angat ng GDP nitong third quarter, ay higit sa inaasahang target ng mga dalubhasa, at siyang pinakamataas sa buong Timog Silangang Asya," he said. Aquino also cited the all-time highs in the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2012. According to PSE data, the PSEi gained 33 percent for the whole of 2012 and in the process achieved all-time highs 38 times. On the other hand, he cited gains in the peace process, where the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed a framework peace pact that promises to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a Bangsamoro political entity. He likewise noted the electrification of many towns under his watch. Aquino also cited the passage of historic laws, and righting the scales of justice. Even in the face of disasters, he cited the preparedness and bayanihan spirit of Filipinos in dealing with tragedies. "Pinapatunayan natin sa buong mundo: basta't handa tayong gawin ang tama't magsakripisyo para sa ating kapwa; basta't sumasagwan tayo nang sabay sa ngalan ng sambayanan; walang pangarap na hindi kayang abutin ang ating bansa," he said. "Simula lamang po ito. Sa totoo lang po, ang kaisa-isang limitasyon sa tayog ng ating mararating ay ang ating ambisyon. Nasa pagtutulungan at tiwala natin sa isa't isa ang susi ng tagumpay," he added. (MNS) Malacañang mourns passing of Fr. James B. Reuter, S.J. MANILA, Jan 1 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang joined the nation in mourning the passing of Fr. James B. Reuter, S.J., whose love for the Philippines and Filipinos has been described as "legendary," after succumbing to a lingering illness on Monday, December 31, at the age of 96. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda cited Reuter who first arrived in the Philippines as a young Jesuit novice before World War II and throughout his priestly vocation in the country, became "friend, mentor, confessor, adviser to generations of Filipinos." "From the time he first came to this country before World War II as a young Jesuit novice, to his passing after a lingering illness today, Fr. James B. Reuter found happiness and fulfillment in his priestly vocation in the Philippines. His impact was most deeply felt in the sphere of communications, whether in the promotion of the Family Rosary Crusade, or the formation of JESCOM in the Philippines. Along the way he was friend, mentor, confessor, adviser to generations of Filipinos, both in public and private life, and in the media, arts, and journalism," Lacierda said. "His love of the Philippines and Filipinos was legendary; so much so it earned him a stature and affection beyond the measure of the many awards, both national and sectoral, that he received throughout his long life. We join the Society of Jesus in the Philippines, the generations of alumni of the Ateneo de Manila University, and men and women of media, arts, and letters, who mourn the loss of this man of faith, good cheer, and eloquence," he added. According to former Ateneo de Manila University president Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, S.J., the wake for Fr. Reuter will be held at the Church of the Gesu at the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Quezon City. The interment plans, however, will be finalized after the holidays, Nebres said. (MNS) 2012 'deadliest year' for journalists: press watchdog Publisher BALITA MEDIA INC. Editor Aquino: 2013 elections present choice between public good, selfish interest Photographer Benny Uy Advertising Coordinator Myra Portez Circulation Manager Ronnie Villo For editorial: Have a story tip, letter to the editor or suggestion? Email editor@ balita.com or email@example.com. Mail your letter to: Editorial Department, Balita Media Inc., 520 East Wilson Ave., Glendale, CA, 91206. Submissions must include full name, mailing address, and contact numbers. All contributions are subject to the paper's editorial standards. For advertising: Email email@example.com. Balita Media Inc., the leading source of news and information for the Filipino American community, publishes Weekend Balita circulated in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and the Inland Empire and US Asian Post. Views and opinion expressed by contributing writers and syndication partners are solely theirs and do not necessarily reflect that of the publishers. All advertising materials are subject to the paper's editorial standards and discretion. They do not necessarily reflect the view of the publishers. All rights reserved. Reprints of materials published in the newspaper should have the explicit permission of Balita Media Inc. VIENNA, Dec 31, 2012 (AFP) – 2012 was the "deadliest year for journalists", said the International Press Institute on Monday, with the highest number of deaths recorded since the media watchdog began its annual tally. The year had "been marked by an appalling and disturbing truth: an unprecedented 132 journalists were killed in the line of duty or as a consequence of their reporting in 2012", the IPI said in a statement posted to its website. The previous highest figure had been 110 deaths in 2009. Last year, 102 journalists were killed. "It is almost unbelievable that so many journalists have died this year," IPI executive director Alison Bethel McKenzie said. At least 31 journalists and eight citizen reporters died in Syria alone in 2012, while 16 others died in Somalia. The Vienna-based watchdog began tracking deaths in 1997. Journalists were also killed in Brazil, Honduras, Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines and other countries traditionally considered dangerous for the media. Turkey was criticised for having the highest number of journalists in prison, with the tally at 70 people. The watchdog also singled out a host of countries for restricting press freedom to varying degrees, including China, Cuba, Nepal and the US among others. 20 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Balita U.S. teachers take up arms to prevent mass shootings BY LEILA MACOR LOS ANGELES, Dec 27, 2012 (AFP) – Several U.S. states are considering allowing school teachers to carry weapons, and educators, determined not to allow a repeat of the Newtown massacre, are flocking to training sessions. As gun control advocates try to outlaw military-style assault weapons and highcapacity magazines, gun enthusiasts, backed by the powerful National Rifle Association (NRA), are taking a very different approach. The gun lobby argues that there is no way to stop crazy or evil people doing bad things and so the only sure-fire way to prevent mass shootings like the one at Sandy Hook elementary is to take down the shooter. In a rare press conference one week after 20-year-old Adam Lanza shot dead 20 six- and seven-year-olds and six adults with a Bushmaster AR-15 assault rifle, the NRA called for armed guards in every school in the country. But in Utah, one of the handful of American states that currently allows people to carry licensed concealed weapons into public schools, many teachers are unwilling to wait and see which political argument wins out. In response to Newtown, the Utah Shooting Sports Council (USSC) waived its fee TRUST. 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"We had about 400 that wanted to do it and we only had seating for about 180," USSC board member Bill Scott told AFP. The surge in interest was seen by organizers as a direct response to the shooting in Newtown, with teachers showing a heightened awareness that people are responsible for their own safety and wanting their own permits. "A lot of these people may have shot all their lives and some of them may have never touched a gun," Scott said. "We're not advocating that all teachers should be armed. We're just saying that those that choose to be armed, that want to get the training, they have the right to do that in Utah, we'd like to facilitate that." While teachers train themselves to try to stop the next Lanza, state officials like Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne are busily crafting legislation to make sure they can legally do so. "The proposal is that any school that wishes to do so may designate the principal or another designee to receive training in the use of firearms and how to handle emergencies such as that which occurred in Newtown," he said. Ideally, there would be an armed police officer in every school, but due to budget considerations this may not be possible, so training a designated teacher to handle firearms is "the next best solution," Horne said. Pro-gun lawmakers in Florida, Minnesota, Oregon, South Dakota and Tennessee have also vowed to propose legislation in the coming months that would allow for armed teachers in schools. "Hopefully, these monsters, these animals that are doing this stuff will stay away from the schools," said Scott. "Our view also is that it's not just that you would actively engage the shooter, just the fact that the bad guys know that teachers are armed in Utah is a huge deterrent. "They tend to pick targets where they know there will be lots of innocent victims and they're not going to encounter any resistance." As teachers stripped semi-automatic pistols on tables at the USSC gathering, Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein was putting the final touches to a bill that would ban weapons like the one Lanza used in Newtown. Gun rights advocates, led by the NRA, are stringently against such measures. "The thing about them being assault weapons, it's a misnomer," said Scott. "These weapons are no different than a standard sporting weapon. We don't support any bans on those because true military weapons are already banned in the United States." U.S. shooting relatives blast theater offer LOS ANGELES, Jan 2, 2013 (AFP) – Relatives of victims massacred by a gunman in a Colorado movie theater criticized Wednesday an invitation to its re-opening as a "ridiculously offensive" publicity ploy. Family members of nine of the 12 people who died in Aurora, outside Denver in July said the invitation's timing was particularly painful over the Christmas holiday, and called for others to boycott the "special evening of remembrance." "During the holiday we didn't think anyone or anything could make our grief worse," they wrote in a letter to movie theater chain Cinemark. "But you, Cinemark, have managed to do just that by sending us an invitation two days after Christmas inviting us to attend the re-opening of your theater in Aurora where our loved ones were massacred. "Thanks for making what is a very difficult holiday season that much more difficult. Timing is everything and yours is awful." As well as those killed, 58 people were wounded at a midnight premiere of the Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises." Alleged gunman James Holmes, 24, reportedly wore body armor and threw smoke bombs before opening fire. The massacre revived the perennial debate about U.S. gun control laws, triggered again by the killing of 26 people including 20 young children at a Connecticut elementary school last month. Wednesday's letter by Aurora victims' relatives said Cinemark – which is facing a number of lawsuits from relatives and survivors alleging lax security – had never reached out to the families to offer condolences. "This disgusting offer that you'd 'like to invite you and a guest to a special evening of remembrance on Thursday, January 17 at 5 PM' followed by the showing of a movie and then telling us to be sure 'to reserve our tickets' is wholly offensive to the memory of our loved ones. "Our family members will never be on this earth with us again and a movie ticket and some token words from people who didn't care enough to reach out to us, nor respond when we reached out to them to talk, is appalling." They added: "We, the families, recognize your thinly veiled publicity ploy for what it is: a great opportunity for you to distance yourselves and divert public scrutiny from your culpability in this massacre. "After reading our response to your ridiculously offensive invitation, you now know why we will not be attending your re-opening celebration and will be using every social media tool at our disposal to ask the other victims to ask their friends and family to honor us by boycotting the killing field of our children." There was no immediate response from the theater chain. Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 21 New Jersey town's schools get armed cops NEW YORK, Jan 2, 2013 (AFP) – Amid a national debate on how to stop gun massacres in public places, one town in New Jersey began posting armed police at every school on the restart of the academic year Wednesday. The new policy was the town of Marlboro's response to anguished questions over security in the wake of December's massacre in which a gunman shot 20 young children and six staff dead at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. "The safety and security of our students, staff, and buildings are of utmost importance," the Marlboro education authority said on its website. "To that end, and in response to the Newton, CT tragedy, starting Wednesday, January 2, every Marlboro school will have an armed, uniformed Marlboro Township police officer." The measure will be in place for 90 days "while discussions about future security improvements are conducted," the statement added. Deploying police full time at schools has become common in the United States over the last two decades, according to a study sponsored by the Department of Justice. IMF: U.S. 'cliff' actions not enough WASHINGTON, Jan 2, 2013 (AFP) – The International Monetary Fund said Wednesday that U.S. actions to avoid the fiscal cliff did not go far enough to address the country's long-term fiscal deficit and debt problems. The global emergency lender cheered the political deal finalized late Tuesday in Washington that allowed the country to avoid severe spending cuts and tax hikes programmed to take place. "In the absence of Congressional action the economic recovery would have been derailed," IMF spokesman Gerry Rice said in a statement. But, he added, the Congress made little progress on dealing with the larger-picture problem of the U.S. deficit, and the need to increase the country's statutory debt ceiling in order to keep funding that deficit. "More remains to be done to put U.S. public finances back on a sustainable path without harming the still fragile recovery," Rice said in a statement. "Specifically, a comprehensive plan that ensures both higher revenues and containment of entitlement spending over the medium term should be approved as soon as possible." Additionally, he said, "it is crucial to raise the debt ceiling expeditiously and remove remaining uncertainties about the spending sequester and expiring appropriation bills." In the last-minute compromise between Democrats and Republicans, automatic tax increases slated to hit January 1 were pared back. But scheduled steep federal spending cuts, called the sequester, were put off for two months, meaning Congress will have to go through another battle over how to deal with them, in addition to long-term deficit reduction measures. In New Year message, Gloria Arroyo hits Aquino's 'abuse of political power' MANILA, Jan 1 (Mabuhay) – Detained former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo criticized the Aquino administration for its "unfinished work" and "abuse of political power" in her New Year message on Tuesday, January 1, 2013. "We are concerned that the slogan of anti-corruption still remains to be validated by measurable progress, and continues to be mocked by the abuse of political power to favor those on the inside while persecuting those on the other side," Arroyo said in a statement released by members of her staff. Arroyo, currently detained at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City for plunder charges, added that some ideas started by her administration, such as publicprivate partnerships, "remain to be realized" by the current government. "The fiscal stability and macroeconomic resilience that was first achieved on my watch still remains to be translated into more foreign direct investments that will ultimately deliver the inclusive growth that the business sector and the impoverished three million unemployed Filipinos are still waiting for," she said. Arroyo, who was President Benigno Aquino III's economics professor in college, also advised the administration "to demonstrate a healthy respect for contracts, a practical understanding of how free markets operate, and a willingness to adhere to genuine economic and not just propaganda" to be able to drive the country toward economic growth. The former President and incumbent Pampanga second district representative also said that she continues to pray that "true justice be administered to all without bias and prejudice." Aside from plunder charges, Arroyo is also facing separate electoral sabotage charges for her alleged involvement in the rigging of the 2007 polls, and graft for the botched national broadband network deal during her incumbency. Arroyo is seeking re-election in the May 2013 midterm elections. (MNS) Smartmatic gets contract to supply CF cards anew MANILA, Jan 4 (Mabuhay) – Despite the issues it encountered in 2010, poll machine supplier Smartmatic-TIM will once again supply the compact flash (CF) cards that will be used in the national and local elections this year. According to the notice of award posted on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) website, Smartmatic-TIM will be supplying 82,200 CF cards for the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to be used in the 2013 polls. Each CF card is priced at P550 each or a total of P45.21 million. "Pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9600 promulgated on December 27, 2012, and in behalf of the Commission en banc, the undersigned hereby awards to your company the contract for the supply and delivery of CF cards main to be used for the May 13, 2013 national and local elections," said Comelec chair Sixto Brillantes Jr. in the notice of award. During the 2010 polls, voting in some precincts were delayed because of some problems with the configuration of the CF cards. As a solution, Smartmatic retrieved the problematic CF cards and replaced them with new ones. "Nearly half of all public schools have assigned police officers," the 2010 study said, and "assigning officers to schools is becoming increasingly popular." But the Newtown shootings on December 14 added urgency to an already heated debate over how to protect schools and other public places. Gun control advocates say U.S. laws too easily allow criminals and deranged individuals access to powerful weapons. The main gun rights lobby, the National Rifle Association, says that the best way forward is to arm teachers—a strategy that has found favor in some western states, including Utah. Reactions to Marlboro's initiative were mixed on the schools' Facebook page. "I think this is a wonderful idea and every school should do it. I applaud Marlboro township for doing it!" one contributor said. But another dismissed the idea, noting that several other major massacres over the years, including at schools, took place despite the presence of armed guards. "This merely appeases parents, providing them with a false sense of security while doing nothing to address the real issues," she said. 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RATES ARE BASED ON SPACE AVAILABILITY. RATES ARE BASED ON WEEKDAY TRAVEL. AIRFARE INCLUDES US TAXES & FUEL SURCHARGE 22 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Balita FOOD & DINING FAMILY FEATURES I f you love to entertain and want to support a good cause, now you can do both at the same time. Now in its 10th year, Cook for the Cure presented by KitchenAid is a program that gives people with a passion for cooking a way to support the fight against breast cancer. Through culinary-based fundraising, events, auctions and the sale of pink products, the partnership between KitchenAid and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has raised over $8 million for the cause. "It adds another layer of purpose to one of life's great pleasures, cooking and enjoying food with family and friends," said Debbie O'Connor, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid. You can make a difference by hosting a party that lets you Cook for the Cure by raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Here are some ideas to get you started: Invite guests for an evening of appetizers and drinks. (Try these recipes for Mushroom-Onion Tartlets and Meatball Hors D'oeuvres with Tangy Barbecue Sauce.) Encourage fundraising by awarding a prize to the guest with the highest donation. Or, let donors enter their name into a drawing to win a restaurant gift certificate or spa treatment. Organize a fundraising bake sale. (Your contribution could be these Coconut-Lemon Layer Bars.) Get the neighbors involved in baking, promoting and selling — it's a great way to bring everyone together. Catering Special 695 $ for 100 persons Pilit na Ginagaya pero Lasa't Sarap, di kaya! 595 $ for 100 persons 295 $ for 50 persons RATED BEST CATERING DITO NA TAYO SA GARANTISADO 1741 Huntington Dr., Duarte, CA 91010 Tel: 626 - 358-4849 Open: Monday to Saturday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Open on Sundays for Catering only 155 $ for 25 persons •1 Whole Lechon •1 Large Tray Noodles •2 Large Tray Chicken •1 Large Tray Beef •1 Large Tray Seafood •1 Large Tray Vegetables Free 120 pcs Vegetable Egg Roll (FREE DELIVERY FIRST 20 MILES) •2 Full Tray Noodles •2 Full Tray Chicken •1 Full Tray Pork •1 Full Tray Beef •1 Full Tray Seafood •1 Full Tray Vegetables Free 120 pcs Vegetable Egg Roll (FREE DELIVERY FIRST 20 MILES) •1 Full Tray Noodles •1 Full Tray Chicken •1 Half Tray Pork •1 Half Tray Beef •1 Half Tray Seafood •1 Half Tray Vegetables Free 60 pcs Vegetable Egg Roll (FREE DELIVERY FIRST 10 MILES) •1 Half Tray Noodles •1 Half Tray Chicken •1 Half Tray Pork or 1 Half Tray Beef •1 Half Tray Vegetables Free 30 pcs Vegetable Egg Roll (FREE DELIVERY FIRST 10 MILES) Pinoy Kitchen and Fast Food www.pinoykitchen.net Host a potluck brainstorming party. Invite people who share your passion for helping others to bring their favorite dish and think up creative ways you can support the cause as a group. Vote on a project and then let everyone pitch in to get started. Cooking good food, sharing time with friends, and giving back to the community — that's a recipe for a truly great party. Learn more at www.CookfortheCure.com. Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Mushroom-Onion Tartlets Meatball Hors D'oeuvres Makes 24 tartlets 4 ounces light cream cheese 3 tablespoons butter, divided 3/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1 egg 1/4 cup dried thyme leaves 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese Place cream cheese and 2 tablespoons butter in bowl of electric stand mixer. Attach flat beater to mixer. Turn to medium and beat about 1 minute. Stop and scrape bowl. Add 3⁄4 cup flour. Turn to low and mix about 1 minute, or until well blended. Form mixture into ball. Wrap in waxed paper and chill 1 hour. Clean mixer bowl and beater. Divide chilled dough into 24 pieces. Press each piece into miniature muffin cup (greased, if desired). Meanwhile, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and onions. Cook and stir until tender. Remove from heat. Cool slightly. Place egg, remaining 1 teaspoon flour, and thyme in mixer bowl. Turn to medium-high and beat about 30 seconds. Stir in cheese and cooled mushroom mixture. Spoon into pastry-lined muffin cups. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until egg mixture is puffed and golden brown. Serve warm. Makes 30 meatballs 1 pound ground beef 2 egg yolks 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons chopped stuffed olives 1/4 cup olive oil Tangy Barbecue Sauce (recipe follows) Visit www.Balita.com Place ground beef, egg yolks, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic salt, oregano, pepper and olives in bowl of electric stand mixer. Attach flat beater to mixer. Turn to low and mix for 1 minute. Form mixture into 30 (1-inch) balls and fry in olive oil until well browned. Drain on paper towels. Warm Tangy Barbecue Sauce and pour over meatballs. Serve warm from chafing dish. Tangy Barbecue Sauce Makes 2 cups 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar 1 cup ketchup 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons vinegar 1 cup strong coffee 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Mix well and cook over medium heat 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Cool sauce and store covered in refrigerator until needed. $ 125 for 25 persons $ 250 for 50 persons Coconut-Lemon Layer Bars Makes 32 bars 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs 6 tablespoons butter, melted 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 egg 1 cup (6 ounces) white chocolate chips 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts Preheat oven to 350°F. Place vanilla wafer crumbs and butter in medium bowl. Stir until combined, about 2 minutes. Press crumb mixture firmly in bottom of 13 x 9-inch baking pan; set aside. Beat cream cheese, lemon peel, lemon juice and egg in bowl of electric stand mixer at low speed until smooth. Spread evenly over crumb mixture. Layer bars evenly with chips, coconut and nuts; press down firmly with fork. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely. 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The New York Times wrote, "Ms. Salonga's bright, metallically edged voice is a shiny all-purpose instrument that confidently establishes its dominion over whatever musical setting surrounds it." Tickets for Lea Salonga start at $26 and are available online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket savings for 10 or more, call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236. The TTY number is (714) 556-2746. Known across the world for her powerful voice and perfect pitch, Lea Salonga is best known for her Tony Award-winning portrayal of Kim, the title role in Miss Saigon. In addition to the Tony, she has won the coveted Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards. She was the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway, later returning to the show as Fantine in the 2006 revival. Salonga recently appeared in Allegiance, a production developed by legendary actor George Takei. Allegiance tells the story of a Japanese-American family forced into an internment camp during World War II. The production just finished its world-premiere run at The Old Globe in San Diego. She has also starred recently in a production of God of Carnage in Manila and Singapore. Salonga first entered the world of cabaret in 2010, debuting in a sold-out run at the Café Carlyle in New York City. Following a successful return engagement in 2011, she released her 26th career album, a live recording of her 2010 concert at the Carlyle titled Lea Salonga: The Journey So Far. During her 30-year career, Salonga has performed for five Philippine presidents (from Ferdinand Marcos to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo), three American Presidents (George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush), and for Diana, Princess of Wales and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She began her career as a child star in the Philippines, making her professional debut in 1978 at the age of 7 in the musical The King and I. She went on to star in productions of Annie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Fiddler on the Roof, The Rose Tattoo, The Sound of Music, The Goodbye Girl, Paper Moon and The Fantasticks. Her big break came when she was selected to play Kim in the megahit musical Miss Saigon in 1989. Given her popularity in the role, she was asked to return in 1999 to close the musical in London and again in 2001 to close the Broadway production. Salonga also starred in the reinvented production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song in 2001 at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. The show garnered multiple award nominations and wins, including the LA Stage Alliance's Ovation Award for Lead Actress in a Musical. In 2002, she took over the role on Broadway opposite Jose Llana. The Salonga-led Broadway revival cast album ultimately became a top contender of the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. Many fans also recognize Salonga as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and Fa Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II. For her portrayal of the beloved princesses, the Walt Disney Company bestowed on her the honor of Disney Legend in August of 2011, along with such other luminaries as Regis Philbin, Jim Henson (posthumously) and Anika Noni Rose. Segerstrom Center for the Arts applauds Omaha Steaks International for its support of Lea Salonga with special underwriting from Steven and Herma Brenneis. Acura is the Official Automotive Sponsor of the Center. Segerstrom Center for the Arts is unique as both an acclaimed arts institution and as a multidisciplinary cultural campus. It is committed to supporting artistic excellence on all of its stages, offering unsurpassed experiences, and engaging the entire community in new and exciting ways through the unique power of live performance and a diverse array of inspiring programs. Previously called the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Center traces its roots back to the late 1960s when a dedicated group of community leaders decided Orange County should have its own worldclass performing arts venue. A s O range County's largest non-profit arts organization, Segerstrom Center for the Arts owns and operates the 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall and intimate 250-seat Founders Hall, which opened in 1986, and the 2,000-seat Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, which opened in 2006 and also houses the 500-seat Samueli Theater, the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge Education Center's studio performance space and Boeing Education Lab. A spacious arts plaza anchors Segerstrom Center for the Arts and is home to numerous free performances throughout the year as part of Segerstrom Center for the Arts' ongoing Free for All series. The Center presents a broad range of programming each season for audiences of all ages from throughout Orange County and beyond, including international ballet and dance, national tours of top Broadway shows, intimate performances of jazz and cabaret, contemporary artists, classical music performed by renowned chamber orchestras and ensembles, family-friendly programming, free performances open to the public from outdoor movie screenings to dancing on the plaza and many other special events. It offers many education programs designed to inspire young people through the arts. These programs reach hundreds of thousands of students of all ages with vital arts-in-education programs, enhancing their studies and enriching their lives well into the future. In addition to the presenting and producing institution Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the 14acre campus also embraces the facilities of Lea Salonga two independent acclaimed organizations: Tony Award®-winning South Coast Repertory and a site designated as the future home of the Orange County Museum of Art. Segerstrom Center for the Arts is also proud to serve as the artistic home to three of the region's major performing arts organizations: Pacific Symphony, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the Pacific Chorale, who contribute greatly to the artistic life of the region with annual seasons at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. LEA SALONGA Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 8 p.m. 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA Segerstrom Center for the Arts Tickets: Start at $26 In person - The Box Office 615 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily Online - SCFTA.org Phone - (714) 556-2787 Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily TTY number - (714) 556-2746 Group Sales - (714) 755-0236 Information provided is accurate at the time of printing, but is subject to change. Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a private, non-profit organization. "Segerstrom Center for the Arts" is a registered trademark. ABS-CBN Star Cinema's 'One More Try' wins Best Picture at 38th Metrofest Lead actor Dingdong Dantes wins Best Actor; ABS-CBN Star Cinema's 'Sisterakas" is runaway box office champ and MMFF 3rd Best Picture MANILA, Philippines - "One More Try" was proclaimed Best Picture and one of its lead actors, Dingdong Dantes, won Best Actor during the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Awards night held at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas, Pasig City on Thursday, December 27. Starring Dantes, Angelica Panganiban, Angel Locsin and Zanjoe Marudo, and directed by award-wnning ABS-CBN Creative Head and Director and TV Production Business Unit Head Ruel S. Bayani of "No Other Woman" and "Budoy" fame, among others, "One More Try" will be shown in 22 theaters in the U.S. starting January 11, 2013. The Star Cinema movie bested the film "Thy Womb," which was originally predicted to win several major awards. Overall, "One More Try" won six awards, including the inaugural Fernando Poe Jr. Memorial Award for Excellence. "El Presidente" was named 2nd Best Picture while "Sisterakas," won 3rd Best Picture. "Thy Womb," meanwhile, was awarded the Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award. "Sisterakas" widens lead in the box office After two days in the theaters, the Wenn V. Deramas-directed film "Sisterakas", starring Kris Aquino, Ai Ai de las Alas and Vice Ganda, continues to rank first in the list of the highest-earning film entries to the yearly film festival, two days since all eight participating movies opened Christmas Day in theaters nationwide. At the close of screening in Metro Manila and provincial theaters last Wednesday, "Sisterakas" has turned in a nationwide two-day gross of P71.2 million, according to data from the film fest organizer Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The figure is almost double the comedy flick's total first-day earnings of P39.2 million. From an approximate lead of P10 million over the fantasy-comedy film "Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako" after their first day in theaters nationwide, the Star Cinema film is now leading by P23.8 million. Still ranking no. 2 in the list of nationwide top-grossers as of Wednesday, "Si Agimat" has turned in P47.4 million in earnings from Metro Manila and provincial theaters after two days. Starring Judy Ann Santos, Vic Sotto and Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr., the movie's first-day gross nationwide was P29.4 million. The drama movie, "One More Try," starring Dingdong Dantes, Angelica Panganiban, Angel Locsin, and Zanjoe Marudo, managed to turn in more than P10 million on top of its first-day earnings of P13.1 million nationwide. The Ruel Bayani-directed film, which is also a Star Cinema entry, has grossed P24.3 million in Metro Manila as well as provincial theaters as of Wednesday. Now on its 14th installment – its eighth consecutive entry to the annual MMFF – "Shake, Rattle & Roll" ranks fourth in the list of second-day top-grossers nationwide. It has so far garnered P16.7 million. (Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com) Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 25 We'll help you fulfill your American Dream. We will help analyze your situation, and advise you about the best course of action to take. • US Citizenship • Green Card • Spousal Petition • Relative Petition • Employer Petition • PERM • H-1B Temporary Visa • Student (F1) Visa • Deferred Action Process THE LAW OFFICES OF PAUL M. ALLEN PAULALLENLAW.COM Personal Attent t tion. H Honest Answers. Real Solutions. t Call now to begin your application process! Free consultations. Saturday and evening appointments available. Glendale (818) 334-5445 Cerritos (562) 356-9931 520 E. Wilson Ave. Suite 110 GlendaleCalifornia 91206 17215 Studebaker Rd. Suite 380 Cerritos, California 90703 All attorneys are members of the California State Bar and all services are supervised by an attorney. Notice: This is a legal advertisement. Nothing contained in this ad implies any guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter or the result of any legal representation. 26 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Balita ENTERTAINMENT Bianca: It was a fulfilling 2012 Bianca King ALTHOUGH she recently broke-up with actor Dennis Trillo, actress Bianca King believes she has fulfilled all her wishes and goals this year. The Kapuso star described her 2012 as, by far, her most fulfilling year. "Every now and then, I have this checklist of my life where I set goals, like what I want, what I needed, and how I'm going to get them. And this year, I checked them all already," she said. This year, Bianca finished her AB Digital Filmmaking course at the De La Salle - College of St. Benilde, starred in two series "Broken Vow" and "Luna Blanca," and is part of GMA Films Metro Manila Film Festival entry "Sossy Problems" with Rhian Ramos, Solenn Heusaff and Heart Evangelista. According to the actress, she feels that 2012 is the time when she closed one chapter of her life and she's about to open a new one for the coming New Year. "I'm about to open a new one with bigger goals and more exciting thing, bigger loves and more exciting travels," the actress said. When asked what she wishes to have in 2013, Bianca jokingly said "True love." She then explained that she's already grateful for what she achieved and received this year and she's praying for a bigger and brighter new year. "Hindi ko sinasabing, 'Hindi okay itong taon na ito, sana next year (okay) naman.' Basta whatever blessings I received this year, I'm thankful for them and hoping for an even better year," she said. Bianca added: "I don't want to be so specific. I just want to continue to have good work on TV and film, nice roles, sustain my finances, and travel the world, travel to more countries I haven't been too." (MNS) Kris Aquino open to joining politics Actress-host Kris Aquino, dubbed as the country's "Queen of All Media", is open to the idea of joining politics, just like most members of her family. Aquino is the youngest sister of President Benigno Aquino III, and the daughter of two late democracy icons – President Corazon Aquino and Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. Actress-host Kris Aquino and her brother, President Benigno Aquino III While she considers politics as a "career path," Aquino said she will only get into it under two strict conditions. "Yes, it's obviously a career path, but I'll only get into it if I know, Boy, that I'll be number one," she said. "'Di ba, sorry, ganoon 'di ba, nakakahiya naman kung hindi, 'di ba?" "And pangalawa, kung talagang sobrang selfless na ako at hindi na ako maluho," she added. Aquino believes that she already has some of the traits of a good politician, such as the ability to get along with different people and being industrious, as brought about by her career in showbiz. But the actress-host is also known for her lavish lifestyle, something that she said still needs to be "fixed." "Kasi kaya ko naman talaga 'yung pakikitungo sa tao, pakikisama. 'Yung sipag, I have that. I don't have the simplicity yet. And I think to be a really good public servant, you need to be simple," explained Aquino, who is one of the country's highest paid celebrities. Last July, Aquino cleared speculations that she will run for public office next year. The actress-host, who has separated from basketball player James Yap, is legally prohibited from marrying a government official. (MNS) Kris Aquino Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 27 Juday reveals beauty 'secret' KZ Tandingan KZ Tandingan denies she is a single mom "The X Factor Philippines" grand winner KZ Tandingan corrected reports claiming that she has a child out of wedlock. Tandingan said she was surprised when someone asked her if she is really a single mom. While saying she considers a child a blessing, the 20-year-old singer said it is impossible that she already has a child since she never had a boyfriend since birth. "Oo natatawa po ako paano naman ako magiging single mom eh di pa nga ako nagkaka-boyfriend eh naging single mom na ako. Natatawa na lang ako," she said. "Pero hindi po ako single mom, my God. Nakakaloka. No boyfriend ako since birth," she added. Tandingan said she told her parents about it and they advised her to just ignore the rumors. "Shinare ko din kila mommy at daddy. Kasi nandito ako sa amin ( sa probinsiya). 'Alam niyo po ba na may lumabas na (isyu) na single mom daw po ako.' So, hindi po namin pinapansin. Alam naman namin na hindi totoo," she said. Tandingan said she was just probably misheard when she granted an interview early this month. "Kasi sinabi ko doon – sa nabasa ko na article kung saan lumabas yung single mom daw po ako – baka po kasi misheard 'yung sinabi ko po na 'single man ako if love lang ang kailangan I get all the love I need.' Baka ang pagkarinig niya sa 'single man ako' ay 'single mom,'" she explained. As in her earlier interviews, Tandingan stressed that she is currently not in a relationship. "Wala akong boyfriend. Kung darating man ang love life, darating… hindi minamadali 'yan. Yung mga bagay na minamadali, madali ring nawawala," she said. Saying she is not in a hurry to be with someone, Tandingan said she'd rather focus on her family and career first than look for love. "Kung love lang I have all the love na kailangan ko," she told Push.com.ph in a separate interview. Actress Judy Ann Santos wowed her fans with her healthy body and fresh look as she made a successful comeback this year. Santos shared that her "secret" to looking good is her "confidence". "Siguro kapag confident ka. Kung mayroon kang taong masasandalan na alam mo 'yung tao eh makakasama mo for the rest of your life. Iba 'yung confidence na naibibigay sa iyo noon," said actress, referring to her husband, television host and actor Ryan Agoncillo. Santos added that she is also making an effort to look good in the eyes of her husband. "May conscious effort. Mayroon talaga. After giving birth to Lucio. Nag-wallow muna ako sa 165 lbs. At sabi ko yayakapin ko muna itong malaki kong bilbil hanggang sa manawa muna ako," she said. "In fairness kay Ryan, even noong nagpapapayat na ako, hindi niya ako nakitang Judy Ann Santos mataba. I think 'yun yata tala ang love." "Pareho sa aming dalawa, may conscious effort to dress up for each other. Si Ryan, what I really like about him and what I really love about him is, well, he texts me out of the blue in a day and tells me 'I forgot to tell you, 'you were really amazing last night.' It makes a difference when 'you look amazing.'" Meanwhile, Santos, who is currently a host and judge on "MasterChef Pinoy Edition," is hoping to do more "serious" projects next year. "Maybe more projects na mas medyo seryoso because 2012 was a very good year for me, 'yung pagtanggap ng tao sa akin pagbalik ko from pregnancy. It was an overwhelming comeback. In 2013, sana makagawa ng mga pelikulang pang-acting talaga, hinahanap ko din siya. Siguro 'yung puso ko sa acting is longing for that part already, and more time with my kids. I don't know how to do it but I know I can do it," she said. (MNS) 213 N. Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004 323.461.2500 Business Hours Mon-Fri: 10 am - 8 pm | Sat: 10 am - 7pm Sunday: Closed Beauty Salon was $250 Piolo Pascual praises OFWs as 'unsung heroes' 0 1&5 P U $ Eyelash Extensions was $250 Beverly Blvd. 1st Blvd. was 9 9 & UP $90 0 $ 49 $ Western Ave. Himself an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) at one point in his life, actor Piolo Pascual considers his "kababayans" abroad as the "unsung heroes" of the country. "I worked as an OFW before, and sabi ko nga, tuwing nagso-show ako para sa mga OFWs, sila, for me, ang unsung heroes ng country natin," Pascual said. Pascual, 35, once worked as an emergency room representative in California. Pascual said he also became a part of the security team at the prestigious Academy Awards, and took on commission-based "advertising," as he went office-to-office in Beverly Hills. Fortunately for the actor, he was in the company of some family members when he worked in the United States, "so it wasn't as difficult." Referring to his preparation for his role as Piolo Pascual an OFW in the 2004 film "Milan," Pascual told ABS-CBN News, "Nakita ko talaga first-hand kung paano 'yung hirap ng trabaho, kasi we personally talked to people na pinagdaanan 'yung ganoong buhay." "Gumaganda ang economy natin because of their remittances, and hindi alam ng mga tao kung gaano kahirap ang pinagdadaanan nila sa buhay pag nasa abroad nila," Pascual added. "Mas matatapang sila kaysa sa mga nandito, kasi niri-risk nila 'yung buhay nila. Talagang sasaluduhan mo sila, i-aadmire mo yung tapang nila, para lang mabigyan ng magandang buhay 'yung family na iniiwan nila dito," he said. (MNS) Japanese Straight Magic Brazilian Blow Out 213 N. Western Ave., L.A., CA 90004 facebook.com/istylebty firstname.lastname@example.com 28 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com HEALTH & BEAUTY Balita Three reasons people break their New Year's fitness resolutions (Relaxnews) – Nearly two thirds of adults set fitness goals as part of their New Year's resolutions. But 73 percent abandon those goals without success, often within six weeks or less, according to a new U.S. survey announced Wednesday. On average, those people who set fitness resolutions say they have tried and failed to achieve those goals around four times in the past. The top three stumbling blocks are difficulty in following a diet or workout regimen (42 percent), difficulty getting back on track once they fall off (38 percent), or inability to find time (36 percent). Bodybuilding.com commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct an online survey of nearly 2,100 adults 18 and over. Of those surveyed, 25 percent said they would post their New Year's fitness resolution on a social network, with 11 percent saying they would seek advice and support from their social networks. In addition, 32 percent say that following a physically fit friend or family member via their Twitter or Facebook would help them stay motivated. According to theAmerican College of Sport Medicine in the US, those new to exercise are likely to quite within three to six months. How to override the trend? The first step is to surround yourself with supportive friends and family, advises the website SheKnows. Then start small: plan short, 10-minute exercise goals. Take is easy, advises WebMD, since injury can derail your best intentions if you take on more than you're ready for. SheKnows also advises planning ways to overcome roadblocks, such as finding a gym or fitness class nearby to avoid travel time, or purchase a jogging stroller to exercise with your child in tow. Be sure to add variety to keep it interesting, and don't beat yourself up if you slip up one day. A new U.S. survey finds that nearly half of those who set fitness goals as their New Year's resolutions give up within six weeks or less. Photo: Mircea Foto/Shutterstock. com TV reports that yoga makes kids wussy, bloggers respond (Relaxnews) – U.S. blogs were abuzz on Friday after U.S.-based Fox News reported on the "wussification of America," thanks to more kids doing yoga. ABC News reported on Thursday that yoga may be the "fastest-growing sport in America." In answer to that, Fox trotted out parenting expert Larry Winget, author of a book called "Your Kids Are Your Own Fault," to explain that "if it doesn't have a ball, it's not a sport." "Something tells me he's never tried arm balances, or a class so hard you have to curl up into child's pose out of exhaustion and embarrassment at your inferior form," writes blog Blisstree. "(And for that matter, I'd argue that 'singular' sports like running, swimming, and track can all teach valuable lessons about winning and losing, despite the fact that there's no score, and no ball.)" "No...Fox News talked with a 'motivational speaker' Larry Wingnut/ Winget, who made reference to his upcoming book 'Grow a Pair'. (No, I am not making that up)," writes Daily Kos. "He feels yoga can't be a sport if there is no ball an [sic] or nobody 'is keeping score.'" The site adds: "Yes, the stupid is thick." "Oh, wait. Nevermind other popular ball-less sports like track and field, gymnastics, swimming, diving, wrestling, equestrian and any kind of racing," writes YogaDork. "Again, moot." "In any case, not being a wuss might be overrated," adds Yoga in the Dragon's Den. "What's so bad about being a wuss, anyway?" CHANGE YOUR LIFE. START A CAREER IN A HIGH-DEMAND MEDICAL FIELD. V O C AT I O N A L N U R S I N G P T P R O G R A M NIGHTS & WEEKENDS High Passing XCLEX Exam, Low Tuition, Excellent Instructors ULTRASOUND PROGRAM DAY & EVENING PROGRAM Low Tuition, High Paid Salary. Ongoing Enrollment. ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY PROGRAM DAY & EVENING PROGRAM Ongoing Enrollment. MEDICAL ASSISTANT AND MASSAGE THERAPIST Extra pounds may be healthy – as long as it's just a few WASHINGTON, Jan 2, 2013 (AFP) – Turns out a few extra pounds may not be such a bad thing, according to a new analysis of nearly three million adults that showed people who are overweight or slightly obese may live longer. But experts were quick to caution that the possible benefits dropped off when the "few" extra pounds turned into many. The researchers used data from nearly 100 studies from around the world, with health information from more than 2.8 million adults. Among the sampled population, there were around 270,000 deaths within the study period. Even after controlling for other factors, such as age, sex, smoking, those whose weight and height put them in the "overweight" category were six percent less at risk of dying than those in the "normal" category. And those who were "slightly obese," with heights and weights that gave them BMIs of 30 to 35, were five percent less at risk of dying in a given period. But for those who were more significantly obese, with BMIs of 35 and higher, the mortality rate soared by 29 percent compared to "normal" weight subjects, according to the authors of the meta-analysis, published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. BMI, which stands for body-mass index, is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters, squared. The authors suggested several possible reasons to explain why some extra weight may be good, but too much is bad, including that those with a few extra pounds may be more likely to receive "optimal medical treatment." They said it was also possible that increased body fat provided metabolic benefits that protect the heart, or that having extra reserves of fat could be helpful for those whose sicknesses make it hard to eat. Lead researcher Katherine Flegel, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, published a controversial study in 2005 that indicated there was a link between excess weight and living longer. This time, her analysis was based on a much larger number sample pool, across different countries in North America, Europe, Asia and South America. These studies and others show that small amounts of excess fat "may provide needed energy reserves" during illness, or help in other ways that need to be investigated, wrote biomedical researchers Steven Heymsfield and William Cefalu in an editorial also published Tuesday in the JAMA. "Not all patients classified as being overweight or having grade 1 obesity, particularly those with chronic diseases, can be assumed to require weight loss treatment," they emphasized. CDC director Thomas Friedan said in a statement that "we still have to learn about obesity, including how best to measure it." However, he insisted that "it's clear that being obese is not healthy, it increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and many other health problems." "Small, sustainable increases in physical activity and improvements in nutrition can lead to significant health improvements." According to CDC statistics, a third of U.S. adults are considered obese. Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 29 Back to School Special Straight Rebonding Gain help with losing weight The United States leads the world in obesity with more than a third of the population considered obese. If you've long feared that you have a slim chance of getting and staying fit, you're not alone and there is great news! There Is An Answer Getting to your ideal weight can be easier when you have support. That's where an ingenious idea from France comes in. A diet and exercise program popular with many celebrities is now available to all Americans. You don't have to buy special foods or attend any meetings. Instead, you get a program designed just for you and your lifestyle and personal online coaching to help you stick with it. Free Cut - Free Treatment The high-protein, low-fat, low- carbohydrate weight loss plan was created by acclaimed French medical doctor and nutritionist Dr. Pierre Dukan. Devised for healthy eating and lifelong weight management, the Dukan Diet lets you eat all you want from a list of 100 delicious, fresh foods anytime you're hungry. You eat until you're full with no counting of any kind. To help, there's Dukan Diet Coaching, a unique, fully personalized, interactive platform. It tracks your daily progress while giving you access to an extensive support base—making dieting easier. How It Works First, calculate your True Weight by simply answering 11 questions that determine the weight you can reach and maintain for the rest of your life. Next, you'll get a personalized program that tells you how many days each phase of the program will last and how much weight you will lose. The Four Phases The Attack phase is short and consists of pure protein that creates a kick start to the diet. The Cruise phase adds vegetables every other day as you steadily reach your True Weight. The Consolidation phase is designed to prevent rebound weight by gradually returning previously restricted foods and allowing for two "celebration" meals per week. The Stabilization phase keeps weight off for the rest of your life. Since monitoring is crucial, Dr. Dukan developed a unique interactive loop to keep in touch with you. Every morning, you get a food menu and exercises for the day as well as personal advice and support from Dr. Dukan to keep you motivated. Every evening, you report back about your day, your physical activity, weight and measurements, motivations, frustrations, food lapses and any foods you miss. The next day, the information and instructions you get reflect your report from the night before. Dr. Dukan's Team hosts daily live chat sessions. In addition, you can share success stories, helpful tips and suggestions with other dieters in the member Forum. Coaching Is Key While diet and exercise are key elements of any weight management program, what separates the Dukan approach from others is coaching. The Diet Coaching aspect of the program is a unique, fully personalized, interactive platform. It allows you to track your daily progress while giving you access to an extensive support base designed to make your dieting easier. The Customer Support Team is also a key element of the coaching process, providing program participants with daily feedback. With Dukan Diet Coaching you get personal attention from Dr. Dukan's Team, and you weigh yourself in the privacy of your home. Tips on avoiding hair loss (Relaxnews) – Sure, we all lose a few stray hairs every day, but if you've noticed more and more falling out in the shower or after brushing your hair, here are a few tips to stop the cycle before it gets out of the control. When it comes to genetic hair loss, there isn't a lot you can change, but there are other factors at play. Stress, poor diet, medications, and pollution are just a few, as is subjecting your hair to abuse from hair dryers, hair dyes, and heated styling tools. Heat weakens hair proteins, regardless of the promise of shiny, soft hair – you'll wind with hair that is a lot more fragile and brittle than necessary. MyHealthNewsDaily advises avoiding tight hairstyles, such as braids, cornrows, and ponytails, which can trigger hair loss, especially from the sides of the scalp. Also, go easy on brushing and combing, especially when your hair is wet. Use combs with wide teeth and smooth-tipped brushes. Frequent shampooing is bad for your hair as well. After you rinse your shampoo, apply a conditioner so your hair is easier to comb.Also don't vigorously rub your hair with a towel to dry it. MyHealthNewsDaily also advises against hot oil hair treatments and chemicals used in permanents, which can inflame your hair follicles, which in turn causes hair loss. Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids – such as salmon and mackerel – two or three times a week, advises Prevention magazine. 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We have studied long enough to find our own techniques. So, 1st: we need to check and know customers hair precisely. People have different hair conditions, even its BY ALICE SHIN shapes and curls are various. Therefore, to do this straight rebonding, we need to KNOW our customers hair right, since this product contains chemicals, we got to be hair doctors. 2nd: To do this Rebonding, since everyone has different hair conditions and curls, for each person, we use different amount of chemicals. Our seceret technique, we put Japanese PPT treatment before we start doing rebonding to protect your hair. Especially for those of you who have colored hair, its better if you cut the damaged parts of your hair first. 3rd: If you have natural hair, which means you didn't color your hair or permed your hair, we can use regular straight chemicals and all we have to do is set precise time to make your hair beautiful. However, people who did self-coloring at home, we need to put Collagen Powder Terment mixed with chemicals to make your hair healthy and elastic. To make your hair fabulous and healthy, we need some fancy special products and we muse use it to protect your hair. During this hot hot summer, get hair care to blow your stress away. And during our Back to School Special, students can get special D.C. and those of you who came with students will get quite nice prices from us too. Lastly, if you have serious curls, there is no way you will avoid even a big of damages. However, after done with your Japanese Straight Rebonding, you can do Brazilian Keratin to make your hair shiny. If you do this together, you can get 50% D.C. from us. But it applies for Rebonding plus Keratin ONLY. Don't miss your chance during this period. And if you have any questions you can visit us and make appointments. 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Chadha, DDS (USC Graduate) 7205 Balboa Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91406 (818) 997-3662 LOS ANGELES BRANCH 4354 Fountain Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029 (323) 661-2881 $ 249 Professional 1 hour Teeth Whitening System Regular $500 Present Coupon at the time of Service LIMITED TIME DISCOUNT 500 $ OFF Transparent Removable Braces invisalign ® Present Coupon at the time of Service 30 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Balita COMMUNITY Consul General De La Vega meets with San Diego Mayor Bob Filner Los Angeles, 21 December 2012 – Consul General Maria Hellen M. Barber De La Vega paid a courtesy call on Mayor Bob Filner on 19 December 2012 at his office in San Diego County in Southern California. The two officials discussed ways of stimulating Philippine-US relations. Mayor Filner conveyed his appreciation for the opportunity to dialogue with the Philippine Consul General on issues affecting San Diego and the rest of the nation and reaffirmed his support to promote the interests of the Fil-Am Community in San Diego. On her part, Consul General De La Vega thanked the San Diego City Mayor for his consistent support to the Philippines and the Fil-Am community. Mayor Filner a former congressman and advocate of the Philippines is well-loved by the Filipino Community. During his incumbency as Mayor of San Diego City, he pledges to work towards providing equal access and opportunity for Fil-Am businesses and entrepreneurs. San Diego County is host to about 300,000 Filipinos and Filipino Americans. Consul General Maria Hellen M. Barber-De La Vega and Mayor Bob Filner. Fergie dons Oliver Tolentino Pop star Fergie donned an Oliver Tolentino chartreuse yellow gown to co-host Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve 2013 on December 31st. Tolentino designed Fergie a one-shoulder chartreuse yellow silk chiffon gown with hand-draped bodice and handdraped skirt for co-hosting duties with Ryan Seacrest and Jenny McCarthy. Fergie served as the Hollywood host for the New Year's Eve TV show that has broadcast live from New York's Times Square and included the famous "ball drop" for the past 39 years. Dick Clark started the show in 1973 and personally hosted from 1975 until 2004 when he had a stroke. He appeared on the show from 2006 - 2012 but Clark passed away last April, and the show he created is such an American icon that it continues this year with Ryan Seacrest as host. According to Nielsen Ratings, 22.6 million Americans watched the ABC show last year but that doesn't include the millions watching on TV screens in bars and at New Year's Eve parties all across the States. Earlier in the year, Tolentino attended a party for Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldham where Fergie and boyfriend, actor Josh Duhamel, also attended. Tolentino discussed his Filipino heritage with Fergie, already very familiar with it via Black Eyed Peas' member Apl.de.Ap. Fergie told Tolentino she'd love to wear his creations one day. New Year's Eve 2013 must have been that day. Tolentino, who has boutiques in Makati and Los Angeles, recently created a red minicocktail dress for Nickelodeon actress Victoria Justice which was such a hit that it was featured in international magazines such as the December 10th issue of Life&Style and the December 24th issue of US Weekly. A great way for Filipinos around the world to fashionably – and proudly – start 2013! MaryAnn's dreams do come true! Once again, MaryAnn Ramos-Samadi's dreams came true during her RSG Foundation's successful "Dancing Like The Stars" fundraiser held at the Stardancer Horizon in Glendale recently. As a child who grew up in San Miguel, Bulacan, MaryAnn never forgot her roots. While growing up, she had long dreamt of sharing her blessings with the indigent families in her hometown and for the past five years, she has consistently brought happiness to her needy kababayans. Here is a quote which has guided her through her quest: MaryAnn Ramos-Samadi LIGHTHOUSE BY MYRNA AQUITANIA It Starts With A Dream - By Doe Zantamata Add Faith and it becomes a part of life; Add perseverance and it becomes a goal in sight; Add patience and in time it ends with a DREAM come TRUE! RSG Foundation's mission is truly noble and remarkable and MaryAnn RamosSamadi, along with her husband Behzad and Sara Samadi, all make a collective effort in making sure the needy families in San Miguel, Bulacan receive their share of happiness during the holidays. More power to the RSG Foundation for living up to its mission! Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 31 How bankruptcy can help you rebuild your finances, your credit and your life Autistic debtor discharges student loans Labor Certification (PERM) Nurse and P.T. Petitions Specialty Workers (H1B) Treaty Traders & Investors (E) Adjustment of Status (I485) Family Petitions (I130) Employment Petitions (I140) Intercompany Transfer (L1) Extraordinary Ability (O1) Investor Visa ($1M. $500K) Artists & Athletes (P1, P3) Religious Workers (R1) AAO Appeals & MTR • • • • • • • • • • • • Request for Evidence (RFE) Notice of Intent to Deny/Revoke Fiancé & Spouse (K1/K3) Student Visas (F1/M1) J1 Waiver (212e) Visitors (B1, B2) Crewman & Transits (C1, D1) Battered Spouse/Child (VAWA) Child Status Protection (CSPA) Removal of Conditions (I751) Citizenship and Naturalization All other Related Matters Martindale Centre Pasadena Koll Center 216 N. Glendora Ave., Suite 200, Glendora, CA 91741 (626) 240-4688 FREE CONSULTATION 1055 E. Colorado Blvd. Suite 500, Pasadena, CA 91106 www.dandrealaw.com • firstname.lastname@example.com Washington D.C. Bar • American Bar Association • American Immigration Lawyers Association • Federal Bar Association • Orange County Bar • Los Angeles County Bar LAW OFFICES OF LARRY BAUTISTA YANG BANKRUPTCY WE ARE A DEBT RELIEF AGENCY. WE REPRESENT DEBTORS IN CHAPTER 7, 13, 11 AND 12 OF THE NEW BANKRUPTCY LAW. THIS INCLUDES RELIEF FROM MORTGAGE PAYMENT DEFAULTS AND PRE-FORECLOSURE RELIEF FOR RESIDENCES AND OTHER REAL ESTATE PROPERTIES. 30th Year in Law Practice Let Me Help You Wipe Out Debt & Obtain A Fresh Start THOUSANDS OF SUCCESSFUL CASES IN LA, ORANGE, RIVERSIDE, SAN BERNARDINO, VENTURA & SAN DIEGO COUNTIES•CHAPTER 7, 11, 12 & 13 Have you mortgaged your grandchildren to Mastercard and Visa? Snowed under by a mountain of debt? Worried about losing your home and car? Call me immediately today! Yes, I speak Tagalog. No, I won't charge you for consultation. I can help you keep your home, car and other personal properties. I look forward to help you: discharge debts; stop foreclosures; wage garnishments; stop harassments from collectors; stop repossessions. •CANCEL 2ND TRUST DEEDS •DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW •CIVIL, BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE LITIGATION & TRIALS L A R R Y YA N G i s a g r a d u a t e o f Georgetown University Law Center with a master's degree in law and practices before California State Courts, United Sates District Courts, the California Appeals for the 9th Circuit and US Bankruptcy Courts. Call our office for appointment (626) 284-1142 and ask for Angie or Jess. Atty. Yang will personally interview you Filipino Po Tayo. Free Consultation. Weekend & Evening Appointments Available. 110 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Building A-1 Suite 1125 Unit 58, Alhambra, CA 91803 Main St. Mission Rd. Atlantic Blvd. See YANG, page 33 • • • • • • • • • • • • • 710 The general rule in bankruptcy is that student loans are not dischargeable debts, unless debtor can BANKRUPTCY satisfy the three prongs of the 'Brunner' test. For instance, you went to medical school and incurred $300,000 of student loans. Unfortunately, you are not able to pass the first part of the medical board exam. You cannot become a doctor. The only job you can find so far is working as a caregiver. You file for Chapter 7 relief and seek to discharge your $300,000 of student loans because your income as a caregiver is not enough to pay your student loans BY ATTY. and living expenses at the same time. You are tired LAWRENCE YANG of living in Michael Jackson's mausoleum just so you can pay your student loans. You show the judge pictures of your neck where the vampire Lestat has attempted to bite you because he is your roommate, or shall we say, mausoleum mate. You are ready to inject yourself with methadone and say goodbye to this cruel world, if your student loans are not discharged. Will the court discharge your student loans? N0. Sorry. But you might be able to do so if you are autistic. In Re Todd, the 63-year old debtor had an autism disorder since early childhood. The court described the debtor as articulate and intelligent. "If one were to read select portions of the transcript without having watched the trial, one might be fooled into thinking that she can function normally. But that conclusion would be a gross misperception. It quickly became evident from the vantage point of the bench, that debtor's reality is very different from the norm. Autism tunnels her perception to a very fine point and that is reflected by her eerie disconnectedness from a comprehensive life experience. As a matter of behavior, there were several times during her testimony when debtor became overwhelmed in the face of seemingly innocuous questions and for no apparent reason folded into a fearful shell which could not be opened even with a large wooden spoon. None of this was contrived; instead, it all found its source in debtor's incurable ailment," the court said. "Her daily existence, described during her deposition, also bears this out. In sum, it consists of breakfast followed by a regime of pills, surfing the internet, prayer for several hours, eating every two hours, and contacting churches and Autism related organizations with the largely quixotic goal of finding work or, perhaps more likely, charity. (Sounds like my daily schedule for the last 10 years). The hall mark is isolation." The debtor owed nearly $340,000 in student loans that were incurred to fund 20 years of education. She had been under employed since 2003, and never had a job until 1999 when she served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in Wonderland. Her total monthly income as Chief Justice was $768 in SSDI payments supplemented by $200 in food stamps. Her monthly expenses were $1,906. She received voluntary contributions from Alice and the mad hatter. The court said the debtor was able to survive thanks to her tenacious efforts at finding charity from all of the characters in Wonderland except the wicked witch. Given the amount of the debtor's student loans, the court found that even if the debtor reduced her expenses her current income would not allow her to maintain a minimal standard of living and repay her student loans. Thus, the debtor satisfied the first prong of the 'Brunner' test. The debtor clearly and convincingly showed when she was not folded up like a giant shell, that her autism, age, and other ailments were, in combination, special circumstances that created a certainty of hopelessness necessary to satisfy 'Brunner's second prong. The lenders argued that them from creditors or the bankruptcy court, as well as purchasing luxury items with the knowledge that you couldn't possibly make the required payments. Chapter 13 can be the most effective way to consolidate all your debts into one low monthly payment that you can afford. In a lot of cases, most debts are only paid a small percentage of the actual amount owed, resulting in significant reduction- a reduction of 50% or more is not unusual. Even a second mortgage on your home can be reduced or eliminated if your property is "upside down" and the second mortgage is essentially "unsecured" due to lack of equity in your property. With reduced debt payments every month, people who are struggling financially are able to manage their finances better by making sure that they have enough money left over for basic necessities before paying any of their creditors. If you need help in finding a solution to your debt problems, we can help you figure out your options. Please call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos, West Covina and Valencia. (None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772). FREMONT AVE. When debts spiral out of control, bankruptcy MINDING YOUR can become an invaluable financial recovery tool FINANCES in stemming the tide and getting you back on the right track. While it's not for everyone, more than 1.5 million people every year find it to be their only hope of getting a fresh financial start. Debt problems can be the result of unemployment, reduction in income, disability, divorce, or in some cases, poor financial decisions. A financial crisis can happen to anyone at any time. No one is exempt. Bankruptcy is a fact of life. Without it, people with serious debt BY ATTY. RAY BULAON problems will remain stuck where they are, unable to move on with their lives. Living with stress every day caused by the burden of debt is a horrible way to live. Bankruptcy can offer hope when the future looks bleak. Because of eligibility requirements for the type of relief being sought, some people will qualify for Chapter 7 to completely wipe out their debts. Others may have no choice but to file Chapter 13 and pay their creditors over a 3-5 year period. Much of it depends on your income and your assets. You also need to take into consideration your purpose in seeking debt relief. Under the latest rules for Chapter 7 bankruptcy eligibility, your current monthly income must be measured against the median monthly income for a family of your size in your state. If your average monthly income is lower than the median, Chapter 7 may be for you. If your income is higher than the median, Chapter 7 is still a possibility, but there is an additional step. You have to undergo what's known as "the means test", a mathematical formula for calculating your disposable income and determining whether it is high enough to help pay off some of your debts. Technically speaking, the test measures your disposable income after subtracting various expenses and payments, and shows whether that amount would be sufficient to make a dent in your unsecured debts over a five-year period. Chapter 7 will be denied to those who have received a discharge of debts under Chapter 7 within the last eight years or Chapter 13 within the last six years. You may also not be able to file if you were denied a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy within the previous 180 days. Your eligibility for Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be in serious jeopardy if the court believes you are guilty of defrauding your creditors. Among other actions, this can include transferring assets to friends or relatives in an attempt to hide 10 WEST DOWNTOWN LA. 32 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Balita Debt forgiveness law survives another year! The mortgage industry can relax now with the MORTGAGE UPDATE final fiscal cliff deal bringing back a popular tax break on mortgage insurance premiums and debt forgiveness for borrowers who go through a shortsale or some other type of debt reduction. It was on the tip off the house committee voting to amend but the final hours, they were able to come to a deal. There are a lot more fights between both sides in regards to the spending cuts, that is for another day, but now our concerns are addressed temporarily. A topic that is still up for discussion and likely to surface later in the year is whether the popular BY KEN GO mortgage interest tax deduction will be part of a long-term deficit reduction plan. Still, the deal passed by the Senate and House on Jan. 1 is one that leaves room for hope in the housing market. VOLTAIRE'S CONSTRUCTION LICENSE #829651 FREE ESTIMATES F TIMATES REMODELING R ROOM R OOM REMODELING REPAIRS R AIRS RE-ROOFING FING NO N O JOB IS TOO SMALL Pinoy po taygo at handan yo! tumulong sa in VOLTAIRE CUELLO firstname.lastname@example.com (714) 609-5975 CELL : (562) 860-5659 OFFICE The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 apparently extends a law that expired at the end of 2011, which allowed for the deductibility of mortgage insurance premiums, according to a research report from Isaac Boltansky with Compass Point Research & Trading. The law now applies to fiscal years 2012 and 2013. "The law dictates that eligible borrowers who itemize their federal tax returns and have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $100,000 per year can deduct 100% of their annual mortgage insurance premiums," Compass Point said. "Certain borrowers with AGIs above $100,000 may benefit from the deductibility as well but are subject to a sliding scale. The tax break covers private mortgage insurance as well as mortgage insurance provided by the FHA, the VA, and the Rural Housing Service. In 2009, about 3.6 million taxpayers claimed the mortgage insurance deduction," the research firm added.One of the more watched provisions of the fiscal cliff was the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, which was set to expire on Dec. 31. The fiscal cliff deal extends it for another year, meaning homeowners who experience a debt reduction through mortgage principal forgiveness or a short sale are exempt from being taxed on the forgiven amount. "The amount extends up to $2 million of debt forgiven on the homeowner's principal residence," Compass Point Research & Trading said. "For homeowner's to qualify, their debt must have been used to 'buy, build, or substantially improve' their principal residence and be secured by that residence. The law, which was passed in 2007 with a 5-year sunset provision, will now be in effect until Jan. 1, 2014." Another minor win for housing is a provision tied to the government's plan to increase the capital gains tax rate from 15% to 20% for individuals who earn more than $400,000. While in theory, this is harder on higher-income homeowners, Compass Point sees a silver lining through an exclusion. Compass Point notes the law "states that only gains of more than $250,000 for individuals ($500k for households) are subject to taxes on the excess portion of capital gains. Point being, in order for an individual homeowner to be impacted by the increased capital gains tax rate they would need to have an adjusted gross income above $400,000 and gain more than $250,000 from the sale of the property. Since this exclusion threshold remained intact, the impact of the capital gains tax increase is limited." Read more from Housingwire.com. We are starting the year with definitely a good note, stocks are up and the market consumer confidence will surely continue its up rise slowly but hopefully surely. Have a great 2013, hope all your plans, wishes and hard work will soon come to a satisfying conclusion. Thanks for all your support and comments, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group for your mortgage purchase & refinance needs, for your loan modification concerns and your Short Sales requirements. Call Ken Go 562-508-7048 or write to firstname.lastname@example.com. 'Sin tax' introduced, dampens New Year fun P Philippine Islands Cargo & Travel L.L.C. "Sapagkat, Mahalaga ang Sigurado Ka" TOLL FREE (888)732-3962 Balikbayan Box Metro Manila $ House to House Service off Why droppick-up if we cahne same for t rice. low p 2 boxes minimum Limited time only Now improved faster & reliable service! XXL BOX/ Metro Manila 2 boxes minimum Limited time only ily m a F s i s De A SUBUKAN SA PRESYO...MANATILI SA SERBISYO "SERVING THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1992" *Price applicable within LA County only MANILA, Jan 1, 2013 (AFP) – A "sin tax" on cigarettes and alcohol dampened the New Year party spirit when it was introduced in the Philippines Tuesday, as part of a government bid to boost finances. Many stores started selling tobacco and drink at inflated prices before midnight, ahead of the official implementation of the tax hikes on January 1, hitting partygoers in the pocket. Tax on cigarettes will gradually be raised to 30 pesos ($0.72) per pack by 2017, roughly doubling the current price to around 52 pesos. Duty on alcohol will also increase gradually until 2017, increasing the price of a bottle of beer by 23.50 pesos, with varying levels for other drinks including wine and spirits. It will be further increased by four percent each year thereafter. "The new prices compared to countries like Singapore for example, are still low, but for the ordinary Filipinos they are expensive," said Laudemer Angeles, a 33-year-old shop owner in the town of Bacoor, south of Manila. "Many of my customers were complaining about the higher prices and were not too happy when they bought their booze and smokes for their parties last night." Anti-smoking campaigner Emer Rojas said he hoped the new taxes would lead to a gradual decline in the number of people suffering from tobacco-related illness. "I think the sin taxes should even be raised higher," he told AFP. "But we commend President Aquino for showing his resolve in signing the law." The government has said that the country of 100 million has the highest incidence of smoking in the region, with tobaccorelated diseases costing the country 177 billion pesos ($4.3 billion) last year. Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 33 Debt to income ratio play a big role in the process of keeping your home through loan modification, refinance and home loan for first time buyer Debt To Income Ratio is the key to a viable loan FINANCIAL modification and a simple but useful measure of household finances, you can achieve that by conSOLUTIONS sidering a debt counseling which homeowner will undergo financial eligibility process. It will provide you basic information if you are a good candidate for a loan modification and other loan program. Financial capability is being determined and will guide homeowner to qualify for any home retention program, to short sale the property or save the home through loan modification. Hundreds of homeowners desire to keep their BY CLARO PEREZ homes, big question is, can you afford the mortgage payment after the loan modification? Not enough income or to much income without hardship play a big role in the eligibility process. First and foremost homeowners must undergo the evaluation process under debt counseling. If you are not able to make all the payments on your home and afraid of losing it, you might consider a loan modification program. You may wonder what is a loan modification program, how to apply, and what the qualification or eligibilities are. This article will tell you how. Can a Loan Modification Help You? Are you afraid of losing your home? Do you find yourself falling ever further behind in your monthly mortgage payments? It may be possible a mortgage loan modification program might again be able to afford the payments on your home. You may be able to avoid foreclosure with a loan modification. What Are the Qualifications for a Loan Modification Program? There are qualifications for a loan modification program which must be taken into consideration. First of all, you need to demonstrate to your lender that you have suffered a true financial hardship. You must demonstrate that this hardship makes paying your loan unaffordable. Some unexpected reason are divorce, the death of a family member, reduction of income or loss of job, illness or major medical expenses, job transfer, or incarceration. The loss of equity will not count. You must also prove to the lender that with loan modification you will be able to make loan payments now and in the future. Your lender will want to know that you will not default on your mortgage if you receive a new terms that lower your mortgage payment. You must demonstrate that your property taxes, mortgage payment, insurance, and home owner's dues ARE MORE THAN 31% OF YOUR GROSS INCOME. You will also have a complete and accurate application, with your adequate financial information to your lender. If a Bank Holds All the Cards, Why Would it Wants to Give You a Loan Modification Anyway? What is a loan modification program going to do for your? You may think a lender holds all the cards, if you are so far behind on your mortgage payments and afraid of losing your home. You can't understand why a bank would give you better terms, Why would it want to give you a loan modification? Also, foreclosure proceedings are expensive for banks. Foreclosure is only possible if the home owners have no financial capability to continue paying the mortgage. Lenders have no other choice than to foreclose the home and lenders hate homeowners that take advantage for a free ride. In spite of that, a homeowner must meet the eligibility requirements. How Do I Apply for a Loan Modification? Taking all of the above into consideration, if a loan modification sounds interesting to you in your circumstances. You must undergo a financial evaluation to avoid waste of time and money. This will assist you if you can save your home through loan modification. Why apply if you can't really afford to keep your home. There are lots of financial solutions available to assist you lower your debt payments so that you can keep or save your home for instance, Debt Settlement, Bankruptcy, and Loan Modification. The Important key is your Debt Income Ratio, the Government created the Home Affordable Modification Program for both First and Second Mortgages and Lenders also availed in house traditional modification program, forbearance, and repayment program just to help qualified and eligible home owners to keep there homes. How Do I find a Legitimate Loan Modification Company or Counselor? You can increase your chances of finding a legitimate loan modification company and legitimate loan modification specialist by asking for legitimate proof that they have lots of successful loan modification approvals and by word of mouth from homeowners that have been approved on their loan modification. One important factor is that a loan modification Specialist must evaluate you first, explain and show real documentation of a successful approvals on hand. If too much unsecured debt payment is the reason for non-eligibility in a loan modification debt settlement or debt relief program. Want to strip or to get rid of your second YANG From page 31 the debtor did not satisfy the third prong. Debtor's failure to make any payments and refusal to enter into an income contingent repayment program were irrefutable evidence of the debtor's bad faith, whereupon, the debtor unfolded an arm and middle finger and aimed it at lenders. Lawrence Bautista Yang is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and has been in law practice for thirty years. He specializes in bankruptcy, business and civil litigation and has handled more than five thousand successful bankruptcy cases in California. He speaks Tagalog and looks forward to discussing your case with you personally. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 1000 S Fremont Ave Bldg A-1 Suite 1125 Unit 58 Alhambra, CA 91803. mortgage? Give us a call and we will help you accomplish that Financial Predicament. Recently Decline On Your Loan Modification? Come And See Us CRP Has Solutions For You To Keep Your Home. CRP has successfully facilitate thousands of Home Owners with their Loan Modification approvals and has proof for the manner. For detailed information call: Claro R. Perez 1-626-922-4916 or 626-331-8889 Loan Modification Specialist, Second Mortgage Settlement/Credit Enhancement Advocate, and President & CEO: CRP Business Mortgage Solutions, Inc. For Purchase, Short Listing and Home Loans: Fe A Perez: DRE Licensed Broker/ Owner Providence Realty and Mortgage, Inc. 626-905-2531 and Carlo A. Perez: DRE Licensed Broker/Owner Division Capital, Inc. 626-922-4013. We open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Saturday and Sunday by appointment only CRP Business Mortgage Solutions, Incorporated Business Address: 279 W. Badillo Street, Covina, CA. 91723. EDMUND ANCIANO I M M I G R A TI O N A T T O R N E Y Practice limited to Immigration & Nationality Law 17918 Pioneer Blvd., #201 Artesia, CA 90701 (562) 484-6414 ASSISTED CLIENTS FROM OVER 50 COUNTRIES SINCE 1993 Edmund Anciano, Esq. is an attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. He is authorized to represent persons in all 50 states. His practice is limited to Immigration and Nationality Law. He is admitted to the New Jersey State Bar. Edmund Anciano received his bachelor's degree from Saint Joseph's University in Pennsylvania. He received his law degree from Rutgers University in New Jersey. FREE PARKING WE ACCEPT MAJOR CREDIT CARDS MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER. PROFESSIONAL PHOTOJOURNALISM STYLE PHOTO COVERAGE. BLACK AND WHITE AND COLOR. ‡:HGGLQJV‡&RPPXQLW\(YHQWV‡%LUWKGD\3DUWLHV‡5HXQLRQ ‡$QQLYHUVDULHV‡'HEXW‡$VVRFLDWLRQ3DUWLHV‡%DSWLVPDO ‡)XQHUDO‡6OLGHVKRZV‡3KRWR5HVWRUDWLRQ GROUPONE PHOTOGRAPHY 909.610.5847 *URXSRQH#JPDLOFRP 34 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Balita It's the New Year; but want", and yaki meaning please allow me to veer "grilled" or "cooked." SO LA away from the norm. So We cooked about while everyone is talking 11 small pancakes with about getting in shape same batter mixed with and shedding off those ingredients like green unwanted pounds generonion, scallions; but with ated by holiday parties different toppings, rangand get-togethers, let ing from scallops, squid, me tell you more about octopus, beef, chicken eating and enjoying it… and many others. Mixed more. Because taking it with Japanese mayonBY JANNELLE SO from author J.R.R. Tolknaise, the result is a burst ien: "If more of us valued food and cheer of different flavors in the mouth – one and song above hoarded gold, it would be part salty; one part sweet; and other parts a merrier world." indescribable, but definitely tasty. I did have the privilege of doing all that The cooking part was also enjoyable recently, as I filmed my Christmas Eve or – flipping pancakes, putting in toppings, Noche Buena special for "Kababayan LA." etc. For someone like me who rarely (Ok, Instead of the usual cooking I do in the almost never) cooks, it was a great expestudio, I endeavored to go out and feature rience. And because they serve in decent two of my favorite restaurants in the Tor- portions, the meals are best to share. Bring rance and Carson area. your family and friends. This place is enGAJA joyed best with a large party! I was first introduced to Gaja some But make sure you save room for years ago by my sister and brother-in-law. sweets. Desserts at Gaja are not only Like many, I was so used to the notion that unique, also beautiful and delicious. The Japanese cuisine was all about sushi and shaved ice comes in different flavors, and teriyaki; that I was both surprised and curi- mixed with Japanese dessert staples like ous to discover Gaja, a Japanese restaurant mochi and red bean paste. serving Japanese pancakes – okonomiyaki. Also, the flavored beers are a must-try! "This is Japanese pancake but we don't HOUSE OF SEAFOOD serve it for breakfast, as in the American But for those of you kababayans misspancakes," said Mr. Taka, president and ing the spirit of the Philippines, literally owner of Gaja, who further epxlained that and figuratively, you should try House of name is derived from the word okonomi, Seafood in the City of Carson. They serve meaning "what you like" or "what you San Miguel beer and a variety of other popular brews. HOS is one of the few restaurants that can also serve alcohol and liquor. And though it's Filipinoowned, it's not entirely a Filipino restaurant. "This is a seafood restaurant first. The inspiration came from our favorite seafood place that we used to frequent. But it was all the way in Anaheim and one time, I joked to my mom that we should start something close to where we live," said Michael Nocos, owner and manager of HOS. "A week later, I told my son to start lookThe House of Seafood, a family business, was built and run by ing for a place for a res- the Boayes/Nocos Family - Peter, Susan, Mike, taurant. He had already Nathan, Jessalyn, & Kylie. forgotten about his earlier Both places were featured on "Kababaycomment. I took his joke seriously," said an LA" recently, if you missed it, check out Susan Boyes, mother of Michael. segments at www.youtube.com/kababayThe result of a joke is a clean, inviting anla18. restaurant that serves dishes that appeal What diet?! Happy New Year, Happy to anyone's palate. And there's a wide Eating! variety to choose from – from appetizers "One cannot think well, love well, sleep to pasta and entrees. I highly recommend well, if one has not dined well." – Virginia the cornmeal calamari; and of course, their Woolf, A Room of One's Own. seafood mixed with Cajun spices. Jannelle So is Host/Producer of Ok. So I may not be a food critic; not "Kababayan LA" that airs daily at even a food blogger. But I love to eat and in 4:30pm on KSCITV-LA18. Catch previmy experiences dining at different places, ous programs at www.youtube.com/ I know good food when I taste one. But if kababayanla18. Like her on Facebook: you don't want to take my word for it, I www.facebook.com/JannelleSoOFFICIAL. invite you to Yelp both places and read the Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ reviews for yourself. JannelleSo. A whopping Sweet shaved ice dessert at Gaja. The House of Seafood dishes are influenced by a wide variety of cultural styles and infl ections including Asian fusion, Cajun, Creole,French, Italian, and of course general western seafood. Happy New Year, Happy eating! Café Barako now in California Philippines' most popular coffee bean is now available in Southern California. Distributed by San Jose Specialty, Café Barako can now be served hot and freshly brewed right in your own home and be proud to serve your guests of this coffee blend that you've come to loved and enjoyed back home. Headed by David and Catherine Tanael, San Jose Specialty is a newly-established Filipino Gourmet Food Company that makes Café Barako available in the U.S. The couple says Café Barako is "sourced from the top grade coffee beans in the world" and that the blend is "roasted here in Southern California to ensure quality and freshness. Packaged in USDA-approved 8-ounce pouches, Café Barako is available in four local stores in Los Angeles, Carson, Artesia and Lake Forest where they are displayed in counters made exclusively by San Jose Specialty. The Philippine local blend may not be found in Filipino supermarkets but San Jose Specialty are ready to provide Café Barako to any retail establishment. David said Café Barako is "our popular blend, representing the Barako Coffee from the Philippines. This is our signature blend of the Barako-Arabica. The Barako brings out the aroma and rich flavor blended with Arabica beans for strength. It has a rich flavor, medium in roast and smooth to the end." In the package, written in the front are the following to entice customers: "Discover the classic coffee blend from the Philippines. Delightfully aromatic, smooth, and strong flavor for the perfect cup. Mabuhay!" According to David, "Café Barako and our other products have been personally selected by us." He added that their roasters would "closely inspect every batch to make sure that only the finest quality beans are chosen for our blends." He said Café Barako as well as all their blends are "just pure coffee beans roasted to perfection." The back, meanwhile, says that "Because you deserve good coffee…our beans are roasted in small batches with top quality beans. When we roast and ground beans, we are extracting they very delicate, aromatic flavor essences and oils that will satisfy your every sip." There's also a short direction on how to brew Café Barako. David said that they also made sure that when they established San Jose Specialty, they had Mother Earth in mind that they have been certified by Rain Forest Alliance, a New York-based international nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical forests and each package of Café Barako bears the green logo of the group. The coffee blend comes in eco-friendly packaging and that "each bag is valved for longer shelf life." David said "San Jose Specialty's line of coffee are found to complement your food establishment. Our Café Barako is a fresh and exciting new product that will surely excite your customers." If you think you want to savor Café Barako and to experience coffee like you were back in the Philippines, please call San Jose Specialty at (949) 266-7113 or Café Barako is a popular blend from the Philippines. The Barako brings out the aroma and rich flavor blended with Arabica beans for strength and has a rich flavor, medium in roast and smooth to the end. Catherine at (949) 241-1620 or drop David a message at email@example.com. You may also visit their website at www.sanjosespecialty.com for more information. Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 35 17665 Castleton St., City of Industry sa g a w a "Tum rtment" a p e D o n Filipi "Problema sa Credit? Pwede sa Puente!" NO PPAYMENTS NO YMEN NTS UNTIL UNTIL 2013 ON APPROVED CREDIT INTEREST ACCRUES FROM DATE OF CONTRACT AUTO AS OR LOW UP AS TO 0 .0% APR OR LONG LONGTERM TERM FINANCING FINANCING UP TO FACTORY REBATES $3,500 On Select Models On Approved Credit NEW '12 MITSUBISHI LANCER MSRP .................................$19,858 PHM DISCOUNT ....................$2970 FACTORY REBATE ................$1000 LOYALTY REBATE* .................$500 NET COST $43 SAV 70 ING ES GS 15,488 $ 1 AT THIS NET COST (STK120275/031853) $61 SAV 44 ING *Loyalty rebate requires Mitsubishi in same household currently registered to immediate family member or domestic partn. AUTO NEW '12 MITSUBISHI GALANT ES MSRP ................................. $23,139 PHM DISCOUNT ....................$2644 FACTORY REBATE ................$3500 NET COST GS 16,995 $ Alex Jacinto Filipino Sales (866) 413-0451 1 AT THIS NET COST (STK120262/024221) NEW '13 MITSUBISHI MSRP ................................. $19,995 PHM DISCOUNT ...................$3507 SALE PRICE ......................$16,488 LOYALTY REBATE* .................$500 15,988 $ NET COST 1 AT THIS OFFER OUTLANDER SPORT ES S$A4V 007 Or Lease For 2WD INGS FOR $139 /MO. 36 MONTHS Jovi Manalang 1 AT THIS PAYMENT (STK130140/008526) 36 mo. closed end lease on approved Tier One credit thru MMCA. Filipino Sales (866) 690-7757 $3499 due at lease signing +tax & license after application of $500 conquest rebate, available to current registered owners of any non-Mitsubishi or non-Saturn vehicle. Includes refundable security deposit 15¢/mi after 12K mi/yr. *Loyalty rebate requires Mitsubishi in same household currently registered to immediate family member or domestic partn. NEW '13 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO GSR 228 $ Lease For MSRP .................................$35,965 LOW INVENTORY CA$H 4 YOUR CAR /MO. FOR 24 MONTHS 1 AT THIS PAYMENT (STK208145) *kbb.com fair value. Offer may not be combined with other specials. $3,499 Down 12000 miles a year, Over mile 15¢ per mile, 0 security deposit. after Loyalty rebate $500, based on tier one MMCA approval. The shown picture may not be the actual color and model of the car. ELECTRIC VEHICLE i-MiEV i-MiEV IN STOC K NOW Ask about our Guaranteed Credit Approval SM ® WE CAN HELP 1.9% APR LONG TERM FINANCING ON CERTIFIED MITSUBISHI VEHICLES MANAGER'S SPECIALS FROM OUR PRE-OWNED VEHICLE INVENTORY '06 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER TOURING (4681P/250711) $ 8,988 '04 MAZDA RX-8 SPORT COUPE $11,988 (4637A/102387) '10 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY $ 13,988 (4617P/479058) '12 MITSUBISHI LANCER(4659P/005550) ES SEDAN $14,988 '05 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER LS SUV (13185A/048127) $ 8,988 (4628P/008988) (4662P/273882) '12 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE (4645P/005207) $14,988 PUENTE HILLS MITSUBISHI Open 24 Hours @ puentehillsmitsubishi.com $ 12,988 '08 FORD ESCAPE XLT (4652P/A75321) (4667P/489908) '11 KIA SOUL HATCHBACK $ 13,988 $ 12,988 (5909/205909) '11 NISSAN VERSA 1.8S '12 MITSUBISHI GALANT $12,988 $9,988 '10 CHEVROLET IMPALA LS SEDAN (4648P/241260) $9,988 '03 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE COUPE '11 MITSUBISHI LANCER(4637P/041485) ES SEDAN $13,988 '08 HONDA ACCORD 2.4 EX '10 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER $ 14,988 (130043A/013816) 17665 Castleton St., City of Industry Exit 60 freeway at Fullerton, on Castleton St, next to Lowe's. See dealer for complete details on all offers. All advertised prices plus government fees and taxes, any fi nance charges, any dealer documentation processing charge, any electronic fi ling charge, and any emission testing charge. All offers expire 24 hours after publication. $ 14,988 (4603A/014114) '10 HONDA INSIGHT LX HATCHBACK (A5023226/023226) $ 15,988 36 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com "We Treat Customers Like Diamonds" FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE Balita 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 COUNCIL OF EXCELLENCE in Puente Hills Honda Financial Services FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE Welcome 2013! APR Financing Limited Term On Approved Credit NEW 2013 TOTALLY REDESIGNED ACCORDS Ready For Immediate Delivery Hurry For Best Selection! Vic Simonian General Sales Manager NEW 2012 Accord LXS Coupe NEW 2013 Accord LX Sedan Auto, Air, CD, P/W, Locks Automatic Rod Ong Finance Manager 1.888-318.1554 galog" "We Speak Ta LEASE FOR ONLY 239 $ LEASE FOR ONLY Start the New Year with Amazing New Deals! MO. O. + Tax 36 6 mos 189 $ MO. + Tax 36 mos Junior Saldua Sales Consultant 1.888-318.1554 36 month closed end lease, $1,500 Total down. 12K miles per year (36K total miles), 15 cents excess. Plus license fee on approved credit. Pre-Owned Diamond HondaSpecials • 7-YEAR/100,000-MILE LIMITED POWER TRAIN WARRANTY (SEE DEALER FOR WRITTEN COPY) • VOTED BEST CERTIFIED USED CAR PROGRAM FOR 4 YEARS–INTELLICHOICE • BACKED BY AMERICAN Honda Motor CO. • 150-POINT INSPECTION BY FACTORY-TRAINED TECHNICIAN *72 month closed end lease, $2,000 Total down. 2.9% APR. Plus license fee on approved credit. 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Sedan 4D 2005 Ford 154 10,995 204 $ 271 SP: /MO FOR 72 MOS. 17,995 $ ow! N e m Co Y WE SA YES! FOR 72 MOS. 13,595 $ SP: (P0405/547633) (P0404/514701) (P0430/503178) 236 $ 236 $ /MO FOR 72 MOS. SP: $15,995 254 $ 254 $ /MO /MO SP: 18,995 $ SP: /MO FOR 72 MOS. 271 $ /MO FOR 72 MOS. /MO FOR 72 MOS. 15,995 $ 2012 Honda ACCORD LX SEDAN 4D (122956A/107816) 271 $ /MO FOR 72 MOS. SP: $16,995 SP: $17,995 SP: $17,995 2010 Honda 2007 Toyota FJ CRUISER SUV 2D RIDGELINE RTL PICKUP 4D 5 FT (P0409/038090) (122755A/006101) (P0394/053646) FOR 72 MOS. 238 $ (123018A/522475) INSIGHT EX HATCHBACK 4D 287 /MO FOR 72 MOS. SP: $15,995 (P0386/210128) SP: $16,995 $ 237 $ 2010 Honda CIVIC LX COUPE 2D 2011 Toyota CAMRY LE FOR 72 MOS. 2010 Honda ACCORD EX SEDAN 4D /MO FOR 72 MOS. SP: $16,995 2010 Honda (122765A/553618) $ /MO (P0396/720446) (121848A/075607) CC SPORT SEDAN 4D 13,995 $ 198 $ SENTRA S SEDAN 4D (P0402/060622) 2010 Volkswagen SP: FOR 72 MOS. 2010 Honda CIVIC LX COUPE 2D CIVIC LX SEDAN 4D SP: $16,995 11,995 $ /MO 2010 Honda 2009 Honda FIT HATCHBACK 4D FOR 72 MOS. 196 $ CIVIC LX COUPE 2D FOR 72 MOS. /MO /MO FOR 72 MOS. 2011 Toyota COROLLA LE SEDAN 4D 13,995 254 (P0385/606291) (130544A/7145859) 2011 Nissan $ $ SP: 2011 Hyundai ACCENT GLS 287 $ /MO FOR 72 MOS. SP: $18,995 319 $ /MO FOR 72 MOS. SP: $20,995 2009 Honda (130207A/100485) 349 $ SP: /MO FOR 72 MOS. 23,995 $ And experience our friendly services and offers! WHATEVER YOUR CREDIT PROBLEMS, | REPOS | COLLECTIONS | FORECLOSURES | WHA WE'LL HELP YOU. SLOW PAYS | CHARGE OFFS | FIRST TIME BUYER! All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emissions testing charge. *Rates as low as 2.49% APR on select certified Honda Accord, Odyssey & Element. Document, tax and license. INTERSTATE *O.A.C., delivery excludes tax, title, license and destination. Ad expires 1/06/13. VIEW OUR ENTIRE INVENTORY ONLINE 1.888.318.1554 17525 E. Gale Ave., City of Industry IN THE PUENTE HILLS AUTO MALL, EXIT AZUSA AVE. OFF 60 FWY DiamondHonda.com SALE HOURS: 7 DAYS A WEEK/ 9AM-9PM SEE US ON Diamond Honda Puente Hills JOIN US ON AUTO SALES Mon - Sat : 9AM - 9PM Sun : 9AM - 9PM SERVICE Mon - Fri: 7AM - 6PM Sat : 7AM - 4PM INTERSTATE 605 10 Diamond Honda Gale Ave Fullerton Rd SP: /MO 11,995 $ SP: 2009 Nissan (P0418/383434) 172 $ /MO FOR 72 MOS. $ VERSA HATCHBACK 4D (130161A/039322) 171 $ FOR 72 MOS. 2006 Toyota Camry SE Sedan 4D Asuza Ave. SP: /MO CR-V EX Sport Utility 4D (122615A/B33892) (121844A/412313) $ 2003 Honda F150 Reg Cab XLT Pickup 4D Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Abel Payo Sales Consultant Call Direct 310.944.5130 TOLL FREE Visit www.Balita.com 888.717.6199 GOOD CREDIT! BAD CREDIT! NO CREDIT! NO PROBLEM! NEW 2012 CHEV CHEVY EVY SO SONIC LS VIN# CC4208685 MSRP.........................$17,455 WIN Savings $1 960 Savings...................$1,960 Selling Price..................$15,495 *Lease Conquest Rebate.......$1,000 Customer Cash.................$500 Freddy Salaguit Sales Consultant Call Direct 562.326.1826 NEW 2012 CHEVY IMPALA LT VIN# C182722 MSRP.....................................$28,285 WIN Savings..............................$7,290 Selling Price.............................$20,995 *Lease Conquest Rebate........$1,000 TOTAL SAVINGS $3,460 TOTAL SAVINGS $8,290 1 AT THIS OFFER 1 AT THIS OFFER *Customer must have a current lease of a non-GM vehicle of 1999 or newer within household with proof. *Customer must have a current lease of a non GM vehicle of 1999 or newer within household with proof. NEW 2012 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500 SINGLE CAB NEW 2013 CHEVY MALIBU LS VIN# CCZ320679 MSRP....................................$25,200 WIN Savings...........................$3,205 Selling Price..........................$21,995 *GM Trade in Bonus Cash......$1,000 **Lease Conquest Rebate........$2,000 Customer Cash.......................$3,000 TOTAL SAVINGS VIN# CDF181216 MSRP....................................$23,425 WIN Savings...........................$2,930 Selling Price..........................$20,495 *Lease Conquest Rebate.........$1,000 Customer Cash..........................$500 TOTAL SAVINGS $4,430 1 AT THIS OFFER $9,205 1 AT THIS OFFER *Must trade in 99 or newer car or light duty truck **Customer must have a current lease of a non GM vehicle of 1999 or newer within household with proof. *Customer must have a current lease of a non-GM vehicle of 1999 or newer within household with proof. NEW 2013 CHEVY CAMARO 2LS NEW 2013 CHEVY CAMARO CORVETTE MSRP....................................$25,645 WIN Savings...........................$1,906 Selling Price.............................$23,739 MSRP....................................$51,825 WIN Savings..............................$8,230 Selling Price.............................$43,595 *Lease Conquest Rebate........$2,000 Customer Cash.......................$2,000 **CORVETTE Owner Loyalty........$3,000 VIN# CD9145588 Customer Cash..........................$500 TOTAL SAVINGS $2,406 1 AT THIS OFFER VIN# CD5101065 TOTAL SAVINGS $15,2301 AT THIS OFFER *Customer must have a current lease of a non-GM vehicle of 1999 or newer within household with proof. **Eligible to current Corvette owners towards the purchase/lease of 2012/2013 Corvette. PRE-OWNED SPECIALS 888.717.6199 winchevrolet.com All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any fi nance charges, any electronic fi ling charge, and dealer document processing charge, and any emission testing charge. Offers available through1/9/13. *Disclosure: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 or over with Valid driver's license. Offer available to customers who must 1. Test drive a vehicle 2. Complete Credit application 3. Complete write-up on a new vehicle purchase 4. Were not able to come to an agreement on a new car purchase. 5. Must bring a copy of this newspaper ad at time of write up. Not valid for those who's credit does not qualify for loan. Limit one per household. Offer applies to new vehicles only. Not all customers qualify, see dealer for details. 37 winchevrolet.com Balita 38 Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com TEST DRIVE TODAY! Glendale Mitsubishi MENTION THIS AD - AND - GET 3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS Los Angeles • San Gabriel Valley • San Fernando Valley 0% LAS VEGAS VOUCHER RICHARD SAMACO Financing and SPECIAL LEASE Available! SALES MANAGER (888) 305-1627 JOJO DIALA FILIPINO INTERNET MANAGER (888) 305-1628 JOHN SANTOS SALES AND LEASING 2013 2 13 CASRHS OUTLANDER SPORT SE MSRP....................................................$23,175 LOYALTY .................................................$500 CASH REBATE........................................$500 GLENDALE MITSUBISHI DISCOUNT...$3,000 BUYE 2013 LEASRE S LANCER EVO GSR STOCK#30017 BUYE 2,999 $ 19,175 $ 259 3 AT THIS PRICE /MO. + TAX FOR 24 MOS. STOCK# 30031, 30038, 30086 LOADED 2013 2013 L A N C E R OUTLANDER SPORT ES AUTOMATIC LOADED MSRP....................................................$21,195 LOYALTY ........................................$500 CASH REBATE........................................$500 GLENDALE MITSUBISHI DISCOUNT......$3,007 FINANCE BUYERS 17,188 $ NCE FINA YERS BU 16,988 $ 3 AT THIS PAYMENT STOCK# 30001, 30040, 30042 STOCK# 30140D 5,000 DOWN $0 DOWN $ 5,000 DOWN $0 DOWN $ 259 PER MO. FOR 60 MOS. 243 $ PER MO. F 60 MOS. FOR 300 $ OR ES MSRP...................................................$19,740 LOYALTY REBATE....................................$500 GLENDALE MITSUBISHI DISCOUNT....$2,252 1 AT THIS PAYMENT $ DOWN $ PER MO. FOR 72 MOS. OR $ 286 PER MO. FOR 72 MOS. 1.9% FOR 60 MONTHS AND 2.9% FOR 72 MONTHS. FINANCING IS ON APPROVED CREDIT OF 740 FICO SCORE A 1.9% FINANCING ON APPROVED CREDIT OF 740 FICO SCORE FOR 60 MONTHS AND 2.9% FOR 72 MONTHS ar SELL US YOUR CAR! ALL TRADE-INS ARE WELCOME! 10-ye PRE-OWNED CAR SALE 2.9% APR 100,000-mile LIMITED POWERTRAIN WARRANTY ON APPROVED CREDIT 2006 Hyundai Elantra 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R Sedan 2010 Hyundai Sonata GLS Sedan 2007 Mazda Mazda5 Sport 2010 KIA OPTIMA LX 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Sedan 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV 2008 Mazda CX-7 Sport SUV S30291DA| 361143 9314A | 720374 9266A | 654737 9264 | 143232 9251 | 381080 9440 | 001268 9465 | 011792 20052A | 177278 WAS WAS $11,595 $17,595 8,995 NOW $ NOW 10,995 $ 2008 MINI Cooper S Hatchback 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer ES Sedan S20625DA | V32577 30024A | 030754 WAS $19,995 NOW 12,995 $ NOW $14,995 NOW 11,995 $ 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander ES SUV 9419 | 016803 WAS WAS $16,262 $15,315 NOW 11,995 $ NOW 11,995 $ 30091A | 003084 9336RS | 001608 WAS $17,595 WAS WAS $15,595 $16,995 $26,595 NOW Call Us Now! 12,995 $ NOW WAS WAS WAS $12,995 20,942 $14,995 $15,995 11,995 $ 2011 Mitsubishi 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Sedan Spyder GS Sport Spyder Convertible Endeavor SE SUV WAS 12,995 $ WAS WAS NOW 13,995 $ NOW 14,995 $ NOW 11,995 $ NOW 12,995 $ 2005 Toyota Avalon Sedan 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV 9420R | 030770 S30280DA | U055044 9468 | 001213 WAS WAS WAS $19,995 $20,995 $19,995 NOW 14,995 $ NOW 15,995 $ NOW 16,995 $ (888) 257-9968 1235 S. BRAND BLVD. GLENDALE, CA. www.glendalemitsubishi.com ++Cannot combine Rebates with special rate financing through MMCA credit. All vehicles are subject to prior sale and credit approval. All Advertised vehicles exclude government fees and taxes, tire disposal, dealer documentation, smog certificates and any emission charges. Ad expires end of business day of publication. Glendale Mitsubishi Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 39 Subaru of Glendale. With road-gripping Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 30 MPG,3 you won't run out of adventures in a 2013 Subaru Outback or ways to get there. Offer ends January 6. 2013 SUBARU 259 $ OUTBACK 2.5i • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive • 30 mpg hwy3 • 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick1 • Built in our zero landfill plant Per Month 42 Month LEASE 2013 SUBARU 2.5X • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Per Month • 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick1 42 Month LEASE • 27 mpg hwy4 • 170-hp SUBARU BOXER® engine $1,769 down payment $0 Security deposit $259 first month payment $1,999 down payment $0 Security deposit $199 first month payment $2,028 total due at lease signing $2,198 total due at lease signing Model Code DDD-02 Model Code DFB-21 *$259 per month plus tax. 42 month closed end lease. $0.15 per mile over 10,000 miles per year. $0 security deposit. $1769 down payment excludes tax and license fees. Expires 01/06/2013. 2013 SUBARU $ LEGACY 2.5i • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive • 32 mpg hwy2 • 173-hp SUBARU BOXER® engine • 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick1 199 FORESTER $ *$199 per month plus tax. 42 month closed end lease. $0.15 per mile over 10,000 miles per year. $0 security deposit. $1999 down payment excludes tax and license fees. Expires 01/06/2013. 199 Per Month 36 Month LEASE 2013 SUBARU IMPREZA 2.0i 4-DOOR • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive • 36 mpg hwy5 • 2012 IIHS Top Safety Pick1 • Seven airbags standard $1,799 down payment $0 Security deposit $199 first month payment $2198 down payment $0 Security deposit $199 first month payment $1,998 total due at lease signing $2,397 total due at lease signing Model Code DAD-02 Model Code DJD-01 *$199 per month plus tax. 36 month closed end lease. $0.15 per mile over 10,000 miles per year. $0 security deposit. $1799 down payment excludes tax and license fees. Expires 01/06/2013. *$199 per month plut tax. 39 month closed end lease. $0.15 per mile over 10,000 miles per year. $0 security deposit. $2198 down payment excludes tax and license fees. Expires 01/06/2013. "Tawag na!" 199 $ Per Month 39 Month LEASE SUBARU OF GLENDALE 1308 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204 www.SubaruOfGlendale.net 818-396-3900 Subaru, Outback, Forester, Legacy and Impreza are registered trademarks. 12012 Top Safety Picks include the 2013 Subaru Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback and Tribeca. 2EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy for 2013 Subaru Legacy 2.5i CVT models. Actual mileage may vary. 3EPAestimated hwy fuel economy for 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i CVT models. Actual mileage may vary. 4EPA-estimated fuel economy for Forester 2.5X models. Actual mileage may vary. 5EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy for 2013 Subaru Impreza 2.0 CVT models. Actual mileage may vary. Christian Marilla Bobby Cheng Chris Garchitorena Finance Manager Sales & Leasing Consultant Internet/Fleet Manager Purchase or lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru and receive a complimentary factory scheduled maintenance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first.) See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverages and limitations. Customer must take delivery before 4-1-2013 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See dealer for program details and eligibility." 40 Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Finally! We can apply for a Stateside Provisional Waiver (Part 1) must be prepared with all IMMIGRATION Question: I have heard of the supporting docuTODAY that the regulations for the ments, declarations and Stateside Waiver are final. other evidence to show Is that true? the hardship to the United Answer: Well, first States relative. you musty realize that an Question: Since the applicant for an immiapproval of the Provigrant visa, adjustment of sional Waiver is inside the status, or a K or V nonimUnited States, can I get a migrant visa who is inadwork permit while I'm BY BRIAN D. LERNER missible under any proviwaiting for my interview sion of section 212(a) of at the U.S. Consulate? the Act for which a waiver is available. Answer: No, a pending or an approved However, the Stateside Waiver regulations provisional unlawful presence waiver does are now final. Certain immigrants may not authorize any interim immigration benapply for a provisional unlawful presence efits such as employment authorization waiver of inadmissibility. or advance parole. Any application for a Question: Who will provide the decision travel document or request for employment on the Provisional Waiver? authorization that is submitted in connecAnswer: USCIS will provide a written tion with a provisional unlawful presence decision and notify the applicant and his waiver application will be rejected. or her attorney or accredited representative Question: Who exactly is eligible to and will advise the applicant of appeal apply for the Provisional Waiver? procedures if denied. Answer: A foreign national may be eliQuestion: Where must I file the Provi- gible to apply for and receive a provisional sional Waiver? unlawful presence waiver for the grounds Answer: All applications for a provi- of inadmissibility when he or she is unlawsional unlawful presence waiver, including fully present. An alien may be eligible to an application for a provisional unlawful apply for or receive a waiver if he or she: presence waiver made by an alien in re(i) Is present in the United States at the moval proceedings before the Executive time of filing the application for a proviOffice for Immigration Review, must be sional unlawful presence waiver, and for filed with USCIS. USCIS may adjudicate biometrics collection at a USCIS ASC; applications for a provisional unlawful (ii) Upon departure, would be inadmispresence waiver of inadmissibility. The sible only because of unlawful presence at decision whether to approve a provisional the time of the immigrant visa interview; unlawful presence waiver application is (iii) Qualifies as an immediate relative discretionary and does not constitute a (spouse of United States Citizen, unmargrant of a lawful immigration status or a ried child of United States Citizen, or parperiod of stay authorized by the Secretary. ent of United States son or daughter over Thus, do not think at this point that only 21 years old); because it is being filed with USCIS that it (iv) Is the beneficiary of an approved is easy to get or that the burden of proof has immediate relative petition; changed. In fact, the Provisional Waiver (v) Has a case pending with the De- partment of State based on the approved immediate relative petition and has paid the immigrant visa processing fee as evidenced by a State Department Visa Processing Fee Receipt; (vi) Will depart from the United States to obtain the immediate relative immigrant visa; and (vii) Meets the requirements for the Waiver and that the foreign national must show extreme hardship to his or her U.S. citizen spouse or parent. Question: Who is ineligible to do this Provisional Waiver? Answer: A foreign national is ineligible for a provisional unlawful presence waiver if: (i) USCIS has reason to believe that The foreign national may be subject to grounds of inadmissibility other than unlawful presence at the time of the immigrant visa interview with the Department of State; (ii) The foreign national is under the age of 17 (since they would not be subject to the 3/10 year bar); (iii) The foreign national does not have a case pending with the Department of State, based on the approved immediate relative petition, and has not paid the immigrant visa processing fee; (iv) The Department of State initially acted to schedule the immigrant visa interview prior to January 3, 2013 for the approved immediate relative petition on which the provisional unlawful presence waiver is based, even if the interview has since been cancelled or rescheduled after January 3, 2013; (v) The foreign national is in removal proceedings, unless the removal proceedings are administratively closed and have not been recalendared at the time of filing the Form I-601A; (vi) The foreign national is subject to a final order of removal ; (vii) The foreign national is subject to reinstatement of a prior removal order; or (viii) The foreign national has a pending application with USCIS for lawful permanent resident status. Thus, you would not file the Waiver UNTIL the USCIS has approved the I-130 and it has been sent to the National Visa Center. Brian D. Lerner is an Immigration and Naturalization Attorney. He is a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law as Certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Lerner is married to a Filipina and has been helping Filipinos immigrate to the United States for nearly 20 years. His firm represents clients in Deportation/Removal proceedings, does Waivers, Appeals, Naturalization, Adjustments, Criminal Relief, Citizenship, Consulate Processing, Work Permits, Investment Visas and all other areas of Immigration and Naturalization Law. You can go online to www. californiaimmigration.us and get a free consultation or call us at 800.819.0149 or at (562) 495-0554 for an in-person office consultation. Atty. Lerner has two offices in Southern California: Los Angeles – at the Philippine Village located at 4515 Eagle Rock Blvd., Ste. 104, Los Angeles, CA 90041 (323-454-7591) and in Long Beach – at 3233 E. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803 (562-495-0554) and also in the Philippines at Unit 3D, ABBA 1 Building 5756 Kalayaan Avenue, Makati, Philippines 1200 (63) 882-3941. NEW AND USED SPECIALS OVER 3,000 HONDAS AVAILABLE 0.9 % APR UP TO 60 MONTHS ON ALL 2012 HONDA CIVICS, ACCORDS , ODYSSEYS, PILOTS AND CR-VS** **0.9% APR financing on 2012 Honda Civic, Accord, Odyssey, Pilot and CR-V for $10,000 maximum amount financed on approved tier one credit. If more than $10,000 maximum amount financed, 0.9% APR financing does not apply. 0.9% APR financing for 60 months on the 2012 Honda Civic, Accord, Odyssey, Pilot and CR-V is $17.05 per month per $1,000 borrowed. Offer expires 1/31/13. 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Hollenback Ave. 40 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY. 60 FWY @ AZUSA EXIT Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 41 MOTORING Mitsubishi teams with USC to support their smart grid living laboratory project Los Angeles, California, November 29, 2012 – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is supporting the University of Southern California (USC) and the renowned institution's Viterbi School of Engineering as it develops a special campus-wide Smart Grid "Living Laboratory" project including the use of Mitsubishi iMiEV 100% electric vehicles. The Mitsubishi Motors/USC Electric Vehicle Smart Grid Demonstration Project will work to further develop and improve virtually all phases of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure to accommodate widespread EV usage in the future. This unique USC Smart Grid Living Laboratory program, developed by the USC Energy Institute, will simulate a city with a population between 50,000 to 60,000 citizens, tourists, visitors and two hospitals as they document their experiences operating a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) under a wide range of conditions and simulations over a period of two years. "Mitsubishi Motors is proud to offer our support to the USC Smart Grid Living Laboratory program," said Yoichi Yokozawa, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America. "This project will help cities of all sizes develop a very cost-effective electric vehicle infrastructure game plan for drivers of 100% electric-powered vehicles including the Mitsubishi i-MiEV." Mitsubishi Motors will be providing a total of twelve (12) Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles, several Level 2 EVSE charging systems to the Smart Grid program, and will consult with the University throughout the course of the research program and share a wealth of information based upon the company's industry-leading know-how in the area of 100% electric-powered vehicles. "We are excited to build a partnership with Mitsubishi Motors in the area of electric vehicle integration into the Smart Grid that demonstrates that USC and Mitsubishi Motors are serious about the future of electric vehicles," said Dr. Yannis Yortsos, Dean of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. "This is a substantial electric vehicle New Puente Hills Mitsubishi Floor Manager Hanzel Fraguere (left), and Sales & Leasing personnel fleet that will not only provide a useful Alex Jacinto and Jovi Manalang (right) pool of data for technical and behavioral research projects but will also School of Engineering and the USC Energy Institute to have a highly visible impact on the USC community due collect and analyze data under various operating scenarios to interaction with students, faculty, staff, alumni and the with the goal of better integrating 100% electric-powered surrounding neighborhood." vehicles like the Mitsubishi i-MiEV into society as well Mitsubishi has been researching, designing and devel- as successfully scaling up the outcomes of the Mitsubishi/ oping 100% electric-powered vehicles for more than 40 USC project to larger cities. years and was the first major automobile manufacturer to For more information about the Mitsubishi's most successfully launch a 100% electric-powered vehicle for popular vehicle Outlander Sport and other fuel-efficient sale to the public. More than 30,000 Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles, please visit our kababayans Alex Jacinto or Jovi and i-MiEV-based vehicles are on the road around the Manalang and as mentioned the dealership's new Floor world today. Manager Hanzel Fraguere at Puente Hills Mitsubishi Conducted in coordination with the Smart Grid Region- where they can guide you in learning more about the al Demonstration Project of the U.S. Department of Energy Mitsubishi Outlander or any other Mitsubishi for that under contract to the Los Angeles Department of Water matter, a ton of which are ready for purchase and are just and Power, many elements of the University of Southern awaiting new car owners. Not to mention that Mitsubishi California (including several academic departments, the is among our top car brands, anyway. USC Department of Transportation; the Department of Puente Hills Mitsubishi 17665 Castleton St., City of Public Safety; Facilities Management Services; and the Industry, CA 91748. Our kababayans Alex can be reached Department of Athletics) will work with the USC Viterbi at 1-866-413-0451 and Jovi at 1-866-690-7757. 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata named A 10 Best Car By Car and Driver Magazine IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata has been named to Car and Driver's10Best Cars list for the eighth straight year and 14th overall since the vehicle made its global debut in 1989. With a nearly 50:50 weight distribution, the small-in-size MX-5 offers a hefty dose of road-hugging handling and superior driving dynamics, making the roadster a favorite among weekend warriors and daily drivers alike. "The MX-5 Miata sets the bar high on sports car performance and driving pleasure, which is not lost among its inPancho Maraña of Buena Park Pancho Maraña of Nissan Mazda of fan Puente creasing baseHills as the vehicle continues to be a world record holder as both the most popular two-seat roadster ever built[1] and the most raced nameplate in motorsports," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). "Sleek, stylish and sporty – the MX-5 remains an uncomplicated sports car with such a visceral driving experience you won't want to take your hands off the steering wheel." According to Car and Driver, "What keeps the [MX-5] triumphant is not raw performance but a balanced chassis that communicates every nuance to the driver through perfectly calibrated controls." The MX-5 first landed a spot on the 10Best list in 1990 – its first model year – and has made regular appearances ever since. Powered by an MZR 2.0-liter engine, which produces up to 167 horsepower, delivers 140 lb-ft of torque and redlines at 7,200 rpm, the 2013 MX-5 is available with a soft top or industry-leading 12-second-operation Power Retractable Hard Top, and is on sale now. Meanwhile, one of the leading Mazda dealerships in Southern California now has one of the more veteran Filipino sales person in the name of Pancho Maraña here at Mazda of Puente Hills located at 17723 Gale Ave, City Of Industry, CA 91748 For those who have yet to know our kababayan Pancho Maraña, he is more than just a person who helps you get a new car and he's a person of integrity since driving is a vehicle is not just a transportation. For Pancho, it's a way of life and that you need to be safe in getting to your destination in the most fuel efficient and comfortable way. Pancho said that in most cases, car shoppers who have less than perfect credit rating experience tough times with financing. "Car financing can be an exercise in frustration for who have bad credits. Some banks and other financing institutions treat people like numbers when they see derogatory marks on their credit reports. Said Pancho: "Car financing does not have to be a painful process of rejection and humiliation. At Mazda of Puente Hills, we approach every customer with a cheerful, can-do attitude, and we treat everyone with respect and utmost courtesy." To get in touch with Pancho, please call him at 714-249-0808 or toll free at (888) 4163644 or you can learn more about the dealership online at www.mazdaofpuentehills.com. (From left) Jojo Santillana, Nile Villanueva and Victor Malaiba of Miller Toyota of Anaheim. Toyota's 2013 Avalon to offer world's first application of Qi wireless in-car charging TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2012 – The 2013 Toyota Avalon Limited will be the first vehicle available in the world that offers in-console Qi wireless charging for Qi–enabled mobile phones and devices as part of a Technology Package, available for both the gasoline and hybrid version of the new Avalon Limited, which also includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High beams and a Pre-Collision System. Qi is the global standard for wireless power and charging. With Qi, devices can be charged just by placing them on, or near, any Qi-enabled surface. Any Qienabled device works with any Qi charger, regardless of brand or manufacturer. The Avalon's wireless charging pad is integrated into the ebin® lid situated in vehicle's center console. The system can be enabled by a switch beneath the lid, and charging is as simple as placing the phone upon the lid's high-friction surface. Supplied by DENSO, the Avalon's wireless charging system relies on technology developed by ConvenientPower and Philips Lite-on Digital Solution (PLDS), and it will elevate the high technology experience of the new Avalon sedan. "Pioneering the ability to charge with no wires or connectors by simply putting devices in the car console is an intuitive innovation which reflects Toyota's continuing commitment to improve the consumer experience," said Randy Stephens, chief engineer of Toyota Avalon. "We see wireless charging as an important feature that helps enhance the high-technology theme and consumer interface offered by Avalon Limited which is already equipped with three TFT color screens and Intellitouch controls." Qi wireless charging is now integrated in 34 mobile phone models, including recent launches of the LG Google Nexus 4, Nokia Lumia 920, HTC Windows Phone 8X. Qicertified products range from smartphones to charging pads, gaming controllers, Blu-ray Disc recorders, smartphone docking speakers, automobile phone chargers, alarm clocks and battery packs, to charging modules that can be installed in tabletops and furniture. The new dramatically-styled 2013 Avalon arrived in showrooms the beginning of December. This new Toyota flagship sedan features improved dynamics, an athletic exterior design, and a modern yet elegant interior that surrounds occupants with premium materials and a high level of craftsmanship. This latest Avalon is also the first available with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive that offers a combined EPA-rating of 40 mpg. 42 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com JOBMARKET For advertising, call (818) 552-4503 ext 402 • Fax (818) 550-7635 NANNY Live-in or Live-out. Must have experience to care for an infant. Sunland area. Call for an interview 818-731-9228. FEMALE CAREGIVERS Live-in female caregivers for Elderly board & care facility in West Covina. Responsible, good personality. Please call (626) 826-8636. 1 ON 1 CAREGIVING Live-in & live-out, driving, nondriving caregivers. Must speak Englsh. Come to apply 18520 Burbank Blvd. Ste.103 Tarzana 91356. Call 818-708-8873. LIVE-IN NANNY Work 5 days/wk only! (Mon.-Fri.) starting $800/mo. School age, 2 kids. 65 y/o & below. Torrance. (424) 247-9446. Pls. lv msg. Hiring ASAP! EXPD. CAREGIVER Female or male for FT or live-in for a Residential Care Facility for the elderly in Thousand Oaks, CA. Medical background pref'd but not req'd. (818) 422-7667 or (818) 991-7916 Loretta. LONG TERM CAREGIVERS Live-in, mature, can cook meals, & clean facility. Good listener, hardworker, honest, willing to learn. Long-term. References. Valley & Los Angeles. 1 (818) 585-7956. FEMALE NANNY In Fullerton, CA. With provide vacation and other bene¿ts. Responsible, caring, good personality. Please call Noel (714) 357-5617. SOCIAL WORKER Full time MS degree in Social Worker, Psychology, Gerontology. 1-2 yrs exp. in ADHC setting. Computer lit. Fax resume 818831-9822 SFV Adult Day Health Care Center (Granada Hills) Tel. 818-831-6651 DIRECT CARE STAFF Direct Care Staff needed for DD facility. Live-out 5 days per week. Driver's license a plus. Call Nellie (626) 639-4270. CAREGIVERS For facility DD in Diamond Bar. Female preferred, live-in and or weekends. Experience a must. Driving big plus. Call (818) 426-9969 COUPLE CAREGIVER Live-in. Driving & DD experience required. And Dementia experienced Please call 909625-1231. CAREGIVER Exp'd female caregiver age bet 35 to 45 for a female Alzheimer patient. Live-in Mon thru Thurs. Duties incld cooking, feeding, showering, toilet & light housekpng. Must have car. 310-993-4023. LIVE-IN CAREGIVER Elderly Board & Care in Woodland Hills looking for female caregiver, full-time, 5 days a week. Able to lift. Good pay, meals & board. Call Louis (818) 324-3411 IMMEDIATE OPENING RECEPTIONIST With Accounting background Preferably Female with Good Communication Skills With Extensive Experience in Accounts Receivables / Payables SANTA MONICA EMPORIO TILE & STONE A fast growing Balikbayan Box Company is in need of a Pick-Up Driver in their Anaheim, CA location. Qualifications: Must have a clean driving record. Honest & Dependable. Fluent in English & Tagalog. Some lifting required. Call 714-252-5660 or Fax resume to 714-252-5662 FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING SALES PERSON Call: (626) 217-8756 MAZDA PUENTE HILLS New Management Exciting Growth, Great Potential HIRING SALES CONSULTANT (626) 923-6477 Ask for DANIEL LIM or BEN RODRIGUEZ Please Call Diamond Honda of Puente Hills is hiring SALES PEOPLE Please call (626) 935-1700 or email firstname.lastname@example.com LIVE-IN CAREGIVER DSP staff needed for DD facility in Azusa near Glendora. Full-time 5 days/wk. Call Ricky @ 818-231-0704. CAREGIVERS F/T. Live-in. 1 + Years experience, with permit to work. Whittier area. Call (562) 947-1673. MALE CAREGIVER Wanted male caregiver with experience only in Boarding Care Facility for Elderly (6 beds) in Oxnard and Camarillo area. Please call: (805)300-6140 CAREGIVERS & ADMIN ASST. Live-in/out. For assisted living homes in West Side. Will sponsor. Call Dimitri (310) 367-0104 FEMALE CAREGIVER Wanted full-time / live-in female caregiver. Light housekeeping. Call Menchu 323-545-7568 JOB OPENINGS For San Bernardino-Riverside, Ventura County, Los Angeles County ACCOUNTANT, BOOKKEEPER, ADMIN ASSISTANT, CUSTOMER SERVICE & OTHER PROFESSION SEND RESUME OR FAX TO: email@example.com 818-230-1913 Fax Career Mgmt & Professional Services 1010 N. Central, Glendale CA 91202 747-888-7779 cell (Alfonso "Chito") 818-590-7750 cell (Lourdes "Kit") *Sponsorship for qualified applicants.* CAREGIVERS NEEDED! GRAPHIC DESIGNER WITH OR WITHOUT EXPERIENCE! AN RCFE COMPANY OFFERS IMMEDIATE POSITIONS FOR FULL-TIME CAREGIVERS FOR ITS 9 FACILITIES IN SIMI VALLEY, CA. QUALIFIED APPLICANTS TO START IMMEDIATELY! CALL (805) 558-4373 OR (805) 582-2188 FOR INTERVIEW FROM 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM DAILY ORANGE COUNTY CARE GIVERS / CARE PARTNERS Needed CNA's, HHA's, LVN's BUENA PARK NISSAN Email: firstname.lastname@example.com COOK & CAREGIVER Female cook & male caregiver. Live-in for board & care facility in Santa Monica City. Good English & experienced, hardworker, with reference. Good salary. Noah 310-829-4671, 213-908-9851 email: firstname.lastname@example.com RN, LVN, PT, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT Contact: Charles 310-995-5136 Fax resume : 310-451-9898 Email resume: firstname.lastname@example.com DRIVER CAREGIVERS NEEDED For Board and Care. Call 661-259-7478. • Balita Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Hourly and live-ins needed Hourly starting at $11.00 Live-in $110.00 Must have valid ID Must speak clear English Must have 2 years experience Dementia experience preferred 1-800-925-7159 ext. 2 Monday to Friday bet. 9am to 4:30 pm Job opportunity for an experienced individual to assist in catalog, flyer & brochures design. Proficient in desktop publishing using adobe photoshop, illustrator and indesign.Knowledgeable in Auto-CAD is a plus. This is a part time job for immediate placement. Must be legal to work in US. Send resume to firstname.lastname@example.com Tel: 323-826-9490 Fax: 323-826-9493 Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 43 CLASSIFIED ADS TEL.: (818) 552-4503 ext 402 JAY D' PLUMBER/ HANDYMAN Plumbing repair, drain cleaning, copper repipe, bath & kitchen, remodel hydro jetter, toilet, disposal, heating water heater, iron works, electrical & carpentry. Free estimate. (818) 730-6571 MOVING OUT SALE Sat, Jan 5, 2013- 2925 San Marino St, LA, CA 90006 drop in or call (323) 407-0970 computer tables, bookcases, portable air cooler, dresser, many more. Good quality in exclnt condition. APT. FOR RENT 1 Single $700/mo. Panorama near WalMart. 1 BR w/ BA $875/ mo. Vineland near Sherman Way. 2BR w/ BA $1180/mo. N. Hollywood near Metro, train & buses. Filipino manager Pablo (818) 358-4814. LONG BEACH APT. 2 BR 1 BA in quiet 4plex. Willow St. & Sta Fe. Near bus, shopping & school. $1050/mo. + small security deposit. Call Ate Mila (626) 918-4080. APT. FOR RENT Move-in special. 1 BR, laundry, covered parking. Close to freeways and schools. 137 N. Rosemont Avenue (between Beverly & Temple), Los Angeles. Manager: Mercy (213) 483-5117. APT. MOVE-IN SPECIAL Hollywood. 1 BR $1,000; Single $875 brand new hardwood Ă€r, intercom entry, a/c, TFC cable ready, gated parking, pool, near Sunset & Wilcox, no pets. Manager speak Tagalog. (323) 462-3573 APT. FOR RENT In Eagle Rock, 2 BR, 1 BA -With loft & a/c unit, nice neighborhood. -Walking distance to Elementary, Middle & High Sch. -2 parking garage in a secured bldg. Call 323-247-7657 818-268-0099 • Fax: (818) 550-7635 BUENA PARK APT. 1 & 2 BR, good location, cor of Beach Blvd. & Artesia Blvd. Call for special (562) 508-7048. APT. FOR RENT Security bldg., 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, wood laminate and tiled floors, laundry facilities, assigned parking space. Call (323) 667-3194. • MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED HOUSE & ROOM La Mirada - 4 BR 2 BA, 2 story, 2 garage. $1950/mo. + $1,000 deposit. Can live 2 family. Master BR, separate entrance $550/mo. incld utils. 562-9722339; 714-614-6937. ROOM FOR RENT With private bath. Glendale area. (818) 640-9467. APT. FOR RENT 2BR, 2 full BA, 2 car parking gated., centralized A/C, near Post ofc, Orange line and State Bldg., 14610 Delano St. Van Nuys. Fil mngr. $1150/mo. (818) 376-0159 / 667-9931. ROOM FOR RENT Alexandria Ave. bet Santa Monica Blvd. & Fountain. Has own entrance. Furn w/ bed & fridge. Use of wash/dryer / kitchen. Single mature woman only. $475/ mo. Call Joel 323-304-1136 CONDO-BELLFLOWER 3BR, 3BA in gated community, 1,228 sq. ft. - $1,800/mo. plus security deposit. Call (310) 6396464 ext.110 or (310) 938-2607. ROOM FOR RENT N. Wilton Pl. & Santa Monica Blvd. LA. Near bus stop, 2 Rooms, $350 & $500 couple ok. No parking space avail. Pls call (323) 450-9142. NEW CONDO N. Hollywood - 3BR / 2BA, own washer/dryer, granite, rc light, a/c, secd. prkng. Sec 8 ok. Reseda- 2 BR / 2 BA, own washer/dryer, granite, rc light, a/c, elevator, secured prkng. 818-634-1100. ROOMS FOR RENT $400 to $475 Northridge, Panorama & Canoga Park. Parking, washer & dryer. Near shops, excellent area. (818) 404-5579. ROOM FOR RENT House in Mid-Wilshire area, furnished, closet, gated parking. Female pref'd. Close to transpo, church, groceries, $350 & $450. Call (213) 382-5762 or leave a message. ROOM-BURBANK $500 Nice & clean area. Near Portos, accessible to everything. Bed space also welcome. Call 818-636-6190. ROOM FOR RENT $275/mo. incld utils. Highland Park area, quiet neighborhood, small room, semi private entrance, w/ cable, internet & own ref. Preferably 1 female only. Call 323-830-9911; 323-478-0955 ROOM FOR RENT $575 each/mo. wifi, free utils, laundry, washer/dryer, kitchen privilege. Good location, close to everything. City of Anaheim. No pets, no kids. Contact Gina (714) 224-6338 BECOME A BOARD CERTIFIED 99% passing rate in 2012 • SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST in 24weeks • STATE LICENSED DIALYSIS TECHNICIAN (two schedules) 7 weeks OR 12 weeks Call: 310-889-5956 WWW.CALMEDCAREERINSTITUTE.COM WE PRINT WHILE U WAIT. We will set up a studio and will cover your event. Just pick the photos and we will print them on the spot. Bakers must bake. Chefs must cook. Mechanics must repair. Business owners must take care of their clients. Let me provide you with financial information that you need for your business decisions. I use Quickbooks with my small business clients and utilize this software for tax-mapping or provide several schedules for tax preparation every year-end. Let me help you Bookkeeping By Ruth 213-598-0704 PRAYERS PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and conÂżrm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how difÂżcult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted.- ALEX H. ‡&RPPXQLW\(YHQWV‡:HGGLQJV‡%LUWKGD\3DUWLHV‡5HXQLRQV ‡$QQLYHUVDULHV‡'HEXW‡$VVRFLDWLRQ3DUWLHV‡%DSWLVPDO GROUPONE PHOTOGRAPHY 909.610.5847 *URXSRQH#JPDLOFRP 44 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Balita 2013 Nissan Altima Earns 'Top Safety Pick Plus' from IIHS FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The 2013 Nissan Altima added another award to its trophy case with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick Plus" designation, which recognizes passenger vehicles for excellent performance in five passenger Manuel Lava of Nissan of safety tests. Mission Hills Starting with 2013 models, IIHS introduced more stringent criteria and requirements to include the "Top Safety Pick" front, side, rollover and rear crash tests, as well as the newly added small overlap frontal test. The Altima scored well for each of these tests, adding the "Top Safety Pick Plus" award to the five-star safety rating it received in September from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program. "Driver and passenger safety are top priorities for Nissan, which is why we make features like Safety Shield technologies available," said Bob Yakushi, Nissan's director of product safety. "The 2013 Altima is truly Nis- san's most innovative Altima ever, and the 'Top Safety Pick Plus' designation by IIHS reflects the engineering and design that have gone into this car to make it stand out in the class." The Nissan Altima comes equipped with a variety of standard safety features, including the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System, driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control, 3-point ALR/ELR seat belt system, LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), zone body construction with front and rear crumple zones and Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy Fill Tire Alert, which sounds the car horn to notify a person filling a tire with air when the recommended tire pressure has been reached. Available features include next-generation Safety Shield technologies, including Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Moving Object Detection systems using an innovative single rear camera. About Nissan Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest auto- motive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.8 million vehicles in 2011, generating revenue of 9.4 trillion yen ($118.95 billion US). With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of 64 models under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero-emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades, including the prestigious 2011-2012 Car of the Year Japan and 2011 World Car of the Year awards. If you have been desiring to own a new 2013 Nissan Altima or any Nissan vehicle, come down to Nissan Mission Hills and check out our kababayan Manuel Lava of Nissan Mission Hills. Call now toll-free 888-588-7635. For more information on Nissan of Mission Hills call or visit www.nissanofmissionhills.com. 2013 Honda Accord sedan is a top performer in aggressive new IIHS Test Earning Top Safety Pick+ rating American Honda leads industry with three Top Safety Pick+ rated vehicles; 16 American Honda models named Top Safety Pick and be assured of top fuel efficiency as well as TORRANCE, Calif. Dec. 19, 2012 – The allsafety and maintenance. These new 2013 Honda Accord Sedan was one of two are just some of the reasons why are the Pinoys midsize sedans to earn an overall GOOD rating coming in droves to the dealership. in the aggressive, new small overlap frontal Above all, at Diamond Honda of Glendale, cuscrash test conducted by the Insurance Institute tomers are treated like Diamonds! That statement for Highway Safety (IIHS). Under the more is backed up by General Manager Tanal Hassoun, stringent testing guidelines by the IIHS, the who has endeared himself to Filipino customers new small overlap frontal crash test – sometimes because of his professionalism and his recognition called a "narrow offset" test – is designed to Tito Adriosula (left), GM Tanal Hassoun (second from left), Rolly Cayabyab and and vast understanding of Honda's multi-ethnic replicate what happens when the front corner of Rhuvie Lumanog of Diamond Honda of Glendale. market. "He is a great anchor. We rely on his a car collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or utility pole. Additionally, both the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe are wisdom and professional savvy all the time. He is very helpful to the Filipino salesmen among the first vehicles in the industry to earn the highest possible safety rating of TOP and customers alike," says Tito. Diamond Honda of Glendale is located at 138 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA SAFETY PICK+ from the IIHS. As a manufacturer, American Honda leads the industry with three TOP SAFETY 91205. Its toll-free number is 888.856.2420. PICK+ vehicles which include the 2013 Accord Sedan and Coupe and 2013 Acura TL. Additionally, thirteen 2013 model year American Honda vehicles earned TOP SAFETY PICK status: Honda Civic Sedan; Fit; Crosstour; CR-V; CR-Z; Insight; Pilot; Odyssey; and Ridgeline; plus the Acura ILX, TSX, MDX and RDX. All models earned the top rating of GOOD in all four rating areas by the IIHS, including the more rigorous roofstrength test. "The all-new 2013 Honda Accord lineup offers a distinct advantage among mainstream competitors in its class by achieving the highest possible rating of TOP SAFETY PICK+," said Art St. Cyr, vice president of product planning and logistics at American Honda. "As one of the industry safety leaders with eleven 2013 Honda models and five 2013 Acura models achieving TOP SAFETY PICK status, American Honda offers a well-rounded lineup of vehicles that are not only fuel efficient and fun-to-drive, but that also offer top safety ratings." Beginning with the 2013 Honda Accord, Honda is applying the second generation of Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™ II) body structure to its models. This reinforced front frame structure provides further enhanced frontal crash energy management through a wider range of offset and oblique crashes. The result of these efforts provides the capability for the Accord Sedan to achieve a GOOD rating in the new IIHS small overlap frontal testing. The new IIHS test is more challenging, as it requires additional vehicle cabin structure and front structure outboard of the main frame rails – the primary energy absorbing structure. Through the re-engineering of the vehicle structure, Honda has incorporated enhancements that minimize the possible adverse effects on handling and ride comfort, fuel efficiency and overall body vibration, while increasing the safety performance of the vehicle for its passengers. Standard safety equipment on all Honda and Acura models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags (some vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor as well); dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; and a driver's side airbag. All 2013 Honda and Acura models earning recognition from the IIHS, with the exception of the Ridgeline, utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. Honda has a long history of leadership in the development and application of advanced technologies and designs to enhance the safety of all road users, including automobile occupants, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians. The company operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test facilities and is responsible for numerous pioneering efforts in the areas of crashworthiness, airbag technology, collision compatibility and pedestrian safety. This commitment to safety is rooted in Honda's goal to be a company that society wants to exist, and it complements the company's leadership in reducing vehicle emissions, improving fuel efficiency and advancing alternatives to gasoline. Meanwhile, if you want to belong to the select group of Honda owners, all you have to do is visit the Diamond Honda of Glendale and get in touch with our kababayans Tito Adriosula and Rolly Cayabyab and at Diamond Honda of Glendale who are more than ready to serve you and find you your new Honda Hybrids or any other Honda vehicle Toyota offers in-console Qi wireless charging in the 2013 Avalon Limited. Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Ford toininvest Puente Hills $773-M in U.S., create 2,350 jobs Hyundai predicts 4.1% sales rise in 2013 SEOUL, Jan 2, 2013 (AFP) – South Korea's top automaker, Hyundai Motor Group, forecast Wednesday a modest 4.1 percent increase in car sales this year to 7.4 million units, with a strong won harming competitiveness. The projected growth is the lowest since 2007 when the company's global sales rose 3.9 percent, according to data compiled by AFP. "Market environments at home and abroad in 2013 will be very difficult due to the impact of the years-long European debt crisis and global slowdown," group chairman Chung Mong-Koo said in his New Year message to employees. Hyundai, together with its smaller affiliate Kia, is the world's fifth-largest automaker. The group sold 7.12 million cars worldwide last year, up 8.0 percent from 2011. But the firm has seen growth slow with weakening demand in key U.S. and European markets. Hyundai, along with other major South Korean exporters, has also struggled with a surge in the local currency that has jacked up the price of its vehicles overseas in relation to Japanese rivals such as Honda or Toyota. Chung vowed to increase investment in developing environmentally-friendly vehicles and electronic technologies in a bid to "secure future growth drivers". He also stressed the group's global network, including 30 factories across nine countries, would help drive growth in an unfavourable market. The firm opened two new plants in China and Brazil last year. "In order to achieve the sales goal of 7.41 million, we should respond to market changes more actively and forge closer cooperation in our globalised networks," Chung said. 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 Wheree Customers are Treated Like Diamonds Di Diamond Honda CHICAGO, Dec 27, 2012 (AFP) – U.S. auto giant Ford said Thursday it will invest $773 million to expand factories across its home state of Michigan, generating 2,350 new jobs, part of a plan to add 12,000 jobs by 2015. The investment will help save an additional 3,240 jobs, it said. "Even as we wrap up an incredibly busy year of capacity expansions and product launches, we are continuing to look to the future," Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing, said in a statement. "These investments, many of which are already under way, will ensure our southeast Michigan manufacturing facilities can support our aggressive growth plans." The Dearborn-based manufacturer posted its best November since 2005, as sales rose six percent to 177,673 vehicles. The results were driven by strong demand for its small cars, which posted their best November in 12 years. Ford employs some 172,000 people and maintains 65 plants worldwide. 45 COUNCIL OF EXCELLENCE Honda Financial Ser vices American Honda Finance Corporation 2013 Sales Event! ALL NEW RE-DESIGNED 2013 Honda Civic AND 2013 Honda Accord NOW ON SALE! 0 % APR on limited long term financing on select new Honda models for well qualified buyers. On approved credit Lifetime Powertrain Warranty Tito Adriosula Rhuvie Lumanog Sales & Leasing Sales & Leasing NEW 2012 $ LEASE FOR ONLY PER MONTH PLUS TAX FOR 36 MONTHS Sales & Leasing Honda CR-V EX NEW 2012 2WD, AUTOMATIC $ LEASE FOR ONLY ALL IN STOCK New 2012 Honda Civic Coupe LX closed end lease for $99 per month plus tax on approved credit. $2,999 due at lease signing plus tax, license & fees. $0 security deposit. 12,000 miles per year with .15 cents per mile thereafter. Charges for excess wear & tear may apply. Offer expires on date of publication. Tanny Santos Sales & Leasing Sales & Leasing Model #FG3A5CEW 99 Rolly Cayabyab Helen Park Honda Civic Coupe LX AUTOMATIC Only at Diamond Honda INCLUDED WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY NEW OR SELECTED USED VEHICLE. WE WILL EXTEND YOUR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY FOR AS LONG AS YOU OWN YOUR VEHICLE. PEACE OF MIND YOU CAN'T GET ANYWHERE ELSE. Model #RM3H5CJW 219 PER MONTH PLUS TAX FOR 36 MONTHS ALL IN STOCK New 2012 Honda CR-V EX closed end lease for $219 per month plus tax on approved credit. $2,999 due at lease signing plus tax, license & fees. $0 security deposit. 12,000 miles per year with .15 cents per mile thereafter. Charges for excess wear & tear may apply. Offer expires on date of publication BMW says hit record sales in 2012 FRANKFURT, Dec 27, 2012 (AFP) – German top-of-the-range carmaker BMW sold a record 1.8 million vehicles in 2012, chief financial officer Friedrich Eichiner said in a newspaper interview Thursday. "One of our goals for 2012 was to increase unit sales and achieve a new deliveries record. With 1.8 million vehicles, we've done that," Eichiner told the Die Welt daily. Earlier this month, Eichiner had said that BMW was "on target" for reaching a new sales record following buoyant sales in November. In November, BMW's worldwide sales rose by about 20 percent to more than 170,000 vehicles. In the 11 months to November, vehicle sales so far this year reached about 1.66 million, an increase of some 10 percent compared with the same period last year. The carmaker's aim was to lift sales again next year, Eichiner told Die Welt. "The big question is whether the markets will allow it," he said, cautioning that BMW would see "stagnation at best" in Europe. "The United States, on the other hand, will offer recovery opportunities, with the overall market there projected to grow by 5.0 percent and the premium segment even stronger," Eichiner said. "In addition, we've built up a strong position in medium-sized markets such as Australia, Russia, Korea and Turkey. And these markets are continuing to grow," he said. NEW 2012 Honda Crosstour EX V6, AUTOMATIC $ LEASE FOR ONLY Model #TF1H3CJW 229 PER MONTH PLUS TAX FOR 36 MONTHS NEW 2013 Honda Pilot LX 2WD Model #YF3H2DEW $ LEASE FOR ONLY 239 PER MONTH PLUS TAX FOR 36 MONTHS 2 AT THIS PAYMENT ( 002583, 003393) 1 at this payment (23318/006965) New 2012 Honda Crosstour closed end lease for $229 per month plus tax on approved credit. $2,999 due at lease signing plus tax, license & fees. $0 security deposit. 12,000 miles per year with .15 cents per mile thereafter. Charges for excess wear & tear may apply. Offer expires on date of publication. New 2013 Honda Pilot LX 2WD closed end lease for $239 per month plus tax on approved credit. $2,999 due at lease signing plus tax, license & fees. $0 security deposit. 12,000 miles per year with .15 cents per mile thereafter. Charges for excess wear & tear may apply. Offer expires on date of publication. Complimentary First Month's payment for up to $500 leased or financed through American Honda Finance. See dealer for more details. RATE AS1.9% LOW AS ** APR ** On Select HondaCertified Models. 9,888 2008 Honda Accord EX 10,888 2009 Honda Accord LX 12,888 2009 Toyota Camry 14,888 2010 Honda Element EX 14,888 2010 Honda Crosstour EX-L 2011 Nissan Versa $ (90818/421652) 2011 Chevy Aveo $ (090834/177031) 2009 Nissan Sentra $ (222026A/620518) 2011 Nissan Altima $ (90793/439914) 2011 Toyota Corolla $ (222728A/191050) 14,888 $ (C90761/075656) 15,888 $ (C90789/125345) 16,888 $ (221856A/154419) 20,888 $ (C222239A/004177) (C221287A/011195) 21,488 $ OTHER PRE-OWNED SPECIALS 2012 Honda Civic $ 12,888 2010 Honda Accord Coupe $ 13,888 2009 Honda Accord EX $ 2010 Nissan Rogue $ 2011 Honda Odyssey $ 2005 Ford Explorer 5,988 $ (222472A/A28268) 2011 Kia Rio $ 2010 Nissan Sentra $ 2008 Mazda CX-7 $ (90760/848533) (90794/71438) 13,888 (23713A/197801) 2008 Toyota Prius $ (221866A/697567) 134 BROADWAY AVE. PARIS, Jan 02, 2013 (AFP) – French new car registrations hit a 15-year low point in 2012 and business looks like it will be just as tough this year, data from the French automobile manufacturers' association CCFA showed on Wednesday, mirroring slumps seen elsewhere in the 17-nation eurozone. In France, auto sales fell by 13.9 percent in 2012 to 1.899 million units, a CCFA statement said. The drop was compounded by the end of government-funded buying schemes that had boosted sales between 2009 and early 2011. The worst hit companies were French automakers Peugeot Citroen, where sales shrank by 17.5 percent, and Renault, down by 22 percent. Foreign builders saw an overall drop of 6.7 percent, but deliveries by German luxury car companies Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz actually grew, while those by the South Korean group Hyundai-Kia literally took off. "All the multi-range car companies shrank, while higher end carmakers held on," a spokesman at CCFA said. "The drop in sales of light utility vehicles and trucks is very worrying as it signals a slowdown in the economy," the spokesman added. A huge exception to the poor results was Hyundai-KIA which saw sales skyrocket 28.2 percent to take a 2.19 percent market share. "We are waiting for a 2013 market to be at best like that of 2012. We'll look for the trend in the first quarter," the spokesman said. Elsewhere across the eurozone, registrations of new cars in Italy fell by 19.87 percent last year to 1.4 million units, plunged by 37.9 percent in Portugal and lost 14.94 percent in Belgium. COLORADO BLVD. GLENDALE Bleak 2012 for French auto sales: trade data On Approved Credit for well qualified buyers 5 14,888 16,888 (222632a/334636) (C90826/009160) (C90676/122176) (90836/002531) (221058A/002639) 17,488 18,888 19,888 31,888 138 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale, CA 91205 2 888.856.2420 www.diamondhondaofglendale.com All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emissions testing charge. Ad expires close of business date of publication. For well qualified buyers on approved credit. Not all who apply will qualify. 46 Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com Balita SPORTS Mexican Olympic medalist shot in head Ex-NBA player tests positive in China \BEIJING, Jan 1, 2013 (AFP) – Former NBA player Marcus Williams has been banned from playing in China for six months after testing positive for marijuana, in what is said to be the Chinese professional basketball league's first drugs case. The former San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers player, who is now with Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons, was banned by the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) on Monday after testing positive on December 9, state-run media said. Xinhua news agency said it was the first drugs case in the CBA league's 17year history. "To all the CBA fans, Shanxi fans, sponsors, as well as my coaches and players, I sincerely apologise. I have let a lot of people down and I regret it," Williams, 26, said on his microblog on Sina Weibo, China's version of Twitter. Williams moved to China to join Zhejiang Golden Bulls in 2010. He transferred to Shanxi in 2011. The punishment means he will have to sit out the rest of the season, which runs from November to February, but his team is free to replace him with another foreign player. 2013 Mexico City, Jan 1, 2013 (AFP) – Noe Hernandez, a Mexican who won the silver medal in race walking at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, lost his left eye and was in serious condition Monday after being shot in the head in a bar, reports said. Carlos Castillo Rangel, the surgeon who treated Hernandez, was quoted as saying that the 34-year-old ex-athlete was in "very serious" but stable condition after being hit in the left, frontal area of his head. Hernandez was at the "Queen of Kings" nightclub in the central state of Mexico on Sunday when three gunmen burst in and shot at customers, killing two people and seriously wounding two others, the prosecutor's office said. Hernandez, who serves as sports secretary for the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in Mexico state, underwent three surgeries after being struck by a 9mm bullet. "The surgeries were successful, without any complications. We must wait and see his progress in intensive care," Castillo Rangel said. Bars are often raided by gang members in Mexico, a nation beset by a drug war that has left more than 60,000 people dead in the past six years. NEW YEARS Out to be the # 1 Nissan dealer in the World* NISSAN of MISSION 0% APR LONG TERM FINANCING Manuel Lava Cell: 661 -644-0944 2012 NISSAN VERSA 4,000 4 CYL. $9,950 FACTORY REBATE ON APPROVED CREDIT, ON SELECT MODELS. "Ang MISSION Ko ay tulungan Kayo!" Internet/Fleet Manager $ OR UP TO HILLS 2012 NISSAN MURANO 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA SV $ 5,000 4 CYL. $ 7,000 2013 NISSAN VERSA SEDAN SV 2012 NISSAN VERSA HB 4 CYL. $ 4 CYL. $ 11,977 12,977 2012 NISSAN JUKE SV 2013 NISSAN SENTRA SV 4 CYL. 4 CYL. $ 15,977 2013 NISSAN ROGUE $ 18,977 $ 17,977 2012 NISSAN FRONTIER 4x2 CREW CAB $ 18,977 3 AT THIS PRICE THE ALL NEW REDESIGNED $ 2013 NISSAN ALTIMA S 19,977 888-588-7635 2012 NISSAN MAXIMA $ 24,977 Ex-Olympic champion Kitajima to wed pop star TOKYO, Jan 1, 2013 (AFP) – Japan's four-time Olympic swimming champion Kosuke Kitajima has announced his engagement to a 27-year-old pop singer. Kitajima, 30, said in a statement he had been going out with Chisa for two years and "was able to devote myself to my competitive career because of her support". Chisa is the vocalist with the Girl Next Door trio. Her family name has not been publicly disclosed. In a separate statement on the band's website Tuesday, Chisa called for her fans' continuing support and said she would continue her singing career. Kitajima won gold in the 100 meters and 200m breaststroke at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics. He reportedly proposed to his brideto-be before the London Olympics last summer. Chisa visited London during the Olympics, where Kitajima failed to defend his titles. He finished fifth in the 100m and fourth in the 200m, but managed to win the silver medal in the 400m medley relay. Japanese city to host Tour de France event TOKYO, Jan 4, 2013 (AFP) – A Japanese city is to host a special event under the Tour de France banner in October to mark the 100th edition of cycling's most prestigious race, a report said Friday. Saitama City, north of Tokyo, and tour organisers Amaury Sports Organisation will soon reach a formal agreement and then announce the project, said the mass circulation Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. The two sides are considering inviting some 50 top cyclists to the "All Stars" exhibition, which will come after the Tour's title race takes place in June and July in France. Saitama city mayor Hayato Shimizu visited France last year to see the tour and held talks with senior officials, the Yomiuri said. Saitama has proposed a "Criterium" race in which cyclists go around certain districts several times, the daily said, adding that it hopes to continue hosting the exhibition annually. An official from the Saitama Sport Commission said: "It is true that we are negotiating plans to host Tour de France, but we are not at the stage where we can make an announcement." Balita Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Visit www.Balita.com 47 Mercedes-Benz of Encino Brighter 2013 brings hope. We give comfort and safety. Raymond Orosa mbrace Your World. And be h-app-y. Filipino Sales Mercedes-Benz is an app that can make any trip easier, more productive, safe and more enjoyable. It brings the Internet to your dashboard. Connects you to your car from your smart phone or computer. And brings you a world of convenience and security. Mercedes-Benz 2013 C250 Sport Sedan $349* per month + tax 30 months 10k miles/yr Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Toll Free 888.898.8996 Mercedes-Benz 2013 E350 $579* *MSRP $38,755 at 30 month lease on approved average credit, $4,143 plus tax and license due at signing. No security deposit required. 10k miles per year with .25c per miles on excess mileage. Expires 1/7/13. per month + tax 30 months 10k miles/yr Mercedes-Benz 2013 ML350 SUV $599* *MSRP $55,905 at 30 month lease on approved average credit, $4,549 plus tax and license due at signing. No security deposit required. 10k miles per year with .25c per miles on excess mileage. Expires 1/7/13. per month + tax 30 months 10k miles/yr *MSRP $51,875 at 30 month lease on approved average credit, $4,893 plus tax and license due at signing. No security deposit required. 10k miles per year with .25c per miles on excess mileage. Expires 1/7/13. In this case, the credit is going exactly where it's due. Up to 4 months' Payment Credit on your current Mercedes-Benz Financial Services lease with the purchase of a new 2013 Mercedes-Benz.*Eligible customers will receive up to 4 months' payment credit (if maturing from C, CL, CLK, CLS, E, G, GL, GLK, M (excluding ML450 Hybrid), R, S, SL or SLK-Class) on their current lease with a lease or finance of any new 2013 Mercedes-Benz vehicle through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Certain exclusions apply. See dealer for details. Certified Pre-Owned Rates on Select Models Rate as low as .99% APR on 2008, 2009 & select 2010 models for up to 66 months. 2005 Acura TSX Sedan 4D $10,513 Stk # 61090T Mileage:101,786 2007 MB C230 Sport Sedan $17,910 Stk # 61194P Mileage: 64,865 2009 MB C300 Sport Sedan $25,913 Stk # 60938P Mileage: 26,507 2003 Porsche Boxster Cabriolet 2D 2004 BMW 5 Series 525i Sedan $11,313 Stk # 61095T Mileage: 91,555 2006 MB ML350 Sport Utility 4D $18,910 Stk # 61223T Mileage: 95,134 2010 MB C-Class C300 Sport $25,913 Stk # 61108C Mileage: 23,984 $11,813 Stk # 61093T Mileage:106,815 2007 MB E350 Sedan $19,810 Stk # 61169T Mileage: 82,458 2010 MB C300 $26,813 Expires Jan. 8, 2013. 2005 Audi A4 (2005.5) 2.0T $13,910 Stk # 61186T Mileage: 94,084 2009 MB C300 Sport Sedan 4D $23,713 Stk # 61014T Mileage: 32,181 2006 Lexus GX GX 470 SUV 2009 MB C300 Luxury Sedan $24,813 $27,913 Stk # 61100C Mileage: 34,891 Stk # 60961P Mileage: 44,073 2011 MB GLK350 SUV 2009 MB E350 Sedan Stk # 60964P Mileage: 29,699 Stk # 61267T Mileage: 107,079 $20,910 $30,910 Stk # 61296T Mileage: 47,150 All certified cars sold until Jan. 8, 2013 will have one scheduled maintenance included. Mercedes-Benz of Encino Test Drive Today! Call Us Now! 888.898.8996 16721 Ventura Blvd. Encino CA 91436 mbencino.com 48 Visit www.Balita.com LOS ANGELES Weekend, Sat. - Fri., January 5-11, 2013 Balita