Hawaii Filipino Chronicle - April 30, 2011

APRIL 30, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 1

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PHILIPPINE NEWS

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2 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE APRIL 30, 2011

EDITORIAL

Living Out One’s Catholic Faith f there’s ever a word that’s synonymous with being Filipino, it would be “Catholic.” More devout Filipinos take it a step further and identify themselves as “Roman Catholics.” Since the Philippines was colonized by Spain over 300 years ago, Catholicism has profoundly influenced many aspects of Filipino culture. Not surprisingly, the Catholic Church has a powerful influence on national life. A small but growing number of Filipinos have brazenly complained that the church may in fact be wielding too much influence. One such person is President Benigno Aquino, who in a recent interview stated that he is willing to risk excommunication from the church for supporting the Responsible Parenthood Bill. His position runs contrary to the church’s, which advocates against the use of contraceptives—despite the endless cycle of poverty and unplanned births in the Philippines. The bill, which is supported by many in the Philippines’ medical profession, is currently pending in Congress. Sadly, for all of the Philippines’ religious history and traditions, the country continues to languish in poverty, crime and other social ills. The question then must be asked—How can a predominantly Christian nation like the Philippines be held back, while Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and other non-Christian nations in Asia have progressed? There are many reasons but the main culprit is rampant corruption at all levels of government and daily life. The words in Matthew 15:8 are truer than most Filipinos would want to admit: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Rather than chastise, we instead encourage everyone who believes in God and His Son Jesus to live their life as closely as possible to their convictions. The more your life mirrors your beliefs, the more honor you bring to God. And when you honor God, His blessings are right around the corner. That is Catholicism in its purest sense.

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Ending Recycling Subsidy is Good Idea bill slowly working its way through the City Council would end generous subsidies given to recycling companies that deposit their recycling residue at Waimanalo Gulch Landfill in Nanakuli. Currently, recyclers receive an 80 percent discount on tipping fees charged by the City. This discount was first enacted in 1991 by Mayor Frank Fasi whose goal was to encourage recycling by providing an incentive. Back then, prices for scrap metal were low and recycling was a fledgling industry. The discount received the support of succeeding mayors Jeremy Harris and Mufi Hannemann. Opponents of the bill say that the discount has benefited Oahu by increasing the number of recycling businesses, providing jobs, preserving landfill space and encouraging more people to recycle. However, the bill’s supporters say that the price for metal has since skyrocketed and hence no such discount is needed. They say that the discount is nothing more than corporate welfare that benefits one company in particular—Schnitzer Steel Hawaii—to the tune of some $2 million per year. Schnitzer’s competitors accuse the company of unfairly using the subsidy to suppress competition by overbidding scrap metal prices. In initial testimony against Bill 47 (2010), Schnitzer threatened to end the popular Aloha Aina Day, a community program that provides schools and non-profit groups with cash for various recycled items. However, the company has since retracted its statements and vows to carry on with the program regardless of the outcome on the bill. In case you’re wondering, Bill 47 (2010) passed Second Reading on April 20, 2011 and will be heard by the Committee on Public Works and Sustainability on May 2, 2011. The bottom line is that there’s no denying that Schnitzer is a profitable company. As such, any such subsidy from government should no longer be given, particularly during these tough economic times and when city departments are looking for ways to raise rev-

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FROM THE PUBLISHER elcome readers, to the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle’s latest edition. Can you believe that Easter is already upon us? In addition to the usual chocolate bunnies and egg hunts, we hope that you happily celebrated the resurrection of the Messiah! Speaking of celebration, please mark May 7, 2011 on your calendar and plan to attend the annual Filipino Fiesta & Parade. Why not spend the day with thousands of your closest Filipino friends at this signature event of the Filipino community? One of the new twists to this year’s Fiesta and Parade is a Manny Pacquiao Look-Alike Contest. Fantastic prizes will be given to the one who most closely resembles the Philippines’ boxing champ. Interested? Please read more about the contest. In keeping with the Easter theme, contributing writer Fiedes Doctor has submitted an article on the role that Catholicism has played in the lives of Filipinos here in Hawaii. Her article also covers many unique and traditional Catholic practices. In the Philippines, an astonishing 85 percent of the population identify themselves as Catholic! It’s no surprise then that in the Philippines, Catholics go all-out when it comes to observing certain festivals or events. In Hawaii, such events are much more subdued for obvious reasons. We hope you will take time to read this very interesting and informative story. Also in this issue, we are honored to have the Governor’s Column. On page 3, Gov. Abercrombie outlines his priorities as it pertains to the state budget—including job creation, economic recovery and making government work…to name just a few. We hope that state lawmakers will take into consideration his ideas and suggestions as the final days of the Legislature wind down. Stay tuned for Part 2 of his special column in future issues. In other news, veteran Filipino journalist Emme Tomimbang has created a new scholarship for students at Farrington High School who are interested in pursuing careers in journalism (see page 7). Kudos to Ms. Tomimbang for giving back to her alma mater. Who knows, with her scholarship, we could very well see the next Emme Tomimbang on the TV news within a few years. There are other articles in this issue that we hope you will enjoy reading, including Legislative Connection on page 6, Immigration Guide on page 7, Legal Notes on page 13 and Philippine Language on page 14. As always, it is our pleasure to continue providing our readers with the very latest news affecting Filipinos not just in Hawaii, but globally. Thank you once again for faithfully supporting the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle—the leading Filipino newspaper in the 50th State! Until next time…aloha and mabuhay!

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Publisher & Executive Editor Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D. Publisher & Managing Editor Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Associate Editors Dennis Galolo Edwin Quinabo Creative Designer Junggoi Peralta Design Consultant Randall Shiroma Photographer Tim Llena Administrative Assistant Shalimar Pagulayan Columnists Gov. Neil Abercrombie Carlota Ader Carlo Cadiz, M.D. Mayor Peter Carlisle Sen. Will Espero Grace F. Fong, Ed.D Ruth Elynia Mabanglo, Ph.D. J.P. Orias Pacita Saludes Reuben S. Seguritan, Esq. Charlie Sonido, M.D. Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq. Felino S. Tubera Sylvia Yuen, Ph.D. Contributing Writers Belinda Aquino, Ph.D. Clement Bautista Teresita Bernales, Ed.D Linda Dela Cruz Fiedes Doctor Danny De Gracia, II, MA Amelia Jacang, M.D. Caroline Julian Maita Milallos Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D. Glenn Wakai Amado Yoro Philippine Correspondent Gregory Bren Garcia Big Island Distributor Grace Larson Ditas Udani Maui Distributor Cecile Piros

enues because of tight budgets in the coming fiscal year. The $2 million could be used to hire more police officers or improve the many dilapidated roads on Oahu. Let’s hope that the City Council will do the right thing by ending the subsidies.

LETTERS IMELDA MARCOS UNDERAPPRECIATED I have been reading Atty. Tipon’s columns and always have enjoyed his enlightening sense of humor. I am compelled to write because of his article dated April 2, 2011 which mentioned the success of the Tripoli Agreement. I am so happy and grateful that for the first time someone of his caliber is patriotic and courageous enough to mention one of the numerous accomplishments of the late President Ferdinand Marcos and his First Lady Imelda Marcos. With due respect, you mentioned Mrs. Marcos’ meeting with President Gaddafi—it being an anecdote. On all those working visits, I was lucky to be one of the “close-in” entourage. Being her personal military nurse, I can truthfully say that she was never undiplomatically or improperly entertained Like what you said, it was just a joke but some believe whatever is fed them by the media, especially juicy, malicious tabloid articles. I wrote this letter because Mrs. Marcos has been linked with Fidel Castro, Gaddafi, etc. and featured as a cheap woman negotiator using her femininity to accomplish whatever she wanted. I’m sorry I get so emotional—but it is so unfair. She worked with dedication and fervor to solve our country’s problems but was not acknowledged or appreciated. Thank you for your kind attention.

Delmar T. Magno Waipahu

Molokai Distributor Maria Watanabe Advertising/Marketing Director Chona A. Montesines-Sonido Account Executives Carlota Ader J.P. Orias The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle is published weekly by The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. It is mailed directly to subscribers and distributed at various outlets around Oahu and the neighbor islands. Editorial and advertising deadlines are three weeks prior to publication date. Subscriptions are available at $75 per year for Oahu and the neighbor islands, continental U.S. $80, foreign country $90. Copyright 2006. The Hawaii Filipino Chronicle Inc. is located at 94-356 Waipahu Depot, Waipahu, HI 96797. Telephone (808) 678-8930 Facsimile (808) 678-1829. E-mail filipinochronicle@gmail.com. Website: www.thefilipinochronicle.com. Opinions expressed by the columnists and contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle management. Reproduction of the contents in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the management. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. www.thefilipinochronicle.com www.efilipinochronicle.com

APRIL 30, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 3

GOVERNOR’S COLUMN

A Summary of Governor Neil Abercrombies Priorities (Part 1)

The Way Forward By Gov. Neil Abercrombie cross the country, we see government paralyzed in conflict and confrontation. But here in Hawai‘i, our State Legislature and the Abercrombie Administration are poised to do something completely different. We are drawing from our values of aloha and lōkahi. We are reaching out to each other. And in the face of our biggest challenges, we are seeing bigger opportunities. The people of Hawai‘i are tired of just playing not to lose. We want to play to win. We are ready to create good jobs, rebuild our economy, produce more of our own food and energy, transform our schools and our healthcare system for positive results, take care of those in need, and keep us safe from harm. And we have a plan to move in this direction and emerge from difficult fiscal times stronger than ever before. Here are the highlights of what we can do in this legislative session if we pass the Executive Budget and some key bills:

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Creating jobs and speeding up economic recovery New Day Work projects The New Day Work Projects include $1.7 billion in capital improvement projects with high social value, including irrigation systems, energy efficiency projects, educational facilities, and transportation infrastructure. The projects will create immediate jobs and stimulate economic recovery (Executive Budget). Clean Energy We can pave the way for the islands to be connected by an undersea cable system for electric and broadband transmission (SB367) and expand the Public Utilities Commission to more effectively advance clean energy policies (SB99). We must also provide additional

capacity to the PUC and Consumer Advocate to improve regulatory processes. We can greatly improve energy efficiency in state buildings and provide proper funding for the State Energy Office so it can manage the state’s clean energy portfolio (Executive Budget, HB1019). The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has launched a Green Jobs Initiative that will prepare our workforce for these jobs. Food Production We can complete key irrigation and watershed improvement projects and restore agricultural inspector positions to ensure that our environment and agricultural products are protected from invasive species (Executive Budget). The Department of Agriculture is already forming new partnerships with community groups, federal agencies, and the University of Hawai‘i to advance food production in Hawai‘i. Technology Important legislation is pending that will advance broadband improvements throughout the state (HB1342/SB1161). We also must make infrastructure improvements to our schools and advance electronic health information systems statewide (Executive Budget). Jump starting business The plan includes increased capacity at the State Procurement Office so critical projects are not unnecessarily delayed, saving time and money. It also restores the Film Office, the State Historic Preservation Division and other critical government functions that have a direct impact on business activity (Executive Budget). Small business We can extend small business assistance to communities and expand Hawai‘i Small Business Innovation Research Grants (Executive Budget). The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism has already leveraged outside funds for communitybased economic development

grants and business assistance in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in November 2011, and they are working with business organizations to conduct procurement workshops throughout the islands.

Investing in our people Education The plan will protect the number of student instructional days. It also supports innovation in education and basic services, including athletic programs, school transportation, contracted nursing services, and community colleges. There is more than $400 million in education-related New Day Work Projects (Executive Budget). The Department of Education will explore using school lands to develop needed workforce housing that will generate new revenues to build 21st Century Schools (SB1385). A newly appointed Board of Education is ready to lead a revitalization of our public schools with opportunities, such as President Obama’s Race to the Top grant. The University of Hawai‘i is coordinating a $36 million federal broadband grant to connect every public library, school, and campus; and they are moving on the Thirty Meter Telescope on Hawai‘i Island, which will increase federal and international investment in the state and help develop local industries. Early childhood The plan funds the Early Learning Council and the Preschool Open Doors program, and we must also find funding

for the critical Healthy Start Program because investing in early childhood has enormous financial and social returns and it is the right thing to do (Executive Budget). Human services We must take care of each other through programs, including Kupuna Care, meals for the elderly, child and adult protective services, mental health services, and services for people with disabilities. We can also provide better support to nonprofit service providers, construct new senior residences, and provide long overdue repair and maintenance to public housing units. And we must provide adequate funding to programs that help rehabilitate adults and youth in correctional facilities so we ultimately spend less on incarceration and advance the mission of bringing our prisoners home (Executive Budget). Currently, the departments of Human Services and Health are reorganizing themselves to work in closer partnership with community organizations and make the best use of limited resources. Housing and homelessness Important legislation that will help people facing mortgage foreclosure is advancing (HB1411, SB651, SB652). The Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation has $609 million in housing projects value planned for the next two years. We will make significant infrastructure improvements needed to build more housing on Hawaiian homestead lands. And we will have additional funding available for homeless services (Executive

Budget). The Governor’s Homelessness Coordinator is working closely with county agencies and the private sector. They are going after outside funds and developing partnerships and volunteer resources. Healthcare We must pass legislation to create a Hawai‘i Health Insurance Exchange to advance the goals of health insurance access and quality care for all (SB1348). We are making investments in electronic medical records to create efficiencies and quality outcomes. And we can obtain federal dollars for a computerized Medicaid eligibility system (Executive Budget). Defense and veterans We can access significant federal matching funds to improve veteran cemeteries and National Guard facilities and support tuition assistance for Hawai‘i National Guard members (Executive Budget). The departments of Defense and Public Safety worked together so that prison work programs helped in the construction of five classrooms for the National Guard’s Youth Challenge program.

Making government work Modernizing technology The Governor’s Office secured $3 million in private funding to launch a major initiative to modernize the state’s technology system under the leadership of a Chief Information Officer. Legislation will fund and initiate a new Office of Information Management and Technology, which will (continued on page 7)

4 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE APRIL 30, 2011

COVER STORY

Catholicism: A Way of Life for Hawaii’s Filipinos By Fiedes Doctor

t 68 and retired, Prudencio Pilar leaves his house in Kalihi Valley every morning not for work but to instead volunteer at his parish, St. Anthony’s Church in Kalihi. A jack-of-alltrades, Pilar does everything from cleaning to repairing furniture and rooms and to serving as president of the parish pastoral council.

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“Whatever problems there are, I help around,” says the devout Catholic who loves his daily activities at St. Anthony’s. He attends mass every Wednesdays and Sundays with his wife and participates in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help novena during Wednesdays at 6 pm. Prayer meetings and rosary times are spent with the Filipino Catholic Club. For Shirley Aurelio, 50, her Catholic devotion is more subdued and personal—she prays the rosary and novena at 3 pm everyday when off from work and faithfully attends mass on

Sundays. Pilar and Aurelio are both Filipino immigrants who have made Hawaii their home and have managed to keep their Catholic faith alive even in a foreign land. For them, it is more than just religion—it is their way of life.

Taking Root Catholicism was introduced to the Philippines during the 16th century by the Spaniards who colonized the country for more than 300 years. Aside from using the country as a center for spice trade and commerce, Spain

saw it fit to introduce Christianity because of the natives’ “pagan lifestyle.” Spanish friars converted most of the Filipino population that lived in the lowlands, especially in Luzon and the Visayas, through mass baptism. After initial resistance, Catholicism became part of the Filipino culture. Towns and barangays were named after saints. Fiestas were held during certain times of the year in honor of a town’s patron saint. There is a patron saint for nearly everyone, including bald people to athletes and artists, and for every occasion, including lost items and even having a peaceful death. Today, the Philippines ranks as the third most heavily-populated Catholic country in the world with 69,630,000 professing Catholics (81 percent), next to Brazil and Mexico, according to the statistics of Catholic Hierarchy. The U.S. comes in fourth. In Hawaii, Catholicism took root when the first missionaries arrived in Honolulu in 1827. They immersed themselves in Hawaiian society, learned the language and distributed Bibles translated into Hawaiian. And despite persecution, the

Fr. Jojo Joven officiating a mass during an event at the Filipino Community Center

priests celebrated the first Mass on July 14 of that year, including baptism. Presently, there are 290,769 Catholics in Hawaii, which is 24 percent of the state’s total population of 1,275,194. They attend churches statewide, including 35 parishes on Oahu and 31 others on the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai, not including the smaller missionary parishes.

Catholicism in Culture Catholicism is so deeply ingrained in Philippine culture that it blends with town festivals and national holidays. Participation is very high as it is always a community event. During fiestas, thousands of devotees around the country would flock to the Church or the town center to fulfill their vows, make penance, ask for favors or in gratitude for blessings received, or to venerate their saint. The municipality of Obando in the Philippine province of Bulacan hosts the annual Fertility Festival which offers answers for childless couples, singles wanting to get married, or farmers and fishermen wanting bountiful harvests. Another Catholic festival is the Black Nazarene at Quiapo, Manila which is attended by those wanting to strengthen their faith. A third is the Lenten Rite on Good Friday in Pampanga for those seeking penance for their sins. About a dozen penitents have themselves nailed on a cross and several more flagellate

themselves with bamboo sticks. They are brought down once they feel absolved of their sins. A fourth is the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City which includes dances to seek help from the Santo Niño and to thank Him for favors and blessings received. In Hawaii, where 76 of the population are non-Catholics compared to the 19 percent nonCatholics in the Philippines, religious practices are toned down in consideration of the community and in adaptation to the Western and local culture. Usually, there are no such elaborate forms of devotion—no long processions, no shoving each other to catch a glimpse or touch a saint’s replica, no street dancing and costumes, no penitents during the Holy Week. Instead, local processions are held within church grounds or nearby streets, with less intensity and flamboyance—because there’s a requisite government permit, aside from possible complaints about traffic, says Father Manny de la Cruz, parish priest of St. Anthony Church. Take for example, the historic bell of St. Anthony Church, which was brought down from its belfry and not at all rung due to noise complaints from neighbors. Traditionally, church bells are rung at the start of regular masses and on special occasions such as weddings and funerals. Some parishes have also moved the misa de gallo, commonly held during the wee hours (continued on page 5)

APRIL 30, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 5

COVER STORY (from page 4, LENT...)

of the morning, to late afternoon or early evening to consider people who work shifts and who generally cannot participate in the early morning mass. Hawaii’s working class culture has kept parishioners, mostly the Filipino middle class, from regularly attending Sunday masses. These Filipinos prefer instead to work on weekends, either by choice or obligation. “We are limited in the way we express our faith here because we are in a foreign country,” says Father Manny. “It is more low key and subdued but nonetheless the same spirit.”

A Devotee’s Life This same spirit of devotion is evident in Prudencio and Aurelio’s expressions of their faith. Both claim that there has not been any difference in their Catholic practice in the Philippines and in Hawaii, despite the “more subdued” practices locally. After all, they are basically doing the same things—attending Mass, praying the rosary and the novena, going to confession, keeping the Ten Commandments, praying the prayer book and reading the Bible. On a personal level, not much has changed. “To be a Catholic is to live like Christ,” says Pilar who sent all five of his children to Catholic school to learn Christ’s ways. “We emulate the life of Christ.” Pilar’s faith has kept him resilient especially during the 70s when he was transitioning from the Philippines to Hawaii, a significant shift from his lofty position as a schoolteacher then to a dishwasher on foreign soil. “It was hard but my faith in God kept me strong,” he says, never wavering in his trust in God and never questioning God. “If I had any problems, I just offered it to God. He has the power to help us with our problems.” Aurelio, too, never wavered despite being diagnosed with first stage breast cancer last year. “I didn’t blame God; I didn’t run away from him. I thought that this was just a test,” she says. “I went to Mass everyday at St. Anthony and prayed for fast healing.” Now done with her chemotherapy and quickly recovering, Aurelio continues to be devoted but more as a form of gratitude than dire petition. Gratitude to God, for any

circumstance, marks the true believer, says Lourdes Bumanglag, 50, who has experienced a similar season of testing that touched many members of her family. In July 2009, a sister-in-law passes away due to brain tumor. In February 2010, a brother passed away from stroke. In March 2010, her father suffered a heart attack. And in April 2010, her mother cracked her skull from falling. “Both of my parents are okay now,” she says. “It’s definitely a miracle.” One defining mark of Bumanglag’s devotion is going to confession. She had gone to Our Lady of Peace Cathedral in preparation for this year’s Holy Week, as a time of cleansing and renewal. “I felt the power of the Holy Spirit come on me while talking to the priest,” she recalls. “And then I felt refreshed and happy after my confession.” If she could, she would attend Mass everyday and volunteer more, says Bumanglag, whose work as a self-employed caregiver doesn’t allow for more time. Presently, however, she still manages to volunteer as a Eucharistic minister and offering basket server. “Everything I have comes from God, that’s why if possible, I want to do, to give and to help more.”

Helping the Church All over Oahu, there are 16 units of Filipino Catholic clubs with more than 700 members who lend a hand in keeping and building the faith, and doing whatever is needed to ease the load of the parish leadership. Such tasks range from cleaning rooms and assisting during mass to administrative responsibilities and event planning. Members are usually the immigrant Filipinos or the older ones, says Linda Palalay, president of the Oahu Council of Filipino Catholic Clubs. “One of our main goals is to propagate the faith,” she says. “Right now, we are trying to get the younger ones to participate more.” The first Filipino Catholic Club was established on Kauai in 1949 by Father Osmundo Calip, who noticed the island’s large Filipino population. As the organization grew, he began to establish other clubs on Oahu and the neighbor islands.

Sto. Nino Peace Day Celebration at St. Anthony's Church last Jan.16, 2011

“We serve as a support organization for the parish such as fundraising for scholarships or organizing social events for the seniors of the community, or helping with events like anniversary or Lent,” says State Rep. Joey Manahan, whose district covers the St. Anthony Church. He volunteers as president of the St. Anthony Filipino Catholic Club and as a board member of the St. Anthony School. “I volunteered because I wanted to be more active and to see how I can serve the parish,” he says. “Volunteerism is giving of yourself, whether it is taking the time to talk to someone or taking the task as a president.” Manahan was born, raised and educated as a Catholic and has been calling the St. Anthony Church his home parish for five years now. “It feels comfortable,” he says. “It is very much like going to my church back home in the Philippines.” Presently, he is involved in planning St. Anthony’s 95th anniversary this June 11 with other members of the community, including retirees/consultants, a social worker, a businessman, a State employee, a banker, an administrative assistant, St. Anthony’s School principal Victoria Lavente and parish priest Father Manny. “We are happy to celebrate with the parish and the community,” Manahan says. “Ninetyfive years is definitely an accomplishment.”

Celebrating the Faith The anniversary event of St. Anthony Church will be an allday fiesta from 9 am to 6 pm on the church grounds. There will be food booths with Filipino and other ethnic delicacies including Leonard’s malasadas and also fresh farm produce; caricature and portraiture for friends and

families; raffle tickets; games for the youth; a white elephant sale; and entertainment by local performers. The winner of the logo contest will be announced on this day and presented a $500 cash prize. The logo, which focused on the anniversary’s theme, was opened to all parishioners and will be used in the souvenir program, banners and t-shirts. “The last time we had something like this was during the 80s,” says anniversary committee president Franklin Barcelona. “This will be quite an experience. We are sharing with the community an opportunity to experience the church today, celebrating together in unity.” The 95th celebration serves as a kick-off to the 100th anniversary of the Church. In the morning, the historic 300-lb. bell will be unveiled and displayed, starting off a fundraising campaign to construct a belfry. Bishop Larry Silva will be holding the thanksgiving Mass at 6 pm with the combined choir of

St. Anthony’s Church. “Our mission is to continue the mission of Christ to bring the love of God to the people, to worship God and serve his people,” says Father Manny, who transferred to Hawaii from the Philippines more than a year ago to lead the parish. “My dream is to continue promoting unity and cooperation and most of all to deepen their prayer life and their relationship with Jesus.” Parishioners of St. Anthony’s are mostly Filipino members of the Kalihi community (about 90 percent), with an estimated membership of 1,500. Attendees also include Samoans, Micronesians, Caucasians, Hawaiians, Koreans and Japanese. Schedule of masses on Sundays are 6:30, 8:30 and 10:30 in the morning. An Ilocano-language mass headed by Father Manny happens every first Sunday of the month at 4:30 pm, while a Visayan-language mass is held on the third Sundays, orchestrated by another parish priest Father Teddy Gaquit.

“Love, Service and Gratitude” Aptly picked as St. Anthony’s theme for this year, love, service and gratitude are values that strongly echo the heart of the Filipino Catholic community—in their devotion to God, to others and to their respective parish. “I was born a Catholic and I will always be a Catholic,” Bumanglag says with conviction. Pilar agrees. “Sure, I am willing to die for my faith,” he says. “If it needs to be then yes, I will do it.”

6 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE APRIL 30, 2011

LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION

Museums and Garden By Senator Will Espero eyond our global image as a place of beaches and sun, Honolulu is a major American metropolis. The Hawaii Opera Theatre, now-in limbo Honolulu Symphony, and many theatres are just part of our cultural offerings. We also have a diverse group of museums that preserve and promote the history of our islands and the talents of our people. Pearl Harbor, the Honolulu Academy of Arts, Bishop Museum, and Contemporary Art Museum are the better known ones, out of many located here in Honolulu. Oahu also has many scenic gardens for those who appreciate nature, besides the dozens of hiking trails and beaches already enjoyed by many. So when you have some free time and want to explore and enjoy our islands, why not pay a visit?

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In its own category Lucoral Museum. See what it’s like to walk through a cave as well as all the many precious stones that are mined and turned into pretty jewelry that we admire. This small museum on Kuhio Avenue is a fun place for school field trips after visiting the nearby Honolulu Zoo. Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., admission is free. Relax by making a take home souvenir bracelet, $2. Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center. The popular children’s museum is a fun place for

young children to play as well as for parents to throw birthday parties. The Center also provides educational themed day camps during school breaks and other events (Tooth Fairy Day, Robotics Day, and many others) throughout the year.

Outdoor Guess Board of Water Supply. The xeriscape garden in Halawa is a learning center for the Board of Water Supply. Here school groups learn about how important it is to use water carefully because it takes 25 years for the rain to filter through the mountains down into Hawaii’s precious freshwater reservoir. The elliptic path features many plants that help conserve water while adorning home lawns with their attractive features. The large, shaded lawn also gives school children a scenic surrounding for eating their brown bag lunches. Lyon Arboretum. Nestled in splendorous Manoa Valley, this University of Hawaii treasure rewards hikers with a well-worth-it view of the southeast coast upon ascending the top of its two refreshing, rain forest trails. The Children’s Garden displays flora planted by children in its nature education camps. Classes for grownups are also available on a variety of garden related topics, especially cooking! Urban Garden Center. Ever drive out west and see a big garden below Home Depot and wonder about it? That’s the University of Hawaii’s other garden. Chil-

dren can enjoy the themed sections (pizza, bugs, bunny, sun dial, to name a few), take an adventure along the boardwalk, and even challenge each other to find their way out of the hedged maze. Senator Fong’s Plantation & Gardens. Revered Senator Hiram Fong loved the natural beauty of Hawaii. He established the plantation and gardens to preserve and display the fragrant, colorful fauna of our islands. Visitors can enjoy the different areas named in honor of the presidents under whom Senator Fong served in his long Congressional career. Lei making classes are also available. Open 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Waimea Falls. A hop, skip, and jump across the famous Waimea Bay, the famed valley gives visitors a place to escape the big city, with lush tropical greenery and at the end of the trek, large waterfall cascading into a very deep pond. The City and County of Honolulu operates five botanical gardens: Liliuokalani, Foster, Hoomaluhia, Koko Crater, and Wahiawa. Liliuokalani. Along Kuakini Street across from Rehabilitation Hospital, Liliuokalani Garden is a smaller sister to the larger Foster Garden on the other side of the H-1. The stroll is an easy one, leading to a low waterfall. The lawn makes for a quick picnic getaway in urban Oahu. Foster. Site of the annual Midsummer Night’s Gleam, visitors to the event find that the garden is just as beautiful at night as it is in the day. Other summer events for the family to enjoy are its story / craft / tour for young children on Thursday mornings and its concert in the park on Thursday evenings. The large garden features fragrant mock orange, cannonball and cotton trees, a large Buddha statue,

and a greenhouse. Hoomaluhia. Set just north of the Koolau Mountains, the expansive Hoomaluhia is the one park that visitors can drive through instead of walking. Weekend fishing for children, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is popular, as well as just plain old chasing the ducks. Hoomaluhia is home to a lovely art gallery featuring local artists. Wahiawa. A few miles before the well known Dole Plantation is a garden tucked away in Wahiawa that provides a quiet walk along its easy, paved trail.

The bridge on the west end of the garden gives a lookout view of the whole layout of the very tall trees that make their home in this California Avenue setting. Koko Crater. The striking feature of Koko Crater Garden is the feeling that you’re walking in a science fiction movie, and that at any turn, an alien might just appear. For those who like that kind of fun, the foliage in Koko Crater is a real contrast to the lush tropical rain forest plants of its four sister gardens. The dry paths are lined with xeriscape type palms and other flora. Next week: Oahu’s other museums.

PICTORIAL NEWS

FILIPINO FILM FESTIVAL RAISED OVER $20,000 FOR OHANA MEDICAL MISSION The Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii's officers and members, guests and attendees during the Opening Night of the Filipino Film Festival on March 19, 2011 at the Doris Duke Theatre at the Honolulu Academy of Arts. The event raised over $20,000 for the Ohana Medical Mission, a non-profit organization, founded under the auspices of the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii. The organization's next mission is slated later this year.

HELPLINE

Saipan's Workshop Calls for Assistance Dear Editor, I am coordinating a workshop for OFWs which will benefit and empower our kababayans in Saipan and their families in the Philippines. Guest speakers are Nilo S. Tayag, a multi-awarded speaker, and Dr. Josefine G. Tayag, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of UP-Manila. There is a registration fee of $8 to attend the workshop to help defray the costs of the guest speakers’ tickets, honorarium and lodging accommodation. Because of the economic situation in Saipan, most of our kababayans cannot afford even the $8 fee. They are ones who would need this kind of workshop and help. The majority of businesses here are down so it’s hard to solicit from these companies. Thus, I thought of getting sponsors like you so they can still attend the workshop. We want all donations to be transparent and accountable so the one handling the sales and tickets is Edgar Genobaten of H&R Block Saipan. If you would like to donate or should you have any questions please contact me at 1-(670) 235-4728 or Augustus Loste via email at: augustusloste@gmail.com. Your help, assistance and collaboration will be much appreciated.

Celia B. Lamkin, MD Member, UP Alumni Association (Saipan Chapter)

APRIL 30, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 7

IMMIGRATION GUIDE

„Our Lawyer Told Us We Will Win,‰ Alien Tells Immigration Judge By Atty. Emmanuel Samonte Tipon id you make any preparations for your return to the Philippines in case I order your wife’s removal?” the Immigration Judge asked the husband of a deportable alien from Dingras, Ilocos Norte, who was testifying today (April 12). “No,” he replied. “Why not?” the Judge inquired. “Our lawyer told us we will win,” the alien’s husband answered. The Judge smiled and continued: “Didn’t you discuss the possibility of losing?” “No,” the alien’s husband replied. This colloquy could have had disastrous and embarrassing consequences. The Judge has almost absolute discretion to grant or deny relief. He could have denied relief to teach a lesson to this lawyer for guaranteeing vic-

“D

tory. Instead, the newly-minted Judge said: “I will grant your wife relief. She will not be removed.” Turning to us, the Judge remarked: “I will grant only one form of relief – Sec. 237(a)(1)(H). Do you wish to withdraw the other forms of relief you asked? My Caucasian associate asked my opinion. I said: “We are not withdrawing any. Your Honor can make whatever decision he deems appropriate with respect to such other relief.” Many lawyers believe that one should try to please the Judge by agreeing to his suggestion. I don’t believe in that. A lawyer has a duty to advance any relief available. If the lawyer withdraws it and the prosecutor appeals the decision and the appeal is sustained, then the alien has no more relief available because he has withdrawn them. That’s ineffective assistance of counsel. The alien was charged with entering the U.S. using an invalid visa. She entered as a minor derivative of her father

who immigrated on a visa petition filed by his father (the alien’s grandfather). However, the father did not tell consular officials that the petitioner had already died. A Filipino reported the entire 20 family members to immigration authorities (5 brothers, 1 sister, 3 spouses of the brothers, and 11 children). Strangely, she was not charged with fraud.

Waivers and relief sought We invoked five forms of immigration relief all of which are discretionary with the immigration judge. The alien must prove all requirements for each relief sought. INA §212(i) – waiver of inadmissibility for visa fraud where immigrant is the spouse, son, or daughter of a USC or LPR if qualifying relative will suffer extreme hardship if alien refused entry. INA §212(k) — waiver of inadmissibility for lack of valid visa where exclusion was not known to, and could not

have been ascertained by the exercise of reasonable diligence by, the immigrant. INA §237(a)(1)(H) — waiver of removability for immigrant inadmissible for visa fraud who is the spouse, parent, son, or daughter of a USC or LPR. INA §240A(b) – cancellation of removal for non-permanent residents. INA §240(B) — voluntary departure.

Another Filipina saved from deportation The prosecutor said that the alien was not eligible under 237(a)(1)(H) because she was not charged with fraud. The Judge suggested a continuance to enable us to research the issue. We objected saying that there was no need for further research because we were writing a book on waivers and cancellation of removal and had read every case on the subject. We said that we had already cited a case, Persaud v. INS, 537 F.2d 776 (3rd Cir. 1976), holding that 237(a)(1)(H)

applied even if no fraud was charged if fraud was used in securing a visa (by her father). We pointed out that the alien was suffering mental anguish, emotional distress, and extreme anxiety and wanted her suffering to end today, win or lose. The Judge granted relief. I congratulated the alien, saying: “I prayed for you,” and gave her the Bible I used given to me by my nephew Antonio Baquiran also from Dingras when I visited him and his brother Angel in San Francisco. (ATTY. TIPON has a Master of Laws degree from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines. He practices in Hawaii, specializing in immigration law and criminal defense. Tel. (808) 2252645. E-Mail: filamlaw@yahoo.com. Website: www.ImmigrationServicesUSA.com. He is from Laoag City and Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. He served as an Immigration Officer. He is co-author of “Immigration Law Service, 1st ed.” an 8-volume practice guide for immigration officers and lawyers. Listen to the most funny, witty, and useful radio program in Hawaii on KNDI at 1270, AM dial every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. and on KHBC at 1060, AM dial every Thursday at 8 p.m. This article is a general overview of the subject matter discussed and is not intended as legal advice. No warranty is made by the writer or publisher as to its completeness or correctness at the time of publication.)

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS

Farrington Students Can Win New Emme Tomimbang Scholarship for Journalism or Media Studies Inquire at Farrington High by May 6 ONOLULU-Emme Tomimb a n g , award-winning TV personality and producer, is creating a new scholarship for Farrington High School students who are interested in pursuing a college degree with a major in broadcast journalism or media. “Farrington High School is

H

(from page 3, THE WAY...)

help every state department provide better and more cost-effective services to taxpayers (HB1060). Already, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is moving more services online, creating paperless processes, and using video conferencing to cut down on travel costs. Other agencies are doing

through the Emme Tomimbang Education Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation, comes with opportunities to intern at EMME, Inc., Tomimbang’s television production company. The $1,000 a year scholarship is available to a Farrington graduating senior who is interested in pursuing journalism or broadcast media studies. “It’s always wonderful when a Farrington alumnae like Emme come back to sup-

port our students and our school,” said Reagan Honda, college counselor at Farrington High School. “We have so many deserving students who can benefit from the example and the help of those who have become successful with a Farrington education.” Interested students can contact Reagan Honda, Farrington High School counselor at ph. 842-9827. Inquiries must be received by May 6th.

strengthen emergency management resources at State Civil Defense, fund the dam safety program of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, improve legal services for government agencies, and rebuild the Hawai‘i Occupational Protecting our people and Safety and Health Program to tax dollars protect Hawai‘i’s workforce We must secure the state’s (Executive Budget). information and data,

Protecting our natural resources We can restore our capacity to protect and sustain parks, fisheries, forests, ocean resources, and species. And we can make over $35 million in investments into our state parks to be enjoyed by visitors and residents alike (Executive Budget).

this industry in the future as we my alma mater, go global in and I’m very communicahappy to be worktions and social ing with the media. It’s time school to help an to give back aspiring young and I hope that journalist train for by supporting a a profession that Emme Tomimbang college student, I’ve been lucky enough to contribute to for the he or she can in turn make important and lasting contribulast 35 years,” said Tomimbang. "It’s been the career of a tions to our island state.” The scholarship, provided lifetime. I see the potential for the same. Restoring services to the public The Governor’s plan will end government closures by ending “Furlough Fridays.” It will provide adequate staffing to activate the Kapolei Courthouse complex, repair stateowned buildings to save on outside lease rents, ensure

enough resources in the Vital Records office in the Department of Health to record civil unions, and add needed capacity to the tax office to ensure proper service to taxpayers (Executive Budget).

8 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE APRIL 30, 2011

TRAVEL & LEISURE

How Ed Calma Dreamt of a Cherub in Rome By Edu Jarque

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oung children are natural learners who learn through a continuous process of discovery through play,

active explo Ed Calma’s name was casually mentioned one recent “justpassing the-time” and “shooting-the-breeze” evening with two of my favorite lady friends when one (a daily churchgoer) proclaimed, “Blessed are the museums in the destinations that Ed Calma visits, for it shall be visited and enjoyed.” Though the soft-spoken gentleman of a few words admires and is awed by the fascinating museums and the impressive architecture of his travels, nothing seems to beat the sheer joy he experiences on seeing how the plants in his own garden at home prosper. “I just love to see the grass grow,” he admits, acknowledging the role of nature. Architect Ed Calma, a managing partner at Lor Calma & Partners, is a graduate of Columbia University in New York, and took up extensive architecture and planning courses in one of the leading institutions of learning in Rome, Italy. He won a Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) award in 2002. He and his team have won for the country two gold medals for the Philippine Pavilions at the Aichi Expo 2005 in Japan and once again at the Expo Zaragoza 2008 in Spain. Specializing in museums,

residential, commercial buildings and master planning, Ed is presently extremely busy with huge projects both here and abroad. Please read on and meet the man of many talents. PHILIPPINE STAR: What won’t you leave home without? Describe your present passport photograph. I always look like a criminal in ID photos. How you pass time at airports? I always bring a sketchbook with me everywhere I go — so I sketch while waiting for our flight. Who is your ideal traveling companion? My wife, Suzanne. She packs a week before the trip. She organizes all the paperwork, passports and other traveling documents. She likewise makes a list of non-architectural places to visit. What is the first thing you do upon checking in at a hotel? I check if the lobby stone floor joint lines align with the wall paneling. There are only a few hotels in the world that were built with this kind of precision. It shows how the designer and the contractor care about their work. I usually see this in most modern boutique hotels in Germany and in Japan. The NAIA 2 airport terminal is actually done with this kind of precision. Check it out on your next flight. ED CALMA: We always travel with an extra empty suitcase, which gets completely filled up from all the shopping we do by the end of a trip.

What would you consider a must-do-activity in every foreign city that you visit? After tasting the local coffee, I do check out the latest architecture built in the city. Describe your most memorable trip. After studying in Rome for a semester, I went with six schoolmates — with backpacks and Euro Rail passes — and stopped at most towns the train would pass. We started from Rome and ended up in Paris. What do you miss most when you’re away from home? Lounging at home and tending the garden. What is the best travel advice you were given? On my first trip to Italy for school in the ’80s, my dad advised me to bring traveler’s checks instead of cash. Believe it or not, it was stolen when I was asleep in the cabin, on an overnight train from Frankfurt to Rome. Upon arrival, I realized I had nothing on me. With the little Italian that I knew, I tried to explain to the cab driver that I had lost all my money and begged him to take me to the American Express office in Piazza di Spagna. When I got all my money back, I gave him a big tip. What is the strangest thing you have done on a trip? I just finished my finals at The American Academy in Rome, so I hadn’t slept at all. After we had a celebration dinner with all my classmates, I decided to sleep early, instead of going out for drinks. My bed was facing a large window, which I opened because it was

If walls could speak: Our traveler Ed Calma in black by the ruins of what was once an important city of a past era outside Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

rather a cool evening. I was lucky to get that particular room in this hostel facing the Piazza Sta. Maria della Trastevere. While in bed I could see across a nicely detailed travertine building with cherubs carved along its cornice. That night I had a dream. One of the cherubs with a blank face came down beside me. As he was trying to reveal his face to me, I woke up. The following morning, we had a tour of the crypts under St. Peter’s Basilica. The crypts had unused marble coffins. The coffin lid had cherubs with a blank face carved on top of it. I was so shocked to learn that in ancient times, the face of the deceased would be carved on the blank face of the cherub. Hmmm… Rather strange. Let’s talk favorites now. Name your favorite city abroad. Without a doubt, New York City. I think the best of the arts of every country is represented in this city. You can never appreciate it enough as a tourist. You need to be a resident there even for just a while to know its rich subculture. Name your favorite spot in the Philippines. Surigao is my favorite spot. Billy Mondoñedo brought me there to design his family’s beach house, where he introduced me to deep-sea fishing and got hooked. The Marianas Depth is actually 30 minutes away from the island where we built the house. I caught my first swordfish, which took me over an hour to reel in on a small outrigger boat. I always looked forward to site visits. We almost end up fishing the whole day. Favorite airline? Japan Airlines — because their new first class seats were designed by Ross Lovegrove and they have Casa Brutus mag-

azines. Favorite airport? My favorite is not being used as an airport anymore. The old TWA Building by Eero Saarinen was the first terminal in the world whose form and structure expressed the modern era of flight. A working one is the Kansai International Airport. It is completely built on water with height adjustable foundations. Favorite museum? The New Museum of Art at the Bowery in New York. It’s an extremely simple building of stacked windowless box galleries of different heights. The boxes are shifted as it stacked vertically to conform to skyline codes. At the same time it allowed controlled light to illuminate each attached gallery. It’s simply brilliant. There is no permanent collection. It is constantly changing and it showcases art, which one can’t ever own. Favorite hotel? My favorite hotel is the new Intercontinental Hotel in Shanghai. The room is exactly how I would design one. Favorite landmark, building or park? There are just too many, too many to mention. Favorite musical or play? I’m not really into plays or musicals, but I enjoyed going to Wicked with my daughter, Daniella. Wish to share a bit of a secret — I dozed off — but only briefly. Favorite mall or store? I don’t like malls. They destroy the character of any city. My favorite store is the Derek Lam in New York. The store partitions are made of self-supporting circular glass — five meters wide. Favorite restaurant, cafe or bar? (continued on page 10)

APRIL 30, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 9

TRAVEL & LEISURE

10 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE APRIL 30, 2011

PHILIPPINE NEWS

Drop in OFW Hiring Seen in Q2 by Mayen Jaymalin Thursday, April 21, 2011

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ANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) warned the government yesterday that the hiring of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is likely to decline in the coming months due to the continuing political unrest in the Middle East and Libya. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said they expect fewer Filipino workers to be deployed in the second quarter of the year because of ongoing crises in the Middle East and Libya. “We don’t see an immediate solution to the Middle East crisis and because of this foreign employers are expected to hold back on hiring workers for a while,” Baldoz disclosed. Although the political turmoil in Libya and other Middle East countries started early this year, Baldoz said, the country is yet to feel its negative impact until this time. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) posted a significant increase in the deployment of OFWs to various countries in the first quarter of the year. POEA administrator Carlos Cao Jr. said the agency recorded the deployment of 406,921 OFWs last January, higher

than 389,942 workers deployed during the same period last year. But based on POEA records the deployment appeared to be on the downtrend with a total of 130,000 deployment in February and 85,000 in March. Cao said that the deployment of OFWs remained at a high level despite the Middle East crisis. “We are very hopeful because even with the crisis, our deployment in the first quarter is still in good standing,” Cao said while adding that foreign employers continue to express their preference for Filipino workers. Cao said several groups of employers from Qatar, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom met with POEA officials recently to express their intention to recruit more OFWs in the coming months. “Hong Kong is a new market destination, where we can deploy our workers who were displaced in Libya,” Cao said. (www.philstar.com)

(from page 8, HOW ED ...)

Les Deux Magots on Boulevard St. Germaine in Paris. It offers excellent cafe au lait and bakes the best croissants. It’s inexpensive. It’s also near a bookstore which I go to after having coffee and snack. It’s been renovated several times. However it still keeps the original 1880 interior intact. The chairs remain the original ones, sat on by Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and Jean-Paul Sartre. What are the pasalubongs — inbound and outbound? For friends abroad, we bring food such as instant noodles and seasoning. When we return to Manila, we buy books. What is the worst souvenir you have ever bought back from a trip? I never buy souvenirs as I have never seen a nice one. They are mostly cheesy. The best souvenir I got though — if one can call it a souvenir — is a chair by a Turinese architect named Carlo Mollino from a gallery in Milan, Italy. I’ve been looking everywhere for this particular chair, because there are only nine pieces ever made. It was just pure luck that I accidentally saw it at an obscure street in Milan. Aside from unpacking your suitcase, what is the first thing you would do upon returning home? I check out the trees in the garden and

see how tall they’ve grown. Name a place you have never visited but would like to someday. I would like to visit the sacred landscapes near Nazca, a small town in southern Peru, where they have large ground markings drawn by early Peruvians for the sky gods they worshiped. You can only view them from an airborne aircraft. Name a country you wish to explore. I’d like to do Cyprus with my family, to visit a friend of ours, we haven’t seen for some 20 years. He has been inviting us every year to come and visit. What would you say is the best part of travel? Onboard the plane, I get to watch all the movies I’ve missed and get to experiment with the different cuisines of the various destinations. What would you say then is the worst part of travel? Going through the long lines for security checks and immigration at airports is probably the worst part of travel. If you could reside anywhere in the world aside from the Philippines where would it be? New York City is my second home. You can never run out of things to see and do. (www.philstar.com)

APRIL 30, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 11

HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS Fil-Com Center

Pac-Man Look-Alike Contest

I ‘Ōlelo to Broadcast Fil-Com Center Special

“G

iving Aloha,” a televised service of ‘Ōlelo Community Media will be hosting a discussion on the Fil-Com Center. The show will focus on the purpose of the Fil-Com Center,

its mission to perpetuate the Filipino culture and services available for all the community. The show will premiere on May 4, 2001 at 9 pm on ‘Ōlelo Channel 52. It will be rebroadcasted on the following dates: • May 7, 2011 at 4:30 am, Channel 52 • May 11, 2011 at 9 pm,

•

Channel 52 May 28, 2011 at 10:30 pm, Channel 52

“Giving Aloha” is a 30minute program geared toward non-profit organizations seeking to spread their message. It is one of several “Easy Access” services that gives individuals and

f you or someone you know is a dead ringer for boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, you may want to enter the Manny Pacquiao Look-Alike Contest at the 2011 Filipino Fiesta and Parade, set for Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Kapiolani Park. Entrants should register at the Fil-Com Center booth beginning at 10 am. A digital camera will be handy for judges to use as a reference for reach participant. By 1 p.m., judges will whitgroups the abililty to get their messages out easily, quickly and with very little time commitment, and even better—at no cost.

tle the field down to the top five closest look-alikes. At approximately 2:20 pm, each contestant will be introduced to the audience and given a one minute freestyle talent or pose-off portion. The judges will make the final determination (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) based on the audience’s response and applause. The top three winners will be awarded special prizes. For questions on the contest, please contact Jean Jeremiah at 387-5481.

Please call 834-0007 ext. 108 for more information or s e n d e m a i l t o : givingaloha@olelo.org.

GMA Faces Plunder Raps Over OWWA Fund Misuse by Edu Punay Wednesday, April 27, 2011

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ANILA, Philippines - Former President Gloria MacapagalArroyo and three of her former officials were charged with plunder and other offenses before the Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday. Arroyo’s spokesman declined to comment until she has seen the complaint. Ma. Elena Bautista-Horn said she is still trying to secure a copy of the complaint. On the other hand, House of Representatives Senior Deputy Minority Leader Danny Suarez said many overseas Filipino workers or their families benefited from Arroyo’s PhilHealth program. Arroyo is abroad on a series of speaking engagements on developing Asian and Latin American nations. Former solicitor general Francisco Chavez also accused Arroyo, her former executive secretary Alberto Romulo, Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairman Francisco Duque III and former administrator Virgilio Angelo of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) of qualified theft, graft and corruption, and violations of the Constitution, Revised Penal Code and the Omnibus Election Code. Arroyo was accused of diverting about P530 million in OWWA funds to her 2004 pres-

idential campaign. “Respondent GMA, in conspiracy with, and with the indispensable complicity of, her co-respondents herein, purposely and systematically orchestrated the diversion and/or misuse of the OWWA fund, financing questionable acquisitions by several Philippine diplomatic posts in the Middle East, the humanitarian assistance to Iraq, and re-election bid of respondent GMA - all of which do not contribute, and could never have contributed, to the direct and exclusive benefit of the Filipino overseas workers,” read the complaint. Chavez submitted as evidence Executive Order 182 issued by Arroyo on Feb.14, 2003 transferring P530,382,446 in OWWA-Medicare funds to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) then headed by Duque. Chavez said Arroyo had distributed millions of health cards from PhilHealth before the 2004 presidential elections. He also submitted a memorandum signed by Romulo on March 12, 2003 seeking the release of $293,500 for “preparatory activities of Philippine post in Kuwait and the purchase of vehicles and stockpiling of posts in Lebanon, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt and Iran - in support of the US-led war in Iraq.” The document had a marginal note from Arroyo which read, “OK charge to OWWA.” It also showed that another

$53,000 had already been taken from OWWA. Chavez said four months after, Angelo issued a memorandum discontinuing the general financial assistance program of OWWA and stopped processing claims of overseas Filipino workers under the P16,510,000 program. The amount roughly corresponded to the amount sought by Romulo, he added. Chavez said in May 2003, Romulo again requested for P5 million supposedly for the funding of “task force for the coordination of Philippine humanitarian assistance to Iraq.” Arroyo again referred this to OWWA funds, he added. Those funds from OWWA were used in projects “which had absolutely no direct and exclusive benefit to OFWs,” Chavez said. Joining Chavez in the complaint were Migrante International, and whistleblowers Sandra Cam, Jose Barredo and Melchor Magdamo. The DOJ will determine whether the evidence is enough to indict Arroyo, Romulo, Duque and Angelo.

Duque: Baseless allegations Duque, who also served as health secretary during the Arroyo administration, has dubbed the plunder case filed against him by Chavez as baseless allegations. “The truth is on our side,” he

told The STAR. “We have nothing to hide.” Duque said Chavez has no evidence to show that OWWA—Medicare funds were misused when he was president of PhilHealth during the Arroyo administration. The transfer of P530 million to PhilHealth was pursuant to Republic Act 7875, which states that the government should only have one insurance system, he added. Duque said he has copies of OWWA-Medicare checks that would show that the transfers happened on March 16, 2005 (P300 million) and April 15, 2005 (P230 million).

“This was almost a year after the 2004 elections,” he said. Duque said Chavez has no basis no basis to claim that the money was used for Arroyo’s presidential campaign. “The copies of the checks are with us and in the name of PhilHealth,” he said. “PhilHealth is open to showing you the documents where the money was deposited.” Duque said a Senate investigation conducted in 2005 did not prosper because PhilHealth was able to show that nothing was irregular in the transfer of funds. (www.philstar.com)

12 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE APRIL 30, 2011

FOOD & LEISURE

All About Foie Gras FOOD FOR THOUGHT By Millie & Karla Reyes ILLIE: “Tout sur le foie gras” or “All about goose liver” was the title of the course at the famed Alain Ducasse Ecole de Cusine in Paris. I was lucky there was a vacant spot when I called to enroll. There were other courses but all of them were full on the days I had wanted to attend. The only prerequisite was that I should speak French and I’m glad I do. Class was at 9 a.m. The receptionists’ welcome was casual, warm, friendly, and very professional. They made one feel at home almost instantly. I was ushered into a waiting room and even served a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The receiving area had a display of cookbooks, kitchen tools and gadgets, and exclusive products

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under the Alain Ducasse signature brand for sale. There were several kitchen classrooms, all well-equipped and functional, efficiently designed in consideration of time and motion. My chef instructor for the day was chef Emmanuel Lacaille. Alas, the famed Ducasse was not around, although Karla and I had the great pleasure of meeting him when he came to Manila last year. KARLA: Last year, Enderun invited my mom and I to the press conference of chef Alain Ducasse. Chef Alain, a world-renowned chef whose restaurant was also rated with three Michelin stars, had then announced a collaboration with Enderun College. Outstanding Enderun students will be sent to a restaurant of chef Alain’s for their apprenticeship and will be

Authors Millie and Karla Reyes with world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse

given the privilege of directly training under him. Chef Alain also gave precious tips and commented on some culinary issues in appreciation of our local cuisine. He also relayed to us his usual routine in a foreign country. Chef Alain usually goes to the local market to check out fresh and local ingredients he can incorporate into his dish. He then talked about how the Philippines is so rich in resources but how we must learn to take care of them. Chef Alain also talked about how he discourages globalization in the food world. He does, however, encourage young chefs to be more involved in preserving the gastronomical tradition and identity of the country rather than living under the influence of other cuisines. And being French, when he is asked to cook dishes from another country, he does so always with the freshest ingredients and using French techniques. French cuisine has very rich food, with classic delicacies such as truffles, confits, foie gras, and more. MILLIE: Foie gras is a delicacy made of duck or goose liver that has been specially fattened by force-feeding or a process called “gavage” in French. It is delicately rich and has a buttery taste. The best way of preparing fresh foie gras is to lightly season the thick pieces or slices, and cook by searing in a hot pan. At the culinary school of Alain Ducasse, the foie gras was pan-seared, then baked in a preheated oven. One should be careful not to overcook or allow

SPLENDOR IN THE GRAS: Fresh foie gras in its natural state before it is de-veined and prepared for searing or made into a terrine

the pieces to shrink as it will lose the fat and dry up. It was served withsalsifis, an edible root that badly stained my hands as we peeled and prepared it. Even knowing how rich and fatty foie gras is and how obviously bad it is for my cholesterol, I eat it anyway but only when there is a special occasion or when dining at a fine place that is renowned for this specialty. I particularly like it as a paté, which is why I was intrigued to learn it the Alain Ducasse way. It was my first time to work hands-on with the real stuff. I’ve always just purchased paté de foie gras ready-made, in tins. The best brand for me is Rougie, from France. Fresh goose liver is so delicate, firm, and smooth to the touch. It’s important that the foie gras is properly stored in the ref to conserve it. We learned how to remove the white fat and the greenish stuff. We also had to de-vein it properly, gently pulling out the veins with our glove-lined hands for hygienic purposes. Morsels were placed in a ceramic terrine baking dish

and doused with vin jaune or your favorite cognac, left to settle and weighed down to compress. At a recent cocktail reception for the Mercedes-Benz trophy at the Makati Shangri-La, Karla and I caught sight of the foie gras station and were wondering why most of the guests were lining up at the Peking duck and roast beef stations but not the foie gras. I naturally enjoyed the sinfully delicious offering, savoring it with a piece of fig and some melba toast. KARLA: Here are some things I learned about foie gras when I studied at the French Culinary Institute in New York in 2009: There are three grades of foie gras, classified depending on the quality of the liver. Grade A is the top quality. It is firm, light-colored, and weighs one to three pounds. It does not have any blemishes or veins and is usually from France. Since this is a French delicacy, force-feeding of geese or ducks is considered a culinary tradition and thus produces consistently high-quality foie gras. Grade A foie gras is usually served in high-end restaurants and very sophisticated events. Grade B foie gras is smaller, usually weighing up to a pound and tending to produce more fat when cooked. This grade is usually used when the need for flavor is very important but not the need for aesthetics. If it is cooked, it reduces the amount of blood and fat and is therefore used for mousses, patés, terrines, etc. Grade C foie gras is the most difficult kind to get. Although it is of lower quality, commercial producers usually consume them for mousses and patés. (www.philstar.com)

APRIL 30, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 13

LEGAL NOTES

H-1B Flaws Spur Reform Proposals By Reuben S. Seguritan he Philippines is one of the top countries of origin of H-1B workers. For 2000-2009, 3.7 percent of all approved H-1B workers were born in the Philippines, according to a report of the Government Accountability Office (GAO). In response to a request from Congress, GAO studied the impact of the H-1B cap on employers’ costs and the program’s effect on U.S. workers. Among its many findings in the 118-page report, the group found that the majority of the approved H-1B workers were born in India (46.9%), China (8.9%), Canada (4.3%), and the

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Philippines. It also learned that the demand for new H-1B workers exceeded the cap for those 10 years, and that this demand was driven by only a small number of employers: less than 1% of employers using the program accounted for a quarter of approved petitions. The report also stated that more than 40% of approved H1B workers (initial petitions and requests for visa extensions) were for occupations in systems analysis and programming, while 7% went to college and university education and 35% was for workers in other specialty occupations. This finding is consistent with figures released by USCIS, which confirms that staffing companies are heavy users of H1B visas. In 2010, the largest users of H-1B visa numbers were offshore IT service providers. India-based Infosys Technologies was the top H-1B

employer in 2010 with almost 3,800 approved filings, followed by Cognizant, a New Jerseybased firm with a large offshore workforce, with almost 3,400. These figures led New York Senator Chuck Schumer to remark that the H-1B visa program has created “multinational temp agencies”. The GAO report has spurred talks of H-1B visa program reform from opponents and supporters alike. Recognizing that the H-1B program is necessary to keep the United States competitive, one Republican senator, Sen. Hatch of Utah, has urged the expansion of the H-1B program. There is also a proposal for a new employment-based green card route for advanced degree graduates. An additional 20,000 H-1B visa numbers, on top of the 65,000 cap, are reserved for advanced-degree graduates of U.S. universities in the field of science, technology, engineering

or mathematics. If this effort is successful, these advanced-degree graduates would be able to bypass the H-1B process. On the other hand, some U.S. senators (Sen. Grassley of Iowa and Sen. Durbin of Illinois) have expressed their concerns about the H-1B program, saying that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has no system of tracking how many H-1B workers are in the U.S. According to the GAO, the exact number of H-1B workers in the US or the length of their stay is unknown because data systems among agencies involved in the H-1B process (including the Department of Labor, USCIS and DHS) are not linked and there is no unique identifier that allows tracking of the workers and when their visa status changes. The two senators criticized even the student visa extension that started during the Bush administration, which allowed

some students on an F-1 visa to obtain optional practical training of up to 29 months, and proposed to limit the number of H1B or L-1 visa workers to only half of each company’s workforce. Introduced in 1990, the H1B program was intended to allow U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. There is a currently a cap of 65,000 on H-1B visas issued per year. Although H-1B is not a permanent visa, the worker can apply for H-1B extensions (or continuing employment petitions) and later apply for permanent residence in the U.S. Initial petitions are subject to the annual cap while extensions of status, change of employer, amendments and concurrent employment are cap-exempt. REUBEN S. SEGURITAN has been practicing law for over 30 years. For further information, you may call him at (212) 695 5281 or log on to his website at www.seguritan.com

PHILIPPINE NEWS

STL Operators Get Final Notice by Perseus Echeminada Tuesday, April 26, 2011

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ANILA, Philippines - Operators of smalltown lotteries (STL) have been given 60 days to shift to the Loterya ng Bayan (PLB)

to be able to stay legal. The final notice was signed yesterday by Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board chairman Margarita Juico and directors Mabel Mamba, Aleta Tolentino, Francisco Joaquin III and Betty Nantes.

Immigration Chief Warns Public of Extortionists Using His Name by Helen Flores Monday, April 25, 2011

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ANILA, Philippines Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. warned the public yesterday of unscrupulous groups who are using his name to extort money from foreigners. David said he received reports that there are people claiming to be immigration agents who have been extorting money from foreigners, saying they were acting under direct orders from him. “I have never authorized or instructed anyone, either within or outside the bureau, to solicit and collect money on my behalf,” David said in a statement.

He appealed to foreigners who may have been victimized by the extortion syndicate to report to the BI the names of the fund solicitors so that the necessary action could be taken against them. The Office of the Commissioner could be reached at telephone numbers 527-3248 and 309-7751 to 53. David also cautioned the public against corrupt immigration agents who may conduct unauthorized investigations or operations against foreigners. He said immigration agents are prohibited from verifying the immigration status of a foreigner without a valid mission order duly issued by the BI chief. (www.philstar.com)

PCSO general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas said the PLB’s final guidelines will take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation. PCSO records show gaming firms from Northern and Central Luzon topped the list of applicants for the newly launched legal numbers game. At least 28 PLB applications were filed in Pangasinan, Bulacan, Zambales, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Quirino and Cagayan province. Out of the total number, at least seven applications were filed in Pangasinan alone. Only 14 applications were filed in Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon province, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Sorsogon. In Metro Manila, gaming firms also filed applications in Makati, Marikina, Pasay City, Quezon City and Taguig. In Visayas and Mindanao, Negros Occidentail topped the list with applicants from the six congressional districts, including San Carlos City, Silay City

and Sipalay City. An application for Calape in Bohol, Cebu City and LapuLapu City, Southern Leyte, Iloilo City and Zamboanga City were also filed for the PLB. Juico urged jueteng operators to come out and apply for the PLB to legalize their operations and help the government generate the much needed charity funds for the poor and needy.

“If the government grants amnesty to communist and secessionist rebels there’s no reason why jueteng lords will not be given the same privilege,” she said. However, Juico said known jueteng lords who want to apply for authority to operate town lotteries must comply with all the requirements provided for in the PLB implementing rules and regulations. (www.philstar.com)

14 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE APRIL 30, 2011

PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE

Mayo 7 Naindaklan A Piesta Dagiti Pilipino Iti Hawaii DAYASADAS By Pacita Saludes ALAGUETE, Cebu, Philippines – Poor health and old age did not deter a plumber from this town from getting a college degree. Maikasangapulo ket siam ita a tawen nga agpipiesta dagiti Pilipinos iti Hawaii ita a Mayo. Adu a lagip ti inladladawan dagiti napalpalabas a piesta nga naidasar dagiti grupo dagiti Pilipino iti Hawaii.

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Ti parada ita a tawen idasarna ti sabali a tema. “ANG PILIPINO NOON at NGAYON” “DAGITI PILIPINOS IDI KEN ITA”. Esponsoran daytoy ti Hawaiian Airline a danggayan dagiti pangulo dagiti Filipino Organization iti Hawaii nga idauluan ti presidente ti UNITED FILILPINO COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF HAWAII (UFCH) Lynn Gutierrez. Nadutokan a Chair itoy a pasken da Darwin Arellano ken Toy Arre, presidente ti FILCOM Center. Mabalin a kunatayo a napateg nga agpayso nga iladawan ti lagip ti napalabas ket idasig iti agdama. “IDI

KALMAN KEN ITA” Narigrigat a pudno ti biag ken kasasaad iti napalabas ngem adu met ti lagip nga imbatina tapno idasig iti agdama. Dagiti paspasamak ken itsura nga idasar ti maaramid a parada ti mangiladawan ita a piesta. Kasano? Napintas a TEMA ket iladawan dagiti maurnos a PARADA. No pagngatangataan dagiti maaramid, awagan ti overall chair Lynn Gutierrez, iti telepono 728-1700, wenno dagiti co-chairna da Ben Cabreros389-0814 wenno ni Edna Alikpala-282-3689. Maaramid ti parada no May 7, 2011.

Amin a makipartisipar, magmagna man wenno aglugan masapul a mapanda makimiting inton May 1, 2011 5:00pm a maaramid idiay FILCOM CENTER Ballroom, 94-428 Mokulua Street, Waipahu, HI 96797. Maited iti dayta a rabii dagiti impormasion (PARADE POCKETS) nga aglaon ti parking pass ken dadduma pay nga impormasion tapno ammo amin nga aramiden iti parada. Ipakaamo no magmagna ti makiparada wenno aglugan ti Float, no dakkel a lugan wenno bassit, no ania dagiti iparang wenno aramid ti maki- parade. Amin nga organisasion a napakaamuan, masapul nga ammoda ti aramidenda ket

surotenda dagiti petsa, aldaw ken disso ti pangrugian ti parade. Fort de Russey ti pangrugian ti parada ket agpatingga iti KAPIOLANI Park. Adu to FOOD BOOTH a pakagatangan kadadagiti nadumaduma a makan. Agmalmalem ti programa a pakabuyaan kadagiti nadumaduma nga idasar dagiti nakasagana nga agpabuya ti entablado nga idasar dagiti organisasion, sangsangaili ken dagiti pangpangulo. Mapabuya dagiti paset ti Biag ni Filipino iti napalabas ken ti agdama “ANG PILIPINO NOON AT NGAYON” COME ONE, COME ALL! Join the FILIPINO FIESTA!

RESTAURANT DINING

Good Food at Ho Ho Chinese Cuisine by HFC Staff

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ith its delicious Cantonese-style cuisine, reasonable prices, friendly atmosphere and lots

of free parking, Ho Ho Chinese Cuisine is fast becoming a favorite among local diners. Owner Sunny Chan opened the restaurant in 2004 at the Kapolei Marketplace. Despite the challenging economy, busi-

ness has been quite good, says Chan. “Business so far has not been bad,” says Chan. “Every year, we do many parties for customers who come from all over Oahu. Some of our cus-

tomers come all the way from town.” The restaurant is gaining a reputation for its all-you-caneat buffet, which is perfect for hungry eaters looking to maximize their money. The lunch buffet costs $9.50 while the dinner buffet costs $15.95. Discounts are also offered to groups. During the day, the lunch buffet includes beef broccoli, kau yuk, black pepper steak, mapo tofu, cold ginger chicken, kung pao chicken, fried rice, noodles, crispy wontons and spring rolls. Chan doesn’t skimp on the dinner selections, offering such favorites as crab legs and honey walnut shrimp. The king and snow crab legs are fried then sautéed with salt, pepper, garlic, green onions and bits of chili flakes. The all-you-caneat dinner buffet is a reasonably good deal and priced at $15.95 from Monday through

Thursday and $17.95 from Friday through Sunday. Ho Ho’s also serves homemade dessert items like rice cake, almond cookies, custard pie, Japanese cheesecake, banana cake, honey sponge cake—to name a few. “We make all the food and dessert our own,” Chan says, The restaurant can also be reserved for private parties and special events with their own entertainment. For customers who prefer dining at home, Ho Ho’s also caters and offers a diverse party tray menu. “Our goal is to sell quality Chinese food at an affordable price,” Chan says. If Ho Ho’s can continue doing that, it should be in business for a long time. Its hours of operation are 10:30 am to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 am to 10 pm Friday through Saturday. Call 6929880 for more details.

APRIL 30, 2011 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE 15

C OMMUNITY C ALENDAR 2011 FILIPINO FIESTA / SATURDAY May 7, 2011 ● Parade: 9 – 10am Fiesta at Kapiolani Park: 10am – 4pm ● For more information, call the FilCom Center at 680-0451 BAYANIHAN CLINIC WITHOUT WALLS' 2011 COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR / SATURDAY May 7, 2011, 10am – 4pm ● Kapiolani Park ● For more info, call JP Orias @ 387-8297 UNITED PANGASINAN ASSOCIATION OF HAWAIIÊS 43RD ANNIVERSARY AND IN-

STALLATION OF OFFICERS / SATURDAY May 21, 2011, 6pm ● Pacific Beach Hotel ● For more info, contact Cely Villareal @ 778-2481 or Fred Martinez @ 358-8049 UFCH'S MRS. HAWAII FILIPINA / SUNDAY May 29, 2011, 6pm ● Ala Moana Hotel ● Contact: Lynne Gutierrez-728-1700 OFCC'S MS. OAHU FILIPINA / SATURDAY June 4, 2011, 6pm ● Hawaii Prince Hotel ● Contact: Maria Etrata-392-2962 OFCC CONVENTION / SUNDAY June 12, 2011, 7:30am – 4pm ● Philip-

pine Consulate ● For more info, Contact: Mario Palma @ 397-8626, Maria Etrata @ 392-2962 or Amado Yoro @ 699-9814

B USINESS D IRECTORY

UFCH CONVENTION IN LAS VEGAS / FRIDAY July 15, 2011, 7:30am – 4pm ● Contact: Lynne Gutierrez-728-1700 ILOCOS SURIAN ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII, DINNER AWARDS AND FUNDRAISING / SATURDAY August 27, 2011, 6pm ● Coral Ballroom, Hilton Hawaiian Village ● Contact: Danny Villaruz @ 778-0233 or Maria Etrata @ 392-2962

MAINLAND NEWS

Barangay Los Angeles to Host 3-Day Fil-Am Art Gallery

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OS ANGELES – Barangay Los Angeles, a Filipino LGBTQ organization, will host a 3-day standing art gallery from May 26 to May 28, 2011 which will showcase art created by Filipino-American artists. The theme of the gallery “TULAY: Bridge to Help Fight Youth Suicide” aims to raise awareness about youth suicide in the Filipino LGBTQ community and provide resources for prevention. “TULAY: Bridge to Help Fight Youth Suicide” will be held at Monk Space LA - 4414 West 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90004. BarangayLA will host an opening night reception on Friday, May 26, 2011 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm.

TULAY will be a safe, productive environment that will promote discussion and acceptance in the Filipino LGBTQ community to explore the causes that lead to youth suicide. Artists are tasked to explore cultural nuances relevant to the subject matter. Through their thought provoking art Barangay LA will engage the community to a solution-focused symposium which will close the gallery with a panel of faith based representatives, family members, LGBTQ & social service providers. SCHEDULE May 26, 2011 - Opening Reception from 6:30pm to 10:30pm May 27, 2011 - Open art gallery from 12:00pm to 10:30pm May 28, 2011 - Open art gallery from 12:00pm to 10:30pm, Public

Symposium from 2pm to 5pm

“We’re excited to host this event for the Filipino and LGBTQ communities. There have been too many deaths due to a lack of communication. What better way to help spread awareness and prevention than through powerful works of art,” states Manuel Falcon Padua, BarangayLA Director of Advocacy. Artists interested in showcasing their artwork are encouraged to contact the organization by April 29, 2011. For more information, please contact Jeremiah Abraham at (310)984-1496 or via email at jabraham@barangayla.org. For venue information visit the website: h t t p : / / w w w. m o n k s p a c e . c o m / . (www.asianjournal.com)

GLOBAL NEWS

Philippines Raises Crisis Alert Level 2 in Syria by Angelo L. Gutierrez Tuesday, April 26, 2011

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ANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) today raised the crisis alert level in Syria to 2 due to the continuing political tension in the country. The DFA said that under Alert Level 2, Filipinos should restrict their movements around the said country and avoid large crowds and areas of protest. Filipinos are also encouraged to voluntarily relocate or leave the troubled country "at their own cost" if there is no pressing need to remain. "Non-essential and non-urgent travel is discouraged, including travel for tourism purposes, and only returning workers will be allowed to go back," the DFA said. Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to Syria Wilfredo Cuyugan said they are closely monitoring the developments in the country. He said em-

Violent clashes in Syria between protesters and security forces in recent days, with at least 37 deaths since last week, according to the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. CNN iReport

bassy people have briefed Filipino communities on the existing contingency plan. "We have asked our nationals in Syria to actively monitor developments, keep their communication lines open with the Embassy and their community coordinators and inform them of their whereabouts, as well as restrict their movements only to those which are necessary," Cuyugan said. He said embassy people have also

reminded Filipinos in Syria to stock up on food, water and prescribed medicines. He said Filipinos were also advised to prepare flashflights, save their mobile phones and ready radios. Cuyugan said Filipinos in the troubled country should also prepare cash and their passports in case an emergency evacuation is necessary. The DFA said that there are at least 17,000 Filipinos in Syria. (www.philstar.com)

16 HAWAII FILIPINO CHRONICLE APRIL 30, 2011