For instance, if someone is in Chicago, Illinois, he can only call a certain toll free number to dial if the area code of the phone number belongs to Chicago area. This will disallow the vote of a caller from a different time zone who votes shortly after the American Idol was shown in the Chicago area.
This means that callers from San Francisco, California, Canada or the Philippines will not be able to vote for two hours shortly after the Idol program was shown in Chicago area.
Two of my friends, Marlon L. Pecson of Chicago and Fernando “Ronnie” M. Estrada of San Jose, California, would drop everything they are doing shortly before the end of the program to prep themselves to vote.
They would remind me or sometimes I would remind them to vote. Usually, I vote 50 times online and 100 times by landline. Marlon and Ronnie would vote more than I do as they have more fun maximizing their votes during the two-hour window that would allow them to vote.
If only about 10,000 out of the estimated 4 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the U.S. would vote the same way that we do, it should generate at least 1.5-million votes. If there are 100,000, who would vote, there should be around 15 million votes that could make a dent, if not a difference, from the more than 50-million votes that turn up every Wednesday night.
 
FILIPINOS WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU

I am sure the relatives of Jessica, if they do the voting by themselves, would not be able to generate the massive number of votes needed to be safe from elimination.
Even a start-up Jessica Sanchez Fans Club would struggle to deliver the respectable votes needed to get her up to the higher level.
With the remaining contestants whittled down to final four – Jessica Sanchez, 16, of San Diego, California; Hollie Cavanagh, 18, McKinney, Texas; Joshua Ledet, 19, Westlake, Louisiana; and Phillip Phillips, 21, Leesburg, Georgia – there is clarion call for Filipino Americans to push the envelope, by making their sentiments felt by voting for Jessica during the next couple or so Wednesday nights.
I am rooting for Jessica Sanchez, the eldest of three siblings, not only because she is a daughter of Filipino American mother Editha Sanchez of Bataan province in the Philippines and a Mexican American father Gilbert Sanchez but because she is gifted with a natural talent of a great singer.
I first came to notice her talent when I first heard Jessica interpret Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” hitting a high note that Season 3 American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson could not reach when Ms. Hudson sang the same song as tribute to Houston during the Grammy Awards ceremony last February.
Since then, I was hooked on the Jessica Sanchez Fans Club phone bank!
But whatever happens at the finals, win or loss, Filipinos will always love the unassuming Jessica Sanchez.
(lariosa_jos@sbcglobal.net)

The Chinese position is so ridiculous that I doubt that even the Chinese government seriously believes that they have a legitimate claim which can properly be defended in the United Nations International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

China’s refusal to bring her claim to ITLOS by itself indicates an admission of the absurdity of her position.  Any fool can see that the Chinese government is just using a convenient fairy tale to justify her intrusion into neighbors’ territories in an attempt to grab their oil and other resources.

Recently, Chinese fishing boats and research vessels have been intruding deep into Philippine territory and into waters known as Scarborough Shoals which are just off Zambales.

Pursuant to the United Nations Law of the Sea, a country owns all of that territory within 200 miles from it’s baseline.  The Scarborough Shoals are just about 125 miles off the coast of Zambales.

The Philippines issued a diplomatic protest to China but instead of respecting the Philippine position – the Chinese sent more fishing boats into the area including armed patrol boats – together with a response from China’s Deputy Foreign Minister Fu Ying that the Scarborough Shoals are theirs and that it is the Philippines intruding into Chinese territory. Adding the insult to the injury is like saying: “So? What can you do to me if I slap you in the face?”

What does this aggressive Chinese position mean?

Here’s my take on this: It means that China is testing the Philippines’ resolve and reaction to Chinese intrusion – as well as observing American response to the situation. China is not worried about the Philippines’ military capability. It practically has none compared to China’s mighty naval armada and air force. But the American military is no paper tiger. If America gets involved, China will likely reconsider its options.

The United States has a legitimate interest in preventing China from using bully tactics to take over the energy and marine resources of the countries in the area.  It can enter into partnerships with the Philippines and other countries in the area for its own energy needs. Political stability and peace in the region are also preserved with the United States using its military might in maintaining the balance of power and keeping the sea lanes open.

Last year, on June 11, 2011, the US Senate passed a resolution condemning China’s increasing use of force against smaller countries in the area and affirmed the US’ willingness to use its military might against Chinese aggression.

For diplomatic and other reasons, the US has to announce that it cannot take sides in the conflict between the Philippines and China. However, American policy makers are aware that U.S. interests compel its continued alliance and goodwill with countries in the region. Standing by doing nothing while China gobbles up the resources of neighboring countries sets a bad precedent and encourages China to be bolder in carrying on more bullying military adventurisms.

It is unfortunate that the Chinese government is resorting to these gorilla tactics to rob  smaller nations of their valuable energy and marine resources. While the global community should rightfully be  happy for the people of China who went through so much suffering before the  present prosperity – China should not pursue continuous economic well-being at the expense of weaker nations.

What should Filipinos do against the onslaught of China’s threat and use of military might?

It would not be prudent to confront China militarily. That would be like David confronting Goliath without his slingshot or like a poodle confronting a tiger. But there are other ways to fight.

Everyone knows that China’s intrusion into Philippine territory is motivated by its thirst for oil. Any decent human being knows that it is immoral to steal property that belongs to another especially when the use of force is involved. It is immoral when individuals do it. It is likewise immoral when nations do it.

What the Philippines needs to do is seek the support of other nations and press the United Nations to seek a resolution of this trespassing and stealing of resources  issue.  Alone, the Philippines is weak. But together with other nations in condemning China’s immoral attempts at territorial grab, the Philippines can be strong.

The world  must be made aware of China’s immoral adventurism and of her attempt to steal the patrimony of other nations through threats or actual use of its military might. The Philippines must wage a relentless campaign with the global community in condemning China’s disrespect of other nations’ property rights. China must also realize that it gains more respect and friends by respecting other nations.

In line with this important objective of defending Philippine territory and resources, the US Pinoys for Good Governance (USP4GG) and supporters have organized a worldwide protest against Chinese intrusion into Philippine waters. On May 11, 2012, at 11:30 A.M., protest demonstrations will be held in front of different Chinese Embassies and Consulates around the world.

Now is the time for all good Filipinos to show genuine concern for the Philippines. Preserving the country’s energy and marine resources can mean a brighter future for millions of Filipinos.

Note: Atty. Laguatan is honored by the California State Bar as one of only 29 lawyers officially certified continuously for more than 20 years as an Expert-Specialist in Immigration Law. He also does accident, injury, wrongful death and complex litigation cases. Email laguatanlaw@gmail.comTel 650 991-1154 Address (San Francisco area): 455 Hickey Blvd. Suite 516, Daly City, Ca 94015

President Benigno S. Aquino III conveyed his apologies to the families of the victims and the Filipino people’s sorrow to the people of Hong Kong. The Philippine Congress launched a full scale public investigation of the Luneta incident and Philippine National Police (PNP) officials even acknowledged their mistakes in botching the rescue of the HK tourists.

Five years almost to the day of Mendoza’s murderous rampage, on August 19, 2005, a Filipino family of five – Emmanuel and Vivian Madrigal, and their three daughters – rode a tourist bus to Tienanmen Square in the capital of Beijing. When they stepped down from their bus to do some sightseeing, they were attacked by Wang Gongzuo, a Chinese farmer from Jiangsu province who, newspaper reports later noted, “wanted to affect society using extreme actions.”

Wang attacked Madrigal with a farmer’s scythe, hacking him across the torso killing him instantly. Wang then slashed Madrigal’s wife, Vivian, and daughter, Regina. Both later died from their wounds.

Unlike what happened in Hongkong, there were no demonstrations against China in the Philippines in 2005 to protest the Madrigal murders. There were no calls to boycott travel to China or China-made goods.

Admittedly, the liability of the Philippine police authorities for the Luneta Massacre was greater, especially because of its botched rescue attempt, than that of the police authorities in Beijing for the Tienanmen Massacre of the Madrigal family.

But there were also no protests because the government and the Filipino people understood that the homicidal acts of Wang Gongzuo were his own doing and did not reflect China’s policy towards the Philippines  or the Filipino people.

It would be an entirely different matter if the Chinese government had committed criminal acts against the Philippines or against Filipinos. If that ever happened, then there would surely be demonstrations against China and calls by Filipinos for boycotts of China-made goods.
 
Or would it?

China committed a criminal act against the Philippines when it invaded Philippine territory on August 8, 2012 when eight Chinese fishing vessels set anchor in Scarborough Shoal – which is just 124 nautical miles from Masinloc, Zambales – and engaged in illegal fishing in Philippine waters.  A Philippine Navy frigate boarded the trespassing vessels and discovered large amounts of illegally collected corals, giant clams, and live sharks.

China immediately dispatched government vessels to rescue the Chinese fishermen. When the Philippine Navy frigate fired a warning shot to halt the escape of the Chinese fisherman, the cannons malfunctioned and fired duds allowing the Chinese vessels to escape with their illegal cargo. When the frigate attempted to pursue, they were blocked by China’s navy ships,
 
Since that time, China’s naval vessels have remained  in the Scarborough Shoal asserting ownership of what they refer to as “Huangyan Island” based on a map drafted in the 12th century. In the last month, the number of China vessels in the Shoal has increased from 4 to  8 to 14, as of the latest count. 

On May 7, 2012, China’s Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying summoned the Philippine Consular officer in Beijing to demand that the Philippines “withdraw its vessels in the sea area around Huangyan Island, and to never again impede the operations of Chinese fishing vessels or Chinese government vessels performing their duties in accordance with Chinese law,” Fu said.

Once before, in 1994, China occupied the Philippines’ Panganiban Reef which is a shoal only 87 nautical miles from Palawan asserting that it was part of China.  After some sabre-rattling by China, the Philippines backed down and China thereafter erected a four-story military garrison on what is called the Mischief Reef.

There were no demonstrations against China in 1994 for its invasion and annexation of Philippine territory. Now, there will be on May 11.

Will Filipinos attend in large numbers on May 11 to defend Philippine sovereignty as they promise very time they sing the national anthem and pledge “sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil” (“Ne’er shall invaders trample thy sacred shore.”)

Or will China’s extremely low assessment of the Philippines and the Filipino people be proven accurate once again?

(For information on the protest actions against China on May 11, please log on to USPGG.org. Send comments to Rodel50@gmail.comor mail them to the Law Offices of Rodel Rodis at 2429 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127 or call 415334.7800).

SERIOUS SUBJECT
In four acts, the Kumares and Kumpares portrayed the most common forms of abuse or actions that injure elders emotionally, psychologically, financially, and physically. Rarely are the forms isolated and often these intersect. The complex effects worsen over time.
The roleplay generated a few chuckles for the seeming hilarity of a situation such as a U.S.-raised daughter’s disdain for the ways of her new immigrant mother who brought her favorite food as a child – dried fish. The reality is that continued insults and references to “backward” or “third-world” taste rankle and shatter the self-esteem of the object of the remarks. Such, explained the annotators, constitutes “psychological abuse.”

In one scenario, a mother unburdens herself to a friend, saying her children for whom she had worked two jobs to petition as permanent residents cleaned out her credit card, started buying luxury goods and now ask that she give them power of attorney over her finances in case she “got sick and died suddenly.” The woman cannot believe what is happening and has lost trust in her own children.
Another scene showed a daughter-caregiver spending a whole day shopping with a friend far from her physically disabled father thinking she has done right to leave him by the phone and television. That, said the annotators, “is neglect,” often unseen abuse.
A skit focused on a woman’s palpable anxiety over making her son wait while she picked up a prescription from her doctor. That was a “red flag” for the attending physician, who noted a bruise on the woman’s arm. The woman minimized the injury and made up an excuse for what might have been unintentional abuse.
“We need to remember that as humans age, their physical and mental needs change as well,” said APS manager Chris Rodriguez. Elder abuse may be unintentional – such as grabbing hard thus leaving a mark – and is never justified.
Rodriguez, who said he drives to Watsonville in Monterey County to see his 93-year-old mother, explained that the elderly tend to “feel guilty” and sensitive about their dependence on their children. For this reason caregivers should watch how they behave toward their elders.  He urged the 150 attendees to call the toll-free helpline for information on resources to help manage attending to an elderly parent.
“The population increases but the number of police officers decreases,” said FALEO president and retired SFPD Sgt. Glenn Sylvester Sylvester. “We need your help to prevent and prosecute the crime.”
The free event opened with 21 resource providers consulting about their products and services. Guests were treated to refreshments from Lucky Chances and other donors. Raffle prizes were drawn compliments of Forex Cargo of Northern California, San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Lucky Chances and Vallombrosa Center, Renee Salud and Philippine Association of University Women.
Drawing what else? More hugs.
For information and to report elder abuse, call: 1-800-675-TIES. PT columnist Cherie M. Querol Moreno is executive director of ALLICE Kumares & Kumpares and member of the San Mateo County Commission on Aging.

By JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES

LOS ANGELES, California — World boxing icon Manny Pacquiao arrived here for the continuation of his training for his fight against American Timothy Bradley on June 9, promising that he was looking forward to doing the country proud anew.
The Filipino ring hero flew in at the Los Angeles International Airport as his rival, Floyd Mayweather Jr., scored a unanimous 12-round decision against Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto in what Mayweather considered as one of his hardest fights yet.  Mayweather got his nose bloodied and was visibly hurt in bruising exchanges. There were also welts under his eyes and seemed exhaused during an interview after the fight.
Mayweather, as expected after the fight called out Manny Pacquiao’s name.
“If you’re the best, take the test,” was Mayweather’s challenge.
Pacquiao said he knew Mayweather would call him out once he was done with Cotto because there’s really nothing else the 35-year-old American could do other than that.
Another American fighter, Shane Mosley, lost to a rising Mexican fighter, in the undercard.
Pacquiao had defeated both Cotto and Mosley in previous outings.
It was not an easy fight for Mayweather as many saw Cotto winning in the early rounds, but then faded on the 9th round. Cotto landed some hard punches and kept attacking all the way to the final bell. 
“You’re a hell of a champion,” Mayweather told Cotto in the ring afterward. “You’re the toughest guy I ever fought.”
Mayweather dominated late, rocking Cotto in the 12th round to pull out a win and remain unbeaten in 43 fights. 
By the time Pacquiao fights Bradley, Mayweather will be occupying a cell at the Clark County Detention Center, dimming the possibility of the mega fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather where both may earn $50 million each, the biggest purse in history.
Mayweather earned $34 million in his fight against Cotto.
Before taking the Philippine Airlines Flight PR 102 to LAX, Pacquiao, now 33 and a sitting congressman representing Sarangani province, assured his countrymen that he will do his best to bring more honors for the Philippines and the Filipino people, like in his previous fights. 
This developed as Michael Knocz, a Pacquiao adviser, disclosed that a Pacquiao- Mayweather fight “is never going to happen” even as the American champion dared again the Filipino icon to fight him.
Knocz told Ronnie Nathanielz: “He (Mayweather) is never going to fight Manny. It’s never going to happen,” said Koncz. “We know Manny can beat him and Floyd knows that, too. Why do you think he wants a 60-40 split (in favor of Mayweather)?” Asked about Mayweather’s post-fight comment to sportscaster Larry Merchant that he wanted Pacquiao to take the blood test, Koncz replied: “That’s a stupid thing because Manny personally told him (Mayweather) on the phone he agreed to the blood test.”
Koncz added: “I don’t care what he (Mayweather) does. We have a fight coming up on June 9 and that’s the fight we are going to concentrate on.”
Pacquiao ended his high altitude training in Baguio and in Manila with a seven-round skirmish against Russian sparring partners Ruslan Provodnikov (four rounds) and Rustam Nugaev (seven rounds.
“Paki-sabi sa mga kababayan natin na aalis ako na umaasa na muli ay gagawin ko ang lahat ng magagawa ko para bigyan na naman sila at ang bansang Pilipinas ng karangalan, tulad noong nauna kong mga laban,” Pacquiao told sports writer Eddie G. Alinea.
“Like before, what I’m asking is for them to pray that not only I win but that I will be free from harm as I resume my preparations in L.A. until the day of the fight in Las Vegas,” he added in reference to his confrontation with Bradley on June 9. 
“Sana ay ipagdasal din nila na walang injury na mangyari kay Bradley at sa lahat ng boksingerong lalaban sa undercard ng paghaharap namin (I also ask our countrymen to pray that Bradley be spared from any harm as well as all boxers fighting in the undercard of our fight),” he said. 
“On my part, I’ll be praying that all our countrymen back home and our country be safe at all times, that I’m fighting for them,” he said. “As I’ve been saying, ang labang ito ay para sa inyo (this fight is for you)!” 
The four-round toe-to-toe against Provodnikov, whose fighting style approximates that of Bradley, impressed chief trainer Freddie Roach no end that he pronounced the defending champion will be ready to fight soon as he had expected. 
“That was the best sparring session we had since we started with the facet of the program two weeks ago in Baguio,” Roach exclaimed after the training session. 
“Manny’s nearing his fighting form and that would make the next phase of preparations a lot easier as I expected,” Roach said. 
Pacquiao himself could not hide his satisfaction with the way his training is going, saying it’s way on track. 
“Tama lang. Sukat na sukat ang schedule (Just right. Training schedule is going well),” he said. “We’ll reach our target on time. I feel very good right now.” 
So impressive was the Pacman’s performance he was given a standing ovation by the standing room only crowd that filled the MP Towers gym, including long-time supporter former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, boxing promoter Wackee Salud and election lawyer Romy Macalintal, among others. 
A farewell party was held later in the day at the Pan Pacific Hotel, Pacquiao’s official residence while in Manila.
Assistant coach Buboy Fernandez of the “Team Pacquiao” earlier assessed that the Filipino ring icon has already regained his speed and timing, and that local conditioning coach Marvin Somodeo was successful in giving a remedy to the champion’s usual leg cramps.