Processing of green cards
resumes in July -- State Dept.
Visa numbers available for nurses, PTs and other professionals
By Cristina A. Godinez
NEW YORK CITY -- Visa numbers for Filipino workers under the employment-based third preference category (EB-3) will be available in July, according to a State Department release on Wednesday, June 13.
The availability of the visa numbers means the visa processing for EB-3 professional and skilled workers from the Philippines, including registered nurses (RNs) and physical therapists (PTs), will resume by July and the eventual deployment of these foreign workers will not suffer further delay.
EB-3 workers who are in the US waiting for visa availability will also be able to apply for adjustment of status beginning July. The availability of the visa numbers puts an end, at least temporarily, to the retrogression that has stalled the deployment of skilled Filipino workers to the US since January 2005.
Retrogression occurs when the demand for immigrant visa numbers exceed the available numbers for a given year. In such a case, the State Department fixes a cut-off priority date, and cases with priority dates falling on or after the prescribed cut-off will not be processed.
Filipino healthcare workers in shortage occupations like registered nurses (RNs) and physical therapists (PTs) were spared briefly from the retrogression by the legislated recapture of 50,000 unused visas on May 11, 2005. The deployment of Filipino RNs and PTs , however, was halted when the unused visas were exhausted in November 2006, subjecting these shortage occupations to the EB-3 retrogression as well.
The July 2007 Visa Bulletin issued by the State Department, however, warns about the possibility that not all employment preferences will remain “current†(meaning, visa numbers are available) for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends September 2007.
The State Department cautioned that retrogression could re-occur in September for EB-3 workers from major sending countries like mainland China, India and the Philippines when the demand for visa numbers become heavy in the coming months.
It also said severe cut-off retrogression could occur in early Fiscal Year 2008, beginning October, 2007. In contrast, visa numbers for the Other Worker category worldwide will be unavailable in July.
Visa availability for this category, which includes adult companions, personal aides, home health aides, general housekeepers or child monitors, had been alternately unavailable and retrogressed the past several months. The unavailability of the visa numbers for Other Workers means foreign workers in this category currently in the US will not be able to apply for adjustment of status, while those who are outside the US will have to wait for their priority dates to come up.
(CRISTINA A. GODINEZ is a Manhattan-based attorney. For comments or questions, you may send an email to crisgodinez@lawyer.com or crisgodinez@yahoo.com.)
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The 1st Phillippine Airlines Photo Contest
Let your passion fly high! Join The First Philippine Airlines Photo Contest!
Log on to www.palphotocontest.com for complete details.
Divisions:
Professional - SLR, DSLR, and medium format camera may be used
Enthusiasts - point-and-shoot camera, SLR or DSLR may be used
Kids - Any Cellphone or point-and-shoot camera may be used
Categories:
Best of Philippine Scapes
Best of the Filipino Spirit
Best of Filipino Culture
Camera and printing:
Any digital or film based camera
Print by an EPSON printer (serial number needed)
Any brand of photo paper
Photo sizes:
Professional division - A3 or 11 inches x 17 inches
Enthusiast division - A4 or 8.5 inches x 11 inches
Kids division - 5x7 (5R) Printed by any photo lab
Allowed
Black & White
Optional white border (max of 1 inch on all sides)
Sepia tone
Colored
Digital/digitally-converted film negatives
Creative effects done within the camera at the time of exposure
Digital retouching ONLY on density, contrast, minor cropping on composition, burning, dodging, and global adjustments.
Not allowed
Major manipulation through adding and subtracting
Manually retouched and/or painted over photos
Entries that have won other contests or have been published
Participant’s name on the entry surface
Judges’ decision will be final.
Selected entries will be required by Philippine Airlines and its organizer Eastgate Oneworkshop, Inc. to submit the ORIGINAL negative or digital file for evaluation and publishing purposes.
Deadlines of Submission of Entries:
Metro Manila - August 25, 2007.
Saturday, 6pm at Eastgate Oneworkshop, Inc.: OWG Ground Floor, 2241 La Fuerza Plaza ll, Don Chino Roces Ave. corner Sabio St. Makati City. Telefax 8192074
Provincial - August 18, 2007. Saturday at any designated PAL Photo Contest Provincial Coordinators in *Davao, *Cebu, *Iloilo, *Bacolod, and *Clark.
*Contacts to be announced soon.
Prizes:
Professional Division:
The Beauty of Philippine Scapes Award PHP50,000 + PAL Travel Package*
The Beauty of the Filipino Spirit Award PHP50,000 + PAL Travel Package*
The Beauty of Filipino Culture Award PHP50,000 + PAL Travel Package*
*to be raffled off to the 3 awardees during the Awarding Ceremony on September 7, 2007 at SM Mall of Asia:
- PAL Beijing Package Tour
- PAL Bangkok Package Tour
- PAL Hong Kong Package Tour
(all inclusive of airfare & accommodation)
Enthusiast Division:
The Beauty of Philippine Scapes Award PHP30,000 + PAL Travel Package*
The Beauty of the Filipino Spirit Award PHP30,000 + PAL Travel Package*
The Beauty of Filipino Culture Award PHP30,000 + PAL Travel Package*
*to be raffled off to the 3 awardees during the Awarding Ceremony:
- PAL Boracay Package Tour
- PAL Cebu Package Tour
- PAL Laoag Package Tour
(all inclusive of airfare & accommodation)
Kids Division:
The Beauty of Philippine Scapes Award PHP15,000 + El Nido Package Tour
The Beauty of the Filipino Spirit Award PHP15,000 + El Nido Package Tour
The Beauty of Filipino Culture Award PHP15,000 + El Nido Package Tour
Inquiries:
Ms. Niña Dueñas, 819-2074
Email: eastgate.oneworkshop.gmail.com
Download entry forms from www.palphotocontest.com
Log on to www.palphotocontest.com for complete details.
Divisions:
Professional - SLR, DSLR, and medium format camera may be used
Enthusiasts - point-and-shoot camera, SLR or DSLR may be used
Kids - Any Cellphone or point-and-shoot camera may be used
Categories:
Best of Philippine Scapes
Best of the Filipino Spirit
Best of Filipino Culture
Camera and printing:
Any digital or film based camera
Print by an EPSON printer (serial number needed)
Any brand of photo paper
Photo sizes:
Professional division - A3 or 11 inches x 17 inches
Enthusiast division - A4 or 8.5 inches x 11 inches
Kids division - 5x7 (5R) Printed by any photo lab
Allowed
Black & White
Optional white border (max of 1 inch on all sides)
Sepia tone
Colored
Digital/digitally-converted film negatives
Creative effects done within the camera at the time of exposure
Digital retouching ONLY on density, contrast, minor cropping on composition, burning, dodging, and global adjustments.
Not allowed
Major manipulation through adding and subtracting
Manually retouched and/or painted over photos
Entries that have won other contests or have been published
Participant’s name on the entry surface
Judges’ decision will be final.
Selected entries will be required by Philippine Airlines and its organizer Eastgate Oneworkshop, Inc. to submit the ORIGINAL negative or digital file for evaluation and publishing purposes.
Deadlines of Submission of Entries:
Metro Manila - August 25, 2007.
Saturday, 6pm at Eastgate Oneworkshop, Inc.: OWG Ground Floor, 2241 La Fuerza Plaza ll, Don Chino Roces Ave. corner Sabio St. Makati City. Telefax 8192074
Provincial - August 18, 2007. Saturday at any designated PAL Photo Contest Provincial Coordinators in *Davao, *Cebu, *Iloilo, *Bacolod, and *Clark.
*Contacts to be announced soon.
Prizes:
Professional Division:
The Beauty of Philippine Scapes Award PHP50,000 + PAL Travel Package*
The Beauty of the Filipino Spirit Award PHP50,000 + PAL Travel Package*
The Beauty of Filipino Culture Award PHP50,000 + PAL Travel Package*
*to be raffled off to the 3 awardees during the Awarding Ceremony on September 7, 2007 at SM Mall of Asia:
- PAL Beijing Package Tour
- PAL Bangkok Package Tour
- PAL Hong Kong Package Tour
(all inclusive of airfare & accommodation)
Enthusiast Division:
The Beauty of Philippine Scapes Award PHP30,000 + PAL Travel Package*
The Beauty of the Filipino Spirit Award PHP30,000 + PAL Travel Package*
The Beauty of Filipino Culture Award PHP30,000 + PAL Travel Package*
*to be raffled off to the 3 awardees during the Awarding Ceremony:
- PAL Boracay Package Tour
- PAL Cebu Package Tour
- PAL Laoag Package Tour
(all inclusive of airfare & accommodation)
Kids Division:
The Beauty of Philippine Scapes Award PHP15,000 + El Nido Package Tour
The Beauty of the Filipino Spirit Award PHP15,000 + El Nido Package Tour
The Beauty of Filipino Culture Award PHP15,000 + El Nido Package Tour
Inquiries:
Ms. Niña Dueñas, 819-2074
Email: eastgate.oneworkshop.gmail.com
Download entry forms from www.palphotocontest.com
Muggle Magic Digital Art and Video Contest
Muggle Magic
Weave your own Harry Potter fantasy
Contest Period: June 1 – July 12, 2007
We are inviting all Harry Potter fans to take part in this challenge! Use your creativity and make your own Harry Potter video.
Videos can be made using different approaches like live-action, cartoons, Flash movie, 3D animation, or combination of any of these techniques. In other words, show us how creative and inventive you can be!
There are two categories you can join:
Theme 1: Depict any scene which you think will happen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Samples:
• Harry and his parents are reunited in the end.
• Hermione and Ron finally expressed their love for each other.
• Dumbledore is resurrected and helps Harry defeat Voldemort.
Theme 2: Show us why you deserve to be named the world’s greatest Harry Potter fan.
• Scenes of your massive collection of Harry Potter collectibles.
• Relate how many times you saw or read Harry Potter movies and books.
RULES & REGULATIONS:
1. Each participant is allowed to submit as many entries as he/she wants.
2. All entries should be the participant’s original interpretation of the themes and not lifted from other sources. Powerbooks will not be held liable for any copyright infringement committed by the participant.
3. Dialogues and scenes depicted should not be based or copied from any Harry Potter movie.
4. Participants have the freedom to interpret the themes as creatively and imaginatively possible provided that they stay true to the theme.
5. Each entry should not be previously entered into any other competition.
6. Participants give Powerbooks the right to upload their video for the website & other promotional activities (public screenings). Once submitted, entries will not be returned and be considered properties of Powerbooks.
MECHANICS:
1. To join the contest, participants should submit the following in a brown envelope:
a. Registration Form (full name, address, telephone, cellphone, email, theme, title of entry, short description of the entry). You may download the Official Registration Form here or get them at any Powerbooks branch
b. CD containing the video entry.
2. Video entries should adhere to the following:
A. Format: .mov, .mp4, .avi, .mpg
B. Length: Minimum of 3 minutes and maximum of 5 minutes.
C. File Size: Videos may not exceed 100MB in size.
3. Deadline for submission of entries is on July 12, 2007 9pm at any Powerbooks branch or drop it off at the Powerbooks Head Office at 25 Brixton St., Capitol Subdivision, Pasig City.
WINNERS:
1. Judges will choose 5 finalists from each theme. The finalists’ works will be uploaded at the Powerbooks Multiply Site (http://powerbooks.multiply.com) from July 14 -21, 2007.
2. Participants will vie for the following:
• Grand Prize winner for Theme I
• Grand Prize winner for Theme II
• People’s Choice winner for both themes
3. The Grand Prize winners for both themes will be determined by a select panel of judges with the following criteria:
• Originality - 30%
• Overall Impact - 10%
• Composition and Technique - 40%
• Application of the Theme - 20%
4. The People’s Choice Winner will be determined through the most number of votes received online. Fans may vote at the Powerbooks Multiply Site (http://powerbooks.multiply.com)
5. The Multiply site will officially start accepting votes on July 14, 2007 at 5PM and will end on July 19, 2007 at 10AM. (6 days to vote)
6. The decision of the judges and tally of votes from the Multiply site are final.
7. Prizes: To be announced
Download the registration form below:
Muggle Magic Digital Video Official Registration Form.doc
http://images.powerbooks.multiply.com/attachment/0/Rm@MbgoKCr8AAGTmAhg1/Muggle%20Magic%20Digital%20Video%20Official%20Registration%20Form.doc
PLUS
Combine your love for Harry Potter and digital imaging to produce a winning Harry Potter artwork.
Artworks can be made using different approaches like vectors, collages, cartoons, 3D graphics, or combination of any of these techniques. In other words, show us how creative and inventive you can be! You may use any image editing software.
The artwork should be made in line with the theme:
Depict any scene which you think will happen on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Samples:
• Harry and his parents are reunited in the end (in anime style).
• Hermione and Ron finally expressed their love for each other.
• Dumbledore is resurrected and helps Harry defeat Voldemort.
RULES & REGULATION:
1. Each participant is allowed to submit as many entries as he/she wants.
2. All entries should be the participant’s original interpretation of the contest themes and not lifted from other sources. Powerbooks will not be held liable for any copyright infringement committed by the participant.
3. Scenes depicted should not be based or copied from any Harry Potter movie.
4. Participants have the freedom to interpret the contest themes as creative and imaginatively possible provided that they stay true to the theme.
5. Each entry should not be previously entered into any other competition.
6. Participants give Powerbooks the right to upload their artworks for the website & other promotional activities. Once submitted, entries will not be returned and be considered properties of Powerbooks.
MECHANICS:
1. To join the contest, participants should submit the following in a brown envelope:
a. Registration Form (full name, address, company/ school, telephone, cellphone, email, theme, title of entry, short description of the entry). You may download the official registration form here, at http://www.powerbooks.com.ph or get them at any Powerbooks branch
b. Printed Artwork measuring 11” x 16”(A3 size, landscape or portrait orientation) mounted on illustration board.
2. Deadline for submission of entries is on July 12, 2007, 9pm, at any Powerbooks branch or drop it off at the Powerbooks Head Office at 25 Brixton St., Capitol Subdivision, Pasig City.
WINNERS:
1. Judges will choose 3 finalists. The finalists’ works will be uploaded at the Powerbooks Multiply Site (http://powerbooks.multiply.com) from July 14 -21, 2007.
2. The Grand Prize winner will be determined by a select panel of judges with the following criteria:
• Originality - 30%
• Impact - 10%
• Composition and Technique - 50%
• Application of the Theme - 20%
3. The decision of the judges is final.
4. Prizes: To be announced
Download the Muggle Magic Digital Art Official Registration Form below:
http://images.powerbooks.multiply.com/attachment/0/Rm@YTgoKCr8AAEcRF8o1/Muggle%20Magic%20Digital%20Art%20Official%20Registration%20Form.doc
James J. Abuan
Marketing Assistant
Powerbooks
0919-2234389
490-1158 loc 1156
Weave your own Harry Potter fantasy
Contest Period: June 1 – July 12, 2007
We are inviting all Harry Potter fans to take part in this challenge! Use your creativity and make your own Harry Potter video.
Videos can be made using different approaches like live-action, cartoons, Flash movie, 3D animation, or combination of any of these techniques. In other words, show us how creative and inventive you can be!
There are two categories you can join:
Theme 1: Depict any scene which you think will happen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Samples:
• Harry and his parents are reunited in the end.
• Hermione and Ron finally expressed their love for each other.
• Dumbledore is resurrected and helps Harry defeat Voldemort.
Theme 2: Show us why you deserve to be named the world’s greatest Harry Potter fan.
• Scenes of your massive collection of Harry Potter collectibles.
• Relate how many times you saw or read Harry Potter movies and books.
RULES & REGULATIONS:
1. Each participant is allowed to submit as many entries as he/she wants.
2. All entries should be the participant’s original interpretation of the themes and not lifted from other sources. Powerbooks will not be held liable for any copyright infringement committed by the participant.
3. Dialogues and scenes depicted should not be based or copied from any Harry Potter movie.
4. Participants have the freedom to interpret the themes as creatively and imaginatively possible provided that they stay true to the theme.
5. Each entry should not be previously entered into any other competition.
6. Participants give Powerbooks the right to upload their video for the website & other promotional activities (public screenings). Once submitted, entries will not be returned and be considered properties of Powerbooks.
MECHANICS:
1. To join the contest, participants should submit the following in a brown envelope:
a. Registration Form (full name, address, telephone, cellphone, email, theme, title of entry, short description of the entry). You may download the Official Registration Form here or get them at any Powerbooks branch
b. CD containing the video entry.
2. Video entries should adhere to the following:
A. Format: .mov, .mp4, .avi, .mpg
B. Length: Minimum of 3 minutes and maximum of 5 minutes.
C. File Size: Videos may not exceed 100MB in size.
3. Deadline for submission of entries is on July 12, 2007 9pm at any Powerbooks branch or drop it off at the Powerbooks Head Office at 25 Brixton St., Capitol Subdivision, Pasig City.
WINNERS:
1. Judges will choose 5 finalists from each theme. The finalists’ works will be uploaded at the Powerbooks Multiply Site (http://powerbooks.multiply.com) from July 14 -21, 2007.
2. Participants will vie for the following:
• Grand Prize winner for Theme I
• Grand Prize winner for Theme II
• People’s Choice winner for both themes
3. The Grand Prize winners for both themes will be determined by a select panel of judges with the following criteria:
• Originality - 30%
• Overall Impact - 10%
• Composition and Technique - 40%
• Application of the Theme - 20%
4. The People’s Choice Winner will be determined through the most number of votes received online. Fans may vote at the Powerbooks Multiply Site (http://powerbooks.multiply.com)
5. The Multiply site will officially start accepting votes on July 14, 2007 at 5PM and will end on July 19, 2007 at 10AM. (6 days to vote)
6. The decision of the judges and tally of votes from the Multiply site are final.
7. Prizes: To be announced
Download the registration form below:
Muggle Magic Digital Video Official Registration Form.doc
http://images.powerbooks.multiply.com/attachment/0/Rm@MbgoKCr8AAGTmAhg1/Muggle%20Magic%20Digital%20Video%20Official%20Registration%20Form.doc
PLUS
Combine your love for Harry Potter and digital imaging to produce a winning Harry Potter artwork.
Artworks can be made using different approaches like vectors, collages, cartoons, 3D graphics, or combination of any of these techniques. In other words, show us how creative and inventive you can be! You may use any image editing software.
The artwork should be made in line with the theme:
Depict any scene which you think will happen on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Samples:
• Harry and his parents are reunited in the end (in anime style).
• Hermione and Ron finally expressed their love for each other.
• Dumbledore is resurrected and helps Harry defeat Voldemort.
RULES & REGULATION:
1. Each participant is allowed to submit as many entries as he/she wants.
2. All entries should be the participant’s original interpretation of the contest themes and not lifted from other sources. Powerbooks will not be held liable for any copyright infringement committed by the participant.
3. Scenes depicted should not be based or copied from any Harry Potter movie.
4. Participants have the freedom to interpret the contest themes as creative and imaginatively possible provided that they stay true to the theme.
5. Each entry should not be previously entered into any other competition.
6. Participants give Powerbooks the right to upload their artworks for the website & other promotional activities. Once submitted, entries will not be returned and be considered properties of Powerbooks.
MECHANICS:
1. To join the contest, participants should submit the following in a brown envelope:
a. Registration Form (full name, address, company/ school, telephone, cellphone, email, theme, title of entry, short description of the entry). You may download the official registration form here, at http://www.powerbooks.com.ph or get them at any Powerbooks branch
b. Printed Artwork measuring 11” x 16”(A3 size, landscape or portrait orientation) mounted on illustration board.
2. Deadline for submission of entries is on July 12, 2007, 9pm, at any Powerbooks branch or drop it off at the Powerbooks Head Office at 25 Brixton St., Capitol Subdivision, Pasig City.
WINNERS:
1. Judges will choose 3 finalists. The finalists’ works will be uploaded at the Powerbooks Multiply Site (http://powerbooks.multiply.com) from July 14 -21, 2007.
2. The Grand Prize winner will be determined by a select panel of judges with the following criteria:
• Originality - 30%
• Impact - 10%
• Composition and Technique - 50%
• Application of the Theme - 20%
3. The decision of the judges is final.
4. Prizes: To be announced
Download the Muggle Magic Digital Art Official Registration Form below:
http://images.powerbooks.multiply.com/attachment/0/Rm@YTgoKCr8AAEcRF8o1/Muggle%20Magic%20Digital%20Art%20Official%20Registration%20Form.doc
James J. Abuan
Marketing Assistant
Powerbooks
0919-2234389
490-1158 loc 1156
Walt Disney Entertainment Talent Casting
In partnership with The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab and Little Boy Productions, representatives from Walt Disney Entertainment Talent Casting will be holding auditions for Hong Kong Disneyland.
Walt Disney Entertainment Talent Casting Representatives will be in Manila and Cebu searching for vocalists and dancers to perform at Hong Kong Disneyland. The audition schedule is as follows:
Vocalist Auditions
Manila – Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Cebu – Thursday, 19 July 2007
Dancer Auditions
Manila – Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Cebu – Friday, 20 July 2007
Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Please submit one non-returnable color photo and resume/bio-data.
Vocalists should bring sheet music of two contrasting 16-bar selections. Pre-recorded accompaniments in any format are not allowed.
Dancers should wear appropriate dance attire, and will be taught a dance combination.
Visit or call our pre-registration centers now!
MANILA
The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab
Park Avenue, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas
Ave. cor. EDSA, 1100 Quezon City
Tel: (632) 637-9840 & 914-5055
CEBU
Little Boy Productions
Exams Excellence, Manros Plaza, Mango
Avenue across Fooda, 6000 Cebu City
Tel: (6322) 254-9320 & 415-7068
Walt Disney Entertainment Talent Casting Representatives will be in Manila and Cebu searching for vocalists and dancers to perform at Hong Kong Disneyland. The audition schedule is as follows:
Vocalist Auditions
Manila – Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Cebu – Thursday, 19 July 2007
Dancer Auditions
Manila – Wednesday, 18 July 2007
Cebu – Friday, 20 July 2007
Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Please submit one non-returnable color photo and resume/bio-data.
Vocalists should bring sheet music of two contrasting 16-bar selections. Pre-recorded accompaniments in any format are not allowed.
Dancers should wear appropriate dance attire, and will be taught a dance combination.
Visit or call our pre-registration centers now!
MANILA
The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab
Park Avenue, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas
Ave. cor. EDSA, 1100 Quezon City
Tel: (632) 637-9840 & 914-5055
CEBU
Little Boy Productions
Exams Excellence, Manros Plaza, Mango
Avenue across Fooda, 6000 Cebu City
Tel: (6322) 254-9320 & 415-7068
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Growing up
A few days after we discovered the babies of Snowy and Rabbit, we discovered that Betty and Jacky had their own too -- six of them to be more exact.
For a while, Kimi's room has a grand total of 15 hamsters, with 11 of them babies. Soon, one of Snowy's died but as soon as that one went, the remaining 4 grew fast. It wasn't the same for Betty's brood, however. So we thought, there must have been a difference of at least four days between the births. Sadly, it wasn't so.
Last Friday, Betty succumbed to a disease. It could have been anything, since we could not touch the babies, the parents nor the cage until the babies are big enough. Within the same day, one of her babies died. Then another by morning. We hand-ed the little ones the best we could -- each of us taking turns in feeding them throughout the day. In a span of three days, Jacky lost his family.
At the same time, Snowy had her own losses. She is now down to 2 pups.
The good news is: Snowy's two white pups are going strong and they have grown so big too! I'll post photos soon.
Anyway, Kimi was sad throughout this whole exprience. She learned a lot about taking care of babies, hamsters and about allowing her pets to go through the experience with her. She is growing up so fast.
And yesterday, she told me she will sone have to start werig a baby bra... sigh...
For a while, Kimi's room has a grand total of 15 hamsters, with 11 of them babies. Soon, one of Snowy's died but as soon as that one went, the remaining 4 grew fast. It wasn't the same for Betty's brood, however. So we thought, there must have been a difference of at least four days between the births. Sadly, it wasn't so.
Last Friday, Betty succumbed to a disease. It could have been anything, since we could not touch the babies, the parents nor the cage until the babies are big enough. Within the same day, one of her babies died. Then another by morning. We hand-ed the little ones the best we could -- each of us taking turns in feeding them throughout the day. In a span of three days, Jacky lost his family.
At the same time, Snowy had her own losses. She is now down to 2 pups.
The good news is: Snowy's two white pups are going strong and they have grown so big too! I'll post photos soon.
Anyway, Kimi was sad throughout this whole exprience. She learned a lot about taking care of babies, hamsters and about allowing her pets to go through the experience with her. She is growing up so fast.
And yesterday, she told me she will sone have to start werig a baby bra... sigh...
7th Ateneo National Writer's Workshop
Call for submissions for the 7th Ateneo National Writer's Workshop The Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP) is now accepting applications for the 7th Ateneo National Writer's Workshop to be held on October 22-27, 2007.
Each applicant should submit a portfolio of any of the following works:
five poems
three short stories
or two one-act plays
written in Filipino or English, with a title page bearing the author's pseudonym and a table of contents.
The portfolio must also be accompanied by a diskette/CD containing a file of the documents saved in Rich Text Format.
All submissions should include a sealed envelope containing the author's name, address, contact numbers, and a one-page resume including a literary curriculum vitae with a 1x1 ID picture.
Twelve (12) fellows will be chosen from all over the country. Food and lodging accomodations will be provided.
Please address entries to:
Marco A.V. Lopez, Acting Director,
AILAP, c/o Filipino Department,
Horacio dela Costa Hall, Loyola Schools,
Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
Deadline of submissions is on August 3, 2007.
For inquiries, please contact workshop coordinators Ms. Bong Oris and Mr. Yol Jamendang at 426-6001 local 5320-22. You may also e-mail Mr. Lopez at mvlopez@ateneo. edu
US Immigration Fact Check: Responding To Key Myths
For Immediate Release June 5, 2007
Immigration Fact Check: Responding To Key Myths
1. MYTH: Once an individual is granted a Z visa, his or her family outside the country will be eligible for Z visas including his or her spouse, children, spouse's children, parents and spouse's parents.
FACT: Z visa eligibility is limited to the finite population of current aliens who were already in the United States illegally as of January 1, 2007. No one outside the U.S. can petition for a Z visa – including family members of Z visa workers.
FACT: Only green card holders and U.S. citizens may petition to bring family members to the U.S. It will take at least 8 years for the first Z visa recipient to receive a green card, and it will take at least 13 years for the first Z visa recipient to become a citizen.
FACT: Z visa holders who eventually receive green cards and become citizens will be subject to the tighter limits on family immigration that the bill imposes. The bill limits future family-based visas to the spouses and minor children of U.S citizens and green card holders, plus a smaller number of parents of U.S. citizens. It eliminates set-asides for siblings and adult children of U.S. citizens.
2. MYTH: Illegal immigrants may stay in probationary status for years without having to apply or meet requirements for a Z visa.
FACT: Illegal immigrants may not obtain probationary status without applying for the Z visa, which requires coming out of the shadows and passing a background check.
FACT: Probationary status is valid only while a Z visa application is pending – it may be revoked at any time if the applicant is found ineligible for the Z visa, fails to maintain a clean record, or fails the background check required for obtaining a Z visa.
FACT: If a worker is deemed eligible for a Z visa, probationary status terminates, and the worker must transition to a Z visa or leave the country. Transitioning to Z status will require the worker to pay a $1,000 fine for head of household and $500 per dependent; up to $1,500 in processing fees per applicant, including heads of household and dependents; and a $500 state impact assistance fee.
FACT: To remain in the United States, the worker is subject to updated background checks on criminal and security history and must stay employed, maintain a clean record, and meet accelerated English and civics requirements by set deadlines. In addition, Z visa holders must pay processing fees of up to $1,500 every four years in order to renew the visa. Z visa holders are not entitled to welfare, Food Stamps, SSI, or non-emergency Medicaid.
3. MYTH: Immigration and Customs Enforcement has scaled back penalties and arrests in worksite enforcement cases.
FACT: In a much more aggressive approach to cracking down on employers who hire illegal aliens, ICE has replaced the old system of administrative hearings and fines with a much tougher combination of criminal prosecutions and asset forfeitures.
FACT: Arrests for criminal violations brought in worksite enforcement actions – thee most effective means of enforcement and best measure of ICE's new approach – have increased significantly from 24 in FY 1999 to a record 716 in FY 2006. There have been 588 criminal arrests since the beginning of FY 2007.
FACT: During the first half of FY 2007, ICE obtained criminal fines, restitutions, and civil judgments in worksite enforcement investigations against egregious violators in excess of $29 million.
FACT: A 2005 program called "Operation Rollback" assessed $15,000,000 in civil fines, an amount greater than the sum of administrative fines collected in the previous eight years combined and the largest worksite enforcement penalty in US history.
FACT: ICE's interior enforcement strategy targets not only employers of illegal aliens and immigration violators inside this country but also the many criminal networks that support these activities, including human smuggling and trafficking organizations and document or benefit fraud organizations.
4. MYTH: The bill would permit illegal immigrants who have committed violent crimes to remain in the country.
FACT: Applicants convicted of any of a wide range of crimes will not be permitted in the Z visa program. The list of crimes that disqualify applicants extends into the thousands and includes:
o Any felony
o Any three misdemeanors
o Any serious criminal offense
o Violations of any law relating to a controlled substance
· FACT: If a Z visa applicant is rejected because of criminal conduct, the government can immediately place the alien in removal proceedings.
· FACT: Any Z visa application that is rejected because of criminal conduct is no longer subject to confidentiality restrictions. DHS has authority to share the information with law enforcement officials, making it easier to identify and deport criminal aliens.
5. MYTH: The bill ignores the importance of assimilation.
· FACT: An entire subtitle is dedicated to assimilation and outlines several new and expanded assimilation programs, including:
o Expanding the mission of the DHS Office of Citizenship to include civic integration;
o Authorizing $100 million for the office to carry out its new, broader mission;
o Providing grants to States and localities for integration programs; and
o Directing the Education Department to develop a new English learning program to be made available free over the Internet.
FACT: The bill also declares that English is the language of the United States and directs the United States government to preserve and enhance it.
FACT: Individuals seeking to maintain their Z status must meet accelerated English requirements.
Immigration Fact Check: Responding To Key Myths
1. MYTH: Once an individual is granted a Z visa, his or her family outside the country will be eligible for Z visas including his or her spouse, children, spouse's children, parents and spouse's parents.
FACT: Z visa eligibility is limited to the finite population of current aliens who were already in the United States illegally as of January 1, 2007. No one outside the U.S. can petition for a Z visa – including family members of Z visa workers.
FACT: Only green card holders and U.S. citizens may petition to bring family members to the U.S. It will take at least 8 years for the first Z visa recipient to receive a green card, and it will take at least 13 years for the first Z visa recipient to become a citizen.
FACT: Z visa holders who eventually receive green cards and become citizens will be subject to the tighter limits on family immigration that the bill imposes. The bill limits future family-based visas to the spouses and minor children of U.S citizens and green card holders, plus a smaller number of parents of U.S. citizens. It eliminates set-asides for siblings and adult children of U.S. citizens.
2. MYTH: Illegal immigrants may stay in probationary status for years without having to apply or meet requirements for a Z visa.
FACT: Illegal immigrants may not obtain probationary status without applying for the Z visa, which requires coming out of the shadows and passing a background check.
FACT: Probationary status is valid only while a Z visa application is pending – it may be revoked at any time if the applicant is found ineligible for the Z visa, fails to maintain a clean record, or fails the background check required for obtaining a Z visa.
FACT: If a worker is deemed eligible for a Z visa, probationary status terminates, and the worker must transition to a Z visa or leave the country. Transitioning to Z status will require the worker to pay a $1,000 fine for head of household and $500 per dependent; up to $1,500 in processing fees per applicant, including heads of household and dependents; and a $500 state impact assistance fee.
FACT: To remain in the United States, the worker is subject to updated background checks on criminal and security history and must stay employed, maintain a clean record, and meet accelerated English and civics requirements by set deadlines. In addition, Z visa holders must pay processing fees of up to $1,500 every four years in order to renew the visa. Z visa holders are not entitled to welfare, Food Stamps, SSI, or non-emergency Medicaid.
3. MYTH: Immigration and Customs Enforcement has scaled back penalties and arrests in worksite enforcement cases.
FACT: In a much more aggressive approach to cracking down on employers who hire illegal aliens, ICE has replaced the old system of administrative hearings and fines with a much tougher combination of criminal prosecutions and asset forfeitures.
FACT: Arrests for criminal violations brought in worksite enforcement actions – thee most effective means of enforcement and best measure of ICE's new approach – have increased significantly from 24 in FY 1999 to a record 716 in FY 2006. There have been 588 criminal arrests since the beginning of FY 2007.
FACT: During the first half of FY 2007, ICE obtained criminal fines, restitutions, and civil judgments in worksite enforcement investigations against egregious violators in excess of $29 million.
FACT: A 2005 program called "Operation Rollback" assessed $15,000,000 in civil fines, an amount greater than the sum of administrative fines collected in the previous eight years combined and the largest worksite enforcement penalty in US history.
FACT: ICE's interior enforcement strategy targets not only employers of illegal aliens and immigration violators inside this country but also the many criminal networks that support these activities, including human smuggling and trafficking organizations and document or benefit fraud organizations.
4. MYTH: The bill would permit illegal immigrants who have committed violent crimes to remain in the country.
FACT: Applicants convicted of any of a wide range of crimes will not be permitted in the Z visa program. The list of crimes that disqualify applicants extends into the thousands and includes:
o Any felony
o Any three misdemeanors
o Any serious criminal offense
o Violations of any law relating to a controlled substance
· FACT: If a Z visa applicant is rejected because of criminal conduct, the government can immediately place the alien in removal proceedings.
· FACT: Any Z visa application that is rejected because of criminal conduct is no longer subject to confidentiality restrictions. DHS has authority to share the information with law enforcement officials, making it easier to identify and deport criminal aliens.
5. MYTH: The bill ignores the importance of assimilation.
· FACT: An entire subtitle is dedicated to assimilation and outlines several new and expanded assimilation programs, including:
o Expanding the mission of the DHS Office of Citizenship to include civic integration;
o Authorizing $100 million for the office to carry out its new, broader mission;
o Providing grants to States and localities for integration programs; and
o Directing the Education Department to develop a new English learning program to be made available free over the Internet.
FACT: The bill also declares that English is the language of the United States and directs the United States government to preserve and enhance it.
FACT: Individuals seeking to maintain their Z status must meet accelerated English requirements.
"High School Musical" on stage
"High School Musical" invades local theater
Michael Ancheta
Monday, June 4, 2007
01:44 PM
http://www.pep.ph/guide/713/High-School-Musical-invades-local-theater-
After the highly successful production of the musical Footloose headlined by Jay-R and Iya
Villania in 2005, STAGES together with Trumpet's Playshop once again returns this time
with a more ambitious project via Disney's hit High School Musical.
Just how big is this project? To begin with, almost 300 aspirants auditioned for the said
musical, with pretty Cheska Ortega bagging the lead female role of Gabriella Montez. She
even cut short her vacation in the United States to try her luck for the coveted role. Cheska
is paired with teen star Sam Concepcion, who plays the lead character Troy Bolton.
But what makes High School Musical even bigger and more memorable is the fact that the
production serves as Audie Gemora's comeback to musical theater direction after taking a
hiatus for two decades.
"I just have to do it," explains Audie, who went through all the necessary arrangements to
acquire the rights of the play. "I know this one big project is worthy of my time and effort
and I was correct."
High School Musical is a well-recognized production encouraging individuality among
young people tied to a lot of social and cultural limitations.
Top billed by Sam Concepcion (Troy Bolton) and Cheska Ortega (Gabriella Montez), High
School Musical also features young talented actors Alex Godinez (Sharpay Evans), PJ
Valerio (Ryan Evans), veteran actor Jeff Arcilla (Coach Bolton), and theater luminary Sheila
Francisco (Mrs. Darbus).
Chinnie Nepomuceno and Alfred Luason took charge of the choreography while Mio
Infante once again weaves his magic to create the musical's set design. Mio was behind
the fantastic sets of musicals such as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Little
Mermaid; and Footloose.
Expressing both faith and admiration for the young cast, Audie proudly boasts that this
year's staging of High School Musical would prove that "local musical theater is in good
hands."
Performance dates:
3:00 p.m. shows -
June 23 and 30
July 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15
8:00 p.m. shows -
June 23 and 30
July 6, 7 and 14
Venue: Meralco Theater, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City
Ticket prices:
Orchestra and Loge Center - P850.00 to 800.00
Balcony - P500.00
Call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or STAGES at 818-1111 local 209 for ticket inquiries.
Michael Ancheta
Monday, June 4, 2007
01:44 PM
http://www.pep.ph/guide/713/High-School-Musical-invades-local-theater-
After the highly successful production of the musical Footloose headlined by Jay-R and Iya
Villania in 2005, STAGES together with Trumpet's Playshop once again returns this time
with a more ambitious project via Disney's hit High School Musical.
Just how big is this project? To begin with, almost 300 aspirants auditioned for the said
musical, with pretty Cheska Ortega bagging the lead female role of Gabriella Montez. She
even cut short her vacation in the United States to try her luck for the coveted role. Cheska
is paired with teen star Sam Concepcion, who plays the lead character Troy Bolton.
But what makes High School Musical even bigger and more memorable is the fact that the
production serves as Audie Gemora's comeback to musical theater direction after taking a
hiatus for two decades.
"I just have to do it," explains Audie, who went through all the necessary arrangements to
acquire the rights of the play. "I know this one big project is worthy of my time and effort
and I was correct."
High School Musical is a well-recognized production encouraging individuality among
young people tied to a lot of social and cultural limitations.
Top billed by Sam Concepcion (Troy Bolton) and Cheska Ortega (Gabriella Montez), High
School Musical also features young talented actors Alex Godinez (Sharpay Evans), PJ
Valerio (Ryan Evans), veteran actor Jeff Arcilla (Coach Bolton), and theater luminary Sheila
Francisco (Mrs. Darbus).
Chinnie Nepomuceno and Alfred Luason took charge of the choreography while Mio
Infante once again weaves his magic to create the musical's set design. Mio was behind
the fantastic sets of musicals such as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Little
Mermaid; and Footloose.
Expressing both faith and admiration for the young cast, Audie proudly boasts that this
year's staging of High School Musical would prove that "local musical theater is in good
hands."
Performance dates:
3:00 p.m. shows -
June 23 and 30
July 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15
8:00 p.m. shows -
June 23 and 30
July 6, 7 and 14
Venue: Meralco Theater, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City
Ticket prices:
Orchestra and Loge Center - P850.00 to 800.00
Balcony - P500.00
Call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or STAGES at 818-1111 local 209 for ticket inquiries.
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