For those of you who are not yet aware about my 2011 project, “Pearls for Peace” at the One World Institute, now you know! Yolanda Ortega Stern, whose “Projects for Peace” totally engaged my curiosity about natural pearls in the Sulu Archipelago in Southern Philippines, shared the story of Basil Anik, the Fisherman-Artist, who created unique brooches, with the $25 per brooch donations going toward feeding the artisan-interns who work with him. There will be more pearls that I will be asking for donations from all of you, of course. I say: “Enjoy my pearls for peace because they go toward supporting sustainable livelihood in areas of conflict.” (HINT: I am accepting your on-going orders!)

“Manang Yo,” our fond nickname for this philanthropist, and her husband, Dr. Tom K. Stern, the philanthropist and best-selling “I-can’t-put-down-this-novel-because-it-is-so-thrilling!” author, devote time dealing with “the trade,” where they supply the natural pearls from T. Stern Natural Pearls or SternPearls.com to the people who work on this world’s unique and rare treasures and transform these natural pearls into exquisite (and very expensive) pieces of jewelry. Tom K. Stern is the inspiration behind the founding of the Natural Pearl Society.

On January 31 to February 6, 2011, at the Arizona Global Gem and Jewelry Show, Yolanda O. Stern will be one of the members from the Natural Pearl Society who will be educating “the trade” about the history, care, science, marketing, and the romance of natural pearls. Yolanda’s much-anticipated book about SEX — not sex for homo sapiens but about “SEX AND THE WILD PEARL” — is coming soon to our neighborhood. As a special preview, “Manang Yo” will be giving a couple of short readings (from her book) during this gem show.

Check out the schedule of Yolanda Ortega Stern’s readings of her book on natural pearls, “Sex and the Wild Pearl,” at the Arizona Gem and Jewelry Show at the Hotel Arizona here.

You can imagine what the book launching events are going to be like: VERY EDUCATIONAL!

This morning, I woke up with an “Aha!” moment: MOHINDER MANN. I know that in the case of the San Bruno explosion, victims and displaced families would be looking for advice and referrals re: good personal injury attorneys. I know someone really well: Mohinder Mann of http://themannlawfirm.com/ in San Jose, CA. (Yes, this is definitely my testimonial about someone whose work and achievements I believe in — and you don’t have to live in San Jose to check him out.)

On Sunday, Sept. 12, I had an opportunity to reconnect with Mohinder Mann, the chair of our South Bay multi-ethnic coalition, when his daughter led our team (through the ALS South Bay Walk; see http://bit.ly/9cV5Ev) in raising funds for The ALS Association. Mohinder Mann’s wife, Robin, suffers from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). I have personally volunteered with this amazing social justice advocate (aside from his work in other community causes such as the fight to keep JTS Northside Community Center under the Filipino leadership that built it) that Mohinder’s colleagues have honored him with very special awards and recognitions in the past many years.

Do you remember the Toyota auto recall case?

“February 9, 2010 – The Mann Law Firm was one of the first law firms in the country to sue Toyota for the sudden acceleration of one of its vehicles in 2007, which ended up killing Mr. Troy Johnson. More than two years ago, federal investigators in the United States discovered that some Toyota vehicles accelerated unexpectedly, the Washington Post reports… In October 2009, Toyota announced that it was recalling approximately 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus autos because their floor mats could trap the gas pedal, causing sudden acceleration. Then in January 2010, Toyota advised the NHTSA that approximately 2.3 million vehicles in the United States have a defect that can cause the accelerator to stick.”

Please call 408-287-1600 for free advice and ask for Mohinder if you have a friend who needs good, solid advice. Or email Mohinder directly at mann@injurylawyerinsanjose.com. Or fill out the form at the website.

You might be asking me why I am referring my friend, Mohinder Mann. How do you say “thank you” to someone who tirelessly volunteered and helped my Filipino American community stand up for its rights after being unjustly treated? By sharing with other people that you know someone who will fight for their rights — after astute due diligence, of course.

GETTING TO KNOW MOHINDER MANN

Mohinder Mann: The Personal Injury Attorney

Mohinder Mann at the Fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina Press Conference in early September 2005

Mohinder Mann and his wife, Robin Mann (to his right), have a photo with community advocate-friends

KOWLOON, Hong Kong – May, 25, 2010 – A network, composed of overseas Filipinos worldwide based in many countries and in the Philippines, recently wrote an open letter to Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, president-elect of the Republic of the Philippines. The open letter highlights the perspectives unique to migrant Filipinos and offers solutions that could impact transformational, positive changes in policy making. After many years of collaboration and cooperation, the group, which represents various organizations implementing projects in the Philippines and in their host countries, offers a starting reference point for the incoming administration, led by President-Elect Aquino, to more effectively harness the Philippines’ migration gains into mechanisms for the development of the Philippines and its hometown communities.

The open letter points out several key economic points, among them:

 Migration gains are mainly remittances by overseas Filipinos to their family members, approximately USD17 billion, and are the primary source of livelihood for millions of Philippine households.

 At 10.8% of the country’s GDP, migration gains are also the third biggest source of the country’s foreign currency reserves, acting as the primary driver of the Philippine economy, thus shielding the country from bankruptcy during the current economic meltdown and the 1997 financial crisis.

 The Filipino diaspora, estimated currently at about 10 million Filipinos working or residing in 239 countries and territories worldwide, have sent donations to the Philippines for various humanitarian causes, such as disaster relief, medical missions, school houses, and other infrastructure. These contributions have supplemented local and national Philippine government deficits and, as of 2003, have already amounted to USD218 million, per central bank figures in that year. Not included are other investments made by OFWs in real estate, education, and health care for their family members, and consumer goods and services.

The group emphasizes the urgent need to push for genuine poverty alleviation after 30-plus years of heavy reliance on labor export, and as thousands of Filipinos continue to leave every day for overseas jobs or contracts. Although the “Philippine model of overseas migration” is considered an ideal model for other migrant-origin countries to emulate and copy, the group believes that social costs that migration has incurred have not been successfully addressed by past administrations. They cite examples of countries such as South Korea, Ireland, and Italy, once considered labor-exporting countries, that evolved from their “migration hump” by taking advantage of their workers’ remittances, investing them to develop local infrastructure, shipyards, factories, and other industries. As a result, a “brain gain” occurred. Many of these expatriates left their high-paying jobs abroad, convinced that their home countries’ governments were effective and that they could trust their country’s inspired leadership.

The open letter frankly addresses Senator Aquino: “Shall we continue to send out our people and rely on remittances and without any development objectives in sight? Conversely, don’t we have the talent to formulate a road map toward self-sufficiency over a period of time, in order that the hemorrhage of talents could be stopped, that a crisis in our dysfunctional families and society at large could be averted, and so that our people do not have to take migration as a forced option? If long-term migration goals are set now, the government could, in the meantime, work on some basic but urgent deployment and migration issues in order to clear the way toward having a genuine and serious program on translating migration gains for use in human development.”

The authors of the letter suggest that the new president consider the following:

 The government must send clear and strong signals that migration and remittances are only temporary measures to help the government prepare for a longer-term goal of self-sufficiency, in which Filipinos no longer look at migration as a forced option. A suggestion is for these signals to be integrated in the NEDA-formulated Medium-Term Development Plans, highlighting gender sensitivity.

 Create a position for a Special Presidential Adviser on Migration and Development, who will work with a consultative technical working group (TWG) composed of qualified individuals who have a background in migration and development, including knowledgeable and committed migrant leaders. The TWG’s work, which does not supplant the work of government migration agencies, could evolve into a draft legislation for study by Congress’s standing committee on OFWs or form the basis for an Executive or Administrative Order, whichever is appropriate or achievable.

 Conduct a comprehensive review and monitoring of the performance of government agencies in charge of migrant workers, such as the POEA, OWWA, CFO, and Department of Foreign Affairs. The goal is to strengthen these vital institutions toward efficiency and effectiveness.

 Reforms within OWWA are necessary to promote transparency and accountability regarding departing OFWs’ contributions of USD25 each, a requirement for departure and membership in OWWA and entitlement of welfare benefits. The group suggests possible solutions on how to address mismanagement and audits.

 The work of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NCRO) needs to be addressed so they are given the appropriate level of funding, resources, and support. These two agencies are doing important work in mobilizing diaspora contributions for development and assistance to OFWs who are reintegrating to Philippine society after working abroad.

 An institutionalized nationwide program on financial literacy for OFWs and their families is necessary to encourage a savings or investment mind-set and to deter excessive spending on non-essentials. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) , the lead government agency that has been conducting financial literacy programs for migrant workers and their families since 2006 in more than 30 Philippine cities and 10 cities overseas, could be improved and expanded. A recommendation for the involvement of the Department of Education, Culture, & Sports (DECS) to include financial literacy and migration as part of the school curriculum is also proposed.

Although the open letter focuses on recommendations for specific OFW issues, the network of overseas Filipinos is hopeful of the president-elect’s electoral campaign promises, which includes good governance, better access to health, education, employment and livelihood, and business opportunities for everyone. The group closes the open letter with apparent goodwill and optimism: “The (proposed government) programs are all in the right track, constitute the basic elements for self-sufficiency, and provide viable options to our citizens to remain in the country and to devote their talents and resources to developing the homeland.”

The copy of the Open Letter is also available at http://bit.ly/cG1Scs.

THE 3 C’S OF CREDIT – Credit, Capacity, and Collateral: What it takes to get a real estate loan

HOW TO CLEAR YOUR PERSONAL CREDIT

I found a google video, dated May 9, 2007, when Hazel Valera spoke in Las Vegas at the Millionaire Real Estate Club Of Las Vegas. Caveat: Some of the credit laws, procedures, and processes may have changed.

~ ~

If you are interested in holding a customized workshop for your business or organization, please contact Hazel Valera at (408) 63HAZEL or (408) 634-2935 or email: hvalera@ccemailbox.com. You are welcome to contact me (Lorna Dietz), too, at RadiantView@gmail.com or (415) 508-5326.

Financial Fitness Rocks!

NOVEMBER 12-14, 2010 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce
Announces Bi-National Annual Convention

“Entrepreneurs without Borders” Converge in Phoenix
to Address Global Recession

San Francisco, CA, February 22, 2010 – The Filipino American business community is coming together in a highly-visible, unprecedented move to align its empowerment activities with an eye toward evolving as a borderless, globally-focused network of entrepreneurs and professionals. The “Federation 2010: Entrepreneurs without Borders” Convention, slated for November 12 to 14, 2010 in the newly-built, lush and luxurious venue, Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona in Scottsdale, Arizona, promises to engage local, national, and international participants alike with a strategic, innovative convention program that “connects the dots” in building a business global mall and promoting technological advancements, opening the doors to green wealth and green building opportunities, and bridging business and community through humanitarian and trade missions, among its many offerings.

In addition to the attendance of luminaries and dignitaries, keynote speakers include Arizona Governor Jan Brewer; Dr. Yolanda O. Stern, international entrepreneur and philanthropist; Jaime Lim, President of the Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC) and Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon, acclaimed for his outstanding work in building business coalitions that win government contracts; and Marie Cunning, a successful Arizona-based Filipina American developer who advocates green building practices. After the highly-awaited Philippine Presidential Elections on May 10, 2010, the new President of the Philippines will be invited to address the expected 800 attendees coming from 40-plus FPACC chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

“The road to a world of Entrepreneurs without Borders provides the Federation’s chapters, members, and affiliates with the ability to connect the dots in real time. We will renew and enhance our commitment to improving the business climate for Filipino entrepreneurs during these uncertain economic times, provide a rich directory of resources and networks, and truly help each other grow and succeed. In this year’s bi-national annual convention, we will increase our delegates’ opportunities to meet potential partners from other parts of the world besides the Philippines,” Marie Cunning announced. Cunning is the convention’s chair and President of the Filipino American Business Chamber of Commerce of Arizona (FABCCA).

The Federation is offering its first 200 registered delegates “first come, first served” benefits such as an invitation to a special event within the convention: the opportunity to meet with venture capitalists, investment groups, and companies seeking joint venture agreements. Delegates, guests, and local visitors will also be treated to a diversity of exhibitors’ products and services inside a high-traffic Exhibition Hall as part of the convention’s Business Global Mall.

As the Talking Stick Resort gets ready for the Grand Opening festivities in June, 2010, sparking global attention with its 100,000-plus square feet of indoor and outdoor convention space amidst a backdrop of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Tribe’s Indian cultural heritage, the Federation looks forward to being one of the first groups to enjoy the 5-star facilities. Delegates will be greeted with a Welcome Reception at the resort, sponsored by FABCCA, the Host Committee.

“Becoming an Entrepreneur without Borders means that you are ready to be an impetus to actions that change the world,” says Jaime Lim in his invitation to prospective delegates.

Early convention registration information can be found at FPACC.com.

About the Organization: The U.S. Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce, Inc., is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation, incorporated under the not for profit laws of the State of Oregon with corporate offices at 447 Sutter Street, Suite 701, San Francisco, CA 94108. It has 42 chapter members from all over the United States mainland to include Hawaii. Incorporated in 1997, it bridges US Philippines trade and commerce, promotes goodwill and mutually beneficial projects between the two countries. It holds an annual convention in the US and one trade mission a year to the Philippines. It currently has several major Memoranda of Agreement with major Public and Private sector departments of the Philippines, including a major one with the US-SBA.

Press Contacts: Ben Menor at FPACC2010@gmail.com or Marie Cunning at MCunning@cox.net.

Thank you to acclaimed Folksinger/Pinoy Rocker/Painter Heber Bartolome for providing his video diary of the June 2008 UP Centennial Celebration at Araneta Coliseum in Metro Manila. He asked me to share this with our Overseas Filipino UP graduates. Check out the slide show. You or your friends might be there.

Let’s keep the UP Spirit alive! Join us in this biennial convention and grand reunion. Meet fellow alumni from all UP campuses and colleges. Enjoy the camaraderie, fun, and sharing interdisciplinary perspectives on important topics. Raise funds to support Professorial Chairs at our Alma Mater, the University of the Philippines.

2009 and 2010 Alumni Jubilarians Will Be Honored:

- Diamond (1949 & 1950), Emerald (1954 & 1955), Gold (1959 & 1960)
- Sapphire (1964 & 1965), Ruby (1969 & 1970), Coral (1974 & 1975)
- Pearl (1979 & 1980), and Silver (1984 & 1985)

Featured Events:

• Sept. 4, 2009, Friday Night: Fellowship Night and Pabidahan
• Sept. 5, 2009, Saturday Morning: Interdisciplinary symposium includes plenary sessions on science, technology, economic & social issues
• Sept. 5, 2009, Saturday Alumni Luncheon with keynote speaker
• Sept. 5, 2009, Saturday Afternoon: Interdisciplinary breakout panel discussions; election of officers for 2009-2011 & venue selection for 2011
• Sept. 5, 2009 Saturday Night: Gala Night Dinner Dance, Outstanding alumni awards, parade of Jubilarians, & induction of new officers
• Sept. 6, 2009, Sunday Morning: Evaluation and board meeting;
• Sept. 6, 2009, Sunday Brunch in the Park – Hosted by UPAA DCMDVA

Featured Speakers:

Emerlinda Roman, PhD, President, University of the Philippines
Teofilo Abrajano, PhD, Head, Surface Earth Processes Section, Division of Earth Sciences (GEO), U. S. National Science Foundation
Belinda Aquino, PhD, Director, Center for Philippines Studies, University of Hawaii
Josefino Comiso, PhD, Senior Scientist, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
Jose B. Cruz, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Engineering, Ohio State University
Lawrence Heaney, PhD, Curator, Field Museum, Chicago
Loida Nicolas Lewis, Lawyer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, TLC Beatrice
Francisco S. Sy, MD, DrPH, Director, Division of Extramural Activities & Scientific Programs, NCMHD, National Institutes of Health

Panel Discussions:

As U.P. alumni and global citizens, you are invited to actively participate in our panel discussions to explore the opportunities and identify our roles in addressing these current topics.

1. U.P., What’s Next? What Are the Post Centennial Plans and Challenges Facing U.P. in the 21st century?

2. Emerging Challenges in Energy, Environment, and Health: Integrating Science, Policy and Practice

3. New Global Economic Realities and Opportunities: Think Globally & Act Locally

Hotel Information:

• Hotel Address: JW Marriott Hotel, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC, 20004
• Special Group Rates for UPAAA: A limited number of rooms has been blocked for UPAAA at the following group rates:
$119 for single or double
$139 triple
$159 quadruple
• Hotel Reservation phone: Phone: 202-393-2000 and 1-800-228-9290
• Hotel Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasjw-jw-marriott-hotel-washington-dc/

Contact Persons:

• General information:
Francis Sy, President syf@mail.nih.gov
Fe Lacbawan, Secretary lacbawaf@juno.com
Zeny Ply, Asst. Secretary zenply@gmail.com

• Registrations:
Lumen Sotelo, Treasurer lumi.sotelo@netzero.net
Philip Lacbawan, Asst. Treasurer placbawan@worldbank.org

• Jubilarians Committee:
Emmy Ceguerra Ceguerra@comcast.net
Terri Magdongon tmagdongon@aol.com

• Awards Committee: Luz Micabalo lmicabalo@yahoo.com

• Ad for Souvenir Program: Jo Wee Sit weesitinalsip@sbcglobal.net

• Fellowship Night/Pabidahan: Lydia Fontan jpfontan2@embarqmail.com

• Check updates at UPAAA website www.upaaa-online.blogspot.com

Please Act Now!

Register early and save! Please complete the registration form and mail it now!

– Join and win prizes in the Fellowship Night/ Pabidahan singing & dancing contests as an individual or group. Please contact Lydia Fontan for inclusion in this event.
– Place an ad in our souvenir program book by July 27, 2009. Please contact Jo Wee Sit.
– Recognize and honor the achievements of our Jubilarians & outstanding alumni.
– Nominate outstanding alumni for awards by May 31, 2009.
– Invite alumni and friends to participate in our convention in the nation’s capital.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR CONVENTION DELEGATES AND PARTICIPANTS:

Convention Delegate: If you register as a convention delegate, you have to pay the FULL registration fees. Alumni who have registered as Convention Delegates are eligible to vote at the election for UPAAA officers on Sept. 5, 2009. All Convention Delegates will receive the registration packet, tickets to all convention events and meals, and the souvenir program book.

Convention Participant: If you register as a convention participant for an individual event, you have to pay only the fee for the specific individual activity. Alumni who have registered as Convention Participants are not eligible to vote at the election for officers on Sept. 5, 2009 . Convention Participants will receive the registration packet, the ticket for the specific convention event and meal. The souvenir program book will not be provided. It may be purchased at the convention registration desk.

CALCULATION OF FEES:

A. Early Bird Registration Fees (Paid & postmarked by July 27, 2009):
• Convention Delegate Full Registration Fees: $ 275
• Convention Participant Individual Event Fees:
Sept. 4, 2009, Friday Fellowship night : $ 50
Sept. 5, 2009, Saturday Breakfast plenary,
luncheon and afternoon sessions: $ 150
Sept. 5, 2009 Saturday Gala Night Dinner Dance: $ 150

B. Regular and On-Site Registration Fees (Paid & postmarked after July 27, 2009):

• Convention Delegate Full Registration Fees: $ 350
• Convention Participant Individual Event Fees:
Sept. 4, 2009, Friday Fellowship night: $ 75
Sept. 5, 2009, Saturday Breakfast plenary,
luncheon and afternoon sessions: $ 175
Sept. 5, 2009 Saturday Gala Night Dinner Dance: $ 175

Please write your check payable to UPAAA and mail the registration form and payment to:

For those of you who are not familiar with Scribd.com:

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Put your cursor over the word “MORE” (below the Share This, Send This, etc. titles) which also has the “Down” arrow — and look for the PRINT option.

OPTION TWO

Look at the document in this posting and on the top left-hand side, you will see the title “Scribd.” Beside it is the word “MORE” with a “Down” arrow. The various options are found there, from emailing to printing the document.

CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM

ADVERTISING FORM FOR SOUVENIR PROGRAM

FOR THE UP HALL OF FAME – PHOTO MONTAGE FORM

CONVENTION BROCHURE – PAGE 2 OF 2 PAGES