Nov 032014
 
Veterans can apply for a free home at Moreno Valley Housing Fair

Free Housing Resource Fair  October 25, 2014 at Moreno Valley Senior Center www.eventbrite.com (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) – Veterans and military families can officially apply for a FREE home starting Saturday, October 25.  The house will be given away by the Housing Opportunities Collaborative and Homestrong USA, who will be available to answer questions about the application process at the Housing Resources Fair at the Moreno Valley Senior Center from 10am to 1pm. This formerly foreclosed home is newly renovated with 2 bedrooms and 1 ½ bathrooms located in Canyon Lake, CA.  The single-family residence boasts a large front yard and is in the Menifee Union School District.  Honorably discharged veterans qualify to apply.  And those applying must prove the ability pay property taxes on the home. For download information, please call Chris at (858) 405-7214. Robert Gonzalez, program director for the Housing Opportunities Collaborative Inland Empire said the award of this home is a great way to show appreciation for the great service that veterans have provided for our country.   “We hope that this home will help them improve their financial situation and give them a home where they can build a life,” he said. The event is open to the public and will also offer free counseling on: First Time Homebuying Improving Credit Scores and Reducing Debt How to Reduce Mortgage Payments Those who attend will also get FREE LUNCH and be eligible to WIN PRIZES To RSVP visit  https://militaryhousingfair.eventbrite.com Or email Roberto Gonzalez at  Gonzalez@housingcollaborative.org

Nov 022014
 
Jodi Sta. Maria: A mother’s passion

Jodi Sta. Maria (MNS photo) While admitting that she can’t stop her son, Thirdy, from joining show business if he wants to, Jodi Sta. Maria stressed that she would want for him to finish college first. “Alam ko kasi kapag nag-showbiz siya ngayon mahihirapan na siya makatapos sa pag-aaral,” she said. Jodi admits she brings Thirdy with her to work at times. “Gusto ko kasi siya ma-expose sa line ng work ko. I also want him to know where I am when I’m not home para hindi siya naghahanap kung nasaan ba si Mommy,” she shared. Nevertheless, eight-year-old Thirdy doesn’t seem interested in being an actor at this point. The 32-year-old single mom shared that whenever she asks about wanting to act, he would often respond with a curt, “No.” “Commercials daw muna sa ngayon gusto niya, kasi mapupuyat siya… nakikita niya kasi kung ano ginagawa ko sa set,” Jodi added. Still, Jodi is prepared should her son change his mind. “I will just support him,” she said. Jodi shared that she has a good relationship with his son. “I think that’s very important for parents… not just communicate, but to connect (with their children),” she said. Jodi admitted that she has become picky with roles, explaining that she only wants projects that impart good values to viewers, particularly the young. “Kasi napatunayan ko ang epekto ng isang programa sa kanyang manonood,” she reasoned. Jodi’s decision also hinges on her son’s viewing habits. “Kasi ’yung pinapanood niya minsan, ginagawa niya. Read More …

Oct 302014
 
The corrupt senate

The Senate leadership is being pilloried once again. At the receiving end this time is Senate President Frank Drilon. He was charged with plunder before the office of the Ombudsman in connection with the construction of the alleged overpriced P700 million Iloilo Convention Center. Drilon’s co-accused are Tourism Secretary Ramon Jiminez Jr and DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson and two others. It was reported that Drilon conceived and arranged the project as early as 2012 and pumped P200 million from his PDAF allocations given by the DBM. The ongoing construction of the convention center is being done by Hilmarc’s Construction Corporation, the same company that built the controversial and overpriced Makati carpark building, which is the subject of a current senate inquiry. The plunder charges against Drilon and the two cabinet secretaries of President Noynoy was filed by Manuel Mejorada, former Iloilo provincial administrator. The complainant said he has documents to show proof that the bidding was rigged and that the rules on public bidding were not followed. Drilon however denied as usual any wrongdoings, claiming that the complainant used erroneous data to make false charges against the Iloilo Convention Center Project. This is not the first time that Drilon was accused of corruption. Although he was not charged in court, he could not prove how his stepdaughter was able to purchase a multimillion property at North Forbes Park. By the way, Drilon’s stepdaughter works as an employee at Starbucks somewhere in Metro Manila. She was getting paid in dollars. But Read More …