PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
"PABA needs your support." This is a simple phrase, which is easily overlooked by most of us in our daily lives as we try to meet those billable hours, or take the kids to soccer practice on time or even try to find time to do what has not been done because we have been too busy.
However, like any other organization, PABA needs financial support in order to advocate our organization's goals and directives. In the past, PABA has been a very instrumental leader by uniting with others in voicing concerns of and addressing issues in the Filipino-American community, such as the Joseph Ileto shooting, Proposition 209 and the Equity Bill for the Filipino Veterans of World War II.
As the end of the year approaches, so does the Annual Installation Dinner on Jan. 21, 2000. Please be supportive of our dinner. The Dinner will have a program in which you can place an ad for your firm or business. The money raised from advertisements makes it possible for PABA to provide scholarships and assistance not only to law students, but also to worthwhile causes. . Last year's fellowship was awarded to a student to assist at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, regarding a racial discrimination lawsuit against the UC Regents. The price for an ad ranges from $35.00 for a business card to $300.00 for an ad in the back cover. The price for a half page is $100.00, and a full-page ad is $150.00. The deadline to place an ad is December 7, 1999. Attached is an ad form or call Ron Aquino to place your ad (626-440-9791).
PABA is also in need of sponsors to provide raffle prizes. In the past, we have been fortunate enough to have generous sponsors who have donated an airline ticket to the Philippines, certificates at nice restaurants, etc. Please take a few moments to think about donating a prize for the raffle. We will take anything ... big or small. Call Greg Santiago at 310-393-1486
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BOARD MEMBER?
PABA will be holding its elections for the PABA Board. Anyone interested in becoming a Board member should submit his or her names to Greg Santiago at 310-393-1486.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER FOR THE NAPABA CONVENTION
The NAPABA Convention will be held November 11 to November 13, 1999. Vice-President Al Gore will be speaking at Saturday night's NAPABA Installation dinner. Please call Bentley Soo Hoo. Tel: 213-437-4060, Fax: 213-626-1882, Email: bmsh888@aol.com. Visit www.napaba.com for a registration form or for additional information. Be sure you indicate that you are attending on behalf of PABA.
Even if you are not planning to go to the NAPABA Convention, there are two events you should seriously consider attending. They are described below:
1. APABA INSTALLATION / NAPABA WELCOMING RECEPTION: On Thursday, November 11, 1999 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., the APABA of Los Angeles County Installation will be held in conjunction with the NAPABA Reception. The festivities will be held at Ciudad Restaurant, 445 South Figueroa Street (right across the street from the Bonaventure Hotel). Chief United States District Judge Terry J. Hatter, Jr. will preside over the installation, and federal judge nominee Dolly Gee will be receiving the Public Service Award.
The cost is $50 for individual tickets, $35 for non-profit employees, $20 for students, and free to those who are fully registered for the NAPABA Convention. IMPORTANT: Even if you are registered for the NAPABA Convention, we request that you still turn in the RSVP card you received in the mail, or if you did not receive such a separate invitation, RSVP to Rosario Tobias at 213-229-2400. Although the cost of this installation and reception is included in the your convention registration, we need an accurate count of how many registrants actually plan to attend.
PABA also encourages all of its members to attend and support the APABA Installation.
2. NAPABA INSTALLATION DINNER WITH VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE. The highlight of the NAPABA Convention will be the gala "black tie" Saturday night NAPABA Installation Banquet at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel. THE NATION WILL BE WATCHING ON C-SPAN AND CNN when Vice President Al Gore gives his keynote speech! We want a full house to show that Asian Pacific Americans are interested. Even if you are not registered for the Convention, you can still attend this dinner for $100 per person. Checks are payable to NAPABA '99 and mail to Kenneth T. Fong, Esq., Barbosa Garcia LLP, 801 South Grand Avenue, Suite 300, Los Angeles, CA 90017-4321, (213) 612-0800. Be sure you indicate that you are attending on behalf of PABA. For security reasons, advance reservations are required.
FILIPINO VETERAN'S BILL IS EXPECTED TO PASS
We have received an update from the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans.
On November 10, 1999, The U.S. Senate is expected to pass on the bill, S. 1327, "Foster Care Independence Act," that includes the provision, "Sec. 251: Special Benefits for Certain World War II Veterans" that would allow Filipino American World War II veterans on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to continue to receive 75 percent of their monthly SSI payments if they return to the Philippines, or monthly maximum of $380 or 15,000 Pesos.
The provision would define Filipino American veterans as World War II veterans. Under U.S. laws, veterans on welfare are financially not eligible to petition for their spouses and children to immigrate to join them. Soon these veterans will be able to return to the Philippines to rejoin their families.
Filipinos soldiers were U.S. nationals and were drafted into the U.S. Army by President Franklin Roosevelt. The Philippines was an American territory until July 4, 1946.
We would like to take this time to honor the memory of the bill's sponsor, John Chafee of Rhode Island, who died of a heart attack on October 24, 1999.
SUCCESS AT THE PABA MERIENDA
Paba hosted an atypical "merienda" social on September 24, 1999. The social was a great opportunity for law students, attorneys and others to meet, and not only to celebrate the end of the summer, but also to network and learn about PABA. Our very enthusiastic and dedicated Board members welcomed many of the prospective and new PABA members.
The merienda was held at the Penthouse balcony of VAKILI & LEUS, LLP, overlooking the Hollywood mountains on a cool summer Friday night. The food included delicious lumpia, palabok, puto and cassava cake. For desert, Carmela Salazar's mom was gracious enough to provide a very tasty leche plan!
For those of you who missed this social, please attend the Christmas party, which is tentatively planned for early December.
CONGRATULATIONS TO TWO FILIPINO SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
According to election results published in this morning's (11/3/99) Los Angeles Times-Metro Section, two Filipino Americans were elected to the Board of the ABC School District: A.R. ("Cecy") Groom and Armin Reyes. Both candidates have attended PABA meetings in the past year, and both have received strong support from our members. ABC School District covers the cities of Artesia, Brea, and Cerritos.
