VIA Times – September 2014 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest

By: Ryan Tejero   Alumni from one of the prestigious universities in the Philippines – Silliman University – are spread all over the world. Just like other alumni groups, those coming from Silliman have proven their commitment to remain loyal ...

By: Mayra Salazar   Perhaps the most misunderstood Social Security program is disability insurance, often referred to as SSDI. Some people mistakenly think that beneficiaries are “on the dole” and getting easy money for minor impairments. That’s not the case. ...

By: Jovie Calma   “HIGH ON LOVE” WITH SPECIAL GUEST, STEPHEN BISHOP! On Friday, September 12, rain came down but it didn’t put out the musical fire that was lit by the headliner, Filipino actor, singer-songwriter and guitarist, Aiza Seguerra ...

By: Bob Boyer   Gelia Castillo is an internationally –known and respected Rural Sociologist. She is also a personal friend, although I don’t often get to see her since she resides in Los Banos, a little south and east of ...

By: Sarah Lee   Soul-satisfying foods that make us feel better and full — that is comfort foods. My comfort foods are simple yet spells yummy and delicious. They are mostly done in slow cooker because of my busy schedule. ...

By: Maria Girlie Pascual   The bus was there at exactly 3am, all shiny and ready for boarding. The Asian American Golfers of Illinois (AAGI) was able to raise funds to have a U.S. Coachways luxury bus take them to ...

By: Richard Mirpuri   Once there was a young woman who complained to her father about her life and how hard things were for her. Adversity was overwhelming her, and she wanted to give up. As he listened, her father ...

By: Joe Mauricio   With China’s territorial disputes against Asian neighbors Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, and the Philippines, China places a charm offensive to smooth ties. A measure of China’s ambition for 2014 and beyond can be seen. Building crews are ...

By: Maria Victoria A. Grageda-Smith   Copyright 2012 by Victoria G. Smith I didn’t know you, nor you, me; yet I’m inexplicably drawn to you by this feeling of losing you. You could have been my son. And so I, too, ...

By: Robert Gard   Employment Based Third Preference (“EB-3”) Cut-Off- Dates for Philippines Born Beneficiaries of Approved EB-3 I- 140 Petitions Have Advanced 40 Months in the Past 4 Months WOW!, just WOW!!! The employment based third preference (“EB-3”) cut-off-date ...