COVER STORY: CHEAP TIRE, Best Price, Best Service

“Two Thumbs Up!!! Generous and VERY hospitable! They will give you the best tires they have! Very affortable tires and wheels”--Insider Pages

Cheap Tire is one of those places that I can very proudly say, YES! They are Filipino owned because when you visit them for service they will offer you the true Filipino way of servicing customers. Cheap tire is indeed very hospitable, highly accomodating and most importanly has the cheapest tires in town.
Cheap Tire has been around for ten (10) years now and was originally established by the late Elpidio (Eric) Mendoza.
Mang Eric passed away a few months ago and when he did, not only his family that grieved for passing away but also his many many friends and loyal customers. Mang Eric was very well knowned for his generosity and kindness that people all the way from the Bay Area travel to come back to him to buy tires...
Thankfully, his widow, Mrs.Rufina Mendoza has asked Joselito Mendoza their son to take over and manage the business. Joselito (Lito) Mendoza has just the same heart that his dad had and so when he took over, customers still felt the same customer service that they were used to, the same generosity and accomodation. Cheap Tire offers a wide selection of new and used tires and will always offer you the best price there is. They offer wheel alignment for free among other services and change oil for only $7. All these years they always accepted cash and checks only transaction but this year when Lito took over he has decided to better serve customers by accepting debit and credit card payments.
Lito has three (3) very smart and happy kids. Lito and his three (3) kids just migrated from the Philippines recently and is now slowly adopting to life in America. Mrs. Rufina Mendoza, Lito’s mother helps in running the store in a day to day basis and helps also helps Lito with the kids at home. Lito has also gotten the support of his late father’s friends when it comes to running the business, all of them also Filipino. He values their advice daily and I say a very smart thing he does.

So next time you need a tire, make sure to visit CHEAP TIRE and I guarantee you, you will not be disappointed!--MaG

CHEAP TIRE
New and Used Tires
1970 Marconi Ave
Sacramento Ca 95815
916-923-3580

COVER STORY-Reggie Pautin, Gold's Gym Sacramento's General Manager

MEET REGGIE PAUTIN,Gold’s Gym Sacramento’s General Manager

Reggie and his family found their way to Sacramento in 2006 when he was not happy anymore with where he was working. He was feeling that the growth for him was not happening and felt the need to have a change of scenery so with money saved they packed and moved.

His wife who goes to Gold’s Gym to work out heard about the opening for a Sales Consultant and had encouraged him to apply. He remembered the interview was at a bbq party and it took around 10 minutes he was asked by the manager then when to start. While he knew that the salary was less than what he used to he was encouraged knowing it was a sales position and he would get commission.

Starting his new job at the Natomas Gold’s Gym Location, he immediately invested on buying sales coaching and motivational materials that could teach him on how to grow and eventually master this endeavor. Of course without disappointment, on his first month at work he finished no 2 in sales and in the second month and the next succeeding months for 2 consecutive years was always, consistent no 1! Within 1 year, Reggie got promoted as the Sales Manager covering Elk Grove and Natomas (Sacramento) Location.

The following year he was promoted to Assistant General Manager of the Sacramento Location. At that time, the Sacramento Gold’s Gym Location didn’t have a General Manager so Reggie also acted as the Officer in Charge (in the Place of the GM). Both stores earned their top spot in sales also so in January of 2010, he got the title as the General Manager for Gold’s Gym Sacramento.

Reggie has a total of 175 team members which he meets weekly and 9 managers that reports directly to him.

He is really proud to be a part of Gold’s Gym and he says that his team is his family. On their days off they still do different things together like fishing etc., He is also very happy and proud that the owners of Gold’s Gym are all about being a family and believes strongly in being a part of a community. Reggie’s other passion is doing charity work and it makes it easier for him when the company that he works for supports that. Some of the charity works they have recently done as a team was a Book Drive, Breast Cancer, Feed the Homeless and the one that really touched his children’s daycare fire that happened in Mexico. He said that right after they heard the news the team just knew they had to do something. They didn’t exactly know what to do but they just knew in their hearts something has to be done. So they visited the hospital where the kids are and asked... and that is how they ended up gathering a truck load of supplies to donate. The members of Gold’s Gym as always were too happy to drop something too to contribute.

Reggie, 35 was originally born in Arizona and his father being in the Air Force, had to move several times including a stay in the Philippines for a couple of years. He still understands tagalog, most of it! His also Filipina wife works for Kaiser at the Optometry department and they are blessed with 2 wonderful kids.

He believes that in order to have a sound and efficient team you have to start with having the right people with the right attitude. Reggie loves working with people, meeting new people and most importantly training people. He believes that if you have the ability to learn with an open mind he can train you. He says his biggest peeve in training someone is when they say...”I already know”. He thinks that everybody has a room for growth or can learn something so why not give it a shot first and listen before you decide.

When I asked him what his biggest advice is he simply said, I believe in order to become successful you must be willing to change the way you look at things, so that the things you look at will change.- -MaG

All photos by Oscar Misola http://www.oscarmisolaphotography.com/

COVER STORY-Divine Marcy Parish of Natomas to host 1st Fall Parish Festival

Divine Mercy Parish of Natomas to host 1st Fall Parish Festival

Saturday, October 9, 2010, The Divine Mercy Parish of Natomas is hosting their very first annual Fall Parish Festival between 10:30am to 6:30pm. There will be lots of food, games and entertainment throughout the day for the entire family during the entire event!

Currently, the committee for the festival is accepting booth applications from different businesses and organizations who would love to promote their business and/or organization as well as support the event. The committee is also looking for sponsorships as well as volunteers. Booth prices are $100 for Parishioners and $200 for everyone else.

All proceeds of this event is to benefit the Portable Classrooms Building Fund which the Parish intends to build in the very near future. Divine Mercy Parish at Club Center Drive, Natomas was built in 2004 and is the 100th Parish of the Sacramento Diocesese with Father
Soane Kaniseli as the Pastor. The Parish holds tagalog mass every 2nd Saturday of the month at
6:30 in the evening.--MaG

For more information about the Divine Mercy Parish:
http://www.divinemercynatomas.com/

July 2010 COVER STORY - STEVE'S PIZZA Woodland is Owned and Managed by a Filipino!

Walking into Steve’s Pizza Woodland for lunch one Sunday afternoon, I could just feel the difference. The place was extremely clean and really neat, one signature of a true Filipino! We sat down at one of the booths opposite the baking counter and the sun was beaming from the glass roof and it gave me a very fresh feeling, I felt like I was on vacation somewhere far away. I was just in Woodland!

Steve’s Pizza Woodland is different from the regular pizza parlor that one is used to picture. The place is made of solid wood logs and bricks and they also have a very nice patio at the back which was nicely shaded by trees. Inside, it has 2 rooms and a hallway with booth tables, one of the rooms is big enough it could actually be used for parties and it allows some privacy. My daughter’s favorite part of course is the games section at the back!

Ate Aida (Adelaida Recinto), Kuya Slide (Nemesio Recinto) and Ms. Donna Recinto acquired Steve’s Pizza of Woodland on September 8, 2008. Ate Aida and her husband are now retired while Donna is still studying. She is enrolling at University of Phoenix here in Sacramento to get her degree in Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and at the same time is running Steve’s Pizza. Ate Aida’s family migrated to Reno originally from Lipa, Batangas so she can be with her mother. They have decided to move here in Sacramento when Donna wanted to go to school in the Bay Area.

Donna is planning to add Karaoke Nights on Wednesdays among other fun activities that they do at Steve’s Pizza Woodland just as soon as she can convince her dad (Mr.Recinto) to lend his Karaoke and install it.—MaG
“Steve’s Pizza serves gluten free Pizza and Desserts”

June 2010 COVER STORY - Weng's Oriental Fish Market, We clean, we grill, we fry

When was Wengs Oriental Fish Market opened?
WOFM officially opened on December 28, 2007.

How did you come up with the idea?
We have always wanted to open up a business, but didn't really have any solid idea as to what type. A care home was our first choice, but after a couple of offers that we have encountered problem, we decided that it was probably not meant to be. So our next choice was a Filipino Market.

What made you choose this particular business?
We moved to Sacramento from the bay area in 2005, since then we have observed that the only major area for our fellow Pinoys to get groceries and fish is the South Sac area. It approximately takes 20 minutes to get there. Plus gas at that time was a crazy $4/gallon it is still crazy up to now ). So we thought that having a convenient Filipino store that sells and fry’s fish with cooked food as well would work specifically in the Natomas area being that it is more centralized. Also, it would additionally keep my parents busy since they have retired and complained of doing nothing at home. Having the store keeps them active.

What are things that you love about having this business?
We all enjoy meeting different new people. As people come into the store, we do treat them like we personally know them. We enjoy the conversations we have with them. My mom (our chef) enjoys cooking daily. She gets excited when she knows that there will be some type of catering scheduled for the weekend.

What kind of products you sell aside from seafood?
We do party trays, cooked food to go, grill & fry fish, grill squid, a few desserts. We also have some Filipino groceries and frozen food items.

I know that you also sell food, what is your best selling entree currently?
Pancit is always a popular item. I think my mom’s (our chef) pancit bihon and bam-i (visaya version) is a hit! There is also the toron that is always in demand. Pichi-pichi is also a popular one.

When did you guys (Ron and Weng) move here from the Philippines or were you born here?
Ron migrated here with his parents in 1991. I migrated with my parents in 1992.

How did the two of you met?
We met in SF working at McDonald’s which was both our first job after coming to America. We got married at a very young age, but we both struggled to survive all the marital trials that came our way. We are still standing strong going on to our 17th year of marriage.

Any kids?
Three kids. Clarissa who is 16, Renald who is 15 and of course Clarence, who everybody knows, is 4.

What do you like about being in America most?
I guess I can say that in America is where dreams come true. There is no prohibition as to what you want to be in life. You can be a high school drop-out and still get a job. America allows you to become a better person if you work hard at it. Everything is possible and the possibilities are endless.

What advice do you have for those Filipino-Americans like you and me if they want to start a business?
Think really really hard and make sure that your decision to have a business is what you want. Having a business is not a joke, let alone trying to keep it going in this economy,

What advice do you have for those Filipino-Americans like you and me to stay in business in this current economy?
A lot of prayer and faith is all I can tell you. It is a struggle to be in business in this type of economy. Thank God for family!

August 2010 COVER STORY-MY DANCING ANGEL:Kylie Ann Misola-Abucay

Hard work, dedication, and pure love for ballet... She would rather be on stage than anywhere else. It is something she knew since she was a little girl. At the sweet age of two years old she pranced around the living room doing costume changes on the coffee table and bowing to her adoring audience of mama, papa, mommy and daddy.
She started performing in year-end recitals, participating in group competitions and taking in different roles in the West Lake School for the Performing Art's annual Nutcracker production held at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco.

It was when she played the main role of "Clara" in 2009 when she realized she could accomplish anything as long as she puts her heart and mind to it. She began dancing with conviction and her love for ballet grew like a rapid fire.



She soon after began training as a soloist in preparation to begin competing. It was nerves and anxiety getting ready to dance in front of the judges all by herself for the first time. Hair neatly tied in a bun, make-up and eyelashes perfect. The suspense grew with intensity until she hit the stage with her chin up high and executed her routine with a graceful strength. It was that moment on stage when she landed her ending, out of breath, looking at the audience, when a whole new world opened up to her. It was like seeing in color for the first time. She placed top 12, but she wanted even more.

It was ballet everything! Waking up at 5:30 am stretching and doing barre and centre in the living room before going to school in the morning, listening to a variety of classical music in the car while twinkling her toes to the routine playing in her head, and searching You Tube for variations.

She competed in the "Showstopper" dance competition in March 2010. She placed double platinum first place in her category and third overall in her age group. Her name is Kylie Ann Misola-Abucay, age 11 and she loves to dance.

For more information please call Joy Misola, 650-868-1863

May 2010 COVER STORY- Pastor Tomas and Lady Roxanna Burgos' Wedding Ministry

How and when did you and Roxanna Meet?

I was invited to attend a local church. I sat in the back like most people. The pastor introduced a young woman to speak and as the applause died down, I looked up and SAW THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN IN THE WORLD. All I heard on the entire speech was her voice and THAT FACE. I was poked on my side sharply by a church member. He said "TOM! YOU CAN CLOSE YOUR MOUTH NOW!" All I can remember about the speech was, I was told her name was Roxanna. I Purred like a 230 lb. PERSIAN CAT! - We were married 3 years later.

How does being married to a Filipina work?

I am so glad you asked that! It's like joining the Mafia! I do it her way, I GET TO LIVE! It's on page 07 of our wedding vows.

I tell many couple, many of which are multicultural with the one of the couple is not Filipino, that when you marry into a Filipino family YOU MARRY THE WHOLE FAMILY! MOM IS MOVING IN! It's a PACKAGE DEAL!

Also there is nowhere a bilikbayan box cannot reach or be sent from! The three most important words I learned when I married into this family were Bilikbayan Box, ADOBO and WOWOWEE

What are the good things and bad things in an international marriage as yours?

BAD: NONE SHE'S WATCHING OVER MY SHOULDER, I want to LIVE!
GOOD:

• The rice cooker is on 24hrs a day!


• There's catsup everywhere, tastes funny but you get used to it!


• You suddenly have lots of cousins


• You learn to sing "Ikaw Na Nga"
  
• You have inflatable mattresses ready: Twin, King, Queen and Kulilit Castle
  

When did you start doing traditional weddings?

DAY ONE! F Filipino friend asked me if I would perform a Viel, Cord and Coin Cermony since he could not find anyone in his church. The first weddings was 5 years ago, since then we have become the most requested officiant for Filipino Weddings throughout California from Napa to Beverly Hills or as I like to call it "Suplada Hills".

What makes us so different from anyone else is that we are in the wedding ministry not the wedding business. We pour our heart and soul for all Filipino Weddings!

ALL proceeds of our weddings go to the children's ministry at Calistoga Christian Center NOT US! It's Tax-deductible donation.

Tell us about your experiences of officiating a traditional Filipino Weddings?

I learned quickly ther is no such thing as a SMALL Filipino Wedding. The average Filipino wedding is 300 to 500 people. With at least 300 Hondas, 150 Toyota Land Cruisers and 15 MPV (My Pinoy Van) parked outside. Many of the young Filipino couples we marry are asking for the Viel, Cord, and Coin Ceremony to satisfy their parents. THANK YOU PARENTS! It's important that we keep this traditional ceremony alive. The Spanish Courts started it, then passed down to the Catholic Church. Currently, most Viel, Cord and Coins Ceremony is performed exclusively by the Filipino community not the Hispanic community in America.

What kind of services do you offer?

We have three affordable wedding packages:

Simple Ceremony: - $250 Donation. (Amen, I do, Let's GO!)

• Simple Vows.


• Travel to your location.


• We file your license for you.


• Church Marriage Certificate
  

Traditional Cermemony: - $350 Donation - Viel, cord & coins ceremony,

• Custom Traditional Vows with unlimited changes and you keep your vows after the ceremony (Just in case he forgets).


• We travel to you location.
  
• Ring Blessing.


• Unity Candle or Unity Sand Ceremony.


• Church Certificate of Marriage.


• Family Blessing Prayer.


• Blessing of the food prayer (Reception)


• Tax Deductible receipt for your donation, and more.
  

Christian Vow Renewal Ceremony: - $99 Donation.

FREE VOW RENEWAL

for any FILIPINO CLASSIFIED MEMBER during May and June 2010

What are the costs?

$99, $250 or $350 donation to the children's ministry.

Where is your church located?

Church Mail: Calistoga Christian Center

PO BOX 402

Calistoga, California 94515

We meet every Sunday 10am at the Calistoga Community Center:

1307 Washingotn street, Calistoga, California 94515

All services are bi-lingual English and Spanish simultaneously

What advise can you give for those who are trying to get married?

• Take our two hour pre-marital counseling class


• GO TO CHURCH!
  
• Let HER Manage all the money!(No Separate Accounts!)


• KEEP ALL RECIEPTS


• Get TFC (Filipino Channel) it will keep you laughing all the time WOWOWEE
  

Also, their wedding lasts only for one day, but their marriage is for the rest of their lives. They go back to school again, the school of marriage. They begin to learn again, to learn to love each other in a deeper way. Scripture says that two shall become one. Becoming one doesn't happen overnight. It is something that is learned and become better at as they share their married life together.

Most of the time we think of love as a warm feeling that pulls two people together. However, that feeling is actually romance; love is a decision. When they share their voiws to each other, they will be saying, "I choose to love you. I will love you during the good days-days of contentment, days of companionship, days of happiness. And I also choose to love you during days of heartache, days of confusion and frustration, and days of stress."

What advise can you give for those who are trying to "stay married"?

LISTEN TO HER! The bible says "Wisdom" is a she. Remember the two become one ... it requires TWO, NOT ONE! Enjoy life together. Enjoy each other. Do special things for each other.

Find and establish a relationship with a man of GOD and go to church! Perople often ask us about advise on business matters and life in general. We give them our best non-bias opinion based on GODLY advice. GOD ALWAYS WINS!

I love Filipinos, as a Puerto Rican myself I can adjust to the traditional family. I did not know, what a real family was till I married the first Lady (my Filipina wife). You can not keep secrets in a Filipino family, LOLA KNOWS ALL! MUBUHAY and SALAMAT, YA'LL.

April 2010 Cover Story-Oscar Misola, Wedding Story Photography

I came to the United States in September 1967 when America was called by the third world countries "the land of milk and honey". I was born and raised in a small town called Sta. Cruz, province of Zambales. By the time I left Philippines, I was working with the post office in Quezon City as a mail carrier and at the same time going to college in Lyceum of the Philippines. Before that I took up Architecture course in the University of Santo Tomas, Manila but unfortunately I only finished 2 years for the course of 4 year course.

One day, a friend from work asked me to come with hime to a darkroom photography class in San Francisco, from then on I got interested in photography myself. I bought my first pentax camera and enrolled in a photography home study course based in New York City. Then I went to City College to take a color photography course and attended several seminars from professionals.

In 1987 I started training as a wedding photographer from a professional and experienced photographer. After a year I was doing weddings myself. To be a good wedding photographer, you need a lot of practice and have to learn from a pro.

Wedding photography is a mixture of candid and formal posing. This is a very important factor to learn. Being successful is not only about taking excellent pictures, but how you deal with and have a good attitude with the clients.

I miss my childhood friends, my hometown where I was raised and almost anything about my home country. I came to America for a better life. It is a land of many opportunties and it is up for you to explore and develop your imagination.

In 1973, as soon as I got my citizenship, I went back to the Philippines to tie the knot with a beautiful teacher in the city of Manila. Her name is Corazon Enriquez. We had a son named Roy and a daughter named Joy. Unfortunately, Roy passed away at the age of eighteen. However, we are blessed with a lovely grandaughter from Joy, who is now 30 years old and my grandaughter is now eleven.

My advice to non-pros on how to take a better pictures is always read, follow the instructions book that comes with the camera and practice a lot. Correct posing and smiling are the secrets of good looking pictures.

For your next event or portrait reservations:

OSCAR MISOLA
Wedding Story
Tel 916-574-9858
Cell 650-296-2361
oscar.misola@sbcglobal.net

Oscar Misola is the offical photographer of Filipino Classifieds.

March 2010 COVER STORY-Mar Dimes, Tax Preparation, Accounting/Bookkeeping, Pyroll and All Tax Reports

How long have you been in America?

I have been here in the United States of America for thirty one years, three months and twenty five days on March 1, 2010.

Where is your hometown in the Philippines?

My hometown was a mixture of three cities: I was born in San Manuel, Tarlac; then left for Taguig City where I attended my grade six and graduated elementary school. And moved to Pasay City where I resided during my high school and college days. Then adopted my father's hometown Lipa City Batangas as my third hometown.

What got you into taxation, accounting and bookkeeping?

When I came to the United States of America, I already possessed a degree in Business Administration, major in Accounting from Philippine School of Business Administration, Manila. My first job was as an Accounting Clerk in San Francisco, California. My second job was as a Bookkeeper here in Sacramento. I took the Tax Preparation Course with the Federated Tax Service (no longer exists) and started preparing invidual taxe manually in 1988. I learned hard enough to know more about taxation doing it manually. In 1990 I got employed as an Accountant for a family operated tax reports. Then I became confident doing taxes for individual, partnerships, S corporations and C corporations.

What do you like most about America?

I like America as freedom loving country and its system of government dealing with justice for all and regonizing God above all.

What do you miss the most about living in the Philippines?

I miss the comradeship among my friends, hospitality of my relatives in Batangas and most of all I miss my original hometown San Manuel, Tarlac so much!

Is your family all here in America?

I have one sister left in the Philippines. She decided not to come to the United States because of her boyfriend and eventually became my brother inlaw.

How old are your kids now?

I have only one daughter, Desiree, born on December 1st, married to Michael Burier. She's got us two beautiful granddaughters, Dalaney and Nevaeh.

What do you like to do when you are not working?

I like to be with my wife when not working, who plans all the getaway moves. I love to be with our drandkids who comes to our house during weekends.

If there is one tip you can give to a business owner to simplify taxes what is it?

First, I say honesty is the best policy. Back up all your transactions with genuine documents. Get a professional who can do your books correctly and get your taxes done right with the right price. And that's me!

MAR DIMES

Tax Preparation, Accounting/Bookkeeping, Payroll and All Tax Reports

Experienced since 1990

AFFORDABLE

For individual, partnerships, S Corporations and C Corporations

Honest, Good & Truthful Service, No Malice, No Magic, Get it Done Right

Call 916-627-5970

Possess a degree in Business Administration-Accounting

Tax Preparer CTEC A011014

--MaG--

COVER STORY-1ST FILIPINO CLASSIFIEDS CHRISTMAS PARTY

1ST FILIPINO CLASSIFIEDS CHRISTMAS PARTY

December 13, 2009 6:30-9:00PM
Natomas Club Center

Sacramento CA USA

Wilna Sobrepena's Angels and Creations

Wilna Sobrepena's Angels and Creations...

When was the Angels and Creations created?

Angels and Creations formally launched last December 2009 and the firts launching event was Leah and Lyle's wedding last December 19, 2009. I have always been a party coordinator in our group. Young and vibrant I have this huge passion with parties. And since then I am "hand on" to every party of my kids despite of me being busy with my career.

My bestfriend Michelle Garay decided to get married at Lake Tahoe las July of 2009. She wanted a simple wedding but I insisted to do more. I told her we don't need a big budget to get a simple and yet memorable wedding. Besides it's an event we don't get everyday. I did her flowers and the whole entourage. From then on I have basically helped my other friends with their weddings. Then came Leah and Lyle a very good friend of Michelle, my best friend. She introduced me to the couple and we started helping them out at their wedding.

A lot of people encouraged me to take t seriously. There was a distinctive art in most of my arrangements. With Leah and Lyle I told myself it is about time to tkae a step forward and build my dreams.

I remembered starting to have a huge affection with floral arrangements when I first saw the movie "Wedding Planner" by Jennifer Lopez. From then on, I thought maybe I coul also build my own company with events and flowers. But not until now that I finally advanced my passition. Thus Angels and Creations was born!

What is it about?

Angels and Creations is all about flowers, gifts, party favors, souvenirs and other event needs. We connect to our clients in order to give them the best service. It is all about our client. We just facilitate the needs of our clients to provide them a successful event. But flowers is our main highlight. We create floral arrangements for all occassions may it be birthdays, anniversaries, valentines, mother's day and or any holiday. We take huge consideration on our client's wants likes and most of all their personality.

How did you come up with the name?

Leah and Lyle kept telling us how grateful they are for helping them out on their wedding. We were actualy doing it without asking something in return. So my husband suggested angel's creations because we were like angels helping out other people, I guess we are angels. Angels here on Earth. And to call our creations I thought of it as and "Angels and Creations".

Did you take training to do the arrangements or is this just your natural talent?

Partly I would say, a natural gift. I don't settle for good. I always wanted the best. And I love to do the crafts since I was young. But I take every now and then internet lessons. I research ideas and latest trends to abreast my skills. I intend to attend classes eventually. But for now, I study books, magazines and mostly on the web how tomake things and tinker on them.

What are your visions with this business?

My vision is to build an empire at the floral industry. Making a name as a Filipino florist will be one of my greatest dream. Having a show in HGTV would be something I would keep on dreaming. But who knows, I just dreamed of this before and now I am into it, my own floral business.

Where are you from in the Philippines?

Born and raised in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Ilonga by nature but Cebuana by blood. Both of my parents were Cebuanos.

When did you move here?

We moved here August of 2004 and started in Chicago then moved here in California.

What do you like about America?

Dreams are more visible to attain here. Financial stability is at hand.

What do you not like about America?

There is nothing that I don't like. I tend to adopt in most places I go to. I think we are still on the greener side of the world to be able to live a life we dream of and to me that is enough reason to be thankful of what we have in America.

Before Angels and Creations what did you do? Are you still in the same occupations?

I am a nurse and before coming here I was a local reviewer in a nursing review center. I taught in a review center to help our fellow nurses make it to the national licensure board exam, CGFNS and NCLEX. Teaching is one of my passion. But now I am a full pledge bedside nurse at Kaiser Permanente, Roseville.

Tell us what Angels and Creations is offering for this Valentines Season?

Angels and Creations has flowers and plush toys this Valentines. For the plushes we have musical andmotion bears and for the flowers we have a dozen roses in a bouquet or it can be a unique elegant arrangement in a vase. Our most popular pick is the 3 roses in a bud vase with a bear hugger. Very affordable and free delivery straight to your love one's home.

Tell us what kind of packages you have?

We accomodate all types of budgets of our clients. We can cater from flowers to centerpiece, to favors and to music. We will play on the budget depending on their needs. It doesn't matter if it is big or small. We sit down with the client, establish rapport and then we research designs according to waht they want and what will fit on their budget.

What areas do you cover or willing to serve, what areas do you deliver fowers?

We cover all of Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin area. For outside events and deliveries, a minimal travel fee will be charged. For events, it will be included in the entire package but wecan always deal on the terms of delivery.

COVER STORY-EDITH CARRERA, LEGAL ASSISTANT

Have you been injured lately, filiping bankruptcy, divorce or just wanting to do your estate planning? If so then you need to call Edith Carrera.

I met Edith a couple of years ago at the bank (where I work) and during those two years I have watched her take care of her client one case at a time. It is rare to see such dedication and passion that she puts to help our Kababayans in trying to settle their claims. She is very organized, professional and most importantly, thorough.

Taking care of a legal matter is so much easier when you have a Kababayan who can relate to you and understand your values being a Filipina herself. Edith works a the Legal Assistant for the Law Offices of Sean Gjerde in Elk Grove for so many years now. They have established a polished system and trust that helps ease the process. Edith also travels all over Sacramento and sometimes to neighboring towns and cities just to make sure that it is convenient for her client. Because of these she has earned a lot of referrals from the Filipino Community and kept her busy just about every day of the week!

Edith though her busy schedule and being a workaholic knows how to run a well-rounded life. She makes sure that she is always in touch with her family and be there when they need her especially her kids. Edith when not working likes to go ballroom dancing (where she is very good at!) to keep her really fit. She enjoys occasional massages which I believe helped her a lot (aside from already good genes) in staying as beautiful as she is. She also likes to play bingo just for fun or cook good Filipino food for very close friends. I once had the honor of being invited to her home where she cooked crispy pata and mongo, ay naku sarap talaga!

When asked for her two cents in this kind of economy and times that we are all currently in...she simply says, it is really important to store up for rainy especially if you are not salaried and to live within your means.

-MaG-

melanie@filipinoclassifieds.net

COVER STORY-FILAMOR DORONIO, SBA LOAN SPECIALIST, SACRAMENTO CA

FILAMOR DORONIO
U.S. GOVERNMENT SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
LOAN SPECIALIST
CITRUS HEIGHTS CALIFORNIA

Where are you from in the Philippines?
Sanchez Mira, Cagayan, Philippines in the northernmost province of Luzon.


I believe you also lived in Davao, what brought you to Davao?
Yes, I stayed there from July of 1967 through Sept 30, 1969 doing forestry-related work in San Luis, Davao Oriental and Panabo, Davao del Norte.


When did you come here in America?
I arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, with my mother and 4 younger brothers, on Nov 23, 1969.


What do you like about America?
It’s a place where the poor ones like myself can achieve or have what the rich ones have or close to it if you put your mind into it. Unlike in our country, at least it was like this before, we the poor ones remain poor and the rich get richer.


What do you not like about America?
I can’t think of a thing that I don’t like about America that could stay with me for life. So far, I believe things have been going fair for me. Of course, I wish it could have been better but just glad with what I have now.


What do you miss about living in the Philippines?
The whole Philippines. That’s home and I am looking forward to going home for good someday

You work for SBA, what does SBA stand for?
Yes, I started working for the U.S. Small Business Administration on Sept 8, 1991. I am currently working as a “Loan Specialist” at the Loan Guaranty Processing Center (LGPC) in Citrus Heights, CA.

SBA stands for Small Business Administration

What kind of loans do you offer? How does it work?


Below are the various programs that are reviewed at the LGPC:

STANDARD 7A LOAN (Regular Term Loan)

EWCP (Export Working Capital program ) “Working capital loan. May be short-term (12 months or less) or long term up to a maximum of 3 years. It is one of two SBA loan programs that is permitted to finance a stand-by letter of credit. (Export Express is the other.)”

CAPLINES (5 VERSIONS)

Seasonal CAPLines “ Finances seasonal WC needs. May be revolving.” Contractor’s CAPLines “Finances direct costs associated with an assignable contract. May be revolving.”
Builder’s CAPLines “Finances direct costs associated with building a commercial or residential structure for sale. “
Standard Asset Based CAPLines “Revolving Line of Credit to finance short-term WC needs of the Borrower “
Small Asset Based CAPLines “Revolving Line of Credit to finance short-term WC needs of the Borrower “

ARC (America’s Recovery Capital) “a new temporary guaranteed-loan program authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act) (P.L. 111-5, 123 Stat. 115) enacted on February 17, 2009. ARC Loans provide small businesses access to the capital needed to drive economic recovery and to retain jobs.

ARC Loans are deferred-payment loans of up to $35,000 and are available to viable, for-profit small businesses located in the United States that need short-term help to make their principal and interest payments on existing, qualifying loans. ARC Loans are interest-free to the borrower, 100% guaranteed by SBA to the lender, and have no fees associated with them”

S/RLA (Small/Rural Lender Advantage) “The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is introducing a new 7(a) loan initiative designed to accommodate the unique loan processing needs of small community/rural-based lenders, many of which do not make SBA 7(a) loans or make very few SBA loans.
Small/Rural Lender Advantage (S/RLA) is part of a broader SBA initiative to promote the economic development of local communities, particularly those facing the challenges of population loss, economic dislocation, high unemployment, etc. This initiative is part of the Agency’s 7(a) loan guaranty program and is designed to encourage small community/rural lenders to partner with SBA by simplifying and streamlining the Agency’s loan application process and procedures, particularly for smaller SBA loans.”
Dealer Floor Plan Financing “Through the Dealer Floor Plan (DFP) financing pilot program, SBA offers government-guaranteed loans to finance inventory for eligible auto, recreational vehicle, boat, manufactured home and other dealerships. The DFP is a pilot program that allows dealers to borrow against retail inventory and acts as a revolving line of credit for a dealer to obtain financing for retail goods. The dealer repays the debt as the inventory is sold and can borrow against the line of credit to add new inventory. “ At the LGPC, we review bank’s application for loan guaranty by SBA. The bank or lender must have executed an SBA Form 750 (Participation Agreement) with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Anyone who wants to know more the above SBA programs may email the question to 7aquestions@sba.gov or call 877-475-2435.

You are very active member of a very prominent fraternity in the Philippines called APO do you mind telling us your activities here in America with them?
The Alpha Phi Omega International Service Fraternity is a worldwide organization and the APO Philippines that I am actively a member of has been involved with providing services to the community. While one of the Advisers of the Alumni Associations in Washington DC we “marshaled” the Philippine Independence celebrations in coordination with the Philippine Embassy. We also cleaned and painted Cardoza High School located at the suburbs of DC. A few years before that I inducted into office the officers of the APO Houston Alumni Associations. While here in Sacramento we have started fundraising drives to help out the typhoon victims in the Philippines.

How often do you go home?
Since 2005 I have been going home every year. The main reason now is to attend my father’s death anniversary who passed away on September 4, 2006.

What do you like to do in your past time?
I sometimes have a round of golf with friends. Otherwise I just stay home unless there is an APO function that I have to attend.


What kind of food you like?
Of course, being an Ilokano, the pinakbet is my favorite. I, however, learned to like the chicken adobo because, in addition to its being so tasty, it is easy to cook.


Are there any Filipino stores/places you can recommend to visit here America that you love?

I hardly know yet that many Filipino-owned establishments in Sacramento. However, the first that I kind of like it because of the politeness and friendly atmosphere is a place called “Manila Restaurant”.


What advice can you give to our kababayans who are business owners in getting a small business loan?
They should take advantage of the SBA programs available for the benefits and advantages I enumerated below. For assistance with these programs and to find SBA participating lenders Sacramento they may call the Sacramento District Office at (916) 735-1700.

Lower rate
Longer terms
Repayment-based
Higher Loan-to-Value (LTVs)

Filamor was a tremendous help in establishing the Filipino Classifieds.

Issue No 4 October 2009 FEATURE:Zeny Winn REA Realtor

ZENY WINN
REAL ESTATE AMERICA
REALTOR
What year did you move here from Philippines? Moved to CA in 1994 after 2 years in Guam and in New York in 1989

Where are you from in the Philippines?
Born in Nabunturan (that's Compostela Valley) and spent most of my life in Tagum City, Davao City, and Manila.

What do you miss the most about Philippines? Friends, family, and the hospitality

What are the things that you like the most about being in America? I like the freedom and the opportunity America has to offer…

What are the things that you don't like being in America? Individual independence which sometimes is the cause of loneliness and depression, and the less respect for the older people

What made you become a Realtor or why did you choose to become a Realtor?

It's the experience I gained throughout the years. I started in banking (operations, govt. lending, risk management & loan servicing/secondary market) in 1995 and mortgage banking thereafter which I worked from loan processing, loan documentation/loan closing, loan funding, mortgage loan underwriting to loan consulting that I decided to get my license in 2005

Tell us what a typical day is like for you being a Realtor? If not in the field, I am in front of the computer checking the Multiple listings or working on a BPO (Broker Price Opinion) project if not I am in a loan or notary signing as I am also a CA Notary Public (Mobile Notary) & Certified & Background Screened Loan Signer.

What do you do when you are not working? Reading when I am home, dancing when I am outside the home.

I learned that you are very active in the community, tell us the organizations you are affiliated with and why you choose them? I am a proud member & one of the active Ambassadors for the Sacramento Asian-Pacific Chamber of Commerce (www.sacasiancc.org). Aside from meeting business people, one of the jobs of the ambassador is to promote the member benefits of the Chamber.

What do you like the most about being a Realtor? I love this industry! I am passionate about helping people and treat every transaction as it is my own.

What advise can you give for those trying to buy a house? Please see your lender to get pre-qualified, get a pre-approval letter then see ME!

What advise could you give for all the Filipino Entrepreneurs who are trying to make it here in America? It's all about hard work, but try to keep it balanced it pays!

Issue No 3 September 2009

This month's feature is Wells Fargo's Home Mortgage Consultant and FHA Specialist, Vicki Avila. Vicki has been with the Banking Industry for almost twenty eight years and always providing excellent customer service!

This month, FILIPINO CLASSIFIEDS is honored to get to know her better and get some tips for our home buyers, realtors and for all the the filipino enterpreneurs who are trying to make it here in America.

What year did you move here from Philippines?

June 1979

Where are you from in the Philippines?

Sibonga, Cebu City

What do you miss the most about Philippines?

Friends, relatives and the food

What are the things that you like the most being in America?FreedomWhat are the things that you don't like being in America?

Being aloneWhen did you start working for Wells Fargo?

January 2, 1981

What positions have you held with Wells Fargo?

Teller, Personal Banker 1, Personal Banking Manager and currently Home Mortgage Consultant

Tell us what a typical day is like for you being a Mortgage Consultant?

Mondays and Fridays are usually my busiest days

What do you do when you are not working?

I go dancing with friends, play tennis, listen to music and I also love photography

What advise can you give for those trying to buy a house and getting prequalified?

Save some money for the downpayment and protect their credit.

What advise would you for Realtors to be more successful in general and in working with a mortgage consultant like you?

Follow up

What advise could you give for all the filipino enterpreneurs who are trying to make it here in America?

Don't give up...always aim high to reach your goal.

Visit Vicki at Wells Fargo South Natomas Branch:

1532 West El Camino Avenue

Sacramento CA 95833Phone 916.923.9866

Email vitaliana.avila@wellsfargo.com

Web http://www.wfhm.com/vicki-avila

ISSUE NO 2 AUGUST 2009 FEATURE

FIL-AM BAKERY AND FASTFOOD

Fil-Am Bakery and Fastfood, owned and managed by Isaganie and Hermie Bumagat is located at North Natomas area. Serves hot Filipino Food that definitely satisfies your craving at the location or to go. Prices are very affordable for your lunch budget! Fil-Am Bakeshop and Fastfood also accepts catering requests.

Fil-Am Bakery and FastFood 4571 Gateway Park BlvdSacramento Ca 95833 Phone 916.419.2606 "The BUZZ just loves the FIL_AM Bakery & Fast Food Restaurant! Not only is the food tasty, but the service is fantastic from this small eatery"--NATOMASBUZZ.COM

"Delicious! Delicious! Delicious! Fresh food everyday and the owner changes the menu up each day! Fried Tilapia and Baked Goods! Fried Bangus, Kare-Kare, and Lumpia Shanghai made at 1 hour request. If you can't wait try their hot-ready food! Their Dinuguan is the best best! Apritada, menudo, adobom mechado, sinigang, and much more! This shop will make any Filipino proud. Husband and wife owned and they are doing FANTASTIC!"--CHOWHOUND.CHOW.COM