Suspected al-Qaida-linked militants abduct 3-person TV team in Philippines Jun 9, 2008
But police said the militants have continued to plot attacks, including against U.S. soldiers who have been providing counterterrorism training to Filipino troops in Jolo and nearby provinces. Washington has blacklisted Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist group for bombings, kidnappings and beheadings, such as the 2001 abduction from a resort island of 21 people who included three Americans. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
The Lowdown On Luaus Jun 7, 2008
But from there, menus can vary widely, including more traditional Hawaiian dishes such as pork laulau (pork wrapped in taro leaves, then steamed), purple sweet potatos (sometimes drizzled with a coconut sauce) and local seafood (usually mahimahi, sometimes butterfish); Asian dishes such as beef teriyaki, kalbi (Korean barbecued short ribs) or pancit (Filipino noodles); and a mix of Polynesian and Western desserts, like pineapple upside-down cake, haupia (a firm coconut pudding), rice pudding and... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
The Philippines' Birth Control Battle Jun 7, 2008
" Sex, he says, is a privilege and should always be open to the transmission of life. Former mayor Atienza agrees. Family planning advocates have been "brainwashed" by the West, he says. His ban succeeded, he adds, by teaching Manila's "innocent and ignorant" women "true" Filipino values. This attitude riles advocates for modern contraception, who maintain there is nothing anti-Filipino about birth control. Indeed, a survey commissioned by the Philippine Legislators' Committee for Population and... (Time.com)
Read more... Jun 5, 2008
"I've been told many in the Filipino community are ashamed," said Amy Agbayani, director of the Student Equity Excellence and Diversity program at the University of Hawaii and supervisor of the Women's Center. "I think they're all saddened that two of them in a row are of Filipino ancestry." ... While domestic violence is of "any ethnicity, any economic class, any level of education," she said, "it should be a signal to try to understand what is going on and support the Filipino community. Our... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Pacquiao, Diaz delight boxing fans with free workout Jun 1, 2008
By following up some sharp shadowboxing with a well-timed joke or two, Diaz charmed a bit of grudging admiration out of the hundreds of Filipino boxing fans from the Bay Area who crowded into every cranny of the West Wind Gym for a free workout by the two fighters who will meet in Las Vegas for the WBC lightweight title in four weeks ... About 500 mostly Filipino fans, many of whom arrived hours earlier, cheered him warily when he entered the ring, and they giggled when he pretended to stop his... (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Filipino artist to hold show in Norway to celebrate independence day Jun 1, 2008
MANILA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- A well-known Filipino artist will hold a three-day exhibition at Norway's Ministry of Culture and Church Affairs in Oslo to mark the 110th anniversary of independence of the Philippines, the official Philippines News Agency reported on Sunday. The exhibition by Manuel Baldemor is also aimed at celebrating the 60 years of Philippine-Norwegian diplomatic relations. (Xinhuanet, China)
Indonesian foreign minister urges Myanmar not to renew Suu Kyi's ... May 27, 2008
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo slammed Myanmar at a summit of ASEAN leaders in Singapore last November, warning that Filipino legislators could find it difficult to ratify the bloc's landmark charter if the junta will not restore democracy and release Suu Kyi. Arroyo and other ASEAN leaders adopted the charter, which aims to transform the group into an EU-style bloc, at that summit. (International Herald Tribune)
Japan's American POWs: A long march to an apology May 27, 2008
When the Japanese attacked in December 1941, the American and Filipino forces were unprepared ... The Japanese guards beat, beheaded, bayoneted, buried alive and shot the Americans and Filipinos at will. (International Herald Tribune)
Filipinos flock to supersize malls May 22, 2008
It is a testament to the Filipino love of shopping ... "Filipinos have a passion for shopping," said Teresita Sy, who with her four brothers and sister run a vast conglomerate that also has investments in banking, real estate and tourism ... Individually, Filipinos might not be big spenders, but they flock to the malls and purchase relatively cheap, low-margin goods in huge quantities. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Cooks are the folks in the Folk Festival May 15, 2008
Under one roof, you can sample Thai curry and pad thai, Filipino pork and chicken kabobs or Ukrainian pierogies and stuffed cabbage. But while the Folk Festival may be just a tasty day (or two, or three) for most people, it's the product of weeks of work for those behind the booths of the 17 groups that offer food. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
May 13, 1969: Truth and reconciliation May 11, 2008
In 1963, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaya to form Malaysia, against the objections of the Filipino and Indonesian governments of the day. Indonesian President Sukarno was particularly incensed and carried out underground military action during this period (known as the Konfrontasi). (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Widower loses fight to stay in UK May 10, 2008
A Filipino man whose wife died after being given an epidural in the arm rather than the spine during childbirth has lost his fight to stay in the UK.. Before Mayra Cabrera's death, Arnel Cabrera, 38, was permitted to stay in Swindon because she was a nurse. (BBC News -- UK)
The 80-20 rule in dating May 10, 2008
That they re Russian, Filipino or whatever has no bearing on American women s merits or lack. If the man is a troll, what would motivate a foreign-born woman to stick with him once they got back to the U.S.. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Monday Night Raw throws down for the last time May 9, 2008
On any Monday night, people from many of Juneau's cultures - including Tlingit, Filipino, African-American, Hispanic and white - are represented. Turntablists and rappers share the stage, taking turns spinning or vocalizing on the mic. (Juneau Empire)
To whom does The Wall Street Journal belong? May 2, 2008
A group of Filipino graphic artists promote creativity through doodling. Daniel Altman visits a diverse neighborhood in New York and asks how immigration will affect America's future. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
S.F. Neighborhood Arts: 40 years of art for all Apr 22, 2008
It brings writers into public schools, oversees the city-owned cultural centers - among them the historic Bayview Opera House, the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts and the African American Art and Culture Complex - and funds arts programs for elders, homeless people in the Tenderloin and kids at risk, as well as the Filipino community's Parol Lantern Festival and other street festivals and events across town. Rather than funding professional arts groups - the city's Grants for the Arts... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Island Images Apr 20, 2008
GEORGE F. LEE / Hawaii Pacific University students Marnelli Taasiu, left, Frances Gasmena, Angela Pamintuan and Kimmy Manalaysay performed the traditional Filipino glass dance yesterday at the 24th annual Intercultural Day at the Fort Street Mall campus. The event spotlights HPU students' ethnic and cultural diversity through exhibits, a parade and lively stage performances of traditional dance and music from around the world. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
SIFF judge Dustin Nguyen rates local indie films Apr 19, 2008
Answer: It's my first time at the SIFF, it's interesting because I've been to quite a few film festivals but this is the first time I've really been exposed to Indonesian films, Malaysian films and Filipino films ... They are so diverse, I think from the outside looking in you can easily say that they are Southeast Asian films, but each are unique in there own way -- Malaysian film has its own characteristic, Filipino film has its own character as does Indonesian film and Singapore film of... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
Olympic torch symbol of oppression to Tibetans Apr 7, 2008
"They can never guess what I am. Sometimes they think I'm Filipino or even Chinese.". Choera spent her spring break in front of San Francisco's City Hall, joining other Tibetans demonstrating five days a week since March 10, the 49th anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Facing up to a new identity Apr 4, 2008
Enter the city, then press Submit. Visit the to get the latest temperatures. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Interracial relationships rise 30 per cent in five years Apr 3, 2008
From Thursday's Globe and Mail. April 3, 2008 at 4:00 AM EDT. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Grounds For Expression Mar 30, 2008
The 27-year-old Filipino American and McAteer High School graduate wears a hat - but it's a fedora, not a beret. He's got facial hair, a slight mustache, but no goatee. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
India steps up pressure for minimum wage for its workers in the Gulf Mar 28, 2008
Even so, India runs the risk that companies in the Gulf will simply replace Indian workers with migrants from poorer countries, as happened to the Philippines when it set minimum wages in the region for Filipino maids ... The Philippines experienced a similar shift away from Filipino workers in the United Arab Emirates last year when it established a monthly minimum wage of $400 for maids ... at the Philippines Consulate in Dubai, said demand for Filipino maids fell by 50 percent. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Playboy to launch in Philippines as eyes mature Dads Mar 27, 2008
"We are targeting a more mature market, Filipino men, 30 and above.". "There will be no full frontal nudity.". (Reuters UK)
Sustaining the NHSHow do overseas nurses feel about working life in the UK Mar 26, 2008
At the Royal Infirmary in Bradford, only just over half the staff describe themselves as white British - and one of the significant other groups is Filipino nurses ... " Immigration is a sensitive subject and many NHS hospitals said they were too busy to discuss this with the BBC. But Bradford Royal Infirmary is proud of the welcome it's given its Filipino workers, including Catholic church services so they could get to know each other. Tita Donna Halili, who works on a day surgery ward... (BBC News -- Health)
Food can serve as a bridge between people Mar 26, 2008
I wonder how many Filipino traditions from my immigrant parents we'll pass on to our future children. My husband, Ralph, plans to teach them the political history that has shaped the African-American experience. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Portrait of a racist Mar 22, 2008
Asian suggests the same stereotypes, but allows us to typecast because it is part of some dumb new lexicon that, due to novelty and semantics, has been decreed favourable never mind that it compartmentalizes people from cultures as vastly disparate as Japanese, Filipino and Tibetan. And then, of course, there is the other, equally problematic approach, in which we refuse to identify people by race at all. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Acts & Openings Mar 21, 2008
This year s Miss Kauai Filipina will have the distinction of serving as the queen during a year of celebration in the Filipino community. The new queen will be awarded with cash, a tuition waiver for 4 years at Chaminade University in Honolulu and various other prizes. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
I Hate "Stuff White People Like" Mar 21, 2008
Landers grew up in Toronto's Chinatown and as having made him "aware of whiteness right away." In a , he goes on to explain that he "came up with the idea for the blog after talking to a Filipino friend about how much they both liked the HBO police drama "The Wire ... the Filipino friend, this even as Landers seems to write in his non-white voice ... (I guess stuffmeandmyfilipinofriendslike. (Slate)
Markets swoon after credit crunch claims Bear Stearns Mar 17, 2008
A Filipino trader gestured in front of a downward graph at the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday. (Aaron Favila/The Associated Press). (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Philippine soldiers briefly halt war to root for Filipino boxing star Mar 17, 2008
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led Filipinos in rejoicing over Pacquaio's victory ... "I join the Filipino people in savoring this moment of sweet victory and national unity prompted by the courage, discipline and fighting heart of our boxing hero," Arroyo said in a statement ... Many Filipinos watched the 12-round bout for free in public gymnasiums across the poor Southeast Asian country, including more than 2,000 soldiers and their dependents who cheered for him at army headquarters in... (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Pacquiao defeats Marquez to win WBC title Mar 16, 2008
A clash of heads in the seventh opened a cut above the Mexican's right eye and in the eighth, a right hand from Marquez left the Filipino with a wound above his own right eye. "I thought I was in control of the fight," Pacquiao told reporters. (International Herald Tribune)
Dancing takes over commons Mar 6, 2008
first two groups of dancers represented the Penn State Filipino Association (PSFA). The first of these two groups featured girls dressed in traditional Filipino outfits. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Filipino group holds fiesta Mar 3, 2008
Members of the Penn State Filipino Association perform 'Maglalatik,' a traditional Filipino dance, at Barrio Fiesta ... The dance was a part of the Barrio Fiesta and was hosted by Penn State's Filipino Association (PSFA), a 12-year-old organization created to spread Filipino culture throughout the community ... PSFA President Lee Castillo (senior-economics) said Filipinos are a small demographic locally, and the Barrio Fiesta, PSFA's main event, was held to highlight and showcase the culture. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Lodi Unified School District drops diversity group Mar 2, 2008
Giovanina wrote on Mar 1, 2008 12:11 PM:" Why does LUSD continue to say that the gap is between blacks and whites, and hispanics and whites, when the top scoring group is Filipino, and not white? I can see the "Cultural Revisionist" and speech police are still in control. It needs to stop or scores will not go up. A few weeks ago, I met a teacher from Japan. She was from Stockton's sister city. Our discussion proved that conservative admins and educators with strict discipline works best,... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
16 comments Feb 28, 2008
" The reputed leader of al Qaeda in Iraq posted on a Jihadi website a call for war with Israel and for Jihadists to use Iraq as a launching pad to seize Jerusalem. In Denmark, three Jihadists were arrested in a plot to murder a cartoonist for drawing an editorial cartoon years ago that they found objectionable. In the Philippines, Jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda are said to be plotting the assassination of the Filipino president and bombing Western embassies.Despite these recent developments,... (Human Events Online)
See No Danger? Hear No Danger? Congress Missing in Action! Feb 27, 2008
Congress Missing in Action. Congress Missing in Action. (Human Events Online)
Slocumb Galleries to host 'Filipina as Artist and Feminist' exhibition Feb 19, 2008
It is also coordinated with the Jade Tree, a local Filipina-owned curio shop, to reach out to the Filipino community of the greater Johnson City area. An artist's talk, film showing and closing reception will be held Thursday, March 13, from 4-7 p.m. in the Ball Hall auditorium and Slocumb Galleries respectively. (East Tennessean, TN)
Contraception banFighting for family planning in Catholic-dominated Manila Feb 11, 2008
More than 80% of Filipinos are Roman Catholics and the Church is hugely influential ... He backed "natural" family planning - a less reliable method which involves couples not having sex when the woman is at her most fertile - and called the use of alternative contraceptives "a very, very destructive practice which ruins Filipino values" ... President Arroyo says that natural family planning is best for Filipinos. (BBC News -- Health)
Educational 'village' instills pride Feb 10, 2008
"I had children that were Filipino, African American, Japanese, Korean - just an amazing amount of different cultures," she remembers. "So, I had this idea: 'Well, why don't I validate these children's culture?' " One day, while Meadows was giving a talk on Underground Railroad organizer Harriet Tubman, the children got so involved they didn't want to go to recess. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Lodi Unified's Equity Initiative: Time for change Feb 10, 2008
It is between Filipino and black students. So far, district leaders have not offered to explain why Filipino or other Asian students have achieved success without any structured outreach, a la the Equity Initiative ... Cogito wrote on Feb 9, 2008 10:03 PM:" Why don't the schools find out why the teachers are doing for the Filipino students to make them high achievers, and teach it to everyone else. It's obvious they're getting more attention, how else could they be doing so well? ". (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Making the grade Feb 3, 2008
Why do Lodi Unified's Filipino students get top scores in district ... Bret Galeste, 28, sits back in his chair in a north Stockton restaurant, looks out the window and muses about a question he's been turning over in his head for days: "Why are Filipino students so successful in school?" ... Lodi Unified's Filipino-American population continues to outscore every other student population year after year, but why. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
More of this story Feb 2, 2008
The Chinese New Year Festival brings a full weekend of pan-Asian entertainment, including Filipino and Thai dancers, taiko drummers, Asian pop bands and Korean musicians. Among the standout local talents are Chinese acrobat Duan Haitao and martial artist Wang Xiaojun. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
Say G'day to nine new Aussies Jan 26, 2008
" Rene Strauss Arias THE reopening of Sydney's Hilton Hotel in mid-2005 could hardly have been better timed for 49-year-old Filipino Rene Strauss Arias. Although his wife Twinky already had an accountancy job waiting and strong family ties in Sydney, he was charting unknown waters. "In the Philippines you're already considered old when you reach 30," he says. "I was worried we would come here and I might not be able to get a job. " But it was a short-lived concern when the international hotel... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Heckler behind U.S.-Iran incident? Jan 15, 2008
However, the Navy Times, a weekly newspaper published by the Gannett company, quoted several veteran sailors as speculating the transmission could have come from a heckler widely known among sailors in the region by the ethnically insulting term "the Filipino Monkey.". The newspaper, which serves the Navy community, said U.S. sailors in the Persian Gulf have heard the prankster possibly more than one person transmitting "insults and jabbering vile epithets" on unencrypted frequencies. (MSNBC -- International)
Lodi Unified tackles racism issue with training program for its staff Jan 14, 2008
Academic Performance Index scores for 2007 District: 773 (down five points from 2006) African American: 729 (down 11 points from 2006) Asian: 884 (down four points from 2006) Filipino: 827 (down 10 points from 2006) Hispanic: 697 (no change from 2006) White: 838 (up one point from 2006) Socioeconomically disadvantaged: 697 (down three points from 2006) English learners: 729 (no change from 2006) Students with disabilities: 549 (down 12 points from 2006) ... 7 percent Filipino; 1 ... Academic... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
More racist than thou Jan 11, 2008
The truth of those cute robots you see being displayed in various shows then is that they represent the attempt of Japan Inc to keep Filipino maids out of the country ... For their part, Chinese societies such as Hong Kong and Singapore have been frequently attacked by human rights groups for their own display of racism against minorities such as immigrant Filipino and Indonesian workers. (Asia Times Online)
Tributes pour in for 'colossus' Hillary Jan 11, 2008
SUBSCRIBE NOW A daily digest of news and talking points. Our daily business newsletter. (iAfrica.com)
More Top Stories Asia Pacific Headlines Jan 11, 2008
The president of the 30,000-strong Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines said Hillary was "an inspiration to all of us. "We idolised him especially over his exemplary deeds after scaling Mount Everest," said Regie Pablo, who became the seventh Filipino to reach the Everest summit last year. New Zealand's cricket team will wear black arm bands and observe a minute's silence in Hillary's honour along with the crowd before play starts on day one of the second test against Bangladesh in... (Yahoo! Asia News)
Film Review: Down and out and running numbers in the rougher precincts of Manila Jan 10, 2008
Much like man's best friend, the rough-hewn Filipino movie "The Bet Collector" chases its protagonist from step to step, misery to misery, all but nipping at her heels. Though you never see her sell anything, Amy (Gina Pareo) operates a tiny store out of the front of her ramshackle Manila house with her husband and tries to make ends meet by illegally running numbers. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
YouTube tape lands Filipino a dream gig as new Journey singer Jan 8, 2008
But his tenacity paid off when he stumbled on a video of Pineda singing Journey's hit Faithfully with a Filipino cover band called the Zoo ... " In this era of globalisation, having a non-American fronting a classic American band such as Journey is an invigorating development that gives the band a new look and the possibility of expanding its fan base among Filipinos and Asians. "We've become a world band," Cain said. "We're international now. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
City announces tourism grants Jan 5, 2008
Filipino Community Center, Inc., $15,000 for the 16th Annual Filipino Fiesta and Parade (May 17) ... Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Foundation, A Taste of Kalihi (Sept. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Asian artists: NYC pop artist, IAA to mentor Dec 28, 2007
He also designed the production of a Filipino movie, "Nasaan ka man," in 2005, according to the Internet Movie Database. "I think it will be a unique opportunity to talk about how Jon (Cuyson) has developed his work," Oropeza said. (Mt. Pleasant News, IA)
Celebrating Christmas the Filipino way in Penang Dec 25, 2007
PENANG: For Malaysian-born Filipino Donicio Geronimo, Christmas has been an important family affair to get together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The 71-year-old, who is of Filipino-Chinese parentage, said the family observed a few simple Filipino traditions, despite being very Malaysian in their culture and ways through the years ... Malaysian-born Filipino Donicio Geronimo, 71, (centre) showing his wife Chan Yoke Eng, 66, the two presents he received during Christmas celebrations at... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Grads from India to study education at FAU Dec 24, 2007
"We're trying to learn from the past and not make the same mistake more than once," said Thomas, mentioning a group of Filipino teachers who struggled with classroom management and cultural differences in Palm Beach County School District classrooms. "In this case, the person running the program is a native of India who came here, just like they will be, to earn an advanced degree.". (The Palm Beach Post)
Eight local groups to be part of free, six-hour holiday show Dec 19, 2007
This year's gala event will feature more than 45 performing groups from every corner of L.A. County, representing the incredible ethnic diversity and traditions of our population - African American, Argentinean, Peruvian, Mexican, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Armenian, Persian, Russian, Jewish and Irish. The admission-free show is the Board of Supervisor's gift to the people of Los Angeles, and it represents the cultural and geographic scope of Los Angeles in a completely unique way. (Los Angeles Daily News)
A conversation with Ken Davis Dec 18, 2007
Guardian wrote on Dec 17, 2007 4:06 PM:" NO Jeff, you missed the point. There is no data that would make Mr. Davis's case. The real facts are that the highest scoring group, in LUSD, is Filipino. Yes, they are highest scoring group, not White. In fact, LUSD will see more basic and below basic Whites, in LUSD, this year. ". P. L. Smith wrote on Dec 17, 2007 4:03 PM:" Thoroughly amazed to see how stupid we have become. Congratulations to parents who 'push' their children to succeed. Having a... (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Channel 7 anchor Frances Rivera finds career and personal life on rise in Boston Dec 17, 2007
Channel 7 anchor Frances Rivera is proud of her Filipino heritage and her career ... WHDH officials named the Filipino-born Texan as the station's main co-anchor with Randy Price for the highly competitive 5, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts ... "My mother had this great idea to ship me off to the Philippines for a semester. I kicked and screamed. I hated it at first." Rivera studied at the University of the Philippines, where she learned to appreciate her Filipino culture. (Boston Globe)
Lanai museum teaches visitors isle history Dec 4, 2007
The center also highlights the lives of various immigrants who came to live on the island during the plantation era: Filipino, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and Puerto Rican. The last plantation pineapple was harvested in 1992. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Tastes of home: More diverse culture helps ethnic food stores thrive Dec 3, 2007
Members: Not Registered. for free extra services. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Army issueWhy ideals and showmanship drive Philippine mutineers Nov 30, 2007
Perhaps it can be explained by the romantic idealism that pervades so many aspects of Filipino life ... Following the People Power revolution, a group calling itself the Reform the Armed Forces Movement, which had led the military defection from Marcos, grew increasingly unhappy with the failure of the Aquino government to address the deep-rooted poverty and inequality in Filipino society. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Engaged in culture: Native youth answer a call Nov 29, 2007
She is Tlingit, Filipino and Anglo. "It's difficult to keep a balance between the two cultures because I'm living in the Western world where there's graduation, or a class that I want to take, or a baby coming, or whatever it is.". (Juneau Empire)
Former jillaroo speaks out on Filipino's death Nov 24, 2007
FIVE months after a Filipino worker was thrown to his death from the back of a speeding utility in the Northern Territory, the jillaroo who stood beside him at the time has described the reality of life for foreigners struggling to cope in the outback ... She and her husband, Aaron Cheesman, had been working their way around Australia and found themselves at Amungee Mungee Station, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, living and working alongside Filipino men on 457 work visas ... " Far from being... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Global migration is cornerstone of Western Union growth Nov 22, 2007
Western Union's attempts to capture migrants' attention can be seen in a government office in Manila, where a half million Filipinos a year wait to have their papers processed before leaving for overseas jobs ... "Most of the Western Union staff is Filipino," he said ... "It's easy to talk to them. If any of the Filipino clubs have an event, one of the sponsors is Western Union.". (International Herald Tribune)
Marlboro Marine Nov 18, 2007
Despite my good grades, my high school counsellor saw only a Filipino immigrant and lumped me in with the underachievers. Instead of college catalogues, she offered me army recruitment brochures. (Guardian Unlimited)
