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Gel Santos Relos
San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA
News Anchor, "Balitang America" ,The Filipino Channel. Columnist, Asian Journal. Views and opinions expressed here by the the author are hers and hers alone and this blog does not hold ABS-CBN-TFC or Asian Journal responsible.
Interests: travel, history, news, cooking, reading, writing, painting and sketching, listening to the classic good ol' love songs in standard and jazz format, walks in the beach..., exchanging ideas and having fun with interesting ordinary and not-so-ordinary people, watching cheesy mushy feel-good chic flicks for escape
Recent Activity
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By Gel Santos Relos on Asian Journal Op-Ed MOTHERS’ DAY this year is extra special for me. It is a milestone because this 2014, I have also became a grandmother with the birth of my first apo – Azshara Angelina Relos Reinheimer — last April 12. I have yet to see my granddaughter face-to-face, and will have to wait to finally hold her in my arms, because she is still in the incubator of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Mercy Children’s Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. My apo was born way ahead of schedule, at six and a half... Continue reading
Posted May 10, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos on Asian Journal Op-Ed On Saturday, April 12, my husband and I became lolo and lola. It’s a milestone that we’ve been looking forward to, after our daughter Misty got married in 2012. When that day finally came, however, our excitement was eclipsed by fear and anxiety because it came too soon. Misty was only 24 weeks and 5 days in her pregnancy (a full term pregnancy usually takes 38-40 weeks). Last year, Misty and her husband Dave lost their baby at 19 weeks. This made the fear of losing this baby even stronger. Many factors... Continue reading
Posted Apr 19, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos On Asian Journal Op-Ed (PHOTO CREDIT: bigstory.ap.org) WHEN it comes to the territorial row, China does not want the United Nations (UN) to intervene and demands that the Philippines should resolve the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea dispute with China alone, through bilateral talks. Should the Philippines just go with what China wants? President Benigno S. Aquino III remains undaunted with the Philippine government’s decision to pursue the arbitration case in a UN tribunal, despite Beijing’s ominous warnings of consequences. “We are not here to challenge China, to provoke them into any action, but I do... Continue reading
Posted Apr 3, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
By Gel Santos Relos On Asian Journal Op-Ed FILIPINOS in California are still in a state of shock and disbelief, after waking up to the news last Wednesday. After a series of raids in the Bay Area and Sacramento, California State Senator Leland Yee was arrested on March 26 for being implicated in an alleged corruption conspiracy, which involves arms trafficking and fraud in acquiring campaign funds for his candidacy (Sen.Yee was running for CA Secretary of State). As reported by Philippine Daily Inquirer: Sen. Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) and 25 others were named in a federal complaint charging them... Continue reading
Posted Apr 3, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
By Gel Santos Relos on Asian Journal Op-Ed “In Balitang America’s daily online poll Isyu Ngayon, 80 percent of viewers believe that Casquejo is a fool and that what he did was careless — a crime that could get him a year’s sentence in jail. On the other hand, 20 percent of the voters described Casquejo’s act as amazing. Not many people have the courage to even attempt what this kid has done.” 16-YEAR-old Filipino-American Justin Casquejo made headlines last week, for managing to sneak through the supposedly tight security of the 104-storey One World Center in New York City... Continue reading
Posted Apr 3, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos On Asian Journal Op-Ed (Photo credit: veooz.com) NEW development! “US Secretary of State John Kerry has already made his review and recommendation regarding the request for TPS designation of the Philippines, and that recommendation has been sent to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS,)” TPS primary proponent Atty. Arnedo Valera enthusiastically reported to me, after he got another call on March 20 from David P. Arulanantham, Philippine Desk Officer of the State Department. This TPS status has been confirmed to Balitang America by State Department Spokesperson Pooja Jhunjhunwala. What has not been confirmed though, is... Continue reading
Posted Mar 26, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos On Asian Journal Op-Ed Praying for the Passengers and Crew of MH 370 (Photo credit: people.com) Since its mysterious disappearance (after taking off from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing) Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has been reported on ceaselessly by the media, inviting all kinds of speculations and theories as to what really happened on March 8, 2014. Because of what happened in 9/11, it is understandable why theories of terrorism would become a default assumption. Suspicion points to two Iranian passengers with stolen passports and even the pilots and crew are being looked into as... Continue reading
Posted Mar 19, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos On Asian Journal Op-Ed Many kababayans continue to send me messages and emails, inquiring about updates on the requested Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the Philippines. Four months after the Philippines was ravaged by Haiyan (Yolanda), there are those who have begun to wonder if TPS for the Philippines would be granted at all. If approved by the US government, TPS will provide visa relief for qualified Filipinos with expired or expiring visas, allowing them to temporarily live in America without threat of deportation. They will receive work and travel authorization as well. The TPS was... Continue reading
Posted Mar 16, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos On Asian Journal Op-Ed (Photo credit: www.androidios.com) MANY of us probably felt guilty, after reading this warning. After all, we think that we are helping stimulate our kids’ mental faculty when we allow them to watch TV or videos and play games via electronic gadgets. We believe we are helping them learn their ABCs and 123s ,new languages, even their analytical thinking and eye-motor coordination. It is true, though, that there are times when these electronic gadgets help a lot in keeping our kids preoccupied, especially when we need to attend to other things like household... Continue reading
Posted Mar 13, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos on Asian Journal Op-Ed (Photo Credit: wn.com) AS world leaders discuss options to de-escalate the growing tension between Russia and Ukraine, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made some controversial statements — comparing Putin’s recent move to issue Russian passports to Ukrainians with ties to Russia to Hitler’s efforts to resettle Germans in the late 1930s. “It’s what Hitler did back in the ‘30s,” said the Democratic presidential frontrunner at a private fundraising event in Long Beach, California last Tuesday, as reported by Long Beach Press Telegram. “The Germans by ancestry who were in places like... Continue reading
Posted Mar 8, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos U.S. President Barack Obama's leadership in the global arena faces new challenges with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia vs Ukraine crisis. (Photo credit: Foxnews) WHEN news broke that Russia deployed troops to Ukraine, most Americans, including kababayans, cried “ENOUGH” to wars. They would not want the U.S. to act as “Big Brother” or “Global Police” anymore to help Ukraine. “Americans are more likely than not to say that the United States has no responsibility to get involved in Ukraine, even under extreme circumstances,” said a new poll by Huffington Post/YouGov, which was conducted from March... Continue reading
Posted Mar 4, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos on Asian Journal Op-Ed Unruly Pinoy Passenger Aboard PAL (Photot credit: Balitang America) MANY Filipinos in America prefer to fly Philippine Airlines (PAL) when visiting the Motherland, not only because of the shorter travel time, but also because they feel at home flying the flag carrier of the Philippines. One kababayan felt so at home, he might just spend the next 20 years of his life in jail. As Balitang America’s LA Correspondent Steve Angeles reported, a Pinoy passenger was arrested by authorities for an alleged drunken rampage on board a US-bound PAL flight. The 53-year-old,... Continue reading
Posted Mar 2, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos Aquino defends online libel law (Photo credit: cablenewsasia.com) February 25 marked the 28th anniversary of the People Power Revolution -- a proud moment in the history of the Filipino people when we commemorate how we toppled the Marcos dictatorship and reclaimed our fundamental rights in a democracy. But a few days leading up to this commemoration, the Supreme Court (SC) made a ruling that upheld the constitutionality of most parts of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which included the controversial provision that punishes online libel. “Ironic that SC upheld constitutionality of cyber libel near anniversary... Continue reading
Posted Feb 25, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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Michael Christian Martinez tweets me on November 4, 2013, asking for support from his kababayans for his Olympic bid. Michael Christian Martinez has shown us that there are no "ifs" and "buts" on the road to victory. Keep your eyes on the goal. In the end, what matters most is how hard you fought. If you know in your heart you have given your best shot defying all odds, you are already a winner! Mabuhay ka, Michael Christian Martinez! Read post: Michael Christian Martinez Highlights the Need for More Government Support for Sports Continue reading
Posted Feb 23, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos on Asian Journal Op-Ed Internet Libel as a Criminal Offense (Photo credit: rferl.org) The Supreme Court of the Philippines just upheld the constitutionality of most parts of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, including the contentious provision that punishes online libel. The execution of the law was suspended in October 2012 by a temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court, following criticisms and protests among the media and human rights advocates. However, with this new ruling of the Supreme Court, a person or entity who posts something (in words or pictures) -- which can be... Continue reading
Posted Feb 21, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos Op-Ed article on the Asian Journal Michael Martinez: Proud to be Filipino in Sochi Winter Olympics Seventeen-year-old Michael Christian Martinez has put the Philippines in the spotlight during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia — ranking 19th in the figure skating competition during his Olympic debut. Michael was also the only figure skater who made it to the Top 5 most talked about Olympic athletes on Facebook during the first week of Winter Olympics, and figure skating was the sport that attracted the most interest. Before Sochi, Michael has won 19 medals in other international... Continue reading
Posted Feb 19, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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By Gel Santos Relos Aiza proposes to Liza (Photo credit: Rappler.com) "The Philippine Constitution does NOT define marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman. This is a solid legal ground for the constitutional challenge of the Family Code. The Constitution has primacy. It is the supreme law of the land.” -- Atty. Arnedo Valera In the midst of debates about the Obama administration’s policy to grant federal benefits, protection and services to all married same-sex couples in America equal to those accorded to their heterosexual counterparts, multi-talented actress and singer Aiza Seguerra just proposed marriage to... Continue reading
Posted Feb 16, 2014 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1326.html Gel Santos Relos
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MyAsian Journal Column: No more immigration petitions for married children and siblings of US citizens?. ONE of the more compelling reasons why many kababayans are pushing for the passing of a comprehensive immigration reform is to facilitate the speeding up of family reunification. This is especially true for those who have been waiting for many years for their ates or kuyas (with their spouses and kids) to finally re-join the family, after being left behind in the Philippines because they were already married or have aged out when the petition of their parents became current. It also holds true for... Continue reading
Posted Mar 22, 2013 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
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My Asian Journal Column: A new dawn in the Catholic Church: Long live Pope Francis! I HAVE been following and writing about the conclave and the election of Pope Benedict XVI’s successor. But I was pleasantly surprised by my own emotions, when I saw white smoke coming out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. I was glued to the TV screen just before I drove to the TFC studio for Balitang America. I knew I had to leave soon, but I just had to hear the church bells ring to confirm that the next pope has been chosen. From... Continue reading
Posted Mar 19, 2013 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
My Asian Journal Column: Fil-Ams’ feedback: Should the next Pope be more liberal or conservative?. AS THE world awaits the Cardinals in the Vatican to start the conclave and elect the next Pope, Catholics debate on the qualities they wish to be embodied by the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Before the Cardinals were ordered not to speak out about the impending election of Benedict XVI’s (who resigned last February 28 for health reasons) successor, New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan told CNN’s Christian Amanpour what he thinks should be the characteristics of the next pontiff. Archbishop Dolan said... Continue reading
Posted Mar 12, 2013 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
My Asian Journal Column: The solemn process of electing the next Pope. AFTER the Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation on February 28, the Roman Catholic Church may have a new leader before the beginning of Holy Week (on March 24, Palm Sunday). St. Peter, the first leader of the Catholic Church, was believed by Catholics to be selected by Jesus when He told him: “Come with me and I will make you fishers of men.” The next successor of St. Peter after Pope Benedict XVI (as with other modern successors before him) would be elected by cardinals who are eligible to... Continue reading
Posted Mar 12, 2013 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
My Asian Journal Column: Will you join the ‘virtual march for immigration reform?’. DO YOU wish to support the cause of our kababayans, who will benefit from the passage of a true comprehensive immigration reform? Do you email? Are you on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media platforms? Then, there is something you can do. As we reported on The Filipino Channel’s Balitang America last Monday, high-tech leaders -- including the former heads of AOL (America Online) and Mozilla -- are organizing a “virtual march for immigration reform.” The goal of this action is to pressure lawmakers to enact sweeping... Continue reading
Posted Mar 12, 2013 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE
My Asian Journal Column: Should undocumented immigrants be allowed ‘supervised release?’. THIS week, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) started releasing undocumented immigrants being held in immigration jails around the country -- days before mandatory budget cuts go into effect across the government. The White House was reportedly never consulted, but the Associated Press reported that President Obama’s spokesperson described undocumented immigrants who were released as “low risk, non-criminal detainees.” This move is in line with the Department of Homeland Security’s plan to prioritize the detention of serious criminal offenders, given... Continue reading
Posted Mar 12, 2013 at THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE