If phone calls and emails were a measure of readership, then the Philippine Village Voice's Breaking News has succeeded in capturing a significant number of readers in its home base in San Diego and elsewhere. Now, there's a demand for the latest news developments, for instance, about my appearance before an immigration judge.

READERS ASK:

What Happened to Your Immigration Hearing?

By ROMEO P. MARQUEZ

The author is a member of the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and National Press Club of the Philippines-USA.

SAN DIEGO - Phone calls and emails have not stopped as of this writing asking the latest news developments about my appearance before an immigration judge yesterday, Monday, December 3.

One thing is certain, though. I'm still writing my articles and will continue to write for as long as I breathe.

Ever a believer and practitioner of the art of transparency, I am tempted to write everything down here. Except that I need to have somebody else's permission to do that.

No, it's not a matter of First Amendment rights. This is one of those rare times when writing prematurely about such a case could throw a monkey-wrench on the whole legal process. 

In the meantime that we're all waiting, let's reflect on these, my wishes for my readers:

* Smiles . . . when sadness intrudes.

* Comfort . . . on difficult days.

* Rainbows . . . to follow the clouds.

* Laughter . . . to kiss your lips.

* Hugs . . . when your spirits sag.

* Sunsets . . . to warm your heart.

* Friendships . . . to brighten your being.

* Beauty . . . for your eyes to see.

* Faith . . . so that you can believe.

* Confidence . . . for when you doubt.

* Patience . . . to accept the truth.

* Courage . . . to know yourself.

* Love . . . to complete your life.

Those are not my original works. I lifted them from my coffee mug that I've been using as pen and pencil holder in my small library while sipping my morning coffee.

PHILIPPINE VILLAGE VOICE - Redefining Community News
BREAKING NEWS -  Exclusive
Issue No. 94 / News Without Fear or Favor /

. . . . . A community service of San Diego's Philippine Village Voice (PhilVoiceNews@aol.com or at 619.265.0611) for the information and better understanding of the public. . . . . .