“My friends do not forget that your readiness to suffer will light a torch of freedom which can never be put out. Do not forget that we who are now in the middle of our years mine… must inspire the youth when they are almost in the brink of despair.”          

– NINOY Aquino, 1981 (Los Angeles, CA)

A Globalized Filipino: At present, the ‘independent’ Filipino may also be defined as the ‘Global Filipino’ who has ventured into bringing his/her talents and skills abroad to better provide for their families and to make the  ’Filipino’ known for what he/she is truly made of and capable of doing.  As an independent, Global Filipino, we expect to be treated with respect and with equal rights as humans, even outside our country.

There could be truth in Science, “no two things can occupy a space, at the same time.”  And, another, a Reality, which says, “All things are created twice.” For a family, it maybe a blueprint, for a life, it is probably, a mission.  Have we ever imagined ourselves in a day, without a goal and a plan? As responsible adults, we then realized, any parent would have seen it, as a potential of their child, not too long ago. No matter what it maybe, it’s a form of a mental creation which always precedes the physical, or next, creation.

The Vision not only helps us spot the future, but, most especially, present opportunities where others fail or negligently ignore. It points us to a future; big or small and inspire us to ask, “Where do I want to be two, five or even, ten years from now?”

The answer may take time- it is a process, combined with a Dream. Do we remember Disneyland? Of course, we do! There is more about the “happiest place on earth”; it was a product of a vision, turned into reality. If we were even paying attention, Walt Disney’s creative and sense of vision helped him spot ideas invisible to others and to look ahead of future opportunities. Sure, just like anything and anyone or any other company; it went through difficult times and challenges before it could sing to the world: “When you wish upon a star, Makes no difference who you are, anything your hearts desire, Will come to you…”

June 30, 2010 signifies a turning point for the Filipinos; for our home country, the Philippines.  I asked myself why and what Am I doing as a Filipino; ones having a little vision or even so big, just like P-Noy doing so far away from a land once called, HOME?  It could be a question of so many Filipinos who thought, that, success is defined elsewhere or anywhere, but, home.  For some, it was a matter of choice and destiny; for others, it was out of desperation and survival.  Whatever the case maybe, we still bring in us, the courage, fortitude our forefathers have instilled in our grandparents and every generation after that.

I would normally stay beyond the wee hours looking for unanswered solutions to current issues of unemployment and immigration for our so-called, Filipino-American Clients, in Los Angeles. For so many years; it was a clear and overwhelming answer of; “hope in a promise land” of “milk and honey”.  I pause and take a quite moment of reflection, and maybe, ‘missed out on something very important; it’s the HOPE and BELIEF that, better things are yet to come for Filipinos who knew how to start and end with the right combination in dealing and facing adversity, wherever they maybe.

A very striking excerpt on P-Noy’s Inaugural Speech:

“I am like you. Many of our countrymen have already voted with their feet – migrating to other countries in search of change or tranquility. They have endured hardship, risked their lives because they believe that compared to their current state here, there is more hope for them in another country, no matter how bleak it may be. In moments when I thought of only my own welfare, I also wondered—is it possible that I can find the peace and quiet that I crave in another country? Is our government beyond redemption? Has it been written that the Filipino’s lot is merely to suffer?”

For some, we may now have the answers.  For others, it may look so “vague and ambiguous” until now.  It is a question that will forever linger in our minds and hearts. Perhaps, a part of history, that will remain.

For the Filipino-Americans, may we not forget where we once came from and how much of us, is an emerging powerful, resilient Filipino; who stood the test of time.  We’ve come across a multitude of clients; trying to better their lives in this country.  There were days of doubt and there were moments of magnanimous feeling of victory:  (1) once we meet the right sponsoring company, (2) earn the “green” that feeds our family, and (3) eventually, obtain the Permanent Residency; we so dreamt and even fought for.

We focus on the struggle; the hope that, our children and the next won’t have to suffer the same…. Yet again, we fail to recognize, that, those challenges molded us to what and where we are now in the midst of triumphs, willing to withstand crisis that may come our way.

To our New P-Noy; may this reach you a thousand miles away-

An excerpt of your speech mentioned:

“This mandate is the social contract that we agreed upon. It is the promise I made during the campaign, which you accepted on election day.”

We in turn, affirm a responsibility not only to ourselves but, to a society of hard working Filipinos; whose only vision started not very different from yours: “Maging isang mabuting Anak, Kapatid, at Mamayang Pilipino.”  With us, is a vision for our selves, families for a better and peaceful life, ahead of us.

Not foregoing our social responsibility that, our actions will “either make or break”, a future once so clear and promising.

We could have started with a vision; then, came a purpose and turned into a cycle of processes (the what’s, the who’s and how’s) on how it maybe accomplished. In our own “little world”, it happens, and they are asked in so many ways than, one:

it could be a client receiving a news of denial on their work permit, an employer who decided to forego an employee of so many years, a simple complaint of not having enough money to pay her/his dues and, all other circumstances that may seem endless but, undeniably, true.

The question and a definition is our role to patiently serve not only ourselves, but, the community who so hardly bestow and “entrust their lives on a stranger like us”.  I once heard this from a former Associate; it takes pride to remember this line from him and we thank and wish him well, wherever he maybe.

Just like P-Noy, in both cases, we join him, the people and our nation; away from home, once, we had these visions (its first creations), embedded in our minds, step-by-step, little-by-little to bring its second, to life!

So we end, just like the Disney famous line, “what dreams do you hold?” … “makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires, will come to you.”

And, finally, living your famous father’s line in his speech in front of the Filipino-American in Los Angeles, Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr.  said,

“….must inspire the youth when they are almost in the brink of despair. Do not forget that the purpose of life is precisely to examine our being, not merely be a floating flotsam in the time – in the floods of time. Do not forget as Longfellow said, that we should never be like driven cattle, but be a hero in the strife.” – NINOY Aquino, 1981    (Los Angeles, CA)”.

P-Noy, your father is already a Hero of our time… you are now, becoming a Hope of a better Filipino in all of us, whether near or afar!   And so, you ended,

“My parents sought nothing less, died for nothing less, than democracy and peace. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.”

“My hope is that when I leave office, everyone can say that we have traveled far on the right path, and that we are able to bequeath a better future to the next generation. Join me in continuing this fight for change.”

May we all take part in providing our share as true blooded, Filipinos!   Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Spreading good news is tantamount to sharing a part of yourself that you want others to benefit from.Allow people who have been there, and who know how to get there, to help you. CSI Professionals is dedicated to help you and will walk with you throughout your journey. Join us to discover the Global Filipinos in YOU on July 15 & 16, 2010 at our Glendale Branch Office.

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Contact our office through the details below:

LA Corporate Office: 3255 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90010;
tel. no. 213-487-5059
Glendale Branch Office: 100 N. Brand Blvd. 6th Floor Glendale, CA 91203;
tel. no. 818-476-0082

WEBSITE: www.csiprofessionalsinc.com
BLOG: csiprofessionalsinc.wordpress.com

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Come to our FREE Immigration seminars specifically tailored to answer YOUR IMMIGRATION CONCERNS.

Date: June 25, 2010

10-12 pm Morning Session: new inquiries and marketing clients

2-4 PM Afternoon Session: current CSI clients

At present, the ‘independent’ Filipino may also be defined as the ‘Global Filipino’ who has ventured into bringing his/her talents and skills abroad to better provide for their families and to make the ‘Filipino’ known for what he/she is truly made of and capable of doing.

Working abroad should be a matter of choice and not a decision out of desperation.

At CSI, we help our kapwa Filipinos

‘make it’ to the U.S. and Canada as reputable and successful Global Filipinos. With our assistance, you will have someone to walk you through.

Call 213-487-5059 for more details and to RESERVE your seats.

Thanks very much!

The lines “I’m on my way” holds a very special entry in every Filipino’s daily vocabulary. Be it in the bathroom hastily splashing on some cologne, or in the kitchen trying to devour a sandwich in three bites, when the person you’re meeting up calls and asks for your location, those four words would spill out as if on auto-pilot. This is what you call running on Filipino Time: when dinner set at 6:00 PM would start 7:00 PM.

Though this line might work back home, it doesn’t here in the U.S. Not arriving on your appointed time means you hold poor control over how you manage your time. This could be a mark against you for prospective business associates or employers. This could also be an irreparable mistake you can commit when dealing with immigration deadlines.

As our commitment to disseminate important information regarding immigration updates and procedures to the public, CSI Professionals Inc. provided a free seminar last May 27, 2010 in Glendale. Ms. Marge Ordiales, Vice-President of CSI Professionals, advised attendees of both morning and afternoon sessions on the current path to citizenship, how the process of employment based petition works, the importance of maintaining status and the different options to achieve it, and several misleading truths on particular part-time jobs.

Also discussed in the seminar were some important dates pertinent to employment-based petition applications. Included in the discussion is one of the more popular non-immigrant visas, the H1B. The H1B is capped annually at 65,000. Below are the numbers of petitions received since USCIS started accepting applications on April 1. It would be best to inquire about the availability of this visa soon as there is no set date on when the cap will be reached.

Setting up one hour advances on lunch and dinner dates might guarantee good, timely turn-outs for smart hosts. But to make sure you don’t pass out on immigration solutions applicable to your case, taking in the time as it is would be the smarter move. It’s high time to move to a different time zone; because, really being “on your way” will always beat out being “on your way” while still in your pajamas.

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Contact our office through the details below:

LA Corporate Office: 3255 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90010;
tel. no. 213-487-5059
Glendale Branch Office: 100 N. Brand Blvd. 6th Floor Glendale, CA 91203;
tel. no. 818-476-0082

WEBSITE: www.csiprofessionalsinc.com
BLOG: csiprofessionalsinc.wordpress.com

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Yellow, Green and Orange may be the hottest colors this season. This summer trend has been seen to dominate the sidewalk scene in the Philippines. Though this kind of election campaign was for the sole purpose of easy identification and association, what should really be given more attention to are the electoral candidates’ platforms. What are their goals and how are they planning to reach them? It is only after a thorough examination of each candidates’ platform that one can make an informed vote. Similarly, one must take a closer look at the U.S. Immigration System to make informed immigration decisions.

So you come here in the U.S., ready to live the American life; what comes next? First you must know what it is you want to end up with. You need to place a goal in mind to serve as your finish line; then look up on the various avenues, landmarks and side streets you will have to drive through to reach your destination. Is getting that Green Card in your hands haunting your vision even with your eyes closed? Then you’ll have to educate yourself and find out how you’re supposed to turn that vision into reality. Know what type of visa you’re holding, the available non-immigrant working visas applicable to you, and how you can apply for these employment-based petitions.

An example of a non-immigrant working visa is the H1B visa. This visa might not be usually discussed as an option for a tourist visa-holder to apply because the application period would, historically, start and end on the same day. This year’s application period, which started on April 1, is still open. It would be best to inquire and take advantage of this visa availability while it lasts.

To learn more about the available visas and which ones you may qualify, we encourage you to attend our FREE seminar on Thursday, May 27, 2010, or schedule a free consultation with our office.

As elections back home are drawing into a conclusion and politicians (both the triumphant and unsuccessful ones) are getting ready to face the installment of the new administration, so should immigrant aspirants be getting ready to face their own journey towards attaining a Green Card. Just remember to know your goal, know your choices, and cast your immigration decisions wisely.

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Contact our office through the details below:

LA Corporate Office: 3255 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90010;
tel. no. 213-487-5059
Glendale Branch Office: 100 N. Brand Blvd. 6th Floor Glendale, CA 91203;
tel. no. 818-476-0082

WEBSITE: www.csiprofessionalsinc.com
BLOG: csiprofessionalsinc.wordpress.com

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Professors would often joke that a student without a pen in class is like a soldier going to war without a gun. We usually brush off the joke; but, not the embarrassment resulting from the loud speaker comment made by the professor right before he/she withholds your exam questionnaire until you find a pen. Even if you aren’t that one person still looking for a spare pen around while everyone else is busily answering their exams, just seeing that happen to someone will make you want to check your pens before you go to that class again. And just like that panicking student looking for some classmate to have mercy on him/her and lend him/her a pen, being in a foreign country with nothing to support and safeguard your legal stay would be asking for it.

To educate the public on the importance of being prepared, CSI Professionals, Inc. provided a FREE seminar last April 30, 2010 in Glendale. Topics discussed were several emergency measures and tools for employment and immigration policies applicable to Filipinos who wish to attain immigrant status in the US. Ms. Marge Ordiales, Vice-President of CSI Professionals, Inc. presided over the morning and afternoon sessions of the event.

The seminar was well-attended with some attendees even coming in from out-of-state. Options on how to change between nonimmigrant visas, how to find sponsoring companies, how to maintain status and the different visa fallbacks available were presented to the individuals who came. They were also advised on which category they can qualify for an Employment-based Petition.

Included as one of the non-immigrant working visas a tourist visa-holder can transfer to maintain status is the H1B visa. We’re pleased to inform our readers that USCIS is still accepting H1B applications as of this moment. As we have reported before, the period for H1B applications a few years past would usually start and end on the same day. This year’s application period, which started on April 1, is still open. Since there are no dates set for the deadline of applications, it would be best to inquire soon.

We’ve all heard of stories about a relative of a relative failing to get their status approved because of some misguided notion on application requirements or whatnot. Let’s not be another relative of a relative anecdote. Be it in the classroom or in real life, channel your inner Boy/Girl Scout and be laging handa (always ready) and have your pens and papers always on hand.

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Contact our office through the details below:

LA Corporate Office: 3255 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90010;
tel. no. 213-487-5059
Glendale Branch Office: 100 N. Brand Blvd. 6th Floor Glendale, CA 91203;
tel. no. 818-476-0082

WEBSITE: www.csiprofessionalsinc.com
BLOG: csiprofessionalsinc.wordpress.com

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After its succesful series of seminars in Manila, CSI Professionals, Inc. continues to impart and update the concerned public about employment and immigration trends.

In Manila and in neighboring cities and provinces, most seminar attendees were ‘awakened’ by factual scenarios and applicable options on U.S. and Canadian employment and immigration when CSI visited its clientele’s homeland in February and March of 2010. Thus, renewed hope became an important realization for either themselves or interested family members and friends. CSI would like to take this oppurtunity to thank and congratulate its retained network of U.S. and Canadian attorneys for this successful chain of events.

Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles and a month after its visit in the Philippines, CSI offered a 2nd local seminar in its satellite office in Glendale, California as part of its usual, free monthly seminars. The attendees were fortunate to have heard and participated in an interactive forum on employment and working visa options in the U.S. and Canada. Usual and other available visa applications for these ‘sought-after’ countries were discussed, with emphases on grabbing oppurtunities,importance of timing; and sacrifice for an ultimate goal.

With this, as the h1b filing season is fast approaching, it is advised that h1b-visa hopefuls act fast (if not prepared for in advance) in time for filing h1b applications on April 1 (or onwards, if the cap is not closed immediately) for the fiscal year 2011.

Last year, the quota was not reached until December 21; but there is no certainty as to how soon this year’s cap will be filled; or if a particular selection process will be implemented for H1B applications.

To know more about your eligibility on current job availabilities and employment-based sponsorships OR for the next schedules of our FREE seminars, contact our office through the information below.

Spreading good news is tantamount to sharing a part of yourself that you want others to benefit from. Just like the essence of the Lenten Season, sacrificing is giving a part of or our whole selves to our God who deserves our genuine offering.

From your CSI Family, “Maligayang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay”; Nawa’y hindi natin makalimutan ang halaga ng panaho’ng Semana Santa; at nawa’y tayo ay muling mabuhay nang may pag-asa at magandang pakikitungo sa ating sarili at kapwa.

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To schedule a free consultation and to attend more of CSI’s series of
seminars for this year entitled: Immigration Today: Adapting to Change

Contact our office through the details below:

LA Corporate Office: 3255 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90010;
tel. no. 213-487-5059
Glendale Branch Office: 100 N. Brand Blvd. 6th Floor Glendale, CA 91203;
tel. no. 818-476-0082

WEBSITE: www.csiprofessionalsinc.com
BLOG: csiprofessionalsinc.wordpress.com

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CSI on ‘Going back and giving back’

After just a few months of advertising and spreading the news that CSI Professionals, Inc. is going to Manila again, our team was welcomed by over 100 eager attendees during the grand seminar in Cavite. Follow up and one-on-one consultations were also well attended and were even on demand at other locations outside Manila.

Assembled in St. Dominic Colege of Asia, attendees and supporters participated as the CSI team discussed and shared about options on employment and immigration in the U.S. and in Canada.

It was a very hot day in Cavite, and the panel discussion was kept heated with interest and questions from U.S. and Canadian visa hopefuls. Many eyes were ‘opened’ when realizations of possible options were presented to them. Most attendees did not know that there are certain processes that qualified visa hopefuls can undergo when wanting to apply for work and eventually stay in the U.S. or Canada.

After the successful seminar in Cavite, serious candidates were given the chance to consult the CSI team, along with some of its retained lawyers. Group and personal consultations were held at the following locations: Cavite,  Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Quezon and San Juan.

Aside from these successful series of seminars and consultations, the CSI team were most touched with how our kababayan’s welcomed us, Pinoy style. Having to impart vital information on possible employment and sponsorship in the U.S. and Canada is one thing; but receiving warm welcome’s and high regards to what we do is icing on the cake.

” It’s always a pleasure to go back and give back to where you came from. “

No matter how successful or blessed you get, nothing beats the happiness attained when you receive the gift of recognition from your good intentions.

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To schedule a free consultation and to attend more of CSI’s series of
seminars for this year entitled: Immigration Today: Adapting to Change

Contact our office through the details below:

LA Corporate Office: 3255 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90010;
tel. no. 213-487-5059
Glendale Branch Office: 100 N. Brand Blvd. 6th Floor Glendale, CA 91203;
tel. no. 818-476-0082

WEBSITE: www.csiprofessionalsinc.com
BLOG: csiprofessionalsinc.wordpress.com

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In connection with CSI Professionals, Inc.’s

Manila Seminars on U.S. and Canadian employment and sponsorship,

We are cordially inviting you to support CSI and Ms. Marge Ordiales

and witness these scheduled live/recorded interviews in the following TV and radio programs:

Feb. 26,2010 (8am -1pm)

1. Mornings@ANC (TV show) – 8:30am; SkyCable channel 27

2. Tele-Radyo – TV and Radio show (simultaneous airing)
- estimated time – 10:30 am; watch channel 22; or listen to DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 AM radio

3. Marinduque Radio Station – (phone interview) to be confirmed

*We shall announce the airing of Ms. Marge’s special interview segment with Karen Davila or Ces Drilon.

Please watch this as well.

Kindly spread the word to catch this opportunity to watch and listen as Ms. Marge Ordiales, and U.S. and Canadian lawyers discuss about options to work and be sponsored for work authorization in the U.S. and in Canada!

Thank you very much for your support

“…I remember 1999 when I approach your company for immigration /employment assistance now 2009 10 years after I’m now employed to a very prestigious company here in the USA , how time passed by but I cannot forget all the things you have done to me and with that I say Thank you very much  . This coming Sept. 24 , 2009 I will swear my oath as a  US Citizen of this country  and I would like to let you how thankful I ‘am that you & your great company was a part of it. I can never ever forget the day I called you and I’m almost quitting  and deciding to go back to Philippines for I no longer withstand the negative treatment of my employer, but you encourage me to keep on going and with that I’m so bless ….Thanks & more power to CSI I will be here for you guys willing to extend what ever help I can offer… ”

– CSI Client since 1999

“Expressing someone’s gratitude is never too late.

Well done to the team at CSI Professionals, Inc., you’ve given me the opportunity to start a new life in the United States of America.  Now my son can go to the local school.  We can’t thank you enough for all your hard work and patience. What an excellent customer service!  I haven’t stopped recommending your service to my family and friends.  All of
our dreams have finally come true.” – CSI Client since 2007

“We (my sister and I) were already getting frustrated with all the “talks” that we’ve been receiving from numerous people on how we can legally and permanently stay in the US. We finally decided to try and visit CSI Professionals Inc office.  Our first few meetings with them were very encouraging and hopeful. They understand our need to act right away because we were running out of time. They clearly explained to us the process that we need to take and how to get there. Few days after the first meeting, we were already booked for an interview. That’s when I knew that they were committed to provide my sister and I, the service that we need.

CSI Professionals have knowledgeable and very approachable staff. The line of communication between us and any CSI employees were always open either by phone call, email or meeting. We’ve relied on them when ever we would have concerns on documentation, dealing with our employer, general information, follow-ups and financial worries. They have assisted us however they can.

I appreciate all the efforts and help the CSI Professionals staff have provided us. They’ve helped us complete our process to stay in the US in the best way they can, and in the quickest time possible. They were truly with us all the way (as their tagline say).

I have and will always recommend CSI to any professional friend who will need CSI’s help in fulfilling their goal to stay and work in the US, permanently. ” – CSI Client 2006

“I’m very thankful to CSI for helping me in obtaining my H3 status. I feel really lucky that my case was approved within just two months; I guess CSI must have done an excellent job with the preparation of my documents and the filing process.

I learned about the agency from a friend who was able to get her green card in a comparatively short a time. Hesitant in the beginning, and, for some other reasons, I didn’t apply right away. It’s when I saw the agency’s ad in one of Philippine newspapers that I decided to seek help from CSI. I’m glad I made that decision.

The people at CSI are very easy o deal with; they’re very polite and friendly. They would answer inquiries with patience. They are young people who know what they’re doing.

More power to CSI. I hope you could help more people like me seeking a  better future for themselves and their loved ones. ”

– CSI Client since 1999

IN OUR HANDS — JUST  2 YRS. &  9 MOS. ……

Years back, I was trying to figure out how to stay in this country legally, longer than the I-94 that was granted to us (6 months).  I was advised to seek assistance from CSI who was then my friend immigration agency.

After several consultations with CSI, I feel like backing out coz of so many obligations, – MONETARY!! Lawyers fee – filling fees, etc.. But – CSI has all the options to let you feel comfortable. They let you decide on what you can afford.  Also, Filipinos, are known to do all the “medios possibles” to make things possible for our good, for the children and the family.

Until, we have decided to GO FOR IT..

CSI has knowledgeable and competent staff to assist in all what is necessary for my papers. Cooperate with them, give to them all the supporting documents that are needed, and always be on time to submit all the requirements.

Marge, Zola, Cathy, Angelo and Bettina – so with Atty. Wei – – are so pasensyosa of my attitude… I AM SO TRIKTA – DEMANDING — I want things done right away. ..and wanted a return call immediately!!.  I know they tried hard to meet my demands.  They know the “Why’s,– When’s and What’s” to pacify me.  I really appreciate that they stand by me.

I know, they work hard for our papers — gathering supporting documents – my transfer to another employer — RFE’s and all. . .  also having  a great lawyer who handle my case from the very start – NOV. 2006.

Until, it was in our hands — OUR GREENCARD – AUGUST 05 2009.

WE GREATLY APPRECAITE YOUR HELP AND SUPPOR TO MAKE THINGS POSSIBLE and would HIGHLY recommend that you transact and process your immigration documents with CSI.  Presently, we are now processing “documents” for my children, STILL WITH CSI.

Again, THANK YOU CSI – MARGE, ZOLA, CATHY, ANGELO, BETINA and OF COURSE – ATTY.  NATHAN WEI. ”

– CSI Client since 2006