Do You ReallY NeeD to KNow MoRe to MaKe YouR ChoiCe foR PResiDeNt? AS I
CANDID PERSPECTIVES
Publisher & Executive Editor
Medicare Is Rolling Out Major Cost-savings Changes; Remember Which Political
Party Made This Happen
f you are a senior on Medicare or close in age to receive Medicare, perhaps a strong consideration this election in your decision-making process is to look at the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, specific to the provisions on prescription drugs. Remember that all Democrats in the Senate and House voted for the IRA’s passage, while all Republicans voted against it.
Stroll down memory lane to 2022, big drug companies lobbied fiercely against the major drug changes that Democrats proposed. Democrats in 2020 made lowering the cost of prescription drugs one of their main platforms and they delivered on that promise.
It was the first time ever that the powerful big pharma lobbies were defeated. Republican lawmakers, on the other hand, sided with big pharma even as some were claiming to support reducing drug costs.
Major Changes to Medicare since the passage of the IRA
What were some of the major changes in the 2022 IRA related to drug costs?
*In 2023, a $35 cap per month on out-of-pocket costs for insulin products for all Medicare beneficiaries was implemented. One government estimate for out-of-pocket insulin costs found that people with diabetes enrolled in Medicare or private insurance paid an average of $452 a year prior to the IRA, according to a December 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Uninsured users, however, paid more than twice as much on average for the drug, or about $996 annually. Some estimates show much higher pre-IRA insulin spending per year.
*Beginning in 2023 for the first time ever, Medicare had the power to negotiate drug prices. This is what Medicare and senior’s advocacy groups like AARP for decades have been fighting for and it finally became a reality. In 2023, the first 10 costly prescription medications were lowered to what’s called their “maximum fair prices” (MFP). These outpatient medications are popular, top-selling drugs, used to treat conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Experts say Medicare beneficiaries are expected to save in aggregate of $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs on pharmaceuticals in just this first round of drugs. These drug prices are expected to go into effect in January 2026, and the Medicare drug negotiations program will continue. In February 2025, an additional 15 outpatient medicines will be selected, and their MFP will be applied in 2027. This same pattern will be repeated as long as Medicare reserves this right to negotiate drug prices.
*Beginning in 2025, Medicare will undergo another major change. For the first time Medicare will place an annual out-of-pocket cap of $2,000 on their drug plans. Prior to this, there was no cap and some seniors with chronic illnesses were paying well over $10,000 each year just to survive. AARP estimates over three million Medicare enrollees stand to benefit.
Cost and health
It cannot be overstated how important these cost-savings measures are for seniors. AARP surveys show how
We have good news to report for our seniors on Medicare who spend considerable sums of money each year on prescription medicines. For the first time ever, Medicare is putting a cap on the annual-out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare Part D (Drug) plans.
HFC associate editor Edwin Quinabo explains in our cover story there will be a deductible up to $590 for Plan D, then copayments for medications kick in until the total out-of-pocket reach $2,000. Any drugs covered on Part D beyond $2,000 will be paid for by Medicare and not you, the Medicare beneficiary. So, this will be a significant cost-savings for our senior loved ones who have chronic illnesses or conditions like cancer, diabetes or heart disease. There are other changes to Medicare 2025 that include expanded services and added consumer protections. See article for details. Reminder: if you want to make changes to your current plan, Medicare open enrollment for 2025 begins next month and continues through December.
Also, in this issue we have a Book Review by HFC columnist Rose Cruz Churma on “Six Filipino Women for Justice” highlighting the lives and influences of Leila de Lima, Leni Robredo, Maria Rossa, Risa Hontiveros, Conchita Carpio Morales, and Sister Mary John Manazan. Many of you know Lima, a senator who was jailed on fabricated charges during the Duterte administration. She was released last November 14, 2023. Most know the former RP Vice President Robredo who ran an impressive populist campaign against Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Find out who these other powerful women of justice are.
Speaking of influential Filipino titans in history, HFC columnist Elpidio Estioko writes about two labor leaders our community should learn about: 1) Pablo Manlapit of the Filipino Labor Union representing Filipino sugar plantation workers who led the Great Strike of 1920 in Hawaii; and 2) Larry Itliong, Filipino-American union organizer who led the Delano grape strike and whose advocacy work was spread out throughout California, Washington and Alaska.
It’s September so our loyal readers know what this means – we are presenting our annual Community and Women’s Health Supplement. We begin with HFC columnist Dr. Arcelita Imasa’s cover story “Walk for Hawai’i Filipinos’ Health,” an inaugural event that brought Filipinos together to promote physical activity and wellness. This event was organized by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawai’i (UPAAH), the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), and the Hawai’i Workers Center (HWC).
In this year’s supplement we have the following informative articles: Dr. Rainier Bautista’s “Weight of the World: Obesity’s Heavy Toll on Women,” Dr. Flora Medina-Manuel’s “What Are the Signs of Colic in Babies?” Dr. Marel Ver’s “The Challenges of Weight Loss,” Dr. Jon Avery Go’s “No Ifs, Ands, or Butts!” Dr. Anna Melissa Lo’s “Empower Your Health: Navigating the World of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices,” Dr. Ian Guerrero’s “What is Coronary Thrombosis?” and Dr. Valerie Tan’s “Chronic Kidney Disease: Bean in Danger?” Thank you to all these expert medical doctors who’ve contributed to the supplement.
We hope you enjoy these articles and more. Remember you can access a free digital copy of each HFC issue on our website. For your advertising needs, contact us at: filipinochronicle@gmail.com. Thank you for your support. Until the next issue, Aloha and Mabuhay!
Charlie Y. Sonido, M.D.
Publisher & Managing Editor
Chona A. Montesines-Sonido
Associate Editors
Edwin QuinaboDennis Galolo
Contributing
Editor
Belinda Aquino, Ph.D.
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Photography Tim Llena
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Columnists
Carlota Hufana Ader
Rose Cruz Churma
Elpidio R. Estioko
Willie Espero
Perry Diaz
Emil Guillermo
Gary Hooser
Arcelita Imasa, M.D.
Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
J.P. Orias
Charlie Sonido, M.D.
Emmanuel S. Tipon, Esq.
Contributing Writers
Clement Bautista
Edna Bautista, Ed.D.
Teresita Bernales, Ed.D.
Sheryll Bonilla, Esq.
Dylan Bothamley, D.O.
Serafin Colmenares Jr., Ph.D.
Linda Dela Cruz
Carolyn Weygan-Hildebrand
Amelia Jacang, M.D.
Caroline Julian
Max Levin
Raymond Ll. Liongson, Ph.D.
Federico Magdalena, Ph.D.
Matthew Mettias
Maita Millalos
Paul Melvin Palalay, M.D.
Renelaine Bontol-Pfister
Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
Mark Lester Ranchez
Jay Valdez, Psy.D.
Glenn Wakai
Amado Yoro
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Kudos to the Organizers of the Hawaii Walk for Health; Raising Awareness on SDOH Is Pioneering in Community Health Drives
ating healthier, exercising, avoiding lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking alcohol, and getting regular medical checkups are all frequently discussed in maintaining a healthy body. These are all valid and proven by medical doctors and scientists.
Social Determinants of Health
But what’s also accepted to be contributing factors to health by the medical community is what’s called Social Determinants of Health or SDOH, which refers to non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. Examples are socioeconomic backgrounds, income, employment, education, working conditions, housing, the environment.
Unlike the traditionally discussed health interventions like eating better and exercising that can easily be integrated into our lifestyle, SDOH’s are not as simple to correct, which is perhaps why it’s not as readily and openly discussed even though SDOH can directly
the high cost of medications for seniors often has a direct impact on health. Many report skipping the recommended frequency of taking medicines or cutting pills in halves to extend their batch until the next refill. Doctors talk about the dangers of this that can have life-and-death consequences. But still, many chronically ill patients will follow these practices because of the high cost of medicines.
Medicare on right
track,
but could do more
Medicare is on the right track with all these cost-savings changes on medicines. It is also on the right track in the rollout of added and expanded services and new customer protections. There are over 50 million Medicare enrollees. Many of them are not on
impact health.
The dilemma: how can you tell a senior in his late 60s to retire from a physically grueling job but cannot stop working due to finances? Or for that matter under-skilled or undereducated employees getting paid minimum wage to stop working their two jobs to make time for exercise? Or to expect a houseless person not to have poor mental health? It’s just not realistic or practical.
But SDOH not only must be seriously discussed frequently among public health officials and medical professionals, the economic and political policies that can help to improve these conditions over time must be advocated for in government and brought to greater awareness in the community.
Hawaii Walk for Health
This is one reason why the first ever Hawaii Walk for Health that recently occurred was a great idea and initiative. The walk – that targeted Hawaii’s Filipino community – addressed SDOHs and traditional health concerns in a fun setting.
costly prescription drugs and their top concern instead is the high cost of premiums, specifically Medicare Part B for doctor outpatient visitation which will once again go up in 2025. This is an area where cost-savings would benefit most Medicare enrollees and deserves more cost-savings attention.
Political talk versus real action
Medicare remains among the most popular government programs available supported by a majority of Americans.
*In fact, 83% of voters support expanding Medicare to cover hearing, vision and dental care.
*A Reuters-Ipsos poll show 70% of Americans support a Medicare for All system.
*A KFF poll has 68% of Americans favoring a
Kudos to the organizers of this event: the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawai’i (UPAAH), the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), the Hawai’i Workers Center (HWC) and the sponsors of the event.
In addition to promoting healthy lifestyles and SDOHs, the walk also brought awareness to health statistics that are sobering and in dire need of advocacy.
According to the State’s Department of Health, Filipinos face higher mortality rates for coronary heart disease compared to most other ethnicities in Hawaii. The Filipino community has the highest mortality rates for stroke in the state. They are also known to have the highest rates of high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart and kidney disease, and other chronic diseases.
Besides lifestyle health choices, SDOH contributes to these statistics. For example, while there is progress in Filipinos’ educational attainment, it’s still not where our community ought to be. Less education often translates
government-administered public option. These findings show broad and bipartisan support. But all of them have been mostly rejected by Republicans.
Politicians will all talk about being defenders of Medicare and vow to support it. However, Americans must look at politicians’ voting record. Look at the IRA vote and who did not support the provisions to reduce drug costs for Medicare. Again, zero Republicans voted for the passage of the IRA. Certainly, there are many issues to weigh in this election – inflation, the economy, immigration, to name a few. But if health and the cost of healthcare is high up on your priorities as a voter, there clearly is one political party that’s pushing for policy to back up their talk, while the other side is just blowing hot air.
to less income. And less income means more time must be dedicated to working long hours, maybe two jobs, and doing physically and mentally stressing jobs.
Filipino health lobby
The Hawaii Walk for Health is on the right track to something special and could build upon what it has done so far. Perhaps the Walk’s organizers can work with Hawaii’s Filipino medical organizations such as the Philippine Medical Association of Hawaii (PMAH) and other civic and social groups, as well as Filipino healthcare professional organizations in forming a lobby group in Hawaii to work on improving SDOHs on behalf of the Filipino community.
The poor statistical health data of our community is evidence enough that something must be done in the way of organizing and advocating for our community’s health equity.
A Filipino health lobby would be empowering and complements the existing initiatives aimed at improving the health of Filipinos like the various community health fairs and free medical services of the Bayanihan Clinic Without Walls (BCWW) for the uninsured and poor.
What are some of the SDOH policies a Filipino
lobby can advocate for? Better wages so that fewer in our community would need to work two jobs and instead spend some time with family and to work on being healthier. Another area is to advocate for affordable housing, which not only provides shelter and security, but can lower extreme mental stress associated with paying for high rents. Stress lowers our bodies natural defenses against illness and disease, and it’s been linked to all six of the most common causes of death. On its own, studies show stress is one of the major causes of death.
Advocacy for preserving our state’s natural beauty and stopping climate change, childcare, senior care, workforce development, and so many other areas where good policies can impact healthier outcomes deserve advocacy.
We’re pleased that SDOH was made a part of the awareness campaign in the Hawaii Walk for Health. It’s unique, progressive and pioneering when it comes to community health awareness drives. There hasn’t been attention given to SDOH and health equity as a means to improving health.
Mabuhay to the organizers of the Hawaii Walk for Health. We hope that this event grows and will be an annual event for our community.
(Medicare ....from page 2)
Changes to Medicare Drug Plans Starting in 2025 Will Benefit Millions, Save Enrollees Thousands of Dollars
By Edwin Quinabo
Remy Polanco, Moanalua, has spent tens of thousands of dollars on prescription drugs for high blood pressure and diabetes, her daughter Susan Peralta said, who lived with Remy and served as her caretaker before her mother passed on. “In her [Remy] last six years, my mom developed other chronic illnesses like liver disease and hyperthyroidism that pushed her monthly prescription drug costs to about $8,000 a year. Fortunately, my mom had the financial means to cover that cost, but I know many others in their late age with similar health conditions do not,” Peralta said.
2025 New $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs
While Polanco had passed on, millions like her on Medicare will soon see a dramatic cost reduction in their prescription drugs and get a much-needed financial reprieve, public health experts say.
In 2025, millions of Americans will benefit from a new law that caps out-ofpocket expenses for people with a Medicare prescription drug plan at $2,000. It is the first time ever that Medicare drug plans will limit out-of-pocket spending, made possible by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. Part D plans have historically not had a limit on out-of-pocket spending.
“No person should have to face unaffordable prescription drug costs year after year,” says Leigh Purvis, AARP’s prescription drug policy principal. “This new law will bring relief to so many people who have been struggling with the effects of skyrocketing drug prices. It is a really meaningful protection for people on expensive drugs but also, frankly, for anyone who could potentially be prescribed an expensive drug in the future,” Purvis said.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the new law goes into effect January 2025. It covers Medicare’s outpatient drug benefit (Part D) and eliminates the 5% coin-
surance requirement for patients in the catastrophic phase. The $2,000 cap includes deductibles, copayments and coinsurance for covered drugs. It doesn’t apply to premiums or to drugs a plan doesn’t cover.
How it works? In 2025, Part D plans can have a deductible up to $590. Then Medicare enrollees will pay copayments for medications until the total out-ofpocket costs reach $2,000.
The cap beyond 2025
The $2,000 cap will be indexed to the growth in per capita Part D costs, so it may well rise each year after 2025. But health experts say even if Part D premiums rise after 2025 as expected, the cap will provide long-term savings.
According to AARP, in 2025 more than three million older Americans or around 8.4% of Part D beneficiaries who do not receive other subsidies could see thousands in savings each year because of the new revision to Medicare Part D. It adds that by 2029, that number could rise to more than 4 million people.
Nearly 56 million adults in the U.S. have a plan under Medicare that helps cover the cost of outpatient prescription medications.
A Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) report states, “Over the course of several years, far more Part D enrollees will stand to see savings from this new out-ofpocket spending cap than in any single year. A total of 5 million Part D enrollees had out-of-pocket drug costs of $2,000 or more in at least one year during the 10-year period between 2012 and 2021, while 6.8 million Part D enrollees have paid $2,000 or more out of pocket in at least one year since 2007, the first full year of the Part D program.”
Stress relief associated with cost
AARP, which lobbied in favor of the IRA law, said most Medicare enrollees expected to benefit from the spending limit are between 75 and 84 (45.6%) or between 65 and 74 (29.8%). Those di-
agnosed with chronic health illnesses or require expensive drugs will benefit most.
Surveys show when patients are diagnosed with long-term illnesses, the cost of treatment brings additional stress to one’s medical diagnoses. Public healthcare advocates say the new law will help reduce at least some of the financial stress associated with the need for long-term drug treatment.
AARP member Diana DiVito, 82, said the cost of the treatment she takes for chronic leukemia has averaged $858 per month over more than five years. “When I saw my first copay, I almost had a heart attack,” she said. “It’s a tremendous weight off my shoulders and I’m incredibly grateful [for the new cap].”
Pharma’s caveat
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) that lobbied against the IRA drug provisions, argues the new structure will mean fewer insurance plans to choose from then higher premiums for patients, along with slowing the development of new medications.
PhRMA President and CEO Steve Ubl said in a statement, “The ironically named Inflation Reduction Act is a bad deal being forced on American patients: higher costs, more frustrating insurance denials and fewer treatments and cures for our loved ones.”
Doesn’t cover Medicare Part B drugs
David Lipschutz, associate director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy, (continue on page 5)
said “This new rule applies only to medications covered by your Part D plan, though, and does not apply to out-of-pocket spending on Medicare Part B drugs.” Part B drugs are typically vaccinations and injections a doctor administers. Part B drugs will still maintain their current coverge.
A big help to cancer patients on expensive drugs
Stacie Dusetzina, a cancer research and health policy professor at Vanderbilt University, wrote in an article published in the New England Journal that the out-of-pocket cost of one year of some anticancer prescriptions can range from $10,000 to $15,000. That dollar figure comes with a caveat: some patients may not fill the prescription or take it the whole year because of the cost. “This is really just a very important change, it’s a huge amount of savings for people with cancer,” Dusetzina said.
Some cancer drugs are not subject to the Part D cap because they are delivered to patients through doctors’ offices rather than through pharmacies.
The IRA was one of President Joe Biden’s biggest legislative achievements during his presidency. He said, “starting in 2025, no matter what your total bills are for prescription drugs, you’ll never have to pay more than $2,000 a year, because some of these cancer drugs are $10,000 to $15,000 bucks a year.”
Spending patterns and thoughts on prescription drugs
AARP research shows: 1) an estimated 82% of Americans age 50 and older believe that prescription drugs are too expensive; 2) Nearly 50% of people polled by AARP report not filling a prescription due to its cost, or knowing someone who has done so; 3) 21% of older adults surveyed by AARP report spending more than $1,000 out of pocket in the past year on prescriptions; and 4) Nearly 75% of surveyed adults (71%) say that they or someone they know will benefit from the new out-of-pocket cap.
Teresita Bernales, Kailua, has Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug Coverage, a plan provided to her by her union, the NYSUT AFT with AFL-CIO.
AARP says in addition to Original Medicare Plan D, the $2,000 out-of-pocket spending cap also applies to deductibles, copayments and coinsurance in the prescription drug portion of Medicare Advantage plans (Part C, private insurance through Medicare).
Bernales said, “The new [cap] plan is beneficial for individuals with high drug costs since they will no longer face unpredictable expenses after reaching the coverage gap. This may not seem immediate-
ly impactful for those not currently affected by the coverage gap. However, as healthcare needs evolve with age and as more expensive medications become necessary, having a fixed out-of-pocket limit will be a relief. This creates greater financial security especially for retirees or those on fixed incomes.”
Peralta, 62, said “I know there will come a time when my husband and I will need pricey medications, and I feel better about this new cap on prescription drugs. I have three more years before my Medicare benefits kick in. Cross my fingers, I pray that I do not develop some of the health problems that my mom had that were very costly. My husband, 67, is already enrolled in Medicare and he’s fairly healthy as well and does not need to take prescription drugs. Seniors who are not needing pricey medications now should be grateful that there is this financial security in place.”
Peralta adds, “We have President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress to thank for this cost-savings security. He placed the needs of seniors above Big Pharma that I believe have been charging too much for medications. Look at other countries, they pay much less for the same drugs. It’s unfair.”
Elvisa Ramos, Ewa
“The new [cap] plan is beneficial for individuals with high drug costs since they will no longer face unpredictable expenses after reaching the coverage gap. This may not seem immediately impactful for those not currently affected by the coverage gap. However, as healthcare needs evolve with age and as more expensive medications become necessary, having a fixed out-of-pocket limit will be a relief. This creates greater financial security especially for retirees or those on fixed incomes.”
Beach, is on Medicare but not enrolled in Part D, which is optional. She said Medicare costs should be lower than they currently are for seniors on fixed income like herself and her husband.
Medicare expanded services for 2025
CMS said Medicare is expanding services and coverage for the following:
Enhanced Telehealth Services: Medicare will continue to expand coverage for telehealth services, making it easier for beneficiaries to access care remotely.
Mental Health Services: There will be increased coverage for mental health services, including counseling and therapy, to address the growing need for mental health support.
Preventive Services: More preventive services will be covered without cost-sharing, encouraging beneficiaries to take proactive steps in managing their health.
Chronic Care Management: Enhanced support for chronic care management, including better coordination of care for individuals with multiple chronic conditions.
Home Health Services: Expanded coverage for home health services, allowing more beneficiaries to receive care in the com-
fort of their homes.
Bernales said she and her husband sometimes do telehealth for follow-ups but not on a regular basis. “I think expansions on Telehealth will enhance doctor and patient relationships, making consultations very accessible. Presently, I find the wait time to get connected is as long as it is when you are in for the office visit. If Telehealth response is quicker, more patients will use it.”
She said the aging population often faces isolation and expanded mental health is crucial in addressing emotional well-being. On enhanced home health care services, Bernales said that is her prime concern. “More access to in-home assistance such as housekeeping and medication assistance should be available to more
patients which can be crucial if mobility is an issue and not only for those in dire situations. For chronic care management, care coordination will ensure support more effectively, it will avoid complications, reduce hospital admissions and will improve the quality of life for those with long term conditions.”
She said all these changes will mean increased accessibility to healthcare, improved mental health, enabling independent living and reduced healthcare cost and improvement in the quality of life.
2025 Medicare new Mid-Year Notification of Unused Supplemental Benefits
Starting in 2025, Medicare Advantage plans will
(continue on page 6)
– Teresita Bernales Kailua, Hawaii
The Philippine Team at The 2024 Paris Olympics
By Dylan Bothamley, D.O.
The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics is a landmark year for the Philippines.
Filipino athletes brought home numerous medals at the games.
For the first time, the Philippines saw a double Olympic gold medalist when Carlos Yulo won the Men’s gymnastics vault and floor exercises.
Perhaps the most stunning moment of Yulo’s Olympic performance was a perfect landing executed during a bold tumble at the end of his floor exercise.
Yulo sprinted into a handspring and launched himself into a twisting backflip completing three and a half rotations before finally sticking a landing with complete body control.
This was the height of athletic achievement and
daring. And the judges rewarded him.
Watch Yulo’s floor final here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8ynC9a-CdY/. View his exceptional final tumble at the 33-second mark.
Athletes often know when they’ve achieved something special, and Yulo’s reaction after sticking to a perfect landing is triumphant.
Even if you’re not a regular follower of gymnastics you can see how incredibly difficult sticking a landing after such an athletic leap would be.
Sometimes you don’t have to be a subject matter expert to understand that you’ve witnessed the best version of something. Such was the case in Yulo’s world-beating efforts in Paris.
The Philippines also celebrated medals from
(COVER STORY: Changes ....from page 5)
be required to send policyholders each July a personalized “Mid-Year Enrollee Notification of Unused Supplemental Benefits.” It will list all supplemental benefits the person hasn’t used, the scope and out-of-pocket cost for claiming each one, instructions on how to access the benefits, and a customer service number to call for more information.
In 2025, Brokers can no longer be offered incentives to enroll people in Medigap or Medicare Advantage CMS says currently salespeople sometimes get incentives like exotic vacations and hefty bonuses when they enroll Medicare beneficiaries into private insurers’ Medicare Advantage plans (alternatives to traditional Medicare), or Medigap (Medicare supplemental). As an added consumer protection, CMS will prohibit brokers from receiving sales incentives.
boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas who both took home bronze in their events.
The Philippines has a rich history in the sport of boxing including producing one of the greatest boxers ever, Manny Pacquiao. The Filipinos’ love for boxing is poised to live on.
All eyes were on pole vaulter EJ Obiena as he competed in the men’s pole vault finals. Although he didn’t earn a podium finish, Obiena ranked fourth out of the 12 finalists. Beyond the Olympics, Obiena is set to host a pole vault event in the Philippines which will bring his fellow pole vault Olympians to the country.
In addition to the Philippines national team, Filipino-American Lee Kiefer took home gold medals in fencing once again.
Kiefer became the
first American fencer to win three Olympic gold medals when she defended her title in foil fencing, and helped the U.S. win its first-ever team fencing gold in women’s foil at the Paris Olympics.
The highlights are impressive, almost too quick to comprehend with the naked eye. Thankfully, a breakdown with slow motion can be viewed to witness the athletic genius of Kiefer: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=yzgpFOED-0s
After Hidilyn Diaz won the first-ever gold medal for the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the Paris Olympics were an impressive display
for the Philippines that built upon that foundation. See the complete list of athletes who competed for the Philippines in 2024 here: https://olympics. com/en/paris-2024/athletes/all-disc/philippines. Vogue Philippines chronicled the Philippines showing in Paris with a beautiful photo diary. View the full album here: https:// vogue.ph/gallery/filipino-athletes-2024-olympics-paris/.
It’s exciting to imagine the possibilities going forward, and you can be sure the 2024 Olympics were only the beginning of the Philippines’ global athletic ambitions.
“This announcement is a big win for seniors because it strengthens protections against deceptive and high-pressure marketing practices,” Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said. Bernales welcomes this consumer protection change, calling it a critical reform. “It helps reduce conflicts of interest that in the past may have led to aggressive and inappropriate marketing tactics. This will protect seniors from being pushed into plans that might not suit their needs. The lack of financial motivation for agents ensures that the advice beneficiaries receive is based on their actual healthcare requirements, and not on commissions offered. They will enhance access to important services, reduce the risk of unexpected costs, and strengthen protections against poten-
tial exploitations of insurance agents.”
Peralta also believes this is a significant reform. “Seniors often are on fixed budgets, and anyone involved in signing up new Medicare enrollees should only be considering health needs and not perks or added commissions. The original intention of Medicare is to provide quality healthcare at a time when in old age, we can still afford it. The added benefits in Medicare Advantage or Medigap should be covered in original Medicare in my opinion. We shouldn’t have to pay extra for these benefits offered by private insurers.
“This ultimately should be the next step, so we don’t have to worry about things like brokers steering enrollees to a plan and get something for doing it because I believe brokers will
still get rewarded in some way for swaying enrollees to one plan over others. It might not come in the form of a bonus, but maybe favor in the company for future promotion or raises,” said Peralta.
Other changes for Medicare 2025
Some other changes for Medicare next year:
*For Part B (doctors’ services, outpatient care) there is an increase in monthly premium to $185 (2025) up from $174 (2024).
*For Part B, the deductible (out-of-pocket you pay before coverage kicks in) has gone up to $240 (2025) from $174 (2024).
*For Part A, inpatient hospital deductible for Medicare is $1,632 (days 1-60) for each benefit period.
“The changes to Medicare overall are steps in the right direction. It’s still
too complicated. Medicare shouldn’t be a one-size fits all because seniors have different medical needs and budgets. But I hear from family and friends already on Medicare say there are too many plans, and this makes the entire process confusing. It might sound cynical, but I think all these options and the changes each year to Medicare is still designed for maximized profit under what the current law allows. I think the premiums for Medicare Part B is too high for seniors on fixed incomes,” Peralta said.
Bernales said of the 2025 changes overall, “The changes reflect a move towards more consumer-oriented healthcare, with an emphasis on transparency and maximizing benefits. This is a step forward in making Medicare more responsive to the real needs of its beneficiaries.
2024 Paris Olympics double-gold winner Carlos Yulo.
Unyielding Sacrifice: Filipinos Strive to Send Children to College
By Carlota Ader
ducation has long been regarded by many Filipinos as a pathway to success.
This high regard for education often means that parents will do everything in their power, including making profound sacrifices, just to ensure that their children can attend college.
The cultural, social, economic, and personal motivations behind these sacrifices are deeply rooted in core Filipino values that reflect collective aspirations for a brighter future.
Cultural Value of Education
At the core of the Filipino mindset are strong cultural values that are placed on education.
The Philippines has a long-standing belief that knowledge and learning can elevate one’s socioeconomic status.
Filipino families view education as a form of empowerment, enabling their children to secure better job opportunities and consequently to enhance the family’s overall quality of life.
In a country where many live in poverty, the influence of education becomes even more pronounced.
Parents understand that investing in their children’s education is an opportunity to invest in generational wealth and stability.
One such parent is Ronald Cabales, who resides in Pampanga, Philippines with his wife. He works at a computer repair store in Metro Manila, while she manages the family’s sundries store.
The couple has rolled the dice and entrusted their future livelihoods to the success of their three children who are currently in college.
“To pay for our kids’ college tuition, we really tried very hard to cut back and save as much as possible,” he says.
“It has been a struggle but we are surviving thanks
to the grace of God. We have put all of our faith and trust in Him.”
What has helped to defray expenses is that all three of their children were awarded scholarships and have received exemplary grades.
The eldest wants to attend medical school, the middle child law school, and the youngest—a girl—nursing.
Cabales’ situation is proof that the concept of kabataan or youth is truly highly esteemed in Filipino culture.
Children are considered the hope of the nation, and their success symbolizes not just personal triumph, but national progress.
This creates pressure on parents to ensure that their children achieve higher education—underscoring the belief that attaining a college degree is not merely an individual goal but a familial obligation.
This cultural expectation cultivates an environment where parents are willing to make considerable sacrifices to fulfill this vision.
Economic Considerations
The economic landscape of the Philippines is intricately tied to the value of higher education.
The country has one of the highest rates of unemployment among college graduates in Southeast Asia.
Holding a college degree significantly enhances one’s chances of finding employment in the Philippines.
Many parents recognize that without a college education, their children may fall into the cycle of poverty, unable to secure jobs that can sustain a family.
Families often allocate a substantial portion of their income to fund their children’s education.
This can mean sacrificing daily comforts, foregoing material luxuries, or even taking on additional work.
In rural areas, where
access to resources is often limited, parents may invest their savings, or sell land and properties, to pay for college tuition, believing it to be a sound investment in their child’s future.
Such decisions are not made lightly and reflect a common outlook that the benefits of education far outweigh the sacrifices made during the process.
Personal Sacrifices
Sending a child to college often requires deep personal sacrifices from Filipino parents.
Daily struggles such as exhausting work hours and skipping meals become commonplace.
For many, this entails accepting low-paying, labor-intensive jobs or multiple jobs—just to meet tuition, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Mothers may engage in small businesses, while fathers might work overseas as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to support the family from abroad.
Emotional sacrifices also play a key role. Filipino parents often bear the burden of living far from their children who attend college in urban areas.
The emotional toll of separation can be significant, yet parents are driven by the singular goal of seeing their children achieve their dreams.
Shali Pagulayan’s son John Lawrence is currently attending Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. John was awarded a Presidential Scholarship from ASU and decided to explore life outside Hawaii.
“We are very proud of his accomplishments but at the same time we’re also sad that he chose to go to a college that’s so far away,” she says.
“But that’s his dream and as parents, we need to support him. It’s hard for me as a mom to let him go and to not be able to see him every day or to cook him dinner.”
She and her husband Jonathan will FaceTime or
Zoom with their son as often as possible to stay in touch with him.
They know that these sacrifices are part of a larger narrative of hope and aspiration, and such resilience is often marked with dreams of better futures for their children.
Role of Community and Family
The collective nature of Filipino society reinforces these sacrifices. The importance of bayanihan, which refers to the spirit of communal unity and cooperation, encourages support among family members.
In many cases, extended families pull together resources by borrowing money or pooling finances to help a single child obtain a degree. This unity can significantly reduce the financial burden on immediate family members.
Such communal support systems highlight the mutual dependence and shared responsibility within Filipino families, further breeding a dedication to education.
Moreover, the role of neighborhood and friends in supporting educational aspirations cannot be dismissed.
In many communities, when one child succeeds, it inspires others, creating a chain reaction of educational ambition.
Community organiza-
tions often provide scholarships or financial aid, further promoting access to education.
This synergy of cooperation and community service amplifies the commitment of Filipinos to education, resulting in increased sacrifices made by families.
Future Aspirations
The hope for a better future is a powerful motivating force behind the sacrifices made by Filipino families.
Parents typically envision their children breaking free from the constraints of poverty, aspiring towards careers that not only improve their own lives but contribute positively to society.
College graduates in the Philippines are often seen as role models who can provide for their families, uplift their communities, and inspire future generations to pursue education.
These aspirations manifest in various ways: some parents invest in their children’s education by meticulously planning educational pathways, and ensuring they attend reputable colleges and universities.
Others focus on nurturing their children’s talents and interests, encouraging them to excel academically or in the arts and sports, which may open additional doors for scholarships or
Abigail Gonzales Tumamao Farrington H.S, Valedictorian
Lovely Trish Gonzales Campbell H.S., Valedictorian
John Lawrence L. Pagulayan Pearl City H.S., Valedictorian
Judith May Yagin Tamayo UNLV, Summa Cum Laude
Six Filipino Women for Justice
By Rose Cruz Churma
This publication concludes a series that honors the legacy of Filipino heroes, heroines, and heroic personages. The first of the series was Six Modern Filipino Heroes (1993), the second was Six Young Filipino Martyrs (1996) and the third was Seven in the Eye of History (2000).
Each of the individual events featured in all the books in the series are written by different authors, but all books were edited by Asuncion David Maramba who conceptualized the series in the 1990s.
In her introduction to this book, the editor explains that the idea of “justice” is a necessity for nation-building. She writes:
“I submit that in government or governance, the primacy of justice stands above the rest; superior to even love and compassion, beyond romanticizing, like charity and “awa.” Charity alleviates, justice corrects…”
Thus the impetus to turn this figment of thought into flesh and blood reality resulted in this anthology of six Filipino women who are either targets of injustice or fighters for justice.
These six women are Leila de Lima, Leni Robre-
do, Maria Rossa, Risa Hontiveros, Conchita Carpio Morales, and Sister Mary John Manazan.
Leila de Lima was a senator during Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. Based on fabricated grounds, she was jailed and was only recently released last November 14, 2023.
After six years, eight months, and 21 days she was freed from incarceration, surviving a frameup by then-President Duterte whose pet project seems to be her persecution. She was the most vehement critic of his war on drugs early in his term.
term, she was bullied by his administration.
at the East-West Center’s international media conference and was honored by the Hawai’i State Legislature during that trip to the Islands. She has since been vindicated by recent court decisions.
Risa Hontiveros is now on her second term in the Philippine Senate, and the de facto leader of the opposition.
motivation was her desire to affect social transformation and she recalls—“If you wanted to work with the poor, you had to enter the convent.”
She considers Vatican II convened by Pope John XXIII a real revolution. It changed the lives of many particularly religious women—and she was a beneficiary of that change.
During the term of President Noynoy Aquino, de Lima served as chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the justice secretary. She graduated from San Beda College of Law as a salutatorian and ranked 8th in the bar exams.
As a law student, she served as editor of the law school’s paper. Before entering government service, she specialized in election law and founded and managed various law firms.
Leni Robredo was elected Vice President during Rodrigo Duterte’s term, and throughout her
She ran for president during the last national elections (May 2022) and was defeated “by a juggernaut of historical revisionism,” disinformation, and an electorate that needs re-educating.
Despite limited resources, Robredo managed to serve the Filipino people well, particularly the marginalized and disenfranchised. She inspired a “pink movement” that galvanized civic engagement with the young and encouraged Filipinos in the Diaspora to promote truth, justice, and democracy in their homeland.
Maria Ressa. The first-ever Filipino to win a Nobel, Ressa is a veteran journalist who was included in Time’s Person of the Year 2018 issue, along with other journalists around the world who are fighting the spread of fake news.
In 2011, she founded Rappler, an online news organization known for its critical coverage of then-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s policies, including a drug war that has claimed thousands of lives.
Ressa became the target of several legal cases filed by the Philippine government during Duterte’s term.
Convicted of libel in 2019, she remained free on bail while her case is on appeal and was granted court approval to travel to Hawai’i in 2022 to speak
She is often the first or only one who questions dubious bills, or questionable deals or proposals or projects of the current administration. Over the years, she has survived a torrent of misogyny, red tagging, and other challenges, considered a true progressive to serve in a national legislative office.
Hontiveros has been upholding justice her entire life in public service—as Anakbayan representative in the lower house from 2004 to 2010, and as senator since 2016. She has authored numerous laws, typically those that support the weak and marginalized sectors of society, particularly women and children.
Conchita Carpio Morales is a former associate justice of the Philippine Supreme Court and was appointed to be the country’s Ombudsman by then President Noynoy Aquino.
She can claim to have been appointed to various roles in government by five presidents and is the first woman justice to administer the oath of office to a president and vice president.
As an Ombudsman, an indicted a former president and sent three incumbent senators to jail.
In her official functions, she is perceived as stern, serious, and intelligent, but outside of her official business, she is warm and displays a quick wit and a sense of humor as observed by those who hosted her here in Hawai’i when she delivered a lecture on corruption at the UH Law School.
Sister Mary John Mananzan entered a Benedictine convent when she was nineteen. She recalls having mixed motivations; one
Her “baptism of fire” occurred in October 1975 when she supported 600 La Tondena Distillery workers who were on strike for better work conditions.
After that, she got involved with Manila’s urban poor—a fight against the demolition campaign of Imelda Marcos to sanitize the urban landscape.
She came home from studies abroad to a country under Martial Law, and this was the start of her realization of the need to be involved with the struggle of the people and continues to this day.
In 1986 she was elected chair of GABRIELA (founded in 1983), the militant nationalist organization of Filipino women. She eventually established the first Women’s Studies program in the Philippines in 1985 and a Women Ecology and Wholeness Farm in Cavite. At 85 years old, she continues to be a force to be reckoned with.
Each of the narratives presented in this book inspires but also calls for action. That is the editor’s intent:
“Maramba invites reflection on the true nature of justice and its indispensable role in the fabric of a nation…the book not only pays homage to its subjects but also mobilizes a collective belief in the transformative power of justice.”
ROSE CRUZ CHURMA established Kalamansi Books & Things three decades ago. It has evolved from a mail-order bookstore into an online advocacy with the intent of helping global Pinoys discover their heritage by promoting books of value from the Philippines and those written by Filipinos in the Diaspora. We can be reached at kalamansibooks@gmail.com.
Hearing The Hearings
By Seneca Moraleda-Puguan
While my children are away and I’m occupied with household chores, I find myself drawn to a peculiar activity: listening to the Senate and Congress hearings from the Philippines.
Recently, the Legislative members have been holding simultaneous sessions, unraveling the controversies that grip our nation.
The House Quad Committee is delving into Cassandra Li Ong’s ties with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).
Meanwhile, the Senate intensely scrutinizes Shiela Guo, sister of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo.
Between these hearings, they’re also dissecting the budget for the Office of the Vice President.
And amid this chaos, authorities finally brought ex-mayor Alice Guo back to the Philippines after weeks of pursuit. Shortly after, the manhunt for Mr. Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Davao-based “King-
dom of Jesus Christ,” ended when he eventually surrendered.
Typically, I avoid news from the Philippines because it often brings nothing but negativity.
Yet, for some reason, I find these Senate and Congress hearings oddly compelling. Yes, they can be frustrating, but there is a certain drama to them that, strangely, entertains me.
They give my husband and me something to discuss, and more importantly, they drive us to pray for the country we love—a country that so often breaks our hearts.
The current situation in the Philippines, with all its hullabaloo and unfolding drama—the incoherent responses from Vice President Duterte during the budget audit, the baffling answers from Cassandra Ong and Shiela Guo, the fleeing and capture of Alice Guo, and the disappearance and return of Quiboloy—reflects a disturbing reality.
The Philippine government, and by extension its
HAWAII-FILIPINO NEWS
people, are being treated with contempt. It reveals how easily we, as a people, can be deceived and manipulated by those in power. It also highlights the incompetence of our authorities.
For years, exploitation, corruption, deception, crime, injustice, and unrighteousness have thrived under our noses.
We are aware, yet we have allowed these to permeate our society.
Look at our country now—a laughingstock. And while these circus-like hearings continue, our poor kababayans are struggling with the harsh effects of climate change, facing flooding in areas that have never experienced such calamities before.
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Oh, beloved Philippines, what has happened to you?
But there is a silver lining. I find relief in knowing that the wickedness conducted in secret is finally being brought to light.
It gives me hope that there are still people fighting for justice and striving to end the cycle of corruption that has long plagued our country.
At last, corruption and crime are being exposed, and those involved are being held accountable.
Despite the grim state of affairs, I take comfort in knowing that God is still sovereign over all and that His justice will not let
unrighteousness go unpunished.
Yet, this is just the beginning of a long and grueling battle against the diseases of our society.
Unless the Philippine electorate learns to choose leaders of integrity and avoid being swayed by empty promises, this vicious cycle will continue.
Our country will continue to spiral downward instead of rising to its potential. This is a call to educate the public about voting wisely.
It is a plea to say “enough” to corrupt leadership.
We have had enough. This is a cry to heaven: “O God, please heal our land.”
As I continue to lead a quiet life here in Switzerland, listening to the exchange of answers and questions from afar, I will always remember to hold the ropes for my country in prayer.
My God still reigns over the Philippines, and His justice will prevail. He loves my nation, and in that truth, I find my hope.
By Elpidio R. Estioko
Labor Day is celebrated to recognize the achievements of the United States labor movement in the late 19th Century when American workers began to form labor unions and advocate for better working conditions, reasonable hours, and fair wages.
In Hawaii and the Mainland, we have our history of the labor movement but many might not know that our FilAm farm workers/laborers contributed heavily to California and Hawaii’s farm labor movement.
According to Dr. Arcelita Imasa in a Hawaii Workers Corner column, she wrote:
Let’s Not Forget Our Kababayans’ Contributions to the Labor Movement
“Most schoolchildren and even college students know little or nothing about the labor struggles of the past and the role Filipino workers played. These struggles have helped Hawaii attain a higher standard of living in the islands.”
One key struggle, Imasa said, was the Great Strike of 1920, launched by Filipino sugar plantation workers and joined in by their Japanese coworkers in 1920 and 1924.
The strike was led by Pablo Manlapit of the Filipino Labor Union. He was an immigrant worker who became a lawyer and labor organizer.
Our kababayans staged the strike because the Hawaii Sugar Planters Association (HSPA) refused the workers’ demands and the Japanese workers in the Federation
of Labor united with their Filipino coworkers and joined the strike.
“The sugar plantation owners refused to negotiate and instead evicted 12,000 workers and their wives and children from their plantation homes,” Imasa wrote.
“About 5,000 went to Honolulu and stayed at Aala Park outside Chinatown, and the rest, nearly 7,000 workers and their families set up makeshift camps in the countryside.”
Even suffering from illnesses and lack of food for six months, they continued the strike and suffered the consequences. About 150 people were estimated to have died in the makeshift strikers’ camps at Aala Park and elsewhere during the strike until the strike ended on July 1, 1920.
workers improve their working and living conditions.
In the mainland, one must have heard of the Latino labor organizer César Chavez.
But not Filipino activist Larry Itliong and the rest of our farm labor leaders and members who are popularly known as “Manongs,” a designation usually given to the elderly as a sign of respect.
I was shocked when I asked my students if they knew Itliong and they said no but when I asked Chavez, almost all of them knew him.
Why? Because, in the classroom, students were taught of Chavez and the rest of his Mexican coworkers who pioneered the labor movement in California.
The Filipinos were never mentioned in their participation, not even Itliong who was the leader of the 1,500 Filipino farmers who staged the first farm labor strike in California, the Delano Grape Strike in 1965 and later joined by Chavez and his group.
In 1965, Filipino farm workers, or “Manongs,” went on strike in the Coachella Valley after learning that farmers were paying some workers
$1.40 an hour while paying Filipino workers $1.25
But the Filipino workers under Manlapit tried again in 1924 and Manlapit was subjected to legal prosecution and deportation for his continued courageous efforts to help Filipino sugar
ceed, they needed members of the National Farm Workers Association to join.
So, Itliong approached NFWA’s leader, César Chávez, with the proposal, so on Sept. 16, the AWOC and NFWA joined forces to stage the Delano Grape Strike the merger of AWOC and NFWA led to the formation of the United Farm Workers with Chavez as director and Itliong as assistant director.
The strike lasted for five years and was one of the most important social justice and labor movements in American history, ending with victory for the farm workers.
However, their legacy somehow is not remembered and not celebrated by many, unlike that of Chavez and Dolores Huerta.
But due to consistent educational campaigns and initiatives from our leaders and no less than Larry Itliong’s son, my friend Johnny Itliong, the government declared the month of October as Filipino-American month with Larry Itliong at the helm for people to know how he and his group contributed to California’s labor movement.
This strike was staged by the American Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) led by FilAms Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz whose pivotal roles in the farm labor movement left a long-lasting legacy for all of us Filipino-Americans.
On Sept. 8, 1965, the Manongs led by Itliong demanded wages equal to the federal minimum wage and better working conditions during the strike.
But later, Itliong knew that for the strike to suc-
It’s been said that Cesar Chavez inspired the world, but not known to many, Larry Itliong actually was the one who inspired Cesar Chavez, as shown in the Delano Grape Strike in 1965 which was started by Itliong and his Delano Manongs and was later joined by Chavez.
In an era known for civil rights movements, Itliong fought for better working conditions in a country thousands of miles from his homeland of the Philippines, by the time he landed on US soil up to his death.
(continue on page 18)
CANDID PERSPECTIVES
By Emil Guillermo
When Kamala Harris –Asian American, African American, woman, and politico – made history by becoming the standard bearer for the Democratic Party, it became official.
There is only one relevant question in this election: It’s not just whether America will vote for a woman as president.
It’s far more complicated. Is our country ready to vote for a woman who represents the great diversity of the New America?
In other words, will race be the deciding factor, as the only real issue for voters?
Oh, come on. We had Obama.
Yes, and everyone thought we had reached some magical post-racial
Do You Really Need to Know More to Make Your Choice for President?
moment. And then, Trump beat Hillary and the faux post-racial political nightmare began.
So what happens this time? The race question remains as relevant as ever.
A very astute professorial Filipino friend of mine read my last column on Harris’ speech and said I was “overly complimentary.”
I responded: Are you kidding?
Harris’ speech was pure poetry, the rhetoric of America’s new politics, a shift of focus from the 1% to the center (interesting how no one mentioned the poor and homeless).
And it all was even more inviting because the person nominated wasn’t a white male, but the daughter of immigrants, born of the middle class, and a reflection of America’s major demographic shift.
Still, my friend wanted to see more details of Harris’
economic plan. Spoken like a true left-leaning intellectual academic.
Basically, it’s tax the rich on capital gains, by about 10 percent less than Biden had proposed. And then offer small businesses a $50,000 exemption.
Unfortunately, I doubt any of that will be the reason people will vote for president in November.
The question remains, are the vast majority of Americans ready to vote for the first Asian American, African American woman ever nominated in American history?
For me, that won’t be solved by details. The choice is more visceral than that.
Whom Do You Trust?
For the ultimate office in our representative democracy, we want someone to whom we can entrust our government, nuclear codes, and all.
In 2024, voters will be making the hiring decision of their lives. Who shall be the “nanny” to nurture and heal our divided democracy?
Will it be the person whose party talked about loving and caring for one another and our neighbors?
One who at the same time said she’d face up to the tyrants of the world, as Harris did in her acceptance speech last week?
Or will your choice be the nasty older white guy, who is all doom and gloom about America and its future?
The man was found by
the Washington Post to have lied or misled the public in his first time as president more than 31,000 times?
He’s the pro-family guy who stepped away to cheat on his spouse as she was nursing their young son.
And we can’t forget Trump’s 34 felony convictions. He couldn’t even coach your kids’ youth soccer team.
Do you really need more details?
Asking For Details Provides Cover
Some Americans are using the “let’s see the details” excuse as a cover for their own racist and misogynistic doubts about Harris’ readiness.
I get it, you want to hear the deets on economic plans and the like. But all of that is either pie-in-the-sky or flatout fiction – until we know what kind of legislative
(continue on page 18)
(CANDID PERSPECTIVES: Do You Really ....from page 11)
landscape we’ll be dealing with.
For now, all the detail you need on the economy is to know who would favor the middle class and regular folk. Harris mentions it all the time.
And who favors corporate interests 100% of the time? Definitely Trump.
The nerds can debate economic details all they want right now. But until we know the House and Senate lineup, it’s all fantasy play.
This weekend, people talked about Harris flip-flopping on different positions like Medicare For All. But with the House and Senate as unknowns, there’s nothing wrong with a candidate moderating a position.
Of course, Trump simply believes in ending Obamacare, a/k/a the Affordable Care Act.
Once again, the contrast is clear. Who is the
most no-nonsense pragmatic person you want in charge of the country, who can maintain one’s ethics and sense of humanity?
Is it the man who led an insurrection and would not respect the Constitution?
Cut taxes to the rich and ran up the national debt?
Or is it the woman who as Calif. attorney general went up against corporate bullies to win $20 billion for homeowners who had been cheated?
As for flip-flopping, have you seen Trump’s latest statements on abortion?
Trump has been tempering his anti-abortion position so much, right-wingers are doubting his pro-life stance.
Then there’s J.D. Vance, who once called Trump the American Hitler. And now he wants to work under Trump.
That’s an infinitely greater flip-flop than anything Harris has done. The issues seem to be
(AS I SEE IT: Let’s Not ....from page 10)
One of Itliong’s major successes was securing funding for the construction of the Paulo Agbayani Retirement Village in Delano, which has provided housing and support for retired Filipino farmworkers since 1974.
Itliong spent his life standing up for his belief that “everyone has equal rights and justice, but you have to make that come about.”
In 2022, recognizing his heroic efforts, California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation declaring October 25, 2022,
(FEATURE: Unyielding ....from page 7)
special educational opportunities.
The sacrifices that Filipinos make to send their children to college are deeply embedded in cultural values, economic realities, personal commitment, community support, and the enduring hope for a better future.
Education is viewed as a fundamental key to overcoming poverty and achieving a better life.
The resilience displayed by parents, overcoming enormous challenges to ensure
failing Trump/Vance. Expect to see more anti-immigrant talk and claims that Harris failed as a border czar.
They’re the kind of lies that whip up the nativist xenophobia and white resentment that have propelled Trump in the past.
Who can forget how Trump used the Central Park 5 in 1989? Trump went on a media campaign that led to the convictions of five men who served 5 to 13 years in prison for rape—until DNA evidence set them free.
The appearance of the five--including Yusef Salaam, now a New York City Councilmember—at the DNC was a reminder.
Trump has always used racism as a tool.
Harris’ Speech And Voters
But that’s why the Harris speech was laden with the rhetoric of the New America, about all the good
as “Larry Itliong Day” in the State of California. The proclamation states:
“Today we celebrate the trailblazing Filipino American labor leader, civil rights champion, and California Hall of Fame Inductee Larry Itliong.
Born on this day in 1913 in a province of the Philippines, Larry Itliong immigrated to the United States as a youth in 1929, where he trailblazed the farm labor movement…
We honor the great contributions of Larry Itliong and the Manongs whose
their children’s education, illuminates a universal narrative of love, sacrifice, and ambition.
While the journey is fraught with obstacles, the unwavering belief in education as a transformative force remains a cornerstone of Filipino identity.
As society progresses, the legacy of these sacrifices continues to ripple through generations, embodying the essence of the Filipino spirit.
The following are just a
immigration does for our country.
Her mother’s immigrant story counters Trump’s fear-mongering negative immigrant narrative.
Will it work?
Convention week, CNN had a focus group of eight undecided voters from swing-state Pennsylvania.
Six whites, two blacks. After watching the Harris acceptance speech, six in the group were ready to vote for Harris. One (a white woman) didn’t like any candidate.
Only one said he’d vote for Trump–a Black male who worked in real estate.
He liked her speech, the Black male voter said. He wanted more details, but just didn’t think Harris was ready.
Black supporters of Harris have already identified Black males as leading detractors.
It’s what makes the
hard-fought battles helped advance farm workers’ rights and social justice. Let us remember their message of “Isang Bagsak!” – we are all connected together in our fight for justice, and we rise and fall together.”
In October 2013, Assembly Bill 123, authored by Assemblyman Rob Bonta, CA District 18, sought the inclusion of Filipino American farmworker history into the K-12 curriculum.
California Gov. Edmund “Jerry” Brown signed Bonta’s AB 123
few of Hawaii’s top scholars from the Class of 2024.
Abigail Gonzales Tumamao Farrington High School, valedictorian, GPA is 4.063
She is attending UH Manoa and majoring in civil engineering. Her parents are Restie and Lyn Tumamao of Honolulu. She plans to build buildings like nice houses and schools in the future.
Lovely Trish Gonzales Campbell High School, valedictorian, GPA is 4.0
race question ever more volatile and interesting in 2024. Among Asian Americans, Filipinos and Vietnamese are anywhere from 30 to 40% for Trump.
In such a close presidential race, the swing vote against diversity’s candidate may have more than a touch of diversity itself.
It tells you a lot about the importance of race and misogyny still, as our demographics dramatically change in a New America.
But it’s also another reason that the Sept. 10 debate on ABC will be significant.
The contrast with Harris is just so damning, seeing them live side-by-side may be too revealing. It should give voters all they really need to know to make their choice.
EMIL GUILLERMO is a journalist and commentator. His talk show is on www.amok. com.
on October 2, 2013. The law will help students gain a more complete understanding of the farm labor movement in California.
In 2013, a documentary entitled, The Delano Manongs: Forgotten Heroes of the UFW, highlighted the role of Filipinos in the farm labor movement led by Larry Itliong. That same year, the New Haven Unified School District in Union City, California, renamed Alvarado Middle School to Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School in honor of Itliong and labor partner,
She is attending the University of Pangasinan, Philippines, College of Nursing. Her parents are Roy and Marilou Gonzales of Ewa Beach. She decided to study in the Philippines to learn more about Filipino culture and wants to interact with Filipino students. Her parents are originally from Pangasinan.
John Lawrence L. Pagulayan Pearl City High School, Valedictorian. GPA is 4.27 He is attending Arizona
Philip Vera Cruz, the first school in the United States to be named after Filipino Americans.
We need to continue remembering the role of our Delano Manongs in California’s labor movement and the contributions of our kababayans in Hawaii, not only during Labor Day but every day in our lives!
ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and a multi-awarded journalist here in the US. For feedbacks, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com
State University and majoring in mechanical engineering. His parents are Shali and Jonathan Pagulayan of Pearl City.
Judith May Yagin Tamayo University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. She currently works as a leasing associate for Schnitzer Properties in Las Vegas. Her parents are Jennifer and Paul Tamayo. She is looking for better business opportunities.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WAIKIKI FALL FESTIVAL | Millwood Ohana Productions, Mega-load Burgers, Elks Major Project | October 12, from 4pm to 10pm | Kalakaua Avenue between the intersections of Seaside and Uluniu, Honolulu | Over 140 vendors at this free event for family and friends.
HONOLULU PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL
| Hawaii LGBT Legacy | October 19, from 4pm to 10pm | Kalakaua Avenue and Waikiki Shell | Celebrate Honolulu Pride with a sunset Parade
BIBLE REFLECTIONS
By Wemby Torquator Catetista
down Kalakaua Avenue at 4pm and a night time Festival at Waikiki Shell starting 5pm. The event is free to all!
OHANA MEDIC AL MISSION’S MASQUERADE BALL | Saturday, October 26, 5:00-11:00pm | Tapa Ballroom, Hilton Hawaiian Village | A Charity Ball with Grand Parade of Masks, fabulous prizes, sumptuous foods and dancing. For details and reservations, please contact JP Orias at 808-518-8929
I From Rebellion to Redemption: All Because of Jesus
grew up being labeled as the black sheep of my family. I was disobedient and disrespectful to my parents.
Whenever my parents refused to give me what I wanted, I often responded rebelliously, even banging my head against the wall so they would comfort me.
It felt like nobody at home understood me, and my heart hardened towards my family.
This led me to find my worth and sense of belonging in an ungodly metal band, where I was recruited as their vocalist during high school.
This band became my world and exposed me to many worldly activities, such as drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, and engaging in a sexually immoral relationship with my bandmate for six years.
We were planning to get married after graduation and start our own family. So, I began to accept his religious beliefs and attended his church for six months.
While attending with him, I became curious about growing in my faith. However, the more I attended his church, the more confused I became about the truth.
Towards the end of the pandemic, I discovered Christ Commission Fellowship (CCF) when I unintentionally clicked on the YouTube app on my phone, where a CCF service replay was at the top of the suggested videos.
After watching the video, my hunger and thirst to learn more about the truth grew, leading me to watch at least three CCF videos every week. I told myself that when CCF main re-opened for onsite services, I would definitely go there.
And so it happened! I attended my first CCF service on July 9, 2022.
That day, I met a very welcoming woman at the Cup of Faith who made me feel so loved. After buying food from the cafe, she approached me and, upon discovering that I was new to CCF, immediately invited me to have a conversation.
Despite having only 10 minutes before the service started, she took the time to share the goodness of God and the salvation I have in Jesus.
Little did I know, this woman was Sister Deonna Tan-chi, the wife of our Senior Pastor Peter Tan-chi.
After this encounter, God placed a huge desire in me to be part of this community.
Before coming to CCF, I had been seeking God’s wisdom on how to break up with my boyfriend because I wanted to follow God, please Him alone, and leave everything for Him.
However, I didn’t know what to do because I was too attached to him and our sinful behavior. One day, I was led to the welcome center, where I met a campus missionary from Elevate Main.
For some reason, she made me feel so loved that I opened up to her about my deepest, darkest secrets, especially my sexually immoral relationship.
During our conversation, I felt powerfully led by God to break off my relationship with my boyfriend that very same day, and so I did! What I thought was too difficult to do was made possible by God’s grace. Praise the Lord!
After that, the missionary helped me get connected to a Discipleship Group (DGroup) where I experienced more of God’s love in action from my DGroup mates.
I found a safe space I had never known before.
After a while, God implanted a desire in my heart to intentionally reach out and share the gospel with my family members and with anyone I came across, such as beggars, Angkas drivers, storekeepers, and many more.
Last year, during a time in my life when I had no work and limited finances, God led me to disciple in submission to His great commission.
Realizing God’s immense love for me, I said yes in faith. Fast forward to today, by God’s grace, I am now discipling six wonderful girls, and it is such a blessing to see how they are growing in their relationship with the Lord.
At first, I thought discipleship was a burden, but as I personally surrendered and obeyed, I saw it truly as a blessing.
As I grow in my relationship with God and pass it on to the girls He entrusted to me, God also allows me to learn from them. I am truly honored to serve Jesus by leading His wonderful children.
We support each other through ups and downs, sharing the comfort and love that I receive from God with them. I started seeing them not as a task but as a spiritual family.
I praise the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, teaching and guiding me to go where God wants me to go. God told me in John 15:16:
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”
I cannot imagine my life without the Lord. I am so undeserving, but God loves me unconditionally.
Looking back, even before I knew Him, I now see that I am loved by the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Because of Jesus, I am made clean, made whole, an heiress, and a child of God!
“I am (Wemby Torquator Catetista) crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”
To God be all the glory and praises!
WEMBY TORQUATOR CATETISTA works currently as a Communications Representative at Life Academy International.
Wemb, fourth from the left, with her DGroup members.
