The Filipino Press: April 7-13, 2023

MANILA -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has maintained its economic growth projection for the Philippines this year on the back of rising domestic demand and a recovery in the services sector, particularly tourism.

In the April 2023 edition of its flagship publication Asian Development Outlook (ADO), the ADB forecasted the Philippine economy to grow by 6.0% in 2023.

This is the same level that the multilateral lender projected for the country’s 2023 growth rate in the December 2022 ADO supplement.

The expected modest growth rate this year is lower than the 7.6% gross domestic product (GDP) recorded in 2022.

Nonetheless, the ADB’s growth outlook falls within the economic managers trimmed growth forecast of 6% to 7% for this year, citing external headwinds such as the slowdown in major advanced economies.

The ADB said the Philippine economic growth is expected to moderate “but will remain on a healthy expansion mode, underpinned by rising domestic demand and a recovery in services particularly tourism.”

"The Philippines will grow at its potential this year and next and is on track toward its goal to become an upper middle-income country,” said ADB Philippines country director Kelly Bird.

“Like most other economies,

the Philippines will be increasingly challenged by the impacts of climate change and the effects of emerging technologies on the labor market,” Bird said.

“Key to sustaining a strong growth momentum is keeping public infrastructure spending at levels above 5.0% of GDP, as the government has planned for this

year and in the medium term. Highimpact infrastructure projects that will help connect communities to markets and public services and provide access to jobs and livelihood

will help increase rural incomes and support inclusive growth,” he added.

The ADB cited recovery in employment and retail trade, sustained expansion in the

manufacturing sector, and rising public infrastructure spending as factors supporting the Philippines’ growth.

The bank, however, said that risks from a sharper-than-expected slowdown in major advanced economies, heightened geopolitical tensions, and inflation stickiness could dampen the outlook for GDP growth.

For 2024, the lender is expecting the Philippine economy to grow faster by 6.2%.

Likewise, inflation is expected to average 6.2% in 2023 before easing to 4.0% in 2024, according to the ADB’s report.

The lender said local food supply constraints and rising global commodity prices led to high inflation rates in early 2023.

The ADB said that inflation is projected to decelerate in the second half of 2023 and through 2024 “as the series of monetary policy tightening takes effect and global commodity prices ease.”

The bank noted that the Philippines’ unemployment rate improved to 4.8% in January 2023 from 6.4% in the same period a year earlier, even lower than prepandemic levels.

Some 4.1 million jobs were added over the year, mainly from the services sector as the tourism started to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, it said.

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Getting a driver’s license for the first time is a big deal, and with spring break coming up, now is the perfect time.

The first choice is an easy choice—upgrade your first driver’s license to a REAL ID. Not only does this put you ahead of the curve, but it also reduces the stress of having to make changes later when the REAL ID enforcement date arrives. Worry about where to go, not how you will get there.

The second choice is how you will apply for your license. The DMV recommends going online and taking advantage of their 24/7 online services, which are fast,

easier than ever, and convenient.

Start your permit application online prior to visiting a local office to make your experience quicker and less stressful. Get started today by visiting dmv. ca.gov and following the steps below.

1. Apply for your instruction permit

Start by logging on to dmv. ca.gov to begin your permit application. Create an account and sign up for paperless notifications to get your future renewals sent to you automatically via email. Follow the steps to complete the permit application, review

the information needed to pass the knowledge test, and gather the documentation needed to upgrade to a REAL ID. First-time applicants under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

2. Preparing for your knowledge test

You must pass a knowledge test to prove your understanding of traffic laws and driving safety before you’ll be granted a permit. You can prepare for this test by reviewing the California Driver Handbook. This handbook will provide an overview of California’s traffic laws and provide rules to follow to help you be a responsible driver. Give yourself enough time to study and prepare for the exam before scheduling your DMV appointment. There are also practice exams available online to test your knowledge prior to taking the actual DMV test.

3. Practicing for the driving test

Once you receive your permit, you are able to practice behind the wheel with a licensed driver to prepare you for your driving test. Make sure to have your permit with you at all times and that the vehicle is registered and insured when you are out practicing. When you feel confident and ready for your behind-the-wheel test, visit the DMV’s website to schedule your appointment.

Good luck and congratulations on becoming a new driver! Visit DMV online for more information.

SAN DIEGO, CA -- High school and undergraduate students who reside in communities served by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) are encouraged to apply for a $10,000 scholarship under a new initiative called the Inspiring Future Leaders STEM Scholarship Program.

This initiative is specifically designed to support students of color, girls and women in high school or college who plan on pursuing a degree in a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) or STEMrelated course of study. Scholarship winners who maintain their eligibility and pursue their course of study in a traditional four-year university can have their scholarships renewed for an additional three years – meaning they could receive a total of $40,000 in financial aid.

The deadline to apply for this scholarship is April 27, 2023, 1p.m.

Pacific Time.

“One of the best strategies to narrow the gender and racial gap in STEM fields is to increase access to higher educational opportunities and provide the financial support students need to pursue STEM degrees,” said SDG&E CEO Caroline Winn. An electrical engineer by training, Winn is a long-time champion of SDG&E’s #BeThatGirl initiative to inspire girls to pursue STEM careers through mentorships and outreach activities. “As a region, our economic prosperity depends on employers like us to develop the

workforce of tomorrow in order to fill the growing number of jobs that require STEM knowledge. We need to set up the next generation for success in future careers, which includes helping to alleviate financial barriers like student loan debt.”

The scholarship is administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. The program is funded by company shareholders, not SDG&E ratepayers.

The STEM scholarship program is part of a wider effort by SDG&E to help build a stronger, more diverse workforce in STEM fields where women and people of color have traditionally been underrepresented. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and Pew Research, women only make up 27% of the STEM workforce, while people of color only make up 33%.

The application criteria for the scholarship program are as follows:

· Self-identify as either:

o Woman (all races/ethnicities are eligible) OR

o Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (all genders are eligible).

· Be high school seniors or graduates or current college undergraduates.

· Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate STEM* (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) area of study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university for the entire upcoming academic year.

· Have a permanent address in SDG&E’s service territory which covers San Diego County and south Orange County. Please visit the scholarship website for eligible zip codes.

· Employees and children of employees of SDG&E, its parent company Sempra, Southern California Gas Company, and any of their affiliates, are ineligible.

SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous nonprofit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.

Easter Around The World

By FRANCINE m AIgu E HAPPY EASTER, my pampered

friends! The time has come for all of us to dress in our finest church clothes, hunt for eggs, and enjoy in fantastic family feasts. I share with you Easter traditions from around the world.

Ethiopians wear headbands and rings made from the palm leaves distributed on Palm Sunday.

In Greece, a tomb is placed at the center of the church, and the congregation processes to Good Friday service as they would for a funeral.

New Zealand stores sell hot cross buns and chocolate eggs for the Easter Bunny to help him fill his basket of gifts for children.

Brazilans hide chocolate eggs of all sizes for children to find around their homes.

The French hang boxwood branches over the doors of their homes to bring good luck to everyone in the household.

Australia hosts Pancake Races on Shrove Tuesday. The pancakes are meant to use foods that would otherwise perish during Lent fasting.

Finnish folks in the western part of the country have bonfires to ward off witches, who may be around from Good Friday through Easter Sunday.

The Czech Republic, showcases beautifully decorated eggs with the yolks and whites removed called kraslice.

In Ireland, cake dances are Celtic traditions performed on Easter.

The Portugese host Good Friday bonfires and burn straw dolls symbolizing Judas.

In Latvia, egg-breaking competitions are held for children.

European countries, especially Germany, put on Passion Plays that illustrate Christ’s incredible love and ultimate sacrifice.

In Bermuda, kites are flown to help people understand Christ’s ascension into Heaven.

Italians are led in an enormous service held at The Vatican’s St. Peter Square by the pope, himself. Italians also tend to use their native olive branches instead of palm leaves.

It is Peruvian tradition to parade a statue of Jesus on a donkey throughout town before the statue is displayed at church for Palm Sunday service.

The Polish believe that a man’s moustache will go grey and dough will fail if he helps with the preparation of traditional Easter bread, so men are banned from such a process.

In Spain, the “Dance of Death,” in which men dress as scary skeletons, is performed on Maudy Thursday in area of Verges, Gerona.

The United Kingdom relieves mothers of housework, and even presents mothers with Simnel Cakes.

Haitians have colorful and musical parades during Holy Week.

I send you and your loved ones, all my best wishes on this special holiday, my dear pampered friends! Whichever traditions you observe, may peace, love, and harmony fill your homes as we all rejoice in this time of rebirth!

Check back every week for ways to pamper yourself and those you love. Why? The answer is simple: YOU DESERVE IT!

DILG chief: Heads will roll over P6.7-B 'shabu' haul

MANILA -- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Wednesday assured that those responsible for sneaking into the country the PHP6.7 billion suspected shabu that was seized in Manila last year would be identified and punished.

In a press briefing at the Pasay City Hall, Abalos said he believes many ranking police officials were involved in the case.

“This is considered one of the biggest drug hauls. What is important is we pinpoint the mastermind but I am very disappointed. There are many police officers involved here and some are in high positions. I cannot just let this pass. I want them removed," Abalos said.

He said he was also not happy with the handling of the case as only the suspect, Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr., was dismissed from the service.

"In the next days, I would make an announcement and heads will roll. I expect that they (the police) take a leave pending investigation. If not, they would be suspended. We guarantee that we have an unbiased and sound piece of evidence. I assure you that the National Police Commission will do things right to find justice," he added.

Abalos said he wrote a letter to PNP chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, dated Feb. 20, 2023, asking him for updates on the case, such as the result of the fact-finding investigation, proceedings being initiated on the two police officers who allegedly attempted to withhold 42 kg. from the yielded 990 kg. of shabu, and the disposition of the confiscated illegal drugs. A month after, Abalos sent another letter to Napolcom vice chairperson Alberto Bernardo after learning that three meetings held with the PNP regarding updates on the case were all inconclusive.

He then ordered Napolcom to conduct a fact-finding inquiry on the actions undertaken by the Special Task Force as part of its mandate to investigate police anomalies and irregularities.

Abalos, meanwhile, assured that the Napolcom fact-finding probe would be orderly and unbiased.

“Hindi na pupuwede ito. Dapat kalusin ang dapat kalusin dito. Dapat tanggalin na ang dapat tanggalin. Sasagasaan natin ito, huwag kayo mag-alala. This is drugs, hindi biro ito, this war on drugs, buhay itong sinasakripisyo ng mga tao dito (I cannot let this pass. Let's deal with this once and for all. Remove who needs to be removed. We will strike them, don't worry. This is drugs, this is no joke. We are putting the lives of people at stake here),” he noted.

On March 26, the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) destroyed 990 kg. of shabu with an estimated street value of PHP6.7 billion in Trece Martires City, Cavite.

The contraband was seized from Mayo and another suspect, Ney Atadero, in an operation in Manila in October last year.

Mayo was dismissed from the service effective March 21 for three counts of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer while Atadero was charged with violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

DND committed to promoting

Filipino veterans' welfare

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday

reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the welfare and well-being of all Filipino veterans.

This, as the country marks the start of the commemoration of the Philippine Veterans Week (PVW) which runs until April 12.

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) led the celebration with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

In a statement, DND chief Carlito Galvez Jr. said he is profoundly grateful to the veteran leaders and support institutions, partner organizations, as well as the youth sector for their participation in honoring the memory of the Filipino patriots.

“Napakahalaga ng sama-sama nating pagbabalik-tanaw sa mga naiambag ng ating mga beterano sa ating natatanging kasaysayan, kasalukuyan at kinabukasan (It is very important that we together reminisced all the contributions made by our veterans which help shape the country's present and future)," he said.

Galvez said one of the DND's legislative priorities is the bill seeking to create the Philippine Veterans Authority by integrating the functions of agencies mandated to serve veterans such as PVAO, the Philippine Veterans Assistance Commission, and the Board of Trustees of the Veterans of World War II.

He added the DND is pushing for the enactment of House Bill 2490 or "An Act Rationalizing the Disability Pension of Veterans," which aims to uplift the lives of disabled veterans, who incurred military serviceconnected disability, sickness and injury.

Under the measure, disability pension rates would be increased to PHP4,500 for the lowest disability rating and up to PHP10,000 for the highest disability rating.

This would translate to a 488 percent increase from the current disability pensions rates ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP1,700 under Republic Act 6948 which was enacted in 1990.

Guided by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of a stronger and better Philippines through economic recovery, national unity and nation-building, Galvez assured the stakeholders that the government will always side with the welfare and livelihood of the men and women in uniform.

“Be assured that the One Defense Team always puts importance on the well-being of our veterans, soldiers, and civilian human resource,” the DND chief said.

This year's PVW will run from April 5 to 12 and carries the theme, "Kagitingan ng mga beterano, pundasyon ng nagkakaisang Pilipino," the commemoration calls for unity and solidarity, as Filipinos are reminded of the value of working together and sharing in the burdens of the people.

Meanwhile, Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni Cayetano welcomed the participants to the city for the celebration of the Araw ng Kagitingan.

She said that while Filipinos are remembering the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure the country's freedom, it is also everyone's duty to live by the lessons and legacies left behind for future generations.

Cadet Girl Scout Olivia Sabado from Tarlac Girl Scout Council,

meanwhile, commemorated the gallant work of women veterans who were not limited by their gender and answered the call to serve the country.

She also praised the WWII veterans for their courage and encouraged the public to keep their legacies alive.

On the other hand, Eagle Scout JP Laurenz Caong, a representative from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, expressed his profound gratitude to the veterans for their contributions to the country's freedom.

Also present in the ceremony were Kevin McAllister, acting director of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and PVAO administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, along with Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Maj. Gen. Romeo Alamillo (retired), Veterans Federation of the Philippines executive vice president.

Abalos vows regular inspections to avert jailbreak Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. on Wednesday vowed to implement measures to prevent another jailbreak.

Abalos, in a press conference held at Pasay City Hall, said he will order regular inspections of jail facilities, help address jail congestion, and review the security protocols as well as the accountability of police officers and officials.

He lauded the collaborative effort among the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Pasay City Government, and the public for the swift capture of 10 escapees from the Malibay Police Sub-station 6 detention facility.

Abalos also commended Pasay Mayor Imelda "Emi" CalixtoRubiano for her initiative in bridging the coordination between the PNP and the barangay authorities.

"Ito yung sinasabi nating basta magkaisa ang bansa, walang imposible. Ito na ang nadarama natin ngayon (This is what we have been telling that when the country unites, there is no impossible. This is what we feel now)," Abalos told reporters citing how fast law enforcers resolved the big cases.

"Kung titingnan niyo ang mga nangyayaring krimen sa ating bansa ngayon, halos lahat mabilis [na nareresolba] (If you look at the crimes happening in our country now, almost all are swiftly resolved. The Degamo case in less than 24 hours nahuli agad yung [tatlong suspek] (the three suspects were immediately arrested)," he added.

Abalos stressed the importance of the PNP's high-visibility in the community saying it leads to better communication and coordination.

National Capital Region Police Office Director Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, also present during the media briefing, said the police officer on duty in Malibay Police Sub-station during the incident was relieved from post and already charged with evasion through negligence.

The police official said cases like direct assault, attempted homicide, and physical injuries will also be filed against the 10 detainees.

For her part, Mayor CalixtoRubiano congratulated the PNP, barangay officials, and other local organizations for working non-stop until the detainees were captured.

The Pasay chief executive also appealed to courts to work faster on pending cases to prevent detention facilities from being crowded with arrested individuals. (MNS)

BEATING THE HEAT. A grandmother buys a bundle of turnips (singkamas) at a fruit stall along Congressional Road, Caloocan City on Monday (April 3, 2023). The vegetable is known for its thirst-quenching quality and is popular during the hot dry months, along with fruits such as watermelon, orange and coconut. (MNS photo)

New EDCA sites to make way for military infra modernization

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) locations will provide the military with the needed infrastructure in modernizing its forces.

"EDCA will give us the needed infrastructure to develop our force in line with our acquisition of modern equipment," AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a statement Wednesday night.

The Philippines earlier named Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lallo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan as additional EDCA locations.

The proposal to add additional EDCA locations was announced by the Philippines and US defense departments last February.

These new locations add to the five EDCA locations earlier picked by Manila and Washington D.C. -Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro City; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

"The new EDCA sites are strategic in the AFP's thrust to strengthen its capacity to protect the people and the state, advance our national interests, and enhance the country's disaster response capability," Aguilar said.

He added that they will closely coordinate with our US counterpart to realize these objectives.

"We also appreciate the US' commitment to prioritize the needs of our local communities and hope to do our share of bringing our alliance closer than ever to the benefit of the Filipino people," Aguilar said.

Military gets R&R flight

Meanwhile, Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-95 medium transport aircraft on Wednesday ferried 39 military personnel availing of their rest and recreation (R&R) period this Holy Week. These soldiers were deployed in Jolo and transported to Manila for their R&R, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the same aircraft also transported 13 troops from Isabela to Jolo for deployment. "The C-295 flight for R&R is part of the AFP's initiatives to continue boosting the morale and welfare of military personnel after their long months of deployment to areas away from their homes," Baclor said.

He added R&R privileges will help military personnel, especially those who worked under hazardous operations, to recuperate and be reunited with their families.

"With these privileges, the AFP continues to ensure the safety of its personnel as they continue to perform their mandated task of protecting the Filipino people and securing the state," Baclor said.

PH, India renew defense cooperation commitment

The Philippines and India have renewed their commitment to further enhancing their defense cooperation during the 4th Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) and 2nd Service-to-Service (STS) Meeting held in New Delhi on March 31. In a statement Wednesday, Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio

Andolong said the Philippine delegation to the JDCC was headed by the department’s Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs Pablo M. Lorenzo.

"Both co-chairs of the 4th JDCC meeting reaffirmed their commitment to the implementation of the 2006 Philippines-India Agreement

Concerning Defense Cooperation and underscored the importance of the annual convening of the JDCC and STS meetings," he said.

The two sides welcomed the possible deployment of a resident Indian defense attaché to Manila, and the elevation of the co-chairmanship of the JDCC to an undersecretary level as a manifestation of increasing bilateral defense relations.

"Before the 4th JDCC, delegations from AFP and Indian Armed Forces convened the 2nd STS meeting on 29 March 2023, where both armed forces discussed the list of activities to be included in the PhilippinesIndia Defense Engagement Plan for CY 2023-2025, reviewed the activities conducted since 2020, and other issues and concerns," Andolong said.

“During the 4th JDCC, the two cochairs welcomed the outcomes of the 2nd STS, particularly the discussions to further enhance maritime security collaboration and explore cooperation on cyber security, military medicine, electromagnetic spectrum, joint training, space security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.”

He said the Philippine and Indian delegations also shared best practices on their respective defense indigenization or self-reliant defense posture program, and updates on procurements and acquisitions.

India, meanwhile, shared its Act East Policy while the Philippines provided updates on the current security environment in the IndoPacific region.

"Both countries highlighted the importance of promoting an open and free Indo-Pacific region, upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international laws, and enhancing cooperation among like-minded countries in the region," Andolong said.

Under their multilateral cooperation, both sides reaffirmed their support for ASEAN Centrality, as well as the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and for United Nations peace operations and missions.

"In closing, both countries expressed hope that efforts to increase defense and military relations will be sustained. The DND invited the Ministry of Defense of India to the 5th JDCC and 3rd STS meetings that the Philippines will host in 2024. Furthermore, the DND expressed support for India's current G20 Chairmanship," he said.

Navy frigate BRP Antonio Luna deployed for PH Rise patrol

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday announced that the missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), one of its most advanced and capable ships, has been deployed to patrol the Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise) off the coast of Aurora.

"BRP Antonio Luna carried out maritime patrol to intensify naval presence in the Philippine Rise, the 13-million-hectare undersea volcanic

ridge located east of Luzon," the ship's acting commanding officer, Commander Jim Aris Alagao, said in a statement.

The region is part of the country’s extended continental shelf, which is said to be abundant with natural resources, such as minerals and gas.

Alagao said the patrol is "part of the government's mandate to safeguard the country’s national maritime interests in the northern frontier."

"The PN will always continue to be at the forefront in protecting the country's maritime domain and interests, " he added.

The crew of BRP Antonio Luna on April 1 raised a new Philippine flag atop the highest peak of Mavulis Island in Batanes, the country's northernmost island and the first line of defense.

The flag raising was part of the PN's "Operation Bantay-Layag," which began on March 31 and will run for a month.

The event was the second ceremony to be held on the island since the pandemic broke out in 2020. The first flag-raising activity was held in April 2021.

The hoisted flag also symbolizes and asserts Philippine sovereignty over the island.

“Among others, FF-151 also assisted the troops in Mavulis in troubleshooting the island’s generator, as well as re-provisioned the troops with food and drinking water," Alagao said. (MNS)

DFA: 2+2 set next week; promoting reg'l security on agenda

The 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue between the Philippines and the United States is set on April 10 to 12, with steps to promote regional security on the agenda.

In a statement Wednesday, the DFA said the meeting aimed to reaffirm both nations’ commitment to advance common priorities as treaty allies.

Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo and Defense officer in charge

Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. will lead the delegation in Washington DC and will discuss “important global prosperity issues,” including energy security, strategic trade and investment cooperation, critical and emerging technologies and infrastructure, and supply chains.

The 2+2 will provide an opportunity to “substantively progress” in key areas of cooperation, including identifying concrete initiatives for promoting regional security, achieving mutual economic prosperity, modernizing the alliance, and countering terrorism and other transnational crimes, the DFA said.

This third iteration of the 2+2 comes after a seven-year hiatus since the second Ministerial Dialogue was held in 2016.

The US side will be led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III.

While in Washington DC, Manalo will also speak at the CSIS ASEAN Leadership Forum, where he will share his insights about a new era in the alliance.

The DFA said this would be in the context of the Philippines’ pursuit of its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and its efforts to advance a more peaceful and prosperous region. (MNS)

PH-China

oil, gas exploration talks to resume in May -- DFA

MANILA -- Discussions between the Philippines and China on a possible joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea will resume next month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday.

In a statement, the agency said representatives from both countries are set to meet for preparatory talks in Beijing “sometime in May.”

This meeting will cover parameters and terms of reference regarding the maritime exploration.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo earlier said China proposed to begin talks again on the oil and gas and the Philippines agreed to it.

This plan was, however, questioned by some legislators with Senator Francis Tolentino on Sunday calling on the DFA to be cautious about it as an agreement could lead to increased Chinese presence in the territory.

He also said that the Senate should be involved in the discussion between the two countries as this may be an extension of our foreign policy.

In response to this, Manalo assured Tolentino that updates on the matter will be provided.

PH, China set exploratory talks on new TOR for oil exploration

The Philippine and Chinese governments are set to begin talks on new “terms of reference” (TOR) for joint oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea after overall discussion for the cooperation was terminated under the previous administration, the country’s top diplomat disclosed.

In a GMA interview transcript shared by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday, Secretary Enrique Manalo said the exploratory talks would be at a "technical level" and would begin in about six weeks.

“(China is) proposing that we begin talks again on oil and gas. I think we will begin in maybe around six weeks but as I said at a technical level. But those talks are going to begin discussing basically terms of reference, there’s no document yet,” he said.

Manalo added that the meeting is meant to see the scope of the discussions, then the two countries would “see where it goes.”

The two nations sought to explore oil and gas assets in the South China Sea in 2018.

A year later, former president Rodrigo Duterte said his counterpart, President Xi Jinping, agreed to consider a 60-40 scheme on oil and gas exploration in favor of Manila should the country set aside the arbitral ruling.

Before his term ended, the Duterte administration terminated discussions over “constitutional limitations.”

In his state visit to China last January, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. told Beijing that Manila is ready to restart negotiations.

Manalo, meanwhile, reiterated that any discussion on a possible oil and gas cooperation would “always be guided by the requirements of Constitution.”

PBBM: Rightsizing bureaucracy to upskill gov’t workforce

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday reassured that rightsizing the bureaucracy is not aimed at terminating employees, but serves as a tool to upskill and reskill the current government workforce.

In a press release, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos made this assurance at a sectoral meeting on the updates of the National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP) held at Malacañan Palace.

The President ordered a further assessment of the executive branch to determine redundant positions and functions that could be merged.

The Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) likewise updated the status and salient features of the proposed National Government Rightsizing Bill.

Present during the sectoral meeting were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, Press Secretary Cheloy Garafil, and DBM Undersecretary Wilford Will Wong and Director John Aries Macaspac.

PLLO chief Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza and Assistant Secretary Rose Virginie were also present during the sectoral meeting.

In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July last year, Marcos cited the NGRP as among his administration’s priority measures.

He described it as “a reform mechanism that seeks to enhance the government’s institutional capacity to perform its mandate and to provide better services while ensuring optimal and efficient use of resources.”

“Compared to previous government reorganization efforts, the NGRP will entail a comprehensive strategic review of the functions, operations, organization, systems, and processes of the different agencies, and massive and transformational initiatives in agencies concerned, such as mergers, consolidation, splitting, transfer and even the abolition of some offices,” Marcos said.

“The rightsizing efforts will also involve the conduct of a comprehensive strategic review of functions, programs, and projects that will cut across various agencies.”

In response to the President’s SONA pronouncement, several bills on rightsizing were filed in Congress.

On March 14, the House of Representatives passed on third and final reading a bill that would allow Marcos to right-size the government bureaucracy.

House Bill 7240 or the proposed Act Rightsizing the National Government, was passed with 292 votes, three against, and zero abstentions.

Rightsizing is defined under the bill as “the process of analyzing and designing the appropriate roles, mandates, structures, functions, sizes, systems, as well as processes of government agencies to ensure

effective, responsive, and efficient service delivery."

The measure authorizes the President to right-size the executive branch to eliminate redundant, duplicate, and overlapping functions.

To oversee the implementation of the program, the Committee on Rightsizing the Executive Branch shall be established.

Meanwhile, the three bills on the NGRP that were filed in the Senate remain pending at the committee level.

Since assuming office in June last year, Marcos has already abolished several government agencies through executive orders in line with rightsizing, such as the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission and Office of the Cabinet Secretary.

PBBM OKs creation of task force to maintain peace, security in Negros President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued an administrative order creating a special task force tasked to maintain peace and order and suppress threats to safety and security in Negros Island.

Administrative Order No. 6, signed on April 3, directed the task force to “prevent the spread and escalation of violence elsewhere in the Philippines and to maintain peace and order in Negros Island, with due regard to the fundamental civil and political rights of the people.”

The AO was issued in light of the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo at his residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, where eight other civilians were slain and 17 were left wounded.

The task force, called “DEGAMO,” will be chaired by the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and co-chaired by the chiefs of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of National Defense (DND).

The task force commanders include the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the chief of sraff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is tasked to extend emergency relief assistance to the families of the victims, while the Department of Health (DOH) shall provide psychological rehabilitation to affected individuals.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (PAFV) is ordered to coordinate with the task force “with the aim of enlisting the full support of all stakeholders.”

Under AO No. 6, the task force will have the power to coordinate and rationalize the efforts of concerned government agencies and instrumentalities to “ensure a whole-of-government approach in the prevention, investigation, prosecution and punishment of violence in Negros Island.”

It is further tasked to intensify campaign against private armed groups and loose firearms. (MNS)

'HEAR MY PRAYERS'. A devotee leans against a "petition wall" to pray, at the Parish of the Lord of Divine Mercy in Quezon City on Holy Wednesday (April 5, 2023). Holy Week is spent praying, repenting, fasting, and reflecting to honor the passion and death of Jesus Christ. (MNS photo)

AID FOR SENIORS. Some 900 senior citizens in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental receive cash cards containing PHP5,600 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday (April 4, 2023). The DSWD Unconditional Cash Transfer program is a national government initiative to reduce poverty and vulnerability by assisting the elderly in the indigent sector.(MNS photo)

DOES THE AMERICAN DREAM STILL EXIST IN 2023?

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – If you ask most people around the world what they mean by the “American Dream,” nearly all will respond with some version of upward mobility, the American success story, or the self-made man (rarely the self-made woman). Perhaps they will invoke the symbolic house with a white picket fence that suggests economic self-sufficiency and security; many will associate the phrase with the land of opportunity for immigrants.

No less an authority than the Oxford English Dictionary defines the American dream as “the ideal that every citizen of the United States should have an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination and initiative.”

I can confidently say that the most comforting sight I have always seen was the Star-Spangled Banner at our neighbor’s backyard here in South San Diego. Indeed, every time I see an American flag, I pause and reflect on everything I love about the United States – its rugged individualism; it’s never ending bravery and its relentless pursuit of prosperity.

My red, white and blue hopefulness may come across as rather naïve, though. Lately, many American cynics argue that America’s division by the close margins in the elections makes meaningful progress impossible and has created a land of bitter partisans.

Undeterred by their rhetoric, people of the world are still equally hopeful and apprehensive, some as always turning to the U.S. in search of adventure and others because they had nowhere else to go. I have always thought to myself that this was the American dream in action. No doubt about it, we were all once perfectly clichéd foreigners imagining what our lives would become when we made it to the Promised Land and each of us was immensely proud that the opportunity was imminent.

And as everyone knows, the “American Dream” is a legendary ideal.

It’s a clarion call to prosperity and fulfillment; however one chooses to define such success.

That’s why practically everyone talks about the American Dream –from famous astronauts and artists, to renowned activists and architects. If I might add, too that while the American Dream is constantly being chased; it’s also being relentlessly critiqued. People often wonder if the dream is still alive, and if its ideals can actually be achieved.

That’s especially true right now, three years into a pandemic that has harmed economies, separated families, and increased global rates of depression and anxiety several

ADB

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“This bodes well for sustained private consumption, which should get an additional boost from steady remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs),” the ADB said.

The bank took note that despite impressive gains in economic growth and poverty reduction, the country faces the challenge of addressing climate change and risks to food security, especially for the bottom two income deciles, as malnutrition and hunger incidence persist, the report says.

“The challenge requires a multipronged approach that considers both supply and demand factors,” it said.

“This includes addressing bottlenecks in local food production and agricultural productivity and trade and raising household incomes and incentives for better health and nutritional outcomes. Social protection, including food voucher programs, play a central role in alleviating poverty and hunger,“ the ADB said.

Senate, House, SC, Cabinet get 'very good' satisfaction rating — SWS

The two houses of Congress, as well as the Supreme Court and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr's Cabinet, all scored "very good" net satisfaction ratings based on a December 2022 survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

According to the survey's results

fold.

While most Americans, 70% continue to view the American Dream as personally achievable, 29% tell Gallup that even by working hard and playing by the rules, the American Dream is unreachable for them. The latter figure represents a slight increase from 25% in 2009, when Gallup last asked Americans this question.

However, this nationwide outlook masks important disparities in the perceptions of various groups across the country. Women aged 18 to 49 for example, are significantly more likely than older women – and men in all age groups – to say that even by working hard and playing by the rules, the American Dream is unattainable for them in their lifetime.

Gallup also reported a recordlow percentage of women feeling satisfied with how women are treated in the U.S. Younger women were especially pessimistic about the treatment of women.

As might be expected, those in higher-income households are more likely to view the American dream as achievable – with 80% of those living in households earning $100,000 or more holding this perspective. Sixty-one percent of those households making less than $40,000 agree while 37% in this group describe the American dream as unattainable for them.

Democrats are less likely than Republicans to describe the American dream as achievable, a pattern also seen when Gallup previously asked this at the start of Barack Obama’s presidency. However, the gap has widened with nearly four in 10 Democrats now saying the American dream is impossible for them, up from 29% back then.

A similarly sized improvement in Republican perceptions of the attainability of American dream took place after President Donald Trump was elected. It is important to note that the first poll took under a Democratic presidency. Yet unlike other metrics more prone to partisan swings from one partyled administration to another, there seems to be less of a partisan sway among Americans on this question.

So for the $64,000 question: Is the American Dream still attainable? And more importantly, what does it look like for immigrants in 2023?

Yeah, “The American Dream”… the belief that America offers abundant opportunity to everyone for a good and successful life achieved through hard work.

Throughout America’s history, this ideal has inspired hope in many people. It is a backbone of our nation, motivating millions to uproot their lives and immigrate to

released on Thursday, the Senate scored the highest net satisfaction rating with 68%, followed by the House of Representatives with 56%, Supreme Court with 53% and the whole Cabinet with +50.

The SWS said the Senate’s net satisfaction rating was anchored on 81% net satisfaction score in Mindanao, followed by 68% in Balance Luzon, 63% in Metro Manila and 59% in the Visayas.

The Senate's net satisfaction rating reached 77%, which is classified "excellent" in rural areas. In urban areas, the Senate scored 60%.

The Senate’s 77% net satisfaction score in the rural areas is also higher than its October 2022 score of 66%, while its 60% net satisfaction score in urban areas, on the other hand, is almost the same as its October 2022 level of 61%.

The House of Representatives’ 56% net satisfaction rating, meanwhile, remained unchanged from October 2022. Its net satisfaction rating is highest in Mindanao at 65%, followed by Metro Manila at 54%, Balance Luzon at 53%, and the Visayas at 52%.

The House’s net satisfaction score is also higher in the rural areas at 63% compared with the urban areas at 48%.

The House’s 63% net satisfaction score in rural areas higher than the 57% recorded in October 2022. Its net satisfaction score of 48% in urban areas, however, was a decrease from 54% in October 2022. The Supreme Court (SC) also gained a

America. It has helped many get through difficult times in their lives by giving them something they can aspire to achieve.

This aspiration is deeply rooted in the founding of this nation. Historically, immigrants sought refuge here to escape religious persecution, limited class mobility and many other restrictions. If one was willing to work hard they could, at least theoretically, build a successful life here in America.

However, there is a flip side. For better or for worse, the American Dream finds its roots in individualism. It puts all the responsibility for achieving success on each American. And depending on one’s background the path to attain their dreams can be filled with varying obstacles. Since the founding of the nation, exploitation has been a major part of both politics and the economy. Many laborers suffered as those at the top reaped the rewards of their labor. It also cannot be ignored that the United States has a history of discrimination.

The U.S. has taken land from Native Americans, enslaved African Americans and committed many more atrocities. If it could make them money, there were no limits to their discrimination and exploitation they would perform. Even today, the impact of these past choices cannot be erased. They still influence America systematically, and our economy is still willing to exploit people for profit. Despite promises to offer equal opportunity, there have been countless times America’s government has fallen short in keeping them.

Last year – in 2022 – politics became more and more divisive. The times of finding common ground feel long gone. In all this chaos, where does the American Dream stand? Have politicians forgotten it? They seem content making promises about supporting it in their campaigns. However, this means very little without them taking any actual action to support it. It would be refreshing to see politicians make the changes necessary for the

rating at 53%, scoring the highest in Mindanao at 55%, followed by 53% in Balance Luzon, 52% in Metro Manila and 51% in the Visayas.

The high court’s 52% net satisfaction rating in Metro Manila was an increase from 43% in October 2022. Its 53% rating in Balance Luzon was also higher than its 46% score in October 2022.

SC’s score, however, fell slightly in Visayas and Mindanao from the October 2022 scores of 54% and 60%, respectively.

As for the Cabinet, it scored 53% in Mindanao, 52% in Metro Manila and Balance Luzon, and 43% — which is classified "good" — in the Visayas.

The Cabinet’s 53% and 43% net satisfaction ratings in Mindanao and Visayas were down from October 2022 levels of 64% and 53%, respectively. On the other hand, its net satisfaction rating of 52% in Metro Manila is also lower than its October 2022 score of 57%.

The survey was conducted from December 10 to 14, 2022 using face-to-face interviews on 1,200 adults nationwide aged 18 years old and above. The SWS said there were 300 respondents each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The sampling error margins are ±2.8% for national percentages, ±5.7% each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. (MNS)

Inflation decelerates to 7.6% in March 2023

The Philippine Statistics Authority

American Dream to be doable for every American. Is the American Dream even achievable in 2023?

If we’re being honest, it has never been a true reality in this country. Perhaps, it’s accomplishable if you have the drive. Unfortunately, even then it is still not an even playing field and far from guaranteed. There are many setbacks still systematically holding individuals back and those issues are often deeprooted, learned from our long history of exploitation. There will always be many individuals who face more obstacles on their path to success. However, the American Dream originated from those determined to achieve it no matter how hard they had to work, As much as politicians try to claim the term, it has never been theirs. The tradition of hard work belongs to the people, not to an institution. No one has ever granted Americans equal opportunity to achieve their dreams. Instead, it is an ideal that we, the people, can strive towards. Each of us can choose to dedicate ourselves to taking the chance to make our dreams a reality. Even if that means we must fight for it or face it never coming true. That is the telling it like it is spirit of this country: the generations of people who have worked against the odds to achieve great things. The U.S. is not a perfect place, but this tradition of hard work is something Americans can be proud of. The American Dream is simply a manifestation of all this.

Despite all the political upheaval, we can still have hope. For as long as the U.S. has existed there have always been corruption and contradictions that held our nation back from having equal opportunity. However, despite this so many have chosen to still take a chance on their ambitions. This is the true dream: having a goal, being brave enough to commit to it, and not losing sight of it despite the hard work along the way. Our history can teach us that the heart of this nation has always lied with the people who were

(PSA) on Wednesday reported that the inflation rate in March this year slowed down to 7.6 percent from 8.6 percent the previous month.

In a press conference, PSA Undersecretary and National Statistician Dennis Mapa said last month’s figure brought the inflation rate for the first quarter of the year to 8.3 percent.

Mapa attributed the downtrend in inflation to the slower increase in prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages at 9.3 percent in March from 10.8 percent in the previous survey. He said the lower food and nonalcoholic beverages inflation was mainly due to the slowdown in the inflation of vegetables, including onions.

The rate of price increase of vegetables, tubers and others was at 20 percent in March from 33.1 percent in February.

Mapa said the food basket contributed 3.3 percentage points to the overall 7.6 percent inflation last month.

However, Mapa said the PSA has observed a slow upward trend in the prices of rice since the start of the year.

Inflation of meat products also decelerated to 4.6 percent in March from 6.5 percent in February, while sugar, confectionery and desserts declined to 35.2 percent inflation from 37 percent in the same period.

Contributing to the downward trend of inflation last month were transport, with inflation decelerating to 5.3 percent from 9 percent; and

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

willing to give up so much for the chance to chase their dreams or to give their children that opportunity. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that anyone will achieve this. The road to attaining one’s dreams might not be easy or even fair. Yet like so many who came before us, we can attempt to overcome the obstacles. Or at the very least, there is a lot we can learn from all those who have fought for their aspirations. In both the past and present, the American Dream is daring to hope.

I say the American Dream is alive and well, especially for incoming immigrants. A quick glance at new business statistics affirms this.

In fact, studies show that immigrants are more likely to become entrepreneurs than U.S.born citizens. And while immigrants comprise roughly 13% of the American population, they account for over 20% of the self-employed workforce.

Better yet, over 55% of America’s billion-dollar startups were founded by an immigrant.

And consistent with their views on the achievability of the American dream, most U.S. adults (60%) say it is very or somewhat likely that today’s youth will have a better life than their parents did.

About four in 10 (39%) describe such an outcome as very or somewhat unlikely.

Views on opportunities for future generations grew relatively dim during the –unemployment years after the Great Recession. In 2011 and 2012, less than half of Americans (44% and 49%, respectively) said it was likely that younger Americans would have better lives than their parents, reflecting the economic pain felt by many during this period.

Most U.S. adults, if I may say it – still view the American dream as achievable in their lifetime. However, a significant percentage say it is unattainable and think that today’s young people will not have better lives than their parents did. Perhaps most troubling is the relatively higher rates of young women across the country who describe the American dream as unattainable placing them apart from older women and men in general. This disparity coincides with other assessments of life in America; in which women have

housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, with inflation slowing down to 7.6 percent from 8.6 percent.

Moreover, the inflation rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) also decelerated to 7.8 percent in March 2023 from 8.7 percent in February this year.

Inflation in areas outside NCR (AONCR) was also at a slower pace at 7.5 percent in March from 8.5 percent in its previous month.

All regions, except for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), posted lower inflation rates in March this year, the PSA said.

Meanwhile, Mapa reported that the inflation rate for the country’s bottom 30 percent income households was at 8.8 percent in March 2023.

Although this declined from the 9.7 percent inflation in the previous month, he said the impacts of the increase in prices of goods were heavier for the bottom 30 percent income households.

“The direction is going down, but of course, we want to bring down the inflation of the bottom 30 percent to a lower level because the effect is greater for the bottom 30 percent income households compared to the, let’s say, higher income household… The idea here is you look at where the weights are really heavy, and this is really food,” he added.

GSIS to release pensions ahead of regular schedule

The Government Services Insurance System (GSIS) announced on Tuesday night that its 562,000

less positive views than men on the treatment of women in society – as well as whether women are tended with respect and dignity in the U.S.

The growing partisan gap in perceptions of the attainability of the American dream coincides with a noticeable decline over the past two years (since Trump was elected) in Democrats saying they are extremely proud to be American. Similar to their more positive views on the attainability of the American dream, Republicans were also more likely than Democrats in that poll to express extreme pride in being American.

While Democrats are increasingly less likely than Republicans to say the American dream is achievable, this could simply be a reaction to the current administration. It remains to be seen whether views on the American dream have become as subject to partisan swings as other metrics Gallup tracks, such as assessments of the economy.

Ultimately, while the American Dream is a collective ideal, it’s comprised of individual visions for prosperity. Your dream for tomorrow is as valid as anyone else’s, and it must be protected at all costs.

That is the American dream: what democracy can accomplish on its own behalf for its citizens. The first voices to speak of the “American dream” used it not as a promise, or a guarantee, but as an exhortation, urging all Americans to do better, to be fairer, to combat bigotry and inequality, to keep striving for a republic of equals. That is the American dream we need to revive: the dream of a social order defined by the American creed, a belief in the United States of America as a government whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic.

Staring at the broad stripes and bright stars, each of us – as Americans – I believe is more than ready to accept that responsibility regardless of all the risks that it entailed. The American Dream suggests that even the smallest possibility of reaching that height is worth the unpredictability it entails. No matter how delusional each of us may be, that uncertainty is euphoric, if I must honestly say it. What say you?

pensioners would receive their pensions before the holidays this Holy Week.

GSIS president and general manager Wick Veloso said instead of the usual e-crediting on the eighth of every month, the pensions would be released on Wednesday.

"We know that our retirees need their pension early as most commercial establishments will be closed during the Holy Week. Semana Santa is one of the most important religious occasions in our country and we want our pensioners to prepare for it without having to worry about their necessities,” Veloso said.

The GSIS, he said, sees the urgency of releasing pensions as government agencies would be closed from the afternoon of April 5 until April 10.

The state pension fund releases pension electronically through the Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card or temporary electronic card (eCard), which are issued by either the Land Bank of the Philippines or the Union Bank of the Philippines.

Currently, GSIS pensioners and members may still use the GSIS Touch Mobile app to check their records and apply for loans and claims anytime and anywhere.

Pensioners may also schedule their Annual Pensioners Information Revalidation wherein all old-age and survivorship pensioners are required to personally report to any GSIS office or through the GSIS kiosk during their birth month to continue receiving their pension. (MNS)

Spiritual Life

Dealing with the challenges of mental health

My interest on mental health issues has been re-kindled when a friend recommended me to serve as a Community Liaison of the California Neuropsychopharmacology Research Institute (CNRI). It has been a long time since I dealt with behavioral problems but my interest in this field has never waned. As the former chief of the Philippines’ Dangerous Drugs Board’s preventive education and community information division in the 70’s, my approach towards the problems related to the use of drugs was directed towards helping people in resolving their personal problems, believing that drug abuse is a problem of people not a problem of drugs.

In my work with psychiatrists, I have observed that those coming for consultation for behavioral problems identify themselves as “drug abusers” although most of them have identifiable mental health problems such as bipolar disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. Actually, these problems can be managed easily by seeking psychiatric help and regular intake of effective psychotropic drugs as prescribed by the physician. However, most often, family members are embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they or a loved one is suffering from mental illness. The social stigma attached to mental illness is still very strong that it hampers access to modern medical and psychiatric treatment. The individual suffers and the family also suffers in silence denying themselves of the benefit of psychiatric counseling and treatment.

The San Diego County Mental Health Services will spearhead

My Personal Testimony

the celebration of Mental Health

Month this coming May and the theme of the celebration will focus on erasing the stigma of shame and fear attached to mental illness. There is nothing to fear and nothing to be ashamed of. If a friend or a family member is suffering from depression or exhibits unusual behavior, take him or her to her primary care physician who will make the necessary referrals to available community resources.

One of the “new” approaches to the prevention and management of mental illness is the spiritual approach. Comprehensive research evidence shows that religious and spiritual beliefs and practices (e.g. belonging to a faith tradition and community, ritual practices and other forms of worship, meditation and prayer, sacred music, reading wisdom literature and scripture, selfless, compassionate action, maintaining stable family relationships) help prevent many physical and mental illnesses, reducing both symptom severity and relapse rate. Furthermore, psychiatric patients have consistently identified spiritual needs as an important issue, and spiritual care as contributing to symptom relief

and general well-being. Spiritual awareness can add a powerful and much-needed dimension whenever our human limits are reached. The spiritual approach fosters a positive attitude in the most heart-rending situations. By focusing on both inner and external sources of strength, spiritual awareness encourages calm in the place of anxiety and hope in place of despair.

The Book of Psalms serves as a good resource in dealing with our fears and anxieties, our loneliness and discouragement along with our joy, awe and celebration. It contains songs of praise and prayers of lament. As we read it we share the psalmists’ loneliness, sickness, grief and dread. When we pray the Psalms, we find new dimensions in our relationship with God.

My prayer: Most loving God, make us mindful of the needs of others. Grant us the wisdom to deal with mental health issues and the compassion to help those who have problems that may impact on their thoughts and behavior. Give us the power to discern the needs of others and enable us to respond to them. Enable us to be an instrument of your love as we care and help others. Amen.

Situational ethics

Lord, who may dwell in Your sanctuary? Who may live on Your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart. (Psalm 15:1-2)

"I cannot believe they are not going to honor my bonus agreement," said the executive who was about to take another position in a new city. Her understanding of her present work agreement called for a bonus at the end of the year. Management saw the situation differently. "It's not right. I am entitled to that bonus," she complained.

It was time to leave. The company had given her a laptop to use. However, when she left, she decided that because the company was not going to pay her the bonus she was entitled to, she would simply keep the laptop as compensation due her. "And they would never miss it," she reasoned. She was now in the employment of the new company. As each day passed, she grew uneasier about her decision. She could not get it off her mind. Finally, she concluded that the Holy Spirit was telling her this decision was wrong and that she needed to call her former boss to confess her action. She called

Greetings in the Lord!

Today the whole Catholic world celebrates the center of our faith: the Resurrection of Jesus. For more than six weeks we have prepared for this wonderful mystery with much anticipation through intense prayers, devoted penance and generous charitable acts of mercy during the season of Lent and active participation in the liturgical activities during the Paschal Triduum beginning last Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil last night. How wonderful to see a community of faith celebrating the greatest mystery in the world: which is the rising of Jesus from the dead after three days of being on earth. In the words of Pope Francis, he mentioned that the Resurrection of Jesus “is not the happy ending of a movie, but an intervention of God the Father when all seems lost, a humble victory that human looks like a failure, when Jesus reached the end of the path of humiliation and dispossession by accepting betrayal, insults and death. The puzzling mystery of the great humility of God, who agrees to die and die like a criminal on the cross.”

Today let us all rejoice for this heavenly mystery that gives hope to all who believe that suffering and pain, death and despair have an end in the mystery that the raising of Jesus from the dead completely vanquished and made meaningless

despite its concrete existence in the world today. Jesus has risen from the dead but pain and suffering remain and constantly keep people confused and bewildered and often lost. However, with faith that is made mature through listening to the words of Jesus, living it daily in our lives, the faithful become emboldened to testify with courage to the reality that the rising of Jesus is the fulfillment of the mission that the Father has sent his only Son to become human in order to manifest his never ending love for humanity and raising it to the level of divinity that is manifested in the mystery of the resurrection.

The historicity of this reality is no longer contestable is shown in the gospel narrative and the conversion of the first disciples who witnessed the “empty tomb” which was clear and definitive evidence of the death of Jesus and its “emptiness” as a

sensible explanation on how one can return to life again, because of the divine and supernatural intervention that occurred. For this they became witnesses and they proclaimed with testimony with courage and devotion. Two of these disciples are worth mentioning. Peter who was one of the first who came to find the empty tomb, was at first bewildered and made to hide “for fear of the Jews,” but began to preach the Good News with boldness to the same Jews who had first terrified him. He became to transformed man! The other is Paul, who in the second reading, elevates the Easter transformation with a challenge “for our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with old yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. This is the challenge that we have today, as children of the apostolic witnesses, we are called to witness the Resurrection with our transformed life: dying to corrupt and wicked ways and rising as new persons: sincere, faithful and true. This can happen when we become one in mind and heart, loving and helping each other because we are children of God whose Son was sent to die on the cross for the salvation of humanity and rose from the dead so that all of us would share his divinity.

Danny Hernaez From Whom

All Blessings

him and confessed what she had done and why she had done it. Her boss accepted her confession and forgave her. Strangely enough, he allowed her to keep the laptop computer. Truth never changes. It is absolute. When we make decisions based on other actions that are taken, we move into making decisions based on the situation, not truth and righteousness. The executive may indeed have been wronged, but she had to address the wrong in the appropriate way. Trying to compensate for the wrong by doing something that violates another scriptural principle is called situational ethics. If the employer had never wronged the executive, do you think she would have felt justified in taking the computer? Probably not. When you isolate

the two situations, you see that one action was taken in response to the other action. Have you had any experiences in which you have used situational ethics? The Lord desires His people to have a higher standard, even at the cost of being wronged. Ask the Lord to reveal any business practices that may indicate situational ethics. You might be surprised what will happen when you do the right thing.

The disciples thought they suffered their greatest defeat when Jesus died on the cross. However, this defeat became the greatest victory on earth. Christ's death gave liberty. Forgiveness came to all men. New life came forth - new strength for the disciples. Resurrection and new life came as a result of a "defeat."

<(((><

CHULA VISTA, CA -- Judge

(ret.) Pedro de Castro Rivera, Jr., 93, of Alaminos City, Pangasinan passed away on April 2, 2023, surrounded by friends and loved ones. His remains lie in state at the Funeraria Del Angel Mortuary in National City, and will be open for private viewing by family members from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and by his legion of friends and relatives from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Friday, April 14. The Celebration of Life will be held on

Saturday, April 15 from 10:00 to 12 noon at the First United Methodist Church of National City, with Pastor Nelson Castorillo presiding over the Necrological Service. Invited to give an eulogy are Honorary

Consul General Audie De Castro, National City Mayor Ron Morrison, AARP California Executive Chair Joe Garbanzos, Commissioner Art Moreno of Chula Vista and Senior Commissioner Florfina “Boodgie” Santiago Arce of National City.

Rivera lived a full and fruitful life in the Philippines where he was active in sports and professional circles. His love for tennis was imbibed by his five sons and became their passport to come to the United States. One of his sons, Oliver Tady Rivera, who now lives in Australia was a Philippine tennis champion at an early age.

A graduate of San Beda College (high school) and the Ateneo de Manila University (law), former

Executive Assistant of the Secretary of Labor, Agapito Braganza and a Columbo Plan Study-Travel grantee, and President of the Alaminos Varsitarian, Rivera migrated to the United States after his retirement as City Judge of Alaminos. He was widowed from his first wife, Patria Quimpo Tady of Sara, Iloilo in 2017. A chance encounter with Aurora Soriano Cudal in a social gathering of Pangasinenses that same year led to the re-kindiling of a relationship that started in the Philippines sixty years ago and eventual marriage solemnized at the Congregational Community Church in Chula Vista, CA.

Rivera is survived by his children, Rey, Alex, Oliver, Percival, Gerry and Grace Tady Rivera Mallilos of

Colorado Springs, Colorado and his wife, Aurora Soriano Cudal, an active Filipino American community

volunteer in San Diego County.

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

SAN DIEGO (March 23, 2023) Lt. Marvince Benjamin, a native of San Diego, Ca., decodes fleet tactical signals (FLTTAC) aboard USS Montgomery (LCS 8) to enable ships in company to remain in formation while conducting an advanced surface warfare exercise. USS Montgomery (LCS 8) participating in Carrier Strike Group ONE’s Surface Warfare Advanced Tactics Training (SWATT). (Photo by Lt. j. g. Annie Rafferty)

Their Cultures are Different, Their Values are Not

By Pilar Marrero/eMS

Nancy and Michael come from very different cultures, but they found in each other the empathy, commitment and shared purpose in life they were looking for in a partner.

Their differences are many: He is from Taiwan, the son of Chinese refugees who fled Mao Zedong’s Communist China. She is from Puerto Rico, living in Los Angeles, where she made a career as a television journalist and, later, a psychologist.

Nancy and Michael met in 2014, when his company took over a daycare program for adults with disabilities that she directed in Santa Clarita. She left the company shortly thereafter, but they had started dating after he offered to take her to a doctor’s appointment.

“I thought that was weird,” she said, but agreed.

Nine years later, they are still together. “Our cultures are very different,” Nancy says. “But we are partners—he is the one for me.”

Michael is more reserved, less outgoing, less talkative. Nancy is outgoing, loves music and dancing and tends to kiss and hug people “even if I don’t know them,” she says, something Michael is not accustomed to.

For Michael, Nancy was just “easy to like.” She had empathy.

For Nancy, Michael was the opposite of the “macho” culture that she fled when she left Puerto Rico. “He has respect for women.”

“The male chauvinist culture—I couldn’t take it,” Nancy says. Michael adds: “I don’t even know what that is.”

But Nancy really saw what Michael was made of when she was diagnosed with cancer back in June of 2018.

“That’s when I truly saw him, like I had never seen another human being before in terms of his support for me, his undying support,” she says. “He was there for every single chemotherapy session, he slept with me in the hospital room by my bed. I got extremely ill, and he would clean me. I spent almost a year in bed, screaming from the severe pain every day. He offered unwavering support through hell, making everything easier.”

Michael waves this off.

“It wasn’t so bad for me,” he says. “I enjoyed the hospital food and everything.”

Five years later, Nancy is close to being declared in remission and their relationship is as strong as ever. They share a passion for travel, and he has accompanied her to Puerto Rico. But, watching Latino television and visiting the island, Michael saw things that

puzzled him greatly.

“The sexualization of young girls, the obvious exploitation of women— and men—that made me uncomfortable for sure,” he says. “Chinese tend to be much more reserved.”

Michael also did not understand what he describes as the cavalier attitude of many Latino men, and the examples he saw of Latina women marrying more than once, with children from different husbands.

“He doesn’t understand that’s completely normal,” Nancy says. “I would explain it to him, my sister had a husband, he left her, so she was alone with a baby and then she had a second husband. He was like, no, that’s not possible.”

Michael sees the whole thing as unreal. “Like a Spanish novela,” he chuckles. “It’s so strange to me that society acquiesces to this kind of male behavior.”

For Nancy, Michael’s culture is completely fascinating. “They appreciate art from a completely different perspective. His mom is an artist, she can do calligraphy in Chinese, she knows Chinse opera. For me it’s like salsa and merengue,” she laughs.

At first, Nancy’s family was skeptical about Michael. “Un chino… they would say, what is he about, what does he eat?”

However, Nancy says she learns something new from Michael every day. “They speak Mandarin Chinese, a very rich language, and everything is based on stories. It’s poetic, so he is always making analogies with these stories about things that happen to me. It enriches my life.”

Nancy and Michael have also seen the ugliness of anti-Asian hate that has endured in some corners of the United States for centuries.

“We were having dinner in Turlock, a small town in Stanislaus County,” Nancy says. “We went out of the restaurant and these two Anglo guys come at us and say, ‘What is this f—— Chinese doing here?’ We just left as fast as we could.”

Having overcome the worst of her illness, Michael and Nancy recently opened a business together. It’s an adult health care center, much like the one they met in.

Both think they will be together for the rest of their lives. Nancy is 58, and Michael is 52.

“We are together like one person,” Nancy says. “But we respect our differences.”

This article is part of the Love Across Colorlines series, a collaboration of 20+ ethnic media outlets looking at interracial marriage in California at a time of rising hate. Visit Love Across Colorlines to see more in the series.

High

SchoolStudents Can Earn Nursing Assistant Credential Under New Partnership BetweenSan Diego College of Continuing Education, San Diego Unified School District

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Students at two San Diego Unified SchoolDistrict high schools will soon be able to train as certified nursingassistants (CNA) through the San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE),with classes counting toward required CNA preparation by the time they graduatehigh school.

The program, which launches this summerat SDCCE’s César E. Chávez Campus in Barrio Logan, is open to students at SanDiego High School’s MedTech Academy and the School of Biomedical Science andTechnology at Kearny High Educational Complex. Lab classrooms at SDCCE mirror ahospital setting to prepare CNA students for careers at hospitals, medicalcenters, skilled nursing facilities, or in-home health. “The San Diego College of ContinuingEducation is excited to partner with the San Diego Unified School District inthis career-training opportunity that will not only prepare high schoolstudents with the skills and knowledge necessary to become registered CNAs, butalso set them on a healthcare career pathway that can lead to becoming aLicensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or a Registered Nurse (RN) and livable wages,” said SDCCE President Dr.Tina M. King. San Diego Unified School DistrictSuperintendent Dr. Lamont Jackson agreed. “This partnership will providereal-world opportunities for our students to thrive in school, college, and career,allowing them to become certified nursing assistants by the time they graduatehigh school,” he said. “The

San Diego Unified School District is thrilled tocollaborate with the San Diego College of Continuing Education on this newprogram and all that it offers our students.”

The program will give students seekingemployment after high school the opportunity to pursue a career and educationin an expanding field.

Certified nursing assistants are playinga critical role in the growing healthcare industry and earn an average wage ofnearly $40,000 annually in San Diego County, according to the federal Bureau ofLabor Statistics.

CNAs work under the direction of onsite licensed nursingstaff in performing duties ranging from measuring and recording vital signs,such as heart rate and blood pressure, to feeding patients. In addition tonursing, expanded career opportunities for CNAs can include nursing managementand leadership.

The summer class at the SDCCE’s César E.Chávez Campus begins June 13. SDCCE's CNA certificate program prepares studentsfor the state CNA examination and provides an opportunity for clinicalrotations at local hospitals and healthcare facilities. Because SDCCE is astate testing site, students will be able to take the state exam shortly afterthey complete the program. The new partnership allows for high school studentsto become certified CNAs by the time they graduate with their high schooldiploma.

MEDIACONTACTS: David Ogul, San Diego College

dogul@sdccd. edu Maureen Magee, San Diego Unified

SchoolDistrict, mmagee@sandi.net

About San Diego Unified School District

With nearly 100,000students enrolled in Universal Transitional Kindergarten through high school,more than 13,000 employees, and 226 educational facilities, San Diego Unifiedis California’s secondlargest school district. A leader among urban districts,San Diego Unified is a majority-minority district with a diverse studentpopulation representing multiple ethnic groups and more than 60 languages anddialects. In addition to academics, San Diego Unified provides extensivewrap-around services for families. Learn more at sandiegounified.org.

About San DiegoCollege of Continuing Education

San Diego College of Continuing Education is the adult educationdivision of the San Diego Community College District. It was one of the firstcommunity college continuing education institutions in California to meet thestandards for independent accreditation from the Western Association of Schoolsand Colleges. Approximately 30,000 students are served per academic year atseven campuses in San Diego. Noncredit classes and career training are availableat no cost, including online options. Classes are free because San DiegoCollege of Continuing Education is part of the California system of highereducation. Funding also comes through business and industry partnerships.

Nancy and Michael have been together since 2014. Their relationship was strengthened after Nancy was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.

Andrea Brillantes claps back at bashers Aljur Abrenica admits marriage failed because he cheated

MANILA -- Actress Andrea

Brillantes clapped back at bashers who criticized her for making the first move in inviting her boyfriend Ricci Rivero to be her date at the recently concluded Star Magical Prom.

In the vlog of Ogie Diaz, Brillantes said it's about time we change such mindsets about women.

"Well first sa mga nagshe-shame sa akin just because I proposed, na ang babae ang nag-propose, tulad nang sinabi ko sa comment na it's high time that we stop shaming girls for making the first move. It's sad, kasi nakakabasa ako ng comments na malandi na ako kaagad because I was the one who proposed," she said.

"Sana po mabago na natin 'yung pag-iisip na ganun. Kasi kung okay po sa lalaki, bakit 'di pwede sa babae? At saka ang nakakalungkot ay galing pa sa babae ang comment na 'yon. At saka hindi ba women's empowerment month ngayon? So dapat talagang kung feminist ka at naniniwala kang kaya ng babaeng gawin ang ginagawa ng mga lalaki, pero kapag ginawa ko na ang ginagawa ng lalaki, hindi okay? It's just doesn't make sense lang," she added.

Rivero, who was with Brillantes during the interview, also pointed out that she is a talent of Star Magic.

"The easiest answer Bebe is kasi

ikaw 'yung may prom and not me," Rivero told Brillantes.

"'Yun din, at saka kasi ako ang may prom. And even if invited ka Bebe I can still and I should still be able to propose to you without a problem," Brillantes said. It will be recalled that Brillantes

made headlines because of her "promposal" to Rivero with the help of her favorite idol superstar group Blackpink. Brillantes and Rivero were among the thousands of Filo Blinks who watched the Blackpink's concert in Bulacan last month. (MNS)

Janella Salvador reveals snake tattoo in swimsuit photos

portrayed by Jane de Leon.

Yet even before the glowing reception to her version of Valentina, Salvador had already planned on getting a tattoo that would pay homage to the character. In an August 2022 interview on “Kapamilya Chat” — just a week after “Darna” premiered — Salvador answered in the affirmative if she would consider an ink depicting a snake.

“Iniisip ko pa kung saan, pero sure ako na gusto ko talaga maglagay ng snake sa katawan. Siyempre, [it’s my] most iconic role. Malay niyo, andiyan na pala!” she said at the time. The serpent wasn’t the only visible tattoo in Salvador’s Monday post; she also put on display the previously known rainbow stripes on her left ear.

MANILA -- After confirming his relationship with sexy star AJ Raval, actor Aljur Abrenica admitted that his marriage to Kylie Padilla failed because of his cheating.

During an interview with Toni Gonzaga on Toni Talks, Abrenica was asked directly if the reason why the actor's marriage fell apart was because he cheated.

Abrenica replied that it’s true. “Yeah, totoo naman, totoo naman ‘yun. On my part, oo. Ina-admit ko ‘yun, may pagkakamali ako."

Abrenica tied the knot with Padilla in 2018, and their breakup was first confirmed by her father, Robin Padilla, in July 2021. They have two children, Alas Joaquin and Axl Romeo.

Even before this admission, Abrenica earlier in the interview confessed that he had committed mistakes before, including cheating on a girl.

"Binibigay ko talaga lahat. Anything that I can think of that could make her happy, ginagawa ko but still may mga pagkakamali ako noon kasi hindi pa ako ganoon kamature," he said.

"Everything that you do is may kapalit at wala kang takas doon. Kahit 'di man in the same way, pagbabayaran [mo]. Wala kang takas."

At the same time, Abrenica also admitted he experienced being cheated on, although he did not mention names.

“Ang sakit, sobrang painful. It breaks you. Naalala ko na parang there's no life. Wala ka nang buhay, hindi ka na magising nang maaga. Part of you dies eh.'Yung worth mo mawawala. It's worse talaga,” he

said. Abrenica said that he tried his best to make his relationship with Padilla but he lost time for his family.

"Hindi ako nagkaroon ng time sa kanila, nung nagkaroon ako ng takot to provide. Nawalan ako ng oras, so nawala 'yung relationship," the actor said.

"Sobrang mahirap siya kasi hindi na talaga magwo-work. You come up to this (point) na I have to accept this. Hindi na talaga. Kasi ginawa ko na lahat, at siya rin, ginawa niya na lahat, in fairness. It's mutual. Kaming dalawa," he added.

He added that his love for Padilla will not fade as they have two children whom they have to raise.

"Hindi na mawawala 'yun. You can love a person naman from afar. 'Yung pagmamahal kasi, hindi mo siya mako-convert and nanay siya,

may pinagsamahan naman kami. It just so happened na hindi na talaga sa ngayon," Abrenica said.

"Even though na I have to accept na talagang hindi na kami magkasama ng ex-wife ko. Ang mangyayari kasi, I have to be the best of myself. I have to accept na hindi na kami magkasama kasi ang iisipin ko ba, maglulugmok ba 'ko roon, hindi na kami magkasama, papadala ba 'ko roon o tatanggapin ko na lang na ito 'yung kaya ko pang gawin, 'yun na lang gagawin ko," he added.

Elsewhere in the interview, he said it was Padilla who suggested to fulfill their responsibilities to their two children but separately. "Ganyan 'yung sabi ni Kylie, much better kung hindi kami magkasama 'pag parenting." (MNS)

Bianca Gonzalez still friends with Mariel Rodriguez, Toni Gonzaga

she said.

“And that, like, I think truly started the bond. And then of course, different life stages. More relationships, eventually isa isa kaming kinasal. Isa isa kaming naging nanay,” she added.

For Gonzalez, it’s important to have women in one’s life “who know you especially in the public sphere.”

MANILA -- She’s had snakes as minions and as her hair (at least on TV as the iconic Valentina), and now Janella Salvador has yet another on her hip, as an artful tattoo which she revealed recently.

Followers of Salvador caught a glimpse of the snake ink as the actress-singer shared snaps of her El Nido getaway on Instagram. Two photos from the set show her lounging in a swimsuit, with a view of the tattoo on her left hip.

Salvador, 25, did not mention

when she got inked with the snake image.

Salvador is known to have two pet snakes — Versace and Valentino — which she first introduced in late 2021 after she was announced as the actress to portray the serpent queen Valentina in “Mars Ravelo’s Darna.”

Her sultry yet layered take on the character went on to become a beloved and trending performance, with scenes of Valentina frequently going viral along with those showing her screen chemistry with Darna,

Other photos from Salvador’s vacation update, meanwhile, gave a peek of the boutique resort where she stayed: Isla Amara, a venture coowned by fellow Kapamilya stars Kathryn Bernardo and Piolo Pascual.

Going by the pictures, Salvador fully enjoyed the vacation with her constant companion, her two-yearold son Jude.

Salvador’s getaway comes ahead of a packed schedule that includes preparing for a concert to mark a decade in showbiz. (MNS)

Gardo Versoza recovering after undergoing angioplasty

MANILA --Actor Gardo Versoza is in recovery after he underwent an angioplasty procedure last March 28.

Versoza's wife Ivy Vicencio confirmed that veteran screen actor had a heart attack.

"Unusual 'yung signs kaya hindi namin alam na heart attack. Kasi ang masakit sa kanya 'yung likod, back pain at batok at ulo. So hindi talaga namin iniisip na inaatake na siya. After niyang sumakit ulo, nagsuka siya ng dalawang beses. After niya magsuka nagla-lock na 'yung jaw niya, so 'yun 8 p.m. (dinala ko na siya sa ospital)," Vicencio shared.

"After nun nakita sa ECG confirmed na heart attack nga siya. 'Yung isang ugat ginawa ay angioplasty. 'Yung ginawa nila ay kritikal na kumbaga kung nahuli kami ng oras pwedeng nawala na siya. Kaya mabilis ang pangyayari sa hospital na talagang wala silang sinayang na oras," she added.

According to Vicencio, her husband will undergo another procedure after two to three months.

"Yung isang ugat ay gagawin pa rin po after two to three months kasi hindi pwedeng pagsabayan dahil ganoon ka-kritikal ang lagay niya, na kapag pinagsabay ay hindi kakayanin ng katawan niya," she said. Vicencio said the actor is still in the

intensive care unit but is now in stable condition.

"Kailangan ng close monitoring kaya nasa ICU. ...Recovering na rin. Hinahabaol lang ng konti 'yung salita, ang steps niya ay baby steps lang ganyan. Nag-start na rin siyang magcardiac rehab," she added.

"Kasi healthy siya, active siya. Pero 'yun pala, awareness na rin sa mga tao na hindi ibig sabihin eh active eh healthy na sa tingin mo, si Gardo naging extreme naman ang workout at biking niya kaya ang heart niya naman ang tinira. Kasi extreme lagi. So dapat

talaga in moderation," Vicencio added.

In the interview, Vicencio expressed her gratitude to all the fans of the actor.

"Salamat sa lahat, sa mga nag-offer ng prayer, 'yan 'di mababayaran. Galing sa puso namin ni Gardo, maramingmaraming salamat," she said. She also thanked the actor's "Unbreak My Heart" family the support and for the understanding. Versoza is one of the stars of the upcoming series.

In his latest post on Instagram, Versoza thanked God, doctors and his wife for everything. (MNS)

MANILA -- Even though they no longer work together, Bianca Gonzalez remains close friends with Mariel Rodriguez and Toni Gonzaga.

“Yes [we’re still friends]. We actually have a chat group — and the chat group is still called even to this day, even if ako na lang ‘yung natira, ‘Kuya’s Angels,’” she said. Every time she reflects on their

special bond, Gonzalez said it gets really overwhelming because they first met each other when they were in their early 20s.

“Ibang ibang stage of life pa kami nun. I remember the first time we met, we were all heartbroken. I remember it was a trip to Hong Kong, nag-iiyakan kasi meron kaming mga bagong… parang break lahat in some way, shape, or form,”

“It’s so important to still be connected to friends who knew you from the start, ‘yung kilala ka before you were whatever in your position, in whatever field you’re in. Because they know who you really are. They keep you grounded. … So they will always, always be that to me,” she said.

Gonzalez said they just haven’t been hanging out lately largely due to their busy lives as mothers.

“Actually it’s ironic kasi ‘yung work, kaya pa ‘yung busy-ness ng work. Pero nung mga naging nanay na, oh my gosh. ‘Yun na ‘yung talagang wala, ang hirap na talaga. Kasi I think, if anything, all of us, even we work, we’re very hands-on with our kids,” she said. (MNS)

Karina Bautista wants to break 'kontrabida' stereotype

MANILA -- Kapamilya actress

Karina Bautista, who is known for her sweet and wholesome roles, hopes to play a kontrabida role in the future.

Bautista shared the reasons why she wanted to play a villain.

"Gusto kong maging kontrabida for once kasi I want to break the stereotype na ang kontrabida kailangang nakataas ang kilay, kailangang mukhang matapang, maldita. Pero in real life we all know everyone can be kontrabida, hindi ba? 'Yung mga mukhang mababait, hindi niyo alam," Bautista said.

"'Yung mga role kasi na greyish na hindi mo alam kung mamahalin mo or kakainisin mo. Like after the movie mapapasabi ka, 'ano ba ito?'

'Yung may rason siya, totoo siyang tao, hindi siya character. Totoo siya na mararamdaman mo na she has reasons of doing these bad things in her life pero at the same time mali," the young actress added. Bautista also wants to do a project

where she can show off her love for swimming.

"I don't know if everyone knows it but I'm a swimmer," she said.

Bautista started her showbiz career in 2018 when she joined

"Pinoy Big Brother: Otso" where she was dubbed as "Miss Independent from Isabela." She also starred in the 2021 hit series "Viral Scandal" starring Charlie Dizon. (MNS)

Bo Sanchez and K5 US Concert Tour

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Bro. Bo

Sanchez together with the K5 Preachers namely Arun Gogna, Alvin Barcelona, Jon Escoto, Obet Cabrillas, and Adrian Panganiban will have an Evangelical Concert Tour titled “Breakthrough” on May 13th, 2023 at 3 PM at Southwestern College Performing Arts Center.

Eugenio Isabelo Tomas Reyes

Sanchez, who is also known as Bo Sanchez, is a Filipino author, entrepreneur, Catholic lay preacher, and motivational speaker. He is known as the "Preacher in Blue Jeans" and the founder of the Light of Jesus Family. As a lay preacher, Bro. Bo has received recognitions including winning the 2006 Ten Outstanding Young Men award and the Serviam Award, the highest award a lay Catholic may receive, from the Catholic Mass Media Awards in 2007. The Light of Jesus Community has branched out into two gatherings. One is the annual Kerygma Conference now known as Feast Conference or Feast Con, which was founded in 2006. The second gathering is a weekly fellowship and worship called "The Feast." It is a place in which members of the LOJF grow as a community, enriching their lives not just spiritually, but in other aspects as well. As an entrepreneur, Bro. Bo founded the Truly Rich Club which is an online private group where members receive techniques and financial advice on how to successfully invest in the Philippine stock market. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_

Sanchez)

The Light of Jesus Family (LOJF) is a non-profit international organization, and the Breakthrough concert is part of its mission to spread God’s word to everyone and make disciples of all nations. LOJF further spreads God’s love and light to all people through its Mercy Ministries and organizations. One of the ministries is Anawim, a small facility for poor and abandoned elderly people. Anawim provides physical care, home life, medical care, spiritual nourishment, recreational activities and socialization, social services, end-of-life care, and burial services. Grace to be Born is another ministry that provides temporary shelter for unwed pregnant mothers and an orphanage for children. LOJF in

addition has The Prison Ministry group that makes visits to the Correctional Institution for Women. This group ministers to the spiritual and basic needs of inmates, like toiletries and food. They also share a compassionate presence with inmates who do not have visitors. These ministries help change the lives of our kababayans back home.

The Feast is a Sunday prayer gathering with Holy Mass, lively worship, and talks on practical Christian Living. This was first held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. In 2009, following the Lord's lead, Bro. Bo assigned Feast Builders, wellknown preachers and spiritual book authors, who established new Feasts. Today, there are over 150 Feasts, led

by these Feast Builders. Light of Jesus Family has also grown internationally, establishing prayer groups in key areas in Asia, the Middle East, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Oceania, Canada, and the Bahamas which also hold Feasts. (www.feast. ph and www.feast.ph/give)There are about 16 Feasts in various locations in California, including one here in San Diego. The Feast San Diego is held every last Friday of the month in Room 15 of St. Charles Parish at 990 Saturn Blvd. San Diego, CA 92154. For more info on the Feast - San Diego, you can text or call the Feast Builder, Bro. Arthur Garcia at 619-764-2401. Join us and be blessed at the Feast - San Diego!

Padres Pitcher Joe Musgrove Signs TwoYear Endorsement Deal with Sycuan Casino Resort

(San Diego, Calif.) – March 29, 2023 –Sycuan Casino Resort announced today that the organization has signed a two-year endorsement deal with San Diego Padres Pitcher Joe Musgrove. In 2022, Sycuan welcomed Musgrove as the organization’s first MLB ambassador.

“We are thrilled to announce the resigning of MLB All-Star pitcher Joe Musgrove as our brand endorser for the next two years,” said Rob Cinelli, general manager at Sycuan Casino Resort. “Joe not only is an incredible athlete, but his deep commitment to the San Diego community aligns perfectly with our own brand values. Joe quickly has become a beloved member of the Sycuan family and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will continue to make both on and off the field."

As part of the agreement, Musgrove will make exclusive casino appearances, participate in community events and continue to be featured in marketing campaigns, promotions and social media content.

“After a successful first year, I couldn’t be more excited to continue my partnership with Sycuan Casino Resort,” said Musgrove. “From meeting and interacting with guests to creating my own menu items like the one-ofa-kind Musgrove Dog, representing Sycuan has been an absolute blast. It’s been wonderful to work with a brand that demonstrates how much they care about our community in everything that they do. I look forward to continuing our partnership and all of the great things to come.”

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL