Mayor Paloma Aguirre Recognizes Imperial Beach’s Fil-Am Community
By a da M BEhar
The southernmost city in San Diego County, Imperial Beach is enjoying a period of growth and revitalization under the steady leadership of Mayor Paloma Aguirre.
“There's a lot of interest in our community, especially because it's changed so much in the last 20 years. It's night and day, compared with how it used to be,” she said. “Now Imperial Beach is known for being a family-friendly, beach-oriented community. We are the second safest coastal city in the entire county and our safety numbers continue to improve,” she said. Mayor Aguirre’s particularly proud of the city’s parks, which have undergone renovations and rehabilitation. They have brand new amenities like picnic tables, barbecue grills, playgrounds, and one of the largest, inclusive playgrounds for kids with disabilities and sensory perception issues.
The city, which dates back to 1887, has a population of around 26,000 residents includes 9 percent, she estimated, that are Filipinos and Asian and Pacific Islanders. It might not be as large as National City and Chula Vista’s Filipino populations, but it is significant, she said, and a source of pride for the Mayor.
The Fil-Am community is “very active in the community,” said Aguirre. “They’re small business owners. They’re part of the Imperial Beach Woman's Club. They're part of
Kiwanis. They’re part of the fishing community in Imperial Beach.”
It’s no understatement to say that, generally speaking, Filipinos are the fishing community. Aguirre explained that some years ago she was part of a nonprofit that sought to assess what kinds of people were fishing in Imperial Beach. The study indicated “that over 85 percent of our fishing population at Imperial Beach pier and throughout the coastal city were Filipinos,” Aguirre said, adding: “They’re very embedded in our community and our history.” The other day, the Mayor was talking with one her tideland staff, who emphasized that Filipinos
are “consistently regulars” at the pier. That takes some dedication, she pointed out. Every morning at five or six in the morning, the fishing crew arrives to power wash and clean. “They’re always there in large numbers. They're an integral part of our community that I really appreciate and celebrate because that's what makes our community so beautiful—our diversity,” she said.
Mayor Aguirre is an Energizer
Bunny mayor who has developed a reputation for being a fierce advocate "for the city’s residents. In addition to overseeing the revitalization of the business sector, she’s also been out front trying to find a solution to the sewage crisis, which has been “the worst it’s ever been,” she said, so onerous that it’s caused the city to close its beaches. What makes the problem so challenging is that “there's multiple sources of pollution
hitting us all at once,” she said.
The three main sources include the international wastewater treatment plant on U.S soil, which is out of compliance and needs costly repairs.
Another source is the Tijuana River, “the most significant source of pollution for Imperial Beach.”
And, the third source is the sewage plant near Rosarito, Baja California, which Mexico has committed to fixing. They broke ground six
By Sunita Sohra Bji/EMS
For low-income residents of California, health care costs became less of a concern on this year, when on Jan. 1, the state rolled out its final phase of Medi-Cal expansion, providing free health care to all residents, regardless of immigration status.
Also beginning Jan. 1, Medi-Cal eligibility will be based solely on income. Assets are not included, which means a person can own a home, a car, even a stock portfolio, and still be eligible for benefits, explained Yingjia Huang, Assistant Deputy Director at California Department of Health Care Services.
“Those are considered assets that no longer need to be verified, or included in the basis of the determination,” she explained in an interview.
People living on retirement or pension benefits of under $1,732 per month would qualify for Medi-Cal, Huang clarified.
Living With Family Adriene Clark, client advocate at the Alameda County Department of Social Services, noted that retired
seniors who choose to live with their family are still eligible for expanded Medi-Cal, as eligibility is determined solely on their income, not the income of the household in which they live. This is an enormous benefit to multigenerational families living in the same household.
Medi-Cal applicants can even keep assets they might have in the home country if they are immigrants, she said, noting such assets will not be included in eligibility determination.
Stock portfolios can also be kept, but dividends and payouts from stock would be counted as income.
Proof of Immigration Status Not Required
“More people will be able to see health care providers when they need to, which will reduce sickness and guarantee more wellness throughout the state,” said Clark. California is the first state in the nation to provide health care coverage to undocumented residents. No proof of immigration status is required to enroll.
The expansion provides a huge boon to seniors living in California.
More than 600,000 people in the state who are over the age of 65 live below the federal poverty line of $15,000 per year.
Poverty is especially acute among undocumented immigrants: about 27% live below the federal poverty line, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.
Older Adult Expansion Program
Seniors can provide proof of California residency via a utility bill or a rental agreement; there is no requirement as to how long they have lived in California.
Applicants must also be able to provide proof of income, and vouch that they intend to stay in California indefinitely. Additional eligibility requirements for the Medi-Cal Older Adult Expansion Program can be found here.
Medi-Cal expansion for seniors has been in effect since May 1, 2022. This January brought about the final phase of expansion, which now includes all low-income residents of the state.
Benefits
“In California, we believe everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care coverage –regardless of income or immigration status,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said when signing the bill in 2021. “Through this expansion, we’re making sure families and communities across California are healthier, stronger, and able to get the care they need when they need it.”
Full-scope Medi-Cal includes a variety of services, including: routine and emergency health visits, medication and medical supplies, including hearing aids, personal attendant care, referrals to specialists,
SAN DIEGO, CA--Who knew that Michelle Camaya Julian would STILL be saying “Yes!” to perform with the most widely known musical on the planet, The Lion King? Almost every year, she receives a direct email from the production’s General Manager, offering her a position to perform her original track (a “track” is a specific role in a show performed by an ensemble member).
In 2002,Michelle originated one of the six female dancer tracks in The Lion King’s first national tour, also referred to as “The Gazelle Tour”. The touring company had a profound mission to instill joy, hope and positivity to the cities they traveled to, especially because the effects of the recent 9/11 attacks still weighed heavily on people’s hearts. Michelle dedicated one year on tour then decided to go back to school.
Two days before her senior year at the University of California, Irvine, she withdrew to tour North America with Fame the musical. Two years into touring with Fame she booked the musical, Swing. Soon thereafter, Keena Smith, who was in the Los Angeles production of The Lion King (there’s been over 28 productions worldwide), shared that there were plans to cast a touring company. The Lion King “Gazelle Tour” would be her third professional show.
Some key advice that never left her consciousness during 5 years on the road was, “Finish what you start.”. This is what the world renowned dance professor at UC Irvine; choreographer, director and writer, the late Donald McKayle would instill onto his students. So, after 5 years away from college, Michelle completed her last year
and received a BA in dance. Even though she was already deep into a prosperous career, she knew that having a degree would later be beneficial.
months ago, and Mayor Aguirre is spending a good amount of time south of the border to make sure that they’re making progress. Other times she has to get on a plane and fly to Washington, D.C. to “knock on doors and advocate for funding,” she said. The issue is personal for Paloma Aguirre. One of the reasons she moved to Imperial Beach in the first place was because she loves the ocean. The Mayor, it turns out, was once a competitive bodyboarder and once harbored dreams of turning pro.
(Bodyboarding is like surfing, except you lay prone on a foam board.)
With the beaches closed in I.B., she must head north to Ocean Beach to catch a few waves, said Mayor Aguirre, who’s also comfortable on a skateboard. While the beach closures are an inconvenience for surfers and beachgoers, Aguirre is also concerned about the health risks that the sewage crisis poses for the fishing community. She said a few years ago the School of Public Health at San Diego State University examined several types of fish routinely caught in Imperial Beach. And the good news, she said, is that “nothing in the meat itself was concerning,” and the mercury levels “were pretty much on part with any other fish you’d buy from a store.” Generally speaking, it’s okay to fish in Imperial Beach, she said, as
Life happened and Michelle found herself back in San Diego. Then, in 2005 she was contacted by the New York production to see if she would be interested in joining the Broadway company. She dropped everything she was doing and moved to New York City the Summer of 2005. So much happened during her 3 years on Broadway. In addition to performing 8 times a week with The Lion King, she was in a dance company (Mark Stuart Dance Theatre), was a lead dancer in a feature film (Disney’s Enchanted) and took a small leave of absence to become a finalist on a reality show (Bravo TV’s Step It Up & Dance). In 2009, Michelle was one of the handful of veteran Lion King performers chosen to open an entirely new production in Las Vegas. And now with the experience of three Lion King productions under her belt, she had proven herself to be
Mayor Paloma Aguirre
"Imperial Beach is known for being a family-friendly, beach oriented community, says Mayor. ( courtesy photo)
The Pampered Pinay Lifestyle: The Power of Privilege
By Francine Maigue
This week, the word “privilege” came up in countless conversations. Topics ranged from education to awards, citizenship to public assistance. Privilege. I heard it used and misused so much that I began to wince each time I heard the word.
Rancid were the layers of judgment that worked to tarnish the best intentions of leaders, volunteers, neighbors—folks fueled by compassion and an understanding of “the bigger picture,” people who work much and sleep very little in the pursuit of progress and equity for our community, people keen to the potential of a domino effect of good.
Can privilege be temporary? Is privilege subjective? If an opportunity is afforded to many, is it still a privilege?
Here’s just one of the heated topics discussed in our community this week…
Criticisms were published that attacked the aims of delegates from a program that immersed young, Filipino American leaders in communities in the Philippines. The claim: Fil-Ams returning to the Philippines to assist communities in need are reminiscent of colonization.
Whoa… Colonization is a strong word. I’d hardly call the efforts of these Fil-Ams (many dual citizens) works of colonization. Last I time checked, none of these folks were trying to assert political control over their kababayan. When one is sent back to our homeland to
help—one helps. So these Fil-Ams are graduates of “top universities.” So these Fil-Ams are hailed by others as “successful.” So these Fil-Ams are branded with “honors.” So?
Is the opportunity to study at a great university a privilege? Sure… but it took hard work to get there and hard work to graduate. The very goal of these folks was to learn as much as they could, so they could go out and help others in the most effective ways possible. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Is it a privilege to be seen by others as mentors in your field? Sure…but the very core of mentorship is giving solicited advice. One can’t blame someone for sharing their thoughts, if one asked them what they were thinking.
Is an award a privilege? Sure… but give these folks some credit. If you’ve met them, they are humbled by the opportunities they’ve been given, understand the daunting expectations that come with such accolades, and want to give back as their thank you. The community’s proud of them and wants to celebrate their achievements. We should all want that for our fellow Filipinos! I worry more about the folks that ask, “Why not ME?” …and maybe that’s the next stage in these conversations… Do people really mean “opportunity” when they mean “privilege”--one certainly connotes a greater sense of entitlement than the other.
There are certainly many opportunities out there to make the best for and of one’s self and one’s community here, abroad…online. This week The National Federation of Filipino American Associations hosts its conference, right here in San Diego. (Come join us at Town & Country in Mission Valley!) I welcome our passionate, innovative leaders, activists, and volunteers from across the US to our hometown. I look forward to the many juicy discussions that are sure to arise in halls and hallways this weekend. It will be a privilege, an opportunity, a blessing to engage in these conversations, as we work to develop the necessary changes that empower ALL members of our community to achieve.
PECHANGA RESORT CASINO NOMINADO SA PRESTIHIYOSONG NATIONAL READERS’ POLL
Ang panahon ng botohan ay umiinit na muli, ngunit ngayon, ito’y hindi patungkol sa naihalal na mga opisyal o mga bahagdan sa balota. Ang USA Today’s 10best.com na taunang poll ng mga mambabasa ay nag iimbita sa mga tagahanga na bumoto sa kanilang paboritong casino sa labas ng Las Vegas at ang isa sa mga pinipintong pagpipilian sa larangan sa kategorya ay ang Pechanga Resort Casino na nasa Temecula. Ang pambansang kompetisyon ay mag-uumpisa sa Lunes, Hulyo 29, at tatagal hanggang Lunes, Agosto 26. Isang panel na mge eksperto sa casino ay patuloy na ibinibilang ang Pechanga Resort Casino sa naturang pakikipagtunggali simula 2015. Ang mga mambabasa ay pinagbilinang bumoto para sa kanilang paboritong mga casino sa labas ng Las Vegas at maaaring isagawa ito isang beses sa isang araw. Ang USA Today 10Best Travel Guide na poll para sa mambabasa na nagbibigay ng rata sa kanilang paboritong mga casino ay lumabas na sa ibat’t bang plataporma simula 2015. Ang Pechanga ay nagkamit ng numero unong lugar bilang Best Casino sa America ng mga taong yaon. Kasunod nito, ang tagapaglathala ay pinagdalawa ang poll sa Best in Las Vegas at Best Outside of Las Vegas, at nagdagdag pa ng ibang mga kategorya kagaya ng Best Casino Restaurant. Ang Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar sa Pechanga ay tumanggap ng pangalawang lugar sa
2018 Best Casino Restaurant poll. Upang maglagak ng boto, bisitahin at Pindutin ang Pechanga. com/vote “Vote Now” na butones at matutulungan ninyo ang Pechanga Resort Casino upang mapalapit ng husto para sa pambansang titulo. Tandaang bumoto araw-araw hanggang Agosto 26. Patungkol sa Pechanga Resort Casino Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay naghahatid ng isa sa pinakamalaki at napakalawak na resort/casino na mga karanasan kahit saan pa man sa Estados Unidos. Ibinotong Best Casino Outside of Las Vegas ng Newsweek at binigyang rata na Four Diamond property ng AAA simula 2002, ang Pechanga Resort Casino
ay naghahatid ng walang kapantay na libangan, maging anumang araw o sa kahabaan ng pananatili rito. Ang Pechanga ay nag-aalay ng mahigit 5,500 ng pinakamainit na slots, table games, world-class na paraan ng aliwan, 1,100 na mga kwarto sa hotel, kainan, spa at golf sa Journey sa Pechanga. Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay nagaalok ng mga destinasyon na walang kahalintulad saan man sa California. Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay pagaari at nasa ilalim ng pamamalakad ng Pechanga Band of Indians. Sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag toll free sa (877) 711-2946 o bumiista sa www.Pechanga.com . Sundan ang Pechanga sa Facebook, Instagram at sa X @PechangaCasino.
California Commemorates 50 Years of the Women, Infants and Children Program Celebration Comes During World Breastfeeding Week, Aug. 1-7
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
For 50 years, California’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) has set the foundation for a healthier future for Californians in need by providing essential education, guidance, and access to nutrition.
SACRAMENTO, CA -- The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Since 1974, the WIC program has been essential in supporting the health and nutrition of families across the nation.
“WIC plays a key role in supporting California families,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. "For 50 years, the program has provided essential education, guidance, and access to nutrition, and we look forward to continuing to ensure that families at nutritional risk have the foundation for a healthier future.”
COMMEMORATING WIC: WIC provides nutrition education,
breastfeeding and chestfeeding support, healthy foods and referrals to healthcare and other community services. California administers the largest WIC program in the country, serving nearly 1 million infants, children, and pregnant and postpartum individuals per month. In 2024, WIC served 6.7 million infants, children, and pregnant and postpartum individuals in all 50 states, 33 tribes, and 5 territories in more than 10,000 clinics.
WIC has been proven to help increase key nutrients in maternal and child diets, which leads to positive health outcomes such as healthy growth and development, improved birth outcomes, fewer preterm births and low birthweights, and more.
HOW CALIFORNIANS CAN RECEIVE WIC BENEFITS: Individuals may qualify for WIC if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or chestfeeding, just had a baby (or recent pregnancy loss), or care for a child under age 5. WIC families must also have low-to-medium income or Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or CalFresh benefits. California WIC families must reside in California.
To learn more about eligibility, please visit CDPH’s How Can I Get WIC webpage.
FROM THE GOVERNOR: During Public Health Week 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom released a letter commemorating the WIC program's five decades of enduring impact on California's families and across the nation. The Governor recognized California’s nearly 1 million WIC participants and WIC’s support of local businesses and economies with more than $70 million spent monthly in more than 3,800 grocery stores, military commissaries, and farmers markets in the state.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
To honor the 50th anniversary of WIC during World Breastfeeding Week (Aug. 1–7), CDPH is joining the City of Berkeley WIC for its annual WIC-nic event on Friday, Aug. 2 in Berkeley, California.
CDPH WIC has also prepared a special WIC 50th Anniversary webpage for local agencies and partners to use, including social media content, flyers, written copy, and more. www.cdph.ca.gov
CalGrows Takes on Caregiver Shortage with Free Training and Incentive Payments
More than 13,000 caregivers have enhanced or expanded their skills and confidence with CalGrows courses; Millions of dollars in incentives are available through August 30
SACRAMENTO -- California faces a looming shortage of caregivers for older adults and adults with disabilities over the next five to 10 years. The California Department of Aging (CDA) has committed to helping close the gap through the CalGrows direct care workforce training and career development program. CalGrows encourages, supports, and incentivizes home and community-based services (HCBS) caregivers. To date, more than 13,000 caregivers across the state have participated in more than 89,000 training courses, and qualified applicants have collected over $7 million in incentive payments.
“CalGrows has been instrumental in addressing the impending shortage of caregivers in California. Thousands of enrollees across the state—many of them women and people of color—have been able to take free training courses and earn financial incentives of up to $6,000 while building their skills,” notes CDA Director Susan DeMarois.
“CalGrows offers a tremendous opportunity for paid direct care workers, as well as unpaid family and friend caregivers, to learn new skills and improve existing skills to deliver the best possible care to older adults and adults with disabilities. I encourage all California caregivers to take
advantage of this free training before the CalGrows program ends on September 30, 2024.”
WHAT CAREGIVERS ARE SAYING: Jeannie Smith of NAPA Valley Support Services said of her experience with the CalGrows program, “We can apply [what we learn] in our everyday work life immediately. [People] like feeling empowered by being able to take what they learned and immediately use it in their workplace.”
“Being a caregiver and direct care worker is a very hard job. Having the opportunity not just to take these free courses but also getting incentive pay is a huge win to them,” said Sean Hidalgo, who manages CalGrows courses at Sacramento’s ACC Senior Services. ACC driver Keng Thor, who has taken CalGrows courses, said, “The knowledge I received from CalGrows was put to use and made me more confident in being able to meet and interact with my clients.”
CalGrows training has empowered California caregivers with improved skills and more confidence when working with older adults and adults with disabilities. Hear from caregivers like Smith who have grown their skillset to support loved ones and/ or their career in these video clips: CalGrows Participant Videos.
BIGGER PICTURE: California’s aging population is growing quickly. By 2030, 25% of the state’s population will be over age 60, outnumbering younger generations for the first time. This population shift increases the need for skilled
caregivers as more Californians face age-related conditions like Alzheimer's and limited mobility.
CalGrows is a critical step toward increasing California’s workforce of high-quality caregivers.
ABOUT THE FREE CAREGIVER TRAININGS:
CalGrows provides a foundation for increased skills, job satisfaction, retention, and career development opportunities for direct care workers. Those include paid professional caregivers as well as family and friends who step into caregiver roles and want to better care for and communicate with patients and loved ones.
More than 600 free, virtual and in-person courses are available on Calgrows.org. The CalGrows website course catalog is searchable by topic, location, and language. Courses are offered in nine languages and designed to address the needs of California's diverse population.
Among the many topics:
● Dementia care
● Patient-centered communication
● Mobility assistance techniques
● Healthcare professional self-care
● Managing chronic disease
● Care team collaboration
Paid caregivers who are eligible for up to $6,000 in incentive payments must submit an Incentive Claim by August 30, 2024. CalGrows courses will be available online through September 30, but all Incentive Claims must be submitted by August 30.
"Dog Days of Summer"
By Barbara Eldridge
SAN
DIEGO,
CA -- Summer heat has taken over, the desire to head somewhere cool looms large – BUT as your Business Results Strategist, I must ask you are you at the midpoint of your 2024 Goals and Results? After these several months working day and night to achieve those goals that were set in January, to perhaps create a new service, introduce a new product, or even design a new business model –have you found that all the drive that brought the initial motivation and excitement has melted away, the steam run out, and the place you are now in is comfortable and the dream world has slipped out from under?
This is a wake-up call! Begin to become aware of your thinking so that you can own your choices and accept responsibility that your ongoing
success must come from you. Your thinking is the catalyst for how you choose to grow yourself and your business. You must press on; you cannot afford to stand still.
Here are some ideas to help build commitment and self-accountability:
1. Build on your Achievements, Experiences, Relationships and those results, learnings and fulfillments.
2. Install safety nets that encourage you, friends, the accountability of our Mind Masters groups, Affirmations.
3. Constantly be aware of your thoughts. What you do or don’t do is usually a result of what you THINK!
4. Visualizing your goals creates the energy to keep you moving forward.
5. Measure your progress, question your assumptions.
6. Focus on your possibilities, allow your desires to guide you.
7. Learn to leverage the skills and experiences of other people.
The games of life and business are won behind the scenes, in time spent in preparation.
The games of life and business are won behind the scenes, in time spent in preparation. Time invested in strategy and planning is the ounce of preparation that can overcome the frustrations and stress. Your date with destiny is TODAY! You were successful the moment you arrived. Success is the opposite of impulsiveness it is a conscious choice. Your plan and the actions you take to move forward are the insurance policy for your success.
Turn on the “fan” and make it happen.
The Challenge: Stop and take a fresh look at your plans – distance yourself from what’s right in front of you and look out over the horizon.
Changes to Medicare Part D
Congress recently made some big changes to Medicare's Part D benefit through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). We selected some questions about these big changes and would like to share the information.
<Q1> What Are the Changes to Medicare Part D?
The new rules are designed to make it easier for seniors to afford their prescription drugs. For the first time, the federal government negotiates prices on certain drugs covered through Medicare. The law establishes annual limits on your out-of-pocket spending for all drugs, with a special cap for insulin. Beneficiaries are also able to spread out their cost sharing throughout the plan year, and you no longer have to pay out of pocket for adult vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
<Q2> How will my drug costs be affected?
First, if you use insulin, your spending is now capped at $35 per month. This is great news for many seniors with diabetes, especially those in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, who are more likely to have diabetes. Second, starting 2025, there will be a $2,000 annual limit on how much you pay for all prescription drugs covered through Medicare.
This means that no matter how many medications you need, your total yearly cost won't go over $2,000. Note that the annual limit is $8,000 in 2024. Third, starting next year, you can choose to spread your drug costs evenly over the year instead of paying large amounts all at once. This option could make it easier to manage your budget if you're on a fixed income. But remember, you need to opt-in for this option -- it won't happen automatically. If you have questions, we encourage you to reach out directly to your Medicare drug plan insurer.
<Q3> Can I receive more assistance with my Medicare prescription drug costs?
Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for even more savings through the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, also called Extra Help program. In 2024, Extra Help is expanded so that beneficiaries who earn between 135% and 150% of the federal poverty level and meet the resource limit requirements can receive full Extra Help benefits. In other words, if your monthly income is up to $1,903 (or up to
$2,575.00 for a couple), you will pay $0 for your Medicare drug plan premium and plan deductible, and a reduced amount for both generic and brand-name drugs. These limits are updated annually.
<Q4> I have heard that the new legislation may impact some of the medications I take -- is that true?
Some experts are worried that the price-setting rules of the IRA could have unintended consequences -like slowing down the development of new drugs, especially pills that are easy to take at home, and making it harder for seniors to access medicines they currently take.
A balanced approach to implementing the law could help mitigate these access and affordability challenges. For instance, Medicare officials could monitor insurers to make sure they don't put certain brand name drugs into higher cost categories -- which forces seniors to pay more out-ofpocket.
Giving the same level of protection to pills that injectable drugs receive would encourage drug companies to keep developing both types of medicines. This will help ensure seniors can access the best treatments for their personal health needs.
long as you use some precautions. Handle the fish with extreme care and practice sanitization. “You need to wash your hands, wash the fish, and wash your gear to avoid crosscontamination. And whatever you do, don't eat raw fish. If you're going to eat it, boil it and cook it.”
Aguirre, who’s been mayor for a
year-and-a-half, won’t be up for reelection until 2026. Which is a good thing, because rather than running a campaign, she can keep focused on the needs of her constituents. Before our interview ended, I asked her if she had a message for the member of the Fil-Am community, and she did. “I think it would be really cool to bring more attention to not just the API culture but the Filipino culture of Imperial Beach,” she said. Mayor Aguirre looks at other cities, like
National City and Chula Vista, that have nonprofits that put on great events celebrating Filipino culture. But Imperial Beach doesn’t have that in spite of the thousands of Fil-Am residents who call I.B. home. “I’d love to partner with organizations and entities that could help bring the Filipino culture to life.”
To get in touch with Mayor Aguirre, send her Executive Assistant, Ryan Trabuco, an email at Rtrabuco@ImperialBeachCa.gov.
Let's vote on November 5, 2024 It is our right and our duty Let's flex those political muscles...
MTS Electric Bus Fleet Reaches One Million Road Miles
Thousands of metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions reduced for the San Diego region
SAN DIEGO, CA -- The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) recently announced a major milestone in reaching its goal to help San Diego reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance cleaner air. On the road to having a carbonneutral fleet by 2040, MTS’s batteryelectric buses eclipsed the onemillion-mile marker last month.
This milestone, 1,021,990 miles, represents 2,130 metric tons of CO2e, or carbon dioxide equivalent, not being emitted into our region’s air. It is also the equivalent of 4.9 million passenger vehicle miles traveled. This means less cars on the road and cleaner air.
“This great milestone demonstrates MTS’ commitment to fostering a healthier environment and reaching our climate goals,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember, District 3. “We must do everything we can to combat climate change, and MTS is playing a significant role in this continued effort.”
In September 2020, the MTS Board of Directors approved the agency’s Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) transition plan to get the bus fleet to all zero emissions vehicles. The plan helped fast track the purchase of zero emission vehicles (ahead of the state mandate to start purchasing vehicles in 2023), including the region’s first 60-ft articulated electric buses.
In October 2023, MTS launched the region’s first electric Rapid bus route, Rapid 227, as part of the
region’s growing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network. This route features 12 60-foot battery electric buses, the first articulated electric vehicles in MTS’ fleet.
Other electric buses in the fleet rotate on various routes across the system in the South Bay, East County, beach communities and more.
The frequent rotation offers more riders the chance to ride electric buses and allows MTS to continue monitoring vehicle and battery performance on various routes, distances, times of day, temperatures and more.
MTS currently has 25 electric buses in service and more on the way to keep residents moving in a cleaner and greener way. MTS anticipates receiving 13 more electric buses in early 2025. Another big step in the agency’s efforts to convert the entire fleet to all zero-emissions by 2040.
MTS has made a series of moves to advance its zeroemissions bus program in the last five years, helping reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions.
In December 2019, MTS began its zero-emissions bus pilot by testing six battery-electric buses and setting in motion the two-year electric bus pilot program. The buses ranges were tested under various driving characteristics, including weather, topography and more.
In September 2020, the MTS Board approved a transition plan to convert the agency’s 750 buses to zero-emission by 2040.
MTS committed to purchasing its last internal combustion powered bus in 2028.
Transition will cut the agency’s greenhouse gas emissions on the bus side by approximately 43% over the next 19 years.
In February 2021, MTS retired the last diesel bus in its fleet.
In May 2022, MTS broke ground on an $8.5 million retrofitting project at its South Bay bus division on an overhead charging system for battery-electric buses. In October 2022, MTS selected a site to build a new LEED-certified all-electric bus division to serve its growing zero-emission bus fleet. Beginning in 2029, 100% of new bus purchases will be zero emission buses,
“IT’S NOT THE PLANE, SIR…IT’S THE PILOT!”: THINK THE F-22 IS THE SKY’S TOP DOG? THE FILIPINO’S FA-50 PROVED YOU WRONG!
SAN DIEGO, CA -- If you – my dear folks – are not aware of it yet – the mock engagement between the Filipino and American jets took place during Cope Thunder 23-2 last year.
Earlier that week, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that one of its FA-50 light attack jets managed to score a notional kill against America’s reigning air superiority champ, the F-22 Raptor, during air combat exercises held in July of 2023. This proclamation came alongside an image captured by the FA-50’s gun camera, showing the Raptor in the Filipino pilot’s sights as the fighter locked onto the stealth jet with an infrared-guided (heat-seeking) missile.
“This incident marked a momentous development in military history. The Philippine’s Lead-in Fighter Aircraft triumphed over a 5th generation fighter jet in a simulated court of air combat, which took place in the airspaces over Luzon, within the context of Cope Thunder Exercise,” the PAF statement reads.
But while this accomplishment is certainly worthy of celebration for the Philippine Air Force, a closer inspection of this image offers a number of worthwhile clues into how a $38 million trainer-turnedattack aircraft managed to best the $350 million plus Raptor.
And here’s a spoiler: As is often the case to this sort of exercises, it is not the plane but the pilot’s skills as an airman that counts.
Now, let me digress a bit here.
I do love Top Gun: Maverick… every long-haul flight, if I may say it to myself…and as I gleefully watch Capt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell defy gravity and common sense.
I love that Maverick has the perfect response to Ed Harris’s crusty, drone warrior character – Admiral Chester “Hammer” Cain telling him that pilots like him (Maverick) are heading for extinction.
“Maybe so, sir. But not today,” Maverick replied back.
Ha-ha-ha-ha!
Why do I like such a movie? It’s simple (and yes, very simplistic, indeed!) p-a-t-r-i-o-t-i-s-m! I love our adopted country – the good, old U.S. of A. – both as a place and a concept and Top Gun is absolutely all about America, for better or worse – warts and all!
And I do appreciate our beloved old homeland – the Philippines, too!
For me, they are two peas in a pod, so to speak.
Ha-ha-ha-ha!
As for my very own perspective?
As a writer, my focus will be seeking objectivity while retaining empathy when I encounter views at odds with my own. As a FilipinoAmerican of a certain age (Old, yes, it is and history, too) – I will continue to like my own version of Top Gun far better.
And I have no doubts about it as indicated in that popular and
action-packed film that Top Gun’s Maverick was perfectly right when he asserted: “It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot!”
Ha-ha-ha-ha!!
That mock engagement between the Philippine and American jets did happen during Cope Thunder 23-2 –a series of bilateral fighter training exercises and subject matter expert exchanges that took place in the Philippines between July 2 and 21 of 2023. The U.S. Air Force sent 15 aircrafts, primarily F-16s and F-22s, along with over 500 airmen to participate in the drills alongside a similar number of PAF personnel operating ground attack-oriented FA-50s, A-29s, and AS-211s.
But despite degrees of aircraft flying dozens of sorties over the span of nearly three weeks, the part of these drills that has captured the world’s attention occurred in the moment before a Philippine Air Force pilot proudly announced over the radio “Fox 2! Killed one Raptor on the right turn!”
In a real way, I say an FA50 taking on the F-22 is kind of a modern David and Goliath story!
The Lockheed Martens F-22 Raptor is widely considered to be the most dominant air superiority fighter ever to fly, thanks to its unique combination of stealth, sensor fusion, and hot rod performance usually only found in non-stealth Cold War-era fighters like the F-15.
On the other hand, the underdog FA-50 is the light-combat version of the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainer aircraft initially designed to replace Korea’s aging fleet of Northrop F-5Es and Cessna A-37 Dragonflies.
While the F-22 was structured to outperform the best fighters on the planet with no expense spared, the FA-50 was patterned with affordability and efficiency front and center, but that’s not to say that it lacks teeth.
The FA-50 is an economic performer that won’t breach many records, but it won’t break the bank either.
So…how on Earth did it (FA50) manage to secure a kill against the most potent fighter (F-22) in the sky?
It’s not the plane…it’s the pilot, stupid!
Yes, indeed!!
Ha-ha-ha-ha!!!
And to vouch for the Filipino pilot’s intrepidity in aviation, let’s just look back and remember our “kababayans” exploits in history:
Let’s begin with then Captain Jesus Villamor, commanding officer of the 6th Pursuit Squadron, Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) who led a daredevil squadron of six Filipino pilots in erstwhile training aircrafts and who took on fifty-four Japanese air raiders on Batangas skies and by himself shot down two and victoriously remarked “he got so mad” that he forgot to be scared.
My senior high school teacher, Atty. Milagros Ramin Francia, was buried today in the hallowed grounds of Eternal Gardens in Naga City. She was 80 years old. When I saw her last during the CSNHS Batch 1973 Golden Jubilee Gala Night, she showed signs of the natural aging process, but she still had that ebullient smile and wit as she did back when she was 28 years old teaching World History.
It was a brief encounter in the context of 50 years having passed since exiting the gates of our Alma Mater in 1973. Unreal was perhaps the right word, in an unbelievably ecstatic, high energy, and emotional evening considering the several mentors from high school that were in attendance and not to mention batch mates I have not seen in ages.
I regretted deeply that I did not have a sit-down conversation with her that evening and the days after because it was a whirlwind
In testimonial, Emmet F. Gibson, a former 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s 192nd Tank Battalion, recounted the exploits of the Filipino fighter pilot to writer David Camelon in the story entitled “Bataan was Hell”, which was published in the Chicago HeraldAmerican on 18 July 1942:
“Our Air Force – the ‘Bamboo Fleet’- it was called: a motley assortment of crippled planes, held together with baling wire, splinted and patched with bamboo – fought with fury.
“Captain Jesus Villamor, the Filipino ace, and three Filipino lieutenants were flying antiquated planes, fighting side by side with American pilots. They fought with phenomenal daring.
“I remember seeing – a flight of 27 Japanese bombers soaring
FIGHTING FILIPINO ACE PILOT: Captain Jesus Villamor, commanding officer of the 6th Pursuit Squadron, Philippine Army Air Corps, is pictured getting out of his aircraft after returning from a flight to Batangas Field in the Philippines.
THE "CONGO MISSION" WAS THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL DEPLOYMENT FOR THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE: In 1962, the Philippine government sent the 9th Tactical Fighter "Limbas" Squadron to the troubled country of Congo in Africa and was credited for the stabilization of the country's peace and order crisis.
overhead, on the way to spread a withering hail of death over Manila. Suddenly two black specks streaked toward them.
have written about its narrative in an earlier column of mine.
Jesse T. Reyes
Filipino Potpourri
In this most trying of situations, Captain Reyes and his crew rose to the challenge. Controlling the altitude of the plane via the throttle – which I understand is an extremely difficult thing to do – Captain Reyes kept the plane in the air for nearly an hour before making an emergency landing in Okinawa. His courageous actions and outstanding skills as a pilot helped avert a great disaster and save the lives of 272 passengers and 20 crew members.
Captain Reyes later had the courage to testify on behalf of the Unted States against al-Qaida master bomber Ramzi Yousef. In 1994, Yousef was working on a master plan often called Bojinka Plot, to bomb twelve U.S. passenger jets over the Pacific Ocean in a 2-day period, killing over 4,000 civilians. The bombing of Captain Reyes’ plane was a test run for that plan. And, as many here remember, Yousef was also responsible for the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993. Captain Reyes’ testimony at Ramzi’s 1996 trial helped to put one of the world’s most dangerous terrorists in prison for life.
visit. I had so many things in mind that I wanted to share with her, questions to ask other than those I asked as the emcee of the evening. The mentors did engage us in a public conversation regarding two significant events that happened during our senior year: The Colgante Bridge collapse and the declaration of martial Law a week later. Beloved Ma’am Mila Francia remembered me well and she even alluded to my association with her brother Fred in the United States. One of the questions that I wanted to ask her was whether she could still remember an afternoon when the tricycle she was in stopped along Peñafrancia Avenue, not too far from the CSNHS compound. She saw me walking home during a pouring rain and offered me a ride.
A small act of kindness that spoke well of her person, one that never leaves a reserved spot in my mind. Her passing touched something
“’Villamor! There goes Villamor!’ Someone beside me had shouted. Our hearts leaped as we followed these specks down, down toward the enemy bombers. Two against 27!
“There was a sudden swirl in the Japanese formation. Villamor and his accompanying pilot (wingman) were striking home. Bombers scurried through the skies like a pack of frightened geese.
“A plume of smoke came from one --- a tiny, graceful feature of bluish, straining out behind it. It flew steadily for a minute, then plunged in a stream of smoke and flame through the bright tropic sky until we lose sight of it.
“’One for Villamor!’”
In recognition of his bravery and service to his country, newlypromoted Lieutenant Colonel Jesus Antonio Villamor received the Medal of Valor from then President Ramon Magsaysay on 21 January 1954. As a fitting tribute to one of the Philippines’ greatest heroes, the Philippine Air Force renamed Nichols Air Base in Pasay City to Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base.
And then there’s the fairlyrecent story of Captain Eduardo “Ed” Reyes and Philippine Airlines Flight 434 sometimes referred to as PAL-434 or PR-434 of which I
PAL Flight 434 was a scheduled flight on December 11, 1994 from Manila to Tokyo with a quick stopover in Cebu on a Boing 734283B that was severely damaged by a terrorist’s bomb killing one passenger and damaging vital control systems of the aircraft.
What was the most incredible landing that a pilot has ever made in history?
And who was that Filipino hero pilot who saved 272 passengers?
Here’s the story and the tribute to our “kababayan’s” remarkable achievement as posted on U.S. Congressional Record, Volume 153 (2007), Part 3, Page 4137 from the U.S. Government Publishing Office:
“Mrs. Dole, Mr. President, today – I wish to honor CPT Eduardo Reyes, a retired Philippine Air Force pilot who flew for Philippine Airlines.
On December 11, 1994, Captain Reyes was piloting Philippine Airlines Flight 434, from Manila to Tokyo when a bomb planted by now-convicted terrorist Ramzi Yousef was detonated on board the aircraft. The blast immediately killed one Japanese businessman and injured ten others. It also caused the aircraft’s controls to stop functioning normally putting the lives of everybody aboard the plane at risk.
The Sound of Silence
inside me. Perhaps a hurt, an ache for the lost years of not having been in touch. Graduation from high school is perhaps one of those things that people leave behind moving forward and never looking back in the up-tempo of a crazy world. How do you get off from it? The alumni reunion in 2023 was my first attempt and I was looking forward to another one in a continuing process of reuniting with the past.
BackStreet Boys has a hit song, “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely,” that could enliven the day. The melancholy of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” can also be the balm to reunite with “hello darkness, my old friend.” The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” has a line that offers a way forward. “Remember to let her into your heart, then you can start to make it better.”
Paul and John’s line is apt, and I like it better as the first step of acceptance. Taking the negative impact of the loss to a positive outlook. Perhaps I can find the answers to the questions I wanted to ask her, if I search myself for meanings. Solitude, as a healthy personal disciple for self-reflection, is perhaps the best way to access that inner chamber of empty, untrammeled space accessible only
to the soul.
The question is, how do you access that empty space and fill it with longing that can fertilize the mind? Yet, it should be a longing that doesn’t vacuum the vitality of the spirit. It should be one that adds lucidity to the paradox of the soul and the elasticity of time. Like the blooms of epiphyllum that fade with amazing punctuality, yet its beauty leaves an indelible shape that inhabits the artsy corner of the mind.
In my life, I’ve seen the grandeur and experienced the splendor of many aspects of world history that ma’am Mila Francia eloquently talked about during her stint as CamHi. The words she used inspired young minds like mine to develop an exploring mind where one can inhabit it with great anticipation. The ruins of Rome were an abstraction at that time whose role during the reign of the Roman Empire told of a once mighty army that conquered Europe with speed and for eternity. Yet, its precipitous fall was just as thunderous.
I thought of her when I visited the Colosseum, the Flavian Amphitheatre where the gladiators of Rome fought for supremacy and for life. I thank my world history
For his valor and clear thinking on December 11, 1994 and for his contribution to the fight against terrorism by testifying against Ramzi Yousef I would like to commend Captain Reyes. The United States and countries throughout the world are indebted to him for his brave actions.”
Moving on with our recountal about Filipino pilots, I would also be remiss if I did not mention the role of Philippine Air Force pilots and airmen played in the United Nations (UN) operations in the Congo…Yes, in Africa! In 1962, UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold asked the Philippine government to send a tactical air squadron to neutralize secessionists and mercenary forces in the Congo. This UN operation in the then troubled Congo would be the first international mission for the Philippine Air Force since it was founded in 1947.
On 11 February 1963, the officers and men of the hastily organized 9th Tactical Fighter “Limbas” Squadron left for Congo, Africa. The military unit was a part of the PAF Contingent which represented the Philippines in United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in the war-torn country. Heeding the call of the UN Secretary General, then President Diosdado Macapagal committed the 9th TFS of the Philippine Air Force as he instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to organize the PAF part with its manpower and air tactical squadron assets all together. The aviators drawn from
teacher for planting the desire to feel the roaring crowd when a gladiator falls. Fallen gladiators are dragged to a dark area under the archeological heart of Rome. The Spoliarium that the famous Filipino painter Juan Luna gave realism on canvas was inspired by these fallen gladiators of Rome.
Just imagine a moment that I could have spent with her over a cup of coffee, talking about these things that she probably didn’t anticipate could be a topic of conversation between a world history teacher and her star pupil. The Outstanding in World History accolade I’ve gotten in high school would have been something that brings honor to her and her chosen profession.
The Eiffel Tower of Paris was an iconic topic in world history. There were no PowerPoints then, thus the limits on visual aids. The picture featured in the textbook was truly inadequate to bring life to it. I wanted to share with her my experience with my family ascending to the midsection of the Eiffel where the vista point for the city’s sprawling villages of historical structures was located.
With my own eyes, the tower that loomed large in my imagination for years, was before me and more.
The pious peasant girl who rose from obscurity and became a legend and history giant, Joan of Arc, was
the fighter squadrons were to work with ground security troops, health practitioners and maintenance crew. The pilots and airmen of the Limbas Squadron were handpicked by Captain Luis J. Diano, the unit’s operations officer. They were to replace the Italian contingent which had pulled out from Congo. An advance party of four officers headed by Colonel Horacio N. Farolan (Military Mission Chief), Lieut. Col. Jose L. Rancudo (Limbas Squadron Commander) and Captain Isidro B. Agunod and Captain Ismael A. Sabarre. The Limbas Squadron operated from Kamina Air Base, the headquarters of UN Fighter Command; the UN Peacekeeping Forces was known by its French name “Operation des Nations Unies au Congo” or “ONUC”. Three fighter squadrons comprised this UN Combat Wing – the 22nd Swedish Squadron (equipped with J-29 Tunnan’s), the 103rd Iranian Squadron which flew the F-86F Sabre jets and the Philippine Air Force contingent which operated five F-86E Sabre jets left by the Italians plus corresponding support equipment needed for sustained flying operations.
Congo, a former colony of Belgium was to become independent but serious external dissent threatened it, and the rebel opposition was equipped with propeller-driven fighter aircrafts. The UN Forces moved decisively against the rebels as the UN Fighter Command bombed them as the said rebels waited for more of their recruited pilots and Mustang planes. So, our “kababayan” fighter pilots took over the Canadian-made F-86Es formerly utilized by the Italian Peacekeepers and performed orientation flights though they were more familiar with the muchly advanced “F” model. The “E” model was the hard-winged version. It does not have leading edge slots which adjusted automatically hence the aircraft tended to burble very easily in flight. On the other hand, the E’s had a longer flight endurance (two and a half hours) and this proved advantageous for the Limbas Squadron looking out for the sneaked in Mustangs. It was the UN Air Force policy to disperse fighter aircraft so that all parts of Congo could be covered –the show of power was necessary as a deterrent force.
On 2 April 1963, a detachment of the Limbas Squadron was sent to Elizabethville led by Captain Agunod and performed reconnaissance missions for the sector covered. On 15 April 1963,
See JESSE REYES on 8
a heroine in France for leading an army to a stunning victory during the Hundred Years’ War in Europe. One thing I remembered from her lecture was the religious underpinnings of her life and death. During my tour of the Vatican, I saw St. Joan of Arc’s painting wearing a white armor on a white horse. Her capture and eventual death burned at the stake for heresy, made me curious about the role of religion and the church in wars. The ruins of Rome led me to study and research further, Saint Augustine’s treatise anchored on the City of God with inquiries regarding the angels. Such a journey led me deeper into the bowels of the Vatican archives and found the Mother Lode on the Council of Trent and the centuries following. Ma’am Francia lit a fire in my consciousness on the importance of history and how it shaped religions, cultures, politics and government. Today, I’m very thankful for her role in my life and for the inspiration that unlocked my critical thinking mind and creativity. I’m sorry that we were never given the opportunity to reminisce deeper about our times in high school, and how her teaching philosophy let loose of my potential. I’m forever grateful for the terrific opportunity to learn from her and what I’ve become.
Spiritual Life
Love your enemies
When I was younger, I used to say that the most difficult religion to embrace is Christianity. The requirements of being a Christian is onerous. Take for instance, Jesus said, “Love your enemies. Do good to them that hate you or persecute you.” Could we really do this act of loving those who say so many things against you or just hate you for being a friend of those they have a quarrel with?. There is a woman, a graduate of an exclusive Catholic school for girls in Manila, who claims to be a community leader and who has made it here in San Diego. She was invited to cohost a fund raising party and her comment was “I’ll join you as long as Mrs. Cudal is not in the line-up”. I felt sad when people relay this kind of response to me. But what can I do? I just shrug my shoulders and move on.
Life is so beautiful to be marred by the attitude of people who happen not to like you. Deep in my heart I hold no grudges against anyone. Life is too short. Do whatever you can to help others and to make life worth living. I have lots of friends, good and kind friends who treat me with love, kindness and respect. I feel so blessed when I am with them.
I purposely avoid situations where I’ll meet people who can’t stand my presence. I don’t want to generate in their hearts ill-feelings which would be harmful to their
Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera
My Personal Testimony
health and well-being. It has been proven by science that physical illhealth often springs from negative attitudes and feelings. I pity those who hate me, who are envious of what I do, or who are jealous of the company I keep. They are sick and they need to be healed by the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The fruits of the spirit are love, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, generosity and contentment. And I pray that the Holy Spirit will remain in my heart so I can love my enemies and do good to those who hate me.
I feel that the reason for my good state of health is due to my state of being. I live a very simple life. I have friends who truly care for me. I have no enemies. I don’t worry. I am content with what I have. I spend my time in positive ways – reading and listening to music or writing this column. I love my children and grandchildren but I don’t interfere with their lives.
I do good whenever I can and wherever I am.
Everyday is a beautiful day. And when I wake up in the morning, my heart starts singing. “All the shadows of the night have passed away. It is morning in my heart. I’ll be living in the sunlight of the day. It is morning in my heart. It is morning; it is morning in my heart. All the shadows of the night have now departed. For since Jesus is my King, songs of gladness now I sing. It is morning, it is morning in my heart.” This has been a lifelong practice which keeps me going throughout the day.
“The unfailing love of the Lord never ends. By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness. His mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24, (The Holy Bible, New Living Translation)
A place of nothingness
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28)
"...and the child reached out his hand, and Amy pulled him out, just as the roof collapsed."
This quote could be from any number of stories.
Something inside the human heart is captivated by the lastminute rescue. Perhaps it is the suspense. Perhaps it is provocative to think that, in some circumstances, only minutes separate life from death.
God loves last-minute rescues. He loves coming in and saving His children when all hope is lost. Abraham and Sarah, Abraham and Isaac, Joseph, a slew of smaller narratives in Judges and Kings, and of course in Jesus Christ when we saw Him take His final earthly breath on the Crossonly to rise again three days later.
The trouble is that it is hard to appreciate the last-minute rescue before it happens. It is hard for
JESSE REYES
Continued from page 5
Brigadier General Lampel, the UN Fighter Wing Commander went on vacation and Lieut. Col. Rancudo acted as Commander of Kamina Air Base while Captain Luis J. Diano became Limbas Squadron Commander.
It is to be noted that the Philippine Air Force contingent’s airmen in Congo also showed great resourcefulness and ingenuityTechnical Sergeant (TSG) Mario Bueno and TSG Simplicio Patreas - in improvising an engine dolly – an equipment vital for aircraft maintenance – reducing a third of the man-hours normally required. Swedish and Iranian contingents found the dolly so useful that they borrowed it on several occasions.
The Filipinos also pioneered a civic action mission; teaching the Congolese the art of bamboo weaving and the manufacture of bamboo furniture’s thus uplifting the socio-economic condition of the locals.
Danny Hernaez
From
Whom
All Blessings Flow
the damsel tied to the train tracks to be thinking, "This is going to be amazing," when the train is approaching and her hero is nowhere in sight. Is this how you're feeling right now?
We can be confident knowing that our hero will show up! Possibly even when all hope is gone. Because we know the Savior, we know that our rescue will be beautiful.
Jesus trusted that His Father's plan would bring about a miracle, and that His suffering would be all worth it. Through His example, we can rest assured that the rescue God has planned for us - despite how scary it can feel
The PAF Contingent stayed in Congo for four months. Although, it never engaged in aerial combat, the unit was credited for serving as the stabilizing arm of the African nation.
Upon their return to the Philippines, the Limbas Squadron was formally designated as the 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 5th Fighter Wing of the Philippine Air Force.
Of late and moving on with our chronicle - the Philippine Air Force FA-50PH “Fighting Eagle” light jet fighters and their superb pilots were “victorious” when they “dogfight” with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) JAS-39 “Gripen” aircrafts last Tuesday, 16 July 2024 as part of the “Pitch Black 2024” exercises in Darwin, Australia.
“Upcoming today, we are going to have dissimilar aircraft combat tactics with the RTAF with their Gripen (multi-role fighters),” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo noted in an earlier press conference at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Philippines.
FYI: Dissimilar aircraft combat tactics refer to air combat training where two different air platforms oppose each other in a drill.
I say these activities certainly boosted the air defense capabilities of the PAF fighter pilots as evidenced by the resultant 10-7 kill ratio during the simulated air combat. Yes! The Filipinos’ FA50PH scored a 10-7 victory over
right now - will be all worth it.
And now may the Lord bless you, and may the Lord keep you, and may the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and may the Lord be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May you walk in the blessed assurance that your steps are being ordered of the Lord and that His angels are going before you to make certain that your life reaches its spiritual destiny. May the prayers that you pray, be reward to you according to your faith, for God is a faithful God, and He will open the windows of heaven and bless you with blessings you cannot contain, in Jesus' name. Amen.
<(((><
the Thai’s more capable and highly advanced JAS-39 Gripen fighters in Pitch Black 2024.
Assuredly, the PAF FA-50PH fighters whooped up the Thai’s Gripen multi-role aircrafts – and that is absolutely the Filipino pilot’s acquired skills showing up triumphantly albeit their antiquated air assets, so to speak. By the way, “This exercise is a historic event as it is the first time that the PAF has sent its aircraft overseas for an international drill” Col. Castillo added.
FYI: The FA-50PH – capable of speeds of up to Mach 1.5 are the most capable and potent aircraft in the PAF inventory. About 12 FA50PH were acquired from the Korea Aerospace Industries for PHP18.9 billion.
FYI: “Pitch Black” is a biennial air exercise conducted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
And lest I forget - there is also the Philippine Air Force Blue Diamonds aerobatic team and of which I have personally watched their performances in awe as an inquisitive youth when I was still in the old homeland. If some of you – my younger dear readers – do not know about it – the PAF Blue Diamonds is the premier national aerobatic team of the Philippines.
Greetings in the Lord!
In the past several Sundays we have heard how Jesus introduced one of the most important teachings that he left behind by doing healing miracles, such as the raising of little girl of twelve years and the woman who suffered hemorrhages for the same number of years as well as miracles over the law of nature when he walked on the water of the Sea of Galilee and pacified both the wind and the high waves. The most significant among these miracles was his multiplication of the loaves and fishes that fed thousand men, not counting women and children. He did all these in order to proclaim the fundamental reality that he is the “Bread that came down from heaven.” This was a process to teach a truth that is truly difficult to believe and accept by first showing how mighty was his power, how forceful were his deeds, so that manifesting such realities He would be able to bring home to an incredulous people, who hunger only for what is concrete and self-satisfying, the truth that has everlasting consequences for those who want to truly follow Jesus.
In understanding the message of the gospel reading today let us see how the people, who at first were so amazed by his powerful deeds and mighty actions, could not comprehend the message that Jesus wanted them to accept. It was so easy for them to marvel at his wonderful healing power and mighty actions, but could not comprehend with open hearts the message that he wanted to convey. They murmured, they complained, they questioned. They would not believe in what Jesus proclaimed: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven, whoever eats this bread will live
forever, and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” This was the message that he wanted the Jews to accept, but instead “murmured about him… and they said ‘is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, ‘I have come down from heaven. “ Furthermore, “they quarreled among themselves saying, ‘how can this man give us [his] flesh to eat.’” Man today continues the same sentiment that the Jews of the past had. We long and aspire very earnestly for things and wonderful events that would satisfy our own human desires and longings. We easily appreciate men and women who would gratify our senses, satisfy our dreams which are often material, concrete, but always relative and transitory. They may not only be pleasing but often satisfying, but never fulfilling the purpose for which existence on earth is given true meaning. When the elements of what real and true is spoken about we shun the speakers, avoid understanding the message and find other avenues that would only respond whims and caprices.
One of the realities that the church continues to teach is the truth that
Jesus is the “bread that came down from heaven,” and that we eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, we do not have life in us. For truly he said, “whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.”
Truly Jesus is the “Bread of Life” that we continue to believe, behold adore in the Eucharist. Nevertheless this reality would only become truly effective in our lives when we accept Him in faith, understand Him with love and share His with devotion. My dear brothers and sisters, we have witnesses so many miracles in our own personal lives, in our families, in our communities and in the world today. These miracles continue to manifest and lead us to the greatest among the miracles that Jesus has left us to always consider. This is the miracle of his presence in the world today in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, his true presence during the celebration of the Eucharist in the bread and wine that the priest consecrate and become His sacred Body and precious Blood that is the only means to the life of communion with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as he mentioned “whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” Let us thank the Lord this wonderful gift of his presence. Let us ask His forgiveness for the many times that we have doubted his loving presence in our lives and resolve to seek for more enlightenment so that we may understand this mystery to glorify His name forever.
Aanhin mo pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo
Kung patay na ang kabayo, wala ng halaga ang damo
Maraming panyayari sa tunay na buhay ang kahawig nito Dulot ay mahalagang aral sa paglalakbay sa mundo.
Bukas, bukas, bukas mayroon pa namang bukas
Maaring bukas ko na lang gawin
Ang bukas naman ay darating Ang hindi natin tiyak ay kung magaganap ang nais nating gawin.
Kung may isang bagay na nais nating gawin
Huwag ipagliban at di natin natitiyak ang araw na darating
Kapag may isang taong nais tawagan upang humingi ng patawad Hindi masisiguro ang araw ng bukas, kaya’t tumawag kaagad.
Assigned to the 5th Fighter Wing, the unit is based at Basa Air Base in Florideblanca, Pampanga. Founded in 1952, the Blue Diamonds is one of the o-l-d-e-s-t formals flying aerobatic teams in the world, along with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds which was founded in 1953, the United States Navy Blue Angels formed in 1946 and the “Patrouille de France” of the French Air Force put together in 1931.
The Blue Diamonds have utilized a variety of aircraft during its active years including the North American P-51 Mustang, the North American F-86 Sabre and the Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter.
In the 1959 air show, participated by the American and Chinese Air Forces, a nine-member Blue Diamond team with three airborne reserves virtually stole the “thunder” from the USAF Thunderbirds.
At the start of the performance, team leader Lieutenant Jose “Pepot” Gonzales stunned the crowd when he took off and rushing towards them snapped his Sabre jet into a perfect roll with gears and flaps extended only meters from the ground, then at the last moment pulled up into an astonishing “Immelmann turn”, stabbing in the reverse direction.
FYI: The term “Immelmann turn” named after German World War I Eindecker fighter ace Lieutenant Max Immelmann refers to two different aircraft maneuvers.
In World War I aerial combat, an
Ang magsabi ng “Mahal kita” sa anak at asawa
Kinakailangan upang lalong pagtibayin sa Pagmamahal ang pamilya Subalit kailan pa ba natin sasabihin ito
Kung sila ba ay wala na?
Minsan sa buhay ko aking nalaman
Nais akong makita ng aking tiyahin na may karamdaman Ang balak na makita siya ay aking ipinagliban Nang siya ay pumanaw at di kami nagkita Hanggang ngayon dala-dala ko ang pagsisisi, tuwing aking naalaala.
Ang bukas ay di tiyak, ang kahapon ay lumipas na Ang mahalaga ay ang ngayon, magmahal ng kusa Huwag nating hintayin na tayo ay mahalin ng iba
Immelmann turn was a maneuver used after an attack on another aircraft to reposition the attacking aircraft for another attack. In modern aerobatics, an Immelmann turn (also known as a roll-off-thetop or simply an Immelmann) is an aerobatic maneuver that results in level flight in the opposite direction at a higher altitude.
It was the very first time that such low altitude and air speed in aviation history that an F-86F jet was able to perform such daring maneuvers.
The Filipino Air Force lieutenant capped his solo number with a clean slow roll.
The applause was loudest when the team went into a difficult clover leaf with four loops and twists at the top of each leaf, then broke into a neat bomb burst breakaway.
Born flyers, I say the Filipino team owned their proficiency to constant practice more than anything else. Lt. Gonzales rarely flew with the whole band, too. His normal conditional involved only the basic 4-plane diamond formation.
In one training preparation, Gonzales heard a loud explosion from his cockpit. His left armament panel tore of at its rivets (Captains Angel Mapua and Romeo Almario as his right and left wingman and Reinfredo Barrientes as slot man). Mapua was able to slide out but Barrientes rammed into Almario. Although both aircraft suffered
Gamitin ang bawat sandali, magdulot ng aliw at saya sa buhay ng iba. Ang buhay natin sa mundong ito ay pansamantala Kaya’t anumang kabutihan ang ating pang magagawa Huwag ng ipagliban, kumilos, ngayon din ay gawin na Sapagkat sa landas na ito, hindi na tayo muling magadaraan pa!
major wing damages, they were still able to safely land at Basa Air Base. And that is how awe-inspiring proficient Filipino fighter pilots are!
It is a well-known fact that around the 1950s and 60s era, Philippine Air Force pilots were considered one of the very best aviators in the whole world. And that’s one reason why many international airlines are always looking for and recruiting PAF pilots who has retired and hire them directly to fly their aircrafts.
A case in point is the “Daredevil Angels of Mercy in Africa” whose flight crews are mainly manned by Filipino airmen.
Captain Rodolfo “Rudy” Petican had a long and satisfying career as a C-130 Hercules transport pilot from the Philippine Air Force and the civilian sector as well. He served for 13 years with the PAF 220th Airlift Wing at Mactan flying C-130 transports ferrying troops and supplies all over the archipelago. When he got out of the Air Force, he was hired by TransAfrik which was based in Angola, Africa. TransAfrik is a private airfreight company owned by a German national that specialized in ferrying supplies to risky combat zones in Africa. For many years, it has performed relief flights for organizations such as Caritas, Red Cross, UNICEF, Lutheran World Federation and Care International.
Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic
AANHIN MO PA ANG DAMO
Ni Salvador S. Idos
Salvador S. Idos
and even transportation to and from doctors and pharmacy visits.
More recently, the California Department of Health Care Services, which oversees Medi-Cal, has attempted to avoid the stigma surrounding mental health care by pairing it with programs such as free accupressure and Qigong classes. One out of 5 Asian Americans need mental health services, but fewer than 1 in 50 seek it out. The reluctance to seek mental health care is especially acute among older Asian adults.
Assisted Living
Medi-Cal will not pay for room and board at an assisted living facility, but will pay for services rendered at the facility, explained Joseph Billingsley, Assistant Deputy Director, Integrated Systems of Care, Health Care
Dear Readers,
Delivery Systems at DHCS. Those who need assisted living facilities would have to find a means to pay for their room and board. Assisted living waivers are available through the state to help with room and board costs, but are currently only available in 15 counties, Billingsley said in an interview.
referral etc. at info@thefilipinopress.com
Folks who qualify for an assisted living waiver must use one of the assisted living facilities that have been approved by the state. Those approved facilities are called Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, and are equipped to take Medi-Cal. Residents, however, may still find that they have to pay for some of their room and board, even with a waiver.
Medi-Cal does offer some services for older people who choose to age in their homes.
It has also conducted refugee evacuation (including logistic supplies and medical withdrawals) from war zones in coordination with humanitarian organizations as well as various world-wide operations of the United Nations (UN) Forces (i.e. UNAVEM 1 & 2, MONUA in Angola, UNSCOM in Somalia, UNTAC in Cambodia and now MONUC in Congo).
Initially, TransAfrik employed six Filipinos including Capt. Petican as pilots of the C-130 aircraft of a diamond mine company ferrying supplies from Luanda, capital of Angola to diamond mines in Cafunto and Dundo.
The first Filipino pilot to perish during TransAfrik’s operations was Chief Pilot Ramon Dumlao who previously worked with the Philippine Aerospace Development Company (PADC) whose C-130 aircraft crashed while ferrying supplies over an area controlled by Angolan UNITA rebels.
TransAfrik expanded their operations later on after the United Nations contracted them to ferry supplies in various African countries. The fleet started with the acquisition of a C-130 from South Africa eventually acquiring a fleet of fifteen C-130’s and seven Boeing 727’s at the height of the company’s operations from 1988 to 1997.
Capt. Petican who was now Director of Operations then coordinated the fleet supported by eighteen Filipino pilots and other flight crews together with aviators from other nations.
TransAfrik operations under the United Nations were wide-ranging from Cambodia to Africa and in the Middle East through Mosul and in Kurdistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
In his own words, “My total number of flying years since I graduated from the Philippine Air Force Flying School is 45 years and I can thank God that with such so much time and years that I’ve been flying I never had any accident, major or minor.”
“We operate on small and
unprepared runways in all weather condition, without navigation and communication equipment, so we just rely on our experience and competence in handling an aircraft and familiarity of the terrain. I am just happy that I survived all the dangers and challenges of our flying operations,” Capt. Petican declared in an interview.
“Our company motto is: ‘Only the tough survives’” as he concluded the conversation.
Ah, yes… a salute to all those magnificent Filipino men (and now women, too!) in their flying machines … for their truly indomitable fighting spirit, intrepidity and devotion to duty against overwhelming odds and as always, an inspiration to all others in the world!
Press on!!
Mabuhay!!!
AMR Seeks Applicants for its First All-Female Earn While You Learn EMT Training Academy
SAN DIEGO, CA -- Across the nation, approximately two-thirds of EMTs are men.
To attract more women to the field of Emergency Medical Services, AMR is encouraging women throughout San Diego County to apply for its first all-female Earn
While You Learn EMT training academy.
A partnership between AMR and Miramar College, the Earn
While You Learn academy is a 16week program in which cadets will be trained to become emergency medical technicians (EMT) and will be hired by AMR upon
completing the academy and passing the National Registry Exam, the certification required to work as an EMT.
AMR will cover the cadets’ costs for tuition and books and pay them for the hours they attend class. Cadets will also be eligible for medical, dental, vision and 401(k) benefits.
When the cadets are not in class, they will shadow AMR paramedics and EMTs as they respond to actual emergencies across San Diego County, for which they will also be paid.
The academy will teach cadets a
wide variety of EMT skills, including driving an ambulance, delivering a baby, performing CPR, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and administering an EpiPen to someone experiencing a lifethreatening allergic reaction, among other skills.
The academy will begin this fall at Miramar College.
To request an application, go to www.amrsandiego.net/ewylinfo.
Reach your constituents during this election season with us The Filipino Press email us at filpressads@ aol.com . We will deliver your message.
at home in San Diego. Michelle plans to train with Jessica RabanzoFlores (Untitled Movement), take ballet classes, vocal lessons and not only teach Bikram Yoga and Inferno Hot Pilates but be a student of those techniques. One of her former colleagues at The Lion King,
brilliant choreographer and longtime Broadway veteran, Ray Mercer would say, “Always be stronger than the show you’re in.” Through her diligence in building up her strength, technique and stamina, Michelle plans to embody that advice come September. One more piece of advice shared by the dynamic and talented dance artist, teacher and former Lion King colleague, Brandon O’Neal will
SAN DIEGO
Join the Conversation for a Cleaner, Greener San Diego!
The City of San Diego is studying enhancements to trash and recycling collection services and related fees for single-family homes. You are invited to any of the open houses to learn about these potential changes and share your thoughts.
Community Meetings by Council District; each in-person meeting is from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• District 8 – Monday, August 5, 2024 at Logan Heights Library, 567 S 28th St., San Diego, CA 92113
• District 4 – Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Valencia Park/Malcolm X Library, 5148 Market St., San Diego, CA 92114
• District 6 – Monday, August 12, 2024 at Mira Mesa Library, 8405 New Salem St., San Diego, CA 92126
• District 9 – Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Mission Valley Library, 2123 Fenton Parkway, San Diego, CA 92108
• District 3 – Monday, August 19, 2024 at Mission Hills-Hillcrest/Knox Library, 215 W Washington St., San Diego, CA 92103
• Virtual Meeting: Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• District 2 – Monday, August 26, 2024 at Point Loma/Hervey Library, 3701 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107
• District 7 – Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library, 9005 Aero Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
• District 5 – Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at Scripps Miramar Ranch Library, 10301 Scripps Lake Drive, San Diego, CA 92131
• District 1 – Monday, September 9, 2024 at La Jolla/Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
