MANILA -- Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday refused to defend her office's proposed budget for 2025 before the House of Representatives’ appropriations committee.
"I would like to forgo the opportunity to defend the budget in a question-and-answer format. I will leave it up to the House to decide on the budget submitted," Duterte said during the House hearing on the 2025 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) amounting to PHP2.037 billion.
Marikina 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo, senior vice chair of the committee, stressed that the interpellation is an important component of the budgetary process of Congress, noting that there were 17 lawmakers on the list of interpellators.
"The General Appropriations Act is arguably the most important piece of legislation every year," Quimbo said. Duterte refused to answer questions about confidential funds allocated to the OVP in previous years, asserting that she yields the opportunity to defend the budget of her office. Nonetheless, she addressed the issues that were "germane to the use of public funds" in her opening speech.
On the issue of security personnel detailed to the OVP, Duterte clarified that the number of security personnel is not determined by her office, noting that there were legal issuances made by the Department of National Defense (DND), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP)
VP Sara declines defense of 2025 budget proposal
and National Police Commission (Napolcom) for the creation of the AFP-Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group and the PNP Vice Presidential Protection Division.
"We are mere recipients of the security personnel detailed to the office. To date, there are no more PNP personnel with the OVP," she said.
The Vice President's security is now being provided by 337 officers from the AFP following the recall of 75 from the PNP.
She likewise assured full cooperation with the ongoing review by the Commission on Audit (COA) on the use of confidential funds.
"We have received audit actions regarding the confidential funds of the OVP. We have submitted our responses, and we assure our full cooperation with the ongoing audit," Duterte said.
Duterte questioned why issues were raised about the OVP's ability to "efficiently utilize" its funds in December 2022, considering that government agencies were usually criticized for having low utilization budget rates.
Duterte was pertaining to reports that the OVP spent its PHP125 million worth confidential funds in 11 days in 2022.
"I am, however, bewildered as to the issues being propagated on the fact that we were able to efficiently utilize funds given to the OVP in December 2022, considering that we,
in the government, usually disburse millions, if not billions of pesos, in a single day. And what makes it even more perplexing is that government agencies are often criticized for low budget utilization rates. For this proposal, as an example, we were even required to explain the low utilization or disbursement rates and present a catch-up plan for such," she said.
Regarding the children’s book “Isang Kaibigan" (A Friend) that she authored, Duterte said the inclusion of her name and image on the About the Author page is a common practice and was not a political move.
"The projected recipients of the book are elementary students and Grade 7 learners. This belies any insinuation of political motives as they will not even be eligible to vote come 2028," she said.
The House appropriations panel approved Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun's motion to defer the deliberations on the OVP budget.
The next hearing is scheduled on Sept. 10.
The committee deliberated on the OVP's proposed budget for approximately five hours, which was a significant departure from the swift approval within a matter of minutes in previous years due to parliamentary courtesy. (MNS)
VP Sara told of P73-M confi fund disallowance, won't answer House members
The Commission on Audit (COA) has issued a notice of disallowance on the P73 million worth of confidential funds disbursed by the Office of Vice President Sara Duterte in 2022, documents showed Tuesday.
The documents, submitted by the COA to the House appropriations panel, were cited by House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list lawmaker France Castro in questioning Duterte on how her office disbursed the P73 million worth of confidential funds in 2022.
“I have here a report about the notice of disallowance. According to the notice of disallowance, the COA has disallowed P73 million out of 125 million confidential funds used by the OVP in 2022. So, this is 58.63% of the 125 million. So, can you confirm, Vice President?” Castro said during the deliberations on the proposed P2 billion OVP budget for 2025.
Duterte, however, repeatedly refused to answer Castro’s comment which she identified as a snide comment.
'Nakalagay doon sa rules nyo di ba, discussions should be germane to the topic. ...This is hearing of the budget of 2025, nasaan dito ang confidential funds?" Duterte said.
“Madam Chair [of the House appropriations panel], since you allowed her a snide comment, you will allow me a snide comment as well,” Duterte added, referring to the House appropriations panel senior
vice chairperson and Marikina lawmaker Stella Quimbo who was the presiding officer of the budget deliberations.
“You should have reminded her to refrain from... I called your attention, Madam Chair. You did not recognize me. If you allowed her that, you allowed me a snide comment as well,” Duterte added. Quimbo responded by saying, “I did not, I don't recall hearing a snide comment, Madam Vice President.” Castro retorted that Duterte was acting as if she was the one presiding over the deliberations and questioned her anew on the COA submission of confidential funds, which showed that P10 million of the P73 million issued notice of disallowance by COA was used for payment of rewards.
The Vice President responded by questioning Castro’s presence in the House amid a lower court conviction on endangering minors. The case is under appeal.
“I do not understand. Why a person convicted of child abuse is then sitting in a seat in the House of Representatives? You allowed her a snide comment and then you will not allow me?,” Duterte said. Castro responded by saying that Duterte is acting like a squid which squirts out a black ink when cornered.
“Huwag naman mag-ugaling pusit ang Office of the Vice President,” Castro said. (MNS)
in your car and dispose of them in appropriate recycling bins at your destination, a rest area or when you arrive back home. Don't Throw Cigarette Butts Out the Window: Hot and dry conditions in the summer puts California at high risk for wildfires. Cigarette butts only exacerbate fire hazards, as they can ignite and fuel the spread of wildfires. Do your part by properly disposing all butts into appropriate trash receptacles. Report Illegal Dumping: If you see someone dumping or disposing waste on public or private property, include relevant roadway details and report the crime to local authorities. Violators can be fined up to $10,000. If you are driving, park at a safe location and then report the violation, or have a passenger place the call. Let's keep our community clean this Labor Day weekend! Remember, Zero Litter is the Goal! For more information on how to stay safe and litter-free on the go, visit CleanCA. com and GoSafelyCA.org.
By Selen Ozturk/eMS
Of the 83 million Americans enrolled in Medicaid, nearly half being children, about 23 million have lost coverage since the pandemic, or stand to lose it.
Of the 83 million Americans enrolled in Medicaid, nearly half being children, about 23 million have lost coverage since the pandemic, or stand to lose it.
The federal COVID-19 emergency froze the process of annual Medicaid eligibility checks known as redetermination. Since the emergency was lifted in May 2023, redetermination has begun again for the nearly one in four Americans and nearly half of all children in the country who are on Medicaid — worsening historic coverage gaps in many states.
Redetermination and coverage gaps
“Because of the bureaucratic hoops that people need to jump through, the past year has been like a disenrollment churn on steroids, even for many who are still eligible,” said Katherine Hampstead, senior policy advisor at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, at a Friday, August 9 Ethnic Media Services briefing on Medicaid coverage gaps. 69% of these disenrollments owe to paperwork issues rather than ineligibility, and nearly a quarter of the 20 million people dropped from Medicaid since the redetermination began are still uninsured as of April 2024.
“Medicaid is the largest single source of health insurance in the country, but there’s both federal and state money going into it … so it’s
like 50 different programs state to state,” explained Hampstead, adding that redetermination is particularly worsening coverage gaps for the populations Medicaid was originally designed for, like lowincome groups, seniors, people with disabilities, children and pregnant women.
The coverage gaps also disproportionately affect the communities of color — especially in the 10 states, mostly in the South, which have not expanded Medicaid income limits from 100% to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for adults aged 19 to 64.
This FPL expansion is permitted by the Affordable Care Act, and was ruled by the Supreme Court in 2012 to be optional for each state.
As of 2024, the FPL is $14,580 for an individual, 138% percent of that being $20,783; or $24,860 for a family of three, 138% of that being $35,632.
In states which haven’t expanded FPL limits — like Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi
—
“there’s a coverage gap where two to three million people, predominantly populations of color, are in a very unfortunate situation where they’re ‘too poor’ to get marketplace subsidized coverage, yet they don’t qualify for Medicaid because their state’s eligibility limit is so low,” said Hampstead. Youth coverage
“Despite our name, young people are not invincible,” said Martha Sanchez, health policy and advocacy director at youth advocacy nonprofit Young Invincibles. “We’re
The Pampered Pinay Lifestyle: Happy Holiday Weekend, my friends!
By Francine Maigue
As we observe Labor Day and free ourselves from the daily grind, even if for a fleeting moment, I hope you celebrate your achievements in the workforce and contributions to your respective fields.
This week, I share with you some of my favorite quotes regarding labor. They demonstrate how far our nation has come, though we, admittedly, still have far to go. I also can't help but find myself reflecting on the current labor conditions others must endure around the world, nor can I ignore the concerns of those in a current state of unemployment.
Know that, regardless of your situation, I support and commend you and your efforts. Our careers may not (and should not) define us, but our commitment to providing a means for a life that is satisfying and productive deserves due applause...and pampering.
So, turn off that alarm, catch up with the world (or don't), and rejoice with family and friends...This is your mandated, guilt-free DAY OFF.
"To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labor, to be given a chance to create, is the meat and potatoes of life. The money is the gravy."
Bette Davis
“Every job from the heart is, ultimately, of equal value. The nurse injects the syringe; the writer slides the pen; the farmer plows the dirt; the comedian draws the laughter. Monetary income is the perfect deceiver of a man's true worth.”
Criss Jami
Our labour preserves us from three great evils -- weariness, vice, and
want.”
Voltaire, Candide
"Work is no disgrace; the disgrace is idleness."
Greek Proverb
"There is no labor a person does that is undignified; if they do it right."
Bill Cosby
"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."
Martin Luther King Jr.
"Child labor and poverty are inevitably bound together and if you continue to use the labor of children as the treatment for the social disease of poverty, you will have both poverty and child labor to the end of time."
Grace Abbott
"Of course, we knew that this meant an attack on the union. The bosses intended gradually to get rid of us, employing in our place child labor and raw immigrant girls who would work for next to nothing. "
Rose Schneiderman
"History is a great teacher. Now everyone knows that the labor movement did not diminish the strength of the nation but enlarged it. By raising the living standards of millions, labor miraculously created a market for industry and lifted the whole nation to undreamed of levels of production. Those who attack labor forget these simple truths, but history remembers them."
Martin Luther King Jr.
"A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them."
Liberty Hyde Bailey
"I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it."
Thomas Jefferson
"Hard work doesn't guarantee success, but improves its chances."
B.J. Gupta
"If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. It's the hard that makes it great."
Tom Hanks
“My father taught me to work; he did not teach me to love it.”
Abraham Lincoln "Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop."
Ovid
Exclusively here in The Filipino Press--Follow Pampered Pinay, Francine Maigue’s, adventures as she represents our region with grace and honor as the Filipino-American History Achievement Award Winner in Humanitarianism, Arts, and Community Service as an Outstanding Filipino American Young Leaders Awardee.
Popular BVHS Principal Lee Romero is Grand Marshal of the 2024 Bonitafest
BONITA, CA -- Bonita Vista
High School principal Lee Romero seems to be everywhere all at once. He often rolls into the Chula Vista campus before dawn, greets students as they amble off the bus and dishes chisme with students in the quad during lunch. He is in the front row at most sporting events, student productions and choir performances.
In September Romero will be busy making appearances as the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Bonitafest.
“Lee Romero is beloved on the BVHS campus and deeply respected in our community,” said Bonitafest General Chairman Max Branscomb. “He makes his students feel seen and heard, and he works hard to engage with the community. His energy and commitment are remarkable. We are thrilled to have him serve as this year’s Bonitafest Grand Marshal.”
Romero is a 1981 BVHS graduate who attended Southwestern College and San Diego State University. He began his career in education as a math teacher at Bonita Vista Junior High School. Romero became a counselor, assistant principal, and principal with postings at National City Middle, Montgomery High, Southwest High and Hilltop High prior to his current job at BVHS. He also taught math at San Diego City College.
“Mr. Romero is an amazing principal,” said BVHS alumnae Nicolette Luna, who just started classes at UC Berkeley. “He cares about all of the students and makes attending Bonita Vista fun. One of the many things I loved about attending Bonita Vista was Mr. Romero. He’s the best!”
Joining Romero are Bonitafest Host and Hostess Nimpa Akana and Joe Mazares, Pioneers Jerry McCormick and Lucia Napolez, Historian Heather Gallana, Humanitarians Val Magana and Colette Putnam, and Youth Ambassadors Syara Platero, Sofia Petroulias, V Arancibia and Lorenzo Malatag. They will be honored at the Bonitafest Twilight Trail Parade on September 21 and opening night of the Bonitafest Melodrama September 25.
Akana and Mazares are leaders at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center who organized an inspiring three-week exhibit celebrating Asian American/Pacific Island culture. Gallana is the Indigenous Education chair at the Museum who led the creation of the Museum’s Gathering
of Nations. This year’s celebration will focus on Kumeyaay from both sides of the border.
McCormick is the founder of the San Diego Association of Black Journalists as well as the SDABJ’s Pro for a Day journalism bootcamp at Southwestern College. He recently founded the 4M Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to encouraging high school students from underrepresented populations to consider careers in the news media.
Napolez founded the Southwestern College Native American Student Association and organized a spectacular powwow at the college earlier this year –the first in Southwestern’s 65-year history. She is the founding program technician for the college’s Native American Student Support Program.
Magana and Putnam are courageous equestrian heroes who saved several horses from drowning during Tropical Storm Hiliary in January. They also work regularly to maintain and repair the Sweetwater Valley’s system of equestrian/hiking trails.
Platero is a brilliant 13-year-old BVHS freshman who won the Chula Vista Speech Competition in the spring. A talented actor, she is the youngest person ever to play a lead role in the 33-year-old “La Pastorela” series and played a lead role in last year’s Bonitafest Melodrama.
She was the eloquent bilingual spokesperson for the Bonita Glarf Restoration Project, representing the community on NBC in English and Telemundo in Spanish. Platero also plays volleyball at BVHS.
Petroulias is a talented teenage leader for the Bonitafest Committee who has a lead role in this year’s Bonitafest Melodrama “Thin Skins and Hayseeds.” She was the dance captain and soprano section leader of the 2023-24 BVHS Sound Unlimited show choir. She is a psychology major at Southwestern College.
Arancibia is a senior at BVHS committed to creating a culture of inclusion and kindness in their community. They are president and captain of the BVHS Varsity Quiz Bowl team and Assistant Director of the Sound Unlimited show choir. Arancibia is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ community and a youth ambassador for San Diego Pride. V carries a 4.56 GPA.
Malatag is a member of the BVHS Music Machine show choir and serves as baritone section leader. He is president of the Barontones, an all-men’s show choir club he founded. He plays varsity volleyball and is the manager of the women’s team. Malatag is active in the BVHS Samahan Club and is an advocate for diversity on campus. He is a featured cast member in the ’24 Bonitafest Melodrama.
CalSavers Retirement Savings Program Reaches $1 Billion in Assets Under Management on Behalf of Working Californians.
SACRAMENTO – State Treasurer
Fiona Ma recently announced that CalSavers, California’s retirement savings program designed to ensure all Californians have access to a workplace retirement savings account, has reached $1 billion in assets under management.
“CalSavers has filled a critical gap in retirement security for working Californians and this achievement, and the continued growth of the program, is proof,” said Ma, chair of the CalSavers Retirement Savings Board. “All people deserve to retire with dignity and grace after a life spent working. CalSavers is working tirelessly to make that happen in California and is a model for states around the country.”
CalSavers was created by legislation passed in 2016 requiring California employers that do not sponsor a retirement plan to participate in CalSavers – an automatic enrollment individual retirement account (IRA) with no employer fees or fiduciary liability. Operating at no taxpayer expense, CalSavers is professionally managed by private sector financial firms with
oversight from a public board chaired by the State Treasurer.
Assets are accumulated solely through employee contributions and investment earnings. There is no employer matching.
From the pilot in 2019 through July 2024, CalSavers has seen 89.5% of employers respond to the call to action to register for the savings program and has had over 519,000 savers fund accounts, and 50,000 facilitating employers.
“Achieving $1 billion assets under management is a testament to the commitment of both the employers and workers who participate in the program,” said CalSavers Executive Director David Teykaerts. “CalSavers fills an important gap in the retirement security puzzle for California, and while we are still in the early stages, this is a proud moment for everyone involved in building up this innovative program.” For more information about the program visit calsavers.com.
Fiona Ma is California’s 34th
State Treasurer. She was first elected on November 6, 2018, with more votes (7,825,587) than any other
candidate for treasurer in the state's history and reelected on November 8, 2022. She is the first woman of color and the first woman Certified Public Accountant (CPA) elected to the position. The State Treasurer’s Office was created in the California Constitution in 1849. It provides financing for schools, roads, housing, recycling and waste management, hospitals, public facilities, and other crucial infrastructure projects that better the lives of residents. California is the world’s fifth-largest economy and Treasurer Ma is the state’s primary banker. Presently, her office processes more than $3 trillion in banking transactions. She provides transparency and oversight for the government’s investment portfolio and accounts, as well as for the state’s surplus funds. Treasurer Ma oversees an investment portfolio that currently averages over $200 billion—a significant portion of which is beneficially owned by more than 2,200 local governments in California. She serves as agent of sale for all State bonds and is trustee of billions of dollars of state indebtedness.
The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation (JCNI) Announces Sale of the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center Building to San Ysidro Health for Groundbreaking Healthcare Initiative
NATIONAL CITY, CA-The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation (JCNI) is excited to announce the sale of the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center building to San Ysidro Health (SYHealth). In purchasing the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center building, SYHealth is committed to keeping space available on the second and third floor for nonprofit tenants supporting and serving the Southeastern San Diego community. Market Creek Amphitheater and Festival Park are not part of this sale and will remain available for community events, e.g. concerts, movies and resource fairs through JCNI.
SYHealth will also be bringing two vital services to enhance the health and well-being of the Southeastern San Diego community. By renovating the first floor of the building, SYHealth will open the first Program of Allinclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Southeastern San Diego. The new San Diego PACE Center will allow more than 500 seniors of Southeast San Diego to access services without having to leave their neighborhood.
SYHealth is also committed to establishing the first after-hours Urgent Care in Southeast San Diego, which will be open on evenings and weekends. SYHealth’s decision to include an Urgent Care is in response to strong community data showing that this was an important and necessary need for the community.
Together these two initiatives will create approximately 150 new jobs at a variety of levels, each with competitive salaries.
The Board and JCNI leadership sought to find a buyer committed to continue serving the community. They are pleased that the sale of the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center building to SYHealth accomplishes that goal and will have a lasting impact on the health of families, while continuing to support local Community Based Organizations
(CBOs) with office and meeting space in the building.
“The sale of the Joe & Vi Jacobs Building to San Ysidro Health and our subsequent move is the culmination of our plan to work collaboratively with residents and partner organizations in developing community assets and eventually transferring assets to community control,” said Valerie Jacobs, Board Chair of JCNI.
“Although we are transitioning to a new home at Market Creek Plaza, JCNI will remain engaged in the Southeastern San Diego community, by working collaboratively with its residents, nonprofits, elected officials and other key stakeholders to identify strategies for addressing community needs, and encourage and support collaboration and partnership for the betterment of the community,” added Selena Ellis-Vizcarra, Chief Operating Officer of JCNI.
The Joe & Vi Jacobs Center building has supported Southeastern San Diego for over two decades through a comprehensive array of wraparound services, including a vaccination center, food giveaways, and a business accelerator program. It has also been a central hub for many other resources. The Joe & Vi Jacobs Center fostered deep relationships and built community with the residents and other local partners. Through the continued operation of the JCNI, the Jacobs Family Foundation, Board, and JCNI team remain committed to its mission of empowering communities through sustainable development and inclusive growth, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and progress envisioned by its founders. The building sale to San Ysidro Health is a testament to its long-term commitment to the community and the fulfillment of its strategic vision. The Joe and Vi Jacobs Center is conveniently located at 404 Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA
92114
About Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation: Founded in 1995, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation (JCNI) is focused on building communities and lifting lives. As a creative catalyst and incubator, the Jacobs Center works with the community to revitalize Southeastern San Diego’s Diamond Neighborhoods. This means transforming nearly 60 acres into sustainable developments that provide residents with greater access to resources and amenities that improve their quality of life. Additionally, the Jacobs Center works with community organizations and partners to increase residents’ economic opportunities, leadership skills and educational success. Learn more at www. jacobscenter.org.
About San Ysidro Health: San Ysidro Health is a non-profit organization committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, accessible, and affordable healthcare services for the entire family. Founded 55 years ago by seven women in search of medical services for their children, San Ysidro Health now serves more than 161,000 lives through a vast and integrated network of 50 program sites across San Diego County. These include medical clinics, dental clinics, behavioral health centers, HIV centers, WIC nutrition centers, mobile medical units, school-based health centers, chiropractic services, pediatric developmental clinics, teen clinics, senior health centers, and the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (SD PACE). San Ysidro Health and its program sites are designed under the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model of care, placing the patient at the center of all care and services. For additional information, please visit San Ysidro Health at www. syhealth.org.
Karylle to star in new reality show 'Manila Matriarchs'
MANILA -- "It’s Showtime" host and singer Karylle is set to star in a new reality show titled "Manila Matriarchs."
The show, which was filmed in Metro Manila and San Francisco, California, offers an inside look at the lives of four Filipina women from different backgrounds, providing viewers with a unique perspective on their careers and personal lives. Karylle shared that the project was pitched to her by Cece Asuncion, a seasoned producer in reality TV.
"She has done a lot of reality TV shows. I get to do it with three amazing women — Joanna (Preysler-Francisco) Myrza (Sison) , and Trisha (Bantigue-Tsao) — so from different walks of life but all Filipinas. Nakakatuwa at medyo interesting to see how our different points of view are and where we are in our career and our family lives," Karylle said.
In "Manila Matriarchs," Karylle explores different facets of her life, from her new ventures in radio and podcasting to her ongoing passion for theater. The show gives her an opportunity to showcase her diverse talents and how she balances her multiple roles.
"I'm basically showing different dimensions in my life. I’m starting radio; I do the radio 6-9 a.m. — it’s Good Times. Then I’ve been podcasting as well — we just shot in Singapore — and then theater, siyempre. They showed a little bit of 'Little Shop of Horrors.' Salamat sa lahat ng nanood, and 'yun, I guess our music life as well. It’s hard kung papapasukin mo ako kunyari sa ibang reality show — hindi ko din alam, pero parang everytime they ask me why are you doing this, sabi ko I don’t know! And I would never say yes, but I did somehow," Karylle said. Karylle emphasized the importance of the show, especially since it focuses on the realities of women’s lives. One of the more personal topics discussed in the show is her views on motherhood.
"We have to answer questions
we’re not comfortable with. For me, for example, it’s about wanting to be a mother and my stance on that," Karylle revealed. Amid speculations that she might be expecting her first child with husband Yael Yuzon, Karylle cleared the air, explaining that her recent absence from "It’s Showtime" was due to her involvement in the musical "Little Shop of Horrors." "I was on leave because of 'Little Shop of Horrors.' Not everyone is aware that when you do a play, tech week means you almost live in the theater. You’re wearing the warmest clothes kasi aircon, and 'Showtime' has been so kind to me and allowed me time to do leaves. Siguro nagtataka mga tao bakit wala ako, why did I gain weight — siyempre nag-stress eating," Karylle clarified. Recently, Karylle faced a personal tragedy with the passing of her father. She expressed her gratitude
for the outpouring of support from fans and loved ones.
"I’d like to say thank you to those who sent prayers and any kind of support. I am very thankful because everyone showed up for me," she said.
Karylle also gave an update on her mother, Zsa Zsa Padilla, who recently underwent surgery. "When she woke up, I told her, ‘Thank you for waking up,’ and we giggled about it. It’s very impressive how fast she healed. I think prayer, of course, really helped. She also takes a lot of supplements. I’d like to think she really wanted to be well for us," Karylle said.
The release date for "Manila Matriarchs" has yet to be announced, but anticipation is building as Karylle’s fans eagerly await the premiere of the show that promises to delve into the heart of Filipina life, career, and family. (MNS)
At 31, Jessy Mendiola fulfills childhood dream of learning ballet
MANILA -- Jessy Mendiola is
making her childhood dreams come true, one of which is learning ballet.
On Instagram, the celebrity mom posted a mirror selfie of her clad in black leotards and ballerina shoes, and shared to her followers that she has decided to go after an old dream of hers.
"When I was younger, we couldn’t afford ballet classes. I remember watching other kids in their ballet outfits during a class at a dance studio in a mall in Makati. I kept telling myself, 'One day, magagawa rin kita,'" Jessy wrote in her caption.
She added that she reminds herself that she is never too late or too old to start something she has always wanted to do as a kid.
“Here’s to trying new things no matter how old (or late) you are, the most important thing is that you are happy and you are still willing to learn after all these years,” she said.
“As a ballerina momma tayo ngayon, I can’t wait to dance with my little Rosie.”
Encouraging comments from fans
and fellow celebrities, such as Andi Eigenmann and father-in-law Edu Manzano, peppered Jessy’s post.
“Nice one Jess! You look good as one,” Andi wrote.
“Go for it Jessy!” Edu said.
Jessy married Luis Manzano in an intimate civil ceremony in February 2021. Their second wedding was
Jericho Rosales admits dating Janine Gutierrez
MANILA -- Actor Jericho
Rosales has admitted that he is dating his "Lavender Fields" co-star Janine Gutierrez.
Speaking to reporters, Rosales admitted that he has feelings for the Kapamilya actress.
"I first decided to join the show talaga because I was really, really so into the production team and everyone and then I realized that I was so into her," the actor said in jest.
"She's an amazing person, very sweet, very kind, very funny, and very dedicated, good actress," he added.
"We like share a lot of things, 'hey you're fun, I'm fun,' let's go to the museum, sure."
Asked if they are dating, he said: "Yes, we're going out."
For now, Rosales said that he is enjoying his time with Gutierrez.
"We'll see, we shall see. You expect good things about it. It's a really, really nice and happy … things are great. There's no negativity around," he said.
"It's fun, you gotta enjoy this fire, flame, whatever it is."
Reacting to Rosales' comments about her, Gutierrez expressed her gratitude to be able to work with the actor on the show.
"That's sweet to hear and I am also super excited to be able to work with him. Actually, one of the things na sinabi ko sa manager ko and when
na-pitch pa lang sa 'kin 'tong show, they hadn't mentioned any person yet, sabi ko sana si Jericho, ta's nikwento ko rin 'yun kay Echo when we first met, na 'I'm so happy it's you'," the actress said.
"Siyempre, lahat naman tayo hinahangaan siya bilang artista so masaya ako na kasama ko siya rito as Tyrone and bonus na rin 'yung we get along offcam," she added.
Pressed on about their status, Gutierrez also confirmed that they are dating, saying: "I guess so. Yeah, it's been fun getting to know him and hanging out with him outside of work so masaya naman."
Despite their characters falling out, the actress is happy that they are happy to slowly to know each other off cam.
"He's really nice and funny and sobrang okay siyang kausap and everybody knows that he's such a good actor and na-enjoy ko rin 'yung mga eksena namin together which is funny kasi most of our scenes magkaaway kami," she said.
"Masaya na off cam it's the opposite. I think he's great." (MNS)
Janine Gutierrez' film 'Phantosmia' to screen at Venice International Film Festival
gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Recalling the moment she discovered that “Phantosmia” would be heading to Venice, Janine said, “Actually, may video ako nung nalaman ko na Venice yung pupuntahan, tapos sobrang sumisigaw ako saka umiiyak. Pero kasi they didn’t tell me agad. Parang sinabi lang na may festival yung film namin na 'Phantosmia' with Direk Lav, binigay lang yung dates pero hindi pa daw ma-confirm."
"Pero syempre, ginoogle ko, tapos lumabas Venice. So sabi ko, oh my god, kung Venice ‘to, grabe, sobrang happy ako! And then, 'yun nga, when they confirmed, sobrang excited ako,” she added.
“Phantosmia”, which was filmed from December 2023 to January 2024, delves into the psychological condition of the same name, where individuals experience phantom smells—odors that aren't actually present—often as a result of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Gutierrez explained, “'Phantosmia' starring Ronnie Lazaro ... super idol ko din si Tito Ronnie, and I’ve never worked with him. Phantosmia is a condition brought about by PTSD na may naamoy ka na wala naman talaga doon."
an
and
“I’m so excited! Kasi dream ko talaga na makapunta sa international film festival with Filipino films, so sobrang happy ako. Sobra din pasasalamat ko sa 'Lavender Fields' kasi pinayagan nila ako to leave for a week and be able to attend,” Janine shared, referring to her current project that graciously allowed her to take a brief leave.
"So, dahil sa mga trauma sa buhay, mayroong nangyayari sa mga tao na may naamoy sila na kakaiba na wala naman talaga pinanggagalingan. 'Yun 'yung condition ni Tito Ronnie. Isa ako sa mga character na makikilala niya. I play Reyna.” The Venice International Film Festival, one of the most
MANILA -- Kapamilya actress Janine Gutierrez is set to fly to Venice, Italy, for the screening of her film “Phantosmia” at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival.
Directed by Lav Diaz and costarring veteran actor Ronnie Lazaro, the film is scheduled to be screened on September 2. In
interview, Gutierrez expressed her excitement
held in Palawan in February this year, where family members like Vilma Santos, Edu Manzano, and former Senator Ralph Recto were present. Jessy announced the birth of Isabella Rose, fondly called Rosie and Peanut, in January 2023. Jessy and Rosie had a joint birthday celebration last December. (MNS)
SAN DIEGO, CA -- Cheers!
Perhaps, you – my dear readerswill recall this event which happened just a few years back. Yes, despite being a dole out ceremony, social and political issues weren’t absent in the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards last Sept. 18, 2018, as spearheaded by hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost of “Saturday Night Live.”
The two are known for tackling serious issues on their sketch and fictional news program “Weekend Update” in “Saturday Night Live,” so it wasn’t surprising that they didn’t veer away from topics such as racism and diversity during the Emmys.
During the opening monologue, Che (around the 6:12 mark in the video for Television Academy via YouTube) acknowledged that television in general has always had a diversity problem. He cited “ER,” the medical-drama TV series that ended its 15-year run last 2009, for its lack of Filipino nurses in the cast. “Things are getting better but as we all know, TV has always had a diversity problem,” Che declared. “Can you believe they did 15 seasons of ER without one Filipino nurse?”
His co-host, Jost, quipped in disbelief, “That’s crazy, that’s just crazy.” “Have you been to a hospital?” added Che.
Well, I say Che has a valid point, as Filipinos take up a considerable number of the registered nurses in California alone.
In fact, in 2014, it was reported that 20 percent of the registered nurses in California are Filipinos, a notably large percentage as there are only 2.3 million (officially 1.2 million) Filipinos out of the 38 million people in the Golden State then.
Filipinos are also the “most persistent job seekers” when it comes to nursing in the United States. It was reported in May of 2018 that around 7,700 Filipino nurses took the U.S. license examination in 2017 from the 6,300 in 2016 with the figures up by 23 percent.
It’s no secret that our beloved old homeland – the Philippines - is a major contributor to the international workforce, with a large number of its nurses working abroad. And it’s no wonder why –Filipino nurses – are renowned for their dedication to providing quality patient care and their adaptability to new cultures and environments. Their exceptional work ethic and rigorous education and training are some of the factors that make them in high demand globally.
“Alam natin na resilient tayo” (We know we are resilient). Our “kababayans” (compatriots) can thrive in any environment. We can adjust almost instantly. So, it comes
as no surprise when the impact of Filipino nurses extends beyond patient care, as they are also shaping the future of healthcare through their hard work and commitment.
Moreover, their contributions to the Philippine economy through remittances from their work abroad cannot be overstated.
However, working overseas is not without its challenges.
“’Mahirap siya, di lang natin nakikita’ (it is difficult, we just can’t see) because we are used visualizing the nice parts. But when we get to hear the stories of nurses we work with, I’d be best to bring a pack of tissues and some popcorn with you because it’s nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster – tragedies, and impossible choices, one after the other,” noted one young Filipina nurse in Europe.
Filipino nurses across the sea face language barriers, cultural differences, and discrimination but despite these difficulties, they continue to excel in their profession and prove their worth as a force to be reckoned with.
Filipino nurses are not just healthcare professionals, they are ambassadors of the country.
“Pinapakita nila araw-araw kung sino tayo, at kung paano tayo magmahal” (They show us every day who we are and how to love). They showcase the best of what the Philippines has to offer, bringing recognition to the old homeland as not only a source of highly skilled and compassionate healthcare workers but as a bonanza of highlycapable individuals. No doubts about it at all - Filipino
The fate of Cardinal bishop Tagle’s papal ambition lies in the full alignment of political fortunes –not the influence of the Holy Spirit.
The Vatican conclave is really another word for papal election and the sitting pope has a lot of clout to influence the outcome. It’s not rocket science. It is more Politics 100 and many of the previous popes exercised such prerogative.
Cardinals are often sequestered in the Sistine Chapel until the white smoke emerges from the chimney.
The sequestration is a must because voting is repeated for as long as it takes, until a new consensus pope is chosen. It is an imperative, therefore, that outside influence should not be countenanced.
Cardinal voters are sworn to absolute secrecy, to add a façade of order and dignity to the process, but the conclave is anything but based on previous conclave documents showing vote tallies and the conduct of the election itself.
Some conclaves in the past were either bloody, acrimonious, or just plain silly. There was a time when
three different popes were elected, all claiming to be legit. To settle the matter, some trickery (dagdagbawas-vote shaving) was used that eventually proclaimed the cousin of the election official. When the powerful election official died, chaos descended once more in the City of God, as St. Augustine called it, resulting in two claimants to the papacy. The military intervened and allowed one to prevail. There were cases of vote buying and influence peddling in earlier centuries. There was also a time when candidates were pre-selected based on loyalties to the Crown. The emperor, king or queen exercised veto power for those elected outside of the authorized list of candidates. Clearly, the system was either rigged or corrupt. The genesis of the papal selection can be traced to Roman emperor Constantine who legalized Christianity and presided over the selection process of his era.
In the modern world, conclaves have survived sans political interference from royalties –
nurses are a symbol of excellence in the global healthcare industry and in high demand due to their extraordinary work ethic, education and training and devotion to their profession. They are simply the best of the best there is…Period! Despite facing challenges both personal and professional, they remain steadfast in their commitment, making a lasting impact on both the worldwide healthcare industry and the exceptional Filipino brand of service.
In testimony to all of the above statements, my wife Zeny had an emergency situation just a couple of weeks ago. Falling down, caused by an underlying vertigo. I am unsure if she had lost consciousness; I suspect she did momentarily but she was then able to talk to me, while appearing dazed and confused. While obvious and trite, it is true she went suffer much and turned fairly quickly to recovery. Her emergency medical condition of dizziness had apparently stabilized and resolved itself…so much so that she was fit to go home.
But I’m not sharing this with you all – my dear folks – for sympathy. I’m taking the opportunity to express my appreciation to the emergency room (ER) medical staff at Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center located in Clairemont Mesa Boulevard right here in our beloved adopted hometown - “America’s Finest City”- of San Diego.
When Zeny first fell ill, we expected a full recovery fairly quickly as I have stated earlier above. Then complications set in. Her pulse spiking and her heart
palpitating. So, she did spend a couple of emergency room run and an overnight stay in the hospital most of it in the ER ward.
I say my entire family is the type that just moves in when one of us is in the hospital. The ER nurses (most of whom were Filipinos) were very accommodating of our need to be nearby my wife’s side for the duration. We came and went about in shifts (never exceeding the number of visitors allowed per patient rule) but someone was always there, guaranteed - trying to stay out of the way of the nursesand help whenever we could.
Every single registered nurse (RNs), nurse assistant, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, doctor and staff member were not just accommodating but comforting and concerned as well…Not just for my wife’s health and well-being as their jobs required but for that of my three sons, two daughter-in-law, three grandchildren and myself as well who took turns watching over my wife. When I told the staff I plan to spend the night in the hospital to be near my wife - one nurse offered me a pillow and some blankets –and yes, even a toothbrush and some toothpaste, too – which I gladly accepted. For me, that is above-andbeyond…that is genuine care!
I’m certainly glad that my wife’s stay wasn’t a prolonged one and that the doctors and nurses didn’t find anything majorly wrong with her. What had occurred was an acute episode of vertigo which resulted to her falling down – (and thanks be to God) – was resolved.
Also, I’m thankful for the great
Jesse T. Reyes
care given to my wife by all of the nurses and docs. All have been attentive and helped put my mind at ease when I had questions. Mind you, I did ask a lot about what they were going to do with Zeny and at times challenged the wisdom – and necessity – of certain procedures.
I say our very own families are our most valuable treasures and we expect these doctors and nurses to take complete care of our parents, wives, sons and daughters and all of our loved ones as the list goes on. That’s a massive amount of trust! Most nurses especially put their heart and soul into it and it shows. I say a thoughtful letter and some candy or flowers would be a perfect way to show your gratitude – and since I have a platform to do so – this particular edition of my weekly column is the very best that I could do to show my personal appreciation for all the things they do on our behalf. Remember now – you could be surprised how little credit nurses and caregivers are given and even a small gesture or token would probably mean the world to them.
So, I would like to say thank you to the staff of Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center situated at Claremont Mesa Boulevard.
To the ER doctors and nurses, to the emergency care team, to the recovery floor staff where my wife and I had a brief overnight stay – “Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat” (Thank you all so much). You definitely made a difficult (at least, it was for me), humbling experience a lot more bearable!
A special shout-out to the following people: Internal Medicine Dr. Rima Deshpande, Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr. Sari Lahham, Nurse Rowell and Nurse Abraham who were the two main caregiver who actually took care of my wife with the ablest assistance from the rest of the nursing staff – the majority of whom were our “kababayans” (they affectionately called my wife “Nanay” which I believe is because she reminds them of their very own moms when they are in distress).
You all are the caregivers, communicators, patient advocates and decision makers. You all are the hand-holders, the voice-of-reason, the 3 a.m. vitals-checkers. You
became the around-the-clock “best friend by the bedside”, so to speakthe calming voice, the familiar face full of compassion.
For sure, to many – you are guardian angels!
As a nurse, you all play a very important role in the health care system. Often times, you all might be the first interaction a patient has when they enter a hospital or clinic. Imagine a time you’ve started an IV and a patient becomes unresponsive. You handle this unpredictable chaos with the utmost agility, grace and professionalism. Indeed, nurses possess strength and accuracy to navigate rough waters during medical emergencies.
But let’s be clear, also that even those who provide the most compassionate care can have bad days, too. Some days may seem physically exhausting and emotionally draining, but you let these difficulties be outweighed by the satisfaction of knowing that you play a pivotal role in the healing process.
Nursing is a cognitively demanding profession where the task of care-taking is a rewarding challenge. Nurses go through some of the most intimate moments with people from all walks of life, and it is from these experiences that one develops an altruism towards humankind.
Certainly, nursing is a passion for those filled with compassion!
Two little words you may not hear every day are the appreciated and resounding words, “Thank you.”
To the nursing staff of Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center at Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and to all nurses everywhere – Thank you for being on the frontlines of care. Thank you for your kindness, dedication and healing task. Thank you for always putting your patients first no matter how grueling your day was. We thank you for providing an empathetic ear and compassionate hand when a life-changing diagnosis is delivered. We thank you for being a rock when waters get rough and we’re fighting for our lives. Although the two words aren’t voiced often enough…I say they certainly should be! Mabuhay!
The Man who could be Pope, Part 2
thanks to the Vatican I Council who decreed Papal Infallibility. Since then, papal elections are held by secret balloting for as many rounds as it takes. Candidates are called papabili, plural for papabile.
The papabile doesn’t declare his candidacy or would not even fillout a form signifying his intention to run. A red hat is all they needed and papal blessing to win.
There are no campaign periods, instead, aspirants pick their stars and toot their horns indirectly through surrogates or embark on speaking engagements where every word mentioned is scrutinized and mined for something bold, something far-reaching and down-to-earth. There are no political parties, but candidates belong to a voting group or camp of conservatives or liberals much like in the “outside” where such division is in full display.
While the official line indicates that the pope-elect is chosen with finality under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the real drivers are democratic rules that are imposed by humans, including the requirement for the winner to garner two-thirds majority. Eventually, a consensus winner will emerge, however, every added round of voting delays the election process as more campaigning and speeches are allowed in the conclave until the horse is beaten to death.
The longest papal conclave
happened in the 13th century following the death of Pope Clement IV that lasted nearly three years, without a selection. Papal conclaves have the urgency of determining the successor to a vacant seat pronto because of the importance of maintaining stability to a huge bureaucracy and a global billion-dollar business entity with billions of customers (followers). Typically, it should only take days to name one, and one week is the most. This took forever because the conclave reflected the deep divisions in the Roman Catholic Church, with so much bitterness and rancor during the deliberations.
Two powerful Italian families were pulling the strings. One side was loyal to the pope while the other owed its loyalty to the Roman emperor. A successor was eventually agreed upon ushering in the tradition of locking the doors to the conclave room. To ensure that the cardinals could reach consensus, the locals even removed the roof and exposed the cardinals to the elements while only wearing a red hat. The chosen one who turned out to become Pope Gregory X was not even present in the conclave. Clearly the rules have changed but some of the practices, traditions remain. Presently, Pope Francis has turned the tables against recalcitrant conservative cardinals by packing the College of Cardinals
with majority of his appointees via annual consistories. He is also staying alive, waiting it out until the conservative papabili contenders reach the disqualifying age of 80, or retires. The question is, will it be Asian, African, or American?
While in the past, Italian cardinals dominated the elections, Pope Francis is clearly not in the mood for another Italian pope. And why not? Out of the 266 past popes, 217 were Italians. Francis is the first non-European, first South (Latin) American, and first Jesuit pope. He broke the ceiling already, why not break another one for either an Asian, African, or North American (particularly for the United States)?
First, let us look at the demographics. According to Vatican archives, 40 percent of Catholics are from the Caribbean and Latin America, 16% Sub-Saharan Africa, and 12% Asia-Pacific. The rest, 36%, are from Europe. Catholicism in Europe and the Americas are in decline. These are the places where Pope Francis had to personally go to and apologize for past wrongs of the Catholic Church. In contrast, the business of saving souls and gaining adherents are booming in Africa and Asia.
So, the betting goes that the next pick will be from these two demographics with Tagle’s odds at 6-1 and 4-1 to the Africans. Tagle is a liberal while both African
cardinals are traditionalists and with conservative bent in the mold of Pope Benedict. Both African cardinals have resigned their prefects as members of the Roman Curia, the Vatican’s administrative bureaucracy.
There are two possible African candidates who could give Tagle a run for his money. Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana and Cardinal Robert Sarah from Guinea, West Africa. Cardinal Turkson has been a high-ranking African cardinal at the Vatican and a key adviser to the current pope. His abrupt resignation in 2021 followed that of the other African cardinal who resigned earlier that year. Turkson is already past the mandatory retirement age of 75, but still eligible to vote in the conclave.
Turkson’s move in 2021 was a calculated risk that backfired. The tenure for a prefect is 5 years and he was reaching that. He gave the pope the opportunity to extend him, but Francis accepted his resignation. It appeared that the external review, an unusual audit of his department that was ordered by Pope Francis probably rankled his feathers and was the last straw that broke the camel’s back.
It was also the same year that the pope promoted Tagle to cardinalbishop. (To be continued)
Spiritual Life
Why do we work?
Another Labor Day week-end is around the corner. It would be helpful for us to reflect and ask ourselves, why do we work? Pastor John Riingen, a retired Pastor of the United Methodist Church generously shared a sermon material on ‘Why Work?’ and here are excerpts from his sermon. Thank you, Pastor John. (Please read 3:1-15; Matt. 16:21-28).
We are in the middle of a long Labor Day weekend. Just like any other holiday, people hit the beaches, the parks, or catching up with long-overdue laundry work. Others just sit and relax at home, watch their favorite TV shows or just continue with their daily ordinary work, for they can’t afford to rest even for one day, for if they do, they won’t get paid. Unfortunately, most working people look at each holiday simply as one more off-day and rarely give them time to reflect on the meaning and significance of each given holiday.
It might be helpful if we do a brief reflection by asking ourselves our understanding of work. Let me share with you three reasons or motivations why people work.
1. The most common reason people work is this: survival. This survival ethic comes in an array of ways: so we can have food for the next meal, for the next day, or week; others go to work so they can earn money for their next payment of their monthly home or car amortization, or just to pay their monthly rental for a room or two. For those of us who work and work because we owe something, and would care for nothing more, don’t we owe something to our families which cannot be valued by money? Do parents have quality time to be with their teenage children who are in their most critical stage of their lives?
2. While most workers work for survival, others work to have more – more assets, more money in the bank. We came to America for this one big purpose, didn’t
A friend is a sky-diving, mountain-climbing, hang-gliding thrill-seeker, but in the cave he felt sheer panic. He was terrified. He tried fighting his fear, but he kept picturing his dead body moldering in the cave. Finally, he told his guide he was about to lose it, and the guide said, "Hey, close your eyes and listen to my voice. I will keep talking, calmly, and guide you through this. We will be okay. I have been here before. I will get you to the other side. But you must listen to my voice. It will not work for you to let your thoughts run wild. Just focus on my voice." He did so. What freed him from panic and fear was not trying hard to quit thinking fearful thoughts. It was listening to another voice. What voice do you listen to when you're in the cave and it's dark, when the ceiling is low and you can't back out? The Spirit longs to flow in our minds all the time. One reason why people have found memorizing Scripture helpful is that it helps us listen to the voice of our guide when we are in the cave. We set our minds on those thoughts that equip us for life. God does not want us to live in worry or fear. He wants us to live with bold confidence in his power. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and selfdiscipline."
Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera
My Personal Testimony
we? It is a consumerist culture, a culture of accumulation of things which eventually could breed greed and uncontrolled drive to own things; consequently, these things will sooner or later possess the person, making the thing his or her new “God.” Consequently, we lose certain invaluable gifts of our family life.
3. The Christian ethic on work.
Read Exodus 3 and Matthew 6. See how the dialogue between God and Moses goes. Moses’ task/mission is a liberating one. It is a kind of work that lifts people’s lives from bondage to freedom. In Matthew 6, Jesus is with his disciples just before going to Jerusalem to meet his final test: the crucifixion. In Jesus’ own words to those who want to follow and work for him.
“If you want to follow me, you must forget yourself….if you want to save your life, you must lost it, and whoever loses his life for my sake, will find it. Will a person gain anything if he wins the whole world and loses his life?”
Here, we find the Christian ethic on life, or on work. It sees life as work, not just for one’s personal gain and good. This ethic sees work not just as end in itself, but as means to further, better ends – for the common good. A life lived under this ethic is a liberated life (Exod.3), and a more fulfilling life and work, because it is lived for and on behalf of others (Matt. 16); a life lived after the example of Jesus Christ.
Here, we find work not as a curse (Gen. 3), but it is seen as our task
as creatures created in the image of God, behaving as it were, as cocreators with God. Here, we see work as our way of relating to and with each other as a community –interrelated, interdependent to, for, and with each other, working for the common good.
Certain persons found something more important in their work than survival…more important than having more. It is something that is both liberating and fulfilling. These persons see their work not just as jobs but, more importantly, as their vocation, their ministry. All that is required is put your heart into what you’re doing…put your best, so others will not only see who you are, but they’ll know whose you are. This work ethic moves us from selfishness to selflessness. It moves us from simply doing a job to something beyond what we are doing. It’s an ethic that makes the best of us and yet directing attention away from us, but toward the one who gave us life – God.
The writer of James reminds us (James 4:14), that our life is so brief, like a mist, here momentarily and then disappears. So we who have chosen to follow Jesus are called to be our best now, while we have time, not later. The call is for us to give our best today, or in every opportunity. Why work? For survival? For more? Or for something more important than things, than self? I trust that we take these words seriously and heartily. Take them with you in your daily work.
In the Bible, we see a pattern in which God rarely sends people into situations where their comfort level is high. Rather He promises to be with them in their fear. It is God's presence - not comfortable circumstances - that brings people to the best version of themselves.
Paul said that when we live in the flow of the Spirit, he does not make us timid, but instead gives us power and love. This is not the only place in the Bible where we see a close connection between receiving love and living in power. The apostle John makes the same association in one of the most famous statements in the Bible: "There is no fear in love... perfect love casts out fear."
When we live in the flow of the Spirit, we let the perfect love of God wash over us until our fear begins to leave. Modern science has confirmed what John wrote so many centuries ago. Love and fear are literally incompatible in our bodies. God wants to love you
- and in loving you, to cast out your fear.
Jesus was facing adversity when he told his followers that if they had faith, they could command a mountain and it would be cast into the sea. When my focus is on the mountain, I am driven by my fear. When my focus is on God, however, I am made alive by my faith. But if I did not have the mountain, I would not know that faith could be in me.
Use your imagination to picture being shepherded by the Lord in green pastures beside still waters. Is there any room for fear?
God knows that you can stand that trial; He would not give it to you if you could not. It is His trust in you that explains the trials of life, however bitter they may be. God knows our strength, and He measures it to the last inch; and a trial was never given to any man that was greater than that man's strength, through God, to bear it.
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Greetings in the Lord!
We have read and reflected on the proclamation of Jesus of the reality that He is the “Bread of Life” that came down from heaven for the past six Sundays. That is how important is the Sacrament of Eucharist for the Church and for all of us who follow Jesus and desire to gain eternal life in communion with Him and the Father together with the Holy Spirit. Today our readings in the liturgy lead us to another important dimension in our lives as disciples of Jesus. This is the role of the law in our lives, both as members of a community of disciples and as individuals trying to follow Jesus. The first reading from the book of Deuteronomy clearly indicates how important is the law for a community chosen by God, precisely because the law comes from Him because he says “I am teaching you to observe, that you may live and may enter in and take possession of the land… I… am giving you.” The second reading, from the letter of St. James, further confirms that the law indeed comes from the Father who sent his only Son in order to lead us to the truth and bring us to eternal life promised by Jesus.
The gospel in today’s mass is
taken from the Gospel of St. Mark, the shortest among the four gospels but the first one written after the Jesus ascended into heaven. In today’s gospel Jesus shows how the law should be understood . The Jews during the time of Jesus were so meticulous in their observance of the law, especially those concerning with rituals particularly in relation to eating. They accused the disciples of Jesus for transgressing the ritual law of washing before meals and this led to the pronouncement that Jesus made in today’s gospel “nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come from within are what defile.” This is a declaration from Jesus himself, making “all food clean.”
This message has another dimension, besides the fact that he made all food clean, he declared that the “source of evil and sin should not be assigned to created things, for when God made the world, he saw that all things were God: it lies in the heart of man which, after original sin, was changed for the worse and became subject to the corruption of the passions.” It is in this context Jesus taught his disciples how the law should be understood. The law is established in order to guide us form an interior consciousness that would help develop values which would be the foundation of the right way of living and in conformity with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These values do not come from outside, but are formed within our hearts, and the law are guideposts so that we can interiorly develop them and eventually lead our lives in accordance to the will of God.
Let us, therefore, pray that we may be guided by the law and that the law may help us form within our hearts the right attitude and disposition that would lead us to become true disciples of Jesus now and forever.
HOMELESS IN AMERICA
It is not very often that I meet a Filipino who is homeless in America. A few days ago, I met one. I think he was pleasantly surprised when I took time to engage him in a conversation. I was not judgmental at all in my approach. Everyone has a story to tell and I wanted to listen to his story. Perhaps he found difficulty composing his thoughts. His were unspoken words. All he did was to cover his face, look up to the high heavens and give a big sigh. He must have gone through a lot. What I felt a lot of empathy for him. I felt his pain. After a while, I invited him to a nearby Filipino restaurant. He ordered adobo and pansit. He had a good lunch. You could tell he was hungry. It was something I did willingly for him, he was very grateful, both of us were blest.
It is ironic that even in a land of plenty, poverty rears its ugly head. What I did was no big deal, but perhaps it meant a lot to our less fortunate kababayan even if it is only for the day. I was conscious that what I did was a band aid treatment
mental health issues.
Since the pandemic these conditions have only been rising, with one third of all young adults — and half of those aged 18 to 24 — reporting symptoms of mental illness. The American Cancer Society also reports increasing rates of cancer among young adults; particularly types associated with older adults, like colon cancer.
“We’re in a crisis where our health care systems are not meeting the needs of our young people, who are often in a stage of transition out of Medicaid … because there’s no expansion, they’re sold student health plans or they don’t know how to enroll in other plans,” said Sanchez.
“I grew up on Medicaid, and I never understood all of the benefits I had until I transitioned out as a college student,” she explained. “I had annual checkups, vaccinations and dental care, but I had no idea about the mental health benefits. And we’ve heard this from other young adults who shared that they would have taken advantage of mental health resources, but had no idea it was covered … We need not only Medicaid expansion but health literacy, so people can actually use their coverage.”
Since redetermination, 5.5 fewer children below 18 are enrolled in Medicaid as of July 2024.
“Many of these children remain eligible, and we need to get them back enrolled, particularly in back to school right now,” said Joan Alker, executive director and co-founder of the Center for Children and Families and research professor at Georgetown University.
Net Medicaid enrollment changes vary drastically between states, with the largest drops by number
to a cancerous disease. During my younger days, I was involved with my parish in a feeding program in the House for Battered Women. I also co-founded a charity organization Building Lives for Better Future a part of its mission was get involved in feeding the homeless in downtown San Diego. In both cases, the recipients knew that if it was our turn to serve them, they could expect a special treat. They associate the respect we give them with the kind of food we serve them. We served them with dignity and respect and they were very appreciative. Their spirits were uplifted.
I have a habit of engaging homeless persons in a conversation. The social life of these people is very limited and so they appreciate somebody taking interest In their life and engage them in a conversation. Poverty is manifested not only in terms of material needs. There is such a thing a poverty of Hope, Spiritual poverty, Emotional poverty, etc. Homeless people are in need of all of these. By listening to them and giving them wise counsel, our Lord is a part of the dialogue and with God’s grace, we might succeed in igniting a glimmer of Hope in the hearts of the Last, the Least and the Lost among God’s brethren. Our life is not about ourself. It is all about doing something to uplift the lives of our fellowmen. We are our brother’s keeper. Sometime ago, when I opened my garage door one early morning, I was shocked to see a homeless person sleeping in my driveway. But then, it’s another long story.
being 1.3 million fewer children in Texas, approximately 542,600 fewer children in Florida and 373,000 fewer children in California.
The largest drops by percentage are Utah, with 34.5% fewer children on Medicaid; Colorado, with 30.9% fewer children; and Texas, with 29.1% fewer children.
“We’ve heard that parents are putting off care because they’re not insured, and just hoping their child doesn’t get sick. That children are having to skip their medications, not getting their inhalers and missing treatments for behavioral health conditions,” said Alker.
“Children are not expensive to our health care system, but they need regular care, so even a short gap exposes the family to large medical bills … and without that routine care, children are less able to learn,” she added. “Many of these children are still eligible for Medicaid. Any gap in coverage is not acceptable.”
What’s next?
“The price America pays for giving states enormous authority over their Medicaid programs is extremely high,” said Stan Dorn, director of the Health Policy Project at UnidosUS. “A family has a very different likelihood of getting health care based simply on the state in which they happen to live.”
To bridge these dramatic coverage gaps across states, Dorn
suggested making “administrative burdens completely irrelevant for as many people as possible” through paperless eligibility; linguistically and culturally accessible enrollment help; automatic renewal of qualified people using tax and wage information that the government already has; and providing continuous coverage in the case of missing paperwork.
As states pay a percentage of the cost of each Medicaid enrollee, Dorn also suggested creating federal standards for state redetermination performance to incentivize states that don’t want to pay. States that exceed standards would get a bonus, as was done with the Children’s Health Insurance Program in 2009. For states that don’t meet standards, he suggested deferring federal payments until the state improved, while stopping families from being terminated.
“We found that the states with the worst problems in terms of people losing coverage had invested the least amount of money in their eligibility infrastructure. So ultimately, it’s a question of values,” said Dorn. “Are the states’ officials willing to invest enough money in running a Medicaid program that they would trust with their own family’s health care? Some are willing to invest in systems that work for families and providers, and others are not.”
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The Sycuan Band of The Kumeyaay Nation to Host Annual 35th Sycuan Powwow and 3rd Fashion Show
WHAT: The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation will return with both its annual 35th Sycuan Powwow, and 3rd Fashion Show themed “The Fire Within.” The theme will allow Native American artists to illuminate the beauty, talent and resilience of Native American culture, declaring “we are still here.”
The fashion show’s theme, inspired by the Kumeyaay greeting "may the fire (your spirit) burn bright within you," reflects the enduring spirit of indigenous people. The show will also feature 11 designers from Turtle Island, with their designs available for purchase.
The three-day powwow will showcase champion powwow dancers from across the United States, Canada and Mexico. We will celebrate the beautiful dance style of indigenous people representing their tribes. Chairman Cody Martinez will also be conducting an invocation before each grand entry. Arts and craft vendors will be selling their handmade authentic jewelry, pottery, basketry and paintings, and of course, there will be lots of food vendors!
WHEN:Powwow is from Friday, Sept. 6 - Sunday, Sept. 8 Friday, Sept. 6: 5 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 7: 11 to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 8: 10 to 4:30 p.m.
**Hours may change, depending on the happenings that weekend**
The Fire Within Fashion Show Thursday, Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
**Must be 21 or older with valid I.D. to attend**
WHERE: 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019
WHO: Sycuan Powwow and Sycuan Fashion Show. Tribal
Girl Scouts San Diego’s Annual Fundraiser Returns on Friday the 13th
Urban Campout: Fortune Favors the Bold will honor the spirit of Girl Scouts and the power of taking risks, bravely embracing new experiences, and creating your own destiny.
San Diego, CA — On Friday, Sept. 13, Girl Scouts San Diego (GSSD) will put the ‘fun’ in fundraiser with its beloved event, Urban Campout: Fortune Favors the Bold. The youth-serving nonprofit will transform Level 3 of its 13-acre Balboa Campus into an evening of enchantment and adventure under the stars for more than 400 guests.
San Diego Magazine CEO, Claire Johnson—a local media visionary who demonstrates bold leadership as she charts an innovative path forward for San Diego’s oldest lifestyle magazine—will emcee the event, which promises to be a vibrant tribute to the daring spirit of Girl Scouting.
Urban Campout 2024: Fortune Favors the Bold is made possible thanks to support from event co-chairs: Perette Godwin, Communications Program Coordinator, City of San Diego and GSSD volunteer, and Emily Rex, Founder and CEO of Departure and Vice Chair of GSSD’s Board of Directors. Godwin and Rex believe deeply in the Girl Scout mission to
build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
“By fostering an environment where girls are empowered to be bold and adventurous, Girl Scouts helps them develop the resilience and resourcefulness needed to navigate life's challenges and create their own successes,” said Godwin and Rex.
“This proactive, fearless approach to life is what makes Girl Scouts San Diego such a transformative and invaluable experience, preparing girls from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities to be the bold leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”
As a cornerstone of leadership development for more than 100 years, GSSD encourages girls to step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and seize opportunities to grow and learn. The funds raised from Urban Campout help fuel diverse and impactful leadership programs, from outdoor adventures to STEM initiatives, all designed to foster a sense of well-being in girls so they can discover their potential, face challenges with confidence, and
make a lasting impact on society.
“With backing from our supporters through events like Urban Campout, we gain much needed resources to provide safe environments where girls can explore their interests, take on new experiences, and build essential life skills among their peers and supportive adults,” continued Godwin and Rex.
At Urban Campout 2024: Fortune Favors the Bold, attendees will enjoy a range of Girl Scoutinspired activities like archery and s’mores, indulge in local spirits and gourmet fare, experience the wonder of a fortune teller and wandering magician, and marvel at the creativity on display through bold and spectacular costumes.
Sponsors making Urban Campout 2024: Fortune Favors the Bold possible include Mission Fed Credit Union, Sharp Health Plan, and U.S. Bank.
To purchase tickets or tables for Urban Campout 2024: Fortune Favors the Bold or to explore sponsorship opportunities, visit sdgirlscouts.org/ urbancampout.
Chula Vista Receives $10 Million Federal Grant
to Help Building Owners Increase
CHULA VISTA, CA -- The City of Chula Vista has been awarded a $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to help owners of multifamily, commercial, and industrial buildings improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases.
Chula Vista is one of just 19 state and local governments across the U.S., and the only local government in Southern California, to earn the grant. Some funding will be used to develop educational tool kits and resources to assist building owners in implementing low-to-no-cost upgrades.
“Chula Vista has long been a leader in the climate planning world, developing the first Climate Action Plan in the region in 2000,” said City Manager Maria V. Kachadoorian. “With this funding, we can do even more to improve our environment by increasing energy efficiency in our largest buildings.”
The funding, to be provided over the next nine years, will focus on improving the performance of the City’s 750 multifamily, commercial, and industrial buildings 20,000 square feet or larger. Many older multifamily buildings in Chula Vista were not built with adequate insulation or air conditioning and occupants have experienced rising exposure to extreme heat in recent years, causing potential public health threats. The focus on betterperforming buildings is designed to help alleviate many of those issues.
Chula Vista Environmental Sustainability Manager Coleen Wisniewski said the Department of Energy funding is critical to the City’s efforts to help building owners and the community successfully comply with the City’s threeyear-old Building Energy Saving Ordinance. The grant will help Wisniewski’s team develop tools, resources, and training.
Energy Efficiency
“Ultimately, this will also improve our building stock so that over time people who want to buy or lease will look for more energy efficient buildings,” said Wisniewski, who will oversee the grant. While the funding cannot be used to purchase direct building upgrades such as insulation or HVAC systems, it will go towards energy audits, retro-commissioning and energy data verification for buildings that qualify. Additionally, the City will develop a toolkit of educational
materials, summaries of low-tono-cost upgrade measures and a database of local, state, and federal funding resources for owners. The funding will enable the City to hire additional employees in the Office of Sustainability to provide technical assistance, measure compliance and ordinance enforcement.
The Department of Energy grants are funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and were awarded
members from the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation will be available for interviews on Sept. 2, Sept. 4 and Sept. 6. The powwow is free to the public. The Fashion show tickets start at $20.
CONTACT: Christopher Lajuj c.lajujbotzoc@sycuan.com
619.445.6002 x 1554 ABOUT SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
Members of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation have resided in and around the foothills of the Dehesa Valley for more than 12,000 years. Today they are
a modern government providing public services to their members, employees and neighbors. The Sycuan Tribal Government operates one of the region’s premier Indian gaming and resort facilities, Sycuan Casino Resort. The Sycuan Tribe demonstrates its strong commitment to the San Diego region through the support of hundreds of civic and charitable organizations.
The Tribe also seeks to reinvest back into the San Diego community with a progressive business development and diversification effort. The tribe is a major investor in and owner of the 30th Major
League Soccer (MLS) team that was awarded to the city of San Diego in 2023, becoming the first native American tribe to be partowner of any men’s
Emergency blood shortage: Severe weather further strains Red Cross blood supply
Communities encouraged to stay ready, give blood or platelets during National Preparedness Month
SAN DIEGO, CA -- The American Red Cross continues to experience a national blood emergency as remnants of Hurricane Debby and other severe weather events across the country have further complicated efforts to rebuild the nation’s blood supply. Those in unaffected areas are urged to make an appointment to give now.
Weather in recent weeks has added to the summer shortfall in donations by forcing the cancellation of nearly 60 blood drives throughout the country, many of which were caused by Debby, causing approximately 1,500 lifesaving blood products to go uncollected. Annually, severe weather − such as blizzards, tornadoes, floods and hurricanes − impacts about 90,000 blood donations made to the Red Cross. In California, 108 blood drives have been canceled due to weather over the last 10 years, including 14 so far this year. This has resulted in about 386 donations going uncollected in Southern California in 2024. Because blood has a short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood donors, any disruptions in the ability to collect lifesaving blood can have serious consequences for hospitals and patients.
First-time donors and those who give regularly are critical to blood supply recovery. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). In thanks, all who come to give through Aug. 31 will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/ Help for details. Those who come to give Sept. 1-15 will receive an exclusive Red Cross raglan T-shirt, while supplies last. Be ready for emergencies September is National Preparedness Month, and a strong blood supply is key to preparedness for disasters and medical emergencies. As disasters occur more often and become more powerful due to the climate crisis, the Red Cross also encourages people to get their households ready for
emergencies. This year the country has already seen the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded with Hurricane Beryl, and wildfires have burned 2.7 million more acres compared to all of 2023. Disasters can happen anywhere, at any time, often without warning. Get ready by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected. To learn what disasters may affect your community, visit redcross.org/ hazardmap and then download the free Red Cross Emergency App for step-by-step guidance, real-time weather alerts and expert preparedness
and safety advice in both English and Spanish.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana. org, or follow us on social media.
CHULA VISTA
Continued from page 11
to state and local governments to advance traditional and innovative building energy codes, resulting in more resilient, efficient, and better buildings.
Chula Vista has long been at the forefront of climate planning. City initiatives have included the adoption of water conservation and energy efficiency ordinances, efforts to electrify the City fleet and the installation of over 140 electric vehicle chargers. The City began
OTNC Reunion on Saturday, September 14, 2024
The organization will be honoring seniors 80 and up. Over 500 people are expected to attend at the CASA de SALUD in National City. Supervisor Nora Vargas will be attending this full day of fun event for everyone to enjoy. Interested to attend?
Contact Gloria at (619)733-1133 for more information.
