The Filipino Press: August 4-10, 2023

P215.64-B budget eyed for flood control projects in 2024 - DBM

MANILA -- The Marcos administration is seeking a budget allocation of PHP215.643 billion to fund its flood mitigation projects for 2024, Budget Secretary Amenah

Pangandaman said Thursday.

Pangandaman said the proposed budget is included in the 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP) for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

Flood Management Program.

“In 2023, for this year, we have a budget of PHP185 billion and for 2024, we proposed PHP215.643 billion under the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Flood Management Program,”

Pangandaman told Palace reporters.

Pangandaman noted that under the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s proposed 2024 project, about PHP1.3 billion would be spent for flood mitigation projects.

She added that there would also be “foreign-assisted” projects such as the Pampanga Integrated Disaster and Risk Resiliency Project and the Bulacan Angat Water Transmission Project.

“For Pampanga, it’s a loan so we just funded the government counterpart. So for the Pampanga, it’s PHP1.397 billion and for Bulacan, it’s PHP7.4 billion,”

Pangandaman said.

Climate change mitigation

Meantime, Pangandaman said the Marcos administration is requesting

around PHP543.45 billion for the implementation of its climate change mitigation and adaptation projects

and programs next year. Pangandaman said the proposed budget for climate change

expenditure tagging is equivalent to 9.4 percent of the total proposed budget, exceeding the government’s

commitment of 8 percent share under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

“Much of the projects is for water sufficiency (PHP294.46 billion); for sustainable energy (PHP180.72 billion); for climate-smart industries and services (PHP6.02 billion); for ecosystem and environmental sustainability (PHP5.95 billion),” she said.

“Another PHP12.97 billion [will be] for knowledge and capacity development; food security (PHP40.18 billion); human security (PHP2.58 bilion); and cross cutting actions (PHP550 million),” Pangandaman added.

Damage to PH agri, fisheries from Egay top P4.4B – DA

The damage and losses in the country's agricultural and fisheries sector caused by Typhoon Egay have reached nearly PHP5 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported on Thursday.

Based on the bulletin issued by the DA's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Section, the amount of damage to the sector is now at PHP4.47 billion, affecting 170,510 farmers and fisherfolk with total volume of production loss at 152,041 metric tons and 195,539 hectares of agricultural areas.

The figures were based on the assessment of DA Regional Field Offices in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley,

SAN DIEGO, CA -- On Sunday, August 20, 2023 at the La Mesa Community Center, Julio DeGuzman, Jr., will be sworn in as the Lions District Governor ("DG") of Lions District 4L6. District 4L6 covers the entire San Diego and Imperial Counties. DG DeGuzman will have cognizance of more than 1,300 Lions members and 49 Lions Clubs. Dinner tickets for the Swearing In are $50 in advance before August 15th and $55 at the door. The group expects more than 180 Lions members and non Lions to attend.

The Lions Club International

("LCI") now called Lions Clubs, is the largest community service organization in the world. There are over 1.4 million Lions members worldwide and they are present in over 200 countries. They hope to have 1.5 million members by the end of this year. The largest Lions Club ("LC") in San Diego is the San Diego Forever LC which became a Chartered LC in 2007. President Joe Ragonese, a 30 year US Navy veteran is the current president and has 134 Lions members.

Other large LCs include the San Diego Majestic LC with 91 Lions members. President Nenette Brown

recently became President of this LC. Next largest LC is the San Diego Host LC with 85 members. Jonathan Mosier, recently became their president. President Bella Carreon who leads the San Diego Stars LC, follows with 70 members. Within District 4L6, specialty LCs include the San Diego Roaring LC with 37 members. A specialty LC is a club that specifically requests that members be of the same profession but they will accept other professions. In this LC most of the members are registered nurses or members are in the medical profession. Another specialty LC is the La Jolla Presidents LC, where members must be a current or former president of a company, business, organization, association, a non profit or a veteran.

The District Public Relations Officer is Mr. Len Novarro, a former Union Tribune reporter and former news reporter from other different news outlets. Mr Novarro is also the President of the Asian Heritage Society, a 501 ( c ) 3 corporation.

The District's is: DISTRICT 4-L6 LIONS - District OFFICERS (district4l6lions.org) and the webmaster is Lion Jay Ruiz, SR. The In House District communication is handled by Cabinet Secretary, Lion Virginia Williams via constant contact.

Please visit the District website and you will see the numerous community service events that the 49 LCs conduct at least once per month.

By Emily Ingco SAN DIEGO,

CA -- The word “KAPAMILIYA” was heard throughout the bleachers, as the players break their huddle. Walking on the army green turf, their faces were painted with fierce determination and focus. Hearts racing and sweat dripping down their face, they were ready to dominate their matchup against Mexico and triumphantly conclude the 2023 World Lacrosse Championship with the 15th place ranking.

Battling through the six consecutive games with a win-loss record of 4-2, the Philippines qualified for a second

Filipinos around the world.

Equipped with elite veteran and rookie athletes, skilled coaches and staff, and the boisterous Filipino, international fanbase, the Philippines clinched their final, everlasting victory on June 30. Ending the spectacular matchup with a final score of 8-6, the team’s resilience, synergy, and willpower were put to the test.

Fighting for glory, the nervewracking matchup consisted of continuous back-to-back scoring between both teams. Tied at 3 at halftime, midfielder John Dugenio and attacker Matt Speciale blasted two goals to combat the goal Mexico scored

saves. Answering the call for action, midfielders Neil Adrian Macalada and Chase LaDrido would then net the final shots that would ultimately determine their win. Leaving it all on the field, the Philippines ends the showdown with eight scored shots, 26 ground balls, and ten saves.

Rookie midfielder, Chase LaDrido, showcased the true embodiment of Filipino competitiveness and fiery compassion alongside his teammates, as he had two goals and two assists in the final game. Scoring one of the first and the last goals of the game, LaDrido was determined to change the tides and motion of the matchup. Accompanied by the support of the fans in the stands and the companionship of his teammates, the San Diego native’s debut in the World Championship games made an

“It was a very humbling experience and one of the lifetime experiences that

OVERFLOW. The Marikina River overflows on Thursday (Aug. 3, 2023) morning after rainwater from mountainous areas drained into the river.

the

Philippine Lacrosse team in SD after winning its final game vs Mexico. Phl ranked 15 out of 30 countries that participated . US Team won the championship. (photo by Zen Ply)

Kumpletuhin ang inyong balota sa ginhawa ng inyong tahanan. Pirmahan at petsahan ang inyong sobreng pagbabalikan, i-seal ang inyong nakumpletong balota sa loob, at ibalik ito sa pamamagitan ng U.S. Postal Service – hindi na kinakailangan ng selyo!

Ibalik ang inyong balota sa alinmang opisyal na mga ballot drop box ng Tagapagrehistro sa buong distrito hanggang sa Araw ng Eleksyon, Martes, Ika-15 ng Agosto.

Iwasan ang mahahabang pila sa pamamagitan ng mabuting paggamit ng benepisyo ng maagang pagboto! Simula Sabado, Ika- 5 ng Agosto, pitong mga vote center ang magbubukas araw-araw mula ika-8 ng umaga hanggang ika-5 ng hapon. Sa Araw ng Eleksyon, Martes, Ika-15 ng Agosto, labing-apat na mga vote center ang magbubukas mula ika-7 ng umaga hanggang ika-8 ng gabi. Hanapin ang ballot drop box o vote center na malapit sa inyo sa sdvote.com

PBBM tasks DA to boost support to farmers in Egay-hit regions

MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has mapped out strategies to recover from the losses caused by Super Typhoon Egay and enhanced southwest monsoon in significant rice production areas.

In a memorandum to DA regional executives in typhoon Egay-hit region, DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Leocadio

Sebastian told them “to exert extra effort to catch up with the ongoing rice cropping period to sustain our rice production”, citing instructions from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who is the concurrent DA Secretary.

He said to secure food production in the country, the regional officials should ensure the replanting of short-duration rice varieties in feasible areas like those with good water sources and irrigation systems during October and November.

If needed, this should be well coordinated with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), he added.

In areas where replanting rice is not feasible, he said the distribution of vegetables and other crops ensures a source of livelihood for affected farmers.

Another strategy, he said, is the distribution of one-month-old chicken to areas unaffected by avian flu to create additional sources of income.

He said the affected regions can also avail of the Quick Response Fund (QRF). The latest DA data showed the total damage and losses in the agricultural sector stand at PHP2.9 billion, affecting 163,722 farmers and fisherfolk with a total volume of production loss at 98,217 metric tons and 163,722 hectares of agricultural areas. Rice crops

took the heaviest toll with 92,179 hectares for a total volume of production loss of 33,063 metric tons worth PHP1.13 billion.

The typhoon damaged 69,669 hectares of farmlands for corn worth PHP998.2 million; high value crops, 1, 874 hectares worth PHP235.6 million; livestock and poultry for 8,998 heads worth PHP11.9 million; fisheries worth PHP175.4 million and irrigation facilities and farm structures worth PHP351.7 million.

Egay onslaught kills 26, displaces over 300K -- NDRRMC

Twenty-six persons have been reported to have died while 13 others have been said to be missing after tropical cyclone Egay's onslaught in several regions last week, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has said.

In its situtional report at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, the NDRRMC said 52 people were also reported injured in over 849 typhoon-related incidents. These are in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, SOCCSKSARGEN, and BARMM.

The agency said 675,357 families or 2,476,907 individuals were affected by Egay. It said 317,975 persons have been displaced, and 17,349 were pre-emptively evacuated.

The affected areas include 13 regions, 47 provinces, 449 cities and municipalities, and 4,255 barangays.

As of 5 p.m., the estimated cost of damage to agriculture was P1,965,320,443.04; and to infrastructure, P3,510,282,156.58.

Over 100,000 farmers and fishers were affected while more

than 148,000 hectares of crops were damaged. The cost of damage to livestock, poultry, and fisheries reached over P167 million.

An estimated P154,046,929.23 have already been released by several government units for posttyphoon relief and assistance.

The NDRRMC said there were 41,920 damaged houses and 487 damaged infrastructure.

On Tuesday morning, the agency said 108 areas in six regions in Luzon have been placed under a state of calamity due to the combined effects of Typhoon Egay and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

Based on its latest situational report, the NDRRMC said that these cities and municipalities were situated in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

LPA to super typhoon Egay, which developed into a super typhoon, started out as a low pressure area east of southern Luzon. It developed into a tropical depression on July 21.

Super Typhoon Egay on July 25 had Signal No. 5 raised in the eastern portion of the Babuyan Islands when it was spotted 230 kilometers east northeast of Tuguegarao City with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph. Already a typhoon, Egay first made landfall in Fuga Island in Aparri, Cagayan on July 26.

Egay left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on July 27 but still had eight areas under Signal No. 2. Like tropical cyclone Falcon which entered the PAR after it left, Egay also enhanced the Southwest Monsoon and caused rains in parts of the country. (MNS)

Norma Baladad Funeral Services Viewing Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

3838 Bonita Road Bonita, CA 91902

Date: Thursday August 31, 2023

Time: 5pm-9pm Rosary: 6pm

Church & Burial Services

Corpus Christi Catholic Church 450 Corral Canyon Rd. Bonita, CA 91902

Date: Friday Sept 1, 2023

Time: 11:00am (Approx. 1 hr Service)

Miramar National Cemetery

5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122

Date: Friday Sept 1, 2023 Time 1:15pm

Family requests donation for funeral arrangements etc during this difficult time. Contact son Chris Baladad at (619)666-9094 for more info

Atomic bomb, Pura Luka Vega, and Veritatis Splendor

that Pagente’s drag performance on Twitter was “blasphemous, offensive, disrespectful, insulting, unacceptable, and outrageous to the Christian religion and belief, it also causes a devalued and negative image of the Lord Jesus Christ, which Christians hold in the highest veneration.”

by Ms. Reesa’s conviction. They pilloried the verdict as a setback to press freedom.

A group of Philippine Christian church leaders led by a Catholic bishop who filed suit against Amadeus Fernando Pagente a.k.a

Pura Luka Vega, made news.

Pagente’s online drag performance resembling the Black Nazarene while lip-synching to the “Lords Prayer” was labeled by the group as “terribly blasphemous, offensive, disrespectful … and outrageous to the Christian religion and belief for it devalues and projects a negative image of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Pagente is charged under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10175 signed by President Benigno C. Aquino III) because of the online publication, and for Article 201 violation of the Revised Penal Code (Presidential Decree No. 960 signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos). Article 201 is the meat of the charge because of “Immoral doctrines, obscene publication, and indecent shows.”

During the RA 10175 senate deliberations, Sen. Teofisto Guingona who opposed the bill,

warned that users of social media such as Twitter and Facebook, are vulnerable. “What if you Tweet or reTweet, are you liable? What if you share or “Like” as in Facebook, are you liable? Sen. Guingona took issue with the law’s implementation where the Secretary of Justice (Leila De Lima at that time) was given powers to block or restrict access to Internet data without oversight. He was not alone. He was joined by civil society and journalists who protested the insertion of libel in the law. The Cybercrime was written vaguely and couched under the pretense of targeting identity theft, hacking and child pornography. In the Marcos decree, he was clearly trying to stifle freedom of speech in the guise of “films which tend to incite subversion, insurrection or rebellion against the State, among others.

The presidential decree clearly survived the People Power because that very same article is what being cited by the church leaders along with Aquino’s Cybercrime Law

As a side note, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 was a copycat of a U.S. Congress bill called “Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) that was trashed by lawmakers following massive protests from various groups.

It was, however, picked up by Philippine legislators, passed, and Aquino signed into law right after the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona. As a side note, it was Sen. Vicente Sotto who inserted the word “libel” into the bill after being embarrassed by internet bloggers who exposed his plagiarism of Sen. Robert Kennedy’s speech.

Karma is a bitch. Two years ago, under President Rodrigo Duterte, Maria Reesa was convicted of cyber libel based on an article she wrote and published in Rappler.

The verdict that was also upheld by the Court of Appeals found that her article libeled businessman Wilfredo Keng when she linked him to Chief Justice Corona and his alleged ties to illegal drugs.

Civil society and international groups of journalists were aghast

Here we are today with the case against Pura Luka Vega, a Filipino drag performer who is trying to make a living as a contestant in drag competitions. Vega’s online Twitter drag performance snippet has been viewed by over 20 million people. The new publicity will probably crank it up further. Pagente’s defense is that she intended “to embody a version of Christ that is one with the queer audience.”

Okay, isn’t this a bit of hypocrisy if not a case of double standard? The educated elites defended Ms. Reesa to the hilt and bedeviled the former president. Here, a case involving an aspiring actress who happened to be gay and had the audacity of wearing a look alike of the Black Nazarene. Where’s the outrage?

Church leaders argued that Pagente’s act “devalued and (created a) negative image of the Lord Jesus Christ, which Christians hold in the highest veneration.” Perhaps this is part of the problem. Jesus Christ will not be in the courtroom to corroborate their statement. When are they going to mature in faith beyond the images?

The season finale winner of Drag Den Philippines, crowned Drag Supreme’s winning answer, “It is freedom of expression, and I can’t be happier to be here. I hope

that my story inspires young queer artists who are afraid of putting themselves out there because I was afraid. But thank you, Manila, for giving me this platform because I was able to prove that growth is what you need to become the next drag supreme,” she added.

On another subject highlighting religious hypocrisy, is about the movie Oppenheimer that hit Manila theatres last month. The movie “Oppenheimer” is about the agony of the man who created the atomic bomb and how it was used. Clearly a box-office hit that has already raked in hundreds of millions of dollars. There was no protest or denunciation from church leaders about a movie glorifying genocide.

Incidentally, the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan will commemorate the 78th year since the bombing on August 6 and 9, 1945, respectively. The bombing was justified as a preventive act “to prevent further deaths (well, by Americans) if a ground conventional war was pursued against Japan. Is the use of nuclear weapons ever justified?

I’ve been to Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is filled with harrowing images of civilians –young and old – eviscerated by the bomb and those who survived, their lives were disrupted and altered forever. Their stories have been

told and retold but the Americans who lived near the Alamogordo Bombing Range in New Mexico where the bomb was tested are yet to be told. Many have suffered or died from cancer related radiation exposure and are yet to be compensated.

Incidentally, Veritatis Splendor (VS) will celebrate its 30th year on August 6. Published after the Hiroshima bombing, VS reminds us that nuclear weapons are incompatible with peace more so with Russia’s Vladimir Putin threat to use such weapons in Ukraine.

“The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is unjust,” said Pope Francis in his encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti” (All Brothers). He also alluded that the bombing of Hiroshima was “immoral.”

The moral and ethical question that faced J. Robert Oppenheimer then is the same one facing mankind today. “Blood is in my hands,” said Oppenheimer to then President Harry Truman days after the bombings. Veritatis Splendor tells us that the gift of the Holy Spirit is the source and means of moral life. The purpose of the Church is to promote and preserve such life. The suit filed against Pura Luka Vega exemplifies how far we have strayed from such moral truth. Article 12 of VS says unequivocally, “Only God can answer the question about the good because he is the Good.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomes Filipino nurse, Ms. Charito Leonardo-Romano in Malacanang. The President had the opportunity to recognize Ms. Romano's exceptional contributions to healthcare during their meeting. Ms. Romano had received the Order of the British Empire Medal in Queen Elizabeth II's 2021 New Year's Honour List. (MNS photo)

THE CURSILLO MOVEMENT: WHAT IS IT?

“Instead of being just a church that welcomes and receives by keeping the doors open, let us try also to be a church that finds new roads, that is able to step outside itself and go to those who do not attend mass, to those who have quit or are indifferent.”

Pope Francis

SAN DIEGO, CA -- If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to find a new road to get closer to God and your faith, a Cursillo weekend might be just the ticket. You’ve likely heard of it through friends and fellow parishioners, but may not have gotten a clear picture of what it’s all about.

Often heard, too is that a Cursillo weekend is “one of those experiences that changes everything!” And to that, I do say “Amen!”

Here in our South Bay neighborhood, the Filipino Cursillo of St. Charles Parish Church welcomed six new “cursillistas” on its roster last Friday, July 28th.

The special guest of the memorable occasion was His Excellency, Most Rev. Pablo S. David, D.D. who is currently the Bishop of the Diocese of Kalookan and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

“It was a great and fulfilling experience,” declared Gerry Silva, a parishioner at St. Charles. “I was very touched by the whole process. It was a very well-organized event and every one in attendance wanted to continue to be active, too.”

Another added, “I was hesitant about going on a retreat but the three days changed my faith life. I now have a close relationship with God, peace in my life and I am more trusting of God’s infinite wisdom.”

Such was the unanimous sentiment of the participants who graduated from the 3-day Filipino Cursillo weekend program.

This is not to say that after a weekend a new “cursillista” ends up on a street corner with a sign

LACROSSE

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I’ll never get again, so I’m very fortunate for it,” LaDrido said. “It was a great event and I’m very lucky that it is in my hometown too because I had a lot of support from my own family and people who are around San Diego. I’m proud of my heritage, but most importantly my family because my parents really helped me get to this point and both sets of my grandparents came to my games.”

Although uniting with his teammates a week before the tournament games began, LaDrido exclaims that the team connected with one another promptly and utilized their limited time wisely. Under rigorous training with the immaculate staff, the team devised cohesive game plans and assembled their individual skills into intricate strategies. Despite having varying levels of experience in lacrosse and different backgrounds, LaDrido says that they were able to learn a lot from one another and bounce off each other’s techniques.

“Since I was a newcomer to the team,” Ladrido said, “I came in with no expectations and just wanted to contribute my skillset, have a great experience, and create new relationships. When I first met them, they welcomed me with open arms, as we all considered each other as one big Kapamilya.”

Living with each other in the SDSU dorms during the tournament, they immediately clicked and treated each other like family. Spending time with each other off the field allowed the players to build an indestructible relationship on the field. Compared to other countries, the Philippines shared a shorter amount of time to prepare for the tournament in person. Despite this, the Philippines faced their opponents head-on with the resolution to win. With a culmination of all their efforts during the previous tournament games, the Philippines were able to successfully obtain this goal.

“When we were all having downtime, we would all hang out in the common area of the dorm. We would play games and watch movies. It was very helpful in building that camaraderie and that trust in each other because when we would step on the field, we would already know each other’s tendencies and how they play as a player since we were all friends.”

After winning the tense game against Mexico, LaDrido describes the “bittersweet” feeling fluttering

proclaiming “Jesus Saves.” Quite the contrary, I say the purpose of Cursillo is to develop the spiritual muscles of ourselves to continue with our life as it is, but with a new Christ-centered found purpose.

The Cursillo Movement- so, just what is it?

To explain cursillo to someone who has never experienced Cursillo is, at best, difficult. Often, for those who have practiced Cursillo, it is still somewhat bewildering. The reason behind the mystery is God. No one can fully explain how God touches each person in His special/ unique way throughout the various elements of the Cursillo Movement. For some, it is a total turnabout in their lives; for others, it is a grand awakening; for yet others, it is an enrichment of what they have already known and have been living.

It is above all a benefice experience of what is rudimentary for being a Christian. Absolutely, the friendship and love of God in Jesus Christ is the center of what is fundamental for being a Christian, and in the weekend retreat, friendships continue to be the best method to transmit His love and all to the ensembled new Cursillistas.

Cursillo is a Spanish word meaning short course. A Cursillo (pronounced “kur-see-yo”) therefore is a short course in Christianity. Today, Cursillos are given in more than 50 nations on five continents. It is estimated that more than 2 million men and women of various races and languages have participated.

It is genuinely a recognized world-wide movement of the Roman Catholic Church, based on the charism given by the Holy Spirit to Eduardo Bonnin in the early 1940’s in Mallorca, Spain. The full name of the movement is “Cursillo de Christianidad”, or “Short Course in Christianity”, although it is really much more than that!

It was an effort to spiritually revive Catholics after the Spanish

through all the players. For many of the players, this was their last dance with the Philippines Lacrosse Association, as they planned to retire after this 2023 season.

“Sharing those memories with them, we all came in as strangers and left like a family,” LaDrido said. “There was a kind of bittersweet aspect in that it was some guys’ last go. It was nice to end their ride with a big hurrrah. It’s also nice to know that those people are in my networks and support systems now.”

Despite the season coming to a close, this is only a steppingstone towards the sensational journey of growing the sport of lacrosse in the Philippines.

Philippines Lacrosse Association (PLA) President, Ron Garcia, exclaims how the recent season has already drawn immense amounts of attention from Filipino communities around the globe. During the final game, Garcia examined how charismatic the Philippines’ fanbase is when it came to supporting the team in any way possible. From support from fans overseas on social media to Filipinos from San Diego coming down to cheer, the players were continuously reminded who they were representing throughout the tournament with their energy being boosted by the fans in the stands.

“Families would feed us,” Garcia said, “people would fly our flags, and kids would run back and forth in front of the stands to cheer when we scored. We met so many Filipinos that worked at San Diego State, as well as fans that don’t necessarily live in San Diego and would drive down to support us. Having a crowd there was definitely impactful for the players because it showed they had support in the game, and it motivated them to push harder and compete harder.”

Even before the championship games began, Garcia arranged lacrosse workshops with young athletes and the Philippines national team at SDSU. In hopes of inspiring them to practice and compete harder in the sport, the young athletes were able to meet the team and practice with them for a day before the games began.

With the spontaneous turnout during the championship games, Garcia saw the progress that his efforts finally made in gaining Filipino attention towards the US sport since 2012. Making a second consecutive appearance in the World Championship games, the Philippines has finally been given a seat at the

more than sixty years ago.

Jesse T. Reyes

Civil War ended in 1939. After the first successful Cursillo weekend, the movement spread to South America and Mexico by 1955. The very first English Cursillo was held in North America in 1961 and arrived here in the Diocese of San Diego in 1962

table and had made their mark on the lacrosse community.

“It’s an opportunity to be a part of the conversation,” Garcia said. “We’re very proud to show other Filipinos all over the world that Philippines lacrosse is a very viable team and sport that lends to the Filipino people. It was also amazing to see how lacrosse bonded or united Filipino athletes all over the world.”

With the season ending and the next one taking place after a few years, the Philippines National team still has big plans. For instance, on December 29-31, the Philippines National team will be competing in the Hong Kong Super Sixes. Like the World Lacrosse Championship games, the Philippines will be competing against other countries in this invitational tournament at Hong Kong. More information regarding the tournament and how fans can support the team will be posted on their social media platforms. Aside from tournaments planned, Garcia hopes to allure athletes into trying out for the national team in preparation for the next season.

“I would encourage them to keep training and keep themselves healthy,” Garcia said. “Reach out to us because we might have some events to see how they are, their skill level, how they are on the field, how they are off the field, and everything. There’s definitely opportunity to be a part of the national team.”

Nonetheless, Garcia is tremendously proud of the players, staff, and fanbase this season.

Playing for the name on the front of their jerseys instead of the back, the Philippines national team closes off their successful season, while representing the hardworking, faithful, and resilient Filipino community.

To read more about the Philippines Lacrosse Association (PLA) and to view updates on the Philippines Men’s National Team, please visit their Instagram (@philippineslacrosse) and Facebook page (@philippineslacrosseassociation).

A Cursillo weekend begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday afternoon (separate men’s and women’s weekends, by the way). During the three-day retreat, the participants listen to the Gospel messages, broken into fifteen short talks. The clergy gives five speeches; the other 10 are given by lay persons that already have made a Cursillo. The talkfest deal with Christian study, action, leadership, living a life in relationship with God, the role of lay persons in the church and similar reflections on situations encountered in daily living. Each conversation is followed by a period of small group discussions. The teachings of Christ are preached in an atmosphere of warmth, joy and friendship. Music and skits provide the entertainment. The participants pretty much experience three encounters: an encounter with oneself, an encounter with Christ and an encounter with

Filipino Potpourri

others. As described above, the three-day weekend is not only an intense experience of learning and spiritual growth in the Catholic faith but also an opportunity to make new friends within the diocese and have some time to get away from the stresses of the world, have some fun, laugh and relax.

Unlike other retreats, Cursillo does not end after the three days.

local groups get together to rekindle their weekend experiences. Their lives become a continually shared circumstance of their Catholic faith, strong friendships are formed and others in the environments are influenced by them.

It is actually a movement of spirit and not an organization, if I must add. Cursillistas definitely practice a method to experience the love of the Holy Trinity on their daily lives.

Making a Cursillo weekend is a once-in-a-lifetime answer to the call of the Holy Spirit.

However, a larger group of “cursillistas” – those who have already made their weekend – plan and staff retreats. It takes more than 50 people to coordinate a weekend. Attendees are asked to leave their problems, worries and especially the cellphones at home to focus on the meaning of the weekends, talks on various aspects of Catholic values, Mass, confessions and private reflections fill the agenda.

The great thing about Cursillo is that once you’ ed loved it, you can come back as a volunteer every time, and feel its families, yet still learn something new each time. In fact, it encourages people to work a weekend even if they have been away for a while, just to refresh and enjoy the Christian spiritual community.

For San Diegans, Cursillo starts with a Three-Day Weekend in the mountains near Julian.

The participants continue to live out what they have learned on the “fourth day” – their regular daily lives. Groups of Catholic friends meet weekly to discuss their faith journey in a structured but comfortable format. Once a month, the various

Indeed, the world-wide Cursillo Movement, with “cursillistas” numbering in the millions is transforming the universe for Christ - one country, one diocese, one group of friends, and one person at a time. Viva Cristo Rey!

"MAKE A FRIEND, BE A FRIEND AND BRING A FRIEND TO CHRIST": The Filipino Cursillo of St. Charles Parish Church welcomed the new "cursillistas" and Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. David of the Philippines last 28 July 2023.

His Excellency, Most Rev. Pablo Virgilio S. David, D.D. current Bishop of the Diocese of Caloocan and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Cheering the LaCrosse team from the bleachers at SDSU are Guy, Susan and Jason amongst the local and out of SD fans ( photo by Zen Ply)

DepEd sets SY 2023-2024 class opening on Aug. 29

of classes for the school year (SY) 2023-2024 in all public schools will be on August 29.

Private schools may opt to open their classes from the first Monday of June, but not later than the last day of August this year under Republic Act 11480, the DepEd said.

DepEd Assistant Secretary for Field Operations Francis Cesar Bringas meanwhile said they still have to gather data on the exact number of enrollees in the coming school year, but noted that students in certain grade levels were already pre-registered.

"In the public schools, meron tayong (we have) early registration for kinder, grade 1, grade 7, and grade 11. All other grades (are) automatically

enrolled for next school year. Two weeks before opening, these learners only need to confirm their enrollment in the same school for the school to properly plan class programs/ sectioning, and others," Bringas told reporters through a Viber message.

"During this time, malalaman na rin kung may mga (we will know if there are) transferees so our BEIS (Basic Education Information System) is properly updated for the beginning of school year (BOSY) data," he added.

Under the DepEd Department Order No. 10 series of 2023 issued last May 9, all incoming learners enrolling in Kindergarten and Grades 1, 7, and 11 in all public elementary and secondary schools shall pre-register or participate in the early registration to allow DepEd to make the necessary

preparations and adjustments of plans for the incoming SY 2023-2024.

"While incoming Grades 2-6, 8-10, and 12 learners from public schools are considered pre-registered, thus they do not need to participate in the early registration. However, private schools are encouraged to conduct their respective early registration activities in the same timeframe," the Order read.

VP Sara says 'Tara, Basa!' fulfills her pledge to modernize DepEd Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, said Wednesday the "Tara, Basa! (Come, let's read)" Tutoring Program is part of her promise to modernize the agency and make it better under her leadership.

In her message during the launch of the program held at the Rizal High School in Pasig City, Duterte said the “Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program also shows the Marcos administration's aggressiveness, determination and capability in working hard to improve the quality of education in the country.

According to Gatchalian, the "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program is a reformatted educational assistance of the DSWD that aims to help and provide assistance to college students from low-income families who are in difficult situations and assist the struggling or non-reader grade school learners who are vulnerable, at risk, or affected by the effects brought by the pandemic.

The TYDWs will also conduct the Nanay-Tatay (mother-father) Teacher sessions for parents and guardians on effective parenting, with such topics as understanding the self as a parent, dynamics of the Filipino family, challenges in parenting, child development, and children's rights. (MNS)

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

CALL:

BUDGET

Continued from page 1

Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen and Caraga.

The DA said available for distribution to affected farmers and fisherfolk are rice seeds and fertilizers worth PHP65.3 million; corn seeds and pesticides worth PHP94.7 million; assorted vegetable seeds worth PHP39.6 million and tilapia, carp and catfish fingerlings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources worth PHP62,000.

Also available are PHP5.9 million worth of fuel assistance for fisherfolk, specifically those in CAR, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon; PHP 1.9 million worth of repair and maintenance for damaged motorized boats; PHP200 million worth of Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council with a loanable amount of up to PHP25,000, payable in three years at zero interest; and PHP500 million

worth of Quick Response Fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

The DA is also coordinating with other national government agencies, local government agencies and other disaster response officers to assess the effects of the recent typhoon and determine available resources to assist the affected population.

Flooding, agri tackled during senators’ dinner with PBBM President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. only discussed issues on “flooding and agriculture" with the senators who came for a private dinner in Malacañang on Wednesday evening, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Thursday.

Zubiri bared that they did not talk about the issues on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) considering that Marcos just came from a meeting with former President Rodrigo Duterte, who earlier met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Describing their meeting as “very casual, cordial,” he said Marcos and the senators touched very quickly on the issue of Duterte, but the topic was immediately changed.

“We change topics after that into agriculture and flooding that's

going on all over Luzon, particularly Northern Luzon, his province Ilocos and, of course, what's happening in Bulacan and Pampanga,” Zubiri sad.

He added that Marcos was very concerned and focused on the plight of the flood-affected families, as well as the farmers whose crops were damaged by the recent typhoons.

“He was very concerned last night and during the course of the dinner, siyempre tinitignan nya yung cellphone niya, nagtitingin po siya ng mga updates kung ano ang nangyayari (he was constantly looking at his cellphone and looking for updates). And he was, every time he looked at his phone and he was like sighing, sigh of sadness, and ‘we have to send things here to this province, or to send more relief goods to this other province’” Zubiri related.

Although the West Philippine Sea issue was not discussed, Zubiri said Marcos is “familiar and knows very well” the stand of the Senate, having passed Senate Resolution No. 718, which condemns the continued harassment of Filipino fishermen and the persistent incursions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) by the

Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels.

“During the conversation we just mentioned basically that we had this stand with the Senate.. we didn't want to impose or discuss anything serious at the time because this was really for a casual and cordial dinner,” he said.

“But what is important, I think we should focus on the resolution. I think it is important to take note that the Senate went together, united together,” Zubiri said.

SRN 718 was unanimously adopted by the Senate on Tuesday.

Sponsored by Zubiri and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, the resolution urges the Philippine government to take appropriate action in asserting and securing the country's sovereign rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. The measure, which was coauthored by all senators, also calls on China to stop its illegal activities in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. (MNS)

Spiritual Life

The love chapter through a mother’s eyes.

“Don’t keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful Rather bring them up with the loving discipline the Lord himself approves, with suggestions and godly advice.”

Ephesians 6:4 (LB)

I am fond of clipping inspirational articles and sharing them with my children and friends. One of the articles which have remained in my file was written by Donna Walker, a graduate from the University of Mary Bernardino, Calif. It is a special adaptation of 1 Corinthians 13 for parents.

I would like to share Donna’s article with young parents who may find child rearing a challenging experience.

If I constantly tell my children how they should behave and perform,but do not lovingly guide them by my words and my example, I have become only bragging brass or a nagging noise to their ears.

If I could foresee what they could become and even know the very plans of God for them and have absolute faith that it would all happen, but fail to give them daily encouragement needed to meet each day’s challenges and frustrations ,then my knowledge is without love.

If I sacrifice any earthly possession for my children, yes,

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

even lay down my life for them in some drastic way, yet fail to show sacrificial love in ordinary circumstances, then the love will not be communicated. This mother’s love of which I speak is slow to lose patience, even in the most trying circumstances it never grows tired of explaining, instructing, and answering. It looks for opportunities to express praise and support. It does not make her children dependent on her in a possessive sort of way, but strives to help them achieve the right kind of independence and the freedom to think for themselves.

A mother’s love does not brag over things she can do, making her children feel inferior by comparison. It does not misuse its authority, but realizes her privilege to raise her children comes from the Lord. Love has good manners.

Greetings in the Lord! Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord

Today the whole Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord. It is a very important feast that its celebration takes the place of the 18th Sunday in ordinary time. On this Feast Jesus reveals his divine nature before his three beloved disciples, Peter, James and John, whom He brought to Mount Tabor. He manifested before the adoring eyes of these three apostles as the Divine Son of the Father: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” Indeed this divine theophany affirms that Jesus is over and above the Law, represented by Moses and the prophets, represented by Elijah.

It does not “use” her children as simply robots to carry out her orders or live out her dreams,but treats them with respect for they are people too. Love is not touchy; it is not easily provoked, but realizes that children are children. It does not keep a mental record of wrongs committed to be used against them later or say,“I told you so” when they fail, as she predicted. Rather, it recognizes them by praising their efforts. Love doesn’t blow up or say I’ve had enough.” It believes the best, saying, “Try, I think you can.” It loves no matter what happens—— low grades, strike outs and forgotten lines in the school play included. Love is suffient for every situation. Be sure of this one thing - love always brings positive results. Everyone responds to love.”

Beware of placing too much expectation on others

Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. (2

Timothy 4:9-10)

Adversity molded the apostle Paul into the greatest warrior for Christ the world has ever known. But there were times when adversity and disappointment took its toll on this rugged warrior. We can sense Paul's hurt and discouragement near the end of his second letter to Timothy:

Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica... At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me... Do your best to get here before winter (4:9-11, 14, 16, 21).

Do you hear the pain in those words? Twice he urges Timothy to come to him. Do you feel his anguish when he twice speaks of being deserted by his friends?

In most of his letters, Paul seems to have an invincible spirit. Yet he was a man who suffered, felt betrayed, and was at times very lonely. However, Paul chose

Danny Hernaez From Whom

to look at life from a heavenly perspective. That's why he could write:

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body (2 Corinthians 4:8-10).

Paul had experienced a level of opposition and suffering that you and I can scarcely imagine. People said they would do things but did not follow through. He could not depend on certain people. Yet he was not crushed, and he refused to give in to despair. He viewed his life as a continual process of

dying. His goal was to live in such a way that the life of Jesus would be revealed in his response to adversity.

Beware of placing too much expectation on others. Realize that people will let you down from time to time, but do not let that impact your faith. Trust God to work even through these disappointments.

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

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In the past Sundays our gospel readings spoke how Jesus taught his disciples and followers using parables that described, in simple terms taken from the daily experiences of men and women, the reign of God and the requirements necessary in order to enter into the kingdom. He taught that His Kingdom is His own initiative, as a Sower planting seeds in different kinds of soil, emphasizing, however, the need for us to cooperate with His actions. He further describes the seed itself as the smallest that

eventually grows into the biggest among the trees where birds come and make their rest. He likened the growth of the Kingdom to that of the yeast “that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened,” focusing on the God’s action in bringing about the growth of the Kingdom itself.

Nevertheless, this divine manifestation on Tabor where Jesus was transfigured, taking the form of his divine nature before his beloved disciples, affirms the real need for us to open ourselves to what the Father said “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him.” He is truly the only way to the Father and knowing Him allows us to know the Father and knowing the

Father and the Son can only happen when hearts and minds are simple and pure that would allow the Holy Spirit to inspire and enlighten. His parables, miracles and wonderful actions would only become understandable once we begin to truly listen to him with hearts and minds open, with an attitude that would dispose us to make his message true and real in our daily lives. How can we do this? We have a good example in Mary, Our Mother and Model of discipleship, who in her simplicity and humility opened herself to the manifestations of God in her own life. The amazing divine revelation that Jesus had on Mt Tabor would only be meaningful to us when we truly dispose ourselves like Mary, our Mother and Model of discipleship.

The need to listen to Jesus is so urgent so that we can determine that the treasure that we will find is truly worth keeping and the priceless pearl that we will encounter is worth giving everything we have in order to keep it forever in our possession. That message of last Sunday’s gospel from St. Matthew challenges us to work for the priceless prize that awaits each one of us at the end of our lifetime.

KABIYAK NG DIBDIB

Sino ka nga bang nilalang na kaiba-iba ? Bakit sa dinami-dami ng tao ay tayo ang nagkaisa? Anong hiwaga itong aking nadarama? Pakiramdam ko’y kulang ang buhay ko kapag wala ka.

Kung bakit napalapit ka sa buhay ko, hindi ko lubos na tanto, Alam ko lang na mamahalin kita ng wagas at totoo, Tunay ngang pinagkaisa tayo sa kalangitan, Pagsasamang sa tulong ng Diyos ay magpakailanman.

Bahagi ng buhay ay kung minsan ay may alitan, Ngunit ang paghihiwalay iwawaglit at wala sa kaisipan,Bagkos buong pakumbabang humihingi ng kapatawaran, At sa pagdaka’y babagon muli sa pagsasamang maging huwaran.

Ang butil ng pagibig na

itinanim ng Diyos sa magkabiyak, Alagaan, pagyamanin at huwag na huwag pababayaan, Ang maliit na binhi sa araw ng kasalan, pagkaraan ng panahon, Magiging isang malaki at matibay na puno, na di kayang buwagin ng bagyo.

Ang magkabiyak na lalake at babae, Ay kasangkapan ng Diyos upang tayo ay manatili, Sa patuloy Niyang pagbigay ng biyaya ng buhay, Upang Siya ay ating makilala, at sa Kanya ang ating buhay ay ialay.

Pangakong mahalin ang kabiyak ng dibdib, Pangakong binitiwan sa harap ng tao at sa Diyos ng Kalangitan, Ito ay isang kasunduang marangal at sagrado, Kung kaya ngat pagsikapan na tuparin, ito ay hindi biro-biro. Nais kong mahalin at paglingkuran ang aking mga kapwa,

Paano mangyayari kung ang kabiyak ay kulang sa kalinga Pagmamahal sa kapwa ay sa kabiyak naguumpisa Bago lumago at tumibay ito at madama ng iba. Kabiyak ng aking dibdib at Kabalikat ko sa buhay, Maraming salamat sa magagandang aala-ala, Ang buhay ko ay naging makulay at kumpleto, Dahil kasama kita sa paglalakbay sa buhay na ito.

DepEd

MANILA -- Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, said Wednesday the "Tara, Basa! (Come, let's read)" Tutoring Program is part of her promise to modernize the agency and make it better under her leadership.

In her message during the launch of the program held at the Rizal High School in Pasig City, Duterte said the “Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program also shows the Marcos administration's aggressiveness, determination and capability in working hard to improve the quality of education in the country.

"Ang araw na ito ay hindi lamang isang selebrasyon ng ceremonial signing ng memorandum of agreement sa pagitan ng Department of Education at ng Department of Social Welfare and Development sa pagpapatupad ng ‘Tara, Basa!’ Tutoring Program. Ang ‘Tara, Basa!’ Tutoring Program ay isang demonstrasyon ng pangako na iyon (This day is not only a celebration of the ceremonial signing of the MOA between the DepEd and DSWD for the implementation of the ’Tara, Basa!’ Tutoring Program. This program is a demonstration of that promise)," she said.

Duterte expressed hope that the program would become a model of collaboration of agencies sharing the same mission.

"Sana ang ‘Tara, Basa!’ Tutoring Program ay maghatid ng positibong pagbabago sa ating mga mag-aaral (I hope the program would bring positive change to our learners). Humbly, I urge every Filipino, every family, every community, all sectors, government

and non-government institutions, to join us in the fight for our children and our future," she said.

In an ambush interview, the Vice President said the program would start on Aug. 15 covering the National Capital Region.

She said she is looking forward to its expansion to other regions next year.

With Duterte during the program's launch were Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Pasig City Lone District Rep. Roman Romulo, and other DSWD officials.

According to Gatchalian, the "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program is a reformatted educational assistance of the DSWD that aims to help and provide assistance to college students from low-income families who are in difficult situations and assist the struggling or non-reader grade school learners who are vulnerable, at risk, or affected by the effects brought by the pandemic.

"Through 'Tara, Basa!' Tutoring Program, it is our goal to increase the involvement of college students from low-income families in nation-building while helping them in completing their tertiary education," Gatchalian said.

Through the program, college students, who will be capacitated by DSWD to become Tutors and Youth Development Workers (TYDW), will receive a Cash-for-Work incentive amounting to PHP570 per day for 20 days in exchange for their rendered service.

As tutors, the college student beneficiaries will conduct reading

tutorial sessions to help Grade 1 students in public schools coming from low-income families who are either struggling or non-readers.

The TYDWs will also conduct the Nanay-Tatay (mother-father) Teacher sessions for parents and guardians on effective parenting, with such topics as understanding the self as a parent, dynamics of the Filipino family, challenges in parenting, child development, and children's rights.

DepEd sets SY 2023-2024 class opening on Aug. 29

The Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Thursday that opening of classes for the school year (SY) 2023-2024 in all public schools will be on August 29.

Private schools may opt to open their classes from the first Monday of June, but not later than the last day of August this year under Republic Act 11480, the DepEd said.

DepEd Assistant Secretary for Field Operations Francis Cesar Bringas meanwhile said they still have to gather data on the exact number of enrollees in the coming school year, but noted that students in certain grade levels were already pre-registered.

"In the public schools, meron tayong (we have) early registration for kinder, grade 1, grade 7, and grade 11. All other grades (are) automatically enrolled for next school year. Two weeks before opening, these learners only need to confirm their enrollment in the same school for the school to properly plan class programs/sectioning, and others," Bringas told reporters through a Viber message. (MNS)

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

Ni Salvador S. Idos

Salvador S. Idos

VP Sara says 'Tara, Basa!' fulfills her pledge to modernize

THE PAMPERED PINAY: Our Cultural “Brand”

By FRANCINE m AIgu E COACH. Gucci. Chanel. Jo Malone. Apple. Sony. FIAT. Honda. UCLA. Harvard…

Labels…Brands.

When I was studying business, we dissected brands from concept to sale—what makes a brand hot… or not, what drives consumers to not only buy a product but also buy into a brand, into a [at times only perceived] way of life.

At our recent Filipino-American Young Leaders Summit in Hawaii, we discussed how our ethnicity, our nationality, our culture are all brands and sub-brands of sorts.

The discussion is one we often revisit because so many members of our Filipino-American community have expressed that there is still much about our culture that others have yet to know and fully understand. Are we one of the largest (and most rapidly growing) ethnic communities in our city, our state, and nation? Yes. Are we still an often underrepresented (and, certainly, often misrepresented) a community? Yes. …Why?

The debate over the possible reasons why is always a colorful [read: heated] one.

“It’s because no one can easily define Filipino! We come from a homeland of over 7,000 islands influenced by colonization and multiple religions with people speaking countless dialects… then our people moved all over the world creating sub-cultures… Of course, people outside our

ethnicity will be confused!”

“Filipino-American, even from city to city, state to state, means something different because the cultural climate varies.”

“We group ourselves with other Asian cultures too much, so people think Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean is all the same. The media doesn’t help because they portray us all the same way. They think it’s enough to just stick at least one Asian character into the mix and have an actor deliver stereotypes to portray us. But it’s not…It’s not enough!”

My fellow panelists and I asked summit attendees to participate in an activity. We asked that they work together with the folks at their respective tables to find and Instagram images of Filipino people, things, or moments that represent our culture in popular media and of which they were proud. (They used the hashtag #proudpinoyFYL.)

The results: A platter of freshly fried lumpia. Lea Salonga at the mic. Adobo. Tinikling dancers. Manny Pacquiao with a champion belt. Marilyn Monroe wearing a terno…One young Fil-Am leader even took a selfie. What image comes to your mind?

My friends, in the coming weeks, I’ll continue to explore with you thoughts on identifying and communicating our culture as a brand. How do we build brand recognition and positive

brand association? How do we use events, arts, and relationships as tools of effective advocacy and education and raise the level of civic engagement within our community? Why is this important?

What’s the urgency in addressing how our culture has been branded on the local, statewide, national, and international levels? Are we using the opportunities available to us to disseminate aspects of our culture, so that others can recognize, understand, and appreciate what our culture and community has to offer and has offered throughout history? Why is it so important to recognize and join the movement that is raising awareness for the needs of our kababayan near and far? Why is it so important to tell our story?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and making plans with you for the continued empowerment of our remarkable Fil-Am community. Salamat po! ~Francine See? You’re already conquering your de-cluttering challenge like the champ you are. Proud of you! Proud of us!

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

Do you want to send a love note at The Filipino Press ? Email us at filpressads@aol.com

We love to hear from you our dear readers!

“There is a mistaken notion among some that to own a paper is to have a license to clobber one’s enemies and attack people we don’t like. A newspaper is an information tool to reach a large number of people at a given time. A newspaper should inform, educate, entertain and provide viewpoints that could give us the means to make intelligent decisions for ourselves and others.” — Ernie Flores Jr., founding editor and publisher

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Itutok lang ang camera mo sa QR code para automatic na i-download ang Remitly app. May makikita kang app na nasa Tagalog, nag-o-offer ng nakakagulat na murang fees para sa pag-send ng pera at nagno-notify sa iyo kung nasaan ang pera mo sa bawat hakbang ng proseso.