The Filipino Press: January 13-19, 2023

MANILA

In a predeparture briefing, Malacañang press briefer Daphne Oseña-Paez said Marcos will seize the opportunity to highlight the Philippine government's readiness to put a premium on key areas, such as food and energy security, digitalization and climate action.

Marcos, Oseña-Paez said, is also bullish on attracting more investments, promoting beneficial trade, addressing inequality and providing accessible social services.

"World Economic Forum is an economic forum. So, it's the time for the Philippines, since we're at the world stage, to let them know what the country is doing in terms of being ready and attractive for investments," she said.

Marcos is the only Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leader and one of the two Asian leaders to attend this year's WEF, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Carlos Sorreta said.

Sorreta said Marcos will be in a "wonderful position" to prove that the Philippines, as well as the ASEAN and the East Asia region, can be the "engine of growth for the world economy."

"The theme for WEF is 'Cooperation in A Fragmented World'. What we want to present is the Philippines, in ASEAN and in Asia, can be important factor in

bringing together the fragmented parts of the world. What we present to a fragmented world because of our great economic potential in our country and in our region is a promise of progress and prosperity. It’s what we offer if we are able to achieve peace in other parts

of the world," he said.

"The President goes to Davos at the time when our country and our region [are] recovering well from past challenges. Projections remain high for economic growth for our country and our region. We have realization in our

region that individual and collective economic potential remains great," Sorreta added.

'Soft launch' of sovereign wealth fund

Marcos will also make a "soft launch" of the Philippines' proposed

sovereign wealth fund (SWF), otherwise known as the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) which is crucial in boosting Philippine investments and economic growth, Sorreta said.

Marcos, Sorreta added, believes that WEF is a "great venue" to present

the proposed MIF.

"Global and business leaders will be there and they will hear it directly from the President, what fundamentals that we have to decide that we should have a sovereign wealth fund," he said. "It's really more of a soft launch to introduce it. I understand that it is evolving. We have the fullest respect for the congressional process and the open hearings that they're having."

The House of Representatives on Dec. 15 approved on the third and final reading House Bill 6608 or the MIF bill after being certified as urgent by no less than the President.

Under the proposed measure, the MIF will be financed through pooled funds from state-owned financial institutions and state pension funds.

Sideline meetings During his stay in Switzerland, Marcos will attend a high-level dialogue with other world leaders, a stakeholder dialogue on global nutrition and a series of business meetings, Sorreta said.

Sorreta said Marcos will also meet with around 700 members of the Filipino community from Switzerland and other countries in Europe.

"I understand that other Filipino community members from other parts of Europe have asked to attend and of course, they will be allowed to attend. So, they will be coming in from other countries in Europe to meet the President," he said.

Marcos will also have an opportunity to have bilateral meetings

Immigration and interracial marriage

Anti-miscegenation laws have existed in California since statehood in 1850. Though the state’s Civil Code initially only restricted whites from marrying “negroes or mulattoes,” the wave of Chinese immigration during the Gold Rush prompted expansions of anti-miscegenation laws that affected other racialized groups.

By Julia Tong/EMS

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of stories looking at interracial marriage in California. Reporters from 20+ ethnic media outlets turned the lens on multiracial couples in their communities. The stories offer intimate portraits of how people from California—as well as from all over the world—find and marry one another, creating a cosmopolitan culture in the state that has never existed before. While racial hate continues to rise, the epic story in California is one of love across all color lines. Visit California Love Stories to see more in the series. As interracial marriage becomes more accepted and common nationally, California stands out. According to PEW, the state exceeds the national average of 17% of newlyweds being interracial couples,

while the number of cross-cultural couples is also steadily growing, especially among Hispanics and Asians.

What explains these trends?

California is notably diverse: It’s no coincidence that two of the largest populations in the majority-nonwhite state are Hispanic (39.4%) and Asian (15.1%). But demographics alone do not fully reflect the complexity of interracial marriage in the US, which is closely tied to immigration policy, racial classification, and a centurieslong history of anti-miscegenation laws that were only fully overturned in 1967. Historically, California has played a particularly consequential role in the legalization—and restriction—of interracial marriage in the US. Understanding these historical dynamics provides crucial context behind today’s data on interracial marriage in the state.

Following German race theorist Johann Frederich Blumenbach’s widely accepted racial classification scheme, Chinese immigrants were classified as “Mongolians.” They were explicitly treated as a threat which demanded policy intervention. Delegates to California’s 1878 Constitutional Convention, for instance, pushed for restrictions on Chinese people’s rights over fears that they would “overrun us” or “Mongolize this land.”

“All marriages of white persons with negroes, Mongolians, members of the Malay race, or mulattoes are illegal and void.”

California Civil Code Section 60 was amended in 1880 to restrict “Mongolians” from marrying whites.

Since most Chinese immigrants were men, interracial marriage was viewed as especially threatening to the white population. During the Convention, the chair of the Committee on Chinese explicitly contrasted the “Chinaman” with the “prudent, intelligent, sympathetic white man” who would “not marry unless he can see a reasonable chance of

By gracE aguinaldo-liMBag nall

SAN DIEGO, CA -- The trend in mixed race relationships throughout America has increased over the years according to the latest census. Technology has brought cultural awareness of other countries to our fingertips leading to more opportunities to bridge the gap between cultures.

According to the Pew Research Center, San Diego-Carlsbad, CA is among the Top 10 Metro areas where intermarried newlyweds are most common.

Here is a glimpse into the lives of three inter-racial marriages.

Merril and Alex – High School Sweethearts

Merril and Alex Linoner first met in high school. They are now in their 30s and have been married for five years. Merril is Filipino and Alex is half Japanese, half German. They

were both born and raised in San Diego and graduated from San Diego State University.

Since they knew each other in high school, it was easier for their parents to accept their interracial relationship.

“My parents were happy and supportive of my decision to marry Alex,” said Merril. “We also had been together for eight years when we decided to get married so think it was almost expected that we would eventually take the next step in our relationship.”

In Alex’s case, his parents, too, were happy with his decision once they saw that Merril “took good care of (me),” he said.

When it comes to disputes, Merril feels that she makes “certain decisions based on my culture and how I was raised,” and this could result in confusion. Alex agreed with Merril that “a lot of explanation and

understanding” is needed for resolving issues.

Merril said that both families embraced their multi-cultural unit and spend time teaching their children about their culture, “and so I think our children are growing up to be wellrounded individuals.”

Their two children, ages 1 and 4, are still young, but Merril said they will “ensure that they embrace their race and ethnicity through education and passing along family traditions.”

They both plan on teaching “them to be respectful towards everyone, regardless of their race/ethnicity” and encourage them to learn about other cultures.

Myrna and Chris Psillas – The Rice Dispenser

Myrna and Chris Psillas are in their 60s and have been married for 36

-- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to present the Philippines' economic performance and his administration's priorities during his participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland from Jan. 16 to 20.

Merril and Alex Linoner Myrna and Chris Psillas Marrisa Banez, JB and daughter

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday visited areas battered by torrential rains in Misamis Occidental and led the distribution of some

assistance to affected families in the province. He was also given a situation briefing by local officials. (MNS photo)

Pampered Pinay: SPRING CLEANING YOUR LIFE as your New Year's resolution

By Francine Maigue

The sunshine burst through my bedroom window, as I unboxed up my winter coats and boots this past week. Unpacking up things that I do need brought so much space and satisfaction, on both a physical and emotional level. I boxed the past seasons clothings for the storage keeping. I pondered, "What other aspects of my life can I free up and de-clutter?" This early new year's spring cleaning of our life can serve as our New Year's resolution, we will leave no stone unturned, after all we want a bigger and better things for the new year! So here goes our suggested resolutions....

1. Things that no longer fit

Examples: Clothes. Decor. Fears/ Excuses.

When you look around your space, your life...do you see who you are and who you want to be...or do you you see someone you once were or someone you tried to be without success/fulfillment?

Embrace who you are, where you are, what you look like, how you feel... It's when we allow ourselves to really stand and move beyond our past and accept our present that we can satisfactorily plan for our future.

Your life should accurately represent you, your values, your goals... You may grow out of your clothes' size and style. You may find the colors of your home less inspiring than you once did. You may come to

figure out that the fears and excuses you've told yourself and others (the very ones that have kept you from exploring the world and your greatest potential) aren't really your own. Free yourself to build a life and space that fits, illustrates, and celebrates you.

2. Negative relationships

Examples: Toxic friends. Bad influences. Exploiters.

Bitter Betty. Debbie Downer. "Just one more" Jim. Exploiters. (When they use you, they don't deserve a fun name.)

Real friends take joy in your success. Real friends care to help you be your best and won't judge you at your worst. Anyone who abuses your time, talent, and network needs a hard lesson in mutual respect. Free yourself up for relationships that inspire you to grow, allow you to shine, give you a chance to reciprocate kindness & compassion.

3. Unhealthy habits

Examples: Junk food. Complacency. Holding grudges. You and I know better. 'nough said.

4. Time suckers

Examples: Loquacious people. Social media stalking. Inefficient systems.

When you've only got 24 hours each day to live your fullest life, you've got to ask yourself, "Is this really how I want to spend my time?"

Sometimes, you need to interject in folks' one-way conversations.

(Zzzzz...) It's important to decipher whether you're getting updated on what's going on in the lives of family and friends or if you're lurking around social media profiles for prolonged periods of time. (Ew.) Explore faster, more effective ways doing some things. Free yourself up for more productivity.

5. Things you settle for

Examples: Situations that bring you little joy and overwhelming amounts of stress and anxiety.

Know your worth, my friends. We must be humble enough to appreciate all the people and opportunities that come into our lives...but...remember, you are responsible for your own happiness. Choose how you spend your time, talent, and energy.

The choice to challenge yourself belongs to you.

The choice to say, "No," to people and things belongs to you.

The choice to live life to its fullest (whatever that may mean to you) belongs to you.

Free yourself to say, "No," when you are overwhelmed.

Free yourself to say, "Yes," when you are ready to grow.

What does YOUR early spring cleaning, at the start of this New Year look like, my pampered friends? Share us your experience and challenges, we would like to hear from you. You can email us at filpressads@aol.com

Check back every week for ways to pamper yourself and those you love.

Why? The answer is simple: YOU DESERVE IT!

Your comments could be featured here! Again, just email us at filpressads@aol.com Got a business or event we should know about and that our fil-am community should know about and can benefit from? Do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Missed an issue of our print newspaper? Come and visit us at www.thefilipinopress.com and get access to the digital version of our print edition. Available 24/7days/365 days a year.

maintaining wife as well as children.”

The chairman’s words reveal how interracial marriage was intertwined with immigration. A crucial portion of anti-miscegenation laws, he stated, was restricting immigration to “the Anglo-Saxon race, or kindred varieties of men” worthy of the “great privilege of American citizenship.”

Such rhetoric also shows how racial classifications were neither scientific nor consistent. The convention was marked by confusion over what “Mongolian” exactly meant: Though the chairman explicitly identified “Chinaman,” other delegates included Native Americans, Black people, even Caucasians under the label. Instead, “Mongolian” explicitly became a shorthand for people of color perceived as criminals, foreign invaders, or other threats to white society. (Said one delegate: “If you expect to wipe out crime, you must wipe out the presence of the Mongolian in our midst.”)

Accordingly, in 1880, Civil Code Section 60 was amended to restrict “Mongolians” from marrying whites. However, the lived realities of people of color in the state continued to defy classification.

Section 60 only restricted marriage with whites, allowing other people of color to marry: Sikh farm workers, for instance, circumvented antimiscegenation laws to marry Mexican women, since both were considered “brown.”

Legal challenges to antimiscegenation laws

Other racialized groups continued to challenge those laws in court by exposing inconsistencies in racial categorization. In 1933, Salvador Roldan, a Filipino man, was denied a marriage license to his white wife. He appealed, arguing that Filipinos should qualify as “Malayan”— and thus allowed to intermarry with whites—instead of “Mongolian.”

In Roldan vs. Los Angeles the court agreed, settling contemporary debates over how to classify the Filipino population.

The case had the potential to set an important precedent against anti-miscegenation laws. Instead, it sparked instant backlash from white politicians. In the week after the decision, the California State Legislature promptly amended Section 60 to include “Malayans” in the list of races prevented from marrying whites, further entrenching interracial marriage restrictions in state laws.

Section 60 did not face another challenge until the 1940s, when the conscription of white men during World War II allowed women and other people of color to formally enter the workplace. This created

opportunities for interracial relationships that did not exist before.

One such couple was Andrea Perez (whose race was listed as white, despite being Mexican American), and Sylvester Davis, a Black man. The couple was barred from marrying by Section 60 and appealed by arguing that anti-miscegenation laws violated their religious freedom.

In Perez vs. Sharp, the court agreed—but not solely on the basis of first amendment rights. Importantly, the case finally affirmed marriage as a “fundamental right of free men.”

The majority opinion also explicitly refuted many racist arguments against interracial marriage and questioned the validity of previously accepted racial classification schemes.

Perez created a domino effect against anti-miscegenation laws: 14 states subsequently struck down their interracial marriage bans. The rest were eliminated by the landmark Supreme Court case Loving vs. Virginia (1967), which cited Perez

as a precedent. The case was also referenced in In re marriage cases, the California case which affirmed gay marriage rights in 2008.

Though California played a pivotal role in officially legalizing interracial marriage, it would be decades until taboos surrounding cross-cultural couples began to fade across the state the nation.

Interracial marriage today

Recent interracial marriage trends are heavily influenced by the HartCeller Act of 1965, which opened immigration to more Asian and Hispanic populations. Subsequently, as scholar Hsin-Yi Cindy Liu observed, interracial marriage became a sign of integration into mainstream US society. This trend is reflected in California’s increasing diversification, as well as the over 200% increase in the state’s mixed race population from 2010 to 2020 alone.

Today, couples benefit from favorable public approval of interracial marriage—at a time where immigration and an increasingly diverse California creates more opportunities for it. Simultaneously, however, racism remains an ongoing issue in both the state and the nation. The racialization of the US border—a direct echo of past xenophobic rhetoric that restricted both immigration and interracial marriage—is a particularly relevant example.

This complex history creates different effects for couples of all different races and cultural backgrounds. California Love Stories, a collaboration across 20 ethnic media outlets statewide, shows the lived experiences of interracial couples in a society that is, though more accepting than in the past, still racialized.

Ultimately, their experiences reflect the often complex, sometimes difficult, but ultimately rewarding dynamics at the heart of interracial marriage in today’s world.

years. They have four adult children and five grandchildren. Myrna finished her nursing degree in Manila but worked a majority of her time in the United States. She is a retired Registered Nurse. Whereas Chris graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism broadcasting and is now a retired United States Marine veteran.

“I grew up in Olongopo (Philippines) with my family, my mom and dad,” said Myrna. “I came from a big family. Four sisters and five brothers.”

Chris said that he grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “My father’s parents were from Greece,” said Chris. “My mother’s parents were rednecks from Oklahoma and so in growing up, we’ve always had a multicultural sort of background.”

They met over the phone when Myrna was 25 years old and was studying nursing in college. “One of our friends gave my phone number to him,” said Myrna.

“But they didn’t bother to tell Myrna that they had given it to me,” said Chris, who was a United States marine stationed on sea duty at Subic Bay, Philippines, at the time.

One thing led to another, and Myrna and Chris eventually met in person.

“She was obviously pretty… friendly and very shy,” said Chris. “She took a little bit of time to warm up for me trying to talk to her and I thought it was a cute thing.”

The warmth they felt was mutual. Myrna found Chris funny, a good conversationalist and “he looked welleducated, very kind, and a very gentle man.”

When they decided to get married, they were both agreed that their finances. “Like any couple starting off, we weren’t sure we had enough money to do it,” said Chris. They both found work, Chris in the military and Myrna as a registered nurse.

“As it turned out, we always had money,” said Chris. “The kids always had what they needed and what they wanted most of the time.”

Chris’ military career took the family to Japan, Korea, and finally settling in the United States.

However, Chris didn’t meet Myrna’s large family all at once. It

took close to 10 years before he managed to see all of them in one place. “Her family was scattered. Some in the United States. Some in the Philippines, and some working overseas elsewhere.”

Myrna and Chris enrolled their four children in American schools. Their youngest daughter attended a bilingual elementary school and is fluent in English and Spanish.

For Myrna what knit the family together was “being patient with each other,” which helped build on the love and respect they shared.

Chris recalled a time when they were newlyweds. “One of our wedding gifts was a rice dispenser,” said Chris. “I looked at it and said, “Who the hell could ever eat that much rice?”

Myrna laughed as Chris was telling the story because she says they eat rice most of the time.

“We’ve had that same dispenser for 25 years. I’ve never had a 50-pound (bag of) rice til I got married.”

As they talk amongst each other, you can see how 36 years of being married has kept their relationship strong by celebrating each other’s cultures.

“With Chris, he doesn’t say no when I cook something,” said Myrna. “He always tastes it first before he says he doesn’t like it… Most of the food I make for the family, he eats anyway.”

Chris claims to make “pretty good” Filipino food. “Yeah, Chris is a good cook,” said Myrna. “In fact, he is the one doing most of the cooking nowadays.”

They like to plan a culturally rich menu for every holiday: Greek food on New Year’s Eve; a mix of steak, Pancit and rice on Christmas; and American on Thanksgiving.

Myrna is Catholic and Chris is Greek Orthodox, and they both attend different churches, but make it a special occasion to attend each other’s churches for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

As a mixed race couple, both Chris and Myrna’s advice is to focus on finding joy, and “not focus on the difference,” but instead celebrating the differences, said Chris. “Every culture has something to offer that’s fun and engaging and certainly every culture has some kind of food to share. And, if you focus on those sort of things, I

think you’re a much happier person.” Marissa Bañez and J.B. –

Raising a Child of the World “I’m the ninth out of 10 children. I was born in Baguio City, Philippines, and my family came to the U.S. and settled in Los Angeles when I was nine in 1969,” said Marissa Bañez, who is also a published children’s book author. She says that her first book, “Hope and Fortune” is a modernday fairytale, featuring multicultural, multiracial, and multigenerational fairies of different shapes and sizes who give practical life advice to a child who has lost her way.

Marissa graduated from the University of California, Hastings College of Law (now known as UC College of the Law, San Francisco). Currently, she works for a large international firm, focusing on products liability litigation.

Marissa met her husband while shopping for books at a Manhattan bookstore.

“He was born in a wealthy family in pre-Castro Cuba,” said Marissa. He attended the University of Miami, graduating with an undergraduate degree in marine biology, followed by an MBA.

“I was already 40 by the time we decided to get married,” said Marissa.

“I had a great education and stable career by then. So, it wasn’t as if I was acting recklessly in deciding to marry.”

There was really no opposition to their marriage, said Marissa. “I have a very diverse family, with six of my nine siblings marrying non-Filipinos. My current and former siblings-inlaw are/were Norwegian, Germanic, African-American, Creole, Costa Rican, and Anglo-American.”

She and her husband have a 23-year-old daughter.

“My child doesn’t worry about or have any problems with her mixed race,” said Marissa. It helps that almost all her cousins are mixed ethnicity. Marissa said she raised her to be “a citizen of the world” and expressly exposed her to different cultures and races from a young age.

She has friends of many different backgrounds (racially, culturally, and socio-economically). Although she will proudly proclaim that she is Filipina-Cuban, she can seamlessly move in and out of various groups.

SAN DIEGO, CA -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) announced recently it will make $1 million in customer assistance available via Neighbor-to-Neighbor (N2N), a program that provides up to $300 in one-time grants to help offset past due bills for SDG&E customers experiencing financial hardship who aren’t eligible for the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). N2N is entirely funded by shareholder dollars, not ratepayer dollars.

“While SDG&E doesn’t control the natural gas market, we feel it’s very important for us as a company to dedicate shareholder dollars to help our customers who are struggling to absorb significant increases in winter energy bills due to extreme commodity market conditions in the West,” said SDG&E CEO Caroline Winn. “We are committed to make every effort to help our customers prepare and take action to manage their energy use and provide access to programs and services. Additionally, as a company, we want to contribute financially to those in need in the communities we serve.”

Who Qualifies N2N provides up to $300 per household in assistance for qualifying customers, and up to $400 for qualifying customers enrolled in the Medical Baseline program. SDG&E

in the company’s service territory in San Diego and southern Orange counties qualify to apply for N2N if they do not qualify for LIHEAP funding, and if they certify they are experiencing serious illness, temporary unemployment, disability or unusual hardship.

Customers do not have to be low income to qualify for N2N assistance, but in order to receive assistance, they must be at least three months past due on their SDG&E bill and unable to pay.

How to Apply

Customers should call 2-1-1 San Diego or 2-1-1 Orange County, which will direct them to communitybased organizations collaborating with SDG&E on the N2N program.

SDG&E validates customer eligibility and applies N2N funds as credits to customers’ accounts to offset overdue bills.

Ongoing Customer Communications

SDG&E started alerting customers a few months ago to expect higher energy bills due to rising natural gas prices, which have reached historic levels in recent months in the West. The U.S. Energy Information Administration cited widespread cold temperatures, pipeline constraints affecting gas flow to the West, high energy consumption and low energy storage levels in the Pacific region as reasons why gas prices are substantially higher on the West Coast

than the rest of the country. SDG&E does not set the price of natural gas, or mark it up, meaning the company does not profit from rising gas commodity prices.

Customer Resources

SDG&E customers are encouraged to visit sdge.com/assistance to see if they are eligible for other programs and services including debt forgiveness, monthly discounts and payment arrangements. Tips on how to conserve energy during colder winter months are available at sdge. com/myenergy. Customers who wish to have more predictable bills – even out high-bill months with low-bill months – are encouraged sign up for Level Pay. SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come.

SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.

More students than ever before are now eligible for the San Diego Promise, which offers a free community college education at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges. Registration opens January 9 for the 2023-24 academic year.

The San Diego Promise offers up to two years of free college tuition and health fees, grants for books and instructional supplies to students who demonstrate financial need, and support for all students to promote academic success.

Based on state funding and private grants, the San Diego Promise was limited to students attending college for the first time. This year, California has expanded eligibility to allow previous students who have not been enrolled for three or more semesters (summer not included) to receive the Promise grant. Eligibility includes being registered in 12 credit units each semester and not earned a bachelor’s degree.

Students attending the San Diego College of Continuing Education, the district’s noncredit division, are now eligible to apply to the Promise and enroll at San Diego City, Mesa, or Miramar Colleges.

Last year, the San Diego Community College District had a record-breaking interest in the San Diego Promise, with 2,349 students enrolling in the Fall 2022 semester.

Another 1,400 students were attending college in their second year of the Promise program.

Students accepted into the San Diego Promise must attend an orientation, sign a Promise contract, maintain a 2.0 college GPA, meet with a counselor each semester, and complete a comprehensive education plan.

Special populations of students, including veterans, undocumented students, foster youth, and the formerly incarcerated, are encouraged to apply for the San Diego Promise.

Applications are currently being accepted from high school students who are graduating in December and wish to enroll for the spring semester starting January 30. For more information, visit sdccd.edu/promise.

As one of the largest of California’s 73 community college districts, the San Diego Community College District serves approximately 100,000 students annually through three twoyear colleges and the San Diego College of Continuing Education. San Diego City College, San Diego Mesa College, and San Diego Miramar College, offer associate degrees and certificates in occupational programs that prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and entry-level jobs. Mesa College also offers a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management. The San Diego College of Continuing Education offers noncredit adult education at seven campuses throughout San Diego.

COMMUTE QUEUE. Passengers queue up to get a ride along

Commonwealth Avenue in Philcoa, Quezon City on Monday (Feb. 21, 2022). Some transport groups have called for a provisional increase in fares to help cushion the impact of soaring oil prices on their livelihood. (MNS photo)

Priscilla and Jose Gamez with their two children. Priscilla is the daughter of Hmong immigrants, while Jose traces his roots to both Indigenous Mexican and German ancestry. Their story is among those told in the California Love Stories project.

Marjorie Rogers and Salvador Roldan, 1931. (Credit EastWind)

A PERSONAL YEAR END REVIEW AND REFLECTION ON 2022 GONE BY

- Henry David Thoreau (American naturalist,

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Happy New Year, friends!

2023 is right on schedule. If you’re like me, you’re already thinking about goals for this New Year and planning out projects you hope to accomplish. But, it’s worthwhile to take a step back and put these past twelve months in perspective. At the end of each year, I usually do that by writing up a personal year-end review.

This exercise helps me set myself up for success in the New Year. I reflect over what I achieved during the past year, what obstacles I faced and what lessons I learned. I try to think positively on the past year so I’ll be motivated and inspired as the new one begins.

The insights I gain definitely help me choose my goals for the New Year. I’m able to see what worked and what didn’t so I can drew up a plan of action. As the French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery once wrote, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

I must confess that doing personal annual reviews at the end of each year has brought forth some amazing changes for me. First and foremost is that they help me understand my weaknesses. Annual reviews improve the way I perform self-reflection and embrace the growth I’ve seen in the year gone by. They clarify what I want and help me plan ways to turn my dreams into reality. They do play an important role in setting realistic and achievable goals for the upcoming year.

I learned a lot about myself in these annual reviews. In fact, the lessons were sometimes so life-changing. It had helped me come to terms with some important aspects of life that I had previously turned a blind eye to enabling me to set better and more realistic goals for the New Year. Sure, it’s possible to perform the review based on your memory, but going through your notes of the previous year and all the saved data you have can be immensely valuable. This will make sure you don’t overlook some important event or life lesson. And so…let’s get down to business!

The fairy tale is well known: two people fall in love, get married and live happily ever after. Of course life is not a fairy tale; in fact many marriages end in divorce. According to the National Center for Health Statistics the divorce rate for people in the United States has soared. Research on divorce, including reasons for dissolution, has increased as well.

Marriage, as I found out does not seem to be viewed as a life-long commitment anymore, but more of something you might try. Although marriage has rewards and is a challenge, working at a relationship does not end once the marriage begins, if I must say so. I believe that it is the use of maintenance behaviors such as intimacy, similarity, communication and equity that allow a couple to develop long-term marriage. And with that you will find that love, trust and loyalty are the three key factors immensely contributing to lasting marriages.

Last 26 December 2022 –right after Christmas Day, too – was again that time of the year to celebrate my wife, my lover, and my best friend forever!

Yes, it’s been 52 years of wedded bliss - and despite being accompanied of course, with its expected usual ups and downs – but I must admit that I still get butterflies every time we kiss!

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

Like much of our over half a century relationship, the day wasn’t marked by a glitzy party or unrealistic expectations. Both of us – my wife Zeny and I - only wished for time together with each other and our family understood it as they, too – all have their own little things to do.

Zeny and I lived a family life. Everything we did was always as a (and for the) family. We had our little arguments but nothing of any serious consequences. I don’t care what the spat was but I always yielded to whatever would make it disappear because I have always believe none of it was important enough to be at odds with the love of my life.

I and my wife Zeny weren’t intentionally setting an example for our eventual brood – three accomplished sons, two beautiful daughter-in-law and three adorable grandchildren –but it happened nonetheless.

When I become frustrated and irritated with my wife, I take a step back and think about my parents.

I try to take the high road and be grateful as a means of getting over the situation and coming back around to my spouse.

They made me thoroughly understand that marriage is for the long haul, and letting short-term situations create distance between us is short-sighted.

I can tell you folks with pride that I was never a golfer or fisherman. After long days at work, I go straight home and reveled in my roles as husband to Zeny and father to our three boys Ryan, Rommel and Randy.

With a foundation of support honed by many years of mutual respect and admiration, these efforts are merely an extension of the love-in-action we’ve strived for, evinced by a private, meaningful anniversary celebration last December 26th.

Zeny and I gave our three sons

enough freedom to be independent and self-reliant, but always had our eyes on them to make sure they were cared for, involved, and doing well in school and staying out of trouble.

Accepting each other is a keystone to our more than five-decade run, if I must say it. Believe it or not - I and my wife Zeny - there wasn’t anything we were doing deliberately to extend our marriage that many years. We basically acted as a family unit. It was just our manner of living. That is what held us together for 52 years.

Life comes full circle too fast, doesn’t it? Being a grandfather is the greatest joy of my life!

Where can I even begin to explain

the magic that took over when Zeny and I found out that we were going to be grandparents for the third time? It was something both of us were so

excited for, a role I knew we would both be honored to accept – because we knew that being a grandparent is a luxury not everyone is fortunate enough to enjoy. And I also know that watching our preceding two grandchildren (our one-and-only granddaughter Taylor who is now 22 and have graduated in record time from UC Berkeley while our elder grandson Jacob who is 19 and at the present time in community college) helps you stay sharper longer. And, for that, I am so grateful for the fountain of youth in my life that at the moment continually comes in the form of another charming little boy.

As I have previously indicated in an earlier column – seeing this child –his name is Riker Aidan Reyes – and falling in love with him immediately –was an experience like nothing else. I wanted to protect him…to love him… and to hug and kiss him. I wanted to be there for every moment, big or small…and for very milestone… Always!

And wow!, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, we welcomed Riker on 25 November 2022 – right after Thanksgiving Day itself…isn’t that awesome?

Truly a blessing indeed!

I was worried at first because I didn’t know if I could love another little person as much as my first grandchild. My one-and-only granddaughter and my very first grandson both still holds a very special place in my heart, but something amazing happened – I didn’t love both of them any less…my heart just got bigger…exponentially consequential! And in fact it allowed for another special place of my heart…Forever!

And just like that, my wife Zeny and I get to experience the magic all over again…and right on the twilight of our years being together as a couple.

Being a grandparent has taught me to have endless amounts of patience. But, most importantly, I’ve learned to be in the moment….something I was never able to do as a father while I was still in active service in the Navy…and maybe because I was caught up in the daily to-dos. And in trying to make everything “perfect” which I realize now is not what is most important.

Whatever it is, I am present, and I am in it. And I don’t want to miss a single thing.

Their hugs, snuggles, and smiles melt my heart every time. The way they light up when they see me is truly the best medicine. I could be having the worst day, and those little faces are able to turn it around.

Being a grandparent means something different to everyone. To

Ipinagdiriwang ng Pechanga Resort Casino ang Taon ng Rabbit Na may $100,000 EasyPlay at Cash na Bunutan

Habang papalapit na ang Taon

ng Rabbit, ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay malugod na bumabati sa lahat upang lumahok sa selebrasyon ng pistahan na may mga serye ng promosyon at mga ipamimigay sa Enero 2023.

Lunar New Year $100K EsyPlay at Cash na Bunutan

Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay nadiriwang ng Lunar New Year sa pamimigay ng $100,000 sa EasyPlay at cash na mga premyo sa Biyernes, Enero 20 at 27. Ang mga miyembro ng Pechanga Club ay maaaring magtamo ng ibat-ibang halaga sa mga entrada sa bunutan sa paglalaro ng slots o table games mula 6pm - 10pm kada araw sa pagkakataong manalo ng malaki. Animnapung mananalo ang bubunutin upang tumanggap ng $250, o $750 sa EasyPlay simula alas 7pm. na iaanunsiyo kada oras matapos nito. Isang swerteng mananalo ang bubunutin sa ganap na 10pm para sa ultimong cash na premyong $25,000. Halina’t tuklasın ang nakahihindik na potensiyal na manalo ng maraming besen.

$5K Lucky Red Envelope Ipamimigay

Hahayaan ng Pechanga ang mga manlalaro na maging mas maswerte sa “Lucky Red Envelope” na promosyon ngayong Lunar New Year. Ang mga miyembro ng Pechanga

Club ay maaari lamang bumisita sa Lugar ng Promosyon tuwing Martes at Huwebes ng Enero mula 12pm10pm sa pagkakataong manalo ng hanggang $5,000 sa EasyPlay.

Lunar New Year Luck Lion Dance Sa pagdiriwang ng Lunar New Year, aayusin ng Pechanga Resort Casino ang nakagagagalak na Lucky Lion Dancer. Ang pagtatanghal ay sa Sabado, Enero 28. Simula alas 3pm, ang Pangkat ng Lion Dancer, na simbolo ng kasaganaan at lahat ng swerte, ay mag-uumpisa ng kanilang pagtatanghal sa Pechanga sa hilagang entrada at patungo sila sa casino at gayundin sa palapag ng casino. Ang mga bisita ay maaaring makatanggap ng Red Packets upang maibigay nila sa mga Lion Dancers upang ipagdasal ito para sa Masaganang Bagong Taon. Eksklusibong Espesyal na Pagkain Mainit din ang pagbati ng Pechanga Resort Casino sa mga bisita at upang mag reserba ng mga lamesa para sa Pampamilyang Gabihan o Pangangalakal na Tanghalian upang magpasasa sa eksklusibong Lucky Lunar New Year Dining Specials kung saan ang mga chefs ng Bamboo, Blazing Noodles at Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar ay sadyang metikulosong nagsipag handa. Si Umi Chef Kiyo Ikeda ay nagpa-

plano na maghatid ng magandang swerte sa pamamagitan ng mga kakaibang panlasa sa paggamit ng ibat-ibang pagkain. Ang mga bisita sa casino ay magagalak sa 2.5lb Lobster na ihahain kasama ang Miso Stir Fried Noodles, Bell Peppers at Thai Basil ($128), Sashimi Wrap na may Daikon ($42), at Duck at Vegetables na may Lettuce Cups ($32).

Sa Isang banda, si Chef Mari Surakul ng Bamboo ay maghahain ng Whole Fish, Holiday Noodles, at iba pang tampok na espesyal. Sinabi into na ang noodles ay simbolo ng kaligayahan at mahabang buhay. Ang Whole Fish ang nagpapatunay ng kasaganahan at nagsilbing datihan ng tradisyon para sa Lunar New Year sa tagal ng panahon.

Blazing Noodles, matatagpuan sa Pechanga Hotel lobby, ay naghahatag ng anim na tradisyunal na Asianong espesyal na pagkain para są okasyon. Kabilang dito ang King Crab Fried Rice, Beef Tenderloin, Fried Whole Lobster, Crispy Chilean Sea Bass, at iba pang putaheng pagkain na pinag halu-halong elemento na naghahatid ng swerte, kasaganaan at kaigihan ng kalusugan.

Ang mga espesyal na pagkain sa Blazing Noodles, Bamboo at Umi ay maaaring ihain mula Enero 15 hanggang Enero 29. Inirerekomenda naming mag reserba sa Umi Sushi

at Oyster Bar at maisasagawa ito sa pagbisita sa www.Pechanga.com/eat o sa pagtawag sa (951) 770-8504.

Palamuti sa Pasilidad ng Lunar New Year

Ang Lunar New Year ay simbolo ng preskong pag-uumpisa a bagong taon, bagong simula. Sa pagdiriwang ng kasiyahang ito, simula sa Enero 5, 2023, ang Pechanga ay mag aayos ng palamuti sa kabuuan ng pasilidad na may tradisyunal na mga elemento ng bagong taon., sa paggamit ng ibat-ibang maliwanag na parol, pinong oriental-style garden na tulay, napakagandang namukadkad na peach blossoms, tradisyunal na calligraphy spring couplets at marami pang iba. Sa buong palapag, matatagpuan niyo ang di mabilang na mga lugar upang mag photo-ops para sa inyong selfies o pampamilyang larawan, habang naibabahagi dito ang di maikakailang display na mga dekorasyon sa Lunar New Year.

Sa iba pang impormasyon sa mga kaganapan at promosyon sa Pechanga, mangyaring tumawag sa (877) 711-2946 o bumisita sa website Pechanga.com. Kinakailangang 21 anyos upang lumahok sa mga promosyon.

Halina’t makibahagi sa kagalakan sa Pechanga’s four-diamond rated na serbisyo na may kapayapaan sa isipan, at gayundin mapag-alaman

me, being a grandparent is…being able to play all day…singing so loud, (even though I can’t carry a tune as my wife teases me)…but not caring… and laughing uncontrollably at their baby belly laughs…melting at the sight of them…missing them when I don’t see them – even if it’s just a day; not getting enough of them and seeing the world totally anew through their tiny brown eyes.

No doubts about it, I have truly won the lottery! My three grandchildren –Taylor, Jacob and Riker – “”TJR” as I fondly nicknamed the three precious ones – are the best gift ever! And I am so blessed and grateful for this time in my life.

Hallelujah!!

Meanwhile, as I culminated my 31st service anniversary celebration at the San Diego Mesa College where I am presently employed, I find myself contemplating once more about public service. A recurring theme on folks sharing their stories of why they serve was: “I serve because I enjoy working with the public providing services that matter”. Touched by this sentiment, I also looked back with my career of over 55 years both in the military and civilian sectors and the reasons why I time and (time) again serve. I have said many times before those public servants touch the lives of nearly everyone in this great nation, often during times of personal hardship, transition, and uncertainty.

I’m not only speaking as a former Navy sailor of 24 years and four months and as a community college employee of 32 years come this July 2023 – but as someone who has also been on the receiving end. In several instances, these public servants (Social Security, DMV, and the VA etc.) provided support for members of my family. The help they received from our various agencies enabled them all to have a good quality of life.

I have worked in public service for many, many years now. Throughout my entire career, I have never seen workers provide services in a more caring and compassionate way than the employees here at the college where I will be ending my civilian career soon. I cannot be more proud to have served at the second-largest of California’s 72 community college districts in the Nation and at the very best institution under its wing which is Mesa College, the largest community college in our beloved “The Finest City of America” San Diego.

As public servants, our services matter! The work we do makes a difference in the lives of our fellow

Dani Barretto shares weight loss journey

ang patungkol sa kalusugan at kaligtasang mga pamamaraan na isinagawa, bumisita lamang po sa pechanga.com/covid.

Patungkol sa Pechanga Resort Casino

Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay nag-aalay ng pinaka malaki at napakalawak na eksperiyensa na resort/casino saan man sa Estados Unidos. Ibinotong pinakamagaling na casino sa West ng USA Today at may rata na Four Diamond property ng AAA mula 2002, ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay naghahatid ng walang kapantay na libangan, maging anumang araw o kahabaan ng pananatili rito. Ang Pechanga ay nag-aalay ng mahigit 5,400 ng pinakamainit na slots, table games, world-class na paraan ng aliwan, 1,100 na mga kwarto sa hotel, kainan, spa at golf sa Journey sa Pechanga.

Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay nagaalok ng mga destinasyon na tutugon at hihigit pa sa mga pangangailangan ng mga panauhin at komunidad. Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay pagaari at nasa ilalim ng pamamalakad ng Pechanga Band of Indians.

Sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag toll free sa (877) 711-2946 o bumisita sa www.Pechanga.com.

Sundan ang Pechanga Resort Casino sa Facebook, Instagram at sa Twitter @PechangaCasino.

MANILA -- Dani Barretto has learned to love herself again last year through her weight loss journey.

On Instagram, the vlogger showed how she dropped from 160 lbs to 129 lbs before the end of 2022.

She said the previous year also taught her "to begin again and finish strong." "It has been quite a journey to self-love, but it was so worth it," said Barretto, who gave birth to her daughter Millie in 2019.

"Entering 2023 as the best version of myself," she added.

It was in 2021 when Barretto started sharing her journey to weight loss, saying she and her husband Xavi Panlilio vowed to embrace a healthy lifestyle.

The eldest daughter of former a tress Marjorie Barretto and actor Kier Legaspi previously admitted that negative comments about her looks took a toll on her self-esteem.

She said people constantly compared her to her celebrity siblings, Julia and Claudia. The two are Marjorie's children with her former husband, comedian Dennis Padilla. (MNS)

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”

essayist, poet and philosopher)

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

AN AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY: Filipina-American Vice Mayor Evelyn Chua of the City of Milpitas, U.S. State of California

BABY RIKER SPEAKS OUT TO HIS GRANDMA ZENY AND GRANDPA JESSE: "I was perfectly fine in the womb until they took me out...Now they just keep staring at me!"

BABY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS:

"Dear Santa...I'm new this year. My name is Riker. If you check your records, I should be on your nice list. Love, Riker Aiden Reyes born on 25 November 2022."

26 DECEMBER 2022: "' Breakfast at Tiffany's'...I mean at the local Denny's Diner near our place...and not at that 1961 American romantic comedy film...during my wife Zeny and I's 52nd wedding anniversary private celebration...Ha-ha-ha-ha!"

Professional Business Directory

Ask the DMV – ’Tis the season to utilize the DMV’s most convenient Online Services!

Intro: The DMV knows how busy the holiday season can be. You can renew your vehicle registration, update your address, chat with a DMV virtual assistant, and so much more from the convenience of your phone, computer, or tablet. Check some stress off your list this year by using the DMV’s Online Services to take care of your DMV to-do list while you’re getting your holiday shopping done.

Q1: I saw a DMV kiosk at my local grocery store. Can I use it if I can’t make it to a DMV office before the holidays?

A1: Yes! If you are unable

to make it to the DMV before the holiday season, you can use one of the hundreds of DMV kiosks located throughout the state to help complete your vehicle registration renewal, print registration tags instantly, submit proof of insurance, receive a driver or vehicle record, and more. Some are even open 24/7 and are located throughout communities in local grocery stores, libraries, and other convenient locations. Locate the DMV kiosk nearest to you here.

Q2: I will be moving next year, but I want to get my address updated on my driver’s license before the holidays. Can I change my address online?

A2: Yes, you can update your new address online as long as you

already have a valid California ID and your new residence is in the same state that you currently reside in. Before you begin, make sure you have:

• Both your old and new addresses.

• If changing the address for your vehicle or vessel, you will also need your most recent registration card and the address where your trailer coach or vessel is located (if applicable).

• A MyDMV account which can be created online.

Once you have all those items handy, you can start the application process to update your address at dmv.ca.gov/online.

Q3: What if I have an urgent question regarding DMV services, but I don’t have time to make it into an office before the holidays? Do I have any other options?

A3: Yes, a DMV virtual assistant is available 24/7 to help guide you and answer any questions about DMV services. Just click or tap the “Ask DMV” button in the bottom right corner of your screen. The DMV site also features a virtual field office allowing users to start transactions and upload any required documents, which are then reviewed by a DMV customer service agent before contacting you to finish the process.

For more information or answers to questions not listed here, please visit www.dmv.ca.gov/online

All DMV offices will be closed on Monday, December 26 –Christmas Day (Observed)*

• Note: DMV offices are closed on weekends.

* When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday is observed on the following Monday.

Dear Readers,

Our Business Community needs workers for restaurants, medical offices, supermarkets, caregivers, delivery services and more. If you know of anyone, relative, friend, neighbor or former co-workers looking for a job, kindly give them a copy of the Filipino Press for job opportunities. Some jobs may not yet be posted, so you may visit our website at www.thefilipinopress. com or email at filpressads@aol.com. We are here to help you our kababayans find jobs, opportunities and connect you to resources that you may need. Thank you

New DND chief vows full support for AFP modernization

MANILA -- To address challenges to the country's territorial integrity, newly-appointed Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said he fully supports the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

This is among the new DND chief's thrusts he bared during Thursday's AFP command conference in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City,

"Address the growing and significant challenges to the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty by guaranteeing full support to the modernization program, strengthening coordinative mechanisms with interagency partners, and leveraging and maximizing with the country's defense partnerships," he said.

The Horizon 3 of the AFP Modernization Program is scheduled from 2023 to 2028.

The military is supposed to acquire external defense equipment in this phase such as missile systems and multi-role fighters, among others.

Galvez also wants existing defense initiatives and efforts towards attaining the vision of a transformed defense organization that guarantees Philippine security, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.

This is aside from transforming the DND into a reliable partner in national development and a strategic partner in the region.

Galvez is also pushing for the total defeat of the communist insurgency through the dismantling of all guerrilla fronts and clearing of affected barangays, neutralizing threat groups, and supporting national and local efforts for peace.

"This also involved our preparation for the post-conflict and final political settlement of all insurgent groups," the DND chief said.

Galvez also thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the trust and confidence placed upon him on his appointment as DND chief.

"And I commit myself to be loyal to the mandate of the AFP and the DND in securing the state and protecting our people and also protecting this administration. We would like to announce that the AFP and the DND are together to ensure the success of the Marcos administration," he added.

Senior DND officials to stay amid new leadership

MANILA -- A ranking Department of National Defense (DND) official on Wednesday said they will honor Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.'s call for unity and decided to remain with the agency despite the leadership change.

"We all agreed that we stay, the senior leaders and assistant secretaries," DND Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development Angelito de Leon said in a press briefing shortly after the traditional New Year's Call held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

De Leon, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1984, was appointed to his present post last July.

He also clarified that no resignation took place in the DND following the appointment of Galvez as its new secretary.

"Wala pong, gusto ko lang pong i-stress para po sa paguunawa ng lahat (There is none, I would like to stress for the benefit of everybody

that) a courtesy resignation is a customary process, whenever there is a new head of the agency, the key officials will render their courtesy resignation for the purpose of giving a free hand to the newly designated head of the department, this is nothing extraordinary even in other agencies, moreso with the One Defense Team because kami po we value tradition so (it is) normal po yun," De Leon said.

He also added that it is up to Galvez on whether he will accept or reject their courtesy resignations.

"In the case of Secretary Galvez while we are ready with our courtesy resignation in accordance with customs, there is nothing extraordinary about it, he immediately gave the order, everybody stays put and hence nobody would resign or get out of DND, as manifested, we are intact," he said.

De Leon also said that there is no need for a loyalty check in the DND and even in the AFP which had a change of leadership recently after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Gen. Andres Centino to replace Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro as its chief last Jan. 6.

"Wala pong kailangang (there is no need for a) loyalty check, the AFP remains steadfast and loyal to the constitution, the flag and the duly constituted authorities," he added.

The AFP New Year’s Call was held jointly with the DND.

Military commanders from the Army, Air Force and Navy as well as chiefs of offices, senior staff officers, and senior enlisted personnel, together with their spouses attended the event.

Also present were defense attachés and officials from the General Headquarters civilian human resources department.

As one of the most cherished traditions observed and held annually by the AFP, the New Year’s Call served as an opportunity for the DND secretary and AFP chief to highlight the organization’s accomplishments in the past year as well as to reaffirm their commitment to the flag and country.

It is also a venue for the top defense and military leaders to convey their message and guidance for the coming year.

Centino led the traditional toast and enjoined every officer, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resource professional to be unified in embodying only the highest standards of excellence across all of the AFP’s mission areas.

"The new leadership in the AFP and the DND shall represent a renewed commitment to unity. In ensuring the cohesiveness and professionalism of our institutions while serving as role models to the subordinates following us, we fortify the relationship of our soldiers to their units and enhance the formidable foundation upon which the legacy of the AFP is built upon," he said.

Senators support Galvez appointment as DND chief

Senators have supported the appointment of Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. citing him as the best man to lead the Department of National Defense (DND).

Senator Jinggoy Estrada said this decision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which came three days after the designation of Gen. Andres Centino as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, will somehow give a sense of stability insofar as the leadership in the DND and its attached agencies/organizations

are concerned.

“I am hoping that Galvez will eventually be nominated for confirmation before the Commission on Appointments to allow him to fully discharge his functions and responsibilities, not just in an acting capacity” the senator said in a statement.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, for his part, said he sees no problem for Galvez to pass the Commission on Appointment (CA) saying he knows the officer personally as they have been working in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, when the former was the AFP Chief of Staff.

As for Centino, Zubiri said he will still need CA approval although he was already a 4-star General. Centino was appointed as AFP chief of staff by then President Rodrigo Duterte. He was replaced by Lt. General Bartolome Vicente Orpilla Bacarro and was reinstated by President Marcos.

Meanwhile, the Senate President described Galvez as a man of peace, as he also revealed that he was the one who recommended him to former President Rodrigo Duterte as Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) secretary and helped him in the extension of the Bangsamoro Parliament, an extension of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority until 2025.

“I worked well with him (Galvez). He has a great heart for our people. He knows fully well the security concerns of our country, both internal and external. Remember that he was also instrumental in the incorporation of the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) in government, which dramatically brought down identified communist areas. So he’s a great man for the job, I fully support him. I think he will have a great -- not an easy -- but he will have no difficulties in hurdling the Commission on Appointments.” Zubiri said in a news forum.

No need to probe AFP on alleged destabilization plot, says spox

There is no need to investigate the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) over the issue of an alleged destabilization plot in the military, its spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said Wednesday.

Aguilar was asked if there is an ongoing investigation regarding the destabilization allegations to see if there are factions within the AFP.

“There’s no need for an investigation inside the Armed Forces of the Philippines because even after or during the change of command ceremony, we did not even raise our alert level. We maintained the alert level because everything was normal within the organization,” he answered.

“We know that officers come and go, and therefore, we have to follow the chain of command always to make sure that the organization is united and that we are able to perform our mandate and our mission,” he added.

Aguilar said he has no idea where the destabilization rumors were coming from as the AFP is currently focused on its mission.

He, however, admitted that he cannot speak for the individual views or emotions of each member of AFP.

Both the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier denied the alleged destabilization plot in the military which circulated on social media over the weekend.

CAAP apologizes over fiasco; to procure CNS/ATM backup system

MANILA -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is planning to acquire a backup system for its Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) to prevent the New Year's Day air traffic glitch from happening again.

This is what CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo told the senators Thursday as he appeared before the Committee on Public Services hearing the incident that caused cancellations and delayed flights affecting thousands of passengers.

Tamayo, at the same time, apologized to the public for what happened and said CAAP is taking full responsibility and accountability for the fiasco.

“On behalf of CAAP and DOTr (Department of Transportation), we again extend our sincerest apologies to all those who were inconvenienced and greatly affected by this circumstance which is something we’re not proud of,” he said.

“We take this as a lesson, and we manifest to this honorable committee and fellow Filipinos that we take full responsibility and accountability for what happened,” he added.

And while CAAP is taking full responsibility for what happened, Tamayo said they have initiated measures that would ensure that the existing Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) has its backup system.

"CAAP has already initiated measures to ensure systems redundancy and upgrade in the existing CNS/ATM. DOTr and CAAP met with the representative of the system supplier on January 5, 2023, to finalize the terms,” Tamayo said.

He added that this may be completed during the first quarter of 2023.

"We commit to see through this ordeal, remain transparent in all our dealings and of service to the Filipinos, and ensure that our skies are safe," he assured.

At a House hearing earlier this week, Tamayo said CAAP has already purchased new uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units for its CNS/ATM as part of measures that would prevent similar incident in the future.

But he clarified that they would not discard the older UPS units that can still be maintained and used as a backup.

Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, earlier said the body would investigate the air system glitch, which she said might be a national security problem.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Risa Hontiveros, and Ramon Revilla Jr. have also sought an investigation of the same.

"Knowing what and why it happened and seeking accountability is in our best interest. But at the end of the day, our goal is to make sure this will not happen again – not only by upgrading the system or replacing the equipment but also making sure that the institutions running these are empowered and capacitated," Poe said in her opening statement.

"There are many theories being posited but the only real answer will have to come from CAAP as it has all the logs of the incident. It is important to note that CAAP follows the nonpunitive nature of investigations," she added.

According to Tamayo, the CNS/

ATM was inaugurated on Jan. 16, 2008, to make the country's airspace safer, minimize flight delays, and improve the overall travel experience by adding 10 more to the previous three radars to cover 100 percent of Philippine airspace.

The facility's procurement started in 2009 and was divided into Packages 1 and 2 which cost about USD10 billion.

"Package 1 is the construction of the Air Traffic Management Center or the ATMC in Pasay City. Package 2 is the construction of all other facilities to complete the CNS/ATM. After 4 years, the CNS/ATM was completed and turned over to CAAP on October 16, 2017, and inaugurated in 2018," Tamayo said.

The UPS of the CNS/ATM, which Tamayo cited to have caused the glitch, de-energized the facility around 9:49 a.m. on Jan. 1 as it detected a flaw in the system.

The CAAP chief clarified that the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center conducted a parallel investigation of the incident on Jan. 3 and found out that the incident is unlikely due to a cyber attack.

Ejercito lauds air traffic controllers

Senator JV Ejercito, meanwhile, lauded air traffic controllers for implementing contingency plans at the height of the traffic technical glitch that happened on New Year's Day.

During the inquiry conducted by the Senate Committee on Public Services, Senator JV Ejercito took note of the Air Traffic Management Center's (ATMC) efforts to continue its operations when the (CNS/ATM) was down.

"So, the whole time that the CNS was out, we reverted to conventional. Probably, that prevented a disaster or a catastrophe. I’d like to commend our air traffic controllers who were present. Para kang bulag noon (You were like blind that time)," Ejercito said addressing ATMC Manager Anna Joy Papag who acted as the incident commander during the fiasco.

When Ejercito asked Papag how prepared is the ATMC during worstcase scenarios, the latter assured that the country's air traffic controllers are well-trained and they have contingency plans in place.

The first step, she said, was to communicate with the nearest air traffic service.

“We have sequenced them to land using procedural conventional po. The same is true with the traffic within the 70 nautical mile," Papag explained pointing out that since they do not have visibility because of the outage of the radar scopes at the time, they used conventional procedures requiring aircraft to have longer separations to ensure safe operations.

"We have communication with the aircraft, with the pilots. So the clearance we have given them, iyon po ang nag-guide sa kanila papunta sa mga (that guided them going to the) airports, sir. And using also our mobile phones, we were able to get in touch with our counterparts outside of the Philippines, like Hong Kong, Singapore, Udyong Pandang, and others that are adjacent to us, to advise them that we are having trouble with our system and to hold flights going to Manila or accommodate flights that are already within their range," Papag said.

'Libreng Sakay' to continue with P1.3-B budget -- DBM

MANILA -- After being halted in December last year due to funding issues, the Department of Budget and

Management (DBM) on Thursday assured that commuters will continue to avail of free rides on the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) Busway system following the approval of the PHP5.268-trillion national budget for this year.

In a press release, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman announced that PHP1.285 billion has been provided to the government’s Service Contracting program under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) budget this year pursuant to Republic Act 11936, or the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 General Appropriations Act.

“May pondo po ang Service Contracting Program sa ating FY 2023 GAA. Naglaan po ang pamahalaan ng PHP1.285 billion para maipagpatuloy ang programang ito ngayong taon (The Service Contracting Program now has funding in our FY 2023 GAA. The government has allocated PHP1.285 billion to continue this program this year),” Pangandaman said.

The Service Contracting program, which gives way to the continuation of the "Libreng Sakay," provides free bus rides for the public, including the bus commuters along EDSA.

Pangandaman likewise acknowledged the value of free rides to Filipino commuters.

“We understand the plight of our commuting public. And so President Bongbong Marcos gave us a directive to do our part, and to exert our best to help ease their burden. The Service Contracting Program, which funds Libreng Sakay is a big help,” she said.

“Malaking tulong po ang tipidpasahe sa araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga kababayan natin (Saving on transport fares is a big help in the daily life of our countrymen). Whatever amount they save daily, they can reallocate to equally or more important needs such as budget for food, electricity, tuition fee, among others,” she added.

LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III earlier said the Libreng Sakay program will continue once they receive the funding from the DBM.

The Libreng Sakay, which was launched during the administration of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, is a joint program of the DOTr and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to help commuters amid rising prices of commodities and services.

As of Dec. 27 last year, the LTFRB recorded a total of 164,966,373 passengers who have availed of the Libreng Sakay program along EDSA in the preceding year.

The program also benefits onboarded public utility buses (PUBs) units on the EDSA Busway Route in Metro Manila as it provides financial support to transport service providers through performance-based payouts.

The free bus ride program was set to end on July 31 last year, but President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., on his first day in office, announced its extension until December 2022.

DFA to set parameters on future oil, gas negotiations

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said it is in the process of setting the parameters which would guide future negotiations on oil and gas.

In a message to reporters, the DFA disclosed that it is carefully studying the

Supreme Court decision on the

‘HOT COMMODITY’. A worker unloads sacks of onions at a Kadiwa store inside the Bureau of Plant Industry compound in San Andres, Manila on Wednesday (Jan. 11, 2023). Several Kadiwa stores in Metro Manila now sell

EARLY CROWD. Devotees fill Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo, Manila early Sunday (Jan. 8, 2023), a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. After a Mass at the Quirino Grandstand past midnight, they joined the “Walk of Faith” in lieu of the Traslacion, or the transfer of the life-size Nazarene replica to the Quiapo Church. (MNS photo)

Americans, when they need it the most. This, I am proud to say, is why I still serve as of this writing.

On the other side of the coin, empowerment of Filipina-Americans certainly says something for the approximately four million-strong Filipino American community here in our adopted country, the United States of America. Some have held their positions through multiple election cycles. Others are also in the political arena for the first time.

And talking about being a dedicated public servant, too - my very own first cousin – Evelyn Chua (first elected as the very first Filipina councilmember) in November of 2020 has assumed as Vice Mayor of the northeastern Santa Clara County’s City of Milpitas’ population of 80,273 (as of the 2020 census) following a reorganization of its new City Council – the very first Filipino-American to do so. Chua’s assumption was lauded by Philippine News Today editor in chief Alfred Gabot, her classmate in high school in Manila.

Evelyn as we fondly calls our first cousin on my mother side made history as the first Filipina elected to the Milpitas City Council, receiving the second highest amount of votes. Her family lived in poverty in the Philippines and her father passed

away when she was five years old. Her older brother (whom I’ve often talked about in previous editions of my column) Ted enlisted in the U.S. Navy and petitioned for her and her mom to the U.S. But during the height of the Vietnam War, and at only 29 years old, Ted was killed. “Because of my brother’s loyalty to this country, that’s why I am the way I am,” my cousin Evelyn often humbly said.

Before being elected to the City Council and as a resident of Milpitas for more than 30 years now, she has been active in the community in various capacities, including service on the Community Advisory Commission and Emergency Preparedness’ Commission. A supporter of affordable housing, she created a workshop on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). And she’s also interested in the arts, leading her support to the Milpitas Children’s Theatre Alliance and organizing a “Lockdown Virtual Concert” of musicians performing for Philippine Independence Day during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her priorities now include the City’s financial stability, enticing new industrial and commercial development, easing the homelessness problem, and beautifying Milpitas.

A true American success story and that is indeed my first cousin Vice Mayor Evelyn Chua of the City of Milpitas!

In the past, I’m often asked about how I address New Year’s resolutions.

The truth is that I no longer approach them at all, even though I did for decades. Why the change? I have found “past year reviews” (PYR) more informed, valuable, and actionable than half-blindly looking forward with broad resolutions. The passing of both my beloved parents and now of the almost half of the class of my original high school classmates and friends was a somber reminder that our days here on Earth are too precious not to fill them with the people and activities that nourish us most.

Yes, that’s it!

Amen!!

And just remember, too: it’s not enough to remove the negative. That simply creates a void. Get the positive things on the calendar ASAP, lest they get crowded out by the nonsense and noise that will otherwise fill your days.

As the Austrian psychiatrist who founded logo therapy, a school of psychotherapy that describes the search for a life’s meaning as the central human motivational forceViktor Frankl - once said, “He who knows the ‘why’ for his existence will be able to bear almost any ‘how.’”

Get the drift?

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

Good luck and Godspeed, everyone!

Mabuhay!!

with other global leaders, but noted that these will be different from the "typical sit down," Sorreta said.

"It's really a bit different. The bilaterals mostly when they are in the same room together," he said.

"One-on-one bilaterals might be difficult because all the leaders are either leading opening sessions or are panelists. The opportunity for bilaterals will be when he's sitting beside, for example, the president of Belgium or the president of Korea. But the typical sit down, it's not that kind of meeting," Sorreta added.

WEF, established in 1971, serves as an international organization for public-private cooperation.

The annual WEF convenes leaders from government, business and civil society to address the state of the world and discuss priorities for the year ahead.

DMW, HK to discuss possible deployment of Filipino health workers

An exploratory talk on the possible deployment of caregivers and assisted care workers to Hong Kong is set to be held between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and its counterparts in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HK-SAR).

Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation Patricia Yvonne Caunan will lead the DMW team that will leave for Hong Kong next month.

In a press release on Thursday, DMW Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople said a bilateral meeting was held on Monday (Jan. 9), with Hong Kong Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun.

“This would provide additional job opportunities for our caregivers, under conditions that value their skills and are cognizant of their rights and welfare,” Ople said.

She said that the Hong Kong government expressed willingness to fast-track the hiring of as many as 7,000 foreign workers.

Sun said that due to Hong Kong’s aging population, there is a growing need for workers in both private and government-subsidized care homes and assisted care facilities.

In Dec. 13 last year, the Hong Kong

Executive Council passed a resolution approving the direct hiring of foreign caregivers and reducing the processing period of a regular application from three to four months to only two months. The opening up of Hong Kong to Filipino caregivers will help address its acute manpower shortage, most especially for assisted care workers.

Hong Kong is home to about 211,514 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), mostly working as domestic workers in households, according to the 2022 first-semester data from the Hong Kong Immigration Authority (HKIA).

Among the concerns being looked at by DMW include the language barrier that needs to be addressed as most of Hong Kong’s elderly only speak Cantonese.

Meanwhile, the proposed salary range for caregivers and assisted care workers is from 12,000 Hong Kong dollars to 20,000 Hong Kong dollars or from PHP85,000 to PHP140,000.

Moreover, the latest wage and food allowance hike in Hong Kong that took effect in October last year pegged the new monthly Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) to 4,730 Hong Kong dollars, or PHP35,475, while the minimum allowable food allowance is 1,196 Hong Kong dollars or PHP8,970 per month.

Ople expressed to Sun the Philippine government’s appreciation for the initiatives of the Hong Kong government in ensuring the protection of the rights and welfare of OFWs.

She also proposed the adoption of collaborative campaigns between the DMW and the Hong Kong government to inform OFWs of their rights as migrant workers and how to seek assistance from authorities when they are in distress.

PBBM to bring up proposed PH sovereign wealth fund with world leaders in Davos President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hopes to discuss the proposed sovereign wealth fund of the Philippines with world leaders during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

“Nagkaroon ng briefing ang Department of Foreign [Affairs] kanina kay Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. kung saan pinangunahan ni Secretary Enrique Manalo ang presentasyon, at ito ay sumentro sa

mga importanteng meetings lalo na sa new systems for investment, trade and infrastructure,” Malacañang Press Briefer Daphne Oseña-Paez said in a press briefing on Thursday.

Joining the President in the said meeting were Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy VelicariaGarafil.

“At the briefing this morning, the President said that we are developing all these excellent fundamentals, and there’s much that we can offer investors, and he said: ‘You know, let’s talk about the sovereign wealth fund that’s being set up,’” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Carlos Sorreta said.

The DFA official pointed out that the WEF is a “great venue to do sort of soft launch for our sovereign wealth fund given the prominence of the forum itself, and global and business leaders will be there, and they will hear it directly from the President what fundamentals that we have, and that lead us to decide that we should have a sovereign wealth fund.”

“So, that’s one of the things we’re preparing for Davos,” Sorreta said.

Asked by the media if it’s relaying to the world that the Philippines is ready to have a wealth fund, Undersecretary Sorreta said: “Why, we are doing it and why, it’s a good idea, yes.”

House Bill (HB) No. 6608, or the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) Act, was approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives on December 15, 2022.

Under the proposed measure, the MIF is an independent fund that adheres to the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability and shall be sourced from the investible funds of select government financial institutions (GFIs), from contributions of the National Government, from the declared dividends of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and other sources of funds.

President Marcos will participate at the WEF in Davos, Switzerland, and will present the country’s economic report card before global leaders and top chief executive officers (CEOs). (MNS)

Spiritual Life

Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.

Many of us are familiar with the name, Martin Luther King, Jr. Buildings are named after him. A highway is named after him. And President Ronald Reagan through Public Law 98-144, declared the third Monday of each year as a public holiday in honor of the “Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

When I arrived in San Diego in 1992, I became curious about the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. I’ve read stories about him as an uncompromising champion of nonviolence although he was often the victim of violence. It was a shameful act of violence that cut short his life before his 40th birthday.

It was when I was invited by a friend, the late Edith Ming, Past President of the World F together ,ederation of Methodist Women, to visit her in Atlanta, Georgia that I got a deeper understanding of Martin Luther King, Jr. Edith took me to the Center for Non-Violent Social Change and there I saw a wide collection of videos, tapes, books and brochures about the life and times of this great man. It was during that visit when my perspective about racial injustice changed and my attitude towards African Americans became more positive.

I was awed by his speech, entitled, “I Have A Dream” for it is also my dream for my own children and grandchildren. Here is an excerpt: “I say to you today, my friends, so even though we

Aurora

S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ”We hold these truths to be selfevident; that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream that one day, “every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plains, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.”

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of

despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood, With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day

And this will be the day. This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning, “My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty. Of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrim’s pride. From every mountain side, let freedom ring.”

My prayer: God Almighty, grant us the capacity to learn from the experiences of others and to appreciate their invaluable contribution to the life of freedom and democracy that we enjoy in this country. May we be able to value the sacrifices of others that we may live in peace and harmony with our neighbors. Amen.

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

Greetings in the Lord!

Last Sunday, we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord that was followed by the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord which marked the beginning of ordinary the season of the liturgical year. The feast of the Baptism of Our Lord marked the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus himself. The same feast also allowed us to evaluate how we have lived out our Christian faith, as followers of Jesus and members of His Church. That was an opportunity for us to see that being members of the Church we have both the rights as adopted children of God and the responsibilities in the mission of the Church. This mission is one that is shared by all the baptized, both the lay and the ordained ministers. In the Liturgy of the Catholic Church the season that follows is the Ordinary Time of the Liturgical Year. This year we would be reading mostly from the Gospel according to St. Matthew. However, today our gospel reading is taken from the Gospel of St. John in order to highlight an important aspect of the ministry of St. John

Hernaez From Whom All Blessings

Flow

very lonely. However, Paul chose 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." <(((><

the Baptist himself.

This narrative speaks about the testimony of John the Baptist who proclaimed the fact “the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John the Baptist was an authentic witness of the Person of Jesus Christ Himself. He authentic witnessing was manifested in the words he uttered and the very life he lived and the purpose for which he led his ministry: to proclaim the coming of Jesus with conviction even until his own martyrdom in the hands of Herod himself. The story of John the Baptist begins with

his conception with a Zechariah’s doubtful response, his greeting inside the womb of his mother Elizabeth at the time of Mary’s visitation, his ministry in the desert and finally his beheading due to his defense of the truth about marriage when he denounced Herod’s immoral marital relationship.

As we begin the year 2023 with the desire to bring into our lives the message of the gospel, let us invoke the intercession of St. John the Baptist. The world today is truly in need of authentic witnesses of the teachings of Jesus on both faith and morality, doctrine and Christian lifestyle. However, such witnessing can only happen when true disciples are formed in the Christian communities, such as parishes and other faith communities. I am hopeful that as a parish community here at the Church of the Nativity, we would be interested in becoming authentic witness, like John the Baptist, so that we can make “Jesus known” in our local church and even to the ends of the earth.

Couple Catriona Gray, Sam Milby to star

MANILA, Jan

in Valentine's concert

if she is either engaged or already married.

for performances and television appearances.

Milby and Miss Universe 2018 Gray will team up for the “Love and Beyond” concert on February 10 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, according to the TicketWorld Facebook page.

The couple welcomed 2023 with Milby and Gray's family in Western Australia, as seen in her recent posts.

Gray recently hinted about being "at her happiest" during a picnic with Milby, also in Western Australia, sparking speculations that they took their relationship up a notch.

Her post was filled with comments from her fans and followers, asking

Gray and Milby confirmed being in a relationship in May 2020, nearly two years after they were first romantically linked. The two have since been mixing work and play, traveling

The beauty queen, on the other hand, has been tapped to serve as one of the backstage commentators for the upcoming Miss Universe 2023 in New Orleans, USA. (MNS)

Danny

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

13 (Mabuhay) -Real-life couple Catriona Gray and Sam Milby are gearing up to make their Valentine’s celebration extra special as they are set to hold a concert in February.

Hazel Aure Tamano, Chair of Aure Designs, is now the Advisor for Smart Child Kenya, and they launched the Sewing Circle project last year which provides support for their education, sanitation, food and nutrition, and medical assistance programs in Kenya.

Beautiful ankara fabric designs, customized women’s apparel, and other beautiful clothing such as bolero

tops, blouses, halter tops, summer dresses, skirts, accessories and jewelry are some of the creations. For more info on the project or how you can help please contact Hazel at AureDesigns@ gmail.com or by cell/text 858-603-4097.

These rumors floated after the supposed resignations in the Department of National Defense (DND). However, the PNP said its heightened police alert was only for the activities related to the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

On Monday, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. named Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. as the secretary of the DND after its officer-in-charge, Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr., resigned.

Marcos also recently appointed General Andres Centino back as AFP chief, replacing his previous appointee, Lieutenant General Bartolome Bacarro, who only served for almost five months.

With this, Aguilar maintained that nothing is irregular in the changes in AFP leadership and that they respect and support the decision of Marcos who is the commander-in-chief.

“It is not irregular in the sense that it is within the bounds of the law. Meaning, the President just exercised

his authority and power to designate his chief of staff, being the commanderin-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

PNP said on Tuesday its AntiCybercrime Group (ACG) has already identified the sources of a supposed memorandum claiming the police force was on high alert amid rumors of a destabilization plot.

Keep 'One Defense' team intact, Galvez tells DND personnel

Newly appointed Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. called on the agency’s officials to rally behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call for unity and keep the "One Defense" team intact.

Galvez made the call during a transition briefing at the DND main office in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.

“We will sustain the gains of the past Secretaries and will also further enhance the capability of our national defense,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of employee morale in the DND and professionalism in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in maintaining the trust and confidence of the Filipino people.

During the briefing, Galvez

was presented with a formal report highlighting the department's plans, as well as the 10-point agenda initiated by outgoing officer-in-charge (OIC)

Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. Galvez also met with senior officials and heads of bureaus and held a discussion with members of the Executive Committee.

The new DND chief also met with Faustino before attending the transition briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.

Faustino briefed Galvez on the different accomplishments of the department, along with his recommendations to ensure continuity in the agency.

The DND and the AFP are set to hold a New Year’s call and command conference on Wednesday to be presided over by Galvez and AFP chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino.

Marcos on Monday named Galvez as the new DND chief after he accepted Faustino's resignation as OIC.

On Tuesday, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said "seven to nine" officials of the agency have tendered their courtesy resignation after Faustino stepped down as OIC.

He, however, said this is part of the normal procedure amid a change in the agency's leadership. (MNS)

Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking.

Earlier, the Supreme Court declared a 2005 agreement which allowed China and Vietnam to perform a joint exploration with the Philippines for oil resources in areas under the country’s jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea as void and unconstitutional.

“The Department’s actions and policy recommendations are, at all times, anchored on the Philippine Constitution and laws,” DFA Spokesperson Teresita Daza said.

“Cases decided by the Supreme Court form part of the legal system, and the Department is duty-bound to take applicable cases into consideration in any future discussion with China on oil and gas,” she added.

Daza noted that it was premature to discuss the case’s legal implications on any future agreement with China because substantive discussions have yet to commence.

During President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent visit to Beijing, he has agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping to resume joint oil and gas discussions in the West Philippine Sea at an early date “with a view to benefiting the two countries and their peoples”.

In a joint statement, both countries agreed to "bear in mind the spirit" of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Oil and Gas Development between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines which was signed in 2018.

PBBM seeks update on implementation of SIM registration law

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday asked for an update on the implementation of the Republic Act

(RA) 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act.

This, as Marcos convened a meeting with officials of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) at Malacañan Palace's State Dining Room, according to a Facebook post by state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM).

"The President also asks for updates on the ongoing registration of subscriber identity module (SIM) cards as mandated under Republic Act No. 11934 or the SIM Card Registration Act," the RTVM said.

RA 11934, the first law inked by Marcos, regulates the use of SIM cards by mandating all end-users to register their mobile phone numbers.

The 180-day registration period commenced on Dec. 27, 2022, and may be extended by another 120 days, if needed.

Under the law, all existing SIM subscribers are required to submit an accomplished form through a database platform or website provided by the telecommunications firms within 180 days.

Phone numbers that will remain unregistered after six months will be deactivated.

Digital infrastructure work plan

Marcos, during the meeting at Malacañan Palace, also looked into the PSAC's digital infrastructure work plan.

The meeting focused on the "future plans in strengthening the country's digital infrastructure," the RTVM said.

"During the meeting, the Chief Executive reviews the Digital Infrastructure Work Plan presented by the PSAC members," it added.

The RTVM said Marcos also discussed the digital infrastructure plan with officials from the National Economic at Development Authority, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Information and

Communications Technology, the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Anti-Red Tape Authority.

One of Marcos' priorities is to attain universal connectivity within the country.

The PSAC, headed by Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer Saibin Aboitiz, was formed by Marcos to strengthen cooperation and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

BOC vows to intensify fight vs. agri smuggling in 2023

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) vowed to intensify this year its campaign against smuggling, particularly the illegal importation of agricultural products.

In a Laging Handa briefing Wednesday, BOC spokesperson Arnaldo dela Torre Jr. reported that nearly PHP2 billion worth of agricultural products were seized from different ports in 2022.

“It's already reached - just for onions alone, have reached more than PHP500 to PHP600 million. When it comes to agricultural products, it has reached more than PHP1.9 billion in the year 2022. The Bureau of Customs will continue to watch closely,” he added. The latest seizure of smuggled agricultural products by Customs authorities was made on Dec. 23, which yielded PHP17 million worth of onions loaded inside a shipment of used clothing and home products worth PHP14 million from China.

Dela Torre noted they will continue to implement initiatives that were implemented last year with the help of other government agencies and stakeholders.

"It is clear to the Bureau of Customs that the year 2022 has been progressive and challenging. That's why this 2023, we will intensify our anti-smuggling effort so that we can combat smuggling even more,” he added. (MNS)

“Gratitude” is 2023 Port Chairman Rafael Castellanos’ Theme, Executive Officers for the Board of Port Commissioners Sworn In

The Port of San Diego ceremonially swore in its 2023 Executive Officers for the Board of Port Commissioners on Wednesday, January 11 at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier located along the North Embarcadero on the San Diego Bay waterfront.

Rafael Castellanos, one of three San Diego appointees, was sworn in as chairman; Sandy Naranjo, National City’s appointee, was sworn in as vice chair; and Danielle Moore, also a San Diego appointee, was sworn in as secretary.

After being sworn in, Chairman Castellanos introduced his theme for 2023, “Gratitude,” in which he pointed to the opportunities ahead thanks to the work of the people and events that make up the Port’s past and present.

“San Diego Bay continues to nourish us, all while the chapters of history have unfolded,” said Chairman Castellanos. “Our beautiful natural harbor and deepwater port has seen people, nations, and industries come and go. Its resources are vast and rich, and we bear a special responsibility to make sure it continues to thrive and provide for all who depend on it, for the environment itself, and for future generations.”

He highlighted the Port’s cuttingedge major modernization effort, specifically its acceleration to a sustainable energy future through major investments in electrifying maritime operations. The Port has committed over $60 million for new electric equipment and infrastructure, including the purchase of North America’s largest fully electric harbor cranes, which will arrive at the Port later this year. The Port’s investment also includes more shore power to reduce ocean going vessel emissions while in port, innovative equipment to capture and treat emissions when shore power capability isn't available, and the nation's first fully electric tugboat.

Outgoing 2022 Chairman Dan Malcolm, the Board’s Imperial Beach appointee, recapped his “Port of

People” theme and thanked Port staff for checking a lot of boxes for the year including securing more than $110 million in federal and state funding; breaking ground on the Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center project on the Chula Vista Bayfront; getting an approved Port Master Plan Amendment for the National City Balanced Plan that includes an expansion of Pepper Park; advancing the proposed Seaport San Diego redevelopment project to environmental review; the continued revitalization of Seaport Village; reaching an agreement with the USS Midway Museum to convert Navy Pier into a new

public park; advancing the proposed Topgolf venue for Harbor Island to environmental review; the cruise business rebound; and refreshing the iconic Imperial Beach Pier.

Chairman Castellanos was sworn in by Commissioner Emeritus Garry Bonelli, who served on the Board from 2014 to 2022.

Vice Chair Naranjo was sworn in by Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre (above left).

Secretary D. Moore was sworn in by Commissioner Emeritus Patricia McQuater, who served on the Board from 1994 to 2003 (above right). The executive officers are elected by the Board and will serve a one-year term.

There are seven Commissioners on the Board. In addition to the executive officers and the outgoing Chairman, the other Board members are Frank Urtasun, Coronado’s appointee; Ann Moore, Chula Vista’s appointee, and Michael Zucchet, the third of three San Diego appointees. Commissioners are appointed by the city councils of their respective cities. They are appointed for four-year terms and may be reappointed for additional terms by their city councils.

The Board of Port Commissioners is responsible for setting the policies by which the Port of San Diego conducts its day-to-day operations, under the guidance of its president and CEO.

(Left to right) Commissioner Frank Urtasun, Commissioner Dan Malcolm, Vice Chair Sandy Naranjo, Chairman Rafael Castellanos, Secretary Danielle Moore, Commissioner Ann Moore, Commissioner Michael Zucchet