Fil-Am Park, Monument Coming
By AdA m Beh A r
CHULA VISTA, CA- A plan to develop a park and monument in Chula Vista, honoring FilipinoAmericans’ contribution to the nation, is moving forward, said the city’s mayor, John McCann.
Assuming everything goes according to plan, the park, which would be located in a new development in Otay Ranch, will be named the Filipino Americans Veterans Park. It will also be home to a Filipino American Veterans Monument, “the first monument of its kind,” said Joy Gacuya, project leader with the Filipino American Military Officers Association. FAMOS is spearheading the project, along with the developer HomeFed, the city and mayor of Chula Vista, and the development’s homeowners’ association.
“The Filipino-American community has been a very important part of the fabric of Chula Vista,” said Mayor McCann. “We have many patriotic Filipino-Americans who have served in the military, especially the Navy, and this is an opportunity to honor them.”
Although the park and monument have “veterans” in their respective names, they are intended to honor the contributions of the broader Fil-Am community, locally and nationwide. “It will serve as a symbol of unity and inclusion for the entire FilipinoAmerican community,” said Gacuya.
Cota Vera at Otay Ranch, the development in which the park and monument will be built, is located right off of La Media Parkway.
Gacuya noted that it’s a great location because “there are a lot of Filipino homeowners in the area” and the developer is expecting that “more Filipino homeowners will be
residing in this new neighborhood.”
An artistic rendering of the park and monument have been completed. The monument features a 20’ by 30’ rectangular platform on which three
walls are positioned, representing the three big islands in the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. On the middle wall there is a map of the Philippines and next to it a map of
the United States, symbolizing the Filipino American relationship.
Gucuya said there will be opportunities for members of the community to purchase plaques that
will be mounted on the wall of the monument. Not only will the plaques honor those who contributed to the construction of the monument, but it’s “an opportunity to leave your legacy behind, so your children and children’s children can honor family members who came before them.”
Chula Vista’s Fil-Am community numbers at almost 37,000 people, while in National City they make up 19% of its 56,000 residents, according to the 2020 census. Yet there’s still a feeling that the Filipino community is somewhat invisible and doesn’t get a lot of recognition for their role in shaping San Diego. The park and monument will help address that gap. As Mayor McCann said, “Chula Vista has almost 70 parks, many for veterans. But there really wasn’t a park that honored our Filipino veteran community. And since they’re such a big part of our community, I thought it was time to have a park that honors their contribution to San Diego.” That said, naming the park isn’t a done deal, yet. “It still has to go through a vetting process,” said Gacuya. “The Chula Vista city council members need to officially approve the name and the homeowners’ association has to buy into it, too.” Nonetheless, Gacuya and McCann are both extremely optimistic that the project will come to fruition. Gacuya says there are two positive indicators. One is that they have McCann on their side. “I believe this is an issue that we can
High School Students Can Get a Head Start on College with Dual Enrollment
SACRAMENTO, CA -- With the school year coming to an end, many students are looking forward to summer break. For parents, this is also a busy time, trying to figure out ways to engage your children in a positive and productive way while school is not in session. This could mean encouraging students to take summer school, work to earn money, or allow them to just relax. An alternative option to consider is to help them get ahead in their educational journey by enrolling in a dual enrollment course at your local community college.
Dual enrollment is a program that offers students starting as young as a freshman in high school the opportunity to take coursework and receive college credit toward a degree while also working toward their high school diploma. This will enable them to finish high school quicker while also obtaining college credit and experience at the same time. Best of all, dual enrollment courses are free for most students in California, providing a great starting point to begin their higher education career.
Beyond dual enrollment, California community college provides different pathways to help students achieve their goals on their timeline, providing the general education foundation students need to help them on their journey to success. Through California Community Colleges Associate Degree for Transfer program, students have a guaranteed saved spot waiting for them at a participating four-year university where they can earn their bachelor's degree. Another great option for students is California Community
Colleges’ Career Education programs, which provide students with more than 200 career options in lucrative fields and industries, including medical, aeronautics, engineering, technology, and more. Through Career Education, students are provided hands-on technical training in their chosen field, ensuring they found the right fit and have the education, skills and certification in a career that interests them most. This also enables them to begin lucrative careers right after graduating from their California community college program. Regardless of their destination, high school students can start their higher education journey today with dual enrollment, providing them with a head start in achieving their academic and professional goals—whatever that may be. With summer right around the corner, now is the time to enroll your
students for the summer session.
Below are frequently asked questions, with more information available at ICanGoToCollege.com.
• Why should students consider dual enrollment?
By participating in dual enrollments, students receive the following benefits:
- Introduction to and preparation for college life
- Ability to explore interests, careers, and majors
- Opportunity to build skills that are needed in the workforce
- Motivation to stick with it and pursue a college degree or certificate
- Understanding the benefits of college education
- Accelerated pathway through college that can save time and money
• How can students enroll in dual enrollment?
Specific steps and details differ from college to college. Students should check with their high school, counselor or contact their local community college campus for guidance on enrollment requirements. Generally, the steps are as follows:
1. Complete an online college application at cccapply.org.
2. Complete orientation at your local community college.
3. Submit high school transcripts to your local community college.
4. Ask your high school counselor for help completing and submitting a dual enrollment form.
5. Register for college classes on your local community college
By Sh Auni LyLeS/CSdCO
SAN DIEGO, CA -- With 33 branches and more than 300 library staff, San Diego County Library has become the first in California to be designated a “Certified Sustainable Library” through the Sustainable Libraries Initiative’s award-winning Sustainable Library Certification Program.
This program demonstrates the County’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices by providing the public with resources that will help communities transition to a green, carbon-free economy.
“We are incredibly proud to receive the Sustainable Library Certification, a clear reflection of our dedication to environmental stewardship. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of San Diego County and its Board of Supervisors, as well as the collaborative efforts of various County departments,” said Migell Acosta, Director of San Diego County Library.
The County works across the enterprise to support and enhance sustainable goals to address climate change. Several of the library buildings operate on net-zero energy or solar powered panels and six of its branches are LEED certified.The library has also adopted several other eco-friendly methods to work toward a greener environment that include: planting more trees, adding bottle filling stations for water and purchasing 4 new all-electric outreach vehicles.
Eleven County branch libraries also offer starter seeds through the County’s Seeds and Sustainability program to promote community gardening and access to home-grown food!
To meet the needs of the County’s
diverse population, the library provides training for employees from diverse backgrounds and encourages them to get involved with the community and share their ideas.
“We also recognize our dedicated staff, whose hard work and commitment have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Together, we are creating a more sustainable future for our community,” Acosta added.
The library focuses on bringing together San Diego’s diverse community through a variety of programs and services that are accessible to all. With programs celebrating international holidays, citizenship classes for immigrants and voter registration events to help keep people informed. The library prioritizes social equity by providing access to more than 200,000 electronic books, magazines, newspapers and audiobooks. And the Libby app also allows readers to read their material in any one of 15 languages.
Last year, the library
a
SAN DIEGO, CA— The Southwestern Association of Martial Arts (SWAMA), a cornerstone of San Diego’s martial arts community since 1986, celebrated the grand opening of its latest Muay Thai Academy located at 3403 East Plaza Blvd Suite A, National City, on May 4, 2024, at 4:00 PM.
Mayor Ron Morris of National City led the Ribbon cutting ceremony with owner Victor Beltran and his family with other esteemed dignitaries.
The event showcased the vibrant spirit of our community and provide
The Southwestern Association of Martial Arts is committed to youth development and empowerment
A Legacy of Excellence and Impact Founded by Grand Master Victor M.
Together,
Make
44th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Presented by Buzz Cannabis Returns on Saturday, June 22
A Full Day of Music, Art, Food, and Fun in the Heart of Ocean Beach
SAN DIEGO, CA – The 44th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off will bring a day of high tides and good vibes to Ocean Beach on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. along the 4800 – 5000 blocks of Newport Avenue.
Proudly presented by Buzz Cannabis and supported by The Peninsula Alliance, this free event offers something for everyone.
Two live music stages, a beachfront Chili Cook-Off, community mural projects, Artists Alley featuring local artisans, an Ocean Beergarden, and the Seaside Family Fun Zone await attendees. Food and merchandise vendors line streets providing many opportunities for eating, drinking, and shopping by the ocean.
The Chili Cook-Off allows guests to taste award-winning chili recipes and vote for their favorite.
Tasting kicks off at 11 a.m., with $2 sample cups or a $25 Master Ticket for unlimited sampling. Awards will be given for Hottest Chili, Judges' Award, and the coveted People's Choice Award.
Get creative at the Community Mural areas on Bacon Street just south of Newport Avenue! Starting at 10 a.m., guests of all ages can purchase
and
a $25 square and contribute to one of two vibrant mural designs. One mural celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Ocean Beach Woman's Club, making it a piece of local history in the making.
The Ocean Beergarden, located in the OB Pier Parking Lot, offers an oceanfront setting to enjoy ice-cold brews and cocktails while listening to live music and entertainment on the main stage. A pre-sale drink special of 3 drinks for $19 is available online.
The Seaside Family Fun Zone promises beachside fun with Submerge Church Arts & Crafts, Raising Cane's Giant Games, The Rad Hatter's upcycled hat making, the Artist Outpost Interactive Art Area, a super-sized giant slide, inflatables, and a San Diego Gulls Hockey Shot. Other activities include: Food Contests: OB Dirty Birds Wing Eating Contest and Hodad's Burger Eating Contest provide midday entertainment on the main stage.
Photo Opportunity: Snap a picture with the large Ocean Beach letters and colorful balloons at Newport Ave and Sunset Cliffs Blvd, using #OceanBeachCA. 92107 Contest Booth: Swing by
the 92107 Contest Booth near the 92107 Stage in the US Bank Parking Lot at Newport Ave and Sunset Cliffs Blvd, for your chance to win OB gift cards and swag from Hodad’s, Dirty Birds, James Gang Printing, and Ocean Beach Gift & Shells. One lucky winner will receive a two-night stay at the beautiful Inn at Sunset Cliffs.
Free parking is available at the Sun Runner lot on Sea World Drive at Pacific Coast Highway. Free Trolley services run from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and a free bike valet is offered at Bacon Street and Newport Avenue.
The 44th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of the presenting sponsor, Buzz Cannabis, and the supporting sponsor, The Peninsula Alliance. The Ocean Beach Mainstreet Association also extends its gratitude to additional sponsors: Ocean Beach Woman’s Club; Gallagher, Bolander, Smedley, LLP; Submerge Church; Catrina Russell Real Estate; Raising Cane's; US Bank; Ocean Beach Community Development Corporation; and Mitch’s Seafood. For more information, visit OceanBeachSanDiego.com.
The Pampered Pinay: A Memorable Trip to the Philippines
By FRANCINE m AIgu E
I awoke to a breathtaking view of lush, green islands with velvety mountains peeking through cottony clouds. The twinkle of the morning sun put a twinkle in my eye. It was real. After months of preparation, a 3 hour delay, and a smooth, 14 hour flight, my journey back to my home country, the beautiful Philippines, had only just begun...
Serendipitously, I was seated next to the Australian owner of a mining business based in the Philippines. Being that I was headed to the Philippines as a delegate of the Filipino American Young Leaders Program, our conversations regarding foreign business practices and sustainable urban development couldn't have been more appropriate. As the plane took its place at the gate and we said goodbye, my new friend finished with, "In the Philippines, the people are very smart and hardworking, and the natural resources are plentiful. The Philippines should be a leader in many international industries."
waiting for me, and so was a full day's schedule of family meals, shopping, and local tours with my loved ones, many who I hadn't seen since my last visit to the Philippines in 1993 and some, who I would be meeting for the first time.
Hugs were abundant and so was the love. I felt so blessed to be reunited with everyone...beyond regular Facebook updates.
I enjoyed hanging out in the offices of my tita and titos, Professors of Music at the University of the Philippines (UP) and meeting up with my cousins, who are students there. I had fun picking up my other cousins after school from Ateneo de Manila University. Shopping for two Filipinianas I needed (one for my welcome dinner with the Ambassadors and another for our visit to President Aquino at Malacanang at Vice President Binay at Coconut Palace) made up for all the prom preparations and other girly shopping adventures I missed out on being across seas from my with my cousins and Ninang.
hosted me in their home my first night, and smiled to finally be in their company once again. Though my official itinerary for the Filipino American Young Leaders Program was full of fancy affairs, I knew the sweetest moments would be those spent with loved ones simply doing day-to-day activities. Before I could relax completely, it was off to the Dusit Thani Hotel for me, where my immersion into the world of diplomacy and Philippinesbased civil service would begin...
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Dear Readers, What is your favorite Filipino Food and Desserts, where can we get them? Email us at filpress@aol.com
Subject; Reader Food Survey
explore everything the region has to offer. From quiet towns and beach communities to bustling downtowns and historic sites, summer adventure awaits on the rails. With the summer travel season being one of the busiest times of the year, Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® is excited to welcome guests with top tips and tricks to ensure visits run smoothly: Plan Your Route - Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® travels from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, stopping at numerous picturesque and vibrant destinations along the way. Plan your trip by previewing stations to include stops at charming coastal towns, lively cities and popular attractions. A full list can be found at PacificSurfliner. com/destinations.
Book in Advance - Summer is
a popular time to travel, so be sure to book your tickets early to secure the best seats and travel times. Take advantage of available discounts and consider purchasing a multi-ride ticket if you plan to make multiple trips.
Pack Light and Smart - Bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat and comfortable walking shoes for exploring in the sun. Keep your luggage manageable and be mindful of space during peak travel times, travelers are allowed two personal items like large purses, briefcases, computer backpacks measuring up to 14” x 11” x 7” each and weighing up to 25 pounds each as well as two carry-on bags which can measure up to 28" x 22" x 11" each and weigh up to 50 pounds each.
Take Advantage of Onboard Amenities - Relax on the journey with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets at your seat and a café car offering snacks and beverages. Relax in spacious seating and take in the stunning views through large windows.
Stay Informed - Follow Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® on social media and check the website for updates on
schedules, special offers and travel tips. Sign up for the newsletter on the homepage to stay informed about any changes or promotions and check the travel advisories at PacificSurfliner. com/alerts. Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® can be found on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and X.
Enjoy the top destinations of the season aboard Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® with the following recommended itinerary stops for travelers:
Explore Coastal Towns - Stops like Oceanside, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Lompoc-Surf offer beautiful beaches, shopping and dining. Spend the day soaking up the sun, exploring local shops and enjoying fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants.
Visit Iconic Attractions - From the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano to the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, there are plenty of landmarks and attractions to explore. Use the train as your base for day trips to these must-see destinations.
For more information and to book your trip, visit PacificSurfliner. com and start planning a summer adventure.
At NAIA, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a wall ad greeted me with, "The Best Homecoming." I couldn't agree more. Outside a large window stood hundreds of eager faces all waiting to reunite with loved ones. As I neared the window, the crowd and I became reflections of anticipation-bubbling in excitement on either side of a looking glass. I proudly presented my dual citizenship papers to step foot out onto the streets of the Philippines, and in that moment, I truly felt that I was home.
Though people try to describe it, nothing can fully prepare you for the sauna-like heat. Even warmer, though, were the smiles of all the kababayan and their unparalleled hospitality. I felt instantly embraced by my "extended family."
My real family reunion began with a phone call to my cousin and ninang and a pickup courtesy of my ninong. Breakfast was already
I loved looking around the dinner table overflowing with a delicious feast and seeing all my relatives smiling and laughing with one another. My tita and tito graciously
WASHINGTON - U.S.
Representative Juan Vargas (CA52) released the following statement celebrating Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2024.
“I want to send my best wishes to everyone celebrating the 126th Philippine Independence Day here in the United States, in the Philippines, and around the world. Our two nations share significant and enduring ties.
More than four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans call the United States home, and their contributions, histories, and culture are an integral part of the fabric of our nation. Today, we celebrate the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and the Philippines and commit to strengthening them in the decades ahead. Happy Philippine Independence Day!”
Rep. Vargas helped introduce a resolution to recognize June 12, 2024, as this year's observance of “Philippine Independence Day”. This resolution honors the people of the Philippines for enduring through struggle and hardship, supports increased awareness of the Philippine Declaration of Independence, and celebrates the Filipino American community for their many contributions.
SAN DIEGO, CA -- Seaport San Diego invites the community to Seaport San Diego Parks for All, a free, family friendly event aimed at gathering public input on the future of the parks and open spaces within the Central Embarcadero on the Downtown San Diego waterfront.
In partnership with San Diego Coastkeeper and the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, this vibrant community event will take place on Saturday, June 15, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Embarcadero Marina Park North, 400 Kettner Blvd., San Diego 92101.
The Seaport San Diego Parks for All event is free and open to the public.
Event Highlights
Family-Friendly Activities: Bring the whole family to enjoy fun activities including a bike rodeo for kids, interactive learning experiences about the bay, and exciting Sumo wrestling demonstrations. Meet the Design Team: Engage with the experts shaping the vision for Seaport San Diego’s parks and open spaces – including an Urban Beach (pictured), living shoreline with tidepools, improved bicycle and pedestrian access, and much more. Get a sneak peek at the plans and share your valuable feedback.
Community Engagement: Your input is crucial in shaping a welcoming
and inclusive environment for all. Join us to voice your thoughts and ideas!
The developer of Seaport San Diego is 1HWY1, LLC, a partnership that includes Yehudi “Gaf” Gaffen, CEO, Jeff Jacobs and Jeffrey Essakow.
“The opportunity to redesign the Downtown San Diego waterfront is deeply meaningful to our team. We want Seaport San Diego to be an iconic gathering place and point of pride for all San Diegans and Californians,” said Gaffen, 1HWY1’s CEO. “We invite the community to join us in this conversation and share their thoughts, helping us shape a future that expands coastal access for all and reflects the diverse voices and needs of our city.”
Looking for a JOB? Workers? Check our weekly classifieds where Job opportunities await you or You can put your Ad or Connect with us at filpressads@aol.com if you are looking for a referral for products and/or services rent a room, etc...
MANILA -- "Challenging."
This was how independent actress Mercedes Cabral described her role in the hit ABS-CBN primetime series 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' where she plays the mistress Lena. Cabral revealed she received so many hate comments on social media since her character started meddling with the lives of Marites and Rigor played by John Estrada and Cherry Pie Picache. "May mga tao na pine-personal na ako. Hindi na Lena, 'yung tawag sa 'kin or sinasabi, kung 'di Mercedes
Cabral na, so ako na mismo tinitira. But mostly sa messages ito," she said. The actress also recalled the time she was confronted personally by a fan of "Batang Quiapo."
"In person naman 'pag may mga nakaka-recognize sa 'kin, they say things like 'gusto kita sampalin kasi kuhang-kuha mo yung inis ko pero ang galing mo.' So kapag nakakarinig ako ng mga ganong bagay, that is a huge compliment for me. Ibig sabihin, nagagawa ko ng maayos 'yung trabaho ko. Nagagawa ko ng
maayos 'yung assigned character sa akin," she added. But despite the hate she receives both on personal and on social media, Cabral sees it as a compliment on the effectiveness of her acting.
"As an actor, it's your job to give life to a character in a story. At kailangan 'yung mga characters na tulad ni Lena sa istorya. Sila kasi nagbibigay ng conflict sa story e. Although sometimes, naapektuhan ako sa mga sinasabi ng tao, siyempre tao lang din naman ako, iniisip ko na lang na ang importante nagagawa ko ng maayos trabaho ko." she explained.
Considered a veteran in acting, the actress gives tips to newcomers who want to hone their craft.
"Ang pag-arte, hindi lang 'yan basta magaling ka mag-memorize at mabilis umiyak. Hindi 'yun ang basehan kung magaling ka umarte. Madaming iba't ibang techniques and sana give yourself time to learn those things. Mag attend ng acting workshops. Until now nag aattend pa din ako whenever I can kasi its a never-ending learning process. Trust me, ang sarap pag-aralan ng
Francine Maigue’s official luggage tag from the Department of Tourism
“After 19 years, Francine is reunited with her family members in the Philippines.”
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO FILIPINO DADS ON FATHER’S DAY 2024
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Greetings!
Overall, traditional Filipino Father’s Day celebrations are about creating an atmosphere of gratitude and love. It’s a day when we set aside our busy lives to honor our fathers, showing them how much we appreciate their sacrifices, guidance and unwavering love.
This Sunday we will celebrate Father’s Day…or at least some of us will. Unfortunately, this honorable holiday seems to be falling out of favor in some quarters, along with the whole concept of fatherhood.
With Father’s Day quickly approaching this weekend, I thought that now would be a good opportunity to speak directly to dads. I hope there’s something helpful here for everyone, but today’s post is directed toward those in a unique position to influence the next generation.
The research could not be clearer on these two points. The fact is that the large majority of family breakdowns are caused by fathers abandoning their kids. But fathers who are actually involved with their wives and children are a great blessing not just to their families but to our wider society.
For example, children who grew up with dads who are actively involved in their lives are many times more likely to graduate from high school; live to a ripe, old age; enjoy good emotional, mental and physical health; earn more than their average peers and be happily married themselves. Unfortunately, children who do not have a father involved in their lives when they are growing up are much more likely to die an early death; spend time in jail; be addicted to drugs and/or alcohol; be functionally illiterate; suffer from several mental, emotional and physical illness; live in poverty…and have children out of wedlock themselves.
Indeed, there is very little disagreement among reasonable people that we’re in a difficult time as a country. The norms of the recent past have been turned upside down and we now find ourselves in a cultural freefall. The future is never certain but even the most positive view of what lies ahead is bleak. And yet here we are.
This is not the first time we have experienced a dismal moment in history. It may be the first time though, at least here in our adopted country of ours – the United Sates of America – that the disintegration of the family has been at the center of that dark outlook. As long as the foundations of family and community remain strong there is little that can permanently damage a society or culture. When those rudiments, and
arguably the basis of the church, are undermined, the hope that there will be restoration on the other side of our current turmoil seems empty. If those in the generation that will lead our nation into the future have not enjoyed the benefit of healthy home, community and church relationships, how can they possibly lead a “restoration” of those things? They simply cannot. So, what can we do about it? It seems that most people are just hoping it doesn’t get too bad before they’re gone! Many will say, “Don’t worry about the future. As dark as the days ahead may be, that’s not my problem.” And so instead of doing anything to actually fix what is broken, we make ourselves as comfortable as possible and kick the proverbial can down the road.
We say that we love our children, but are we setting them up to deal with the consequences of our inaction?
I was reminded of a Bible story this week that illustrates this thinking. We may live in opposite locations at different times in history, but people are all pretty much the same. I won’t retell the whole story here for sake of time and clarity, but if you are interested – try to find the story of King Hezekiah in the Old Testament. You can find his story in Second Kings, Second Chronicles and Isaiah.
For a Bible illustration, King Hezekiah was one of the “good guys.” In a lineage of Jewish kings that boasted some good and a lot bad, he was one of the guys that honored God and used his position to lead others to do the same. In a divided Israel, he led the southern kingdom of Judah and fought back against many of the rebellious practices of the northern kingdom. As a result, and there is much more to the story, God blessed him and Judah and brought peace to the kingdom. But then
Strengthening family values and quality of life is one of the alleged reasons why faith-based groups and religious institutions do not support divorce – temporary or permanent.
The Filipino family, after all, is an important social institution in the Philippines where the mother enjoys a relatively high power within their household. Decisions involving family finances is often the domain of the mother while disciplining children is the father’s swim lane.
Familial Intimacy between parents and children within the Filipino family is high with the tendency for parents to be protective. Thus, it is the nucleus that keeps them together in good or bad times. Domestic violence shatters such cohesion, however, as the traditional roles are upended, and the abuser sucks all the oxygen in the room. The once clear lines of authority, if you will, are blurred and rendered ineffective.
Domestic violence is not genetically hereditary, however, children who were abused or have witnessed domestic violence growing up become part of the cycle of abuse. For how many generations
will the cycle entangle, is anybody’s guess. This is key for legislators’ understanding when deliberating the divorce bill now pending before the senate to truly comprehend the complex intersections between parents’ and children’s life experiences, and of how cumulative violence exposure over a lifespan elevates the risk of subsequent generation’s maladjustment.
Intergenerational impacts of violence exposure refer to how parental exposure to violence during childhood or adulthood affects their children. From the age of reason (before seven years old for Catholics) through high school graduation when children are still under parental care, impacts of domestic violence will differ to their experiences when they enter adulthood. As teenagers (1315 y/o), they go through a rebellious phase when they strive to develop their identity.
The rebellious phase presumes some normality as part of a developmental stage for a teen to assert autonomy against parental influence. In an abusive family relationship, however, such acts of defiance can invite further
something strange happened that we find described in Isaiah 39.
Proud of all that God blessed him with, King Hezekiah showed off his wealth to the pagan king while taking credit for himself. Maybe he got caught up in the moment, but whatever his reason, he failed to honor the God that saved him from his enemies, recovered him from a terrible illness, and blessed him with vast wealth.
Here were the consequences for the king’s action:
Isaiah 39:5-7: “Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts: 6 Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up I store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD. 7 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”
I don’t know how you read that, but that seems like an incredibly severe punishment! God said that after the death of Hezekiah both his past and the future of his family and the nation would be destroyed. Talk about a bleak outlook! And what was his response?
Isaiah 39:8: “Then said Hezekiah to Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, or there shall be peace and truth in my days.”
Hezekiah had just been told that everything he cared about would be destroyed and all he could say was, “I’m glad it will happen when I’m gone.” That is insane!
But, as crazy as that story is, how many of us live that sentiment out every day? Hezekiah was not a Godhater or deadbeat dad. He was one of the good guys! Hezekiah just didn’t do anything to make sure things were
in place to keep the future bright. He was just happy he would not be around to see the destruction.
Dads (I told you I would get to a message for dad), is this how you’re living? In a world as dark and difficult as the one we’re in, fathers are the hope for a future restoration! It’s dads that will point their kids to God. Dads can model leadership and courage. They can set in place today all that is needed for a bright tomorrow. And that’s the reason I say the future is so gloomy.
God is still powerfully able but fathers have become so focused on their life today that they are not getting ready their children for what is to come! Most men live like king Hezekiah. They can see what’s coming, they’re just happy it will come when they’re gone. You may be “one of the good guys”, but if you are not preparing your children for the future, everything you say you care about, just like Hezekiah, will be undone. Your legacy will be one of loss and a focus on self above everything else.
I say there is a better way!
I don’t believe that any of us want to leave our children without the tools they need to navigate the future. Life can just be so overwhelming that we don’t know how to treat them. What should you focus on if you want to prepare the next generation for the world ahead? What do they need to know? No doubt about it, the most important affinity is a relationship with God.
Ephesians 6:4 “And, ye fathers, provide not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
And church do matters! Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works; 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as
Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri
the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
The Bible is God’s Word to Us
2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
2 Peter 1:21 “For the prophecy came but not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
On culture – We live here but only as ambassadors 2 Corinthians 5:20
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”
1 John 2:15 “Love not the world, nether the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
And on perspective – We do need a biblical worldview Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
One thing that I know for sure is that our Constitution is a gift that allows us to live for God.
I do not have a verse for this final area of instruction, but the United States Constitution is genuinely a gift from God that protects our right to freely live for Him. Many Christians today know so little about their Constitutional rights that they are yielding to a corrupt culture when they don’t have to. Teach your kids to understand and fight for their Constitutional rights and they will have the legal tool they need to freely live the life God has called them to. They may one day need to live for Him without the Constitution, and they should, but they need to know how to take advantage of the freedoms preserved by the generations that have gone before them.
Men, on this Father’s Day, recommit to fight for your legacy (what has happened in the past) and for your children’s future. Teach, train, mentor and lead in such a way that when you are gone what you have sown into the lives of your kids will guide them forward.
The truth is that fathers are more important than ever to the future of their children…and our Nation. Today’s high-tech economy holds fewer and fewer opportunities for unskilled, uneducated and untrained. Children with fathers are much more likely to earn college and graduate degrees and to have mastered the basic professional skills of dressing correctly, showing up on time, being respectful to authorities and doing a good job…every time! Research indicates that a good father positively impacts not only their own children, but their grandchildren and even with their great grandchildren.
That’s why we celebrate Filipino fathers in particular and their families in general. We want to reduce and eventually end the scourge of childhood abandonment that scars so many of our youth here in America. And we want Filipino fathers to set the example everywhere -- to take great pride in their children and their families…as they well should. Father’s Day is an important holiday not just for our “kababayan’s” household, but for the future of our adapted great Nation.
No doubts about it – Good fathers make great families, and strong families make a powerful nation!
I have three sons myself and they’re all grown up, having their own families and good jobs. My wife Zeny and I feel blessed to have such awesome kids.
As their dad, people often ask what we did to raise them right. It’s a big concern because lots of families struggle with parenting.
There’s so much stuff out there fighting for their attention and wasting their time. They like video games, social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok and texting with friends.
Just look around at the mall, a restaurant, or even a park and you’ll see people of all ages glued to their phones.
Looking back, these are important lessons I learned as a dad. For me, the most influential thing is understanding that being a father is a sacred job. It’s something God called us to do. That’s why I believe every day should be Father’s Day, especially since God is our true and everlasting Father. I say fatherly love is like the love from a Heavenly Father – it’s unconditional.
Mabuhay!
God bless the U.S. of A!!
Happy Father’s Day!!!
An Insidious Family Legacy, Part 2
provocation from abusive parents. The teen’s trauma is doubly painful that cuts deeper because the child’s effort to explore how to become their own person leading to adulthood, is stunted and further affects the child’s mental and emotional growth.
The Philippines being predominantly Catholic, domestic abuse seems an aberration. One would think that religion and spirituality would have a positive impact in the family relationship. Studies have shown that in abusive environments, the opposite is true that religion and spirituality have been positively associated with several mental health problems, including delinquency. This is baffling because organizational religiosity involves the social control theory, which contends that the notion of divine punishment/reward with social support of a formal religion can prevent believers from committing crimes.
Self-control and the rational choice of healthy behaviors and attitudes reflects an internal reasoning and self-awareness that defines intrinsic religiosity.
Attending Sunday service exposes the religious to sacred music, texts, wisdom and prayers that many admit help them cope. The continued cycle of abuse, however, points to the fact such features of belonging may be insufficient in some contexts, to help prevent violence. Thus, in addition to divorce, other social guardrails need
to be put in place to help stabilize frayed relationships.
In the Philippine setting, dialogues between parents and children regarding their “style” of parenting is almost non-existent because parents will not acknowledge their “faults.” Besides, filial disobedience is viewed as part of the child’s resistance to such traditional parenting that was inherited from their parents. When a teenager starts reasoning about free will, religious beliefs and spirituality, they will be put in place and will be told to “get with the program” or they will go to hell and bathe in boiling sulfur.
The rigidity of living with “unreasonable,” domineering parents and aggressive moral standards (on a punitive concept of God) creates a double personality for the teenagers and young adults. At home, they behave according to parents’ expectations. Outside the home, a different persona emerges for those bent on pursuing independence and autonomy from constrictive parenting. A small number of teens succumbs to suicide for their inability to deal with abusive parents, peer pressure, and being bullied in school.
Permanent divorce is not a silver bullet that can cure the intergenerational impacts of domestic violence. Far from it, but it is a good start. There is no guarantee that being removed from an abusive environment would result in the
wife and her children living happily thereafter. Poor families cannot expect child support or alimony in divorce settlements and the saga can continue from thereon wherein the mother now becomes the sole provider.
Divorce decrees should address employment or source of income for the abused spouse and their children. Presumably, the wife (perhaps with the help of an advocate) will file divorce and that entails cost. For low-income households, the Public Attorney’s) Office plays a vital role in ensuring access to justice for individuals who cannot afford legal representation. Access to free legal help in the Philippines, however, continues to be a significant hurdle for victims of domestic violence.
This can be very stressful mentally and financially not only to the abused wife, but it also affects the children who are at high risk of becoming abusers themselves when they raise their own families. They often struggle greatly with being good partners and parents, because they did not have the nurturing or role-modeling that they needed. Trauma begets trauma.
Permanent divorce, as proposed by Philippine legislators, is one opportunity to break the generational curse. Preventing continuation of the cycle of violence into the next generation must also include trauma-focused therapy for the non-offending partner and any children in the family. A communitybased approach that offers support reinforcing the resilience of children and educating the public about the causes and manifestations of family violence can change behaviors and attitudes.
For victims of domestic abuse who are now grown-ups, they too can break the curse by empowering themselves to become not only a survivor but a thriving one.
Psychologists recommend that for survivors to begin the healing, that they need to explore their hurts and perhaps see a counselor. It would be ideal for the parent and abused child to be both present during counselling, but that may not happen because it is culturally difficult for the parent to face a child in such circumstances. We often think of abusive parents acting maliciously toward a child but in truth, every parent strives to provide what is best for their children’s welfare and their intentions are almost benign. They just can’t help it.
The journey in raising a family is on a trial-and-error basis. Most parents have no experience in parenting and the first child is the guinea pig kid. When abused children become parents themselves, they adapt to their parent’s authoritarian style because being in control is what they know best from experience by repeating behaviors they’ve seen in their childhood and adolescence – it is a learned behavior.
"Happy Father's Day to all the Dads, the Grandfathers, and to everyone who fathers –We love you guys!"
Help Wanted / For Rent / For
community,
Spiritual Life
Let the memories flow and love begin
San Diego has become a popular place for reunions - family reunions, school reunions, reunions of town mates and grand alumni reunion. Reunions like this are great moments of our lives. We renew acquaintances, we re-strengthen relationships weakened by time and distance and we reminisce about the good old days we spent in our hometown or in other places in the Philippines. It is also an occasion to catch up with what's happening in the lives of long lost friends.
When I was invited by our friend Nario to be one of the speakers at the Ecumenical Service and Picnic, in their family's and provincial town mates grand reunion , a couple of years back, here's the message I shared.
I reflected on the theme of the reunion, "LOYALTY, BROTHERHOOD, SERVICE." I asked myself, what would be the most appropriate word that would highlight the significance of these words and which should undergird our actions? How can we translate Loyalty, Brotherhood and Service into meaningful action? And the word Love came to mind. It is because of love that we remain loyal to a friend or to a cause, it is because of love that we relate to each other as brothers and sisters, it is love that makes SERVICE to God, community, and humanity, a worthwhile and rewarding experience. So this morning I would like to bring our attention to the Word of God as found in 1 Corinthians
Aurora
S. Cudal-Rivera
My Personal Testimony
13. "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor an surrender my body to the flames but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always trust, always hopes, alwaysperseveres. Love never fails. And now these three remain, faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE. When I was younger, I thought these verses are just poetic expressions of what love is all about. But my attitude changed after I attended a Bible Study group. The facilitator asked us. How can you
internalize these words and translate them into action? Then she asked us to substitute I to the word Love and asked us to read the verses all over.
Love is patient. I am patient. Love is kind. Love does not envy. I do not envy. Love does not boast. I do not boast. Love is not proud. I am not proud. Love is not rude. I am not rude. Love is not self-seeking. I am not self-seeking. Love is not easily angered. I am not easily angered. Love keeps no record of wrongs. I keep no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. I do not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. I always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere. If we put all these words into action, then the theme of your reunion, Loyalty, Brotherhood, Service will assume a meaningful dimension and will change our lives. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May his light shine upon you and give you peace. Amen."
A new breed of Christian leaders
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. (Proverbs 13:22)
As a student in 1971, Berthold Becker was converted from being a socialist activist to a disciple of the Lord Jesus. Shortly after completing his university education, Berthold decided he wanted to understand what it meant to experience God in his professional career. So, he learned to walk with God at work in the automotive industry. Berthold testifies how God gave him many designs for cars that became their best-sellers. He was often referred to as the "prophet" among his nonChristian auto executives.
With his wife Barbara as his personal intercessor, Berthold left his career in the auto industry in 1986, to begin many entrepreneurial Kingdom initiatives. One was launched in the Ukraine through an initiative called GfS (Gesellschaft für Strukturentwicklung). Berthold became active in many training, consulting and joint venture situations, helping Ukrainian business start-ups. During his travels there, he noticed the lack of availability of good bread, and he decided to do something about it. He started small businesses using mobile bakeries that he bought from the Swiss Army. The German and Ukranian governments soon recognized that Berthold had been serving the nation through his business expertise and came alongside him to say, "You are doing it better than we can."
The governments began funding his enterprises, while his group remained in control of the business.
Danny Hernaez From Whom
All Blessings Flow
The Bible says "Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession" (Psalm 2:8). I believe one way that will happen is when Christians become the source of blessing to a city or nation.
These enterprises (which include technology transfer and training centers for bread, meat, and dairy products) have become a joint venture with a Ukrainian business group, operating successfully in the food industry.
Today, God is raising up a new breed of Christian leaders. God will use anyone to impact a nation because we are all called to disciple the nations. How might God want to use you in the days ahead? What idea might God give you to impact a nation?
Heavenly Father, I come before Your throne, today, and I speak this blessing upon this congregation: May the Lord keep you and may the Lord make His face to shine upon you; may the Lord be gracious unto you and place His countenance upon you, and may the Lord give you His peace. Lord God, I ask You in the name above every name, that You open up the windows of heaven and pour out divine provision upon every one of your children. Heavenly Father, in this time of
economic peril, let them have the best of things in the worst of times, and let them know that it comes from the divine source of Jehovah Jireh, their provider. I speak health and healing to every physical body. I come against every form of infirmity; I come against every form of disease; I come against every malady in the name of Jesus Christ and I declare that they are cursed at the root and that the blessing of divine health freely flows into the lives of this congregation. Lord, I speak peace to every life that is in torment, for Your name is Jehovah, Shalom, our Peace. I give You praise, Father, that the enemy has been defeated and the peace of God has now healed every broken heart. Every sorrow is lifted right now; every burden and yoke, it is destroyed because You, O Lord, are the Joy in the morning; You, O Lord, are more than enough; You, O Lord, are our strength and our song, and we magnify Your Holy name. I thank You, that You are our Righteousness; You are our Shepherd; You are our divine Giver of life. Let the power of this blessing rest upon you and in you and be imparted by you when you use your words in the authority of Jesus' name. Amen. dhernaez1@aol.com <(((><
In the past Sundays we have celebrated very important feasts of the Catholic Church, beginning with the Ascension of Jesus to heavenly kingdom, the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Mary and the first disciples that marked the birth of the Church, the Solemnity of the Most Blessed Trinity and the Feast of the Most Precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. All these feasts allowed us to consider how much love God has poured on humanity and all of us individually. Now we are back to the ordinary Sundays of the liturgical year and are being provided by thy Church to know the mysteries revealed by Jesus during his public ministry according to the gospel of St. Mark during this B cycle of the liturgical year. As I mentioned in one of my homilies several Sundays ago, before the onset of the season of Lent several months ago, one who desires to know Jesus more deeply should begin reading the Gospel of Mark. It is considered the first among the four gospels to have been written. It is the shortest but would be very helpful in knowing Jesus and understanding the message of love and the necessary response one should have in order to be his faithful disciple.
Today the message of St. Mark tells about the essential characteristic of the Kingdom of God. What are these elements: first the Kingdom of God is described as one that comes
from outside the persons who want to belong to it. It is likened to a seed scattered to the ground that grows by itself, depending on the kind of ground it falls. This description actually points to what theologians call “grace,” a virtue that comes from God’s initiative and love, but would only become fruitful and productive upon the cooperation of the recipient. In another parable Jesus described the seed falling into different types of grounds: stony, full of thorns, pathway where people trod on the seed and finally fertile ground. In the same manner the Kingdom of God that is gratuitously given by God himself out of His love for humanity could only grow in persons who would receive his grace graciously, openly, lovingly, and cooperate for it to grow into the plant that the gospel described like a “mustard seed” which started as a small seed but eventually becomes a big tree.
How can we cooperate with the grace of God? I have mentioned this several times in my past homilies and would like to repeat them once more. First, we have to acknowledge the existence of God and accept the fact that without God we are nothing and everything that we are and have and would become actually comes from Him. This realization and acknowledgement would lead us to always be grateful to His love and His grace and this gratitude would encourage us to know Him better, follow Jesus his Son more closely and do His commandments more faithfully and lovingly. And how would we be able to know Him more? There are several ways, but the best ways are the following: read, study and pray the Holy Bible; listen carefully and obey humbly the teachings of the Catholic Church and receive the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation with devotion. These ways are provided by the Church and our parish community so that we would be able to open ourselves and become fertile grounds for the seed to sprout, silently grow and eventually become productive. During this ordinary season of the liturgical year I wish that all of us would become open to God’s grace so that we become active part of His Kingdom here on earth and eventually in Heaven when the time comes.
May mga taong kinagigiliwan nating makasama
Sa kanilang piling kasiyahan ang ating nadarama Walang nararamdamang pag-aalinglangan at pagamba Di pangkaraniwang nilalang, pinagkalooban ng maamong Kaluluwa.
Sa kanilang pagkatao nababakas ang panatag na kalooban Maamo ang mukha, ngiti ay magandang pagmasdan Kung sila ay magsalita, sila ay maingat at mahinahon Bawat kataga ay nagbibigay ng sigla at inspirasyon.
Biyayang kapayapaan ng Diyos ay taglay nila Kayat anumang problema sa mundo di sila nababalisa Batid nila kung Sino ang may hawak ng kanilang kapalaran Kung kayat ang tungon nila ay sumunod at magtiwala.
Sa kanilang buhay ay ating nadarama Ang ating Panginoon ay ating nakakasama Kung ating suriin ang kanilang kilos at gawa Tila ba tayo ay nagbabasa ng Biblya.
Buhay nila ay simply at karaniwang lamang Di sila naghahangad mag-ipon ng mga ari-arian Buhay nila ay madaling maunawaan Sapagkat kilos nila ay batay sa katotohanan.
Hindi dinaraan sa dahas upang ang hangarin ay makamtan Sa paraang maayos at mapayapa sila umaasa Saktan man sila, murahin at laitin Gagantihan ka kagandahang loob pa rin.
Sila ang mga taong mapagpakumbaba Hangad nila lagi ang kaligayahan at kapakanan ng iba Buhay nila ay nagdudulot sa Kapwa ng aliw at saya Tila ba ang taong maamo ang kaluluwa ay isang Anghel na nagkatawang tao dito sa lupa.
San Diego Blood Bank Hosted a First of Its Kind Event Where 10-Year- Old National City Blood Transfusion Recipient Met Blood Donors Who’ve Helped Save Her Life
This is the first time in the history of San Diego Blood Bank that a blood recipient has the opportunity to personally meet and thank their blood donors.
SAN DIEGO, CA -- A 10-year-old
National City recipient who receives blood transfusions to treat a rare form of anemia had the unique opportunity to meet several blood donors who personally impacted her through their blood donations at a first of its kind event hosted by San Diego Blood Bank.
Kamila Saradpon and her family thanked the donors for the blood she’s received since she first started getting blood transfusions at 2-months old. To date, Kamila has received 175 blood transfusions. Kamila spends four-tosix-hour days at the hospital for blood transfusions every three weeks and will continue to need transfusions for the rest of her life.
The 10-year-old has e-beta thalassemia, an inherited blood disorder that limits her body’s ability to make hemoglobin and healthy red blood cells. Patients with inherited blood disorders like thalassemia are most often Black, Hispanic/Latino or Asian/Pacific Islanders. “Blood donors of every race, ethnicity, and background are the reason our daughter is still alive and thriving today,” said Kamila’s mother, Maria Saradpon.
Mrs. Saradpon was emotional thinking about the opportunity to meet some of the people whose blood
donations help keep her daughter going each month. “I can’t even describe how it feels – these are the people who are the reason that she is here and happy, and smiling and healthy” she said. “I’m so grateful.”
A few of the donors thanked San Diego Blood Bank for giving them a chance to meet Kamila. One donor, Michael Kim said “It was an amazing experience to be able to meet someone who received the donation that I gave.
To be able to impact someone like that, it’s pretty amazing. It means a lot to be able to see how this little donation really makes a big impact on someone.
“Before Kamila’s diagnosis, blood donation was not something we ever thought about. But now, our family depends on those who give blood every day. If you’ve never donated blood before, please consider becoming a blood donor so kids like my daughter can grow up and have the life they deserve” added Mrs. Saradpon.
She added that the family expects Kamila's next transfusion — scheduled for next month — will feel even more meaningful.
To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. Eligible blood
donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at SanDiegoBloodBank. org or calling 619-400-8251. About the San Diego Blood Bank San Diego Blood Bank is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization also operating as Southern California Blood Bank, serving hospitals throughout Southern California. San Diego Blood Bank is dedicated to community health by providing a reliable supply of blood to patients in need. Our vision is to further ensure the health of our community by simultaneously delivering related health and wellness education and services and collaborate with various partners in medical research. San Diego Blood Bank currently operates nine fixed site donation locations and 10 bloodmobiles. For more information about SDBB, visit SanDiegoBloodBank.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.
Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic
MAAMONG KALULUWA
Ni Salvador S. Idos
Salvador S. Idos
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• What else should I know as a parent about Dual Enrollment?
A few things students and/or parents should be aware of before enrolling in dual enrollment:
- The grades earned in dual enrollment courses will be part of the student’s permanent record and college transcript. While earning good grades
will help them get ahead, earning poor grades in dual enrollment courses can hurt students’ chances of receiving financial aid as well as their eligibility to enroll in a four-year college or university.
- Students may be responsible for expenses such as textbooks and supplies, transportation to and from campus, and meals while taking courses on the campus (if the course they are taking is conducted outside of their local high school).
- Students interested in taking dual enrollment courses should speak with their counselor prior to enrolling to determine if the program is a good fit for them.
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FIL-AM PARK
Continued from page 1
unite around, the common goal of supporting the Filipino-American community,” Mayor McCann told me. The other is that developer HomeFed is open to the idea and seriously entertaining it.
“The construction of the neighborhood, this new community, has already started,” said Gacuya. “They started grading and the next step is for them now to design and plan the new park within this community.” The development, including the park and monument, is expected to be completed within two years, possibly 18 months. Before the city council votes on it, a review of the plan by different stakeholders needs to be completed and the design and name must be approved by the City Parks and Recreation Commission.
But FAMOS’ Joy Gacuya doesn’t want to take anything for granted. There’s still work to be done to make sure it happens, he said, like speaking at city council meetings. If you would like to help out, send Joy Gacuya a message at jgacuya@ gmail.com.
To find out more and how you can support, advocate for this project kindly reach out to Filipino American Military Officers Association (FAMOS) who is spearheading the laudable project for the community.
