The Filipino Press: June 16-22, 2023

MANILA -- Economic managers are already eyeing the returns they expect from the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) as a source of funding for the Marcos administration's big-ticket infrastructure projects, even before the sovereign wealth fund has been signed into law.

The officials touted the government's 194 infrastructure projects amounting to P8.3 trillion during an economic briefing on Thursday in Singapore.

Included in the Build Better Program are infrastructure projects related to connectivity, water resources and agriculture. More than half of its budget will come from the Official Development Assistance (ODA) and 30% from Public-Private Partnerships. A portion is now expected to come from the MIF.

“We want the Maharlika Fund to be able to finance some of them, not all of them, okay? We have identified another source of funding for this very important infrastructure project that will make a difference in the landscape of the Philippine economy,” Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said.

“We will graduate into an uppermiddle-income country soon, maybe in a year or two, and that means we will not be entitled to the same ODA funding so that is another source of funds,” he added.

The economic managers made the same argument in a joint statement earlier in the week—that the Philippines' projected development

into an upper-middle-income country would render it ineligible for cheaper borrowing from its development partners, so the MIF could be an alternative source of funding.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan previously said the administration’s goal of the Philippines becoming an

upper-middle income economy might be achieved in 2025. He said one of the ways to achieve this is by luring more investors.

“One thing he [President Ferdinand

"Bongbong" Marcos Jr.] noticed was that among ASEAN, among our dynamic neighbors, the Philippines has the lowest number of bilateral trade relations. What the president wants is

to rapidly expand that,” he said.

Under the World Bank’s updated standards, an upper middle-income economy has a gross national income (GNI) per capita of between $4,046 and $12,535.

In 2019, the Philippines was categorized as a lower-middle-income country with a GNI per capita of between $1,006 and $3,955.

Meanwhile, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the administration will allocate enough funding for struggling sectors.

“We have allocated much of the budget to social transformation, meaning, education will corner 17% of the budget, the health sector will get a boost of 19%, and food security, increased by 30%. Social protection, to ensure no one is left behind in terms of cash assistance and cash programs,” she said.

Marcos has yet to sign the MIF bill into law, which would establish the country’s first sovereign wealth fund. Other economists have expressed their concerns about the proposed fund, saying that its objective remains unclear and that there appears to be some confusion about the source of the funds to be used.

Diokno, who believes the fund can be fully operational before the year ends, has said that while the Congressapproved version of the Maharlika

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Asian Business Association Foundation along with Mayor Todd Gloria, Councilmember Kent Lee, and the Honorable Chris Cate unveil plans for Convoy Gateway sign.

On Thursday, June 15 at 9:00 AM in front of Friend’s House located at 4647 Convoy St., San Diego, CA 92111, community leaders gathered to celebrate the release of plans for a 30 foot tall Convoy Gateway sign.

“The Convoy District is the direct result of decades of innovative Asian entrepreneurship and resilience that has turned this region into a top tourist destination,” said Asian Business Association President & CEO Jason Paguio. “The Convoy Gateway sign will stand as a testament to the remarkable cultural and economic contributions of the Lois FongAsian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and businesses,”

The Convoy Gateway sign will be a vertical structure that stands 30 feet tall and will feature designs and patterns that honor the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.

“The Convoy District stands out as a hub of Asian and Pacific Islander businesses and restaurants, contributing significantly to the cultural diversity and prosperity of our city,” said Councilmember Kent Lee.

“The installation of a gateway sign will serve as a beacon for our community, acknowledging the integral role these community members and businesses have had in establishing the Convoy District as a nationally acclaimed destination.”

The Kearny Mesa neighborhood was designated as the Convoy Pan Asian Cultural & Business Innovation District in October 2020 and in August 2022 the community celebrated the addition of six freeway signs

highlighting the designation. The Convoy Gateway sign builds upon a multi-year plan for improvements for the district while honoring the contributions of the AANHPI community.

“The hundreds of locally owned businesses in the Convoy District have worked hard to make this neighborhood the exciting hub it is today,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “The new Gateway Sign recognizes that work and serves as an iconic marker that will welcome both residents and visitors to the neighborhood.

This is an important milestone in the Convoy Street corridor’s continued revitalization, which includes new homes, repaved streets, additional parking and more.”

The anticipated date of completion for the gateway sign will follow further design refinement, construction and permitting documents, as well as median improvements.

By Emily ingco

SAN

DIEGO,

CA

-- Laban

Pilipinas! Arriving in San Diego

with the heart and pride of the Philippines, the Philippines Men’s National Lacrosse Team are ready to represent and dominate in the World Lacrosse Championships.

With 11 of the original 23 players and skillful athletes from around the globe (including the US and Australia), the men are serving nothing but rebanse (revenge).

“As you can imagine, we got some high expectations for 2023,” Ron Garcia (president of Philippines Lacrosse Association (PLA)) said.

During the monumental 2018 season, the men made their

Championships among three other teams. After recruiting national lacrosse athletes with extraordinary expertise to fill in the gaps of the team, the men leave their blood, sweat, and tears out on the field in preparation for game day.

“Everyone is sending their best to this championship and everyone’s competing,” Garcia said. “This is kind of a big deal and we want to showcase our best athletes within those parameters of skill and being Filipino.”

With young players beginning to make a name for themselves out on the field and older athletes having to retire from the sport, Garcia eagerly predicts a new future for the Philippines National team.

Kapamilya. This is the PLA’s main goal —it's capability in bringing Filipinos together through a sport. Under Japan’s mantra-- “Lacrosse makes friends” -- Garcia and the board members of PLA introduced their love for lacrosse to the Philippines in hopes of expanding the North American sport.

“In 2013, myself and Justin Manjares (director of International Affairs and board member of the Philippines Lacrosse Association) took a trip to the Philippines and introduced lacrosse to a few schools: one being an international school in Manila and Silliman University in Dumaguete,” Garcia said. “A lot of us continue to go back to the Philippines to help with the programs

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Top photo shows Mayor Todd Gloria, Jason Paguio, president of ABA, Councilmember Kent Lee, Honorable Chris Cate, Lois Fong Sakai, chair of ABA Foundation, Jeni Burgess, chair of board of directors of ABA, Bennet & Lilia Peji, designers, community and business leaders during the unveiling of the Convoy Gateway sign. For more info about this project, contact ABA at www.abasd.org (photo by Zen Ply)

"Honoring Our Fathers"

By FRANCINE m AIgu E

Hello, friends! As we are about to celebrate Father's Day, I reflected on the incredible blessings our fathers and father figures have given us-support, strength, inspiration...and so much more.

Here's my homage to my father and all the hardworking dads and daddy-figures who helped make us who we are today...

When my dad holds us to our word and reminds us of our promises, he shows us that being responsible means living with integrity--from word to action.

When my dad asks layered questions and implements the Socratic method (even in "casual" conversation), he ensures that critical thinking rises above both trend and "popular" opinion and that we never lose our own voice or perspective.

When my dad gives kids an abundance of office and art supplies instead of manufactured toys, he develops artists, scholars and leaders.

When my dad sponsors activities and events without question, knowing kids and communities will be better for it, he demonstrates the importance of working hard to give back.

When my dad raises eyebrto

obscenities, he reminds us of the power of our words and the aptitude of our emotions combined with more choice vocabulary.

When my dad shares news, facts and figures then asks for our stance, he keeps us connected to the universe and keeps our family at the center of his.

When my dad uses his prowess in a variety of fields, like engineering, sales and sewing to build everything from tutus and prom shawls to dining tables and businesses, he gives evidence that one really can create, do and be just about anything with tenacity, innovation and discipline.

When my dad hears a song only once and is able to play it on the piano like he wrote it, he is a testament to the incredible talents and gifts only God can give.

When my dad displays deference, he gives respect to difference.

When my dad sees that I'm disappointed in something I wish I could have done better, he reminds me that only God is perfect and that next time is always a good time to be better.

When my dad tells me to slow down as I'm rushing from one moment to the next, he protects me from my own speed.

When my dad quips and flips the script, laughing at his own jokes before they're finished being told, he reminds us that life is meant to be enjoyed and you've got to be prepared to laugh at yourself and your situation in order to feel complete.

When my dad befriends strangers and listens more than he speaks, he shows what we can accomplish when we are keen observers in a complicated world and humble neighbors in a very simple one.

When my dad shares car time with me, no matter how short or long, I know I'll be wiser when we arrive at our destination.

When my dad says he's proud to be my dad, I know what unconditional love is.

I love you and thank you, my dearest Daddy! I hope to always honor you in all that I do and what I have done in my lifetime Check back every week for ways to pamper yourself and those you love. Why? The answer is simple: YOU DESERVE IT, Hardworking Kababayans....

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

We love to hear from you our dear readers!

The Maigue and Bendorf Families during one of their previous family get togethers. We are requesting for community prayers for our very own Francine (9th, l-r), who passed on and continued healing for her family and loved ones. Dedicated and loving of her family, friends and community, we continue to re-print Francine's article/s which was earlier published, yet remains relevant to the times, filled with valuable insights/ life lessons.

LACROSSE TEAM

Continued from page 1

faces like I do here.”

Along with publicizing the sport in his hometown, Garcia enjoys uniting Filipino lacrosse athletes with similar backgrounds and interests and developing connections among the players. As players travel across the globe to San Diego to play in the World Championships, Garcia commends this opportunity for the team.

“I think it is a unique opportunity for us to come together, compete, and show the world that we can compete in the viable sport,” Garcia said. “We really feel like the game of lacrosse lends to Filipino people. You don’t have to be 6 foot tall and you don’t have to weigh a certain amount.”

As he waits for the rivalry rematch against Israel, Garcia hopes for a lot of support within the Filipino community of San Diego.

“We partnered up with World Lacrosse and House of Philippines to get the word out,” Garcia said. “We have posters with QR codes for tickets. I believe there will be a Filipino food cart there and a parol booth to buy a T-shirt. I think them just coming out and cheering us on would be wonderful. We also are planning to interact with Filipino lacrosse athletes there to talk to them about a potential future with the team.”

Arriving on June 18, the men will collectively await their battle against Israel and their future goals they will shoot for. Lead by team captain Justin Rodis and head coach Kirk Ventiquattro, the men shoot to inspire future generations back

home, as they victoriously wave the Filipino flag and pump red, blue, white, and gold in their veins.

There are 4 teams coming to San Diego: The Men's National, Men's Open, Women's Open and Youth.

The schedule of games for Team Filipinas are as follows: June 23, Friday, Israel vs. Philippines 1pm, Philippines vs. Puerto Rico, Sat. June 24, 4pm, Philippines vs. Czech Republic, Sunday June 25 1pm, Sweden vs. Philippines, Monday June 26, 7pm. For more information about the team and how you can support as community partners, sponsor, volunteer etc. kindly contact Susan Ladrido at (858)204-7001.

Let us show support by cheering the team to the finals, buy your tickets etc. Visit https://myx.g;pbal/ lacrosse-mens-championship-2023 for more information about the team.

My Long and Winding Road to Here

COntriButed By Marissa Banez

How did I get here?

From an early childhood in the 1960s spent in a small house literally built by my grandfather in Baguio City, to the immigrant neighborhoods of downtown Los Angeles, to the idyllic rarefied setting of Princeton University, to the highly-charged environment of a large international law firm as a litigator, and, finally, to being an award-winning children’s author currently developing a children’s musical based on my book in my “golden years”. . . as I reach my 65th year, I laugh, shake my head, give thanks, and repeatedly ask myself, “how did I get here?”

Luck? Divine intervention?

Coincidences? Absolutely.

One example: After taking five years off from work until my daughter started kindergarten, someone suggested I first try working with a placement office to ease my way back into legal practice. The day after I emailed my resume, I was told that a well-regarded firm was looking for an attorney with my exact qualifications. I later learned that while I was typing my resume, the firm’s hiring partner was about to hire someone who didn’t meet all the criteria. Then, for some reason, he felt compelled to make one last effort to get the right person. On the same day that I submitted my resume, he sent in his request to the placement office. The universe did its thing and eighteen years later, I’m still at the firm.

Hard work? Of course.

I took three separate bar exams (California, New Jersey, and New York) and passed each one the first time around.

As a litigator, working until 3 or 4 a.m. and being ready only 4 or 5 hours later to start the next day is not unusual, especially when there is a trial.

As a mom of a little girl, I wrote original stories and created puppet shows for my daughter and her friends. Now, I write my stories, work closely with my illustrator, do a lot of book promotional work, and

create dialogue and lyrics for the musical. This labor of love often takes me into the wee hours too.

Connections? Definitely.

A former colleague, fellow author, and friend introduced me to our mutual publisher.

My childhood friend’s talented musician husband wrote a beautiful song about my book.

A colleague who also happens to own a stage theater production company spoke about my book to actors and other associates, all of whom are excited about a children’s musical.

Support from family and friends? Unquestionably.

Without going into details that would fill volumes, I can categorically say that I am blessed with the best and most supportive family and friends, without whom I couldn’t have accomplished half as much and certainly not with as much fun.

My book, Hope and Fortune, tells of a little girl who has lost her way and encounters 12 multicultural, multiracial, and multigenerational fairies of different shapes and sizes who give her life advice to get her back on her path. Each fairy represents a principle or ideal. The first is the Fortune Fairy of Hope, drawn to look like my late Filipina mother and, by her dress, represents the Filipino culture. Her advice: “Give yourself permission to cry. Just know that things will get better as time goes by.” The guidance given by all the fairies constitutes a distillation of principles I have lived

by or aspire to live by. I HOPE the book inspires young children and leads them to a path in life filled with good FORTUNE. After all, they are principles that have gotten me here.

Marissa Bañez is Angelica’s mom, a litigator with a large international firm, an award-winning children’s author and, hopefully, a soon-to-be playwright. Her second book, Hues And Harmony (How the Rainbow Butterfly Got Her Colors), which deals with multiraciality, belonging, and, ultimately, love, will be published by Black Rose Writing on July 20, 2023. Visit www. marissabanez.com to learn more.

Editor's Note: On June 24-26, 2023, multicultural children's book author Marissa Banez, will be in San Diego for a Reading and Signing events as presented by Filipino Press. Event is Free, must you must pre-register at susands4@ yahoo.com or call/text (619)7550755 for more information. There will be total 4 reading and signing events by Marissa Banez, each uniquely presented in terms of venue, locale and unique offerings. Choose the location that is convenient to you and fits your interest. Recently added is the Seafood City, National City Venue (Grill City area) on June 26, 2023 4pm-6pm. Free event, kids ages 5 and up encouraged to attend.

On July 22, 2023, Marissa Banez will be conducting a reading and signing events with 3 different kids's groups for a program with the Philippine Consulate in New York . For more info, connect with Ms. Banez at www.marissabanez.com

Completion of proposed MUP reform bill eyed by July

MANILA -- The Department of Finance (DOF) on Wednesday said the economic team is aiming to finish the consultations and prepare the proposed bill for the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension reform before Congress resumes session next month.

"The idea is that we would have to create a fund that can take care of the pension so that the government can make fiscal space for the active service. This will benefit both retired MUPs and active personnel," Finance Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati Dorotan Tiuseco said in an interview.

Tiuseco said these include programs for health and housing.

To date, the economic team has held a total of nine consultative discussions with members from the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Presidential Security Group (PSG), Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines Health Service Command (AFP-HSC), Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

"When we started the roadshow, our proposals were very different. But because we are listening, the proposals have changed," Tiuseco said.

The revisions were applied to address concerns and recommendations gathered by the economic team in the past consultations with various MUP services.

The Department of Finance earlier disclosed that one of the key pieces in the MUP pension reform is the proposal for the joint contribution between the MUPs and the government to sustain the pension fund.

Various schemes were also put in place to take into account the different financial situations of the pensioners.

In a separate statement, the DOF said that during the recent consultation with members of the PCG and PA which was held last June 9, government representatives assured the officers that their concerns and suggestions would continue to be taken into consideration in an effort to improve the current proposal and arrive at a mutually acceptable version of the bill.

DOF Undersecretary Maria Cielo Magno also allayed fears of several members of the MUP by clarifying that the military pension is only one of many areas of reform the government is currently reviewing.

"I want to assure all of you that the military pension reform is not the only one we are looking at to ease the tight financial conditions of the government. Just this morning, we identified eight new reforms to ensure that we will be able to finance all the needs of our budget for next year," she said.

Magno said these reforms include the rationalization of government bureaucracy to make it more efficient and other mechanisms to raise revenues.

Numbers ‘prove’ PNP efficient in battling crimes

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday touted its accomplishments in battling crime and illegal drugs, stressing that these numbers show that the organization is efficient and functional in performing its mandate.

PNP public information chief

Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan issued the statement after former President Rodrigo Duterte called on the entire police force to resign for being the “gatekeeper” of illegal drug trade in the country.

In refuting Duterte’s remarks,

Maranan said the PNP’s anti-drug campaign remains aggressive where police officers seized a total of PHP6.2 billion worth of illegal drugs from January to June 9 this year.

In the same period, a total of 25,641 drug suspects were arrested in 19,464 police operations.

For anti-crime operations, it said police forces across the country were able to arrest 31,956 wanted persons.

The PNP also logged a 10 percent dip in focus crimes from Jan. 1 to June 9 this year with 16,492 incidents, from 18,270 incidents in the same period last year.

“These numbers are manifestations that we have effective and efficient anti-crime strategies and programs and we continue to provide a safe environment to every Filipino and a healthy economic environment to the business sector,” Maranan added.

Duterte’s statement was an apparent frustration on the continuous involvement of some policemen in illegal drug activities, the most recent of which was the arrest of dismissed policeman Rodolfo Mayo Jr. who yielded over 990 kilos of shabu in Manila in October last year.

On Tuesday, June 13, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said two police generals and 48 others were charged in connection with the anomalies and the attempt to absolve Mayo in the confiscated drugs.

Under his presidency, Duterte initiated the most aggressive campaign against illegal drugs, with critics saying the six-year drug war resulted in the deaths of thousands but apparently did not succeed as the illegal drugs trade remained almost a year after he stepped down.

Duterte was also very vocal against the involvement of policemen in the illegal drug trade.

The PNP, meanwhile acknowledged the involvement of its personnel in the illegal drugs operations but maintained that the number is minimal.

“The PNP acknowledges that a minimum number of PNP personnel violated policies and laws. However, the organization did not tolerate such wrongdoings; we penalized those who were proven guilty,” it said.

Citing its latest data, the PNP said that from Jan. 1, 2022 to June 7 this year, a total of 836 policemen were dismissed from the service, including Mayo, while 1,703 others were suspended.

“This is a manifestation that the organization has well-functioning disciplinary mechanisms to weed out those who are unfit to be in the organization,” the statement read.

In responding to Duterte’s criticisms, the PNP also cited a survey result wherein it showed that eight out of every 10 Filipinos trust the PNP, especially on the aspect of performance which it said, is a testament of the hard work and sacrifices of every cop down to the street.

“Despite issues and challenges, the PNP assures the public that we will continue to do our mandated tasks with the highest regard to human rights and utmost dedication for our countrymen,” the statement read.

PBBM orders Bersamin to craft

MOU on PH-UAE info exchange

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to come up with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the exchange of information between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Malacañang on Wednesday said.

This developed after UAE

Ambassador to the Philippines

Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzabi, during his courtesy visit to Marcos at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday, pitched the proposal for the two nations to forge a partnership for the sharing of information.

“The President has directed Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to draft an MOU on this, saying that he is looking forward to signing an agreement with the UAE,” Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

During the meeting, the UAE ambassador briefed Marcos that the Arab state launched the exchange of information program in 2018 as a “platform knowledge.”

The envoy said the Philippines and the UAE governments may exchange information through an MOU, noting that a similar agreement has been done with over 40 countries, including Egypt, Spain and Jordan.

He raised the proposal, as he noted that a lot of companies from the UAE have expressed intent to put up a business in the Philippines.

“This program is to exchange information (between our) countries. We have more than 40 countries now in this program. It’s a government exchange program by the Office of the Prime Minister,” the UAE official, as quoted by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), told Marcos.

Support for environmental, economic initiatives

Garafil said the UAE government has also reaffirmed its strong commitment to support the Marcos administration’s initiatives to protect the environment and boost the Philippine economy.

This, as the ambassador and other officials from the UAE expressed appreciation for the Philippines as it sees the Gulf state as a “country that has no enemies and a country that is a good friend to everyone,” Garafil said.

Garafil noted that the UAE delegation also relayed the invitation for Marcos to attend the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will be held in December this year at the Expo City in Dubai.

However, it was not mentioned if Marcos accepted the invitation.

The UAE officials also hoped that the Philippines would become a member of the “Global Mangrove Alliance,” saying the movement would benefit the country, which is prone to calamities and disasters, for the management of the abundant waterways.

The Global Mangrove Alliance is an unprecedented collaboration that seeks to bring together the nongovernmental organizations, governments, scientists, industry, local communities, and funders towards a common goal of conserving and restoring mangrove ecosystems.

While Marcos said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) would be “very pleased” to participate in the alliance, he sought the review of the movement’s structure, including the commitments of member-states and its functions.

He, nevertheless, acknowledged that the alliance would be good for the Philippines as he emphasized his administration’s efforts to preserve and restore the mangrove ecosystem.

“We have made great efforts to

See MUP on 8

Marcos confident budget for Mayon-affected residents enough

MANILA -- President Ferdinand

"Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed confidence that the government has enough budget to provide further support for the families affected by Mayon Volcano's recent activities.

In an ambush interview In Taguig City, Marcos was asked if there is enough fund to help affected residents as the Albay government has said it needs P166.7 million from the national government to ensure the continued assistance.

Marcos said he instructed government agencies to use and distribute the funds wisely.

"I think in terms of the actual na gastos na ano, palagay ko, alam ko naman may budget tayo diyan, pero ang instruction ko sa kanila, pagaralan ninyo ng mabuti, hindi 'yung basta kayo bigay nang bigay ng pera, kailangan tingnan ninyo ano ba ang problema para maayos natin kung ano ang problema nila," Marcos said.

Marcos, however, did not elaborate where to get the funds.

At a situational briefing, Albay Gov. Edcel Greco Lagman explained to Marcos that the provincial government needs an estimated P196,711,000 to aid the evacuees for 90 days.

Of the amount, P156.71 million would go to relief services; P5 million to water and sanitation; P10 million to health emergency services; P10 million to temporary learning spaces; P5 million to livestock evacuation; P5 million to logistics; and P10 million for emergency assistance.

Lagman also said P30 million from the province's quick response fund is already being used by the provincial government.

Marcos earlier said the national government should already take the load off of the province and not wait for its funds to deplete.

17,216 people evacuated due to Mayon Volcano unrest -NDRRMC

Around 17,000 individuals in the Bicol Region have been evacuated so far amid the intensified unrest of Mayon Volcano, data by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed Thursday.

Based on its latest situational report, NDRRMC said a total of 17,216 people, or 4,813 families, have been staying in 25 evacuation centers, while 725 people, or 200 families, were seeking shelters outside of evacuation centers.

Mayon Volcano, which is currently under Alert Level 3, has affected 37,682 individuals or 9,167 families in 26 barangays in Albay province.

Eighteen schools located in the municipalities of Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, and Malilipot have also suspended classes as of June 12, according to the Department of Education.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday that at least 35 individuals in Albay evacuated due to Mayon Volcano’s unrest have reported experiencing respiratory problems such as cough, colds, and sore throat.

DOH, however, clarified that these cases are “not verified as

adverse effects” of the sulfur dioxide and ashfall emitted by the active volcano.

As of Thursday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded two volcanic earthquakes, 306 rockfall events, and three pyroclastic density current events in Mayon Volcano.

PBBM thanks UAE for assistance to ‘Mayon Volcano’ victims

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. personally thanked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its unwavering support for the Philippines and its timely assistance for the families affected by the unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay province.

“Thank you very much. I cannot go further without thanking the UAE for the very timely assistance that you provided the victims of the explosion of our volcano,” President Marcos told UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Alqataam Alzaabi who paid a courtesy visit to him on Tuesday at the Malacañan Palace.

Before the courtesy call, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian received over 50 tons of humanitarian aid from the UAE government for Mayon Volcano-affected residents.

President Marcos is set to visit Albay today to personally meet and provide assistance to affected residents amid these trying times brought about by the unrest of the volcano.

As part of his visit to Albay, the chief executive said he will gladly inform the residents of the UAE government’s assistance to them “so that they will know you gave such timely and very rapid and very large assistance.”

For their part, UAE government officials assured President Marcos that they are more than willing to provide any assistance to the Philippines and the Filipino people not only during the country’s trying times but also during the good times.

“Thank you. That is very, very generous of you,” the President said as he emphasized that the Philippines would soon reciprocate the UAE government’s goodness to the Filipino people.

“Unfortunately, the Philippines falls victim not only to volcano explosions, but of course to typhoons, and earthquakes. We are in that part of the world where we are vulnerable. We are hoping that the activity of the volcano will start to calm. But we cannot say that for sure, but we are watching it closely,” he added.

The UAE officials reiterated their support for the Philippines and the Filipino people, saying that they stand firm on the two countries’ good relationship.

Gov’t eyes cash aid distribution to Mayon evacuees in Albay

The government is considering granting financial assistance to thousands of families affected by Mayon Volcano’s ongoing restiveness, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on Tuesday.

In a Palace press briefing, Gatchalian said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), upon the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is coordinating with the local government units in Albay province for the possible distribution of cash aid to families who have been displaced due to Mayon’s volcanic activity.

This, as Gatchalian acknowledged that food packs would not suffice the needs of those who were forced to leave their residences, given the risks posed by the possible hazardous eruption of Mayon Volcano.

“Nag-uusap na rin kami ng (We are talking to the) local government, upon the instruction of the President, na baka kailangan sustentuhan o ayudahan natin ng (to discuss the possibility of distributing) financial assistance,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian said he is in constant communication with Albay Gov. Edcel Greco Lagman, the affected LGUs, and the lawmakers from the province to determine the amount of money that would be given to each household.

“Alam naman natin ang pagpapatakbo ng (We all know that running the) evacuation centers [is the responsibility] of the local government units. But the DSWD, upon instruction of the President, will give them the necessary logistical support,” Gatchalian said.

As of June 12, some 9,338 families or 36,814 persons from 26 villages in Albay have been affected by Mayon Volcano’s unrest, according to the DSWD data. For now, the evacuees would receive family food packs for the next 45 days, Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian also noted that the Office of Civil Defense had sent filtration machines to Albay to address the concern of potable water in the province.

He ensured that Marcos is “carefully and constantly” monitoring the situation and developments in Albay province to make sure that the affected families are getting the necessary assistance from the government.

“The President is monitoring the situation carefully. We’ve been in constant communication since last week, on a daily or hourly basis, about his directives on making sure that lahat ng mga na-evacuate ay may pagkain (all evacuees have food to eat),” he said. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa, who also joined the press conference, said the department’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) team has been deployed to overcrowded evacuation areas.

“I will send another team, para ma-augment sila kagaya noong (to augment more personnel) alternating with waves. So, we need to send more health teams to the area and, sabi sa akin, mga 90 days pa daw. So, it looks like this (will be) a longdrawn-out activity,” he said.

Mayon’s restiveness started to escalate on June 8, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to place it under Alert Level 3.

The entire Albay province was also placed under a state of calamity. (MNS)

NOT A DRILL. Employees, students and job applicants congregate along Kalaw Avenue in Manila after evacuating nearby buildings after a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off Batangas province on Thursday morning (June 15, 2023). While the temblor registered at magnitude 4 in Metro Manila, regular nationwide earthquake drills conducted by the government has inculcated disaster preparedness and resilience among Filipinos. (MNS photo)

A FATHER’S DAY 2023 PERSPECTIVE: “I’M NOT YOUR SON, YOU’RE NOT MY FATHER; WE’RE JUST TWO GROWN MEN SAYING GOODBYE”

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Why am

I feeling so emotional on this particular Father’s Day of 2023?

Fatherhood is a milestone, bringing responsibilities, satisfactions, and pleasures through interacting with one’s children.

Some families are blessed with child after child who makes them proud. Others seem to face challenges with their children at every turn. What separates those who struggle from those who succeed?

I am watching a video of Iam Tongi’s duet with James Blunt from American Idol singing Blunt’s song “Monsters.” Watching it live brought me to tears along with everyone else…and it is bringing me to tears again.

A month ago, I never knew of English singer/songwriter James Blunt or his song “Monsters.” He composed this song as a farewell message to his father, who was staring death in the face with stage four chronic kidney diseases. I heard “Monsters” for the first time when 18-year-old Iam Tongi sang it for his American Idol audition and dedicated it to his father, who passed away from kidney failure a few months earlier. Tongi could have written the song as the sentiment of Blunt’s lyrics paralleled Tongi’s bond with his father. American Idol judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie broke the myth that real men don’t cry as Tongi’s rendition brought them to tears.

The title comes from a line in the song. Blunt assures his dad that, being a grown man now, he will protect the family after his father is gone. He says,

“Oh, before they turn off all the lights

I won’t read you your wrongs or your rights

The time has gone

I’ll tell you goodnight, close the door

Tell you I love you once more

The time has gone

So here it is

I’m not your son, you’re not my father

We’re just two grown men saying goodbye

No need to forgive, no need to forget

I know your mistakes and you know mine

And while you’re sleeping, I’ll try to make you proud

So daddy, won’t you just close your eyes?

Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn

For a colonizer to have the staying power over a sovereign, it must be able to control its destiny. Since Julius Caesar applied “Divide et impera” to conquer Gaul, other European powers have used it to effectively reign elsewhere. “Divide and conquer” is a philosophy, a rule policy to keep people in control by employing strategies or methodologies where new paradigms are created favorable to them.

Rulers used this policy to divide along certain fault lines (i.e., religious groups, ethnicities, social standings) to keep the population under control. The Spaniards did it too. Magellan started with Christianizing the Humabon and used them against Lapu Lapu. Then when the Conquistadores were firmly in place, they used Filipino troops from other provinces to fight insurrections in other provinces. In essence, it was Filipinos fighting a surrogate war against fellow Filipinos to keep Spain’s hold over the sovereign people.

Betrayal became a byproduct of “divide and conquer.” Regardless of how we view Dr. Jose Rizal’s contribution to Philippine history, he was against the armed revolution that

To chase the monsters away

Oh, we’ll read a story to you

Only difference is this one is true

The time has gone

I folded your clothes on the chair

I hope you sleep well, don’t be scared

The time has gone

So here it is

I’m not your son, you’re not my father

We’re just two grown men saying goodbye…”

Blunt is best known for his sentimental heartbreak ballads

“You’re Beautiful” and “Goodbye

My Lover,” but his last single “Monsters,” a tribute to his dying father, is his rawest and most poignant yet, if I must say it.

In his devastating “Monsters” music video an anguished Blunt, in an extreme close-up reminiscent of Sinead O’Connor’s iconic, one-take

“Nothing Compares 2 U” clip, stares down the lens, his eyes welling up with tears, as he sings: “I’m not your son, you’re not my father/We’re just two grown men saying goodbye… So Daddy, won’t you just close your eyes?/Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn/ To chase the monsters away.”

Blunt struggles to maintain his composure throughout the first half of the video, so much so that it’s almost uncomfortable to witness.

And when the camera finally cuts to a wider shot, it becomes increasingly clear why he is so distraught, that he isn’t acting, and that his tears are very real.

Sitting stoically beside him is his real-life dad, former Army cavalry officer Colonel Charles Blunt, who is battling stage 4 chronic kidney disease.

Last 2019 on “Good Morning Britain”, Blunt spoke of his father’s serious illness and made a plea to possible organ donors, saying: “I’ve come on here to ask you what blood group you are. Some things have been going in my life that I needed to write about.”

“My father has not been very well, actually. He needs a new kidney and a kidney donor. And I’ve come on here to ask you what blood group you are. If you are an O-positive, I’ll take it off you.”

(Incidentally, Blunt revealed that, sadly he is not a match.)

On the same U.K. morning program, Blunt spoke of the experience of writing “Monsters” after learning of his father’s kidney disease, explaining: “Really that has been an amazing moment, because when you realize your father’s

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

mortality, it’s a great opportunity to say the things I’d like to say to him.”

Fans, particularly those who have lost a parent or who are preparing to say goodbye to a sick parent, have taken to social media to praise the touching video, which went viral.

And how do Blunt thinks about his father dying?

I’d like to point out a few key parts of the song that are noteworthy because to me they are certainly b-ea-u-t-i-f-u-l and absolutely serve as practical lessons in how we can think about our own fathers dying.

First, “I’m not your son, you are not my father, we are just two grown men saying goodbye.” – This is b-ea-u-t-i-f-u-l because it speaks to the truth of the situation. While you may still be a father and son, you are a grown man and so is your father. At the end of the day, it’s just two grown men with a lot of history saying goodbye to each other. Often when people are in the middle of their parents passing away, they see benefit from detaching from the rolls of parents and children and instead, communicate like adults. This idea of separating rolls and the individuals is one of the most common men’s group topics that seems to come up over and over again with relationships.

Second, “I won’t read you your wrongs or your rights. The time is gone.” & “No need to forgive, no need to forget, I know your mistakes and you know mine.” – Most guys think that when their fathers are dying they have to forgive them for their misgivings and vice versa. But the reality is that people may not forgive each other for their mistakes, and that’s okay. What’s more important is acknowledging that they’re human. They made mistakes and that they were trying the best they could with the resources they had access to. Accepting them for who they were and their unique journey as a man. That is in its own way a mature and accepting forgiveness.

Third, “And while you are sleeping, I’ll try to make you proud.” – Here Blunt wants to honor his father and acknowledge his legacy as his son. He feels a responsibility

to make him proud, even after he will be gone. That’s a feeling that a lot of men can relate to and even play out, unconsciously living our lives in such a way that please our fathers.

Fourth, “So daddy won’t you just close your eyes? Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn to chase the monsters away.” & “I folded your clothes on the chair. I hope you sleep well don’t be scared.” – The reality is that if we live long enough to see our parents grow old we will see our parent/ child rolls switch. At some point, we become the parent and have to take care of our folks. This is a common men’s group topic that comes a lot with parents dying. A part of that for Blunt is helping “keep the monsters away,” or in common terms helping ease their fears about dying.

And lastly but not the least, “The time has come…So here it is.” – He says this line a couple of times in the song and although it’s subtle, it’s deep truth about life and death. The time to die comes for all of us. It’s not a matter of if we die, but when. This can bring comfort because no matter how it occurs, it has to happen sometime.

Aren’t those b-e-a-u-t-i-fu-l points for you all to keep in mind and ponder about?

Truthfully, the odd journey we share with our fathers is the same with mothers too, but for the sake of this article, we’ll keep it to boys and their fathers.

So, many of us children have a mixed bag of a relationship with our dads. When we grew up they were our heroes. Without them, we would die so we were programmed to follow them around and idolize them. They were so strong and could do anything. Then as we start to enter our teenage years and take on personalities of our own, we began to rebel against and clash with our parents. (Meaningful shades of “Anak” which is a Tagalog song written by Filipino folk-singer Freddie Aguilar that became an international hit and was translated into 27 languages?)

Early in adulthood, we were busy

Independence Day 2023 Series: National Identity and Modern Nationalism, Part 4

Americans.

Andres Bonifacio was advocating to achieve independence. Rizal established a secret reform movement, La Liga Filipina, in 1892 seeking to reform the Philippines into a cohesive society, and Bonifacio was one of its first members.

Despite its loyalty and non-violent goals of reform, Rizal, however, posed a threat and was arrested for La Liga that year and deported to Dapitan. Bonifacio fled for the hills and founded the secret organization Katipunan based in Manila. Emilio Aguinaldo joined but formed his own group in Cavite. History tells us that the two could not get along.

Bonifacio’s group consisted of the working class; Aguinaldo’s was the opposite.

Bonifacio and Aguinaldo’s rivalry bitterly divided the underground revolutionary group. Katipunan was discovered when a member, Teodoro Patiño told his sister who then informed a nun. The nun informed the cura, an Augustinian priest named Mariano Gil and the crap rolled downhill from there. The Cry of Balintawak happened and the war broke. The skirmishes spread throughout Luzon and multiple

battlefronts emerged. One successful revolutionary leader was General Emilio Jacinto who commanded Katipunan troops in several decisive battles, caught the eye of a Spanish General Camilo de Polvieja who was the new Spanish military governor. Jacinto’s successes earned him the title as the “Brains of the Katipunan,” frightened the Spaniards who resorted to the “reconcentration” strategy that was implemented in Cuba.

Reconcentration is practically ordering the rural population into a centralized area, the Pueblo, for convenience in political or military administration. By doing so, Polvieja was able to have some 4,000 rebels arrested. Among those ordered arrested and executed were Jose Rizal, GOMBURZA, and many others who posed a threat to the authorities.

The crackdown was devastating to Bonifacio who lost many of the group’s adherents. Bonifacio’s misery was Aguinaldo’s bonanza who practically took over the Katipunan through the Tejeros Convention. Eventually, Aguinaldo had Bonifacio arrested for treason and sedition and executed. Rizal’s martyrdom and peaceful approach to advocating reform would earn him accolades from the Americans and would later make him a national hero.

During the Philippine American War, another brave and noble Filipino General Juan Luna created a lot of headaches and deaths to American

soldiers because of his genius in battle. Americans feared him but could not kill him. It was again Emilio Aguinaldo who made it easy for the Americans by having Gen Luna assassinated. Karma, however, is a bitch. His betrayal begot betrayal. Hiding in Palanan, Isabela Aguinaldo was captured by the Americans with the Macabebe Scouts leading the way.

The rest is history as Filipinos continued a tradition of betrayal of fellow Filipinos during the American Occupation, Japanese Occupation, and again during the continued occupation of American forces. This time around, the American occupation had some veneer of legitimacy with the aura of democracy dangled over the land. Many of the elites took advantage of the opportunity to work with the Americans to advance their own personal interests in the name of the country. Such acquiescence made it easy for the Americans to govern from Mainland America. Provision of American patterned education that was used against Black slaves in the U.S., military protection through the bases and troop rotations (sending Filipino soldiers to American military institutions like West Point or National Defense Colleges ensured their Western military strategy bent) and of course, the economic part. The Philippine economy became part of the larger American economy that was heavily tilted in favor of the

The saga of betrayal and treachery, however, was not a monopoly of Filipinos. Americans betrayed Filipinos from the start when Philippine Independence should have been granted already after Spain’s defeat. In 1916, the Jones Act promised eventual independence. It took, however, 30 some years before “full” independence was granted on July 4, 1946, and another 45 years before the U.S. military bases were closed.

One would think that the Philippines by 1991 would have been modernized as previously promised by the Americans. No, because the so-called modernization is a striptease that was never really meant to be followed. The bases they left behind were mostly damaged by the Mount Pinatubo eruption and many facilities were temporary structures. The United States wanted the Philippines to “want and need” America’s security blanket.

Sure enough, and as soon as the bases closed, China began its moves in the South China Sea without being bothered, unmolested. The Americans watched the buildup unfold. Philippine presidents even facilitated China’s aggressive moves by allowing them to quarry on Philippine soil and literally shipped them over to these islands to build military structures and airstrips.

When former President Ferdinand

Marcos, Sr. declared Martial Law, one of his official acts was to establish a so-called Philippine Baselines Law under Presidential Decree No. 1596 in 1978 that included an area west of Palawan called Kalayaan Island Group (KIG). The KIG was practically a huge area as large as Mindanao that included the islands being disputed now by China and others. The Marcos’ baselines decree was not challenged in international court, not even by China or Taiwan. The Marcos decree was solidly grounded based on a sound claim in 1956 by a Filipino explorer named Tomas Cloma who claimed 33 maritime features of the Spratly Islands. At that time, no other countries had a valid claim to them. The Treaty of Paris in 1951 caused Japan to renounce ownership of the KIG by virtue of not passing the title to another state. Therefore, under international law, these islands belonged to no one.

Well, the EDSA Revolution happened, and the Americans wanted Marcos gone and gone he was. Through the American trained and educated General Fidel Ramos and Juan Ponce Enrile, Corazon Aquino became the next American surrogate through Enrile’s Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) Boys. Filipinos thought at that time that Philippine’s young democracy has withstood its biggest challenge yetfrom within. (To be continued)

FATHER AND SON: British singer/songwriter James Blunt has opened up about his dad's health woes and composed the song "Monsters" as a farewell message to his beloved father.

GENERATION GAP: Back row, left to right -My second son Rommel, my dad and my very first son Ryan with my youngest son Randy in the middle, and in front of his grandfather circa 1980s.

ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER PLACE: The Tongi family enjoys a laugh together prior to William "Iam" Tongi winning the 2023 American Idol singing competition television series. He is the first Hawaii-born Pacific Islander as well as the first non-country singer in three years to win the contest.

THREE GENERATIONS: My late-lamented father poses for posterity with his eldest son (that's me!) and my very own three sons during the author's second son Rommel's wedding at the Immaculata Catholic Church located in University of San Diego.

Professional Business Directory

bill prohibits government-run pension funds and health insurance from investing in the MIF, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Social Security System (SSS) would still be able to “subscribe” to the MIC’s (Maharlika Investment Corporation) activities on a project level if they deem it advantageous to do so.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, meanwhile, sought the recall of the bill to address "glaring errors and discrepancies" in the "hastily

approved" measure. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said it is monitoring factors that may affect the country’s economy after the inflation rate slowed down. Among these are the possible fare hike, effects of El Niño, global events, and increases in wage and food prices.

“We've always looked at the risk of lower GDP [gross domestic product] globally and that would mean lower trade with our partners and lower domestic economic activity which would feed on the price,”

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Continued from page 5

exploring the world and starting careers so many of us grew more distant from our parents. Then in our late 20s or early-to-mid 30s, we eventually end up maturing. During this time many of us begin to see our parents in a different light; as humans who are both lovely and flawed that were just trying their best.

And then they depart this life. Sometimes earlier or sometimes later but they always die. With this comes back a rush of nostalgia, resentments, beautiful memories, regrets and a whole lot of emotions. We see this a lot in men’s support groups. We pretend that they didn’t matter in our early adulthood; after all, we were striking out to build our legacy. But then they get sick and pass away and this façade of a story comes crumbling down. We truly sense how much we feel for them and what a tremendous role they played in our lives, regardless of how your childhood looked with them.

God established fatherhood as a universally significant calling for men to lead and guide the growth of their children from infancy to adulthood.

The nurturing role of a mother is widely recognized and appreciated,

as evidenced by Mother’s Day being the most lucrative day of the year for florists. However, God places the ultimate leadership responsibility in the home on fathers. A father’s role is crucial for developing his son’s inner strength and confidence and his daughter’s sense of security and self-worth.

“Monsters” triggers thoughts and emotions about relationships with fathers. For some, the lyrics strike an endearing emotional chord because of their loving bond with their fathers. For others, it strikes a dissonant psychological tune when fathers were either absent or “monsters.” For most, thoughts and spiritual reactions lie somewhere in between.

I confess that I, too get emotional feeling the pain of Tongi’s loss, but also a personal sense of privation.

I have the same kind of bond with my father that Tongi and Blunt had with their fathers. I must admit, too that my father was not perfect but he had his positive traits and he had his negative ones albeit almost unforgettable, if I must add. My childhood memories include him letting me take care of the Christmas decorations during the happiest season of the year, and him bringing home a bag of sweet mongo “hopia” (bean-filled moon cake-like pastry)

from our favorite bakery in Quiapo when it is paydays at his work and later during my late teenage years taking me to Sangley Point in Cavite for my U.S. Navy entrance tests and physicals. Those are absolutely happy daddy memories.

Sitting vigil at my dad’s deathbed, I was able to tell him, “I love you,” words that honestly, I have not said to him quite often when he was still with us. It’s truly hard to find the right terms to say to someone who is dying. There are no perfect phrases for saying goodbye. Death is a mystery to the living, and it is unfortunately a journey we must all face alone when our time comes.

At a fitting military memorial, I had the opportunity to publicly honor him with a tribute to “Pa” as we affectionately called him. As a fellow Navy veteran, I was also able to render my farewell salute to a fallen shipmate as the melancholy “Taps” was played by a uniformed bugler. It was genuinely a dignified military sendoff for dad and I am sure he was smiling from heaven then.

Consider the man whose inner being emerged in the last days of his life, his sweet spirit, his humor, and his grace touched the hearts of everyone with whom he came in contact with – doctors, health

care workers, relatives, friends and family.

To me, this man is Pa, a real dad, and I am honored to bear his last name. No doubt about it, many of us is a father. Whether our children are minors or adults, we continue to a play an immense role in their lives. I know I am even to this very moment in time with my three amazing sons, two beautiful daughter-in-law and three adorable grandchildren.

When my time comes, I certainly hope all of my three sons (now all grown men, too) will be able to say, “Daddy, won’t you just close your eyes? Don’t be afraid; it’s my turn to chase the monsters away.”

Happy Father’s Day to all! Mabuhay!! And God bless.

P.S. – If you have not seen James Blunt’s “Monsters” official music video, Tongi’s American Idol 2023 audition or his duet with Blunt, please click on the links below: James Blunt – Monsters (Official Music Video):

https://youtu.DTFbGcnl0po Iam Tongi, Audition: https://youtu.

be/S_MAesZsnMk Iam Tongi and James Blunt Duet: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=M9hdHDXyo-8

JESSE REYES

Spiritual Life

Counting our days

A friend came for a business call but we spent the first half hour talking about the turning points in our lives. I shared with him my personal experiences when I was still in the Philippines, that of “falling from the favor of men and being caught by the hands of God”.

I was 45 years old with ambitions to fulfill. I’ve worked hard and accomplished so much. I thought I deserved a promotion. So I went to the Secretary of Health to request that I be considered for appointment to the just vacated position of Executive Director of the Dangerous Drugs Board. He said, “Hija, you are already occupying a very good position. I have been sending you abroad to represent me in international conferences. Why do you have to apply for a management position?”

I would like to try my hand in management, I replied. Then he started saying negative things about me. I pushed a little bit harder knowing that what he was saying was hearsay and I was qualified for the position. Then he said with a tint of sarcasm, “I can’t appoint you because you are a woman.” I blew my top. I stood up, banged my fist on his table and pointed my fingers to him. In anger I said, “when did you ever think that I do all the things I am doing for you because I am a woman. If you can’t promote me, then retire me!” His answer was curt, “file your papers.” I left the room, too proud to even look back. I fell from the favor of an influential bureaucrat.

When you have nothing to hold on to, in times of despair and disappointment, the only thing you can do is to hold on to the hands of God. I felt so distraught. When I came home that evening I

got my dusty and long-forgotten Bible, opened it and started to pray. After praying for discernment and forgiveness, I opened the Bible and my eyes fell on these verses, “But, seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) So I started seeking His Kingdom by reading and studying His Words, by going back to church and serving Him with all my heart. One Saturday morning I attended the Women’s Society of Christian Service Prayer rally where women were so happy sharing their personal testimony on the power of God in their lives. After listening and being inspired by what I heard, I stood up to acknowledge the speakers, but what came out of my lips, was a profound confession. “I am a sinner and I’ve fallen short in the glory of God.” Then came a strange feeling within me, a very warm sensation engulfed my whole being. Then and there, I felt that God has touched me and made me whole. My life was transformed and since then, I claimed the words of Micah: “What does the Lord expect of you, to love mercy, to do justice and to walk humbly with God.”

God opened new doors for me.

God allowed me to be elected to various positions in the church and to one of the highest position in an international women’s organization, that of World Secretary of the World Federation of Methodist Women (1991-96). I traveled to East Asia, South Pacific, South America, North America and Europe, speaking before women’s groups. When I think of the many wonderful experiences I’ve had, I am reminded of what a friend shared with me from, Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I’ll answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” I called to Him and He answered me, and showed me great and mighty things I never knew.

There has been a season in my life when I was wounded and crucified, but I clung to the Lord in prayer. I’ve uttered to my detractors, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do” Figuratively speaking, I carried my cross. I was whip-lashed by a cruel pen and would have given up, but the message of the Resurrection – Hope and New Life were my constant source of inspiration. Hallelujah, Christ has risen. Christ has risen, indeed. Happy Easter!

The past Sundays were solemnly celebrated by the Catholic world in joyful and devoted expressions of faith in the mysteries of our faith.

After Easter we celebrated the Ascension of Jesus into heaven from where the Holy Spirit was send to give birth to the Church on Pentecost Sunday. Last Sunday we had the Feast of the Most Precious Body and Blood of Jesus, Corpus Christi, the never ending manifestation of God love and mercy to humanity making His presence in the Eucharist as a constant and concrete sacrament of his concern for humanity in his past, present and future conditions.

Today the Eucharistic celebration returns to the ordinary season of the liturgy of the church. This is the eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time and the readings lead us to understand the call of God through Jesus for man to respond with an unconditional love. It is noteworthy that the Gospel reading today is taken from St. Matthew chapter 9, verse 36 to chapter 10 verse 8 and speaks how Jesus’ heart “was moved with pity for the crowd [them] because they were troubled and abandoned like sheep without a shepherd.”

What a demonstrative description of the situation of the world today. Humanity troubled

and abandoned and in need of shepherds. The gospel today recalls how Jesus called the twelve and gave them authority over unclean spirits and drive them out and cure every disease and every illness.” As we celebrate today “Fathers’ Day” I am inclined to believe that we are given the opportunity to look into how Fathers are so important in our world today. In the first place I am directly concerned about the role of fathers in families who have become fatherless in our society brought about by social problems that negatively affect our society and the families in the world today. In the second place I would like to point out the role of leadership in the church today which needs not only fidelity to Jesus but firmness in teaching and guiding the flock according to the needs of the faithful

and always in view of the teachings and mandates of Jesus himself. The summoning of the twelve and calling them “apostles,” men sent to “go, make this proclamation: The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Cure the sick,, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons…” was the personal response of Jesus to the crowd which “was troubled and abandoned like sheep without a shepherd.” The same mandate is now being proclaimed in the world today to have our current apostles become real proclaimers of the gospel that will bring truth, justice, and salvation in Jesus Christ. I believe this gospel is so appropriate for us to read, listen to proclaim during this Fathers’ Day when the need for a firm authority is both a challenge and an urgency. Let us pray for our fathers in the families, let us pray for our fathers in the church so that they may truly bring into the world the proper response to humanity that has started to lose hope and meaning in its existence. What a beautiful message for us to know that Jesus, the Bread of Life, whom we celebrated and adored in the liturgy of last Sunday gives us this message to keep and treasure in our lives today and in the coming days of our earthly existence.

magnilay-nilay! Handa tayong ialay ang sarili upang ang iba ay mabuhay?

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. ((Matthew 6:15)

Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983) was born in Amsterdam and raised in the Dutch Reformed Church.

When the Nazis came to power in the late 1930s, Corrie and her family hid Jews behind a false wall in Corrie's bedroom. In 1944, Corrie's family was arrested and sent to Ravensbrück, one of the worst concentration camps in Nazi Germany. There, Corrie's entire family died. Corrie herself was scheduled for execution - but she was released shortly before the end of World War II because of a clerical error.

Corrie concluded that God had saved her for a purpose. She committed her life to preaching the good news of Jesus Christ, speaking in churches, tent meetings, and open-air rallies. At one meeting in Germany in 1947, she taught on God's forgiveness. Afterwards, a man came up to her and introduced himself as a former Ravensbrück guard - but Corrie needed no introduction. She remembered him well. He was notorious for his cruelty.

"I've become a Christian since

MUP

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preserve and restore our mangrove ecosystem. As a matter of fact, the law in the Philippines is, you cannot touch mangroves at all, and because of that, the mangroves have grown back,” Marcos said.

“In fact, they grow back so much that sometimes they are already beginning to block the rivers. So maybe there is much you can learn on the management of it because I think we have done as much as we can in terms of preservation,” he added.

Extending assistance Meantime, Marcos thanked the UAE for its unwavering support for the Philippines and its timely assistance

Danny Hernaez From Whom

the war," he said. "I know God has forgiven me for the horrible things I did, but I would like to hear it from you. Could you tell me that you've forgiven me, too?" He put out his hand.

Corrie stood there for what seemed an eternity, unable to think of anything but the horrors this man had committed. Then she remembered the words of Jesus that required her to forgive ANY sin. She silently prayed, "Jesus, help me!" ...then she took the man's hand and cried out, "I forgive you, brother!" She later recalled, "I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then."

That was the defining moment in Corrie's ministry. Over the years that followed, she took

for the families affected by the unrest of Mayon Volcano in Albay province.

“Thank you. That is very, very generous of you,” said the President, adding that the Philippines would soon reciprocate the UAE government’s goodness to the Filipino people.

“Unfortunately, the Philippines falls victim not only to volcano explosions, but of course to typhoons, and earthquakes. We are in that part of the world where we are vulnerable. We are hoping that the activity of the volcano will start to calm. But we cannot say that for sure, but we are watching it closely,” he added.

Before the courtesy call, Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian received over 50 tons of humanitarian

the Christian gospel to more than sixty countries around the world and changed hundreds of thousands of lives through her speaking, writing, and the motion picture The Hiding Place, based on her autobiography.

If we want to be used in a great way by God, we must be willing to forgive those who may be a great source a pain in our lives.

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." <(((><

aid from the UAE government for the families affected by Mayon Volcano’s restiveness.

Marcos, who is set to visit Albay on Wednesday afternoon for a situational briefing, said he would inform the displaced residents of the UAE government’s “timely and very rapid and very large assistance” to them.

Garafil said the UAE officials had assured Marcos of their government’s willingness to provide any assistance to the Philippines and the Filipino people “not only during the country’s trying times but also during the good times.”

She said the UAE government also extended its invitation to the Philippine National Police to study cybercrimerelated cases, including scholarship offering for police officers. (MNS)

Bakit nga ba’t bahagi ng ating buhay ang pagdurusa?

May mga naghihirap, nagugutom, walang matirahan May mga biktima ng sakuna, pandaraya at karahasan May mga nagkakasakit, may mga nawawalan ng Kalayaan.

Tunay nga bang mahal tayo ng Diyos? Tanong ng iba.

Kung tunay ngang mahal tayo, bakit Niya tayo pinapayagang maghirap at magdusa?

Hindi madaling unawain kung bakit tayo nagdurusa Subalit sa puso ay alam natin na ang pagdurusa ay isang pagsubok sa ating pananampalataya.

Hindi ba ninyo napupuna?

Kung kailan tayo naghihirap at sakatayo lalong napapalapit sa Kanya Ang pagdurusa ay

isang paalaala na hindi natin kayang mabuhay na nagiisa Ang tulong ng Maykapal ay kakailanganin Sapagkat Siya ang may hawak ng buhay at kapalaran natin.

Noong nagkatawang tao ang Panginoong Diyos Siya ay hinamak, pinako sa krus, nagdanas ng matinding pagdurusa Hindi nagreklamo, ang pagdurusa ay tinanggap ng lubusan Alam Niyang ang susunod ay kaluwalhatian sa Kanyang Kaharian.

Hindi maaring ihiwalay ang sakripisyo at pagdurusa sa pagmamahal Pagisipan natin. Paano nga ba ang magmahal? Pagmasdan ang Krus, tanungin ang sarili at

Cannabis and Driving: Myth vs. Reality

By Mara W. Elliott, San DiEgo City attornEy

For nearly a decade, a specialized team of prosecutors in my office has focused on drivers whose judgment and skills are impaired by drugs.

Despite the team’s efforts, the use of one drug – cannabis –continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Once permitted only for medicinal purposes, cannabis is now approved for recreational use by California adults. Cannabis dispensaries are allowed under our City’s Municipal Code and are part of our civic landscape, and more are coming.

Unfortunately, there seem to be a lot of misconceptions floating around about the relationship between cannabis consumption and driving. By dispelling some of these myths, we can prevent avoidable accidents and deaths.

Myth: Driving on cannabis makes you a more attentive and focused driver.

Reality: Drugs alter our perception, including our understanding of our abilities and performance. Believing that cannabis makes you a better driver is no different than believing alcohol makes you a better swimmer. Cannabis affects your fine motor skills, memory, depth perception, and coordination. It slows reaction times, which can be disastrous on the road.

Myth: Driving while under the influence of cannabis is far safer than driving while drunk or on

Sa mga sandaling tayo ay naghihirap at nagdurusa Pagkakataon na dapat tayong kumapit sa ating Pananampalataya Sa Panginoong Diyos tayo sumunod at magtiwala At ng ipagkaloob ang biyayang Siya ay ating makapling sa buhay sa kabila.

about cannabis and driving that highlight the risks:

Drivers with even a small amount of THC – cannabis’s active ingredient – in their systems tend to drive slower than usual. Instead of being more cautious, drivers with THC in their systems are more likely to cause accidents. The effect of cannabis is strongest during the first 30 minutes after consumption. People who drive immediately after using cannabis increase their risk of getting into a crash by 25 to 30 percent.

Drivers testing positive for marijuana increased by 48 percent from 2007 to 2014. Of seriously injured drivers admitted to hospital trauma centers, more than one out of four tested positive for marijuana.

other drugs.

Reality: This isn’t a contest to see which driver is less impaired. Anything that affects your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle puts lives in danger and can lead to your arrest and conviction.

Myth: If you drive under the influence of cannabis, you can’t be convicted of driving under the influence, because there is no equivalent to the Blood Alcohol Content scale used in drunk driving cases that measures unsafe levels of cannabis in the human body.

Reality: Impaired driving is observable and can be documented in many ways. Testimony from victims and witnesses has great impact on juries. Dashboard videos and body-worn camera footage is also very persuasive evidence. Here are some additional facts

• Combining marijuana with alcohol and/or other drugs (including prescription drugs) greatly amplifies impairment.

Before you get behind the wheel – or allow a family member or friend to drive – remember that the test of your suitability to drive isn’t whether you feel high. Having cannabis in your system impacts your reaction time, your depth perception, and your coordination. The wrong decision can lead to accidents, criminal charges, loss of a driver license, and even jail time. My office has prosecuted 393 cases of driving under the influence of cannabis since 2018, with more defendants in the pipeline. Most plead guilty, and the rest we take to trial. I suspect that every one of them regrets not calling a rideshare service, or asking a friend for a lift, instead of taking a chance with their lives and the lives of others.

Is there someone who needs your forgiveness today?

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera My Personal Testimony

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

Ni Salvador S. Idos

Salvador S. Idos

City Atty Mara W. Elliott

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

Nagpapatibok ng Puso, si Piolo Pascual nanguna sa ‘All Star’ live concert ngayong Spring sa Pechanga Resort Casino sa July 16

TEMECULA, CA -- Isa sa mga di mabilang na serye ng walang katapusang aliwan ang ihahatid ngayong spring kasama ang pamosong aktor-mang-aawit, na si Piolo Pascual, na nangunguna kasama ang iba pang pinapipitagang mga mang-aawit na sina Sam Milby, Catriona Gray , at Erik Santos, tampok ang iba pa, sa isang live na konsiyerto sa Pechanga Resort Casino sa Linggo, Hulyo 16 sa ganap na 6p.m.

Ang Pechanga Resort Casino, matatagpuan sa I-15 Highway sa Temecula Valley, Southern California wine county, ay kilala sa pag-iimbita ng pinakamahusay at mga sikat na mga Pilipinong

mang-aaliw at tagapagpalabas sa naising makapagbigay ng kakaibang karanasan sa mga espesyal na FilipinoAmericans na mga patron. Kilala bilang Piolo, ang aktor na naging producer ng pelikula ay ‘naninimbang’ pa ayon sa napaulat na pahayag sa paggawa nito ng mga prodüksiyon pampelikula ngunit sinabi anya nito, na dagsa ang kanyang mga taga suporta na nag uudyok sa kanya na tanggapin ang malaking hamong tuluyan ng gumawa ng mga pelikula. Maliban sa abala ito sa bagong larangang napili upang lumikha ng maraming pelikulang Pilipino habang ‘nagpapa-iba-iba’ at ‘sa planong lumabas sa ibat-ibang bansa’, hindi

makuhang talikuran ni Piolo ang mga imbitang pampubliko habang patuloy itong tumatanggap sa mga imbitasyon at pagganap mula lokal hanggang internasyunal.

Kagaya rin ni Sam at Catriona, ang magsing-irog, na noong Pebrero ay nag anunsyo at nagpahayag na sila’y magiisang dibdib na, patuloy rin silang aktibo sa kasikatang pampelikula at awitang pagtatanghal. Si Milby ay isang Filipino-American at si Gray ay na koronahan bilang 2018 Miss Universe.

Si Erik Santos, aktor at mang-aawit, modelo sa mga komersyal at host ng telebisyon, ay naging tanyag sa mga patok na awitin nito at siya ang unang

nagwagi ng Pinaka Kampeyon mula sa ABS-CBN na kompetisyon sa pagawit ‘Star in a Million’ noong Season 1 taong 2003. Si Santos ay tinaguriang “Prinsipe ng Pop.’

Isa sa pinakamagaling na naging tanyag sa industriya ng musika sa Pilipinas, si Yeng Constantino, ay isang mang-aawit at kompositor ng kanta kung saan ang patok na mga komposisyon nito ay pumalawig sa mga pelikula at pihitan ng telebisyon.

Ang tropa ay hindi kumpleto kung wala ang mga taletong musika ng mga artista sa kaganapan nina KZ Tandigan, Kyla, Inigo Pascual, Jason Dy, at Zephanie— na lahat ay tagumpay sa kani-kanyang ginagampan sa larangan ng pag-awit. Magmadali! Ang ‘All Star’ na konsiyertong ito ay minsan lamang mangyari. Bumili ng inyong tikets sa Pechanga Box Office, o sa pagtawag

sa 888-810-8871, o bumisita sa www. pechanga.com

Ilan sa mga pinagmamalaki ng Pechanga Summit ang 40,000-square feet na lugar para sa mga mangaaliw, konsiyerto, live na kaganapan sa sports, pagttaanghal ng kalakalan, kasalan, o anu pa mang malalaking grupo na magsasagawa. Sa kabuuan, ang Pechanga ngayon ay nag aalok ng 274,500 square feet na panloob/ panlabas na kontemporaryong pagpupulong at espasyo sa mga kagaanapan, na tanging nagpaibayo sa mga amenidad, espasmo at katanyagan ng mga inihahandog na kaganapan ng Pechanga.

Patungkol sa Pechanga Resort Casino

Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay nag-aalay ng pinaka malaki at napakalawak na resort/casino na eksperiyensa saan man sa Estados

Unidos. May rata na Four Diamond property ng AAA mula 2003, ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay naghahatid ng walang kapantay na libangan, maging anumang araw o kahabaan ng pananatili rito. Ang Pechanga ay nagaalay ng mahigit 5,400 ng pinakamainit na slots, 154 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 nag-aalok ng mga destinasyon na tutugon at hihigit pa sa mga pangangailangan ng mga panauhin at komunidad. Ang Pechanga Resort Casino ay pag-aari 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.

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PAMANA 4 – Celebrating Heritage through our Children 4th Jr. SAMAHAN Concert of Philippine Music & Dance on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 6:00 pm at the Clairemont High

School Theatre

The SAMAHAN Filipino American Performing Arts & Education Center proudly presents its fourth concert of Philippine folk dances and music featuring SAMAHAN’s junior dancers. Aptly entitled, "Pamana 4" (Legacy) - Celebrating Heritage Through Our Children, this ninety-minute concert will be held on June 25, 2023, Sunday at 6:00 pm at the Clairemont High School Theater. The public is invited to watch and celebrate in support of the second and third generation Filipino-Americans enriched by Philippine cultural arts. SAMAHAN’s junior dancers will present a heartening performance of their cultural heritage through dancing popular Filipino folk dances and singing nostalgic songs. Live music accompaniment is provided by the acclaimed Samahan Rondalla and the Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble. The Pamana concert is partially funded with grants from the Dr. Lolita Diñoso Carter Endowment through The San Diego Foundation, the CA Arts Council and the contributions of generous patrons and donors. Tickets at $18 each for General Admission and at $35 for a VIP reserved seat can be purchased at https://Samahan. Pamana4.eventbrite.com.

Filipino folk dances and music performed in festivals, rituals, celebrations, weddings and even courtships portray the people’s rich culture and traditions. The diversity reflects influences of various races, such as, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Malay, Spanish and American, who came to stay in the islands as migrants, traders or colonizers throughout the history of the Philippines.

Alike the repertoire of SAMAHAN’s annual concert of Philippine dances and music, the “PAMANA” concert is presented, as well, in “dance suites” based on regional origin and historical influence. Included are “age-appropriate” folk dances and rituals that have been

The repertoire features in two distinct suites the tribal rituals, dances and chants of the indigenous societies of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago in Southern Philippines. Performances are accompanied with the tribes’ traditional percussion music played by the renowed Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble of SAMAHAN. The other two suites are comprised of the lively dances of folks in the Philippine’s country side and of the elegant Spanish influenced Maria Clara dances, both performed with live music accompaniment by the SAMAHAN Rondalla String

Ensemble.

For more information, check SAMAHAN’s website at https:// SamahanArts.org.

Through the concerts of Philippine Dances and Music, SAMAHAN shares with the audience the exquisiteness of Filipino folk dances and music. The Filipinos’ dances and music performed in rituals, courtship, and festivals, depict the people’s rich culture, customs and traditions. The diversity of their dances and music reflects the interconnectedness with Asian and Western traditions throughout the history of the Filipinos,

from the Indian, Chinese, Indochinese, Indonesian, Malay, Spanish, to the Americans.

Prior to the concert, at 3pm, there will be a Free Reading and Signing for the kids 5 and up by award winning multicultural childrens book author Ms. Marissa Banez. This is a free event but must RSVP due to space is limited by text/call (519)7550755 or email susands4@yahoo.com. Hope you can join and celebrate with us this day as part of the month long observance in the Filipino Community of the 125th Philippine Independence Day commemoration.