Resilient, generous Filipino-American Women’s Club of San Diego celebrates 75th year milestone
By y UGEL LOSORATA
SAN DIEGO, CA -- God is said to have created women to be relational and to connect in meaningful ways. That members of the FilipinoAmerican Women's Club of San Diego are poised to celebrate their 75th anniversary is testament to such powerful truth -- all in the name of resiliency, camaraderie, and strong identity as ladies of Filipino descent living the American Dream ideal.
The celebration is set on the evening of September 28 at the Royal Banquet in Miramar Road in the city of San Diego, California.
The said club is acknowledged as the oldest Filipino organization in San Diego County.
In an exclusive interview with the Filipino Press, club president Regina Agarma expressed warm thoughts and shared inspirational insider’s stories about the beloved group.
"It’s important for me to tell everyone that we support the battered women, and we also support Filipino communities by having some of our members be part of our dance group that goes around performing in events and spreading good messages," she said.
The diamond jubilee is expected to gather the women's club members, currently numbering around 70, donned in Filipiniana attire while accompanied and supported by their loved ones and friends. The occasion will feature the induction of its latest set of officers, a much-
awaited special number to include 30 or more members “dancing like no one watching them,” as a key member figure would like to put it, and the presentation of Mrs. and Miss Sampaguita from among the members - a highlight anticipated within the club and by its supporters.
The socio-civic organization originally founded by 13 gallant women just a few years after the
Second World War has established a firm reputation of having members, mostly retired nurses, who are generous, cooperative, and kindhearted. The core of its strength is the distinct Filipino culture and the commonality among its members in how they carry themselves, the food they crave for, and other things they similarly do as compatriots who have led beautiful lives in America.
The club's resident historian, Elvie Magsarili, having served as its president during its 50th anniversary, pointed out the initiative they make for the abused women they reach out to.
She informed the Filipino Press, "Annually we come up with a monetary contribution to these women's cause. For this milestone occasion, we have invited some
recipients to receive what we have for them."
"I always emphasize that you don't have to be on top of your profession to be a member of this organization. You just have to have the heart for others," she stressed.
The club likewise regularly donates for what is dubbed the House of the Philippines at San Diego City’s Balboa Park.
Lucky 13 legacy It was on January 13, 1949 that 13 Filipino women, who happened to be living in San Diego, California for whatever valid reasons or circumstance, decided to form a group in appreciation of their commonality. None of them may have thought it would last for five years and seven decades and counting.
The Filipino-American Women’s Club (FAWC) of San Diego was a pioneer and the first group aimed specifically at promoting Philippine culture. At first the goal was to help present a positive image on Filipinos by showcasing its history, food, music, and traditions. For one, FAWC helped in the allotment of a Filipiniana section in the San Diego downtown public library. The club’s early years saw them significantly initiating thanksgiving dinners for Filipino recruits trained from the historic Naval Training Center San Diego. They also sponsored what is called Sampaguita Ball where families would gather together, with young Filipina women as the center of attraction. FAWC flourished despite some restrictions at the time, like when certain women were not allowed to gather in some specific places. The next generations of members have stuck to the objective as an organization running through
B Viji SUndARA m/EmS
Cases of vehicle technologyenabled stalking and other forms of harassment are on the rise. A new California bill seeks to address the issue.
The unrelenting abuse by her husband continued for months even after the San Francisco mother succeeded in getting a restraining order against him. In 2020, she told police that he had started using remote technology that was connected to the car apps of their 2016 Tesla Model X family car to terrorize her. She alleged that she would often return to her vehicle, only to find the doors open or locked, or the heat turned on, or the horn honking, or the vehicle’s ability to charge turned off.
“He had the resources to run an all-round torture campaign against me,” the woman told this reporter in a telephone interview.
Cases of the kind of technologyenabled stalking and other forms of harassment Kailey (she did not want her real name used because of ongoing litigation) experienced are on the rise as automakers are adding more and more sophisticated features into their vehicles and turning cars that were once considered sanctuaries by their owners into “computers on wheels,” said Robert Harrell, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California. Some call them smart phones with wheels.
But that could soon change, and vehicles could once again become safe havens for their owners if California Governor Gavin Newsom signs the Access to Connected Vehicle Service bill authored by Sen. Dave Min, D-Irvine. The bill sailed through the legislature last month. Newsom has
until the end of this month to sign it. SB 1394 was jointly co-authored by Assemblymember Akilah Weber, D-La Mesa and Sen. Angelique Ashby, D-Sacramento. It would establish a legal process for the rapid termination of a domestic abuser’s access to appconnected remote and GPS-based vehicle technology.
“Abuse of these apps can be very threatening and traumatizing to survivors,” Min said in a telephone interview earlier this week. If enacted, California would be the first state in the nation to have such a bill.
A ‘lifeline’ for DV survivors
Multiple women’s rights advocates who supported the bill say a car is a lifeline to survivors. Having safety and privacy that a car can provide is “crucial to my clients,” said Prof. Jane Stoever, director of the UC Irvine Law Domestic Violence Clinic, and a cosponsor of Min’s bill.
Smart phone apps allow owners to check a car’s location if they forget where they parked it or to lock or unlock it remotely. The car owner can grant access to a limited number of
other drivers.
Drafted with input from a number of survivors, women’s rights advocates and some car manufacturers themselves, Min said he hoped SB 1394 would address domestic violence abusers exploiting in-car location tracking to harass and intimidate survivors.
“In this rapidly growing digital age, bills like SB 1394 are a step in the right direction,” noted Shobha Hiatt, a co-founder of Narika, a Bay Areabased support group for South Asian survivors of domestic violence. “More states should follow suit.”
A woman in Southern California discovered an Apple AirTag plugged under her dash by her abusive husband that allowed him to track her movements in real time. When she asked him about it, he dismissively said, “Oh, you found it. I’ve been looking for it.” The couple is now in the midst of custody arrangements for their three young sons.
Kailey sued her husband in State
By y UGEL LOSORATA
EL CAJON, CA -- To describe the latest edition of the Sycuan Fashion show as "best" means that those involved in delivering it have done great things possible in treating everyone to a classy, meaningful event of craftsmanship, talent, tradition, and passion.
The highly anticipated 2024 Sycuan Fashion held at the Heritage Ballroom of Sycuan Casino Resort in El Cajon, San Diego County more than met expectations with a superb showcase, made possible by topnotch Native American designers and models.
Presented by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, the third staging of the annual spectacle presented 11 esteemed designers who significantly put in display their beautiful identity as members of Native Americans. Those whose designs were featured on the runway are as follows: Em Assiniboine Designs, Indig-A-
Ribbon Designs, Shining Star by Shay, 3 Feathers Star Quilts, Ally’s Ribbons, Fawn Meshake & Jade Campbell Bowers, Thunderheart Custom Wear, Ro Tree & Cheyleen Julian, Wabanoonkwe, Ocean Kiana, and Bitterwater For Redhouse. Also part of the collaboration were Snow S Corporation, and The Youth.
Attractive, stylish models elegantly wore and emphatically walked through the designs on a visually fiery stage to loud cheers and applause. A pool of admirable youngsters closed the show on a high note that promises a bright future for fashion as created by the fertile minds and hard work of Native Americans.
The clothing designs and accessories were made available for purchase after the event, right at the adjacent room, which the night’s host happily emphasized by saying that 95% of the designs would be up for sale.
"We're so honored to have you here tonight. This is the best Sycuan
Fashion Show (so far) and it gets better and better every year," said one of the organizers while addressing the crowd after the last set of models wrapped up the well-attended occasion.
This year's theme "The Fire Within" had been inspired by the Kumeyaay greeting "may the fire (your spirit) burn bright within you," which notably pertains to the enduring spirit of indigenous people. Its significance and empowering tone obviously consolidated the efforts of all those who contributed in pulling together the event that also went in line with the 35th Sycuan Powwow - the endearing term for the North American Indian gathering that involves feasting, singing, and dancing. The show’s host and beloved mouthpiece for an inspiringly wellpreserved culture reiterated, "May I remind everyone of your fire within
Regina Agarma, president (7th from left) leads the dynamic officers and members of the Filipino American Women's Club, namely: Nedy Lao, Elvie Magsarili, Dina Dacuycuy, Dorie Paleracio, Josie Maraya, Evelyn V. Morano, Fely Quines, Boodgie Arce, Cora Bell, Daisy Reyes, Vicky Lagula, Rita Andrews & Zeny Bulacan . Not in photo, Josie Robles. ( photo by Zen Ply)
The Pampered Pinay Lifestyle: Change of Seasons, Change of Perspectives
By Francine Maigue
The exchange of summer blossoms for falling leaves. The exchange of warm, welcome breezes for winds against which you must brace yourself. The exchange of long summer nights for deep, rumbling thunder and lightning against a dark sky...
In a flash, summer was over... and autumn arrived. (Hello, layered outfits and pumpkin spice lattes!)
The change in seasons always serves, for me, as a powerful reminder that our life's journey is only made fuller by its different chapters. (Insert a soundtrack of Vivaldi here.) Change can be hard. Change can be necessary. Change is inevitable.
It's how we conduct ourselves through the change of seasons (both literally and metaphorically) that illustrates some important truths about ourselves...our strengths, growth areas and fundamental values.
With so much changing around us, I hope each of us is able to take time to embrace the beauty that the new season brings and allow ourselves to revel in its opportunities to reveal, relinquish and rejuvenate.
Here are some of my favorite, thought-provoking quotes about a
change in seasons...
"There are seasons in life. Don't ever let anyone try to deny you the joy of one season because they believe you should stay in another season... Listen to yourself. Trust your instincts. Keep your perspective." -Jane Clayson
"When the seasons shift, even the subtle beginning, the scent of a promised change, I feel something stir inside me. Hopefulness? Gratitude? Openness? Whatever it is, it's welcome." -Kristin Armstrong
"You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of." -Jim Rohn
"There are seasons in every country when noise and impudence pass current for worth; and in popular commotions especially, the clamors of interested and factious men are often mistaken for patriotism."
-Alexander Hamilton
"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." -Albert Camus
"Everything has seasons, and we have to be able to recognize when something's time has passed and be able to move into the next season. Everything that is alive requires
pruning as well, which is a great metaphor for endings." -Henry
Cloud
"Excess generally causes reaction, and produces a change in the opposite direction, whether it be in the seasons, or in individuals, or in governments." -Plato
"The coming and going of the seasons give us more than the springtimes, summers, autumns, and winters of our lives. It reflects the coming and going of the circumstances of our lives like the glassy surface of a pond that shows our faces radiant with joy or contorted with pain." -Gary Zukav
"When all the world appears to be in a tumult, and nature itself is feeling the assault of climate change, the seasons retain their essential rhythm. Yes, fall gives us a premonition of winter, but then, winter, will be forced to relent, once again, to the new beginnings of soft greens, longer light, and the sweet air of spring." -Madeleine M. Kunin
"Beauty is the only thing that time cannot harm. Philosophies fall away like sand, creeds follow one another, but what is beautiful is a joy for all seasons, a possession for all eternity." -Oscar Wilde
and to embrace every part of yourself. That's the fire within and we're gonna be fired up as well."
A communication specialist pointed out that the theme “allowed Native American artists to illuminate the beauty, talent, and resilience of Native American culture.”
The event opened with a spiritual citation and group singing number that powerfully embraced the Native American culture with passion and pride.
According to a press release, “the show highlighted how Indigenous people continue to stand out even in modern fashion, providing Native Americans with a space to express themselves and build confidence.”
Members
the
TESTIMONIAL
Thank you so much for the Filipino Press and the invaluable service it provides not only to the Filipino community but beyond. Through the Filipino Press, our family was able to find someone to care for a disabled family member. She provided exceptional care for nearly 8 years. I heard a description once that totally applied to her as an angel having a human experience. The Filipino Press was indeed a lifesaver for us, and we hope that it continues to serve for decades more to come.
Flores Bishop
SAN DIEGO, CA -- Greetings!
The Philippines’ Juvyel Anne Saluta has been crowned Miss Elite 2024!
The beauty queen makes history as the first Filipina to win the title in this particular international beauty pageant.
She was crowned by Miss Elite 2023 Mejreme Hajdaraj of Kosovo at the ceremony held in Somabay, a modern town resort at the Red Sea, Egypt.
Aside from being Miss Elite 2024, Juvyel was also awarded “Best Smile”.
Juvyel bested 34 beauty queens from around the world. The runnersup are Victoria Maneiro from Venezuela as 1st Runner-Up, Irene Grande from Spain as 2nd RunnerUp, Sofia Gonzalez from Mexico as 3rd Runner-Up, and Tawana Sheldrick from Indonesia as 4th Runner-Up.
Juvyel, 20, was previously a candidate for Miss Manila 2023, representing Pandacan (which incidentally is a municipality adjacent to my beloved old hometown of Sta. Ana).
She is also the Manila City representative of “Hiyas ng Pilipinas”, a national institution and competition highlighting beauty in physique and character. She was able to compete in Miss Elite through this organization.
FYI: Miss Elite was founded in 2021 and aims to find the queens who celebrate women’s beauty.
Say…Is it just me or are Filipinos really good looking/cute charming?
If you – my dear folks – are still not aware of it yet –a recent study says Filipinos…Yes, our fellow “kababayans” ranked third amongst the most beautiful people in the world for 2024.
Our beloved old homeland – the Philippines – is on the top three list together with Venezuela and our adopted great nation – the good, old United of States of America!
The Philippines has conquered the world for many years with its many offerings, from beaches to music. A new study last week confirmed that Filipinos also have face cards that go to the international level.
According to research done by online coupon platform, “Wethrift,” the Philippines is the third country with the most b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l people in the world! They based it on the results of participation of different countries in international beauty pageants like Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, Miss Grand International, and Miss Earth –events that are highly popular among Filipino beauty queens.
Wethrift calculated a “beauty score” with three points for titleholders, two points for first runners-up, and one point for second runners-up.
The Philippines received a total of 79 points, thanks to the country’s 16 titleholders, 12 first runners-up and seven second-runners up on international beauty pageants. Also included in the top 10 list are countries that the Philippines often go head-to-head on international pageants like the United Kingdom (62), India (58), Columbia (54), Australia (52), Brazil (50), Puerto Rico (47) and South Africa (41).
Nick Drewe, Wethrift CEO, and a beauty and lifestyle trend expert, said that these international beauty pageants provide insights into how beauties are perceived and celebrated in different countries.
He explained, “International beauty pageants offer fascinating insights into how different countries approach and celebrate beauty. Venezuela, the USA and the Philippines’ consistent success in producing titleholders reflects the strong cultural emphasis on these competitions.”
So, I reckon I am not alone as to the question I posed earlier above.
Ha-ha-ha-ha!
Yes, indeed…we Filipinos (or Filipino Americans, for that matter!) are beautiful people because we are so truly diverse and have got the exotic look that East Asians fantasize of having - with plastic medicine. Filipinas hardly get plastic surgery to get bigger eyes, because they already have so. They don’t need all that stuff like nearby neighboring East Asian countries do. Just look at our women “kababayans” and you will see that they are uniquely different, and yes, good looking people, no doubts about it!
Period!!
There’s something on the genes of the Filipina or Filipino that acts as a catalyst when mixed with the races which brings out the best physical traits from both. As evidence –comparison shopping at the children of mixed Filipino/foreign parentage with both parents being of average (or let us just say even below average, for that matter…Ha-ha-ha-ha!) looks for their races.
The children would for sure be very beautiful!
Ha-ha-ha-ha!
What say you?
Moving on and talking about…
Ah, the allure of Filipino women especially?
And why do foreigners think that Filipino women are especially so beautiful and desirable?
It’s a common sentiment, mentioned both quietly among friends and loudly in the corners of the internet.
First, let me just say that beauty is subjective. What’s bewitching to one may not even register to another. That said, our old country – the 7,641 islands in the entire archipelago –are a melting pot of genetics, with
In Part 3, we took a deep dive into the Jesuits’ history of conversion in Asia, with China in particular, because of its significant import to the ongoing papal effort of accommodation and moving away from the previous confrontational approach with the Communist nation. Any cardinal entertaining a papal ambition needs to follow the Silk Road and go through the Jesuits’ crown jewel accomplishment exporting European Catholicism in Asia. That is the best way to contextualize the 2018 agreement between China and the Holy See. Besides being the pope, Francis is a master politician who has his ear to the ground. Some Chinese Catholic bishops took the papal outreach as “selling out” to the Communist regime of Xi Jinping. Perhaps, but they don’t understand the pope.
In chess, a player can sacrifice the queen in exchange for a checkmate, here Pope Francis was willing to ignore a retired Chinese cardinal’s plight who was arrested for his role
in the 2019 pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong, in exchange for a “legal way” to address the issues of Chinese Catholics. Zen’s arrest “coincidentally” dovetailed at a critical junction where the agreement between China and the Holy See was up for renewal. Pope Francis was silent on Cardinal Zen’s arrest (perhaps not to antagonize President Xi), and so was Cardinal Tagle, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. The case of Cardinal Zen carries a lot of significance because he and the other Chinese clergy are trying to establish their own identity as Catholics, and not just be canaries in a coal mine. Millions of underground Chinese Catholics recognize the papal authority in matters of faith, but their journey is a perilous one. Whereas, the duly authorized Catholic association promoted by the Chinese government, does not recognize the papal authority and could just be part of Communist propaganda.
Chinese Catholics are much like
genetics can lead to features that stand
Spanish and American ancestries –(and yes, even of the Japanese despite their short period of acculturation during World War II) - among others. This blend creates a diverse tapestry of features deemed universally appealing to many: a variety of skin tones, facial structures, and more. It’s like a buffet of what the world considers beautiful. Diversity in
out and are uniquely captivating. Additionally, there’s the cultural aspect. The standards and definitions of beauty vary significantly across the globe. However, Filipino society does place a considerable emphasis on attractiveness and aesthetics. This is evident in the vibrant festivals, meticulous personal grooming, and the prominence of beauty pageants
Jesse
T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri
see the world, so to speak - and the rest is history, as they say) – Sancho joined “Binibining Pilipinas” and finished first runner-up to Gloria Diaz who would become the country’s first Miss Universe titleholder in history.
Two years later, the Philippine Tourism Authority appointed Sancho to represent the country at the Queen of the Pacific in Melbourne, Australia. She won the title and bagged the “Most Photogenic Award” at the same time, too! While on the subject, she was also a sought-after model for world-renowned couturier “Pitoy” Moreno.
She died at age 71 on September 1st, 2022.
Writer and historian Macariu Tiu called Sancho “a true freedom fighter.”
within the country. Miss Universe, for instance, are not just watched but celebrated across the archipelago.
Growing up in a culture that celebrates beauty as such a vibrant manner inevitably leads to taking an extra step in self-presentation.
What the heck’s the matter?
Just take the case of my high school class of ’64 classmate and best friend forever Jean – being named as Miss Villamor High School – the title has sticked to her even to this day when half of our batch have already gone to Heaven – and every one of us still around (albeit in our late 70s) – yet, to all of us concerned - we will always remember pretty Jean that way – her beautiful high school image - reminds us all that she is still our beloved Miss Villamor!
Ha-ha-ha-ha!
Beauty queens are highly regarded in our old country so obsessed with the three “Bs”: basketball, boxing and beauty pageants. They enjoy influence across the fashion and entertainment worlds, while some even thrive in politics.
But my other schoolmate at Villamor High School then – she was a freshman (1st year student) while I was a graduating senior – by the name of Nelia de los Reyes Sancho – picked a different path – one of fighting for basic human rights and pushing to empower women. She was also one of the co-founders of the progressive Gabriela Women’s Party. Sancho embodied “beauty with a purpose” – a famous beauty pageant tagline then – bagged the “Queen of the Pacific” title in 1971.
In 1969, while still a student at the University of the Philippines (I was at this premier Filipino educational institution from 1964 to 1966 when I later joined the United States Navy to
“Beauty, brains and genuine love for the Filipino people. A most beautiful soul, a hero of the Filipino people,” Tiu added.
No doubts about it, my latelamented Villamor High schoolmate Nelia Sancho was definitely an authentic beauty with a purpose! Rest in paradise, my dear friend! Then, of course - there’s the warmth and hospitality that Filipinos are known for. It’s an intrinsic part of the culture. From the beaming smile of a stranger to the unassuming care woven into their interactions, this cultural warmth can amplify perceptions of pulchritude. After all, beauty is not just seen but also felt, too.
Living in in our adopted hometown of San Diego – “America’s Finest City” – I’ve seen beauty in many forms – in the majestic greenery of the Southwest, the diverse tapestry of its people, and in cultures that come alive in neighborhoods throughout the city. Yet, whenever I meet someone from our old homeland or of Filipino descent or is in fact, actually a fellow “kababayan” – there’s always the unmistakable radiance, both in the aesthetics and in their demeanor. So, to my original $64,000 question: Why are Filipinos especially its womenfolk disproportionately beautiful?
I say it’s because of a combination of genetic diversity, cultural emphasis on appearance and presentation and the intangible warmth of Filipino hospitality. But at the heart of it is the reminder that beauty, in all its forms and expressions, is a universal language – yet it’s construed subjectively. And in those intrinsic interpretations, we find our personal ideals of beauty reflected back to us. “Amen” to that! Mabuhay!!
The Man who could be Pope, Part 4
Filipino Catholics who still cling to the devotions as part of their inherited tradition. European Catholics sneer at them for practicing such pagan traditions. In Pope Francis’ concept of a new way of soaking up the joy of the Gospel. This is the challenge that Cardinal Tagle is facing in his capacity as the pope’s topman in the evangelization of Asia. It could make or break his chances for the papacy.
Tagle is saying the right things but may not be necessarily doing enough about the things he talks about other than listening and making use of the pulpit. At some point, he needs to show some boldness, maybe a break from his mold. For example, Philippine bishops heard him when he encouraged them of “spiritual listening to God, to neighbors, and to the sign of the times.” Yet, in practice they continue to miss the sign of the times, while cozying up to the elites and the wealthy at the expense of poor Filipino Catholics who constitute the majority in the country.
People are forgetting the long history of how Catholicism beached the Asian shores. For East Timor and the Philippines, they both enjoy a big majority share of Catholics in their respective countries. They also share a similar history of being colonized by foreign powers. Remember that the colonizers came and rendered
judgments that the locals were pagans, and they denigrated their religions, their cultures because theirs, as they assert in triumphalist manner, is the center of the universe.
To back their judgments, they brought the force of empire or brute colonial power, employed religious crusades and inquisitions, or rendered threats of excommunication. As history shows, their coming had lethal consequences where people in great numbers, cultures, and tradition disappeared. Ideas were suppressed, and for those who tried to resist, they died by the worst imaginable way –all in the name of what they called the truth.
The trial of Cardinal Zen reminds us of and should remind Cardinal Tagle of these truths that are incompatible with our understanding of who God is. Cardinal Zen and others wanted to journey together with the peoples of Asia, and they were making headways as Asia found itself with high rates of conversion to Catholicism.
Being products of wars and conflicts, however, many of these countries like what they are hearing from the pope, to “creatively develop ‘different ways’ to proclaim the joy of the Gospel, to form new generations of missionary disciples, and to labor for the extension of Christ’s kingdom of universal holiness, justice, and peace.” They
view this as Vatican II’s thrust of moving forward. The theological ecclesiology needs to be in harmony with the vision of that council (i.e., Latin Mass, role of the laity).
The Asian People of God are saying, “God has reached us and told us not to return to Herod,” but that is exactly what the agreement with Communist China is telling us to do.” Why not go “a different way,” as Matthew put it in the Scriptures, with God warning the magi in a dream. Clearly, there is a need to “creatively develop different ways to proclaim the joy of the Gospel” because Vatican II in essence, ended the Constantinian era.
With Pope John Paul II’s imprimatur on the document on religious freedom (Dignitatis Humanae), forced conversion and coercion should now belong in the past. Ecumenism (communio et missio) has been a key element of Vatican II for a living church that Pope Francis keeps reminding bishops towards a universal church, to follow Jesus’ dictum to “go out there and make disciples of nations.”
In his lead role in the evangelization of peoples, Cardinal Tagle should start holding many feet to the fire, particularly in the Philippines. He needs to proclaim that the Catholic Church idiom “Church of the Poor,” does not literally mean embracing poverty
to fill the pews. Rather, embracing Christ’s poverty means to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor. Stated differently, the growing number of billionaires in the Philippines (or other Asian countries) must be held accountable for their financial (greed) and ecological sins that’s driving many people to leave their families for overseas employment or be victims of human trafficking. Will Cardinal-bishop Tagle embrace liberation theology and pull the trigger on recalcitrant bishops? Will he ask himself, “what would Pope Chito say or do regarding the fate of poor Filipinos and Chinese Catholics, both of his ancestry? Will he speak truth to power? Will he walk his talk:
“It is sad that those who worship idols sacrifice other people while preserving themselves and their interests. How many factory workers are being denied the right wages for the god of profit? How many women are being sacrificed to the god of domination? How many children are being sacrificed to the god of lust? How many trees, rivers, hills are being sacrificed to the god of ‘progress’? How many poor people are being sacrificed to the god of greed? How many defenseless people are being sacrificed to the god of national security?” (To be continued)
influences from Malay, Chinese,
Presenting Miss Villamor High School, the author's classmate and good friend Josefina "Jean" Punsalan circa 1964.
The Philippines' Juvyel Anne Saluta is Miss Elite 2024!
A composite of the author's (Villamor High School) schoolmate Nelia Sancho's journey from fashion model, beauty queen, student activist, women's rights advocate, mother and grandmother.
Unforgettable crowning moments of Miss Universe winners from the Philippines.
Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale
Spiritual Life
The Value of Daily Devotionals
Do you have a daily devotional?
A book or a pamphlet that will inspire you and lead you to meditate on the Word of God. Yes, I have my personal Holy Bible, but I also have “My Daily Bread”, “The Upper Room”, and “In Touch”. I also have “Streams in the Desert” by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, a birthday gift from a beloved niece.
According to the publishers, the first edition of “Streams in the Desert” was released in 1925. In it were thoughts, quotations and spiritual inspiration which had helped to sustain Mrs. Comman during her years of missionary work in Japan and China.
I did not tell my niece that her mother also gave me “Streams in the Desert” 60 years ago. Someone borrowed the book but never returned it. Now I have a copy of the latest edition. Thank you, Ester and Marty for your invaluable birthday gift.
May I share with my readers, the first reading for the New Year, headlined by this verse, “The land whither ye go to possess it is a land of hills and valleys and drinketh water of the rain of heaven; a land which the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.”
Deuteronomy 11:11-12.
“Today, dear friends, we stand
Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera
My Personal Testimony
upon the verge of the unknown. There lies before us the new year and we are going forth to possess it. Who can tell what we shall find? What new experiences, what changes shall come, what new needs shall arise? But here is the cheering, comforting, gladdening message from our heavenly Father, “The Lord thy God careth for it.” ”His eyes are upon it away to the ending of the year.”
“All our supply is to come from the Lord. Here are springs that shall never dry; here are fountains and streams that shall never be cut off. Here, anxious one, is the gracious pledge of the heavenly Father. If He be the source of our mercies they can never fail us. No heat, no drought, can parch that river, “the streams whereof make glad the city of God.”
“The land is a land of hills and valleys. It is not smooth nor all
downhill. If life were all one dead level of dull sameness it would oppress us; we want the hills and the valleys. The hills collect the rain for a hundred fruitful valleys. Ah, so it is with us! It is the hill difficulty that drives us to the throne of grace and brings down the shower of blessings; the hills, the bleak hills of life that we wonder and perhaps grumble at, bring down the showers.We cannot tell what loss and sorrow and trial are doing. Trust only. The Father comes near to take our hand and lead us on our way today. It shall be a good, a blessed new year! Almighty and ever loving God, we lay bare our hearts and souls to you. Teach us to trust and obey your Will, as we walk through the hills and valleys of our lives. Fill us with your love and grace, and make us a blessing to others. Amen.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength
The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:19)
The book of Habakkuk inspired Martin Luther's reformation and the book "Hinds Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hunnard. Habakkuk encourages us to question what God is doing in our lives. When we are thrown into suffering for a period of time, or our enemies are prospering while we are just barely getting by, we wonder about the equity of God and life. Habakkuk affirms that God is God and we are made to scale the mountains of adversity. We just need to be still and know He is at work. He is who He says He is and does keep His promises.
God equips His people to scale the heights even in the midst of great challenges. He enables us to go to the higher places with Him where we are set apart from the world. Sometimes the way we have to go to get us there is through suffering and sorrow, but if we rest in Him and trust Him we come out where He wants us.
When Jesus told the disciples He was going to send the Holy Spirit to them, it was in order for them to scale the mountain before them with a new form of power they had not experienced. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
If you find yourself in a place of
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Superior Court in 2020, claiming sexual battery and assault. She included Tesla as a defendant, accusing the carmaker of negligence for continuing to provide the husband access to the car even though she had a restraining order against him.
She began her requests to Tesla to end access in 2018, a year after the police began investigating her complaints. The carmaker told her that as long as her husband’s name remained on the vehicle’s title as coowner, they couldn’t deny him access.
Superior Court Judge Curtis Karnow sided with Tesla that the woman had no proof “other than her belief and imagination” that her husband had used the car’s technology to stalk and harass her, according to court transcripts. Both husband and wife had “a right” to use the car technology, he wrote. At their request, both Kailey and her husband have been identified only by their initials in
Greetings in the Lord!
Today is the twenty fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Last Sunday we reflected on the need to know fully the identity of Jesus and the purpose of his mission in the world. In my article last week I mentioned that Jesus may be fully understood not only by serious studies of the scriptures and the teachings of the Church, but especially through spiritual encounter of Jesus that happens through prayer and mystical experience. One should be open to grace which is a gratuitous gift of God so that he would be able to comprehend the mystery of the person of Jesus and accept the demands of becoming his faithful disciple. The demands particularly centers on self-denial, carrying the cross and following Jesus. This is discipleship that the evangelist St. Mark has emphatically focused his lessons in the gospel that he wrote. In fact the gospel reading of today is a logical continuation of the gospel last Sunday.
He clearly explained how suffering, passing, death and resurrection essentially form part of his mission. Furthermore, Jesus mentioned that discipleship, namely following Jesus would really demand self-denial, sufferings and carrying of one’s cross in order to follow Him faithfully. Nevertheless
in a very short while the disciples were much concerned not so much on the content of his teachings but on the glory that would consequently follow when Jesus is risen from the dead. They were already concerned about greatness in Christ’s Kingdom and who among them could be the greatest. What a complete incomprehension of Christ’s message even among those who heard him personally.
For this reason the message that Jesus proclaimed is very important is very necessary in order to become his disciple. His message is “if anyone wishes to be first, he shall be last of all and the servant of all.”
The measure of greatness is not preeminence but humility. Service is the manifestation of one virtue that is the basis of discipleship. Only a humble and simple person
PILIPINAS
has the ability to deny himself and carry the cross in concrete service to others. Continuing his message, Jesus brought into the midst of the apostles a child, and “putting his arms around it, he said to them, ‘whoever receives one child such as this is my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”
The picture of Jesus holding a child in the midst of his confused apostles is not only a fruit of imagination but a prophetic presentation of the current situation that continues in the world today. Until now we hear of so many people who to proclaim themselves to be servants who want to serve others. We do not have the right to make any judgment of their intentions and motivations, but the example of a child in the midst of the apostles should always be a reminder that service should always be motivated out of love for Jesus who was sent by His heavenly Father in order to bring the message of authentic love into the world. Loving children is the best expression of our true and sincere desire to accept Jesus in our midst, and loving the unborn children is the most concrete expression of our desire to accept God who is invisible, but existent and real.
Danny Hernaez From Whom
doubting God and His plan for your life, know that this is a normal aspect of your journey in God. However, know that God has made available His Holy Spirit in order for you to accomplish the tasks that lie ahead. Ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to achieve the heights for which He has created you. ; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. (Habakkuk 3:19)
The book of Habakkuk inspired Martin Luther's reformation and the book "Hinds Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hunnard. Habakkuk encourages us to question what God is doing in our lives. When we are thrown into suffering for a period of time, or our enemies are prospering while we are just barely getting by, we wonder about the equity of God and life. Habakkuk affirms that God is God and we are made to scale the mountains of adversity. We just need to be still and know He is at work. He is who He says He is and does keep His promises.
God equips His people to scale the heights even in the midst of great challenges. He enables us to go to
court documents.
In the early part of the police investigation, Tesla had told police that the remote access logs they were asking for were only available within seven days of the events recorded, according to the lawsuit.
Kailey lost the case and has relocated out of California, she said. The couple decided to sell their car. Their divorce and custody issues are pending.
Tesla did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
AAI concerned about potential for harm
Other automakers offer similar tracking and remote access features, although some of them have taken steps to prevent the misuse of data their vehicles track.
In a May 23 letter to the Federal Communications Commission, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI), a technology-focused trade group for automakers and suppliers that represents 98% of car and light trucks sold in the United States, stressed that it was concerned about
the higher places with Him where we are set apart from the world. Sometimes the way we have to go to get us there is through suffering and sorrow, but if we rest in Him and trust Him we come out where He wants us.
When Jesus told the disciples He was going to send the Holy Spirit to them, it was in order for them to scale the mountain before them with a new form of power they had not experienced. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
If you find yourself in a place of doubting God and His plan for your life, know that this is a normal aspect of your journey in God. However, know that God has made available His Holy Spirit in order for you to accomplish the tasks that lie ahead.
Ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to achieve the heights for which He has created you.
Speak Lord, Your servant is listening <(((><
the potential for abuse of connected vehicle services to stalk or harass domestic violence survivors.
Disclosing location-tracking data to an abuser could “create a potential for significant harm,” the AAI wrote.
Min’s bill would address many of those concerns. It would require carmakers to disable an abuser’s access to connected vehicle services within two business days of receiving a request from a survivor. Documentation, such as proof of legal possession of the vehicle, or a domestic violence restraining order that awards vehicular possession would be enough to sever digital access with their abuser even if they hold a joint title, according to a press release from Min’s office.
Kailey said she was happy that the bill had made it to the governor’s desk because survivors like herself should not have to go through what she did.
“The reason I bought that car was because I thought it was safe,” she said.
Viji Sundaram is a freelance reporter based in the Bay Area.
Pilipinas, binubuo ka ng mahigit pitong libong mga pulo Mga mamamayan, ibat-iba ang kultura at wika Subalit nagkakaisa sa damdamin at diwa Nagkakabuklod-buklod sa pagmamahal at pananampalataya.
Pilipinas, isa kang kaakit-akit na bansa Kung kayat ang mga dayuhan ay nahalina Ikaw ay nagdusa, lumaban at nagtiyaga Ngayon isa ka ng matatatag at mapayapang bansa.
Hindi man kanaisnais na ikaw ay sakupin Tumanaw ng kagandahang loob marunong ka rin
Mula sa bansang Espanya, ang Panginoon ay nakilala sa simbahang Catolico, At sa bansang America naman, mamuhay na may Kalayaan
at Demokrasya Ang mga Pilipino ay natuto. `
Nagsabi ang ating Pambansang Bayani
“Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinangalingan Hindi makakarating sa paroroonan”. Ikaw Pilipinas ang aming bayang pinangalingan
Ang Pilipino, saan man lugar sa mundo Nagnanais makabalik sa piling mo.
Ang Pilipino, saan man lugar siya madistino Marunong makibagay, nanatiling masipag at nagpupunyagi Nagsisikap at nagpapakabuti
Maari mo silang ipagmalaki, tunay na mga bayani.
Aming dalangin Pilipinas, na pagtibayin ng Panginoon ang pamilyang Pilipino Magkaisa sa pagmamahal
at pananampalataya Iwasan ang pagkawatakwatak Patuloy na mamuhay ng maayos, punong puno ng kaligayahan at galak.
Patuloy ka rin sanang akbayan ng Panginoon Hilumin ka sa iyong mga sugat at pagdurusa Ilayo ka sa anumang kapahamakan Pagkalooban ka ng patuloy na Kalayaan at Kapayapaan.
Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic
Ni Salvador S. Idos
Salvador S. Idos
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financial contributions from the members, utilization of their social circle, and serious efforts to show the Filipino-American community that they have been in existence as a prime example of women empowerment and culture caretaker.
Magsarili pointed out, “It is my hope that the legacy continues and that future members won’t forget the 13 women who started this and who sacrificed much under the conditions at the time.”
At present, FAWC is known for having the cheapest membership fees while sharing generous contributions to their causes. The crowning of Mrs. and Miss Sampaguita happens every five years, as the deserving ones carrying the titles make use of their privilege to put on display the legacy of the club and the timeless beauty of Filipina in general.
There are ongoing efforts to heighten up the sharing of experiences among the involved women so as to further determine what resources to provide them. FAWC Member Lorna Delos Santos noted that further education of the women on significant matters is something to look forward to as the club gears up in keeping up with the modern times.
Regina Agarma, beloved FAWC president For a club that elects its president every December, Regina Agarma’s ongoing stint as the women’s club leader is a shimmering reflection of her amiable character and work, having embraced the position for the last nine years.
Agarma, a club member for many years, is a realtor by profession, a family woman by passion, and a neighborhood darling by reputation. She had pushed for the formation of a dance troupe to showcase Rigodon, which she loves to label as the signature dance of the FilipinoAmerican Women’s Club (FAWC) of San Diego.
In her belief that empowering the women necessitates more initiatives from her, she has offered the Agarma Realty office, her family business situated in National City, as a meeting
venue for the group. When there is a need to rehearse for scheduled dance performances, she would quickly offer their house’s backyard as family members volunteer to help her prepare the area.
She said of the current FAWC, “We love to dance, like it’s a part of our exercise as senior citizens, and show people our Filipino cultural dance. We are happy to accommodate invitations from other organizations so we gather and dance whenever we can.”
She added, “We love to eat, have potluck, while everybody is cooperative, including my husband and children who all come and fix the backyard and table when we practice. The members bring food as we rehearse, share stories, and enjoy.”
For spearheading dances that mirror the culture and wisdom of
Filipinos, and speaking to other community leaders during certain functions, Agarma noted that some individuals would approach her to express their interest in becoming members of FAWC themselves. “I’m elated that they want to join,” she expressed.
Agarma is mother to five boys and a business and dance partner to her loving husband Rogelio. She acknowledges the value of spouses in the lives of empowered women that she makes sure to include Father’s Day as part of FAWC’s calendar of activities. FAWC members give plaques of honor to their equally inspirational and hard working husbands.
It’s her treatment of both the enabled club members and the disadvantaged women as family that ultimately makes Agarma a club heroine to admire. She said,
“My heart is in the women. They’re family, too.”
Both Agarma and Magsarili have pointed out the advantage of Filipinos being sociable and hospitable which led to the creation of FAWC. Add to it the cooperative nature that pervades within FAWC and you have the right organization where you feel at home and look into its gatherings with thrill and much hope. FAWC members speak the same language and dance in step with each other.
“We hope the tradition and culture will continue and live through the years,” Magsarili added.
With the members expected to increase in number empowered and mentored through the guidance of its able leaders, and the untiring help of their families and friends, there is no doubt the club’s centenary 25 years later is foreseeable. An exciting journey ahead is assured.
lives step by
SAN DIEGO, CA-- American Heart Association volunteers, local businesses as well as heart disease and stroke survivors will participate. in this year’s San Diego Heart and Stroke Walk sponsored by Sharp Healthcare, QuidelOrtho, Rady Children’s Hospital, Swinerton, Qualcomm, Cabrillo Credit Union and Emerald Textiles.
The American Heart Association and more than 8,000 community members will walk at the San Diego Heart and Stroke Walk on Saturday, September 21st. The Expo segment
Opens at 6:30am and the Walk Begins at 7:30 at 6th Avenue andLaurel St. Balboa Park. Nine out of ten people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital die. In most of those cases, bystander CPR was not performed. That is why the American Heart Association is broadening efforts to drive CPR education, awareness and community initiatives through the Heart & Stroke Walk, the Association’s
LIFESAVERS
largest community facing initiative. Through fundraising, community education and corporate engagement, the Heart & Stroke Walk aims to enhance CPR training accessibility, bolster bystander preparedness, increase funding for vital research, and save and improve lives from cardiovascular diseases. Participants can register for the Heart and Stroke Walk at SDHeartWalk.org. From there, they can create a fundraising page, download the Heart and Stroke Walk mobile app, invite family and friends to participate and take part in the Heart
Walk CPR Digital Experience to learn Hands-Only CPR in 90 seconds. The Heart & Stroke Walk will honor heart and stroke survivors by having a survivor area, a bell for survivors to ring when they finish the walk and a photo area. By participating and donating to the San Diego Heart and Stroke Walk, participants are supporting the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association and safeguarding that fewer people die from stroke and heart disease. Every walker who joins, every dollar donated, means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more research, and more lifesaving moments for everyone. I walk to save lives. You can too.
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