City of San Diego Kicks Off Next Phase of Construction at Mira Mesa Community Park
SAN DIEGO – On September 25, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and City Councilmember Kent Lee joined City staff and community members to celebrate the start of construction on the second phase of a major improvement project at Mira Mesa Community Park.
"The Mira Mesa community has waited more than 20 years for these park improvements, and I’m proud to say that we are finally getting it done," said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.
"Today, we are breaking ground on the next phase of the Mira Mesa Community Park improvements, bringing long-overdue amenities like an aquatic complex, a plaza designed for bikes, skateboards, scooters and wheelchairs, and upgraded recreation facilities. We are delivering on our promise to ensure every San Diegan has access to quality parks and recreational facilities."
The project will redevelop the existing park space to include a new aquatic complex, an all-wheel plaza, two children’s play areas, two multiuse sports courts, open grass areas, a public art piece, a parking lot, ADA-accessible walkways, lighting, landscaping and irrigation. The aquatic complex will have a 14-lane competition pool, an activity pool and a splash pad and the all-wheel plaza allows access for skateboarders, roller skaters and riders of scooters, bikes and wheelchairs.
With a total cost of $55 million, the park project also includes renovations
to the existing Mira Mesa Recreation Center, like installing new heating ventilation and airconditioning, replacing damaged wood and finishes, and repainting the building’s exterior.
“Our community has been looking forward to these park upgrades for so long, and now we can finally see progress being made,” said City Councilmember Kent Lee. “From a new competition-sized aquatic complex and much-needed
renovations to the recreation center to upgraded playgrounds and ball fields as well as new public plazas, Mira Mesa is receiving the investments it has long deserved. I am grateful for the work and advocacy of local community leaders and excited to break ground on this important project."
Mira Mesa Community Park is more than 28 acres and is divided into two areas by New Salem Street.
An approximately 11-acre park sits north of New Salem Street and was improved as part of Phase I of the Mira Mesa Community Park Improvements project. The work was completed in 2018 and included new baseball fields, a children’s play area, a comfort station and a parking lot.
The remaining 17-acre park south of New Salem Street is being redeveloped in Phase II of the project. A third phase of this project is being
planned and is expected to focus on expanding the size and amenities of the Mira Mesa Recreation Center.
There’s currently no timeline for Phase III as a funding source has not yet been identified.
“We are thrilled to get the second phase of the Mira Mesa Community Park Improvements project under construction and move one step closer to delivering these muchneeded upgrades to this community,”
said Luis Schaar, Acting Director of the Engineering and Capital Projects Department. “This project couldn’t have reached this stage without significant community support and input during the design phase. We can’t wait to bring their vision to life with amenities for all ages, like the aquatic complex and all-wheel plaza, which will serve residents for decades to come.”
Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. For additional information regarding the Mira Mesa Community Park Phase II project, visit sandiego.gov/MiraMesaCP. Project Schedule & Budget or change areas of interest. Feedback For schedule and budget info, visit the Capital Improvements Program project webpage (https://cipapp.sandiego.gov/ CIPDetail.aspx? ID=L16002.1). Contact Us For questions or concerns about the project, call the Engineering & Capital Projects Department at 619-533-4207, submit your inquiry online (/cip/about/comment) or email engineering@sandiego.gov (mailto:engineering@sandiego. gov). Please reference the "Mira Mesa Community Park Improvements Phase II" in your inquiry
SAN DIEGO, CA -- Filipino Loving People (FLP) Festival is an exhilarating outdoor music event representing four decades of local, national, and international artists. Enjoy Filipino food, specialty drinks, and mainstream artists of the past and present such as the Queen of Freestyle, Jocelyn Enriquez, smooth ballads of Drop-N-Harmony, Canadian nominated Breakthrough Group of the Year, Crash Adams, Australian girl group H3RIZON, and several more performers. This year's event takes place during Filipino American History Month on Saturday, October 12 from 1:00pm to 10:00pm at Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego Ca 92101. FLP Festival reimagines the fiesta as an adult only, 21+ and over event. Set against the scenic backdrop of San Diego Bay, attendees will enter a Filipino Village with examples of a bahay kubo, sari sari store, and have a chance to sit in and take pictures on a tricycle and Philippine Jeepney. There will be traditional entertainment along with cultural displays of "Our Filipino community has so much talent, but rarely do we get an opportunity, or venue, to showcase entertainers from across the oceans. FLP Festival brings artists from Canada, Australia, Philippines, and the U.S." Mazares states that the event is also created to support local arts and causes. More than just bridging together entertainment and education, proceeds from the
By Jeannine Chiang/eMS
How can younger generations expect to uphold our nation’s fragile democracy if we’re disconnected from the conversations that matter most?
SACREMENTO, CA -- This morning in my United States Government and Politics class, a simple question from my teacher prompted an unexpectedly heavy silence: “Who watched the Presidential debate on Tuesday, Sept. 10th?”
One by one, my classmates responded, offering up reasons for why they hadn’t in fact watched the debate, whether because of soccer practice, or art class, or piles of homework — a snapshot of our busy teenage lives.
But the fact remains that very few of my fellow students, if any, had watched the debate, which drew an audience of some 67 million Americans. Not even the highlights.
As a senior, this realization hits hard.
Most of us will turn 18 this year, finally old enough to vote and, along with it, take on the responsibility to shape our future. But how can we expect to uphold our nation’s fragile democracy, or make decisions that will guide our country’s future course if we’re disconnected from the conversations that matter most?
It’s a scary thought, but it’s an increasingly common reality. Members of Gen Z — those of us born between 1996 and 2010 — rarely if at all consume the news even when we do bother to engage. Our sources aren’t The New York Times or The Washington Post; in fact, they aren’t news sites at all.
According to the Pew Research Center, about one-third of Americans
aged 18 to 29 regularly get their news from TikTok. Social media offers quick, accessible snippets, but understanding the nuances of our political reality demands a critical eye and media literacy skills
that many of us simply haven’t developed and that social media doesn’t offer. The result? A generation consuming content curated by
The Pampered Pinay Lifestyle: Fall Faves
By Francine Maigue
The chill in the air and refreshing rainy days fill me with excitement as they remind me…IT”S FALL! Time for my favorite tastes, looks,
and smells! Here are just a few of my fall style faves—from work wear to cinnamon scented sweets: WORK WEAR
I love layers, and fall presents the perfect opportunity to combine different textures and colors. I especially love combining a pencil skirt with a sweater and finishing off the look with comfy and stylish booties (sure beats stilettos!).
MAKEUP
Taking our cue from Mother Nature herself, this season’s colors of crimson, gold, and auburn look just as great on our face as they do on our fall leaves! Try combining golden toned eyeshadow with auburn eyeliner, peachy cheeks, and deep crimson lips. HAIR
Ladies, rejoice! Dolling up our hair this season is as quick as adorning our locks with a headband. From crocheted beauties to jewel and feather-trimmed
metal bases (even 80’s-inspired, wide-band stretchers), anything goes! Getting ready in the morning just got a little bit faster!
TABLE SETTING Decorating is a snap this fall. For a quick and chic centerpiece, simply place a vanilla scented candle in the middle of jewel-colored cranberries. Really…could it get any easier?
TEA TREAT
It’s tempting to dig into the decadent drinks and pastries that tease us around this time of year. Navigating through the calorie-laden options and intoxicating aromas can be tough. If you’re trying not to pack on any seasonal pounds (…or as I like to call it, “insulation”), I recommend trying some satisfying fall teas like ginger coconut, cranberry orange, Turkish apple, and pumpkin spice black tea. (I sweeten mine with agave nectar and add a dash of cinnamon!)
By Sunita Sohra Bji/EMS
Kamala Harris, the daughter of immigrant parents from India and Jamaica, failed to defend immigration and migration in her onstage rebuttals to her opponent.
Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump went full throttle on immigrants during the Sept. 10 Presidential debate, vowing to deport at least 15 million migrants immediately after taking office.
“These people coming in… they’re eating the dogs. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” said the former President, referencing debunked reports of Haitian migrants trapping animals and barbecuing them in Springfield, Ohio.
Karen Graves, strategic engagement manager for Springfield, told CBS News there was no evidence to substantiate such claims. “In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community,”she said.
Sen. Ted Cruz, and X/formerly Twitter owner Elon Musk posted similar claims a day before the debate.
‘Violent Criminals’ Immigration was at the center of the evening debate, which took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a key battleground state. “Pennsylvania is the battleground of battlegrounds. It’s where everything’s going down,”
Mohan Seshadri, executive director of the Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance, told reporters at a Sept. 6 EMS news briefing.
Trump kept invoking immigration into almost every question asked by ABC News reporters David Muir and Lynsey Davis. He blamed migration for high inflation levels. “We have millions of people pouring into our country from prisons and jails, from mental institutions and insane asylums. And they’re coming in and they’re taking jobs that are occupied right now by African-Americans and Hispanics and also unions.”
Trump blamed immigrants for high levels of crime, saying that their home countries, conversely, had seen a drop in crime as more criminals allegedly flood the US. “They are taking over the towns. They’re taking over buildings. They’re going in violently. These are the people that Harris and Biden led into our country. And they’re destroying our country. They’re dangerous.”
Mass Deportation Plan
Muir asked Trump about his plan to deport more than 11 million migrants, asking if border patrol agents would “go door to door.” Trump evaded the question, saying
algorithms, designed not for accuracy but for engagement, clicks and likes.
Last night, after watching the Presidential debate on ABC News, I scrolled through TikTok to unwind.
I was immediately bombarded by videos about Vice President and Democratic Nominee Kamala Harris. Accounts like @kamalahq, boasting over four million followers, churned out pro-Harris content set to trending music, complete with memes and jokes, often at the expense of Republican Nominee Donald Trump.
One video in particular stood out: a slide reading, “Tonight a convicted felon will debate,” alongside a photo of Trump, followed by another slide of Harris labeled “a prosecutor.” The comments were filled with mocking laughter and “LMAO,” reflecting a narrative aimed not at fostering understanding but promoting ridicule.
Politics, it seems, has become less about civic engagement and more about entertainment for many of my generation. We engage
the numbers were closer to 21 million people. He has said he will use the National Guard, the US military and local law enforcement to carry out the largest mass deportation in US history.
Throughout the debate, which went over its 90-minute time schedule, Harris, the daughter of an Indian immigrant mother, and a Jamaican immigrant father, did not once defend or champion immigration and migration.
The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy released a report in August noting that in 2022, undocumented immigrants paid nearly $100 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue, an average of roughly $9000 per person.
Undocumented Immigrants Pour Billions Into Economy
Undocumented immigrants that year paid $25.7 billion in Social Security taxes, $6.4 billion in Medicare taxes, and $1.8 billion in unemployment insurance taxes in 2022. But they are barred from receiving Social Security, Medicare, or unemployment benefits. If implemented, Trump’s draconian mass deportation plan would “create a perfect storm of economic hardship for California and other major agricultural states,” said Edward Kissam, in a recent op-ed for EMS. Undocumented immigrants add about $2 billion annually to California’s coffers.
“Given that at least four out of five undocumented farmworkers plan to keep on working in agriculture for 5+ years, why deport them when labor shortages have been a constant challenge for the industry for at least two decades?,” questioned Kissam, noting that undocumented immigrants serve not only in the fields, but also as supervisors, production managers, packing house workers, technicians, truck drivers, and warehouse workers.
Filipina Nurses
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the US relied on nurses from the Philippines, who make up about onethird of foreign-born LVNs. Filipina nurses served on the front-line of the pandemic, working directly with patients in hospitals and assisted living facilities. Conversely, white
through the lens of celebrities and influencers rather than through direct involvement. Candidates gain support not because of their policies but because our favorite stars endorse them.
Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris, for example, dominated conversations among my friends, overshadowing any substantive discussion of the debate itself.
My Instagram feed was filled with memes referencing Swift’s “Childless Cat Lady” comment — a playful jab at GOP VP Candidate JD Vance’s remarks deriding unmarried women.
Swift’s post displaced any discussion about Trump or Harris’ policy stances.
And it’s not just Harris or Swift — the broader conversation often drifts into the absurd. I saw more about Trump’s outlandish and false claims — like bizarre statements about “immigrants eating pets” or “executing babies” — than any real discussion of policy. It feels as if the genuine issues facing our country are buried beneath sensational sound bites and clickbait, reducing the serious business of democracy to a string of viral moments. I’m worried we’re missing the
Pacific Arts Movement Celebrates 25th San Diego Asian Film Festival with Free Youth Ticket Program and Reel Voices Milestone
SAN DIEGO. CA -- Pacific Arts Movement (Pac Arts) is thrilled to announce the 25th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF), taking place November 7-16, 2024. In honor of this milestone, Pac Arts is introducing an exciting new initiative: free festival tickets for high schoolaged youth and under. This initiative aims to inspire and engage the next generation of film lovers by providing young people access to groundbreaking Asian and Asian American cinema.
peers but even from myself. Being able to imagine something in my head then discovering how to bring that to life was something very special for me and the Reel Voices program helped me as much as they could providing equipment and support."
This year’s Reel Voices Class of 2024 will premiere their films during the festival, showcasing their talent and vision.
nurses worked largely in outpatient settings, according to a report from the Berkeley Interdisciplinary Migration Initiative.
In total, immigrants account for 17% of U.S. GDP, amounting to $3.3 trillion annually.
Border Czar
As Vice President, Harris has been tasked with getting the US border under control and getting at the root causes of migration from Central America. At the debate, Trump lashed into Harris’s failures in controlling the border, and claimed that millions of migrants had poured into the country under her watch.
Moderator Muir noted that illegal border crossings had reached an all time high over the past three years, and asked why the Biden Administration had waited until 6 months before the election to enact new policies.
Harris fought back with remarks she has made several times on the campaign trail. “I’m the only person on this stage who has prosecuted transnational criminal organizations for the trafficking of guns, drugs, and human beings.”
Trump Killed the Bill She noted that members of Congress last year came up with a bipartisan bill to secure the border, which she supported. “That bill would have put 1,500 more border agents on the border. It would have allowed us to stem the flow of fentanyl coming into the United States and put more resources to allow us to prosecute transnational criminal organizations for trafficking in guns, drugs, and human beings.”
“But you know what happened to that bill? Donald Trump got on the phone, called up some folks in Congress, and said, ‘kill the bill.’ Because he’d prefer to run on a problem instead of fixing a problem,” said Harris. “The people of our country actually need a leader who engages in solutions, who actually addresses the problems at hand.”
Moments after the debate, Harris got a much-anticipated endorsement from mega-star Taylor Swift, who, in a rebuff to Trump’s running mate JD Vance, posted her endorsement on Instagram alongside a photo in which she hugged her cat.
point. In a world that increasingly values the quick hit of dopamine from a “like” or a share, what happens to our commitment to the slow, deliberate work of being informed citizens? Democracy isn’t just about casting a vote on election day. We must engage with the complex, often uncomfortable truths of our society that require more than just scrolling through social media.
As young people, we’re poised to inherit a world that needs thoughtful, informed leadership more than ever. But if we’re not even willing to watch a debate, how can we expect to take on that responsibility? We owe it to ourselves — and to each other — to do better, to look beyond influencers and viral videos, and to engage deeply with the issues that truly matter.
Even Taylor Swift, in her endorsement, urged us to “do your research.” If we don’t, we risk becoming not just uninformed voters, but a generation that’s lost sight of what it truly means to be part of a democracy.
Jeannine Chiang is an aspiring journalist and a senior at Burlingame High School in Burlingame, California where she is a reporter for the school paper, The Burlingame B.
Attention Readers!
Do you know of any stores or restaurants that are opening or closing? Shopping deals/news? E-MAIL: filpressads@aol.com to share the scoop CALL: 619.434.1720
This initiative coincides with the 20th anniversary of Reel Voices, Pac Arts' acclaimed educational program. Since 2005, Reel Voices has empowered the next generation of filmmakers by nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and storytelling skills. The program encourages students to explore cultural diversity and address social issues through the art of documentary filmmaking. To date, over 196 students have graduated from the program, with many going on to pursue careers in film and media, making Reel Voices a transformative experience for aspiring filmmakers.
"Reel Voices was a great place for me to learn a new way to express myself,” said Aysha Lopez, student filmmaker from the Reel Voices Class of 2024. “Throughout my time with the Reel Voices cohort and our instructors, I was able to learn from not only my
The free youth ticket program will make SDAFF more accessible to young audiences, promoting cultural awareness and encouraging family and community participation. Through this initiative, Pac Arts seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for arts and culture and inspire future generations of festival supporters and filmmakers.
“For 25 years, Pacific Arts Movement has enriched San Diego’s cultural landscape and broadened access to diverse stories while building the capacity of future storytellers through our youth programs,” said Pacific Arts Movement Executive Director Alex Villafuerte. “To continue our legacy of breaking down barriers to arts and culture, our Board of Directors and staff are excited to offer free access to Asian, Asian-American, and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander media to youth across our county.”
This year's SDAFF will feature screenings at Regal Edwards Mira
Mesa, with additional special events at the San Diego Natural History Museum and the Museum of Photographic Arts @ SDMA in Balboa Park. Full festival line-up will be announced at this year’s SDAFF kickoff party, Chew The Scene, on October 8. ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL: Pacific Arts Movement (Pac Arts) is the most comprehensive portrait of Asian and Asian American cinema in North America. Located in San Diego, California, Pac Arts is the presenter of the annual San Diego Asian Film Festival, the largest showcase of Asian cinema on the West Coast, and the Spring Showcase of Asian Cinema. The 24th SDAFF is scheduled for November 2-11, 2023. For more information, visit http://pacarts.org. ABOUT PACIFIC ARTS MOVEMENT: Pacific Arts Movement (Pac Arts) launched in 2000 when it debuted the San Diego Asian Film Festival, a showcase of Asian American and Asian international cinema. Rooted in the love of film and the arts, global citizenship, and Asian culture and communities, Pac Arts became an official nonprofit media arts organization in 2002 and is now one of the most significant exhibitions of Asian cinema in North America.
Hello Dear Readers, Do you have stories, pictures, achievements, events or business leads to share? Feel free to email us at filpressads@aol.com We love to hear from you! Let our Fil-Am voices be heard, our achievements inspire our community, our pride & joy spread everywhere. Visit us at www.thefilipinopress.com
THE CURSILLO CAUSE: WHAT IS AN “ULTREYA”?
AND WHAT IS ITS ROLE IN THE MOVEMENT?
SAN DIEGO, CA Greetings!
For you folk out there still not aware of it yet, the plaudits and accolades and gushes of past participants of the many different Cursillo programs are readily available from friends and acquaintances and even online.
Many people have gone through a Cursillo Weekend (in their terminology, “made cursillo”) and have loved it. The aim of the program is to make known to people the love of God and to revive them for service to others as a lifetime priority.
To be honest, for me, this is certainly a good thing.
It must be said that though you may never have heard of this movement, it is definitely huge and growing. The Cursillo crusade takes place through one-on-one personal invitations, and much of the program is held in a private retreat, with its activities kept secret.
I only learned about the Cursillo Movement because of my wife Zeny who actually made cursillo back in the beloved old homeland of ours - and also because a reader once asked me to research it and maybe do an article about it. The fact of the matter is Cursillo is bigger than I knew!
Today, Cursillo is a universal movement with centers in nearly all South and Central American countries, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria, Australia, New Zealand Aotearoa, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and in several African nations –and of course – in our former old country - the Philippines.
The principle is recognized by the Holy See as member of the International Catholic Organization of the Pontifical Council for the Laity in Rome. So, should you join and attend a
Cursillo Weekend?
FYI: “Cursillo” is a recognized world-wide movement of the Roman Catholic Church, based on the charism given by the Holy Spirit to Eduardo Bonnin in the early 1940’s in Mallorca, Spain. The full name of the crusade is “Cursillo de Christianidad,” or “Short Course in Christianity” although it is really much more than that!
The Cursillo begins with a threeday weekend (separate men’s and women’s weekends) during which the participants experience three encounters: an encounter with one’s self, an encounter with Christ and an encounter with others. The three-day weekend is an intense experience of learning and spiritual growth in the Catholic Faith but also an opportunity to make new friends within the diocese and have some time to get away from the stresses of the world, have some fun, laugh and relax.
Unlike other retreats, Cursillo does not end after the three days event. The participants continue to live out what they have learned in their “fourth day” – their regular daily lives. Groups of Catholic
The question in Part 4 for Cardinal Tagle was whether he could walk his talk, embrace liberation theology, and pull the trigger on recalcitrant bishops. It’s a tall order for him especially with the turmoil surrounding the HamasIsraeli conflict that is escalating by the day. Russia’s Vladimir Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons if the West would allow Ukraine to strike deeper in Russia.
China, of course, is having a good time of its own doing; forcefully expanding its territory in the South China Seas and egging the Philippines and the United States by extension, to engage them militarily. With such turmoil, will there be even territories and lives left post-nuclear confrontation?
Pope Francis seems unperturbed by such grim possibilities and used his trip to Southeast Asia and the Pacific to remind people of his celebrity status, able to draw huge crowds. He used his bully pulpit to amplify his recurring message on synodality, climate change,
from page 1
festival will also provide funding to the Jonathan "JD" Deguzman Scholarship and the PORAC FUND A HERO campaign for Officer Austin Machitar and Officer Zachary Martinez. "Beyond having fun," Mazares says, "is the opportunity for festival goers to make an impact. Knowing you support FilAm artists and that a portion of their money spent for tickets and other sales will contribute to worthy matters. Success of this event is really bringing our kababayans together
violence, and conflict. In Indonesia, the largest Muslim populated country in the world, the pope wanted to close a little the religious divide between Christianity and Islam through interfaith dialogue. He even visited Jakarta’s largest mosque and sat down with the grand Imam for tete-a-tete.
Absent from his itinerary was Taiwan, a country with diplomatic relations with the Holy See. Clearly, he was mindful of not offending the Bear given the chilly relations with China now. He knew President Xi was monitoring his trip and praising China as a “great country” was his way of being diplomatic. “Someday, I’ll get to visit that country,” he said. The bilateral agreement between China and the Holy See has not been renewed yet.
Chinese Catholics (and others) are probably wondering why the pope is going through such lengths to appease and reach détente with the communist leadership. Well, Pope Francis is a great statesman and an avid student of world history.
and demonstrating the bayanihan spirit that Filipinos are known for around the world."
People of all backgrounds are welcomed to experience the hospitality of Filipino Loving People. In honor of Filipino American History Month and through this promotion with The Filipino Press, 30% discounted tickets can be purchased using the code: FAHM30. General admission tickets for all the performances are less than $50. VIP tickets include special seating, foods, drinks, and other amentities. Purchase tickets at https://flpfestival.eventbrite.com More information can also be found on the website: flpfestival.com.
friends meet weekly to discuss their faith journey in a structured but comfortable format. Once a month, the various local groups get together to rekindle their weekend experiences. Their lives become a continuously shared occurrence of their Catholic faith, strong friendships are formed and others in the movement are influenced by them.
The worldwide Cursillo movement, with “Cursillistas” numbering in the millions, are indeed transforming the world for Christ, one country, one diocese, one group of friends, one person at a time.
What is an “Ultreya”?
And just what is its role in the Cursillo Crusade?
Ultreya is a Spanish word derived from the original Latin, meaning “Onward.”
In the Cursillo Crusade, this is expressed through a large gathering known as Ultreya. Here, Cursillistas throughout the Diocese come together and create “floating” group reunions, which utilize the same sharing methods as do friendship groups, which is to share their
piety, study and action. The idea of the “floating” group reunions is to allow each person to express how others outside their usual small groups are striving in their own spiritual and evangelistic growth, rejuvenate existing small groups, and for those new to the Movement, to discover and become part of an existing friendship group, or create a new one.
Following the floating group reunion session, a personal “Witness Talk” is given by an individual Cursillista to illustrate how he/she strives to live what is fundamental for being Christian, love of God, and love of neighbor. This is followed by one or more brief “Echo” talk given by others in support to the witness that has been presented. The purpose of the personal witness and subsequent echoes, is to awaken a desire amongst others to go “onward” and do likewise, hence the meaning of “Ultreya.”
Lastly, a Spiritual Advisor gives a summation of the witness talk and echoes in relationship to the Gospel. So, now that we know the word Ultreya signifies “onward” or
Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri
“proceed further on” – just exactly
– what is its importance to the person? I reckon we do not just want to emphasize the definition of Ultreya but rather clarify “the living part” of Ultreya.
Surely, at what point or stage of the Ultreya should the sharing take place? Some folks were confused by this question but I guess after further reflection – everyone realizes that what they were referring to were the events after the Ultreya – for example the coffee, donuts, socializing, etc.
I say the Ultreya in its totality is the sharing of our Christian life. The dictionary tells us that sharing is good harmony between the persons that share. It also articulates us that sharing is living in the company of another or others in good harmony. The word harmony generally applied to music is the art of combining sounds for musical accords. This does not mean that the Ultreya is measured according to the music or songs that are shared there…not at all. In fact, the music and the songs – if I must say it – enhance the climate of the environment.
If Christianity is not lived it cannot be shared and if it is shared it cannot be lived. We share what we live and live what we share. It is sharing in “harmony” our Christian life with one another, which is being in accord with one another in our “Being Christian”. How does and what do we share? We share through our living witness of the transparent Christ in our small world – our daily environment –living through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ.
Our human nature has conditioned us to focus our time in
“doing things,” but the incarnation of Christ in our life and in all our actions, walk us to a Christian life. The operative presence of Christ in our life assures our direction in our walk towards the Heavenly Father. As I have indicated earlier above, the Ultreya is the gathering of the Groups or the Reunion of the Group Reunions. The Groups and their members participate in it for the same reasons they go to the Friendship Group Reunions: to share what everybody and every Group lives.
This is everyone’s apostolate – (apostolic action) –this is all our life, really. This is how we take Christ into our small world (the environment) with all the inconvenience, frustration, setbacks, etc. but also with all the love, joy, freedom, conviction, surrender, etc. that we portray in our being. It is living in grace (Christ’s presence within us) that God’s plan becomes a reality and the actualization of the Gospel in our existence. This is what I believe is shared and partaken in the Ultreya. The Ultreya is truly sharing and communicating our common faith. It is the life of the Christian in harmony with the life of grace, which enlivens all of our daily life. It is living the same normality that was lived at the last Cursillo Weekend, nothing more and nothing less.
Indeed, the purpose is to be friends, grow in friendship together, grow in our Christian life, and at the same time “ferment” our environment with the Good News. What say you? Keep on going, folks! Ultreya!!
The Man who could be Pope, Part 5
He must be and for that matter, the moist eyes of ambitious cardinals wanting to be pope must take notice.
This threat of a nuclear war is apocalyptic and if it materializes, it is Armageddon. The pope clearly has his eyes on the Seven Signs in Heaven (a Woman, a Dragon, and two Beasts) as foretold by John in the Book of Revelation. In particular, the facets of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse that had been revealed is an ongoing evolution since the beginning of time: conquest, war, famine, and death. One of Pope Francis favorite themes is climate change (The Woman Clothed with the Sun, the moon under her feet, and 12 stars –is Mary, the Mother and Queen of Creation). The Great Red Dragon embodies Satan seeking revenge on Mary for giving birth to Jesus and Christianity by extension. The pope is seeing this now happening in China where the children of God are being persecuted. Pope Francis knows that the Red Dragon (Lucifer) can be defeated.
Mary’s role in climate change is perhaps best explained through the lines of Resuene Vibrante, the theme song of the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The song, Himno a Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia (popularly called Resuene Vibrante) was composed by Fr. Maximo Juguera’s for the
Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia that incidentally is celebrating its centenary. The lines allude to how Mary cares for the poor and desires for devotees to care for the environment.
As the Queen of Creation, she is the first guardian of creation –planets, people – humanity. A XiPutin combo is not good for creation and will lead to the destruction of the earth by drawing others to it for another world war. The scriptures allude to the start of the Great Tribulation and lasts for nearly three years. Many prophets of doom mention that the West (America, United Kingdom, and Israel will be devastated the most.
Bringing these apocalypse symbolisms, Pope Francis is trying to distract the Red Dragon from joining forces with the Eurasian brown bear (Russia) that could bring about Armageddon. In Russian folklore, the menacing brown bear is associated with fire (bombs, nuclear weapons) and the harbinger of harm.
Pope Francis must have read the “Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of the World Order” by Samuel Huntington, Harvard political science professor in the 90’s. The book doubted the universality of mankind, alluding to the euphoric adoration of the fall of the Soviet Union by the West,
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
and emphasized that Gorbachev’s tearing of the Berlin Wall was a pause because the rifts that demarcate the East and the West will endure.
Huntington’s best seller referred to events that just happened with known protagonists, but the future of civilization is really not composed of easily identifiable boundaries like borders, constitutions, armies or nationalistic symbols. Civilization is an artificial construct , a human invention that refers to anything with the human tag like Christianity, Communism, Democracy, and so on. Nation states have needs for itself and for its people, thus it supports the notion of enduring rifts when nation states use its power.
Aside from the material things, humans do need identity and continuously search for meaning and purpose. Religious wars can be viewed as not only acquiring territories and subjugating people, but to stay in power, maintain order, and to and determine where civilization is headed. In history, mortals often make the same mistake and that is to see the waves kissing the shores and totally missing the currents that lead to their downfall.
The kings and emperors of ancient civilizations, the Romans, and the Soviets remind us that power corrupts and that power, riches, even nations fade and yield to a
"Holy Spirit, you who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideals. You who give me the divine gift and forget the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue want to thank you for everything, and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from you, no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. Amen. You must say the prayer for 3 days consecutively without saying your wish. You will receive your wish after 3rd day. Though how difficult it is. A promise to publish the prayer after your favor is granted."
new reality or order. Since antiquity, humans have long recognized the duality of man as exemplified by Jesus. Contextually, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Iran/ Palestine is about people who expose certain beliefs. And such beliefs become the basis for diplomacy or war.
Conservative or traditional religious leaders often highlight the path to a divine world and ignore the currents. Pope Francis sees the currents of world affairs not from the sensory vacuum of Vatican City but from a vantage view of washing feet, noting the smells of the poor, communing with people of different religions, and beholden to a particular ideology. He doesn’t subscribe to the niceties of theories but would rather listen to what the people of God here on earth are saying. So, he views the leadership of China as a threat to humanity’s survival and needs managing through diplomatic means or sound policy. He can sacrifice a cardinal or bishop towards that end by avoiding clashes of civilizations. His recent trip to Southeast Asia at 86 years old, Pope Francis is showing would be papabili that there’s more to papacy than just religion. He is, after all, the leader of nearly 1.5 billion Catholics worldwide. (To be continued)
"Cursillistas" from different parishes of the San Diego Diocese posed for posterity during the last "Ultreya" held at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Mira Mesa on Sunday, 22 September 2024.
Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale
<Q1> Are flu and COVID-19 still a serious threat to public health?
Both flu and COVID-19 remain significant health threats, causing thousands of hospitalizations and deaths annually. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), from October 1, 2023 through June 1, 2024, there were estimated to have been at least 35 million flu illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths. In that same period, approximately 44,000 deaths were attributed to COVID-19 in the US.
<Q2> Why do flu and COVID-19 vaccines need to be updated more frequently than other vaccines? Flu and COVID-19 viruses change through a process called mutation. These mutations help the viruses avoid our natural immune responses and the protection provided by vaccines. By mutating, flu and COVID-19 viruses can move more easily from person to person and reproduce faster, ensuring their survival. Flu and COVID-19 viruses mutate frequently, and the vaccines have been updated accordingly.
CDC is recommending that all Americans six months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine in the fall, regardless of whether they’ve been vaccinated against the virus in the past.
<Q3> Why are older adults at higher risk for flu or COVID-19?
As people age, their immune systems tend to weaken, making it harder for their bodies to fight off infections and diseases. Many older adults have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues that can exacerbate the effects of flu or COVID-19. Therefore, they are more likely to experience severe complications from the flu or COVID-19, and recovery from illnesses can be slower and more complicated in older adults due to the body's reduced ability to repair and heal itself. Many infectious disease experts stress the importance of vaccination for people who are over 65 or who have underlying health conditions. People close to them should also be vaccinated to protect their
Spiritual Life
God’s definition of success
I’ve been receiving congratulations for the recognition that I got a few weeks ago from a coalition of organizations dedicated to the interests and concerns of women in San Diego County. Some considered that to be in the San Diego Women’s Hall of Fame, is a mark of success. That I am a success, since I am aligned with women who are highly successful in their respective careers. Some though, do not consider me a success because I am on a limited income, I am living in a senior housing facility, and I have no car to take me where ever I want to go. In other words, I do not have man’s visible measures of success.
But what is success? Is it the position you have attained in life? Is it the number of properties that you have accumulated through the years? Is it the mansion that you’ve built in a gated, highend community? Is it the amount of money you have in the bank?
Success means different things to different people. And usually, all these definitions do not match God’s definition of success.
Dr. Charles Stanley wrote, “When this life is over and you stand before the Creator to give an account for how you lived, what will you say? That you worked hard, had a beautiful home,
In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. (Daniel 9:2)
When you enter a legal contract, it binds the two parties to fulfill the terms of that contract. In Heaven there are legal contracts that, when fulfilled, allow the spiritual to impact the physical.
Israel had been in captivity to Babylon for 70 years. Daniel, when he investigated the history of his nation, found the prophecy of Jeremiah, which revealed there would be 70 years of captivity. He recognized that in order to release his nation from this captivity, there had to be a confession of sin on the part of the nation. Daniel took that responsibility. Although he could not personally repent for his nation, he could acknowledge their sin and repent himself. When Daniel acknowledged this sin before God, something took place in Heaven. God heard this prayer and responded by sending His angel Gabriel to Daniel's side.
We know from history that this was the time when Judah's return from exile began. Daniel's prayer of confession was the spiritual key to the physical manifestation of releasing the nation from captivity to Babylon.
Whenever you want to confront spiritual forces that have dominion over a situation, you must find the source of the problem. Once you find the source of the problem, you must take the necessary steps in the spiritual realm to release God's power into that situation. For Daniel, it meant taking responsibility for the sin of the nation by confessing its sins and asking forgiveness on behalf of the entire nation. This allowed God to begin the process of
Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera
My Personal Testimony
and took your family on some wonderful vacations? Or that you readily and obediently served Him, striving to be like Jesus in all you said and did?
After death all our accomplishments will be laid out before the Lord to be judged. At that point, it won’t make any difference how much praise you received, how far you advanced in your job or how much money you accumulated. The only thing that will matter is what God thinks about how you’ve used your abilities, gifts, and opportunities He gave you. We need to rid ourselves of the notion that success always involves riches, prestige or fame. Those are not the signs of success in God’s perspective. The issue is whether you are following His will and seeking to glorify Him in all things.
With these insights, I pray that I’ll not be blinded by the bright lights of material success. I pray that God’s infinite mercy and goodness will lead me to the narrow path that leads to His kingdom.
While I appreciate the earthly success that comes my way, I always remind myself that they are all transient and temporal. I continually seek God’s will in my life and do things for his honor and glory. “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does he prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3)
releasing the nation.
Ask God to show you the source of the problems that may exist in your city, your work, or people you want to see freed to fulfill God's purposes for their lives.
Luke 24:13-35 New International Version (NIV) On the Road to Emmaus
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
"What things?" he asked.
"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't
Greetings in the Lord!
Today we are celebrating the twenty sixth Sunday in ordinary time. This means that we still have eight more Sundays before we begin a new liturgical year with the season of Advent. The gospel this Sunday speaks concretely on a message of the universality of the gospel and the possibility for others who may not consider themselves direct followers of Jesus, who belong to the original disciples who followed Him during his lifetime. Some of his disciples could not understand neither accept that others who did not belong to the community of disciples could be converted nor do amazing miraculous actions in the name of Jesus. The answer of Jesus was very clear “Do not prevent him. For whoever is not against is for us.” There are so many others who may not follow externally the faith that we profess but in fact are open to the gospel of Jesus and in turn get converted and actively become evangelizers. We have every responsibility, as the disciples of Jesus, to allow these men of good will to become
witnesses of the saving mysteries of Jesus in the world today.
Conversion and witnessing as well as evangelization is not the monopoly of some, but is truly open to all. This was concretely shown by how Pope Francis embraced one and all and challenged every person to become a witness of Jesus in the world today.
Another very important message of the gospel this Sunday is strict command of Jesus against the grave sin of scandal. He sternly admonished his follower that “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it
HUMILITY
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s fault because of your Love.
Ephesians 4:2
If there is anything that I constantly pray for, it is for God to teach me the virtue of Humility. He has given me the grace to realize that it is impossible for me to love without being humble and that anything that I do which would displease Him can be traced to lack of humility. It can be an elusive virtue because once we pat our shoulders and say that we are humble, we will in a danger of losing it.
living up to our fullest potential the way God wants us to be. Humility is the foundation of all the Living Virtues. It is impossible to be good without Humility. It is the antidote to Pride which is the root of all the Deadly Sins. One fundamental truth is our own brokenness, that we are all sinners in need of God’s Grace and Mercy. When we fail to acknowledge this Truth, it is when Pride will creep in and we start inventing our own Truths, taking full control of our lives without involving God and in the process we lose our way.
would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.”
These are so harsh a proclamation that cannot be found in any other section of the four gospels. This message is particularly directed to us who consider ourselves mature and responsible in our faith, especially us ordained ministers, the parents among you and others who may share the liturgical ministry of the church. We have a grave responsibility to live out our faith as models of true discipleship. We have to guard the words we utter and the actions we perform, especially in the presence of the young and children who are so fragile and in need of living examples of faith and concrete actions of sincere and true believers.
Let us pray, he message of the gospel reading today would bring forth change and conversion of hearts in all followers of Jesus. Let us pray that our families would truly be sacraments of the unity and fidelity of Christ towards his Church in the world today.
find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus."
He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. <(((>< Danny Hernaez From Whom
From the moment He was born in a lowly manger up to the time He was buried in a borrowed tomb, the life of our Lord Jesus is a lesson on Humility. He humblead himself unto death even dying on the Cross. Humility is objective Truth. It is the Truth of who we really are no more no less. It is the fundamental Truth that the dignity of a human being is not determined by the color of his skin, social status or physical attributes. Humility if rooted on the truth that all men are created in the image of God. This is what defines the equality of men. We are all equal in a sense that we are neither superior or inferior to our fellowmen. When we feel superior that is when we take advantage of others for our own selfish interest. When we feel inferior, we are not
It is Humility which drives a person to be prayerful, deeply grateful to God for all His blessings. He is deeply humbled by the reality that he is a child of God, an heir to His Heavenly Kingdom. It is in the Spirit of Humility that man responds to God’s Love with Trust and Obedience. It is Humility which gives man added strength to carry his own cross and follow Christ regardless of the circumstance.
No relationship can survive without forgiveness. It is the main cause of marital split. It is for this reason that even relatives are not on speaking terms for years! It is Pride which is taking control. The first step towards healing relationship is for us to pray for Humility to forgive those who have wronged us and ask for God’s forgiveness for all our transgressions. Why do we
find it very difficult to admit that we are wrong? The words “I’m sorry” are two simple words, yet they are largely unspoken in times of dispute. No marriage is perfect. There was a time when Sally and I had a serious disagreement. After a while, I told her “I’m sorry” even when I thought I was right. I apologized because it could be that she is one who is right that I was not understanding her point of view. I could feel that she was hurting and that was enough reason for me to feel sorry. It is only with the grace of humility that the healing process can start. Our main goal in life is to attain Holiness. It is an intimate union with God. It is to live fully in friendship with God. To attain Holiness would require a large dose of Humility and become the person God wants us to be.
Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic
Ni Salvador S. Idos
Salvador S. Idos
US vs. Rahimi: A recognition that common sense gun violence prevention measures save lives
By San Diego City attorney
elliott
Mara
SAN DIEGO, CA -- The Supreme Court did right by domestic violence victims. The court’s 8-1 ruling overturned the appellate court decision in the United States vs. Rahimi case which erroneously determined a felon’s right to possess a gun outweighed a victim’s right to safety and even life.
This landmark ruling protects Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) in the states that have them and paves the way for additional states to adopt them. We passed red flag and other related laws here in California ten years ago. And in the decade since thousands of lives have been saved.
GVROs, allow law enforcement, family members, and sometimes even coworkers or educators to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to be a threat to themselves or others. This proactive approach targets those in crisis or with a history of violence, preventing potential tragedies before they occur. Gun violence is not inevitable.
Under our State’s laws we can respond to situations we know are likely to lead to violence: from the just-fired employee to the person struggling to cope with PTSD, to the middle schooler who vows to teach his bullying classmates a lesson. If someone is going through a really hard time, GVROs allow law enforcement to get the guns out of their home so they can then get the help they need to get better. GRVOs have no impact on responsible gun owners.
California's approach to gun violence, particularly through GVROs, can serve as a compelling model for the rest of the nation.
Over the past decade, our state’s gun violence death rate has consistently been about 43 percent lower than the national average. If the entire country had matched California's gun violence rate, an estimated 140,000 lives could have been spared over the last ten years.
Numbers don’t lie – GRVOs reduce gun violence and save lives.
The Supreme Court's latest decision could be an important turning point in the national conversation about gun violence. It marks one of the most consequential reversals of gun proliferation policies in recent history, signaling a shift towards prioritizing public safety over unrestricted gun access. By upholding the rights of states to enact protective measures for domestic violence victims, it can open the door to other commonsense gun laws aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people while protecting the rights of law-abiding, responsible gun owners.
Disarming domestic violence abusers is a critical step in this direction. Statistics show that the presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation increases the risk
READ. LEARN.
of homicide by 500 percent. By removing guns from individuals with a history of domestic violence, elected leaders and law enforcement can continue to do their jobs to significantly reduce the incidence of fatal encounters and protect vulnerable individuals from harm.
State-based solutions to gun violence offer a pragmatic and effective approach to addressing this pervasive issue. While federal legislation has been mired in gridlock and intense partisan debate, several states have acted swiftly and decisively to implement policies that reflect the needs and values of their communities. The success of California's GVROs serves as a testament to the potential of statelevel interventions to make a real difference in reducing gun violence and saving lives.
The Supreme Court's decision is a rare but vital beacon of hope in a landscape often marred by tragic headlines and senseless loss. This is not just good news for states like California that already have these laws in place, but for every American who stands to benefit from a safer, more sensible approach to gun regulation. We have an urgent need to protect domestic violence victims from gun violence. Now, it is up to the states to seize this opportunity and implement GVROs to safeguard their citizens.
While it is too late to bring back the lives lost due to the lack of effective gun control measures over the past decade, this decision represents a hopeful opportunity to prevent future tragedies. By embracing the lessons learned from California and advocating for the widespread adoption of GVROs, we can honor the memory of those lost by ensuring that their deaths were not in vain.
INvEST IN yOURSELF.
Local Filipino American Martial Artist Triumphs at ATA Martial Arts Worlds Championship
Chula Vista, CA – In an aweinspiring display of skill and dedication, Nathan Paje, a local Filipino-American martial artist, has won four World Champion Titles at the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) Tournament of Champions, held this past July in Phoenix, Arizona. Nathan, an 11 year-old 2nd degree Black Belt, is now a 5x World Champion, 10x District Champion and 10x California State Champion, solidifying his position as one of the top martial artists in his division.
Tournament of Champions (TOC), the final tournament of the season in ATA, attracts elite martial artists from over 28 countries.
TOC qualifiers must hold the rank of Black Belt and either finish in the top ten ranking for the season or win their event at the District Championship held in June. This year’s tournament, held from July 24-26, saw fierce competition across multiple disciplines, with over 25,000 competitors throughout the world competing in the season.
Nathan has been training since the age of five, studying under the guidance of Senior Master
Sean Berry (7th degree Black Belt) and Master Lizbeth Ahn (6th degree Black Belt), owners of Pride Martial Arts. Nathan won World titles in Traditional Forms, Creative Forms, Xtreme Forms and Xtreme Weapons. He also earned a bronze medal in Traditional Weapons.
“We are incredibly proud of Nathan and his accomplishments,” said Alvic and Joy Paje, Nathan’s parents, who are also students at Pride Martial Arts and themselves have earned several District Champion titles. “His dedication
and hard work have truly paid off.
Winning five World Champion titles is a testament to his relentless training, skill and passion for martial arts.”
The ATA Martial Arts community, his instructors and peers at Pride Martial Arts are celebrating this significant achievement and look forward to seeing Nathan continue to excel in his martial arts career.
Nathan plans to use this experience to inspire others and contribute to the growth of future martial artist competitors by becoming an instructor at his school someday.
HOLIDAY SPIRIT. A man checks his wares while manning a store selling lanterns and trinkets under the Quezon Bridge in Quiapo, Manila on Wednesday (Sept. 25, 2024). Stores under the bridge are known for selling native items like Christmas lanterns, bags and household items. (MNS photo)
