The Filipino Press: April 15-21, 2022

MANILA -- Malacañang is elated that Filipinos continue to show support and trust for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with only over two months left before he steps down.

This, after PUBLiCUS Asia Inc., in its Pahayag 2022 First Quarter Survey from March 30 to April 6, said Duterte still emerged as the most approved and trusted government official.

“Taos-puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa inyong patuloy na suporta at tiwala kay Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Ayon sa Pahayag 2022 First Quarter Survey ng PUBLiCUS Asia, nananatiling most approved at most trusted government official si Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte (We want to convey our heartfelt gratitude for the public’s continued support for and trust in President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte remains the most approved and most trusted government official, according to the Pahayag 2022 First Quarter Survey of PUBLiCUS Asia),” acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in an online Palace press briefing.

PUBLiCUS found that 67.2 percent of 1,500 respondents approved of Duterte's work performance over the past twelve months, while 61.2 percent of the

The U.S. Department of Education is continuing to take action to support and invest in the teaching profession and address the teacher shortage many schools and districts across the country face. The Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) grant program is now accepting applications for efforts that increase the pipeline of highly effective educators.

The SEED program will award $65 million to support the implementation of evidence-based practices that prepare, develop, or enhance the skills of educators. These grants also will enable recipients to develop, expand, and evaluate practices that can serve as models that can be sustained, replicated, and scaled. This program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader commitment to supporting targeted efforts that will provide comprehensive, high-quality pathways, such as residency and Grow Your Own programs, for educator preparation and development programs focused on building a more diverse educator pipeline and combating the teacher shortage nationally. Last week, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona expanded on President Biden’s call for more people to enter the education profession by calling on states, districts, and institutions of higher education to use American Rescue Plan funds to invest in teacher pipeline programs.

“We know that in order to improve education across the country and meet our students where they are, we must invest in teacher

respondents continued to trust the Chief Executive. PUBLiCUS said Duterte’s approval and trust ratings are “higher in April 2022 than at any point in

2021.” Duterte’s approval scores on PUBLiCUS’ 2021 quarterly surveys ranged from a low of 57.9 percent in July 2021 to a high of 64.9 percent

in March and December 2021, respectively.

On the other hand, Duterte’s trust ratings in 2021 ranged from a low of 50.4 percent in July to a high of 55.1

percent in January. “President Duterte is on pace to become the first president in recent history to end his term with approval and trust ratings above 50 percent.

professional learning, recruitment, and retention. This past year, we heard from our educators, parents, and leaders that investing in teachers is investing in students. We are ready to act on that!” said Secretary Cardona. “This grant competition will support institutions of higher education, national nonprofits, and other eligible partners that provide teachers and school leaders with effective strategies for building inclusive, unbiased, and safe learning environments that support the academic, social, and emotional needs of every student. Building an education system that is the best in the world requires an investment in our dedicated teachers.”

As states, districts, and schools are working hard to address the impact of COVID-19 on students’ social, emotional, mental health, and academic needs, many of them are facing significant challenges in attracting and retaining teachers. Preexisting teacher shortages in critical areas such as special education; multilingual education; science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); career and

technical education; and early childhood education have only been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—directly impeding student access to educational opportunity.

The SEED program fosters the use of rigorous evidencebased practices in selecting and implementing strategies and interventions that support educators’ development across the continuum of their careers. Support for educator preparation programs and highquality professional development are vital to ensure that all students have access to well-prepared and qualified teachers, principals, and other school leaders. These programs invest in educators who are effective and likely to stay in the profession. Research shows that existing educator shortages disproportionately impact students of color, students from lowincome backgrounds, students with disabilities, and, often, rural communities.

Coinciding with the announcement, the Department hosted a webinar focused on “Strengthening Partnerships Between States, School Districts, and Higher Education to Increase the Number of Teacher Candidates Prepared to Enter the Classroom and Provide Immediate Support to Schools.”

During the webinar, Education Department representatives discussed Secretary Cardona’s recent call to action for states,

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Recently, the Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan came together to celebrate the unveiling of a muchanticipated piece of art in the City Heights community. Marginalized youth from UPAC’s Alliance for Community Empowerment group worked together for over a month to develop and paint a mural on an external wall of UPAC’s Neighborhood Enterprise Center (NEC). The work of public art highlights the youth’s resiliency and celebrates the diversity of their community. Designed from ideas and input of the youth involved and sponsored by Blue Shield Promise Health Plan, the final colorful mural includes cultural bridge-building aspects such as the word “peace” in various languages representative of the community and NEC’s tagline of “Diversity Heights”. During after-school hours, over 15 youth helped paint the mural, located near University Ave. and 54th Street.

“Creating this mural gave kids the opportunity to engage in a positive art outlet, while helping to beautify their own neighborhood. They have taken great pride in this piece, and it showcases the resiliency of City Heights, a place that sometimes comes with negative connotations,” said Jose Venegas, who works with UPAC’s Writerz Blok and was the lead artist on this project. Venegas’ experience working with at-risk youth and redirecting graffiti

taggers to positive art-based graffiti elevated the overall experience for participants. In late 2021, UPAC acquired Writerz Blok, making its permanent home at UPAC’s Neighborhood Enterprise Center.

“This new City Heights public art piece will help beautify UPAC’s Neighborhood Enterprise Center and provides the community with another place to come together,” said Sandra Rose, senior director of community & provider engagement at Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. “As a non-profit health plan, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan believes it is vital for youth to have a healthy, safe space to gather and thrive for their overall well-being.” UPAC and Blue Shield Promise Health Plan have been working together for nearly two years as part of Blue Shield’s Community Resiliency Workgroup. This collaborative group is comprised

The longevity of President Duterte’s popularity is a rarity in Philippine presidential politics,” PUBLiCUS executive Aureli Sinsuat said in a statement. Andanar assured that Duterte would continue to fulfill his promise of change until his remaining days in office.

“Maraming, maraming salamat po. Makakaasa po kayong magpapatulog ang ‘tapang at malasakit’ na pinakita ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte hanggang sa huling sandali ng kaniyang termino (Thank you to all of you. You can expect that President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘courage and compassion’ brand of leadership will continue until the end of his term),” he said.

PUBLiCUS conducted an independent, non-commissioned nationwide purposive sampling poll. It interviewed registered voters using a nationwide margin of error of ±3 percent.

Duterte’s end of term high rating ‘rarity’ in PH presd’l politics President Rodrigo Roa Duterte scored higher approval and trust ratings just over two months before he ends his term, according to the results of a Pahayag 2022 first quarter survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc.

of over 30 local community-based organizations in the San Diego area that focus on building resiliency by addressing equity and promoting health and wellness. The UPAC Mural Project was sponsored by Blue Shield Promise as part of the health plan’s focus on creating communityled youth art projects to provide education, highlight resiliency, reduce mental health stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors. The Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) is a 501c3 nonprofit that provides health and human services aimed to improve the overall well-being underserved diverse populations. Providing assistance in over 20 languages at 15 locations across the county, they recognize and celebrate the diversity of our region and aim to strengthen these communities to achieve selfsufficiency. For more information, visit www.upacsd.com.

Kaya Natin ‘to: Healthy Habits for Working and Learning from Home

We are living in a different world, my friends. Days may no longer include fighting traffic and daily school drop-offs, but school is back in session. Those who are working or looking for work via the computer screen while making sure their kids find their own success with online learning can feel overwhelmed. Students are feeling their own mixed feelings of confusion, anxiety and apathy towards the new normal. Building some structure via healthy habits can play a vital role in taking ownership of our days and making the most out of even the most challenging of times. This week I’m sharing some tips that surely help me and members of my own family and network. I believe in you, in us. Cheers to finding what works for us in an era where “going to work” can mean setting up your laptop at the dining table and “going to school” can mean making sure your bed is made so you don’t have an embarrassing Zoom background.

Kaya natin ‘to!

Build A Nighttime Regimen

Both a good night’s sleep and self-care are important. Learning to prioritize your time, mind, body and soul is an integral part of growing up. Doing so positively impacts the

quality of your mood, efficiency, communication and relationships. So, in addition to a reasonable bedtime, a nighttime regimen might include a combination of soothing music (or an episode of something on Netflix) and skin/teeth care…maybe a chat with a loved one as hair is cared for… reading and journaling…a prayer, hug, then lights out… Whatever the constructive habits, consistency is key and reminds young and old alike that they matter and hold a high level of control over their day, even before it begins.

Share Meals, Share Hope

Do you ever find yourself working even longer days from your “home office?” Are you and your kids having trouble prying yourselves from the computer screen long enough to eat something of actual nutritional value?

Set mealtimes and let them serve as check-in points during the day. Pep each other up over breakfast. Soothe each other over lunch. Decompress over dinner. When we gather and take turns sharing throughout the day, it gives us the opportunity to show how much we value one another and recognize that each person’s experience of the day can have their ups and downs. If folks in your household understand that, regardless of a “good day” or “bad day,” they will always be supported, they’ll be more willing to share what’s going on

in their world, ask for help when they need it, vent as necessary…and gain some perspective on moments when it feels like the sky is falling. Folks need to know that they’re never alone, that they’re not judged at home, and that everyone (no matter their age, etc.) have an important story to tell.

Move & Release

Sitting at a desk all day can wreak havoc on our bodies. Staring at a computer screen can also wreck our eyes. Having a phone practically glued to our palm and ear can suck the life right out of us. We gotta get up. We gotta move. We gotta release! Stand up and stretch. Take a walk (even if it’s just to fetch the mail). Do some calf raises and leg lifts holding on to your countertop, as food warms up in the microwave. Grab two cans of food and use them as weights at the end of the hour, every hour. Squeeze in some squats before your next Zoom. Just move! You don’t need me to tell you that days can feel extralong and stressful right now. Allow yourself moments to “let it out” and refocus.

Take good care of yourself and your loved ones, dear friends. Take deep breaths. Check in regularly. There is still so much joy and hope to be found and felt. Our days may be different, but our quality of life shouldn’t suffer. Kaya natin ‘to! We got this!

FACC NORTH COUNTY INSTALLATION and LEADERSHIP AWARDS NIGHT

SAN DIEGO, CA -- The FilipinoAmerican Chamber of Commerce, North County recently celebrated its installation of Officers and Gala night on March 19, 2022 at the Town and County Resort in Mission Valley. Over 200 businesses and community leaders , dignitaries were welcomed graciously by the officers and members of the organization. The new slate of officers are as follows: Femie Cupit, president, Vina Gan, vice-president of events, Marie Waite, vice president of memberships, David Ray, Chair for educational series, Adrianna Brunner, chair for Stem Talino Scholarship program, Joann Fields, pro, Valerie Garcia Hong, legal counsel. Entertainment of the night was provided by singer Sharon Tanyag, Faco dancers led by Belle Limoge and Dj entertainment by Celso Macaspac. Special event coverage provided by The Filipino Press. The event was emceed by Vina Gan and David Ray.

For more information about upcoming events , memberships and sponsorships, contact Femie at (858)220-5487 or visit their website at www.faccnsd.org.

• Leadership awards are normally given to individuals who show outstanding traits and they’re usually the highest level of accomplishment in organizations.

Categories:

• Adriana Brunner- Exceptional Value for leading and beyond Stem Talino Scholarship Program

• Luib Health Center, Indigenous Filipino Medicine Preserver & Cultural Bearer

• Joanne Fields, Volunteer of the Year

• My Point Credit Union, Community Bank of the Year

• Dr. James & Dr. Tess Mauricio, Scientific Service Achievement Award

• Olongapo City Bayanihan Club, San Diego County Organization

Distinguished Award

• Ezequielil & Cynthia Nibungco, Advocate for Healthy Cooking

• Faith Bautista, Community Leaders of the year

• Audie de Castro, Exceptional Volunteer of the year

• Hank & Belle Limoge- Trinity Imports, Expo-prenuer of the year

• Brenda Dycus & Yun Sung, Purple U, Expo-prenuer of the year

AWARD OF DISTINCTION

In Recognition of Outstanding Leadership, Servant Attitude, Compassion, Shepherding, and most importantly success in business. They are the glue that holds their organization together.

Jason Paguio

Valerie Garcia Hong

• Dori Harris

Ellen Nobles Sexsion

• Benjie Benas Marie Waite

• Geraldine Hernandez

• Dave Ray Leadership Award Presented by Megaworld International, Katrian Benfer Vice President & Territory Manager of North Amerika 4 Powered by : My Own Eva Sponsored by: Pinnacle Sponsor - Canaan

Investment Group

Diamond Sponsor - Professional Land Corporation

Platinum Sponsor – M Beauty Clinic

Gold Sponsor - Charter Communications, My Jeepney Stop, Filipino Press, Access Care, My Point Credit Union, EC 8, OCBC, Purple U Silver Sponsor- Farmers Insurance, Echomillenial, VMS Limo, LLC

Bronze Sponsor- Trinity Imports, NAAC, Access Care Plaque Sponsors- Copao, Sales Xceleration, RCR Financial, Stemtech

Our Mission became strong thru the funding of First Republic Bank with the help of the National Asian American Coalition. I would like to recognize Faith Bautista to receive a plaque of appreciation. A start-up chamber with a dynamic team had 30 members to beggin with and had funding of $10,000. Our chamber chartered in 2020 and was hit by a pandemic like everyone else in this room. But we were able to deliver great programs thru the help of the Coalition of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce

Founding President Gerry Palon & Vice President Ellen Samson.

We were able to deliver great zoom meetings led by our San Diego Consul Audie de Castro for the Health, Small Business & Consular Services, Small Business & Economic Development by Faith Bautista, Dementia Health Talk by Ellen Samson; Pilipinas, Kalakalan at Komersyo by Trade Commissioner Eric Elnar. And the rest are zoom networking for the Educational Series Program. And we end year 2020 with the Mixer of the Coalition of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce

With that funding, 2021 projects for our filam community became broad, we were able to deliver our regular virtual zoom meetings to help promotes our small business members, we were able to kick off and funded the STEM “TALINO” SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, able to promote collaborative partnership with COPAO to deliver our Consular Outreach servicing more than 3000 filams, became a part of Live Well San Diego Programs & San Diego

Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation, and with Fire Up Connect Event and lastly the yearly Mixer of the Coalition of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce and able to help for the Philippine Save Lives.

This year’s plan Breakfast Economic Development Round Table, if you are a new business and need exposure by Ribbon Cutting, red carpet, grand opening, you name it we can deliver it all. Our Educational

Series Program is getting in-demand for Lunch and Learn and we already have lineups for this year’s speakers, the Veterans Ball, our second set of high school students for the STEM Talino Scholarship.

'Dangerous' if 2022 bets allied with CPP win -- Duterte

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte warned Tuesday that it would be “dangerous” if the candidates for the May 9, 2022 elections who are in alliance with the communist movement get elected to public office.

“Delikado iyan kasi pag nandiyan na, kung manalo man sila (It’s dangerous if they win the elections),”

Duterte said during the joint meeting of the National Task Force (NTF) and the Regional Task Force (RTF) to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in Butuan City.

Duterte issued the statement, as he reiterated that there are party-list groups that are conniving with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“Itong party-lists, unahin ko lang (These party-lists) paved the way for the communists,” he said. “Komunista ‘yan – entered sa backdoor, sa portals of government (They are communists who entered the backdoor, the portals of government), then to win a few seats there. And ‘pag nandiyan na sila, walang ginawa ‘yan (while in public office, they do nothing) except to criticize government.”

Duterte earlier revealed that the communist movement had been able to infiltrate various political parties.

In his previous speeches, Duterte also repeated his warning to Filipino voters against the Kabataan, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, and Gabriela party-list groups, or the so-called “KABAG” serving as legal fronts of the CPP.

Malacañang earlier said Duterte’s claim against the KABAG party-lists was based on an intelligence report.

Duterte, during the joint NTF-RTF ELCAC meeting, said the communist group has “no valid reason” to sow hatred against the government. He said he is still not keen to endorse a presidential candidate, unless he sees a “compelling reason” to do so.

Duterte raised the possibility that the supposed coalition between the 2022 election hopefuls and the CPP might compel him to support a presidential aspirant.

“‘Yung iba, nakapasok na rin ang mga komunista (The communists have already infiltrated [the government]). Sabi ko noon (I said before) I will not support any presidential candidate. But if there is a compelling reason to campaign or to endorse a particular candidate kasi ayaw ko ‘yung — not because of personal, wala ‘yung mga ano except that ayaw ko yung mga komunista maghalo sa kanila ngayon (because I don’t want the communists to infiltrate the government),” he said.

Duterte also vowed to use his remaining days in office to address the insurgency problems to bring peace and development to the country.

“The three remaining months of my administration are very crucial as we continue to address the country’s problems that have long been affecting the lives of our citizens. The completion of my commitments towards achieving peace, progress, and prosperity remains critical as my term comes to a close,” he said.

Duterte lauded the relentless efforts of the NTF and RTF ELCAC to pursue a holistic and whole-

of-nation approach to resolving communist insurgency.

“Accessibility to reform and welfare programs is imperative – it should be our imperative – to help end the decades-long insurgency problem that has curtailed development in the countryside,” he said.

Duterte likewise renewed his call on the local government units to synergize their efforts to make the Philippines a “stronger and more peaceful nation.”

The CPP-New People’s Army (NPA) is listed as a terrorist group by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated CPP-NPA’s political wing, National Democratic Front, as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973. (MNS)

AFP chief orders intensified ops vs. Red extortion Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino has ordered units to intensify their focused military operations against the New People's Army's (NPA) extortion activities.

In a statement Wednesday, Centino said this would prevent the NPA from recovering from its defeats and prevent it from recruiting new members and committing atrocities.

"Let us continue to address the resource generation of the CTG (communist terrorist group) by stopping its extortion activities and seizing their firearms, ammunition, and other war materials," he said, adding that this would expedite the end of the local communist armed conflict in the country.

On April 11, the AFP seized during operations 22 high-powered firearms from NPA fighters in Agusan del Sur.

The 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila discovered 10 AK-47 automatic rifles, seven M-16 rifles, a light machine gun, an M-14 automatic rifle, M-79 grenade launcher, Garand rifle, and another M-16 rifle in Bagul River, Kasapa II, La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

The location of the arms cache was disclosed by an alias "Bolo", a former NPA rebel who recently surrendered to the Army.

The NPA's Guerilla Front 3 (GF3) secretary Maximo Catarata alias "Datu Makatindog" surrendered to the 60IB on March 31.

His son, the commanding officer of GF3, Renard Galos Catarata alias "SM", also surrendered with 12 other NPA combatants and 13 firearms to the same unit on February 26.

The JTF Agila has since accounted for five separate surrenders with two arms cache discoveries in the 60IB's areas of operation.

This resulted in 20 surrenders from GF3 and the seizure of 48 high-powered and one low-powered firearm.

The 10th Infantry Division –Police Regional Office XI Area Clearing Evaluation Board officially declared the dismantling of GF3 after the setting of the parameters of the AFP - Philippine National Police Joint Letter Directive 3 on April 12.

Political dynasty prevails

because ‘people clamor for it’: PRRD

The dominance of the political dynasty would continue because it is still being backed by no less than the Filipino people, President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday.

In a speech delivered in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, Duterte said influential political clans are holding several positions in government because Philippine “leaders” have asked for it.

Duterte cited the case of the Aquino political dynasty which produced two presidents -- the late president Corazon “Cory” Aquino (1986-1992) and her son Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III (2010-2016).

“Ang mga tawo man guy muingon kagaya ng mga Aquino (But it’s the people who clamor for it just like with the Aquinos),” he said during the campaign sortie of his ruling party, the Partido Demokratiko PilipinoLakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

Duterte, whose three children are also elected to public office, said he felt “embarrassed” that his family is one of those political dynasties that continues to dominate the Philippine elections.

Vice presidential aspirant and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, and Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte followed their father’s political footsteps.

Duterte said he and his children had no choice but to heed the leaders’ calls for them to run for public office.

“Kani bang political dynasty, ako gusto kong muatras, ihatag pud nako’g — galing kadtong pagkahawa na nako pagka Mayor, pag-election, giingnan nako mangita ta’g lain kay kaning akong anak nga babae medyo blowing hot and cold ba. Usahay, maybe to please me, ‘O sige pa, tan-awon ta lang. Let’s see what develops (In the matter of political dynasty, I am not in favor of it and give others the opportunity. But when I stepped down as Mayor, I told them to look for somebody else because my daughter’s temper, it’s somehow blowing hot and cold. Sometimes, maybe to please me, “Okay pa, let’s see. Let’s see what develops),’” Duterte said.

“Ingnon nagbalik-balik mi, dili namo na gusto, nakakahiya nga eh. Ang problema ang mga lider man maoy di gusto. Ang mga barangay captain muadto, ‘Mayor, ang imong anak.’ ‘Ayaw lang na kay kana sila may apan.’ So mapugos ka gyud (They say we keep coming back. We don’t want to because it’s embarrassing. But the problem is that’s what the leaders want. The barangay captain would approach us, saying, ‘Mayor, we choose your children.’ ‘No, not them because they, too, have their faults.’ So you are left with no choice),” he added.

In November last year, Duterte said the prevalence of political dynasty is “not bad,” except if the influential families are involved in unlawful activities such as the illegal drug trade.

The 17th Congress has rejected the proposal of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Federalism and Constitutional Reforms on the 1987 Constitution to include the ban on political dynasties in the proposed

See DUTERTE on 9

PINOY PRIDE: MONUMENTAL TIME FOR THE CULTURE AS FILIPINOS AND FILIPINO-AMERICANS RULED THE 64th GRAMMY AWARDS MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

SAN DIEGO, CA -- Are we Filipinos because we love music, or do we love music because we are Filipinos?

Seems as if music is the one field in which Filipinos can’t help but succeed. We send a singer to a global competition and he or she will almost certainly come home with a prize, if not the top award. Let a homegrown show band play at a cruise ship or the bar of a chain hotel and it’s sure to give guests a good time. Still, winning international singing competitions or entertaining hotel guests doesn’t begin to speak of how much music means to Filipinos. To be Filipino is to have a soundtrack album built into your life – there’s music for every occasion or emotion. Nothing is too mundane to be unworthy of music.

Because music is valuable, our cultural heritage has become rich, colorful and vibrant, if I may say so – just like the people who create it.

Truly, it was a big year for Filipino (or Filipino-American, for that matter) artists at the 2022 Grammys!

Indeed, the recently-concluded 64th annual Grammy Awards was a bit more special; the ceremonious night, which assembled the biggest stars in the music industry, acknowledged not only one but five artists who swear they are proud to be Filipinos.

Filipino-American musicians Olivia Rodrigo, H.E.R., Bruno Mars, Saweetie, and Elle King were nominated for various categories and most of them won!

Not only were several Filipino artists recommended, but they also took some major wins – and they gave some pretty awesome performances, too.

FYI: The first Filipino American to win a Grammy was the late Larry Ramos, who received the award with his band, The New Christy Minstrels, in 1963. He was also the first Asian American to win a Grammy, period! And if you can as (far as) recall, too – Hilario D. “Larry” Ramos, Jr. was a guitarist, banjo player and vocalist with the 1960s American pop band the Association (which happens to be one of my favorite of all time, besides the Beatles, of course –when I was still then in the prime of my youth).

As a Filipino, I was extremely excited to see so much “Pinoy” representation at this year’s Grammy Awards.

Getting in touch with our musical roots –and understanding that music says as much about us as history and the other arts – can have the grandeur of looking deep into our Filipino souls, as well as

the simplicity of knowing our name. I say our “kababayans” are “among the most highly relational people in the world” – we simply love to connect with others. We work in groups. A party that doesn’t involve the entire community is unimaginable, an example just thinks about this – Ha-ha-ha-hawhen a Filipino woman has to go to the restroom; her friends often tag along, no question asked. To most Filipinos, being close to others – and the self-disclosure and inquisitiveness involved in binding with others – often trumps privacy…Ha-ha-ha-ha!

Unquestionably, the preference for a sense of community in favor of individuality manifests itself in traditional Filipino musical event.

The 2022 Grammys have come and gone smoothly, if I might add, too. There weren’t any big, unexpected moments (unlike the recently-concluded Oscars… Ha-ha-ha-ha!), but we still got good surprises – three FilipinoAmericans getting that sweet, sweet nod – Yes, glorious wins from Filipino-American artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Bruno Mars, and H.E.R. Nineteen-year-old pop star Olivia Rodrigo - who was born to a Filipino-American father and a mother with German and Irish ancestry and declared that she was raised with Filipino traditions and food – dominated multiple categories – the list includes Record of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Song of the Year for her chart-topper “Drivers’ License,” Best Pop Vocals Album and Album of the Year for debut fulllength “Sour,” Best Music Video for “Good 4 U,” and Best New Artist – totaling for seven Grammy nominations - and she ultimately took home three awards: Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Pop Vocal Album.

As it happens, Rodrigo is also the second youngest Grammy nominee in history, next to American singersongwriter Billie Eilish. The artist dedicated her acceptance speech to her parents. “When I was nine years old, I told my mom I wanted to be a gymnast though I could barely do a cartwheel. She thought I was joking, but I was super defensive. So the next week when I told her I was going to win a Grammy, she was very supportive even though she probably thought it was just a little kid pipe dream. But I want to thank my mom for being supportive of my dreams no matter how crazy. And I want to thank my mum and dad for being equally as proud of me for winning a Grammy as they were when I learned how to do a back walkover. This is for

In the previous two parts of this Lenten reflection, I explored the process or processes involved in a rite of passage from being a previously labeled “pagan,” to a Roman Catholicism convert. Straddling between two points where one finds itself first in limbo having to decide whether to make that leap; and second, making the leap and finding oneself in a liminal space struggling for the new identity as a Catholic much less a devotee of a saint or religious relics.

Whereas in the two periods of colonial years, our parents and grandparents went through the process of instantaneous conversions that did not always mean achieving apostasy but rather as a way of improving their lives or accumulating power. Even in my generation, we went through a similar process of conversion when baptized Catholic as a child without the opportunity for thoughtful thinking and deliberate appreciation of what the conversion meant.

Today, the Catholic Church has a process in place for those seeking conversion. The Rite of Christian

Olivia Rodrigo said winning three Grammys was a ”dream come true” at the music industry’s most highprofile media moment.

H.E.R. walked away from the 64TH annual Grammy Awards with eight

TRAILBLAZER:

you guys and because of your guys, thank you.”

Every time Filipino-American Hawaii native Bruno Mars decides to come out with a song, you bet your local radio stations will pick it up and spread it like wildfire. That’s exactly what happened when he, together with Silk Sonic bandmate Anderson Paak released “Leave the Door Open.”

The duo were able to pick up all four of the awards they were nominated at the ceremony – Record

of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song – all for their latest single.

Bruno Mars , who proudly divulged he’s Filipino in an “Saturday Night Live” guesting circa 2012 - he is of mixed heritage and has Filipino roots through his mother - won for the soulful and funky debut track in his collaborative R&B project with Silk Sonic’s Paak.

FYI: Mars has previously won 11 Grammys and is now the second

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

The

artist in Grammy history to win Record of the Year three times.

San Francisco-raised singersongwriter Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson known professionally as H.E.R. (pronounced “her” – an acronym for “Having Everything Revealed”), whose part Filipino and part Black snagged eight nominations in total, including Album of the Year, Best R&B Album (“Back of My Mind”), Best R&B Performance, and best R&B Song (“Damage”), among others - won Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Fight for you.” This continues her successful Grammy streak from her previous take-homes for “I Can’t Breathe” and “Better Than I imagined.”

In a phone conversation with Billboard, it is evident that the singer was overwhelmed with the number of nominations she was given. “Yeah, I did not expect that at all. Honestly, I didn’t. It’s crazy. It feels crazy. It’s a special day. I got (21 total Grammy) nominations at 24. It was a lot of years leading up to this point, but I looked back at my journeys, and I’m so grateful that it led me here.”

In truth, the young polymath singer has over 20 nominations tucked under her belt at the age of 25. H.E.R. has also won four Grammy Awards. These include the Song of the Year for “I Can’t Breathe”

at 2020’s March’s ceremonies and also Best R&B album, self-titled, “H.E.R.” back in 2019.

This year, H.E.R. competed in two of the big four categories. Massive awards like Song of the Year for her Judas and The Messiah Soundtrack standout “Fight for you” which was nominated and won an Oscar (the Academy Award for Best Original Song) - also, Album of the Year, for her official debut full-length “Back of My Mind.”

When asked about being a Grammy darling, the young singer couldn’t help but gush over the recognitions she’s gotten. “It’s nuts…I’m grateful to be a part of the culture. I’m grateful to be leading a generation, and just being recognized alone is crazy.”

The singer also showed love to her fellow artist Doja Cat who, as mentioned, has received as many nominations. You can all smell the female empowerment in the room. “There are two females who are leading in the nominations: that’s me and Doja Cat. We both have eight nominations, and you don’t see that. I’m really, really excited for her.”

She continued by describing how she admires the “Say so” singer and her many wonderful attributes. “She’s hot and has had an amazing, amazing year doing what she does. She’s killing it and I’m a major fan. I’m excited to see her sweep all the Grammys.”

I say the Filipino culture has certainly raised H.E.R to be modestly humble!

She’s been vocal, too about being proud of her heritage, telling BuzzFeed in an interview: “I’ve been cooking Filipino food really well. I finally got some recipes from my mom and my aunt, so I’ve been diving into my roots.”

H.E.R., who her closest peers and loved ones call ‘Gabriella Sarmiento,’ has always been proud of her African-Filipino roots. In one interview, she was quoted saying how the fusion of two cultures made her the person she is today. “Filipino-Americans love R&B like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. We love hiphop and we love a really powerful ballad. There’s always music

501 Years of Christianity: A Lenten Reflection, Final Part

Understanding the practice of Catholicism in Tinambac

is how well a Catholic understands the relevance of such devotion or faith and how to measure his or her progress objectively.

to achieving masculinity versus understanding what San Pascual was “Ama” of or for – his relevance to daily living?

Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a deliberate process on how to become part of a Catholic Community of Faith. Through RCIA one is provided religious education, faith formation and sacramental preparation to be baptized and confirmed with the help of a parish community.

The process of embarking on a transformative “rite of passage” is foundational to becoming a successful and faithful adherent of the Catholic Faith. This process can take weeks, months or even years to come to fruition. With a positive outcome, it would mean receiving the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. Then begin a journey as a baptized Catholic in a life of faith and service.

This is perhaps the most critical stage or phase in such a rite of passage - the trip back from the point of conversion to practice and to integrate into the communal space – the church, Catholic community. If the method followed during the rite of passage is to “copy and paste,” then broadening of faith becomes iffy and spiritual growth is suspect. Thus the manifestation of such growth

A case in point is during the past fiesta celebrations in Tinambac, for example, a duality of culture emerged between the women and the men. The men, having characterized the patron saint as “Ama,” (or Ina for Our Lady of Peñafrancia) gravitated to a role of masculinity as a protector, a fatherly figure (or motherly figure needing protection) and incorporated such cultures during the street performances (linking arms, chants).

The performance itself became a liminal entity and a transitional space between tension of the past and the now, the individual and the communal space he/she then shared with others, the relationships between social and religious activities, fun or celebratory versus solemnity that blurred the line between the sacred and the secular.

For women who stayed away from the “danger” of rowdy men reeking of liquor and chaos, praying became their cultural manifestation.

Using poetic prayers and songs engendered love and respect and deeper adoration. But it also reinforced the notion that women needed protecting and being kept away from masculine duties. For men, to “boya or voya” was a step

The land (Traslacion) and fluvial processions (boya), fiesta entertainment programs, and the street dancing festival featured a mixture of indigenous art and modernity. The processions and performances had similarities and quality that indicated prior planning, organization and practice were involved. Voyadores wore similarly designed and colored shirts indicating a coordinated action involving fundraising or solicitation for donations. The chants, interlocking of arms happened almost instinctively and honed to some degree of unity and perfection. During the civic activities, the degree of performance varied on their music and tempo choices with a purpose to entertain and win. They were performed unmindful of the paganism genesis of the performance. Even now, interpretations of street performances (like the Voyador Festival) for spiritual meanings other than depiction of historical contexts, are often difficult. Similarly with the boat racing where individual boats were decorated similarly during fluvial processions, the fervor was palpable with the ultimate goal of winning.

In sum, the experimental mixing

and matching of the sacred and the profane like the planning for the processions, the holding of a beauty pageant, street dancing festival, boat racing, military and civic parades in the context of the religious celebration became an entanglement from the historic past and modernity to a point that the point of the exercise was no longer recognizable.

Should one continue as if everything is proceeding accordingly, or should one pause and do some self-reflection and contextualizing?

Knowing that our current conceptions of conversion through our own experiences or journey, have not adequately specified the process of conversion nor clearly demonstrated the effects of the conversion process on the self.

It behooves, then, to determine if your own conversion involved a rapid or steady but discernible personality change that resulted in a “reorientation of the soul?”

Or was it a case of waking up one day and already had that feeling (or assumption) that from birth I grew up a Catholic, therefore I am? Thus, the process we went through was a seamless conversion without any radical change in behavior or emotional turmoil that one experiences being identified with the sacred?

Many of us who were baptized Catholics did not go through such

a personality change (radical or gradual) where we could discern a change for the better (i.e. with the conversion). Call it a classic or steady conversion where we adapted along the way as we went through the sacramental obligations and observation of traditions where we have accepted religious attitudes without remorse of a previous religious affiliation.

Growing up, we were told that being baptized took away the original sin of Adam and Eve and having been confirmed upon reaching the age of reason at seven; our Catholic lives became a struggle for eternal salvation as we began to rack up venial, cardinal, and mortal sins. Such a lifelong struggle, then, became our measure of being a Catholic. Veneration of saints gave us an opportunity, if you will, to find some vindication and relevance. And we lived happily thereafter.

We can continue the same worn out path that our parents and grandparents took and keep the traditions going but the danger is that young people are told to follow Catholic traditions that perhaps conflict with their understanding of the now and a nebulous concept of eternal life. Consequently, the fires that innately burn inside could die down or become the fuel to burn down the structures of a culture, just to feel the warmth of their cocoon.

Professional Business Directory

JESSE REYES

Continued from page 5

happening,” she noted. “I should be careful here, but Filipinos are kind of like the black people of Asia. I love all our commonalities. When my mum married a black man, our cultures meshed.”

Being the proud Filipino she is, she also mentioned to Billboard how she cheers for her fellow artists with Philippine roots. “Of course, there are also other Filipinos who are nominated, and that’s also a rare thing that you see. There’s me, Olivia Rodrigo, Saweetie – and of course Bruno Mars, who’s part Filipino as well. So its dope to see a lot of Filipino artists nominated at the Grammys.”

Saweetie, whose birth name is Diamonte Harper, also has Filipino blood. Born to a mother of Philippine and Chinese descent, presented for Best New Artist – the only female rapper to be nominated for that category this year – and Best Rap Song - rapper Saweetie’s track with fellow Grammy nominee Doja Cat, “Best Friend” is also Grammy-approved. She also sits beside Rodrigo in the Best New Artist category.

The 28-year-old artist, in an interview, reflected on the success she has had in recent months. “I was sleeping, so when I woke up, I received the news and I was just so shocked because it’s the Grammys. It’s my first nomination, so I’m just honored to be a part of the

conversation.”

“I come from two big families: My Filipino Chinese side and then my Black side. Lots of aunties and uncles, lots of cousins,” she mentioned in an interview.

The both Black and Asian birthright star has been vocal about embracing all parts of her heritage. She explained in an interview with Grammy.com: “The reason why I share both sides is because I know there are Asian kids at home, Black kids at home, and it’s dope to represent where you’re from –because if I can do it, I know they’ll feel like they can do it. I try to share as much as my background as possible, so that kids who need inspiration can identify with me –and so they know that if Saweetie can do it, they can too.”

And finally, there is singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Elle King, who has Filipino roots through her father actor, comedian and screenwriter Rob Schneider, who was nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for her duet with country music singer and songwriter Miranda Lambert, “Drunk (and I Don’t Wanna Go Home).”

The singer’s paternal grandmother is from the Philippines. “My Filipino family is deeply rooted in being together. Every house has karaoke, they’re so warm and friendly,” Elle remarked.

Although the star was not able to take home the award, she definitely made quite an impact on the red carpet with her vibrant, crimson

colored suit and matching hat.

Although no major showdowns took place at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, there were plenty of “looks” at the red carpet. We saw flamboyance, flair and a few flops, but that’s the beauty of the Grammys – with a more relaxed dress code, there’s room for artists to express their style and make a statement (or not).

Yes! The Filipinos and FilipinoAmericans also dominated the red carpet. There were Grammynominated rapper Saweetie, of course…in a Valentino-designer outfit; even extremely, hilariouslyfunny stand-up comic Jo Koy showed up, too – and so did the daughter of Filipino music icon Gary Valenciano – Kristiana Maria Mikaela Pangilinan Valenciano more commonly known as Kiana Valenciano – singer-songwriter singer “Kiana V,” and last but not least rapper, music producer and spoken word artist from San Lorenzo, California, Ruby Ibarra who wore a “pinya” silk dress that features lyrics of her award-winning song “Us” (which is about being a Filipino-American).

But look, cheesy “proud Filipino” copy pastas aside, the recognition of these Filipino-American artists do matter in the bigger picture, if I may say it. In an award-giving body long accused of racial bias – especially with Black artists (notably in the 62nd Grammys) – the names of these Filipino-Americans mean more than we think. One of the vignettes we can

review is Billie Eilish’s acceptance speech for her Record of the Year win in the 2021 Grammys.

Highlighting how Megan Thee Stallion should’ve gotten the title instead, she gave voice to, “I was going to write a speech about how (Megan Thee Stallion) deserves this, but then I was like there’s no way they are going to choose me.”

Not only does this representation in award systems affect today’s female musicians and musicians of color, but most importantly the future generation’s aspirants who want to be offered the same space for acknowledgement and celebration. In an interview with Variety, H.E.R. expressed what her 2021 Oscars Best Song victory for “Fight for You” symbolized: “It means that there’s another Filipino girl out there and Black girl out there who says, “I can do that, too.’”

I shout “Right On!” to that.

On Instagram, Rodrigo also brought up what her seven Grammy nods mean to her: “Many dreams have come true for me this year but this one is probably the most meaningful.”

It in all likelihood means the same for Saweetie, who’s always made efforts to make her heritage known – from her sound down to her “Met Gala” fit.

Without doubt…for 2022 these Filipino-American artists are definitely the icons, the legends and the moments of the year!

As proud Filipinos, we have definitely come a long way in America!! Mabuhay!!!

Spiritual Life

New experiences in a caring environment

Aging is taking its toll on us.

Happy Easter!

leader and professor of theology who holds a doctorate degree in theology acquired in England. Dr. Jose B. Fuliga is a prolific writer. In fact, he already shared with me some interesting articles which will soon appear in this column.

I also have a new friend by the name of Christine. She loves to send out text messages in her new phone, and I find it a pleasure to interact with her.

Today the whole Catholic world celebrates the center of our faith: the Resurrection of Jesus. For more than six weeks we have prepared for this wonderful mystery with much anticipation through intense prayers, devoted penance and generous charitable acts of mercy during the season of Lent and active participation in the liturgical activities during the Paschal Triduum beginning last Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil last night. How wonderful to see a community of faith celebrating the greatest mystery in the world: which is the rising of Jesus from the dead after three days of being on earth. In the words of Pope Francis he mentioned that the Resurrection of Jesus “is not the happy ending of a movie, but an intervention of God the Father when all seems lost, a humble victory that human looks like a failure, when Jesus reached the end of the path of humiliation and dispossession by accepting betrayal, insults and death. The puzzling mystery of the great humility of God, who agrees to die and die like a criminal on the cross.”

despite its concrete existence in the world today. Jesus has risen from the dead but pain and suffering remain and constantly keep people confused and bewildered and often lost. However, with faith that is made mature through listening to the words of Jesus, living it daily in our lives, the faithful become emboldened to testify with courage to the reality that the rising of Jesus is the fulfillment of the mission that the Father has sent his only Son to become human in order to manifest his never ending love for humanity and raising it to the level of divinity that is manifested in the mystery of the resurrection.

Indeed, having new experiences in a caring environment not only prolongs life but expands your circle of friends and definitely, enhances our quality of life.

We have started making friends and we are awed by the life experiences of those we met, among them a former church

My husband’s visual impairment and my own heart condition have limited our opportunity for socialization. We have started spending more time in bed rather than wake up early and do some physical exercise. We are becoming lazy, so to speak, and we are becoming dependent on our caregivers, thanks to the InHome Support Services Program. All these have changed since our Primary Care Physician (PCP) suggested that we explore the possibility of participating in an Adult Health Day Care Program. We got hold of an information brochure of the Open Arms Adult Day Health Care Program and were motivated to apply after we read the criteria of qualification, as follows: “Diagnosed with a medical condition that requires treatment of rehabilitative services prescribed by a physician. Mental and physical impairment must have an impact on the individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living, but not serious enough to require 24-hour institutional care. Reasonable expectation that preventive services will maintain or improve the present level of functioning. Be at risk for potential or further deterioration and possible institutionalization if adult day health care were not available.” We thought that the program is worth trying and so we went through a series of interviews by a nurse, a social worker, and an occupational therapist, and they met later on as a team to prepare our Individual Plan of Care. That was almost two months ago, now we are getting adjusted to the changes in our lifestyle. We are meeting new friends and we are actively participating in the various activities of the Center. We opted to attend every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so a van with a caring driver comes to pick us up at 8:30 in the morning and brings us back home at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Before we participate in the planned activities, our blood pressure is monitored and our blood sugar is tested. We join our peers in physical exercises, listen to invited entertainers or dance to their music, play Bingo after lunch until it’s time for us to go home.

One of the pleasures I derive from my participation at the Open Arms Adult Health Day Care Center is to meet many of the readers of my column who inspires me with their complimentary remarks about the articles I have written, one even told me that she has read my articles for as long as she can remember. Oh yes, I’ve been with the Filipino Press for the past 25 years. Hopefully, I’ll continue to write as long as I can in order to maintain my brain health and delay dementia. I am confident I can because I found so many things to write about from the experiences of my peers!

When difficulty or danger invades your life, where do you run?

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.

(Proverbs 18:10-11)

The world of the Bible could be divided into the open countryside and fortified cities. People living in the countryside were exposed to the dangers of thieves, roving bandits, and invading armies. When an alarm was sounded, people would scramble for safety to the fortified cities with their high walls, strong towers, and welldefended gates. You had to run quickly and get there before the gates were closed. These verses ask us to reflect on where we find our sense of safety when the hazards of life come upon us. The "rich man," Scripture says, trusts in his possessions. For him, possessions provide comfort and protection, security and provision.

Danny Hernaez From Whom All Blessings Flow

Today let us all rejoice for this heavenly mystery that gives hope to all who believe that suffering and pain, death and despair have an end in the mystery that the raising of Jesus from the dead completely vanquished and made meaningless

The historicity of this reality is no longer contestable is shown in the gospel narrative and the conversion of the first disciples who witnessed the “empty tomb” which was clear and definitive evidence of the death of Jesus and its “emptiness” as a

sensible explanation on how one can return to life again, because of the divine and supernatural intervention that occurred. For this they became witnesses and they proclaimed with testimony with courage and devotion. Two of these disciples are worth mentioning. Peter who was one of the first who came to find the empty tomb, was at first bewildered and made to hide “for fear of the Jews,” but began to preach the Good News with boldness to the same Jews who had first terrified him. He became to transformed man! The other is Paul, who in the second reading, elevates the Easter transformation with a challenge “for our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with old yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. This is the challenge that we have today, as children of the apostolic witnesses, we are called to witness the Resurrection with our transformed life: dying to corrupt and wicked ways and rising as new persons: sincere, faithful and true. This can happen here in our lives, when we become one in mind and heart, loving and helping each other because we are children of God whose Son was sent to die on the cross for the salvation of humanity and rose from the dead so that all of us would share his divinity.

When difficulty or danger invades your life, where do you run?

Jesus didn't come as a king, but as a helpless infant (Luke

Scripture's judgment is clear: it's all in his imagination. Believing that things other than God can make you safe is to buy into an illusion that can be shattered in an instant. Jesus makes this point about a rich man who trusted in his wealth. "You fool," God tells him, "This very night your life will be demanded from you" (Luke 12:20). The righteous person, however, trusts in God. In the face of difficulty, trial or danger, they run to God for safety. In Scripture, God's "name" stands for His power and authority to act. In Him, His people find their fortified tower, well-defended by God our lover and redeemer. In Him, we are truly safe regardless of anything else that may invade our lives.

2). Although he was perfectly God and perfectly human at the same time (John 1:14), he lived his life as a humble laborer. After he began his ministry, he demonstrated humble service to others in the miracles he performed, as well as in his instruction to his disciples. When the time came for him to die, he submitted to his Father's divine will (Mark 14:36). And now, seated in power at the right hand of God, he intercedes on our behalf (Acts 5:29-32). As the perfect model for godly leadership, Jesus set the perfect example of humility. Ask God to help you follow Jesus' example as you seek to demonstrate the kind of humility that will cause others to see Jesus in you.

<(((><

points higher than her 29 percent approval rating in the first quarter of 2021.

The March 30 to April 6 survey, released Monday, showed 67.2 percent of the 1,500 respondents saying they either "approve" or ‘"strongly approve" of Duterte’s performance as president over the past 12 months.

This figure is 2.3 percentage points higher than Duterte’s 65 percent approval rating in the first quarter of 2021.

Duterte’s trustworthiness was rated either as “high” or “very high” based on 61.2 percent of respondents, up by 6.2 percentage points from his 55 percent trust rating in the same period last year. His disapproval rating for the first quarter of 2022 was 15.2 percent and his low trust rating was 16.6 percent.

PUBLiCUS Executive Director

Aureli Sinsuat said Duterte is on pace to become the first president in recent history to end his term with approval and trust ratings above 50 percent, a “rarity” in Philippine presidential politics. On the other hand, the approval rating for Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo was at 32.3 percent, which is 3.3 percentage

Her trust rating increased by 8.5 percentage points from 18.7 percent to 27.2 percent.

She also earned the highest total disapproval and total low trust ratings among the top five government officials.

The survey showed that 42.2 percent of respondents said they "disapprove" or "strongly disapprove" of Robredo's performance over the past 12 months while 48.2 percent said they put "no trust" or "low trust" in the vice president.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s approval rating was at 38 percent, House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco’s was at 23.8 percent, and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo’s was at 23.7 percent.

Their trust ratings were at 25.3, 14.6, and 14.4 percent, respectively.

PUBLiCUS said the 1,500 respondents who participated in the survey were randomly drawn by the Singapore office of American firm PureSpectrum from its market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos.

The final survey panel was restricted to registered voters. (MNS)

apprenticeship programs.

institutions of higher education, and school districts to commit to using American Rescue Plan and other federal relief funds to help address teacher shortages. Representatives also shared how federal relief funds and opportunities through the U.S. Department of Labor can and are being used to address teacher shortages and provide support to schools by establishing or scaling up teaching residency and

The Department recognizes the value of supporting educators and is committed to providing resources and opportunities that uplift the educator workforce.

To learn more about the SEED program, please visit: https://oese.ed.gov/offices/ office-of-discretionary-grantssupport-services/effectiveeducator-development-programs/ supporting-effective-educatordevelopment-grant-program/.

Fulfilled promises Duterte, who is set to step down from office in June 2022, said he would leave the presidency with gratitude because he has been able to fulfill his promises, including maintaining law and order in the country.

“Nahinumdom mo ang meeting ngari ug sa tanang tibook Pilipinas, wala ko manaad og daghan kay hibaw ko lisod og mubuhi ka'g istorya nga dili nimo dayunon og imo bang sala o di man gyud puwede nga maabot sa imong kapasidad. So ang una nakong gisaad ninyo ituman nako tanan (Can you remember that in all the meetings I had here and throughout the entire Philippines, I never promised many things because I know how difficult it is to make promises that you can’t keep regardless whether it was your fault or not or that it’s beyond your capacity. So I’ve fulfilled all the promises I made to you in the beginning),” he said.

Duterte added that he still has time to live up to “all” of his promises.

“Pero kanang una sa tanan, dawata ninyo ang akong utang kabubuton sa kaninyo pagpahimo nakong Presidente. Siguro tinud-anay lang, wa nay hinambog, naningkamot gyud ko nga magsirbi sa atong nasod. Og unsa may akong naabot, the things that I have done and the things that I dreamed of doing, mura og naay gamayng nabilin para sa akong mga saad (But first of all, please accept my gratitude for making me President. Truthfully, without being cocky, I really strived hard to serve our country. Whatever I achieved, the things that I have done and the things that I dreamed of doing, there are still a little bit of time left for all my promises),” he said. (MNS)

COVE POOL COMPLEX NG PECHANGA RESORT CASINO

MAGBUBUKAS NGAYON KASABAY NG SPRING BREAK

Tamang-tama para sa Spring Break ngayong Marso, isa sa pinakamalaking pool complexes at isa sa pinakamalawak na resort/casino na nagbukas noong Lunes, Marso 14 para sa Pechanga Hotel, Pechanga RV, Temecula Creek Inn at Red Club tier at pinagpipitagang mga bisita. Ang 4.5-acre pool complex ng Pechanga Resort Casino, Katumbas ng limang football field ang sukat ng The Cove. Ibinabadya dito kabilang ang apat na pools, tatlong spas, dalawang paikot na padulasang tubig, 27 cabanas, anim na malalaking sukat na daybeds na sumasakop sa main pool, isang swim up bar na may 18 nakalutang na upuan at Baja ledges. Ipinakikilala rin ng Pechanga Resort Casino ang dalawang bagong hotel specials para sa mapiling mga bisita na karaniwang naghahanap ng value-added deals para sa pasyalan. Kung Bibilangin: The Cove, ay may sukat na 4.5 hektaryang lupa. Iyan ay higit pa sa 5 football fields na pinagsama-sama. 4 pools. Ang pinakamalaki ay ang 21 at pataas na main pool na nasa 7,500 square feet. Bagong pinalawak na pool pampamilya ay nasa 4,358 square feet 18 mga upuan sa isalim ng tubig at swim-up bar sa main pool 2 paikot-ikot na waterslides sa pool na pampamilya 27 Cabanas at 6 Daybeds Mula ng magbukas noong 2019, ang The Cove ay nagpatunay na paboritong pasyalang lugar ng mga bisitang nagdiriwang ng kaarawan at bridal showers, at syempre pa, para sa mga parokyanong gusto lamang magtampisaw sa ilalim ng araw ng Southern California na may estilo. Ang pamimili ng makakain o pag-inom ng paboritong inumin sa The Cove ay napakadali may nakahimpil na mga nagsisilbi sa cabana, gayundin sa poolside na serbisyo mula sa Coveside Grill restaurant. Mga bago na menu ng cocktail pinangungunahan ng pampaikot na Mai Thai, mint julep at pina colada ay nakatutulong sa pool party na naumpisahan. Maaari ring makainom ng Mocktails. Sa loob ng Cove complex, matatagpuan din ng mga bisita ang ilang modernang fire pits perpekto para

sa pag-upo lamang at pagnanamnam ng kaaya-ayang inumin, panlalaki/ pambabaeng locker at kwartong palitan, ang walk-in Coveside Grill restaurant, napaka eleganteng cabanas at personalized na pagkain at inuming pagserserbisyo, at ang 26,140 square foot na para sa pribadong mga kaganapan. Iba pang importanteng

impormasyon: Pagtanggap na adisyon sa bisita ng

The Cove — komplimentaryo

Pagtanggap sa Pechanga RV at Temecula Creek Inn ng mga bisita sa The Cove - $30 pass sa isang araw Cabanas at Daybeds - ang bayad ay nag-iiba base sa weekday/weekends at kung ito ay bakante pa.

Ang pagrereserba ay bukas sa Pechanga hotel, Temecula Creek Inn, Pechanga RV na mga bisita, miyembro ng Tribu ng Pechanga at Pechanga Red tier na mga miyembro at pataas.

Sa iba pang impormasyon ukol sa The Cove, bisitahin ang www. pechanga.com/indulge/thecove o tumawag sa 951-770-8450.

Kabilang sa mga bagong pakete ng Pechanga hotel ang Stay Longer & Save promosyon. Ang mga bisita na nag book ng dalawa o higit pang mga gabi ay makakatipid ng 20-porsiyento sa pamamalagi. Ang mga kwarto ngayong Marso at Abril ay nagmumula sa pinakamababang halaga na $167 kada gabi sa paggamit ng paketeng ito na nagbibigay rin sa mga bisita ng komplimentaryang pagpunta sa The Cove, the Journey at Pechanga golf practice facility at iba pa. Ang paketeng Book Early & Save sa Pechanga hotel ay aabutin hanggang katapusan ng 2022. Ang paketeng ito ay nagbibigay sa mga bisita ng 25-porsiyentong diskwento sa mahusay na libre silid sa presyong ito kung sila ay magpapa reserba ng 30 araw o higit pang maaga. Ang paketeng ito ay nagtatalaga sa mga bisita na makapag book ng dalawa o digit pang pananatili sa kwarto sa gabi at nagbibigay daan din sa mga nananatili sa Pechanga ng mga komplimentaryong amenidad sa itaas. Para sa reserbasyon ng hotel package sa Pechanga, bisitahin ang www.Pechanga.com/stay/packages.