Photo by :Victoria Duarte and her son Michael Junior
VDMC PHOTOGRAPHY -Massachusetts
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
It has been with hard work, integrity and dedication that PFSA has served the community for over one hundred years, and it is an example of what being Portuguese Proud and honored to serve is all about.
PAMA was founded on the same principles, to serve our community as a voice and much more for the needs of Luso Americans, and their descendants,to spread our culture, our language and our "orgulho"Those who are proud of their heritage, but may have felt disconnected, perhaps because they no longer speak the language, or there may not be a medium to connect them.
We work hard every day to serve as their bridge. We have more than a team, we have a family that is dedicated to helping our community grow. It is an honor and a privilege to have this partnership with PFSA.
Welcome to PAMA
Our magazine follow have been created o English and may or and our communities.
This is a one-of-a-kind project in English and will focus on not just Portuguese communities, but communities in general, with issues that affect us all.
We want this to be a new form of information and education while keeping our culture in the middle of all of it. Our contributors and staff are from all backgrounds and will enrich the content of this monthly online publication.
As always, PAMA keeps an open door policy for community advocates, leaders, and organizations to help spread the word about all issues, events, information, etc. and this magazine will be yet another means to do so.
I am formally inviting you to join our list of subscribers and if you want to be a contributor, that door is very open as well. In the name of all our team, WELCOME, and we hope you join us from today on…
Seleção Podcast ON PAMA 1 as the Portuguese National Soccer team plays !
MAGÏN; (pronounced “Muh - Jeen”) also recognized as B. MAGÏN, stands as a trilingual lyricist and international recording artist, proudly hailing from the 209. Raised by parents from the islands of Portugal and nurtured by Godparents from México, he adeptly acquired proficiency in Portuguese and Spanish at an early age Over the past decade, MAGÏN has showcased a diverse musical repertoire, gracing arenas with his performances, and achieving a noteworthy nomination for the 2022 IPMA’s (International Portuguese Music Awards)
B has been able to grow his brand and presence in California and now looks forward to his career reaching new heights with the 3rd installment of his "DÏVERSE" volume series: #FIFA. Growing up, he was a Futebol (soccer) player, and had a dream of pursuing it professionally one day. Unfortunately, due to his father battling Alzheimer’s Disease, he decided to attend college closer to home so he could help care for him Through those resilient times, he realized he had a story to tell, and would focus on his god-given talent of writing and began treating his music like a sport. MAGÏN received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Management from the University of the Pacific while working on his dream of becoming an international recording artist.
Having released 9 previous studio projects, this 10th demonstrates B’s ability to rebrand, yet stay true to himself in an ever-changing music business. The combination of his matured lyricism, melody production, and his enhanced live performances; showcase his ability to stand out.
Striving for a universal message through his lyrics and catchy hooks, he is sure to gain a wider audience with this next release. MAGÏN’s music is distributed independently worldwide by DÏVERSE mundo via Plural Music/ EMPIRE and can be found on any digital music streaming platform.
The Lip Drip My dream as a child was to work in makeup and hair but I never got around to it .. life happened ! At 49 years old , I decided I couldn’t find a lip plumper that actually works ! So, i created my own!! 100% All natural & Vegan Hydrating Plumping And high shine gloss
When you purchase one I think you’ll get addicted while making my dream come true
ANDREA NUNES
A SELF PUBLISHED AUTHOR
Andrea Nunes was born and raised in New Jersey to Portuguese parents, both native to the Serra da Estrela region in Portugal Her upbringing was a blend of American culture and rich Portuguese traditions, instilled by her family and the vibrant community around them She was and continues to be deeply connected to her Portuguese heritage and growing up she fostered it by being as involved in the local community as possible Growing up, she was part of numerous non-profit and community organizations, such as the Elizabeth Portuguese Lions Club and the Elizabeth Portugal Day Committee, among others This filled a desire to help the community while celebrating her Portuguese roots
Growing up, Andrea sometimes felt straddled between two worlds the world her parents grew up in and the world she was trying to navigate on her own During these times, she took to writing as a form of expressing thoughts and emotions in a creative way Throughout her adolescent years, Andrea participated in various opportunities revolving around literature and writing to showcase her work She went on to graduate from Rutgers University, where she pursued a degree in Political Science with a minor in English Rutgers provided a motivational environment to further explore interests in community, culture, and writing
Years later, motherhood introduced a new dimension to Andrea's life, prompting her to seek ways to make her writing and love for it more purposeful yet This led to the creation of a series of bilingual books aimed at teaching Portuguese to young children in 2020
Drawing from a love for poetry, a pride in her heritage, and personal disappointment in a cancelled 2020 flight to see family in Portugal and have them meet her oldest daughter, she decided it was time to bring purpose to the passion and emotion That is when the book series, Stella Learns Portuguese, came to be
Andrea serves as one of our esteemed contributing writers for PAMA Magazine, offering the community insightful Portuguese "words and phrases" of the month. We extend our gratitude to Andrea for generously volunteering her time, and assure her of PAMA's unwavering support in her endeavors.
Ângela Costa Simões
Angela Costa Simoes' journey to becoming a children's book author is a story deeply rooted in her Portuguese heritage, her life's experiences, and her desire to leave a meaningful legacy. Her work reflects not only her love for her culture but also her resilience and commitment to preserving traditions for future generations.
Angela is a third-generation Californian, born to Portuguese immigrant great-grandparents who maintained their cultural roots in the United States. "My great grandparents on both sides immigrated to the states in the early 1900s, and on both sides of my family, they remained involved in the Portuguese community which lead to future generations of my family staying involved and thus, my own personal involvement and connection to the community," she says Growing up, Angela participated in traditional Portuguese festivities, which left a lasting impact on her cultural identity.
Before she could walk, Angela and her cousins were dressed as angels on floats in the Festas do Espirito Santo, carried a giant rosary and she was also little queen, big queen and side maid multiple times These experiences were integral in shaping her understanding of her heritage. Her involvement in the Luso American Fraternal Federation as a teenager further cemented her connection to the Portuguese community. She performed at youth programs and eventually became the state youth president, traveling extensively throughout California. This role allowed her to develop public speaking and organizational skills, which would later prove invaluable.
EDUCATIONALAND PROFESSIONALPURSUITS
Angela attended the University of San Francisco, where she temporarily stepped away from her Portuguese roots to focus on her studies. College was a time of self-discovery, and Angela embraced it fully, making lifelong friends and cherishing the independence it brought. She describes her college years as some of the best of her life, filled with memorable experiences and personal growth
After graduating, she embarked on a significant journey to Portugal, which deepened her connection to her heritage. "I landed in this country I had never been in before and yet felt immediately at home," Angela recalls. During her visit, she opened a bank account, symbolizing her long-term desire to reside in Portugal someday.
In 1998, she joined the Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS) in Washington, D.C., as an executive assistant. This role exposed her to the national Portuguese community and underscored the need for greater education and awareness about Portuguese culture within the broader American society. "It was truly eye-opening, and I realized that we are so insular in our community," she reflects. Angela learned about the different regional nuances within the Portuguese-American community, including the sensitive nature of cultural terms and the importance of proper representation
Angela's career in public relations began upon her return to California. She specialized in the technology and automotive sectors, a career that spanned 25 years Yet, her desire to stay connected to the Portuguese community remained strong, leading her to volunteer for various organizations and events, including the Portuguese Museum in San Jose Together with Paul Pereira, Angela played a pivotal role in transforming the museum ' s spring festival into the now well-known Dia de Portugal Festival
A New Chapter: Writing Children's Books
The inspiration to write children's books came from a personal place. Angela and her husband wanted their daughter, Aurelia, to learn Portuguese. However, she found the existing selection of Portuguese children's books limited and often challenging for non-fluent speakers. "I started looking for bilingual Portuguese children's books, and the selection was very, very limited," Angela explains. This gap led her to write her first book, "Linda Menina," based on her morning routine with her daughter.
Angela collaborated with her friend Elia Souza for the illustrations and worked with Angela Silvera Lanes on the book's layout. The positive feedback from the community encouraged Angela to continue writing. She self-published her books through Amazon's KDP platform, addressing various themes from educational topics to Portuguese cultural traditions. "The ideas just kept coming, and it really became evident that there was a need in the community," she says.
I hope that people enjoy them. I hope that it helps them maintain a sense of connection to our Portuguese community for their children.
The success of "Linda Menina" led to the creation of a boy's version, "Linda Menino," and other educational books covering numbers, colors, and fruits. Angela's books also capture Portuguese-American traditions, such as "Festas" and the lyrics to the song Uma Casa Portuguesa. "There's room to write about a father and his children, or avós and avôs like Andrea Nunes has with her Stella series, about tios, tias, primos and amigos at school. I mean, there's lots of room to talk about how we interact with our loved ones in our lives and the roles that they play in shaping us. But again, from a children's perspective.
So that's the evolution of who I am and how I came to write these children's books and my journey forward and my plan for writing more books. And I hope that people enjoy them. I hope that it helps them maintain a sense of connection to our Portuguese community for their children. And I hope that some of these books become favorites and part of their childhood memories and how wonderful that would be, that in 50 years someone would remember that Linda Menina was their favorite book as a child. I mean, that would be beyond anything I could ever have expected, but it's leaving a legacy not only for our books, but for our children."
A PATH OF PURPOSE AND HEALING
IN LOVING OF MEMORY OF ALEXANDRE’ ANTONIO
Angela's journey took a heartbreaking turn in 2019 when she lost her ninemonth-old son, Alexandre. This tragedy profoundly changed her perspective on life and priorities. "No one can really imagine what that does to you. It changes your brain chemistry, it changes what you feel in your heart and your soul. It just changes everything," she shares.
This loss drove Angela to focus on more meaningful pursuits, with writing children's books becoming a significant part of her healing process. "Writing these books was a big, big part of that," she says. Angela's books not only preserve and promote the Portuguese language but also serve as a tribute to her son's memory.
Today, Angela continues to write, aiming to capture the Portuguese-American experience and pass on cultural traditions to future generations. Her books, ranging from educational themes to stories about heritage legends, offer children a connection to their roots. "I hope that some of these books become favorites and part of their childhood memories," she says, envisioning a lasting legacy that honors both her son and daughter.
Angela Costa Simoes' story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and the transformative power of storytelling. Through her children's books, she ensures that the rich tapestry of Portuguese heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.
There comes a time in every young cub's life when the affection of his mother becomes too much to bear.
Too Many Kisses is written as a playful memoir. It follows a young cub's creative efforts to escape his mother’s kisses and his discovery when he finally succeeds! Too Many Kisses engages both young readers and their parents as they recognize themselves in the story
Peppermint Toast Publishing proudly contributes $2 from every book sold to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Together, we can find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes and care for those who have it.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Softcover, 24cm x 19cm, pp36
ISBN: 978-0-9921516-6-9 paperback $9
Published 2015
Children ages 4-8
Juvenile Fiction, Social Awareness and Responsibility, SEL: Social Emotional Learning
Shipping Weight: 178g grams / 0 39 lbs
Carton Quantity: 70
Carton Weight: 13 kg / 28 6 lbs
AUTHOR
Between full-time work and parenting, Nancy Duarte found time to turn her book idea into a reality Too Many Kisses captures Nancy's own experiences of when extra warm family greetings become too warm for comfort. This is her first book.
The Read – Too Many Kisses written by Nancy Duarte and illustrated by Harriet Rodis
Nancy was inspired by her own experiences as a parent herself. Illustrator, Harriet Rodis, created wonderful visuals that compliment this family story so well. You won’t know whether you want to cry or laugh as the relationship between Mom and son evolve. To top it off anytime you purchase “Too many kisses” the local publisher, Peppermint Toast Publishing, is contributing $2 to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes and care for those who have it. As Duarte told us, in an interview “this is a charity I hold close to my heart” as she has watched her niece live with Diabetes.
Photo courtesy Nancy Duarte
ANTHONYESTEVES
BeASousaMendes
WRITTENBYANTHONYESTEVES
“From now on, there will be no more nationalities, races, or religions.”
When the cruel and cold ruled, there was one who showed compassion. When power was held by those filled with ignorance and fear, there was one who showed empathy and care. When laws were inhumane, there was one who preserved humanity.
During the reign of Antonio de Olivera Salazar’s Estado Novo dictatorship, Portuguese society was oppressed by a conservative Catholic regime. A state of restriction using secret police to force their way into homes, maintaining a prying eye on the lives of its citizens. A regime that obliged the Third Reich’s reign of terror by issuing Circular 14, an inhumane order restricting any refugees from being granted admittance into Portugal to escape the horrors of Nazism.
Tens of thousands of refugees filled the city of Bordeaux, France day and night They pressed themselves against the Portuguese consulate in the city. Behind them, the horrors of Hitler were approaching with each passing day. Ahead of them, a window out of Europe and the only way through it was with a Portuguese-issued signed visa.
continued Anthony Esteves
That power lied in the hands of Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the Portuguese Consul to Bordeaux, France. An imperfect man. A man of privilege. A man who had no reason to place himself in the crosshairs of an autocracy except for the voice of his own conscious. Dealing already with a personal conflict within his family, he faced an unimaginable choice: Allow those tens of thousands to be slaughtered... or defy Salazar. Suffering a nervous breakdown and locking himself in his office for days, Sousa Mendes emerged from his exile with a new clarity. An act of consciousness during his solitude that allowed him to formulate his decision. He stood before his family and staff, took a breath, and said “From now on, there will be no more nationalities, races, or religions.”
All souls would be saved
Disavowing the restrictions set by Salazar in Circular 14, Sousa Mendes would no longer turn away refugees, no matter the nation they salute nor the faith they practice ALL souls would be saved Throughout June 1940, Sousa Mendes, his wife, children, and consulate staff worked tirelessly from early morning to late evening creating an assembly line of visa distributions He feverishly signed every single visa presented to him, granting freedom to every single life with the stroke of his pen and the slam of his stamp When Salazar heard word of this and ordered authorities to close the consulate, Sousa Mendes and his staff would drive to the French border, signing visas as he went. Arriving at the border before Salazar’s orders, he demanded that the border patrol allow every refugee to cross and so they did With every breath and every step, Sousa Mendes cleared refugee after refugee, holding the window to safety open for as long as he possibly could.
Mendes with his family
WRATH OF A DICTATOR
Eventually, Sousa Mendes was arrested, taken back to Portugal, and faced the wrath of an embarrassed dictator. Multiple charges were brought against Sousa Mendes, for Salazar’s pride and ego could not allow this defiance of his laws to go unpunished. When given the moment to deny or defend himself, Sousa Mendes spoke clearly without any hesitation, saying “I could not have acted otherwise, and I therefore accept all that has befallen me with love.”
Sousa Mendes would have his title revoked and his finances drained. He and his family were blacklisted throughout the country, left to live in poverty and shunned by their fellow Portuguese all while Salazar graciously accepted credit for saving and sheltering Sousa Mendes’ refugees. On April 3, 1954, Aristides de Sousa Mendes died; he was 68. Sixteen years later, Salazar would die at the age of 81.
On April 25, 1974, Portugal’s Carnation Revolution overthrew Estado Novo and the Portuguese people began the transition from dictatorship to democracy. In the years after, the Sousa Mendes family worked tirelessly to clear their patriarch’s name and grant him the justice he so deserved and they succeeded.
ACTS OF HEROISM
From Portugal to Israel to the United States, Aristides de Sousa Mendes has been recognized as a “Righteous Among the Nations” for his acts of heroism. His actions, defying the laws of a dictator to preserve life, resulted in the rescue of over 30,000 refugees 10,000 of which were Jewish
Generations exist because one person defied an inhumane law. Great grandchildren will learn about their history because one imperfect person defied suppression. The example set by Sousa Mendes is everlasting; one that rings true in today’s political upheaval.
Where some hold signs that mirror past oppressions, act on your conscious. When there is talk of division and the degradation of a people, respond with the story of an insubordinate consul and his refugees. When their actions echo of Salazar, respond as Sousa Mendes. Always be a Sousa Mendes Always
Written by Anthony Esteves.
Touching Downin Madeira
By: Devin Meireles
TouchingDownInMadeira-BY:DevinMeireles
How magnificent! It was spellbinding when my plane touched down, hitting the tarmac after a dogfight with the turbulent winds. Nobody said that it would be easy to get there. Oftentimes, the best things in life do not come without applying oneself. In this case, arriving on a remote utopia in the Atlantic would require some floundering, nonetheless, it would be worth the wait. It could have been anxiety from the landing or simply the anticipation of getting there that peaked my nerves. An elderly woman praying aloud in the back row didn’t help either. I tuned her out with a deaf ear and instead focused with my ocular senses. The blood rushed to my head while my eyes were mesmerized. I stared out the window at the stunning beauty, as if I had been enchanted by a pearl. After all, that’s the moniker given to this remarkable island The Pearl of the Atlantic
When I discovered her, Madeira, the feeling was reminiscent of a homecoming even though I had never been nor had any family ties there. There was a familiarity unlike anything else. While passengers were disembarking the plane I was awestruck in my seat. It was hard to describe but if one word could do so that would be exceptional. She is undoubtedly special. Her magnificence shines brighter than how the sun hits the iridescent waters off the horizon From the moment I arrived at the airport I fell in love.
That breezy landing strip, nestled on the southeastern edge, was where I was introduced to the ocean splashing into the rocky coast. The winds flushed away my reticence. Looking out to the blue yonder felt like standing at the end of the earth. The elevation was frightfully rapturous. It was like seeing a postcard come to life. To witness that in real time was unbelievable. It was cathartic. The view made me weak in the knees. How such elegance can endure. I stood there as if waiting for the ocean to swallow the island whole. For heaven’s sake, I only got there! Legend has it that the waters gave us such splendor and that one day it would take it back. It could happen at any given moment but there I glanced at the face of temporality. The not-so-distant Islas Desertas stared back at me as a stark reminder of my mortality. That must be what its like to enter heaven’s gates. Opposite to the ocean was the glorious volcanic rock that held me above sea level. A collection of jagged pinnacles chained together, leaning on one another to keep afloat. The mountains faded into the sky as if Gods finger could just come down and flick any one of us. In that moment, I felt like I was among the clouds, one in the same, floating majestically over the current. Red soil along the elevated ridges were splattered with vegetation that I had never seen before. Luminous colors stretched up the terrain to form a kaleidoscope before my eyes. Simply remarkable.
There, surrounded by her beautiful nature, I would embark along the mountainside towards the epicenter of the island. Far in the middle of that comatose volcano, there were points of interest to be found. My exposition would begin. There was plenty more to be discovered. She would open herself to my absorption like how the islanders guzzle some euphoric nectar. To find Madeira, I would quickly realize, was to know what love truly is.
Daianes
great, witty humor fake marriage (or is it?) family drama
billionaire romance spice
Okay, so I heard this one on Audible, and it made it better. I don't usually read these types of books on Audible, but they were almost free and on my TBR, so, you know. But honestly, I think it made it better.
This may be my favorite CL book. It is a cheesy rom-com, billionaire, fake marriage, and fake-to-real love novel in all its glory. Some stories like this have me rolling my eyes, but the characters, humor, and plot had me almost smiling the whole time. It is a perfect, easy, and light read.
I do have a couple of bones to pick with Liam, but he's alright!
If you know me by now, good spice and a good epilogue get extra brownie points, and this one had both! It's a great read (or listen), and I would recommend it
Anna Green thought she was marrying Liam “West” Weston for access to subsidized family housing while at UCLA. She also thought she’d signed divorce papers when the graduation caps were tossed, and they both went on their merry ways
Three years later, Anna is a starving artist living paycheck to paycheck while West is a Stanford professor. He may be one of four heirs to the Weston Foods conglomerate, but he has little interest in working for the heartless corporation his family built from the ground up. He is interested, however, in his one-hundred-million-dollar inheritance. There’s just one catch. Due to an antiquated clause in his grandfather’s will, Liam won’t see a penny until he’s been happily married for five years. Just when Liam thinks he’s in the home stretch, pressure mounts from his family to see this mysterious spouse, and he has no choice but to turn to the one person he’s afraid to introduce to his one-percenter parents his unpolished, not-so-ex-wife.
But in the presence of his family, Liam’s fears quickly shift from whether the feisty, foul-mouthed, paint-splattered Anna can play the part to whether the toxic world of wealth will corrupt someone as pure of heart as his surprisingly grounded and loyal wife Liam will have to ask himself if the price tag on his flimsy cover story is worth losing true love that sprouted from a lie
KAYLA Subica
SINGER
ACTOR PRODUCER
FILMMAKER WRITER
Kayla Subica is an actor, singer, filmmaker, writer and producer, based in Toronto. She is currently debuting her newest solo show “Happy Medium” at the Edinburgh Fringe. Happy Medium is a comedic musical, about a quirky psychic medium in 1970s New York, who was meant to be a singer, when life took a turn! With live sung audience readings, interactive songwriting and group singing, Happy Medium promises you a lively and unforgettable time at the theatre. Kayla has written and performed many one woman shows, drawing on her Portuguese upbringing including Choca, That’s Life on Lisgar, and Breaking News From Little Portugal: Everyone’s a Puta, Even Your Grandma. She has brought them to Halifax, Edinburgh and New York City, expanding audiences' understanding of the Portuguese immigrant condition, and making them bust a gut along the way!
THE HAPPY MEDIUM
Kayla is also a Co-Founder of Yes Lets Media, a women owned production company, responsible for Maple She Wrote which premiered at the Canadian Film Festival this year. Yes Lets Media has two more short films scheduled to be shot this year, one is a musical fantasy about a grieving woman wishing there was a Supermarket for the Low, written by and starring Kayla Subica.
Kayla is an easy laugh, adores strangers, and studies mediumship. Her Vavo (this is how she’s spelt it since she was a kid, don't come at her!) shows up to every Mediumship reading she’s ever had, as the first one in line to say hello, and brag to the reader about her granddaughter. Love you Vavo!
Coverdell Educational Savings Account
Issue Age
• 0-18
Who can open an ESA
• Any individual below the income
Overlap
• You can contribute to both a Coverdell and a 529 plan, provided you meet the MAGI guidelines
Taxation
• Withdrawals are Tax Free if used for limitations (parents, grandparents), the total contribution cannot exceed $2,000 Annually for all the combined accounts
•
qualified Education Expenses Taxed as ordinary income and subject to 10% IRS penalty if not used by age 30
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PAMA MEDIA
Portuguese Style Grilled Chicken
Ingredients:
6 pieces of Chicken (any part you prefer or a whole chicken)
3-4 Tbsp of Fearless Cookin’ Casa Portuguesa seasoning
3 Tbsp of cooking oil (this will create a paste to rub with your spices and marinate the chicken
Salt (Let your senses be your guide for salt) Average is ½ tsp to 2 tsp, depending on your preference Start low and then add more after it’s been cooked if needed
1 Bell Pepper - Sliced
1 Onion - Sliced
Directions:
(*This can also be done roasted in the oven)
1 Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (*400°F for the oven)
2.In a bowl, pour the cooking oil over the chicken, then add the Casa Portuguesa seasoning and salt then rub until chicken has a nice coating of spices
3 Place the chicken, onion and peppers on the grill (*Oven: place all on baking pan )
4 Cook the chicken until the internal temperature is 165°F (use a thermometer)
5 Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes
6 Serve hot with your favourite sides, and enjoy!
This recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends
Representing the local Portuguese Community by kicking our ceremonious "First Goal" at Portuguese Heritage Night game is former board member of "Loaves & Fishes" - Rick de Lima!
Rick is a proud Portuguese American, born & raised in San Jose. An active member of the local community, Rick has contributed significantly to many cultural and charitable initiatives, including volunteering for the Portuguese Band of San Jose, Casa Benfica and co-founding the annual San Jose Sharks Portuguese Heritage Night His commitment to social causes is evident in his role as a board member for Loaves and Fishes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger in the South Bay. They do some truly incredible work and Ricky played a huge part in their initiatives, they are also a proud partner of the San Jose Earthquakes! Thank you Ricky for all of your efforts in the Community.
I started this brand with no intentions and a clear motive to just make designs for my culture that I’d actually wear. More of a street wear type of clothing. It started with one logo ,the Palm tree Tee, but I came up with my business name “PortuCali” because my father had this old fire bird before I was born but he kept the plate which read : POR2GAL on a California plate. I just put Portugal & Cali together and it worked ! Sadly my Dad passed when I was 16 years old so I definitely do this for him and my family to represent my culture to the fullest. PortuCali is now almost 10 years old and I’m excited to still be around doing what I love.
-Chris Faria
Celebrity comedian
Mike Rita wearing
Portucali apparel
Whole Life Insurance
Policy Highlights
•
Issue Age
• Interest Sensitive Whole Life: 0-85 10 Pay Life and 20 Pay Life: 0-80
( 0- 70 for amounts under 100K)
Underwriting Classes
• 10 Pay Life and 20 Pay Life - Standard Non-Tobacco and Tobacco
• Interest Sensitive Whole Life - Super Preferred, Preferred, Standard NonTobacco and Tobacco
Policy Loans
• The maximum available cash loan will be 80% of the cash value of the policy at the end of the policy year in which the loan is made
Grace Period
Issue Amounts
• 10 Pay Life and 20 Pay Life - Minimum
$10,000, Maximum $1 Million
• Interest Sensitive Whole Life- Minimum $25,000, Maximum $1 Million Riders
• Accidental Death Benefit up to $300,000 - Coverage until age 70
* waiver of Premium - Coverage until age 60
Discounts
• Premiums paid in advance for 2 or more years qualify for a premium discount
Default Non-Forfeiture Option
• 60 Days Falamos Português / Se Habla Español
• Interest Sensitive Whole Life: Reduced paid up - The amount of insurance will b determined by applying the net cash value of the policy at the attained age of the insured as net single premium for such insurance
2 0 2 4 p f s a S c h o l a r s h i p s
2 0 2 4 p f s a S c h o l a r s h i p s
Thank you to all of the readers, writers, and contributors who help make this digital magazine possible. We hope you enjoy the content in this issue and continue to support us.
ADAPTABILITY
If you would like to be featured in the magazine, have an interest in writing for us, or want to purchase an ad for your business or event, contact us on any of our social media platforms and or email below.
July 10, 2024
As Scammers Target PG&E Customers, Here’s What You Need to Know to Not Fall Victim
Customers report losses of over $300,000 during 2024
OAKLAND, Calif. Utility scams have continued at an alarming rate during 2024, with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) customers reporting over $300,000 in losses to scammers. To stop this trend, PG&E is committed to helping customers recognize the signs of a scam and avoid falling victim
A typical sign of a scam targeting a utility customer includes a caller claiming to be from PG&E and threatening disconnection if immediate payment is not made via a pre-paid debit card, digital payment mobile application, or other methods of money transfer. As a reminder, PG&E will never send a single notification to a customer within one hour of a service interruption and will never ask customers to make payments with a pre-paid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency, or instant mobile payment applications, like Zelle® or Venmo
“Scammers seek to create a sense of panic, threatening disconnection of utility services if immediate payment is not made,” said Matt Foley, lead customer scam investigator for PG&E. “If a phone call, visit to your home or email doesn’t feel right, don’t fall for it Hang up, shut the door or delete it Remember, PG&E will never ask for your financial information over the phone or via email, nor will we request payment via pre-paid debit cards or other methods of money transfer, including mobile applications.”
During 2024, PG&E has received nearly 13,000 reports of scams targeting residential and business customers with customers reporting losses of over $313,000 The average scam victim lost over $600, and nearly 500 customers have reported falling victim. This number is likely just the tip of the iceberg however, as many scams go unreported. Business customers also are not immune from scam attempts. In fact, PG&E has received nearly 400 reports of scams targeting small and medium-sized businesses, and these attempts frequently occur during busy business hours when scammers hope to catch unsuspecting victims while they are distracted or stressed.
Another recent scam trend involves scammers creating fake websites which provide a fraudulent phone number when you search services related to PGE such as “bill pay” or “start/stop” service. These sites and phone numbers often appear when a handheld device is used to search for and contact PGE. As a reminder, customers looking to contact PG&E should either call our customer service number, 800-743-5000 or by logging into your account at www.pge.com.
Scammers can be convincing and often target those who are most vulnerable, including senior citizens and low-income communities. They also aim their scams at small business owners
during busy customer service hours. However, with the right information, customers can learn to detect and report these predatory scams by visiting www.pge.com/scams or by calling 1833-500-SCAM.
Signs of a potential scam
•
• Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively demand immediate payment for an alleged past due bill.
Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct the customer to purchase a prepaid card, then call them back supposedly to make a bill payment.
• Request for prepaid card: When the customer calls back, the caller asks the customer for the prepaid card’s number, which grants the scammer instant access to the card’s funds
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Refund or rebate offers: Scammers may say that your utility company overbilled you and owes you a refund, or that you are entitled to a rebate, and ask you for your personal financial information.
Scammers Impersonating Trusted Phone Numbers: Scammers are now able to create authentic-looking 800 numbers which appear on your phone display. The numbers don’t lead back to PG&E if called back, however, so if you have doubts, hang up and either log into your account at pge.com to confirm your bill details or call PG&E at 1-833-500-SCAM If customers ever feel that they are in physical danger, they should call 911.
How customers can protect themselves
• Customers should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. PG&E does not specify how customers should make a bill payment and offers a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft, mail or in person
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If a scammer threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service without prior notification, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email, or shut the door. Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail and included with their regular monthly bill.
Signing up for an online account at pge.com is another safeguard. Not only can customers log in to check their balance and payment history, they can also sign up for recurring payments, paperless billing and helpful alerts.
Customers who suspect that they have been victims of fraud, or who feel threatened during contact with one of these scammers, should contact local law enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission’s website is also a good source of information about how to protect personal information
For more information about scams, visit pge.com/scams or https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
