“FIESTA FILIPINO ’25 is more than a celebration – it’s a vibrant showcase of our heritage, unity, and pride. NaFFAA Nevada is honored to sponsor this incredible event, and we invite businesses, organizations, and community members to join us as partners. Your support helps amplify Filipino voices and talents across generations. Let’s build something unforgettable together!” exclaims Jacque de Joya, President of NaFFAA NV.
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of Filipino heritage, flavor, and fun at Fiesta Filipino ‘25, happening from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. This allday extravaganza promises to be one of the most vibrant cultural events of the year—bringing together families,
foodies, artists, and community leaders for a joyful showcase of everything that makes the Filipino spirit shine. Admission is onLY $5 for a fun-fiLLed daY!
CuLinarY DeLigHts
Experience live food demonstrations by renowned Filipino American chefs representing beloved restaurants and culinary establishments. From traditional dishes to modern twists, this is a feast for the senses you won’t want to miss.
Nonstop Entertainment
“This year’s FIESTA FILIPINO ’25 is bursting with talent – from powerhouse singers and celebrated athletes to master chefs leading �ive food demos and bands that’ll keep the energy
high! We call on all artists, performers, and creatives: come be part of this dynamic celebration. Let’s make this stage a true re�lection of our community’s brilliance!” adds Leo Belmonte, Chair of entertainment, Fiesta Filipino ’25.
Enjoy performances from talented Fil-Am singers, dance groups, martial arts teams, and cultural dance companies. Entertainment will keep you moving and inspired all day long.
UniQue Car SHoW
A special Filipino-themed car show will be on site, showcasing creativity, craftsmanship, and community pride on wheels.
FIESTA CONT’D ON PAGE A3
FIESTA – FROM PAGE A-1
Arts, Crafts & Native Games
Explore engaging arts and crafts booths, perfect for all ages. And for the young—and young at heart—join in on native Filipino games that many of us grew up playing - sipa, tumbang preso, luksong tinik, patintero and more!
Vendor & Organization Opportunities
We invite businesses, food vendors, and community organizations to be part of this exciting event! Showcase your products, services, or mission to a diverse and enthusiastic crowd. Tables and booths are available for a fee— space is limited, so reserve yours soon! Become a Sponsor
Support this celebration of Filipino culture and community by becoming a sponsor. Your partnership helps us continue building bridges and honoring our heritage in meaningful ways.
Contact Information
For more information or to reserve a booth/table, or becoming a sponsor please contact -----Leo (702) 4292346; Alex (702)373-9522; Doc Mike (725)321-4648 or email – gtcaoile@ gmail.com.
Fiesta Filipino ‘25 is more than an event—it’s a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and the vibrant future we’re building together. See you there!
We e can n help p you u get t answers, , for r ex ample:
• What is Original Medicare?
• Are there other health care options?
• What do Medicare Parts A, B, C and D mean?
• Is Original Medicare enough health coverage?
• Are my prescriptions covered?
• How much will it cost?
• Do I have deadlines to enroll?
PH ACTIVELY MONITORING UNREST IN NE-
PAL; NO FILIPINO AFFECTED SO FAR
MANILA, Sept 11 (Mabuhay) -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday it is actively monitoring the situation in Nepal as protests against a short-lived social media ban and corruption turned violent, killing more than a dozen people.
The DFA said no Filipino was reported affected by the unrest so far and that the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi and Honorary Consulate General in Kathmandu, Nepal are in touch with the Filipino community in the country.
In view of recent developments in Nepal and until the situation stabilizes, Filipinos there have been advised to shelter in place and follow local authorities.
For emergencies or urgent assistance, Filipinos may reach the Honorary Consulate General at +977 984 9775585 or +977 01 4008801805/4008801-05/4008799.
They may also fax or email the post at +977 01 4008770/4008813 or kathmandu.pc.ah@dfa.gov.ph.
The Philippine Embassy in India, which has jurisdiction over Nepal, may be reached via its Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Section at +91 99107 97104 (Mobile/WhatsApp/Viber) or via email at newdelhi.pe@dfa.gov.ph. (MNS)
The death toll from the unrest has already reached 22 as of this posting after the police opened fire on a crowd during a mass demonstration on Monday.
3.8M PENSIONERS TO BENEFIT FROM SSS MULTI-YEAR PENSION HIKE -- PBBM
MANILA, Sept 11 (Mabuhay) -President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday announced that more than 3.8 million pensioners will benefit from a historic multi-year increase in Social Security System (SSS) pensions starting this September.
During the ceremonial launch of the SSS Pension Reform Program held at the SSS Main Office in Quezon City, Marcos emphasized the government’s commitment to protect and reward Filipino workers in their retirement years.
This initiative marks the first time in the SSS’s 68-year history that pension increases will be rolled out over multiple years.
Under the reform, retirement and disability pensioners will receive a 10 percent increase annually, while death or survivorship pensioners will get a 5 percent yearly hike from 2025 to 2027.
“Taon-taon itong tataas hanggang 2027 nang walang dagdag na kontribusyon mula sa mga miyembro ng
SSS (This will increase annually until 2027 without additional contributions from SSS members),” Marcos said.
The increase, which covers retirees, dependents, and surviving beneficiaries, is expected to inject about PHP 93 billion into the economy over three years, helping pensioners afford basic needs, such as food and medicine.
The President said this is part of government efforts to ensure “ginhawa sa Bagong Pilipinas” (comfort in the New Philippines), reflecting fair and timely social protection.
The SSS has assured that the pension hike would not require any increase in member contributions, unlike the PHP1,000 across-the-board benefit granted in 2017, which led to subsequent hikes in contributions to maintain the fund’s viability.
The event also marked the declaration of National Pensioners’ Week, to be observed every second week of September. (MNS)
PBBM: PH-US RELATIONS REACH NEW HEIGHT, REMAIN A ‘BEACON OF STABILITY’
MANILA, Sept 11 (Mabuhay) --
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
on Wednesday reaffirmed the enduring strength of the Philippines-United States alliance, saying it has reached “new heights” and remains a “beacon of stability” amid growing geopolitical uncertainty in the Indo-Pacific region.
Speaking at the inaugural Manila Strategy Forum, organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Marcos emphasized the importance of the two nations’ evolving strategic partnership, citing enhanced defense cooperation, economic ties, and multilateral engagements as key pillars of the relationship.
“Now midway into my term, and having seen our cooperation with the United States reach new heights, I can say, with confidence, that the Philippines-United States relations remain a beacon of stability,” Marcos said.
“This is true not only today, but it certainly will be true for the years to come. Together, we continue to stand firm on solid ground,” he added.
Marcos said the Philippine -US alliance has grown to reflect not only traditional military cooperation but also emerging defense priorities in the Indo-Pacific.
He cited increasing joint activities such as multilateral maritime exercises with partners including Japan, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
He also acknowledged the deepening of defense industrial cooperation with the US, including work on unmanned systems, energetics, and ship and aircraft maintenance and repair.
“The Philippines continues to build its resources to be an effective partner to the United States, a significant contributor to our mutual defense,” Marcos said.
Sustaining growth Marcos described the Indo-Pacific as “the most consequential region for the world” and reiterated the Philippines’ frontline role in maintaining regional peace and security.
SENATE FINANCE PANEL CLEARS 2026 BUDGETS OF OP, PMS
MANILA, Sept 11 (Mabuhay) --
The Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday approved the proposed PHP27.3 billion budget for the Office of the President (OP), as well as the PHP882.5 million for the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) under the 2026 National Expenditure Program.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs Finance Subcommittee A, presided over the budget hearing where Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and PMS Secretary Elaine Masukat presented their agencies’ allocations.
Bersamin said their attendance signified Malacañang’s commitment to work closely with Congress.
“Our presence here manifests the President’s commitment to work closely with the Senate in upholding our mutual objective of promoting the welfare of our people and the country’s national interests,” Bersamin said.
“The Office of the President will fully cooperate with Congress in its exercise of the Constitutional mandate as the
‘keeper of the purse,’” he added.
Masukat said the PMS budget reflected a slight 1.14 percent increase from 2025 levels, noting that the allocation will support the preparation of presidential briefers and decision inputs, monitoring of directives and priorities, facilitation of public concerns, management of presidential engagements, and provision of Cabinet secretariat support.
After hearing the presentations, Gatchalian declared the budgets approved at the committee level.
“There being no objection, the budgets of the Office of the President and the Presidential Management Staff are now deemed subjected for plenary’s consideration, subject to the discussion and submission of documents requested by senators,” he said.
Senators also expressed interest in raising the OP’s budget further to help cover expenses for the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Summit next year. (MNS)
He said security cooperation must be matched with economic resilience, warning against complacency in the face of global challenges.
“Strengthening our common security requires strengthening our economies. Simply put, we do not take our mature security alliance as a license to remain on autopilot, to be complacent,” Marcos said.
“We are committed to pursue our growth targets and provide better opportunities for our people, ensuring that economic strength and resilience deliver the dividends for enduring stability and security,” he added.
Marcos said economic cooperation with foreign partners like the US is key to regional development, citing partnerships for major infrastructure and economic projects, such as the development of a 155-km. freight railway connecting Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas funded with support from the US Trade and Development Agency.
‘Natural progression’
Marcos also mentioned other areas of collaboration that are “ripe for further economic cooperation,” including semiconductor supply chain resilience, refining critical minerals, and the development of civil nuclear energy.
“Cooperation in these areas makes sense not only economically, but also strategically, in support of our shared security,” he said.
“And this brings me to my last point: the alliance of the Philippines and the United States has reached a necessary and natural progression towards trilateral and minilateral, multilateral engagements, building individual and collective capabilities to address common challenges.”
Marcos expressed hope that the Manila Strategy Forum would become a leading platform for dialogue on regional security, reaffirming reaffirmed the Philippines’ role as a steadfast ally of the US and a proactive player in shaping a peaceful and stable regional order. (MNS)
SENATE PANEL OKS COMELEC BUDGET, EYES ADDED BSKE SUPPORT
MANILA, Sept 11 (Mabuhay) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday welcomed the approval of its PHP11.8-billion budget by the Senate Finance Subcommittee A, even as it flagged the need for additional support to meet the demands of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
During the hearing, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had trimmed their original PHP18.07-billion proposal by PHP6.22 billion, leaving the agency with limited resources to prepare for the polls.
“Yung na-propose po naming budget, nabawasan ng more or less 6 billion pesos… kaya ang matitira na lang sa amin ay PHP9.5 billion (Our proposed budget was reduced by around PHP6 billion… so only PHP9.5 billion will remain available to us),” Garcia said.
He noted that the funding gap comes as voter registration continues to surge. A 10-day registration drive
recently added 2.8 million voters, and with registration set to resume until July 2026, the electorate is expected to grow by another 1.4 million, bringing the total to about 99 million.
This increase, Garcia said, will require the creation of 10,000 additional precincts and the hiring of 30,000 more electoral board members, on top of costs for training, logistics, and ballot printing.
Despite the shortfall, the panel chaired by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, endorsed the Comelec budget for plenary consideration.
Tulfo supported the agency’s appeal for more resources, stressing that poll workers, particularly teachers, must be adequately compensated and elections should not be compromised by lack of funding.
The Comelec said its total requirement for the 2026 BSKE is PHP15.9 billion, which includes honoraria for nearly one million teachers and other poll workers. (MNS)
LOVI POE SHARES HOW SHE KEPT UP WITH A BUSY SCHEDULE WHILE BEING PREGNANT
MANILA, Sept 6 (Mabuhay) -- Actress and producer Lovi Poe has revealed that she and her husband Monty Blencowe are expecting their first child together.
On Instagram, Lovi shared a heartwarming video compilation showing how she managed to juggle her work commitments while keeping her pregnancy private.
“Baby on the way!,” Lovi happily wrote. “Still walking the runway, filming a movie, attending the ABS-CBN Ball, shooting a summer campaign, participating in Panagbenga celebrations… and staying active through it all.”
She added: “This journey reminds me that being intentional with my energy matters just as much as chasing my passions. �”
The video featured behind-thescenes clips of Lovi at her runway show for a local clothing brand.
“Today we have our Bench Body of Work and we are at the backstage now and this is gonna be the first runway of my little angel in my belly. I am just so excited,” she said while gently caressing her baby bump.
She also expressed her excitement about performing on a trapeze during the show: “When I get on in this trapeze, it’s gonna be an amazing experience.”
Lovi also documented her preparations for the ABS-CBN Ball, proudly showing her growing tummy.
“We are getting ready for the ball today and I am pregnant,” the mom-tobe said.
Lovi also shared her intimate moments at home throughout her pregnancy. Despite the challenges, she
continued filming her upcoming movie
The Sacrifice, bravely shooting on location at Mt. Makiling with her husband Monty watching over her during the forest scenes.
Toward the end of the video, the couple revealed that they had also celebrated with an intimate baby shower which was also posted by Lovi’s sister, Grace Poe.
“Congratulations Lovi and Monty! Can’t wait to see your little one,” Grace wrote in a caption.
Lovi’s pregnancy confirmation followed her “Love Your Body” campaign launch with a local clothing brand on September 1.
Celebrity friends and colleagues such as Janine Gutierrez, Bianca Gonzalez, Denise Ochoa, and Roberta Tamondong were quick to congratulate the actress on her new milestone.
(MNS)
JAMES REID ‘EXCITED, BLESSED’ TO WORK WITH KATHRYN BERNARDO
MANILA, Sept 5 (Mabuhay) -- Actor James Reid is set to embark on a fresh chapter in his acting career as he teams up for the first time with actress Kathryn Bernardo in an upcoming project.
After years away from the teleserye spotlight, Reid admitted that stepping back into this space feels both exciting and challenging.
“I’m very excited and very blessed. Grabe yung support and it hasn’t even started shooting yet, so I’m very grateful. And I can’t wait to work with Kath. Very excited. Yeah, it’s something new and exciting,” Reid shared.
The actor revealed that collaborating with Bernardo has long been on his list.
“Actually, it’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a while. So I’m very grateful I get to work with Kathryn. She’s extremely talented. So it should be great,” he said.
Reid also reflected on the pressure of returning to the screen after nearly seven years since his last teleserye, noting: “It’s very new again. I’m still getting used to it. There’s always pressure, but pressure is good. It means people have high expectations, it means ev-
eryone’s very excited.”
While details about the Dreamscape Entertainment project remain under wraps, Reid kept fans intrigued.
“It’s something we’re going to work out along the way. It’s very exciting. It’s my first time working with another leading lady. So I’m trying to just give it my best, give it my all, and then see what happens. Hope for the best,” he added.
The two are set to start taping this September. (MNS)
IS KAYE ABAD STILL OPEN TO DO A TV SERIES?
MANILA, Sept 9 (Mabuhay) -- Actress Kaye Abad is no longer keen on doing a television series but is still open to shooting films.
“Naalala ko ang taping days natin. Nakakapagod talaga,” Abad said as translated in Tagalog in an interview with ABS-CBN’s mainstream Bisaya talk show “Kuan-On-One,” hosted by Melai Cantiveros, after she was challenged to deliver in Bisaya some lines from ABS-CBN films and shows.
Asked if she’s coming back to doing teleseryes, Abad replied: “Hindi na talaga. As in (nakakapagod). Ano na lang... movies na lang siguro. Dahil ang serye, matagal gumawa ng serye.”
In the show, Abad also talked about her and her husband Paul Jake Castillo’s love story. She also talked about her life in Cebu, where Castillo is from. Abad is happy being a wife and mom to their two sons, saying that it was always her dream to have her own family.
Asked if she still wants to have another child, the actress said: “Ayaw ko na. ... Nakakapagod kaya. Mahirap maghanap ng yaya. I have two boys kaya mahirap. No, I have three. Si Paul Jake ang panganay.”
Before the interview ended, the former “Tabing Ilog” star shared her
thoughts about her life.
“I think that now na mommy na ako, na-realize ko na mahirap maging isang mommy. It’s not an easy job. Sa pagpapalaki ng bata, iba-iba ang ugali ng mga bata. So hindi pwede ‘yong how you raise the first one is the same how you will raise the second one. Magkaiba sila ng ugali. So it’s very hard, doon pa lang. It’s a hard job but then it’s a very rewarding feeling na makita mo if you will raise them well. At tooo na unconditional love ang pagiging ina. No matter what,” Abad said. Abad and Castillo got married in December 2016 in Cebu, months after getting engaged. (MNS)
ONE APIA
Bringing
“LOJF mission seeks to bring hope, dignity, and the possibility of a
In n the e heart t of f the e P hilippin es s and d beyond, a radiant beacon of hope shines through locked gates and barred windows The Light of Jesus Family (LOJF), founded by renowned Filipino motivational speaker, Bo Sanchez. LOJF call their prayer gathering, the Feast. The Feast is more than just a spiritual gathering, it is a movement dedicated to serving the marginalized and transforming lives through faith, compassion, and ac-
logical and emotionalhealing through belonging and genuine care. Furthermore, the Mission actively connects in mates with legal, educational, and livelihood resources, building bridges that lead to restoration and reintegration into society.
Stories of Compassion in Action.
The work of the Prison Mission is not confined to words or intentions it is manifest in heartfelt involvement. On
tion. Among their various mercy ministries, the Prison Mission stands out as a powerful testament to their call to serve “the least, the last, and the lost.”
The Mission and Its Heart
The Prison Mission’s core purpose is to embody God ’s
May 16, 2025, Cindy Delos Santos, one of the leaders of the Feast Las Vegas, with some members from LOJF Manila visited the female dormitory of Sta. Rosa Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and none other than the Founder & National Director of the
Inspired by the Gospel’s call and the Catholic Church’s challenge, the Mission seeks to bring hope, dignity, and the possibility of a new life to incarcerated individuals. This work is not simply charity it is a commitment to seeing the face of God in each person, regardless of their past. Through spiritual formation and values enhancement programs, the Mission provides guidance that fosters personal transformation. Practical support is an integral part of the outreach, addressing medical, dental, optical, and other essential needs. Friendship communities are nurtured within the prison walls, offering psycho-
photos captured during this mission witness moments of prayer, fellowship, and joy shared amid challenging circumstances. These visits are not fleeting events; they plant seeds of faith and trust that continue to grow long after the volunteers have left.
A Call to Greater Community: Welcoming Bro. Jon Escoto
This September, LOJF’s Feast Las Vegas is honored to welcome Bro. Jon Escoto to the city. On September 20, he will share firsthand the tremendous impact the Prison Mission is making stories of hope, transfor-
mation, and restoration that affirm every human being right to dignity and a second chance. His presence is an invitation to witness, to listen, and to be moved to action. Aside from being a Feast Builder of LOJF, Bro. Jon plays as active role in transforming the lives of many Filipino families as President and CEO of Leadlife. Inc.(Center for Life Leadership) and WHOLEFAMILY, Inc. (Center for Family Wholeness). He is also a Senior Corporate Training Consultant for the top 500 corporations in the Philippines and top agencies/ departments of the Philippine Government.
“Dancin’ In September”: A Night to Make a Difference
Great change is fueled by
guidance, practical aid, and new opportunities for growth and healing.
Date & Time: September 20, 2025, 5:00 PM
Venue: Fil-Am Central, 3700 S Maryland Pkwy, 2nd Floor, Las Vegas NV 89169
Event: Dancin’ In September–Dinner-Dance (70’s era) for a Cause.
great community. The Feast Las Vegas invites all FilipinoAmerican communities and allies in Las Vegas to join hands in the fundraising project “Dancin’ In September.” This dinner-dance for a cause will be held on September 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Fil-Am Central, 3700 S Maryland Pkwy, 2nd Floor, Las Vegas NV 89169.
This event is more than an evening of music, food, and fellowship it’s a chance to partner in bringing light into the darkness. Funds raised will directly support the Prison Mission’s ongoing programs, ensuring thatmore inmates receive spiritual
Join the Mission Be the Light. As we gather in celebration, let us remember those who wait for a sign of hope behind prison walls. Your support, whether through attendance, partnership, or prayer, is a ray of light that can spark transformation. Together, we can fulfill the Gospel’s call to love unconditionally and to lift up those who need it most. Come, be part of a movement that believes in second chances, in healing, and in the boundless possibilities of grace. Join us. Dance with us. Help us shine the light of Jesus ever brighter, even in the darkest places.
(Above) Bro. Jon gives inspirational message to the correctional inmates.
(Above) Bro. Jon Escoto, Founder and National Director of the Prison Mission. Also, a Senior Corporate Training Consultant for the top 500 corporations in the Philippines.
(Above) Jon Escoto at the Glorious Concert, a spiritual concert in Las Vegas with LOJF founder and respected lay preacher, Bo Sanchez w/ the Kerygma Preachers.
(Above) Distributing packed lunches to 90 female inmates.
NEVADA
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF FILIPINO AMERICAN ASSOCIATIONS OF NEVADA THE LAS VEGAS FILIPINO AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN COLLABORATION WITH FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: • Entertainment: Leo Belmonte (702) 429-2346, Katrina Ojeda (702) 321-1972 • Food Truck & Food Vendors: Alex Peña (702) 373-9522, Jean Celemin (702) 338-3311, • Business Vendors: Dr. Michael StaJuana (725) 321-4648, • Other info: Cynthia Deriquito - (702) 338-8570. $5.00
M RESORT HOTEL & CASINO 12300 LAS VEGAS BLVD S HENDERSON NV SAT OCT 4.2025 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM REAR PARKING LOT
Cincin Landeros
FILIPINOS IN EUROPE’S SERVICE INDUSTRY: STORIES OF SACRIFICE AND DEDICATION
Across Europe and all over the world, Filipinos have become integral to the service industry, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors. From cruise ships sailing through the Mediterranean to restaurants and hotels in the heart of European cities, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are known not only for their professionalism and work ethic but also for their resilience and warm spirit.
During a Mediterranean cruise with my husband aboard the Silver Ray, the newest luxury ship of the Silver Sea cruise line, I had the privilege of meeting several Filipino workers who shared their stories. These men and women—working as butlers, chefs, transport crew, and housekeepers—exemplify dedication. They endure months, sometimes years, away from their families in the Philippines to create better lives for their loved ones back home.
Alfredo, a talented pianist and singer from Cavite, is beloved by international guests at Dolce Vita, the ship’s entertainment lounge. His nightly performances add soul to the sea journey and show how Filipinos bring joy wherever they go.
Rose, a single mom from Iloilo, works aboard the ship and finds solace in the rhythm of life at sea. She eagerly anticipates her two-month vacation, when she’ll be reunited with her children, currently under the care of her mother.
James, a butler, comes from a family rooted in cruise ship work. Despite 12hour shifts, he values his twice-weekly days off. He shares a small cabin with a co-worker and lights up when talking about buying his favorite snack, “cornick,” from Filipino stores at port stops.
Other remarkable crew members include Mar from Bicol, a waiter in the ship’s fine dining restaurant; Eden from Iloilo, who serves at the Japanese restaurant onboard; and Clara, a housekeeping manager who proudly shared that even the ship’s executive chef is Filipino. It was also arranged for me to enjoy special Filipino meals during the cruise— chicken adobo on the first week and “Bulalo” the next—bringing a taste of home as we sailed past the Italian and French Rivieras. Filipinos in the European mainland also shine in the service sector. In Rome, Brian Solis, born in Italy but raised in Iloilo, works as a front desk manager. In Barcelona, Reia Tactay from Ilocos Sur, now with her children in Spain, works at Café Gloria alongside other Filipino staff, all striving for a better future.
At the Lamaro Hotel’s rooftop in Barcelona, I met Dana, Dolly, and Chris— three friends enjoying a rare break as they shared to me how they are preparing financially for their children’s new school year. Their drinks were served by Rommel from Negros Oriental, yet another testament to the Filipino presence in Europe’s hospitality scene.
In Venice, I had an engaging conversation with Ronald Ignacio, a longtime resident working at Convivio, a local pasta restaurant. His insights into Filipino politics and culture added depth to our travel experience, and his directions to the iconic St. Mark’s Square led us to a wonderful breakfast at his workplace the next morning.
Despite the hardships of being far from home, these Filipinos have found purpose and pride in their work. Their presence across Europe not only supports their families but also enriches the global service industry with kindness, dedication, and a warm smile that always feels like home.
Alfredo playing Dahil Sa Iyo ship tender Crew
Reija, Server of a cafe in Barcelona
Dana Dolly and Chrias]]s
Sari-Sari Store in Mallorca, Spain Silver Ray Butler James
Venice’s Ronald
Brian Solis, Front Desk Manager in Rome Rommel, a bar attendant Rose, Silver Sea Butler
Pianist Alfredo
Happy Birthday to beautiful nurse, Jennifer and to our kikay cutie Jhrey! Many more birthdays to come! Congratulations to Cirimille and Spencer!
Maria Del Mar Society celebrated the 70th birthday of Maria Thelma Cenabre, a retired nurse and community servant, along with her husband Joel as she gleamed in happiness! Thanks for your service to the community; wishing you good health and prosperity!
“This shower made everything feel so real and they did such a great job surprising me! I am so grateeful to everyone who came to my bridal shower and celebrated with me. I love you all so much! ~ Cirimille Faye Paglinawan on the breathtaking bridal shower to celebrate her love with her fiance, Spencer! Special thanks to Chef Kiko and Alexis of Rolling in Dough Bakery for the lovely cakes! It made the event extra special indeed! Cheers to love and commitment! From the desk of Victoria Tambunting: Every year, students and parents look forward to the Back to School Backpack giveaway by the Richard Harris Law Firm. This year, they blazed with a purpose, featuring a performance by world-class artist Ehrlich “Firechill” Ocampo and strong support from the Philippine Nurses Association of Nevada, with Ano Na Bev? of the Filipino Channel and PHLV Radio shining a spotlight. Thank you for your service to the community through the years; Last July 26, 2025 event became more than just giveaways and fun for was truly a memorable celebration of culture, care and community...
Sis Olive Manalo Karagdag
It’s time to let your skills shine. Find resources for breaking through barriers like degree screens and stereotypes. It’s time to tear the paper ceiling limiting STARs: workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes rather than a bachelor’s degree.
Halu-Halo reimagined:
If Coco Chanel Made Dessert
OOlivia Enriquez
Food as Fashion: History in Layers
Like haute couture, halohalo tells a story—stitched from necessity, sewn with memory. Its roots lie in the Japanese kakigōri, whose sweet beans and ice syrups crossed over to Philippine shores during the early 20th century. Chinese traders introduced preserved mung beans and fruit, while American postwar influence brought canned milk and refrigeration.
Filipinos, ever resourceful and expressive, took these fragments and fashioned a baroque edible collage: garbanzos, ube halaya, macapuno, kaong, nata, leche flan, pinipig, jackfruit, sago, even rice crispies and cheese. Not one layer but many. Not one origin, but all.
In fashion terms?
A maximalist look. A statement dress. A festival of textures.
Some desserts wear sprinkles. Halu-Halo wears a crown.
It’s a jeweled mosaic of ice, color, memory, and tropical excess—layered, loud, and proudly Filipino. But what happens when we ask it to tone down the volume, trade its fiesta for finesse, and step onto the culinary runways of Tokyo, Paris, or Seoul? What if halo-halo was not just a dessert, but a design language, ready to be tailored, deconstructed, and styled?
Enter the fantasy halo-halo: a vision of the Filipino classic reimagined through the lens of global pastry couture. Think food as fashion, flavor as fabric, and culture as concept. And in this collection, there’s no off-the-rack thinking. Every spoonful is bespoke.
If Chanel Made Halo-Halo
She wouldn’t scoop with abandon. She’d glide into the kitchen, lift the lid of a brass pot, then quietly remove two ingredients without a word. Her mantra: *elegance is refusal.*
She’d serve it in bone china, not a sundae glass. She’d name it *L’Halouette*, a seasonal reverie meant to be admired before it is devoured. Her version
would whisper, not shout.
A black sesame custard would anchor the dish, velvety and mysterious. A salted almond tuile would arch across the top like a hat at a Paris atelier. The ice — not just shaved, but infused — would bloom with notes of lavender milk. And then, the center: a single ube pearl, polished to perfection, sitting like a brooch upon snow. Because to Chanel, style
meant subtraction. And yet to us Filipinos, style is a symphony — of texture, color, syrup and spice. To us, halo-halo isn’t edited. It’s exalted.
So maybe, Chanel wouldn’t *make* halo-halo. But she would absolutely order one in Paris. At Hôtel Costes. At the Peninsula bar. She’d send for the ube herself — flown in from Pampanga, of course. She’d run her fingers along the rim of the
bowl and say, *“Before you leave the kitchen… look in the bowl and take one thing out.”
Her dessert would arrive on a pressed linen napkin, not a plastic tray. A single violet cube of ube pâte de fruit would rest beside a shard of jasmine ice, the flavors leaning toward perfume. The flan would float, not sink. There would be silence before the spoon dipped in a ritual.
A reverent pause before pleasure.
And the scent? Not plain vanilla. No, it would be rare ylang-ylang. Or the breath of sampaguita caught at dusk. Or maybe, a whiff of pandan folded into cream.
Because in her eyes, halohalo is to be revered. She’d let it walk the runway. A la mode. In style. Flaunting. Enchanting.
Epilogue:
The Future of Fashioned Flavor
As Filipino cuisine breaks into the mainstream, desserts like halo-halo stand as cultural totems—flexible, rich, and proudly rooted. Whether served from a cart in Quiapo or a chef’s counter in Brooklyn, it continues to evolve.
In the atelier of food and culture, halo-halo is our statement piece.
Disclaimer: A Fashionably Sweet Fantasy
This article is a speculative confection — a thought experiment, All illustrations are AI-generated, and intended to provoke imagination. But if halo-halo means “mix-mix,” this is my way of mixing imagination, culture, and culinary flair. Spoon with curiosity, and always taste with wonder. Digital and AI images by: O Enriquez
Runway Remix: The Fantasy Halu-Halo Collection
Let’s pivot now to the capsule collection—three fantasy halo-halos built for the runway, the tasting menu, and the curated palate. Each is inspired by a designer aesthetic, Asian culinary cousin, and Filipino memory. Each dish can be plated as a restaurant experience or transformed into a dessert centerpiece for culinary showcases.
1. Ube Halu Halo
Inspiration: Art Deco x Ube Couture x Japanese Kintsugi
Flavor Profile: Ube-pandan mousse with a light coconut foam top
Taro and milk compote folded into lychee and ube nata de coco
Asian Cousin: Japan’s kakigōri with a refined twist on structure and restraint
Design Note: A dessert with architectural restraint. Think of it as halo-halo tropicale where the loudest flavor (ube) is allowed to whisper silkily rather than shout.
- 2 tbsp mango-coconut compote - Lychee juice set in gelatin and diced - Caramel tuile with pinipig
- Coconut vapor (from dry ice and coconut essence) for aroma mist
-Accent with banana turon.
2. Avocado
and Macha
Inspiration: Korean bingsu meets florals & fruit couture à la Dior
Flavor Profile: Shaved pandan ice Avocado cubes Nata de coco gel
Matcha sorbet and carmelized sampaguita Dayap zest and mint for lift
Texture Play: Sticky, fluffy, icy, gummy, floral—like a backyard garden tasting menu
Asian Cousin: Korea’s patbingsu, with its softerthan-snow shaved ice and subdued sweetness
Design Note: This is
halo-halo as a spring runway look—blossoms, blush tones, and heritage accents.
Recipe Highlights: Ice base: Infused with rose water and calamansi juice before shaving Macha mochi: Glutinous rice flour, ube extract, powdered sugar Macha sorbet Calamansi syrup + lemon zest + churned ice cream base
Inspiration: Las Vegas showstopper meets old Manila baroque
Flavor Profile: Leche flan cubes (torchblistered on top) Evap milk shaved ice base Langka granita with Nata de Coco gems and sago, with white beans and macapuno Caramel drizzle and burnt sugar crust
Texture Play: Cold-hot contrast, crunchy shell over custard, velvety milk base
Asian Cousin: Chinese douhua meets French crème brûlée—but inside a Filipino summer fantasy
Design Note: This one’s theatrical. A “wow” dessert designed for camera phones and candlelit tasting rooms. Dessert as event.
Recipe Highlights:
- 1 serving leche flan (firm custard, torched with brown sugar top)
- 1 scoop milk gelato
- Langka (jackfruit) blended and frozen to granita
- Light pastel cotton candy on top
Textural Talk: Crystals, Custards, and Crunch all at once. You get chew from sago, fluff from shaved ice, crunch from pinipig, silk from leche flan. That interplay is what keeps it endlessly remixable.
