Las Vegas, NV – June 26, 2025 —
One APIA Nevada (OAN), a grassroots nonprofit organization for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans collaborated with the Asian American & Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce (AAPI Chamber), a nonprofit focused on strengthening Southern Nevada’s AANHPI-owned businesses, to host Power & Policy, a community-focused event reflecting on policy outcomes from the 83rd Legislative Session. Held in Las Vegas with approximate-
ly 100 community members in attendance, the event served as an essential space for civic education and empowerment for AANHPI Nevadans.
Designed to bridge the gap between policy and the people it impacts, Power & Policy provided a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and community-building around key legislative issues.
The event spotlighted members from the AANHPI Legislative Caucus including State Senator Rochelle Nguyen,
One APIA Nevada reviewed key priority bills from the session, covering areas such as voting rights, worker protections, healthcare, immigration, education, and language access. The panelists participated in a moderated
1st batch of OFW repatriates from Middle East back home
MANILA, June 25 (Mabuhay) -- The first batch of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from the Middle East amid rising regional tensions arrived in the country on Tuesday night.
Thirty-one repatriates -- 26 from Israel, three from Jordan, one from Palestine, and one from Qatar -- arrived at the Ninoy Aquino Inrernational Airport Terminal 3 via Qatar Airways flight QR 934 from Amman, Jordan at 7:30 p.m.
The group was originally scheduled to arrive at 8:20 a.m. Tuesday but was briefly delayed due to the temporary closure of Qatar’s airspace, following Iran’s missile strike on a United States air base in Doha on Monday.
In a press briefing, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac also said the second batch of 50 OFWs is expected to arrive later this week, while another 20 are currently being processed.
“We experienced flight delays due to airspace restrictions, but what’s really important is that we are here at home, safe and sound,” said Cacdac, who led the repatriation mission together with Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi.
Cacdac and Legaspi traveled with the OFWs from Jordan and personally ensured their safe passage back to the Philippines.
He said the repatriation efforts amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran is in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the safety and security of OFWs during crisis situations.
Each repatriate received PHP150,000 in financial support -PHP75,000 each from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
The workers were also given immediate airport assistance, including temporary accommodations and transport to their home provinces.
OWWA Chief Patricia Yvonne Caunan, together with Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Deputy Director General Felizardo Colambo, and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secre-
tary Robert Ferrer welcomed the OFWs and provided on-the-spot medical, psychological, and reintegration services.
“The DOH will provide medical services and assistance to one cancer patient-repatriate, and one pregnant OFW, including a mental wellness check-up to ensure their overall well-being,” Herbosa said.
The DMW, through its National Reintegration Center for OFWs, will also assist the repatriates in establishing their livelihood ventures or finding alternative employment opportunities, aside from the free skills training vouchers from TESDA and business trainings from the Department of Trade and Industry.
For those seeking local employment, the Department of Labor and Employment is prepared to assist them in terms of placement and job matching.
The repatriates from Israel crossed the King Hussein Bridge into Jordan before flying home, supported throughout by Philippine embassies, Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs), and OWWA welfare officers in Israel, Jordan, and Qatar.
Cacdac recognized the one-country coordinated efforts by concerned government agencies for the safe and successful repatriation of the OFWs from conflict-affected areas in the Middle East.
DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay, meanwhile, said out of more than 30,000 OFWs in Israel, 311 have requested repatriation so far.
“We stand ready to assist those who are willing to be repatriated. We are encouraging OFWs to avail of the voluntary repatriation program. And sa pag-uwi nila (when they return home) a whole-of-government approach ang nakahanda (is in place) ,” Cacdac said.
Meanwhile, Caunan stressed the emotional impact of the repatriation of the OFWs to their families.
“Pinaka mahalaga at pinaka importante ang saya at pagmamahal na nadarama ng bawat pamilya sa pagdating ng ating mga OFWs sa gabing ito (The most important thing is the joy and love expressed and felt by the families of the OFWs after they arrived home tonight),” Caunan said. (MNS)
AANHPI - FROM A-1
fireside chat shared the motivations and challenges behind key bills and answered audience questions on how the AANHPI community can continue to shape state policy.
Attendees were able to gain deeper insight into the legislative process and were encouraged to remain engaged between sessions whether through community organizing, grassroots advocacy, or civic participation.
The event drew a broad and diverse audience, reflective of Nevada’s multifaceted AANHPI population, including seasoned community leaders, emerg-
ing advocates, small business owners, K-12 educators, and students. Their presence underscored the shared commitment across generations and backgrounds to advance equity and representation for their communities. Beyond updates and community connection, Power & Policy highlighted the importance of sustained civic engagement and grassroots leadership, serving as a reminder that while policy decisions are often made at the state level, the power to shape them lies in the hands of informed, organized, and empowered communities.
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?
World-Renowned Soprano Sumi Jo
Brings Mad For Love to the Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort for One Night Only, July 13
LAS VEGAS (June 5, 2025) – Palms Casino Resort is proud to announce that internationally celebrated soprano Sumi Jo will bring her mesmerizing performance Mad For Love to Pearl Concert Theater on Sunday, July 13, 2025, for one unforgettable night.
Known for her exceptional vocal range, dazzling technique, and magnetic stage presence, Sumi Jo has graced the world’s most prestigious stages—from La Scala to the Metropolitan Opera—captivating audiences with her emotionally resonant interpretations of classical and operatic masterpieces.
A true global icon, she transcends language and cultural boundaries, connecting with audiences through her artistry and humanity. Most recently honored with France’s Commandeur of the Order of Arts and Letters in May 2025, Sumi Jo continues to be recognized not only for her vocal mastery but also for her contributions to global arts and culture.
Mad For Love is an extraordinary musical experience that fuses timeless operatic pieces with contemporary flair. Featuring Sumi Jo’s soaring soprano and a stunning ensemble of musicians, the show promises a spellbinding evening that celebrates the drama, beauty, and intensity of love through music.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sumi Jo to the Pearl Theater,” said Crystal Robinson-Wesley, VP of Entertainment and Activations at Palms Casino Resort. “This is a rare opportunity for Las Vegas audiences to witness one of the world’s most exquisite voices in an intimate and acoustically perfect setting.”
Located inside Palms Casino Resort, Pearl Concert Theater is one of Las Vegas’ premier live entertainment venues. Renowned for its state-of-the-art acoustics and design, the venue offers an immersive experience with no seat
more than 120 feet from the stage— perfect for an artist of Sumi Jo’s caliber.
Tickets for Mad For Love featuring Sumi Jo go on sale Friday, June 6, and can be purchased at palms.com.
For more information, please visit www.palms.com.
About Palms Casino Resort
Palms Casino Resort is a trailblazer as the first Las Vegas resort fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe. With 766 hotel rooms and suites across two towers, Palms offers a dynamic mix of bars and restaurants, including the acclaimed steakhouse Scotch 80 Prime, the popular A.Y.C.E Buffet, and celebrity chef-driven eateries, including Mabel’s Bar & Q by Chef Michael Symon and sky-high dining at Vetri Cucina from Chef Marc Vetri. Awarded USA Today’s Best US Casino, Palms is home to a redesigned 95,000-square-foot casino, live entertainment venues, a pool oasis, and unique lifestyle experiences.
Amenities also include free valet and self-parking, The Pearl (a 2,500-seat concert theater), Ghostbar Rooftop Lounge, The Spa, the Brenden Theatre 14-screen cinema, over 190,000 square feet of meeting space, and nearly 600 units at Palms Place condominiums. Palms features innovative suites like the Hardwood Suite for basketball fans, the Kingpin Suite for bowling enthusiasts, and many more themed suites. The Sky Villa suites, with masterful artwork, private pools and terraces, and breathtaking views of the Strip, provide unmatched luxury for unforgettable experiences.
Located just west of the Las Vegas Strip off I-15 on Flamingo Road, Palms Casino Resort is owned by The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (SMGHA), an affiliate of Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. For more details, visit palms.com or the Palms Press Room.
Pope appoints ex-DepEd chief Armin Luistro to Vatican office
MANILA, June 26 (Mabuhay) -Pope Leo XIV has appointed Filipino De La Salle Brother and former Education Secretary Armin Luistro as among the 19 new members of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
A report on the Catholic Bishop’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website on Wednesday said Luistro’s appointment was announced on Tuesday.
The dicastery is tasked with promoting, encouraging and regulating the practice of evangelical counsels, the CBCP report said, citing the apostolic constitution on the Roman Curia.
The dicastery is also charged with approving cases in which a vowed
US
member seeks to leave religious life or is asked to do so by their community. It also oversees the establishment of new religious orders, approves constitutions, and manages mergers, suppressions and unions of orders and superiors general.
Luistro is currently the superior general of the De La Salle Brothers also known as the Brothers of the Christian Schools, the CBCP report said.
He was elected to the post in 2022, the first Asian to hold the position.
Before becoming superior general, Luistro served as president of De La Salle Philippines, and headed the Department of Education (DepEd) under the administration of the late President Benigno Aquino III. (MNS)
condemns China Coast Guard’s water cannon attack on PH vessels
MANILA, June 24 (Mabuhay) -The United States (US) on Monday expressed concern over China Coast Guard’s (CCG) action against vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) near Bajo de Masinloc.
“The United States stands with the Philippines in upholding freedom of navigation and condemning the China Coast Guard’s dangerous actions that disrupted a lawful Philippine mission to provide supplies to fisherfolk within the Philippine EEZ (exclusive economic zone),” the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement.
The incident occurred on June 20 within the country’s EEZ in the South China Sea, where BFAR Region 6 (Western Visayas) vessels were deliv-
ering support to traditional fishing communities.
According to the National Maritime Council, the CCG’s attack was unprovoked and harmful --endangering civilian personnel and damaging equipment.
Under the Mutual Defense Treaty, the US reiterated its commitment to defending the Philippines. It also underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
This latest development adds to growing international concern over China’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the South China Sea and the risk it poses to regional security and maritime safety. (MNS)
Here’s why K Brosas enjoys traveling alone
MANILA, June 23 (Mabuhay) -- K Brosas is a certified solo traveler. The singer-comedienne said in an interview with Korina Sanchez that she often gets asked if she really enjoys exploring places alone.
“Laging tinatanong sa akin ‘yan,” she said. “‘Yan ‘yung laging paulit-ulit, ‘yung mga tao parang parrot, paulit-ulit (sa tanong na) ‘Hindi ba kayo nalulungkot mag-isa?’” she said.
K has a simple response to this question: “Pwede akong malungkot sa bahay, ba’t ako malulungkot sa pagabroad? Gagastos pa ako.”
Aside from the fact that solo travels are much cheaper, K said it is her way of treating herself.
“Tine-treat ko ‘yung sarili ko nang bonggang bongga kasi wala namang mag-te-treat sa akin,” she said.
Instead of acquiring herself luxury items, she loves spending her money on her out-of-the-country trips.
“Hindi na ako mahiliig sa mga [bags], sapatos, tinigil-tigil ko muna. I love, love, love to travel,” she said.
Even during her travels, K said she’s more focused on exploring the wonders of the places rather than shopping.
“Hindi ako nagpupunta sa abroad para mag-shopping. Gusto lang talaga mag-tour at saka mag-food trip,” she said.
The singer-comedienne acknowledges that solo traveling is not everyone’s cup of tea.
“It’s not for everyone. Let’s face it, hindi kaya ng lahat taong mag-travel solo,” she said.
For those who are seeking advice, K shared some hacks that they can follow to make their travel experience more convenient and enjoyable.
“Meron akong itinerary, meron akong tours na bayad na bago ako umalis ng Pilipinas.‘Yan ang isang travel tip ko sa inyo, dapat bayad na lahat,” she said.
“Ultimong taxi [fare] ko magmula airport hanggang hotel, bayad na lahat. Kahit may gusto ako kainan na magandang restaurant, i-go-google ko ‘yun, ipapa-reserve ko (na) ‘yun [lalo na] ‘pag mga [Michelin star restaurants],” she added.
The singer-comedienne added that travel expenses can be minimized when it’s DIY (do it yourself).
“Lahat ng [travels] ko, hindi ako nagta-travel agency. Lahat ‘yan ako lang kasi napakadali naman at mura. Kasi ‘pag sa travel agency, meron pa silang cut,” she explained.
But K emphasized that doing your own research is crucial: “Dapat bago ka mag-travel, mag-research ka kung saan ka pupunta, research galore.”
Some of the countries she has visited include Armenia, Georgia, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Thailand, Indonesia, and more recently, Spain and Portugal.
Among the countries she visited, she was deeply mesmerized by Bhutan’s beauty.
Additionally, K shared the places she is looking forward to visit, like Iceland and Malta.
She is set to visit Greece within this month as her birthday treat for herself.
K recently celebrated her 25th anniversary in show business and will be holding a concert next month.
Reflecting on her career, she said that you don’t need to be very famous to last longer in the industry.
“Akala ko nga hindi aabot eh,” she said. “Pero di ba, sa show business, madami ngayon yung mga biglang sikat or yung hindi naaalagaan yung mga blessing na binibigay sa kanila, so nakakatuwa yung longevity di ba? Hindi mo kailangan ng sikat na sikat na career o palong palo ka. Kahit papaano, hindi ka nawawala.” (MNS)
Congratulations to the owners of Crazy Pita, located inside Walmart on Spring Mountain and Rainbow: Art and Mita Mendoza, Dave and Donanamarie Howe, Art Javier and Dr. Ed & Vivian Correa. The Grand opening on March 29, 2025 had no less than Hon. Consul Amie Belmonte and among the perks were buy one get one loaded chicken shawarma bowl and the chance to win a $50 gift card!
toast to goodness... Congratulations to Crazy Pita & Urbane Cafe!
URBANE CAFE opened their newest branch located at 7110 S. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas and it was a toast to healthy living with their fresh salads and sandwiches! We are incredibly grateful for your support as their grand opening was also Healthcare Appreciation Day! Their marketing head, Katie Renteria gave away free meals and gifts! Please support them today and also visit their website: www.urbanecafe.com
Godric Matthew, the son of Marylaine turned 16 last May 2, 2025 and had the best chefs in Las Vegas cater his special, intimate event: Chef Moralva, our favorite paella chef known for authentic Spanish fare and Chef EJ
Brooklyn Mackenzie Viernes Moraes was splendid in her latest fashion show at the Ahern Hotel, wearing this breathtaking purple gown by celebrity designer, Emily Sy. She was the star of the Flight Runway Show, produced by Latin Queen Diva Sara Bouret, a Hollywood actress and producer from Los Angeles. Brooklyn is supported by her Kuya Godric and Mommy Marylaine Viernes, in-demand events host and columnist. These excellent photos are by Joshua Manuel. For professional photography needs, e-mail him at joshua@jmanuelphoto.com or follow his work on Instagram: joshuamanuelphotography. Happy Birthday, Godric Matthew!
celebrity Hibachi and Sushi ched who is also Godric’s cousin. We enjoyed this intimate event with his family, close friends, his classmates from Sierra Vista high school. The event was made sweeter thanks to this yummy cake from Alexis
of Rolling in Dough Bakery, located at 10260 W Charleston Blvd Suite # 4, Las Vegas. Call them at 702-407-8686 and visit www.rollingindoughbakerylv.com Prepare to take a fabulous fashion flight!
