Philippine Times of Southern Nevada Launches Its New Edition: Celebrating 20 Years of Filipino-Ameri
The APPA is alive again and is getting ready to welcome the next generations of Filipino American Doctors who are graduates from Medical Schools in America and beyond - together with their significant others .....
APPA PRESIDENT 2026 ERMELINDA ARRIOLA MD; APPA PRESIDENT ELECT 2027 DINO AMARGA MD; VICE PRESIDENT - EVELYN BASCO MD; SECRETARY - ANNA GARCIA MD; TREASURER- FERDINAND APOLONIO MD; SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE - JENNIFER T0RDILLA WADIA MD; PRO - PEDRO LO MD; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - REBECCA RIVERA MD; CME DIRECTOR - KRISTINE PAMELA GARCIA MD; GUEST SPEAKER - JOSE EVANGELISTA MD; APPA AUXILIARY
PRESIDENT - RUFINO GARCIA; PRESIDENT ELECT REMY LO; VICE PRESIDENT - TRUDY TORDILLA; SECRETARY - CORA REYES; TREASURER - ENYA MONTENEGRO; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - ENYA MONTENEGRO; BOARD OF GOVERNORS: AMELIA GARCIA NJ; ELCEE CONNER MISSOURI; PETER ARRIOLA LAS VEGAS; PATTY TIPTON IL; APRIL TALANGBAYAN PA; LEAH FRAIN NY; JOYCE CASTILLO NJ; OLLIE DAVID NJ; GOYET VASQUEZ MDMRS APPA 2025 GABRIELLE COFFEY - MISS APPA; KAIA YUMUL THOMPSON - MISS LITTLE APPA
Standing from left: Dante Ragasa MD, Lora Bofill MD,Anna Garcia Wertz MD,Mark Wertz MD,Amelia Garcia, Jennifer Tordilla Wadia MD,Pedro Lo MD, Rano Bofill MD,Rufino Garcia, Lavinia Mateo, Richard Hernaez MD, Nida Hernaez MD, Amy Teleron, Vic Teleron MD, Lily Sanchez,Bonito Sanchez MD, Dino Amarga MD, Jose Evangelista MD. Sitting from Left: Rebecca Rivera MD, Trudy Tordilla, Ermelinda Arriola MD, Goyet Vasquez MD, Judy Bofill , Evelyn Basco MD, Helen Molano and Stella Evangelista MD
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?
NOVEMBER 10, 2025
Marcos to gov’t offices: Keep holiday celebrations modest, meaningful
MANILA, Nov 6 (Mabuhay) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged all government agencies to keep their Christmas and year-end celebrations modest and meaningful, in solidarity with Filipinos still recovering from recent disasters.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Wednesday that the reminder, issued jointly with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), aims to promote empathy and restraint as the country enters the holiday season.
“Kasunod ng mga sakuna sa bansa —paalala ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at ng DBM sa ahensya ng pamahalaan— gawing simple ang pagdiriwang ng holiday season (Following the recent disasters in the country, President Marcos Jr. and the DBM remind government agencies to keep their holiday celebrations modest),” Castro said in a Palace briefing.
She said the guidance reflects the administration’s concern for communities struck by a string of calamities, including the recent earthquakes in the Visayas and Mindanao and typhoons that battered several provinces.
“Mahalaga ang pagdiriwang ng Pasko na may pag-aalala sa kapwa nating patuloy na nagsisimulang muli dulot ng maraming kalamidad na tumama sa bansa (It’s important to celebrate Christmas with thoughtfulness for those still recovering from the many calamities that hit the country),” Castro added.
The reminder comes as Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi), the 20th tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, lashed parts of Visayas and Mindanao, unleashing floods, landslides, and displacing thousands of families. (MNS)
PBBM vows aid for families of PAF chopper crash victims
MANILA, Nov 6 (Mabuhay) -- Pres-
ident Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured assistance to the families of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel who perished in a helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur on Tuesday.
Marcos extended his condolences to the families of the PAF personnel who were aboard a helicopter deployed to conduct damage assessment following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.
“Pinapaabot niya ang pakikiramay sa pamilya ng mga nasawing bayani ng ating bansa (He extends his condolences to the families of the fallen heroes of our country),” Castro said.
“Ang lahat ng tulong na nararapat ay dapat iparating sa mga naapektuhang pamilya (All appropriate assistance should be extended to the affected families).”
In a statement on Tuesday, the PAF confirmed that one of its Super Huey helicopters encountered an air mishap near the vicinity of the 60th Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Sur.
The ill-fated aircraft, manned by
two pilots and four aircrew members, was part of a flight of four helicopters that departed from Davao and was en route to Butuan City to conduct a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis mission.
The PAF said communication with the helicopter was lost, which immediately prompted the launch of a searchand-rescue operation.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) extended their condolences and support to the PAF following the deaths of the six airmen.
“At this difficult time, the DOTr and CAAP stand in solidarity with the PAF, the families of the fallen heroes, and all personnel affected by this incident,” they said in a statement.
“We honor their courage, dedication, and selfless service to the nation, qualities that will forever be remembered and cherished,” they added.
Both agencies also assured the public of their commitment to ensure the safety of the country’s airspace. (MNS)
Comelec says 50M ballots printed for 2026 BSKE
MANILA, Nov 6 (Mabuhay) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has already printed more than half of the over 90 million official ballots to be used in the Nov. 2, 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said on Wednesday that since Oct. 17, they have already printed some 50 million ballots.
“The Comelec is more than halfway through printing our ballots for the Barangay and SK Elections. Even though our elections are still on Nov. 2 [2026], we have decided to start printing the ballots,” he said in an interview.
With this, the poll body chief added that they expect the printing to conclude by next week.
The printing not only covers official ballots but also accountable forms, and is being done at the National Printing Office (NPO) in Quezon City.
A total of 69 million ballots will be for the barangay polls and 23 million for the SK elections.
At the same time, the Comelec head added that they want to start the printing of he ballots for the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) Parliamentary Elections (BPE) by February 2026.
The BARMM election was originally set last Oct. 13 but was ordered to be held not later than March 31, 2026 by the Supreme Court. (MNS)
KATHRYN BERNARDO ON GETTING WAX
FIGURE AT MADAME TUSSAUDS:
‘TRULY AN HONOR’
MANILA, Oct 25 (Mabuhay) --
Kapamilya star Kathryn Bernardo is getting is a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.
The museum welcomed Bernardo, the Philippines’ “Phenomenal Box Office Queen” who starred in the first Filipino movie to hit P1 billion globally, saying her figure is scheduled to be unveiled next year.
In a reel posted by ABS-CBN’s Star Magic, Bernardo said it is an honor to have her own wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.
“It’s truly an honor and I’m just very, very grateful... And nakakatuwa kasi parang it’s going to bring pride again sa ating mga Filipino, to bring our Filipino flag doon sa Madame Tussauds na attraction,” she said.
“Siguro kapag makita ko na ‘yung wax figure in person, doon pa lang siya magsi-sink in sa akin. Na, ‘wow! I have a wax figure,” she added.
Bernardo went on to share her wax fitting experience, saying she was like a “curious cat” as she kept observing and asking questions during the entire process.
“I was trying to behave there, kasi usually galaw talaga ako nang galaw,” she recalled. “I was just following their instructions, I was following their lead and para lang akong curious cat na tanong nang tanong, at ino-observe ko lang lahat ng hinahawakan nila at nilalagay sa face ko.”
When asked about the first person that she will bring to see her wax figure in Hong Kong, the actress replied: “Baka si Papa. Hindi rin nila actually alam, yata. Hindi sinabi ni mama. Hindi nila alam na magkakaroon ako ng wax figure. So kapag makita ng Papa ko baka magulat siya, ‘Sino ang anak niya?’ So sana maging proud siya kasi they will see me there as the figure.”
For Bernardo, having a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong feels like a full circle moment, saying it inspires her to keep dreaming big and doing more.
“I was six, now I’m 29, and then nangyari ito. ‘Yung proseso na pinagdaanan mo to deserve that wax figure, very humbling siya,” she said. “Tapos full circle moment din siya for me be-
cause I used to line up there, buy a ticket. When I was a kid, I just want to go there and meet my idol and I want to experience Madame Tussauds. But now I’m going to be part of it.”
“Isn’t that so surreal? So nakakatuwa. Hopefully it’s something na maipagmamalaki rin kunwari ng pamangkin ko kapag nakita nila, ‘It’s my Tita Kat there.’ It’s something na kapag makita ng younger generation, makita nila na it’s possible to dream big... I’m overflowing with so much joy and gratitude,” she shared.
Bernardo also invited her fans and fellow Filipinos to see her wax figure next year.
“Hopefully you get to see my wax figure there, take your photo, and something na maipagmamalaki nating mga Filipino. Thank you for making this possible and I’m excited for you guys to see and experience it,” she said.
Bernardo now joins list of Filipino personalities who already have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong: beauty queens Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, actress Anne Curtis, Tony Award winner Lea Salonga, and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.
She started out as a child star and was part of “Goin’ Bulilit.” In 2010, her career skyrocketed after starring in the remake of the hit series “Mara Clara.”
Among Bernardo’s hit movies is “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” which was shot in Hong Kong. Its sequel, “Hello, Love Again,” is the first Filipino movie to gross over P1 billion at the box office worldwide. (MNS)
There are so many sex aids which come in herbal potions, pills, lotion, gel, and juices, including ginseng and similar herbs. Studies have shown that the best results for those with erectile dysfunction among men, young or old, were obtained by taking Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra. These drugs should be taken only after consultation with a physician, because some prescription medications may interact with any of these three pills and cause serious problems. Data today show that these pills, which have been prescribed more than 2 billion times around the world, are effective and safe for ED in men, used under medical supervision. The fake ones from Pakistan, India, and other countries, which are being sold in the Philippines, the United States, and other countries for a very cheap price, are deemed crude formulas, some with additives, and are dangerous. A healthy lifestyle is a requisite for sex aids to work more effectively.
Healthy Dish
Omega-3 Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA) is a popular supplement to eating fish for its cardio-protective benefits. It can lower blood pressure, help new brain cells regenerate and reduce the risk of the development of Alzheimer’s, minimize inflammation, and is a great aid in the management of cholesterol and arthritis. It also boosts the immune system. When digested, fish oil breaks down to hormone-like ingredients called prostaglandins, which reduce inflammation, like in arthritis (inflammation of the
INFO CAPSULES/SEX
joints). This leads to a lesser need for pain medications, as it also lubricates the joints. Fish oil is also good for autoimmune diseases. Indeed, a versatile supplement. Daily exercises, eating fish and vegetables at least 3 times a week, and abstaining from red meat and egg yolk are the healthy way to go, for children and adults alike.
Veggies Protect the Stomach
Those taking NSAID drugs like ibuprofen and other anti-arthritis pain medications regularly can be victims of stomach irritation, which could result in ulcers and bleeding complications. That is why medical guidance is essential, even for these over-the-counter pills. To prevent stomach ulceration, ingesting 8 to 10 ounces of vegetables a day can work wonders by protecting the stomach wall lining, according to a researcher at Sweden’s Uppsala University.
Crackling Brain Food
If you want a healthy snack, one that keeps your brain sharp and reduces your risk for the development of Alzheimer’s, nothing beats crunchy celery, cucumber, carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, olives, bell peppers, and other veggies. Eating them uncooked preserves all the phyto-chemicals in them, like luteolin, which prevents brain inflammation, a common condition linked to aging, chronic brain syndrome, multiple sclerosis, etc. So, to stay young, with a sharper mind, stay away from the high-carb snacks, including (especially) soft drinks, and savor the benefits from these crunchy veggies. And nuts also, like walnuts, pecans, pistachios,
ENHANCERS
almonds, macadamia, and peanuts. Even your looks and your complexion will shine with your favorite moisturizer, and without the use of glutathione or other expensive herbal products, which may even be dangerous after chronic use. Veggies and nuts are in, especially among teenagers. We, adults, should learn from the younger generation. Sex Could Be Deadly Sleeping around indiscriminately, or having multiple sex partners, can be hazardous to health and deadly. A perfectly healthy-looking person could be walking around with HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), including Syphilis. And no matter how normal-looking the sexual organs of women or men are, they could be harboring bacteria, fungi, viruses, and sometimes, even parasites, not obvious to the naked eye. Only a medical check-up and laboratory tests could confirm their presence or absence. STD infections in general, affecting the sexual organs, the eyes, and the mouth, are common. Be smart. You do not want a few minutes of pleasure to risk your health and life for weeks, if not years, of agony and shame. An internet message said, “unlike love, herpes is forever.” That may sound funny, but herpes is really for keeps. Sex is a major and serious responsibility, not only to our body and health but to our family and friends, to all our loved ones, and to society in general.
Great advances
Instead of the cumbersome, uncomfortable diagnostic procedures now available for detecting lung cancer, the University of Texas researchers have developed a new lung cancer test that allows the use of “a simple mouth tissue sample, which compares the changes that take place 95% of the time in both mouth and lung cells” among those individuals with lung cancer. This is a fantastic progress in our fight against lung cancer and cancers in general.
As always, as with any other illness, prevention is the key, the best option, even compared to the greatest remedy or cure. A non-invasive “virtual biopsy” technology (using harmless electrical current to better detect skin and cervical cancer, and eliminate the need for surgical biopsy) has been developed by an Australian scientist.
A new ultrasound, “which can catch tiny tumors earlier,” has been evaluated for clinical use in Norway. Second to prevention, catching any cancer in its early stage can lead to a complete cure, for most cancers.
Progress in science, in every sphere of human endeavor, benefits mankind as a whole. We are indeed lucky to be living in this world of today, in spite of all its imperfections and problems, most of which are man-made. For world peace, justice, and prosperity, all we really need is love, understanding, respect for each other, and tolerance. And the best place to start is in our own home.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US Senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Source: Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, view “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
A BLESSED, BLISSFUL, JOYFUL, AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
“AS WE EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE, WE MUST NEVER FORGET THAT THE HIGHEST APPRECIATION IS NOT TO UTTER WORDS, BUT TO LIVE BY THEM.”
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 - Another Successful, Fun-filled, Empowering, Inspiring, Rewarding, Gratifying, Eventful, and Meaningful Joint District Governor Visitation Meeting held at Pho O.C. in Fabulous Las Vegas!
A heartfelt thank you to District Governor Paul Silva and First Lady Nancy Silva for gracing us with your presence and leadership. Your visit was truly inspiring and uplifting!
Thanks a Million to the following Clubs, Officers, and Members for joining us Las Vegas Vietnamese American Lions Club – King Lion Pam Phan Las Vegas Las Americas Lions Club – King Lion Carmen James Lincoln County Lions Club Branch – King Lion Bob Knipes and Myrtle Knipes Las Vegas Twin Lakes Lions Club – King Lion Salve Vargas Edelman Las Vegas Professionals Lions Club -- King Lion Barbara Grafia Azemikhah
Remarkable presentation by District Governor Paul Silva! Your message was both empowering and inspiring — truly a reminder of why we serve!
Special thanks to our District 46 Cabinet Members for their attendance and support: Lion Cathy Downey, 2nd VDG; Judi Temple, Cabinet Secretary; Jim Egloff, Region Chair; Geny Del Rosario, Region Chair; Lion Kristen Velasquez; Lion Leo Downey!
Everyone enjoyed a scrumptious dinner, an excellent program, and wonderful fellowship! It was a joyful evening of friendship, community service, and shared purpose.
Congratulations and best wishes to our newly inducted members: Lion Yumi Marapao Cortez - Sponsor, King Lion Salve Lion Ninfa Dizon - Sponsor, Lion Eloiza Redondo Lion Elvie Viloria Soriano - Sponsor, Lion Eloiza Redondo
Welcome to the Amazing Las Vegas Twin Lakes Lions Club Pride!
Special thanks to my dedicated Officers and Members for their support and participation: PDG Noni Rybka, Lion Motusi Alston, Lion Eloiza Redondo, Lion Helen Marucut, and Lion Melissa Anderson
Kudos to Peter Go for your creativity and passion for making humble home cozy and serene. Thank you for coming and celebrate Marilyn Abrera Co 61st birthday get together. Your time, effort and gifts are highly appreciated. Thanks Rolling in dough Alexis Pascual and Chef Kiko for the garden inspired delicious cake as always. Happy birthday Marilyn!
Kudos to Peter Go for your creativity and passion for making humble home cozy and serene. Thank you for coming and celebrate Marilyn Abrera Co 61st birthday get together. Your time, effort and gifts are highly appreciated. Thanks Rolling in dough Alexis Pascual and Chef Kiko for the garden inspired delicious cake as always. Happy birthday Marilyn!
Congratulations to UPAA Nevada for its UPAAA Outstanding UP Alumni Group Award (2025 - 2026). This award was received officially by UPAA Nevada’s current President Benjamina Casino and Incoming President, Arturo Javier. Other UPAA Nevada Officers and Members were also present to receive the award and help celebrate. The UPAAA Oblation Trophy and Certificate was presented by no other than UPAA Pres. and Alumni Regent Robert Lester Aranton, UP OVP Marian Coquia Regidor and UPAAA President Winston C. Umali, MD. The award ceremonies held at UPAAA GRC 2025 was spearheaded by Jovenia S. Celo, MD, Chair of the UPAAA Awards Committee.
he Jubilee Year is a special holy year of forgiveness and renewal in the Catholic Church, with the next one being Jubilee 2025 in Rome and the Vatican. It is a time of pilgrimage, reconciliation, and prayer, focusing on the theme "Pilgrims of Hope". A key event is the opening of the Holy Doors of the Vatican basilicas, which are kept closed except during a Jubilee year. Gladly, the Jubilee year coincided with our Europe family tour 2025 with my sister Sophia Amigable, nephew Julius Cadava Jr. and wife Rhudeelyn and cousin Amylene Biruar. Thanks Profil Holidays for bringing us to Rome the Vatican our first destination to Darwin and Jennie our special thanks… Also to Ms. Rea Jamisola, our Davao Tour agent. To Franco our Italian coach bus driver thanks for keeping us safe on the road. Lastly, big thanks to my cousin Azenith for meeting us in Engelberg Switzerland. Thank you Lord for a blessed trip!
FULL SUBMISSION TO GOD ACCORDING TO THE HOLY WORD
Matthew 26:36-44 (NIV) 36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” 40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” 43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.
In our Gospel today, Jesus as the Son of Man was in great sorrow and was deeply troubled regarding the suffering He will face as the Sacrificial Lamb of GOD’ offered to redeem all sinners and reconcile them back to GOD. Three times He prayed to avoid it. But at the end of each prayer, He has not tarnished His submission to GOD.
All His life since He was a child He always submitted to His Father, our Father GOD in Heaven. In Luke 2:49-51, the 12 year old Christ Jesus knew that He should be at His Father’s house at Jerusalem, GOD’s temple (v.49). But He went down to Nazareth with His human parents and was obedient to them (v.51). He even obeyed and honored His mother Mary to turn water into a not
inferior but a good wine even though His time has not come yet. Because He was here on earth to fulfill all the Law of Moses and everything written about the Messiah. Jesus said in John 4:34, “My food is to do what the One who sent me wants me to do. My food is to finish the work that HE gave me to do.” His submission to His parents is not to them alone but more to His Father GOD (Exodus 20:12).
Submission to GOD is not only submission to parents, but the Holy Scripture tells us and requires us many ways to submit to GOD. These are as follows:
1. Submission to Husband is Submission to GOD.
Ephesians 5:24 says; “Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” Christian wives must know that they have to submit and honor their husbands to show they honor Christ.
2. Submission to Co-worshippers in Church is Submission to GOD.
Ephesians 5:19-21 says; “19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.”
In such cases, husbands also have to submit to his wife as his co-worshipper, because husbands must remember that Jesus Christ is present in the life of his wife.
3. Submission to Government is Submission to GOD.
1 Peter 2:13 -17 says; “13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ submitted to the Roman government at His time. He even acknowledged that Pilate’s authority over Him was given from above (John 19:11). The government today and the government during Pilate’s time were both instituted by GOD even though to some points that they were opposing GOD.
In the Old Testament, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was allowed by GOD to defeat and govern Israel for 70 years. Jews like Daniel and his 3 friends for example have served the Babylon Empire as officials. They only resisted if they knew that the rule/s they received were clearly against the Written Law. And that should also be our basis. Otherwise, we have to follow every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake (1 Peter 2:13). Please refer also to Romans 13:1-7.
4. Submission to Masters is Submission to GOD.
1 Peter 2:18-21 says; “18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.”
5.Submission to Your Leaders is Submission to GOD. Hebrews 13:17 says; “Obey those
who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”
To those 5 ways of submission including the submission to parents, there are also some exceptions. To make it simple, Submission To GOD is Submission to His Written Words. Those 6 ways are required because they are clearly written. But Submission to Everyone ends when what they are telling us is against the Written Words of GOD. For example, Daniel’s friends did not bow to the idols of King Nebuchadnezzar because it is written in the Decalogue (Exodus 20). If anyone we are required to submit to, imposed anything against the Words of Christ, then that is the sign that we need to submit to GOD’s instructions and not to men. It is said in Act 5:29, “ We ought to obey God rather than men.”
There were so many instructions of GOD in the Bible. But so that we may not be confused, GOD has instructions for us to submit to Jesus Christ as He was put in charge of everything.
1 Corinthians 15:27-28 says; “27 For He (GOD) has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. 28 When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.”
Matthew 28:18 also says; “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.””
Therefore, submission to Jesus Christ is direct submission to GOD, and submission to Jesus is submission to all His teachings. AMEN For feedbacks: https://amomentofeternalne.wixsite.com/amen
Picture this: me, under fluorescent lights bright enough for a teleserye interrogation scene, hooked to an IV drip and waiting for “lunch.” The nurse rolls in with a smile: “Clear soup!” And clear it was. So clear I could see my future floating in it — sugar-free, salt-free, joyfree.
That’s when every plate of adobo, sinigang, karekare, and pritong tuyô I’d ever loved began parading through my mind, each one whispering, “Was it worth it?”
In a Filipino home, rice isn’t food — it’s gravity. It anchors every meal and pulls everything toward it. We don’t ask what’s for dinner; we ask anong ulam? because rice is guaranteed.
I grew up thinking “no rice” meant “no meal.” I’ve even brought rice to a sandwich picnic. (Yes, I was that person.) So imagine my shock when my glucose monitor started blinking like a Christmas parol.
Our ancestors could handle three servings of rice a day — they plowed fields, fished rivers, and walked miles. I, however, design packaging on a laptop and reward myself with a second cup because sayang naman.
Rice isn’t evil. It’s just misunderstood — like that one friend who convinces you to stay out late and then leaves you to deal with the consequences.
Comfort Food, but make it complicated
There’s cruel poetry in craving kare-kare while sipping hospital broth through a straw. The nurse asked, “Any allergies, ma’am?” and I wanted to
How a hospital stay, a clear bowl of soup, and a glucose monitor led to a profound yet heartfelt reawakening on how to enjoy Filipino food — minus the sugar spike.
There’s nothing like a hospital confinement to make you reconsider your life choices — especially the ones that come with extra rice.
Disclaimer: I’m not a registered dietitian. I’m a creative professional, food writer, and lifelong rice enthusiast who learned (the hard way) that Filipino food can heal or harm — depending on how many cups of rice you pair it with. This isn’t medical advice. It’s a love letter to our cuisine, written from a hospital bed and flavored with humility, sarcasm, and a newfound respect for malunggay.
say, “Just carbohydrates.”
Our favorite dishes aren’t villains. They just didn’t evolve with our lifestyles. What once fueled harvest days now fuels bingewatching. Our food stayed the same; our movement didn’t.
So when I landed in the hospital, glucose spiking and dignity crashing, I realized that rice hadn’t betrayed me — I had upgraded my life but never updated my portions.
Olive’s Anti-Diabetic Pantry (Otherwise Known as My New Life Choices)
•Malunggay (Moringa): The leaf I once dismissed as garnish is now my daily green. Lowers sugar and boosts immunity.
• Banaba Tea: The tropical cousin of green tea; regulates glucose and quietly forgives your past choices.
• Okra Juice: Yes, it’s slimy. No, you can’t un-feel it. But it works wonders for sugar absorption.
• Ampalaya (Bitter Melon): I call it “truth in vegetable form.” Painful, but cleansing.
Turmeric & Ginger : The comeback duo — antiinflammatory, aromatic, and now my morning mood.
•Brown Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Proof that compromise can still be delicious..
Filipino Classics, Slightly Edited for Longevity
Adobo sa Malunggay — Same soy-vinegar-garlic magic, but with lean chicken and malunggay leaves tossed in for moral support.
Sinigang sa Miso with Okra and Salmon — Still sour, still comforting, but with omega-3s instead of cholesterol.
Kare-Kare Lite — Tahini instead of peanut butter, bagoong demoted to “occasional guest.”
fruit sweetener. Nostalgia without the glucose drama.
Hospital food may be bland, but it gave me clarity: I can still love lutong bahay without sending my blood sugar on a roller coaster.
Everyday Filipino Dishes That Behave Themselvesl
These dishes are your superstars — packed with flavor, protein, and vegetables, with minimal carbs in their base recipes. Just remember to pair them with non-starchy vegetables or a small portion of a healthy grain. Think of your plate like a meal prep container: portion control with pride.
•Sinigang — A diabeticfriendly dream. Proteinrich with low-GI veggies like kangkong, green beans, and radish. The broth? Virtually carb-free.
•Tinola — Ginger-based chicken soup with green papaya and malunggay. Hydrating, light, and nourishing.
Inihaw (Grilled Meats/
Fish) — Inihaw na Liempo or Isda are flavor-packed, carb-free favorites. Skip sweet sauces — stick to vinegar, soy, and calamansi.
•Paksiw na Isda — Fish simmered in vinegar and ginger. Humble, tangy, low-carb, and deeply satisfying.
What Are Healthy Alternatives to White Rice?
Rethinking the base of your meal is one of the most impactful changes you can make. Here are your go-to options:
• Cauliflower Rice: The top contender — low-carb, low-calorie, and excellent at soaking up adobo sauce like a loyal understudy.
• Adlai (Job’s Tears): A native grain with a lower glycemic index than rice and a chewy, nutty texture. Proudly local, increasingly available, and surprisingly filling.
• Quinoa: A complete protein with fiber and subtle crunch. Great with sinigang or tinola broth.
• Brown or Red Rice: If
you must have rice, make it whole grain — but strictly half a cup. Because even good carbs can turn on you if you’re careless.
Are There Any DiabetesFriendly Filipino Snacks (Merienda)?
Merienda can be tricky territory. Filipino snack time is a national ritual, but it often involves sugar, starch, or both. Still, there are smarter options.
Good Choices:
A handful of roasted mani, a small boiled saba banana (not fried), or even a hardboiled egg. A cup of broth from Sinigang or Tinola can also be a savory, satisfying pick-me-up.
Ones to Limit or Avoid: Turon, banana cue, and most kakanin (puto, biko, sapin-sapin) are beautiful but brutal — all sugar, no mercy. Save them for very rare, small treats, ideally paired with a good story and strong coffee.
Lessons from a Hospital Bed (and a Beeping Glucose Monitor)
Hospital confinement teaches two things: patience and perspective. Lying there under cold lights, I realized busog (full) isn’t the same as masigla (alive).
We Filipinos love to feed people, but maybe it’s time we also feed ourselves some wisdom. Kain tayo can still mean let’s eat — just maybe not let’s selfdestruct together.
I’m now convinced that hospital beds are divine classrooms. Somewhere between the saline drips and the missing condiments, I found redemption — and a second chance at flavor.
Olive’s Anti-Diabetic Pantry (Otherwise Known as My New Life Choices)
Food I enjoy to eat. enjoy making, and now will be staples
art by Soniya Scott
chamber matters
An update on business news, developments and events from The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Nevada (FACCGN).
by: JOEL ENRIQUEZ, President
creative chamber
Join us and be part of the chamber that loves small businesses. Log in to our website https://www.faccgn.org/ Or email us at info@faccgn.org
VEGAS ARTIST SONIYA SCOTT: ABSTRACT ENERGY IN FULL BLOOM
Las Vegas — In a city known for spectacle, one artist is quietly — yet vibrantly — redefining the visual rhythm of the Arts District. Soniya Scott, an emerging Vegas-based artist, has been turning heads with her distinct form of abstract expressionism, a style that bridges emotion and geometry through explosive color and textured form.
Scott’s latest works are currently being shown in two local galleries — one at the heart of the Las Vegas Arts District and another in Henderson City, expanding her creative footprint across Southern Nevada. Her art—instantly recognizable for its dynamic cubist undertones and electric palette—invites the viewer to step into a realm where human form, energy, and motion converge in poetic balance.
The BUSINESS Of ART
“ I paint emotion, ”
says Soniya. “My lines are not just shapes—they’re the pathways of how I feel at a particular moment. Every curve, every intersection of color, tells a lifestory, of energy finding harmony.”
A Rising Star in the Vegas Art Scene
Scott’s ascent has been steady but inevitable. Her bold compositions—part dreamscape, part inner anatomy—capture the intensity of the desert city she calls home. As Las Vegas continues to nurture its art district culture, Soniya’s work embodies the shift from entertainment to genuine creative expression. Soniya’s work translates emotion into geometry. It’s distinctly modern but deeply human—something that resonates beyond local boundaries.
Her growing reputation caught the eye of Arts After Dark, a gallery and creative hub on South Commerce Street that recently began representing her professionally. The partnership marks a turning point in her artistic journey, as she transitions from local art events to the bigger stage. Arts After Dark is among a few serious galleries about town known to feature artists in a traveling exhibition series, bringing unique Las Vegas energy to larger art circuits. Confirmed upcoming appearances include the SuperFine Art Fair in San Francisco (March 19–22, 2026) and the New York City Art Show at the Brooklyn Navy Yard (April 24–26, 2026) — both highly regarded destinations for emerging contemporary artists. “This
While many artists shy away from treating their craft as enterprise, Scott embraces the duality. “Art doesn’t lose its soul because it’s seen or sold,” she says. “The more people it reaches, the more it fulfills its purpose.”
Her philosophy mirrors her art: a balance of passion and structure, chaos and order, color and control. With her works now hanging in two Nevada galleries and preparing for their coastal debut, Soniya Scott stands poised to become one of Las Vegas’s most compelling artistic exports—a reminder that in the neon desert, creativity thrives not only after dark but far beyond it.
The artist Soniya Scott poses in front of one of her works in progress in her trademark attire, usually revolving around the non colors black / white / and black & white!
is great way to further exposure,” says Nivia Bejarano, Founder and Gallery owner.
Her bold compositionspart dreamscape, part inner anatomy vividly captured in one of her recent works, titled Silhouette IV (acrylic in canvass).
On view: XQUISIT Design & Gallery Horizon Ridge, Henderson City.
An earlier work Pieces of Me (acrylic in canvass)shows her juxtapositions of shapes and forms which has become a typical theme in most of her works.
On view: Arts After Dark The Arts District, Las Vegas.
At the recently concluded Crisostomo Ibarra Awards Night for the 3rd Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival, Soniya Scott had a small presentation of current works, in a nod to showing unity and collaboration with fellow Filipino creatives.
Friends and supporters alike posed with their favorite Soniya Scott artwork. L - R, Olive Enriquez, LVFSFF Communications Director; the artist; Magnolia Magat, Truffles n Bacon restaurateur; and Manette Roxas Thomas, LVFSFF Logistics Director.
Visit Soniya’s works at Arts After Dark, 1551 S. Commerce St., Las Vegas, NV, and online at ArtsAfterDark. com.
Opening very soon: XQUISIT Design and Gallery Horizon Ridge, Henderson City NV.
