The Filipino Press: March 22-28, 2024

MANILA -- The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday said it has intensified its efforts to end vaping within school premises, including prohibiting the selling and promotion of the product within a school's 100-meter radius.

In a television interview with People's Television Network, Education Assistant Secretary Dexter Galban said the DepEd will collaborate with other government agencies to ensure strict compliance with the ban.

"Patuloy po naming pinapalakas ang implementasyon ng aming mga programa. Mula Barkada Kontra Droga na naging Barkada Kontra Bisyo, (We are intensifying the implementation of our programs. From Friends versus Drugs that became Friends versus v Vices), integrating it to our mental health program," he said.

The programs were launched in adherence to DepEd Order 14 and DepEd Memorandum 111, which prohibits the use of cigarettes and vapes in schools.

"Gumawa rin kami ng task force, na pinangungunahan mismo ng mga kabataan, ng ating mga learners na magiging (We also created a task force, led by the youth, our learners who will serve as) watchdogs," Galban added.

Among the partner agencies for the campaign are the Department of Health (DOH), the Department

By Selen Ozturk/eMS

One year after the multilingual CA vs Hate reporting hotline was launched, how has it answered hate?

One year after the multilingual CA vs Hate reporting hotline was launched, how has it answered hate?

At a Friday, March 15 Ethnic Media Services briefing, CA vs Hate staff, civil rights state organizers and community organizations on the ground discussed hate crime trends throughout California, and how the hotline connects those experiencing hate with local resources including mental health support, legal aid and financial help.

The hotline Since the CA vs Hate line was launched in May 2023, “we have received 823 reports of hate across 79% of the counties in California,” said Chantel Bermudez, senior manager of the hotline.

The protected status reported most often is race, ethnicity, country of origin; then religion; sexual orientation; and gender identity. “66% of those who reported hate accepted care services,” she added, the top five kinds being legal aid, general counseling; consumer complaint assistance; community action and social advocacy; and landlord tenant assistance.

The resource is open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday by phone at 833-8-NO-HATE or 833-866-4283, or anytime online at cavshate.org, for California residents to privately report and get support in over 200 languages for non-emergency hate crimes and incidents for free, regardless of immigration status, and anonymously if they choose.

of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The DILG and DOH will help

campaigns beyond school premises, while the DTI will assist the DepEd stop the sale of vapes, considering

Community organizations partnered with the hotline provide hate response services statewide through weekly case conferences with state civil rights agents, said CA Civil Rights Department CommunityBased Organization Manager James Williams, Jr.

“This is one of the largest efforts of its kind by the sheer size of our state, and many states are looking at how we implement it by working together to help those in need of support,” he added. “As California goes, so goes much of the nation.”

Stopping hate on the ground

The CA vs Hate network includes 13 call centers and five direct victim support organizations statewide.

“When someone calls the line, we provide an interpreter in their preferred language, and referrals to the type of resources they want. Someone trained to take reports writes a description of what bias motivations and words or actions the hate act included,” said Yolie Anguiano, CA vs Hate director for 211LA, the state hotline’s lead agency, which has provided a similar 24-hour LA vs Hate service for a third of Californians since 2019.

“You don’t have to be the targeted person— you can also report as an advocate or a witness,” she added.

“How can we ensure that we’re not only responding to hate, but preventing it? Hate is on the rise statewide, and comes in many forms,” said Cynthia Choi, co-founder of hotline partner Stop AAPI Hate and co-executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action. “To only treat criminal incidents as serious is a disservice to our community that furthers a sense of distrust and hopelessness that nothing can be done.”

“We learned very quickly from those who called us that even the fact that somebody on the other end is believing,

NATIONAL CITY, CA --

Paradise Valley Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, announced today that it has been recognized as a 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award™ recipient by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. This achievement, along with Paradise Valley Hospital’s numerous awards from The Leapfrog Group, The Lown Institute, and CMS, reflects the hospital’s commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care. This is the 11th consecutive year that Paradise Valley Hospital has received this award.

“Paradise Valley Hospital has cultivated an outstanding safety culture that prioritizes the well-being of both patients and staff, setting a high standard for patient safety nationwide,” said Brad Bowman, MD, chief medical officer and head of data science at Healthgrades. “We’re proud to recognize Paradise Valley Hospital for providing topquality care while preventing serious injuries to patients during their hospital stay.”

Paradise Valley has also recently been named a “Tier One” hospital on the CMS/Hospital Compare Patient Safety Honor Roll—one of only six hospitals in California to land on this list. Tier One hospitals are singled out for continuing to maintain at least eight of twelve safety measures in the top 50th percentile, and no measures below the 10th percentile.

Tier One hospitals also need to have at least three consecutive “A” grades for patient safety from The Leapfrog

like a flash

Group. Paradise Valley Hospital has seven consecutive A grades.

“This is an exciting time for Paradise Valley Hospital,” states hospital CEO Neerav Jadeja. “The fact that we are able to maintain our own high standards, even as we grow and expand our service lines, is a testament to the professionalism and resourcefulness of staff, nurses, and physicians that work here.”

Healthgrades evaluated riskadjusted complication and mortality rates for approximately 4,500 hospitals nationwide to determine this year’s top-performing hospitals for patient safety. During the 20202022 study period, nearly 170,000 potentially preventable safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals, with four patient safety indicators accounting for close to 75% of these incidents.* Healthgrades’ analysis revealed that

drive, ballpen, highlighter, etc.)," Galban said.

"Makikipagtulungan tayo sa kada ahensya ng pamahalaan, lalung-lalo na sa lokal na pamahalaan para masigurado natin na hindi na magiging available itong mga ito sa ating mga magaaral (We will work together with each government agency, especially in local government units to ensure that this [vape] will not be available to our learners)," he added. Galban, meanwhile, warned learners that vaping is highly addictive and may cause low concentration, withdrawal symptoms, and may even affect brain functions.

"Napakaraming masamang epekto sa kalusugan ang pagvevape. Lalung-lalo na dahil kalimitan napakataas ng nicotine content nito, dahil dito sobrang nakakaadik, nakaka-engganyo siya (Vapijg has many bad side effects. Especially because oftentimes, it has a very high nicotine content. It's very addicting, enticing)," he said. He also urged parents and teachers to become role models and participate in the DepEd's awareness campaigns.

In an earlier report, the DepEd said around 6 to 7 percent of Grade 7 to Grade 9 learners have already tried or are using vape.

patients treated in hospitals receiving the 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award have a significantly lower chance of experiencing one of the four leading safety indicators than patients treated at non-recipient hospitals:

● In-hospital fall resulting in fracture (approximately 52% less likely)

● Collapsed lung due to a procedure or surgery in or around the chest (approximately 56% less likely)

● Pressure sores or bed sores acquired in the hospital (approximately 67% less likely)

● Catheter-related bloodstream infections acquired in the hospital (approximately 71% less likely) Where you’re treated matters, which is why Healthgrades is

cascade policies and awareness

its enticing marketing strategy. "Patuloy pong may lumulusot sapagkat pati ang packaging ng mga vape ay nag-e-evolve din. May mga

mukhang USB, ballpen, highlighter at iba pa (Some remain accessible because the vape packaging is also evolving. Some look

The Pampered Pinay Lifestyle: Happy Rising!

By Francine Maigue

As we find ourselves at Easter, my mind fills with reflections of the light of hope in our community, the faith that drives us forward and lifts us through the chaos, challenges, and choices of our everyday… helping the seeds of our history flourish into the fruit of resources and support for all those in need.

Weeks ago, as I completed the stations of the cross with my mother and other community members, the lessons in the example of our Lord and those around Him, pierced in me new meaning, even deeper than in years past. With more time comes clarity, and with each year that passes, every barrier broken, every new discovery made…I feel myself growing in His Light, wanting more than ever to better serve, better heal, better understand. In our service to one another, I truly believe that we continue to grow, continue to rise.

This space we share together has always been honest and from the heart, only discussing what is truly

on my mind and directly related to what readers discuss with me in the community.

Though it hasn’t been customary for me to do so here in my column… I’d like to share with you all, my dear friends, portions of prayer for this Easter weekend.

“Stir up your love in our hearts so that we might be ever faithful to all that You have told us and fear nothing more than the loss of your friendship through sin.”

“Make us feel the needs of all persons so that we might as readily help them as we would help Jesus himself.”

“…through the passion of this life’s sufferings we might rise to a new life of joyful service free of all selfishness.”

“Grant that we who look back on her sorrows with compassion might receive the healing fruits of your sufferings.”

“…strengthen and console us in the belief that we bear all things in union with You, who have taken upon Yourself even our guilt.”

“…the courage and dedication to sacrifice and suffer with those who are in need…”

“Grant us the favor of rejoicing over human weaknesses, so that in all we do, Your strength, dwelling in us, may be shown to others.”

Though we may have different beliefs and different practices, I personally believe that the practice of bayanihan encompasses the strongly held values of compassion, selflessness, and unity, bringing us all closer to the joy and peace we all long for…and with such values, together we rise. Happy Rising! Happy Easter, my friends!

I am thankful for the blessings of your friendship and support. May God bless you and your loved ones always…

Expect price hike on fish as Holy Week nears: DA

MANILA -- Prices of fish are expected to increase as the Holy Week approaches, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Tuesday.

In an interview, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the price hike may be felt in wet markets, even more, starting Holy Monday.

“People are weaning away from consuming pork and other protein kagaya ng baka (like beef)," he said.

"Kasi tayo, 85 percent Catholics ang mga Pilipino (Because 85 percent of Filipinos are Catholics) so that drives alone, na mga Katoliko na nagninilay, kasama na iyon especially for Black Friday (are meditating, that includes especially Black Friday)," De Mesa added.

Traditionally, the adjustment may hit around 10 percent to 20 percent price increase.

According to the latest DA's Bantay Presyo (price watch) monitoring, retail prices of bangus, galunggong and alumahan (milkfish, local round scad and Indian mackerel) slightly increased from Friday, March 15 in Metro Manila.

Milkfish is now at PHP150/ kilogram to PHP220/kg from last week's PHP140/kg to PHP250/kg; local round scad is now at PHP180/ kg to PHP300 from PHP170PHP300; while Indian mackerel is at PHP260 to PHP360 from PHP240 to PHP360 price range.

The price of tilapia and imported round scads, meanwhile, stayed the same.

For vegetables, De Mesa said there may also be a slight hike considering it is also a meat alternative.

"Sa gulay, ganun din halos parehas sa isda pero hindi kagaya ng isda na mas mahal, mas malaki iyong tinataas (For vegetables, it's almost the same with fish but not like fish which has a higher spike),” he said.

No price cap needed

The DA, meanwhile, said there is no need to implement a price cap despite the price increase of several commodities.

These include pork which is now priced at PHP420/kg amid the remaining threat of African swine fever (ASF) in the country.

"We are not considering any price ceiling on any commodity kahit sa pork… Sa ngayon kasi kapag mayroon kang pagpigil, magcacause iyan ng mga problema rin na ayaw nating mangyari sa atin (even in pork… For now, maybe if there's a constraint, it may cause a problem which we do not want to happen to us)," De Mesa said.

He said there are adequate efforts to fortify the country's biosecurity measures, as well as continuous coordination with the private stakeholders in the swine industry.

The DA earlier expressed optimism about securing the supply of ASF vaccines by the year-end or early 2025.

The country also requested ASF vaccine suppliers from the US and Vietnam to secure their applications before the Food and Drug Administration.

DA names new NFA officer-incharge

The National Food Authority (NFA) is now under the helm of Director IV Larry Lacson, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Monday.

Lacson’s designation came shortly after the afternoon meeting of the NFA Council amid the ongoing

probe on the alleged anomalous sale of rice buffer stock.

“The NFA Council has unanimously appointed Director Larry Lacson as Officer-in-Charge (OIC)-Administrator to make sure the operations of the agency run smoothly, especially during this harvest season," Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement.

The DA assured Lacson's extensive capacity in the industry, having both experience from the private sector and the government.

Besides Lacson's membership in the Philippine Food Expo Inc., he was a former co-chair in the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Agriculture and Fisheries Committee, and a director of the Bureau of Plant Industry.

Before Lacson's designation, the DA tasked Piolito Santos to be NFA OIC as eplacement for suspended OIC Roderico Bioco. Santos, however, was included in the preventive suspension order meted out by the Office of the Ombudsman on 141 officials and employees.

Of the total, the Ombudsman already revoked the suspension against 23 warehouse supervisors and one branch manager after it found erroneous data on the list provided by the DA.

The DA is conducting its parallel investigation on the procurement and rice quality assessment data as far back as 2019.

Laurel, meanwhile, reiterated the importance of NFA's role in securing a rice buffer stock and the need to normalize operations.

"The NFA is an integral part of our effort to ensure the country’s food security,” he said. Around PHP17 billion is allocated for the procurement of 300,000 metric tons of rice for this year's buffer stock.

DA hopes for more lifting of suspension to normalize NFA ops

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday hoped for additional lifting of more preventive suspension orders against National Food Authority (NFA) employees to ensure unhampered operations in the agency.

“Kung merong madagdag pa, welcome iyon sa DA para bumilis iyong pagbalik sa normal na operation ng NFA. Bagamat naaayos naman iyon, pero syempre mas maganda kung makabalik din sila iyong mga walang kasalanan (If there will be additional [lifting], the DA welcomes that to bring NFA operations back to normal. Though it [operation] is kept adequate, it’s still better to have the innocent employees back,” DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in an interview.

Earlier, the Office of the Ombudsman lifted the preventive suspension order against 23 NFA officials and employees after it found the list erroneous.

The 23, which included an assistant branch manager of a warehouse in Batangas province, are among the 141 NFA officials and employees suspended amid the probe on the alleged questionable sale of rice buffer stock.

De Mesa said the reinstated employees are now back at work.

“The moment na na-receive nila iyong lifting ng suspension, balik sila sa trabaho. And then iyong mga

back wages nila, iyong that time na na-suspend sila, babalik din sila (The moment they received the lifting of the suspension, they are back to work. And their back wages during the time of their suspension will be given back to them),” he said.

De Mesa said the NFA will also conduct its council meeting Monday to ensure unhampered operations amid the peak harvest season.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. clarified that the “erroneous” list has been immediately submitted to the Ombudsman without the chance of audit.

“The list was given to us by NFA and we just forwarded it to the Ombudsman, believing that [it] is current and up-to-date. We had no chance to audit the list because of the urgency of the Ombudsman’s request,” he said in a statement.

“Had we verified the list with NFA management, it might have stirred suspicion as to why we are asking too much details,” he added.

The Office of the Ombudsman and the DA's parallel investigating panel are looking into the sale of NFA buffer stock rice which was allegedly disadvantageous to the government and was without bidding.

The preventive suspension will allow the Ombudsman to secure all the documents and other evidence relating to the issue.

Majority of NFA warehouses still operating despite probe: DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Wednesday the majority of the warehouses of the National Food Authority (NFA) are still operating despite an ongoing investigation into the alleged improper sale of rice buffer stock.

In an ambush interview on the sidelines of the Kapihan sa Manila Bay briefing, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa reiterated the Office of the Ombudsman's preventive suspension order against 141 NFA officials and employees entails temporary closure of select warehouses.

The first batch of suspension included 99 warehouse supervisors nationwide.

"There are 288 warehouses sa buong Pilipinas, at 169 iyong regular na nag-o-open tapos madagdagan pa ng 20 (in the entire Philippines, and 169 are open regularly, and 20 more shall be added)," De Mesa said.

"And hopefully iyong utos din ni Secretary (Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.) doon sa mayroon pang sarado na mabuksan agad, at mapalitan iyong mga bodegero na na-suspend. Iyon iyong mga parte ng utos ni Secretary kay NFA OIC Administrator (Larry) Lacson (the order of Secretary on the locked [warehouses] should be immediately reopened, and replace the suspended warehouse supervisor. That's a part of Secretary's instructions to Administrator Lacson)," he added. For his part, Lacson vowed to keep the NFA operations rolling despite the ongoing investigation.

"Ako po (I) as an OIC, I'll just do iyong day-to-day, kailangan ibangon ko lang iyong NFA. At makapagoperate nang maayos. Kaya unti-unti bumabalik kami sa operasyon (I just need to restore the NFA so we could operate properly. That's why we're slowly getting back in operations)," he said in a separate interview at Radyo Pilipinas. (MNS)

MANILA -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday announced indictments before the Davao and Pasig courts against embattled pastor Apollo Quiboloy arising from allegations of sexual and child abuse.

In a statement, DOJ spokesperson Undersecretary Mico Clavano said the charges filed before the Pasig regional trial court are non-bailable.

The legal proceedings against Quiboloy and several associates began from the resolution issued by DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on March 5.

Quiboloy faces charges under Section 5(b) of Republic Act No. 7610 (Other Sexual Abuse), focusing on the protection of children against abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.

Additional charges under Section 10(a) of the same act (Other Acts of Child Abuse) were filed against Quiboloy, along with Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemanes, aimed at safeguarding children's psychological and emotional health.

The Davao City Prosecutor’s Office also endorsed a complaint for qualified trafficking in persons to the DOJ main office.

Meanwhile, in the information filed before the Pasig City court, Quiboloy and his fellow respondents were charged for qualified human trafficking under Section 4 (a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, pursuant to the Resolution promulgated on March 5, 2024 by the Secretary of Justice.

"The Department of Justice is dedicated to the enforcement of our laws and the protection of our children from exploitation and abuse. This case underscores our commitment to hold accountable those who would harm our society's most vulnerable. Let this serve as a reminder that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law," Remulla said in the statement.

Hontiveros to ask Zubiri for Quiboloy's arrest warrant

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros is set to request Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri to issue a warrant of arrest against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

Hontiveros said Quiboloy's camp is asking to resolve the show cause order through a Senate plenary hearing.

"Sa totoo lang, wala nga sa [Senate] Rules ang show cause order (The truth is the show cause order is not even in the Senate Rules). It was a courtesy extended to Sen. Robin [Padilla], at the request of the SP [Zubiri])," Hontiveros said in a statement Friday.

"Kung wala nga sa Rules ang show cause order, much less wala sa Rules na kailangan ng (If the show cause order is not in the [Senate] Rules, much less is the) hearing in plenary to resolve the show cause order," she added.

Hontiveros cited previous cases, such as that of Senator Cynthia Villar who cited Davidson Bangayan in contempt and ordered his arrest even if criminal charges were already filed against him.

She said Senator Ronald dela Rosa continued to hear the disappearance of Catherine Camilon even though charges were filed against the police

officer who was believed to be involved.

Senator Imee Marcos, Hontiveros said, also presented witnesses with covered faces and using aliases in her hearing on people's initiative.

"At si SP [Zubiri] mismo, noong Senate hearings sa pagpatay kay Horacio Castillo, hindi niya tinanggap ang right against selfincrimination excuse at ginamit doon ang contempt power ng Senado (And SP Zubiri himself, during the Senate hearings in the killing of Horacio Castillo, he did not accept the right against self-incrimination excuse and used the contempt power of the Senate)," she said, noting it resulted in the passage into law of the Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Law.

The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family and Gender Equality chaired by Hontiveros received Friday Quiboloy's response to the show cause order which was issued by the panel last Wednesday, asking the KOJC head to explain why he continues to refuse to appear before the panel's proceedings.

Quiboloy camp responds to Senate show cause order, insists he doesn't need to attend probe Pastor Apollo Quiboloy on Friday submitted his response to a Senate show cause order in connection with the investigation on the abuses being linked to him and his religious group, Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

The document, submitted through Quiboloy's lawyers, was formally received by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality on Friday, March 15.

"We followed the order and submitted within the required 48 hours from the morning of March 13," Quiboloy's counsel, Atty. Elvis Balayan, said in an interview.

He said their response was received at about 8:40 a.m.

The show cause order issued on March 13 tasked Quiboloy to explain within a non-extendable period of 48 hours why he should not be ordered arrested and detained at the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms for refusing to attend the Senate panel's inquiry despite repeated invitations and notices.

Balayan said they would wait for the Senate's response before making the next legal move.

"Hangga't nakasalang po ang aming compliance and show cause order, hihintayin po namin ang tugon ng Senado sa aming legal compliance at from there we will take it po kung ano ang the best legal avenue or legal actions we could take," he said.

(We will wait for the Senate's feedback on our compliance and we will take it from there.)

Bantayan maintained that it would be "useless" for Quiboloy to attend the Senate hearing as the resolution calling for the investigation has already judged him guilty of wrongdoings.

"Kagaya ng pauli-ulit na sinasabi namin, 'yung resolution mismo po ay sinasabi na guilty na po sa mga krimen si Pastor at ito ay patuloy niya na kino-commit," Balayan said.

(Like what we've been saying, the resolution that paved the way for the inquiry already stated that Pastor is guilty and that he is presently committing crimes.)

Balayan also insisted that Congress' power to investigate in aid of legislation has limits and should not be done in violation of human rights. "There is a limit to Congress' authority to probe, that is... to regulate, control the legislator from abusing the fundamental bill of rights of resource persons or witnesses appearing there," he said.

The House of Representatives is also deliberating on House Bill 9710, which seeks to revoke the franchise of Swara Sug Media Corp., which operates KOJC's broadcast channel SMNI.

The House Committee on Legislative Franchises already approved the bill revoking Swara Sug's franchise to operate due to alleged violations of its franchise such as willful dissemination of false information and transfer of ownership without congressional approval.

The panel has also given Quiboloy until Friday to justify his repeated absence in the House inquiry or else he would have to be ordered arrested.

Quiboloy is on the US FBI's list of Most Wanted over alleged conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.

Last March 7, Central District of California Judge Terry Hatter Jr. has ordered the unsealing of the arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused. (MNS)

PCW evaluates anti-VAWC Act implementation

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) is assessing the implementation of Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act. In a public advisory on Wednesday, the PCW said it is working on the assessment together with the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children (IACVAWC).

About 20 years ago, the AntiVAWC Act was signed into law by former president Gloria MacapagalArroyo on March 8, 2004. This was after the harmonization of two bills on domestic violence and abuse against women in intimate partner relationships.

Apart from the IACVAWC, the Act allowed the creation of Committees Against Trafficking and VAWC at the subnational and local level, the establishment of Barangay VAW Desks, Women and Children Protection Desks in police stations, Women and Children Protection Units in DOH-retained hospitals, shelters for women victim-survivors, and other related service institutions.

In the past years, primary prevention programs have been implemented including a response system covering multi-disciplinary teams that address the protective, medical, psycho-social, and legal needs of victims; and hotlines where women victim-survivors could reach out for immediate assistance.

Moreover, standards and protocols for improving service delivery have also been put in place which contributed to increased help-seeking behavior of women victims as supported by the results of the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey. (MNS)

PHILIPPINE POP (P-POP) GROUP SB19’S BREAKTHROUGH HIT “MAPA”: A NEW LEGACY AS WORLD-CLASS FILIPINO PERFORMERS

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – “MAPA” is a song recorded by Filipino boy band SB19, released on May 16, 2021 by Sony Music, as the second pre-release digital single of their extended play “Pagsibol”.

The song was written by the band’s leader Pablo, who also coproduced the song, together with Jay Durias of South Border and by Simon Servida, who also serves as the personnel behind the band’s previous single “What?” The song was released between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day as a tribute to all parents. It has placed fifth on Google’s most searched song globally in 2021.

They sweep around the radio lanes as if on some kind of monorail.

The audience (or listeners, for that matter) light up in anticipation of the perfect soundtrack. In a classic example of postmodern irony, the host turns directly to the camera and announces ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, SB19.’ The captivating, uplifting opening bars of ‘MAPA’ begin to drift over the scene. All is well with the world.

Fresh from bagging the first-ever Filipino nomination at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards for Top Social Artist, SB19 continued to push the envelope with the release of their new song “MAPA” under Sony Music.

In a complete 180-degree turn from their colossal banger that introduced the album era, “MAPA” takes the form of a rousing ballad that captures SB19 at their most emotionally expressive element. It’s hellbent on returning home with a heartwarming tribute to every parent out there, who has brought direction to our lives every time we feel lost and in need of a North Star.

The title, which is a Filipino term that translates to “map” in English, is a portmanteau of “mama” and “papa.” Combining both words, the band’s music composer Pablo penned the track to “inspire people to be appreciative of everything that our parents did for us and to give back.”

The multi-talented member of the acclaimed Philippine pop group also explained the inspiration behind the song’s title: “It implies that our parents serve as our guidance and direction in life. We released the song to show gratitude and appreciation for helping us survive all the challenges and difficulties that we’ve encountered growing up.”

Even before the pandemic happened and during their concert tour, SB19 had lesser time going home to be with their beloved families. This prompted the multiawarded global sensation to honor their love for their parents through

a pop song primed to endure timelessness.

“Pablo first composed the melody, getting inspiration from a lullaby that his mother would sing to him when he was a child,” said SB19’s member Josh. “He wanted to make a song that conveys the feeling of being taken care of by one’s parents. He proceeded to write the lyrics that equate our parents as the ‘map’ that guides us to be the best versions of ourselves.”

Just in time for that year’s Mothers’ Day celebration, the Filipino boyband started the #DearMAPA campaign to express their gratitude to their parents and encouraged their fan base group “A’TIN” to do the same. The hashtag trended at No. 1 on Twitter Philippines and launched millions of touching messages from their fans globally.

So, with 2024’s Mother’s Day and Father’s Day coming up on the horizon, we find ourselves at a new celebration – P-Pop Kings SB19’s released “MAPA.” There is no doubt about it that few P-Pop songs have impacted the music and culture of our beloved old homeland -the Philippines – in the way ‘MAPA’ did, and the evidence is there. With more than 33 million Spotify streams and nearly 100 million views on the official lyric video, it’s safe to say

that this love song to their parents (and ours, too!) captured hearts worldwide.

Looking back at the why, how, and all that happened since SB19 all began, I say there couldn’t have been a better way to set the scene for a song best described, indeed as a love song to their parents (and again, ours, too!).

The wholesome lyrics made ‘MAPA’ a hit, and it started with letters. Before the new single’s release, each of the five members of SB19 wrote a love letter to their parents. One letter at a time, they posted them to social media with photographs of their loved ones. Afterwards, they invited their fans to do the same. There couldn’t have been a better way to set the scene for a song as everyone says is best described as a love song to their parents.

As I have earlier stated, SB19’S leader, Pablo, wrote the lyrics to ‘MAPA.’ With help from the other band members, it was written during a time when they were separated from their families due to work days. The song’s best known for its catchy chorus (“La-ta-ra-tara”) but by the end of the chorus has since become iconic by capturing the lovely culture of our “kababayans” with the line: “Pahinga muna, ako na” (Rest first, let me). Though he

had help with the track production from Jay Durias and Simon Servida, Pablo also has a hand in composing the song. Today, SB19’s journey to the self-creation of their music has come nearly full circle. The song, also best described as a reverse lullaby, starts with a slow, pianoonly melody. As the song continues through the chorus of the second verse, it builds to the bridge and becomes an upbeat and joyful song.

The lyric video for which member Justin De Dios was a creative consultant follows the same theme.

The simple drawings show the journey on from children following their parents to adults who have learned to fly on their own.

Despite where it is today, ‘MAPA’ did not really enjoy the instant success that their comeback song, “What?” achieved and saw only two months before. ‘MAPA’ was an emotional and hopeful song with a beautifully designed lyric video but at that point, lyric videos were usually dwarfed in views by music videos. Band member Stell remarked, “the views were trickling in compared to the ‘What?’ music video which reach 7 million views within the same time frame.”

Once, ‘MAPA’ gained traction, however, it didn’t stop!

Between July and August of 2021,

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

the lyric video added 40 million views with an average of nearly 1 million views a day. Truly, it was monumental, not only for SB19 but also for P-Pop. Incidentally, P-Pop is a new genre that is still gaining traction even in its very own old homeland, and the acceptance of ‘MAPA’ by casuals and fans alike meant that the genre and its artists were suddenly seen and heard.

As a result, ‘MAPA’ was also the song of choice in some of SB19’s most stunning live productions. I say there are no bad performance of ‘MAPA’ and there are no weak vocals among the members, if I must add, too.

Whether it’s the deeply emotional voices of Justin and Josh, the deep and soothing timbre of Ken, or the reaching riffs and runs of Pablo and Stell, each member of SB19 is at their absolute best in the song. Of course, it’s hard to pick just one live exhibition but their performances at “Kalayaan 2021”, “Sonik Philippines” and their “Our Zone Concert” stick out for us. The first two at “Kalayaan 2021” and “Sonik Philippines” were recorded live at large and empty venues (Thanks for that, COVID-19!). Thanks also to the echo, it would be easy for the vocals to be a bit off at such challenging venues. Like the Kings they truly were, SB19 chose to use the reverb from their venue to lift their vocals and the result is powerful elevated musicals. The members know exactly where to place themselves in the massive venues to either limit or amplify the echo to suit their needs.

“Our Zone Concert” was SB19’s two-day livestream musical to celebrate their third anniversary as a group. As a surprise to the members on the second day, their families joined them on stage just after the bridge to ‘MAPA’. With his parents living abroad and the rest of his family in faraway south Mindanao, Ken did not expect much as Stell, Josh, Justin and Pablo’s families came on to the stage. Little did Ken knew his sister and uncle were standing behind him. Their sudden appearance sent Ken to his knees, the first time A’TIN fandom saw the normally introverted man bawl his eyes out. It was several moments before he could finally compose himself and continue to

sing. Three years later and right to this very point of time today, ‘MAPA’ is still a favorite among fans and casuals. It genuinely captures the emotion of an entire nation… our fellow “kababayans” and the beautiful Filipino family culture shown at its very best. For the artists themselves, it is the absolute mastery of their voices. We can trace much of where SB19 is right now back to this simple, emotional lullaby-like song. With respect and love, we look back on “MAPA” while looking forward to everything SB19 has in store for us, the A’TIN and the world. SB19’s leader Pablo said it best “Sa’n man mapunta, alam kung sa’n nagsimula” (Wherever I go, I know where I came from).

Spoken like a genuinely proud Filipino patriot…and as a fellow “kababayan” I couldn’t have said or written it much better, indeed… Mabuhay!

P.S. – Please click on and check out https://youtu.beDDyr3DbTPtk?si =QdN3slVGN7JJioQr

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hand of the Father” until he left for earth and assumed it back after resurrection.

We humans could not comprehend God’s and Jesus’ metaphysical presence unless we put them in their proper places by asserting that God has anatomical parts (right hand) like humans. Humans throughout history have identified the right side as the place of honor. In ancient times, battle formations had identified the right flank or the “right of the line” as the critical side. Besides, we think placing somebody on that side is the “right place.” Otherwise, it would be more difficult to envision the Trinity.

So, all along, Jesus was already watching the people on earth and didn’t like what was happening.

People were just not doing it the “right way” like offering animals and humans for a sacrifice. Sodom and Gomorrah. He also didn’t like the idea that everything revolved only in that part of the world and the stories in the Old Testament were only about the plight of the Israeli people. He also didn’t like the idea that some wise guys were telling people who cared to listen, that the earth was flat. He knew it was round.

So, he came down and began asserting God’s Kingdom, “Thy Kingdom come on earth, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Meaning, Jesus knew exactly how to make the earth kingdom heavenlike (God’s Reign). In his inaugural address on the Mount, he told us that God’s Reign will be his guiding principle as he emerged from the desert after 40 days of fasting. At the desert, God’s will become clear to him. Nowadays, we call it a retreat if it takes that long. Our idea of fasting and abstinence is on Fridays only during Lent.

Jesus didn’t show up as an adult,

Lenten Reflection: Why does Jesus makes us uncomfortable? Part 2

from Christmas we go straight to Lent. His adulthood began after his water immersion on the River Jordan by John AKA “The Baptist”. His life started as an infant, cuddly baby Jesus. Apostle Thomas wrote the story on the “Nativity of Jesus” but being called Doubting Thomas, holy people doubted his version of the Nativity because he placed the baby Jesus in a cave with a motley but small crowd. The three kings would not have fit in there.

The storyline of course, is that Isaiah predicted his coming as a baby and will be called by different names because everybody wanted to claim him as their own. So, as the Messiah, people already recognized God’s reign. Since Apostle Thomas’s Nativity Story never made it to print, thus the blank years in Jesus’ life. Anyway, the critical aspect of Jesus’ human presence was when he became an adult.

Certainly, Jesus’ main crime is being called the King of Jews! Christianity, as the Apostle Paul trumpeted, was the new deal. Meaning, people should then take stock in him versus the old laws and traditions of Moses, and where all are welcome minus the doctrinal strictures and church hierarchies

that mortals must deal with (then and now). He preached everywhere in and outside Israel. He even went to Asia to let people know that that was part of his Reign. He did not have a chapel or church with a label. His kingdom, that way, is boundless and not confined to some temple or place of worship that can crumble to ruble.

Jesus sought out the sinners and marginalized and toppled tables where the self-righteous and capitalists were gathered. Nonbelievers abound during his time in the long Sahara or by the sea, but he used numerous signs (well, the bible writers called them miracles) that demonstrated what his kingdom was like. He was a friend of sinners because he subjected himself to being one of the sinners as a human being who lived in Adam’s fallen world. He even socialized with sinners (Samaritan woman by the well, the lady with the Alabaster jar we called ‘promiscuous’).

Jesus taught in parables (some 30 of them according to Mark, Matthew and Luke) to simplify profound spiritual truths for humanity to understand and follow. You know, like Spiritual Truths for Dummies in our present culture. The Parable of the Sower sowing seeds

is simple. Depending on where you sow the seeds (rocks, good soil, water, etcetera), something will grow but can have different outcomes.

To the farmer listeners, that was simple truth enough. Some seeds will not grow, others will grow but will not sustain growth, or with abundant growth in fertile or good soil. That parable has achieved its own life and has grown into multiple, albeit confusing interpretations, depending on your religious affiliation. Jesus was telling the farmers, you must exert an effort (think, labor) to make his kingdom food secure. He did not tell them to pray to somebody else (like anitos, or saints). Similarly, the Parable of the Fishing Net (or Dragnet) is simple. Lower the net into the sea and it will gather fish of every kind. When filled, drag it to the beach and sort out the good from the not so good. The worthless fish gets thrown away. Then fishermen found out fishing can sustain life and enabled them to send kids to school. A Norwegian guy named Ole Evinrude (yak!) invented and manufactured the first practical and commercially successful outboard motor. Mayors and governors then

bought their own and propelled their trawlers day and night. Fish in the kingdom became scarce. Now I know why Jesus is coming back.

Well, how about the Parable of the Ten Virgins? Literally, the story was about 10 virgins, 5 smart and 5 not so smart, who were holding their individual oil lamps while waiting for the bridegroom. It sounded like the original version of ABC’ show “The Bachelor.” The 5 smart virgins filled their lamps while the other 5 didn’t. The foolish virgins had to go back in town for oil refill because the smarties did not want to share. When they came back, the door was shut, and the bachelor was already doing his thing. The moral of the parable is that virgins should always be ready and well oiled. The parable is about the “Last Judgement” when all will be judged. In other words, Jesus gave them a fair warning to behave in the Kingdom so they will be picked. The oil industry, of course, got the wrong message and started oil explorations. They literally took oil as an important commodity to keep things running. Well, what else is new. Somewhere down the line, the message got diluted and people gave more importance to oil than virgins. (To be continued…)

PHILIPPINE POP (P-POP) BOY BAND SB19

Dear Readers,

Our

sexual orientation bias in California in 2022 — 29% more than the previous year.

assaulted on campus by

Some

may not yet be posted, so you may

at

crimes — a 20.2% jump from the previous year.

1,300 of these reports were of suspected racial, ethnic or national origin bias, while half of these targeted Black Californians — 27.1% more than the prior year.

Furthermore, Black students in about 6% of California public schools report experiencing hate.

To address this school hate, NAACP Santa Barbara and the California Civil Rights Department kicked off an ongoing series of intercommunity dialogues between the Latino and Black communities on February 26.

“You can report and report hate, but if we don’t encourage communities to talk to each other, we can’t get to the source and help our students thrive at school,” said Alexander-Boaitey.

LGBT+ hate crimes are also on the rise, with 391 motivated by

“The highest-reported situations our units statewide get are school violence situations specifically targeted at Black students,” said Connie Alexander-Boaitey, president of hotline partner NAACP Santa Barbara. “Unfortunately, most of this hate towards black students is being perpetrated by Latinx students … and we’re struggling in the communication between these communities. How do you focus on school when you’re being traumatized every day?”

Furthermore, these are only reported crimes; the U.S. National Crime Victimization Survey estimates that at least 40% to 50% of all hate crimes are unreported to law enforcement.

Overall, LGBT+ people are nine times more likely to be victims of a hate crime than non-LGBT individuals.

“Since the CA vs Hate line kicked off, we’ve definitely seen an increase in people seeking services against discrimination, especially legal housing and mental health support,” said Ariel Bustamante, senior manager of capacity building at hotline partner LA LGBT Center.

“From a small business owner being gunned down for visible support of the community, to a terrified parent calling us about their elementary school child who was

Spiritual Life

The

Season of Lent: a time for spiritual renewal

We are in the Season of Lent, a time for spiritual renewal and to do major spring cleaning in our lives. We are all sinners and we have fallen short in the glory of God. We are guilty of so many wrong doings and we have bottled them up inside our being. We have pretended that we are in right relationship with God.

Many of us are missing on the beauty of life and relationships because we often wear blinders. We tend to see the ugliness of what is before us. We destroy our relationship with people through jealousy, pride, hatred, anger, and pettiness. The Season of Lent is a significant time to re-examine our relationship with others and with God by meditating on the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said to his followers, “Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in my steps. (Luke 9:23)

In his book, Imitation of Christ, Thomas de Kempis wrote, “The whole life of Christ was a cross and a martyrdom, and would you seek rest and joy? If you carry the cross unwillingly, it would be a burden to you. If you fling away one cross, without doubt you shall find another, perhaps a heavier one”

Here are some actions you could take during this Lenten

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

season. Let’s do some fasting and feasting on those things that will make us better persons and worthy of being a child of God.

Fast from judging others. Feast on Christ dwelling in them

Fast from apparent darkness. Feast on the reality of light.

Fast from pessimism. Feast on optimism.

Fast from thoughts of illness. Feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that pollute. Feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from anger. Feast on patience.

Fast from worry. Feast on Divine Providence.

Fast from unrelenting pressure.

Feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from complaining. Feast on appreciation and gratitude

Fast from bitterness. Feast on forgiveness.

Fast on anxiety. Feast on hope.

Fast on hatred. Feast on love.

My prayer: Almighty God, you know what is in my heart. I feel I am not worthy in your sight. I have fallen short in Your glory. I confess my sins and I pray that you will cleanse my heart from all unrighteousness. As I enter the path of repentance, please guide my steps so that in dying to self, I might rise to new life. Heal my body and soul, cure the sickness in my spirit that I may grow in faith and spiritual maturity through your constant and abiding love. Amen.

Our Father is a God of His word

And blessed (happy, to be envied) is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of the things that were spoken to her from the Lord. (Luke 1:45)

I can only imagine the mixed emotions Mary must have experienced when the Angel Gabriel approached her with the promise of a child. Not just any child, but the Son of God; the promised seed that would change the course of history. Mary was chosen to give birth to the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and the Savior of mankind. God handpicked Mary to partner with Him in this great feat. He needed someone that was not only pure in body and spirit but also in faith. What an honor!

Danny Hernaez From Whom

All Blessings Flow

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

Today let us all rejoice for this heavenly mystery that gives hope to all who believe that suffering and pain, death and despair have an end in the mystery that the raising of Jesus from the dead completely vanquished and made meaningless despite its concrete existence in the world today. Jesus has risen from the dead but pain and suffering remain and constantly keep people confused and bewildered and often lost. However, with faith that is made mature through listening to

the words of Jesus, living it daily in our lives, the faithful become emboldened to testify with courage to the reality that the rising of Jesus is the fulfillment of the mission that the Father has sent his only Son to become human in order to manifest his never ending love for humanity and raising it to the level of divinity that is manifested in the mystery of the resurrection.

The historicity of this reality is no longer contestable is shown in the gospel narrative and the conversion of the first disciples who witnessed the “empty tomb” which was clear and definitive evidence of the death of Jesus and its “emptiness” as a sensible explanation on how one can return to life again, because of the divine and supernatural intervention that occurred. For this they became witnesses and they proclaimed with testimony with courage and devotion. Two of these disciples are worth mentioning. Peter who was one of the first who came to find the empty tomb, was at first bewildered and made to hide “for fear of the Jews,” but began to preach the Good News with boldness to the same Jews who had first terrified

him. He became to transformed man! The other is Paul, who in the second reading, elevates the Easter transformation with a challenge “for our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with old yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. This is the challenge that we have today, as children of the apostolic witnesses, we are called to witness the Resurrection with our transformed life: dying to corrupt and wicked ways and rising as new persons: sincere, faithful and true. One writer commenting on the narrative of the Resurrection of Jesus as written by St. Mark mentioned that: “the resurrection is the final stage in the one paschal mystery, God’s mighty act of deliverance by which humanity is liberated from sin and restored to communion with him… Mark’s account of the resurrection is remarkably brief. But through his narrative he invites his readers to step into the story and allow the Holy Spirit to bring about the unshakable conviction of faith in the risen Lord that has transformed his own life.” This can happen here in our small and beautiful parish of the Church of the Nativity when we become one in mind and heart, loving and helping each other because we are children of God whose Son was sent to die on the cross for the salvation of humanity and rose from the dead so that all of us would share his divinity. May this great mystery transform us in own personal lives and the life of our Christian community.

Masusi nating bigyang pansin at usisahin

Ang bawa’t desisyon na ating gagawin

Magkaibang panig at iisa lamang ang pipiliin, Dito nakasalalay ang takbo ng buhay natin.

Ating napapakinggan

ang dalawang tinig na munti

Sabi ng Liwanag: “ Kung ang pera ang batayan ng kaligayahan Bakit may mga mayayaman na naluluklok sa kapighatian?

Upang ang kaligayahan ay makamit Ang kaligayahan ng iba ay huwag ipagkait.”

Sigaw ng Dilim:” Ano?

Sabi ng Liwanag:” Huwag kang tatanggap ng suhol Perang hindi mo pinaghirapan ay di sa iyo Kapag ito ay iyong tinanggap at ginamit, Ang iyong prinsipyo at paninindigan sa buhay ang kapalit.”

Sa harap ng marami ikaw ay insultuhin?

The promised child God spoke to Mary concerning was an extenuation of the promise He had given Abram. That promise carried over until it reached the point of fulfillment. God had to perform miracles along the way to that promise, including opening wombs that were barren.

If He said it, He will surely bring it to pass. If God can open closed wombs and overshadow a virgin by the power of His Holy Spirit to cause her to conceive, he can indeed keep His promise to us as His children. No longer cry out in desperation wondering if God has forgotten about you and the promises He has made. No, from this point forward let Mary's response be your response; be it unto me Lord according to your Word. We can be assured that God possesses the power to perform what He has promised.

And now may the Lord bless

you, and may the Lord keep you, and may the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and may the Lord be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May you walk in the blessed assurance that your steps are being ordered of the Lord and that His angels are going before you to make certain that your life reaches its spiritual destiny. May the prayers that you pray, be reward to you according to your faith, for God is a faithful God, and He will open the windows of heaven and bless you with blessings you cannot contain, in Jesus' name. Amen.

<(((><

Magkaiba ang kanilang pangako at sinasabi Pagisipang mabuti sapagkat tayo ang pipili, Ang dulot ay tuwa’t saya o pagdurusa at pagsisisi. Pakinggan natin ang pagtatalo ng LIWANAG at DILIM.

Sabi ng Dilim: “Samantalahin habang ikaw ay nabubuhay sa mundo, Magpakasawa at pagbigyan ang bawat hilig at luho Ang buhay mo sa ngayon ay ang tangi mong nasisiguro, Huwag ka ng umasa pa sa isang bagay na hindi mo kita at tanto”.

Sabi ng Liwanag: “ Ang buhay mo sa ngayon ay pansamantala May buhay na walang hangan manilwala ka sana Upang makamit ang buhay na walang hanggan sa kabila Paglingkuran ang Kapwa at ang Diyos na dakila.”

Sabi ng Dilim:” Di ba’t gusto mo na ikaw ay maligaya?

Dapat lang na magkaroon ka ng napakaraming pera, Walang bagay na hindi mabibili, Sa limpak limpak na salapi.”

Huwag kang papayag na ikaw ay lait-laitin

Akala mo kung sino siya!

Hindi iisa ang araw! Iyan ang tandaan niya!”

Bulong ng Liwanag, “Umiwas ka sa gulo Huwag mong idaan sa init ng ulo Walang relasyon ang nagtatagal kung walang kapatawaran

Mahalin ang kapwa, masamang gawain niya ang kasuklaman.

Bulong ng Dilim:” Ayos lang naman kung magpalaglag

ka Bakit ka magpapakahirap kung hindi mo naman binalak ang magkaanak?

At saka ang aalisin mo ay hindi pa naman buo ang pagkatao Kapag magpalaglag ka ay tapos na ang problema mo.”

Sabi ng Liwanag:” Pagisip-isipan mong mabuti ang gagawin mo Ang nasa sinapupunan mo ay isa ng tao May karapatan ding mabuhay katulad mo Maranasan ang ganda at pagmamahal sa mundong ito.”

Sabi ng Dilim:” Kung ano ang bulong sa iyo hwag kang maniwala

Ano bang masama kung tatangap ka ng pera Ito naman ay gagamitin para sa pamilya Hindi iyan suhol kundi regalo at iyan ay gawain din ng iba.”

Alin sa dalawang tinig na nagtatalo ang ating sundin? Ang isa ay ang ating konsensiya na tinig ng ng DIYOS, At ang pangalwa ay ang tinig ng mundo na tinig ng DIYABLO, Pangako Ng Diyablo ay langit sa mundong ito Ang makapiling siya sa kanyang kaharian ang Diyos ay nangangako.

GEP

individuals who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C, MA plan) and want to make changes.

<2> What can I do during GEP (General Enrollment Period)?

During GEP, individuals can enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Part B for the first time. Coverage will begin on the first day of the following month after you enroll, and you may face a late enrollment penalty because you missed your Initial Enrollment Period. The penalty could result in higher premiums for as long as you have Medicare. Note that you may not sign up for a stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan during GEP even if you need drug coverage with Original Medicare as drug coverage is not included. The GEP is specifically for enrolling in Medicare Part A and/or Part B, not for Part D. To have a standalone Part D plan, you may have to wait for the upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment Period that occurs between October 15 and December 7 every year.

<3> What can I do during MA OEP (Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period)?

switch from Original Medicare to MA plan, you cannot join a part D prescription drug plan or cannot switch one part D plan to another if you’re in Original Medicare.

<4> Can I add a Medigap plan to Original Medicare during GEP or MA OEP?

Medicare basically covers 80% of the cost for each Medicarecovered service or item after you’ve paid your deductible. If you decide to stay with Original Medicare (Part A and B) and want to cover the 20% financial gap that Medicare doesn’t pay for, you may want to add a Medigap plan to your Original Medicare. Ideally, the best time to purchase a Medigap policy is during your Medigap OEP, which starts the first day of the month that you're both 65 or older AND enrolled in Medicare Part B. This period lasts for six months. During this period, Medigap companies must sell you a policy at the best available rate regardless of your health status, and they cannot deny you coverage.

have 8-months SEP.

If you missed the SEP, you should use GEP to enroll in Medicare. Note that MA OEP is specifically only for

As mentioned in <1>, MA OEP is only for those who already are enrolled in MA plan. You can switch from one MA plan to another, or you can disenroll from your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). If you return to Original Medicare, you have the option to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Note that MA OEP does not apply to Original Medicare beneficiaries, that means you cannot

If you miss your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you can still apply for a Medigap policy, but you may face underwriting which insurers use to figure out your health status and determine whether to offer you coverage, at what price, and with what exclusions or limits. Based on your pre-existing health conditions, you may have to have a waiting period or insurers may charge you more or deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Be aware that this information only pertains to protections that apply nationwide. Some states have other protections that give their residents additional opportunities to enroll in a Medigap.

Date:

Time:

Location: Azalea Park (4036

Fan and Eucalyptus), plant native species, and install interpretive signs. Educational tables with recycling games and activities will promote environmental stewardship and the Clean California initiative. Cleanup kits with bags, gloves, vests, trash grabbers and other required tools will be provided for volunteers.

RSVP: To RSVP as a volunteer, visit: ILACSD’s Community Hub. About the Clean California

Campaign:

This event is made possible by Governor Gavin Newsom’s Clean California initiative, a sweeping $1.2 billion, multiyear cleanup efforts led by Caltrans to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and join with communities throughout the state to reclaim, transform and beautify public spaces.

Since launching Clean California in July 2021, Caltrans has helped fund 319 projects and removed nearly 2.3 million cubic yards of litter from state highways. That is enough to fill about 700

Olympic-sized swimming pools. The program has also created nearly 8,700 jobs that have helped Californians overcome barriers to employment and drawn more than 10,000 volunteers to events ranging from community cleanups to large debris collections for appliances, tires, and mattresses.

About I Love A Clean San

Diego: Celebrating 70 years in 2024, I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is an environmental nonprofit supporting residents and businesses of San Diego County. ILACSD was founded in 1954 and has since evolved into the nonprofit it is today, providing programs that are an environmental catalyst, awakening passion and inspiring action, empowering members of the community to be leaders in conservation and waste-free living.

For more information, to volunteer or donate, visit CleanSD.org or call (619) 291-0103. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

DEPED

Continued from page 1

The Philippine Pediatric Society, likewise, reported that around 11 percent of students aged 10 to 15 have tried vaping as per 2021 data.

DBM releases PHP1.295-B for school electrification

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved a PHP1.295-billion Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the Department of Education (DepEd) to cover the funding requirements for the electrification of un-energized schools, and the modernization of electrical systems in on-grid schools nationwide.

In a statement on Thursday, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the budget would go a long way in providing a conducive learning environment for students across the archipelago.

Malaking tulong po itong pondo para maging mas kumportable ang ating mga mag-aaral at guro sa kanilang classrooms (The funds will greatly help make students and teachers more comfortable in their classrooms)."

The allocation will cover the various regions in the country except the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The released fund is chargeable against DepEd's built-in appropriations under the Fiscal Year 2024 national budget.

Pangandaman approved the release of the SARO for the purpose on March 1, the DBM said. (MNS)

“Let us light up every classroom, sparking curiosity and igniting dreams. In the spirit of the Bagong Pilipinas, where discipline, prudence, continuous learning, patience, and integrity are paramount, let us collectively work toward a brighter future for our beloved Philippines under the visionary leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,” Pangandaman said. "Investing in education means we are also investing on the needed facilities of our students.

Sarah Geronimo says husband Matteo Guidicelli is very protective of her

MANILA - Sarah Geronimo is in awe of her husband, Matteo Guidicelli, for being a protective partner.

The multi-hyphenate artist said Matteo does everything she could ask from a husband, but what she appreciates the most is his empathy and protectiveness.

"He would cook for me, inaalgaan niya ako, pero nakita ko na ang ganda ng puso ng asawa ko ay 'yung talagang 'pag nakikita niyang nasasaktan ako, nasasaktan din siya," she said.

"Very protective siya," she added.

SDG&E

Continued from page 8

Last year, 99% of SDG&E’s charitable investments benefited diverse and underserved communities.

“Funding from SDG&E’s Environmental Champions grant program has allowed us to increase our tree planting efforts in some of San Diego’s most underinvested neighborhoods,” said Leona Sublett, President & CEO of San Diego Parks Foundation. “Through this partnership, as well as the

Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli treat their team to Universal Studios after Billboard win The couple, who has been

Last month, Sarah and Matteo celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary.

together for almost 10 years, got married in February 2020. Their wedding was controversial after Sarah's mom reportedly arrived unexpectedly and was enraged at the event.

April 12, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. PST. Click here to

The couple recently appeared together at Uniqlo's Spring Summer 2024 collection launch, and Sarah couldn't help but say, "Ang guwapo mo, mahal" while looking at her husband.

Matteo currently stars in "Black Rider" and is also a mainstay in "Unang Hirit." (MNS)

In 2023, Matteo said that he is ready to become a father and that spending the rest of his life with Sarah is his ultimate goal.