The Filipino Press: November 24-30, 2023

InternationaL cuisines

Fruit picking

PAMPERED PINAY:

and picnicKing

HEALTHY FEAST OFFERING

Enjoy the activity with family

Happy Thanksgiving

ADVENTURES IN TASTE

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‘Boulevard’ Vying for Oscar

BY ADAM BEHAR SAN DIEGO, CA -- The Asian Film Festival was held earlier this month and showcased numerous feature-length and short films that were well-received by an appreciative audience. While many films stood out, one short film – written, directed by, and featuring Filipino-San Diegans – not only received huge applause from the audience but also took home the festival’s Grand Jury Prize.

This honor adds to a growing list of awards that “When You Left Me on That Boulevard” has received, including the Grand Jury Prize from the prestigious Sundance Film Festival and the Grand Jury Award for Vision at Southwest by Southwest.

The 13-minute film, set in 2006, was written and directed by Kayla Abuda Galang and shot on location in the Paradise Hills section of National City, where Galang, the cast and most of the behind-thescenes crew grew up. The film provides an intimate and nostalgic look at a Filipino family that, while very Americanized, has still retained aspects of their culture, including the warmth of family, gossiping aunties and cousins, Filipino food, and karaoke.

The film’s protagonist is Ly (Kailyn Dulay), an only child with a loving but overprotective mother. Dulay explains that Ly is more introverted than her cool, gossipy cousins like Crizzy, played

by Gina May. We watch Ly as

Asian Film Festival's Grand Jury Prize winner: When You Left Me on That Boulevard Top solo shot is of actress Kailyn Dulay, who plays Ly, the main character. Actress Gina May who plays Crizzy, writer/director Kayla Abuda Galang, and producer David Oconer -- taken in front of Edwards Cinema in Mira Mesa, where the 2023 Asian Film Festival was held. (Courtesy photos) she experiences the complexities and pressures of growing up and becoming a teenage girl. Ly has a big crush on a boy and, as Dulay explains, she tries to fit in with her cool cousins and be one of the girls, which isn’t easy for her because she’s normally shy and “closed off.”

Gina May, a former Monte Vista High School cheerleader, says she was very similar to her character, Crizzy, when she was a teenager.

She loved to act cool with her cousins and friends and gossip; however, unlike her character, she didn’t smoke pot.

PBBM: Vice President Sara Duterte does not deserve to be impeached MANILA -- Vice President Sara Duterte continues to enjoy the full support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos amid impeachment calls against her as the latter emphasized that she does not deserve to be ousted from office.

“Binabantayan namin nang mabuti because we don’t want her to be impeached. We don’t want her to—she does not deserve to be impeached. So, we will make sure that this is something that we will pay very close attention to,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos made the remarks during the Kapihan with the Media on Sunday afternoon (Hawaii time) when asked for his reaction about the reported plans to impeach the Vice President.

The President added that impeachment calls against highranking officials is not something new as he emphasized that there will always be “an element” that wants “to change the results of an election.”

“So, I guess, a continuing evolution of that thinking na basta ayaw namin diyan, tanggalin natin, i-impeach natin. Well, meron naman sigurong dahilan kung hindi lang ayaw sa amin. That’s not a reason to be impeached,” he added.

Asked if there is already a “crack” in the Uniteam, President Marcos said that he does not see it coming as he emphasized that they are even getting stronger and bigger with the addition of more members.

President Marcos also noted a political development in the Uniteam over the past few months.

VP SARA DUTERTE “These are the same people that talk about impeachment.

They are the same people that talk ‘wala na, nagbabaklas-baklas na ‘yung Uniteam.’ Hindi totoo ‘yun. Tingnan na lang niyo mga political developments in the past few months,” President Marcos said. President Marcos also stressed, on a personal level, that they have an excellent relationship with Vice President Duterte as he emphasized that he sees nothing but good things about her work in the Department of Education (DepEd).

Vice President Duterte is the concurrent DepEd Secretary.

DepEd to make Friday a catch-up day to improve reading skills Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte announced on Tuesday that the Department is developing a policy for "catch-up Friday" which will allot every Friday of the week as a time for basic education learners

to improve their reading and writing skills.

Duterte made the announcement during her speech at the culmination of the National Reading Month held at Esteban Abada Elementary School in Quezon City.

"Ibig sabihin, wala tayong ibang gagawin kundi turuan ang mga bata magbasa at ‘yung mga marunong nang magbasa, ituro sa kanila ang critical thinking and analysis. ‘Yung mga marunong na sa critical thinking and analysis, pasulatin ninyo ng libro, ng essay, lahat ng kailangan nating gawin na matutunan ng mga bata, gawin natin sa (It means that we will do nothing else but to teach the learners how to read and those who are good in reading, teach them critical thinking and analysis. For those who are good in critical thinking and analysis, let them write a book, essay, and everything that the children need to learn, let's do it on) catch-up Friday," Duterte said in her speech.

The DepEd, she admitted, is not expecting to receive good results from the recent Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), an international system assessment meant to provide feedback on education quality which the country has been participating in since 2018.

Duterte said "catch-up Friday" will start on Jan. 12, 2024.

"Subukan lang natin. Tingnan natin kung meron tayong makikita na pagbabago after we do it during the term of President [Ferdinand See SARA DUTERTE on 6

Shot over four days in Paradise Hills, the making of the film felt like a reunion of friends and family, says the film’s producer, David Oconer. Dulay says San Diego and Paradise Hills are an important part of her identity and “are in her blood.” Kayla Abuda Galang and

Gina May feel similarly, as do most of the cast and crew.

Oconer got involved, he says, because Galang “is my best friend and we both grew up together back in Paradise Hills.” Wanting a change of scenery, Oconer left San Diego to join Galang in Austin, TX,

where she lived and still lives. They became roommates in Austin and “one day she asked me, ‘Hey, do you want to help me produce this film?’ I was like, ‘Yes, absolutely’, because it takes place in our old neighborhood.”

David Oconer says Texas “was definitely a culture shock being one of the least diverse cities in America.” But with the company of Galang, it felt like home. He notes that for this Thanksgiving, he’s going to Houston to celebrate it with Galang’s family. Being with other Filipinos during Thanksgiving, which is a big holiday for many Filipino families, “is just what I need,” he says, noting that he’s also looking forward to the traditional Filipino fare that will accompany the turkey.

I suggest to Oconer that what he’s describing to me sounds like a scene right out of “When You Left Me on That Boulevard,” which is also centered around a Thanksgiving celebration in 2006.

“Absolutely,” he says, there’s that parallel. Galang explained why Thanksgiving became its own character in the film. In Austin, during the pandemic, she was feeling homesick and missing that connection with family and friends.

The nostalgia and longing turned to gratitude; she realized she missed not only her friends and family that she grew up with, but that she missed San Diego and Paradise See OSCAR on 5

Census Bureau Funding Still in GOP Sights Despite Latest Spending Bill

By Edward Kissam/EMS Proposed cuts to Census Bureau funding threaten to harm low-income and immigrant communities that continue to be undercounted in the decennial census.

There was an audible sigh of relief in DC Wednesday after Congress approved a stop-gap funding measure to keep the government running for three more months. But if you think that means conservative lawmakers have put away their shears, think again.

Part of the broader partisan fight over federal spending is an ongoing effort to cut funding for the Census Bureau, cuts that would directly impact lowincome minority and immigrant households nationwide.

Why is Census Bureau funding so important? More than $2.1 trillion in federal funding is distributed every year using census data, which is essential to ensuring that economically-disadvantaged communities across the country get their fair share. But for more than a half century ethnic minorities and low-income households have been systematically undercounted in every decennial census, meaning that year in and year out they’ve been short changed when it comes to the federal funding support they need.

It’s time to change that.

Fortunately, under the leadership of Dr. Rob Santos, the Bureau’s first Latino Director, the Census Bureau has made it a top priority to accurately enumerate

historically-undercounted communities in Census 2030.

The cuts now being proposed in Congress would knee cap these efforts, eliminating adequate funding to support key research, planning, and improvements in data collection.

What’s at stake with Census funding?

What are the stakes for communities where poverty is rampant?

Census undercounts in historically-undercounted neighborhoods compromise the equitable allocation of billions of dollars in federal funding for ESEA Title I support for enhanced instruction in schools with concentrations of students living in poverty, Section 8 housing assistance, community health centers, and WIOA funding for workforce skills development, to name just a few.

In essence, a census undercount

affects communities now and well into the future, undermining health, housing, young people’s educational success and overall well-being.

Historically undercounted communities How big of a problem is census undercount? Official estimates show that in Census 2020 Hispanics were undercounted by 4.99% (about 3.1 million people) and that American Indians on reservations were even more seriously undercounted – by 5.64%. At the same time, NonHispanic Whites were overcounted by 1.64% – an equity gap of about 7%. Other ethnic populations, such as Blacks and Pacific Islanders also continued to be undercounted.

In fact, these national-level estimates probably understate the problem. Recent Census Bureau See CENSUS on

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THE PAMPERED PINAY:

Healthy Thanksgiving Swap Outs

By FRANCINE maigue

Happy Thanksgiving, my pampered friends! This whole month, we are focusing on healthy alternatives to our favorite snacks and dishes. Sure, everyone deserves a “cheat day” every now and then.

If you want to indulge in this year’s Thanksgiving feast with zero guilt, though, I’ve got some healthful and flavorful tricks that will impress your guests and tastebuds. Who says healthy habits can’t be delicious, too?

Original: Salad doused with fattening dressing Healthy Swap: Roasted asparagus toppedwith toasted almonds As someone who is not particularly fond of salads, I can understand why people tend to dress their salads with every topping imaginable, including croutons, bacon, and thick, creamy dressings. They’re just trying to make those cold, leafy greens and raw veggies taste better! (Who can blame them?)

I recognize the importance of including greens in our holiday feast, though. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe that will have everyone around the dinner table actually finishing servings of vegetables. Our mothers will be so proud.

On a foil lined baking sheet, toss a pound of asparagus in a light drizzling of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch each of salt and pepper, and one clove of garlic that has been sliced thinly.

Roast in the oven (or toaster oven) at 425 degrees for about 18 minutes.

Transfer the tender asparagus to your plate or platter of choice and sprinkle with toasted almonds. You can serve balsamic vinegar on the side for guests who need a “dressing.” Dress your plate with lemon wedges to be used for extra flavor and color. Your dish will be so photogenic! (PangFacebook ang dating!)

Original: Fat and Salt Laden Hors d’oeuvres Healthy Swap: Turkey-stuffed mushrooms Here’s a fun (and addicting) way

Turkey-stuffed mushrooms

Herb & Spice Infused Honey

Roasted asparagus topped with toasted almonds to enjoy turkey and stuffing in a modern, delicious, and healthy way.

Combine 1 pound ground turkey, 1 cup dried wheat bread crumbs, 3 Tablespoons crushed dried oregano, 3 Tablespoons crushed dried sage, 2 celery stalks minced, 1 Tablespoon minced garlic, ½ cup minced onion, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ cup chopped dried cranberries, 1 beaten egg, and ¾ teaspoon black pepper.

Using a small ice cream scooper, generously fill mushroom caps with your oh-so-good turkey and stuffing mixture. You can lightly sprinkle the stuffed mushrooms with Parmesan cheese, if you prefer.

Place the filled mushroom caps in a shallow baking dish with the stuffing side up. To the baking dish

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add a 2 to 1 ratio of red wine to water.

Make sure the liquid comes half way up the mushrooms. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. Uncover the dish and continue to bake until the tops of the stuffed mushrooms are crisp and golden and the mushroom caps are tender. Serve after the stuffed mushrooms have been able to rest and cool for a few minutes.

Watch them disappear amongst your guests in no time flat! Everyone will think you’re so clever in the kitchen! (…Because you are!)

Original: Butter Healthy Swap: Herb & Spice Infused Honey The holiday dinner table is rarely without a tub of butter. Folks butter biscuits. Folks butter corn. Some folks even butter their steaks. I’ve got an even tastier topping that is both flavorful and healthy.

Combine honey with your choice of herbs and spices. I like to infuse my honey with a combination of cumin, smoked paprika, crushed and dried oregano, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch each of nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.

You can easily customize this yummy topping to your preference of flavors. Agave syrup can be used in place of honey. This condiment is so versatile, that you may find yourself using it on everything from chicken to sweet potatoes throughout the year! Mmmmm…

Even with the inevitable stressors and challenges our lives present, we still have so much to be thankful for, my pampered friends! I am thankful for your readership and continued support throughout the years. I enjoyed seeing and meeting hundreds of you this past weekend around town, while celebrating Nuestra Senora de la Soledad de Porta Vaga with the Los Chabacanos Association at St. Charles Parish in Imperial Beach and at while ballroom dancing in Downtown San Diego. I wish each of you and your loved ones every blessing, especially this holiday week. Sincerely yours, *Francine “The Pampered Pinay” Check back every week for ways to pamper yourself and those you love. Why? The answer is simple: YOU DESERVE IT!

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CENSUS

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research shows that in 2020 almost 10% of the population living in homes in high poverty areas – where response rates tend to be lower – were omitted from the censusThere is also a serious undercount of immigrants and of non-citizens, especially workingage Hispanic non-citizens, than had previously been estimated.

Subsequent analyses colleagues and I have done also reveal deep pockets of local census undercount in both urban and rural low-income neighborhoods – especially where there are concentrations of Hispanic immigrants or farmworkers.

Billions of dollars are at stake, money vulnerable communities deserve and need to move forward.

Yet just as the Census Bureau is taking steps to ensure greater equity, the Republican-dominated House Appropriations Committee is now proposing a 20% reduction below what the Biden administration is seeking to fund the Bureau as part

Filipino Press of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies omnibus spending package.

Anti-immigrant sentiment drives proposed cuts Let’s be clear, this is not just about fiscal conservatism.

There is a profound and ongoing indifference among some in DC to the role that accurate data play in achieving greater equity in contemporary society. More troubling still is evidence this indifference stems from a deeply anti-immigrant and xenophobic political agenda.

The House version of the CJS bill proposes (in Section 559) that “aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States” should be excluded from the Census Bureau’s count in 2030 and in future censuses. This is not what the Constitution requires and is a violation of principles the Supreme Court has already upheld.

The Census is supposed to count everyone here.

Nevertheless, election denier and virulently anti-immigrant

Congressman Troy Nehls (R – Texas) last week went further and introduced an amendment to expand the prohibition to exclude even lawfully-present non-citizens from the census count.

The challenges to achieving an accurate count, meanwhile, continue to grow.

Growing challenges to counting communities Public willingness to respond to surveys such as the annual American Community Survey – which supports census data – is plummeting alongside trust in government. At the same time, rising housing costs are forcing more low-income families to “double up” into crowded households that have historically been the hardest for the Census Bureau to count. Finally, the digital divide threatens to widen the gap in levels of response between affluent and low-income neighborhoods.

The Census Bureau deserves the funding it needs to overcome these and other challenges, to assure an

accurate mirror of contemporary life in the U.S. and equity for undercounted populations and communities. Refusal to authorize the investment needed undercuts the Bureau’s ability to generate the sound statistical data it needs to fairly allocate funding, undermining legislative intent and decreasing the overall costeffectiveness of federal spending.

The currently proposed budget-cutting effort appears to be ideologically-inspired and conceptually corrupt. It undermines sound and effective government spending; and should be opposed by every voter and every elected official who believes in good government.

Ed Kissam has researched census data issues for more than three decades and published extensively on differential undercount of farmworkers and Latinos. He is a member of a national network of experts and stakeholders, The Census Quality Reinforcement Task Force. On X, formerly Twitter: @edkissam.

November 24, 2023 - November 30, 2023 • 3

BIG BEAUTY. Giant kites compete for attention during the Higantes (Giants) Festival in Angono, Rizal on Sunday (Nov. 19, 2023). The annual feast honors St. Clement, the patron saint of fisherfolk, and parades papier-mâché effigies symbolizing farm workers who mock their wealthy employers with stern looks.(MNS photo)

4 • November 24, 2023 - November 30, 2023

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KIDS' FAVORITE. A vendor selling popcorn pushes his mobile cart along 11th Jamboree Road in Quezon City on Wednesday (Nov. 15, 2023). The snack, which comes in three flavors -- sweet, cheese, and plain -- is a favorite among kids and is often sold outside schools. (MNS photo)

DENR, US EPA unite vs. climate, human health challenges MANILA -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) will intensify collaboration in creating innovative solutions to address climate and environmental challenges beyond borders.

In a statement on Friday, the DENR said a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that aims to boost bilateral cooperation for environmental and human health protection was signed on Nov. 14.

The MOU was signed by US EPA Administrator Michael Regan in Washington, D.C., and then transmitted to the Philippines for the signature of DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, in a ceremony witnessed by United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

Under the five-year MOU, with an option to renew for another five years, the DENR and the US EPA would work on strengthening compliance and enforcement of environmental laws and ensuring

science-informed policies and regulations.

“The DENR recognizes that the US EPA’s scientific and technical expertise will significantly contribute to the department’s keen desire to integrate more science into its work. As the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation continue to impact the most vulnerable of the society, this collaboration will allow us to develop local adaptation and risk reduction strategies and integrate community and ecosystem resilience into green growth pathways,” Loyzaga said.

The EPA is an independent agency of the United States federal government tasked with developing and enforcing environmental regulations.

It also conducts research and has been at the forefront in ensuring clean air, land, and water for all Americans by providing access to the best science and technology in managing human health and environmental risks.

Loyzaga said that the MOU would help develop the capacity

of the DENR- Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).

She noted that there is a need to enhance EMB’s programs on air and water quality management, solid waste management, marine litter, and plastic pollution prevention, and in the implementation of cumulative impact assessments that pose risks to human health and later on, the economy.

Carlson said the signing of the agreement shows that the partnership between the US and the Philippines is also a partnership for prosperity.

“This will strengthen our cooperation to protect the environment, including addressing and protecting human health,” Carlson said.

The signing is an offshoot of a meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and US President Joseph Biden in Washington, D.C. in May, where both countries committed to address the health and environmental risks associated with climate change and environmental degradation. (MNS)

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November 24, 2023 - November 30, 2023 • 5

POST-THANKSGIVING REFLECTION…SOME THOUGHTS: WASN’T THE GRASS GREENER? WHAT SAY YOU? “Then every cross-bow had a string, And every heart a fetter; And making love was quite the thing, And making verses better; And maiden aunts were never seen, And gallant beaux were plenty; And lasses married at sixteen And died at one-and-twenty.

Ay, those were golden days! The moon Had then her true adorers; And there were lyres and lutes in tune, And no such thing as snorers.”

- Edwar Fitzgerald SAN DIEGO, CA -- Here we are, another thousand years older, wiser, and happier…and another Thanksgiving Day done and gone…

Ha-ha-ha-ha!

Things have never been better.

The American twentieth century has been one long revolution in the field of private happiness. Its early years brought us the radio, to drown out the voices in our heads, and revived the ancient Roman custom of bathing, with indoor plumbing and heated water, so that now the personal bathroom has replaced the crowded kitchen as the heart of domestic life. As the decades passed, triumph followed victory. Pharmaceutical breakthroughs erased our existential despairs as well as our distracting euphoria’s. The painful path of true love was smoothed away, first by consensual and then by virtual sex. The Internet will educate our children to a brilliance never before imagined, and science has enriched our lives with power steering, cruise control, and the self-cleaning catlitter pan.

Life is good, so to speak…Ha-haha-ha!

Our discords have died away.

The political left and right have mislaid their differences. World capitalism reigns unthreatened. The passionate marchers of labor unions, desegregation, segregation, women’s

words of travel agents are “escape” and “getaway,” but from what should we escape? Life is happiness indeed.

Only occasionally, here and there, the voice of the curmudgeon is heard in the land, peeping crossly for that which has been left back there by the roadside.

Never mind. There’s always been someone like that. Always someone

1960s: Actress Marlo Thomas holds a baster at the set of "That Girl" for the 1967 Thanksgiving episode, "Thanksgiving Comes But Once A Year, Hopefully."

Jesse T. Reyes

Filipino Potpourri

2005: An "Uncle Sam" balloon makes its way down Broadway during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

WHY THANKSGIVING IS OVERSHADOWED BY CHRISTMAS: When do you folks start celebrating Christmas? Before or after Thanksgiving?

WHEN WAS THE FIRST BLACK FRIDAY? According to CNN Money, the first Black Friday dates back to 1950's Philadelphia. The city used the term to describe all of the shoppers from the suburb that flocked to Philadelphia in the days after Thanksgiving. rights, gay rights, Vietnam, love, disarmament, and nuclear power plants have laid aside their banners and settled down, all passion spent, to make a lot of money. Peace is with us.

Life is easy. We can simply drive up to a window, and either somebody will hand us a cooked hamburger or instant money will pour out of a slot in the wall. We no longer need to play games, dance, sing, or even talk, now that skilled professionals are

paid to do it all for us on television.

We have more fun than any generation of mankind before us.

Hundreds of cable channels and millions of videotapes, audiotapes, compact discs, and computer programs entertain us around the clock; joy, no longer dependent on other people or our unreliable selves, springs up at the touch of a button.

At millennium’s end, we have achieved a kind of personal Nirvana here in America. Oddly, the favorite

crying, “Wait! Turn around! Go back and see what it is. Maybe it’s only a mitten some child has dropped, or a paper cup, but maybe it’s something we needed. Go back and look.”

Perhaps, you – my dear folks ask “Wasn’t the grass greener?”

Is life at the end of the millennium just isn’t as good as it used to be? And from your very own remembrances of things past, you’ll agree?

Indeed, liquor cabinets and pianos have mysteriously vanished from homes. It’s been way over fifty years since the last worthwhile war. Children have forgotten how to hopscotch. Doctors never visit.

And no one hangs clothes out to dry anymore.

Does it really matter? I say yes.

Does anyone care? Hell, yes!

A few, including myself – I must admit – decries this deplorable result of “progress” and reminds us of the good ol’ days, when, yes, everything

was much (and way) better.

What say you?

Thanksgiving is a difficult holiday to celebrate. And I don’t think I’m alone when I say that thankfulness and gratitude are sure some of the hardest virtues to cultivate and maintain here in America – the land of bounty and plenty.

Indeed, I truly sense that many Americans nowadays struggle with this. This pursuit may be most starkly seen in the fact that, immediately after a day of supposed thankfulness for all that we’ve been given, a majority of Americans participate in the liturgy of one of America’s unspoken but most celebrated holidays: Black Friday.

One day of thankfulness followed by a day of rabid accumulation of more is what it really is! Ours is certainly a culture of consumeristic materialism. Combine this with our American success orientation and a

The Journey towards a synodal Church is at a crossroads, Part 1 The Synod of Synodality that Pope Francis convened last month had adjourned and has produced a 40-page document that provides a “way forward” in achieving a synodal Church. The reactions to it have been mixed with some enthusiastically embracing the tremendous opportunity for the Church to address issues of the current world where we lived in. Others, particularly the conservatives are skeptical, and many are even vocal and forceful in opposing what the pope is trying to achieve. Some even derisively refer to the synodal process as “cafeteria talk.”

It is painful to even listen to some of these vociferous critics who openly disrespects Pope Francis. At the opening of the Synod, thirteen cardinals sent a self-serving letter to Pope Francis challenging or having raised serious objections on two important aspects of the synod. One, they claimed that the “Instrumentum Laboris,” (working instrument) was inadequate and that the synod procedures “will lead to a predetermined conclusion” because

of its lack of openness and genuine collegiality. In other words, they were accusing the pope of rigging the whole thing.

These cardinals who are in their late 80’s or mid-90’s feel entitled to their tradition and dislike the boomer approach. The fact that Pope Francis has appointed some lay people to certain committees is a point of contention for them because “they were not elected” (by them). Pope Francis has practically defanged these cardinals, and they were not happy that they are not the one in charge of the synod. In truth, these conservative cardinals and other members of their conservative movement have always been against this sitting pope. They want to cling to their dogmas and doctrinal “expertise” as a way of running the church. They even belittled the synod as a “meeting of meetings.”

The conservative members of the clergy who were against the reforms of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II), believe that the Roman Catholic Church is about faith and reason as inspired by Thomas Aquinas and other Church

Fathers. They want to advance a neo-Thomism system that has long lost its luster with the advent of the Vatican II. Thomism is the name given to a broad system of metaphysical school of philosophy that unifies science and theology and seeks to articulate the intellectual content of Catholic Christianity.

From Aquinas’ masterpiece, Summa Theologica (Summary of Theology), Thomism offers a comprehensive, non-skeptical response based on the synthesis of Greek (Aristotle) and Judeo-Christian thoughts.

What these cardinals really want is for Pope Francis to not tinker with their idealism (power) and just let Vatican II die. They want the faithful to have faith and leave the “reason” part to them. The pope, however, wants the faithful to be part of the conversation and that makes them nervous because they believe that they hold the key to the Church doctrines and dogmas through the College of the Cardinals (episcopal collegiality) to provide authentic interpretation of the word of God. Religion is much like science. It should be about advancing humanity, else, they’re just theories or hypotheses.

The Synod of Synodality is not a new approach, if you will, to reforming the Church. It is actually a continuation of Vatican II. Vatican

OSCAR

to the store, but instead drive off to get high. Crizzy and Jamie have obviously done this before but it’s a first for Ly, who sits in the back seat, coughing.

Both Gina May and Kailyn Dulay suggest there are three different personalities, or archetypes, that are seen in Filipino-American teenage girls as they come of age, and each of the three characters represents a different aspect of those personalities.

Producer David Oconer says he

knew the first time he saw the film that “we had something special.”

But did he know how special?

Could he and the cast and crew have anticipated winning the Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival?

And could they have imagined that the film would be considered for an Oscar at the 2024 Academy Awards? “When I signed on to this project, I thought I would be a good way to build my resume for acting,” says Kailyn Dulay, a fourth-year film major at San Francisco State

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Hills in particular, and how grateful she was for that chapter of her life.

When she began writing the script, she knew instinctively to base the story around Thanksgiving.

In the film, Thanksgiving celebration is about to begin when the three cousins – Crizzy, Ly, and Jamie (played by Whitney Agustin) – announce they’re going

hyper-connected social media where everyone is able to make their lives look better than yours or me and we find a multitude of things which aid and abet our sinful thankless hearts.

Yes, Thanksgiving has come and gone, (well, except for some leftovers still around) but I am not ready to let it rest until next November just yet. I read the other day that there were 109 original colonists who arrived that first cold winter to settle this land we now call America. By spring, there were 47 survivors and of those, only 7 were well enough to care for the rest.

Now those were original tough times in America. It’s no wonder that the next fall those remaining colonists wanted to celebrate the harvest with thanks to God. There are many so reasons to be thankful and I make no secret of my family’s appreciation for one another, and for all the many blessings we receive daily here in America. I am willing to bet you too have much for which you can express gratitude. Take a moment and reflect; if you will, then feel grateful. Let’s just give it one more hurrah for Thanksgiving and be truly thankful!

Though it’s been over 400 years since the first Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the holiday that has come to be a personal moment of reflection for me and all the ways in which I’m learning, growing and continuing to challenge how I understand the world around me.

Well, that’s just my two cents the day after Thanksgiving.

God bless the U.S of A.!

Now…get started on that Christmas list…Ho-ho-ho-ho!

II of course, the conservatives might have thought or wish, is dormant.

Consider it a liberal approach, but Pope Francis has his thumb on the right side of the scale in addressing the pressing issues of the Church that Vatican II envisioned: declining attendance, priest abuse, how to be a universal church as envisioned

by Jesus. The Catholic Church should be about people and that in a universal church, everyone is welcome. “Todos, todos, todos!”

The common themes that came out of the synod are worth mentioning because they truly echo the visions of Vatican II. Vatican II called people to unity as one human family through reconciliation.

Themes like listening, speaking out, consultation, ecumenism, dialogue, participation, sharing, communication, and responsibility are all about the future of the Church. Thus, topics like divorce, same sex-marriage, transgender baptism, bringing back those who left the Church, women’s role in the church, among others; are topics of great importance.

Human communication as it relates to religion is not just about listening to homilies or professing the faith which is oneway communication. Salvation is a theory that the Church wants us to have faith in without fully

understanding if such destination even exists. This is the doctrinal or dogma side of the Church – faith and reason – that instills fear in the faithful on the prospect of going to hell. Let me put this in context.

If one lives to be 90 years old, all your life the Church wants you to obey the teachings for that one day that one eventually dies and face the question of, “where to now?”

What about the 89 years you were here on earth occupying space and don’t have anything to say about the future of the church?

The greatest miracle of living is being alive together with our church where one can express his or her joys and sorrows. The object of human communication is not only about exchange of information during a synodal consultation but the exchange of understanding.

The biggest scandal of the Roman Catholic Church is about pedophilia involving the clergy, while the laity remained silent. Many dioceses and archdioceses have filed bankruptcy to give them the “ability to pay for reparations or damages” to abused kids. Pope Francis talked about clericalism being a thorn that every Catholic should reject. “Clericalism arises from an elitist and exclusivist vision of vocation, that interprets the ministry received as a power to be exercised rather than as a free

and generous service to be given,” said the pope in 2018.

He emphasized the evils of clericalism with the undertone that it contributed, if not caused, the priest’s abuses. “Clericalism is a scourge, a sickness, a scandal that defiles the Church,” Pope Francis emphasized during the recent synod.

“It enslaves the holy, faithful people of God.” The practice of “charging” for sacramental services (marriage, baptism, funeral Mass, etc.) “is like a supermarket of salvation,” the pope added.

The other side of clericalism that Pope Francis talked about, is empowering the laity. Clericalization of the laity is about its role in a missionary Church. The confusion regarding the priesthood of the Laity (common priesthood) versus ordained priesthood contributes to the chasm of understanding. Vatican II indicates Catholics are called to priesthood at baptism. They are the people of God who are called to serve the church.

The Council of Trent expressed that priests receive ontological gifts of the Holy Spirit– a special grace and “character” upon ordination.

Meaning, the priest undergoes an ontological change in such a way that the priest is substantially different from his “being” before his ordination. This ontological change is the basis for the priest as the “in persona Christi,” transforming the simple elements of bread and wine into Christ’s presence – transubstantiation. (To be continued)

University. “I had no idea it would be this this big and have a shot at an Oscar.”

It turns out that, by winning at Sundance, the film automatically qualified for an Oscar, says Galang.

Qualifying means “we're in that pool to be considered,” she explains. The next stage is making the shortlist, when the Academy voters reduce the large pool of films down to a more negligible number. That happens in December. From that shortlist the Academy voters will select the final

nominees, probably in February.

The Academy voters are made up mostly of filmmakers, directors, producers, and screenwriters.

Now David Oconer and Kayla Abuda Galang’s focus is on “getting noticed by the Academy voters.” This turns largely on public relations and publicity. The “Boulevard” team is working on a shoe string budget but is hoping their David vs. Goliath odds will work in their favor and that their small, community-based project

will capture the attention of Academy voters. “We’re taking a very grassroots approach to getting in front of as many Academy voters as we can,” explains Galang. “Who they are, we don't know. But we're trying our best to reach them.”

Oconer was pleased to share more good news. The film, which previously could only be seen inperson at film festivals and special screenings across the country and world, can be streamed for free starting Nov. 27th on Vimeo.com.

6 • November 24, 2023 - November 30, 2023

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Call for special R.] Marcos [Jr.]. Six years nating gawin. Habulin natin kung ano rate and ‘yung mga kailangan nating habulin, na kailangang matutunan learn about ng mga bata (Let's give it a try.

Let's see if we there will be an our effective improvement during the term of President Marcos. We'll do it in marketing six years. Let's catch up what the children need to learn)," she said. program Spearheaded by the DepEd's Bureau of Learning Delivery of the Call /text: Curriculum and Teaching Strand, the program "PAGBASA: Pag-asa 619-755-0755. sa MATATAG na Kinabukasan” focuses on empowering public ****** and private schools to join the reading celebration as anchored in Looking for the MATATAG Agenda’s literacy programs.

Testimonials ?

The MATATAG Curriculum seeks to decongest the current K Check at www. to 12 Curriculum by reducing the number of competencies to focus thefilipinopress. more on the foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and com socio-emotional skills of learners.

During the event, Duterte We are here to also launched her children's book entitled "Isang Kaibigan (A serve you!

Friend)" and read it to the students.

Ex-Pres. Duterte to run for VP or senator if Sara impeached

info@thefilipinopress.com Former President Rodrigo Duterte has said he will be forced to run for either vice president or senator if his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, gets impeached.

Duterte was responding to the alleged impeachment talks that some members of the House of Representatives plan against the Vice President, stressing that he will get out of his retirement to return to politics if such happens.

“Alam ninyo ba kapag ginawa ninyo ‘yan, babalik ako sa pulitika… Mapilitan ako—it’s either I run for senator or I will run for vice president maski matanda na ‘ko,” he said in an interview on SMNI aired Monday night.

“Mapipilitan akong lumabas sa retirement eh. When I begin to talk…election is just around the corner, talagang magka-babuyan tayo. I do not lose anything, I’m retired. Pero pagdating niyan na buhay pa ‘ko, ‘pag wala pa akong dementia, tatakbo akong…vice president… Kung si Inday ang presidente, okay lang,” he added.

Sara Duterte, for her part, said that she will support any political plans of her father.

“Kung anuman ang desisyon ni Pangulong Duterte ay buo ang suporta ng pamilya sa kanya.

Just like kung anuman ‘yung

mga desisyon namin na mga anak regarding sa pulitika, buo din ang suporta ng pamilya sa amin, ganon din ang suporta namin sa desisyon ni Pangulong Duterte,” she said in an ambush interview on Tuesday.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday (PH time) said Sara Duterte does not deserve to be impeached, and that they will pay very close attention to the issue.

“Binabantayan namin nang mabuti (We're closely monitoring this) because we don’t want her to be impeached, we don’t want her to… she does not deserve to be impeached so we will make sure that this is something we will pay very close attention to,” Marcos said in an interview with reporters in Hawaii.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, for his part, said that “there’s nothing in the offing” with regards to the supposed impeachment talks against the Vice President.

"Nothing filed, no news of that,” he said, adding that he does not know where the information came from.

Sara Duterte earlier said that her camp is currently doing its due diligence about the impeachment claim, and will release a comment “in the appropriate time.” (MNS)

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November 24, 2023 - November 30, 2023 • 7

Help Wanted / For Rent / For Sale

8 • November 24, 2023 - November 30, 2023

Filipino Press

Spiritual Life A triumph of faith over fear When I was planning my trip to the Philippines, I jotted down several reasons to justify my expenses. Making a trip to your homeland is not only physically tiring, it is financially draining, given the high cost of travel these days and the “pasalubongs” you have to buy for loved ones and friends. Now that I’m back after five weeks visit to various places – Metropolitan Manila, Tagaytay City, Pangasinan, Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon, I realized that no amount of money can pay for all the enjoyable and heartwarming experiences that I had, as I attended the Global Summit of Filipinos in the Diaspora held at the Philippine International Convention Center; as I renewed old ties with former co-workers, friends and relatives; as I established new and warm friendships with achievers and professionals, and as I bonded with my son and his family.

I’ve not visited the Philippines for almost 8 years and the changes I saw especially in my hometown, San Carlos City, Pangasinan was mind-boggling . My heart went through a gamut of emotions as I visited familiar landmarks. The home where I was raised was no longer there. The schools that I attended during my elementary school years were relocated to give way to a large shopping mall.

Another place that filled me with nostalgia was the well-kept and clean Soriano Mausoleum where my mother was laid to rest. With all Saints Day just around the corner, I can imagine my brothers, nephews and nieces coming all the way from Manila to celebrate the lives of their forbears with delectable food and pop music, a practice that prevails during the eve of All Saints’ Day. .

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

My travel to Malaybalay City was a sentimental one. My husband’s older brother passed away recently. Hence, I took time to pay my respects to his wife and children. I hugged a disabled sister in law with tears in my eyes because stroke took its toll on her frail body. She was paralyzed and could not speak, but she hugged me so tightly to let me know that she recognizes me. The bitter – sweet encounters were supplanted by the pleasant welcome lunch given by my second and third generation in-laws, most of whom are now professionals and with families of their own. A nephew shared the help we have extended to him while he was pursuing his journalism internship in Manila and how we have touched his life.

Figuratively speaking, he made me feel that I found the bread that I’ve cast upon the waters long time ago.

I’m happy to know that the little favors we did for our nephews and nieces when they were growing up made a big difference in their lives.

But the most memorable experience that I had during the whole trip was riding the Zipline at the Dahilayan Forest Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. It was an awesome experience which

demonstrates the triumph of faith over fear. There I was being prodded by my grandchildren to try zipping through the air with harness and chords to hold on to as you go through the cable lines.

Many negative thoughts entered my mind, but I asked myself, if I will not do this now, I may never have the chance to come to this place and ride the zipline. So with faith in my heart, I decided to do the whole package. I put on the harness and followed the instructions. I said a prayer of thanksgiving for the exhilarating experience and the joy of seeing God’s creation – the forests and the landscaped rolling hills in a different angle. It dawned on me that fear is only in your mind. Let go of fear and have faith in God and He will carry you through. Thank you Lord for the experience.

(Please publish the photo that was downloaded with this caption) Dr. Aurora S. Cudal successfully conquered ZipZone 840 M, Asia’s longest dual cable zipline qt the 4500 ft. level of the Mt. Kitanglad range natural park in Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich Bukidnon, Philippines, under foggy weather with a temperature of 66 F degree and with wind speed of 2 kph.

No day should be taken for granted!

If he commands it, the sun won't rise and the stars won't shine. ... His great works are too marvelous to understand. (Job 9:7, 10) Are you reading this? If so, then the sun rose this morning.

"The sun rises every day," you say. Yes, it has so far, but Job reminds us that the sun rises at God's command. A single word from God, and the sun will no longer rise.

Each day is a gift from God. Each day is part of His purpose and plan.

"Unique" we could say because each is different. "Special" we might say because it holds vast opportunities to glorify Him. No day should be taken for granted!

This is a powerful thought that can change the way you live-right now, even today. The sun rose and so did you. Today is a day the Lord made for you.

We do not always know what a day holds. Some bring joy. Some

Danny Hernaez

From Whom All Blessings Flow tragedy. Most are "ordinary" - just routine. No! Not at all. God has crafted this day. It is a special day.

Understand this. What makes a day special is not what happens in it but rather Who we use it for. A day is special when it is filled with a purpose to honor God with every word and to love Jesus with every deed.

We sometimes wonder, "How many days will I have?" But living well is not about the number of our days. It's about how we use them.

Today - yes, right now - you have

been given a day. Perhaps tomorrow, too, and many more. Each one is a gift. Each one waits for you to use it well.

The disciples thought they suffered their greatest defeat when Jesus died on the cross. However, this defeat became the greatest victory on earth. Christ's death gave liberty. Forgiveness came to all men.

New life came forth - new strength for the disciples. Resurrection and new life came as a result of a "defeat." <(((><

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Greetings in the Lord!

This Sunday, we will celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King and close the Liturgical Year. As we pray, so we believe. At the end, Christ will reign as King. This fulfills what He taught us in prayer: “Your Kingdom come; Your will be done on earth...”

In the Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46), Matthew gives us the last judgment as the vision of Christ’s final reign at the end of time, a separate event from his second or intermediate coming, which is his glorious reign on earth in the Spirit. The gospel reading taken from St. Matthew is a scene that is preceded by last Sunday’s parable about the talents, which indicates an accounting of the servants at the return of their master.

Now, Jesus describes his return with the vision of the last judgment, a stark moment of reckoning for all.

“He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”

The idea of the final judgment was not new in Israel. God had long prepared His people for this event in salvation history. In the First Reading (Ez. 34: 11-12, 1517), Ezekiel prophesied a coming judgment: “As for you, my sheep, I will judge between one sheep and another, between rams and goats.”

This prophecy was uttered when the prophet was doing his best to win back the Israelites to God during the time of Exile (Ez. 33:21); but both king and people alike refused to listen. And so, the inevitable end came. Nevertheless, the judgment was also a beginning that would bring about the restoration of the kingdom. In the Gospel, Jesus uses this prophecy to describe his definitive reign at the last judgment.

After the era of his glorious return

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic on earth, when all creation had been fully restored to its original state, he would “sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him; he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”

In this final judgment, he would bring all creation to the threshold of eternity. Sinners “will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life” (Mt. 25: 31-32, 46).

In the Second Reading (1 Cor. 15: 20-26, 28), St. Paul describes the sequence of this event: “Christ the first fruit; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father.”

Not only will all those “who belong to Christ” be brought to eternal life, but all his enemies will be thoroughly vanquished. When all has been accomplished, he will hand over the kingdom to his God and Father.

After describing his final return as the Son of Man, sitting on a throne with all the nations gathered before him, Jesus now extends his invitation to those who have been judged righteous: “Come, you who are blessed by My Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from

the foundation of the world.” All the parables that he told (last Sunday we heard the last) have prepared us for this final call. Throughout his life and ministry, Jesus taught us about the love of God, concretely expressed in loving others. He persistently emphasized putting this into practice. Love is what all of us are called to do. It is not the amount of knowledge, possessions nor our achievements that would make us pass the judgment, but how much we have cared for the least of our brothers and sisters. In the reading, both the righteous and the accursed could not remember actually seeing Jesus among the least. They had no sense of having cared for or neglected him for they simply lived their lives according to their personal allegiances. The righteous cared about following Jesus and therefore heeded his words. The accursed neglected or ignored others, keeping their allegiance solely to themselves.

They were shocked that in their selfabsorption, they were blinded to Jesus.

In the end, they will go to the place of utter and relentless selfabsorption, an eternal punishment.

What a timely reading this is for us as we end one liturgical year and begin another! We are reminded of the inevitability of Christ’s return and our own day of reckoning. We are full of the many stories and teachings of Jesus, enabling us to live our faith in him, to be doers of the Word and not just hearers. No matter what we find in ourselves as we review our readiness to see Jesus, now is the time to check our allegiance. With whom do we want to spend eternity? May we be ready to answer his call to “Come!”

PASASALAMAT Ni Salvador S. Idos

Ano nga ba ang mayroon tayo sa buhay na ito na hindi natin tinanggap?

Bakit kung minsan tayo ay nagmamalaki na parang wala tayong natanggap?

Sabuhay natin mayroong nagbibigay at mayroong tumatanggap, Iyan ang dalawang Gawain na sa pang araw-araw ay nagaganap.

Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Diyos sa lahat ng pinagkaloob na biyaya, Sa mga pinagpalang bansa ng Pilipinas at Amerika, Pasalamat tayo sa biyaya ng kalayaaan at demokrasya, Iba’t –ibang lahi, nabubuhay na may respeto sa isa’t-isa.

Pasalamat tayo sa biyaya ng buhay, Buhay na di man natin ninais ay kusang ibinigay, Ang buhay natin sa mundong ito kahit pansamantala, Ay sulyap ng buhay natin na darating sa kabila.

Tayo ay nagpapasalamat sa biyaya ng Pananampalataya,

Ang tayo’y maniwala sa Kanya ay isang biyaya, Nakikilala natin ang Diyos sa kadakilaan ng kanyang nilikha, At ang bawat isa sa atin ay maaring magkaroon ng relasyon sa kanya.

Tayo ay nagpapasalamat sa biyaya ng Pagasa, Sa paulitulit nating pagkakamali at pagkakasala, Kapag humingi ng patawad sa Diyos nating maawain, May Pagasa tayong sa kabilang buhay Siya ay makakapiling.

Ang Kaharian ng Panginoon sa mundo ay palaganapin.

Sa maikling sandali na tayo ay mabubuhay sa mundong ito, Ugaliin nating magpasalamat ng taimtim at totoo, Ang pusong marunong magpakumbaba at magpasalamat, Kinalulugdan ng Diyos na Siyang pinagmulan ng lahat.

Tayo ay nagpapasalamat sa biyaya ng Pagmamahal, Dahil sa pagmamahal, ating nararanasan, Ang kalooban ng Diyos, na Siyang pinanggalingan Ng lahat ng kabutihan sa Sanlibutan.

Tayo ay nagpapasalamat sa mga kaibigan at pamilya Bahagi sila sa mga masaya at magagandang alaala Kasama ang pamilya at mga kaibigan sa ating dakilang layunin,

Salvador S. Idos

READ. LEARN. INVEST IN YOURSELF.

“There is a mistaken notion among some that to own a paper is to have a license to clobber one’s enemies and attack people we don’t like. A newspaper is an information tool to reach a large number of people at a given time.

A newspaper should inform, educate, entertain and provide viewpoints that could give us the means to make intelligent decisions for ourselves and others.” — Ernie Flores Jr., founding editor and publisher Mailing Address: 600 E. 8th St. Ste. 3, NationaI City, CA 91950 • E-mail: filpress@aol.com Office: 600 E. 8th St. Ste. 3, National City, CA 91950 • Telephone: (619) 434-1720 • Fax: (619) 399-5311 Website: www.thefilipinopress.com • E-mail: filpressads@aol.com for ads • E-mail: filpress@aol.com for editorial

Founding Editor and Publisher ERNIE FLORES JR. Editor-In-Chief SUSAN DELOS SANTOS Marketing and Sales info@thefilipinopress.com Graphics and Design A2 Studio Graphics Filipino graphics

Contributing writers joe garbanzos Adam Behar ALICIA deleon-torres Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic Cartoonist jesse t. reyes Community Outreach Rose San Pedro Lorna Delos Santos Christina Rutter

Columnists AURORA S. CUDAL Danny hernaez francine maigue GREG B. MACABENTA JESSE T. REYES al villamora Photographer Zeny PLY Circulation Rudy Avenido

The Filipino Press is published every Saturday. We welcome news, features, editorials, opinions and photos. Please e-mail them to: editor@ filipinopress.com. Photos must be accompanied by self-addressed, postage-paid envelope to be returned. We reserve the right to edit materials. Views and opinions by our writers, contributors does not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, management and staff of the Filipino Press. © 2011 Filipino Press

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November 24, 2023 - November 30, 2023 • 9

Paradise Valley Hospital Earns an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

A Tribute to OPSAM HEALTH On its 50th Anniversary: Nonprofits/CBOs/FQHCs— The nourishing arteries Of communities and their People’s health and power Are neighborhood roots That dig deep, far & wide Into progressive networks Of community-based orgs And/or non-governmental Nonprofit organizations— Whose strong good works Help sustain communities The world over, as they all Struggle to find ways To meet everyone’s needs— Even as these needs Continue to escalate And never seem to abate.

Nonprofits such as Federally Qualified Health Centers, Popularly known as FQHCs— Help people deal with Health and social problems As populations rise, while Earth temperatures are rising, Global climate is changing, Air pollution, biodiversity Losses are all getting worse— Even as dreadful pandemics Are occurring in the face of Dwindling resources.

Yet there is GREAT HOPE: OPSAM HEALTH is an FQHC That emerged in the Filipino community, led by its Own local medical professionals And social workers with The aim of providing High quality health and Social services to underserved Populations that include— Filipinos and other Asians, Latinos, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, as well as Many other diverse groups.

Born in 1973 in the back room Of a local Filipino barber shop in San Diego, OPSAM HEALTH (Formerly named OPERATION SAMAHAN) has become the Biggest FQHC in National City And in Mira Mesa. In fact, OPSAM HEALTH is the largest Filipino nonprofit in the entire United States. MABUHAY!!!

HEALTHY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

NATIONAL CITY, CA – Paradise Valley Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care.

This is the seventh consecutive “A” the hospital has received from The Leapfrog Group in the past three years.

Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

“Earning an ‘A’ Grade means Paradise Valley Hospital made a true commitment to put patients first,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We congratulate the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff and volunteers that all had a role to play in this achievement.”

“I appreciate how difficult it is to attain a ‘A’ grade from The Leapfrog Group, and we have done it for seven consecutive seasons,” notes Paradise Valley Hospital CEO Neerav Jadeja.

“I can’t say enough about the doctors, nurses, and staff of Paradise Valley Hospital. I’m proud to work side-byside with each and every one of them.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program exclusively based on hospital prevention of medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually in the fall and spring.

Paradise Valley Hospital also has the distinction of being awarded the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence award for 10 consecutive years, and Gold Plus ratings from the American Heart Association for the treatment of Heart Failure and Stroke.

To achieve this A rating the staff

of Paradise Valley Hospital focused on cultivating habits of performance measurement, patient and peer feedback, and implementation. This also required a strong leadership and communication structure to complement this workflow. The hospital also worked hard to perfect the smaller but no-less-important details of the clinical care workflow: proper and prompt computerized physician order entry, bar-code medication tracking, maximizing nursing-care hours per patient, and hand hygiene.

As a member of Prime Healthcare, Paradise Valley Hospital joins other Prime hospitals across the nation that have achieved award winning accolades for clinical excellence. To see Paradise Valley Hospital’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook and via its newsletter.

About Paradise Valley Hospital For more than 115 years, Paradise Valley Hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, has served San Diego, and we are proud of our heritage of providing programs and services to meet the changing needs of our community. Today, our 291-bed, acute care hospital is the only San Diego hospital to be named a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures five years in a row by The Joint Commission. We have been given the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award 10 years in a row (2014-2023). Paradise Valley Hospital offers emergency services, wound healing and hyperbaric medicine, acute rehabilitation, behavioral health services, community wellness programs, and senior services. For more information, visit ParadisevalleyHospital.com About Prime Healthcare and Prime Healthcare Foundation Prime Healthcare is an awardwinning health system operating 45 hospitals and more than 300 outpatient

locations in 14 states, providing over 2.6 million patient visits annually. It is one of the nation’s leading health

systems with nearly 50,000 employees and physicians dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare.

Fourteen of the Prime Healthcare hospitals are members of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity. Based in

Ontario, California, Prime Healthcare is nationally recognized for awardwinning quality care and has been named a Top 10 and Top 15 Health System by IBM Watson Health. To learn more, please visit primehealthcare. com.

Happy 50th Anniversary Gala to OPSAM HEALTH In celebration of caring for

SCAN HERE FOR A 3-DAY PASS!

the Community since 1973 visit: bit.ly/opsamgala

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Francine Diaz ventures into singing, records song for Inspire Music MANILA -- Actress Francine Diaz has ventured into singing as she recorded a song under Inspire Music.

In a press conference, Diaz expressed her gratitude for being part of the song "Faith, Hope and Love," which seeks to promote world peace.

OPM veteran Jamie Rivera, who heads Inspire Music, collaborated with Diaz, KD Estrada and Jed Madela for the inspirational track.

Asked of her reaction that aside from being an actress, she is now a recording artist, Diaz said: "Nakakatakot po na nakakatuwa kasi po dahil sa 'Faith, Hope and Love' na ito ay baka masanay sila o magexpect ang mga tao sa akin na kapag kakanta ako ay magaling ako. Pero hindi naman po talaga; kinakaya ko po at pinag-aaralan ko pa lang."

"Minsan napapaisip din ako kung gusto ko ba talagang aralin 'yung pagkanta or pasukin 'yung music industry. Siguro po hindi ngayon.

Pero kasi ito po para sa akin ay hindi lang po siya basta opportunity but a blessing na rin po sa akin. As someone na hindi naman po talaga singer ay nagtiwala po si Ms. Jamie sa akin na isama ako sa kanta nila na 'Faith, Hope and Love.' Siguro po kapag ready na ako ay papasukin ko po ang music industry. Sa ngayon hindi naman po ako nagsasara ng pintuan o sa mga panibagong papasukin kong mundo,"

Diaz said.

Diaz said it was an honor for her to work with Rivera, whose music was part of her childhood.

"Bata pa lang po talaga ako naririnig ko na po ang boses ni Ms. Jamie ay hanggang ngayon ay nadala ko 'yung ugali na tuwing umaga ay nakikinig ako sa mga kanta ni Ms. Jamie. Kaya nung sinabi po sa akin na may gagawin pong kanta si Ms. Jamie at kasama po ako, sobra po akong natuwa at nabigla at the same time," Diaz said.

According to Rivera, Inspire Music is "about inspiring people from all walks of life — to be inspired by the melody, by the lyrics, by the music.”

Aside from leading the production, Rivera will also guide various ABSCBN artists who are set to record music catering to the inspirational genre.

Diaz is one of the lead stars of iWantTFC's thriller series "Fractured," which premiered on iWant app and its YouTube channel last September 15.

(MNS)

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Filipino Press

November 24, 2023 - November 30, 2023 • 11

12 • November 24, 2023 - November 30, 2023

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