On Making Sense of Suffering
I’ve been sharing with close friends that I am wrestling with the issue of suffering and grappling with the classic question of why bad things happen to good people, even…
Category: Features
Covering the week’s most noteworthy feature stories impacting the Filipino-American and Global Filipino community.
Read More
Rails, Roads, and Runways: How Major Projects Are Reshaping the Philippine Property Market
The Philippines is entering a new era of connectivity as major infrastructure projects begin to take shape across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. From high-speed commuter lines to international airports and…
Between Two Flags: A Filipino American Reflection on the Fourth of July
On the Fourth of July, the United States comes together in celebration—barbecues and fireworks, parades and patriotic songs. It is a day that honors the signing of the Declaration of…
On spending summer
Summer is here, and I hope you are taking the time to relax and enjoy a much-needed vacation. We all require moments to rest, rejuvenate, and spend quality time with…
Lisa Lew’s Fond Memories of the Fourth of July and Her Dad
Beauty titleholder and award-winning television producer Lisa Lew is known for Judge Judy (1996), Cristina’s Court (2006) and Last Shot with Judge Gunn (2011). For former Binibining Pilipinas International titleholder…
Meditations on June 12 and Juneteenth*
In the calendar of commemorative holidays, Filipinos celebrate two in the month of June. The first is June 12, Philippine Independence Day. The second coincides with Juneteenth (June 19th) which…
Navigating the Child Custody Move Away process in California.
The high cost of living in California and over regulation has made a lot of parents evaluate whether to move out of state. The most common states that people move…
Our Faith: Solid as a Rock
Friends, in trying times of sickness and death, persecution and war, fear and uncertainty, how do we keep our faith strong? How do we ensure it remains as solid as…
Pride and Prejudice: A Continued Struggle for Equality
Each June, rainbow flags rise across city skylines, parades fill the streets, and the world is reminded of a movement born not in celebration, but in resistance. Pride Month marks…
The Eucharist, The Body of Christ
IN today’s society and world, it is difficult to reflect on the Eucharist without considering the Church’s members as the Body of Christ. As we are spiritually nourished by the…
A-Fib and stroke
THE most common sustained heart irregularity is atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), where the atria (upper chambers of the heart} beat rapidly and quiver, instead of beating normally. This causes the ventricles…
A Father’s Day Tribute – Filipino fathers: A legacy of presence
In many Filipino homes, the father is not always the most expressive figure—but his presence is constant, shaping the rhythm of everyday life in quiet, deliberate ways. Often referred to…
Praying for Justice and Peace in Our Cities
“What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? You have made him a little less than the…
The Birth of the Filipino Nation
This photo shows a cultural heritage property in the Philippines (ID: PH-40-0023) taken on 28 September 2012. Photo by Mark Kevin. Why June 12 is celebrated as Philippine Independence Day…
Beans in Spain
DURING our recent 13-day cruise in Madeira (Portugal), and Bilbao (Spain, where a Guggenheim Museum is), and the autonomous Canary Islands of Tenerife and Lanzarote (Spain), via the Port in…
Pentecost: A Call to a Passionate Life
If there is one word I emphasized in my seminary classes, it was “passion.” I would encourage seminarians to bring passion to their ministry when they are ordained as priests,…
Healthiest youth
MY wife, Farida, and some medical colleagues have just returned from our 13-day Discover The Canaries cruise (Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands) aboard the Independence of the Seas of…
Above the Clouds: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Filipino Climbers on Everest
Rhisael “Ric” Rabe Photo from his Social Media Account The Philippines marked a milestone in Everest history in 2025 with three successful summits. But the season was also shadowed by…
AANHPI Communities Celebrate Heritage and Civic Power Across Nevada
From cultural traditions to legislative advocacy, One APIA Nevada month-long celebration uplifted culture, community power, and civic engagement across the Silver State. Las Vegas, NV— May, 29, 2025 —One APIA…
Do I need a Premarital Agreement before getting married?
In the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “ ….all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired…
From the Pastor’s Desk – As Our Beloved Catholic Church Shines
I have been thrilled by the world’s attention to the Conclave and the election of the first American pope, Leo XIV. This moment has filled me with pride in being…
On the Power of the Holy Spirit
It is remarkable to consider how the Holy Spirit guided and enlightened the College of Cardinals in choosing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the next Pope. Their minds and hearts…
Grateful to God for Our New Pope
As I write this message, I cannot still help but feel the joy and hope in my heart at recognizing God’s grace in giving us a new pope, Leo XIV….
“You Go In a Pope, You Come Out a Cardinal”: How a Papal Underdog Became Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV waves in St. Peter’s Square, 8 May 2025 Author: INFOWeather1 Source: Own work License: CC BY-SA 4.0 Historical patterns in papal conclaves reveal how unexpected choices—like the election of Pope…
The Overseas Filipino Vote, A Patriotic Act, A Nation’s Responsibility
Every election is a call to citizenship. But for the millions of Filipinos living and working abroad—including dual citizens who maintain their Filipino identity while building lives overseas—that call is…
What’s in a Name? – For Pope Leo XIV, A Legacy of Leadership and Reform
Saint Peter, originally named Simon, was renamed by Jesus to signify his foundational role in the Church—’You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church’ (Matthew 16:18). …
Praying for Our New Shepherd
By the time you read this article, we may already have a new pope. We pray that his leadership will continue Pope Francis’ vision of the Church as a “field…
Grieving Together: A Filipino Tragedy in Vancouver, Felt Across the World
Across the world, wherever Filipinos have planted new roots, whether in Canada, the United States, or beyond, we bring with us not only our aspirations, but also the traditions that…
Plating Grace: How Fr. Leo Patalinghug Turned Filipino Roots, Faith, and Food into a Global Ministry
From the kitchen to the altar, the Filipino American priest and celebrity chef inspires people worldwide with a unique blend of spiritual nourishment and culinary passion—empowering lives through faith, food,…
My personal encounter with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (left) with AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina. Photo courtesy of Rogelio Medina I vividly remember I asked Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle why St. Andrew’s School (SAS)…
