Christmas in the eyes of 8 children
Kian Co with Judy Ann Santos in a movie poster for “Espantaho.” I GOT randomly the innocent opinions of eight kids of Christmas (December 25) by asking two questions: (1) How…
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South Africa’s healthcare system
My wife Farida, our daughter Portia, and her husband Chito, an interventional cardiologist in Elkhart Indiana, near Notre Dame in South Bend, and I just returned from our 12-day cruise…
The Next Big Public Health Scare: Oropouche Virus
By Sunita Sohrabji The little-known Oropouche virus is causing concern among public health experts. More than 10,000 cases have been identified this year, mainly in South America and the Caribbean….
Resources Are Expanding for Older Adults on Their Own
Gayle Williams-Brett is frequently overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for her severely disabled mother, who lives with her in a two-story brownstone in Brooklyn. She has often felt entirely…
WOOBIE’s Makeover! World Bazaar Festival Mascot Powered by Advanced Technology
The annual World Bazaar Festival organized by Worldbex Services International (WSI) has always been ready to serve something new on the table. For 24 years now, as the longest-running charity…
Advent: A Time of Reversal, Restoration, and Transformation
Dear Beloved Friends, As we gather to celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent, let us immerse ourselves in the profound themes of reversal and restoration that permeate our readings today….
California Falling Short of Enrollment Goal as Mental Health Courts Roll Out Statewide
California’s new initiative to compel treatment for some of the state’s most severely mentally ill residents — many of whom are living on the streets — is falling short of…
How Potential Medicaid Cuts Could Play Out in California
In 2017, the Republicans who controlled Congress tried mightily to slash federal spending on Medicaid, the government-funded health program covering low-income families and individuals. California, like other states, depends heavily…
My encounter with Manny and Cynthia Villar
From left: Patrick de Jesus, Meiji Cruz, Rogelio Medina, Nirro Marcelo, Audrey Gorriceta, Diane Guerrer and Fifi delos Santos. IT was nice to see again host Audrey Gorriceta as I…
California’s first Fil-Am state senator takes office
Christopher Cabaldon, former mayor of West Sacramento, assumed office to represent California state Senate District 3. THE Golden State’s first Filipino American to serve in the state Senate was sworn…
California’s first Filipina in state Legislature sworn into office
Jessica Caloza made history as California’s first Filipina in the state Legislature on Monday, December 3 as she assumed office to represent Assembly District 52. Jessica Caloza assumes office as…
With Climate Change Intensifying, California Launches Initiative to Fill Forestry Jobs
By Selen Ozturk As California’s wildlife crisis deepens amid forester job shortages, the state has launched a new initiative to build up its forestry ranks. California has 33 million acres…
With Trump on the Way, Advocates Look to States To Pick Up Medical Debt Fight
By Noam N. Levey Worried that President-elect Donald Trump will curtail federal efforts to take on the nation’s medical debt problem, patient and consumer advocates are looking to states to help…
As Health Care Access Passes in State Ballots, So Do Ballot Restrictions
By Selen Ozturk As state ballot measures advancing health access are advancing nationwide, so are those restricting ballot access. In 2023 alone, 75 bills were introduced in state legislatures to…
Nursing Home Industry Wants Trump To Rescind Staffing Mandate
Jordan Rau, KFF Health News Covid’s rampage through the country’s nursing homes killed more than 172,000 residents and spurred the biggest industry reform in decades: a mandate that homes employ…
Celebrate the season at Graton: $250,000 Santa’s Escalade Giveaway, Sleigh N’ Pay slot tournament, live concerts, and New Year’s Eve festivities
ROHNERT PARK – This December, Graton Resort & Casino is spreading holiday cheer with the exciting $250,000 Santa’s New Escalade Giveaway. Join us every Saturday in December for a chance…
Sky River Casino continues two exciting holiday promotions with over $1M in prizes
A $457,402 progressive jackpot was won recently by a lucky Sacramento resident playing an Ultimate Fire Link Explosion Progressive slot machine. Photo courtesy of Sky River Casino Elk Grove –…
De-stressing
HANS Selye, the renowned expert on this subject and considered the “father” of stress, defines stress as the “wear and tear of living.” The pressure we all face in our…
PAL RELAUNCHES CLARK – SIARGAO NONSTOP FLIGHTS
At the cake-cutting ceremony during the Clark – Siargao flight relaunch and send-off were (from left): Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 3 Director Richard Daenos, PAL Express VP for Ground…
“Deserve ko ‘to”: How to Satisfy Your Holiday Impulse Buying
Holiday bazaars have always been a staple shopping destination during the Christmas season. These events feature various options from toys and trinkets to RTW’s and food products that are locally…
God’s Promise
God’s promise does not stem from a political system or a monarchy but from the root of David. We hear it in the First Reading (Jeremiah 33:14-16) on this First…
‘Love the Philippines’ returns to Times Square
The DOT’s “Love the Philippines” campaign continues to highlight the country’s unparalleled beauty, rich traditions, and warm hospitality, this time on a Times Square LED billboard. AJPress Photos by Momar…
Ted Herbosa, the indefatigable man of the hour
THE Department of Health, in partnership with the Commission on Population Development and The Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc., held recently the 2024 National Conference on Family Planning…
Anti-Fraud Efforts Meet Real-World Test During ACA Enrollment Period
Julie Appleby, KFF Health News Unauthorized switching of Affordable Care Act plans appears to have tapered off in recent weeks based on an almost one-third drop in casework associated with…
Make America Healthy Again: An Unconventional Movement That May Have Found Its Moment
Stephanie Armour Within days of Donald Trump’s election victory, health care entrepreneur Calley Means turned to social media to crowdsource advice. “First 100 days,” said Means, a former consultant to…
NAPCA hosts ‘Confronting Obesity’ within the AA&NHPI communities congressional briefing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, November 20, NAPCA hosted the Confronting Obesity and Obesity Related Illnesses briefing in Washington, D.C., bringing together Congressmembers, over 60 attendees, and healthcare experts to…
On Communal Discernment
We must discern the signs of the times. This is what the Gospel (Mark 13:24-32) reveals to us this Sunday when Jesus told his disciples, “Learn a lesson from the…
Lea Salonga Releases Holiday Album and brings Holiday Tour to San Diego
(New York, NY – September 3, 2024) Center Stage Records announced today the release of Lea Salonga: Sounding Joy – The Holiday Album. Her first holiday album in two decades,…
Dyslexia and more
ROUGHLY 29 million Americans are dyslexic. I could not find any stat for the Philippines, but the consensus is that it has greatly increased. “Word blindness” is a term commonly…
12,000 Entrepreneurs Gathered for 15th PHILSME Business Expo at SMX Manila
The 15th Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME) was held last November 22-23, 2024, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City, to celebrate and empower Filipino small and medium…