12-15-25 PTSNV News

Las Vegas, NV — The National Federation of Filipino American Associations Nevada (NaFFAA NV) proudly announces the successful election of its new officers for the 2026–2028 term.

The highly anticipated election of officers drew an unprecedented number of members, reflecting the strong engagement and commitment of the Filipino American community in Nevada.

The office of the President was highly contested, with two strong candidates: the current Vice President, Doc Mike Sta Juana, brought continuity, new beginnings in new projects; and the former Treasurer, Ferdie Ponce, who later served as President of another organization, offered fresh perspectives and a proven track record of service. Both candidates campaigned actively,

inspiring members to participate in record numbers.

In a testament to the strength of both campaigns 99 ballots were cast, and the outcome was decided by the slimmest of margins. By just one vote, the current Vice President was elected as the new president of NaFFAA Nevada. The result underscores the vibrancy of democratic participation within NaFFAA NV and the dedication of its members to shaping the future of the organization. Despite the intensity of the contest, the evening ended on a note of unity. Members congratulated one another, underscoring the shared commitment on advancing NaFFAA’s mission regardless of the election’s outcome.

The offices of Vice President ANNA

Secretary CIRIMILLE PAGLI

SCAGGS, and Treasurer CIN CIN LANDEROS were elected by acclamation as their candidacy had no opposition.

“I will set aside other interests and devote my full energy to moving our organization to the next level. Working hand in hand with President deJoya has shaped my perspectives and prepared me for this moment. I will work with this incredible team of officers and launch new programs that empowers our youth; supports our families that showcases the richness of our heritage and ensure NaFFAA NV continues to

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be a strong voice for unity and progress,” professed President Elect Doc Mike Sta Juana

THE NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM have been serving under the current administration and were elevated to higher positions in this election. “Their collective experience ensures continuity in leadership while bringing fresh energy and vision to NaFFAA NV as they take on expanded responsibilities for the 2026-2027 term,” expressed outgoing President, Jacque de Joya with great pride “NaFFAA NV and I personally extend our gratitude to all members who took part in the election process and reaffirms its commitment to advancing the interests of Filipino Americans in Nevada through advocacy, community service, and leadership development,” President De Joya further expressed. About NaFFAA NV

The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is the largest national umbrella organization for Filipino Americans in the United States. NaFFAA NV represents the Nevada chapter, working to empower the community through civic engagement, leadership, and advocacy.

PBBM: Changing lives makes politics worth pursuing

MANILA, Dec 10 (Mabuhay) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has acknowledged that public service is a “thankless job” but worthwhile when it results in meaningful improvements in people’s lives.

In a teaser for the sixth episode of his podcast, Marcos reflected on the real purpose of serving the Filipino people, saying the true reward in politics is changing lives for good.

“I think you are well guided so long as you enter politics for the right reason. And there’s only one right reason – to serve,” Marcos said, when asked what advice he could give to aspiring politicians.

Marcos said it is more fulfilling to see the nation progressing, stressing that it is an indication that a politician is being effective.

“There is no other correct reason. It’s a thankless job, that’s for sure. But it’s worth it. You know, it’s worth it. You know, when you see something changed for the good that you made it happen, ikaw ang may [gawa] (and you are the reason), that changes your world,” he said.

“There’s nothing better. There’s nothing better than to help somebody outside of yourself. Outside yourself,

outside your family, your community, your country,” Marcos added.

Marcos said it is a “privilege” when people’s lives change for the better because of public service.

“May nagawa ka. Nagbago yung buhay ng tao. Imagine, binago mo ‘yung buhay ng tao (You have done something. A person’s life changed. Imagine, you changed someone’s life). What a privilege to be able to do that,” he said.

In the fifth episode of his podcast released in October, Marcos said the guidance of his father, the late former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., helped shape his own brand of leadership.

He added that no one can fully understand what it means to be president until they assume the role.

Marcos held local and legislative roles before becoming the country’s president.

He started his political career as governor of Ilocos Norte from 1983 to 1986 and was elected representative of Ilocos Norte’s second district in 1992. He returned as Ilocos governor from 1998 to 2007, then again served in the House of Representatives starting in 2007. He later joined the Senate in 2010. (MNS)

We e can n help p you u get t answers, , for r ex ample:

• What is Original Medicare?

• Are there other health care options?

• What do Medicare Parts A, B, C and D mean?

• Is Original Medicare enough health coverage?

• Are my prescriptions covered?

• How much will it cost?

• Do I have deadlines to enroll?

NevaDans Share Urgent Concerns ABout Health Care Access anD AFForDaBilitY at CommunitY Forum

The event brought together impacted residents and health experts to discuss rising costs and possible coverage disruptions ahead of the congressional vote.

Las Vegas, NV – December 10, 2025

– One APIA Nevada, in collaboration with the Asian Community Development Council, hosted Nevada Speaks: Health Care Access & Affordability

Crisis, bringing together community members, congressional representatives, state legislators, medical providers, and health navigators to discuss rising health care costs and the future of affordable coverage in Nevada. By hosting the forum in both Northern and Southern Nevada, the organizations ensured that communities across the state could participate in conversations about affordability and access.

In Las Vegas, Congressman Steven Horsford, Assemblymember Duy Nguyen, Assemblymember Brittney Miller, and Assemblymember Hanadi Nadeem joined attendees to speak about the rising cost of care, the challenges facing Nevada families, and the broader landscape of health policy at both the state and federal levels. Their participation provided real-time insight

into what legislators are hearing from constituents and how these issues are unfolding across Nevada.

The forum also featured community storytellers who shared firsthand experiences of losing coverage, facing unaffordable premiums, or struggling under the Affordable Care Act subsidy cliff. These experiences reflect broader statewide trends: 87 percent of Nevada Health Link enrollees depend on ACA enhanced subsidies to afford their monthly premiums, and six in ten ACA enrollees report difficulty affording outof-pocket costs such as deductibles and copays, highlighting how affordability challenges extend beyond premiums alone.

These conversations highlighted the stakes of the upcoming congressional vote, which will determine whether en-

hanced ACA premium tax credits continue or expire at the end of 2025. If Congress does not extend the credits, premiums are expected to rise by an average of 114 percent for the 22 million people who currently rely on them, putting coverage at risk for many Nevada families.

As one of the most pressing concerns for households across the state, health care affordability shapes whether families can maintain stable coverage, access timely care, and plan for the future. With Congress preparing to vote, Nevadans are watching closely to understand how the outcome may affect their monthly costs and long-term access to care. The decisions made in the coming weeks will carry significant implications for affordability across the state.

SHUVEE ETRATA TURNS EMOTIONAL CALLING

VICE GANDA AS HER ‘MOTHER’ IN THE

MANILA, Dec 10 (Mabuhay) -- All is well between Unkabogable Star Vice Ganda and Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition alumna Shuvee Etrata, as the two exchanged heartfelt words during the media conference for their upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Call Me Mother.

Seemingly putting an end to rumors about a supposed rift, the young Kapuso actress expressed her gratitude to Vice for being her “mother” in the industry.

“Siguro po si Meme. As I navigate kasi my way sa stardom, marami akong hindi alam. Meme has paved the way for me to learn, and be accountable and actually grow sa industry. He was like the lighting torch, he was like the guidance,” Shuvee said.

She added, “Naging guidance po ikaw Meme para malaman kung saan ako lulugar, saan ako dapat pupunta. Naging guide ko po si Meme. In a way, siya po naging mother ko sa industry.”

Vice, in return, thanked Shuvee for allowing him to take on that role and for trusting him enough to hear difficult but truthful conversations.

“Thank you rin kay Shuvee kasi inaallow niya ako na ganun, na pinapayagan niya ako na kausapin ko siya, na pwede ko siya pagalitan, na pwede ko siya pagsabihan,” Vice expressed.

Vice noted that their bond has deepened over time, saying, “Marami na kaming pinagdaanan, marami na kaming napagusapan, marami na kaming nasabi sa isa’t isa. Ganoon kaming dalawa na kapag may nararamdaman kami sa isa’t’ isa, pwede na naming sabihin sa isa’t isa and pwede namin iresolve ng tayo lang ito.”

Vice emphasized that understanding and communication have always been the heart of their relationship.

“Love ko iyan si Shuvee kaya sabi ko ‘Wag tayo malulunod sa ingay and kailangan tayong dalawa magkaintindihan tayo.’ Nagkakaintindihan kaming dalawa ni Shuvee,” Vice expressed.

Hearing this, Shuvee became emotional as she described how big of an influence Vice has been in her life.

“Meme is Meme. I’m happy to be given this chance na makabreathe

INDUSTRY

the same air sa Meme. Talaga pong si Meme hindi lang siya si Meme, marami na po siyang nabagong buhay and binago niya ang buhay ko sa pagiging artista ko po,” Shuvee said.

She further shared how much she looks up to Vice and what she has learned from him.

“Nagsimula kami sa PBB na hindi namin alam pinagagawa namin sa buhay. Ngayon narealize ko na ang mundong ito ay madali as long as you let them. You let them teach you, you let them guide you and actually you learn to be accountable and learn from your mistakes and always look up to the person who you always value the most. I love you,” she shared.

Their exchange appears to put to rest speculations about a fallout between them, which resurfaced after Shuvee’s old post about the ABS-CBN shutdown and her comment in a “totropahin or jojowain” challenge involving Vice went viral.

Meanwhile, Vice Ganda and Shuvee both star in Call Me Mother along with its ensemble cast which includes Nadine Lustre, Brent Manalo, Mika Salamanca, Klarisse De Guzman, River Joseph, Esnyr, MC Muah, Iyah Mina, Divine Tetay, John Lapus, Carmi Martin, Chanda Romero, Ces Quesada, and Lucas Andalio.

The film, directed by Jun Lana, will exclusively premiere in cinemas on Christmas Day. (MNS)

Don’t let grinchy scammers

ruin holiday gift card giving

Taxpayers should be aware of gift card scams year-round but be especially cautious during this time of year when requests for gift cards are common. They may also use a compromised email account to send emails requesting gift card purchases for friends, family or co-workers. Since 2019, phishing@irs. gov has received over 1,000 gift card phishing emails averaging 200 per year. Most of these gift card phishing emails do not reference the IRS.

The IRS never asks for or accepts gift cards as payment for a tax bill.

Common holiday scams

The IRS sees a variety of scams as thieves are always changing their tactics. During the holiday season thieves could also: Request gift cards over the phone, sending a text message, email or social media message through a government impersonation scam.

Pose as an IRS agent and call the taxpayer or leave a voicemail with a callback number informing the taxpayer that they are linked to some criminal activity.

Threaten or harass the taxpayer by telling them that they must pay a fictitious tax penalty.

Criminals often ask the victim to purchase gift cards from various stores so as not to arouse suspicion with store employees. Once the taxpayer buys the gift cards, the scammer will ask the taxpayer to provide the gift card number and PIN.

How to tell if it’s really the IRS calling

Here are some tips on how to tell it’s the IRS calling. Remember the IRS will never:

Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a gift card, prepaid debit card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.

Demand that taxpayers pay taxes without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they owe. All taxpayers should be aware of their rights.

Threaten to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law enforcement to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.

Threaten to revoke the taxpayer’s driver’s license, business licenses or immigration status.

What to do if targeted by a scam

Anyone who has been a target of a scam should contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to report a phone scam. Use the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting webpage or call 800-366-4484. Taxpayers targeted by phone scams can also report to the Federal Trade Commission or email IRS at phishing@irs.gov.

Award-winning Author / Journalist Carlos Palanca Awardee & Professional Host/Emcee Author website: www.marylaineviernes.com

Gimikeros Unite for “Epik” Halloween parties only at Gimik Republik!

More than epic, the parties at Gimik Republik are officially Epik! Cool ghouls of all ages united to celebrate in their coolest costumes in two separate events where Gimik Republik gave out cash prizes for the best in costume! First was the unforgettable KPop Demon Hunters-themed party where kids were treated to a magic show, face painting, yummy food and tons of freebies! It was also one of the birthday celebrations of Jasmine, the cool daughter of John & Jessica Claudio, co-owners of Gimik Republik! Happy birthday to our sweet and beautiful ate Jasmine thanks for having us in your super fun party! Wishing your family more blessings!

Billy Crawford “Bright Lights” in concert!

November 8, 2025 - Las Vegas blazed in bright lights & superb music as international award-winning performer, host and actor Billy Crawford held his sold-out concert produced by Apollo Medical Group & Pearl of the Orient Productions, Billy Crawford rose from being a child star, That’s Entertainment icon to an unbeatable total performer and iconic host of It’s Showtime. Thank you Billy Crawford & Nikk Vergara for one unforgettable show and for your team’s kindness and humility. Thanks for letting me serve as master of ceremonies. Photos by the amazing BEN SAHAGUN.

ON THE SPOTLIGHT: DR. MICHAEL STA. JUANA, THE NEW PRESIDENT OF NAFFAA NEVADA

By Marylaine Viernes

The embodiment of courage, creativity and true community service, Dr. Michael Sta Juana or simply Doc Mike to his beloved Fil-Am community in Las Vegas takes his rightful place as the head of NaFFAA after he was duly elected last November 14, 2025, during a public vote as President of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations.

Since 1997, The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) has been the standard bearer for promoting the welfare and well-being of the four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States. Who better to lead the organization’s growing power and voice into the next millennium than someone like Doc Mike who is passionate in every meaningful endeavor he sets his heart into.

Prior to his election, Dr. Sta Juana was already serving as the President of the Filipino American Associations of Nevada (FAME) and the founding president of FAMAN - Filipino American Media Associations of Nevada.

Doc Mike is a former professor of the following universities: Perpetual Help University in Las Pinas; San Juan De Dios College of Nursing; University of Muntinlupa; Pamantasan Ng Lungsod ng Maynila and The Philippine Normal University.

Former Supervisor of the CCSD Adult English Language Acquisition Services; former General Education Supervisor in the Division of City Schools of Muntinlupa, Taguig & Pateros. Doc Mike is currently teaching at Clark High School.

Some of his notable awards and recognitions include One of the Ten Outstanding Students of Makati in 1979; One of the Ten Outstanding Student Leaders of the Philippines in 1981; one of the prestigious Dr Jose P Rizal Leadership Awardees of 1983 and in the same year he was awarded Outstanding Student of the Philippines by the distinguished Parangal Bagong Pilipino at Mansion House Baguio City by the Former president Ferdinand E. Marcos. In 1990, he was recognized as One of the Ten Outstanding Teachers of Muntinlupa City; in the year 1994 among the Outstanding Young Educator of the Philippines and moving to the United States, he was conferred Outstanding High School Social Teachers in Southern Nevada in 2010 and then Outstanding Asian Americans in Nevada in 2018.

He has also received various awards for his news channel, media endeavors and community leadership.

But beyond his achievements in the academic, media and socio-civic scene, he is known to be a hard-working, trustworthy, dependable and kind person; a friend beloved by many. Congratulations, Dr. Michael Sta Juana for the latest feather in your glorious cap; may you continue to shine as the champion of the Fil-Am community and beyond!

Filipino Christmas Food as Gifts O

"Pasko na naman!"

Olivia Enriquez

A Love Letter to the Kitchens That Raised Us.

As children, we knew Christmas had officially arrived when Nanay announced: “Simula na tayo.” Those three words meant our house was about to transform into a holiday factory of Filipino classics. The dining table became the leche flan station; the counter became the ube mixing zone; every corner of the house hummed with purpose.

Nanay's leche flan was always first on the lineup. She cracked eggs by the dozens, forming a golden mountain of yolks that looked almost too beautiful to eat. The sound of the llanera tapping against the table, the smell of caramelized sugar turning exactly the right shade of amber—these were the sensory cues of our childhood Christmas.

And then there was ube haleya, the queen of all Christmas preparations. The pot sat on the stove like a sacred relic. The wooden spoon made its steady tik-tik-tik rhythm as Nanay stirred for what felt like forever, folding and scraping until the ube turned velvety and glossy. We hovered around her like moths to a purple flame, sneaking tiny spoonfuls under the guise of “checking the sweetness,” even though the spoon was always dangerously hot.

A Family Rite of Passage

But no Christmas memory is more vivid—or more comical—than the dreaded chore of peeling garbanzos for minatamis na garbanzos.

Nanay would dump a massive caldero of soaked chickpeas onto the table, the sheer volume enough to break a child’s spirit. Then came the command: “O, umupo kayo. Balatan natin ‘to lahat.”

There was no escape.

We spent hours pinching off the stubborn skins while complaining loudly. Our hands sat in water so long they turned pale, wrinkled, and shriveled— like we had aged forty years in a single afternoon. Someone would always ask, “Ma, bakit hindi na lang tayo bumili ng binalat na sa palengke?” And Nanay would always deliver the same sacred reply: “Hindi pareho. Iba ang homemade.” It was torture. It was bonding. It was tradition. And today, when I see ready-peeled garbanzos in a can, I swear I can still hear our collective childhood sighs.

But that first spoonful of sweet, golden minatamis made every pruned fingertip worth it.

On another table, foil sheets were lined up for embotido, ready to be filled with ground meat, chopped pickles, raisins, red bell pepper, and those nostalgic little cubes of red cheese that tasted like pure holiday goodness.

Rellenong Bangus

Rellenong Bangus is a classic Filipino dish that turns the humble milkfish into a festive culinary centerpiece. Its preparation, especially the painstaking process of deboning the delicate bangus and picking out each tiny bone, is so labor-intensive that it’s often joked to be a cooking project fit only for saints and old maids — those with infinite patience and time. This elaborate dish, where the skin is kept intact and the seasoned, flaked meat is stuffed back in before frying, traces strong roots to Kapampangan cuisine, known for its rich, meticulous cooking traditions. Rellenong Bangus is both a test of skill and a labor of love.

As for me, I bake it and opt for healthier ways to cook it.

A Heritage of Holiday Generosity

These foods weren’t just dishes—they were a family heritage.

Long before we were born, my lola started the tradition of cooking and giving food as Christmas gifts. She gave to neighbors, teachers, the barber, the midwife, and even the tricycle driver who helped her with groceries. Food was her way of saying thank you, of honoring relationships, of making the community feel seen.

My aunties each inherited the tradition with pride. They crafted their signature dishes—some gifted leche flan, others embotido, others macaroni salad overloaded with cheese. Their gifts came in Tupperware, llaneras, foil trays, and the iconic recycled ice cream tubs that every Filipino family swears by.

Morcon came next, requiring patience, precision, and courage. But the most dramatic dish of the season—always requiring a full cast of characters— was rellenong bangus. My mother, aunties, and cousins all had roles: one squeezing the fish to soften it, one flaking the meat, one mixing the filling, one carefully stuffing everything back inside. Throughout the process, everyone repeated the same prayer in their heads: Please don’t let the skin tear. When the bangus finally emerged from the pan whole and golden, Nanay would say with a triumphant smile, “O ayan—isang buong Pasko.”

Queso de Bola, Red Hotdogs at PX Ham

We grew up eventually absorbing the lessons without realizing it: that giving food is giving love; that the best gifts don’t come from stores but from hours spent stirring, rolling, mixing, peeling, wrapping.PX Treasures, Imported Ham, and the Red Hotdogs of Christmas

Of course, Christmas wasn’t complete without the beloved PX tradition.

Nanay would go to the PX store, that magical land of imported goods, and come home with our precious Christmas ham wrapped in shiny packaging that made us feel instantly sosyal. And then—the red hotdogs.

The ones that curled dramatically when fried. The ones that turned every child into a model citizen for at least one week in December.

PX ham and red hotdogs were the unofficial symbols of Filipino Christmas abundance. Even when money was tight, they made us feel rich.

Our mothers and aunties taught us that Filipino Christmas is not measured by material gifts. It is measured by time, effort, and intention.

A tray of leche flan is gratitude.

A roll of embotido is appreciation.

A jar of ube haleya is devotion.

A pot of minatamis is love—plus slightly wrinkled fingers.

Wherever we are—Las Vegas, Manila, or somewhere in between—may we continue these traditions that make Christmas taste like home.

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The BUSINESS Of

An update on business news, developments and events from The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Nevada (FACCGN).

by: JOEL ENRIQUEZ, President

Join us and be part of the chamber that loves small businesses. Log in to our website https://www.faccgn.org/ Or email us at info@faccgn.org

BAGS OF HOPE: A Journey of Compassion From Las Vegas to the Philippines

Hope can travel far—across oceans, across towns long forgotten by progress, across families who quietly endure hardship. And every year, the Philippine American Charity Foundation (PACF) makes sure that hope arrives packed neatly in a simple bag filled with life’s basic necessities. Called “Bags of Hope,” this annual outreach effort has grown into one of PACF’s most heartfelt missions, anchored by the steadfast leadership of PACF President Luz Micabalo and guided by the dedicated hands of Project Chair Gloria T. Caoile.

This year, once again, the Las Vegas Filipino American community wrapped its arms around the cause. On a cool November evening, supporters gathered at Truffles N Bacon Café for a charming bazaar and sit-down dinner—an event that filled the room with creativity, generosity, and an unmistakable sense of purpose. Handmade crafts, ladies’ accesssories and houseware lined the tables, families broke bread over a curated menu, and volunteers worked tirelessly as café servers. By the end of the night, the community had raised approximately $5,000.00 with additional donations still coming in from sponsors who continue to be moved by the mission.

But what makes Bags of Hope especially meaningful is not just the funds raised—it’s the spirit behind how the work gets done. The entire team who travels to the Philippines shoulders all their personal expenses, from airfare to accommodations. Every cent raised goes directly to the bags themselves, each one lovingly assembled with essentials that many families struggle to afford: rice, noodles, coffee, milk, canned goods, sugar, soap, and shampoo. Items that may seem ordinary to us become extraordinary acts of care for those who receive them.

Early next year, the Bags of Hope caravan will once again roll into some of the most underserved communities in the Philippines. Their destinations: Pangasinan, Laguna, Manila, Cotabato, and Cebu— where families face daily challenges, where livelihoods are unstable, and where nature has unexplicably unleashed its fury. For many of these communities, a single bag of food and toiletries is more than assistance; it is a

reminder that someone across the globe sees them, thinks of them, and stands with them. PACF’s Bags of Hope initiative is more than charity—it is connection. It is diaspora love made tangible. It is the Filipino American community in Las Vegas reaching back home, honoring roots, and paying forward the blessings found in a new land. As President Luz Micabalo and Chair Gloria Caoile often remind supporters, the true success of Bags of Hope lies in its consistency. Year after year, the mission continues— quietly, faithfully, and with deep commitment. And each time, the circle of generosity widens as more donors, partners, and volunteers become part of

the movement. PACF invites everyone to remember those whose lives can be brightened with a simple bag filled with hope. The other PACF officers, Sid dela Cruz, Board Chair, and Treasurer Ingrid Cabrera, say “donations remain open, and every contribution—no matter the amount—helps ensure that more families in the Philippines begin their year with comfort, dignity, and the reassurance that they are not forgotten.”

In a world where kindness can feel rare, Bags of Hope stands as a testament to the power of compassion. It reminds us that when we give, we do more than provide—we uplift, we connect, and we heal. And perhaps, that is the greatest gift any of us can

“Some say efforts like this are just a band-aid solution to bigger social problems. I do not contest that. But in a world where people are bruised, hurt, or wounded, doesn’t a bandaid work wonders? It helps heal! When we are healed, we can move on. And sometimes, that small act of care is exactly what someone needs to keep going.”