Philippine Times of Southern Nevada – September 29, 2025 Issue

BY GLORIA T. CAOILE InTRoDucTion

As the sun begins to set over the vibrant grounds of Fiesta Filipino ‘25, a timeless tradition will unfold in a breathtaking display of faith, elegance, and cultural pride: The SANTA CRUZAN. This revered procession, deeply rooted in Filipino Catholic heritage, will be one of the festival’s most anticipated highlights—an enchanting spectacle that brings history to life through music, pageantry, and devotion.

HisToRicAl BAcKGRounD

Originating from the Spanish colonial era, the Santa Cruzan commemorates Queen Helena’s legendary search for the Holy Cross, a story that has been passed down through generations. In the Philippines, it is celebrated during the month of May as part of the Flores de Mayo festivities. At Fiesta Filipino ‘25, this tradition will be reimagined with grandeur and authenticity, offering

A PARADE oF FiliPiniAnA ElEGAncE

At the heart of the procession is Reyna Elena, portrayed this year by the stunning Cin Cin Landeros, whose presence will captivate the crowd.

Dressed in a dramatic, eye-catching Filipiniana gown, Cin Cin will embody the grace and strength of the queen who found the True Cross. Her gown, a masterpiece of traditional design and modern sophistication, will shimmer under the dusk sky, symbolizing both reverence and regal beauty.

Surrounding Reyna Elena will be a constellation of princesses and consorts, each representing virtues, biblical figures, and elements of Filipino faith and folklore. These participants will wear traditional Filipiniana attire, each ensemble carefully curated to reflect the dignity and symbolism of their roles. With names like Reyna Fe

Music, MoVEMEnT, AnD MEAninG

Set to the backdrop of Filipino music, the Santa Cruzan will wind gracefully through the festival site at dusk, its rhythm echoing the heartbeat of a people proud of their heritage. The procession is not merely a visual feast—it is a spiritual journey, a communal act of remembrance and celebration.

A Cultural Production of Deep Importance

This year’s Santa Cruzan is more than a parade—it is a cultural production of profound significance. It honors the resilience of Filipino traditions, the beauty of intergenerational storytell-

FIESTA – FROM PAGE A-1

ing, and the power of community. By showcasing this sacred ritual at Fiesta Filipino ‘25, organizers are not only preserving a cherished custom but also inviting a broader audience to witness the richness of Filipino identity.

Conclusion

Whether you are Filipino by birth, by heart, or simply a lover of culture, the Santa Cruzan promises to be a moment of awe and inspiration. As dusk falls and the procession begins, let yourself be transported—by the music, the gowns, the stories—to a place where tradition and celebration walk hand in hand.

DA preps for possiBLe rice import Ban extension

MANILA, Sept 25 (Mabuhay) -- The government may extend its 60-day rice import ban and raise tariffs on imported rice to protect the local palay (unhusked rice) industry, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Wednesday.

The possible extension came after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to prepare the necessary orders for both an expanded import halt and a tariff increase.

The current suspension, which began on Sept. 1, is set to expire in November.

The tariffs on rice imports, on the other hand, have been pegged at 15 percent.

In a Viber message to reporters, Tiu Laurel said the move is meant to help raise farmgate prices of palay amid the peak of the wet season harvest.

“Objectively, gusto ni Presidente tumaas ang presyo ng palay to more reasonable levels (Objectively, the President wants palay prices to increase to more reasonable levels),” he said.

The DA chief added that farmgate prices would be considered reasonable if they reach PHP16 to PHP17 per kilogram.

At present, prices remain significantly lower, with some areas still reporting farmgate rates of PHP10 to PHP12 per kg. and lows of PHP8 per kg., based on data from the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG).

Tiu Laurel, however, declined to reveal a target duration for a possible extension, noting that setting firm timelines may prompt traders to “hedge” ahead of any policy decision.

He said the DA would determine the period of the freeze and the tariff rate adjustment once more accurate data on supply and farmgate prices becomes available.

The earliest particulars may be announced in mid-October or later, the agriculture chief said.

On a potential tariff hike, Tiu Laurel said plans for reverting to the original 35-percent duties on rice imports are still under discussion.

“For now, the economic team is evaluating. We will come out with a joint position on this tariff,” he said.

The DA had earlier proposed a gradual reversion to 25 percent from the current 15 percent, but this was put on hold as part of the administration’s calibrated response alongside the twomonth import halt. (MNS)

VP Duterte’s OFW neGLect aLLeGation

‘BiG Lie’, says PaLace

MANILA, Sept 25 (Mabuhay) -Malacañang on Wednesday hit back at Vice President Sara Duterte, branding as “fake news” her accusation that the government has been neglecting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) following what she claimed as a “scam welfare check” on detained former president Rodrigo Duterte in The Hague.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Vice President’s remarks are “baseless” and run counter to the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) record of responding to requests for assistance from distressed Filipinos abroad.

“Iyan po ay malaking kasinungalingan… Ito pong binabanggit ng Bise Presidente na walang naitutulong sa mga OFWs, it is another fake news (That’s a big lie. The Vice President’s allegation that the government is neglecting OFWs is yet another fake news),” Castro told Palace reporters in a press briefing.

She explained that the government

has fully functional Migrant Workers Offices, manned by labor attachés in countries with large Filipino communities, ensuring that the welfare needs of OFWs are addressed.

Castro underscored that the DMW maintains quick response teams that immediately coordinate with police and local authorities abroad for rescues and emergency cases.

The Palace reiterated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has consistently placed the protection of OFWs at the center of his administration’s priorities.

Castro declined to comment on Duterte’s separate allegation that embassy personnel in The Hague were sent to conduct a “scam welfare check” on the 80-year-old former president, who is facing proceedings before the International Criminal Court for his war on drugs.

She said the Department of Foreign Affairs would be the proper agency to address the matter. (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?

Marcos satisfied with typhoon preps, orders sustained coordination

MANILA, Sept 25 (Mabuhay) --

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed satisfaction with the government’s disaster readiness but ordered agencies to sustain close monitoring and inter-agency coordination as northern Luzon reels from Super Typhoon Nando and braces for Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

Marcos presided over a situation briefing with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday to assess the impact of Nando and prepare for Opong, which is forecast to further intensify before making landfall over the Bicol Region on Friday afternoon.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., who also chairs the NDRRMC, said the President was satisfied with the extent of preparation, including the prepositioning of relief goods and critical equipment.

“The interagency coordinating cell is working really well. The President was satisfied with the extent of preparation

and the prepositioning of needed goods and supplies, particularly in Batanes,” he told reporters after the briefing.

Teodoro noted that while agencies were ready, parts of Northern Luzon remain without electricity.

He said the government is servicing some 7,000 evacuees, with damage assessment still ongoing due to continuing inclement weather.

He also assured that sufficient funds are available to support response operations.

Nando has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility but continues to affect parts of the country after lashing Northern Luzon.

Meanwhile, Opong, the 15th cyclone to hit the archipelago this year, is forecast to begin moving northwestward while approaching Eastern Visayas.

According to the 5 p.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Wednesday, Opong has intensified into a severe tropical storm. (MNS)

Ex-Supreme Court spox named ICI executive director

MANILA, Sept 25 (Mabuhay) --

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Supreme Court (SC) spokesperson Brian Keith Hosaka as executive director of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) released a copy of Hosaka’s appointment paper signed by Marcos on Wednesday.

Marcos, on Sept. 11, signed Executive Order (EO) 94, creating the ICI as a fact-finding body mandated to investigate alleged corruption, irregularities, and misuse of funds in government flood control and related projects.

The ICI is chaired by retired Supreme Court associate justice Andres Reyes Jr., with former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV & Co. executive Rossana Fajardo as members.

According to Executive Order 94,

the ICI Secretariat — which will provide administrative and technical support — will be headed by an executive director with the rank of undersecretary.

In 2023, Hosaka was named commissioner of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG).

Hosaka also served as SC assistant court administrator and Public Information Office (PIO) chief, playing a key role in promoting public awareness of the high court’s programs and activities.

After passing the 1998 Bar examinations, Hosaka worked as a law clerk at the SC under then senior associate justice Josue Bellosillo.

Hosaka was also a founding partner of Paner Hosaka & Ypil Attorneys-at-Law and once served as deputy general counsel of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. (MNS)

The 50th Anniversary of Fr. Frank’s Ordination to the Priesthood was held in Our Lady of Las Vegas Church Septmber 19, 2025. Archbishop Francisco Padilla, Archbishop George Leo Thomas and 20 priests from different Las Vegas diocese celebrated the holy mass. The crowded people inside the church congratulated Fr. Frank. Andre and Adrian Chia coordinated the delicious dinner buffet inside the gym with the help of the parishioners and school kids. Fr. Frank was ordained in 1975 in Rome together with other candidates throughout the world. However, he was able to seek permission for his sacerdotal ordination to be done in the hometown of his parents in Cebu. In 1988 he came to the Diocese of Reno-Las Vegas. He had several assignments in his 27 years of service around Las Vegas. Fr. Frank is well loved.

PHOTOS BY: RAOUL GATCHALIAN

Saturday October 4, 2025 4:00pm

SANTA A CR UZAN N 2025

Atty.

AVE MARIA

FLOWER GIRLS

Marian Rivera to grace Vietnam fashion show in October

MANILA, Sept 20 (Mabuhay) -- Marian Rivera is set to bring her elegance to Vietnam in October as she is set to take part in a prestigious fashion event.

On Instagram, the Kapuso Primetime Queen announced that she will be gracing the Luna Fracture show of Hacchic Couture at the GEM Center in Ho Chi Minh City on October 15.

“Can’t wait to share this unforgettable night with all of you,” Marian wrote.

In a separate post, the Vietnamese fashion label expressed its gratitude to Marian for her “love and unwavering support.”

“Marian Rivera will take the stage as the Vedette, gracing the breathtaking space curated by Lá Tr??ng Xuân Luxury Wedding Event – delivering radiant, powerful, and emotional moments to all couture lovers,” Hacchic Couture wrote.

“Her participation is not only a great pride for Hacchic but also a testament to the enduring friendship and passion for art we share,” they added.

In August, Marian took home the Best Actress award at the FAMAS 2025 for her role as Teacher Emmy in “Balota.” Marian previously won the Best Actress award for “Balota” at the Cinemalaya 2024. She shared the trophy with Gabby Padilla, who was also recognized for her role in “Kono Basho.” (MNS)

Jameson Blake says Barbie ForteZa a ‘source of happiness’

MANILA, Sept 24 (Mabuhay) -Jameson Blake said he is enjoying getting to know “Kontrabida Academy” co-star Barbie Forteza, describing the Kapuso actress as a source of happiness amid ongoing dating rumors.

“We all deserve to be happy, masaya ako. Siya nagpapasaya sa akin,” he said, reacting to recent sightings of the two holding hands in public.

While Blake did not confirm their relationship, he revealed they have grown closer.

“We are [close]. Main part when you meet someone is you complement each other. If you make each other happy, laugh, common interests. So far so good,” he said in an interview during the red carpet premiere of “Isla Babuyan”.

The actor explained he has gotten to know Forteza both on and off the set.

“Pag kasama ko off-cam, very nice, very sweet. Pero pag on-cam, ibang tao na siya,” he said.

“I respect her, she is very professional. I look up to her, that is my first impression ko sa kanya. She is very respectful, mabait, and very talented. Nakikita natin,” Blake said in an interview.

He also opened up that shared interests helped them bond.

“Books. She likes to read. Doon nag-start. Then went into running. She likes to run also. I am into fitness, so we started running [with] each other,” he recalled.

Forteza’s former boyfriend, Jak Roberto, previously commented that the two look good together.

“Didn’t really get to talk so much, napadaan lang kay Jak. Wala naman nabilin,” Blake said of his brief encounter with Roberto. As for fans who have started to “ship” Blake with Forteza, Blake said he appreciates the support.

“Natutuwa ako. Who wouldn’t want that kind of support? I really appreciate, nakikita ko online, when I see them,” he said.

Blake is among the stars of the upcoming film “Isla Babuyan,” the final project conceptualized by the late Leo V. Dominguez. Also in the cast are Paolo Gumabao, Lotlot de Leon, and Geraldine Jennings, who makes her movie debut.

“Isla Babuyan” hits theaters on Oct. 1. (MNS)

Shuvee Etrata buys new car worth over P1.8 million

MANILA, Sept 24 (Mabuhay) -- Kapuso actress and host Shuvee Etrata revealed to her followers that she just bought a new car. The former Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition housemate shared the news on her social media accounts to the delight of her fans.

Shuvee didn’t specify what car model she got but in the picture, a glimpse of the car’s brand was seen. Based on the photo she shared, netizens assumed that it appears to be a Ford Everest but are unsure what exact model she bought.

On the official website of the car brand, the starting price for the vehicle is around P1.8 million. The price could go higher as the features of the car model gets better–– the highest model sells for P2,379,000 as of this writing.

“More than a car, it’s a dream come true,” she shared in her Instagram Stories.

On her Facebook page, she made sure to inspire her fellow breadwinners as well through her post.

“Laban mga breadwinners. Kung kaya ko, kaya mo rin,” she added.

Fans of the actress expressed how happy they are for her as she’s been achieving so many of her goals in the past few months. Other netizens applauded her for being an inspiration to many breadwinners who are also striving hard for success.

“We love you dearly and we’re so happy sa lahat ng na achieve mo sa

buhay cause you really deserve everything, more to come,” a fan wrote.

Apart from her brand new car, the Kapuso star has also revealed that she made a huge purchase as she bought 800 square meters of land. She shared this through an interview with veteran broadcaster Kara David.

Ever since she stepped out of the PBB house, Shuvee has been getting several brand endorsements and TV and film projects. She also had a huge surge in her following on social media. She is set to join the cast of Call Me Mother–– an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival which stars Vice Ganda, Nadine Lustre, and her fellow PBB housemates. (MNS)

Gerald Anderson clears Vanie Gandler from third party allegations

MANILA, Sept 25 (Mabuhay) -Kapamilya actor Gerald Anderson denied that professional volleyball player Vanie Gandler had anything to do with his breakup with Julia Barretto.

This was revealed by veteran talent manager Ogie Diaz who shared that the actor called him up to clarify the fake news circulating on social media.

Gerald and Julia confirmed that they parted ways earlier this month to the surprise of their fans. Prior to their official statement, rumors had been circulating on social media about their separation but none of it was proven up until then.

“Tumawag si Gerald para linawin ang issue sa breakup nila ni Julia Barretto. Una na diyan ay ang kanyang paglilinaw na hindi si Vanie Gandler ang dahilan,” Ogie shared.

The showbiz columnist added how Gerald maintained that he doesn’t personally know the professional volleyball player who plays for the Cignal HD Spikers. Rumors about Gerald and Vanie circulated on social media after the actor was spotted watching some of the games of the Premier Volleyball League.

“Matagal na raw itong Vanie Gandler issue pero ito ay wala raw katotohanan talaga. Ni hindi niya nga daw ito kilala ng personal o nakakusap o nakakatext, nakatawagan–– wala. Nanunuod lamang daw siya ng laro ng volleyball pero hindi naman para tutukang panoorin si Vanie. Inilink lang siya dito,” Ogie added.

Ogie then shared that Gerald acknowledged that he was the one who caused his relationship with Julia to be over but didn’t disclose any more details of what truly happened. He admitted to the veteran showbiz columnist that he is also affected by the comments made by netizens about him on social media.

“Tumawag lang daw siya sa amin para sabihin walang kinalaman ang naturang volleyball player. Pag amin pa ni Gerald, durog na durog na siya sa mga naglalabasan bashing sa kanya kaya sana raw ay matigil na ang issue,” Ogie ended.

Vanie has yet to make an official statement as of this writing, but Ogie admitted that he thinks the Volleyball National Team member is unbothered by the issue and is rather focused on her professional career. (MNS)

Bela Padilla reveals reason behind breakup with Swiss boyfriend Norman Bay

MANILA, Sept 16 (Mabuhay) -Bela Padilla has revealed the reason behind her breakup with her Swiss boyfriend, Norman Bay, after four years of being together.

In an interview with Karen Davila in her latest YouTube vlog, Bela shared that their split stemmed from the reality of her decision to move back to the Philippines.

“I think it was really just the reality of me moving back here. We had a talk, like it was a very mature conversation. We spoke about my moving back here. And I asked him, what are your plans for the next five years, the next ten years? Do you see yourself moving here also? And at that time when we first had that conversation, he very bluntly said no,” she shared.

Bela said she respected Norman’s choice to remain in London, acknowledging that he has a flourishing career there.

“I super respected that ‘cause I am the same too. If he asked me back then, ‘If I ask you right now to get married so you would stay, would you say yes?’ I would’ve also said no. So I feel like we both knew where we had to be. And he has such a beautiful career also in London, he has such a good job. I feel like he has found his purpose also,” the actress stated.

The actress admitted that she was deeply affected by the breakup.

“I cried a lot. I just saw something recently na parang the first one who

speaks up bleeds first. Parang the first one who sees that it’s over bleeds first. And that’s true because I was the one who had to bring up the conversation so I guess I was in pain way before he was. I don’t know if he saw it too and he just didn’t wanna speak up or he didn’t wanna say anything, but I had to be the bigger person I guess, and bring up the conversation,” she shared.

Despite the split, Bela revealed that they remain friends.

“We talk almost every day. We are super close friends. Actually he visited me pa nung May. He visited the set of 100 Awit Para kay Stella,” she relayed. (MNS)

FORIMMEDIATERELEASE:September23,2025

PressContact:JenniferSrichandr, jennifer@oneapianevada.org,(702)788-3199

BarangayTownHallHighlightsKeyIssuesFacingNevada’sFilipino Community

LasVegas,NV –TheFilipinocommunityinNevadacametogetherfor BarangayTownHall,an eventhostedbyOneAPIANevadaincollaborationwiththeAAPIChamberandNevadaGrow. Thetownhallwasdesignedbothtoheardirectlyfromcommunitymembersandtoprovide timelyinformation,resources,andstrategiesfromleadersandorganizationsaddressing challenges facedbyFilipinosacrossthestate.ItalsocreatedspaceforFilipinosmall businessesandcommunitygroups,givinglocalentrepreneursandresourceprovidersan opportunitytoconnectwithattendeesandhighlighttheservicestheyoffer. Theprogramfeaturedabroadrangeofspeakersrepresentingstategovernment,education, immigration,labor,mentalhealth,andadvocacy.AssemblymemberEricaMosca,thefirst FilipinatoserveintheLegislature,emphasizedtheimportanceofAANHPIrepresentationin policymakingandreflectedonhowherpersonalandprofessionalexperiencesasaneducator continuetoshapeherpriorities.RegentAaronBautistadiscussedhighereducationaccessand sharedhisownexperiencerunningforoffice,highlightinghowapproachabletheprocesscanbe andencouragingothersinthecommunitytoconsiderpublicservice.SEIU1107ChiefOperating OfficerFelipeDanglapinaddressedunionrepresentation,underscoringtheimportanceof unionsinprotectingNevadaworkers.TheAAPIChamberfacilitatedconversationsonsmall businesschallenges,highlightingboththeopportunitiesandpressuresfacedbyimmigrant entrepreneursandsharingresourcestosupportlong-termgrowth.SeafoodCityalsoshared informationwithattendeesandsponsoredtheevent’scommunityraffle,remindingparticipants of thecontinuedimportanceofFilipino-ownedbusinessesinstrengtheningcommunityspaces. Nationalandcommunitypartnersaddedcriticalperspectivesonsafetyandwellness.Marita Etcubañez,VicePresidentofStrategicInitiativesatAsianAmericansAdvancingJustice,offered adetailedoverviewofanti-Asianhateandstrategiesforcommunityresponse,whilealicensed clinicalsocialworkerspokeonthementalhealthimpactsofracialtraumaandtheimportanceof building culturallycompetentsupportsystems.Theirpresencewasespeciallysignificant followingtheAugustsentencinginthecaseofFilipinoelderAmadeoQuindara,whowas violentlyattackedinaraciallymotivatedassault.Theincidentdeeplyunsettledthecommunity andemphasizedtheneedfordirectconversations,collectivehealing,andstrategiestokeep communitiessafefromtheimpactofanti-Asianhate. Throughouttheevent,conversationsreflectedthebreadthofissuesfacingNevada’sFilipino community.Whatemergedwasnotonlyrecognitionofthesechallengesbutalsothe

Award-winning Author / Journalist

Carlos Palanca Awardee & Professional Host/Emcee

Author website: www.marylaineviernes.com

Congratulations, Dr. Dianne Go Leonardo!

My first bestfriend in Las Vegas and gorgeous godmother to my daughter, Brooklyn Mackenzie (and I guess to my son and furbabies as well), Dr. Diana Jean Go Leonardo was newly crowned in the Ginang Filipinas America pageant held at Seattle, Washington, giving pride to our Las Vegas community and most of all bringing Glory to God! Dianne is a recording artist who is known as Las Vegas’ Singing Sweetheart. Congratulations to you, my dearest friend who deserves only the best in this world, your family and to Ate Marites Belga Irwin, talented makeup artist, stylist and one of the pageant directors of Ginang Filipinas in Nevada. More power to you!

Cheers to the Wedding of the Year! Congratulations to Spencer and Cirimille Faye!

What a lovely wedding celebration we all enjoyed, as we witnessed the love story of our beautiful and dearest Cirimille Faye Paglinawan to her prince charming and longtime love, Spencer last September 20, 2025. Special thanks to Chef Kiko and Alexis Pascual Roy of Rolling in Dough Bakery for the beautiful cakes that marked such a special celebration. Here are some photos of the wedding rehearsal and the actual wedding. Thank you Cirimille and mom Mila Paglinawan for sharing your love and joy to all...

Happy Birthday to lovely baby model, Brooklyn Mackenzie Viernes Moraes & mom Marylaine!

Marylaine Viernes celebrates her 39th birthday on September 29 as her daughter turned 4 last September 23, 2025. Marylaine is a sought-after professional events host while Brooklyn has been doing modeling for online campaigns since she was 6 months old and has been in various runway shows and they have recently came back from New York Fashion Week where Brooklyn was the youngest, most adorable model for Filipino designers, EC Publishing & Entertainent and Kubo Productions. Cheers to good health, happiness, adventures & more blessings for Brooklyn Mackenzie and family!

by: JOEL ENRIQUEZ, President

FIESTA FILIPINO: A Fiesta Like No Other

“FIESTA FiLIPINO IS COMING! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025 AT THE M HOTEL AND CASINO PARKING LOT - 10 A.M.- 10

- it’s a powerful expression of our heritage, unity, and pride. We’re calling on our entire community

community’s participation we can turn this into an annual event that will showcase the richness of

So said Event Chair Caoile reiterating her firm but warm call to action addressed to the

“All Hands On Deck!”

Filipino Street Food and delicacies together witth other Asian offerings will defi

nitely

SAT OCT 4th

FIESTA

true cross. CinCin Landeros essays the role as Reyna Elena of the festival. Community leadersRomeo and Nadia Jurani are Hermana Mayores. Beauty titlist Cirimille Faye Paglinawan have been busy with casting calls to finalize her stable of models for

“October is Filipino American History Month, and Fiesta Filipino is our way of celebrating it together as one community.”

shares Jacqueline de Joya, NaFFAA Nevada President.

“We’re excited to showcase our heritage through culture, arts, traditions, and food—while building connections and sharing the spirit of being Filipino with everyone.”

“We believe this event will be a wonderful way to foster community spirit and provide a platform for local Vegas talents. We anticipate that it will be a vibrant and engaging experience for everyone involved.” stated de Joya .

The emphasis on featuring Vegas artists couldn’t be more obvious than in the statement of talent impressario Ron Cabildo , of DEFTAL:

“I’m proud to bring local Vegas singers and performers to Fiesta Filipino. I believe in the incredible talent pool within our community, it’s an honor to showcase their artistry on this stage.”

“It’s been a whirlwind of activities as we prepare for Fiesta Filipino!” —Leo Belmonte, Event Co Chair, has been curating an exciting lineup of performances, while Dr. Mike Sta. Juana with Cynthia Deriquito, are hard at work bringing in a diverse mix of businesses and community partners as leads for the Vendors & Business Committee. Together, their efforts are shaping a celebration that’s as vibrant and dynamic as our Fil- Am community itself.”

NaFFAA has harnessed the participation of other Filipino American associations for the success of this event.

At this year’s Fiesta Filipino, the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Nevada (FACCGN) is bringing an early holiday cheer with the theme

“Christmas in October.”

“Guests can look forward to hands-on arts and crafts activities, including a fun DIY workshop on how to make a Filipino Christmas lantern (parol) , a beloved symbol of the holiday season.”, said Joel Enriquez, chamber president.

The celebration doesn’t stop there! A group called Filipino Moms will also showcase lively demonstrations of traditional Filipino games, where kids and grownups alike can try their hand at sipa, trumpo, piko, and even jump rope. It’s a perfect way to relive childhood memories, introduce traditions to the next generation, and share the joy of Filipino culture with the whole community.

O

Lugaw.

Olivia Enriquez

Lugaw: The Soul in a Steaming

Bowl

There’s a reason the Philippines has a love affair with lugaw It’s not just rice and water—it’s history, survival, economy, family therapy, rainyday blanket, and the culinary equivalent of a hug. It’s our national comfort food. And if you don’t believe me, grab a spoon, because by the time you finish reading this, you’ll be making a mad dash for the nearest carinderia or Chinatown stall, looking for the first bubbling pot of golden gruel you can find.

A Precolonial Love Affair with Rice Soup

Before ramen became Instagrammable and pho became hip, our ancestors were already ladling bowls of rice soup. The recipe was prehistoric in its simplicity: boil rice until it surrenders to water, season with salt, maybe ginger or lemongrass if you’re feeling fancy. And yet, in its plainness, it sustained farmers trudging through muddy paddies, fishermen braving stormy seas, and families who could stretch a handful of rice into a feast.

It wasn’t glamorous. It wasn’t “fusion.” It was life itself in a clay or aluminum cooker. This was home to my stomach. My comfort food. And that’s where lugaw’s story begins— humble, nourishing, communal.

From Ancestral Hearth to Fine Dining Bowls

Rice and water. Two of the simplest ingredients, yet together they create one of the Philippines’ most enduring comfort foods: lugaw. Long before colonizers, our ancestors boiled rice into gruel, flavored only with salt, ginger, or lemongrass. It was sustenance for farmers, fishermen, and families, hearty enough to feed many, humble enough to remind us of survival.

As centuries passed, lugaw absorbed the flavors of our encounters with the world. The Chinese traders brought soy sauce, scallions, ginger, and the art of congee. Through the galleon trade, echoes of Mexican atole and spiced rice infusions reached our shores. Modern times gave us new toppings—chicharrón, hard-boiled eggs, tokwa’t baboy—and suddenly lugaw was not just a dish, but a stage for creativity,

Trading

Spices and Borrowing Bowls

But lugaw didn’t stay humble forever. Enter our neighbors and conquerors, who couldn’t resist tinkering with our rice soup. The Chinese traders brought the congee mindset— ginger, soy sauce, scallions, and the idea that toppings are not garnish but destiny. Add an egg, a slice of pork, maybe a sliver of century egg, and suddenly rice soup had swagger.

Then came the Mexican connection through the galleon trade. with arroz caldo, with the idea of spicing up ground rice with ginger and garlic may have influenced our own experiments. Imagine a Filipino grandma, mid-stir, thinking, “Hmm, what if lugaw had a little fiesta in it?”

Fast-forward to modern Manila, and lugaw evolved like a realityshow contestant. We now have arroz caldo, perfumed with kasubha and chicken; goto, hearty with tripe; lugaw na tahong, briny and bold. Each version wears its influences proudly, like badges on a denim jacket.

My

Mother’s Lugaw (The Zero-Waste Horror Show Turned Comfort Bowl)

Now let’s get personal. In my house, lugaw wasn’t just food—it was a full production. My mother was the star, and her supporting cast included a live chicken, one unfortunate enough to be chosen for Sunday lunch.

She didn’t waste a thing. The neck, the feet, even the blood—everything

went in the pot. To a kid, it felt like watching a horror flick: feathers flying, garlic smashed, ginger murdered on the chopping board. My sister Marie and I would peek from the doorway, equal parts terrified and fascinated. But give it a few hours, and the horror turned into heaven—the house filled with the perfume of garlic, ginger, and simmering broth. From carnage came comfort.

Lugaw

as Startup Capital

Of course, kids will turn anything into a business, especially if there’s shopping money involved. One summer, Marie and I launched our own porch-side "lugawan". Our seed capital? Two pesos. That’s right—Elon Musk had Tesla, we had lugaw

Customers brought their own bowls (BYOB: Bring Your Own Bowl— we were eco-friendly before it was cool). We stretched rice into pot after pot, ladled with pride, and by the end of vacation, we had turned that tiny fortune into two hundred pesos profit. That’s a 10,000% ROI. Eat your heart out, Wall Street. If Shark Tank had been around, we’d have had Mark Cuban slurping tokwa’t baboy and begging to invest

From Ugbo to Greenhills to the Porcelain Bowls of Via Mare

Lugaw isn’t just my story—it’s the nation’s. It travels across class, geography, and even the spectrum of dining experiences.

In Ugbo, Tondo, Aling Fely’s carinderia keeps

Recipes to Steal Your Heart (and ease your pain! )

pots of lugaw bubbling for dockworkers and jeepney drivers. You eat it standing up, hunched over, and always with sweat on your forehead, no matter the weather.

Then came Goto King, the mall-era innovator of the 1980s and ’90s, who made lugaw mallrat friendly.

Enter Goodah!!!, with its cheeky “Open 25 Hours” sign and cult-status tokwa’t baboy. It proved lugaw could be a 3 a.m. craving, not just a rainyday staple.

And finally, Via Mare, who dressed arroz caldo in porcelain, lit it with candlelight, and served it to ambassadors. Lugaw went from jeepney stop to diplomatic reception in one generation.

Even Gloria Maris, known for Chinese banquet spreads, had its own congee cousins. Lugaw was never ashamed of its heritage— it just changed its shoes depending on where it was going.

The Final Ladle

By now, you should be salivating. Lugaw is not glamorous, but it is glorious. It is resilience in a bowl. It’s what mothers made out of scraps, what kids turned into startups, what carinderias served to jeepney drivers, what fine dining dressed up for diplomats.

So grab a spoon, inhale the aroma, savor the comfort of lugaw, arroz, caldo, and go to heaven!

It’s the dish that can stand next to ramen, pho, or congee and still wink, “But can you feed an entire barangay with a small bag of rice and chicken bone soup?” So the next time it rains, or you’re broke, or you just need a hug without the small talk, remember: somewhere in Manila, Tondo, or Las Vegas,