Philippine Times Southern Nevada: Jan 26 - Feb 8, 2026 Issue

By: Leizel Trinidad, EIC

In the bustling kitchens of the Strip’s world-class resorts and the quiet hallways of Southern Nevada’s nursing homes, a common thread binds the Filipino-American community: the “sandwich generation.” These are the workers who balance demanding fulltime jobs while simultaneously caring for aging parents and raising children. For many of these families, taking a leave of absence to care for a loved one isn’t just a choice—it’s a cultural cornerstone of pagmamalasakit (deep care and concern).

However, until recently, a hidden “paperwork tax” stood in the way of many workers accessing their federal rights. As of January 1, 2026, a new state law, Assembly Bill 305 (AB 305), has officially taken effect, providing much-needed relief to Filipino-American families by capping the fees healthcare providers can charge for FMLA certifications.

The $30 Ceiling: Breaking Down the “Paperwork Tax”

Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employees are entitled to unpaid, job-protected leave for serious family health issues. But there was always a catch: to get that leave, you need a doctor to sign off on a mountain of paperwork.

In Las Vegas, where many Filipino-Americans work in high-pressure hospitality and healthcare roles, these forms are a lifeline. Yet, some local clinics and specialists had begun charging anywhere from $50 to $150 just to fill out the required medical certification. For a family already bracing for the loss of a paycheck during unpaid leave, these fees were a significant hurdle.

AB 305 changes the game:

The Cap: Healthcare providers are now prohibited from charging more than $30 to complete FMLA certification forms.

Inflation Guard: Starting in 2027, this $30 cap will be adjusted annual-

ly based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring the fee remains “fair” for doctors but “affordable” for families.

Transparency: The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is now required to post the official adjusted rate on its website every January 1st.

Why It Matters for the Fil-Am Community

The impact of AB 305 is particularly resonant in the Filipino-American community for two major reasons: the prevalence of multi-generational households and the community’s massive footprint in the healthcare industry itself.

Supporting Multi-Generational Care

For many Fil-Ams in Southern Nevada, caring for a Lolo (grandfather) or

Lola (grandmother) at home is a point of pride. When a sudden illness strikes, the primary breadwinner often needs to take a few weeks of FMLA leave to coordinate care or provide bedside assistance.

“We often see families hesitant to ask for the forms because they are already worried about the medical bills,” says Elena, a local HR consultant specializing in the healthcare sector. “By capping the fee at $30, the state is acknowledging that paperwork shouldn’t be a luxury. It’s a basic right to care for your family without being nickel-and-

dimed before you even leave the office.”

FEE CAP - FROM PAGE A-1

A New Protocol for Fil-Am Healthcare Workers

Interestingly, the law also affects the thousands of Filipino nurses, doctors, and medical administrators who staff Las Vegas hospitals. Filipino-Americans make up a disproportionate share of the nursing workforce in Nevada. These professionals are often the ones tasked with processing these forms for patients.

While some medical associations initially expressed concern that the $30 cap might not cover the administrative time required, the law aims to standardize the process. For Fil-Am medical office managers, AB 305 provides a clear, state-mandated rule that removes the awkwardness of “pricing” these services, allowing them to focus on patient advocacy.

What You Need to Know Before You Request Leave

If you are planning to take leave in 2026 to care for a family member or for your own health condition, keep these three things in mind:

Check the Fee: If a clinic asks for more than $30 for an FMLA form, you can politely point them to NRS Chapter 629 (as amended by AB 305).

Plan for “Lead Time”: Because the fee is now lower, some doctors’ offices may not prioritize these forms as quickly as they used to. Give your provider at least 15 days’ notice whenever possible.

Know the Scope: This cap applies specifically to FMLA certifications. It does not necessarily cover other types of paperwork, such as short-term disability forms or private insurance applications, though many providers may align their fees for consistency.

A Win for “Pagmamalasakit”

As the Filipino Town district continues to grow on Maryland Parkway, and as the community’s political influence in Nevada rises, laws like AB 305 represent a shift toward protecting the “essential workers” who keep the state running.

By removing the financial barrier to family leave, Nevada is making it just a little

bit easier for Filipino-American families to honor their commitment to one another.

In the end, AB 305 isn’t just about $30—it’s about ensuring that the cost of caring for family doesn’t include an unfair price tag.

Sources: Nevada Legislature (NELIS), Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Fisher Phillips (Employment Law Firm), U.S. Department of Labor: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Employee Rights Guidelines.

VP Sara Duterte faces plunder, graft raps at Ombudsman

MANILA, Jan 22 (Mabuhay) -- Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and a civil society group on Wednesday filed plunder, malversation, and graft complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged anomalies during her tenure as DepEd secretary and Davao City mayor.

“Pinapakita ng complaint na ito na una, ang kabuuang halaga ng mga nilimas o winaldas ni Sara Duterte ay maihahanay sa mga pinakamalalaking flood control scandal. Kaya karapat dapat na bigyan ito ng parehong pagsusuri,” Jocelyn Acosta, founder of the Silent Majority movement, told reporters.

The 41-page complaint cited the P650 million in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in 2023.

It further cited the P8 billion worth of allegedly overpriced laptops procured under the DepEd Computerization Program, P12.3 billion of disallowances, and P7 billion in unliquidated cash advances during Duterte’s term as education secretary.

Moreover, it referred to Commission on Audit (COA) reports that Davao City, under Duterte’s term as mayor, utilized over P2.735 billion in confidential funds from 2010 to 2022.

Sara Duterte says ‘ready’ to be President if Marcos Jr. resigns

Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV and members of a civil society organization file a new set of plunder and graft complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte at the Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, citing alleged malversation involving Php650 million in confidential funds and Php8 billion worth of allegedly overpriced laptops. Maria Tan, ABSCBN News

Trillanes said the complaints were based on sworn statements of Ramil Madriaga, Duterte’s former aide and founder of Inday Sara Duterte Is My

President (ISIP Pilipinas), who alleged that he delivered large sums of cash from Duterte’s confidential funds to various individuals under her instructions.

Madriaga is detained since 2023 over a kidnapping case pending with Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 21.

‘Go beyond confidential funds’: Analyst weighs in on plunder raps vs VP Sara

The complainants also accused Duterte of bribery, asserting she received money from a drug lord on several occasions during her term as Davao City mayor, based on Madriaga’s earlier claim that ISIP Pilipinas was funded by proceeds from Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) and drug dealers.

The complaint also pointed to Duterte’s controversial remarks about an alleged assassin supposedly contracted to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and the former House Speaker if she were killed, as evidence of what it described as her “disturbed, deranged, and unhinged” state of mind.

It added that Duterte’s “adamant refusal” to answer questions during House budget hearings, should be grounds for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

The complainants urged the Ombudsman to investigate the Vice President for possible criminal prosecution and to recommend the initiation of impeachment proceedings in Congress.

“Kailangan mabahala yung mga kababayan natin dito. Hindi lang ito sabi-sabi. Hindi ito paninira. Kasi kung paninira, hanggang dyan lang yan sa Facebook. Ito, dinala namin sa Ombudsman,” Trillanes said.

In October 2025, Trillanes also filed plunder complaints against the Vice President, detained former president Rodrigo Duterte, and Sen. Bong Go over their alleged involvement in the diversion of billions of pesos in government funds for infrastructure projects in Davao. (MNS)

Marcos: Peace, cooperation driving BARMM dev’t

MANILA, Jan 22 (Mabuhay) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday emphasized the importance of peace and cooperation between the national government and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as key drivers of the region’s steady development.

Speaking during the BARMM’s seventh founding anniversary celebration at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City, Marcos said the progress being experienced in the region is the result of unity, dialogue, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

The creation of BARMM marked a significant chapter in the country’s history, he said, noting that it was not only a milestone for Muslim Mindanao but also for the entire Republic of the Philippines.

“It is a landmark in our fight to achieve genuine progress and unity. It is proof that sacrifice, dialogue, and unity are the keys to lasting peace,” the President said, citing the gains achieved since the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2018 and the formal inauguration of BARMM in 2019.

Marcos said the establishment of BARMM demonstrates the collective commitment of the government, the Bangsamoro people, and the international community to peace, unity, and progress.

He also noted that the creation of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) laid the foundation for self-governance in BARMM.

“It shows that public service becomes more meaningful when it is carried out in the spirit of solidarity and collaboration,” he said.

Over the past years, Marcos said, institutions in BARMM have been strengthened, and the aspirations of Muslim Filipinos have been supported.

The President also underscored the deepening partnership between the national government and the Bangsamoro government, urging regional leaders to align local initiatives with existing national programs to maximize development gains.

He made the call as he acknowledged that much more needs to be done.

“Take advantage of the national programs and bring them to Bangsamoro,” Marcos said, adding that cooperation creates synergy and better outcomes for communities.

“My fellow Filipinos, we have come a long way. Still, there is work to be done. Peace is a vital foundation for progress. It is our shared responsibility to harness peace to further develop the region,” he said.

The President reaffirmed the national government’s commitment to assist the BARMM in expanding livelihood and economic opportunities, raising the standard of living, and ensuring inclusive growth.

He also expressed optimism about the region’s future, citing visible improvements and a growing sense of hope among residents as peace takes root.

Peace remains the foundation of progress, he said, calling on all stakeholders to safeguard the gains achieved through unity and cooperation.

Marcos added that the upcoming BARMM elections present an opportunity to strengthen democratic leadership that is accountable and responsive to the people.

“We aspire to further strengthen a leadership that truly serves the people – one that reinforces democracy and accountability. This is the kind of governance that we should pass on to the next generation,” he said.

He urged Bangsamoro leaders to build a system of governance anchored on accountability, participation, and shared responsibility, noting that the BARMM has the advantage of shaping institutions that avoid past governance pitfalls.

“As we build a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), let us continue to choose unity over division,” he said, expressing confidence that the Bangsamoro people would continue to reap the dividends of peace. (MNS)

PALACE: IMPEACH RAP VS. PBBM COULD HURT

MANILA, Jan 21 (Mabuhay) -- Malacañang said Tuesday the impeachment complaint filed against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. could have a detrimental effect on the country’s image and economic stability.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration had no involvement in the filing of the impeachment complaint, dismissing claims that it was a “scripted distraction.”

“Hindi maganda sa imahe ng Pangulo na siya ay masampahan ng impeachment complaint. Hindi rin po ito maganda sa pananaw ng mga ekonomista, sa ating ekonomiya (It is not good for the image of the President to be slapped with an impeachment complaint. It is also not good from the perspective of economists and for our economy),” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte on Monday questioned the motive behind the filing, claiming that the lawyer who filed the impeachment complaint was the same lawyer who represented First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in a disbarment case.

Castro categorically denied the allegation, calling it “fake news.”

“Ang First Lady po ay hindi po nagsasampa ng disbarment case. Hindi po niya abogado ang nasabing nagsampa ng impeachment complaint sa Pangulo (The First Lady did not file a disbarment case, and the lawyer who filed the impeachment complaint against the President is not her lawyer),” she said.

She added that even if a disbarment case had been filed, it would have been done on the lawyer’s own initiative and not in representation of the First Lady.

“So, sana po ay matapos na ang pagiging source of fake news ng mga kaalyado nila (We hope their allies will stop being the source of fake news),” Castro said.

She also rejected claims that the administration had anything to do with the alleged orchestration of the impeachment complaint, emphasizing that the Marcos administration respects the Constitution and due process.

“Definitely, none. Hindi po tayo sangkot sa anumang pagplanta ng ebiden-

siya (We are not involved in planting any evidence),” the Palace official said.

“Sa panahon po ni Pangulong Marcos Jr., nirirespeto po natin ang Konstitusyon, ang proseso at ang due process (Under President Marcos Jr., we respect the Constitution, the process, and the due process).”

On the one-year bar rule on impeachment under the Constitution, Castro said Malacañang does not see any advantage for the President even if the first complaint is officially referred to and initiated at the House of Representatives Committee on Justice.

Asked whether Marcos has issued a statement on the impeachment complaint, Castro said the President’s position remains unchanged, noting that he has no plan to intervene.

“Igagalang po iyan at dapat lamang po sana, lahat po tayo ay gumalang sa Konstitusyon, due process at proseso (It will be respected, and everyone should respect the Constitution, due process, and procedure),” Castro said.

Reacting to the possibility that House Majority Leader and presidential son Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos III may have to act on the impeachment complaint against his father, she said the President has consistently reminded his son to simply perform his duty.

“Kung ano po ang mandato ni Congressman Sandro, ipatupad po niya iyon. Wala dapat siyang kinikilingan, kahit ama po niya (Whatever the mandate of Congressman Sandro is, he should carry it out. He should not favor anyone, even his own father),” Castro said.

Lacking substance

Meanwhile, House Assistant Majority Leader, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, said the impeachment complaint lodged against the President “is fundamentally weak, lacks credible evidentiary support, and is widely expected to fail to garner the necessary votes to proceed beyond the verification stage in the House of Representatives.”

In a statement, Adiong said impeachment must not be wielded on the basis of recycled accusations, hearsay, or

purely political grievances.

“This particular complaint appears crafted more for media consumption than for serious constitutional scrutiny. The House will not treat impeachment as a mere press statement or partisan maneuver. We will demand substance, and in this instance, substance is conspicuously absent,” he said.

He noted that the accusations directed at Marcos rely almost entirely on long-standing claims from vocal critics – claims that have already been repeatedly aired in public without producing new, verifiable evidence capable of withstanding constitutional muster.

“There has been no parallel House investigation, no subpoenaed docu-

ments, and no smoking-gun proof presented. This is politics dressed up as impeachment, and it will not succeed,” he added.

Adiong also warned against treating impeachment as a casual political tool, saying reckless or premature filings could damage the country’s international standing and undermine investor confidence.

“Impeachment should remain a measure of last resort, given its political, economic, and institutional implications, and should be guided strictly by constitutional standards rather than momentary political pressures,” he said. (MNS)

Bong Revilla’s gadgets, clotHes barred from Jail —BJMP

MANILA, Jan 22 (Mabuhay) -- The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said it did not allow the entry of gadgets and clothes of former senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. into the Quezon City Jail-Male Dormitory.

“Lahat damit na hindi authorize, lahat ng hindi dilaw pinauwi natin sa kanyang abugado. Gadgets pinauwi rin natin (All clothes that were not authorized, as well as his gadgets, were given to his lawyer to be taken home),” said BJMP spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Bustinera.

“BJMP personnel are professional. We have zero tolerance for VIP treatment,” he added.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division issued Monday a warrant of arrest and a hold departure order against Revilla and six other individuals over an alleged P92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

Revilla surrendered Monday night to the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Camp Crame. He was transferred to the jail facility on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Revilla’s children and sister visited him in his cell. They refused to comment.

Visiting hours for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Revilla and co-accused, former Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan engineers Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, Arjay Domasig and finance section chief Juanito Mendoza, are in separate cells as they undergo the mandatory seven-day quarantine.

The two other accused, engineers Emelita Juat and Christina Pineda, are to be transferred to the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory at Camp Caringal after the Philippine National Police (PNP) served the return of warrant.

After the seven-day quarantine, Revilla and the four others will join the other PDLs in their cell.

Revilla was given vegetables for dinner and chicken for lunch.

The BJMP said jail guards will also be asked to wear body cameras to record their daily interaction with the PDLs.

Revilla has posted bail for his graft case, but remains in jail for malversation charges. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who hails from Cavite like Revilla, said, “The law is the law, there’s no special favor here. I have to do my job.”

Remulla said he went with Revilla when he was transferred to the QC jail facility as his “last act of friendship” to the former senator. (MNS)

Andi Eigenmann looks back on 2016, reflects on her successful chapter in showbiz

MANILA, Jan 21 (Mabuhay) -- Andi Eigenmann took a trip down memory lane and looked back on 2016, a chapter in her life when she was still active in show business.

Andi is one of the personalities who joined the “2026 is the new 2016” trend, sharing moments from the past decade.

On her Instagram page, Andi described 2016 as a “golden” year.

“2016, for me, was golden. From jet setting, magazine covers, and the Cannes Film Festival, (even witnessing my nanay make history as the first Asian Best Actress winner), to winning my very first FAMAS for Best Actress,” she recalled.

However, despite her thriving career, Andie admitted that she was struggling with her mental health at that time, which eventually pushed her to travel and explore life beyond the spotlight.

“Behind the bright lights, I was quietly struggling with my mental health, carrying battles no one could see. But that year, my journey started to shift. I began exploring islands, going on little adventures with Ellie and my friends, chasing open quiet shores, and waves!” she shared. “And there, I was met with a life that felt unmistakably meant for me. For me and my little Ellie. All that was left was the courage to take the leap!”

While she has since left showbiz, Andi emphasized that 2016 will always hold a special place in her heart.

“I eventually stepped away from the limelight, guided by my mental health and a deeper need for peace. But I will always cherish these moments as some of the best days of my life too. 2016 wasn’t just about being successful. It was about becoming,” she stated.

Andi moved to Siargao in 2017.

Back in June 2025, Andi took to social media to reflect on her journey living in Siargao as she marked her 35th birthday.

“I turned 35. embracing the privilege of going on another lap around the sun. Growing wiser, and with a deeper appreciation for the simple island life I chose,” she posted at that time.

Now residing on the island with part-

ner Philmar Alipayo and their children, the actress expressed how she has found peace in living a slower paced life. “I’ve found peace in slowing down, raising my beautiful babies by the sea, with nature all around,” she stated.

Andi also shared how she spent her birthday: “I was thinking of how I’d like to spend my day this year, and I found myself wanting to do nothing different from our usual day to day,” she relayed.

She ended her message by expressing her gratitude: “The life I get to live with my family and loved ones is a gift in itself already, and receiving warm greetings from all of you is the cherry on top. My heart is full. Thank you!”

In October 2023, Andi and Philmar opened a business venture called Happy Islanders Surf Club, a cafe and surf shop on the island.

As the business marked its first anniversary in October 2024, Andi took to social media to express her gratitude to those who supported their entrepreneurial journey.

“It’s been quite a journey learning and growing with my life turned business partner [Philmar], our awesome staff, and our mega fun crew of surf coaches, and we can’t be any grateful for all the love and support we have received from you all at our cafe, surf shop, and school! Thank you for being part of this adventure!” she said. (MNS)

BGC MANILA: A MODERN OASIS FOR RETURNING FILIPINOS

Are you planning to visit the Philippines soon? I am in Manila right now for a short visit to family and currently staying at a hotel at Bonifacio Global City. Nestled in the heart of Taguig, BGC has become one of the most striking symbols of the Philippines' transformation into a modern, globally competitive economy. For Filipinos returning from abroad, it offers not only a glimpse of the country's progress, but also a warm welcoming environment that blends comfort, culture and community. Staying at the Ascott Hotel in BGC, you're perfectly positioned to experience this vibrant district in all its beauty.

BGC is often described as Manila's "city within a city." Wide, tree-lined avenues, modern skyscrapers and art-filled public spaces create a refreshing contrast to the bustling streets of traditional Manila. Unlike many urban centers in Southeast Asia, BGC was designed with pedestrians in mind. Sidewalks are spacious, parks are abundant, and public art installations- from murals to sculpturesadd character to every corner. These parks provide open areas where families, joggers and dog owners gather. These spaces are not just recreational but also symbolic of the city's commitment to sustainable urban living.

Sleek glass towers house multinational companies, luxury condominiums and apartments turned (that sometimes serve as Airbnb), and lifestyle hubs - all reflecting the Philippines' growing role in the global economy.

Street art and curated installations make BGC feel like an outdoor museum that showcase Filipino creativity and pride. From sunrise walks to evening strolls, the district's beauty lies in its balance of modernity and nature- a rare harmony in the metropolis.

For visiting Filipinos, comfort is often measured by how seamlessly a place blends familiarity with convenience. BGC excels in this regard. For a week, my husband and I are staying at the Ascott Hotel. Here, we are immersed in luxury and convenience. We have a spacious suite and are afforded attentive service. There are amenities like a pool, and fitness center that make it feel like home.

BGC is also a culinary paradise. From authentic dishes to international flavors, the district caters to every craving. Although shopping in Manila is not my thing, I notice that BGC is lined with boutiques, flagship stores and cafes. It's a place where one can shop, dine and relax in one continuous stretch. Comfort here isn't just about luxury. It's also about accessibility. Every need, from healthcare to entertainment, is within walking distance.

BGC is more than just a lifestyle hub. It's a showcase of the Philippines' economic progress. Once a military base, it has transformed into a thriving business district that hosts multinational corporations, tech startups, and financial institutions. These businesses signal confidence in the Philippine workforce and economy. There is a growing culture of entrepreneurship, making BGC a breeding ground for innovation. Modern road network, efficient transport options and ongoing developments highlight the Philippine' commitment to building globally competitive cities.

For Filipinos returning from abroad, BGC is proof that the country is keeping pace with global standards. It's a reminder that progress is not just a promise. It is happening and thriving. Here at BGC!

Award-winning Author / Journalist

Carlos Palanca Awardee & Professional Host/Emcee

Author website: www.marylaineviernes.com

Pause for a Cause Fashion Show unites the community for suicide and mental health awareness

Las Vegas, NV – Sunday, January 18, 2026. The powerful and purpose-driven fashion show “Pause for a Cause”, successfully brought together designers, models, leaders, creatives, and community members to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. This impactful event was more than a runway showcase—it was a movement of hope, compassion, and courage. With a strong message of “You matter. We promote life.” the event created a meaningful space where voices united for healing and purpose. Four talented designers presented powerful collections supported by a total of 65 models who walked with intention for the cause: Alexis Sommers showcased an incredible collection with 15 models. She played a key role in helping bring the event together alongside Anuradha; Dae Delivered a dynamic showcase with 6 models; Chloe presented a stunning collection while Anuradha presented the impactful ESMA Collection with 27 models. The collection featured Jada, who served as model coordinator and trainer for ESMA. The heart and brain behind the entire event was Anuradha, whose vision sparked the movement. When designer Alexis came on board, the event expanded beautifully. With Alexis’ recommendation, Sou—who had been supporting Anuradha from the beginning—was appointed as Director of the event. In just two weeks, Sou worked tirelessly to organize and execute the show with excellence. The models themselves deserve special recognition—65 individuals who walked not for glamour, but for purpose, leaving with a deeper understanding of advocacy and impact. We also thank beauty queens and community leaders like Kay Pannu – Miss Elegance World International, Preeti Malik – Ms Bharat USA Runner-Up, Kanchan Kumari – Mrs Bharat 2025, Dr. James Lally – Cardiologist & Candidate for Nevada’s 3rd District and the like for bringing compassion, and visibility to the mission, reinforcing the importance of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Due to the overwhelming response, organizers are proud to announce the next Pause for a Cause event scheduled for April 26, 2026. Auditions are open for designers and models who wish to be part of this great movement. Text 360-5995219 for more info.

Of Masquerade balls and Timeless memories

We can ‘bearly’ wait for our baby girl, Mikayla Kinsley! Proud parents

and Kris Nicolas recently shared their journey at a fun,

Know the Son to Know the Father And Have Eternal Life

John 17:3-4

3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.

There are three Works finished by Jesus Christ to give us Eternal Life in Heaven.

1. To Reveal us The Father and Himself as The Messiah

John 17:3

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

2. To Glorify The Father

John 17:4

“ I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”

3. To Redeem Us By taking our punishment and from dying to our Sins and giving us His Spirit

John 19:30

“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

To have Eternal Life, Jesus Christ should give us life in Spirit. Even though we're living or alive, breathing here on earth, we live as dead because of sin. We remember Jesus Christ said to one who would like to follow Him but asked Jesus to wait for he needed to bury his father first. Jesus answered, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:21-22) For the wages of sin is death, (death in Spirit) but the [gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Like Adam and Eve, they died in spirit, because they sinned, they did not obey the Word of GOD. This caused them to die in spirit.

Genesis 2:16-17

16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (After they ate, they did not die in flesh but in spirit.)

After their disobedience, they were cast out from the Garden of Eden and prevented from eating the fruit from the tree of life and eat, and live forever. After HE drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.”

Another example is Saul, the first king of Israel. He died not following the instructions of the LORD.

In 1 Samuel 15:3, the LORD instructed Saul to totally destroy and not to spare life of Amalekites including animals, but in verse 15:9, Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.

Therefore in 1 Samuel 16:14, the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and GOD sent a distressing spirit to trouble him. Distressing spirit although sent by the LORD is not a living spirit of GOD, but the dead spirit of evil, the spirit of the world. (1 Corinthians 2:1214)

So, to have Eternal Life is to know the Father and follow Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD. To know the Father is to know the Son.

John 14:6-7 says, “ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you

would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

We have to believe that Jesus is GOD, the Word in the beginning that became flesh (John 1:1-2,14). GOD became flesh so HE can reveal Himself and show how much HE love us.

The LORD revealed this plan in prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah’s time.

In Isaiah 7:14, GOD said “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

In Jeremiah 31:31-34, GOD said this;

Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. 33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

Jesus Christ started to fulfill this prophecy of Jeremiah in the Sermon of the Mount teaching Beatitudes. Matthew 5:2 said that Jesus opened His mouth and taught them. This is the fulfillment of Jeremiah 34:34. “No more shall every man teach his neighbor,

and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

In Hebrews 1:1-3, it addressed us that “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word

So we will not suppose to wonder like Philip. Jesus said to Philip in John 14:9-11 “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.”

Jesus explicitly said to those unbelieving Jews that He and the Father are one (John 10:30)

That’s why John 3:16 sums up the requirement of Eternal Life. “ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

We will not be able to know the Father without knowing the Son, and we cannot believe the Father without believing the Son. Eternal Life only comes when we know the Father and the Son are One. AMEN

Cordillera Heirloom Rice

The rice that is grown closest to the skies

ATen years ago, I said yes to a project that I thought was about recipe development, food styling, and photography—and promptly discovered it was actually about falling in love with rice. I was working with Eighth Wonder, cooking my way through Cordillera heirloom varieties that refused to behave like ordinary grains. These were not background carbohydrates. These were grains with provenance. They cooked slowly, filled the kitchen with nutty, grounding aromas, and insisted—politely but firmly—on being treated with respect. Somewhere between steaming Tinawon and photographing a bowl that didn’t need garnish, I realized I wasn’t just testing recipes. I was being schooled in altitude, ancestry, and patience.

t that time, I approached the work with a designer’s instinct: composition first. How does the grain sit in the bowl? What light honors texture without dramatizing it? How much styling is too much? The rice answered all of those questions for me by refusing excess. It didn’t want elaborate plating or heavy sauces. It wanted space.

Air. Honesty. Brevity. That was my first lesson—that food grown closest to the skies does not appreciate being overdesigned.

There was romance in that project, but not the glossy, aspirational kind. It was the

quieter romance of understanding where the rice came from: steep mountain terraces, cold spring water, and generations of farmers who kept planting even when it would have been easier to stop. Styling those dishes made me think differently about beauty. Not beauty as polish, but beauty as endurance. Each grain carried evidence of work—human work— and suddenly my role felt less like a creator and translator. Cooking for the camera.

As I cooked and photographed, my relationship with food

shifted. I started cooking more deliberately at home, testing recipes not to impress but to understand. How does Unoy behave with spice? What happens when red heirloom rice cools for a salad? Why does black rice feel almost ceremonial when paired with coconut milk? I wasn’t chasing novelty; I was building intimacy. That portfolio grew quietly—one dish at a time—without me realizing it was also reshaping my creative direction and palate.

That heirloom rice project became an unexpected offshoot,

one that nudged me from home cook to food stylist, and then looped right back into my life as a packaging designer. Suddenly, texture mattered more than trend. Story mattered more than surface. I became more confident in restraint, more willing to let materials—whether food or packaging substrates—lead the conversation. The rice taught me that good design doesn’t shout. It listens.

In retrospect, I smile at how gently that project rearranged my creative life. It didn’t announce itself as a turning point.

The Rice grown that is closest to the skies— made possible by our Cordillera farmers. We give thanks.

It simmered. It waited. And it reminded me that creativity, like heirloom rice, is cultivated slowly—through respect for origin, gratitude for labor, and the humility to let something ancient teach you something entirely new.

And 10 years later, I landed as a food writer. Here. in Philippine Times of Southern Nevada. Food Section. And heirloom rice birthed another career for me. Thank you for that!

Promotion le Tote, le chic

THE BUSINESS OF

chamber matters

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

JOEL ENRIQUEZ, President

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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

The PROMO Tote Bag : Why We Can’t Stop Collecting Them

At the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the most visible—and telling—forms of booth promotion wasn’t a screen, a demo, or a celebrity appearance. It was a tote bag. Not just any tote, but the right tote: great material, clever graphics, a knowing wink of design, and the right size (they seem to keep on getting bigger each year!). Attendees queued patiently for the most desirable ones, while the less-inspired versions sat unattended, stacked casually on stands like flyers no one would read. One would think the need for bags in a trade show is to put personal stuff in them plus some flyers, brochures or contact information cards, but no sir, I witnessed ladies stuffing more tote bags inside the largest tote bag they can grab.

Outside the trade show circuit, this same phenomenon plays out in everyday retail. Trader Joe’s, the beloved grocery chain known for its private-label cult following, somehow turned a simple heavy cotton tote—with a modest embroidered logo—into a global status object. These bags are bought and sold, and astonishingly, resold in cities without a single Trader Joe’s storefront: i.e., London, Manila, Seoul. Online listings price them at levels that defy common sense for something originally meant to carry bananas and frozen dumplings.

So what’s going on here? Why has the humble tote bag become a collectible?

Utility Meets Identity

First, totes are useful. They’re environmentally friendly, endlessly reusable, and adaptable—from groceries to laptops to gym clothes. But function alone doesn’t explain the obsession. The most coveted totes signal belonging. Carrying a CES-exclusive bag says, “I was there.” Carrying a Trader Joe’s tote says, “I get it.” It’s shorthand for taste, insider access, and cultural literacy.

Scarcity Creates Desire

The most successful totes aren’t mass-distributed forever. At CES, some bags are limited to a few thousand pieces, released at specific times, or tied to brief activations. Scarcity triggers urgency. Miss it, and you’ve missed a moment. Trader Joe’s understands this instinctively— seasonal designs, regional graphics, limited runs. The bag becomes a souvenir of timing as much as place.

Design as Social Currency

A tote is a mobile billboard, but a personal one. Unlike branded apparel, it doesn’t feel like advertising; it feels like choice. Good typography, restrained color palettes, a witty phrase, or tactile details like embroidery elevate a tote from freebie to fashion-adjacent object. Design turns cotton into conversation. by:

The Global Souvenir Effect

Sometimes, the most desirable tote bags require a lanyard scan and some industry related questions to be aswered. Above tote could easily have been the best looking of all the CES promo tote bags.

The purse may be high end and branded, but the totes are freebies and “democratic collectibles”. CES attendees pose with their haul of functional and iconic totes. BELOW, some eye-catching samples of covetable CES tote bags. They’re democratic collectibles: no glass cases required, no white gloves—just a shoulder and a story.

In cities without Trader Joe’s, the tote becomes exotic. It represents access to an American retail mythology—quirky, curated, friendly, and affordable. In this way, totes travel better than products. You can’t ship frozen mandarin chicken halfway around the world, but you can carry the idea of it on your shoulder. The craze is a peak example of mass consumerism that’s fueled and intensified by social media. There are social media influencers acquiring the bags to make content and garner clicks.

In an era obsessed with digital everything, the tote bag’s rise is refreshingly analog. It’s proof that when design, timing, and meaning align, even the simplest object can become irresistible. At CES or at the grocery store, the message is the same: people don’t just want things—they want symbols they can carry with them.