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How corruption begins with a favor and erodes our community
By Ricky Rillera Corruption in our communities rarely begins with a suitcase of cash or a brazen embezzlement scheme. More often, it begins with something deceptively simple: a favor. A small request. A quiet exchange of influence. A leader who says, “Tulungan mo muna ako,” and a member who agrees because refusing feels impolite, disloyal, or […]
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Who is Angela Aquino?
By Cristina DC Pastor Around 2019, a dear friend introduced me to Angela Aquino, a fashion entrepreneur. He said she could be an interesting personality for the paper. She had just broken up with her long-time partner and was restarting her vintage apparel business – and her life — with her young son. It was […]
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At NaFFAA conference in Colorado, creating space for emerging voices
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) concluded its 16th National Empowerment Conference after two days of national dialogue, leadership development, cultural celebration and practical community-building. Held August 14–15 at the Hyatt Regency Aurora–Denver Conference Center and co-hosted by NaFFAA Rocky Mountain Region, the conference with the theme “Harnessing the Power of Community: Starting With […]
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PHL tops Southeast Asia in U.S. tourist arrivals, fueled by direct flights and Filipino American ties
By Cristina DC Pastor The Philippines is emerging as the leading Southeast Asian destination for travelers from the United States, according to officials of the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) in the U.S. They presented the following figures from January to May 2026: Philippines: 531,859 arrivals Thailand: 471,254 Vietnam: 445,813 Singapore: 317,074 Indonesia: 162,808 Cambodia: […]
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BEYOND THE VISA New DHS guidelines for international students, journalists: maximum stay capped at 4 years
Starting September 15, 2026, the era of open-ended timelines for international students, exchange visitors, and journalists will be officially over. F-1 Under the new Department of Homeland Security guidelines, F-1 students will be admitted for their specific program period up to a strict maximum of four (4) years. If a student is on optional practical […]
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Rey Grabato II wanted for $650-M real estate Ponzi scheme: FBI, DOJ
Hoboken, N.J. resident Rey E. Grabato, II is wanted for his alleged participation in a scheme that defrauded approximately 2,000 investors, including hundreds of investors in New Jersey, of over $650 million between February 2018 and January of 2022, according to the FBI website. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for […]
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Jenny Santi: Art as a path to creating and healing
By Marissa Bañez “I’m a better artist because I’m a therapist, and I’m a better therapist because I’m an artist.” Jenny Santi’s art is the bridge that connects her two passions, each practice informing the other. Her paintings are both a way of making sense of her own life and an outlet for the emotional […]
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At 42, Sam Milby craves peace and quiet, sees ‘family man’ in his future
By Cristina DC Pastor At 42, Sam Milby has accomplished much coming from a small town in Ohio where, according to the latest 2023 census Asians made up only about 2 percent of the population. He has been a reality TV star, actor, singer, model and commercial endorser. He has appeared in blockbuster films, teleseryes […]
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Why corruption persists: Young FilAms look to history, entrenched political elites
By Cristina DC Pastor As the Philippines confronts renewed scrutiny over allegations of corruption, particularly involving government spending and flood-control projects, a group of young Filipino Americans are asking a difficult question: Why does corruption persist in the Philippines? For these young observers, the answer cannot be reduced to individual politicians or a single administration. […]