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MAY 2026
Do these 9 things to feel safer now
By Amy Nofziger
AARP Bulletin
WE are all under assault from scammers, and trying to stay safe can seem like a futile effort. But there are some relatively easy things anyone can do right away to improve security, according to AARP’s fraud prevention experts.
1. Update your passwords, including for your home Wi-Fi. And don’t use your pets’ or grandkids’ names. Instead, try a passphrase you’ll remember, but substitute a symbol for a letter, like so: Il@velceCream1960!
2. On social media, do a privacy checkup. Under Settings, choose Privacy, and check to make sure only people you choose see your social media posts.
3. Take your Social Security card out of your wallet, and put it in a safe place.
4. Go into your device and log out of all your apps to avoid unauthorized access.
5. Change your settings on your smartphone to send all unknown numbers to voicemail. (On iPhones, go to Settings, Apps, Phone, then Silence. Android phones vary, so google it.)
6. Freeze your credit. This will prevent crooks from stealing your identity and opening new credit cards and other accounts in your name. Unfreeze it when necessary to allow a credit search.
7. Review your bank and other financial accounts right now for suspicious activity. Do this daily, weekly or monthly, especially for bank and credit card statements.
8. Add the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) to your contacts for quick access, if needed.
9. Delete apps not in use, including those with saved passwords.
Visit aarp.org/fraudwatch network for more resources.
Amy Nofziger is the senior director of fraud victim support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network.
EDITORIAL - MAY '26
No fear: The pope Trump cannot silence
By Randy David
Guest Editorial
Inquirer News Services
PREVIOUSLY, I wrote that perhaps someone like the pope could perform the vital function of moral diplomacy to stop the United States-Israeli war on Iran. I had only the vaguest idea then of how Pope Leo XIV might handle that role, or with what consequence. Now we know.
We have seen, in vivid and at times surreal detail, what happens when morality speaks to power—when the world’s two most influential Americans, Pope Leo XIV and President Donald Trump, confront each other in full public view.
Power, it turns out, follows a predictable script. First, it questions the authority and competence of the moral speaker. Then it attacks the person himself. And when moral speech refuses to retreat and shows no signs of fear, power resorts to caricature—distorting the very message it cannot answer.
So it was with Trump and Leo. The president began by accusing the pope of “selective morality”—for supposedly ignoring the atrocities of the Iranian regime against its own people. He then escalated to the blunter verdict that Leo was “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy.” When Leo responded, gently but without flinching, that he had no fear of the Trump administration and would continue speaking the Gospel’s message of peace, Trump reached for something stranger. He posted two AI-generated images in rapid succession: the first depicted him as a supreme healer ministering to the sick and dying; the second showed him being tenderly embraced by a Christ-like figure. Both fit precisely what Leo had already denounced as the “delusion of omnipotence.”
It is difficult to say what Trump hoped to achieve with these images. They could be read as claiming that he is the true healer of nations, and that God is therefore on his side. They could also be read as something more disturbing: that he himself is God and stands beyond accountability. In an uncanny way, both reminded me of the blasphemous outburst Rodrigo Duterte once made during his imperious presidency: “Who is this stupid God?” Different men, different occasions—but the same stubborn refusal to recognize any authority beyond their own will.
I suspect Leo more or less expected this reaction. But he was not speaking primarily to Trump, and he had no interest in a tit-for-tat with a narcissistic president. What he was doing was far more important: speaking to the moral imagination of the American people. Many Americans are troubled by the war launched in their name but hesitate to say so, fearing it will be seen as unpatriotic. Leo’s intervention gives them permission to speak. He has said as much directly, urging Americans “to seek ways to communicate, perhaps with congressmen, with the authorities, saying that we don’t want war, we want peace.”
It is not uncommon for popes to speak out against war. In 1965, Paul VI addressed the United Nations to call for an end to the Vietnam War; President Lyndon Johnson responded with careful diplomacy. In 1979, John Paul II stood at the same podium to call for a just settlement of the Palestinian question; President Jimmy Carter welcomed him at the White House. In 2003, the same pope opposed the American invasion of Iraq—and President George Bush said nothing. Pope Francis pleaded for peace in Syria, opposed Russian military intervention, and called the building of walls rather than bridges “unchristian.” Trump called his remarks “disgraceful,” before later softening and calling Francis “a wonderful guy.”
But Leo’s words have landed differently. No American president before Trump has attacked a sitting pope so directly and so insultingly. The reason may lie in the fact that Leo is not only the pope but also an American. As sociology professor Michele Dillon of the University of New Hampshire observed in a NPR podcast: “If you have a pope who was born and raised in Chicago and really a true out-and-out American criticizing in pointed terms, I actually think that carries more weight.” It cannot be dismissed as anti-Americanism. It lands as the voice of a conscience that shares the same citizenship.
And beyond the American public, Leo is speaking to the world. The Iran war will not be resolved on the aggressor’s terms alone. It will require the patient restoration of diplomatic channels that have been carelessly destroyed—and that reconstruction needs voices of moral authority. Leo has made clear he intends to be one of them.
When a superpower feels the urgent need to attack a pope, we can be fairly sure it is not because the pope has said something wrong. It is, rather, because the truth hurts—and inflicts its deepest wounds on those who have built their power on lies.
Mailbag
Why Being Poor is More Expensive: When basic needs become luxury
Dear Editor,
Expense, per se, is not limited to money; it also includes time, dignity, and the toll it takes on spaces. It is a paradox: a person may be poor, yet poverty often proves more expensive than wealth.
According to statistics released by Ibon Foundation as of May 2025, there remains a significant gap between the current minimum wage and the estimated livable wage required to support an average Filipino household.
With a minimum wage of around P600 a day, a family can purchase several packs of instant noodles, canned goods, biscuits, and other processed foods. That same amount must also cover essentials like electricity and water bills, transportation, school supplies, and more. For families living paycheck to paycheck, choosing unhealthy food becomes a more practical option than buying expensive fish, meat, or fresh produce.
We cannot simply tell people to “eat healthy,” nor judge them for consuming processed meals, because often, we don’t know the full story behind their choices. Documentaries show children who eat nothing but instant noodles every day. Their priority is survival, even if it means risking long-term health consequences.
Students who grow up on poor nutrition, or those who come to school with an empty stomach, frequently get sick, lack energy, struggle to learn, or are frequently absent. Over time, this can lead to dropouts or poor academic performance. Even graduates may be forced into jobs they don’t enjoy, because they need to earn, causing burnout, stress, and misaligned life paths. Some of these children may later start their own families while still unemployed or underemployed, continuing the cycle of poverty. This is sometimes worsened by a lack of access to family planning or by the cultural belief that children will one day lift their families out of poverty. And so, the cycle repeats—unintentionally, but systematically.
Over the years of merely “surviving,” many families face serious health consequences. Some skip annual check-ups because preventive care has become a privilege rather than a necessity. Many cannot afford it. As a result, many rely on traditional remedies or self-medication, while others simply avoid the hospital altogether.
A single visit to a doctor now costs between P500 and P1,000, depending on the specialist, excluding transportation , meals, and medication. For families with limited resources, that P500 is often reallocated to “more urgent needs” like food to survive another day. In that struggle, the ordinary Filipino is left with little to no dignity in the name of survival.
It feels as though citizens are forced to beg for the help that is rightfully theirs when they are the ones who put these officials in power in the first place. Public service should not require pleading. My hope remains for a future where Filipinos no longer have to beg for the bare minimum, but instead live under a government that truly serves its people with compassion and integrity.
Aeisha Shaina Marie C. Salvador,
salvadoraeishashainamarie@gmail.com
COMMUNITY NEWS - MAY 2026
Skokie Festival of Culture, May 16-17
ConGen Diano meets with Wisconsin Fil-Am leaders, State Rep. Angelito Tenorio
ConGen Diano meets with Wisconsin Fil-Am leaders, State Rep. Angelito Tenorio
The 35th year of the Skokie Festival of Culture is scheduled on Saturday and Sunday of May 16 and 17 at Oakton Park, corner Knox Ave and Oakton street in Skokie with the opening ceremony at 1 pm participated by the local FilAm Community. Events starts at 11 am and closes at 6 pm on both days.
Since 1991, the event, held at Skokie’s 19-acre Oakton Park, has grown over nearly three decades from 14 cultures with 1,000 attendees, to more than 30 cultures and 25,000 visitors, annually. Over two days in May, visitors enjoy ethnic folk music and dance, arts and crafts, international children's games, food and drinks, cultural booths, vendors displays and the festival’s iconic flag display.
Native art, handicrafts and informational materials will be on display at the Philippine booth. To volunteer, call Jelly at
ConGen Diano meets with Wisconsin Fil-Am leaders, State Rep. Angelito Tenorio
ConGen Diano meets with Wisconsin Fil-Am leaders, State Rep. Angelito Tenorio
ConGen Diano meets with Wisconsin Fil-Am leaders, State Rep. Angelito Tenorio
MADISON, WISCONSIN— Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano met with Wisconsin State Representative Angelito Tenorio at the Wisconsin State Capitol on April 17, in line with its continuing efforts to strengthen engagement with Filipino-American leaders and communities in the U.S. Midwest.
During the meeting, the Consul General briefed Representative Tenorio on the Consulate’s key initiatives for 2026, including activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of Philippines-United States diplomatic relations. The Consul General also highlighted major programs such as the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour and the U.S. Business Mission to the Philippines, and extended an invitation to Representative Tenorio to participate in these initiatives.
The Consul General likewise discussed with Representative Tenorio various issues and opportunities concerning the Filipino-American community in the U.S. Midwest. For his part, Representative Tenorio briefed the Consul General on his key advocacies and priorities, which include his strong focus on clean energy and climate action.
Representative Tenorio holds the distinction of being the first Filipino-American elected to public office in the State of Wisconsin.
Following the meeting, the Consul General and the Consulate team joined Representative Tenorio at the State Capitol’s North Hearing Room for a Meet and Greet with leaders and members of Filipino community organizations from across Wisconsin. The gathering provided a valuable platform for dialogue, enabling the Consulate to listen to the concerns of the community and to share updates on its programs and services.
Consul General Diano also took the opportunity to reaffirm the Consulate’s commitment to working closely with Filipino-American leaders and organizations to promote community welfare, civic participation, and stronger Philippines-United States relations.
DAY of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan) commemorating the fall of Bataan, April 9, 1942, was marked by the Philippine consular officers of Chicago led by ConGen Melanie Rita Diano, Filipino and American War Veterans, Knights of Rizal and leaders of the FilAm Community April 10 at the Bataan-Corregidor Bridge on State Street and Chicago River followed by a recognition luncheon at the Consulate's Kalayaan Hall at 220 S. Michigan Ave. (PINOY Photo)
NAFCON Midwest held a dinner fundraiser April 14 at Chicken Ati Atihan. Nerissa Allegretti (seated, center) and Phil Pascua (4th fr L) reported on the humanitarian mission and community based learning outreach held December 2025 in areas affected by permanent flooding due to ghost flood control projects and those affected by development aggression in Pampanga. Local partners were the Roman Catholic Vicariate of Blessed Trinity, Bigkis Pampanga, Council for Health and Development, and Consortium for People’s Development and Disaster Response. There were 28 cohorts in the mission who came from different parts of the US. They were nurses, health workers, public health professionals, health students and community advocates.
Five hundred families were recipients of the relief goods and 158 individuals from flooded areas were assisted in the medical mission. The humanitarian mission is a component of NAFCON’s Bayanihan Disaster Response. Present were Gemma Esmalla (Chicago Nightingale), Lodi Po (PIWC, 5th fr L), Evelyn Tolledo (BUSAM, 2nd fr R), Yoly Tubalinal (Gintong Pamana, seated R), Joe and Ellen Balmadrid (St John Brebeuf Filipino Group, 2nd & 3rd fr L), Pastor Sam Dado (R), Juliet Tolledo, and Rocco Allegretti (L). Others not in photo were Ernie Tolledo, Nicky Nicholas, Mariano A. Santos of PINOY Newsmagazine, Don, Holly and Ezekiel Santarinala.
The participants pointed out that the humanitarian missions they conduct in the Philippines are concentrated in specific areas while NAFCON is unique as it responds to areas identified by their local partner organizations and churches in different parts of the Philippines. Donations are welcome, contact Nerissa or Phil at 312-532-2940; email: nafconmw@gmail.com; and website at www.nafconusa.org
New Filipino Nurses Exhibit to Reveal Lives Beyond Stereotypes
Contacts:
Merle Salazar
Filipino American National Historical Society Greater Chicago Chapter (FANHSC)
Ginger Leopoldo
Circa Pintig
Angel Abcede
Filipino Nurses Exhibit Lead Coordinator
Website:
Going Home This Summer?
It’s a Good Time to Book
SUMMER is just around the corner. For many Filipinos living in the U.S., it’s when conversations start turning into plans. You check your calendar, talk to family back home, and figure out when to finally make that trip happen. It may not be the busiest tourist season, but for many families, it’s the time that finally makes coming home possible.
If you’ve been thinking about heading to the Philippines this June, July, or August, now is a good time to lock things in. While summer brings more flexibility, it also means the most convenient flights—good departure times, fewer connections, and preferred airlines—get taken first. Booking earlier gives you more control over your trip. If you want to explore available routes and fares, ASAP Tickets is available at +1 888-535-5979 to help you compare options.
There’s another side to traveling during this time. Because summer falls during the Philippines’ rainy season, tourism is generally quieter. That often means greater availability and better overall value than in peak months. Places feel less crowded, and the pace is more relaxed.
For many families, summer is simply when the trip makes sense. School is out, schedules open up, and it becomes easier to spend meaningful time together back home. That’s why even with more flights overall, the best ones don’t stay available for long.
Working with a travel advisor can simplify the process. Instead of going through endless combinations online, you can speak to someone who already knows which routes still have availability, which dates offer better value, and how to build a trip that fits your schedule.
ASAP Tickets has been part of that process for many Filipino travelers over the years. Their advisors look beyond standard search results, suggest smarter routes, and help adjust plans when needed—a hands-on approach that can make a real difference during busy travel periods.
And if your plans are more immediate, there’s still a chance to make it happen. Even for last-minute trips in May or early June, it’s worth checking what’s available.
Call +1 888-535-5979 today and mention ASAP50 to receive your exclusive $50 Pinoy Newsmagazine discount. You might be closer to being back home than you think. You might be closer to being back home than you think.
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