The God Culture: The Mystery of the Three Kings Book Review, Part 3: Magi is Maginoo

Having reviewed Timothy Jay Schwab's new book The Mystery of the Three Kings and shown that he has no idea what he is talking about and that the text of Revelation of the Magi contradicts him it is time to take a look at a few other things. In this article I will be reviewing Tim's claim the Greek word Magos is actually a Filipino word. 

The Mystery of the Three Kings, pg. 68

The title of the chapter is Magi is not a Word From the Greek. Already we are in bad etymological territory as magi (magos) is certainly a Greek word which is found in the Bible. Case closed, right? No, because Tim does a little dance and makes a little mess which needs cleaning up.

Here is Tim's introduction to the matter. 

One of the greatest revelations needed from Revelation of the Magi (RotM) is that the word Magi or Magos from the Wise Kings narrative does not originate in the Greek language. Greece is not East. The same could be said of Africa (which some scholars try to force), but for this to work, one must forget what direction both left and right are. Those are not theories. Yes, it is written in Greek in the New Testament (as the rest of the canonical books are), but is it Greek in origin? What if, instead, there was evidence that the word derives from its land and its language of nativity? It turns out, there is, thanks to this text. How many times have we all heard the Christmas sermon about how the Wise Men were not Kings? That is false, they were certainly Kings. 12 in all, there were more than three in number indeed, but three still has precedence, as you will find.

Then, even the highest of scholars takes us to the faulty assumption the Babylonian and/or Persian Magoi are injected by The Gospel of Matthew. They ignore that those Magoi were not even in power in the first century. They are still rebuked as satanic sorcerers in the same New Testament. One does not need to go to the Old Testament to learn how to read a word well defined in the New. They are changing the Bible when they do so, against its own interpretation itself.

They will make up fiction, supposing the sorcerers converted to the religion of Daniel. That is not ever a Bible account; it is poor assumption they cannot make. The fact that they have to manufacturer such a story to make their lie work should be evident. Certainly, Daniel was the head over the Biblical Wise Men, such as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, but sorcerers were his satanic enemy. For a theologian to assume such a thing is nonsense. Daniel never became head of the magicians. He was head of the Sophos; the Wise Men.

p. 69

What exactly does Tim think he is accomplishing here? Everyone familiar with the matter knows magi does not originate in Greek but is a Babylonian/Persian loanword. What Tim really means is magi isn't a Persian word not magi isn't a Greek word. He can't even get his claim right.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3097/kjv/tr/0-1/

the name given by the Babylonians (Chaldeans), Medes, Persians, and others, to the wise men, teachers, priests, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters of dreams, augers, soothsayers, sorcerers etc.

Look at that. Magos is a catch-all generic word which does not only mean sorcerer but can also mean teacher, physician, or wise men. Context matters. Matthew calls them Magos because they came from the East. They were Wise Men (Magos) from the East. If they had come from somewhere else then perhaps Matthew would not have used the word magos. In Acts magos is translated sorcerer because that's what those specific people were, men who used magic and sorcery. 

Keep in mind the word is magos and this word is also in the Septuagint in Daniel. That means the word was known BEFORE the Magi came to visit the Child Jesus. Tim is going to say this is a Filipino word originating in the word Maginoo. How can this be when the word dates at least to the time of Herodotus?

This name has come to us through the Greeks as the proper designation of the priestly class among the Persians (Herod. 1:132, 140; Xenoph., Cyrop. 8:1, 23; Plato, Alcib. 1:122; Diog. Laert. Parouem. 1, 2; Cicero, De Divin. 1:41; Apul. Apol. 1p. 32 ed. Casaubon, p. 290 ed. Elmenhorst; Porphyr. De Abst. 1. 4.; Hesych. s.v. Μάγος).

https://www.biblicalcyclopedia.com/M/magi.html 

Here is the citation from Herodotus which dates to 425 B.C.

When he has so arranged it, a Magus comes near and chants over it the song of the birth of the gods, as the Persian tradition relates it; for no sacrifice can be offered without a Magus.

 http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Hdt.%201.132&lang=original

Tim has a lot to say about Daniel to prove his thesis that the Magi in Matthew were not Persians. According to Tim Daniel was not placed in charge of the magicians but the Wise Men as the Greek word in the Septuagint is Sophos not Magos. 

Certainly, Daniel was the head over the Biblical Wise Men, such as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, but sorcerers were his satanic enemy. For a theologian to assume such a thing is nonsense. Daniel never became head of the magicians. He was head of the Sophos; the Wise Men.

pg. 69

The reference to the Book of Daniel’s Wise Men of Daniel 5:8, for instance, is not Magos. Daniel uses the Hebrew word hakim, which is a general term for those considered to hold knowledge above the regular folk. Taking that generality and assuming it into Matthew’s Wise Men is illiterate. However, he rattles off others in a listing that separates them. The King’s Wise Men that are described in the Book of Daniel were not the Magi described in the Book of Matthew. Even the era is very disconnected, as those Magi had no part in the New Testament except as enemies. One who supposedly converted to the Biblical faith would no longer be called a sorcerer. They would have to leave that satanic paradigm.

The Wise Men described in the Book of Daniel, however, are not Magos in Greek. According to the Greek Septuagint translation, the word is sophos meaning wise; not even Magos. It would not matter, however, if it was the same word; it most certainly is not the same concept in the Book of Matthew. Indeed, among those the King considered wise could definitely be sorcerers, however, they are still not called Magos by Daniel in the Greek Septuagint. They are still called sophos, instead, in Daniel 2:12, 13, 14, 18, 24, 27, and 48. Matthew’s Gospel repeats that in 23:34, using sophos as well; referring to prophets, wise men and scribes. Daniel does not even call them Magos. To equate that term solely based on a misunderstanding of a different word is not scholarship.

pg. 70

Tim is correct here in saying the King would consider sorcerers to be Wise Men. In Daniel sophos (wise men) is a catch-all term which includes enchanters, magicians, and soothsayers. Tim is wrong when he says Daniel was never head of the magicians.

Daniel 2:48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.

Daniel 4:9 O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and nosecret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof.

In 2:48 Daniel is made ruler over all the wise men (Sophos) of Babylon and in 4:9 he is called master of the magicians (ἐπαοιδῶν). That is because Sophos is a catch-all term for enchanters, magicians, and soothsayers.

Daniel 5:11 further affirms the above two verses and says he was put in charge not of the Wise Men (Sophos) but of the magicians (magos) among others.

There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the Spirit of God; and in the days of thy father watchfulness and understanding were found in him; and king Nabuchodonosor thy father made him chief of the enchanters, magicians, Chaldeans, and soothsayers.

https://biblehub.com/sep/daniel/5.htm

Here is the Greek with the relevant words highlighted.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lxx/dan/5/1/s_855001

The first word highlighted is archon which means chief or ruler. The second is the word for enchanter as in verse 2:48. The third word is magos which is translated as magician. Daniel was made archon or ruler of the enchanters, magicians, Chaldeans, and soothsayers who constitute the Wise Men of Babylon. 

Tim is totally wrong in his assessment of Daniel. The Septuagint version of Daniel does not help Tim's case at all. Tim's comments only muddy the waters for readers who won't or can't take the time to learn exactly how Sophos and Magos is used in the Septuagint version of Daniel. 

That should be the end of the matter but of course it's not. Tim's fake Filipino etymology for this word is incredibly stupid. Let's look at it anyway. 

What if the Philippines actually had a documented social class of royals known as the MAGI in their native, ancient language? Of course, that would be impossible. No such thing could ever occur... unless... it does! Filipinos already know what we are conveying as there is an ancient royal classification known as the MAGInoo. This was the highest social order, which included what one would refer to as Kings and princes. Then, Revelation of the Magi tells us these were Kings, sons of Kings, and Wise Men. It is not difficult.

MAGInoo: Tagalog: gentleman; gentlemanly; honorable.

maginoohin: of gentlemanly habits or bearing. Root: ginoó: mister; sir; gentleman. The female counterpart to “ginoo” is “ginang.” pagka-máginoó: Tagalog: quality of being noble, worthy or stately.

This title for royalty in the Philippines preceded the Spanish arrival recorded in use in 1571 and 1690 among other references. Better yet, it was recorded in the first century by the Apostle Matthew, who used the Greek language to express a word that was not of Greek origin. He was translating Tagalog into Greek.

pgs. 71-72

Behold Tim's brilliant solution! Matthew was translating Tagalog into Greek by transforming Maginoo into the word Magos. Why would Matthew shorten the word from Maginoo to Magos? Why would the usage of Magos in Matthew be different from that in Acts? Tim never explains how Magos is Filipino for Maginoo in Matthew and is Greek for sorcerer in Acts. Instead he gives a litany of Filipino words that begin with mag or magi and this is supposed to be his proof that Matthew was translating Tagalog into Greek. There was also no royal class in the Philippines known as Magi or Magos. They were called Maginoo. The words are not the same!

However, the scoffing academic would then ignorantly claim, “that is simply not enough.” No, it is not, and that is not the end of this narrative. What about these two definitions of prayer and silence? Certainly, neither of those could be of Philippine origin. Scoff! Scoff! Snark! Oops! They both are! In Tagalog, the national Filipino language, the prefix mag is used in magdasal, meaning to pray. MAG and MAGI are the origin, the root words, with a plethora of combinations in linguistics, which identify even other traits of the ancient Magi Filipino. Wow!

mag+root: [affix/verb] to do something; to do an occupation; to go; to use something; to wear something; to do a reciprocal action; to be.

MAGdasál: Tagalog: to pray.3

MAGa-ampo: Ilonggo/Hiligaynon: to pray. managampo: Bisaya: ampo: to surrender.

pg. 72

If Tim wants to go this route of listing words with mag in them how about this verse from Jeremiah 39:3.

And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergalsharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergalsharezer, Rabmag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon.

Rabmag means magian or Magian or soothsayer or an official of Babylon.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7248/kjv/wlc/0-1/

Is this word also of Filipino origin? Or perhaps it is more proof Tim is wrong about his etymology of magos. 

Finally, Tim gives us this gem.

The Chinese were documenting the account all along. They went to the Philippines to trade with an island, likely Mindoro, which they called MA-I or MA- YI. Wait! You mean they were attempting to express MAGI? We find that likely.

“An edict of 972 indicates that Mindoro (Ma-i) was part of that trade: In the fourth year of the K’ai Pao period [972], a superintendent of maritime trade was set up in Kwangchow, and afterwards in Hangchow and Mingchow also a superintendent was appointed for all Arab, Achen, Java, Borneo, Ma-i, and Srivijaya barbarians, whose trade passed through there, they taking away gold, silver, strings of cash, lead, tin, many-colored silk, and porcelain...” –William Henry Scott

“The first Philippine tribute mission to China appears to have come from Butuan on 17 March 1001. Butuan (P’u-tuan) is described in the Sung Shih (Sung History) as a small country in the sea to the east of Champa, farther than Ma-i...” –William Henry Scott5

Mindoro is on the way to Butuan, and we vet that further in The Search for King Solomon’s Treasure: The Lost Isles of Gold & The Garden of Eden. However, one of the most amazing facts about Mindoro or Ma-Yi, is the name of its indigenous tribes– the MAGI! Mindoro is historically famous for its skill in working with gold in fact.

Mang yan:

Mangyan is the generic name for the eight indigenous groups found in Mindoro each with its own tribal name, language, and customs. The Mangyans were once the only inhabitants of Mindoro 

pgs. 78-79

"We find that likely?" That is not a proof! That is conjecture. Ma-I is not Magi or Maginoo. Also the tribes of Mindoro are not called Magi but Mangyan as Tim even admits just after calling them Magi! Why is he lying about the Mangyan being Magi when he has already said Magi has its origins in Maginoo? He can't even keep his theories straight. 

This whole chapter is completely worthless. Not one time does Tim attempt to prove Matthew was "translating Tagalog into Greek" or that the Chinese meant Magi by Ma-I. He simply sates it as a fact and moves on to listing Filipino words with mag or magi claiming that is proof enough. He even has the gall to say the tribes of Mindoro are called Magi and then show they are actually called Mangyan! He is blatantly lying to the reader's face and is making it all up as he goes. He is "Baffling with BS." Tim is in fact storytelling. 

Are we "storytelling" or are we presenting the facts?

pg. 161

There is no reason to debate Tim on every word he lists because he has said Magi means Maginoo yet he has not proved that Matthew was "translating Tagalog into Greek." The Greek word magos pre-dates the Gospel of Matthew in Herodotus by almost 500 years. He does not even try to prove his case in any meaningful way except to say, "Look! This word looks and sounds like that word therefore it is that word or it is related to that word." That is not how linguistics works!

Retards in the Government 396

It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government.

 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2014978/makati-police-chief-officer-sacked-after-makati-shooting

The Makati City Police Station chief and a substation commander were relieved of their posts following an alleged shooting that occurred in front of ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro while she was stuck in traffic on Wednesday night.

During her manifestation at the House quad committee’s 13th hearing on Thursday, Castro expressed concern about her safety as she narrated that two police officers went out of their patrol car at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig after a man aboard a motorbike moved near authorities.

It did not sit well with the lawmaker that one of the police officers supposedly fired his gun in an area crowded with civilians.

However, the NCRPO said their records showed that the incident occurred on Makati Avenue in Makati and not in BGC.

“Right now, our investigators are on the ground to determine the details of the incident.  Part of the investigation is to find out why no report was made by Makati City Police Station regarding the incident,” the NCRPO said in a statement.

“Pending investigation, the Chief of Police of Makati City Police Station, the Police Commander of Sub-Station 6 and the personnel directly involved in the incident will be relieved from their posts to pave the way to an impartial inquiry on the matter,” it added.

Police also gave its assurance to the public, including Castro that NCRPO will uncover details about the alleged shooting incident and its members who committed transgressions against policies “will not be tolerated and will be penalized accordingly.”

Moreover, the NCRPO reiterated that all its operations should be conducted following its. police operational procedures (POP) and that any deviations from the POP during operations “will be dealt with accordingly.”

The Makati City Police Station chief and a substation commander were relieved of their posts following an alleged shooting that occurred in front of ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/12/13/ex-cop-yields-p500-000-shabu-in-iloilo

A former policemen was caught with approximately P500,000 worth of suspected shabu in a buy-bust operation in Balasan town, Iloilo province on Thursday. 

The suspect was identified as alias Tampol.

“This arrest serves as a stark reminder that the Philippine National Police (PNP) does not tolerate any wrongdoing, especially by those who were once part of our ranks,” said Police Col. Bayani Razalan, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).

The Balasan Municipal Police Station (MPS) with the regional office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency caught Tampol, a major drug dealer in Balasan and neighboring towns.

Also recovered from Tampol was a .38 caliber revolver with five live bullets.

Tampol was dismissed from the PNP in 2020 for illegal discharge of firearm.

“The rule of law applies to everyone including former colleagues who have chosen to violate it,” added Razalan.

A former cop has been busted for drugs. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2015095/police-officer-faces-arrest-for-snubbing-house-hearings

The House of Representatives cited former Mandaluyong City police chief Hector Grijaldo in contempt on Thursday and ordered him arrested after he failed to attend a joint committee hearing for the fourth time.

Taguig Rep. Amparo Zamora moved to have Grijaldo held in contempt after a Philippine National Police medical evaluation found him fit to appear before the quad committee.

The panel composed of the committees on dangerous drugs, public order and safety, human rights, and public accounts has been investigating supposed links among offshore gaming operators, Chinese syndicates, the illegal drug trade, and extrajudicial killings in the country.

“Sorry Mr. Chair, but I think we’ve given him enough leeway,” Zamora told the quad committee chair, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers. “We’ve been so patient with him and I think it’s the right time to make an appropriate motion.”

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong moved that Grijaldo be detained at the House’s detention facility until after the panel concludes its hearings.

Grijaldo has not returned since his appearance at the Oct. 28 Senate hearing where he accused two quad committee cochairs, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante

Jr, and Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, of trying to coerce him to corroborate former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma’s testimony under the Duterte drug war.

He was summoned because he was the Mandaluyong police chief at the time PCSO board member Wesley Barayuga was killed, allegedly under the orders of Garma and former National Police Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo.

Since then, Grijaldo has skipped House hearings, saying he had to undergo surgery for his rotator cuff syndrome.

But Police Lt. Col. Lionel Garcia, orthopedic department chief of the PNP General Hospital, testified before the House panel that the patient was “awake, coherent, cooperative and ambulatory.”

Grijaldo is now facing an administrative case for neglect of duty after he repeatedly failed to attend legislative hearings, according to Police Col. Rowena Acosta, chief of the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit.

The PNP disclosed that Grijaldo was given 10 days to reply to the administrative charges.

The House of Representatives cited former Mandaluyong City police chief Hector Grijaldo in contempt on Thursday and ordered him arrested after he failed to attend a joint committee hearing for the fourth time.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/12/13/2407029/ex-pdea-chief-villanueva-cited-contempt-quad-comm

The quad committee of the House of Representatives yesterday cited former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director general Wilkins Villanueva in contempt for lying under oath.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, quad comm lead chair, ordered a copy of the arrest order to be sent to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for implementation.

However, in Villanueva’s case, Barbers said the implementation would be delayed, in the spirit of Christmas, to Jan. 13, 2025 when the House resumes its regular session.

The discussion involving Villanueva during yesterday’s 13th hearing was centered on the complaint of detainee Jed Pilapil Sy, wife of suspected drug lord and Chinese national Allan Sy.

Mrs. Sy testified that she was arrested and made to sign an affidavit by her lawyer – a waiver pertaining to her arrest without the benefit of a warrant of arrest – in their house in Domoy, Davao City in 2004.

She said she was sentenced to imprisonment and jailed for the past 20 years for charges that she did not commit.

Her husband, she added, was killed by authorities prior to her arrest.

The quad comm questioned Villanueva about the warrantless arrest, but he evaded giving direct answers.

Asked by Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. if PDEA agents had a warrant of arrest when they arrested and jailed Mrs. Sy, Villanueva said the woman was not jailed and was just invited for interview.

“Since it’s already delegated to my investigators, I don’t know how many days she was there. My instruction is to conduct an interview on Jed Pilapil Sy because she is really a person of interest,” Villanueva said.

“As to detaining her, I have no personal knowledge, Mr. Chair. We are busy conducting follow up operations and investigation on other sites where the warehouses are located,” he added.

Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop, also a former police officer, said Villanueva could not claim lack of knowledge on what transpired later to Mrs. Sy, citing the principle of command responsibility.

The quad committee of the House of Representatives yesterday cited former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) director general Wilkins Villanueva in contempt for lying under oath.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2015498/negros-occidental-town-mayor-fined-for-untimely-firing-consultants

A municipal mayor in Negros Occidental was found administratively liable for the termination of the consultancy services of two doctors at the town’s hospital before their contracts ended.

The Provincial Board (PB) of Negros Occidental, acting as the investigating body, said Mayor Marilyn Era of Calatrava town was guilty of grave abuse of authority and gross negligence of duty.

In a decision signed by Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer on Nov. 26, Era was meted a penalty of a two-month suspension.

But in consideration of the need for continuity of public service to the people of Calatrava, the PB decided to just let the mayor pay a fine equivalent to two months of her salary, payable to the complainants, instead of being suspended.

Dr. Lewyn Torres, one of the two complaints, told the Inquirer in an interview on Dec. 6, that he was not satisfied with the PB’s decision because based on the provisions of the law, grave misconduct was punishable by six months to one year suspension.

He said he would meet with his legal counsel and may elevate the case to the Office of the Ombudsman.

The issue stemmed from a complaint filed by Torres and Dr. Kristine Ureta who were hired by the mayor as medical consultants of the Calatrava Municipal Hospital for three months or from April 1 to June 30, 2024.

In the last month of their consultancy services, they were informed by the chief of the hospital that they would not receive “any scheduled rotation” for June.

They argued that this act implies an early dismissal as the absence of work assignment was a prelude that they were excluded from the consultancy services.

The complainants wrote a letter to the mayor on June 3 ,seeking clarification but did not get a reply.

In its decision, the PB said Era committed grave abuse of authority by refusing to provide a work schedule to the two doctors for the month of June and negligence for her refusal to reply to their queries.

A municipal mayor in Negros Occidental was found administratively liable for the termination of the consultancy services of two doctors at the town’s hospital before their contracts ended.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/930100/ex-cop-in-2023-cavite-looting-incident-arrested-6-others-still-at-large/story/

A former cop who was involved in a looting incident in Imus, Cavite in 2023 was arrested in Lucena, Quezon, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

At a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said six more dismissed cops are still at large.

Fajardo identified the arrested ex-cop as Reymel Czar Reyes.

“So out of the eight na pinangalanan sa warrants of arrest, isa po ang naaresto doon ng [Criminal Investigation and Detection Group] sa Lucena at kasalukuyan pong nakakulong. At ang isa po doon, nag-iisang babae ay nakapagbail na po. So anim na lang po yung hinahanap ngayon,” Fajardo said.

(So out of the eight named in the warrants of arrest, one was arrested there by the CIDG in Lucena and is currently in jail. And one of them, the only woman, has already bailed. So only six people are at large.)

The former cops allegedly looted the house of 67-year-old Rebecca Caoile, a former professor, in Barangay Alapan 1-A during a supposed buy-bust operation in August 2023.

A CCTV footage showed the cops carrying some items from the house including a tire and a motorcycle rim. Caoile's son said the cops also took his savings worth P80,000, his laptop, and tools.

The involved cops neither had a search warrant nor arrest warrant for the operation, according to the PNP.

Complaints for robbery and extortion were filed against the involved police officers.

A former cop who was involved in a looting incident in Imus, Cavite in 2023 was arrested in Lucena, Quezon.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2016074/coa-4000-dead-seniors-still-on-philhealth-database

Thousands of deceased senior citizens remain in the database of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), while data on more than a million others were either incomplete or erroneous, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).

State auditors flagged the PhilHealth program for its enrolled senior citizens, which they said had a deficiency when it comes to collection and management process controls of the data on its 8.5 million enrollees.

According to the COA’s annual audit report on the state health insurer, this deficiency resulted in several issues, including the incomplete and erroneous entries for 1.3 million beneficiaries, duplication of nearly 270,000 senior citizen members and the inclusion of 4,062 deceased members in the PhilHealth Members Database (PMD) and billings to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The COA said its audit team sent letters to 250 health-care institutions (HCIs) requesting the list of its deceased patients as of Dec. 31, 2022.

Of the HCIs contacted, 63 responded, revealing that 3,616 senior citizens tagged as deceased from 2019 to 2022 were still included in the PMD.

“It is emphasized that the 63 respondents (HCIs) represent only 3.41 percent of PhilHealth’s total 1,846 accredited hospitals as of July 31, 2023. Thus, the aggregate number of deceased SC (senior citizens) in the database can be [much higher],” it added.

Another issue raised by the COA was that the elderly members’ data showed that 1.3 million enrolled beneficiaries, or 15.55 percent of the total, either have incomplete or erroneous details.

Most of the errors found by the COA pertained to the encoding of only a beneficiary’s middle initial instead of the full middle name, which involved 1.25 million beneficiaries.

Other errors included entries with no middle name, misspelled names, no encoding of their first or second names, and even suffixes that were not encoded in the right field.

The COA also raised the duplication and multiple entries for 266,665 enrolled senior citizens.

Assuming that half of them “are the unique or original data, the estimated minimum overbilling made by PhilHealth to the [national government] at P5,000 per member would be P666.66 million,” the report said.

Thousands of deceased senior citizens remain in the database of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., while data on more than a million others were either incomplete or erroneous, according to the Commission on Audit.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/12/17/2407759/state-auditors-flag-inaction-over-unfinished-multi-million-it-project

The University of the Philippines failed to act on all recommendations by state auditors to address a long-delayed P134.6-million digital infrastructure project, including collecting penalties from and blacklisting a subsidiary of a telecommunications giant, according to the Commission on Audit's annual financial report released Friday, December 13.

The 2023 COA findings note that UP has failed to enforce accountability measures on a major telco's digital services subsidiary over the troubled eUP Project — an initiative signed in 2012 under then-UP President Alfredo Pascual that aimed to integrate academic systems across all UP campuses. Despite COA's recommendations in its 2022 audit, the university has neither collected penalties nor secured the project's completion.

State auditors noted the university's continued inaction on three recommendations made last year. These were to collect damages from ePLDT, delist it from government projects, and demand the completion of undelivered project components.

In a statement sent to Philstar.com, PLDT said its subsidiary, ePLDT, has agreed with the university to "close" the issues related to the eUP Project.

The company's communications team said: "The University of the Philippines (UP) and ePLDT have agreed in principle on a mutually beneficial agreement to close the issues on the eUP Project, built on mutual trust and a shared goal to drive sustained success for UP’s stakeholders, and in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations."

"ePLDT remains committed to supporting the academic community by helping enhance educational competitiveness using technology and fostering a brighter, digitally driven future for all," the statement read.

The liquidated damages that UP failed to collect from the telecommunications company amount to P39.7 million as of Nov. 30, 2022. This stems from the contractor's almost six years of delay in implementing key components of the eUP Project. 

UP only submitted an updated computation of liquidated damages but took no concrete action to enforce penalties or secure the remaining deliverables, according to the audit report.

The UP Office of the Vice President for Legal Affairs had, however, drafted a "memo" recommending the issuance of a notice of termination, a verified report and a blacklist order by the head of the procuring entity.

"Thereafter, the parties may resort to arbitration," the COA report stated. Despite this, state auditors noted that there was "no submitted Memo or updates whether ePLDT Inc. was blacklisted by the university." State auditors also noted that there were "no updates in the actions taken by the Management regarding undelivered portion of the project / service to be rendered."

Last year, COA had specifically urged UP to deduct the damages from any money due to the telecommunications company and collect from the company's performance/security bond, as provided under Article V of their Memorandum of Agreement.

The university was also advised to impose appropriate sanctions beyond the liquidated damages, as prescribed under the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184 on liquidated damages, amended under Government Procurement Policy Board Resolution No. 02-2020.

Among COA's recommendations for UP was to "initiate the procedure of blacklisting ePLDT Inc. to disqualify it from participating in the bidding of all government projects if warranted."

The eUP project was meant to harmonize and automate information systems across UP's eight constituent universities and one autonomous college spread across 17 campuses nationwide.

Key components remain undelivered, including system integration test results and stress and security test results that would prove the interoperability of all information systems.

According to state auditors' findings in 2022, UP had sent the contractor a "final demand letter" on Feb. 12, 2020 to collect damages for its failure to finish the project by Jan. 15, 2017. 

The project faced backlash in 2016 when the eUP team criticized students whose undergraduate thesis exposed irregularities in its bidding process and reported violations of government procurement laws on brand references.

The University of the Philippines failed to act on all recommendations by state auditors to address a long-delayed P134.6-million digital infrastructure project, including collecting penalties from and blacklisting a subsidiary of a telecommunications giant, according to the Commission on Audit's annual financial report released Friday, December 13.

https://www.brigadanews.ph/police-officer-stabbed-to-death-by-construction-worker-over-jealousy/

A 40-year-old police officer was fatally stabbed by a construction worker during a drinking session in Barangay Pakiad, Oton, Iloilo allegedly fueled by jealousy.

The victim, a Police Staff Sergeant assigned to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Iloilo City, was identified as not being a resident of the area, nor was the suspect, 40-year-old construction worker Dan.

Initial investigation by the Oton Municipal Police revealed that the incident occurred on Monday evening during a gathering at a local store owned by a woman known only as “Dona.” The suspect was drinking with friends when the police officer arrived and joined the group.

Moments later, the suspect suddenly stabbed the officer in the side, reportedly due to jealousy. Authorities disclosed that both men were allegedly vying for the attention of the store owner.

Despite his injury, the officer managed to shoot the suspect before succumbing to his wounds. The suspect survived and is currently being treated at a hospital.

Charges are being prepared against the construction worker as authorities investigate further.

A 40-year-old police officer was fatally stabbed by a construction worker during a drinking session in Barangay Pakiad, Oton, Iloilo allegedly fueled by jealousy.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/612760/policeman-from-lapu-lapu-city-police-office-fails-drug-test

A police officer from the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) tested positive in a random drug test initiated on November 8, 2024.

This was revealed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Torres, spokesperson of LCPO.

He said that the police officer had a rank of a Police Staff Sergeant and was an operative of the Intelligence Unit.

However, Torres said that they were still waiting for the result of the confirmatory test.

During the drug test, 50 police personnel were subjected to the drug test.

(We will make an investigation and it would be worse if there are confirmatory test. Then for him he can challlenge it. And then if the procedure would be finished in the crime lab where all will be positive, he will undergo a summary dismissal proceedings since that is a grave crime.)

He said that he was also waiting for the decision of the unit head, whether the said police would remain in his post or he would be relieved and be placed at the holding unit.

However, if the confirmatory test remained positive, the said police would be relieved as an operative of the Intelligence Unit.

A police officer from the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office tested positive in a random drug test.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/612803/pandi-mayor-councilor-arrested-for-rape-ncrpo

The mayor of Pandi town in Bulacan province, a municipal councilor, and another individual were arrested over two rape complaints, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Wednesday.

Neither the NCRPO nor the Northern Police District (NPD) named those arrested, with the latter only identifying them as “a 51-year-old male mayor of Pandi, Bulacan; a 48-year-old male municipal councilor of the same town; and a 52-year-old male government employee.”

The incumbent mayor of Pandi is Enrico Roque.

The arrest took place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Roque-owned Amana Waterpark in Pandi, the NPD said in a statement on Wednesday.

The warrant was issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 121 in Caloocan City.

The NCRPO and the NPD did not provide details about the victim.

The suspects were brought to the NPD Custodial Facility, awaiting legal proceedings with no bail recommended.

“This operation is a strong reminder that no one is above the law. Our assurance is that NCRPO will pursue justice without fear or favor, ensuring accountability for everyone,” NCRPO Acting Director BGen. Anthony Aberin said in a separate statement on Wednesday.

The mayor of Pandi town in Bulacan province, a municipal councilor, and another individual were arrested over two rape complaints.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/silay-city-legal-officer-cited-for-contempt

Silay City Legal Officer Atty. Janus Jarder has been cited for two counts of contempt by the House Committee on Public Accounts and will be detained in Congress for lying.

Jarder is set to be detained at the detention cell of the plenary of the House of Representatives starting January 6, 2025. However, Abang Lingkod Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano intervened, motioning for Jarder to be allowed to spend Christmas and New Year with his family. He will remain in detention until the Committee submits a report.

Rep. Paduano explained that Jarder was cited for contempt due to his refusal to answer relevant questions and his evasive responses during the inquiry.

The contempt charge stems from a congressional investigation into alleged irregularities in the implementation of projects funded by Silay City’s P1.1 billion loan. The issue came to light through the testimony of Silay City Health Acting Officer Dr. Krisna Barnuevo, who revealed that prior to their attendance at the first congressional hearing on November 11, Jarder warned them not to eat the food served at Congress, claiming it could be laced with drugs that would affect their testimony. He also suggested that if they were subjected to a drug test, they would test positive, providing Congress a reason to cite them for contempt. Following Jarder’s advice, Barnuevo and others refrained from eating the food at the hearing.

Jarder and Barnuevo both appeared as resource persons during the inquiry on Wednesday, December 18.

Rep. JinkyBitrics-Luistro, who presided over the inquiry, along with other committee members, condemned Jarder’s actions, calling them a serious attack on Congress. “We ate the food served to everyone. This is a serious attack on this institution, and we do not tolerate such actions,” Luistro remarked.

Committee members Rep. Romeo Acop and Rep. Zia Alonto-Adiong, who were involved in the investigation, stated that they support immediate detention for Jarder due to the seriousness of his actions, particularly his false statements.

Silay City Legal Officer Atty. Janus Jarder has been cited for two counts of contempt by the House Committee on Public Accounts and will be detained in Congress for lying.

Coronavirus Lockdown: Cookies, Better Off, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.

Filipinos are so resilient that 1 in 2 feel better off than before the pandemic. That is a higher average than any other country in the world. 

https://business.inquirer.net/496152/1-in-2-filipinos-feel-better-off-than-before-covid-19

Almost half or 49 percent of Filipinos say they are better off economically than they were before the pandemic, reflecting a positive sentiment that is higher than the global average of 33 percent.

This is one of the findings of the report entitled “Cost of Living Monitor” by market research company Ipsos which covered 32 countries, including the Philippines, to examine how the public feel about their finances and the economy.

The study involved online interviews of 22,720 respondents, 500 of whom are from the Philippines. Data were collected between Oct. 25 and Nov. 8, 2024.

Findings show that 17 percent of Filipino respondents said they are “much better off” and 32 percent said they are “a little better off.”

Also, 25 percent said they were “neither better nor worse off,” 17 percent said they are “a little worse off,” and 7 percent said they are “much worse off.”

“Thirty-seven percent across 32 countries say they are worse off than before the pandemic, and this figure rises to 43 percent for G7 countries,” a statement from the company said.

Despite the much better view in the Philippines, 80 percent of Filipino respondents said they expect the inflation rate to rise over the next year.

“Two-thirds (65 percent) think the rate of inflation will increase in their country in the next 12 months. This figure is up seven percentage points since April and this is the highest figure we’ve recorded since November 2022,” the company said, citing the less pessimistic global sentiment.

However the same survey says 80% of Filipinos believe inflation will rise over next year. Seems that resilient happy attitude is just a cover. 

Everyone knows the lockdowns destroyed the economy.  Especially the economic managers who are predicting slow growth to continue.

https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2024/12/13/641350/slowing-philippine-growth-may-continue-next-year/

PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC growth could weaken further next year, falling short of the government’s target amid an incomplete post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) fiscal consolidation and still high interest rates, analysts said.

Pantheon Macroeconomics in its Emerging Asia Outlook report said it expects a “continued slowdown” in growth next year. It expects the economy to grow 5.4% this year and slow to 5.2% in 2025.

These are both well below the government’s 6-6.5% and 6-8% targets for 2024 and 2025, respectively.

The Philippine economy grew 5.2% in the third quarter, weaker-than-expected and the slowest in five quarters.

“Surveys show that a slowing rebuild of household savings in the Philippines from COVID and a cost-of-living crisis damage cushioned the slump in consumption growth this year, albeit at the likely expense of delaying a real recovery in GDP (gross domestic product) growth,” Pantheon said.

It added that the country’s economic output would “remain hampered by incomplete post-COVID fiscal consolidation and historically tight monetary policy.”

ANZ Research in its latest quarterly report said it expects economic growth to slow to 5.6% in 2025 from 5.7% this year. It said its outlook for 2025 is “downbeat, complicated by the lack of domestic growth catalysts amid fading exports.”

Consumer confidence has remained static and below pre-pandemic levels in most economies in Asia, it pointed out.

“Consumer surveys in both Indonesia and the Philippines suggest a fall in household savings over the last few years.”

The Institute of International Finance said it expects Philippine growth to average 5.8% this year and in 2025.

“Countries that are more reliant on dollar financing such as Malaysia, Korea and the Philippines are likely to face increased pressure from a strong US dollar and ‘higher-for-longer’ US Fed Funds policy rate,” it said.

The peso sank to the P59-a-dollar level twice last month, hitting a record low on Nov. 21 and Nov. 26.

“The Philippines, in particular, stands out due to its higher external financing needs, given its larger twin current account and fiscal deficits,” the institute said.

Meanwhile, both Pantheon and ANZ expect inflation to settle at 3.2% this year, compared with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 3.1% estimate.

The central bank is also expected to continue its rate-cutting cycle next year. ANZ expects the policy rate to end at 5.75% this year and 5% by end-2025.

“Real rates are likely to stay elevated in Indonesia, South Korea and the Philippines where 50-to-100-basis-point (bp) rate cuts are likely in 2025,” it said.

“The efficacy of rate cuts in Indonesia and the Philippines will be limited by the need to rebuild household savings,” it added.

Pantheon also expects the key rate to end at 5.75% this year but sees it falling further to 4.75% by the end of next year.

The Philippine central bank started its easing cycle in August with a 25-bp rate cut. It delivered another 25-bp cut in October, bringing the key rate to 6%.

The Monetary Board will hold its final policy review of the year on Dec. 19.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. earlier signaled the possibility of another 25-bp cut at the meeting.

If everything in that analysis is true (a slowing rebuild of household savings in the Philippines from COVID and a cost-of-living crisis damage cushioned the slump in consumption growth this year, albeit at the likely expense of delaying a real recovery in GDP growth) then why do 1 in 2 Filipinos think they are better off now than before the pandemic?

Medical inflation is predicted to rise next year as well. 

http://www.asiainsurancereview.com/News/View-NewsLetter-Article/id/90313/type/eDaily

The health maintenance organisation (HMO) sector in the Philippines chalked up losses of PHP4.269bn ($75m) in 2023, nearly triple the losses of PHP1.433bn in 2022, due to a substantial increase in claims and benefits paid, says a report released by WTW, a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company.

WTW, in its Global Medical Trends Survey report, states that medical claims frequency has significantly rebounded, now surpassing the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, with the cost per claim rising primarily due to higher costs of medical services and procedures.

In response to the increased losses, the HMO sector has adjusted its pricing assumptions annually to address the continuous increase in utilization trends, with 15% to 18% medical inflation assumptions over the past three years. Factors affecting medical inflation include rising hospital and clinic costs, increased professional fees and a higher frequency of diseases.

Although reports indicate that HMOs are recovering in the first half of 2024, ongoing negotiations between two HMO associations and various doctor groups regarding a potential 80% to 150% increase in professional fees are still driving the projected double-digit medical inflation for 2025.

The Department of Tourism has been hopeful about arrivals returning to pre-pandemic levels but now their timeline has shifted to 2027.

https://bilyonaryo.com/2024/12/16/struggling-recovery-visitor-arrivals-to-the-philippines-return-to-pre-pandemic-levels-by-2027/travel/

The Philippines will likely fall short of its tourism target, with visitor arrivals expected to return to pre-pandemic levels only by 2027 at the earliest, due to the slow recovery in travelers from China—a key source of tourists—according to Leechiu Property Consultants.

“Pre-pandemic arrivals are still somewhat distant from today’s levels,” said Alfred Lay, director for hotel, tourism, and leisure. “We expect full recovery to be in 2027. We were hoping it would happen a little earlier.”

Citing the slow recovery in China’s travel market, Lay said the Philippines will likely see a tempered 10% annual growth in tourist arrivals from around 6 million this year through 2028, when he expects 8.5 million arrivals. He estimates 7.8 million arrivals in 2027, far below the government’s 12 million target.

“COVID has cost us eight years of tourism growth,” Lay said. “Without COVID, we may have already surpassed the 10 million mark. But unfortunately, that is not the case, and many countries across Southeast Asia are still battling just to return to pre-COVID levels.”

Even with arrivals from South Korea and other major markets continuing to increase, Lay estimates that the earliest the country will see a return to pre-pandemic traffic of 8.2 million visitors will be between 2027 and 2028, assuming traffic from China remains subdued.

The decline in Chinese tourist arrivals—from 1 million in 2019 to fewer than 244,000 in 2024—”remains a significant challenge, and other source markets have yet to fully compensate for this shortfall,” Lay said.

Nevertheless, confidence in the Philippine hospitality sector remains high, with continued government and private sector investment in the industry in anticipation of an eventual recovery to pre-pandemic levels, Lay added.

The privatization and expansion of airports, the VAT refund system for foreign tourists, and the opening of new hotels and resorts “underscore this optimism, setting the stage for a promising 2025,” he said.

Interesting that China is the main source of tourist arrivals. Why is the DOT wasting time wooing Europe when they should be wooing back the Chinese?

The DepEd budget has been cut and teachers are saying this "will widen the digital divide among students and exacerbate the learning crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic." 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/12/14/2407248/deped-chief-teachers-decry-p12-billion-budget-cut/amp/

Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara and teachers’ groups have decried Congress’ decision to cut the DepEd’s 2025 budget by P12 billion.

“Sad to learn that both houses of Congress have decided to decrease by P12 billion the budget the President proposed for DepEd for 2025. This reverses a trend in recent years where Congress added even more to the education budget, save for one year during the pandemic,” Angara on Thursday posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The bicameral conference committee on Wednesday reduced to P737 billion, from P748.65 billion, the DepEd’s 2025 funding allocation in the reconciled version of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB).

Of the amount cut, P10 billion will be slashed from the DepEd’s computerization program, which aims to provide public schools with gadgets, equipment, software and training for teachers and students.

“Infrastructure is important, but so is investing in our people and human capital. The digital divide will widen,” Angara lamented.

“Those who do not have computers will find it hard to catch up,” he said yesterday on the sidelines of his visit to public schools in Iloilo City.

The DepEd will explore partnerships with the private sector and non-government organizations to provide technology to public schools, Angara said.

Of the P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025, P1.1 trillion will be allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“Investing in infrastructure is very important, that’s why we have increased the funds of different agencies in relation to this,” Sen. Grace Poe said in her sponsorship speech before the bicam approved the GAB’s reconciled version.

Poe pointed out that despite the budget cut, the DepEd’s 2025 budget increased from this year’s P715.3 billion.

The utilization rate of the computerization program is at 50 percent in 2023 and 11.92 percent as of June 2024, Poe said, citing the Commission on Audit report.

The DepEd budget for teaching supplies allowance has been doubled, from P4.825 billion in 2024 to P9.948 billion next year, she noted.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition said the budget cut will widen the digital divide among students and exacerbate the learning crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic.

How much time and money will it take for "the learning crisis following the COVID-19 pandemic" to be fixed?

Jewelry is now at the forefront of revenge spending in the Philippines. 

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/business-life/2024/12/13/2407119/jewelry-forefront-revenge-spending-expected-grow-pawnshop-chain/amp/

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, people were scared to send their jewelry, gadgets and other valuables via courier services — but times have changed.

“Ngayon nga, ni-Lalamove, dini-DHL ang alahas. Dati hindi, ‘di ba? Dati, takot ang mga customers. So nag-change na talaga ang kanilang behavior,” Sheila Shalduga, Palawan Group of Companies Chief Commercial Officer, recalled an instance of how much consumer behavior has changed since the pandemic.

Likewise, according to her, people nowadays are more confident in buying jewelry online, resulting in a spike in jewelry sales.

“Jewelry is really one of the industries that really boomed during the pandemic and especially after. So isa ‘to sa mga tinatawag na ‘revenge spending’ categories. When consumers couldn’t go out, they decided to invest in jewelry. And even if you look at our internal sales, our jewelry business grew significantly, especially after the pandemic,” she declared at the company’s recent media conference for the launch of their new Palawan Gold bars and jewelry collection.

She noted that the jewelry market has been experiencing a double-digit growth and is expected to grow by 2026, at around 15 to 20%, depending on the source.

“This is an indication that customers now… understand that buying jewelry, buying gold is a good investment because they can rely on it in times of need.”

Carlo Castro, the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, attested that jewelry spending during and post-pandemic has been so high, it crushed notions that people did not have money during those times.

“Even during the lockdown, we were surprised, ang daming bumibili ng alahas… and even post-pandemic,” he shared.

Bobby Castro, the company’s chairman, revealed that jewelry sales now plays a significant role in their company’s expansion into more branches and product categories, such as the new Palawan Gold bars and jewelry.

“Alam n’yo ba kung ilan ang nareremata lang? Akala kasi ng iba, ang pawnshop kumikita sa nareremata, pero actually, hindi. In our case, foreclosure is about four percent, so meaning, 96% ng mga isinasangla ay tinutubos. And ‘yung 4% na ‘yun, part ng nareremata, nililinis lang namin then ibinibenta ulit as jewelry,” he disclosed.

Shalduga affirmed that jewelry expenditures would continue to rise due to online selling.

“This is one of the things that changed sa habits ng mga customers during the pandemic na pagbili (ng alahas) sa online. Live-selling – kahit sa’n ka tumingin, may live-selling ng alahas.”

So, it's less about buying jewelry and more investing in gold. 

Another business which began during the pandemic is now a success with a real storefront. 

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/526097/the-cookies-that-can-change-the-world

In 2020, as the world was gripped by the stillness of lockdowns, Jmie Icasas found herself in a situation all too familiar to many—searching for clarity amid uncertainty. Luckily for Icasas, it came in the form of a chocolate chip cookie. 

A weeklong cooking challenge with her sisters led her to bake what she would later call her “OG Chocolate Chip Cookie.” Little did she know, this simple act of baking would sow the seeds of The Kind Cookie, a business that would become synonymous with kindness, passion, and community.

Humble beginnings would describe the early days of The Kind Cookie,  a small Instagram operation where Icasas delivered cookies in Ziploc bags with handwritten notes. However, this soon blossomed into a thriving business with a physical store in Salcedo Village. This is not only proof of her entrepreneurial grit but also a celebration of the community and values that have fueled her journey.

“I wasn’t even looking for a storefront,” Icasas says with a laugh. “I just wanted a bigger kitchen. But when I found this space, it felt like the universe was telling me it was time to take the leap.”

Beyond a quaint little cookie shop, The Kind Cookie reflects Icasas’ belief in the power of small acts of kindness, and what it truly means to make a difference. 

The pandemic was an unlikely catalyst for Icasas’ entrepreneurial journey. In the quiet days of the lockdown, she found solace in her kitchen as she experimented with recipes and shared her creations with friends and family. “Like most people, we were stuck at home, not knowing when life would go back to normal,” she recalls. “That’s when I baked the cookie that started it all.”

Her decision to turn this hobby into a business was driven by a combination of encouragement from loved ones and a desire to do something meaningful during an uncertain time. 

However, launching a business amid a pandemic came with its fair share of challenges. “Everybody, as in everybody, started baking from home and creating some sort of online business,” she explains. “The competition was tough, and I had to figure out how to stand out with very limited resources.”

One way she distinguished herself was by sharing her journey on TikTok, where her authenticity and behind-the-scenes glimpses resonated with audiences. “People love seeing the real side of a business,” she says. “That’s when I learned how powerful storytelling can be.”

While the pandemic played a role in shaping her path, it was not the sole catalyst for Icasas’ baking journey. “I grew up in the kitchen,” she shares. “Baking with my grandparents and experimenting with recipes as a child are some of my happiest memories.”

This lifelong love for baking naturally evolved into a purpose-driven endeavor. “From the start, I knew The Kind Cookie had to be about more than just selling cookies,” she explains. “It was about spreading kindness and showing people that small acts can have a big impact.”

It is a feel-good story we have heard many times. Surely she is better off now than before the pandemic.