Pilipino Express • Aug 1 2019

Volume 15 • No. 15 • August 1 - 15, 2019 Publication Mailing Account #41721512

Bea Alonzo The 50th edition of the annual Folklorama celebration of multiculturalism hits Winnipeg from August 4 to 17, and will feature 45 pavilions across the city. “There’s nothing like Folklorama in the world and I can’t imagine Winnipeg without it,” says Folklorama President Stan Hall. “Folklorama’s success is because of our tireless volunteers, dedicated staff, supportive sponsors and the unwavering commitment of our performers and ambassadors. It’s because of them that Folklorama will exist for another 50 years!” Folklorama began in 1970 as a one-time celebration of Manitoba’s centennial but has since grown to be the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world. The Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion at RB Russell Vocational School (on the corner See FOLKLORAMA p9

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Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion Ambassadors, l-r: Youth Ambassadors Talia Wedin and Jeremiah Torres. Adult Ambassadors Reneé Karen Dela Cruz and Jan Michael Reyes. Photo by Del Pelagio

Filipino bilingual program calls for new students

12 Gerald Anderson & Julia Barretto

Community urges Seven Oaks School Division to continue monumental language program by Darlyne Bautista

Manitoba’s growing FilipinoCanadian community has its hopes set on keeping the country’s first Filipino bilingual program running at A. E. Wright School in the Seven Oaks School Division. At least 20 students in grades K to one as well as 20 students in grades two to three are needed for the program to continue in September 2019. However, numbers have fallen

MHEL ELAGO (204) 955-4654

landmhel@gmail.com

www.landmhel.ca

short. Educators and community supporters are pushing to increase registrations before the end of August. “Parents should be able to call the school and register their child without being discouraged that the program may not continue,” said parent, Ivy Lopez-Sarmiento, whose twin daughters attended the program in its inaugural year. “It has been a struggle to encourage parents to enrol their See FILIPINO p4

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Gambling and corruption One of the biggest rallies ever held in Davao City was in late 1994 (or maybe early 1995) when Davaoeños came together to oppose the launch of Lotto by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). I was a new reporter then and I remember standing in a sea of people all pushing government not to go through with the idea. It was naturally led by the Catholic Church and civil society, but they had an ally in then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who had expressed opposition to the new game. I can’t remember his exact reasons, but I recall that some of it had to do with his distaste for enticing Filipinos to use their hardearned money to bet on a game in which one’s chances of winning are truly astronomical. At the time it was introduced, there was only the Lotto 6/42, in which a better picks a six-number combination from 1 to 42. According to the website Filipiknow.net, the odds of getting all six numbers are 1 in 5,245,786. Later on the PCSO added four more Lotto versions, with the odds getting more and more difficult: Mega Lotto 6/45 (with 45 numbers instead of 42), where the odds of winning are 1 in 8,145,060; Super Lotto 6/49 (1

in 13,983,816); Grand Lotto 6/55 (1 in 28,989,675); and Ultra Lotto 6/58 (1 in 40,475,358). Personally I’ve never put any money into PCSO’s games (Lotto, Sweepstakes, Small Town Lottery, etc.). I know that the intent is noble: the PCSO is one of the biggest money earners for the government and millions of poor Filipinos depend on it for assistance, especially for their medical needs. But I agree with critics that in doing so, the PCSO is also encouraging a culture of gambling among Filipinos. To me, the end (helping the poor with their medical needs) does not justify the means (enticing people to part with their hard-earned money with the promise of instant wealth). This is not to mention the corruption that must surely have festered in the PCSO over the decades, which President Rodrigo Duterte confirmed when he ordered the closure of all PCSO gaming activities on July 26. In his own words, the ground for the closure order was “massive corruption” involving “all” – that is, the corruption in the PCSO’s gaming activities was being perpetrated at all levels. This includes, he said, the courts that issued injunctions like restraining

orders that allowed the corruption to thrive even when government wanted to stop it. I’ve always been suspicious of Lotto since the time it started. It appeared that there was a winner of the jackpot every week (or close to every week). If the odds of winning were so astronomical, how could there be a lucky winner every single week? It didn’t make sense. Add to that the fact that the winners were never identified, allegedly to protect them from the evil that men do on those who get rich instantly. We were never really sure if anyone was actually winning or, as many suspected, some people were lining their pockets with the jackpot money. In fact, it was only under the Duterte administration that the Lotto prize grew to record highs precisely because fewer and fewer people were guessing the right combination of numbers correctly. The biggest prize ever won in PCSO Lotto history was P1.8 billion in October last year, which grew to that size because no one had won the Ultra Lotto 6/58 jackpot since the previous February when two bettors shared a jackpot of P331.9 million. You can’t look at those numbers and not ask why it never happened before in the Lotto’s 24-year history.

But more than just the prize, it’s the huge amount of money lost to corruption that angers many Filipinos right now. Two weeks before Duterte ordered the closure of Lotto and other PCSO games, the Commission on Audit (COA) revealed that the PCSO had not remitted to government a whopping P8.426 billion in profits – half of its P16.852 billion net earnings from 1994 to 2016. Imagine how many lives could have been saved with that amount. In his televised speech, Duterte hinted that he did not actually want government to operate Lotto and other such games but conceded that allowing gambling “may help in the economic activity because money goes around.” “But if you f*** government, that’s something else. Talagang kayo ang naghingi. Ibibigay ko sa inyo.” [You asked for it, now you’re going to get it], he said. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the original author, and do not necessarily represent those of the Pilipino Express publishers. Jon Joaquin is the Editor-InChief of the Davao City-based Mindanao Daily Mirror. E-mail Jon at jonjoaquin@gmail.com.

FILIPINO... From page 1 children because the support from the School Division is hardly there. We’ve been left out of information sessions and school open houses to let parents know this program exists. We are really hoping the Filipino-Canadian community can get the word out, show support, and stop the School Division from ending the program.” The Filipino Bilingual Program is based on the Manitoba Education Curriculum and divides the medium of instruction between Filipino in arts subjects and English in math and sciences. The Seven Oaks School Division also currently offers Ukrainian and Ojibwe bilingual programs. “It is important that the Filipino Bilingual Program continue,” said teacher, Porfiria Pedrina. “The Filipino-Canadian community here is now over 80,000 strong. The diversity among our students as newcomer children, as well as second and third generation Canadians, ranges from knowing so much to knowing so little about their heritage and language. The Filipino Bilingual Program is an important opportunity for them to build their own positive self-identity in a nurturing and safe cultural environment. They already exemplify, in just one year, what it means to grow with this sense of belonging.” To register children by the end of August, parents are urged to contact Cory Juan at 204-6948517 or e-mail her at coryjuan@ gmail.com.

1045 Erin Street Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3G 2X1 Phone: 204-956-7845 E-mail: info@pilipino-express.com www.pilipino-express.com Publisher

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ALEX CANLAPAN Photographer ••••••••• Columnists/Contributors DALE BURGOS JB CASARES ANNE CAPRICE B. CLAROS YVANNE DANDAN ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ BRO. GERRY GAMUROT NORMAN ACERON GARCIA MICHELE MAJUL-IBARRA PERLA JAVATE JUDIANNE JAYME PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE NOEL LAPUZ JON MALEK MALAYA MARCELINO ALONA MERCADO LUCILLE NOLASCO CST. REY OLAZO PAQUITO REY PACHECO DR. REY PAGTAKHAN CHERYL DIZON REYNANTE MICHAEL SCOTT TIM ST. VINCENT RON URBANO KATHRYN WEBER

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E-mail: info@pilipino-express.com www.pilipino-express.com Sales & Marketing Team ISAGANI BARTOLOME RODGE LOPEZ JAMES NEIL SOLIVEN The Pilipino Express is a Winnipeg based news-magazine published twice a month. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. The Pilipino Express and Pilipino Sports Express are registered names. Reproduction of any content and/or ad design published in the Pilipino Express is not permitted without the publisher’s written consent. Materials submitted are subject to editorial discretion and the publication accepts no responsibility for the return or safety of unsolicited artwork, photos, or manuscripts. All rights reserved.

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Do you fight fair?

How to turn an argument into a discussion I’ve worked with many couples over the years who find that they argue often and that things are getting worse between the two of them. Each partner feels frustrated and tired, but don’t know how to fix things with their loved one. Not everyone can get to a couples therapist for one reason or another, but to start improving your relationship right away, here are common phrases and behaviours to avoid and what to do instead: Using “shut the door” phrases These are common things that I hear said between two spouses that make my heart drop because it subtly says “It’s your fault,” and “I don’t have to change in any way.” It feels like the door is being shut on any kind of useful communication and creates a barrier between two people. Examples of these sayings include: • “You knew this about me when we started dating/got married.” This shuts down any communication about the issue and any steps towards positive change because what it really tells your loved one, “I’m not going to change. Too bad.” Avoid saying this at all costs because it will only

upset your partner. • “You always do this/you never do that” e.g. “You always pick your friends over me,” or “You never help me out with the cleaning.” What usually follows is an argument about whether this is true or not. One person lists all the times that support this statement and the other lists all the times that prove the statement is wrong. This is a waste of time because chances are that the accusation is not 100 per cent accurate. If you cut out the use of “always” and “never”, and use an “I statement,” it eliminates an unnecessary debate. An “I statement” is a sentence that addresses the emotion that you are feeling and the specific situation. For example, “I felt left out when you forgot about our date night and went out with Jaime,” or “I felt upset when I had to clean up after our dinner party by myself.” This type of sentence is not accusatory and gives more room for proactive discussion. • “You should know by now that…” e.g. “You should know by now that I would have preferred dinner out on Saturday rather than Friday.” Well actually, the objective response to this is that it isn’t realistic to think that your spouse

should be able to read your mind or guess right 100 per cent of the time. Instead, try to gently solve the problem with them by saying, “Please check with me next time.” Name calling Whenever people resort to a mean label, e.g. “You are so stupid,” or “Don’t be such a baby,” or worse! – this action is childish and pointless. It shows that you are not able to express your own frustration and anger well and that you would rather transmit your emotions onto the other person and hurt him or her. Excessive amounts of this can lead to verbal or emotional abuse. Instead, use an “I statement” to express your position and listen closely to your loved one’s response. Tallying or score keeping This pattern of arguing keeps couples stuck because each person just lists everything that they do and bring to a relationship, but implies that the other does not measure up. For example, an argument may sounds like: “I take care of all the laundry… well I take care of all the yardwork… well that’s only once or twice a week, I have to put the kids to bed every night…” And on and on they go. Instead, acknowledge something good that your sweetie

has done, and then, express your need. For example, “Thank you for mowing the lawn, I know you’re tired, but could you please give me a hand with dinner?” Dismissive non-verbal actions Often times I will catch people who roll their eyes when their spouse is talking or worse, they will laugh inappropriately. It is never a good feeling to see your spouse do this when you are talking. Even more subtly, I will see couples lean away or turn away from each other. Theorists have said that communication is 93 per cent non-verbal! So to improve the quality of your relationship, watch your facial expression, do not inappropriately smile or laugh when your spouse is upset, and do not turn your back on your loved one. This is because these actions

communicate to the other: “You are ridiculous” or “You are not important.” So instead, you want to send the message of “I want to fix this.” You can do this by turning towards your partner, looking them in the eye, and if it feels right, reach for their hand, rub their back, or touch their arm. This let’s them know that you are listening. Once you start making these positive changes when you communicate with your spouse, this will encourage similar communication behaviours from him or her. Ultimately, this starts a new, kinder and more respectful way to talk to each other. Cheryl Dizon-Reynante is a licensed therapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

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Feng shui and personal chi traps There are times in life when it seems like all the odds are stacked against you. The world may feel like it’s turned its back on you, or that whatever you touch doesn’t work out. Maybe things keep breaking or relationships are challenging you at every turn. Sometimes something we don’t expect happens: an accident, a serious disease, or a natural disaster. Whatever the cause, when the bad luck of your life seems to stack up like cars in rush hour it’s hard not to feel desperation creeping in. This happens to everyone at one time or another. But there are some people who stay trapped in the circumstances like someone unable to move when they’re being electrocuted. This is because their personal energy is trapped. What causes one person to be able to move past difficulties and others to stay stuck in them? Below are some of the key causes that can keep your personal energy seemingly stuck in difficult circumstances or personal difficulties – and how you can change your chi. Personal chi traps: Desperation and despair

– This type of energy is one that can lead to hopelessness or desperate behaviour. The desperate person often seeks a solution that is outside of them. Feng shui works best when you combine your efforts in your life (searching for a job) with your feng shui (activating your career sector). When the desperate person reaches for something outside themselves first, they may find that feng shui doesn’t support them. Energy doesn’t seem to move or it remains stuck and situations continue a negative progression. The solution? Try to reach a neutral emotional state. The complaining trap – Difficult circumstances can sometimes cause us to become blind to a way out. We may look for unique or alternative ways to improve our luck or circumstances, like through feng shui, and complain when it doesn’t work. But you have to ask yourself if you’ve done what you really needed to do to make your feng shui work. A good example is when I was trying to sell a house, I complained about the limited number of showings, though I knew I needed to move a large piece of furniture from the

house to help move the energy that would help our house sell. However, moving that piece of furniture wasn’t what I wanted to do, it was a lot of work and expense to move a giant china cabinet, but I knew it was the thing that had to be done to get our house sold and start moving. And I found myself enjoying the move being “outside of my control.” Yes, even though we say we want something, we often don’t want the responsibility of it. So we complain. Finally, tired of complaining, I moved the china cabinet and the house sold within days and with multiple offers over asking price. And even if you don’t complain out loud, are you going over and over in your mind with negative statements? The truth is I wanted to sell my house, but I didn’t want to move a piece of furniture before the house sold. I also didn’t want to go through the hardship of moving. This is the trap. Often what we complain about is the thing we have to take responsibility for, or it’s something that inconveniences us, or causes short-term discomfort. But complaining, even while applying feng shui to your home, stops the flow of energy to change the situation you say you want to be out of. Feng shui has to be applied to your mind and your home. The worry circle – There is another type of personal energy that stops your feng shui progress, and that’s worry. Being worried about something somehow seems noble to many people as if your level of concern is greater, making you appear more sympathetic or empathetic, and you might even feel that worry is productive. It’s easy to turn your worry into a replacement for action and productivity. Being forever worried or anxious keeps you stuck in a loop. The only antidote for worry is action. Problem loving – It sounds counterintuitive, but there are some people who love their problems. They enjoy their suffering and love to count the ways that they endure their difficulties. They may make a great point about all they endure, and like pulling petals on daisies, love to count their hardships. Before you can move on

from a problem, you have to ask yourself honestly if there is some part of you that is enjoying your hardship. Is it keeping you stuck or is it removing personal responsibility for creating what you do want from your life? Do you keep up the same habits but complain about your circumstances? This is a recipe for a life that rewards you based on pity. Pity is a powerful drug that can cut off opportunity, personal growth and advancement, and suck the joy out of life until it looks like a daisy with all the petals torn off. Admitting that you enjoy pity or the worry of others and that it feels good, gives you the option to decide if this is a healthy way to live or the way you intended to live – and change it if not. Living in fear – This is akin to waiting for the other shoe to drop. When you live in fear you are always in the waiting place for the next problem even when you don’t feel afraid. This blocks your personal energy and keeps you in circumstances that dress themselves up differently, yet replay over and over again. Feng shui is about flow and movement. Fear is about stuck and stagnant. Fear keeps us frozen by keeping us in paralyzing situations that we feel we can’t move on from. Sometimes you have to stay in circumstances, like a job or a relationship that depletes you because of the reality of children, house payments or…. eating. But

that doesn’t mean you can’t grow out of the situation and move on from it. Next issue: 

Feng Shui and Personal Chi Traps Part II — Solutions FENG SHUI Q&A Question: My yard is very bright, and I have no trees for shade. Does this hurt my garden feng shui? Answer: I know just what you mean. I had a yard like that once and I hid from it during summer days because there was no place to escape the heat. Like your home, it’s good to have plenty of light, but your garden or yard needs a balance between light and shade. If possible, talk to your local nursery or landscaper about good options for adding shade with a fast growing tree. This will help introduce a balance in your garden and that will invite a garden dragon to your home. Not only that, but shade trees are wonderful protection against cold winds and high summer heat. Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in authentic Chinese feng shui. She has over 20+ years of feng shui study, practice and professional consultation. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more visit www. redlotusletter.com and learn the fast and fun way how feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!

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IRCC and the “X” gender identifier It is important for all readers to be more aware of the challenges presented by gender identification. The choice of “male” or “female” is often not wide enough to encompass all persons in Canada. There have been well-publicized incidents of intolerance towards those affected. The challenges of the affected are especially felt among members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, and two spirited (LGBTQ2), who a recent study has shown comprise 20 to 40 per cent of homeless children in the country (Canadian Observatory on Homelessness). The government of Canada has taken a significant step in their commitment to diversity and inclusion of all Canadians by including an “X” gender identifier for persons, who do not identify exclusively as male or female. Since June 4, 2019 Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers applicants the choice of marking “X” for gender. If you want an “X” identifier, first-time applicants and those renewing documents due to expire within six months can select the

“X” option on the form. Others with documents that are valid longer than six months or have no specific expiration date can apply to replace their documents with the “X” gender option. The change goes much further than the earlier interim measure introduced on August 31, 2017, which made it possible for applicants to request an observation sticker to be added to their passport or travel document or citizenship or immigration document, noting that the gender of the bearer should read “X.” The interim measure has now passed away, replaced by the June 4, 2019 changes. The change in gender declaration is recognition of gender diversity in Canada. The wider field of immigration organizations have called attention to refugees. The Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership has been actively lobbying government for increases in the number of privately sponsored refugees and working to increase public awareness and support for LGBTQ2+ refugees and strengthen partnerships within the refugee settlement community in Canada.

Canada continues to be a safe refuge for those persecuted abroad and is aware of the specific vulnerabilities faced by persons on gender issues. “LGBTQ2 refugees have faced unimaginable circumstances just for being who they are. Canada will protect them and help keep them safe,” declared Admed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “The LGBTQ2 community has been steadfast in their mission in raising awareness of the unique needs of LGBTQ2 refugees among Canadians and helping these most vulnerable people feel safe at long last.” The raising of awareness about LGBTQ2 refugees and gender identification are both parts of our acceptance of those who differ from the general population. Canada has a long history of being a safe haven for those with a “well-founded fear of persecution” for reasons of race, religion, nationality, and yes, even for differences in gender. Before we jump to any conclusions about the inclusion of the “X: gender, remember the words of King Solomon: “open thy mouth, judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and

needy,” and Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated society-wide compassion: “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678)

who has 30 years of experience with Canada Immigration and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with R.B. Global Immigration Consultants Ltd. 204-6911166 or 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail.com.

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A year of decolonizing and empowerment For the past 12 months, the member volunteers of ANAK, together with our community partners, spent much time and energy going deep and reconnecting to our Philippine roots. Through innovative and introspective programming that provided Filipino-Canadian children and youth with avenues to creatively explore their identities as well as themes that affect their everyday lives and interactions with others, we were witness to the transformative nature of decolonizing one’s mind. This process of decolonization enabled young people to become empowered, through knowing who they are in the context of history and current migration patterns, and to take up space in their communities as leaders and change makers. After a refreshing getaway and Annual General Meeting in Nestor Falls, Ontario to reflect on and close off the previous year, ANAK began 2018-19 by planning our annual youth forum for Filipino-Canadians ages 14 to 19. Our forum this year was entitled Tuminungnung (meaning: “from the land”) and held at Prairie Theatre Exchange (PTE). Normally held in the spring, the event was moved to the fall so that we could bring to Winnipeg four talented artists from the Philippines (director/ playwright/actor Dennis Gupa,

actor/choreographer Francis Matheu, musician/sound designer Marie Angelica Dayao, and experimental filmmaker Jon Lazam III) to perform Gupa’s doctoral work. Murupuro: The Islands of Constellation is an experimental theatre piece unpacking the concept of Philippine indigeneity and the impact of climate change on Filipino communities, impoverished due to colonization and neo-colonial capitalism. These issues extended to this year’s ANAK Liwayway Scholarship topic, which had graduating high school students ponder the question of how to minimize Canada’s environmental impact on the Philippines and how people of the Philippines are taking control of climate change. Reuben Albert G. Mistas III (Miles Macdonell Collegiate) and Angela Gail A. Ciceron (Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute) each received a $500 scholarship for their post-secondary studies, with an honourable mention being awarded to Jesse Nathania Medrano-Ramos (Murdoch MacKay Collegiate). During the winter months, we attended local and national community events and organized an entertainment-educational panel. Shortly following our youth forum, ANAK and their families attended multiple shows at PTE of the theatre production

Prairie Nurse, a story of two Filipina nurses who came to rural Saskatchewan to work in the 1960s. In late winter, one of our members represented ANAK as a delegate at the conference Pinoys on Parliament, a gathering of Filipino-Canadian youth keen on civic and political engagement. In February, recognizing the strong emotional and visceral connection between culture and cuisine, we presented a screening of the film Ulam: Main Dish, a food documentary following North American chefs of Filipino descent, their restaurants, and the experiences that inspired and continue to inspire their passions to cook. The screening was followed by a panel of first and second-generation FilipinoCanadian chefs and entrepreneurs in Winnipeg. ANAK presented at two conferences this year, notably at St. John’s High School’s Day of Knowledge, where ANAK highlighted the history of Filipino-Canadians in Manitoba, and Pinay Power II, which was held in Montreal and attended by almost 200 Filipinx feminists from all over the world, including the editor of Pinay Power, Dr. Melinda de Jesus. Leading up to Pinay Power II, where the womyn of ANAK spoke about the unique context of growing up Filipino in Winnipeg, the history of the organization, and our projects and initiatives, ANAK hosted Dr. de Jesus and Monica Batac of McGill

2019 USTAAM Scholarship Awards

The University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association of Manitoba (USTAAM) is now is accepting applications for its 2019 USTAAM scholarship awards. Applicants must: • be of filipino descent; • have a minimum average grade of 85%; • have attended grade 11 and 12 in Manitoba; • be accepted and entering first year in any post secondary school in Manitoba in September 2019. Deadline: September 30, 2019 For more information and application form: www.facebook.com/groups/USTAAMI/ or e-mail: ustaami@gmail.com.

ANAK member Karla Atanacio in Ottawa for Pinoys on Parliament University, who facilitated the coordination of the conference, and organized a peminist (‘Pinay feminist’) zine-making workshop at the University of Winnipeg. The compilation of the works produced at the workshop were made into a zine, which was featured in Montreal and is currently available for sale at ANAK Filipiniana and Books. With the Canadian House of Commons declaring in fall of 2018 the whole month of June as Filipino Heritage Month, ANAK has been particularly active in the Filipino community this year: tabling, volunteering at, and participating in many cultural events. Some highlights include a recycling and composting workshop on Caring for the Environment, Seven Oaks Filipino Employees Association’s Philippine Heritage Celebration, the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival, Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba’s Conversation Cafe, the Philippine Independence Ball, Musica: An Evening of Philippine Art Songs, Philippine Heritage Fashion Gala, and BIBAK Association of Manitoba’s Grand Cañao. ANAK was also recognized on June 1, 2019 with an award for their contributions to the Filipino community in Canada at the National Filipino-Canadian Heritage Event, which kicked off Filipino Heritage Month. ANAK’s research and educational initiatives continue to be a priority for us, as they document our stories and mobilize

knowledge to our peers and other young people eager to discuss historical and emerging issues within a supportive space. In late July, we hosted two lectures on Philippine Studies with Dr. Leonora Angeles, Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia – one on capitalism and transnational organizations linking Canada and the Philippines, the other on the Philippines’ industrialization and the occupational shift of workers from agriculture to services. As Philippine society and the Filipino diaspora in Canada evolve, particularly the values and perceptions in our culture around what is accepted and what is not, ANAK continuously seeks to develop resources and organize events that are current and relevant to the real experiences of Filipinx youth. As young Filipinos who have grown up outside the Philippines, we have a unique take on the political, social and environmental issues impacting our world today. It is important that we endeavour to create alternative and safe spaces where young people can remember the land from whence they came, discourse about it, and be supported, so that they feel empowered to fearlessly embrace who they are. In so doing, we can collectively preserve and promote our heritage and that of our ancestors. To learn more about ANAK and how to get involved, visit www.anak.ca or email info@ anak.ca.

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

FOLKLORAMA... From page 1 of Dufferin Avenue at Salter St.) presents the rich heritage of the Philippines during the second week of the festival, from Sunday, August 11 to Saturday, August 17, 2019. Pavilion Coordinators Sheila Pelagio and Emiliano Galera invite everyone to enjoy the elegant and exquisite folk dances of Magdaragat Philippines Inc. and the cultural display. Also try delicious pansit (sautéed noodles), okoy (shrimp fritter), or barbecue pork skewer. Pair your meal with tapioca punch or an imported San Miguel or Red Horse beer. This year’s Adult Ambassadors are Renée Karen Dela Cruz and Jan Michael Reyes. The Youth Ambassadors are Talia Wedin and Jeremiah Torres.

Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion Coordinators – Emiliano Galera and Sheila Pelagio. Photo by Del Pelagio

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OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

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RC Walk-in Chiropractic Grand Opening – July 14 The clouds parted after some stormy weather on July 14, just in time to celebrate the grand opening of RC Walk-in Chiropractic, outside the Northgate Mall. The friendly staff hosted visitors while Chef Allan Pineda served up great food from the grill. Owner Richie Cabigting and staff congratulate the raffle prize winners and extend thanks to all the visitors and well wishers.

Dr. Richie Cabigting and his staff

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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

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Napakabango ng pangalan ngayon ni Bea Alonzo. Panaypanay ang pagtanggap niya ng magagandang bulaklak mula sa kaniyang mga kasamahang artista. Umaapaw na sa sobrang kapunuan ang kaniyang puso dahil sa mga mensahe ng pampalakas ng loob na nagmumula sa loob at labas ng showbiz. Pero ang pinakanagmarka sa lahat ng mga nakikisimpatya sa kaniya ay ang magkapatid na Gretchen at Claudine na nagpadala rin sa kaniya ng bulaklak. Markado, dahil ang mag-utol ay kapatid ng ina ni Julia Barretto, ang sinasabing “ikatlong gulong” sa relasyong Gerald AndersonBea Alonzo. Kapatid ni Marjorie sina Gretchen at Claudine, at sa kulturang Pinoy, dapat ay nasa kuwadra ni Julia ang magkapatid dahil blood is thicker than water. Pero nasa kabilang ibayo ang magkapatid na Gretchen at Claudine, hindi nila kinunsinti si Julia, lantaran silang naglabas ng saloobin at sinabi pa ni Claudine

PILIPINO EXPRESS

sa card na kasama ng kaniyang bulaklak para kay Bea, “You are loved.” Napakasakit noon para sa maginang Marjorie at Julia, okey lang para sa kanila kung magpadala man ng bulaklak ng pakikisimpatya at pagkampi kay Bea si Queen Elizabeth ng Inglatera, pero mula mismo kina Gretchen at Claudine? Isang sugat iyon na nagnanaknak, sugat na matagal bago gumaling, dahil ang kalaban pa ni Julia ang kinampihan ng mag-utol na kadugo mismo nila. Hampas sa kalabaw, sa kabayo ang latay, ganoon ang basa ng mas nakararami sa nagaganap sa pamilya Barretto. May kanikaniyang saloobin sina Gretchen at Claudine kay Marjorie. Collateral damage si Julia sa senaryo, damay-damay na ito, ganoon ang suma total. Pakiramdam ni Claudine ay nakakaalala lang si Julia kapag may kailangan, pero kapag wala ay deadma lang ang young actress sa kaniyang tiyahin, kaya ang mababangong bulaklak ay See CRISTY p15

AUGUST 1 - 15, 2019

• Bea Alonzo – Napakabango ng pangalan ngayon • Gerald Anderson – Nauso tuloy ang “Na-Bea Alonzo ka na ba?” • Julia Barretto – Ikatlong gulong sa “Gerald at Bea” break-up • Kris Aquino – Siya nga ba ang producer ng K(Ampon)? • Angelica Panganiban – Sana ay si Cholo Barretto na si Mr. Right • Vice Ganda – Ipinag-adya sa kamay ni Calvin Abueva • Ion Perez – Anuman ang motibo, pinaliligaya si Vice ngayon • Claudine Barretto – Sayang! Hindi tuloy ang movie with Piolo • Phillip Salvador – Naliligo ngayon sa swimming pool ng apdo! • Maribel “Lala” Aunor – Proud mommy ni Cool Cat Ash

Gerald Anderson and his “now-ex girl friend” Bea Alonzo

Julia Barretto

Photo credit: Star Music PH

Lala Aunor, Cool Cat Ash and Marion Aunor

Cholo Barretto & Angelica Panganiban

The Killer Bride Philippines – new Kapamilya series Love and fear become synonymous as four people seek justice for the death of a love that was once teeming with life in the upcoming Kapamilya series The Killer Bride that will air soon on ABS-CBN. Both coming from the showbiz clan of Salvadors, Maja and Janella will team up for the first time in a TV project and star alongside Kapamilya actors Geoff Eigenmann and Joshua Garcia. Maja returns to television as Camila Dela Cuesta, a woman known for her beauty, wit, and pure heart. She then meets Vito, played by Geoff, the man she will fall in love with. Despite the trials their relationship will face, they will decide to get married. But as their wedding day comes, a major scandal will shake the whole town of Las Espadas as Vito sees his soon See BRIDE p15

The lead cast of The Killer Bride – Joshua Garcia, Janella Salvador, Maja Salvador, and Geoff Eigenmann with Dado Lumibao (centre)

L-r: Loren Burgos, Alexa Ilacad, Keanna Reeves, Eric Nicolas, Jobelle Salvador and Dominic Ochoa

L-r: Viveika Ravanes, Neil Coleta, Pamu Pamorada, Pepe Herrera, Malou De Guzman, and Miko Raval

L-r: Ara Arida, Lara Quigaman, Cris Villanueva, Sam Concepcion, and Aurora Sevilla

Peace of M ind .

Pre-Arrangement relieves your family of last-minute planning and lets you choose how you’ll be remembered. Pre-arrange with Mosaic and we’ll provide peace of mind to those involved during this emotional time.

P R O U D LY S U P P O R T I N G T H E FILIPINO COM MUNITY

Fe e l at Home . I M M E D I AT E N E E D ? C A L L ( 2 0 4 ) 2 7 5 - 5 5 5 5 , W E ’ R E AVA I L A B L E 2 4 / 7 18 3 9 I N K S T E R B O U L E VA R D MOSAICFUNER AL S.C A INFO@MOSAICFUNER AL S.C A

AUGUST 1 - 15, 2019

PILIPINO EXPRESS

Zephanie is first Idol Philippines grand winner Zephanie Dimaranan was named the first Search for the Idol Philippines grand winner as she impressed both the judges and the public with her crystal clear and powerful voice in the grand finals of the competition held Saturday and Sunday (July 27 and 28). She received a total combined judges score and public text votes of 100%, beating her competitors Lucas Garcia (70.2%) and Lance Busa (41.89%). Zephanie took home a grand prize of P2 million, house and lot, trip for four to Taiwan, and a recording contract. Last Saturday, the young singer from Laguna gave a show-stopping performance with her rendition of the OPM classic Lipad ng Pangarap, which helped her secure a slot in the top 3. Her momentum also kept going last Sunday as she belted another OPM gem, Maghintay Ka Lamang by Jonathan Manalo, and an original song written specially for her victory titled, Pangarap Kong Pangarap Mo. Aside from the vocal battle of the Idol hopefuls, American Idol finalist and Filipino pride Jessica Sanchez graced the stage with her rendition of And I Am Telling You. Singing champions Jona, Elha Nympha, Janine Berdin, and KZ Tandingan also showcased their pipes as they sang along with the Idol hopefuls.

Zephanie Dimaranan

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

AUGUST 1 - 15, 2019

AUGUST 1 - 15, 2019

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

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GMA Network presents Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Buhay Ko What will you do if you are relentlessly haunted by your past? This month, GMA Network brings intrigue and mystery to its primetime block via a captivating new series, Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Buhay Ko. A story of three women entangled in a web of vengeful passion, all in pursuit of their one and only love. Starring Megan Young, Rayver Cruz, Kim Domingo, and Kris Bernal – the thrilling suspense-drama showcases a haunting love story like no other. Yvie (Megan) and Matteo (Rayver) are childhood sweethearts who fell in love and married each other. Together with their adopted son, they happily

BRIDE... From page 12 to be wife drenched in blood and holding a knife beside his brother’s dead body. The whole town will persecute Camila and tag her as the “killer bride.” She eventually faces an unexpected death as the prison she is thrown in is ravaged by fire. Years will pass and the legend of the killer bride will live on, with townsfolk claiming to have seen a woman in a bloodied white dress and veil. But what was once an urban legend would turn into a reality with the arrival of Emma (Janella), who claims she is possessed by Camila’s spirit. Many will doubt her,

CRISTY... From page 12 ipinadala ni Claudine kay Bea Alonzo. Kaybango-bango ng sitwasyon ngayon ni Bea Alonzo, habang ibinibitin naman nang patiwarik sa krus ng paghusga sina Gerald at Julia, ang nagagawa nga naman ng pag-ibig. Pero natural lang na may

moved into their new family home, along with Yvie’s best friend and cousin, Katya (Kim). But their bliss is quickly replaced by fear. Naomi (Kris), Matteo’s ex-girlfriend, will stop at nothing to disrupt their perfect lives—dead or alive. Also starring in this unique series are talented Kapuso actors and actresses: Boots Anson Roa as Adora, Matteo’s mother who never liked Yvie; Sharmaine Arnaiz as Tina, Yvie’s mother who had a history of schizophrenia; Francine Prieto as Mercy, Tina’s sister and the mother of Katya; Beverly Salviejo as Yaya Vane, Matteo’s long-time yaya who also becomes his son’s caretaker; Denise including Elias (Joshua), one of Vito’s workers. With the kindness that the Dela Cuestas have showed him, Elias vows to protect their family at all costs, even from Emma and the harm she could bring. Is Camila truly using Emma’s body to revenge against Vito and the Dela Cuestas? What role will Elias play in the life of Emma? Also part of the The Killer Bride are Dominic Ochoa, Loren Burgos, Alexa Ilacad, Eric Nicolas, Keanna Reeves, Eddie Gutierrez, Aurora Sevilla, Cris Villanueva, James Blanco, Lara Quigaman, Ariella Arida, and Sam Concepcion. Watch out for The Killer Bride on ABS-CBN. bumabalanse rin sa usapin, may mga humuhusga rin kay Bea, karma lang daw ang tawag sa nangyari sa aktres. Noong minsan daw kasing magkaroon ng show ang mga artista ng Star Magic sa ibang bansa ay may nangyari. Magkarelasyon pa noon sina Gerald Anderson at Kim Chiu. Ayon sa source, “Napakaagang See CRISTY p16

Hindi tuloy ang movie ni Claudine Barretto & Piolo Pascual

Gerald Anderson & his ex-girl friend Kim Chiu

Barbacena as Brooke, Naomi’s friend who reads tarot cards; Analyn Barro as Tyra, Naomi’s sister; Joaquin Manansala as Paul, Matteo’s business partner and best friend; and Euwenn Mikael Aleta as Santino, Yvie and Matteo’s adopted son who has speech development problems. The series is directed by Jorron Lee Monroy.

Euwenn Mikael Aleta

Boots Anson Roa

L-r: Megan Young, Rayver Cruz, Kris Bernal and Kim Domingo

Sharmaine Arnaiz

Francine Prieto

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OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

AUGUST 1 - 15, 2019

Age is just a number!

Tyndall seniors led by Joseph Reynante keep fit and healthy with their summer fitness programs at Tyndall Community School. Every Wednesday morning, the ladies and gents lace up for an hour of dance and fitness with Zumba instructors Lucille Nolasco and Grace Garcia. On other days, they also enjoy yoga and line dancing classes.

CRISTY... From page 15 tumawag si Kim sa hotel room ni Gerald, may usapan kasi sila na gigisingin niya si Gerald. Pero nashock si Kim dahi ang sumagot sa phone, e, si Bea! “Sa ganoon kaaga, nasa hotel room ni Gerald si Bea? Ano ang ginagawa niya doon? Di ba naman, ang maiisip lang ng kahit sino kapag ganoon, e, sa room ni Gerald nagpalipas nang gabi si Bea?” kuwento ng impormante. Ganoon ang binabalikang kuwento ng mga kumokontra sa binitiwang pahayag ni Bea Alonzo sa social media tungkol sa cheating o panloloko. Na-karma lang daw si Bea, kung totoo ngang sina Julia at Gerald na ngayon, dahil ganoon din ang ginawa noon ng dalaga kay Kim Chiu. *** Inis na inis siguro ngayon si Gerald Anderson sa usung-usong tanong na “Na-Bea Alonzo ka na ba?” Putok na putok ang arya ni Paulo Avelino sa Twitter na may hashtag na “ghosting.” Iyon ang terminong ginagamit kapag bigla na lang nanahimiktumalikod nang walang sabi-sabi ang lalaki sa kaniyang karelasyon. Parang ang nangyari kay Bea Alonzo na ang buong akala ng aktres ay sila pa rin ni Gerald, pero hindi na pala, dahil parang multong naglaho na lang ang kaniyang boyfriend. Walang closure ang kanilang relasyon. Hindi sila naupo para masinsinang isarado ang kung anumang mayroon sila. Basta wala lang. Huminto na lang basta ang aktor sa pakikipag-usap kay Bea. At ngayon ay umamin na – na totoong nililigawan niya si Julia Barretto. #Ghosting ayon sa mga milenyal dahil para itong multo na

nand’yan lang kani-kanina pero sa isang kisapmata ay nawala nang bigla. Kaya alam naming patok ang pa-party sa Twitter ni Paulo Avelino ay dahil nasa isang mataong lugar kami noong isang gabi. May dalawang babaeng nagkukuwentuhan, galit na galit si Girl A, isinusumbong nito ang nangyari kay Girl B. Tanong ni Girl B, “Na-Bea Alonzo ka rin ba?” E, wala kaming kahit anong social media account, hindi namin alam kung ano ang nagaganap sa Twitter world, iyon pala iyon! Sabi pa ni Girl A sa kaniyang kausap, “Hayup na iyon! Magkasama pa kami last week sa party ng friend namin! Tapos, bigla na lang siya nanahimik! “Tinatawagan ko siya, sarado ang phone niya! Pudpod na ang daliri ko sa kate-text sa kaniya, walang reply! Tapos, nalaman ko na lang sa mga friends namin, sila na pala ng bestfriend ko! “Tama ka! Na-Bea Alonzo nga ako! Ganoong-ganoon din ang drama ng hayup na iyon! Wala na raw kami, e, kami pa rin naman!” inis na inis na sabi ni Girl A. Naku, maraming personalidad ang na-Bea Alonzo rin! Paputok pa lang ang kuwento, pero may isang female personality na na-Bea Alonzo rin, dahil bestfriend pa nito ang ipinalit ng male personality sa kaniya. Abangan! *** Sa mga nagaganap ngayon sa kaniyang lovelife ay malaki ang magiging epekto kay Julia Barretto ng kontrobersiya. Maging ang mga TV commercials na ginagawa niya ay siguradong maaapektuhan ng kontrobersiyang kinasasangkutan niya ngayon. Hindi ganoon kasimple ang mga nangyayari ngayon sa young actress, tinatawag siya sa iba-ibang

Serious na ito! Ion Perez with mom Zenaida and Vice Ganda with mom Rosario pangalan, negatibo ang dating ngayon ni Julia sa publiko. Maraming kalansay na nahuhukay ngayon sa nakaraan ang mga tagadepensa ni Julia Barretto na sinisisi at pinararatangan na mang-aagaw ng boyfriend ng may boyfriend. Anaconda ang tawag ngayon ng mga bashers kay Julia, ang iba nama’y tinatawag siyang Valentina, dahil sa bintang na inagawan niya ng karelasyon si Bea Alonzo. Ewan kung anong damage control ang maiisip na gawin ng Star Magic sa isyung kinasasangkutan nila nina Gerald Anderson at Bea Alonzo, sa pagkakaalam ng mga impormanteng nakausap namin, hindi makikialam ang network sa pinagpipistahang kuwento ngayon. Nakakaawa rin si Julia sa isang banda, maaaring pinapaniwala siya ni Gerald na totoong tapos na ang lahat sa kanila ni Bea, kaya naman pumasok sa ganitong sitwasyon ang dalaga. Kaya lang ay nabutasan siya, hindi pa pala break sina Gerald at Bea, napakalakas na bombang sumabog ang balitang iyon sa mukha ni Julia. Kung bakit naman nataon din ang pakikipaghiwalay niya

Vice Ganda & her ex-BF Calvin Abueva kay Joshua Garcia pagkatapos nilang magkasama ni Gerald sa Japan, umakto iyon sa balitang nagkakamabutihan na sila ni Gerald, naiwang nakanganga si Joshua. *** May kuwentong nakarating sa amin na si Kris Aquino pala, kundi man siya kasosyo, ang producer ng pelikulang ipanglalahok nila ni Derek Ramsay sa MMFF. Sabi ng aming reliable souce, “Si Kris mismo ang kumuha sa isang friend namin para mag-line produce sa horror movie niya, pero tumanggi sa kaniya iyong tao dahil may ibang movie nang

hinahawakan.” Hindi ang Quantum ang tumawag sa tao, si Kris Aquino mismo, kaya nagkaroon ng ideya ang mga kaibigan ng kinukuhang mag-line produce ni Kris na siya ang producer ng K(Ampon). Dagdag pa ng aming kausap, “Totoo iyon, sa September ang start ng shoot nila dahil ghost month daw ang August.” Para tuloy lumalabas na para lang magkaroon ng proyekto si Kris ay kailangan pa niyang maglabas ng sarili niyang pera bilang pampuhunan sa pelikula. Sinasabi na nga ba. PabaguSee CRISTY p19

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EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS

AUGUST 1 - 15, 2019

Mga Kuracho at Kuracha – revisited Gusto kong ilathalang muli ang article ko noong September 1, 2010 halos isang dekada na ang nakalilipas. Ito ay tungkol sa nakamamangha at nakakabilib na kasipagan nating mga Pinoy. Habang binabasa kong muli ang lumang article kong ito ay narealize ko ang mga challenges ng buhay lalo na kapag bagong dating

pa lamang tayo dito sa Canada. Ang mga challenges na ito ay kayang-kaya nating malampasan kung tayo lamang ay magsisikap at magiging ma-diskarte. Likas na naman sa mga Pilipino ang maging maparaan kaya’t hindi ko malaman ang dahilan kung paano sasadlak sa todong pagkabagsak ang ating buhay.

Kung magkayod man, hindi ito dahilan para gumawa tayo ng illegal. Hindi dapat ginagamit ang kahirapan upang i-justify ang maling gawain. Ang kahirapan ay dapat ginagamit bilang training ground upang maging matatag, matapang at handang lampasan ang anumang pagsubok. Heto na ang artikulo almost 10 years ago. Swak pa din ito para

Prairie Oaks Day, Selkirk MB, July 27

L-r: Jie Aquino; Noel Lapuz; Elmer Aquino; Steven McMullin, AWC Director of Sales and Business Development; Annalyn Esteban; Aldous Guzman; and Kathy Banares-Torrejos

L-r: Pilipino Express Creative Director, Rey-Ar Reyes; Noel Lapuz; Selkirk Manitoba Mayor Larry Johannson; and Aldous Guzman

AWC Builders partners with Kangen Distributors Noel Lapuz (3rd from left) and Aldous Guzman (2nd from right) in building Safe, Smart and Healthy homes

patuloy tayong maging masipag at huwag susuko sa mga pagsubok sa buhay. Kagagaling ko lang sa pangalawa kong trabaho nang maisipan kong gawin ang artikulong ito tungkol sa uri ng pagtatrabaho ng marami sa atin. Bukod kasi sa trabaho kong walong oras kada araw mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes ay humahataw din ako tuwing gabi at maging weekends sa call centre. Hindi lang ako ang may ganitong uri ng sistema sa pagtatrabaho. Nais kong banggitin ang mga pangalan ng mga kakilala kong hataw din kung magtrabaho tulad nina Bobby, Allen, Kuya Inggo, Ate Jane, Bro. Rod, Virgilio, Jojo at Jomay. Ilan lamang kami sa marami pang Pilipino na todo-todo ang pagsusumikap sa pagkayod para sa iba’t ibang layunin sa buhay. May matibay na dahilan kung bakit ginagawa ng isang tao ang labis na pagsusumikap. At hindi gagawin ng karaniwang tao ang tumanggap ng dalawa o tatlong trabaho kung walang nararamdamang kakapusan. Ibig sabihin, may pangangailangan ang tao na hindi matugunan ng iisang trabaho. Kung tutuusin, hindi nakakapagod ang magkaroon ng dalawang trabaho lalo na’t nakikita mo ang bunga ng iyong mga pagsisikap. Bukod dito, isang kasiyahanan na sa isang nagtatrabaho ang makita ang kaniyang pamilya na nasa maayos na buhay. ‘Ika nga ay, bawing bawi ang hirap. Mga Kuracho at Kuracha! Sila ang mga buhay na bayani ng ating mga tahanan. Sila ang kayod kabayo para sa kapakanan ng pamilya. Isang kahera sa isang Filipino supermarket ang tinanong ko kung may kakambal siya. “May kakambal ka ba Nene?” tanong ko sa kaniya. Sagot naman ang kahera ng: “Wala po kuya, bakit po?” Pabiro ko namang sinagot na: “Kanina lang kasi ay nakita kita sa Walmart, ngayon nandito ka na.” Pambihira ang energy ng dalagang ito. Ipagpatuloy mo lang ang iyong kasipagan at tiyak ang iyong tagumpay. Wala pa halos isang buwan mula nang dumating itong si Bobby dito sa Winnipeg ay nakasungkit na ng dalawang trabaho. Consistent itong kaibigan kong ito sa pagtatrabaho nang eight days a week. Sa kabila nito ay hindi mo makikita sa pagmumuka niya ang pagod. Laging nakangiti, laging masaya. Katunayan ay may panahon pa siya sa Facebook. Ehemplo si Bobby ng pagiging eksperto sa time management. Bagama’t hataw sa trabaho ay may oras din siyang nakalaan para sa ibang bagay lalo na sa pamilya (at sa inuman). Proud ako kay Bobby,

ang lider ng tropang Kuracho! Isang matagumpay na kawani ng St. Boniface Hospital si Jojo. Sinikap niyang magkaroon ng tamang edukasyon para makapasok dito. Ngunit bago siya maging isang kawani ng hospital ay nagkamada rin siya ng mga paninda sa mga supermarkets. Kumapal ang kalyo, nagkamuscle at pisikal na napagod. Pero hindi sumuko si Jojo at hindi nakuntento sa una niyang trabaho. Nagsikap siya at nag-aral. Hindi nagtagal, pinag-aagawan na siya ng mga ospital. Saludo ako kay Jojo. May direksyon at may tamang pagpaplano. Isang dakilang Kuracho. Sa mga hindi nakakaalam. Ang Kuracha ay pamagat ng pelikula ni Rosanna Roces noong 1998. Ito ay may subtitle na: Ang Babaeng Walang Pahinga. Mula noon, naging bukambibig na ang Kuracha o Kuracho na itinatawag sa mga taong walang pahinga sa kanilang mga ginagawa, lalo na sa trabaho. Kung makakakuwentuhan mo ang mga unang Pilipino dito sa Winnipeg ay ma-iinspire ka sa kanilang mga pinagdaanan. Lahat sila ay dumaan sa mga pagsubok, pagsisikap, pagtitiyaga at paghihintay ng tamang oras upang abutin ang rurok ng tagumpay. Ang kanilang estado ngayon sa ating lipunan ay bunga ng kanilang pinagsikapan maraming taon na ang nakalilipas. Mabilis lang ang panahon. Hindi natin mamamalayan na malapit na pala tayo sa finish line ng ating mission. At kapag abot tanaw na ito ay unti-unti natin itong yakapin, damahin at ibahagi sa ating mga mahal sa buhay. Ngunit lumingon din tayo sa likod, masdan ang ating pinagdaanan at magpasalamat sa dakilang source ng ating enerhiya sa pagbibigay Niya sa atin ng ibayong lakas para itaguyod ang ating mga pamilya. Sa mga katulad naming Kuracho at Kuracho, huwag kayong mapapagod sa pagsisikap. Isipin n’yo lagi ang dahilan kung bakit kayo kumakayod nang husto. Darating din ang panahon na magbubunga ang lahat ng ating kasipagan. Noel Lapuz ay dating OFW sa Middle East (Dubai at Qatar). Nagtrabaho nang sampung taon sa City Hall ng Taguig bilang Human Resource Management Officer. Naging bahagi ng Bata-Batuta Productions bilang manunulat, entertainment host at stage actor. Nagtatag ng Kulturang Alyansa ng Taguig. Kasapi ng Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (EMJP). Paunawa: Ang mga paksa at salitang nakasaad sa Batang North End ay sariling opinion ng may-akda at maaaring hindi opinion ng mga taga-lathala ng Pilipino Express.

AUGUST 1 - 15, 2019

EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS

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Nangungusap ang kalikasan Sa isang artikulong may pamagat na The Wonders of the Natural World: God’s Design, pinakita ng isang university professor na si Gerald Bergman kung gaanong kahigit ang nilikha ng Diyos kaysa sa mga imbensyon ng tao. Bago pa nadiskubre ang kuryente, ang mga electril eel ay gumagawa na ng kanilang sariling kuryente na umaabot na hanggang pitong daang boltahe. Bago pa na-imbento ng tao ang bombilya, ang mga fireflies ay may sariling ilaw na nagsisilbing signal nila sa isa’t isa. May ilang isda sa karagatan ang gumagawa ng sarili nilang ilaw upang gabayan sila sa kanilang paglakbay sa tubig. Matagal na panahon pa bago nakapaglakbay ang tao sa pitong karagatan, pero ang mga ibon ay noon pa naglalakbay mula hilaga patungong timog at lumalanding sa parehong pugad taontaon. Bago pa naimbento ang aircondition, ang mga bubuyog ay gumagamit ng kanilang mga pakpak bilang aircondition para sa kanilang tirahan. Bago pa natin nadisensiyo at naitayo ang mga tulay, ang nilikhang gagamba

CRISTY... From page 16 bago ang takbo ng isip ni Kris Aquino, mahirap tayaan ang kaniyang mga salita, oo siya ngayon pero hindi na bukas. Kaya mahirap magsalita nang tapos kapag si Kris Aquino na ang paksa. Ayon sa kaniyang kampo ay hindi niya magagawa ang pelikulang pagtatambalan nila ni Derek Ramsay na pang-MMFF, hindi kasi pumayag ang kaniyang mg kapatid, inaalala ng mga ito ang kaniyang kalusugan. Mahihirapan daw si Kris sa shooting dahil mainit, hindi rin niya sigurado ang kaniyang paligid, napakalaking problema noon sa pag-atake ng kaniyang allergies. Ang kaniyang kundisyon ang inaalala ng mga nagmamalasakit at nagmamahal sa kaniya, hindi pa ganoon kalakas si Kris para muling magtrabaho, pero ang pinakahuli niyang pahayag ay gagawin niya pa rin ang pelikula. Magsisimula na raw siyang mag-shooting, magtatrabaho na raw uli siya, kaya masaya ang kaniyang mga loyalista na anuman ang mangyari ay nag-aabang lang sa magiging desisyon ng kanilang idolo. Harinawang makabalik na nga sa pag-arte si Kris Aquino, maraming nanghihinayang kung hindi siya ang gaganap sa horror movie nila ni Derek, siya lang daw kasi ang makapagbibigay ng hustisya sa role dahil kaniya ang titulong Horror Queen. ***

ng Diyos ay nagpapakita ng pambihirang kakayahan sa engineering sa paggawa ng mga sapot na nagsisilbing tulay nila. Ang mga wasps ay gumagawa ng isang uri ng papel bago pa natin naimbento ng tao ang papel. Ang mga beaver ay gumagawa ng malalaking dam na gawa sa puno at putik. Hindi ba sapat na dahilan ang mga iyan upang tanggapin natin na may mas nakakahigit sa atin at may Diyos na higit ang karunungan at katalinuhan kaysa sa atin? Sa biblia, bago naging hari si David, siya ay inatasang magpastol ng mga alagang tupa ng kaniyang pamilya. Sa gabi, siya ang nagbabantay sa mga tupa para hindi ito atakihin ng mga mababangis na hayop. Tuwing siya’y nahihiga sa labas ng bahay, kitang kitang niya ang langit. Hindi nakatakas sa kaniyang paningin ang libo libong bituin at hindi niya mapigilang mamangha sa kadakilaan ng Diyos. Alam n’yo bang sa pamamagitan ng modern na telescope, nadiskubreng may ilang daang bilyong bituin sa ating galaxy lamang? Bukod pa riyan

ang hindi nasasakupan ng ating universe na mayroon ding bilyon bilyong mga bituin. Napagtanto ni David ang kadakilaan at pambihirang karunungan ng Diyos nang pagmasdan niya ang kalikasan Nakita rin niya kung paano napakaliit niya at kung ikukumpara ang kaniyang sukat sa daigdig na ginagalawan niya, para lamang siya isang tuldok. Pero naunawaan din niya na sa kabila ng kaniyang sukat at sa kabila ng kaniyang kahinaan siya ay nilikha ng Diyos, natatanging nilikha na itinalaga ng Diyos para sa Kaniya. Dahil sa katotohanang ito, buong pagpapakumbabang nagpasalamat at dinakila ni David ang Diyos. Gumawa siya ng awit patungkol dito na ating mababasa sa biblia sa Mga Awit 8: “O Panginoon, aming Panginoon… Kapag pinagmamasdan ko ang iyong mga langit, ang gawa ng iyong mga daliri, ang buwan at ang mga bituin na iyong inayos; Ano nga ang tao upang iyong alalahanin? At ano nga siya upang iyong kalingahin? Nilikha mo siya na halos kapantay ng

iyong luningning at kadakilaan! Pinamahala mo sa buong daigdig, sa lahat ng bagay malaki’t maliit; Mga baka’t tupa, hayop na mabangis at lahat ng ibong nasa himpapawid. at ang mga isda sa dagat, anumang nagdaraan sa mga kalaliman mga dagat. Oh Panginoon, aming Panginoon, napakadakila ng iyong pangalan sa buong lupa!” Natagpuan ni David ang kaniyang pagkakilanlan nang napagtanto niya ang kadakilaan ng Diyos na siyang lumikha sa tao. Lahat tayo ay nilikha ng Diyos at ang layunin ng ating buhay ay matatagpuan din natin sa ating Manlilikha. Sa kabila ng kamangmanghang kataasan, kadakilaan at karangyaan ng Diyos, pinag-ukulan niya tayo ng pansin at pag-ibig Kaibigan, kung akala mong wala kang halaga sa Diyos dahil sa iyong nakaraan o dahil sa iyong kalagayan ngayon o dahil sa mga pagkakamaling nagawa mo, alalahaning mong itinangi ka ng Diyos sa lahat ng mga nilikha niya. Maaaring puno ka ng problema at iniisip mong hindi ka mahal ng Diyos. Pagmasdan mo ang mga maya. Ang sabi sa aklat

ng Mateo 10:29-31 kung ang maya na ipinagbibili ng dalawa isang pera ay hindi nahuhulog sa lupa kundi sa kalooban ng Diyos, ano pa kayo tayong mga tao na higit na mahalaga kaysa sa libulibong maya? Kaibigan, bakit hindi mo hayaang mangusap ang kalikasan sa iyo ukol sa kadakilaan at pagibig ng Diyos? Pastor Junie Josue is Senior Pastor of International Worship Centre (IWC) at 1077 St. James St. (Worship Services: Sundays - 9 a.m. Tagalog, 10:45 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. English services). Other IWC English worship services every Sunday are also held at the following sites: Cineplex Entertainment, Kildonan Place at 1555 Regent Avenue at 10 a.m., Cinema City Northgate at 1399 McPhillips St. at 10:15 a.m., Calvary Chapel at 221 Hamilton St. Neepawa, MB at 1:30 p.m. & West End Community Centre at 247-23rd St., Brandon, MB at 10:30. a.m. Pastor Junie is also host of radio program Higher Life on CKJS 810 AM, Monday to Friday, 8:50 a.m. For more information, call 774-4478.

May karapatang lumigaya si Angelica Panganiban. Sobra-sobra na ang sakit sa pakikipagrelasyon na pinagdaanan niya. Siya man o ang kaniyang partner ang may mali ay isang bagay lang ang mahalaga – may karapatang maging masaya ang magandang aktres. Para maintindihan mo si Angelica ay kailangan alamin mo ang kaniyang nakaraan. Lumaki siyang walang nakagisnang ama, silang mag-ina lang ang lumaban sa buhay, kaya may kulang sa kaniyang pagkabata. Pero hindi siya tulad ng ibang kabataan na nalihis ng landas dahil sa nawawalang bahagi ng kanilang buhay, lumaban si Angelica, nagartista siya para maging maayos ang buhay nilang mag-ina. Reklamo ng marami ay mahirap siyang pakisamahan, may sarili siyang mundo, mahirap siyang intindihin. At palagi siyang nakasimangot. Sabi ng isang kaibigan ng dalaga na nakausap namin, “Front lang niya iyon, pero ang totoo, napakasarap niyang magmahal at magpahalaga sa kapuwa niya. Masarap siyang karelasyon, masarap siyang maging kaibigan, dahil mapagmahal siya.” Bumibilang nang maraming taon ang pakikipagrelasyon ni Angelica. Nakailang taon ba sila ni Derek Ramsay? Di ba’t kasal na lang ang kulang sa kanila? Ilang taon din ba silang naging magkarelasyon ni John Lloyd Cruz? Hindi lang sinuwerte si Angelica, sabi ng marami, dahil “na-Bea Alonzo siya.”

Kaya kung sila na nga ni Cholo Barretto ngayon ay maganda ‘yan, may karapatang lumigaya si Angelica Panganiban, ang tulad niyang marunong magmahal ay kailangan ding makatagpo ng bagong magmamahal sa kaniya. *** Mabuti na lang at ipinag-adya ng kapalaran si Vice Ganda sa kilalang basketbolistang si Calvin Abueva. Napakalakas ng dating sa sikat na komedyante ng mga basketball players, dumudugudog ang kaniyang puso, aminado ang kaniyang mga kaibigan na ang greatest love of all ni Viceral ay si Terrence Romeo. Naging super-close sila ni Abueva, pati ang numero ng jersey ng basketbolista ay isinusuot ni Vice sa kanilang noontime show, pero pagkatapos lang nang ilang buwan ay may Ion Perez nang pumalit sa eksena. Mabuti na lang at hindi sila nagkatuluyan ni Abueva na kinakasuhan ngayon ng kaniyang misis na si Sam ng pambubugbog at pambabastos sa kaniyang pagkababae. Hindi nakapaglalaro ngayon si Abueva, pinatawan siya ng parusa ng pamunuan ng PBA sa pagmamalabis niya sa hardcourt, problemado ang maangas na basketball player. Nakakahiya ang akusasyon ng kaniyang misis, dinudugo na nga ang ina ng kaniyang mga anak, pero pinipilit pa ring makasiping para sa kaniyang personal na kaligayahan. Sa pagkukuwentuhan namin ng kaibigan naming propesor ay

sinabi nito, “Malapit na malapit nang makuha ng mokong na iyon ang tiwala ni Vice! Ipinagluluto pa siya ng kung anu-anong pagkain, masarap daw kasing magluto si Calvin, dahil Kapampangan! “Mabuti na lang at nakalabas siya sa kung anumang mayroon sila, dahil kung hindi, e, baka si Vice ang nagdedemanda sa kaniya ngayon! Masuwerte pa rin si Vice!” natatawang komento ni prop. Sayang na talento na hindi ginamit sa maayos na paraan. Brusko siya sa hardcourt, kinatatakutan ng kaniyang mga katunggali, magaling mag-shoot pero nauwi lang sa wala. *** Sa isang banda, napakahirap din ng sitwasyon ni Vice Ganda. Kahit pa sa sabihin niyang maligaya siya ngayon dahil kay Ion Perez ay marami pa ring nagdududa sa intensiyon sa kaniya ng modelo. Para sa mas nakararami, ang tingin daw sa kaniya ng binata ay isang wallet na punumpuno ng laman, pera lang daw ang dahilan kung bakit nakipagrelasyon sa kaniya si Ion. Sabi pa ng isang nagmamalasakit kay Vice Ganda sa social media, “Nakakaawa naman si Vice. Mag-iipon iyong lalaki, tapos, iiwan din siya! Para lang siyang bank na withdraw lang nang withdraw iyong lalaking mahal daw niya! Komento naman ng isa pa, “Ang greatest love of all ni Vice, e, si Terrence Romeo! Hanggang ngayon, sobrang mahal pa rin niya iyong basketball player na minsang

na-link ang pangalan sa kaniya. Mahirap husgahan ang relasyon nina Vice Ganda at Ion. Marami kaming alam na kuwento tungkol sa katulad ng kanilang pagmamahalan na nagtagal nang maraming taon kundi man dekada. Walang kahit sinong nakakaalam kung ano ang tunay na intensiyon ni Ion Perez kay Vice, ito lang at ang komedyante ang nakakaramdam ng totoong sitwasyon nila labas ang publiko sa anumang mayroon sila ngayon. Ang mahalaga ay maligaya ngayon si Vice Ganda, kaligayahang tanging kay Ion Perez lang nagmumula, kulay rosas ang kanilang mundo ngayon. *** Naunsiyami ang pag-asa ng mga tagasuporta ni Claudine Barretto na babalik na siya sa pagharap sa mga camera. Matagal nang namamahinga ang aktres, maraming nanghihinayang sa kaniyang talento, pero nauwi lang sa wala ang kanilang paghihintay. Binitiwan na si Claudine ng tumayo niyang manager na si Tita Dolor Guevarra, hindi kinaya ng powers ng manager ang kaniyang mga kalokahan, mabilis itong sumoko sa laban. Mahabang panahon din ang ginugol ni Tita Dolor (sa pakiusap sa kaniya ni Gretchen Barretto) para ayusin ang sana’y pagbabalik sa pag-arte ni Claudine. Kinausap na nito ang mga ehekutibo ng Star Cinema, pinlano na nila ang proyektong gagawin ng aktres, katambal si Piolo Pascual. Sa Italy kukunan ang pelikula, See CRISTY p20

EH KASI, PINOY!

PAGE 20

PILIPINO EXPRESS

KROSWORD

HOROSCOPE

NO. 329

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

PAHALANG 1. Mapagkunwari 5. Malapit na malapit 12. Ipakiusap 13. Himok 14. Noon pa 16. Kagyat 17. Hinuhuli 18. Magalang na tugon 19. United Kingdom 21. Iulat 25. Urin ng saging 27. Minsan pa 29. Lugar sa Manitoba 31. Ampon 32. Nilulusob PABABA 1. Sara 2. Gamit sa bilyar 3. Marka 4. Isang bulaklak 6. Inihaw 7. Gayon din 8. ’Di inyo 9. Kubo 10. Bagsak

11. Ikasampung bahagi 15. Hinahangaan 18. Pinatuyong ubas 20. Lapa 21. Alagang lumilipad 22. Punglo 23. Oda 24. Nakakabarik 26. Gapas 28. Tuyo 30. Simbolo ng arsenic 31. Palayaw ng lalaki

SAGOT SA NO. 328

AUGUST 1 - 15, 2019

AGOSTO 1–15, 2019 Aries (March 21 – April 19) Nakikita mo ba ang buhay mo 10 taon mula ngayon? Kung hindi mo maisip kung ano na ang kalagayan mo 10 years from now, oras na para magplano ka. Mahaba na ang buhay ng tao ngayon at kailangan ay may matibay na kahihinatnan lalo na kung magre-retire ka. OK ang ika-1, 9 at 10. Ingat sa ika-4, 5, 11 at 12.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) Kung laging mainit ang ulo mo kahit maliit na iritasyon lang, hinay hinay muna at mag-isip ka. May dahilan kung bakit ka madaling mapikon. Minsan ito ay dahil galit ka sa sarili mo sanhi ng may gusto kang gawin na hindi mo magawa. Ang tanong: bakit? OK sa ika-1, 9 at 10. Bantay ka sa ika-7, 8, 14 at 15.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Ok lang balikan ang nakaraan lalo na kung masasayang alaala ang dala nito. Pero, huwag mong pabayaan na mabuhay ka sa gunita ng kahapon – kahit na napakasaya noon, nabubuhay ka para sa ngayon. Salamat sa kahapon pero sikapin mong pasayahin ang “ngayon.” OK ang ika-1, 9 at 10. Ingat sa ika-2 at 3.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Sagad na ba ang pasensya mo at gusto mo nang bulyawan ang isang tao na mukhang sadyang inuubos ang pang-unawa mo? Hintay muna! Baka hindi mo mabawi kapag nagsalita ka ng masakit sa kaniya. Malay mo, hindi niya sinasadya. Bobo lang siya talaga. OK ang ika-2, 3, 11 at 12. Ingat ka sa ika-1, 7, 8, 14 at 15.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) Kailangan mong tanggapin na ang lahat ng bagay ay nagbabago. Kahit ikaw, kailangan mong magbago. Natural lang na ganiyan ang buhay. Pilitin mong makapagadjust ka sa mga nangyayari at huwag mong talikuran dahil ayaw mo. Kailangan mong mag-move on. OK ang ika-2, 3, 11 at 12. Ingat sa ika-9 at 10.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Nasubukan mo na bang makinig sa music o magmeditate kapag ikaw ay nakakaramdam ng stress? Maraming paraan ngayon upang maging kalmado ang isang tao. Malamang ay kailanganin mo ito dahil para kang kandila na nauupos ngayon, di ba? Good days ang ika-2, 3, 11 at 12. Stressful ka sa ika-4 at 5.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Napapagod din ang utak kahit ang katawan ay hindi masyadong kumikilos. Iwasan mo ang sobrang pag-iisip – ito ang dahilan kung bakit para kang laging pagod. Layuan mo muna ang mga tao o okasyon na nagdudulot sa iyo ng stress. Gawin mo ito agad. OK ang ika-4, 5, 14 at 15. Kuwidaw ka sa ika-2, 3, 9 at 10.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) Minsan, kailangan mo lang ipaalam sa kaniya na nandiyan ka lang at anumang oras ay maaari ka niyang lapitan. Hindi ka nakikialam kung magbibigay ka ng payo. Baka ka magulat dahil magbubukas siya ng kaniyang damdamin sa iyo. Hinihintay ka lang niya. OK ang ika-4, 5, 14 at 15. Ingat ka sa ika-11 at 12.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Baka ikaw lang ang hinihintay upang maibalik sa dati ang tamis ng relasyon ng iyong kaibigan at kaniyang partner. May tiwala sila sa iyo kaya unahan mo na ang pagbibigay ng payo. Sayang sila. Hindi nila iisiping nakikialam ka dahil nagtatapat naman sila sa iyo. Lucky ka sa ika-4, 5, 14 at 15. Ingat ka sa ika-1, 7 at 8.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Oras na para magenjoy ka. Ipahinga mo muna ang iyong isip at itabi mo muna ang hanapbuhay. Sandali lang ang tag-araw kaya gamitin mo ito sa para sa quality time kasama ang mga mahal mo. Hindi mawawala ang hanapbuhay kung sandali ka lang mawawala. OK sa ika-7 at 8. Stressful ang ika-4, 5, 11 at 12.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) Kung nasa mood ka para sa romansa – ngayon na ito! Ibukas mo ang iyong puso at mata kung single ka pa. Kung may partner ka na, oras na para mas painitin mo ang inyong pagmamahalan. Bigyan mo siya ng pagkakataon na iparamdam sa iyo ang init ng pagibig. OK ang ika-7 at 8. Bantay ka sa ika-1, 14 at 15.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) Kung may karelasyon ka ngayon, iwasan mong mawala ang iyong pagkatao dahil sa iyong pagmamahal sa kaniya. Huwag mong painugin ang mundo mo sa kaniya, mali iyon. Kung single ka, magdiwang ka dahil nasa iyo ang kalayaang mag-enjoy ka at gawin ang gusto mo. OK ang ika7 at 8. Ingat sa ika-2, 3, 9 at 10.

din naman siya. Maraming beses na nangyari ang ganoon. Nakapanghihinayang ang oportunidad na pinakawalan ng aktres dahil sa kawalan niya ng disiplinang talikuran na ang kung anumang naksanayan niya. Hanggang hindi siya tumatalikod doon ay habampanahon na lang siyang ganyan. Ang tagumpay ng kaniyang career ay hindi magagawa ng kahit sinong manager, hindi rin iyon magagawa ng produksiyon at ng kaniyang mga tagahanga, si Claudine Barretto lang ang makatutulong sa kaniyang sarili. *** Isa pang personalidad na naliligo ngayon sa swimming pool ng apdo at pinakakain ng ampalaya ng ating mga kababayan ay si Phillip Salvador.

Dahil sa kaniyang sigaw na mamatay na sana ang mga tumutuligsa kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ay sampung doble ang naging balik noon sa aktor. May punto naman ang mga tumutuligsa kay Phillip Salvador, hindi tamang hilingin ninuman ang pagkamatay ng kahit sino, kahit gaano katinding pagsisipsip pa ang gawin niya sa ating pangulo. Sabi ng isang sumagot sa sigaw ng action star, “Baka ikaw pa ang mauna sa pangulo! Saka teka lang muna, nakakapagpadala ka na ba ng sustento sa anak n’yo ni Kris Aquino? Iyon muna ang unahin mo, kesa sa hilingin mong mamatay lahat ang mga kumokontra kay PRRD!” At hindi bibig ang ginagamit See CRISTY p21

CRISTY... From page 19 parang Milan nila noon ni Piolo na naging blockbuster, pero ang lahat ng plano ay nauwi sa wala. Hindi na idinetalye pa ni Tita Dolor ang mga dahilan ng kaniyang pagbibitiw, sapat na ang sinabi nito na hindi talaga kakayanin ng kahit sinong manager ang katigasan ng ulo ni Claudine, kakambal ang pagsisinungaling. Bilang manager, ang gusto nito ay cards on the table sila ng kaniyang alaga. Ganito at ganyan ang kaniyang gusto, kailangan ding linawin sa kaniya ng artista kung hanggang saan lang siya. Pero hindi pala ganoon si Claudine. Mayroon siyang mga ginagawa na ikinukubli sa kaniyang manager pero nahuhuli

EH KASI, PINOY!

AUGUST 1 - 15, 2019

Ang federal election is about three months away, subalit ang provincial elections sa Manitoba na nakatakda sa July 20 ay nais maging batayan for the October 21 national elections. Nangako ang Manitoba’s Liberal Party Leader Dougald Lamont na haharangin ang pagsara at mapanatili ang emergency rooms sa Seven Oaks, Concordia at Victoria. Ang layunin umano ay for Manitobans have access for care na malapit sa kani-kanilang residence. Binanggit na ang PC ay totoong may health care subalit walang accountability system. Marami nga bang tinanggal na mga tauhan sa mga pagamutan na dahilan ng mga reklamo mula sa mga mamamayan na natira sa mga malalayon lugar ng lalawigan. Ang isyu tungkol sa ER will surely determine the Manitoba provincial elections. Ang Manitobans ay labis na nababahala tungkol sa balitang maraming unregistered and restricted guns dito sa Manitoba. Inaakalang ang maluwag na batas ay maaaring magdulot ng problema sa peace and order ng city at probinsiya. Pilipinas Ang nilalaman ng 4th SONA ng Pangulong Duterte ay pinarinig na at marahil ay naparating na, hindi lamang sa buong Pilipinas kundi maging sa maraming lugar sa ibayong dagat. Kabilang sa mensahe ng pangulo ang patuloy na mga pagbabago para sa kapakanan ng mga Filipino. Tumagal nang halos isang oras at kalahati. Sinabing patuloy ang tungkol sa war on illegal drugs, corruption and rebellion. Gayon din ang tungkol sa foreign investment sa bansa at sa mga infrastructure project, tulad sa agriculture and other

PILIPINO EXPRESS

rural development programs na pangkabuhayan ng mga mamamayan. Nanawagan na kailangang magtulungan para mabigyan ng tulong sa kabuhayan ang milyonmilyong bilang ng taumbayan at mahango sa kahirapan.Nangakong ang kaniyang kampanya sa pagbabago will end only until the end of his term sa 2022 as president. Ngayong ang both house of congress ay kontrolado na ng mayoryang political party, ang mga priority programs ng gobyerno ay maaaring madali nang mapagtitibay. *** Tuluyan na kayang mawawala ngayon sa radar ng gobyernong Duterte ang panukalang federal form of government? Sa halip, ang hangad ng pangulo ay mapalitan ng panukalang pagbalangkas ng new constitution. Ang resulta ay nasa kamay na ngayon ng mga kagawad ng mababa at mataas na kapulungan ng kongreso. Ngayon lang, mismong ang Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano ay naghahangad na ng extension sa term limit of elected local officials. Sakaling mangyayari, possible na amendment na lang sa current constitution ang resulta na taliwas naman sa nais ng pangulong Duterte na New Constitution. *** Pinag-iisipan daw ng Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin ang possibility na ang Pilipinas ay kumalas sa UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) matapos na ang hinarap na resolution ng Iceland ay mapagtibay na alamin ang war on Illegal drug sa Pilipinas. Ang Iceland ay siyang pumalit sa US na kumalas sa UN Human Rights Council dahil sa nabanggit na HR issue. Sa ngayon ang

HINAGAP

O, Canada, Pinoy Ako Ang aking pag-asang naging agaw-buhay ay muling sumigla sa iyong kandungan; Sa iyong alindog ang lupang hinirang, May kahati ngayon sa puso’t isipan! *** Sinisinta kita nang taos sa puso, Pag-ibig na tunay, malabong maglaho; Sa kapighatian ako ay hinango, Asahan ang sukling tapat na pagsuyo! *** Kandugang malusog nang aking lisanin ay hindi dahilang ganap na limutin; Ako’y magbabalik sa bayan kong giliw, Ang lupang may unang pitak sa damdamin! *** Dating sakdal tatag ng paninindigan, Dahil sa ganda mo, naging salawahan! Paquito Rey Pacheco

Pilipinas ay walang kinatawan sa Iceland at ang Iceland ay walang ambassador sa Pilipinas. Nabanggit din ng Foreign Affairs Secretary na the Philippine government was rejecting the UN Human Right Council (UNHRC) resolution na naghahangad ng investigation into the human rights situations sa Pilipinas, tulad ng ginanap na 41st regular session sa Geneva, Switzerland. *** Tungkol naman sa West Philippine Sea/South China Sea issue. Sinabi ng Supreme Court senior associate, Antonio Carpio na “Many non-war choices to wield legal win against China.” Opo nga, maaaring daanin through diplomatic approach, subalit ang EEZ ayaw kilalanin ng China. Ang nais naman ng mga political opposition ay komprontahin ng pangulong Duterte ang China. Alalahaning sa EEZ issues, hindi lang Pilipinas ang sangkot kundi kabilang din ang mga iba pang claimant na China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia. Hanggang sa ngayon ang US ay walang kibo tungkol sa nabanggit na issues. Di ba ang Manila and Washington ay may Mutual Defense Treaty? Waring

ang US has no interest at waring nanunood lang. Marahil ayaw din na masangkot sa gulo against China na may kinalaman sa international sea lane. *** Binanggit din ng pangulo sa kaniyang SONA ang pangakong dagdag na suweldo sa mga guro at pagpopondo sa mga government educational institution. Ang dahilan nga kaya naatraso ay sanhi sa corruption na ngayon ay kabilang sa mga pangunahing problema ng gobyerno. *** Magtatalaga raw ng Department of Overseas Filipino (DOF), para sa mga nais magtrabaho sa ibang bansa. Sinabing ang Land Banks is for the development of land at hindi for commercial transactions but financing agricultural programs with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) at iba pang tanggapan ng gobyerno. *** Nabalita na hinahangad ng pangulong Duterte to buy palay from farmers bago umangkat ng bigas. Ang reaksiyon ng president, marahil ay sanhi sa reklamo ng mga magsasaka na sobrang mura ang halaga ng kanilang inaaning

PAGE 21 palay. Opo naman, alinsunod ‘yon sa katungkulan ng National Food Authority (NFA) na hindi nasunod sa nakaraang mga 47 taon. Always import na foreign farmers ang natutulungan. *** Ang planong pagbabalik ng Reserved Officer Training Corp (ROTC) na binanggit ng pangulo ay naglalayong daw na mabalik ang desiplina na ngayon ay waring hindi na nabigbiyan ng halaga sa mga pamantasang ng gobyerno at pribado. Mandatory ang utos for grades 11 and 12. *** President Duterte to convene the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). Ang layunin ay for priority measures para sa remaining talong taon ng Duterte administration. Marami nang mga panukalang batas na dumaan sa congress na madali nang mapagtibay. Kasabihan Lahat ng kasaysayan ay may katapusan. Paunawa: Ang mga paksa at salitang nakasaad sa Pilantik ay sariling opinion ng may-akda at maaaring hindi opinion ng mga taga-lathala ng Pilipino Express.

CRISTY... From page 20 na termino ng paglalarawan kay Phillip Salvador kungdi bunganga. Pati ang kaniyang pagiging Kristiyano ay nakakaladkad na rin sa isyu. Sabi ng isang source na dating tagahanga ni Phillip, “Gawain ba ng isang Kristiyano ang hangaring mamatay ang kaniyang kapuwa nang dahil lang sa pagkontra sa ating pangulo? “Ang kapal-kapal ng mukha ng taong ‘yan! May pakipkip-kipkip pa siya ng Bibliya kahit saan siya magpunta! Pero ano ang ginagawa at sinasabi niya? “Kontrang-kontra sa laman ng Bible! Pagsumpa ang ginagawa niya, para hilingin mong mamatay nang lahat ang mga tumutuligsa kay PRRD, bagay ba sa kaniyang magkipkip ng Bibliya?” sabi ng aming source. Sabi naman ng isa pang post na galit na galit sa action star, “Nasaan na ba ang utak ni Phillip Salvador? Natatapakan na ba niya? Iniisip ba niya ang mga salitang binibitiwan niya? “Dapat siyang matakot sa mga salitang sinasabi niya. Baka biruin siya ng kapalaran. Baka mauna pa siya sa hukay kesa sa mga hinihiling niyang mamatay!” isa pang bira kay Phillip Salvador! *** Nagdiwang ng kaarawan noong July 25 si Maribel “Lala” Aunor ng dating sikat na grupong Apat Na Sikat. Naging markado ang kaniyang birthday dahil sa araw ding iyon pumirma ng kontrata sa Star Music ang kaniyang bunsong anak na si Ashley. Dekada otsenta pa ay anakanakan na namin si Lala na isang matagumpay nang businesswoman ngayon. Kapag tinitingnan namin si Ashley ay naaalala namin ang kaniyang kasikatan, ganoongganoon ang itsura ni Lala, mas

Kris w/ Bimby & Josh, pay tribute to Cory Aquino on her birthday malusog nga lang sa kaniya si Ashley. Parehong nagmana sa kaniya sina Marion at Ashley, kinabog pa nga siya ni Marion, dahil hindi lang singer ang kaniyang panganay kundi composer pa. Magkaiba ng genre ang magkapatid. Kung love song ang nililinyahan ni Marion ay pop rock at alternative music naman ang focus ni Ashley na kilala na ngayong bilang si Cool Cat Ash sa mundo ng musika. Napapanood na ngayon ang kaniyang music video para sa pinyesang Mataba na tumutukoy sa body shaming. Sa lahat ng digital platforms ay nandoon na ang kaniyang music video, napakahusay ni Ashley sa mga instruments at linya nito ang pagmi-mix, tinulungan ni Ashley ang kaniyang Ate Marion sa piyesa nitong Delikado. Apat na dekada na naming anak-anakan si Lala Aunor at sa loob nang napakahabang panahong lumipas ay nananatili siyang mapagkumbaba, hindi siya pinagbago ng popularidad noong bata pa siya hanggang ngayong matagumpay na siyang negosyante, siya pa rin ang Maribel Aunor

Phillip Salvador na nakilala naming mahiyain at nakatapak ang magkabilang paa sa lupa. Siya ang malakas na hangin sa ilalim ng mga pakpak nina Marion at Ashley. Suportado niya ang pangarap ng kaniyang mga anak. Walang hindi si Lala kapag sina Marion at Ashley na ang humiling sa kaniya. Ipa-revive sana ni Lala kina Marion at Ashley ang kaniyang mga piyesang Dalaginding at A, Ewan na nang ilabas sa mga record bars ay nagkaubusan ng kopya. Ganoon kasikat noong dekada otsenta ang tambalan nina Maribel Aunor at Arnold Gamboa. – CSF

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Music, fun and food at Raffy’s Café by Wayne Croning When I first walked into Raffy’s Cafe accompanied by a few work friends, I was greeted by good live music, flashing lights and a unique sense of belonging. Everyone, including the patrons, performers and owners appeared warm and friendly. The cafe, situated on the corner of Wall Street and Ellice Avenue is a small, single story building. No large neon sign outside advertising the fun to be had inside. The entrance from Wall Street leads into a lounge with about 10 tables. The bar on the right and a partition wall with large windows opening on a second seating area and stage for the drum set, microphones and other musical instruments and equipment. A Filipino band was performing that night. They sang a few Tagalog songs and then some English songs, rock and roll from the 70s and 80s. There was a lot of clapping after each song. Raffy, the owner came up and introduced himself to us. I never realized how incredibly talented he was until many visits later. He can play several instruments, including electric guitar, keyboards, drums, saxophone, and he is gifted with a great voice. Later that night, he was playing guitar and he needed a drummer. “We need a drummer! Could we have a volunteer please?” he called over the microphone. Without thinking, I put up my hand. After introducing myself, I seated myself at the drums, not really knowing much about drums! But I played, tried my best and actually was able to keep up with the rest of the musicians. Raffy, sensing my inexperience, did pick a couple of easy tunes. After two numbers, one of which was a country tune, he turned and thanked me. “Wayne on drums! Thank you Wayne!” I stepped off the stage and let someone else take over – someone with more experience. This was a Sunday night and after a few more performances, some Karaoke, and two or three beers later, it got nearer to closing time (midnight). We promised to return again, but not before my friend Lloyd went up on stage and put on a great guitar performance. We did return, a few Sundays

later, and Lloyd brought along a friend Brian who outdid himself on the drums, hammering out tunes from the 80s and 90s. Raffy got out his sax and played and sang Careless Whisper by George Michael, and I was more than impressed. I sang a karaoke duet with my friend Ernie, a Bee Gees tune, and there was some clapping at the end, if I remember correctly. We did not get booed off the stage in any case. Raffy Ramiro After many such visits, I decided (as a struggling but ambitious writer) to do an article on Raffy’s Cafe, so one Saturday afternoon, at around 4:00 p.m., I dropped in and interviewed the man in person. I was surprised to learn that Raffy’s Café opened not too long ago, October of last year to be exact. The café, basically a bar/restaurant, is essentially an entertainment magnet for musicians, drawing them in to strut their stuff! Raffy invites anyone to come in and perform. Sunday is basically “Open Mic” night. He also teaches drums on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. (Students must register beforehand). But getting back to Raffy, the man – He grew up in the Philippines with a natural flair for music. Later in life, he started a band and they performed on a professional level in places like China and Japan also touring North America. In 2014 he eventually settled in Vancouver, starting the first Raffy’s Café there. Eventually he moved to Winnipeg, to be with his present partner Mary, who is also a very talented singer. Mary takes care of running the restaurant and accounts, while Raffy takes care of the entertainment side of things. Raffy’s wish for the current café is to attract a multicultural clientele, and also to impart his love of music by way of music lessons, which include drums, guitar, piano, bass, and also voice lessons. Nothing happens overnight though, so all this may take a little time. The restaurant itself serves up a small, but tempting array of food, including some traditional Filipino cuisine. They are also open for breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for those just starting their day or coming off the night shift. Patio doors will be opening

this summer as well. For now, his musical menu is as follows, • Monday: Jam night • Tuesday: Closed • Wednesday: Acoustic jam/ Open Mic/Chicken Wing special night • Thursday: Karaoke night/ dancing • Friday: Live Music (Bands performing) • Saturday: Live Music/ Special Events. • Sunday: Open Mic night/ Karaoke hour Raffy also plans to open more branches and maybe start a franchise, expanding to other provinces as well. In a nutshell, I find that Raffy’s Café is a fabulous place to just chill and relax after a hard day or week of work. It is a place where one can enjoy live music, go up on stage and sing or play an instrument (no experience necessary), and generally have a fun time. I thoroughly recommend going there and guarantee you will always go back! Wayne Croning is an aspiring writer. He has authored one book, co-authored three anthologies, and a few published articles. He occasionally rocks out at his favourite joint, Raffy’s Cafe.

Raffy Ramiro at the keyboard

The author Wayne (centre) singing with a few of the regulars at Raffy’s Café (l-r): Lloyd, Neil, Wayne, Brian, Armando & Raffy

Raffy, Lloyd, Brian and Armando

Lloyd, Brian and Raffy

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