Volume 20 • No. 23 • December 1 - 15, 2024 Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Julia Montes
Concert for a Cause Paul Ong and the WSO raise $88,000
9
On November 16, 2024, Paul Ong captivated an audience of over 1,000 with his 10th Concert for a Cause, performed with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO). The evening, hosted at the Calvary Temple, received glowing feedback for Ong’s powerful performance and community impact. Front row, L-R: Geraldine Ong, Johhan Ong, Odessa Rosati, Larry and Tova Vickar of Vickar Automotive Group, Alwyn Ong, Myrna Ong, Paul Ong, Rod San Juan, and Krystal St. Goddard of CIBC. Back: Student choirs from the Winnipeg School Division. Top: Monica Chen, WSO Assistant Conductor, with WSO musicians. by Jon Malek
7
Alden Richards
9
Lea Salonga
7
For ten years, Paul Ong’s Concert for a Cause has inspired and entertained Winnipeg while raising vital funds for various charities. What started as a fundraiser to support Paul’s performance as
Canada’s representative at the World Championship of Performing Arts has grown into an annual charity event that has raised over $150,000. The successful concert on November 16, 2024, raised more than $88,000 for Sistema Winnipeg and ANCOP (Answering the Cry of
the Poor). The concert included several classics including O Sole Mio, The Impossible Dream (Man of La Mancha), Over the Rainbow, and several other songs including a series of rousing waltzes. The See CONCERT p11
GST holiday for Manitobans awaits final approval Sanya Lopez
Pasko na naman!
Spread your Christmas cheer with the Pilipino Express! Reach thousands of readers who look forward to your holiday greetings and messages. Book your ad now in our special holiday issue on December 16! Don’t miss this chance to connect with a community eager to celebrate together. Call 204-956-7845 • 204-688-0574 or E-mail info@pilipino-express.com to reserve your space!
Scan the QR code to visit us at www.pilipino-express.com
Photo by Adam Scotti Canadians may receive some financial relief this holiday season, but the details remain uncertain. On November 21, 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to temporarily waive the GST (Goods and Services Tax) and HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) on a broad range of items, aiming to
ease the burden of rising costs. If approved, all food in Canada could become tax-free during this period. “Our government can’t control prices, but we can put more money back into the pockets of Canadians, particularly working Canadians,” said Trudeau. “With a tax break for all and the Working Canadians
Rebate, we’re helping families buy the essentials while saving for the things they want.” However, as of November 28, 2024, the proposed tax holiday still requires approval from the House of Commons, and political discussions are ongoing. See GST p15