Filipino Journal Winnipeg Volume 25 Number 03

25 Years February 5 - 20, 2011 • Volume 25, Number 3

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Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winter Wonderland

Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Big Marv on UFC 126

Page 16► Welcome Big Marv from Hot 103 as our newest columnist.

In The Wedding Biz

Page 10► Aldo Formals, Jessica Viray and Ken Lozano at the 2011 Wonderful Wedding Show.

Page 21►

It may be cold outside and that’s not stopping hearty Winnipegers from embracing the cold and enjoying Winnipeg’s winter wonderland. Lopez family enjoying a crisp Saturday afternoon at the newly constructed skating rink at the Assiniboine Park duck pond. Ramil Lopez with two sons Rylan, Jalen and neice Aiko.

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Kausapin sa wikang Tagalog ang inyong mga kababayang sina Jimmy Manalang, Gil De Guzman, Jocelyn Santos-Edic, Allord Rangasajo at Jaycee Manzano Jimmy Manalang service advisor

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

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February 5 - 20, 2011

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

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February 5 - 20, 2011

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Higher Life Pastor Junie Josue iwc@shaw.ca

True Love Ayon sa Biblia

M

araming kahulugan ang pag-ibig. Pero ang pinakamalalim at dakilang kahulugan nito ay mababasa sa biblia sa 1 Corinto 13 na nagsasabing ang pag-ibig ay matiisin, matiyaga at nagpapasensiya. Kadalasan, naiinis o nagagalit tayo agad sa ating kabiyak sa halip na alamin muna natin ang kanilang kalagayan.

Nagagalit ang misis kay mister pag late nang umuwi pero hindi niya alam na may tinulungan pala siya sa daan na nasiraan ng kotse. Naiinis si mister kay misis dahil tinitipid siya. Hindi niya alam, pinag-iipunan pala niya ang nalalapit na birthday ni mister na gusto niyang ipaghanda ng engrande.

Ang pag-ibig ay may kagandahang loob. Mabuti ito kahit sa mga taong hindi mabuti sa kaniya.

Wala itong inisip kundi ang kabutihan ng taong kaniyang minamahal kahit na hindi pa siya masuklian ng kabutihan o pag-ibig. Pinalalakas nito ang loob ng mga nanlulumo, tinutulungan nito ang mga mahihina at humahanap ito ng pagkakataon na pagpalain ang kaniyang minamahal. Pero hindi nito kinompromiso ang makadiyos na paniniwala at kaugalian.

May kwento ako ukol sa isang misis na nagsuko ng kaniyang buhay sa Panginoon. Ang kaniyang asawa ay mabisyo at ayaw na ayaw niyang masyadong naglalagi sa simbahan ang kaniyang misis. Kinausap ng misis

ang kaniyang asawa “Magpapatuloy akong maging ulirang asawa sa iyo.

Paglilingkuran kita at ang ating mga anak. Pero pagdating sa relasyon ko sa Panginoon, hindi mo ako mapipigilan. Magpupuri at sasamba ako sa Diyos kung kinakailangan.”

Ang pag-ibig ay hindi naiinggit.

Ang tagumpay at karangalan ng kaniyang iniibig ay tagumpay at karangalan din niya. Karaniwan na ngayon sa mag-asawa ang parehong may trabaho. Pero ang hindi maganda ay kung minsan ay nagkokomparahan ang mag-asawa ng kanilang sahod.

Ang pag-ibig ay hindi pinangangalandakan ang kaniyang sarili. Hindi ito mapagmataas. Hind ito nakasentro sa sarili kundi sa kapakanan ng kaniyang minamahal.

Handa itong magpakasakit para lamang sa ikalalago o ikabubuti ng kaniyang mahal sa buhay.

Handa itong isantabi ang ginhawa, tagumpay, malaking suweldo, mataas na posisyon at sariling pangarap para lamang sa kaniyang iniibig.

Alam ni Ruth na tinawag ng Diyos ang kaniyang mister na si Billy Graham para mangaral ng salita ng Diyos sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo. Hindi naging madali ang pagdedesisyon ni Billy dahil ang ibig sabihin nito’y palagi niyang maiiwan ang kaniyang asawa na mangalaga ng kanilang mga anak. Dito pinatunayan ni Ruth ang kaniyang pag-ibig kay

Billy. Pinayagang niyang umalis ang kaniyang mister upang matupad nito ang panawagan ng Diyos sa kaniya. Hindi kataka-takang naging matagumpay na mangangaral ng salita ng Diyos si Billy Graham.

Ang pag-ibig ay hindi magaspang sa pag-uugali. Naalala ko tuloy ang mga madalas na reklamo ng mga misis. Noong nililigawan pa lang daw sila ng kanilang mister o bagong kasal pa lamang sila, binubuksan ng mister ang pinto para sa kanila, inaalalayan siya sa lahat ng kilos niya at palaging nakaakbay sa kanila saan man sila magpunta. Pero pagkalipas ng ilang taon, naglaho na ang mga magagandang gawi nito.

Ang pag-ibig ay palagi ring mahinahon sa pagsasalita. Nagtitimpi itong mabuti sa pagkakamali ng kaniyang iniibig dahil alam niyang siya mismo ay hindi perpekto.

Minsan pinangangalandakan pa natin ang kahinaan ng ating mga kabiyak. Kapag pinagsasabihan ni misis ang kaniyang binatang anak, ito ang kaniyang sinasabi “O, baka magmana ka sa tatay mong lasenggo” Ginagawa nating biro sa ating mga kasama ang kanilang mga kahinaan at kapintasan.

Ang pag-ibig ay hindi mainisin o magagalitin. Hindi ito pusong mamon.

Hindi ito nag-iisip ng paghihiganti kapag nasaktan. Hindi ito reklamador. Hindi ikinatutuwa ng pag-ibig ang gawang masama ngunit ikinagagalak nito ang katotohanan.

Ang pag-ibig ay nagpapakasakit, nagtitiwala, puno ng pag-asa at nagtitiyaga hanggang wakas. Hindi bulag ang pag-ibig sa kapintasan ng kaniyang iniibig pero naniniwala ito sa katotohanan ng salita ng Diyos.

May mga kilala akong mga misis na may mga asawang dating lasenggo, sugarol at babaero.

Masakit sa

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kanilang kalooban ang mga ginagawa ng kanilang mga mister.

Pero pinili nilang makisama pa rin sa mga ito. Umasa sila sa pagkilos ng Diyos sa puso ng kanilang kabiyak.

Nanindigan sila sa mga pangako ng Diyos. Hindi sila nagsawang tumawag sa Diyos araw araw para sa kanilang mga asawa. Hindi nga sila nabigo. Hindi nasayang ang kanilang pagpapakasakit at pagtitiyaga.

Binago ng Diyos ang kanilang mga asawa Nagsuko ang mga ito ng kanilang buhay sa Panginoon. Wala na silang karibal na beer, alak, ibang

babae o sugal. Naging mas matamis keysa noon ang kanilang mga pagsasamahan.

Ang pag-ibig na naayon sa salita ng Diyos ang pinakamatibay ng pundasyon ng mag-aasawa.

Pastor Junie Josue is Senior Pastor of International Worship Centre at 1077 St. James St. [Worship Services: Sundays 8:45 a.m. Tagalog; 10:30 a.m. English] and host of the radio program Higher Life on CKJS 810 AM, Monday to Friday, 8:50 a.m. For more information call 774-4478.

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Filipino Journal

by R. Reis Pagtakhan, LL.B., B.A. (Hons.) rrp@aikins.com

Sponsoring Your Parents to Canada

(Change in the Minimum Necessary Income)

L

ast month, Citizenship and Immigration Canada published new income levels which individuals must meet to be able sponsor their parents or grandparents to Canada. The figures, effective until December 31, 2011, are as follows:

● 2 persons $27,674 ● 3 persons $34,022 ● 4 persons $41,307 ● 5 persons $46,850 ● 6 persons $52,838 ● 7 persons $58,827 ● More than 7 persons, for each additional person, add $5,989

How do I know which income level applies to me?

When calculating the income level that applies to you, you need to count: 1. your spouse; 2. all of your dependent children; and 3. the total number of family members you are sponsoring.

For example, if you are married, have two young children and one adult child, the total number in your family for the purposes of the calculation would be four (assuming that the adult child is no longer a dependant). If both of your parents are alive and you are sponsoring both, the total number

Filipino Journal Ron Cantiveros Publisher

aLfie vera mella Associate Editor

Rod Escobar Cantiveros Sales & Advertising

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief- Filipino Journal 1987-2008

February 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

for the calculation would be six.

As a result, in this example, the minimum necessary income would be $52,838.

Please note that if you have sponsored or co-sponsored someone in the past, you may have to include also these individuals in your calculation.

Do I have to meet the minimum necessary income myself or can I have a co-sponsor?

If you do not meet the minimum necessary income yourself, you can have one person be the co-sponsor.

However, the only person who can be a co-sponsor is your spouse or common-law partner. Brothers and sisters cannot be co-sponsors.

What if I and my co-sponsor do not meet the minimum necessary income?

If you do not meet the minimum necessary income, you can still file an application to sponsor your parents. While the application will likely be refused, this would give you an opportunity to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division where it is possible to get an approval even if you are short of the income level.

The only time we recommend doing this is if you do not believe that you will be able to reach the minimum necessary income.

Even in these cases, we never advise someone to do this without speaking first to a lawyer or licensed consultant for advice.

www.FilipinoBrideAndGroom.com Published Annually

Published Quarterly

Derksen Printers (Steinbach, MB) Printers

Contributing Writers: Joan Duhaylungsod Fran Avila-Anthony RG (Bob) Gabuna Dr. Eusebio Koh Reis Pagtakhan

Mike Pagtakhan

Pastor Junie Josue Ramon Toralba Johnny Cantiveros Perry Diaz Paulo G. Ercia Ruwiz Mercado

Gem M. Anis

We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/ Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.

Published by Molave Publishing Company, Inc. 46 Pincarrow Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1E3 •Tel: (204) 489-8894 Fax: (204) 489-1575 •info@filipinojournal.com •www.filipinojournal.com Publications Mail Agreement No. 40032612 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Molave Publishing Company, Inc. 46 Pincarrow Road, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1E3

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by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

Life Can Only Be Understood Looking Backward (On the Recognition of Books and Films as Two Separate Art Forms)

A

lot of novels have become more commercially successful because of their having been adapted into films. Many people—especially bibliophiles—would argue that, compared with their film counterparts, novels are far more elaborate and well-told in their original, book forms; especially that books can be hundreds of pages long. On the other hand, those who are not big fans of books but are rather film buffs prefer the movie versions because, being audiovisual, these are easier to follow and understand. This is unsurprising, because books are indeed hard to digest. They demand a deep sense of imagination and creativity. To fully comprehend a book, one should be able to animate the characters, build up the settings, and create the scenes in his mind. In fact, an average reader could spend days or even weeks to finish reading a novel. With a film, one simply needs to sit back, listen, and watch for about two hours.

the Rings books by J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, but I also recognize the artistic merits and entertainment value of the film versions. Finally, your preference will depend on your mood, circumstance, or the amount of time you can spend on reading or watching.

Film adaptations are usually based on novels, but they could be also derived from other sources like comics, biographies, video games, and stage plays.

Filipino Journal

Here are some relatively new films Dear John (2010), of N. Sparks’s that are adaptations of novels. novel of the same name (2006).

The Last Leaf The Notebook (2004), Comparing books with films adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’s to determine which art form is novel of the same name (1996); better is unfair and unscholarly Eragon (2006), of Christopher because each has its own artistic Paolini’s novel of the same name (2003); Notes on a Scandal (2006), of Zoë Heller’s novel of the same name (2003); The Da Vinci Code (2006), of Dan Brown’s novel of the same name (2003); The Golden Compass (2007), of the first book of Philip Pullman’s trilogy His Dark Materials (1995, 1997, 2000); Stardust (2007), of Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name (1998); Inkheart (2008), of the first book of Cornelia Funke’s trilogy Inkworld (2004, 2006, 2008); Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008), of Jules Verne’s novel of the same name (1864); The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), loosely based on the short story of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1922); Angels & Demons (2009), of D. Brown’s novel of the same name (2000); and

Each Has Its Own Merits I don’t really compare these two art forms—the book and the film—to the point of pitting them against each other to determine which is better, because I acknowledge that each has its own merits as well as its own limitations, and for this that I can appreciate both in equal measures.

I could get lost willingly within the pages of a thick fantasy book for hours, creating the plot secretly on my own. In the same manner that I could enjoy a movie with its cinematography, computergenerated imageries, and cast of characters in the company of friends or loved ones there in a theater, in the living room, or in the comforts of the bedroom. For instance, I love and revere the original The Lord of

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merits and entertainment value as well as strengths and weaknesses.

Not disregarding taste, a true art enthusiast has the ability to see the two works of art as separate entities.

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Filipino Journal

Balitang Kutsero

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com llustration by Dave San Pedro

‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’

J

ust like the classic Italian spaghetti western, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” Pinoy “gunslingers” wearing gold stars on their epaulets took center stage when the “good” gunslinger started shooting from the hip at the “bad” and the “ugly” gunslingers, who were his former bosses. And as a backdrop to the shooting scene, the classic tune of the original “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” is being played to the lyric, “Kuarta na… kuarta na… kuarta na… hehehe…”

The actors in this Pinoy pancit western are: Col. George Rabusa (ret.), former military budget officer, as the “Good” gunslinger (played by Clint Eastwood in the original movie); former Defense Chief General Angelo Reyes as the “Bad” gunslinger (played by Lee Van Cleef in the original movie); and Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia (ret.) as the “Ugly” gunslinger (played by Eli Wallach in the original movie).

The story began when Rabusa dropped a bombshell during a Senate investigation hearing on the controversial Garcia plea bargaining agreement. Rabusa accused Reyes of receiving P150 million including a P50-million “pabaon” (send-off money) when he retired as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in 2001. Rabusa added that he and his boss, then AFP

February 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Comptroller Lt. Gen. Jacinto Ligot (Garcia’s predecessor), personally delivered the money to Reyes at his staff quarters, known as the “White House.”

But Rabusa went further. He also said that chiefs of staffs “get around P10 million monthly while in service, half of which supposedly goes to their pockets.” Whoa! No wonder some generals’ wives were frequent flyers to Zurich. I guess they love to watch the snow-capped Alps. And whom would they find there too? Figaro.

Rabusa served two comptrollers, Ligot and Garcia, who were called the “Comptroller Mafia” in their heydays. And, like the Italian Mafia, they had a code of silence. The Italian Mafia calls its code of silence “Omerta” while the Comptroller Mafia calls it “Kuarta.” Indeed, “Kuarta” – which means “money” -- seals their lips in silence.

But Rabusa broke the “Kuarta” code just like Sammy “The Bull” Gravano broke “Omerta” which sent the Gambino crime family’s Godfather John Gotti and more than a hundred Mafiosi to prison. Can Rabusa accomplish the same feat as Sammy the Bull? Abangan.

Military justice… News report says, “The Department of National Defense (DND) is forming a special investigative committee that will

look into allegations that the military leadership maintained a multimillionpeso slush fund for discretionary use of the chief of staff.” Isn’t that like Mafia Don Vito Corleone forming an investigation committee consisting of his capos to investigate his slush fund? Hehehe…

Crime czar… Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said that P-Noy is on top of the crime situation in the country. “We don’t need a crime czar. We have PNP [Philippine National Police] Director General Raul Bacalzo overseeing the [country’s] peace and order, we have the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines, under Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo David, Jr.], we have the National Security Adviser [Cesar Garcia],” Lacierda said. He said that they all report to the President.

Doesn’t that make P-Noy the Crime Czar? Or is it “nakaka azar” (“annoying”)? They would tell PNoy what he wants to hear: Crime is down except for an occasional boom here and a bang over there. Yup, it’s time to promote colonels to generals, and give P50-million “pabaon” to retiring generals and appoint them as ambassadors to third world countries in Africa or tiny republics built on guano droppings in the middle of the Pacific.

Noisy minority… At his first vin d’honneur to usher in the New Year, P-Noy criticized the “noisy

minority” whom he said were out to bring back the “malicious practices of the past.” Whoa! Now, that’s starting the New Year with a big bang! Hey, no guts, no glory!

Joke of the week… The “noisy minority” in the House of Representatives said that P-Noy should have listened to the travel advisories of six foreign countries about possible terror attacks in the country. P-Noy’s response was: “Those terrorist threats mentioned shopping malls, not buses, as targets.” Duh? Hands on… The “noisy minority” also urged P-Noy to be a “hands-on” leader. I think the “noisy minority” didn’t notice P-Noy’s “hands-on” qualities. Yup, he’s been seen lately with his hands on the steering wheel of a Porsche 911 twin-turbo Carrera speeding at 150 kilometers per hour in the middle of the night on his way to Hacienda Luisita. And wait till you see him with his hands on the steering wheel of his “new flame,” a bullet-proof Lexus LX 570 SUV. But P-Noy seems to be having some problems with his hands on the ship of State. That’s why he asked his former vice presidential running mate Mar Roxas to be his “Chief Troubleshooter.” In addition, P-Noy also hired his other “shooting buddy” Ronald Llamas to be his political adviser. Well, Ronald – who is known for his leftist politics – might convince P-Noy that “power comes from the barrel of a gun.”

Hey, it worked for Chairman Mao, it just might work with P-Noy who, by the way, is a gun enthusiast. Hey, P-Noy, it’s time to show the “noisy minority” who the boss is.

Mar said that he began advising P-Noy but would not disclose what he advised him about. Well, the only noticeable change was the addition of the bullet-proof Lexus

SUV to P-Noy’s car collection. But Mar was surprised when he found out that his job description includes troubleshooting P-Noy’s Porsche and Lexus! He should have just contented himself as a “houseband” of Korina.

Shooting buddies… With the addition of Ronald Llamas to his A-Team, P-Noy has now a “Chief Troubleshooter” (Mar Roxas), a Shooter (Ronald Llamas), and a “Chief Troublemaker” (Rico E. Puno). Doesn’t that sound like “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” bunch, too? Now, they’re ready to paint the town red!

Filipino of the Year… P-Noy was named “Filipino of the Year” by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. P-Noy was top choice of the newspaper’s 52 editors and assistant editors.

The other nominees, in the order of their number of votes, were: The Filipino voter, Philippine Azkals, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, bar blast victim Raissa Laurel, Venus Raj, Charice Pempengco, Comelec Chair Jose Melo and Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio.

The past honorees were: 1991—Raymundo Punongbayan; 1992—Haydee Yorac; 1993—Juan Flavier; 1994—Overseas contract workers; 1995—Filipino Everyman (Juan & Juana dela Cruz); 1996— Fidel V. Ramos; 1997—Corazon Aquino and Jaime Cardinal Sin; 1998—Joseph Estrada; 1999— Corazon Aquino; 2000—Justice Hilario Davide; 2001—Supreme Court Justices; 2002—Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; 2003—Manny Pacquiao; 2004—Fernando Poe Jr.; 2005—SEA Games Filipino athletes; 2006—Antonio Meloto; 2007—Gov. Ed Panlilio; 2008— Manny Pacquiao; 2009—“Ondoy” volunteers; 2010—Benigno Simeon C. Aquino.

Congratulations Mr. President!

The Bata Project: Raising money for Filipino kids with the help from Filipino celebrities

O

ne Filipino Winnipegger is hoping to send 500 kids to school for a year. Glenda Ollero, a 26-year-old student has started the Bata Project, a charity initiative that is hoping to get the support of Filipinos in Winnipeg to raise funds for the education of poor and at-risk kids in the Philippines.

“Filipinos in Winnipeg and all over the world know the importance of education,” said Ollero. “Education is a permanent solution to poverty. If someone is educated, they can help themselves and lift themselves out of poverty.”

The Bata Project is working with Synergeia, a Philippine-based non-profit organization that advocates sustainable education in the poor rural and urban areas in the Philippines.

“We are reaching out to our kababayans in Canada to help us battle poverty,” said Dr. Milwida Guevara, President of Synergeia. “Synergeia’s dream is to have all the children in the schools that we support to complete at least Grade Six. It’s a small dream, but we need all the help we can get.”

Volunteer Photographers

To raise money, Ollero has been selling handmade pins designed by Filipino artisans. They make the pins in the Philippines, send it to Ollero, and she sells them here. One pin represents one Filipino child going to school for a year.

So far, the Bata Project has reached half of their goal. Ollero is hoping to raise money for the other 250 kids through a fund raising event, The Stars and Stones Auction, where memorabilia signed and dedicated by A-list Filipino celebrities like Sharon Cuneta, Gary Valenciano, Pilita Corales, Marvin Agustin, Jericho Rosales, Heart Evangelista, Donita Rose, Dennis Trillo, Iza Calzado, TJ Trinidad, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Sen. Dick Gordon, and the entire cast of GMA’s teleserye “Dwarfina.”

“I just got a call this morning saying that eight-division world champion and number one poundfor-pound best boxer in the world, Manny Pacquiao, will be taking part of the auction as well,” said Ollero.

Responses from Vilma Santos

and Piolo Pascual are expected to be confirmed soon.

“We want to bring help from Filipinos in Winnipeg to Filipinos back home but at the same time we want to bring a piece of home to Filipinos here,” said Ollero.

The event will be taking place on February 19 at the PhilippineCanadian Centre of Manitoba at 737 Keewatin Street. Tickets are $5, doors open at noon. Food will be available for purchase.

For more information about the Bata Project, visit http://bataproject. com. Follow them at Twitter @ BataProject and find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook. com/bataproject.

If you love taking pictures and love people this could be a fun job opportunity for you!

Volunteer photographers needed. Build your portfolio or use your expertise to aid the Filipino Journal by photographing special events and concerts. Must have own equipment. Photo editing skills would be helpful but not required.

46 Pincarrow Road Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1E3 Tel: (204) 489-8894 Fax: (204) 489-1575 email: info@filipinojournal.com website: www.filipinojournal.com

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Filipino Journal 9

WAAY Basketball Tykes Division Game photos during Sunday, January 30th. Photos of Team Purple (Coach Ray Macalad) vs.

Team Black (Coach Jay Mendez) and Team Grey (Coach Joel De La Alas) vs. Team Royal Blue (Coach Kelly Leong).

Louis Riel Holiday Announcement On Sunday February 20th, 2011, WAAY will be closed due to the Louis Riel Day long weekend.

Also, all Monday, February 22nd gym permits are cancelled in lieu of the long weekend. WAAY will resume on Sunday February 27th.

Photos by: Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

More photos available

FilipinoJournal.com

OPEN HOUSE OUR LADY OF VICTORY CATHOLIC SCH0OL

249 Arnold Ave Phone 452-7632 olv@shawbiz.ca www.victoryedu.com $100 per month for PreK

Entrust Your Child to a Catholic Education Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

10 Filipino Journal

February 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

A Wedding & Bridal Buffet

T

he Wonderful Wedding Show is one of the most anticipated shows all year for many blushing brides and the grooms that are all too happy to join them. With over 400 exhibitors, the show can be overwhelming for many brides and bridal parties.

Yet, it’s an effecient way to review the wedding service providers in Winnipeg.

Here’s a small sample of the Filipino owned & operated business along with some of our valued advertisers at the Wonderful Wedding Show.

Provici Cosmetics

Aldo Formal & Tailors

Alyst Creative Papiere & More

Sugar Blooms and Cakes

South Beach Casino and Resort

Provici Cosmetics

Canad Inns

Hot 103’s Ace Burpee and Tia Polvorosa

Jerry Vergel Photography

More photos available

FilipinoJournal.com

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

Photos by AJ Marcelino

February 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Filipino Journal 11

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12

Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Philippine Entertainment News

February 5 - 20, 2011

US-based Klaudia Koronel now manages a care home ‘Eat Bulaga’ taps Iza Calzado as ilfe Dacula Zhang, difficulty in landing a job due to The former sexy star though co-host

M

popularly known as Klaudia Koronel in the Philippine movies in the 1990s, is now a caregiver in Mesa, Arizona.

Koronel has a degree in computer science, but finds

stiff competition in the tough job market in Arizona. She however does not depend on her caregiving job to survive as she has an affluent life in America living in a 10-bedroom mansion and driving a luxury car.

is not an ordinary caregiver. She manages her own care home which was put up for her by her husband to fill her days and fight loneliness when her husband is away on business. She added that she works to send money to her mother in the Philippines as he is not used to asking money from her husband.

Koronel admitted she misses show business but has decided to make the most of her life in the US.

“Eat Bulaga” has tapped actress Iza Calzado to be one of the cohost of the long-running noontime show.

As co-host, she will also be known as one of the “Dabarkads,” a term used to identify hosts of the show that include Joey de Leon, Vic Sotto and Tito Sotto.

Although Calzado admitted she had long wanted to become a part of the show, she is not yet

sure when she would start as the details of her contract has yet to be finalized.

The actress has just recently posed for “Uno,’” a men’s magazine which is partly owned by her boyfriend Atticus King.

She revealed that she was prodded

by King to do the sexy pictorials because he saw her hard work in maintaining her body.

Finalists for 2011 Binibining Pilipinas officially chosen

A

total of 40 contestants out of 108 who participated in the January 29 Saturday screening at the Gateway Suites, Araneta Center, Quezon City made the final cut to vie for the titles of Binibining Pilipinas Universe, International, and World in the 2011 Grand Binibining Pilipinas Coronation night in April.

According to Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI)

chairperson Stella Marquez Araneta, the screening and selection process is usually done closed doors in previous years, but BPCI decided to allow the media to witness the event this year.

Araneta also said this year’s beauty pageant will not be different from previous competitions except that ABS-CBN will broadcast the pageant this year

Meanwhile, Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2010 Venus Raj recalled her experience when she was aspiring to become a finalist last year. Raj also gave her advice to the candidates who did the cut to work hard and do their best during the competition. For those who did not qualify, she said they must aspire again next year since not all contestants qualify on their first attempt.

The cast of this year’s finalists came from different parts of the country like Las Pinas, Quezon City, Manila, Batangas, Davao, La Union, Bulacan, Urdaneta City, Caloocan City, Isabela, Baguio City, Bataan, Pasay, Albay, Aklan, Nueva Ecija, Marikina City, Laguna, Angeles City, Iloilo City, and Iligan City. The contestants from abroad came from Australia, and USA. The Grand Coronation Night will be held at the Araneta Coliseum in April with live exclusive telecast on ABS-CBN.

Two Fil-Ams got Oscars nominations Piolo Pascual finally admits relationship with KC Concepcion

H

C

inematographer Matthew Libatique and actress Hailee Steinfeld, who both trace their roots to the Philippines, are among the nominees in the upcoming 83rd annual Academy Awards that will be held on February 27.

The 42-year-old Libatique, fondly known as Matty to his colleagues, is the first 100 percent Filipino to earn a major Oscar nomination. He is the son of Justiniano (from Dagupan, Pangasinan) and Georgina Libatique (from Lucena City, Quezon).

Libatique is nominated for best in cinematography for his work on “Black Swan.” He was already selected as Best Cinematographer by the Los Angeles Film Critics, the New York Film Critics and the New York Online. Previously he was awarded the Best Cinematography trophy from the Independent Spirit Awards for “Requiem for a Dream” which was named one of the best shot films of 1998-2008 by the American Cinematographer, the

magazine of The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).

Actress Hailee Steinfeld is the daughter of Cheri who is part-Filipina. The 14-year-old actress is nominated in the best supporting actress category for her performance in “True Grit.” She also earned nomination nods from the Houston Film Critics Society for Best Supporting Actress and the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Mattie Ross in the Ethan and Joel Coen 2010 adaptation of “True Grit.”

The award-winning Libatique was a former classmate of “Black Swan” director Darren Aronofsky at the American Film Institute (AFI). He learned the basics of photography first from father who gave him his first camera. He began his career shooting music videos.

The young but talented Steinfeld, on the other hand, looks forward to visiting the Philippines someday.

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

unk actor Piolo Pascual finally went public for the first time about his relationship with TV host-actress KC Concepcion and admitted that she has been his girlfriend since Oct. 21 of last year.

Pascual and Concepcion have known each other for almost eight years now. They first did a movie together “Lovers in Paris” in 2009.

The actor revealed that he courted Concepcion for two years. Last Sept. 21 he asked the actress to be his girlfriend. Concepcion said “yes: when she returned after a month from her European tour.

The actor appeared relieved by his confession and offered both an apology and an explanation to the public on why it took him long to clear all speculations about their relationship. He explained that he is just trying to protect people close to her particularly his 13-year old son who might be affected by his revelation.

He also realized that it looks unfair for Concepcion who always seems to answer issues about them.

The final factor that seems to trigger the actor’s disclosure was the reported interest of some male celebrities to court Concepcion, like Sam Milby, Black Eyed Peas member Apl De Ap, and most recently, Azkals striker Phil Younghusband.

Pascual was previously linked to host-actress Rica Peralejo, while KC with former Rivermaya front man Rico Blanco and director Lino Cayetano.

Filipino Journal 13

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

February 5 - 20, 2011

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16 Filipino Filipino JJournal ournal 14

January 5 -5 20, 2011 February - 20, 2011

The The Pulse Pulse of of the the Filipino FilipinoCommunity CommunitySince Since1987 1987

0RGHO Estrellita Estrella-Holder ‡ 0DNHXS Anthony Polvorosa ‡ :ULWWHQ E\ Anthony Polvorosa, Alana Klein ‡ 3KRWRV E\ Alejandro Jose, www.rubypearlphotography.com

T

he model I’ve chosen for this issue is a fantastic living example of brains, beauty and compassion. Estrellita has been caring for people with heart failure as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Cardiac Sciences Program at Saint Boniface Hospital for 10 years. She completed her undergrad studies at Far Eastern University in the Philippines, and in 1997 Estrellita received her Masters Degree in Science and Health Administration from the University of Manitoba. Now at age 51, this dedicated and hard working lady is currently working towards her second Masters Degree in Advanced Nursing Practice. Being a person equipped with medical knowledge and a giving heart, Estrellita has also volunteered for the Medical Mission twice in the Philippines. She currently volunteers at the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses and is their Provincial Director.

To recharge and in her spare time Estrellita enjoys to read, travel and loves shoes!

We salute Estrellita on her accomplishments, perseverance and passion in health care and are lucky to have her as a role model for our community.

That being said, read on and we’ll show all you how to achieve this polished and pretty look.

To Get the Look:

Ensure your brows are always clean and well groomed because they really shape your face. The Razorrable trimmer quickly and painlessly gets rid of stray hairs.

Apply Hydrating Crème Concentrate all over the face to prevent any dryness and to help retain water in your skin. This moisturizer helps your skin to appear and feel much softer and hydrated.

Apply the Active A Retinol eye cream gently around your eyes to prevent and reduce any new wrinkles from forming.

While the creams are absorbing into the skin start with the eye makeup.

Apply a sheer veil of the shadow magnet all over the entire eye lid and brow bone to prevent creasing and help the shadow wear longer

Apply Vanilla eye shadow to the brow bone using a small shadow brush. Use Sheer Champagne eye shadow to the inner corner of the eye to the middle for a bit of brightness.

Apply Bronzite eye shadow to the outer corner and crease for a bit of dimension.

To make the eyes really pop, line the eyes using the Precision Angle Brush with the Onyx Crème liner.

Clean up any eye makeup that my have fallen under your eyes before starting your skin. Then apply the Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation using your Foundation brush to make the VNLQ ORRN ÀDZOHVV 7R PDNH WKH VNLQ ORRN UHDOO\ ÀDZOHVV DSSO\ D FRQFHDOHU to spot conceal. Take the Concealer Stick apply to any redness, age spots, under eye circles with light brush strokes that the liquid foundation may not have covered.

Set the skin with the Dual Active Powder using the Angle Blush Brush to ensure the powder diffuses nicely on the skin.

To add some glow back into the skin apply blush using your Angle Blush Brush and Whisper Apricot Blush to the apples of the cheeks.

7KHQ OLQH DQG ÂżOO LQ \RXU OLSV ZLWK Sweet Spice Lip Pencil. Apply Antique Peach lipstick on top and add Super Penny Gloss on top for luminosity.

Bring this article to the PROVICI Cosmetics studio located at 233 McDermot Ave, in The Exchange District and receive a FREE Foundation Brush a savings of $29 when you buy any PROVICI skin care product or Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. Call 957-1544 or email teamprovici@provici.com. If you’d like to capture any of your special moments, book with Ruby Pearl Photography and save 30% off all services with a fantastic additional 25% off on all ordered prints. Contact AJ at 297-9544. Offer expires Monday, Feb. 7, 2011. Not redeemable for cash, based on availability.

Exclusive offer for Filipino Journal readers

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Products used.

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - Now on

Filipino Journal 15

16 Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

February 5 - 20, 2011

UFC 126 Silva vs. Belfort Accuracy vs. Speed

S

aturday, February 5th, live from the Mandalay Bay Events Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada is UFC 126: Silva vs. Belfort. This UFC pay-per-view is headlined by a bout for the Middleweight Championship of the World.

The Champion is Anderson “The Spider” Silva. With his elite striking skills and jiu-jitsu black belt, he cleared out the Middleweight division and was seemingly unstoppable. That is, until he faced Chael Sonnen. For five and a half rounds, Sonnen took the champ down at will and beat him up via ground and pound. Then, with less than three minutes left in the fight, Silva locked in a Triangle Choke/ Arm Bar making Chael Sonnen tap.

In losing, Sonnen showed the world that there are holes in the game of the pound for pound king.

The life of challenger, Vitor Belfort is a movie waiting to happen. In 1997, at 19, Belfort was the youngest man to ever win in the UFC. Dubbed “The Phenom”, he steam-rolled over opponents winning the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Then he battled injuries and heart break as his sister was kidnapped in 2004. To this day, she is still missing. One time rival and UFC Hall of Famer, Randy

Couture reached out to Belfort and started training him at Xtreme Couture. Rejuvenated, he moved down to the middleweight division and has been unstoppable ever since. Knock out wins over Terry Martin and Matt Linland, as well as knocking out former middleweight champion, Rich Franklin at a catch weight of 195 lbs.

Anderson Silva and Vitor Belfort are two of the best strikers in MMA. Both possess lights out power, so it’ll be the accuracy of Silva versus the speed of Belfort.

My prediction: I don’t see this going five rounds. Silva by TKO in the second round.

The Co-Main event features two men who were key in making the UFC as popular as it is today. In 2005, Forrest Griffin won The Ultimate Fighter reality show, then went on to win the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship. Rich “Ace” Franklin was the Middleweight Champion and was the face of the UFC. Now these fighters meet and only the winner stays relevant. The fight between up and comers Jon “Bones” Jones and Ryan “Darth” Bader is about the future. Winner moves into the Top Five of the division.

Here are my full predictions.

Main Card: Silva over Belfort via TKO in Round 2; Franklin over Griffin via Unanimous Decision; Ellenberger over Rocha via Unanimous Decision; Jones over Bader via TKO Round 1; Torres over Banuelos via submission Round 3.

Preliminary Card (Airing on Spike TV), Cerrone over Kelly via submission Round 2 and Mendes over Omigawa via Unanimous Decision.

Preliminary Card: Ruediger over Taylor via submission Round 1; Yamamoto over Johnson via KO Round 1; Romero over Kingsbury via submission Round 2 and Pierce over Roberson via Unanimous Decision.

I’ll be tweeting throughout the event.

Follow me at www.twitter.com/ BigMarvShow Publisher’s Note: On behalf of the management of the Filipino Journal, we’d like to welcome Big Marv and Hot 103 (Astral Media).

We are extremely excited for all the upcoming UFC coverage by Big Marv. You can catch The Big Marv Show on Hot 103, Winnipeg’s #1 Hit Music Station every Sunday from 12 noon to 6pm. Tune in!

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FilipinoJournal.com/facebook

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February 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Far from Quiet

by Joan Duhaylungsod

So, You think You are Smart? Try Falling In Love

I

was lollygagging at Starbucks, down Time Square, New York, one morning last week. Sipping my favourite Caramel Macchiato, I watched the people, from blondes, to browns and blacks, walking fast and in a hurry, as though they were about to miss the last ride of their lives, to take them to their destination. Are they catching up a business meeting, or almost late for a job interview? In a place like New York, you see busy people and a fast-paced life. On a typical working day, you see men and women, usually clad in their black suits, projecting an image of confidence and sagacity. They seem to be the type of people who rather check on stock market updates, rather than take time to appreciate the blue skies of urban Manhattan, or just marvel on how different nationalities continuously co-mingle in the place despite their diversities.

It makes me wonder though, whether or not, behind their smart-ass personalities, are men and women who have laughed or cried, and have fallen in love. I actually think they have. Well, we all do.

But when you are dumb, and you cry about love, it is an expected.

However, if you are smart and you

shed tears, wasted a lot of Kleenex, and turned out a different person than you used to be, because of love, it is a story to tell.

So how do smart people fall in love? Back in college, I was in a circle of “smart” and “geeky” fellows, who thought much of graduating with Latin Honors, winning competitions, and pushing through World Peace (this one though is plain exaggeration). I saw them playing their cards so well.

They were the ones who could solve the most difficult Math problem, trace accurately the most complex pathophysio of a certain disease, revive the dying organizations in school and in the community, and win debates despite the awful badgering of the opposing teams.

Talk about dreams, they have it.

Talk about passion to realize their dreams, they have it, overflowing even.

Then they fell in love.

That was when I see a 180-degree shift of them. From the kind who used to overwork their cerebrum, now, to giving it some remission, and letting their hearts govern the different intricacies of their lives, which is actually permissible, as it

is a human experience still. But the changes, are they ever so obvious?

We start to like romantic songs, and decipher every line of the stanza there is. I, for one, indulge myself to making poetry and writing my emotions, or singing my heart out loud. We begin to get cheesy, but it’s okay. We loosen up, and now tolerate love tales, when before, we could not put up with it. In some extreme scenarios though, smart people just offer too much. Some girls could write theses for their boyfriends, some men starve to death just to buy their girlfriends jewelry for a present, stay up late just to give their partners company, and let go of a dream or change a plan just to accommodate the relationship.

While some have a happy ending to their love stories, unfortunately some just end up crying helplessly, because of a love unrequited and a relationship which turned out to be far different from the stories they read in the pocketbooks.

Smart people can be dumb when it comes to love, yes. But I guess we all do. We become dumb in the sense that we opt to let our hearts work and devoid ourselves with logic. Not that our hearts our dumb, but more often than not, hearts just recognize the feelings, and won’t care much about the “what ifs”. This is what I think Scott Peck talked about in his book, “The Road Less Travelled”. In the discussion about the myth of falling in love, Peck explained that at one point, there’d be a collapse of ego boundaries between two people, and that’s when things seem so perfect, and the world looks so lovely. We

Filipino Journal 17

all go through this, and I bet, this is one of the best phases in the process, that we continue to savour and reminisce.

But why do some worst love stories usually happen to “smart” people? Well I could be wrong, but here’s my little theory.

Perhaps it is partly due to a denial that the relationship is falling apart already. Yet, “competitive” as they are, they tend to save it by just giving more, and them becoming lesser, than they were before. Then eventually feelings grow tired, and that’s when they realized that they were “stupid”. They could just have let go and moved on, instead of dwelling with it. I remember my brother telling me that smart people should know that love is not an accomplishment, or say, far different from the accomplishments of career, school, or business. I believe he has a point there. Human relationships are much more complex than

just perfecting a ten-item quiz, or impressing your boss at work.

Human relationships demand you to be kind and selfish--- kind in the sense that human relationship is shared; and selfish, as it should not make anyone become less of a person, rather, it should make people grow and be better.

Smart people are still capable of falling in love, and if they do fall for the right person, things do not look stupid, rather, sweet. Smart people are still capable of loving and being loved. After all, we’re human beings needing affection. I guess it is love that makes smart people pause for a while in the middle of work, and do some wishful thinking. It is the same thing that makes someone see the beauty of the blue sky in Manhattan, or in some place in the globe.

Now pardon me for being mushy here, but hey, it’s February!

Happy Hearts Month and spread love, everyone.

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18

Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

February 5 - 20, 2011

Horoscope You are in the jaws of another amazing month, one in which you are enjoined to move toward greater control and also greater passion in aligning yourself with meaningful change.

This is a magical and a somewhat trying month for you. You are energized and service-oriented, making your move for what you truly believe in. A strong sense of inner purpose seizes you, affecting professional agendas and outer world responsibility.

Things are looking good for you, so open your eyes and get to it. Drastic financial losses may be likely if you lend money.

Opportunities to go out with clients or colleagues will be in your best interest.

Whether you’re consumed by complex emotions or a detailed project at work, your focus is turned inward. It’s an excellent time for research and rebuilding close relationships. The cocoon isn’t such a bad place for you.

Cupid is circling over your sign this month, and love is in the air. Don’t play the shrinking violet and wait for someone to make the first move or initiate affection.

Things are definitely looking up in the recreation department over the next few weeks. Expand your workload and keep your schedule packed to the brim.

This is a month to sort out what you want from a relationship and to put energy into getting your commitments on track.

Take a softer approach to discussions with your mate. Work on listening to what s/he’s saying, and take the time to make your partner feel heard and validated. To do this, you need to slow down and “be” with each other.

Pay attention, even to minute details, before signing contracts or important documents. Finances will most likely be in good shape and loans may also get sanctioned.

We’re a month into the new year, but it’s not too late to start that 2011 health kick. In fact, you’re right on time. Book a session with a life coach, a nutritionist and a trainer.

Get out and mingle for your jingle this month. You could hear exciting news by phone or email, perhaps you’ll receive the chance to teach, write, or speak about what you know.

You will have to labor to get whatever you desire, which also suggests that work will be at the forefront once again. Health may be an issue of concern.

PAHALANG 1 4 7 9 10 11 14 15 16 19 20

Troso, Ingles Husto Bituka ng manok Bayani Agbayani; inisyal Ilog Lipat-petsa Milby, aktor Layak Pambansang dahon Mamamayan Tirahan ng mga ulila

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Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience.

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

Solutions for Palaisipan & Sudoku will be posted online www.FilipinoJournal.com

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

HELP WANTED Lucky Supermarket is looking for some experience person in the following position:

- Asian Specialty Baker - Produce and Grocery Manager - Head Cashier Full benefit, competitive wages and bonuses. Apply within.

Apply at 1051Winnipeg Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0S2

Committee Members Needed Want to make a difference? You can!

Become a member of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure Planning Committee in Winnipeg.

Bring your skills and commitment and gain invaluable leadership and networking opportunities by working with the largest volunteer driven event in Canada. Our volunteers are the key to a future without breast cancer.

Join us in making Run Day in Winnipeg on

October 2th, 2011 the most successful ever!

We are recruiting for the following Committee Coordinators: Communication & Promotion Coordinators, Sponsorship Coordinators, Stewardship & Coordinators and Team Coordinators For more information, please contact Donna-Lynn Guagliardo Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation 231-4885 ext 224

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Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Smart Tax Tips “It’s tax season! Yey! It’s time to get my refund” That’s what we always hear from people when it comes to filing their tax returns. But the million dollar question is… are you sure you are claiming all the tax credits you are entitled to, or worst, claiming the tax credits that you are not entitled to.

If you didn’t claim a tax credit when you filed your taxes, there is no way Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will contact you to claim it. CRA would be like…”claim it or you lose it”.

If you claimed a tax credit that you are not entitled to, CRA will hunt you down and get the tax refund back from you. Ouch!.

You may not want to pay CRA back the $2,000 tax refund that they gave you three years ago.

The way to avoid these mishaps is to have a qualified accountant prepare your taxes.

It’s better to pay a couple hundred bucks now with an increased tax refunds or paying interest and penalties years later for incorrect tax returns being filed.

Here are some tips for you for 2010 year: Public Transit Passes amount. You can claim the cost of public transit passes for travel within Canada. You can claim the cost of transit passes for yourself, spouse, and/or your dependent children who are under 19 years of age on December 31, 2010. Do not include the receipts and passes when filing your return. You should keep then on hand in case the CRA asks to review them.

First-Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit. If you are a first time home buyer in 2010, you are eligible to receive a non-refundable tax credit of $5,000 which generates

February 5 - 20, 2011

UMSU’s Asian Movie Festival Presents: the Philippines

UMSigaw officers and AMF ambassadors (L-R): Linger Aragon, Celine Jimenez, Jay Jimenez, Geraldine de Lemos, Brian Babaran, Maan Manaol, Rojuane Aragon, AgnusMariae Lucas

a maximum of $750 tax savings/ refunds. Each family receives one tax credit, if you are married or living common-law, you claim only one tax credit. The new home that is acquired must be the one that you or your spouse intends to occupy as the principal place of residence no later than one year after the acquisition.

Children’s Fitness Tax Credit.

The Government of Canada is supporting families through a non-refundable tax credit to parents who pay to register their children in prescribed programs of physical activity. Under the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, you can claim up to $500 per year for eligible expenses paid for each child, as long as the child is under the age of 16.

To be eligible, the program that are held once a week must last a minimum of eight weeks.

The programs must be supervised, suitable for children and include a significant amount of physical activity that involves cardio and one or more or balance, flexibility, muscular endurance or muscular strength. Examples would be dance classes, soccer games, ballets. The organization will determine the fee amount that is

OPINIONS

eligible for the credit. Make sure you get a receipt.

Tuition and education tax credit. You can claim any tuition fees paid in 2010 that are over $100. If you didn’t work when you were a student, or had very little income, you don’t need to use all of your tuition and education amount when you file your taxes for 2010. You can carry forward the unused part and claim it in the future. You can also transfer the unused portion to your spouse or parents.

RRSP. It is one of the best tax planning strategies out there.

Contributing money to an RRSP can lower your income for tax purposes, so you pay less in taxes. Also, the income earned in your RRSP is not taxed until it is withdrawn. The RRSP deadline for tax year 2010 is March 1, 2011.

Express Tax & Accounting specializes in preparing personal and corporation tax returns and bookkeeping services. Its office is located in 714 Sargent Avenue, Winnipeg. They can be reached at 880-8192. They provide fee tax and accounting consultation for free. Services are available in English, Tagalog and Ilocano.

O

nce again, the University of Manitoba Students’ Union livened up the back-to-school-season with its annual Celebration Week. From January 24 to the 28th, an array of events was lined up all in celebration of “life and learning” (UMSU.ca). Included was the Asian Movie Festival which showcased the cultural diversity of Asia through cinema and cuisine. Various Asian countries participated, such as Korea, India, the Philippines, and several others. Each country showed a movie which portrayed an aspect of their culture while serving their delicious native foods.

The University of Manitoba Filipino Student Group (UM Sigaw) was proud to present Sharon Cuneta’s, “The Caregiver”; a compelling story

about the hardships and sacrifices faced by many Overseas Filipino Workers. Many OFWs today still find themselves in plights of unfair treatment and unequal opportunities for employment.

“The Caregiver” successfully addresses this problem, while showing that hope, hard work, and integrity can see us through tough times.

The event was a success and by the end, there was still enough karyoka and empanada for everyone to take home! Although Celebration Week has come to an end, everyone is welcome to come join us next year for another celebration of cultural pride, diversity, and togetherness!

Agape Insurance & Financial Services

Invites you to the 1ST Year Anniversary Celebration & Fundraising event Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba Dinner & Dance

$10

Silent Auction

Door Prizes

Te Amo

For more info contact:

Marianne Ferrer 960-9676 or 334-9676

(204) 489-8894

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

February 5 - 20, 2011

held 2,700,000 litres, the expanded duck pond holds 6,625,000 litres.

That’s more than the volume of two and a half Olympic sized swimming pools or the equivalent of more than 1.7 million gallons of ice cream.

That’s alot of ice cream!

Ron Cantiveros Down at the Forks National ron@filipinojournal.com Historic Site, you’ll be able to skate along the 5km Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail, enjoy the warming There are new facililies at huts and many activities such as Assiniboine Park. The newly Inukshuk builing, burling and fish constructed duck pond at Assiniboine tossing.

Park is now twice the original size, with an expanded warming hut including a fire place to keep you warm. Fire pits are also found along the duck pond to keep you warm as you watch friends skate around the ice. Next to the duck pond is a new family-style tobaggan run.

Here are some fun facts about the new duck pond. Filling the duck pond took four days at approx. 758 litres of water every sixty seconds.

That’s more than 1,280 large slurpees per minute. The original duck pond

Fooling around with Jack Frost!

L

et’s face it. It’s cold outside and in the last several weeks, the weather has been bone chilling cold. Let’s also face the fact that Winnipeg is a winter city and we have to accept and sometimes even embrace our beautiful winter weather.

There are so many winter activities, both indoor and outdoor that are available to seasoned Canadians and newly landed immigrants. One of Canada’s national pastimes is hockey and with so many outdoor rinks, there are endless opportunities to learn how to skate, play hockey, ringette or ice dance.

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In Inukshuk building, you can express your creativity and mark your trail with colourful building blocks.

Burling is a a fun and colourful bowling/curling sport combination with a twist! Or you can toss fish and feed the unique penguins and polar bears of the Assiniboine River.

If you don’t have skates, not a problem! Skates can be rented at the Forks Market. For more information about all the fun activities in Winnipeg, visit the following websites:

Saison Voyageur www.saisonvoyageur.ca Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail www.rivertrail.ca Just remember, action, adventure, discovery and rendez-vous await!

Discover Winnipeg Winters all over again or for the first time! Just remember to bundle up!

Bigger and better than ever! The Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) is very happy to announce that the newly expanded Duck Pond is now open to the public. A favourite Manitoba skating destination for generations.

After a couple laps Under the Canopy skating rink, Madeline Wynne didn’t mind practicing her hockey skills on what was a bitterly cold Sunday evening at The Forks.

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Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

February 5 - 20, 2011

Hè Ho! Festival we go!

by: Ron Cantiveros

Y

ou may call it the winter edition of Folklorama.

Festival du Voyageur is the 10-day winter festival celebrating French-Canadian culture and history. Voyageurs date back to early Canadian history and referred to the men who worked for fur trading companies.

Let this be the year where you embrace your inner voyageur at the 42nd annual Festival du Voyageur. Dance and sing-along to the traditional music, succumb to the hearty French-Canadian food and show off your skills at the voyageur games.

After 10 days of celebration à la Festival you might just have grown a beard, earned your ceinture flèchèe and learnded that caribou is more than a North American reindeer.

In honour of the voyageur spirit, the Festival du Voyageur`s emphasis is on the beauty of winter, with numerous historical, educational and entertaining activities - truly something for every age and every taste.

Festival du Voyageur kicks off the winter festival on February 18 and runs through until Febrauray 27.

Hè Ho! Ron Cantiveros, quite possibly the first Filipino voyageur (unofficially of course).

You too can embrace your inner voyageur self at Festival du Voyageur.

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February 5 - 20, 2011

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

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24 Filipino Journal

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Visit our Web site - www.FilipinoJournal.com - all photos & articles available online!

February 5 - 20, 2011