Filipino Journal, Manitoba Edition - April 05 - 20, 2023

MA-BUHAY: THE NEXT BIG MUSICAL

Local musical, "Ma-Buhay: Filipinos Singing for Their Lives," recently held a successful free public reading for Draft 4 as part of its Phase 2 development. Created by talented Filipino-Canadian musical theatre artist,Joseph Sevillo,and presented by Rainbow Stage, the reading featured many songs and story elements and was presented to invited guests last April 1 at the Maples Theatre. The event provided Sevillo and his development team with valuable feedback that will help them further develop Phase 2. With the support of Rainbow Stage in a 3-phase development plan, Ma-Buhay is well on its way to hitting the stage for its world premiere in 2024. PAGE 7 ►

Celebrating Manitoba's Rich Heritage: Government Increases Funding for Community Arts, Culture, and Sports Programs

Honorable Jon Reyes, Minister of Labour and Immigration, and Honorable Obby Khan, Minister of Sport, Culture, and Heritage, held an information session at the Filipino Senior Center about the Arts, Culture, and Sport in Community Funding by the Government of Manitoba. The ACSC fund's Community Celebrations Program aims to unite Manitobans by supporting celebrations of their unique

culture, heritage, and community.

Last year, a total of 402 projects promoting community, creativity, and innovation in local arts, culture, and sports initiatives received funding through an application process. Premier Khan highlighted the significant role these organizations play in health, wellness, social cohesion, and social inclusion of Manitobans, adding that this first round of substantial investments will

make Manitoba communities more vibrant and prosperous.

Due to the program's popularity, the 2023 Budget has allocated an additional $16 million to the fund, totaling $50 million for qualified second-round applicants. The project categories and application deadlines are as follows:

Large Capital Projects: Grants up to 50% of eligible expenses,

Ang Manitoba ay nagre-recruit ng mga nurse at health care aide mula sa Pilipinas.

Refer family and friends to apply. Successful applicants will be supported throughout their move.

ranging from $300,000 to $5 million, for projects that enhance the quality, accessibility, and availability of local facilities supporting arts, culture, and amateur sport activities and programs. Applications are due by April 24.

Small Capital Projects and Special Initiatives: Awards between 50% and 100% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $300,000, for projects that promote the development

and renewal of local facilities and programs supporting arts, culture, and sport activities. Applications are due by April 17.

Community Celebrations: Awards up to $5,000 for events that bring Manitobans together to celebrate their unique culture, heritage, and community. Applications are due by June 15.

Photo credit: Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

ICE FISHING TALES

The ice fishing season is just about done, although it seems like the ice isn't going anywhere for awhile yet. For those who enjoy angling on hardwater, it was a great and memorable winter. Ice fishing derbies and festivals were back in full

force this season after a few years of not being able to take place. Events at Lac Du Bonnet, Selkirk, Gimli, Falcon Lake, Grand Beach, and Lockport were well attended and lots of fun. It was absolutely fantastic to see so many Filipino-Canadians on

the ice competing and even winning big prizes!

Be sure to snag a copy of the next issue of the Filipino Journal where I will walk through the new Manitoba Angling Regulations that went into effect on April 1st.

Joel Warana and friends celebrate Joel's 50/50 cash win at the KidFish Ice Fishing Derby in February

Josh Jerao is all smiles after winning $1000 at the Falcon Lake Winter Fish-Off in March

The Filipino-Canadian Anglers Association of Manitoba held their annual FAAM Championship on the ice at Gimli Harbour in February.

FAAM Members Mike Dotoli, Eric Labaupa, Obby Khan, and Nash Labaupa competed at the Gimli Festival Ice Derby in March

Eric Labaupa caught this Master Angler 29" greenback walleye during the Keystone Walleye Tour Championship on Lake Winnipeg.

Nash Labaupa with a nice walleye he caught on April Fool's Day on Lake Winnipeg

OMNI Scholarships 2023now accepting applications

available at the bachelor or diploma level

• These scholarships are valued at $2,000 CAD each, valid for one year

• An eligible applicant must:

Calling all journalism students – OMNI Television has launched its OMNI Scholarship Program for 2023. These scholarships are open to all eligible post-secondary students (including those entering their 1st year) across Canada who are pursuing careers in ethnic and third-language journalism. OMNI will award 10 scholarships of $2,000 each this Fall. Deadline to submit is no later than 1:00 PM EST, Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

• OMNI Scholarship Program invests in third-language journalism talent and supports post-secondary students majoring in journalism who wish to pursue a career in ethnic and third-language journalism

• Up to ten (10) scholarships will be

◦ Have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status in Canada as of the application deadline date

◦ Be planning to enter the first year or already be enrolled in full-time studies towards a first bachelor’s degree or a first diploma program

For more information and to submit an online application, visit https://portal.scholarshippartners.ca/welcome/omnitv_EN/ OMNI is home to daily national newscasts, a variety of locally produced current affairs programs, broadcast in 6 languages, and airs popular entertainment shows from around the globe. OMNI supports journalism students interested in providing news and information to Canadians in the languages they understand.

To learn more about OMNI scholarships, visit www.omnitv.ca/scholarships or www. omnitv.ca/bourses

Rhea Santos

Balik Kalye Balik Kalye

2 0 2 3

Maples Multiplex Grounds, 434 ADSUM DRIVE

Mga Tuklás at Opinyón ni Galileo

Di lahát ng lumílipad bumábagsak May maaáyos mag-alagà ng pakpák Hindí lahát ng táo'y makasalánan Mayró'ng tuwíd landás na dinaraánan

Di lahát nasisílip ng teleskópyo Bulalákaw buntalà obserbatóryo B'wan ng Hupitér at singsíng ng Satúrno Sinalungát ang simbáhang Katóliko

Ipinagtanggól ang kanyáng Diyálogo

May 6, 2023 :

TIANGGE NG BAYAN NIGHT MARKET & FIREWORKS

Queen Bulilit & Reyna ng Festival Presentation food trucks

Tungkól sa Dalawáng Sistéma ng Mundó Isinúlat ang Dalawáng Bágong Aghám Sa makapangyaríhan di nagpaálam

Pitumpú't pitó binawían ng búhay Ngúnit teyórya di nawalán ng saysáy

June 24, 2023 :

June 25, 2023 :

Balik Kalye Cultural Parade, Cultural Dances and Cultural Tents

Queen Bulilit & Reyna ng Festival Coronation

Local Performers and Bands

Zumbathon

SPONSORS

Note:

A sonnet consisting of 12-syllable lines; in homage to the Italian astronomer/scientist Galileo Galilei (February 15, 1564–January 8, 1642)

Sa Pag-íhip sa Dáhon ng Kahápon

Ma-buhay Musical, on the road to

world stage

and help build excitement for the world premiere in 2024.

Currently, the production is looking for sponsors to help support the remainder of the musical's development and build its following throughout Phase 2.

If you're interested in discussing a sponsorship opportunity or want to learn more, you can contact

mabuhaythemusical@gmail.com.

Ma-Buhay is an exciting and uplifting new musical that celebrates the Filipino-Canadian community's talent, diversity, and resilience. With a talented cast and creative team, this musical promises to be a hit and a celebration of Filipino culture.

Photo credit: Jeffrey Kohut

"Ma-Buhay: Filipinos Singing for Their Lives," is a local musical that celebrates the rich culture and talent of the Filipino-Canadian community. It is being created by Filipino musical theatre artist, Joseph Sevillo, with the goal of providing more opportunities for Filipino artists in professional theatre.

The story of Ma-Buhay is set in present-day Winnipeg and follows the journey of three young Filipinos from different economic backgrounds as they compete in a prestigious singing competition. With the whole country watching, these contestants fight to prove themselves to the judges and their families and show everyone they are worthy of the national title.

Rainbow Stage is proudly supporting the development of Ma-Buhay through a three-phase plan that aims to produce the world premiere production in 2024. With

Phase 1 complete, the team is thrilled to move onto Phase 2, where they plan to introduce the musical to as many Manitobans as possible.

One exciting event from Phase 2 was the free public reading for Draft 4 held last April 1st at the Maples Theatre, which was presented before invited guests. The cast, which included David Clay Alpecho, Brady Barrientos, Francesca Catalla, Rochelle Kives, Marides Lazo, Logan MacDonaldVillegas, Ruby Padua, Robin Jordan Quintana, Pearl Salonga, Sarah Jane Salonga, Ronald Mervin Sison, Marini Tagarda, and Arnold Tongol, wowed the audience with their amazing performances. From hitting high musical notes to delivering hilarious punch lines, they left everyone wanting more.

The creative team behind MaBuhay is also a force to be reckoned with. It includes Dutchess Cayetano, Director; Joseph Sevillo, Playwright,

and Assistant Director; Renate Rossol, Music Director; Carson Nattrass, Dramaturg; Kathryn Ball, Stage Manager; Joseph Aragon, Arranger, Tracks; Jasmine Wallace, Assistant Music Director; Keanna Caguioa, Assistant Stage Manager; Nadine Maranan, Apprentice Director; Hazel Wallace, Child Supervisor; Jeffrey Kohut, Associate Producer; Victoria Exconde, Assistant Producer; Robin Jordan Quintana, House Manager; Chryston Forbes-Dehaney, Technician; and Bailey ZavalaTorres, Technician. Mentor Joy Lazo was also present and expressed her pride and happiness in watching her students whom she has mentored through the years.

In July, Ma-Buhay will be part of the 2023 Winnipeg Fringe Festival through a workshop presentation that will showcase the music, choreography, and digital design. This presentation will give audiences a sneak peek into what's to come

"ANG BAHAY" CONNECTION

"ANG BAHAY" Connection event was an absolute blast! Marilyn Magtoto from Pineapple along with over a dozen vendors gathered at the PCCM last weekend. With excitement in the air as we kicked

off the first-ever vendor tradeshow featuring Filipino business owners. The event was open to the public and free admission was included in this educational event. Attendees connected with industry

Twelve Languages. Six Locations. One Goal: To Serve Your Needs.

experts and enjoyed enlightening presentations from local home professionals. There were experts on site for heating and cooling, electrical, plumbing, contracting, landscaping, home inspection, and so much more!

The event featured engaging information sessions on:

• Purchasing Your First Home

• Selling and Buying Your Next Home

• Acquiring an Investment Property

• Spring Home Maintenance Tips

• Local Realtors, Lawyers & Insurance Agents were readily available, happily answering all questions related to homeownership.

To top it all off, there were scrumptious refreshments and snacks for everyone to enjoy.

Daniel M. Cleto B.A., LL.B. Gary M. Sarcida B.A. (Adv), LL.B.

Renato Y. Mamucud B.A., J.D.

Winter Sports Fun and Games Abound as Winnipeg Emperors Play on Camp Manitou's Premier NHL-sized outdoor rink

Lace up your skates and grab your sticks, because the Winnipeg Emperors, the coolest Asian hockey club in town, just had a wild scrimmage at Camp Manitou's NHL-sized rink!

The Emperors were stoked to play in this epic outdoor setting. The rink added an extra challenge and a boatload of excitement to their game. It was a hit with both the players and the handful of fans on the bench.

Snow? No problem! The roof keeps the flakes at bay, and the ice plant ensures that the rink stays frosty from fall to spring. Even in

the summer months, the rink is a great spot for some shady fun and games. It's no wonder that so many True North non-profit children's programs and Camp Manitou programs take advantage of this awesome rink.

The Winnipeg Emperors' scrimmage was a slam dunk (or should we say, a hat trick?) at Camp Manitou's Outdoor Rink. It's clear that having first-rate facilities like this one is a total game-changer for winter sports in the community. This rink is sure to be the go-to spot for hockey and other winter activities for years to come!

Philippine Ice Hockey Team Glides to Gold World Championship Run

Hockey Philippines made a remarkable showing at the recent IIHF World Championships Division IV in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, as they went on an unbeaten streak and clinched a gold medal victory. Throughout the competition, the team demonstrated immense skill, teamwork, and determination, which contributed to their dominant performance.

The Filipino team's victory was especially sweet as they overcame a challenging and high-energy match against the host nation, Mongolia. The exciting game was played in front of

an enthusiastic crowd of 3,000 at the Steppe Arena in Ulaanbaatar, with the Philippines ultimately securing a thrilling 7-6 win in overtime.

The Philippine team's success continued as they faced Kuwait, where they dominated with a resounding 14-0 victory. The team had already established a strong lead by the end of the second period, thanks to goals scored by Kenwrick Sze, Carl Montano, Mikel Miller, and Jorell Crisostomo.

Team Philippines earned eight points and scored an impressive total of 35 goals while only conceding six.

This outstanding performance not only secured the team a gold medal but also resulted in their promotion from Division IV to Division III-B for the upcoming World Championships.

The triumphant run of Team Philippines also marked the debut of head coach Juhani Ijäs, who previously led Thailand to a gold medal victory in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. This incredible journey of the Philippine team is an inspiring story of teamwork, perseverance, and the exhilaration of winning on the global stage.

Photo by Danny Truong, Filipino Journal

Photos by Yuka Fukuma Hockey Philippines

Photo credit: Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

Mr Peg Property Inspections

JEM Insurance

Winnipeg Sea Bears

KCD Quartz and Granite Inc

from page 10 "Ang Bahay" Connection

Ultimate New Wave Evolution (& closely related styles) part 33

In the heart of the genre is what many enthusiasts regard as Synthpop-a portmanteau of 'synthesizer' and 'Pop'--best characterized by the dominance of synthesizers and drum machines in the instrumentation (even the guitar, when used, is made to sound like the cold, processed drench of the synthesizer--to great effects).

Synthpop flourished in the 1980s and continues to exist in the music of many contemporary bands and artists, but its roots may be traced back to late-'60s to early'70s Electronic music.

This set consists of albums that fit the description.

Sa Úgoy ng Músika

* Kraftwerk - The Man-Machine (1978) ("The Model")

* Sigue Sigue Sputnik - Flaunt

It (1986) ("Love Missile F1-11")

* Yazoo - Upstairs at Eric's (1982) ("Don't Go")

* Kon Kan - Move to Move (1989) ("I Beg Your Pardon")

* Red Box - The Circle & the Square (1986) ("Lean on Me")

* Anything Box - Peace (1990) ("Living in Oblivion")

* The Beloved - Conscience (1993) ("Outerspace Girl")

* Book of Love - Book of Love (1986) ("I Touch Roses")

(Crossword) PALAISIPAN

20. Grupo noon ni Honasan

21. London Ambulance Service

22. Tumpok

24. Simbolo ng pilak

26. Tira

27. Bahagi ng sasakyan

30. Kaibigan

32. Pinagkukunan ng mantika

33. Kumampi

34. Istorbo

35. Asam

1. Kauri ng pato

2. Madilim na kulay

3. Talim

4. Binungkal ang lupa

5. Ermat

6. Tahasang pagpapaalis

7. Hayop

8. Kauri ng guyabano

11. Isang putahe

13. Damo

Horoscope

You’re starting your week and month thinking about your personal values when Mercury enters Taurus and your wealth zone on Monday. While it’s tempting to chase the almighty dollar, the upcoming retrograde will have you thinking about what’s really worthy of your time and attention and what you need to let go of.

Your season is about to bloom, Taurus, so why not start the month by putting yourself out there? Especially when Mercury enters your sign on Monday. This is a great time to introduce yourself to new people, work on your look, or just tell everyone what you really think without ruffling feathers.

Thoughts turn inward when Mercury enters Taurus and your subconscious zone on Monday. Over the next several weeks you’ll be spending a lot of time in your head, Gemini, which isn’t always the best place for you. Help ease anxious thoughts by journaling and analyzing your dreams. You can thank us later.

Copyright @ horoscope.com

After a long winter, you’re feeling social again when Mercury enters Taurus and your social zone on Monday. You’re ready for long talks with your friends about everything under the sun and listening to the wisdom they offer. Your brilliant ideas can lead to sudden windfalls, so don’t be afraid to speak up!

Start the week and month thinking about your goals as Mercury enters Taurus and your career zone on Monday. Get serious about turning your ambitions into achievements. Focus on getting grounded and building a good reputation for yourself. Remember that you’re the boss, not bossy.

You can expand your mental horizons this April because you’re ready to hit the books when Mercury enters Taurus and your discovery zone on Monday. This is a great time to study new subjects and learn new skills, especially if they’ll further your career. Get all your important notes saved now before the retrograde, Virgo.

17. Babaing mandirigma

18. Kasko

19. Talaan ng bayad

23. Maliit na aktor

25. Sakit sa balat

28. Maton

29. Supang

31. Tatay

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

Your intuition gets a major boost this week when Mercury enters Taurus and your intimacy zone on Monday. Over the next few weeks you’ll be able to understand people on a deeper level without having to say a word, forming an intimate connection. Get ready to go deep!

Your week and month begin on a romantic note when Mercury enters Taurus and your partnership zone on Monday. It’s time to use your words to help nurture and grow your relationships before the chaos of the retrograde season truly begins. Work out relationship problems and ask your crush out now, Scorpio. You’ll thank us later.

After weeks of having fun, April grounds you when Mercury enters Taurus and your productivity zone on Monday. This is an ideal time to get organized before the retrograde hits. Think about how you can improve your life and find stability in a practical routine. Going on walks can help clear your restless mind, Sagittarius.

Your inner artist comes out to play this week when Mercury enters Taurus and your creativity zone on Monday. The fresh spring weather is perfect for your mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and you can’t wait to have fun. This is a great time to start creative projects and discover a new hobby (like a spring fling)!

Home is where your head is this week when Mercury enters Taurus and your family zone on Monday. It’s time to focus on family traditions and ways to create more emotional security in your life. Do the groundwork now, because some messy family drama is just around the corner. Develop strong roots.

It’s time to get down to business when Mercury enters Taurus and your communication zone on Monday. Use this energy to focus on the problems that have been weighing you down lately. However, don’t rush into a quick solution just because of the looming retrograde.

“Family Feud” celebrates first anniversary with week-long special episodes

Local, International Stars in awe of Apo Whang-od's Vogue feature

GMA Network’s top-rating game show “Family Feud” marks its first anniversary of bringing laughter and prizes to studio players and home viewers with week-long special episodes from April 10 to 14.

Hosted by no less than Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes, the program has been the source of good vibes and unparalleled entertainment every afternoon since its premiere.

On Monday (April 10), the program kicks off its anniversary celebration with the stars, director, and staff of the movie, “Unravel.” Sparkle artist and ‘Urduja’ star Kylie Padilla leads “Team Lucy” together with Megan Campbell, Rianne Castro, and TJ Soriano while “Team Noah” is composed of Gerald Anderson, RC De Los Reyes, Pablo Pineda, and Kevin Leonardo

Kylie, who lost when she first joined Family Feud, hopes to win this time. Meanwhile, Gerald makes his first-ever guest appearance on GMA and looks forward to spoiling Kylie’s return.

The anniversary special continues on Tuesday (April 11) with one of the most intense games yet! King of Talk Boy Abunda will banner “Team Fast Talk” together with Comedy Concert Queen Aiai delas Alas, travel show host Drew Arellano, and award-winning actor Arnold Reyes

On the other hand, their fierce rivals are the competitive women of “Team Keridas” led by actresscomedienne Carmi Martin with Arci Muñoz, Sharlene San Pedro, and Adrianna So.

The fun continues on Wednesday (April 12) as “Team TiktoClock” of Kuya Kim Atienza, Rabiya Mateo, Faith Da Silva, and Jayson Gainza go head-to-head with “Hearts On Ice Family” composed of Tonton Gutierrez, Amy Austria, Skye Chua, and Ina Feleo.

On Thursday (April 13), the excitement never stops as the country’s leading folk-pop band Ben&Ben joins Family Feud. The nine-piece band will be grouped into

two teams: Paolo Guico’s “National Anteam” and Miguel Guico’s “Teampered Glass.” Playing for National Anteam are Paolo, Keifer Dela Cruz, Agnes Abalos, and Poch Dulay. Teampered Glass is composed of Miguel, Toni Muñoz, Pat Lasaten, and Jam Villanueva.

The band’s 9th member Andrew de Pano is on the sidelines to support his bandmates.

Family Feud’s anniversary week concludes with a “resbak” or wildcard episode featuring two former child superstars and their respective families on April 14.

Matet De Leon leads the De Leon family. She is joined by her husband Mickey Estrada, their daughter Icay Estrada, and Mickey’s niece Nicole del Rosario. They’re up against singer-composer Ice Seguerra and the Diño-Seguerra family composed of Liza Diño, Abell Diño-Cabrera, and JC Seguerra. Which family would finally taste victory?

Don’t miss the fun and good vibes and catch Family Feud, Mondays to Fridays, at 5:40 p.m. on GMA-7. The show is also live streamed on Family Feud’s Facebook and YouTube accounts.

Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork. com.

In a delightful twist, the April 2023 cover of Vogue Philippines features 106-year-old Buscalanbased tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od. Celebrities like Halle Berry, Gigi Hadid, and Naomi Campbell have expressed their admiration for the "mambabatok" and her incredible talent. The magazine's cover story dives into the rich history of the Philippines' ancient tattoo art, showcasing Whang-Od's lifelong dedication to her craft.

Having started her tattooing journey at 16 under her father's guidance, Whang-Od's unique skills have now captured the attention of local and international stars alike. Halle Berry shared the Vogue cover on Instagram, praising Whang-Od as the epitome of "real beauty." Fellow celebrities like Naomi Campbell, Mario Lopez, and Law Roach also chimed in to express their awe.

Gigi Hadid took to her Instagram Stories to share the captivating cover story. In the meantime, Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy declared it as the "best Vogue cover ever" and applauded WhangOd for finally receiving recognition for her exceptional work.

Numerous Filipino celebrities, such as Bretman Rock, Pia Wurtzbach, Jach Manere, Anne Curtis, Solenn Heussaff, Iza Calzado, Kyline Alcantara, and Gretchen Ho, also shared their excitement over the cover. They praised Whang-Od's achievements in the comments section of the magazine's post.

With this feature, Whang-Od is now reportedly the oldest person to grace a Vogue cover in the magazine's history, according to the report from CNN International, surpassing the previous record held by English actress Judi Dench.

Alongside Whang-Od, the magazine also highlights her grandniece and protégé, Grace Palicas.

This intriguing cover story not only celebrates the incredible life and talent of Apo Whang-Od but also provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, captivating the hearts of celebrities and fans around the world.

Willie Revillame resigns from AllTV, Christy Fermin confirms

Veteran showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin recently revealed that Willie Revillame, her "anak-anakan," has resigned from AMBS 2, which is owned by former Sen. Manny Villar. According to Cristy, Willie's reason for transferring to ALLTV despite having a good relationship and ratings with GMA-7 is "utang na loob" or debt of gratitude. She also stated that Willie's transfer was due to the Villar family's trust in him.

Cristy compared Willie to a cat that has "nine lives" for surviving different challenges and switching TV networks. She expressed confidence that Willie would find a way to return to the industry.

While some people criticized Willie for leaving GMA-7, Cristy

defended him, stating that he has already proven himself through the success of his show Wowowin, which is full of commercials and has a huge following.

In her vlog "Showbiz Now Na," Cristy advised people to give

themselves the right to make mistakes and to learn from them. The veteran columnist's statement sparked a discussion online, with fans and critics speculating about Willie's next move in the entertainment industry.

Gigi Hadid, Halle Berry, Naomi Campbell.

Images: Facebook/Vogue Philippines, Instagram/@gigihadid, Instagram/@ halleberry, Instagram/@naomi.

Cebu bishop urges people to spend Holy Week in churches, not on beaches

Bill seeks to make court proceedings available for media and the public

Cagayan de Oro second district

Representative Rufus Rodriguez filed House Bill 7681 or "Sunshine in the Courtroom Act" that seeks to allow court proceedings to be made available to the public. The bill will enable broadcasting, televising, recording, and taking photos of court sessions while guaranteeing impartial trials for all parties involved. The Supreme Court will be responsible for issuing rules and regulations to implement the proposed bill.

Currently, only Congress proceedings can be aired or recorded by the press in the Philippines. Although reporters can attend court proceedings, they are not allowed to use any gadgets to record or document the trial. They can only rely on handwritten notes or access stenographic notes, which may take some time.

responsibility of deciding whether publicizing the proceedings will endanger parties or the court itself.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has urged the Catholic faithful to spend their Lenten break reflecting and praying in church instead of heading to the beach. According to Palma, Holy Week is the most solemn period in the Church’s liturgical calendar and it offers the best opportunity to renew one's relationship with God and reflect on the Lord’s sacrifice.

Palma emphasized that people tend to forget the real essence of Holy Week because of their desire to take a vacation. He called on the people to take part in various

Church activities and appreciate God's all-encompassing love, adding that this is the best time to ponder on God’s great love for humanity, which was manifested through suffering and death.

All churches are now open to accommodate the faithful, unlike in 2020 and 2021 when restrictions were in place due to the pandemic. The Holy Week, which started with Palm Sunday, marks the end of the 40-day season of Lent leading to a celebration of Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The proposed bill authorizes judges and justices from various courts, such as the Court of Appeals, the Court of Tax Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Regional Trial Courts, the Metropolitan Trial Court, and the Metropolitan Circuit Court, to allow media access to court proceedings. These judges or justices will have the

In addition, the bill also seeks to provide guidelines on media coverage to ensure the safety of the parties involved and the court's security. An example is the recording or taking photos of privileged communication between clients and lawyers which will be prohibited, and case parties may also request to have their faces or voices obscured in the recording.

DFA, DND officials to meet with US counterparts in Washington, DC

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary

Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. are set to meet with their American counterparts in Washington, DC from April 10 to 12. The meeting coincides with the opening ceremony of this year’s Balikatan war games, which will involve over 17,000 American, Filipino, and Australian troops. Manalo and Galvez will be meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III to discuss ways to further develop key areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The meeting will cover important global prosperity issues such as energy, security, trade, and economic cooperation, as well as identify concrete initiatives for promoting regional security, achieving mutual economic prosperity, modernizing the alliance, and countering terrorism and other transnational crimes.

The Department of Foreign Affairs sees the meeting as a way to further develop existing areas of bilateral cooperation and strengthen ties between the two countries. This year’s 2+2 meeting will be the third iteration of the ministerial dialogues, which was established in 2012, and it will be the first session held since 2016.

The Philippine government

has sought warmer diplomacy and defense ties with the United States under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. In August last year, US Secretary of State Blinken reaffirmed the US’ “iron-clad commitment” to its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, while US Defense Secretary Austin’s visit in February saw the announcement of four new approved sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. While in Washington, Manalo will also be a keynote speaker at the CSIS ASEAN Leadership Forum to discuss how the alliance stands in the Philippines’ policies.

Photo source: mb.com.ph

The National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City.

Photo credit: Mary Rose Sagarino

Phot source: Philstar.com / EC Toledo

Phot source: Dante Diosina Jr/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

AMAZING SAN FRANCISCO, “The City By The Bay”(part 4)

by Gem and Lita Anis

We haven’t left our hearts in the amazing city of San Francisco, the only city on earth where you can get a “panoramic view of the ocean, the bay, skyscrapers, several different bridges, hills, and mountains by walking up a modest incline”. However, we fell in love with the city on the very first day of our visit after experiencing the cool must-sees in the very heart of San Francisco, aka ‘Frisco - the iconic cable car and the Golden Gate Bridge, the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf and the palmfringed promenade, Embarcadero, the crookedest Lombard Street at the Nob/Russian Hill neighbourhood, the colourful Victorian-style homes called the “Painted Ladies”, the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, and the historic Haight-Ashbury District.

On the last day before flying to Winnipeg via Vancouver we still have to complete our bucket list –Chinatown, Ghirardelli Square, the new 61-storey Salesforce, North

Beach, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

‘Frisco boasts the biggest and the oldest Chinatown, founded in 1848, in North America and one of the largest Chinese enclaves outside the Asian continent with more than 100,000 residents centered on Grant Avenue and Stockton Street. Retaining their own customs, dialects, places of worship, social clubs, and cultural identity, this largest Chinese community outside of China itself has become important and influential in the history and culture of ethnic Chinese immigrants in North America, including Canada. Here, particularly beyond the iconic Dragon’s Gate in its bustling maze of streets and alleys, we find all kinds of tea shops, dim sum joints, grocers’ knick-knack shops, bakeries, restaurants, souvenir shops, herbalists, florists, live animals for sale, cocktail lounges, and karaoke bars. Swarming with people, the place is a sea of activity!

Adjacent to Chinatown is North Beach, known as “Little Italy”, a very busy neighbourhood steeped in northern Italian cultural heritage and traditions. You can whet your taste buds here at the many Italian restaurants. The famous 210foot Coit Tower is here at the Telegraphic Hill of Washington Square Park with an observation deck that provides a 360-degree view of the city and the bay, including the Golden Gate and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridges.

The city’s tallest skyscraper, started in 2013 and completed in 2018 at a cost of US$41.1 billion, is the obelisk-shaped 61-storey Salesforce Tower, a cloud-based software company, that screens videos of the city – filmed daily - on the sides of its “Day for Night” rooftop sculpture.

Worth a visit is the 1935-founded San Francisco Museum of Modern Art at 151 3rd Street, one of the oldest art museums in the United States, is also one of the largest in the world for modern and contemporary art with exhibits from among 33,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, architecture, design and media art. Collections include works by artists Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and photographer Ansel Adams.

Last but not the least is the historic Ghirardelli Square, a bayside landmark since 1862 at 900 North Point, considered as the first successful adaptive reuse project

in the United States. Originally a chocolate factory established by Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli, this specialty retail and dining complex, granted National Historic Register status in 1982, houses unique shops and restaurants.

We didn’t leave our hearts here in San Francisco! We just fell in love.

Gem & Lita at the historic Ghirardelli

Gem & Lita at the "Embarcadero"