Filipino Journal, Manitoba Edition - February 20 - March 05, 2023

Photo by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino

The Musica Singers of PCCM hosted a Valentine's Concert at the Philippine-Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM) on Friday, February 10th in front of a packed house. The musical concert highlighted songs and dances from popular Broadway musicals, jazz, retro and pop songs. Proceeds from the concert will help support programs and services at PCCM.

Success of the Provincial Nominee Program

Manitoba's Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has broken records by attracting a record number of skilled immigrants in 2022. The MPNP issued 6,367 nominations in 2022, the highest number since the program was established in 1998. This is good news for the province, as thousands of skilled workers migrate to Manitoba each year, strengthening the workforce and contributing to the growth and expansion of the economy. The Manitoba government is committed to enhancing its ability to offer new opportunities for immigrants with a variety of skills and experiences from all over the world.

A report from the Immigration Advisory Council (IAC) provides 70 practical recommendations and concrete actions based on stakeholder feedback. The report aims to improve recruitment, streamline the MPNP, and enhance Manitoba's settlement, integration, and foreign credential recognition programs and services. These recommendations will help the government work collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance the province's ability to offer new opportunities for immigrants.

This is an excellent opportunity for the province, as immigrants and their families contribute significantly to the province's economy and communities. The top occupations for nominees included transport truck drivers, food-service supervisors, food-counter attendants, cooks, and industrial butchers and meat cutters. With this program's success, the government has formally requested the federal Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to approve a larger MPNP nomination allocation for 2023 to better address labour market needs and skill shortages.

Focus on Filipino Music

by aLfie vera mella

Armed with Music, Loaded with Talent

The Filipino music scene in Winnipeg continues, albeit slowly, to develop and flourish since the first local Filipino Alternative Rock bands began to emerge in the 2000s--such as Studio 69, Magnet, FourSight, haLf man haLf eLf, and Aftertouch.

Now, the surge of younger bands continues, with the likes of The 12/21, Basement 315, Velvet Blitz, Humous, and Armed & Loaded.

Speaking of, Armed & Loaded was formed in 2022 by Jaimee Roldan (manager), Maeiou Roldan (drums), Justine Barawid (vocals), (Ren Bonifacio (bass, second vocals), Makaryo Signo (rhythm guitar), Reinell Runez (lead guitar), and Jett Panganiban (keyboards). In its young existence, the band whose name is short for "Armed with music and loaded with talent" had already performed at these notable gigs: Kazeefest Tour 2022, Octoberfest 2022, Humous EP launch DosMilBeinteDos, and Kaskasan 2022. The music of Armed & Loaded is a good mix of Rock, Indie, and Metal.

So far, Armed & Loaded has three originals on their sleeves--"Músika," "Welcome Home," and "Prayer"; and, according to bandleader Maeiou Roldan, "We are working on our fourth and fifth songs for

our debut EP. We have also managed to book our EP Launch at The Osbourne Taphouse on June 9, 2023."

In the meantime, you can catch these group of young and talented musicians at the following events: Sound of Unity 1.0 - Feb 25th (Kanto @Jenmuel's Bar & Lounge)

Allmost Music - March 4th (pending confirmation) Mayonnaise x Nobita - April 29th (Exchange District)

Armed & Loaded's leader and drummer Maeiou Roldan is also the founder of the new production outfit Waterfront Collective Creators (WCC), in partnership with Jhay Doon and Vonrezza Miranda. WCC is a group of creative content creators formed to highlight the music scene in Winnipeg by coming up with high-quality contents, productions, and events. It hopes, too, to unify the local Filipino artists in Winnipeg and to give them a literal platform to express their music via gigs and other events. The coming gig Unity 1.0 is WCC's first offering. WCC is also one of the official media partners in the upcoming concert Moira Live in Winnipeg, to be held on March 25 at the Canada Life Centre.

Pagkabíghanì sa mga Óbra ni Van Gogh

Diláw ang mga bit'wín sa asúl na lángit

Último ang b'wan ay tanáw ang angkíng rikít

Haláman at punò sa náyon ay luntían

Makatà ay tahímik sa kan'yáng tahánan

Kabukirán ng trígo ginintúang úhay

Magsasaká itó ang ikinabubúhay

Símoy ng hángin pagkakák ng mga uwák

Kahél na damuhán at bátis na busílak

Halína't magkapé sa veránda sa gabí

Sa ilálim ng páyong na kórteng kabutí

Ang Hulíng Hapúnan nakasábit sa dingdíng

Liwánag ng lámpara ang kanyáng luningníng

At nápos n'yang igúhit ang óbra maéstra

Gámit ang kutsílyo pinútol ang taínga

Note:

A sonnet consisting of 13-syllable lines; giving homage to Vincent van Gogh's paintings--particularly, The Starry Night, Wheatfield with Crows, and Café Terrace at Night

written with LoveKat

Sa Pag-íhip sa Dáhon ng Kahápon

Talisay Association of Manitoba celebrates 47th fiesta

The 47th Talisay Association of Manitoba Fiesta in honor of their patron saint, San Guillermo, was a festive and wellattended event last February 11 at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM). The over 400 Talisenos and guests who came were a testament to the significance of the celebration. Not to mention that it was the first time after the pandemic that the Talisenos gathered again in a big event.

A thanksgiving mass at St Peter's Church at 5 pm kicked off the celebration. After the mass, there was a little procession of the image of San Guillermo from St Peter's to PCCM. This procession is another traditional element of the fiesta.

Invited local talents, Elmer Aquino and Darwin Gimenez rendered amazing performances. Talisay talents Colleen Barairo, Reynold Marqueses and Rocky Magsino also wowed the crowd with their performances.

Ms Talisay 2020 Alexandria Lozano, escorted by Bruce Barrientos, turned over her crown Ms Talisay 2022 Lois Samantha Mendoza escorted by Fritz Messiah Mendoza.

The raffle draws were one for the books as many members and even non-members donated for major raffle, silent auction, and door prizes. Each family showed their generosity with the food they brought to share. Everybody indeed showed their support in many ways.

Part of the annual fiesta is the election of new set of officers with Oliver Marasigan as the president-elect. Other officers who were nominated were Rowena Hernandez, Shiela Mendoza, Junior Villa del Rey, and Rommel Santos. Talisay bid farewell and expressed their gratitude to the outgoing officers namely Mhel Dimapilis, Oliver Marasigan, Shiela Mendoza, Erwin Villa del Rey, Rowena Hernandez and Rico Mendoza.

The event was emceed by Rowen Hernandez and Dae Pasahol.

In summary, the 47th Talisay Fiesta was a festive and fun celebration that brought the Talisay community together to honor San Guillermo and celebrate their traditions in style.

Photos provided by Rowena Hernandez

Rescue in the Philippines Documentary Film Screening

In the Philippines, a province, a major city, a national park, and a major road in Metro Manila were named after the former president Manuel L. Quezon. Across the seas, in Israel, stands a monument honouring Quezon. It is called the Open Doors Monument located at the municipality of Rishon LeZion. Inscribed on one of the pillars are the words of Quezon, "It is my hope and indeed my expectation, that the people of the Philippines will have, in the future, every reason to be glad that when the time of need came, their country was willing to extend a hand of welcome."

Those prophetic words came to life on the evening of January 25 in Winnipeg. Even though it was a weeknight and the winter temperature had dived to -31, it was a full house at the PCCM hall. The Filipinos and the Jews in Winnipeg gathered

for the film screening of Rescue in the Philippines documentary, to commemorate the holocaust in Germany where six million Jews were cruelly killed by the Nazis. In 1939, all nations closed their doors on those fleeing from the mass murder, but one country, the Philippines, kept its door open and was able to rescue 1,300 young and old Jewish people. That part of history formed the warm friendship between the Filipinos and the Jews.

B'nai Brith Canada (the country’s oldest independent Jewish human rights organization), 204 Volunteers Inc. - Caring Manitobans in action (a grassroots organization that advocates for a safer and better Manitoba for all the families, and encourages active involvement from the community through volunteerism to help uplift lives and give hope to the most vulnerable in the community),

Bridges for Peace (an organization of Christians supporting Israel and building relationships between Christians and Jews in Israel and around the world), and Pastor Victor Cuarto of Filipino United Community Church collaborated to make the event possible.

Victoria and Don James of Bridges of Peace led the opening prayer song and the national anthems of Canada and Israel. Rodel Olesco of 204 Volunteers Inc. led the singing of the Philippines national anthem. Before showing the documentary film, the MLA for Notre Dame Malaya Marcelino, the WSD Board of Trustee and Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba President Perla Javate, the 204 Volunteers Inc. Founder Leila Castro, the B’nai Brith Regional Director Dr. Ruth Ashrafi gave their words of greetings to the attendees. Denny Nangan of 204 Volunteers Inc. was the emcee. City Councillor for Old Kildonan Devi Sharma, Winnipeg School Division Board of Trustees Ann Evangelista and Dante Aviso, and PCCM President Virgie Gayot graced the event with their presence. Also in attendance were the representatives of key organizations in the community - Quezon Province Association of Manitoba (QPAM), Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM), Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba (PHCM), Filipino Friends of Immigrants in Manitoba (FFIM), Knights of Rizal, Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Inc. (MAFTI), Pinays Manitoba, Filipino Music and Arts Association of Canada Inc. (FMAACI), Benguet Ifugao Banawe Apayao and Kalinga (BIBAK) Manitoba and Filipino Members Chapter – Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.

(Photo credits- Dante Cruz) MLA for Notre Dame Malaya Marcelino

(Photo credits- Dante Cruz) WSD Board of Trustee and PHCM President Perla Javate

(Photo credits - Rod Cantiveros) Founder of 204 Volunteers Inc. – Caring Manitobans in Action Leila Castro

(Photo credits - Rod Cantiveros) B’nai Brith Regional Director Dr. Ruth Ashrafi

(Photo credits - Rod Cantiveros) Don and Victoria James of Bridges of Peace

(Photo credits - Rod Cantiveros) Rodel Olesco of 204 Volunteers Inc. – Caring Manitobans in Action Leila Castro

(Photo credits - Rod Cantiveros) Denny Nangan of 204 Volunteers Inc. – Caring Manitobans in Action Leila Castro

(Photo credits - Rod Cantiveros)

(Photo credits- Dante Cruz)

SEASONS OF LOVE VALENTINE CONCERT AT PCCM

Love was in the air all evening at the Philippine-Canadian Centre of Manitoba where the Musica singers dedicated their time and talent to a moving Valentinethemed concert.

Dedicated performers, volunteers and performers included Noah Macandang, Ziegfeld School of

Dance: Tayla Apler, Karli Pazuik, Abigael Neale, Elena Souza, Elio Rodriguez; Reniel Bonifacio, Glenn Naquilla, Emmanuel Dimatulac, Ricardo Manalang, Rein Cabalquinto, Jobel Torres, Lorenz Sarrondo, Ariel Fernando, Elmer Aquino, Ronald Mervin Sison, Rowena Sta. Ana, Marielle Cahigas, Jesse Alicasabas

Jovelle Balani, Katrina Dimatulac, Khristine Torres, Vina Dimayuga, Dr. Tricia Magsino-Barnabe, Mon Camus, Stage Manager; Joyce Camus, Lights; James Andrew Aviso, Technical Director; Joe Jovellano, Sound Engineer; Jett Russel Panganiban, Accompanist; Oscar Pantaleon Jr., Musical Director & Scriptwriter and Dante Aviso, Artistic Director.

PCCM Board of Directors: President Virgie Marian Angel V Gayot, VP Rodge Lopez, Lou Fernandez , Gerard Reyno Madarang, Eric Hernandez, Efren P Cabrera Gigi de Guzman Ggka De Guzman

Volunteers: Joanne Viviezca Eva Rosanes-Balani, Charie De Paula, Beth Panganiban, Aracelli Ancheta, Rose And Carlos Manalang, Sofia Casino, Gáry Víncént, Gárcíá Sánchéz, Matthew Cabrillas and Rey-ar Reyes.

SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE NIGHT - WINNIPEG JETS

It was another in Winnipeg as the Jets take on Central Division rival, the Chicago Blackhawks, and it's not just any ordinary game!

It's the Jets' first-ever South Asian Heritage Night, and Harnarayan Singh, Hockey Night in Canada's play-by-play hockey broadcaster, was thrilled to be calling the game.

Singh, who's been calling games for two seasons, is a big believer in the power of cultural initiatives to create a sense of belonging and inclusivity in hockey. Growing up in Brooks, Alta., he faced racism and discrimination at hockey games, but his love for the game kept him going. Singh believes that initiatives like the South Asian Heritage Night could have helped him feel more

included as a fan and encouraged an untapped fan base within the South Asian community in Winnipeg and Manitoba.

Charmi Sheth, a graphic design artist from India who moved to Winnipeg a year-and-a-half ago, is thrilled to have her logo featured on merchandise that the Jets will wear

in warm-ups. The jerseys will be auctioned off to support the Punjabi Community Health Services Manitoba, and Sheth's design features bright, colourful backgrounds inspired by the traditional South Asian art form, Rangoli. The patterns and motifs on the jersey are inspired by textiles throughout South Asia, including phulkari, bandhani, and saree. Representing the South Asian, four community leaders were honoured with the ceremonial puck dropSukhvir Singh, Raj Brar, Monika Deol, and Dr. Naranjan Dhalla. So grab some popcorn and get ready for an exciting game of hockey, because tonight is all about bringing people together and celebrating the things that make us unique. Who knows, maybe you'll even discover a new favourite team or player, or connect with a new community of fans. After all, that's what sports are all about!

Photos by Winnipeg Jets and Danny Truong by Ron Cantiveros

Tanya Reynolds, CIRP, LIT

Bahay Kubo

Irecently had the pleasure of dining at a new Filipino restaurant by Chef Allan Pineda. "Bahay Kubo" is now open in the heart of Winnipeg's downtown Exchange District. I was thoroughly impressed at the food and Filipino ambiance. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy ambiance that immediately made me feel at home.

The restaurant is located in the heart of Winnipeg’s Exchange District. As soon as I walked in, I

was struck by the unique décor, which was both rustic and modern at the same time. The walls were adorned with recognizable Philippine artwork, photographs depicting different regions of the Philippines and all things Filipino. Such a great touch of warmth and intimacy in the space.

The tasting menu at for the evening at Bahay Kubo offered a wide range of traditional Filipino dishes, as well as some modern twists on old favorites.

For my appetizer, I had longanisa lumpia. The lumpia was freshly made and perfectly crispy, with a flavorful and savory filling that was both satisfying and light. It was the perfect starter to whet my appetite.

Additional courses included seared sisig tuna, grilled king oyster mushroom, Spam fries and macaroni salad, chicken inasal tebaski and kahula pork tacos. For dessert, I had green tea mochi waffles.

The seared sisig tuna did not disappoint. The tuna was cooked to perfection, with a deliciously tangy sauce that was just the right amount of sweet and sour.

The highlight of my dining experience, however, was the kahula pork tacos. It was nothing short of heavenly.

One thing that I appreciated about Bahay Kubo was the attention to detail that went into every aspect of the dining experience. From the presentation of the dishes to the quality of the ingredients, it was clear that the chefs and staff were passionate about bringing authentic Filipino cuisine to their customers.

Bahay Kubo is now open for dinner, Wednesday to Saturday nights – 48 Albert Street, in the Atrium of the iconic Royal Albert Hotel.

TELLING STORIES THAT REFLECT MANITOBA’S DIVERSE COMMUNITY.

Our Reader Bridge program is strengthening the community through the power of words and pictures so that all Manitobans regardless of race or ethnicity see themselves in the pages and pixels of The Free Press.

Winnipeg Emperors host inaugural Lunar New Year hockey tournament

The first ever Lunar New Year Hockey tournament took place Feb.3-5, 2023 in Winnipeg at the Gateway Recreation Center and The Rink Training Center. The tournament celebrated the Lunar New Year and Hockey with over 52 players and 300+ spectators. Players of Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, South Asian descent came together to a fun filled tournament. A team draft was held in early January to facilitate parity among teams.

Cultural and social events included the handing out of luck red envelopes and a large family style banquet. The overall mission statement of the tournament was one of inclusivity and diversity as all were welcome to play. Hockey level was mixed from former Junior level players to new players. The tournament will take place again in February 2024. For further information please contact Allan Chan allan@repmedia.ca

diverseminds

closely related styles) part 30

Ultimate New Wave Evolution (&

Sa Úgoy ng Músika

The latter part of the 1980s was a great time for me as music enthusiast and collector. A university student at the time, I had a bigger school allowance, a good portion of which I saved to be able to buy cassette tapes and vinyl records of my favorite bands almost every weekend.

Here are some of the albums

more expensive.

*Glass Tiger - Diamond Sun (1988) ("A Lifetime of Moments")

*Spirit of the West - Labour Day (1988) ("Political")

*The Pursuit of Happiness - Love Junk (1988) ("She's So Young")

that soundtracked the early part of my life as a Nursing student in the late '80s to the early '90s. All of them, except Bread & Circus, were released in 1988.

Over the years, I started to re-acquire those albums, this time, in CD format; although I still buy used vinyl records, especially when the title is not available in CDs or is

*Camper Van Beethoven - Our Beloved Revolutionary Sweetheart (1988) ("Tania")

*A House - On Our Big Fat MerryGo-Round (1988) ("I'll Always Ne Grateful")

*Talking Heads - Naked (1988) ("Nothing but Flowers")

*Toad the Wet Sprocket - Bread & Circus (1989) ("One Wind Blows")

*The Replacements - Don't Tell a Soul (1988) ("I'll Be You")

(Crossword) PALAISIPAN

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

Horoscope

As we get closer to the end of winter, you’re hunkering down and getting stuck in your own mind when the sun enters Pisces on Saturday. With the sun in your privacy zone, you’re focusing on your solitude and peace of mind. Allow your mind to wander and see where it takes you.

Your dreams have the potential to come true this week, starting when the sun enters Pisces on Saturday, moving into your social zone. The next few weeks are an ideal time to make the world a better place, especially with a little help from your friends. Get ready for windfalls that can fill your heart with joy.

You have the power to create your reputation when the sun enters Pisces on Saturday, moving into your ambition zone. You’ve got a lot you wish to achieve and not a lot of time to do it. This is a great time to chase after your dreams and let people know that you’re the boss.

Copyright @ horoscope.com

Expand your horizons over the next few weeks after the sun enters Pisces on Saturday, moving into your expansion zone. Sure, your head might be in the clouds, Cancer, but you’ll feel everything deeply. This is a great time to explore your spiritual side as you stand by your beliefs.

Get ready for some major changes when the sun enters Pisces on Saturday, moving into your transformation zone. The sun is shining on everything that is hidden, Leo, so let go of whatever isn’t serving you so you can be free to pursue new things.

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but you’ll still be feeling the love for weeks after the sun enters Pisces on Saturday. With the sun shining in your partnership zone, focus on the most important relationships in your life. Pay attention to your personal life and it will give you joy in return.

Sure, you’re getting a late start on your New Year’s resolutions, but when the sun enters Pisces on Saturday, you’ll finally have the motivation to achieve your dreams. That’s because the sun enters your productivity zone, making it easier to develop healthy habits that can improve your life.

We’ll be slowly thawing out of winter, so let your imagination be your guide when the sun enters Pisces on Saturday, moving into your pleasure zone. This is a great time for enjoying romance, entertaining yourself with magic, and homing in on your artistic talent. Don’t be afraid to express yourself to the fullest, Scorpio.

Winter is still here and you’re stuck at home when the sun enters Pisces on Saturday, moving into your family zone. Over the next few weeks you’ll be thinking about what the idea of “home” means to you. Build a foundation you don’t need to escape from.

If the winter blues have got you down, it’s time to get away from it all when the sun enters Pisces on Saturday, moving into your communication zone. This is a great time to go on a short trip to visit friends or even just grab coffee with a neighbor. Sharing your big ideas can help you get inspired, Capricorn.

You could turn into a shopaholic when the sun enters Pisces on Saturday, moving into your value zone. You might have the urge to do a little more spending than usual on things you think you need, from clothing to gadgets. However, Aquarius, don’t blow your whole budget on something that will only give you a moment’s pleasure.

Your season officially begins when the sun enters your sign on Saturday, giving you an extra boost after a long winter. This is a great time to get out of your shell and start things you’ve been dreaming about. From being the center of attention to asking for what you want, Pisces, the Universe is working in your favor!

Kylie Padilla comments on Aljur and AJ posts confirming their relationship

Sam Milby and Catriona Gray are now engaged!

Celebrity couple Sam Milby and Catriona Gray just announced their engagement.

On their respective Instagram accounts, the couple posted a similar photo of them holding coffee cups with "Mr. Milby and Future Mrs. Milby" written on them.

In a media conference for her upcoming show, "Ang Mga Lihim ni Urduja," Kapuso actress Kylie Padilla was asked to comment about the posts.

The Kapuso actress had nothing but words of happiness for what she alluded "everybody."

"I'm happy for everybody. Everybody is happy. And that's what's important.

On Valentine's day, both Aljur Abrenica and AJ Raval posted on their Instagram account, confirming their rumored relationship.

Aljur posted a photo of them together in motorbike suits while AJ Raval posted a photo of them together on a beach with the caption: "I'll always give you all the love I have in my heart and love you unconditionally."

Kylie and Aljur dated until 2014 and tied the knot in 2018. They had 2 sons, Alas Joaquin and Axl Romero, before officially separating in 2021.

Last year, Aljur was linked to AJ Raval. In November 2022, talent manager and vlogger Ogie Diaz reported that AJ was seen to have given birth despite AJ and her father, Jeric Raval, denying the pregnancy.

Meanwhile, Kylie posted videos of her trip to Thailand with a guy travel buddy last month.

Sam captioned the photo “I (FINALLY) put a ring on it! I love you my forever koala... now my fiancé.” while Catriona's photo reads “Living in an answered prayer with my best friend. I love you, financè (eeeeee) @samuelmilby.”

Friends and fans have been liking and writing their well wishes on the posts.

The couple confirmed their relationship in May 2020.

Miles Ocampo trends worldwide for "Batang Quiapo" performance

Actress Miles Ocampo trended worldwide on Twitter for her superb acting in the pilot episode of ABS-CBN's newest action-drama series, "FPJ's Batang Quiapo," last February 13.

Miles plays the young Marites who is later played by Cherry Pie Picache. She undoubtedly left a

mark with her heavy scenes like being assaulted and raped and giving birth in a wet market alone, on the series' debut.

In her Instagram, Miles posted photos of her on the set and captioned it: "Overwhelmed. Been receiving so much love since Monday night. Maraming maraming salamat, Kuya

Coco. Maraming maraming salamat, Sir Deo. Maraming maraming salamat, mga Kapamilya."

"FPJ's Batang Quiapo" airs every Monday to Friday, 8 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, Cinemo, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC and TFC.

Photo source: @catriona_gray Instagram

Photo source: @milesocampo Instagram

Photo source: @ajravsss Instagram

Photo source: @ajabrenica Instagram

Photo source: @kylienicolepadilla Instagram

DOT: Philippines to welcome 139 cruise ships this year; signifies tourism resurgence

The Department of Tourism is is set to welcome 139 cruise ships carrying around 117,000 tourists from across the world this 2023.

"Docking in 46 areas in the country, they would visit tourist destinations that include Manila, Batanes, Palawan, Kalanggaman Island in Leyte, Bohol, Cebu,

Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Marinduque and the world-famous Boracay Island," Tourism Secretary

Christina Garcia-Frasco said.

One of them is the Silver Spirit cruise ship which recently arrived at the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal at Manila South Harbor carrying 317 passengers and 404 crew members.

DepEd amends a word in "Panatang Makabayan"

In a press briefing, Frasco said that a cruise ship passenger would spend an average of $100 which could benefit local government and businesses in tourist destinations. The government has lifted some COVID-19 travel restrictions such as mandatory quarantine and testing. Face masks are not required but recommended in some places.

The Department of Education has modified one of the terms in the national pledges "Panatang Makabayan as recommended by experts and linguists.

Last February 14, under the Department Order No 4, the word "nagdarasal" was replaced by "nananalangin."

Experts and linguists that the DepEd consulted said that the word "nanalangin" was found to be wellwritten, sufficiently rationalized , more inclusive, more solemn, well thought of and extensively researched.

Even authorities from the indigenous cultural communities and individuals from the Muslim

and Moro communities said that "dalangin" may be more preferred because it is "more spiritual and universal."

“With these consultations, OUCT (Office of the Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching) recommended that "nananalangin" be used instead of nagdarasal" primarily because the ‘nanalangin’ is inherent and integral in Filipino identities as it is rooted in Tagalog,” read the DepEd order.

Panatang Makabayan is recited during flag-raising ceremonies and other school activities in both private and public schools.

No

Filipino casualties in Syria quake - DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that there was no Filipino killed in Syria or Turkey following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the two countries recently.

DFA Undersecretary for migrant workers affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega confirmed the good news in a radio interview, adding that there are 60 Filipino in the northwestern

Syria where the quake hit. DFA also confirmed that the Philippine embassy in Damascus is ready to provide assistance to Filipinos affected by the earthquake.

Photo source: Facebook Photo/E. Marcos

Photo source: Russell Palma | philstar.com

Photo source: Omar Haj Kadour / AFP

Joseph, Bruce and Zosimo, blood