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

After years of the pandemic, skaters can once again glide on the ice at the Forks Canopy Rink, CN Stage Rink and the Nestaweya River Trail.

The Forks is happy to welcome visitors to the groomed skating, walking, biking and cross-country ski trails; featuring free family-friendly programs such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, live DJ, storytelling, drumming and more all Sundays of January and February.

A group of friends - Malaya Tolentino, Wave Lacap, Gabriella Tolentino, Alec Grant, and Io Grant were just among the many who packed The Forks recently to welcome the winter and enjoy skating and other activities that the season offers.

Photo

GLIDING INTO 2023

As winter has officially started and the new year is upon us, people started to hit the

outdoors. Last January 2, packed skating rinks and trails at the Forks witnessed many people gliding into

the new year, propelling on ice in their skates as they embrace the winter of 2023.

“Getting back on the frozen river is such a special moment in the year - we love adding more fun public spaces to The Forks and welcoming visitors to the groomed skating, walking, biking and cross-country ski trails,” says Sara Stasiuk, Chief Executive Officer, The Forks North Portage. “Soon, more sections of the frozen trail will open and our community members will be able to experience even more of the river, enjoying this unique perspective of the city only winter can deliver.”

For those looking for winter outdoor activities, Arctic Glacier Winter Park offers a winter experience for all ages and abilities, with a tobogganing hill, skating rinks and over 1.2 km of groomed on-land skating and walking trails.

A skate-changing facility is available inside The Forks Market for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors are welcome to bring their own

equipment to enjoy in Arctic Glacier Winter Park. Skates and skateassisting devices can be rented inside The Forks Market as well as kick sleds, cross-country skis, and fat-tire bikes.

Sections of Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation will continue to open on the Red and Assiniboine Rivers as nature allows. Updates can always be found at theforks.com/skate.

Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

A new set of New Year's resolutions based on your zodiac sign

Consulting zodiac signs excite your mindfulness!

according to my sign, I am animated, active, and energetic.

What are your expectations for the New Year? Have you consulted the English, Chinese or Ayurvedic, or American Native zodiac signs? Are these zodiac signs predicting anything about your fortune, your love, your home, your work, and your family?

I enjoy experimenting with the different zodiac signs, but I prefer the Chinese sign more than the English, Ayurvedic, or American Native zodiac signs.

And anyone can look up the predictions for 2023 based on their chosen zodiac sign! Finding out what is in store for you is a great game.

My favorite is the Chinese Zodiac Signs.

There are 12 Chinese zodiac

signs- Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal has its own characteristics. Knowing what will be your "fortune" this year offers you a sense of looking forward in a lot better way, and because you are anticipating a much better life, it probably makes you feel less lonely, sad or stressed. Added to this is the designation of each year (when you were born) like 2023, the Year of the Rabbit!

If you were born in the Year of the Rabbit (2023, 2011,1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939) you are considered affectionate, kind, gentle, compassionate, and merciful. I was born in the Year of the Horse (1942, '54, '60. '78, '90, 2002, 2013, then 2026) and

The revelation of compatibility contributes to the excitement. Is she or he right for you as a partner in life? For those who are born in the year of the Rabbit, the best match is Dog; the best group: Pig and Goat; and incompatible: Rooster. And for me, Horse: my best match is Goat; best group, Tiger and Dog; Not good for a partner in life, Rat! My late wife Linda is under the year of the Dog Sign! Lucky Me!

Another exciting game of fun in the Chinese Zodiac sign that there are lucky numbers (good for the lottery), colours, flowers, and directions! For the person who was born in the Year of the Rabbit, your lucky numbers are 3, 4, 6; colours: pink, red, purple, and blue; and the lucky directions (where to go) east, south, and northwest.

Under the year of the Horse, my lucky numbers are 2, 3, 7; lucky colours, yellow and green; lucky flowers, Calla Lily and Jasmine. and to follow the best directions,

Ultimate New Wave Evolution

Sa Úgoy ng Músika

by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

Music and films have always been intertwined with each other. Film scores and soundtracks have become as important as the movies themselves. After all, music plays a major role in intensifying the emotions portrayed by the actors and evoked by the scenes and the landscape and other images.

This set consists of the Original

Soundtracks (OST) of Romantic films--covering the '80s through the previous decade--that have become my all-time favorites, primarily because of the mostly New Wave-classifiable songs that accompany them.

Of the following, my top-two OSTs are 'Sing Street' and 'Music & Lyrics', because of originality; most of the songs were written

specifically for these movies. However, nostalgia considering, my top one would be 'Valley Girl', which I saw via Betamax in 1984, also the first time I melt in love with the music of Modern English.

* Valley Girl (1983) (featuring "I Melt with You" by Modern English)

* Electric Dreams (1984) ("Together in Electric Dreams" by Phil Oakey & Giorgio Moroder)

* The Breakfast Club (1985) ("Don't You [Forget about Me]" by Simple Minds)

* Pretty in Pink (1986) ("If You Leave" by O.M.D.)

* Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) ("I Go Crazy" by Flesh for Lulu)

east, west, and south!

Try to play Chinese Zodiac Signs. It is fun.

Or for a change, the Ayurvedic or Native American version.

Other games of chances to find your fortune? Try Tarot or Tea Reading or just ask a fortune

teller. At this time of the year, after two years of the pandemic, and even today, the fear of COVID-19 is still upon us, not to mention the inflation! To escape from reality seems to be the best excuse to enjoy consulting our zodiac signs!

*

* Music & Lyrics (2007) ("Pop! Goes My Heart")

* Sing Street (2016) ("A Beautiful Sea")

vera Mella Associate Editor

Clarence Cantiveros Creative Services

Rosalinda

Rod Escobar Cantiveros Publisher and

Ron Cantiveros Business Development

Alfie

The Wedding Singer (1998) ("China Girl" by David Bowie)

City of Vaughan Council approves Cultural and Economic Mission to Baguio City in

12 December 2022 – The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto would like to inform that the Council of the City of Vaughan, Canada approved the Resolution proposed by Regional Councillor Gino Rosati for a Cultural and Economic Mission to the City of Baguio in 2023 on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Twinning Agreement between the City of Vaughan and the City of Baguio. The objective of the Mission is to explore further partnership opportunities between the two cities.

Photo below: (L-R) Consul Orontes V. Castro and City of Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca are joined from left to right by Consul Rodney Jonas L. Sumague, CHED Director Cherrie Melanie Ancheta-Diego, FCAV President Linda Insigne, Canada’s Member of Parliament Francesco Sorbara, Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament Laura Smith, City of Vaughan Deputy Mayor Linda Jackson and Regional Councillor Gino Rosati during the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Twinning Agreement between the City of Vaughan and the City of Baguio at Hazelton Manor, Vaughan, on 19 November 2022.

Mas Masunúrin Nga Ba ang mga Kababaíhan noóng Únang Panahón?

(On the Evolution of Women Empowerment)

Bákit nga ba mas marámi raw ngayóng mga mag-aasáwa na naghíhiwalay kumpará noóng mga nakaraáng dekáda o síglo? Dáhil ba mas konserbatíbo silá noon o páwang takót lang sa mga asáwang brúsko at walá siláng kakayanáng humiwaláy sapagkát waláng trabáho at waláng mapúpuntahan?

*Less Empowered*

Back in the 1970s and earlier, women--almost always--were only housewives. They often had no professional careers--so they were practically dependent financially and emotionally on their almighty and moneymaker husbands. So, they just sucked in whatever abuses they experienced in the hands of their partners. Inasmuch as they wanted to separate when there was no more respect, they didn't have a place to go to, considering also that they couldn't just leave their children and didn't have the money to start anew.

*More Independent*

In this generation, most women have become financially and intellectually independent. They now have the voice, the strength, the confidence, and the financial capability to stand by their principles. When they find themselves in abusive relationships,

they no longer need to stay and suck it up. They could take their children and break away from their abusive husbands without worrying how they will live-because they also have jobs and financial stability.

*Should

I Stay or Should I Go?*

Only housewives who don't have options who stay despite the abuse.

I am glad that I am living in the current society and didn't get to live in the uberpatriarchal and male-dominated past. "All men are created equal," declared the powerful and influential forefathers. See? Only men, no women. They didn't matter much in the past.

People who wax nostalgia for the past are subliminally expressing their powertripping tendencies. They wanted a society where they have control over women and others in general. Freedom, for them, is not for everyone.

*Sa

Madalíng Salitâ*

Mas maáyos ang sosyedád ngayón kumpará noóng mga nakaraáng panahón o síglo. Ngayón, mas may bóses at kakayanáng makapámilì ang mga táong dáti-ráti'y sunúd-sunúran lang sa mga may kapangyaríhan.

City of Vaughan Mayor Honourable Steven Del Duca (center) presided the session of the City Council that approved on 12 December 2022 the the Resolution proposed by Regional Councillor Gino Rosati for a Cultural and Economic Mission to the City of Baguio in 2023.

(R-L) Consul Orontes V. Castro attended the session of the City Council of Vaughan that approved on 12 December 2022 the Resolution for a Cultural and Economic Mission to the City of Baguio with Ms. Linda Insigne (President of the Filipino Canadian Association of Vaughan (FCAV), Ms. Lurvie Deblois (FCAV Adviser), and Mr. Sonny Martinez (back row), President of the Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants (AFCA).

2022: A YEAR IN REVIEW

Filipino community leaders were among who received Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Provincial) honors the 70th anniversary of the Accession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the Throne as Queen of Canada. There are one thousand Manitobans who are receiving the provincial medals. A batch of 50 awardees was given the medals in a ceremony held at Room 200, also known as the Queen’s Room, of the Manitoba Legislative Building on December 12, 2022.

Members of Legislative Assembly – Cathy Cox (KildonanRiver East) , Shannon Martin (McPhillips), Mintu Sandhu (Maples), Diljeet Brar (Burrows) and Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall), nominated the 50 awardees for their dedication to public service and community leadership. Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson assisted Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba Anita Neville during the ceremony.

Eight Filipino community leaders made it on the list of the said batch of awardees. They are Garry Alejo, Genalyn Tan, Emmie Joaquin, Rodrigo Lopez, Dr. Porfiria Pedrina, Leila Castro, Ernesto Ofiaza, and Lucille Nolasco. Other kababayans who were earlier awarded were Wilma Gaburno, Perla Javate, Ronaldo Opina, Randy Viray and Joanne Viviezca.

(From left) Garry Alejo, Genalyn Tan, MLA Cindy Lamoureux, Emmie Joaquin, Rodrigo Lopez, Dr. Porfiria Pedrina, Leila Castro, Ernesto Ofiaza, Lucille Nolasco, and Nov 28 Awardee Joanne Viviezca

(From left) Chief of Protocol Office Brad Robertson, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson, Awardee Lucille Nolasco, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba Anita Neville, and MLA Diljeet Brar

Fourth from right is MLA Mintu Sandu with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Awardees

Photo courtesy of Rene Castro

Annual Bison Regional Science Fair returns to in-person format

The Bison Regional Science Fair (BRSF) will be in person this year, the BRSF planning and organizing committee announced in a news release today.

From April 18th -20th, 2023 students from Grades 4 through 12 will be able to share their interest in science with their peers, local experts, and the community at the Holy Cross School.

“We are thrilled to be able to finally bring back in person the science fair after two years where it was not possible,” shared BRSF Chair, Dr. Anju Bajaj, there is something magical and unforgettable about experiencing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) and the creative power of ideas in person. This is a unique opportunity for all students with any interest in science to share their discoveries and further their potential. We are very thankful for our students, teachers, parents, supporters, sponsors, and judges to make this event possible.

BRSF is affiliated with the Youth Science Canada. Team Bison Manitoba will be competing at the Canada-Wide Science Fair which is country’s largest annual youth STEM event. It will return to an in-person format next year and will be held May 14 to 19 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. The last two CWSF events have been virtual. Youth Science Canada exists to inspire and help Canadian youth to remain curious and do STEM projects regardless of their cultural background, socioeconomic status, or geographic location.

We are proud to announce that The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST) is now an Innovation Champion sponsor of the Bison Science Fair, and our Youth Engagement team has joined forces with BRSF to design a special e-mentoring program that will meet the needs of the science fair student participants. For more information, please email bisonregioanl@gmail.com or visit us https://youthscience.ca/bison/

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.

Manitoba Schools Presents Bison Regional Science Fair- April 18-20th, 2023

Anó iyóng namámahinga sa sangá Ng púnong hitík sa matiník na búnga? Matá'y bilugán balahíbo'y marikít Buntót ay makúlay at kaákit-ákit

Dáhil may angkíng hiwága't salamángka Nakabíbighanì at nakamámanghâ Sa báwat paghúni sa katahimíkan Ilulútang sa hángin ang kamaláyan

Maráming nagsasábing itó'y may daláng S'wérte sa mababaít at magagálang Matimyás ang pusò matálas ang ísip Busílak ang pangárap at panagínip

Ipikít mga matá sa hátinggabí Kináng n'ya't kundíman sa díwa'y babatì

Note: A sonnet consisting of 12-syllable lines

Winpak manufactures and distributes high-quality flexible packaging materials and innovative packaging machines. Our products are used primarily for the protection of perishable foods, beverages, and in health care applications. Winpak is part of a global packaging group with twelve manufacturing facilities in North America. Our Winnipeg, Manitoba location is the largest facility with over 700 employees.

At Winpak, we incorporate sustainability initiatives into everything we do – from our operations process to the product materials we use. We view our employees as our most valuable assets and provide attractive working conditions with exciting potential for career growth. Innovation is integral to our success and we need the best on our team to continue to excel in our achievements.

Caring for our Environment - Manitoba (CEM), Inc., in partnership with Let’s Talk Science (LTS) chapter -University of Winnipeg (U of W) and Arthur E. Wright Community School (AEWCS), held A Climate Action Workshop for Grades 3 to 6 students at AEWCS in Winnipeg, MB on November 19, 2022. A total of 72 students and 14 volunteers from LTS-U of W, CEM and AEWCS teachers participated in this event.

The three workshop stations led by Let’s Talk Science aimed to actively engage students to learn more about waste recycling, reduction and upcycling, clean water, water conservation and climate change, all while having fun. Workshop outputs included individual and group posters about water conservation and the 4R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse) and the students owned microplastic filters.

CEM President, Dr. Ramon Faustino Sales Jr., along with Ms. Harpreet Panag and Dr. Porfiria Pedrina, AEWCS Principal and Vice Principal, respectively, also shared their own remarks about the significance of environmental protection and conservation. They challenged the students, teachers, and volunteer-students of the event to continue the important fight for our environment through collaboration such as the Climate Action Workshop.

The event was also supported by the Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba (MMSM) and Recycle Manitoba, Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association (CBCRA) which provided promotional items to the participating students such as reusable bags, pens, jar openers and recycling guides.

Following the Climate Action Workshop, CEM launched a yearend event to celebrate the holidays and to induct its incoming Board of Directors for 2023 – 2024. The event, with a theme “Enhancing Community Knowledge and Action: Alternative Approaches

for a Sustainable Future” was held at the Tyndall Park Community Centre, Winnipeg, MB on December 10, 2022.

The event was attended by CEM members, volunteers, and organization partners. The guest speaker for the event was Noelle Vong, Communications Coordinator at Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba (MMSM). She also led the induction of CEM’s board of directors for 2023-2024 namely: Ramon Faustino Sales, Jr. (Chairperson), Mariciel Nuyda (President and Head of External Relations Committee), Mhaolene Leana B. Palevino (Secretary, Head of Information Committee), Garry Alejo (Treasurer and Head of Sponsorship Committee), Rizalina Cortez (Auditor and Head of Membership Committee), Mia Cortez (Head, Education Committee), and Joy Rimano (Member at-Large).

The event also recognized the outstanding work of three CEM members, namely, Mia Balansag Omerez, Aira Villanueva and Mhaolene Palevino. As well, the outgoing CEM Board of Directors were awarded certificates of appreciation for their important contributions to the organization. They were, namely: Ramon Faustino Sales, Jr., PhD (president), Nikki Mailom (secretary), Arlene Licardo-Lontoc (treasurer), Teody Leano (Auditor), Mariciel Nuyda, DEd (Head, Education Committee), Allan Pamplona (Head, External Relations Committee), Dario Cidro, PhD (Head, Information and Communication Committee), Gina Gabriel (Head, Membership Committee), Rizalina Cortez (Head, Sponsorship Committee) and Sheila Leano (formerly Head, Information and Communication Committee.

Certificates of appreciation were also given to CEM partner organizations for their continued collaboration on advancing shared organizational goals. These included the Let’s Talk Science – University

of Winnipeg, Arthur E. Wright Community School, MMSM, Recycle Everywhere- CBCRA, FoodTrip Kitchen, and Manitoba Filipino Street Festival. CEM also acknowledged the support of raffle prize donors, namely: Norman Garcia of MR. PEG and realtor Gina Gabriel, May Sales and Rizalina Cortez.

Caring for Environment Manitoba is excited to continue its work to uphold its goals of enabling the Filipino community and the broader society to make informed choices and decisions through awareness and relevant knowledge and to collaborate and build meaningful

partnerships with organizations in Manitoba and beyond to share resources and expertise to achieve common objectives.

Individuals who are interested to join CEM and do volunteer work may send an email at caring4environment@

gmail.com. You may also visit CEM’s website for more updates at www.ceminc.org.

*Mhaolene Leana Palevino is the Incoming Secretary and Head of CEM Information and Communication Committee for 20223-24.

Incoming

Group photo

Inducting Officer- Noelle Vong

Canada welcomes historic number of newcomers in 2022

Government reaches target of 431,645 new permanent residents

January 3, 2023—Ottawa—Canada has experienced one of the fastest recoveries from the pandemic, thanks in large part to our approach to immigration. Newcomers enrich our communities, and contribute to our economy by working, creating jobs and supporting local businesses. Recognizing their value, the Government of Canada planned to welcome 431,645 new permanent residents in 2022.

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced Canada has reached that target, surpassing our previous record from 2021. This represents the largest number of people ever welcomed in a year, in Canadian history. Prior to setting a new record for admissions in 2021, the last time Canada welcomed such a large numbers of newcomers was in 1913.

This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the employees of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), who continue to set the bar higher for processing. In 2022, IRCC processed approximately 5.2 million applications for permanent residence, temporary residence and citizenship. That’s double the number of applications processed in 2021.

As we plan to continue to welcome historic numbers of newcomers, IRCC has added resources, embraced new technology, streamlined processing, and brought more processes online. These changes are all important improvements to Canada’s immigration system, which will position us well for the future. As the Government of Canada focuses on addressing the acute labour market shortages we are

facing today and building a strong economy into the future, one thing remains certain: immigration is a key part of the solution.

Quote

“Today marks an important milestone for Canada, setting a new record for newcomers welcomed in a single year. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of our country and its people. Newcomers play an essential role in filling labour shortages, bringing new perspectives and talents to our communities, and enriching our society as a whole. I am excited to see what the future holds and look forward to another historic year in 2023 as we continue to welcome newcomers.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

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

Whoa, Aries! You’re starting the year looking for a cuffing season partner when Venus enters Aquarius on Monday, moving into your social zone. If you’re single, download those dating apps and get ready to meet your match. It’s also a time of windfalls, making new friends, and helping others when you can.

The new year begins on a very intimate note when Venus enters Aquarius on Monday, moving into your transformation zone. Don’t be afraid to get a little weird over the next four weeks by exploring taboos without fear or shame. You’re attracted to mysteries right now, Cancer, so find the perfect partner in crime to uncover them with.

The new year is already starting on a romantic note when Venus enters Aquarius on Monday, moving into your partnership zone. Over the next few weeks there is a strong possibility of meeting your better half as you focus on building a future with someone. Get ready to create the ultimate dream team, Leo.

Cuffing season is in full swing this week when Venus enters Aquarius on Monday, moving into your pleasure zone. Over the next few weeks you’ll be looking into FWB situations, so start swiping on those dating apps. And don’t be afraid to get a little weird when expressing yourself.

Start the new year at home when Venus enters Aquarius on Monday, moving into your family zone. As we start 2023, this is a great time to take down the holiday decorations and redesign the place in your own taste. Invite your family over to see your new digs.

Start the year by thinking about your financial future when Venus enters Aquarius on Monday, moving into your value zone. Over the next few weeks you’ll be interested in taking calculated risks to make money in the future. Don’t be afraid to use your social connections to make some extra cash.

It’s the start of a brand-new year and you’re ready to embrace new opportunities when Venus enters your sign on Monday. Don’t be afraid to do something unique with your look and try out some new trends, just as long as it makes you feel good. Be a trendsetter, Aquarius.

Love will take you to strange places when Venus enters Aquarius on Monday, moving into your expansion zone. Start the year by making friends and lovers from all backgrounds. These people can expand your worldview and even help you develop your philosophy of life.

Your year begins on an intellectually stimulating note when Venus enters Aquarius on Monday, moving into your communication zone. Over the next few weeks you’ll find yourself having deep conversations with just about everyone. Catch up with loved ones and use your words to make some interesting connections, Sagittarius.

The year 2023 begins on a bit of a lonely note for you when Venus enters Aquarius on Monday, moving into your privacy zone. As we get into the heart of winter, you’ll be feeling the need to spend some time alone. Remember to focus on your dreams, not your undoing.

Heart Evangelista and Chiz Escudero reunited after months of rumored split

The recent social media posts of actress-socialite Heart Evangelista with her husband, Senator Chiz Escudero, have shut down rumors of separations that the netizens have been speculating about for months now.

Since August, when Evangelista dropped her marital name on her Instagram profile and started posting about her emotional state, netizens have speculated that she and Senator Chiz have separated.

But just recently, Evangelista

posted on her Instagram photos of her travel in Roppongi, Japan with Escudero. And in the new year, photos with Chiz and her stepkids, Quino and Chesi.

All the recent posts of Evangelista were hinted at by her post captions last December 27 where she wrote on a postscript, " See you soon, Chiz Escudero," (tagged Chiz, emojis of a white heart and cheese).

Many netizens commented and expressed their happiness for Heart and Chiz.

McCoy De Leon allegedly cheats on Elisse Joson

Netizens accuse McCoy de Leon of cheating on Elisse Joson after a photo of him with influencer Mary Joy Santiago recently came out.

Prior to the incident, the couple was rumored to have separated last December after social media users observed that the two were not posting about each other on social media.

Hate posts for McCoy on his alleged cheating came out and many are waiting on how this rumor will unfold.

Catriona Gray is backstage commentator for Miss Universe pageant

January 14, 2023 marks the 71st Miss Universe to be held in New Orleans USA, with Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray serving as the backstage commentator alongside Emmy award winner and American Ninja Warrior co-host Zuri Hall.

The main hosts of the pageant will be Olivia Culpo and Jeannie Mai Jenkins who are taking over Steve Harvey who has hosted the pageant since 2015 as part of Fox's deal with Miss Universe which ended in 2022.

Do not bribe traffic enforcers-LTO

The Land Transportation Office, last January 5, appealed to the public to not offer bribes or any monetary favors to traffic enforcers. Instead, they urge the public to respect the authority of its enforcers when pulled over for traffic violations.

LTO chief Jose Arturo Tugade said in a statement: “Offering bribes to our law enforcers will not get you anywhere and will make things worse. Wala pong tiwali kung walang mag-uudyok na maging tiwali. Magtulungan po tayo [There is no corruption if there is no one encouraging corruption.

Let’s work together]”

The appeal proceeded from an incident in Sorsogon City where an enforcer apprehended a van driver who was engaged in colorum operation. The driver tried to bribe the enforcers with P3000 but was later arrested for bribery.

“The entire LTO and myself laud the actions of our noble traffic enforcers for refusing to accept the alleged bribery attempt, for standing firm in enforcing the law and not be tempted by acts of corruption. They are exceptional public servants that should be emulated by everyone,” Tugade said.

DOH records over 200 firecracker injuries for 2023

As of January 5, there are 291 firecracker-related injuries according to reports by the Department of Health.

Death due to fireworks remained at zero. A stray bullet injury was recorded in Metro Manila.

“These were 55 percent higher compared to 2021 (186 cases) but eight percent lower compared to

the five-year average (313 cases) during the same time period,” it said in its latest surveillance report on firecracker-related injuries.

Metro Manila remains to have the most cases of injury. According to the DOH, 231 of those injured were male; 56 percent were injured while on the street; and 42 percent were injured while inside their

homes.

The DOH added that 17 percent were reportedly under the influence of alcohol when they got injured.

Over 400 PNP officials asked to resign to cleanse the police force of links to illegal drugs

In his first conference of the year at Camp Crame on January 3, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos asked some 429 generals and colonels in the Philippine National Police to tender their "courtesy resignation" from their posts to weed out officers who are allegedly linked to drug syndicates

The surprising move shocked the police force. “This will be very difficult, a very radical approach to this problem, but I do believe we must cleanse our ranks,” Abalos said.

A five-member committee is in place to evaluate the resignation of the police officers whose names were not disclosed for security. Those who would comply with the call for resignation, according to Abalos, remain in the service until

resignations are accepted by the President.

“They should not be afraid. If they’re innocent and not involved in drugs, then there should be no problem. If they will not file their resignation, then that’s sort of questionable,” Abalos said.

While there are already suspected police officials involved in protecting drug syndicates that can go to trial, Abalos admitted that this move was a shortcut to the lengthy judicial process of filing cases in court and securing convictions.

Photo source: The STAR / Walter Bollozos

Photo credit: Instagram iamhearte

Photo credit: Twitter

Photo source: INQUIRER / Leo M. Sabangan II

Photo credit: PhilStar

Wreath laying at Toronto PCG on the 126th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Toronto, 30 December 2022 – Consul General Orontes V. Castro accompanied by the staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto placed a wreath today at the bust of Dr Jose P. Rizal at Sentro Rizal-Toronto, the cultural arm of the Consulate General.

Consul General Orontes V Castro is joined by the Consulate General’s staff in placing a wreath on 30 December 2022 at the bust of Dr. Jose P. Rizal at Sentro Rizal-Toronto.

Consul General Orontes V Castro is joined by the Philippine Consulate General’s staff (From L-R: alternate Secretary to the Consul General Marissa M. Argueza, Consular Assistant Marilyn V. Galanza, Collecting Officer Maria Jesusa P. Santillan, and Communications Officer Errol Y. Reyes) in placing a wreath on 30 December 2022 at the bust of Dr. Jose P. Rizal at Sentro Rizal-Toronto.

SAN FRANCISCO, “The City By The Bay”

selling souvenir sweat shirts of various hues with the words “San Francisco” emblazoned across the chest.

by Gem and Lita Anis

Riding the iconic cable car of San Francisco, we headed to the popular “Fisherman’s Wharf”, undoubtedly the most touristy area of this amazing city. Other than wandering the wharf past the line of adorable cafes, bakeries and seafood restaurants with various stands outside selling lobster and crab rolls, jumbo shrimps, also handy cocktail drinks, we also enjoyed watching hordes of seals and sea lions basking on the decks. The wharf is also home to the famous “Dungeness Crabs” (heart-shaped with bulky bodies) and fast-food style but delicious sourdough chowder bowls that are ready to satisfy hungry appetites. Unforgettable food experience was

the lunch at a restaurant called “The Fog Harbor Fish House” where we had excellent seafood platter of clam chowder, salmon and shrimps with medium-done filet mignon. Immediately noticeable at the wharf are the tacky tourist stores

Worth a visit at the wharf is the “Musee Mecanique” a familyowned museum operated since 1933 containing a collection of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and games and antiquepenny arcade artifacts including musical boxes, coin-operated photo booths, dioramas and peep shows. Most of them are still operational!

From the Fisherman’s Wharf we

jumped on a tram (in addition to the historic cable cars, San Francisco has a collection of vintage trams), travelling along the waterfront to another tourist spot, the “Aquarium of the Bay” for a naturalist-guided tour walking through a glass tunnel with sharks and other big fishes swimming above you and learn more about the local marine life – such as the otters, moray eels, jellyfish, and anchovies. From our experience the tram system is the cheapest and most efficient convenient way to explore the city.

Also from here you can pick up the ferry to the small island in San Francisco Bay, the Alcatraz, the

1934-1963 Federal Penitentiary –the maximum security prison once home to the toughest criminals in the world.

Another highlight at the wharf is a place known as the “Embarcadero”, the place to embark and walk by the iconic 1898 Ferry Building with its Clock Tower. Here you’ll find also restaurants such as the acclaimed “Slanted Door”, gourmet shops and an open market.

Plenty of other highlights await in The City By The Bay including the Chinatown of San Francisco, the largest Chinese community outside of China itself and of course, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Gem & Lita at the Fisherman's Wharf

Golden Gate Bridge