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

HUB OF CREATIVITY

and Hannah Napolitano

Camille Coronado

lead the team at Local Collective, coordinating a Spring PopUp Market at Petrus Hall on Saturday, March 11, in collaboration with 55 small business owners, creators and makers. Celebrating their one-year anniversary, Local Collective's event featured a diverse array of offerings, such as one-of-a-kind clothing, custom apparel, handmade jewelry, expertly crafted ceramics, curated vintage finds, delectable food, and digital art.

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Photo credit: Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

2023 National Women’s Month Celebration at the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto

The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto led by Consul General Orontes V. Castro joined the Filipino nation in the celebration of the 2023 National Women’s Month (NWM) and International Women’s Day during its flag raising ceremony.

Consul General Castro gave a brief background on the annual observance of women’s month every March and the International Women’s Day every 8th day of March. He highlighted the role of women in the society and their contributions to the Philippine history, economy and politics. He also emphasized that women should not only be celebrated every month but every day.

The all-women cast video singing the Lupang Hinirang provided by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) was played during the flag ceremony.

The banner of the 2023 NWM is displayed at the Consulate General’s monitor for the awareness of the celebration by the Consular clients.

Consul General Castro likewise reminded the public on special lane for women, seniors, PWDs and pregnant women and the availability of breastfeeding area at the Consulate.

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.

Consul General Orontes V. Castro giving a brief background on the celebration of National Women’s Month

The 2023 banner of the National Women’s Month is displayed at the Consular area of the Consulate General.

$10,000 Scholarship Fund for FMAACI-SOEF Music and Arts Leadership Award to Live in Perpetuity

The Seven Oaks Education Foundation (SOEF) Inc. approved in their February 15, 2023, board meeting a scholarship fund for the benefit of students in the Seven Oaks area. From the October 29, 2022, fundraising event, SOEF received a total of

$7,014.29 in donations and proceeds, The body then resolved: “That the SOEF top up the donations with $2,985.71 and together with the $7,014.29 received, transfer $10,000 to the Winnipeg Foundation to establish the FMAACI-SOEF Music & Arts Leadership

Scholarship Fund that will live in perpetuity.”

The scholarship fundraiser last year dubbed as “ISKOLAR: Music and Arts Night” was initiated by the Filipino Music and Arts Association of Canada Inc. (FMAACI) in support to the fundraising efforts of SOEF for

more scholarships and bursaries for graduating high school students each year. It was held at the Seven Oaks Performing Arts Centre (SOPAC), 711 Jefferson Avenue, Garden City Collegiate. Some alumni of the school division and Manitoba talents performed, as follows:

a singer-songwriter who specializes in pop, jazz, and soul. As member of Manitoba Music, she aims to be more involved in the local music scene. She represented Canada at the World Championships of Performing Arts 2020 and 2022, and bagged medals in several vocal categories.

that their stay in Winnipeg has worked miracles, healing them little by little. They are filled with love and strength to scream about Ukraine with their creativity.

Jovelle Balani -

Yaryna Chepiha and Mariia Balieieva - Yaryna is a pianist and Maria is a flute player from Ukraine. They said that they were complete strangers when they came to Canada few months ago. Now they said

Yaryna and Mariia with Ernesto Ofiaza Jr. FMAACI president in their rendition of “Hallelujah”.

The 12/21 – an exciting pop punk trio, originally formed in Manila, Philippines, who are alumni of Maples Collegiate. They are a newly signed artist of Black Sheep Records Manila and Viva Records Philippines. This young energetic, and performance driven act consists of three brothers: Roman Maceda, and twins Rico Maceda and Roque Maceda. The brothers also won the Jim Beam Talent Search in Winnipeg, has been featured on CBC Manitoba.

DJ Feliciano – an alumnus of Garden City Collegiate and they call him Deej. He has been playing guitar since the age of 12, surrounded himself with music throughout his childhood and post secondary.

Daniel Tabo-oy, Crisanto Aquino and Jun Isla – Daniel is a local folk singer, Crisanto Aquino is a percussionist and Jun Isla, FMAACI Treasurer.

Photos by: Danny Roman

SOEF is an organization dedicated to providing the students of Seven Oaks School Division access to post-secondary education. SOEF envisions a supportive community where all students believe they can continue their education and training beyond high school.

The SOEF Board is composed of: Irv Simmonds, president; Pat Stefanchuk, past president; Avrum Senesky, vice president; Harriet Zaidman, secretary; Albert Yanofsky, Cheryl Senensky, Ernesto Ofiaza Jr,,

FMAACI is a federally registered non-profit organization by Corporations Canada which was founded August of 2014. It aims to explore and develop unique and creative approaches in the preservation, promotion and blending of Filipino music and arts in our Canadian multi-cultural environment. Its objectives are

to discover and develop talents in music and art, establish and build relationships among Filipino artists through networking and mentoring, academic and artistic programs, and special recognition, and share Filipino music and arts in the community to ensure their continuity for the next generation.

FMAACI officers comprised of: Ernesto Ofiaza Jr, president; Levy Abad, vice-president; Paige Dimayuga, secretary; Jun Isla, treasurer; Ernie Pionela, auditor;

and Kris Ontong, Jojo Yso, Daniel Tabo-oy Jr., Jogin Tamayo,Jet

Tabuena, Alma Ganaden, and Susan Dimayuga, as board of directors’ members.

FMAACI has served more than 250 local musicians and budding artists and has conducted various music and arts programs. To name a few: Filipino Folk Music Festival, Basic Song writing workshops, painting workshops, Rhythms for Peace, Multi-cultural events, basic theatre workshops, ukulele

workshops and dance exercise workshops for older adults and youth under the Healthy Together Now program of WRHA.

On June 30, 2023, FMAACI will spearhead a Multi-Cultural Gathering for Peace, Healing and Reconciliation with the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba, Indigenous groups, and different cultural ethnicities in line with the yearly Filipino Heritage Month celebration.

Levy Abad - an author, songwriter, recording artist, and Migrante Manitoba member, and co-founder of FMAACI.

Keri Latimer - a Canadian songwriter and singer. A local musician who plays in a band called Leaf Rapids. She is a JUNO award recipient. She sung a song she composed with Paramjit Singh, an active volunteer of Seven Oaks Immigrant Services and Adult Learning Centre.

Daniel Tabo-oy and Crisanto Aquino and Jun Isla, FMAACI Treasurer, singing “Puff the Magic Dragon”.

Knight and Angel – Andy and Gabbie Empuwesto started as a father and daughter tandem in 2016. Gabbie is just 9 years old back then. It’s just a hobby for Gabbie to sing with her dad, whenever Andy is playing his guitar.

Humous - an independent lo-fi alternative rock band formed in 2013 in Winnipeg. They have written, arranged, recorded and released over 30 original songs in their catalogue and were released.

ALIW Soloistas - Filipinos Karaoke singers Reggie Caburnay, Thess Bubay and Elmer Aquino.

Acoustic Live in Winnipeg - main group performers composed of Jojo Yso, Patrick Mayuga, Rodel Olesco, Arnold Tongol, and Larry Velasco.

The musical concert was opened by FMAACI president, Ernesto Ofiaza Jr., through a Treaty 1 Land acknowledgment and recognition of sponsors and donors, a welcome remarks by SOEF’s president Irv Simmonds, and was emceed by Love MJ. Same event was supported by different community organizations and leaders, students, and generous individuals and business establishments.

Fran Taylor, Howard Kowalchuk, Nicole Laavellee, Navjeet Kambo, Tammy Fraser, Sherri Denysuik, and Ryan Cook, as members of the board of directors.

Photos by: Danny Roman

Eyulóhiyang Sinúlat ni Hemingway

Último ang bit'wín ay napúpundi rin Sasápit ang gabíng di na mapápansin Káhit ang áraw kumínsa'y nagtátagò

Sa likód ng mga úlap nanlúlumò

Ba't nga ba may mga táong sumúsukò-Ang sintído-pananáw ay lumálabò?

May katapusán ba'ng mga súliranin?

O habambúhay ang ísip ay alípin?

Mga mapág-isáng hiráp magtíwalà

Saríli di mapigílang maghínalà

Nang dáhil ríto láging nabábalisâ Ugnáyan ipinagsawaláng-bahalà

Sa Pag-íhip sa Dáhon ng Kahápon

Isá-isáng naglaglágan mga dáhon

Kanyáng búhay nilipásan ng panahón

Di na mulíng gugúhit ang bulalákaw

Pusò sa depresyón tulúyang nalúsaw

Note:

A poem consisting of four quatrains of 12-syllable lines; 'elóhiyo' or 'eyulóhiya," (eulogy in English) - "a speech or writing in praise of a person who recently died or retired"

"Best of all he loved the fall...

The leaves...floating...in windless skies

...Now he will be a part of them forever."--Ernest Hemingway

Winnipeg to Host 112th Grey Cup in 2025

The Canadian Football League (CFL) has announced that Winnipeg will be hosting the 112th Grey Cup in 2025, marking the fifth time the championship game will be played in the city. The event will be preceded by a weeklong Grey Cup Festival in November 2025, filled with fanfare and celebration.

Commissioner Randy Ambrosie, a proud Winnipeg native, expressed his excitement about the Grey Cup's return to his hometown. He conveyed his enthusiasm for the city, the province of Manitoba, and CFL fans nationwide. Ambrosie praised the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' plans for community engagement and an unforgettable event, eagerly anticipating the festivities.

Winnipeg's history with the Grey Cup began in 1991 when it hosted the 79th edition of Canada's largest single-day sporting event. Since then, the championship has returned to Manitoba's capital in 1998, 2006, and most recently, in 2015. The upcoming game will be the second time IG Field serves as the championship venue.

Looking ahead, the 110th Grey Cup is scheduled for Sunday, November 19, at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton. In November 2024, the 111th Grey Cup will be held on the West Coast in Vancouver.

Seeing adobo as the Google Doodle on March 15th made my heart sing!

Adobo is the first Filipino dish to be honoured as a Google Doodle and for Filipinos, it's about time!

It's time to celebrate because back in 2007, the amazing word "adobo" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary! To mark this momentous occasion, Google went all out and created a totally awesome Google Doodle that showcased the mouth-watering Filipino dish - adobo! The talented artist, Anthony Irwin, really outdid himself with his colorful illustration of a chicken adobo.

According to Irwin, his work of art perfectly captures that magical feeling of being transported back to your childhood, where nothing but the tantalizing aroma of your favorite food made you feel warm and

cozy inside. And boy, does adobo have that effect on us!

Originating from the Philippines, the adobo cooking method has been around since the pre-colonial era. The locals had to come up with a way to preserve their food in the tropical climate, and so they used

vinegar and salt to do just that. And thus, the beloved adobo was born! It's a scrumptious blend of meat, seafood, or vegetables marinated in a heavenly mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. After browning the dish in oil, it's then simmered

in the marinade, resulting in a dish that's simply out of this world!

In fact, adobo is so mouthwateringly delicious that it's often considered as the unofficial national dish of the Philippines! So, let's all raise a glass to adobo and relish in its scrumptiousness!

YOU HOLD THE KEY TO SAVING LIVES

Joseph, Bruce and Zosimo, blood donors

Local Collective: A Hub of Creativity and Collaboration for Winnipeg Entrepreneurs

Hannah Napolitano and Camille Coronado celebrated their first-year anniversary of Local Collective. Both women are small business owners and shared a passion for helping other entrepreneurs and the market popup has become a hub of creativity and collaboration.

With over 55 vendors at Petrus Hall on Saturday, March 11th, Local Collective showcased a wide range of products including handcrafted jewelry, artisanal ceramics, vintage thrifted items, food and digital art products.

The founders of Local Collective noticed that many entrepreneurs struggle to get their businesses off the ground, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They wanted to create a space where these entrepreneurs could showcase their products and get the support they need to succeed.

One of the vendors at Local Collective was Elmwood Supply, a student-run streetwear and clothing supply company from Elmwood High School. Both teachers and students were on hand to share and promote the life of small business owners.

This focus on supporting fellow entrepreneurs has created a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the vendors. They buy from each other, not just to support their fellow entrepreneurs, but because they genuinely love each other's products.

The market has also become a platform for first-time entrepreneurs to showcase their products and get their names out there. This includes Phia (Short for Sophia) encouraging these entrepreneurs to participate, knowing that it can make a significant impact on their businesses.

Local Collective has become known as a market that not

only celebrates creativity and entrepreneurship but also fosters a community of support and collaboration. It has become a place where entrepreneurs help other entrepreneurs, and everyone is welcomed with open arms.

In a world where small businesses often struggle to survive, Local Collective is a shining example of what can be achieved when entrepreneurs come together to support each other. It is a testament to the power of community and collaboration and a reminder that we are all stronger when we work together.

Elmwood Supply Company

Sqyd Art

Local Collective organizers - Camille Coronado and Hannah Nepolitano

Phia

Photo credit: Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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.

Filipino-Canadian Youth Leadership Conference Celebrates "Balikbayan" Theme with Inspiring Workshops and Panels

The Pinoys on Parliament (POP) recently concluded their fifth annual Filipino-Canadian Youth Leadership Conference, held from February 24th to 26th in Ottawa. Focusing on the theme "Balikbayan," the event aimed to celebrate the Filipino diasporic experience and foster connections with their homeland.

Karla Atancio, Chair of Pinoys on Parliament and a Winnipeg-based delegate, shared her experience during the conference. The event kicked off with a gala where Ann Pronel, co-host of CBC's The Great Canadian Baking Show, delivered a powerful speech about being unapologetically Filipino and embracing achievements. According to Atancio, this resonated with the attendees as Filipinos are often taught to be humble and downplay their accomplishments.

Over the weekend, the conference hosted several workshops on various topics, including personal branding, mental health, and financial planning. Atancio highlighted a few, such as the "Reclaim Your Wealth" workshop led by Winnipeg native Kat Dacca and the "Model Minority Mutiny" workshop that discussed the intersection of being a settler and an immigrant.

Three speaker panels also took place, including a government and civil service panel, a "Yes, Chef" panel featuring Filipino chefs from across Canada including Wininpegbased Chef Allan Pineda, and a sports panel. Atancio emphasized that these panels showcased various career paths and encouraged attendees to pursue non-traditional professions.

Atancio attributed the event's success to the hard work of the POP board, executive members, committees, and the support of the community. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation and various small businesses and community organizations provided financial assistance and in-kind donations.

Looking forward, POP is planning its AGM in April, where it will elect new board members and executives. They encourage

Filipino-Canadian youth aged 16 to 28 to sign up for a Kabangka membership to participate in their leadership, learning, and mentorship programs.

The conference organizers are already excited about next year's event and are considering new themes and panel topics to explore. For more information, visit their website at https://www.kabangka. org/ or follow them on Instagram @ kabangkacanada/.

Founded in 2018, Pinoys on Parliament: National Youth Leadership Conference, also known as POP, is a

yearly national youth leadership conference for young Filipino/a/x-Canadians held in Ottawa, Ontario.

The idea of POP was realized when members of the Filipino Students Association of the University of Ottawa (FILSAUO) reflected on how Filipino/a/x-Canadians are underrepresented in the Canadian Federal Government, and politics in general. There should be a space where Filipino/a/x-Canadians are able to network, and learn from leaders in the fields in which they would want to succeed - whether it be politics, government, business, arts or STEM to name a few.

PAID

LEARN

Photos supplied by Pinoys on Parliament

Ultimate New Wave Evolution

(& closely related styles) part 32

Here's another batch of releases by individual artists, some of whom started their respective careers as a member of a band; but who, remarkably, achieved greater success after embarking on their own.

Of the lot, Elvis Costello and the late David Bowie are indisputably the most prolific (32 studio albums for Costello, 26 for Bowie); but Bowie remains the more immensely influential; he may be regarded as "the Chameleon of Rock and Pop," as well as "an architect of New Wave music."

Nevertheless, all of the following are important contributors to the entire genre.

* David Bowie - Let's Dance (1983) ("China Girl")

* Billy Idol - Rebel Yell (1983) ("Eyes Without a Face")

* Elvis Costello - Spike (1989) ("Veronica")

Sa Úgoy ng Músika

* Michael Penn - March (1989) ("Birthday Girl")

* Klaus Nomi - Klaus Nomi (1981) ("Nomi Song")

* Howard Jones - Human's Lib (1984) ("New Song")

* Black - Wonderful Life (1987) ("Everything's Coming Up Roses")

* Adam Ant - Wonderful (1995) ("Beautiful Dream")

(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

32.

Horoscope

Your hotheadedness might get you into trouble when Mars in Gemini squares Neptune in Pisces on Tuesday. A passionate debate could have you shooting off your mouth and losing important opportunities. Play it cool and think before your speak if you want your private dreams to come true.

Plant the seeds of a love affair when Venus enters your sign on Thursday. With your ruling planet in your sign, you’re truly feeling yourself and stepping into your power. Use this as an opportunity to get ready for love with a new look, outfit, and dating profile. Dress for the love you desire right now,

Yikes, Gemini! You aren’t having much luck in your career right now as Mars in your sign squares Neptune in Pisces on Tuesday. You could realize that your passion in life doesn’t match up with your current career path. Consider switching gears to find something that will fulfill you.

Copyright @ horoscope.com

Start the week on an adventurous note when the sun conjoins Neptune in Pisces and your expansion zone on Wednesday. This is a great day for making discoveries about yourself that inspire you. Don’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, Cancer.

You’re getting deep in your feelings this week when the sun conjoins Neptune in Pisces and your transformation zone on Wednesday. Let your dreams guide you to the changes you need to make before spring, Leo. Think about the life you want and what you need to do to get it.

As you thaw out from the winter freeze, Virgo, this is an ideal time to expand your important relationships as Venus enters Taurus and your expansion zone on Thursday. Develop a sense of the beauty found in your journeys to carry with you. You might meet someone special as you travel or take classes.

Relationships get sensual and deep over the next four weeks once Venus enters Taurus and your intimacy zone on Thursday. This is an ideal time to develop a solid bond with a lover that will truly last. There’s a strong possibility of moving in with someone, sharing resources, or getting intimate. Swoon!

It’s reality versus fantasy this week when Mars in Gemini squares Neptune in Pisces on Tuesday. The life you thought you were creating for yourself isn’t the life you’re living. You might need to make some changes that could harsh your vibe, Scorpio, but they’re ultimately for the best.

You and your partner have very different ideas about home and family, so it isn’t a great week for romance when Mars in Gemini squares Neptune in Pisces on Tuesday. You might have to deal with feuding families and what the idea of “home” really means to you.

Spring fling season is here, Capricorn, and you’re ready to do some romancing when Venus enters Taurus and your pleasure zone on Thursday. This is a great time for leisurely love affairs and taking the time to enjoy the things (and people) that bring you pleasure. Enjoy!

You’re focused on getting back to your roots as spring begins to bloom and Venus enters Taurus and your home zone on Thursday. This is a great time to show your loyalty to your loved ones and keep your private life to yourself. Strengthen your family ties so they’ll grow.

You have big dreams about yourself and the opportunity to begin your fantasy life when the sun conjoins Neptune in your sign on Wednesday. This is a great day to change your life for the better. Get a little dreamy, Pisces.

Yassi Pressman's viral bikini video gets mixed reactions from netizens

Actress Yassi Presman recently posted a TIktok video in a revealing 2-piece bikini which received different reactions from the netizen.

As a response, Yassi said, "Whatever shape you may have at the moment, you should be proud of yourself and your body."

“I’ve always been open as well about my journey with my body and I’ve shown you all my stages," added Yassi.

The actress advised her followers to just keep doing what they do, sharing her past experience when

Alden Richards shares his emotional return to Eat Bulaga

she was always afraid to show who she really was in fear of being judged. She said that she is more open and more accepting now of what and how she really is with all her flaws and imperfections, not caring about what other people would say.

“I’m 27 years old now, and I’m proud of my body… of what I have been through. I try to make women more aware of our diversity and hopefully make us all a little bit less self-conscious,” Yassi said during a recent media gathering.

After over a year of taking a break from the Eat Bulaga, Kapuso actor Alden Richards is finally back on the noontime show starting last March 11.

In 24 Oras' Chika Minute, Alden recalled the warm welcome that he received from everyone.

“Si Ma’am Allan K sabi niya na, ‘Kahit saan ka man mapunta sa mundo, kahit gaano man katagal mawala, bukas ang ‘Eat Bulaga’ para sa’yo palagi, Alden Richards,’” he said. “True enough, ‘yon ang nagpatunay du’n.”

Alden was not seen hosting Eat Bulaga for over a year to focus on other showbiz and personal commitments.

He recently starred with Bea Alonzo in the Philippine adaptation of "Start-Up".

GMA’s groundbreaking series “Maria Clara and Ibarra” streams on Netflix starting April 14

GMA Network’s groundbreaking historical fantasy series Maria Clara and Ibarra will be available on the popular streaming platform Netflix Philippines beginning April 14.

The series stars Barbie Forteza as Klay, Julie Anne San Jose as Maria Clara, David Licauco as Fidel, and Dennis Trillo as Ibarra.

Maria Clara and Ibarra follows the story of Klay, a young woman who is excited to graduate from the university so she can work abroad. However, she must pass her back subject, Rizal Studies, in order to graduate.

Klay's professor Mr. Torres, gives her another chance by lending her a book of Noli Me Tangere. She wakes up one morning and finds herself in the world of Jose Rizal’s novel, Noli Me Tangere. She desperately tries to return to the present but she can only do so after she finishes the story and learns her lesson.

As she wanders into the world of Noli Me Tangere, Klay meets Maria Clara, Crisostomo Ibarra, the Curates, the Ilustrados,

and the Indios. The characters teach Klay the value of history, empathy, patriotism, and love. It will also open her eyes to the realities and misery of ancient Filipinos during the Spanish colonization.

After her journey ends in the novel Noli Me Tangere, Klay returns to the present and ponders the fate of her beloved friends.

Binge-watch “Maria Clara and Ibarra” with family and friends beginning April 14 on Netflix Philippines.

Twitter/@EatBulaga

Yassi Pressman TikTok

BBM assures P20 per kilo rice is coming soon

At the launching of "Kadiwa ng Pangulo" in Camarines Sur recently, President Bongbong Marcos assured the public that his promise to lower the price of rice to P20 per kilo is happening soon.

“Ang aking pangarap na sinabi na bago ako umupo na sana maipababa natin ang presyo ng bigas ng P20, hindi pa tayo umaabot doon, dahandahan palapit na. Nasa P25 na tayo, kaunti na lang maibababa natin yan,” Marcos said.

Marcos also noted that his government has also lowered the price of onions and sugar which have also spiked in price. From

over P100 per kilo of sugar, the price has gone down to P85 a kilo.

All these efforts are done as part of the "Kadiwa ng Pasko" which started during the Christmas season and was expanded to "Kadiwa ng Pangulo" to extend the provision of fresh and affordable produce to consumers. The program is also able to help farmers, fishermen, and small business owners which were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Marcos.

Currently, there are over 500 Kadiwa stores and more will be put up as reported by the president.

P175B bridge project to connect Cavite and Bataan; reduces travel time to 40 minutes

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced last March 14 that the construction of the P175 billion bridge that would connect the provinces of Cavite and Bataan will start this year.

DPWH Secretary Emmanuel Bonoan, at a press briefing, said that the cable-stayed bridge will cut the travel time from Manila to Bataan from five hours to 30-40 minutes.

The bridge that would link Naic, Cavite and Mariveles Bataan would be a four-lane, 32-kilometer long that will be built over Manila Bay and will be funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Bonoan added that the project will be finished in five years, before the term of President Marcos ends, and will be the largest and longest iconic bridge in the country.

Senator Tulfo files bill to regulate police checkpoints

Senator Raffy Tulfo files Senate

Bill No 1977 or the Checkpoint Regularization Act last March 14, seeking to regulate police checkpoints and stop discriminatory practices, especially for motorcycle riders.

In the statement released, Tulfo noted some malpractices of the police or checkpoint personnel in checking vehicles, especially the motorbike drivers which he said are discriminatory, like asking for license and registration, inspecting their compartments and even body searching without explaining the reason for the checkpoint.

And while motorbike drivers are scanned and searched, fourwheeled vehicles could pass the checkpoints easily.

Some of the guidelines of SB

No 1877 are as follows:

1.“The conduct of inspection of all vehicles, including motorcycles, during a routine checkpoint is limited to a visual search, occupants are not subjected to a physical or body search, and therefore must be done with due respect to the innocent passers-by, commuters, or bystanders, and must be conducted in a manner with the least inconvenience to the public.”

2. Police officers manning checkpoints can only demand to see the motor vehicle operator’s license and registration only if they observe any traffic violation such as damaged light, lack of plate number, and failure to wear helmets for riders.

3. The only time police officers can proceed to implement the “stop and

frisk” procedure is when they have reasonable suspicion that a crime has been committed immediately before or at the checkpoint.

4.“Due courtesy must be accorded to motorists, traders, and commuters during the conduct of the checkpoint.

5. “Police personnel assigned to the checkpoint shall not mulct, extort, or harass drivers, passengers, and traders.

6. Any violation of the provisions of this Act shall be punished with the corresponding penalty prescribed by the Revised Penal code in addition to any administrative sanction that may be prescribed by the Revised Penal Code, including any administrative sanction that may be prescribed by law.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Col Jean Fajardo acknowledges that they understand that there are instances where riders are getting inconvenienced with checkpoints but they want to appeal to everyone that the PNP is not doing this to disturb motorists but to ensure the safety of everyone

STAR / Andy Zapata Jr.

Credit: Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific.

@DFernandezINQ

Marúnong Ka Bang Lumingón sa 'Yong Pagkábatà?

(Kids across Generations Just Want to Have Fun)

Isá ka ba sa mga matatandáng mahílig mamuná o mang-insúlto ng kabatáan dáhil ang mga itó ay mahílig sa 'gadgets' at ibá pang libángang teknolohikál?

Nakalimútan mo na ba na, mínsan, ay isá ka ring batà na nahílig sa kung anumáng pampalípas-óras na laruán, gámit, o aktibidádes ang úso o méron noóng panahón mo?

Being a child of the '70s and a teen in the '80s, I stayed all a many nights in the 1980s with my Atari console, trying to discover what was in the end of Pitfall! or to achieve the highest score in PacMan, Asteroids, Missile Command, or Galaxian.

This is one reason I don't look down or laugh at the kid video gamers of the current generation, because I could well relate; and our respective experiences--albeit

different--are basically the same. Kids just want to have fun!

Technology has always been in place in any given era. We naturally make use of whatever is available.

If cellphones, PS5, high-end gaming computers were already invented in the 1970s, then I don't see why children in that decade would have not wanted to own one and delight in all the functions that these gadgets could have offered.

The only reason kids in the 1960s or the '80s were not into cellphones, laptops, Netflix, virtual reality games is because these were still unavailable at the time. If they were, then I'm sure that every kid would have had pestered his parents to buy him one.

So, I find it shortsighted, narrowminded, and unempathetic for an adult right now to complain

about what most kids are doing these days to have fun, when he had most likely done the same during his own childhood--only with different technology and circumstances. Yes, the goal remains the same--to be entertained and to enjoy one's time.

Sa Madalíng Salitâ

Hálos lahát ng kabatáan--aumán ang dekáda o henerasyóng pinanggalíngan--ay naturál lang na mahílig o maenggányo sa kung anumáng libángan ang méron o magagámit sa panahóng iyón. At waláng masamâ rito--bastá ba hindí sóbra o lábis.

'Coz, kids just want to have fun!