Filipino Journal Manitoba Edition January 05 - 20, 2018

JANUARY 5-20, 2018 | VOL 32 NO 01

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

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Queens of the Ice Castles The cold never bothered them! The enormous handcrafted Ice Castles MB experience at The Forks is now open. Yshi & Zane Jacinto chilling in front of a large ice wall and arches in the LED-lighted ice castle maze. The attraction seems like scenes out of Disney’s Frozen movie in real life with giant tunnels, caves, slides and all made out from ice.

Photo by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal ICE CASTLES | 8 ►

James Cruzat: Global Pinoy ENTERTAINMENT| 22 ►

Ice Anglers

EDITORIAL | 9 ►

Liza Soberano is Most Beautiful...

STARIRAY| 16 ►

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January 5-20, 2018

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January 5-20, 2018

Honouring Sr. Sto. Niño The Ati-Atihan Festival is one of the most colourful and vibrant festivals in the Philippines. Aida Champagne, Rhiz Aco and Aireen Miaral in colourful Ati-Atihan costumes. The Aklan Association of Manitoba continue to celebration the tradition of honouring Sr. Sto. Niño every January. The celebrations include booming drums, indoor “street dancing” and members shouting “Viva Senor Sto. Niño”!- February 5-20, 2017

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KidFish Frenzy

Talisay Fiesta 2017

The 3rd Annual KidFish Ice Derby saw over 1,200 competitors hit the Red River in support of CancerCare Manitoba and the Children’s Hospital Talisenos commemorated the miraculous patron saint San Guillermo Foundation. Pro angler and Filipino Journal “Angler Management” writer, during the 2017 Talisay Fiesta celebrations at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall. Eric Labaupa along with family and friends were also on the river in The Talisay Association of Manitoba celebrated its 41st anniversary and support of the worthwile cause. January 20- February 5, 2017 fiesta.- February 20-March 5, 2017

Bonjour Léo LaTuque

Community Pioneers Winter Chill Winter Chill- Shovelling snow has been a daily routine for most Winnipegers including Filipino Journal photographer, Brian Mesias. Over the month of December, southern Manitoba has been hit hard with at least four snowstorms dumping over 70cm.- January 5-20, 2017

Pinays MB celebrate International Women’s Day by honouring outstanding Filipino women and have made significant contributions to the fabric of our growing community. The recognition luncheon celebrated the contributions of the late Mrs. Rosalinda NatividadCantiveros, Mrs. Erlinda Magnaye Ramos and the Garment Batch of 1968, represented

by Linda Tesoro, Danilo Sevilla and Linda Mauricio. From left to right: Honourary Consul (Tourism), Ronaldo Opina; Ron Cantiveros (Filipino Journal, accepting award on behalf of the late Rosalinda Natividad-Cantiveros), Danilo Sevilla (Garment Batch 68), Linda Ramos (Gelyn’s Wedding Lounge), Linda Mauricio (Garment Batch 68), Linda Tesoro (Garment Batch 68) and Perla Javate (Pinays MB).- March 20- April 5, 2017

The Auxtero family spent a day at Festival du Voyageur and ran into the festival fun loving mascot. Léo LaTuque is a giant red toque and despite the spring-like weather during this year’s festival, there were a lot of activities for everyone. - March 5-20, 2017.

Let the games begin!

Dr. Magsino Tribute The Quezon Province Association of Manitoba (QPAM) honoured Dr. Romulo F. Magsino during their recent gala celebration. The tribute celebrated Dr. Magsino’s accomplishments, achievements and life-long contribution to the community. Leah Enverga Magsino and Dr Romulo F. Magsino Sr., members of the Magsino families, QPAM members and Senator Tobias Enverga were part of the celebration event.- April 5-20, 2017

Outlet Shopping Spree

Ready, Set, Shop! It’s opening day at Winnipeg’s new Outlet Collection and Amy Natividad, Auwie Calabio, Evelyn & Ed Zaragoza were the lucky shoppers that received $30 gift cards before the doors to the new mall opened at 10am Wednesday, May 3. The outlet mall features 400,000sqft and 100 retailers including a 15-restaurant food court. - May 5-20, 2017

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Spring Fishing It’s warming up this spring in Manitoba and Kayla Labaupa is getting a head start on fishing season. Follow Kayla’s fishing adventures this summer in her father’s Angler Management features. See page 20 for complete story.- April 20-May 5, 2017

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Olympian Cindy Klassen officially called the opening of the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg last weekend at Bell MTS Place. The Canada Summer Games is celebrating their 50th Anniversary. The games run from July 28 to August 13, featuring 16 sports, over 250 events, 4,000 athletes and coaches.- August 5-20, 2017

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Keeping The Faith

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Kultura Kids

Lizelle Mendoza (center) and her Team Faith MS Walk crew participated in the 2017 MS Walk at the Forks on Saturday, May 6. Over 148 teams composed of 1437 walkers participated in the 2.5km/5.0km walk and raised over $295,000 in support of Multiple Sclerosis research.- May 20June 5 ,2017

Midway Thrills

The kids were out to show off thier Filipino-Canadian heritage during the 2nd Kultura Filipino-Canadian Night hosted by Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Inc. (MAFTI) at Shaunessy Park School. Students from several central Winnipeg schools presented Filipino heritage inspired dance and musical ensembles.- June 5-20, 2017

It’s that time of year when carnival rolls into Red River Exhibition Park to provide thrills and adventures for everyone! Filipino Journal photographer, Bryan Mesias took to the skies in the popular Wave Swinger ride this year and accompanied by Marianne Madrid and Edel Barrera.- June 20-July 5, 2017

Pembina Valley Pinoys

Winnipeg Wins NABA Juvenile Championship

Queens Coronation The Manitoba Filipino Street Festival crowned their new Queen and Queen Bulilit during their annual coronation evening at Canad Inns Polo Park. Congratulations to Dasha Quintana, 2017 Manitoba Filipino Street Festival Queen and Alessadnra Datuin, Bulilit Queen. Front row (l-r): Ayanna Maxcyn Gualdrapa, Alessandra Datuin, Sheryllynn Padua Policarpio, Katrina Czarina Salazar and Miley Deceraign Carino. Back row (l-r): Caressa Barcega, Jeanny Villordon, Jysl Pagkatipunan, Dasha Quintana, Rachelle Gonzales, Jolly Ann Huertas, Christine Cosino, Meaddah Limuaco.- July 20-August 5, 2017

Filipino culture and heritage was on full display as members of the Pembina Valley Pinoy group represented all regions of the Philippines during the annual Winkler Harvest Festival. Filipino communities are growing and thriving all across Manitoba.- August 20-September 5, 2017

The NABA Winnipeg Juvenile boys basketball team returned home as champions after competeing in the 30th annual NABA tournament in Manheim, Pennsylvania. The Fil-Am and Fil-Can NABA tournament had over 15 competing delegations from across the USA and Canada.September 20-October 5, 2017

Happy Canada 150 Happy 150th Birthday Canada! More than 3,600 people decked out in red t-shirts gathered on Portage & Main to kick off Canada Day celebrations for Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s annual living flag event. The BIZ changed up the living flag to a living maple leaf as part of Canada 150 celebrations. Canada Day celebrations took place all across the city including the familiar hot spots – Osborne Street, The Forks and Assiniboine Park.- July 5-20, 2017

Street Festival Promotes Vibrant Community, Culture & Cuisine

Max’s Restaurant Set to Open in Winnipeg Fall 2018 Max’s Restaurant signature fried chicken is coming soon to Manitoba. Max’s Restaurant set to open in St. James in the fall of 2018. Max’s Group and Alibin Group Inc and partners (left to right): Arnel Alibin, Sheila Bernardo Alibin, Calvin Polet (Neptune Properties), Hipolito Alibin Jr., Bill Rodgers (Max Group Inc), Frank Alibin and John Alibin. Photo by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino JournalOctober 5-20, 2017

Manitoba’s Filipino community brought it’s vibrant colours and fun to Memorial Park last month at the 2017 Manitoba Filipino Street Festival. The 6th annual festival and parade attracts over 10,000 visitors making it one of Manitoba’s largest cultural festivals.September 5-20, 2017

Kitchen Kumite Culinary Fundraiser for Cancer Care Manitoba Allan and Amanda Pineda hosted their first Kitchen Kumite fundraiser for Cancer Care Manitoba and raised $3,000 during the two-day culinary competition. Chefs Paul Eccles and Chris Gama from Clementine were crowned the first ever Kitchen Kumite champions.- October 20-November 5, 2017

6th Annual MFBC Gala Awards The Manitoba Filipino Business Council (MFBC) honoured outstanding business owners at their 6th Annual Gala Awards held at the Fairmont Hotel in Winnipeg on Friday, November 10, 2017. Congratulations to all nominees and winners.- November 20-December 5, 2017

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OFSAM Celebrates 40th Anniversary The Original Filipino Senior Association of Manitoba (OFSAM) celebrated their 40th Anniversary in style with the crowning of OFSAM Queen Clarita Ortega Nazario. Photos courtesy of Norman Padilla.- November 5-20, 2017

WAAY Season 21: Baskets of Fun Court is now in session with more than 300 kids registered to play in the upcoming WAAY basketball 2017-18 season. WAAY continues to provide kids with an opportunity to have fun, be active and learn from team play. WAAY games are held every Sunday at Gordon Bell High School.- December 5-20, 2017

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Celebrating Christmas: New Firsts & Family Traditions

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By Ron Cantiveros

he Cantiveros family had a new addition this Christmas, and celebrating the first Christmas as new parents with our baby Lorenzo was a magical time for many firsts.

New traditions, including his first photo with Santa and splurging on Christmas outfits.

Christmas has always been a time to share surrounded by family and friends. As our family grows,

Dodie Hilario and Family.

so do many of our traditions including big Christmas dinners and celebrations. Whether it's in themed ugly sweaters, pajamas or Santa Claus outfits, celebrating with family make Christmas a cherished time.

From the Filipino Journal & Hot Rod families, Merry Christmas again, Happy New Year and have a healthy, prosperous and magical 2018.

Bryan Mesias and Family.

Cantiveros-Lagac-Licmo-Medina Family.

Alfred Gaddi and Family.

Begata Family.

Star Roxas and Family.

Labagala Family.

Donna, Ron & Baby Lorenzo Cantiveros with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Shelmerdine Garden Centre.

Jacinto Family.

Labaupa Family.

Philippines 2017 - Medina-Licmo Family Christmas.

Macaraeg Family.

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January 5-20, 2018

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Barangay Antonio’s Christmas Party: a family affair

Ice Castles Opens In Winnipeg Ice Castles at the Forks opens to the public on Friday, January 5 and runs until March 3rd.

Ice Castles is an aweinspiring, must-see winter phenomenon that brings fairytales to life. Located in six different locations across North America, the ice castles are built entirely by hand using hundreds of

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ith the majority of their children who are residing in Winnipeg, the family of Florencio and Letty Antonio has grown exponentially leading to have an annual dinner-dance party to celebrate Christmas. And this festive celebration happened last December 23, 2017 at Viscount Gord.

"I'm so happy that my children, and their spouses plus our many grandchildren have to celebrate Christmas together in one roof, making us to enjoy the the real meaning of Christmas.

I'm so blessed to have this kind of gathering, known as Barangay Antonio Christmas Party," said Letty Duque Antonio, the

matriarch of the Antonio family.

Santa Claus distributed Christmas gifts to the attendees especially to the Antonio grandchildren.

Thanks be to God for His presence in our lives, and for all the blessings; good health, physically, emotionally, and most of all, spiritually.

Gina & Jhun Algabre (Santa Claus), Sunshie & Ratha Clea, Jimmy & Cynthia, Tony & Letty, Harold & Josie, and Anthony & Cristy

The Patriarch and the Matriarch of the Antonio Clan: Florencio and Letty Antonio with Santa Claus (his son-in-law Jhun Algabre).

Tony and Letty with their children Gina, Harold, Anthony, Jimmy and Sunshine.

Photos by Antonio Clan

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thousands of icicles hand placed by professional ice artists. The castles and include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, and fountains.

Prices are as follows: Weekday: $9.95/child, $12.95/ general; Weekends and holidays: $11.95/child, $16.95/general.

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January 5-20, 2018

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Local ice anglers this holiday season

L Filipino Anglers Association of Manitoba first ever Annual General Meeting

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he Filipino Anglers Association of Manitoba held their first ever Annual General Meeting on December 18. Glen Lawn Funeral Home proudly sponsored the event by providing refreshments, desserts, and the use of their beautiful gathering room. Vickar Ford and Hot Rod's Grill contributed to the awesome dinner buffet. Guest speakers included Steve Sasaki (Rapala Canada), Garther Cheung (Northland Tackle), Mike Dotoli (president of the Walleye A n g l e r s Association of Manitoba),

and Ben Lang (president of the Manitoba Bass Anglers Association). Big plans for 2018 were discussed amongst the membership present including holding a family ice fishing derby for later this winter, online contests, and more. Join the fun today by contacting us on Facebook (Filipino Anglers Association of Manitoba) or email me at eric.onthe.red@gmail.com

ocal ice anglers have below the ice. Many have been been hitting the ice hard driving their vehicles (cars also) over the holiday season. onto the ice at these access points Ice thickness at most places are reaching about 18 inches to two feet after this extreme cold spell.

Lockport and other areas on the Red River such as CIL Road and End of Main have been decent for walleyes and saugers action. Lake Winnipeg has really heated up the last week or so with numerous reports of steady greenback action and the occasional monster walleye. Balsam Bay and Road 103 have been the main access points with most heading not too far to get over 11-13 feet of water

since well before Christmas, however still use caution and drive carefully whenever offroading on the ice.

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Information Evening | Wednesday, January 17th, 2018 7pm - 9pm

St. Paul’s High School is Winnipeg’s only all-male, Catholic, Jesuit high school dedicated to educating Men for Others.

St. Paul’s strives for academic excellence and the growth of the whole person in preparing young men for post-secondary education and subsequent leadership in the community. Our education is enhanced by strong extra-curricular programs combined with exceptional personal development and faith formation.

A St. Paul’s education forms students into lifelong learners who are open to growth, intellectually competent, loving, religious and committed to doing justice.

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97% of graduates continue to postsecondary education

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75% of students participate in extra-curricular activities

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Partial and full bursaries available

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Over 12,000 hours of service in the community each year

St. Paul’s High School offers the Crusader for a Day program that allows students to experience our school first-hand during a regular school day. Applicants are paired with current students to experience a morning of classes followed by a complimentary lunch in our cafeteria. For more information and to register your son online, please visit our website at: www.stpauls.mb.ca/visit.

Education for Life Educating Men for Others Since 1926

stpauls.mb.ca

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January 5-20, 2018

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Jerusalem, "The City of Peace"

by Gem and Lita Anis

Gem & Lita overlooking Jerusalem.

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n the 6th December 2017 President Donald Trump breaking with the traditional neutrality announced that the United States considers

Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel although both the Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their political capital and as a religious site.

Since its foundation 5.000 years ago, the historical city has undergone a tumultuous past.

Actually King David of the Jews that ruled the city for about 500 years before it was conquered by the Babylonians made Jerusalem as his capital around 1000 BC. The Romans occupied the city in 65 BC. In 66 AD the Jews revolted against the harsh Roman rule.

The city was rebuilt in the 300s AD by Emperor Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor, after it was destroyed by another Roman emperor Titus.

In 637 AD the Muslim Arabs conquered the city. Subsequently, Christian Crusaders, the Turks and finally the British occupied Jerusalem in the hundred of years before 1948 when independent Israel was established with Jerusalem as the seat of government and proclaimed capital.

In 1980 Israel passed the "Jerusalem Law", stating that Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel although the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution in 1980, declaring the law null and void. However, the state's sovereignty over Jerusalem is not recognised internationally. Not to be confused as the country's capital Tel Aviv, where most of the foreign embassies are located, becomes the economic , financial and technology hub of Israel.

One of the oldest, one of the holiest and also one of the

most disputed cities in existence, Jerusalem is also known as "The City of Peace". The Hebrew name of the city is "Yerushalayim" which comes from two words "Ir" and "Shalem". Ir means city and shalem comes from "Shalom", meaning peace.

Located on a plateau in the Judean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea with more than 800,000 people, Jerusalem today is a "fascinating mixture of old and new, East and West".

The historical area of the city now called the "Old City" of 0.9 sq. kms. surrounded by monumental defensive stone walls built in the years 1535 - 1542 by Turkish Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent has been traditionally divided into four neighbourhood quarters which are named according to

the ethnic affiliation of most of the people living in them as the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian quarters. The Old City is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

My wife Carmelita and myself together with the rest of our Holy Land pilgrimage group under the spiritual guidance of Msgr.

Jan Majernik from Yugoslavia visited the Old City be entering the Damascus Gate, the busiest and one of the 11 gates (only 7 are open), leading us straight into the heart of the Old City bustling market called "souk", a great place to bargain for clothings, sweets and spices, fruits, and souvenirs.

Walking though the narrow cobblestone streets and alleys of the Old City we're mesmerized in history!

Damascus Gate.

Chloe with Dad & Mom

Dad aLfie & Evawwen

Happy Holidays from the Philippines to Winnipeg

Happy Holidays--Mercy/Fernand Aguinaldo & family, Ardie/Tess Sarao & family, and Fran Vasu welcomes her brother and family to Winnipeg from the Philippines.

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(This column is reserved for the readers of Filipino Journal who have something to say about particular issues concerning, but not limited to, the Filipino culture especially politics and current events. So, if you have something to say, write it down and then submit it to elfideas102@yahoo.com. If we find your article befitting our standards, we will publish it here.—Ed.)

Star Wars with all its sequels, prequels, and offshoots remains one of the most influential movies in the last forty years.

And its recent developments, which included its original visionary and creator George Lucas’s decision to sell the entire Galaxy to Disney continues to be a big issue for debating fans, punters, and detractors. Each new movie has its critics, both harsh and understanding, lashing out vile criticisms or defending the movies’ merits.

And it is always helpful, and entertaining at best, to be able to read open-mindedly both sides of the debate—amidst all the love and hate. After all, I will always respect and recognize everyone’s thought about my most favorite movie of all times. However, once in a while I encounter commendable insights that have obviously been woven with so much thought, consideration, fairness, and understanding.

Here’s one of such insightful after-the-movie commentaries of the still currently showing, new instalment to the Star Wars saga, The Last Jedi—not one's typical and overly critical review that is seething with hateful comments, know-it-all anecdotes, and a false sense of entitlement.

This one is reflective, fair, respectful, and inspiring—written by a friend and fellow galactic and music comrade of mine.

The Last Jedi

by Michael Sutton “And now we're moving to new beginnings But as we move we look once behind….”—Ricky Gervais, “More to Lose” by Seona Dancing, 1983 I thought about my mom as I watched The Last Jedi. She is 80, frail; and honestly, I do not know how many years she still has left on this Earth, so I try to spend as much time with her, taking care of her, as much as I can.

And I get it now with this new Star Wars trilogy. There is a deeper meaning to these films than the rebellious overthrow or pursuing your true destiny. These

movies are about us, the kids of the late ’70s who saw the films in theaters, bought the toys, and read the comics. From A New Hope to Return of the Jedi, we witnessed Luke Skywalker’s evolving from a bored, dreamy adolescent to a powerful yet conflicted adult.

At the end of The Force Awakens, we saw Luke as an old man, grey-bearded and silverhaired. His eyes burned pale from crushing disappointment. This is the face of Generation X— tired and fucked- up and tired of fucking up. Those of us who went from Star Wars to The Smiths and Nirvana: We’re now middle-aged, but the angst of our youth still echoes through the days of the calendar.

Luke discovers that Han Solo is dead. Like us, he has started to lose friends. Life begins as a series of hellos and ends with a succession of goodbyes.

He is needed much like how Ben Kenobi was in A New Hope. The next generation, well, most of them make the same mistakes that many of us did; it's a vicious cycle. Kylo Ren is like the abused child in school who becomes a bully himself; Rey is the lost girl, looking for her parents in the eyes of any grownup who is willing to guide her. You know these people.

They are in your school, your office, and the community where you go about with your day-today routine. This is no fairy tale.

It's a bitter pill of reality hidden inside a tempting chocolate cake.

I'm not going to retell the adventures in this movie. No words can properly describe the sense of wonder and untainted fun of space battles and lightsaber duels. You know what to expect.

The film is a work of pristine beauty; it is gorgeous from beginning to end, a balance of light and darkness.

But I get it now. Everyone who complained that The Force Awakens borrowed elements from A New Hope has missed the point.

These movies are actually looking back one more time, just as we are in our middle age. It's like going back to our adolescent haunts— that old comicbook store or record

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shop in the form of a planet in this trilogy. The familiar spaceships remind us of the precious toys we had. These movies are truly about our generation.

If the first two Star Wars trilogies were about the sins of a father, then this one is about the sins of a son. And there's this realization that one comes to face when one hits 40.

Your legacy is not about your accomplishments; it's about how your accomplishments inspire those you will have left behind after you die.

Luke is not "The Last Jedi" after all. It's the boy at the end staring at the stars. Not you, but your child, your student, your progeny, your Padawan…the one who will either continue your unfulfilled dreams or pursue an altogether different dreams of his own. And that is really up to him.

The Force may still be strong in all of us after all these years, like in Luke in the new movie.

But we have to acknowledge that the same Force we have already long bequeathed to the current generation. But that’s okay. It’s their turn now to continue the saga. For as a new dawn fades, a new hope begins.

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PEREZCOPE

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com

Duterte’s New Year’s Resolutions for 2018

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f I were President Rodrigo Duterte, this would be my New Year’s Resolution for 2018: My fellow countrymen: First of all, I’d like to congratulate myself for surviving a tumultuous 2017. I feel that I have been blessed for being able to keep our country safe from the drug menace. Not that I have eradicated this social disease, but because there are now at least 12,000 hardcore drug users neutralized since I took office in 2016. Well, if my calculation is correct, there are still 3,988,000 drug users out there who need to be neutralized.

I promised to eradicate illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption within three to six months. But as you know I’ve been so naïve to think that there were only 20,000 drug addicts, who could easily be neutralized within six months.

Gen. Bato, my trusted and capable Chief of the Philippine National Police assured me that it could have been done. But as it turns out there are four million drug addicts, not to mention the hundreds of Chinese drug lords that have been smuggling the illegal drug shabu

right under the noses of Bureau of Customs officials. And God knows how many drug pushers there are in the distribution of shabu. Heck, they even tried to implicate my son and son-in-law in the smuggling of P6.4 billion worth of shabu. Well, I did the right: I fired the Commissioner right away!

I want to tell you my beloved Filipinos that I will protect you from the danger of illegal drugs. As you know I love the Philippines very much and I’ll do whatever it takes to get rid of drug addicts.

When an informant told the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) of the existence of a shabu laboratory operating inside a piggery and poultry farm, I sent PDEA agents to shut down the lab. The lab was concealed beneath a huge warehouse at the foot of Mt. Arayat and was just three kilometers from the regional police training center and the Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center. The PDEA arrested seven Chinese nationals found in the compound, which

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makes me wonder: How many shabu laboratories Chinese drug lords in the country are operating?

Well, I don’t have the vaguest idea how many shabu labs exist but when I found out that there is a large shabu lab and distribution center in Marawi City, I ordered the Marines to arrest the drug kingpins in Marawi City who happen to be the leaders of the terrorist Maute group and Abu Sayyaf Group. But the terrorists have dug in the city in underground bunkers. I did the right thing when I declared martial law in Mindanao. It worked!

I ordered the Philippine Air Force to bomb the hell out of Marawi. After five months, the Marines killed the three leaders of the terrorists and hundreds of their followers. I was so proud of the Marines. To show my gratitude, I went to the frontline myself and pinned medals on them. I had to wear a combat helmet because I was so near the bombed out area.

To tell you the truth, almost the entire city was obliterated from the aerial bombing. Somebody told me that it reminded him of when Intramuros was destroyed during World War II. I told him, “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

There has been a lot of brouhaha from the international community lately because of the extrajudicial killings. The United Nations, the United States, and the European Union have no business poking their noses in the bloody business of neutralizing the drug pushers and users. As a sovereign nation, we have every right to chart our course and pursue an independent foreign policy. And

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as I promised you, there will be no let up in the war on drugs.

That’s why I am authorizing Gen. Bato to get involved again in Oplan Tokhang, which is our main weapon in the war on drugs.

I pray to God that the Supreme Court justices will not rule Olan Tokhang unconstitutional. If they do, I just might declare martial law and abolish the Supreme Court.

And believe me folks; we’re winning the war on drugs. Don’t believe the naysayers who are saying that there are now more drug users than when I started the campaign in July 2016.

But if there’s any truth to what they’re saying, well, they should blame the Chinese drug lords for flooding the country with shabu from China.

Recently, I found out that smuggling shabu into the country is prevalent. Smuggling is so easy because the Philippines has one of the longest coastlines in the world. There is just no way that the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard could stop drug smuggling.

Smugglers and shabu lab workers from China could come in and out easily by boat or airplane.

The “chemists,” who are the key personnel in a shabu lab, usually travel first class.

I realized that the smuggling, manufacturing, and distribution of shabu can only be made possible with the collusion of corrupt politicians from the national level down to the barangays.

Also playing a pivotal role in the drug trade are some elements of the military and police. I also heard that there are personnel in Malacanang – they might even be close to me -- who provide protection to those involved in the drug trade. I still have to find out who these people are. But I will, I promise you that. I will not stop until I find them.

As you know, the drug network is like an octopus: there is the head and the tentacles.

No matter how much you sever the tentacles, they’ll re-grow again for as long as the octopus’ head exists. It is indeed

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a challenge for me to find the head of the octopus. And I believe there are several of them. But believe me, I’ll find them.

Recently, I signed a proclamation declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) as terror organizations, following the collapse of the peace talks. I instructed the military to finish them off.

Putting all these into consideration, the following are my New Year’s resolutions for 2018: 1) I resolve to stop corruption because we cannot win the war on drugs unless we eradicate corruption.

2) I resolve to increase the size of the Philippine Navy and the Coast Guard to guard our coastline.

3) I resolve to hire more police officers to make sure that we’ll win the war on drugs.

4) I resolve to promote more generals and assign them to fight the communist rebels. My goal is to defeat them by the end of 2018.

5) I resolve to double the salary of military and police personnel to make them happy lest they might stage a coup against me.

6) I resolve to increase the pork barrel funds for congressmen and senators to insure their loyalty to me.

7) I resolve to support Sen. Manny Pacquiao for President in 2022 because in my opinion he is the only one who can beat Vice President Leni Robredo.

8) I resolve to keep Sen. Leila de Lima in detention at least through the end of my term.

9) I resolve to imprison Sen. Antonio Trillanes as punishment for opposing me.

10) I resolve that if I fail to achieve my new year’s resolutions, I’ll declare martial law nationwide and jail all my political enemies.

There is one thing that must tell you, though. I cannot stop the Chinese drug lords from their smuggling activity. They’re just too powerful and I believe high Chinese officials who are close to my idol, Xi Jinping, are protecting them. But Xi promised me that he’d look into it. Well, so much for that for now.

Happy New Year!

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January 5-20, 2018

2 ND F L O O R C I T Y P L A C E , 2 3 3 H A R G R AV E S T.

VISIT WINNIPEG’S ONLY

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January 5-20, 2018

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

Critics hail Liza Devi Sharma City Councillor for Old Kildonan Soberano as world’s Speaker of Council ‘Most Beautiful Face’ Please contact me on any civic issue

204-986-5264 • devi@winnipeg.ca • 646 Leila Ave •

@DeviSharmaWpg

T

he Independent Critic’s annual list of “The 100 Most Beautiful Faces” showed Filipino-American model-actress Liza Soberano taking the top spot in 2017.

French model-actress Thylane Blondeau is in second place while Japanese singer Tzuyu came in at third. Other Filipinos on the list are Kathryn Bernardo (top 60), Jessy Mendiola (71) and Kim Domingo (96). In the male version of the list “The Most 100 Handsome Faces” of the year,

Filipino-Australian singer and actor James Reid is in the fourth spot, Enrique Gil came in at top 61 while Daniel Matsunaga was number 88.

Adjudged at the top spot is Korean pop artist Kim Tae-hyung, followed

by Hollywood actors Jason Momoa and Armie Hammer. The Independent Critics led by British film critic TC Candler claims their list takes into consideration “aesthetic perfection” as its one and only criteria, and that it boasts representatives from nearly 40 countries.

Maine Mendoza back on ‘Eat Bulaga’

A

ctress and TV host Maine Mendoza is back on noontime show “Eat Bulaga!” on January 1 after returning from a month-long vacation with her siblings in Florida, USA. Maine’s return was in time for the birthday of her love team partner, Alden Richards, on January 2. In his Twitter account, Alden told fans that he will entertain them in a theme

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park as his 26th anniversary treat. He will also have a birthday special on “Eat Bulaga!” Alden likewise confirmed that he and Maine are doing a new movie. It can be recalled that Maine took a showbiz leave shortly after she posted an open letter to her fans on Twitter. The noontime show co-host Vic Sotto clarified that Maine was on vacation to spend Christmas and New Year in the United States.

(This column is reserved for the readers of Filipino Journal who have something to say about particular issues concerning, but not limited to, the Filipino culture especially politics and current events. So, if you have something to say, write it down and then submit it to elfideas102@yahoo.com. If we find your article befitting our standards, we will publish it here.—Ed.)

The First Jews in the Philippines

by Levy Abad

Adolphe Levy and Brothers After fifteen years of research into the founders of the Manila store La Estrella Del Norte, I finally found pictures of two of the three siblings, Adolphe Levy and Raphael Levy. I still have to find one of Charles Levy. It was a relative, Joelle Lasserre, who shared the pictures that she found in her research on the French side of Adolphe’s family.

Adolphe Levy (1849–1888), the founder of La Estrella del Norte, together with his brothers, had been faceless throughout Philippine history despite their contribution to the then fledgling trade business in the Philippines starting in 1870s. I have communicated with the different branches of the Levy family in the Philippines, but no one could provide pictures. Several visits to the Philippine archives in 2000 to 2004 then online research and lastly, scouring Supreme Court decisions for clues, proved futile.

The Birth of La Estrella Del Norte Adolphe, Charles and Raphael Levy were from Alsace, France. They left the country due to the impact of the Franco– Prussian War, traveled to the United States, and eventually moved to the Philippines where

they started a business. They organized La Estrella Del Norte (The Star of the North) and later added “Levy Hermanos” to the company’s name. “The first business that they established was in Iloilo where they sold religious medals, statues, gold chains, gilt eyeglass frames, perfumes and later they expanded their trading business. Charles Levy opened what became the main office at Escolta, the old central business street in Manila. La Estrella del Norte began to diversify" (Frank Ephraim, Escape to Manila, From Nazi Tyranny to Japanese Terror, 12). Adolphe Levy led the business in its early years. Unfortunately, he succumbed to illness in 1888 at the age of 39. With the death of Adolphe, Charles Weil, a relative, took over management, together with Charles Levy and Raphael. The company introduced the first bicycle, in 1894 the first phonograph, and in 1899 the moving picture machine. In 1904, they brought the first automobile ever seen in Philippine society.”

(Lou Gopal, La Estrella Del Norte, Manila Nostalgia, Facebook).

Contributions of the Levy Brothers The business that Adolphe Levy and his brothers built catered to the taste of the aristocracy of the country. In a way, the Levy brothers laid down the foundation of the business presence of the Jewish community in the country beginning in the 1870’s. According to a friend musician who attends a

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January 5-20, 2018

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

synagogue in Manila, Aryeh Meir Ben Avraham and online sources, the office of La Estrella del Norte was even “used for high holiday services until the first synagogue was built in 1919” (Lou Gopal, Manila Nostalgia, Facebook).

This synagogue will be known as Temple Emil. The book of Frank Ephraim, Escape to Manila: From Nazi Tyranny to Japanese Terror, tells of the story of how the Philippines welcomed German and Austrian Jews (numbering around 1200) that escaped the Holocaust or what is referred to nowadays by the Jewish community as the Shoah or Catastrophe.

Frank Ephraim noted, “The Levy brothers befriended Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines.

They were even supportive of his views” (p.12). This happened when Adolphe was still alive.

From the time Adolphe Levy and his brothers arrived in the Philippines in the 1870’s up to 1888 when he passed away, and onto the 1960’s, Adolphe’s legacy lived on through his siblings who continued the business.

Their business provided jobs that established goodwill especially with those who were running the government. I do believe that this goodwill created the atmosphere of being a welcoming country to the Jews who escaped Germany to Manila. When the last of the Levy brothers left the Philippines, there were already a lot of Jewish investments, and the relationships built over the years came in handy in the effort to save their distressed brothers and sisters escaping the Shoah.

Descendants of Adolphe Levy Some members of the family left the Philippines for the United States and others returned to France. The descendants of Adolphe Levy, the oldest of the three and known to be the founder of La Estrella Del Norte, are still in the Philippines. His early death will deprive him of the pride of seeing his achievements grow, leaving not only an imprint on the field of business but also on his descendants. He had a son with Benita Enriquez named Francisco Enriquez Levy (18831944). It will be Francisco, who was orphaned at the age of four, from whom a branch of the Levy of the Philippines will originate.

Francisco is the grandfather of the famous Philippine movie star Susan Roces or Jesusa Levy Sonora” (interview with Moises Levy, 2007 Toronto, Ontario included in Levy Family History Manuscript 1870-2010, researched

by Levy Abad) and wife of the late Fernando Poe, also a famous movie star, who ran for President in 2004. To date, after 147 years, there are hundreds of descendants of Adolphe Levy in the Philippines and others are residing abroad.

Legacy The reason for including the family background is to honour Adolphe Levy and his brothers Charles and Raphael for their contribution in building the Jewish community in the Philippines during the time when there was no community yet but only the Levy families from Marckolsheim

and Mutzig of Alsace..(Source: Joelle Nordmann Lasserre). Frank Ephraim mentioned in his book that "The Levy brothers tended to quietly support the Filipino quest for sovereignty, hoping it would bring about more religious freedom” (Escape to Manila, From Nazi Tyranny to Japanese Terror, 12). The Levy brothers were low-profile, so much so that even if they owned businesses, it is difficult to find pictures of them.

From the time of Adolphe Levy and his brothers in the 1870's up to the time that there was a relative number of Jews to form a community until the 1960s, their engagement in numerous businesses made an impact and yielded positive results in lobbying during the war years and may have been instrumental in the decision of President Manuel L. Quezon to admit 1200 Jewish refugees.

All this positive outcome can be traced back to the time of tireless building of goodwill.

The Research Continues Part of the story of Adolphe Levy is that he had a daughter named Mercedes Levy (18881967) born on March 1,1888, (five years younger than Francisco) with Irma Heymann

Levy. Irma died in 1893 at the age of 30, leaving Mercedes totally orphaned.The descendants of Mercedes will be the source of the picture of Adolphe. Years and years, the family of Adolphe in the Philippines wandered and yearned for the day that they will have his picture. Lo and behold, finally, Adolphe comes back to life in the memory of his children in the Philippine diaspora.

I would like to end this article with a quote from Eitz Chayim Hi: "Hashivenu Adonai eilecha v'nashuva, chadesh yameinu k'kedem" (Return us to you, God, so that we shall return, renew our days as of old).

(Some parts of this article were originally published in the Winnipeg Jewish Review, Levy Abad: From Kristallnacht to La Estrella Del Norte, November 9, 2015)

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January 5-20, 2018

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

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!

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Horoscope They start enjoying time with family and friends, as well as looking ahead to your plans for the future. Try to give yourself a reduced schedule. They say makes the most of this opportunity for fun and relaxation. However, other aspects this could alert you to new possibilities. With bright aligning with expansive in your sector of shared resources, a business idea could be potentially profitable and worth investigating.

This could get off to an emotional yet very nurturing and satisfactory start. You’ll enjoy being with family and close friends as gets underway. Your thoughts could also remain on opportunities to get away from your everyday routine and perhaps enjoy a short break or longer vacation. If you have the chance, go for it. At the same time, a connection could coincide with a fortunate encounter.

Gets underway in your sector of communication suggests that you’ll be busy interacting with others and having a wonderful day. You might also find yourself dreaming of travel and other adventures, especially those that are a little bit out of your reach. But insights into your mindset could encourage you to move out of your comfort zone and perhaps enterprise along new paths to see what is possible.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get back into the swing of things. The more secluded sector of your chart encourages you to forget about work or duty for the day and take time out to celebrate. In fact, this could be a particularly busy time of year for you, so making chances for relaxation is very important. There is also dynamic activity on the home front, which could lead to positive change.

The visions of what might be possible can reveal themselves, and this could influence you to try harder and perhaps set yourself a few goals that are outside your comfort zone.

There could get off to an expensive start if you decide to celebrate. Therefore, go easy if you’re shopping, and keep track of all receipts. However, you also need to be practical.

Having that the influence of fiery might inspire you to take a leap of faith.

The year gets off to a very lively start your social sector encouraging you to enjoy any celebrations. At the same time, you could be busy with creative projects or enjoying a developing romance. You may find someone’s company very inspiring. Remember, however, that they are only human and will likely have flaws. They could encourage you to ask others for assistance with a bold idea.

PAHALANG

You might have bold ambitions gets underway, and it could be a very positive experience to contemplate all you hope to achieve. However, there is also a very strong focus on home and family affairs that could last for some time. You might find yourself offering to help out and get more involved in general.

At the same time, you might be eager to renovate your home by making some exciting purchases.

You may feel a connection with family and loved ones very extremely, and this could leave you quite emotional. At the same time, you’ll be eager to get key projects underway and be very excited possibilities open to you. Your social life positively shines. When dynamic an encounter could prove very beneficial to you.

There might be some creative opportunities you can turn your hand to. A part of you may wish you were traveling gets underway. However, a very potent focus on communication and your local environment suggests that you could be kept very busy in your own area. The one encounter could prove fated and might even enhance your reputation. You could be feeling bold as encourages you onward and upward.

With a major focus on your spiritual sector, you might need time to reflect on issues and perhaps resolve them.

They encourage you to ease off the accelerator and listen to your feelings. If you can talk about them with a close friend, it might help you let them go. Relieving yourself of any emotional baggage can help get off to a positive start.

Although you might have expenses from and beyond could still see you eager to splurge, especially if you’re tempted by items in sales. Say yes to such purchases as investments, and try to make them as wise and useful as you can. Be sure to keep the receipts just in case. At the same time with a spiritual sector of your chart, helping others can bring rewards even though you expect nothing.

They get off to a lively start, and this could fuel your intention to make it the best ever. Your social life seems to be extremely lively, adds to this. At the same time, you could be eager to explore new paths and ready to move out of your comfort zone. There’s no need to do this alone, though, as there are friends who may be willing to join you. Whether you are traveling or studying, sharing the experience can make it more enjoyable.

PABABA

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January 5-20, 2018

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

19

Lights, Camera, Skate!

T he Forks flipped the switch Park to provide new lighting cold and windchill, Star, Bryan on new lighting displays installations along on-land skating & Alfred brightened up the night at Arctic Glacier Winter and walking trails. Despite the with these wonderful photos.

Learning to Speak Filipino: a Canadian perspective

by Christine Mazur

A

s a Canadian-born person of mostly Ukrainian descent, I got a lot of puzzled looks this fall when I tried to explain that I was taking a 10-week Filipino Language class. “Why Filipino?” people asked, and, “Are you married to a Filipino?” “No” and “No” I would laugh. It was hard to explain why I wanted to learn this interesting language that has roots in Malay and is mixed with Spanish (after 300 years of colonization, how could it not?) and some English inherited from the last century’s period of American occupation.

Because I live in a city where 60,000 of my neighbours are Filipino, I thought it made perfect sense for me to register for this free course intended for both nonFilipino and Filipino adults. The course was offered October 18 to December 20 by the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Inc. (MAFTI) with assistance from the Multiculturalism Secretariat, the Ethnocultural Community

Support Program - Special Project and the Seven Oaks School Division. The classes took place at the Seven Oaks Immigrant Services and Adult Learning Centre.

Each of the seven students taking part in this free program had different reasons for being there. Two were raised by parents who spoke to them in Tagalog but did not teach them how to respond; one’s partner was from a Filipino family, and another’s girlfriend had immigrated from the Philippines as an adult. Further, he worked with many Filipino customers on a daily basis. One classmate was heavily involved in the Maples community both socially and politically, and regularly enjoyed daily interactions with members of the Filipino Community.

For me, as a musician I wanted to better communicate with friends I have met in both Winnipeg’s and The Philippines’ music communities during the six years I spent performing with Filipino-Canadian music collective, Half Man Half Elf under the leadership of the Filipino Journal’s music columnist, Alfie Vera Mella. My musical adventures have taken me to the Philippines three times

where I found it would have been helpful to have had a better grasp of Filipino to do simple things like order food at Jolibee or haggle for the lowest price at Divisoria, the infamous Chinese market. When taking cabs or asking for directions in small towns it helps to know the language for personal safety.

Finally, learning Filipino would keep my friends from suffering “nosebleed” when I chatter on in English: “Stop Christine! I’ve run out of all the English words I know and it feels like my brains are bleeding out through my nose!

Time for you to learn Tagalog!”

Our teacher, Mr. Merlito B. Garcia, had prepared an excellent series of 10 lessons. One very thoughtful exercise he had us do at the start of the session was to share something we each were sacrificing to be there every

Wednesday night. We realized what a gift it was to be able to learn a new language. My friend Gilbert Trillana joined our classes as a volunteer assistant to Guro Garcia and together, they were able to really help us gain a better understanding of Filipino.

In 10 short weeks, Guro Garcia led the class through pronunciation of vowels and consonants (patinig at katinig), got us to try different ways to greet each other, (“Kumusta ka?”

“Masaya kasi kasama kita!”), ask questions like “Anong araw na ngayon?” count to 20, 30, 40 or as high as we dare, form adverbs and adjectives, and distinguish between the Past, Present and Future forms of verbs.

MAFTI’s Filipino Language Classes for Adults

Participants to the 10-day Filipino Adult Classes posed with their certificates of participation during the culminating activity that was held at Seven Oaks School Division - Seven Oaks Immigrant Services, 930 Jefferson Avenue, on December 20, 2017.

With them are the Officers of the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Inc. (seated from left) Clarita Manzano, board member; Merlito Garcia, Filipino teacher and board member; Genalyn Tan, president; Gemma Dalayoan, past president and evaluator; and Ernesto Ofiaza Jr., Filipino language classes project coordinator and immediate past president. This oral-based program with progressive emphasis on reading and writing was offered to Filipino and non-Filipino adults and funded under the Ethnocultural Community Support Program (ECSP) - Multicultural Secretariat of the Province of Manitoba. MAFTI would like to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to Mr. Derek Dabee (standing extreme right), Chairman of the Board of Trustees, School Board, Seven Oaks School Division (SOSD) for supporting the program as one of the participants and for the free use of the venue as SOSD’s counterpart. (Ernesto Ofiaza Jr) (Photo credit: Jasmin Masangcay)

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At a culminating activity held at the last class on December 20, we sang both Oh Canada (O Kanada) and the Filipino Christmas carol (“Ang Pasko ay Sumapit”) in Tagalog. Each student prepared a greeting for the MAFTI Officers who attended. I sang “Perpekto”

by Filipino songwriter/poet Dong Abay, explaining I found listening to and learning Filipino language songs was a great way to work on improving pronunciation and understanding.

While I still cannot speak fluently in Filipino, I know that I will improve with practice and continued use of the new language skills I have learned, thanks to this program.

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January 5-20, 2018

Gigs, Gigs, Gigs!

W

2 Pa 015 ra Si de lv of er A Ho w m ard es M W H in BA ne r

hen our lives are usually dominated by work or school, home chores, and taking care of ourselves or our kids, having occasional, wholesome diversions becomes important. This takes away the stress of our everyday routines and makes us more social members of our community.

Last December, there were two events that continued to make the presence of Filipino-Canadian felt in the Winnipeg community at large.

December 15 The Cavern (112 Osborne St., Osborne Village) featuring Jérémie & The Delicious

Hounds, Disraeli Dreamers, The 12/21 December 30 Pampanga Restaurant (349 Henry Ave.) featuring The 12/21, Ragdolls, and Ardie Sarao with aLfie vera mella The dinner show was opened by performances by the father-anddaughter tandem called Knights & Angel; a solo guitar-vocal set by Teo Mance; and an acoustic, trippy, abstract sonic art performance by guitarist-singer Ardie Sarao and vocalist/percussionist aLfie vera mella. The main support act then graced the stage next—Ragdolls, performing an Alternative Ska/

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

Punk set that included covers from No Doubt, Pu3ska, and Reel Big Fish. Finally, the headliners—the band of brothers, The 12/21— brought the house down and wrapped the night up with their usual, lively set of original songs plus covers from a variety of bands VST & Co. (“Sumayaw Sumunod”), The Cure (“In Between Days”), Devo (“Whip It”), The B-52s (“Rock Lobster”), and The Romantics (“What I Like about You”).

February and May This year, Winnipeg will be treated some more with Philippine-based artists who are touring North America. In February, the bands

Urban Dub and Franco will play [photo credits: Arnel/ Winnipeg for the first time. This Jeprox Photography; Jhayzon will be brought to us by Filipino TV Paredes/204 Live Music/Jaizen (Details to follow). On February Design] 14, singer Lani Misalucha will grace the stage of Club regent Event Centre. And then, come May, one of Winnipeg’s favorite vocalists/singers—Bamboo, formerly of Rivermaya, will be dishing again his beloved songs.

This will be brought to us by MCY Entertainment.

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They’re hard at work on the frontlines and behind the scenes keeping Manitoba going and growing.

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21

January 5-20, 2018

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January 5-20, 2018

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

James Cruzat represents Winnipeg at DZMM Global Pinoy Singing Idol in Toronto

S

pecial thanks to Ron Cantiveros Filipino Journal, Fran Vasu DKF Fashions, Maira Jacinto - MYXZ Images, Ken Lozano - Aldo Formal Wear, Jay Dula Photography, Lenlay Mamita of Great Smile Productions, Manny Diolazo of Focus Line Video and

Media Production, National Best Financial Network Winnipeg, Foresight Ministries International, Nuvali Sun Entertainment and to my family, friends and to the Filipino community here in Winnipeg who helped me during my journey for the DZMM Global Pinoy Singing idol.

After party.

DZMM Global Pinoy Singing Idol Top 10 Finalists with Ahwel Paz DZMM Global Pinoy Singing Idol Top 10 Finalists. of DZMM.

James Cruzat with Miss Ginger Conejero.

James Cruzat styled by Ken Lozano of Aldo Formal Wear.

YOUR FUTURE IS WAITING

James Cruzat with Kabayan Noli de Castro.

Look Mom, I’m in FJ too!

Megan is excited to be featured in the Filipino Journal after she was caught reading up on the latest celebrity gossip. Megan's parents photo

Business Healthcare Legal Media Technology 204.775.8175 herzing.ca/winnipeg

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also made it into the Filipino Journal last month. Jen and John Allen Lagac's selfie with Jo Koy was published in our Christmas edition.

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January 5-20, 2018

23

City Councillor Devi Sharma, Minas Pagtakhan and Carmelita de la Cruz inducted as members of the Ladies of Rizal

I

n an annual ceremony held recently at Canada Inns Garden City, Winnipeg City Councillor Devi Sharma, Minas Pagtakhan, wife of City Councillor Mike Pagtakhan and Carmelita de la Cruz, were inducted as members of the Ladies of Rizal. City Councillor Devi Sharma is the 1st woman elected official to be inducted as a member of the Ladies of Rizal.

"I am honoured to be invited into the Ladies of the Knights of Rizal. Being a part of this group that honours Dr. Jose Rizal, the National hero of the Philippines, and to keep up the legacy of

his teachings and ideals is an honour,"said Councillor Devi Sharma.

The Knights of Rizal, together with the Ladies of Rizal, Winnipeg Chapter, holds an annual youth recognition awards and inductions of the new members in the commemoration of the martydom of Dr. Jose P Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines.

Photo credit: Robert Deardon

Carmelita Dela Cruz, City Councillor Devi Sharma and Minas Pagtakhan were honoured to be inducted into the Ladies of the Knights of Rizal..

The newly inducted members of the Ladies of Rizal, from left to right, Lady Carmelita de la Cruz, City of Winnipeg Councillor Lady Devi Sharma and Lady Minas Pagtakhan.

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January 5-20, 2018

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

3rd Annual 204 Filipino Marketplace Christmas Bazaar

Pinoy Alliance of Canada

Manalili Family

Trinidad Family

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Gayot Family

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Flying High In 2018 T he Winnipeg Jets kicked off 2018 with Connor Hellebuyck being named NHL's first star of the week!

Hellebuyck's three wins in the last week of 2017 included 5-0 shutout against the Oilers on

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January 5-20, 2018

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

the road, 4-3 win against the Islanders and post-Christmas 4-3 win versus the Oilers at Bell MTS Place.

The Jets lost forward Mark Scheifele for 6-8 weeks with an upper body injury suffered in

\In their recent overtime 3-2 loss against the Colorado Avalanche, the Jets are tied for 2nd with Los Angeles with 53 points, 2 points behind Western the Jets Dec 27th game against Conference leading Vegas Golden the Edmonton Oilers. Also on Injured Reserve is Brandon Tanev.

Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien was back in action for the JetsAvalanche earlier this week.

Knights and 1 point ahead of the Blues in 4th. The Jets return to Bell MTS Place on Friday against the Buffalo Sabres.

Poblete Family holds get together on Christmas 2017

by Dindo Orbeso

T

he husband and wife team of George R. Poblete and Ms, Dolly Poblete hosted a Christmas shindig which were attended by his children, grandchildren, and relatives which actually was a get together of the family.Thus how fruitful is the family tree.

In fact, the Poblete

family is so active in church, community, and other activites which give emphasis to sharing not only during time of Christmas but other events intended for humanitarian work.

The Poblete family is considered a odel example for other families. (St. Jamestown News Service)

Jets forward Kyle Lowry with a goal against the New York Islanders.

Hellebuyck remains strong in net to earn NHL first star of the week.

Jets with the 4-3 win against the Oilers at Bell MTS Place.

Photos by Star Roxas and Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

grant us the WISDOM to make a life-affirming choices.

Choose Life (Deuteronomy 30: 11-20)

W

HAT IS GOD'S WILL IN MY LIFE? The question haunted me when I was growing up. What if I couldn't find it? What if I didn't recognize it? GOD's WILL seemed like a needle in a haystack.

Hidden. Obscured by look-alikes.

Outnumbered by counterfeits.

But my view of GOD's WILL was wrong because my view of GOD was wrong. GOD takes no pleasure in seeing us lost, wandering, searching. HE wants us to know HIS WILL. HE makes it clear, and HE makes it simple.

HE doesn't even make it multiplechoice. HE gives just TWO choices: "life and good" or "death

Poblete Families Christmas 2017

WHO'S AT THE CENTER? In Psalm 33, we read that all nature revolves around HIM and HIS control. HE assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the ocean in vast reservoirs.

Everything in nature operates in accordance with the laws GOD has set.

The nations also revolve around the Lord. No plan or scheme can stand up against GOD's. Ultimately, it is the LORD's plan that will stand forever. HIS intentions can never be shaken.

and evil" (Deut. 30:15). In case the best choice isn't obvious, HE even says which one to choose: "Choose life", that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your GOD, that you may obey HIS Our life is created to be voice (v.19). To choose life is to centered on GOD, not self. How choose GOD HIMSELF and obey thankful we can be to serve such HIS WORD. a powerful GOD, who has every GOD's WILL for us is aspect of our lives under HIS Life. HIS WORD is LIFE. And control.

JESUS is the WORD. GOD may MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS not give a prescription for every US! decision, but HE gave us a perfect example to follow - JESUS. The WISHING YOU ALL A right choice may not be easy, but when the WORD is our guide and PEACEFUL 2018!

WORSHIP is our goal, GOD will

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Lucky Supermarket holds annual Christmas party with a bang!

F

or the past eight years, the management of Lucky Supermarket has been holding a Christmas Party for the employees and their families. And the 2017 Christmas Party started and ended with a bang.

Led by Samantha Nguyen, the manager and her staff, the annual festive celebration also recognzes long time employees and the awarding of major prizes to the lucky employees and distributing Christmas gifts to all employees.

It started with cocktails and followed by a sumptuous dinner held at Kum Koon Restaurants.

The usual program was held thru the joint effort of Tien Nguyen and Kiet Vo, the store managers. The hilarious program was followed by a public dancing.

An annual award for those employees who have been working for five years has been given to Iselle Cruz and Chester Zingapan. The major prize, a huge television, was won by Remedios Hangdaan of Lucky Supermarket, Maples.

Kiem and Samantha Nguyen.

Kiet Vo, Tien Nguyen and David .

TV winner, Remedios Hangdaan of Maples Lucky Supermarket, with Keith and Tien.

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