Filipino Journal Manitoba Edition Mar. 05 - 20, 2013

28 Years March 5-20, 2014 • Volume 28, Number 05

International Polar Bear Day

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Full House for WAAY Championships Exciting basketball action during Championship Sunday

Page 15►

Winnipeg Jets Outdoor Practice

Page 25►

Lopez scores EGOT Grand Slam

Page 27►

Page 23►

Parents, families and players made up the loud, screaming, and cheering fans during the WAAY Basketball League championships as they were treated to some exciting youth basketball action. The gym at Gordon Bell High School was filled to capacity in the bleachers and it was standing room only for others as they watched from courtside. WAAY Basketball ended the 2013-14 season with closing ceremonies and awards presentations after the final game of the day. Photos by Ron Cantiveros.

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The value of soft skills in the Canadian workplace

I

n today’s demanding Canadian workplace, employers not only place a priority on strong technical skills to meet minimum job requirements, but they also emphasize well-developed soft skills.

Soft skills are behavioural competencies—the personality traits and personal attributes related to emotions, attitudes, and habits that enable someone to interact well with others.

Some examples of soft skills are: communication skills, teambuilding, problem solving, a positive attitude, negotiation and leadership skills.

Strong soft skills—or “people skills”—provide a competitive edge in the workplace. Employers hire and promote employees who are compatible with the workplace, demonstrate positivity, and excel at building relationships with colleagues and clients. Soft skills are essential to an individual’s professional success and growth in any occupation.

What soft skills are most important? The top four soft skills Canadian employers value are: 1. A positive attitude.

2. Good communication skills.

3. Teamwork skills.

4. Strong work ethic (CERIC National Business Survey, 2014).

Other soft skills and attributes Canadian employers look for include active listening skills, initiative, ability to relate to others, patience, openmindedness, creativity, and proactive problem-solving skills.

Many newcomers have extensive work experience and highly developed technical skills or “hard skills” to contribute to an organization. Hard skills are defined as teachable skills: for example, the ability to use software, analyze data, or operate specialty tools or machinery to complete a task. However, “if employers are having difficulty finding technically skilled employees, six in 10 (62%) say they would hire someone with soft skills who is a good fit and provide training” (CERIC National Business Survey, 2014).

In a job interview, it is just as important for newcomers to highlight their soft skills and demonstrate how they would be a good fit for an organization.

Emphasize the soft skills used to complete tasks, engage with

clients, or resolve conflicts or problems. In the Canadian workplace, well-developed soft skills, strong English (or French) language skills, and an understanding of Canadian workplace practices and culture are just as important as credentials and technical skills.

Manitoba Start provides workshops and personal career counselling that helps newcomers to identify their strengths and develop and achieve their career goals in Manitoba. Manitoba Start is a not-for-profit community organization committed to successfully connecting newcomers with opportunities for sustainable employment. Visit our website for information on location, hours of operation, and contact info: www.manitobastart. com.

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March 5-20, 2014

By R. Reis Pagtakhan

Canada’s immigration policy is one of the most talked-about public policy issues. As a result, the Filipino Journal, on our readers’ behalf, sent simultaneous e-mails to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the federal Official Opposition critic for Immigration, and the federal Liberal Party critic for Immigration on January 30, 2014 inviting the political parties to respond to the following 4 questions: 1. Canada’s immigration system has undergone changes in the last few years. What do you think about these changes?

2.The Provincial Nominee Program has brought in number of immigrants on an annual basis.

How many Provincial Nominee certificates should the province should be issued on an annual basis?

3.While provinces have autonomy with their Provincial Nominee Programs, the final decision is made by the Canadian government. To what extent should national policies play a role in provincial nominee selection, and what should those national policies be?

4.Increasing immigration to Canada will result in more individuals in the work force.

How to do you see the relationship between immigration policy and ensuring that there are enough jobs for Canadians?

The Filipino Journal’s “Ground Rules” In order to be fair, we set “ground rules” that we communicated to all of the political parties. These “ground rules” were as follows:

1.All of the political parties had until the end of the day on February 14, 2014 to provide their responses.

2.We told the political parties that we would not share their responses with the other political parties in advance of publication so as not to give one party an advantage over the other.

3.No political parties were allowed to change their answers after February 14, 2014.

4.

The total word count of their answers (not including our questions) was capped at 800 words as calculated by Microsoft Word. Any words beyond 800 would simply be cut off by us.

The Filipino Journal would not otherwise edit the responses.

The Filipino Journal decided that the fairest way to publish these responses would be to start the largest party in Parliament, followed by the Official Opposition, and then by the Liberal Party. All of the political parties were told of this.

Only two parties responded to our questions – the Conservative Party and the NDP. No response was received from the Liberal Party. The following are the responses.

The Conservative Party’s Response

By The Hon. Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada Canada’s immigration system has undergone changes in the last few years. What do you think about these changes?

Our Conservative government is focused on building a stronger country, which includes creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity.

Certainly, immigration plays a key role in Canada’s long-term prosperity and the Government of Canada is planning to welcome – for the eighth consecutive year - between 240,000 to 265,000 new permanent residents in 2014.

This is the highest sustained level of immigration in Canadian history, and it supports our economic immigration objectives,

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family reunification goals and humanitarian obligations.

Our government is building a fast, flexible, and fair economic immigration system whose primary focus is on meeting Canada’s labour market needs.

Canada’s future economic growth will require a steady stream of new immigrants to meet labour market demands.

Our government is developing a still-to-be-named Expression of Interest (EIO) immigration system model for Canada, which is critical to a new, transformed immigration system.

Such a system would be labour market driven; it would be able to identify people who have the skills and experience required to meet Canada’s economic needs, and bring them here in months, not years. We will launch this new system in January 2015.

The Provincial Nominee Program has brought in number of immigrants on an annual basis. How many Provincial Nominee certificates should the province should be issued on an annual basis?

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an important part of our Conservative government’s efforts to align our immigration system with labour market needs. Through the program, participating provinces and territories play a role in selecting their own immigrants.

They can nominate workers who meet their specific economic and labour market needs. The PNP helps to strengthen local economies by allowing provinces and territories to nominate qualified individuals to meet their unique labour market needs and promote business development.

Our government plans to welcome between 44,500 and 47,000 permanent residents under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 2014. This represents the highest-ever levels for this program, a nod to its success in attracting newcomers who contribute more fully and can provide for their families more quickly.

The PNP is Canada’s secondlargest economic immigration program after the Federal Skilled Workers Program, and has helped to spread the benefits of immigration across the country. The program has grown exponentially, from around 1,250 landed immigrants in 2000 to almost 41,000 people in 2012, including principal applicants, spouses and dependants.

We need to carefully balance needs in all immigration categories and across the country.

The number of PNP admissions reflects how many nominations are issued by provinces and territories, and must be balanced in the context of our overall levels plan.

While provinces have autonomy with their Provincial Nominee Programs, the final decision is made by the Canadian government. To what extent should national policies play a role in provincial nominee selection, and what should those national policies be?

Immigration is a federal responsibility, and again, the government needs to balance needs in all immigration streams and across the country. The number of Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) admissions reflects how many nominations are issued by provinces and territories, and must be balanced in the context of the overall levels plan.

The PNP is an economic program and we want to work with provinces and territories to ensure that it focuses solely on supporting economic growth, not duplicating non-economic federal immigration programs, such as family sponsorship.

As we increasingly focus immigration on addressing our future economic needs, the extent to which provinces and territories maximize their existing allocations and ensure that their programs focus solely on supporting economic growth will inform future growth in the PNP. continuation on page 9

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We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/ Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.

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continuation on page 9

The NDP’s Response

By Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe, M.P., Official Opposition Critic for Citizenship and Immigration One of the largest changes we have seen in Canada’s immigration system under the Conservatives is in family reunification. For the past two years, the Conservatives put a moratorium on parent and grandparent sponsorship applications. This meant that no Canadian family could apply to have their parents or grandparents, who took care of them and raised them when they were young, be reunited with them in Canada.

We also saw the Conservatives put in place a dramatic increase in the minimum amount of money families need to have in order to apply. This, added to wait times that are as long as 8.5 years in some cases once families finally apply, means that family reunification is an increasingly inaccessible dream for many Canadians.

For 2014, the government announced that they will reopen parent and grandparent sponsorship applications, but it will be restricted to just 5,000 applications. These 5,000 spots were filled in less than 35 days,

by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

Puwede Ka Bang Tumulong sa Iyong Kapwa kahit Wala Kang Pera?

(On the Meaning of Philanthropy) Ang akala ng maraming tao e sa pamamagitan lang ng pagaambag ng pera sila maaaring makatulong sa kanilang kapwa.

Money is not the only thing that people could use to contribute to the welfare of others. Of course, money is useful especially to the poor. However, many people are able to help their fellow humans in other equally important ways; for instance, services or skills rendered for free or through words of wisdom or sharing of information that they couldn't easily get from ordinary sources.

For example, there are many physicians and nurses who—apart from working for the money at their workplaces—still volunteer during their free time to work for free in certain poor areas. Many of them join medical missions,

and they even shoulder their own travel-and-accommodation expenses.

Many musicians I know perform for free during fundraising events to serve as entertainment for guests, waiving their talent fee to cut down the production cost of the event.

There are artists who contribute

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meaning that thousands of Canadians wanting to reunite with their parents or grandparents will now need to wait until 2015 before they can even start the long and arduous process.

New Democrats understand the importance of family and being with your loved ones. That’s why, under the leadership of Tom Mulcair, we have been fighting to make family reunification a central priority in Canada’s immigration system. We will continue to hold Stephen Harper’s feet to the fire and will make sure more families can reunite here in Canada.

Immigrants also play a very important role in Canada’s economy and contribute a tremendous amount to society.

The Provincial Nominee Program allows provincial governments to work with employers and recommend candidates based on job opportunities. The province of Manitoba is a good example of the successes of this program.

The Provincial Nominee Program in Manitoba benefits both the immigrants and businesses. A key reason why the program is successful there is because of the strong resettlement programs

that allow immigrants to fully use their skills and integrate into our society.

Immigration is crucial in helping grow our economy and country. Under the Conservatives, we have seen record deficits and high youth unemployment.

We have also seen life getting more and more expensive for the average hard-working Canadian.

Whether it is regulating the outof-control remittance fees or stopping gas price gouging, you can count on New Democrats to make life more affordable for you and your family.”

original songs for free for causeoriented compilation albums.

Many writers contribute articles to newspapers without getting paid just to be able to share their words of wisdom and ideas to people who love reading newspapers.

Philanthropy, in its basic sense, is “love for humanity” and the expression of caring, concern, nourishing, enhancing, and improving the quality of life— whether physically or mentally.

Therefore, anyone can be a philanthropist. If you have extra money to donate, then why not?

But if all you could contribute are your skills, talents, knowledge, time, and other services, then it is still valid...so long as one of the primary reasons for doing this is the sincere concern for the quality of life of others.

According to Wikipedia, "Philanthropy etymologically means 'love of humanity' in the sense of caring, nourishing,

developing and enhancing 'what it is to be human' on both the benefactors' (by identifying and exercising their values in giving and volunteering) and beneficiaries' (by benefiting) parts."

Sa Madaling Salita Malaki pa rin ang maaari mong maitulong sa iyong kapwa kahit wala kang ekstrang pera;

basta ba meron kang sariling kaalaman, talento, panahon, o anumang serbisyong kaya mong iambag o ibahagi nang bukal sa iyong kalooban.

Or, in Simple Words Even without extra money to spare, anyone can still help others by sharing their knowledge, skills, talents, time, or services for free.

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by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

The Music Never Really Ends (Part One: 1960s) (On My Recommended Albums through the Decades)

I

usually write a year-ender article for my music column in Filipino Journal, in which I would feature the significant album releases for the year that was ending or that had just ended. However, instead of this, I decided to make a definitive list of my favorite albums from every

decade beginning w i t h the 1960s. When I say "favorite," this means that I have listened to these albums for so many times (and now occasionally enjoys) since having discovered them and on a non-skip manner. Most especially, these albums encapsulate the kind of music that I really like and which largely influences my being also a songwriter—well-orchestrated music that features lush melodies, instruments, and vocal harmonies and challenging song structures and usually poetic or literaryoriented lyrics. Also, take note that these are proper studio albums and none among them is a best-of

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compilation. I have cited also my top three songs for each of the albums.

Let’s start with the 1960s, the decade when good ol’ Rock n’ Roll further rocked, rolled, rebelled, and rippled into various interesting Rock subgenres. I was not born yet when these albums were released (I was born in 1971), but the fondness of my family for music inevitably introduced me to all these albums as early as my ’70s childhood days.

The Ventures - Walk Don't Run (1960) (“Walk, Don’t Run,” “Caravan,” “Sleepwalk”) The Cascades - Rhythm of the Rain (1963) (“The Last Leaf,” “My First Day Alone,” “Rhythm of the Rain”) The Byrds - Turn! Turn! Turn!

(1965) (“Turn! Turn! Turn! [To Everything There Is a Season],” “The World Turns All Around Her,” “Wait and See”) The Zombies - Begin Here (1965) (“The Way I Feel Inside,” “She’s Not There,” “I Don’t Want to Know”) The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds (1966) (“Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “God Only Knows,” “I Know There’s an Answer”)

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The Hollies - For Certain Because (1966) (“Pay You Back with Interest,” “Clown,” “Crusader”) The Beatles - Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) (“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!,” “A Day in the Life”) David Bowie - David Bowie (1967) (“Uncle Arthur,” “Rubber Band,” “Maid of Bond Street”) The Left Banke - Walk Away Renée / Pretty Ballerina (1967) (“Barterers and Their Wives,” “I’ve Got Something on My Mind,” “Shadows Breaking over My Head”) Love - Forever Changes (1967) (“Alone Again Or,” “Maybe the People Would Be the Times or Between Clark and Hilldale,” “You Set the Scene”) The Moody Blues - Days of Future Passed (1967) (“The Day Begins,” “The Morning,” “The Afternoon”) Pink Floyd - The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967) (“See Emily Play,” “Take Up Thy Stethoscope and Walk,” “The Gnome”) Genesis - From Genesis to Revelation (1969) (“In the Wilderness,” “The Conqueror,” “In Limbo”) Final Note Listening to these albums never fail to lift my spirits and to inspire my creative mind. And remember, these are only 13 albums released in the 1960s that have become personal favorites.

Many equally great bands and albums had to be shortlisted. Just like parents to their children, choosing favorites is inevitable.

After all, there’s nothing wrong with this as long as there is also remarkable love for the others.

What are you waiting for?

Find a way to get copies of these albums and prepare your ears for a journey back in the 1960s.

March 5-20, 2014

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OFSAM and MaCCFA officers visit Louis Riel's house and grave

W

anting to know more about the history of Manitoba, some officers of MaCCFA and OFSAM visited Louis Riel's house in St. Vital and his grave at St. Boniface Cathedral last Monday, Febuary 17, a day proclaimed as a Louise Riel Day. Louis Riel is the founder of Province of Manitoba and the spiritual leader of the Metis people residing in the Canadian prairies.

His resistance movements against the Canadian government which resulted to a death penalty when he was hanged for treason in November 16, 1881, at the age of 41.

(To know more about the contributions of Louis Riel in the formation of Manitoba; and to know more about his heroic acts for the sake of the Metis and native people, and various events which had led to recognize Louis Riel as one of the Canadian heroes, you can visit the wikepedia.)

On that Louis Riel Day, the Festival du Voyageur was going on and because of a warm weather, hundreds of Winnipeggers and Manitobans attended the yearly celebration. After a wonderful tour at the various historic and cultural presentations at the festival, courtesy of the Filipino Journal, under the leadership of Ron

Cantiveros, CEO and publisher, the officers and members of MaCCFA and OFSAM went to St. Vital to visit a birthplace of Louis Riel and then, to his grave a the St. Boniface Cathedral.

"Being Filipino Canadians and happily living in Manitoba,we must know how Manitoba joined the Confederation, thru the life story of this great hero, Louis Riel," Letty Antonio said, president Original Filipino Seniors Association of Manitoba (OFSAM.)

"Filipinos love history; everyone knows who is Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero; and as a Filipino Canadian, I found the parallelism between the lives of Louis Riel and Dr. Jose Rizal.

Both were accused of treason; Riel was hanged; Rizal was executed by the firing squad. And to know the two heroes would give us more meaning being a Manitoban, first; a Canadian, second," Rod Cantiveros said, president of Manitoba Council of Canadian Filipino Associations, Inc.

At the hay ride during the Festival du Voyageur, from l to r: Lorie Hernandez, Carrie de la Cruz, Letty and Tony Antonio Photos by Rod E. Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

Aquino encourages Malaysians to invest in Mindanao

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Tony Antonio, treasurer MaCCFA; Carrie de la Cruz, OFSAM; Letty Antonio, president, OFSAM; Clarita Nazario, sec. MaCCFA; and Lorie Hernandez, OFSAM, visited the grave of Louis Riel

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resident Benigno Aquino III on Friday addressed about 200 of Malaysia’s top businessmen and invited them to invest in Mindanao.

Aquino said with the peace at hand in the region, investing this early in Mindanao is an opportunity to reap the maximum gains from the Philippines that is experiencing rapid growth, and is set to sustain that growth over many years. Aquino also sought to highlight and acknowledge Kuala Lumpur’s key role in

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successful peace talks between his administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The Business Opportunities Forum late Friday afternoon with the Malaysian business community is a part of his a two-day state visit. Aquino also invited Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to come to Manila by the end of this month to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

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DepEd says classes still open in June

I

n spite of proposals to move the opening of elementary and high school classes to July, August, or September, the Department of Education (DepEd) said it will retain class opening in June.

Although a study is now being conducted by an

inter-agency panel led by the Commission on Higher (CHED), Secretary of Education Armin Luistro said that the decision was made to ease the concerns of parents over the school opening this coming school year.

The proposal to move the academic calendar opening has

long been proposed to spare the students from flooding caused by typhoons during the rainy season and especially with the everchanging weather patterns in the country.

In addition, the change would synchronize the Philippine system with those of neighboring

countries in time for ASEAN Economic Integration in 2015.

To date, the University of the Philippines (UP) system except Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) have announced shifts in their respective academic calendars.

Phl gears up for building of more roads

T

he Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.

(MPTC), the Philippines’ largest toll operator, announced that it is eyeing road projects nationwide projects in the coming years.

According to MPTC President Ramoncito Fernandez, the company has submitted to the City Government of Cebu a

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proposal to construct the third bridge that will link Cebu City and Mactan Island.

In Metro Manila, construction is underway for the 14.8-kilometer Skyway Stage 3 project which aims to shorten travel time to Balintawak from Buendia in 20 minutes or less.

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Fernandez also said the NLEX Harbor Link will connect NLEX to Circumferential Road 5 (C5), NLEX to MacArthur Highway, MacArthur Highway to the North Harbor via C3, and another proposal to link NLEX and the South Luzon Expressway.

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•Tea-length: less traditional style cutting off somewhere between the ankle and knee.

•Mini: The flirtiest cut, well above the knee.

A pinay’s guide to planning your big day

H

ave you ever watched TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress?

It’s a reality show about brides who are looking for their ultimate wedding gown. Said brides visit premier salons and come in with certain expectations about their ideal dress (supplied a budget that often gets blown out of the water).

Dress shopping can be much like Say Yes to the Dress, or different – in a good way. If you’re a bride-to-be on a mission to find the dress of your dreams, this column is perfectly tailored for your future hunt.

Now, finding “the one” can seem a little daunting – and that’s because it is. With all sorts of terminology being tossed around like A-lines, taffeta and sweetheart necklines, there’s no shortage of confusion in the wonderful (and sometimes wild) world of wedding dress shopping.

Below, you’ll find some basic terminology to familiarize yourself with before you even start surfing through the vast sea of bridal Pinterest boards.

Silhouettes •Ballgown: your classic fairy tale gown with a fitted bodice and full poof from the waist down.

•A-line: not quite as exaggerated as a ball gown silhouette, but generally more fitted in the bodice and waist with a wide bottom – forming an “A” shape.

•Trumpet: fitted bodice, waist, and hips, with major flare from the midthigh down.

•Mermaid: sister silhouette to the trumpet with a tight fit from the chest all the way down to the knees, with a much lower bottom flare.

•Sheath: narrow and straight silhouette from the neckline to the hem.

•Empire: fitted around the chest with a high waist and long skirt.

Fabric •Satin: structured heavy fabric with a natural sheen.

•Taffeta: Similar to satin with slightly less sheen, lighter fabric that rustles when you move it.

•Chiffon: sheer, transparent fabric with no sheen.

•Charmeuse: lightweight cousin to satin with a lot of shine.

•Lace: unique detailed fabric best suited for a vintage-inspired look.

Now that you have a basic foundation of what a wedding dress can consist of, go nuts! Search for your favourite examples online, in magazines, and take snapshots at local wedding shows.

The next step is visiting some of your local bridal shops. Also consider looking online (though if you choose to shop this route, order extra early to account for potential returns/exchanges).

A few more things to consider once you’ve start shopping around: •Know your budget. Whether it’s $150, $1,500 or $15,000, you will find a dress that fits within any price point – just make sure to adjust your expectations accordingly.

•Plan ahead. Start shopping six to twelve months before the wedding to allow ample time for the dress to arrive and avoid rush delivery fees.

•Choose a handful of different shops to visit. A chain like David’s

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Bridal will have a very different selection than a small local boutique like 7th Avenue Fashion.

Try a few spots and see what suits your taste.

•Make an appointment. This way, you have uninterrupted time with a consultant and can potentially avoid weekend and seasonal rushes.

•Dress appropriately. It’s never a bad idea to come equipped with a strapless or stick-on bra to give you a better idea of what the dress will actually look like.

•Come armed without an army.

There is such a thing as too many opinions. If your mind is easily

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March 5-20, 2014

swayed, only bring your parent(s) and one or two of your closest pals.

•Keep an open mind. Try out different silhouettes, necklines and fabrics. And remember, some choices look great on the rack, but fall very differently on your unique body type.

Lastly, remember this ultimate truth: this is your day, and your dress. No matter how many opinions you hears, trends you spots, and deals you find, it’s important to choose the best dress for you. Shopping should always be fun, and make the search for your wedding dress no exception!

March 5-20, 2014

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

Ron Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

Falling in love with Churchill

T

he first time I landed in Churchill was three years ago and I’ve been back a couple times. To say I’ve fallen in love with Churchill is an understatement. Snorkelling with beluga whales in the Churchill River and getting up close and personal with polar bears in a Tundra Buggy is nothing short of amazing. Visiting Churchill and seeing polar bears was always on my bucket list. In fact, it will always continue to be on my bucket list.

Thanks to Google, Polar Bears International and Frontiers North, people from all across the globe can fall in love with Churchill through Google Street View. To celebrate International Polar Bear Day last month, Google Street View opened up Churchill, Manitoba to the world.

People from all across the globe can open up their browsers and follow along to see the landscape that makes Churchill the Polar Bear Capital of the World. They can roam around as if they were driving the large Tundra Buggies through Wapusk National Park and the Churchill Wildlife Management Area.

As great as the technology is with Google Street View, nothing will beat the real life experience of crawling across the arctic tundra in the search of polar bears in Churchill in a Tundra Buggy. The excitement of a polar bear roaming within metres of your Tundra Buggy and rising up to you and staring eyeto-eye is an unbelievable feeling.

The feelings are so strong that I still get goose bumps when I look at the photos and videos from previous adventures in Churchill.

Churchill is a bucket list destination for travellers all across the world. As Manitobans, Churchill is an international wonder right in our own back yard. From Winnipeg, the cost of a one-day trip to Churchill ranges from approximately $1500$2000. While many of us look to sun & sand destinations during the winter, not a lot of us think about heading north.

If a winter polar bear adventure isn’t your thing, maybe consider a summer safari to Churchill. While polar bears are the main attraction when visiting Churchill, there’s also migration of thousands of beluga whales in the summer. Other summer highlights include guided tours of Fort Prince of Wales and for the green thumbs, flora and fauna tours. Along with other arctic wildlife, polar bears still hang out in the cool waters of Hudson Bay during the summer.

15

Polar bear checking out Buggy One equipped with the Google Trekker camera system used to capture images for Google Street View.

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Kayaking amongst thousands of belugas in the Churchill River during the summer.

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

March 5-20, 2014

Kris Aquino dismisses Ashanti accepts Pacquiao’s request to sing US anthem in Bradley fight VP bid issue Kris Aquino is reportedly being considered to be the running mate in the presidential bid of Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas in 2016.

However the youngest sister of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III said 2016 is not yet her time as she dismissed reports of her possible entry into the political arena in the next elections.

While she did not rule out the possibility of her entering into politics, Kris said it would not happen in 2016, adding that the

issue has never been discussed and is just the work of people who want to sow intrigues.

The TV host and actress said she would rather wait for the right time before joining politics, say in 2019.

Manny Pacquiao confirmed that American singer Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas will sing the national anthem of the United States in his rematch with Timothy Bradley at MGM Grand Las Vegas in Nevada on April 12.

Earlier, the 33-year-old Ashanti posted a photo of her and Pacquiao in her Instagram account during a chance meeting at a basketball game.

Ashanti is most famous for her 2002 debut album which featured the hit song “Foolish.”

She has also a string of hits such as reportedly has Filipino roots on "What's Luv?", and "Always On her father's side.

Time." In 2003, Ashanti won her first Grammy Award as Best Contemporary R&B. In 2004 she again won the Grammy with her album "Chapter II." The singer is a fan of the Filipino boxer and

Barbie Almalbis gets to balance family life and career

and guitar work. The difference of her new, all-original album from her previous albums is that it reflected with the changes in the Barbie Almalbis is doing a new As a singer-songwriter, her music scene as well as in her life, album which she said is different music is characterized by a rather which she gets to balance with her from what she used to write. quirky, but endearing vocal style, family life and career.

Formerly the lead singer of the bands Hungry Young Poets and Barbie’s Cradle, she pursued a solo career in 2005 marked by her self-titled compilation album, “Barbie: The Singles.”

Barbie is married to Martin Honasan (the son of the Sen. Gringo Honasan). The couple has two kids, Stina and Liam.

Both kids, she said, are musically inclined. Aside from music, her kids also play outdoor sports like basketball and ping pong.

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March 5-20, 2014

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

Talisay fiesta celebrates the 38th Feast of San Guillermo

O

utside thousand snow flakes fell, but inside the St. Joseph Hall, hundreds of people from Talisay, Batangas had been celebrating the 38th anniversary feast San Guillermo, their patron saint.

It was more than a community, as if the whole town people were present to be together at the middle of winter, to be with their expats, probably their neighbor or relatives. Young and

March 5-20, 2014

Winnipeg becomes New Orleans at this year's Mardi Gras

old had fun and almost everybody savoured the food served during the dinner time. And lots of lechon and other Filipino delicacies.

A short but festive procession with the statue of San Guillermo was held inside the hall and honoring the Talisay's patron saint had become the main centre of the celebrations. Dancing followed and lucky people went home with prizes from the raffle held.

Talisay officers and volunteers at the front reception tables welcoming families and members.

A great tonic to enjoy the winter blah...

One big happy family at the Talisay fiesta

T

he whole third floor of the RBC Convention Centre had been transformed into the streets of New Orleans, and entertainment went all night long, and the specialty bars, shops and vendors offered the best drinks, food and souvenirs the guest could purchase. Even a fresh oyster bar offered the best food of the night.

Inside the RBC Convention Centre had all wrapped with so much colours and gaiety, contagious music which enticed guests to go with the tempo; and walking along the streets of New Orleans, one would see and enjoy the food, photo op with the ladies and Elvis impersonator; and awed by the quality of entertainment in the two opposite stages.

Thousands of Winnipeggers enjoyed the two night galore, as if they were in New Orleans.

When Dwayne Dopsie, a New Orleans charismatic performer, and the Zydeco Hellraisers started a very down to earth performance, everybody was on the floor listening, grayting, and dancing with the musics. Lovely ladies in a Las Vegas provocative attire started the dancing on the stage as they threw the beads to the people on the dance floor.

You should have been there and free yourself to enjoy the food and drinks, and to dance with the music! To feel as if you were in New Orleans, for that moment. Also,it was a great fun for the lovers to celebrate valentine for two consecutive nights of food, fun and music!

Statue of San Guillermo

Lorie Hernandfez enjoyed the company of two horses Noriel Ganancial with Mardi Gras hunks

MYXZing it up at Mardi Gras

Clarita Nazario as the cat woman Kitchen duties include chopping the lechon for the buffet

Photos by Rod E. Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

Carrie de la Cruz, Julie Javier, and Letty Antonio with the Elvis and Dr. Strangelove impersonators.

The lovely couple, Tony and Letty Antonio

Such a night to enjoy and what Tony & Letty Antonio, Julie Javier and Carrie de la Cruz had at Mardi Gras

Juanita Limon and Lorie Hernandez with the New Orleans entertainers Photos by Rod E. Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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March 5-20, 2014

by Gem and Lita Anis

The Oberammergau Experience

T

21

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

Gem & Lita at an Oberammergau churchyard

he quaint Bavarian Alps village of Oberammergau is world famous for three things - its production of the once-a-decade Passion Play, its 500 year-old handicraft of wood carving and the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) School. People go there in all seasons to enjoy also the mountains particularly The Kofel with its distinctive white head topped by a cross, the picturesque houses adorned with colourful frescoes and the magnificent Linderhof Palace of King Ludwig II. With a population of 5,254 occupying an area of 30.06 sq. kms. Oberammergau is a quiet municipality in the district

of Garmish-Partenkirchen in Bavaria, Germany.

Quite noticeable as we get around walking in this relatively small town are facades of houses and buildings that are decorated with "Luftmalerei" - colourful and attractive frescoes and painted mural-type illustrations mostly of biblical significance. We find wood carving shops almost on every street corner and alleway selling a variety of wood artefacts from household items to figures of saints, angels, crosses, and nativity scenes. A usual souvenir is a wooden crucifix or wooden clocks - cuckoo clock or Bavarian clock which runs differently opposite the conventional clocks.

The handicraft of wood carving which had made Oberammergau

already famous before the Passion Play is inextricably linked to the cultural history of the village.

Oberammergau reminds us of Paete, Laguna, the "Carving Capital of the Philippines", the home of craftsmen highly skilled in the centuries-old tradition of wood carving.

If you are visiting Oberammergau in a year ending with zero (0) it will be all about the Passion Play performed as a tradition every ten years since 1634 when the alpine village of Oberammergau was threatened by the deadly and contagious disease known as Black Bubonic Plague that scourged continental Europe killing two-thirds of the population of Germany.

The people of Oberammergau vowed that if God spared them from the plague they would re-enact the agony of Jesus Christ. The village was miraculously saved from the ravages of the Black Death and since that date the play has been performed once every ten years from May to October at the openair stage of Passion Play Theatre.

The play, portraying the Passion of Christ from his triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem until his death on the Cross to the Resurrection, involves approximately 2,400 actors, singers, musicians, and technicians. Only people born in the village or those who are married into the village, or who have lived there for 20 years are allowed to participate in the show.

The play is usually 7 hours long with a meal break but due to the many revisions through the years the 102 performances from 15 May to 03 October in 2010 have a running time of only 5 hours starting at 2:30 pm and ending at 10:00 pm, with a dinner break in between. If you intend to see the Passion Play you have to wait until 2020!.

The only one of its kind in the world is located in Oberammergau, the NATO School, a training facility on the operational level that "conducts multinational military education and individual training in support of current and developing NATO missions and operations, strategies, policies, doctrines, and procedures".

(Established in 1948 with headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, the NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance of 28 member states across North America and Europe.)

The Tinderhof Royal Castle

Lying in a secluded village close to Oberammergau is the magnificent Linderhof Castle (Schloss Linderhof) with its huge fountain and formal gardens on all sides. It is the only one of Bavarian King Ludwig II's dream castle finished before his death used as his reclusive holiday residence.

Kevin Chief MLA for Point Douglas Please contact my office if we can be of assistance.

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Oberammergau Painted Mural

A Scene from the Passion Play

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From the Olympic city of Munich we reach Oberammergau by car by going south of the city and then take Autobahn A-95 to Ettal exit and from there on the B-23 to Oberammergau.

Obermmeragu is an unforgettable travel experience of history and tradition!

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

FILCASA's annual Valentine Party proclaims Fely Paredes, Queen Valentine; and Gerry Laudato, King Valentine Fely Paredes, one of the candidates for Mrs. Philippines Manitoba 2014 was the Queen Valentine together with Gerry Laudato as King Valentine in the 2014 FILCASA Valentine celebration held recently at FILCASA Hall.

Escorted by their respective loved ones, Fely Paredes her

son, Patrick Paredes; and Gerry Laudato, his wife Merlyn, entered the hall, a start of the ceremony and became the centre of the heart celebrations.

The crowning of Queen Valentine Fely Paredes was performed by Cita Borja, assisted

by Roger Tan; Ella Yambao,

FILCASA president, with Aries Reyes pinned the sash; a bouquet of flowers was presented by Dory Custodio and Tony Daet; Zeny Calimlim, another candidate for Mrs. Philippines Manitoba 2014,escorted by Cesar Fronda, presented the trophy.

March 5-20, 2014

Belen Leyda and Tony Daet pinned the sash for King Valentin Gerry Laudato; Tess Briones pinned the boutonniere while Nelly Moranion and Ted Alfonso presented the trophy.

February birthday celebrants were presented and greeted with a birhtday song, these include Tony Daet, Zeny Calimlim, Cesar Fronda, Jay Patriarca and Dolores Ramirez.

Food was served and followed by dancing, especially line dancing.

King Valentine Gerry Laudato and Queen Valentine Fely Paredes

KV & QV with OFSAM Officers and members

KV Gerry, Tony, Ben , QV Fely, Cesar and Willy

King Valentine and Queen Valentine with Ella, Tess, Merlyn, Dory, Zeny and others

With the Officers and Members of FILCASA, with President Ella Yambao Photos by Rod E. Cantiveros | FIlipino Journal

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March 5-20, 2014

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

23

Filipinos shine as a Nobel Peace Prize winner; Oscar's best original song; Sochi's heroes!

The Republic of Adobo

by Rod E. Cantiveros

I

t is heartwarming to know some Filipinos have been receiving prestigious awards and recognition in their fields of interest.It helps boast our image in the international arena and thus, their outstanding achievements have become an engine to elevate the Filipino image to a certain level; and as kababayans, we savour the honor bestowed on them, albeit that we have not met them personally, let alone to know who they are or where they came from and how they master their chosen fields to receive the awards and accolades and international attentions.

And who among Filipino Canadians would know Franz Ontal, a native of Victorias, Negros Occidental, the head inspector training of the United Nations' Organization for the Protection of Chemical Weapons which won recently the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.

The Nobel Peace Prize was given to OPCW for its "extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons from Hitler's gas

Franz Ontal

chambers to the Syrian Battlefield.

Ontal is one of the members of the watchdog overseeing the destruction of Syria's chemical weapon,.

The 49-year old Nobel Prize winner, according to Rene Ontal, a Manhattan based brother, graduated at La Salle HIgh School in Bacolod Class 1980; completed undergraduate degree in biology and started his premed studies at La Salle College in Bacolod.

He immigrated to New York and served as a paramedic and emergency medical technician instructor with the New York City Health and Hospital Corporation.

In 2008 Franz left for Hague, Netherlands and began his service with the OPCW as a medic for the chemical weapons inspector and disposal teams, and later as head of inspector training for OPCW, a position he presently held when the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded.

Ontal is the fourth child of six children of the late Dr. Pat Ontal, company physician for Victorias Milling Corporation and the former Lydia Teves Gamboa. Franz Ontal is based in Hague.

Among the favorites to win this once-in-a lifetime Nobel Peace Award include Malala Yousafzai. a teenage Pakistani education activist, who was shot by the Taliban by championing the girls' right to education; and Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege.

Kristin Anderson Lopez and Roberto Lopez

Wow, a Golden Oscar Statue is a dream for everybody in the entertainment world! Considered as the ultimate recognition of talents!

And here,our kababayan, Roberto Lopez, together with his wife, lyricist Kristin Anderson Lopez won the Best Original Song "Let It Go" from the record-breaking $1 billion dollar sales worldwide, the Disney's animated film, "Frozen" based on the Hans Christen Andersen's " Snow Queen".

Lopez. 39. was born and raised in New York by parents of Filipino descent. Since his stint in the entertainment, Lopez had won many awards including 3 Tonys, a Grammy for "The Book of Mormon" and Emmy Award for his work on "The Wonder Pets"; and the latest, the highest award, an Oscar award.

The husband and wife team is excited that"Frozen" might be adapted as a Broadway Musical; and they are looking forward, that because of the phenomenal success,

a possible sequel might be in the drawing board!

And who would not forget the two Filipinos at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. As one of the Olympic sports commentator, the performance of Michael Christian Martinez was fully recognized and honored,as one of the finalists in the free skate program. "It's wonderful to see a talented young man from the Philippines to reach this point of success." And he became the darling of the press and when he returned to Manila, he has become a celebrity and received all the support leading to his quest for the 2018 Pyeongchang, Korea Winter Olympic! And also inspired other young men and women to try figure skating!

Maclean Magazine, a national Canadian magazine, featured him in the current issue; in the Metro, a tabloid circulated in some leading Canadian cities, marked him as one of the best five olympians to be remembered

after the 2014 Sochi Olympic; and in some sports sections of various Canadian newspaper, as covered by the Canadian Press, his name was written in big bold letters; and the various editorials and columns, his selflessness, his kindness, during the speed skating events, by giving his spot to Denny Morrison, a silver and bronze olympic medalist in speed skating, has become one of the most unforgetable events!

Some of the golden, silver and bronze medalists were not given such glowing write-ups and coverage. And Gilmore Junio, born and raised in Calgary, a speed skater hopeful in Team Canada, has all the attention and recognition, much bigger and bolder than a gold medal!

With these kababayans who have been given such international recognitions, everyone, even myself, is prouder as a Filipino.

And these are our latest heroes!

Michael Christian Martinez

Gilmore Junio

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

March 5-20, 2014

Horoscope Your achievements will be encouraged by friends and supporters and they could bring along some enhanced popularity. In March you’ll have an advantage from joint projects and from those related to actions that put together people who are motivated by shared interests or aspirations.

You’re feeling low, you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. You have a close friend you can confide in, don’t hide away. Things are never as bad as they seem. Keep your chin up and towards the future instead of dwelling on the past.

The possible medical or professional problems of the person besides you can alter your personal harmony, and the same can happen if you have to face together some obstacles coming from the outside or some unpleasant and burdening obligations.

Once again, you’ll have to focus your attention on money matters (legacies, trusts, loans or fund-raising) even though there may still be some health problems nagging at you.

Pending matters may come to an end; there could be a death, a legacy causing you sorrow and joy/relief at the same time.

You don’t have to be a genius to put things together and draw a conclusion: in March 2014 your relationships will develop well. A lot of hard work, rather difficult to do, but with accordingly great satisfactions.

PAHALANG

You may be making changes in your job/profession, in your relationships with colleagues and co-workers, health and diet. There may be some mental strain, or perhaps financial difficulties, particularly relating to held-up payments that are still pending, salaries, servants, health and employee benefits or perhaps a bad debt and/or a check.

This is a very playful period of the year, when you are inspired creatively and emotionally. After a period of selfprotectiveness, you are now more spontaneous and more willing to take risks. A rich, fruitful and happy phase comes to you and you’re enjoying it.

Now the focus shifts on people and relationships, ranging from personal to platonic to just professional. You will realize that to help you achieve success your people skills need to be honed. You will need to be sharp-witted and alert in order to identify potential (or even actual) threats to your welfare/ progress.

House or office may require renovation, refurbishing or expansion. Perhaps even a shift for either the office home factory/workplace. You want working conditions that satisfy you in every way, physically, technically and in the prevailing atmosphere and will take pains to achieve just that.

You still need to learn to relate better with others, but now it’s more on the intimate and personal level – the exchange of ideas, innermost thoughts, personal beliefs rather than the emotions.

A time when you will truly need to “walk the talk”, stand by your beliefs and convictions. You will have a lot on your plate and most of it will pertain to money – both for immediate needs and future gains. Financial matters become important or at least the main focus, but good moves have to be thought out.

It might be a good time to make a thorough scrutiny of the real you, an honest assessment of your face, figure, health and assets and seek to implement a make-over where necessary.

PABABA

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

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March 5-20, 2014

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

Winnipeg Jets Report

by Derick Ramos @DerickRamos

Second Wind T he Olympics have come and gone and the Winnipeg Jets have picked up where they left off with their winning ways. The three week break provided the Jets players with some needed rest and has given the players that participated in the Sochi Olympics that extra confidence just in time for the playoff chase.

The Winnipeg Jets continued to find ways to win as they returned to action against the Phoenix Coyotes at the MTS Centre. In a battle between Western Conference teams both chasing a playoff spot, both Olympic goalies were up to the task for their respective team.

Mike Smith of the Phoenix Coyotes won an Olympic Gold medal but it was Ondrej Pavelec who got the last laugh. Pavelec did not medal in Sochi but looked amazing stopping 34 of 36 shots in the shootout victory.

Coyotes Oliver EkmanLarsson opened the scoring in the first period with a wrist shot but the Winnipeg Jets would quickly respond with a goal from Blake Wheeler. Bryan Little was left wide open in front of the net and gave the Jets the lead in the second period on a powerplay goal. Martin Hanzal capitalized with a Coyotes powerplay goal on a questionable penalty to tie the game in the third period. The two teams needed a shootout to

determine a winner and it was Olli Jokinen, fresh off a Bronze medal performance, with the game winning goal.

Blake Wheeler talked about the Jets gritty performance. “"It's an all-out sprint. There is no time to think about being tired. You've got to lay it on the line. If [we] want to be a playoff team, which we want to be, there's going to be a lot more hard hockey ahead of us."

Following the victory, the Jets flew to Music City to take on Central Division rivals, the Nashville Predators. Olli Jokinen continued to play with poise as he beat Preds goalie Carter Hutton with an amazing shot going top

corner. Captain Andrew Ladd would get the second goal of the game in the second period and it was more than enough for the Jets as they held on to a 3-1 win.

Pavelec seems to have found his confidence once again stopping 39 of 40 Predator shots including some magnificent saves during the penalty kill. Pavelec might have received criticism for his play at the beginning of the year but his recent play is one of the main reasons the Jets are back in contention.

The Winnipeg Jets are now tied with the Dallas Stars with 66 points for the final Wildcard spot but the Stars have two games in hand. The next eight of ten games will be played at the MTS Centre.

25

Fans pack the Forks for the Winnipeg Jets Outdoor Practice

By Ron Cantiveros

S

everal thousand fans lined the banks of the Assiniboine River at the Forks to watch the Winnipeg Jets skate on one of the rinks on the Red River Mutual Trail.

The one-hour practice started off with a scrimmage between the Winnipeg Jets. During the 2nd half hour of the outdoor practice, a Portage la Prairie Atom 1 team (Ages 10-11) got to scrimmage against the Jets.

Dustin Byfuglien taking over goalie duties from Al Montoya and sporting the GoPro helmet cam.

Olli Jokinen scoring the game winning goal in the shoot-out overtime game against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Mark Schiefele in a mid-game media scrum.

Winnipeg Jets and Portage la Prairie Atom 1 group team photo at the end of the Winnipeg Jets Outdoor Practice.

Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

Bryan Little right in front of the net with the top shelf goal.

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PEREZCOPE

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com

A New Cold War

I We are proud to say that we have been doing specialized parties for the Filipino Community for close to �� years. We also do customized menus for Banquets, Catering, Birthdays, Christenings, and Anniversaries!

All Dental Insurance Accepted

n a bold and daring move, Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the Russian Parliament to authorize sending troops to Ukraine and Parliament approved it unanimously. Within the hour, Russian military forces crossed the border into Crimea.

Obviously, the Russian forces were ready to roll into Crimea and were just awaiting orders from Putin.

The Russian invasion of Crimea is reminiscent of Germany’s invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1939 when Adolf Hitler broke the Munich Agreement and sent tanks and troops to Czechoslovakia on March 14, 1939. Within days, the Germans took control of the entire country… without firing a shot.

All hell broke loose and World War II began!

Budapest Memorandum On February 5, 1994, U.S. President Bill Clinton, U.K. Prime Minister John Major, Russian Federation President Boris Yeltsin, and Ukraine President Leonid Kuchma signed the “Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances.”

Under the memorandum, Ukraine promised to sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and remove all Soviet-era nuclear weapons and send them to disarmament facilities in Russia.

Ukraine complied with the terms of the agreement.

In return, the U.S., U.K., and Russia promised to protect Ukraine’s borders and respect her sovereignty and territorial integrity as an independent state.

They applied the principles of “territorial integrity and nonintervention” in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, a Cold Warera treaty signed by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and 34 other states. The U.S. and U.K. kept their promises.

But on March 1, 2014, Russia broke the 20-year-old agreement by invading Ukraine.

Within days, Russia effectively took control of Crimea.

The invasion caught the United States and Europe by surprise. With 150,000 Russian troops deployed near the border of Ukraine, the Ukrainian government reacted by saying that Russia’s action was a “declaration of war.” Ukraine immediately placed her military on red alert and

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mobilized her reserves. But with 70,000 ground troops, Ukraine is no match for Russia. However, an attack on Ukraine could draw the 28-member North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) into the conflict… or to be more precise, nuclear war! All it takes is for Putin – just like Hitler in 1939 – to order an attack.

The question is: Would Putin risk a conventional or nuclear war – Heaven forbid! -- with the Western powers? And this brings to mind, what kind of a man is Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin?

Rise to power Putin’s rise to power was preceded by a 16-year stint as a KGB officer, the notorious Soviet-era spy agency. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1991 -- when the Soviet Union was dissolved – and entered politics in his native St. Petersburg. He moved to Moscow in 1996 and joined President Boris Yeltsin’s administration where his meteoric rise to power began. Yeltsin resigned unexpectedly on December 31, 1999 and Putin became Acting President. In 2000, he ran for President and was elected. He served as President from 2000 to 2008, Prime Minister from 2008 to 2012, and again as President since 2012 to the present day.

Last year, he announced -- rather prematurely -- that he would run for reelection in 2016, seemingly a move to preempt any opposition.

In 2005, in his annual state of the nation address, Putin said, “The collapse of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century. And for the Russian people, it became a real drama. Tens of millions of our citizens found themselves outside the Russian Federation.”

Putin was alluding to ethnic Russians in Soviet republics that were once part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), which ceased to exist in 1991. One of these republics was Ukraine, which arguably has the biggest component of ethnic Russians outside the presentday Russian Federation. A large number of these ethnic Russians are concentrated in the Ukrainian province of Crimea, which was once a part of the Russian Republic until 1954 when Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev decreed to transfer Crimea to the Ukraine

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March 5-20, 2014

Republic. But since both the Russian Republic and Ukraine Republic were part of the USSR, it didn’t make any difference then.

But now it does.

Little did Khrushchev realize that 37 years later the USSR would disintegrate and Crimea would no longer have any link or association with Mother Russia.

But Putin had none of that. A few years ago, Russia started issuing passports to ethnic Russians in Crimea. And with ethnic Russians comprising 60% of Crimea’s population of two million, Russia can then assert hegemony over Crimea.

It is for this reason that Putin sent Russian troops to Crimea ostensibly to protect Russian “citizens.”

However, many believe that Putin has a much bigger agenda, which is to ultimately bring Ukraine back into Russia’s sphere of influence.

Well, that is just for starters.

Russia vs. NATO Not too long ago, Putin started talking about a “Eurasian Union” that would bring the former Soviet satellite states – Eastern European countries -- and Soviet republics into one cohesive bloc not unlike the European Union (EU). Interestingly, most of the former Soviet satellite states are now members of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a fact that Putin resents.

Although Ukraine is not a member of EU or NATO, she is a participant of the Partnership for Peace (PiP), a NATO program aimed at creating trust between NATO and other states in Europe and the former Soviet Union. But this was not enough to secure her sovereignty territorial integrity.

Putin knows that; thus, making Ukraine an easy target for Russian invasion. And with Russian troops in virtual control of Crimea, it would be too risky for NATO to send tanks and troops to Ukraine, particularly Crimea, without starting a war with Russia, which begs the question: would NATO just stand idle while Russia was pillaging Ukraine?

Losing Crimea would be a big blow to NATO. It would only embolden Putin to invade Balkan states like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, which are easy prey to Russian expansionism. And with Putin manifesting signs of Napoleonic complex, there is no telling which country he’d invade next. But he knows that a nuclear war with NATO could lead to MAD; that is, mutually assured destruction, which makes one wonder, do we have a Dr. Strangelove on the loose?

But one thing is for sure: a new Cold War has just begun.

March 5-20, 2014

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

Another amazing season of WAAY league basketball is in the books On behalf of the WAAY Committee, T H A N K YOU to our amazing volunteer coaches for another great basketball season. We know some of you have dedicated countless hours for our players

and our league. Congratulations to all WAAY players and families for another successful basketball season!

Big Thank you to our Sponsors: McDonald's Canada Edward Urrutia, Old Dutch Chips & Jemy's Grocery and the Filipino Journal.

Registration for 2014/2015 season will start in August

2014, visit our website www. waaybasketball.ca or WAAY Basketball Facebook page.

Committee members: Gerald and Linda Cansino, Arsenio and Marie Dela Cruz, Joel and Jemy de las Alas, Ron Guinto, Edwin and Melodie Garing, Joey and Jennifer Buenaventura, Jai and Jackie Mendez, Michael Wynne Eric Fernandez.

Championship Final Results Jr Tykes Division First: Red (MVP Caden Tugade) Second: White Third: Green Tykes Divsion First: Green (MVP Stevenson) Second: Orange

Third: Blue PeeWee Division First: Red (MVP Jherome Delos Reyes) Second: White Third: Green

Bantam/Midget Division Brian First: Grey (MVP Ridel Ebreo) Second: Red Third: Green

Photos by Bryan Mesias, Star Roxas and Ron Cantiveros

More photos available on FilipinoJournal.com and

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March 5-20, 2014

Clarita Nazario, Queen Valentine; Cesar Fronda, King Valentine:OFSAM’s celebration of the heart!

T

he 2014 Valentine celebration by the officers and members of the Original Filipino Seniors Association of Manitoba (OFSA) declared Clarita Nazario, as the Queen Valentine; and Cesar Fronda, as the King Valentine, in a dinner dance held recently at the Canad Inns, Essence Hall.

Lawrence Toet, MP, Elmwood-Tanscona and Kevin Lamoureux, MP Winnipeg North were special guests together with some officers and members of FILCASA, FSGW and other regional association graced the annual celebration of the hearts.

During the Valentine ceremony, MP Kevin Lamoureux and Maggie Chan-Urbano, pres. of QPAM, pinned the sash for the Queen while Zeny Calimlim and Tony Antonio for the King; corsage by Carrie de la Cruz; boutonniere by Estrella Gabriel, bouquet of roses, Julie Javier,

Batangas Assn. governor; gifts from Lorie Hernndez, Juanita Limon, Mila Briol, Estrella Gabriel and Letty Duro. tropphy for the Queen Valentine, Hilaria Calo and MP Lawrence Toet; trophy for King Valentine Cesar Fronda, Emilio andf Mila Briol.

The birthday celebrants for January, Hilaria Calo, Gloria Caparros, Norma Intac, Frisca Marquez, Clarita Nazario, Prisca Mercado, Conchita Almazan, and Rosalina Gabriel; for Febuary,Emilio Briol, Africa Torres, Cesar Fronda, Zeny Calimlim, and Sharon Thiesen; March: Ellen Chua, Pacita Balite, Mercedes Garduque,

Jovita Miranda, Angie Maduro, Flor Rembon, Diosa Zoleta, Anicia Cabal, Estrella Gabriel, Fely Axalan, Rosita Dilig, Letty Antonio and Benigna Flores.

Pairing heart contest was a fun and many couples found the matching hearts. Dancing followed.

King and Queen Valentine with Hilaria Calo and MP Lawrence Toet

King Valerntine, Cesar Fronda and Queen Valentine, Clarita Nazario

Emilio & Mila Briol, Hilaria Calo, Cris Aglugub with the QV and KV

Carrie de la Cruz, Lorie Hernandez, Tony and Letty Antonio

Julie Javier, QV Clarita Nazario and Tony Antonio

QV with Maggie Chan-Urbano and MP KV with Zeny Calimlim and Tony Antonio Kevin Lamoureux Photos by Rod E. Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

by Dr. Eusebio Koh

Ode to My Wife

I do work many years Bringing home the pay check But I have no eyes and ears And little above the neck

I don’t see her working Nor do I hear her groan I’m all consumed with being The proud master on my own She’s up before the sun To look after the kids To nurse the hungry young one And ready the school needs She has our breakfast done With eggs and bacon too And not until we’re gone Before she uses the loo Her endless work goes on From dawn ‘til past bedtime

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She cares for me like a son With no reason or rhyme She carries my worries In whatever I do She’s like ten secretaries Watching my come and go

I know I cannot function Without my little lady For every thought or action She stands firmly behind me My senses are now clear The pay I get from working Belongs as much to my dear Partner in everything To God I made the vow To love and honor her My dearest mate then and now My dearest mate forever

March 5-20, 2014

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

My Ride Ron Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

2014 Toyota Corolla S CVT

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he 2014 Toyota Corolla isn’t your father’s boring Corolla anymore! Toyota has completely redesigned the new Corolla and they actually made it look nice. It has some great styling features on the exterior and the interior looks and feels so much more sophisticated. It’s no longer a boring car as Toyota has redesigned basically everything inside and out.

The Toyota Corolla S is slightly longer, slightly wider and a wee bit shorter. The longer length of the Corolla adds interior room, especially more leg room

in the rear seats. The longer and wider wheel base translates to a smoother ride and better driving experience.

The new Toyota Corolla Sport is equipped with a 1.8L 4-cylinder 132hp at 6000rpm and 128 lb.ft. torque at 4400rpm.

There's also an optional CVT. The Corolla S is one car to watch in 2014 and is definitely turning heads with the new sporty styling. In fact, after a business meeting an associate without knowing I was driving the Corolla at the time gave positive commentary on the new look and

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styling of the car. He wanted to see the interior of the car as soon as walked up to the car and opened the door.

Base price on the Corolla (S trim) starts at $19,215. In the media tester I drove for a week, the options included were the CVT transmission package for an extra $985 and a $2350 Premium Package that included larger 17" rims/tires, power driver's seat, soft faux leather and the power moonroof. Add the freight and taxes, all in, the Corolla as tested was $24,204.45.

Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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March 5-20, 2014

MFBC Member Profile Stuart Berenhaut, The Berenhaut Team Royal LePage Dynamic

Stuart Berenhaut is part of a three agent real estate team, specializing in firsttime home buyers, residential, condos and commercial/investment properties.

He has been in the real estate industry for six years, and is a graduate from the University of Manitoba with a B. Comm (Honours). Before starting his career as a realtor, he spent 13 years in the sales industry as a regional sales trainer for GlaxoSmithKline, a multi-national pharmaceutical company.

The best part about being a realtor?

Stuart says he loves seeing his clients' sheer excitement when they purchase a property (especially if they're first-time home buyers). With close to 50% of his client base coming from the Filipino community, it was a natural fit for Stuart to join the MFBC family. As a familyoriented business man, he has many of the same goals and motivations that sing loudly within the Filipino business comunity.

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March 5-20, 2014

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

2014 CR-V

2014 CIVIC

$135

$85

STARTING AT

STARTING AT

B/W

R I S K - F R E E

C A R

B/W

B U Y I N G . . .

2610 McPhillips Street North of Leila

HONDA McPHILLIPS

W E

G U A R A N T E E

I T !

In The Waverley Auto Mall at Bishop Grandin

204-284-6632

204-261-9580

CrownHonda.ca

WinnipegHonda.ca

TheDilawriGroup.ca

#Limited time lease offers based on new 2014 Honda models. Lease examples based on a new 2014 Civic DX, model FB2E2EEX/2014 CR-V LX 2WD, model RM3H3EES, available through Honda Financial Services on approved credit. £1.99%/1.99% lease APR for 60/60 months. Bi-weekly payment, including freight and PDI, is $85.00/$135.00. Down payment of $0/$0, environmental fees, $0 security deposit and first monthly payment due at lease inception. Total lease obligation is $11,050/$17,550. Taxes, license, insurance, environmental fees and registration are extra. 120,000/120,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.12/km for excess kilometres. Retailer may lease for less. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. ‡MSRP is $17,185/$27,685 for a new 2014 Civic DX, model FB2E2EEX/2014 CR-V LX 2WD, model RM3H3EES, and includes $1,495/$1,695 freight and PDI. Taxes, license, insurance, environmental fees and registration are extra. Retailer may sell or lease for less. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. #/£/‡ Prices and/or payments shown do not include a PPSA lien registration fee of $52.76 and lien registering agent’s fee of $5.25, which are both due at time of delivery. Offers valid from March 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014 at participating Honda retailers. Offers valid only for Manitoba residents at Honda Dealers of Manitoba locations. Offers subject to change or cancellation without notice. Visit CrownHonda.ca, WinnipegHonda.ca or see Crown Honda or Winnipeg Honda for full details.

CMYK: 0/100/99/4 PMS: 1797 CMYK: 0/0/0/100 PMS: Black

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