Filipino Journal Manitoba Edition March 05 - 20, 2017

March 5-20, 2017 • Volume 31, Number 05 Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Bonjour Léo LaTuque • page 16

Stay Off The Ice • page 9

Winnipeg Duterte

• page 6

• page 25 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. Photo submitted by Ryan Auxtero.

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March 5-20, 2017

Winnipeg Duterte “Protect PRRD Rally�

Duterte supporters based in Winnipeg gathered at the Forks for the worldwide rally to show continuous support for Philippine President, Rodrigo Duterte.

Photos by Noni Manalili

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ES M G HO LIN E 2 SEL AS W PH NO

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March 5-20, 2017

Meren Aviso‘s 93rd Birthday Gala Night By : Dante Aviso

Emerenciana Monte Aviso fondly called “Meren” by her close friends and peers celebrated her 93rd birthday with a Gala Night hosted by her daughter Tess Newton at the Clarion Hotel in Winnipeg last February 10, 2017. My mother was born on January 23, 1924 in the town of Magallanes in Sorsogon, Philippines. She married my dad, Jose Aviso on June 23, 1946 and raised 10 children, Ad Reference:

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Attended by well over 150 guests mostly families and friends by the Aviso and Newton clan, It was a magical night as mostly were dressed up in the Roaring 20’s fashion or Filipiniana attire.

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reminiscent of the jazz era in the mid 1920’s.

After the sumptuous dinner, the guests were entertained by a 5 minute video clip of the celebrant’s semi biographical story showing vintage and current family photos . Soon followed by a 20 minute musical revue which I directed and put together portraying the Americanization of the Philippines in the 1900’s up to the Liberation from the Japanese Occupation in the mid 1940’s. From Nicanor Abelardo’s “ Mutya ng Pasig ” to Andrew Sister’s Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, the musical entertainment was well received by the appreciative audience. Thanks to my siblings, Lina and Ricardo and my friends for sharing their artistic talent in music and dance.

On behalf of the Aviso and Newton family, I would like to thank everyone for making the birthday event a night to remember. Cakes by Katrina Bakeshop, Balloons by Melo’s Balloons, Music by EJ Sounds and Photography by Josel Media Photography.

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Ric Aviso singing Jose Feliciano’s Once there was a Love.

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Tess Newton Financial Services L to R: Flor, Tess,Jay-Ann & Agnes.

L to R: Cindy Szdlyk, Philbert, Nympha and Rick Rivard,Lyndon and Bailey Olfert, Dante Aviso.

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March 5-20, 2017

Use Caution On The Ice

T

he annual fishing frenzy that is known as ‘March Madness’ is upon us once again. This time of year can yield some of the best ice fishing trips of the season. With the mild temperatures this winter the ice conditions on many lakes and rivers in Manitoba have been unpredictable. There is still solid ice in most places but wide fluctuations in weather cause snow cover melts, pressure cracks, heaving, and other shifting or variations in ice thickness and integrity. The Red River is all but done for outdoor activity as ice cutting up at Breezy Point is well underway and flood waters from down south are making their way up as we speak. The popular River trail in the city is already closed for the season.

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The popularity of driving vehicles onto the ice at places such as Lake Winnipeg has also taken a hit in recent weeks as a good number of trucks have gotten into trouble breaking through wide cracks in the ice. These pressure cracks are

relatively few on the lake but the ones that are there are not safe to drive over although many have attempted to do so at their own risk. With more cracks opening up if we were to get a snowfall of any sort in the next while, the snow could also potentially cover them up to any unsuspecting drivers out there. Other than using a sled or quad, walking out with a pull-sled is the safest option at this time of year if driving-on conditions become too risky. Once the snow starts to melt along the shorelines and runoff starts to hit the water, this signifies to the fish to start coming in shallow anyways. The last three weeks of the season

are my favourite times to park on shore and walk out to spots that are only 5 to 9 feet under the ice. Anglers employing this strategy will often find large schools of greenbacks that are active and ready to hit any lure or bait. If you plan on heading out to ice fish this month, please use common sense and caution with

your decisions. There have been several unfortunate accidents in other places this season due to unsafe ice or unsafe practices.

Safety first, catch fish second.

Send us your fish pictures this month to eric.onthe.red@gmail. com The winning picture will be featured in an upcoming issue and will net you a nice prize!

We can help them reach their DREAMS. The SKY is the limit.

Alan Ali, Eric Labaupa, Ron Cantiveros, and Jeremy Santos hanging out at the Kickerfish booth at the Manitoba Outdoors Show.

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SAVE TOWARDS YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE TODAY! Keep an eye out for 'pressure cracks' like this one when venturing out on Lake Winnipeg this March.

James Bumanglag, Ken Polvorosa, and Ryan Santilan joined me for a day on the ice at Lake Winnipeg recently.

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Everything I Need to Know About Life, I Learned from NOAH's ARK 1. Don't miss the boat.

2. Remember that we are all in the same boat 3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

4. Stay fit. When you're really old, someone may ask you to do something really big.

5. Don't listen to the critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

6. Build your future on high ground.

7. For safety sake, travel in pairs.

8.

Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

9. When you're stressed, float a while.

10. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; The Titanic by professionals.

11. No matter the storm, when you are with GOD, there's always a rainbow waiting.

THE BIBLE IS GOD'S TREASURE CHEST FULL OF MANY GOSPEL GEMS AND PRECIOUS PROMISES. For GOD so LOVED the world that HE Gave HIS Only SON, That Whoever BELIEVES in HIM should not PERISH but HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE. JOHN 3:16 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. 'If GOD is for us, who can be against us?' (ROMANS 8:31) An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have to worry twice.'

March 5-20, 2017

PHCM Elects New Officers for 2017-2019

Community members of the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba (PHCM) Inc. have elected a new set of Officers for the 2017-2019 fiscal years.

After a nomination and vetting process whereby organizations were invited to put forward names, candidates introduced themselves to the members of the Council explaining their fit and experience for the position for which they were running. Ballots were cast and counted and nine individuals were elected to two-year term positions.

PHCM is a coalition/ consortia of many Filipino organizations and individual community members representing a number of regional, professional, religious, women’s, youth, alumni, and other Filipino associations across Manitoba.

The Executive Officers of PHCM for 2017-2019 are as follows: •President – Perla Javate •Vice-President Administration – Paul Macaraeg •Vice-President Community and Sponsorship – Tes Aiello •Secretary – Araceli Ancheta •Assistant Secretary – Gani Casalla •Treasurer – Trifona Bermisa •Assistant Treasurer – Linda Ramos •Public Relations Officer – Johsa Manzanilla •Auditor – Lou Fernandes To find out more information, membership or volunteer opportunities with the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba, please visit http:// www.phcminc.org.

PHCM can also be found on Facebook (facebook.com/phcm.inc) and on Twitter (@PHCM_Inc).

For additional questions, please contact PHCM’s Public Relations Officer at phcm.inc@ gmail.com.

Gov’t to ratify Paris climate agreement

P

resident Rodrigo Duterte has signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change signifying the government’s intent to be legally-bound to the accord at the international level.

On Wednesday, March 1 the Office of the President will submit the signed 'Instrument of Accession' to the Senate for concurrence as the final step in the ratification process. .

The "Instrument of Accession" is a document signifying the Philippines’ ratification of the historic climate change agreement. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change is the first-ever legally-binding global agreement on climate change signed by a total of 194 parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2015 in the French capital.

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Don't Wait for the Earthquake to Decongest Metro Manila

by Max Sangil

T

hese past two weeks TV news and front page stories were focused on the long time serving Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum. He talks of the impending 'the big one'. Early on he was saying that in between fifteen years there will be a great movement of the earthquake faults in and around Metro Manila. Are we taking that seriously? Funny, after those much publicized earthquake drills which to my mind were more of public relations stunts more than anything else, there are no concrete actions from government.

Of course, Solidum is not only trying to scare the wits of anyone, but government is not responding as it should. Another Renato, and that would be businessman Rene Romero of Pampanga Chamber of Commerce a staunch advocate of a decongest Metro Manila movement has been vocal in his call to push now the right buttons and start the decongestion. Are we waiting for the earthquake to start decongestion?

The Metro Manila urban area according to a World Bank study is so dense that the residents quality of of life is so low and it's getting worse everyday. Traffic and pollution are the two pinpointed problems that gets worse every passing years. It is said by analysts that short and long term solutions should be in application now, and that government should gather it's strongest politicsl will and make the tough decisions.

One of the answers in the decongestion of Metro Manila is the 39,000 hectare Clark Special Economic Zone. I was still with the Bases Conversion And Development Authority (BCDA) when Clark Green City was conceptualized. The more than 9,000 hectares expanse somewhere in Capas, Tarlac will be carved out and it is planned to the first smart, disaster-resilient city north of Metro Manila.

The Green City is around 100 kilometers from the West Valley Fault Lines and is surrounded by the Zambales and Sierra Madre mountain ranges. The area is even

shielded by these two sierras.

'When calamity strikes in the Metro Manila area issues like health, public order and several other challenges will confront government', said former Bases Conversion Development Authority ( BCDA) President Arnel Casanova.

Now Casanova's successor, Vince Dizon is pushing hard for faster development of the green city.

And in case l00 kilometers maybe too far to many there is the Alviera in Hacienda Dolores in Porac, Pampanga. The Ayalas bought a 1000 hectares in that once dormant town, and the community being built there is a mixed use township. The Green City and the Alviera are two good options for those who want to move early.

Editor’s Note: Formerly newspaperman of Daily Inquirer and other major dailies; former TV and radio Broadcaster. Former Director of various corporations like Clark Development Co.; and a former City of Angeles Councillor.

Now a regular columnist of Sun Star Pampanga.

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PEREZCOPE

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com

Duterte’s first political prisoner

W

hen then Justice Secretary Leila de Lima ran for the Senate in 2016, little did she know that she was on a road taken by a growing number of politicians, one that leads to incarceration.

These include former presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Joseph Estrada, former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile, and Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla. And if the “tradition” of imprisoning previous presidents continues, then former president Benigno Aquino Jr. would be

next in line. President Rodrigo Duterte is looking for “evidence” to file charges against Aquino.

And who knows, Duterte’s successor – unless it’s Bongbong Marcos – might find ways to detain Duterte when he finishes his term of office? But that’s still a few years into the future. His time will come.

Today, it’s De Lima’s time to be in the limelight. But for someone who enjoyed being in the limelight throughout her career, De Lima might find it a little uneasy this time with life

behind bars. The prospect of a long detention like Erap and Gloria seems likely since President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte has taken personal interest in building the charges against De Lima.

But that doesn’t seem like she’d be muzzled into silence. On the contrary, her detention energizes her into focusing on one goal: to bring down Duterte.

Surmise it to say, bringing Duterte down would most likely result in release from detention.

However, given the enormity of Duterte’s power over the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which are both headed by Duterte loyalists, there is nobody in the country with the capability to depose Duterte. It takes muscle to bring Digong down and Digong has all the muscle right now.

Known for her feistiness, Leila is like a pit bull: once her jaws are locked on your neck, you might as well say your prayers and hope that you’d be able to say “Amen” before your life expires.

But a pit bull as she is, she couldn’t get near Duterte close enough to do him harm.

So, does it mean that Leila is in a Catch-22 situation? It seems like it. Does it also mean that she has to wait until Duterte is out of office in 2022, at which time the next president might release or pardon her? That’s a long wait.

Perhaps, Leila should have remained in the private law practice, a top-notch lawyer who scored the 8th highest mark in the country's annual bar exams in 1985. She built a successful law practice with a specialty in helping prominent politicians in election court cases.

Fighting lawlessness In 2008, De Lima took a detour from her lucrative private law practice and took a government job as chairwoman of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), a government independent agency. It must have been an eye-opener for her because for the next two years, Leila worked with a handful of lowly paid lawyers fighting lawlessness.

They investigated extrajudicial killings (EJKs), abductions, and human rights violations. And this was where she crossed paths with Duterte, then the mayor of Davao

Filipino Journal Ron Cantiveros Publisher

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Rod Escobar Cantiveros Sales & Advertising

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

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City, who was rumored to have authorized killing hundreds of drug addicts.

In my article, “Lawlessness in Davao City” (February 20, 2012), I wrote: “Rodrigo Duterte, who was mayor from 2001 until he was termed out in 2010, gained notoriety when a vigilante group known as the ‘Davao Death Squad’ was believed to have been responsible for the murder of more than 1,000 citizens including children and young teens.

Although he was never proven to be associated with the death squad – which was often referred to as ‘Duterte Death Squad’ — he had made public statements that seem to encourage or condone those killings.

“In February 2009, according to the Human Rights Watch, Duterte told reporters: ‘If you are doing an illegal activity in my city, if you are a criminal or part of a syndicate that preys on the innocent people of the city, for as long as I am the mayor, you are a legitimate target of assassination.’

“The report, ‘You Can Die Any Time: Death Squad Killings in Mindanao,’ details the ‘involvement of police and local government officials in targeted killings of alleged drug dealers and petty criminals, street children, and others, and describes the lack of any effort by the authorities to investigate the killings and bring those responsible to justice.’

“The report further said, ‘The longtime mayor of Davao City, Rodrigo Duterte, has made numerous statements attempting to justify the killing of suspected criminals, believing that such killings have a deterrent effect on crime and have made the city a safer place. But according to statistics provided by the Philippines National Police, the number of annual crime incidents has increased some 219 percent in the last decade, while the city’s population rose only by 29 percent. An increasing number of death squad killings appear to have made crime rates worse in Davao.’

“The administration of thenpresident Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ignored the ‘targeted killings’ in Davao City. Not only did she ignore those extrajudicial

March 5-20, 2017

killings, she appointed Duterte in 2003 as her consultant on ‘peace and order,’ which seemingly indicated that she approved Duterte’s modus operandi of operating outside the law in fighting criminal elements.”

In the crosshairs Duterte became Leila’s main target for the spate of EJKs in Davao City. She opened a probe into the Davao Death Squad. In 2010, however, she left the CHR with the probe unfinished to take the job as Secretary of Justice under the Aquino administration.

It was then that she raided the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) to dismantle the perks and amenities accorded to inmates convicted of illegal drug trafficking. It was an act that put her in the crosshairs of the drug lords.

In 2016, she ran and won a seat on the Senate. That’s when she got herself in trouble. She tried to revive the old charges of EJKs against Duterte during his 20-year reign in Davao City. Add the more than 7,000 EJKs since Duterte took over last June and Leila had a truckload of cases that she could pore over to look for evidence that would nail Digong down as a “serial murderer.”

Duterte could respond the only way he does and that is to launch a deadly counter-attack against Leila. “I will have to destroy her in public,” said Duterte in August last year. He then proceeded to build a case alleging she was one of the nation's biggest drug traffickers.

He lined-up several convicted drug lords who testified against Leila before a Senate investigation panel. Gee, that’s like using Al Capone’s testimony against Elliot Ness. And it worked!

The government finally filed drug charges against De Lima based on the testimony of several convicted drug lords at the NBP. A Muntinlupa trial court judge ordered the arrest of Senator Leila de Lima on Thursday, February 23, over drug charges.

The question is: Can they convict a Philippine Senator of drug trafficking based on the testimony of drug traffickers?

At the end of the day, just like previous political prisoners before her, she, too, would be freed after serving time for opposing Duterte.

Who’s next?

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Mike Pagtakhan

Pastor Junie Josue Ramon Toralba Johnny Cantiveros Perry Diaz Paulo G. Ercia

Gem M. Anis

Ruwiz Mercado

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March 5-20, 2017

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March 5-20, 2017

Sarah G back to ‘The Voice’

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inger Sarah Geronimo will be back to The Voice for the teen’s edition this year after taking a break from The Voice Kids Philippines last season.

Sarah will join coaches Bamboo, Sharon Cuneta, and Lea Salonga for this edition.

Sarah mentored winners of the previous edition including The Voice Kids Philippines season 1

winner Lyca Gairanod and The Voice Philippines season 2 winner Jason Dy. In 2016 she announced that she won't be part of The Voice Kids and that she would instead concentrate on her other projects.

Kiana Valenciano, Sam Concepcion now a couple

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Kiana Valenciano finally admitted her relationship with singer-actor Sam Concepcion.

In an interview on ABS-CBN’s comedy talk show Gandang Gabi Vice on Sunday, February 26, she answered in the affirmative when show host Vice Ganda asked if she and Sam are officially together. Although Sam has yet to say anything about the relationship, he earlier admitted that he is indeed seeing Kiana whom he’s known since they were kids. Kiana is the daughter of singeractor Gary “Mr. Pure Energy” Valenciano.

Binibining Pilipinas 2017 candidates officially announced

T

he Binibining Pilipinas pageant has announced the 40 candidates who will be vying for one of the national titles up for grabs at this year's pageant.

This year’s batch include notable girls Angelica Mariel de Leon, an opera singer and daughter of actors Sandy Andolong and Christopher de Leon; and Chanel Olive Thomas, 1st runner-up Miss Philippines Earth 2015 and the former girlfriend of actor Jake Cuenca. Also among the candidates are Dindi Joy Pajares, a pilot student in Lucban; Maria Gail Devora Tobes, a veterinarian from Samar; and Katarina Sonja Rodriguez, 2nd runner-up, Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2. The other candidates are Ana Patricia Asturias, Leitz Camyll Ang, Jessica Ramirez, Dane Felisse Marasigan, Mae Lanie Chan, Arienne Louise Braga Caling, Gabriela Patricia Ortega, Joselle Mariano, Kristi Rose Cequeña, Rachel Peters, Maria Camille Manalo, Jennyline Carla

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Malpaya, Vanessa Saliba, Juliana Kapeundl, Ma. Bejieleen Nama, Thoreen Halvosen, Sarah Jireh Asido, Arah Salientes, Beatrice Valente, Mae Liezel Ramos, Larah Grace Lacap, Clarice Marion Villareal, Chanel Olive Thomas, Nelda Ibe, Christagale Borja, Ruffa Nava, Angelique Celine De Leon, Jamaica Elysse Ambal, Karla May Manongsong, Dindi Joy Pajares, Kimberly Pajares, Maria Angelica De Leon, Sirene Sutton, Charmaine Elima, Jehza Mae Huelar, Elizabeth Durado Clenci, Kristel Guelos, and Sammie Anne

Mariel de Leon

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Legaspi. Meanwhile, Miss Philippines Earth 2012 Stephany Stefanowitz failed to crack the list of official candidates.

The winners will represent the Philippines in the following prestigious pageants – Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss Supranational, Miss Intercontinental, Miss Grand International and Miss Globe.

The coronation night will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City on April 30.

Katarina Rodriguez

March 5-20, 2017

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

17

OPINIONS

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

18

March 5-20, 2017

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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Horoscope The idea of knowing when to let go of something and when to embrace it can be a powerful concept now, Although the spiritual sector of your chart can encourage you to close doors and give up situations that no longer serve you, there are also plenty of opportunities to open new doors.

Encourage you to develop your relationship with yourself.

Be more forgiving and accepting of your faults.

If an opportunity comes your way, grab it with both hands.

Even if you don’t feel ready to embrace a new way of life, go for it anyway. You’ll gain the experience as you go. An active urge for change has been building for some time. It could come to a head and you may be called to take action.

There’s a lot of concrete way for some fabulous new options, but it might be wise not to make key decisions.

You’ll have had a chance to look into the details by then.

There could be a misunderstanding about what to expect.

Clearing this up first can calm your mind. On the social scene, a new friendship could prove to be a game changer.

PAHALANG

There’s a lot going on that’s very exciting concerning your career. Whether you tread a professional path, own your own business, or seek a new job, things are looking up for you. It’s said that he who dares wins, and this could be very bold and you certainly can win. Be careful about signing a binding contract.

A relationship could be the motivation for some changing action or a decision that could alter your life in a significant way. Your thinking may be oriented toward the future by an encounter that allows you to see possibilities you’ve never considered. Avoid making any commitment to a person or a partnership. You’ll know exactly what to do by that time.

The desire to start a home-based business could excite you, and you’ll be eager to get things in motion. But it might be wise to look into the details first and make sure you’re on the right track. There could be difficult you haven’t considered that need to be factored in first. It may be just as well to get the financial side of things thoroughly sorted out.

The dynamic blend of energies could see you looking outward to new opportunities and discovering new territory. On the one hand, intense sector of your chart can pull you inward to explore the deeper layers of your personality. Fundamental insights are possible whichever way you turn. Provide an opportunity to reconnect with someone you once knew.

An exciting selection of aspects could be a game changer for you, encouraging you in a direction that offers adventure and fresh opportunities. Certain spiritual insights could have a powerful effect on you and encourage you to leave your comfort zone. There’s a powerful focus on your romance sector, which could see a budding relationship become quite and tender. It might be wise to keep things light and easy for now.

Regarding financial matters, you might need to take extra care. Information that comes out of the blue could urge you to seize an opportunity you’ve long desired. Think very carefully before signing anything, and go over the terms and conditions with a fine-tooth comb. If it’s a really big deal, get a lawyer to go over it for your peace of mind.

The temptation may be to spend lavishly on something that could radically change your life. However, doing so could risk your security, so think very carefully before paying a large sum of money, especially if it’s on the stimulus of the moment. You’ll have plenty of time to consider whether this is a wise decision.

If you have a chance to take a short break, this would be the ideal time to consider it. You may not be able to avoid the impulse for fun and adventure that motivates you.

Concentrating on everyday tasks and assignment may not be easy with your mind focused on fun and games. If you do get away for some sunshine and find yourself falling in love, retrograde indicates it might not turn out as you hope.

PABABA

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Your imagination could rise and encourage you in your creative attempt to achieve something. You may also be exhausted to cultural activities, such as art exhibitions or concerts that speak to your soul. Go easy with finances, though, as you could find that an impulsive buy costs you dearly and leaves you strapped for cash.

March 5-20, 2017

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

(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.)

For this issue, our readers’ column features one of our occasional contributors—the local musician and cultural activist Levy Abad, profiling one of the best Metal bands our Filipino community ever had.

For the Record: Immortal Sacrament (2008–2016)

by Levy Abad

O

ne of the best Filipino-Canadian Metal bands in Manitoba, Immortal Sacrament, during its heyday in 2012, was comprised by Paul Magnaye (vocals), Marron Verzosa (guitar), Niko Guilbang (bass), Victor “Vic” Bautista (guitar), and Joseph David (drums).

How did Immortal Sacrament start?

Magnaye provided the answer when I went to interview him at his house on February 10, 2017, about the history of the band. He told me that it started out in 2008, with the band name L.A.D. David told me the same information. When I asked him what L.A.D. stood for, Magnaye jokingly said that it meant “Living at Dads,” referring to adults who still live with their parents.

L.A.D.’s original members were Magnaye, Chris Pangan, David, and Michael Borja. The band’s moniker was kind of a provisional name; because during that time, they were still thinking of a better name. They were able to come up with something better by October 16, 2009. After performing as a front act to the Winnipeg concert of the visiting Philippine Alternative Rock band Pupil, they decided to adopt Sacrament as the new name of their band. They also started writing original music.

David said that it was one of the judges at a local “Battle of the Bands” that they participated in who suggested to change their name. Apparently, Sacrament is a common word; they need something unique. If one would search ‘Sacrament’ online, then the automatic hits would have referred to the religious meaning of the

word. Besides, there is already a Metal band named Sacrament [an American band that was formed in 1989, in Pennsylvania, United States]. Even the ’90s-forming American band Lamb of God might get a hit; its fifth studio album is titled Sacrament. That was enough to convince the guys to add ‘Immortal’ to their name, to make it unique without sacrificing the name recall that their name Sacrament had already gained in the local scene.

Mid-2009, Pangan and Borja quit the band for personal reasons. Niko Guilbang replaced Borja; Vic Bautista and Marron Verzosa became the first and the second guitar players, respectively. The name Immortal Sacrament was legitimized in 2011, when they joined the competition “My Band Rocks,” at Dylan O’Connors Irish Pub, winning three consecutive battles and eventually emerging as the overall winner during the finals, held this time at Henderson Draft House.

In late 2011, David left, joining Pangan in another band named Ethnica.

Bautista left too—who had to concentrate on his work and family. Magnaye said that afterwards, he and Verzosa became the core of the group. By the ensuing year, Immortal Sacrament consisted of Magnaye, Verzosa, Ronnel Villamar on guitars, and Jolo Mejia on drums. Magnaye also mentioned that the band wanted to acknowledged fellow Filipino musician Mandy Bustarde, for he was the one who introduced Immortal Sacrament to the Metal community in the city outside of the Filipino community and who convinced the organizers of “My Band Rocks” to give Filipino bands a chance.

David said that the major musical influences of Immortal Sacrament were System of a Down, Killswitch Engage, and Bullet for My Valentine. This was reaffirmed by the journalist Alfie Vera Mella, who featured the band, in 2014, in his column “Sa Ugoy ng Musika” in the local community newspaper Filipino Journal. Asked where they get the songs

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that they covered, Magnaye said “We usually cover famous Metal songs that get regular airplay on Winnipeg’s Rock station Power 97.”

The awesome thing about Immortal Sacrament is that they also write their own songs. Initially, Magnaye and David wrote the songs; and then Bautista started contributing too. I personally listened to some of their songs on their FB page, and they really sounded great. It feels like a really wasted talent if they would not be able to emerge with their original music in the community at large.

On March 8, 2014, Immortal Sacrament performed in Brandon, at the North Hill Inn. In addition to that, the band got to perform also at bars and other events such as The Zoo/Ozzy’s Bar in Osborne Village, Club3D at Kirkfield Motor Hotel (3317 Portage Avenue), Dylan O’ Connors Irish Pub (2609 Portage Avenue), Henderson Draft House at Curtis Gordon Motor Hotel (1011 Henderson Highway), Rookies at Central Hotel (201 Melrose Avenue .E), The Cavern (112 Osborne Street), Chugfest at Rigdeville, “Rock against Ignorance” at West End Cultural Centre, and the FAMOUS-produced 2014 Pinoy Rock Fest held at Jimel’s International Cuisine (A-1045 St. James St). Mella, in the same article, described Immortal Sacrament aptly as the “ultimate Filipino-Canadian Metal band in Manitoba.”

I messaged some of the members of Immortal Sacrament to ask for quotes.

Pangan’s short reply was, “The experience was totally different and new to me. I was never a Metalhead until Paul [Magnaye] introduced me to the genre and after having watched Slapshock during the Philippine Metal band’s concerts in Winnipeg.

Furthermore, it was during my time in Immortal Sacrament when I began learning

FilipinoJournal. com

19 how to write original materials. We also had the opportunity to share our music outside the Filipino community, becoming well-received even by non-Filipino Metal music enthusiasts. The experience was really amazing; it also brought out other fledgling Pinoy players hiding in the shadows who also got inspired to start writing their own songs.”

Borja: “Our first gig as Immortal Sacrament was at The Cavern in Osborn Villlage. Nobody knew us. Four Asians playing Heavy Metal in Winnipeg? This can’t be real, right? People thought that we were a joke, but we proved them wrong.

From that night on, we started building connections outside of the Filipino community and invitations started to come.”

In my visit at Magnaye’s home, I asked him also for a quote; he said, “As an artist, one should not stay in one’s comfort zone because music is unlimited. You will never grow if you stay in your comfort zone. One must always explore. I am happy that we were able to help in paving the way for other musicians in the Metal scene.” He added enthusiastically, “It is a great ride, one of the best, having been a part of the music scene.” *Levy Abad is a freelance writer, a singersongwriter/recording artist, a member of Migrante Canada–MB Chapter, and a founding member / program coordinator of Winnipeg Multicultural Human Rights Forum. He has released three albums: Canadian Experience vol. 1, Never Give Up, and Rhythms of Compassion (Canadian Experience vol. 3). He is currently working on his fourth batch of works, titled I Love Canada. You may contact Abad via lev67.abad@yahoo.ca or on Facebook.

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

March 5-20, 2017

Get to Know Our Winnipeg Local Filipino Concert Producers

L

overs of band concerts in the Filipino community have been lucky for so many years for having experienced a regular stream of Philippine-based Filipino bands that have been performing in the city for the past many years.

These sources of entertainment would have not been possible if not for the effort and hard work of our local concert producers, who practically gamble their money and other resources and spend time in organizing a team to be able to enable Philippine bands to stage shows here in Winnipeg. Of the few number of local producers

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concentrating on Alternative Rock band music, two prove to be prolific: Jhayzon Paredes (Jaizen Design) and Marby John Aguilar Gutierrez (Pinoy Tribe Entertainment). Paredes started the trade as early as 2006, producing the first concert of Siakol in Winnipeg, so it is quite a full-circle turn as the down-toearth Paredes is staging again Siakol’s gig in Winnipeg, along with fellow Philippine Alterative Rock band Grin Dept., this coming May 6, at Essence Event Centre, at Garden City Canad Inn complex. Gutierrez, on the other, began in 2011, producing the

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second time of Parokya ni Edgar to perform in the city; and aptly, Gutierrez is paving again the way of the wacky and lovable band to the stage of Garrick Centre in Downtown Winnipeg, this March 26. In the next issue, you will get to know better Paredes and Gutierrez and their respective related accomplishments and what drove them to engage in such a painstaking and timeconsuming endeavor. In the meantime, get your tickets now for the forthcoming concerts.

Get in touch with Paredes at 204.8991765; and with Gutierrez at 204-962-2903.

March 5-20, 2017

21

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

Flexing Your Marketing Muscles

C

ontent marketing will only get stronger if you constantly strive to focus and use tools and systems to help you stay ahead of your competition.

Elizabeth Catacutan, Director of Events at The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, shared her experience using marketing tactics to elevate the profile of The Chamber and their monthly and annual events.

RJ Padua, owner of No Limit Training, shared his own success story about growing his personal training business with the help of some strategic marketing methods.

RJ Padua of No Limit Training and Elizabeth Catacutan from the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

Elizabeth Catacutan (2nd from left) with MFBC Board Members, Valen Vergara (left), Jackie Wild (2nd from right) and Alibin Hipolito Jr (right).

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March 5-20, 2017

Knights of Columbus Prince of Peace Council #9144 Received the Ontario State Five Star Award Prince of Peace Knights of Columbus KC # 9144 received the "Five Star Council Award" from K of C Ontario State Council (The only KC Council to receive this highest award in 2016).

District Deputy SK Wilfred Gomez presented the plaque to Grand Knight SK Gregory Saldanha and the Knights of Prince of Peace in ceremonies held in Scarborough.

The Prince of Peace Council Knights continue their work in the community and the Church.

KC # 9144 has been active in their Church, Community, Family, Council, Youth and Seniors activities. In the past few months, they have conducted the following projects.

Managed the Children's Christmas party at Prince of Peace Church Hall.

Built the Altar in the Divine Infant School Atrium in Scarborough

Did Christmas Caroling to the Seniors. Served a Honor Guards for Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Fr. Lorenzo renewed the Marriage Vows for Knight members

Held a Memorial Mass for the departed Knights and their Families.

Conducted a KC Basketball Free Throw for School Students.

Knights collected & distributed eyeglasses for the poor in Africa .Also : •Distributed Clothes for the poor Children.

•Served breakfast at the Good Sheperd Home •Distributed clothes for the poor in the Philippines

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March 5-20, 2017

23

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

by Gem and Lita Anis

Blue Mountains, Australia Where are they: a part of the dividing mountain range west of Sydney What is there to see: Wentworth Falls, Three Sisters, Scenic World How to get there: travel by road (train or car) from Sydney Don't miss: Katoomba Scenic Railway, Scenic Skyway Down Under is Australia, the world's smallest continent famous for the vast, remote arid spaces called the "Outback" and for the attractions of its large cities such as Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, and Sydney.

Our single non-stop sixteenhour flight, perhaps the longest,

from Vancouver to Sydney is definitely worth it. Sydney is the largest city and capital of the state of New South Wales, one of the six states of the Australian federation and the most populous.

When you are in Sydney a trip to the Blue Mountains is a ``must-do`. From the summit of the city`s iconic Harbour Bridge (also called the ``Coathanger`), you can see a long blue range of the Blue Mountains blocking the western horizon.

Best reached and explored by car, the Blue Mountains National Park is about two-hour drive from Sydney. However, you can also get there by train and on a coach

tour. Driving on the left side of the road (with the help of a GPS) is quite an experience. Majority of the vehicles here have the steering wheel on the right side.

The wilderness and beauty of the Blue Mountains can be viewed first from the peak of the `Flat Rock`lookout. Although its windy here and a little bit chilly we got to the edge of the cliff, scary but awesome, and had a few souvenir pictures taken.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Blue Mountains encompass dramatic gorges (canyons), waterfalls, rock formations, tall rainforests, caves, and hiking trails making it a popular destination for enthusiasts of rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking as well as canyoning and other adrenalin sports like abseiling (controlled descent of a vertical drop, such as a rock face, using a rope).

The mountains are literally blue because of the blue vapour (terpenoids) emitted in large

quantities from the millions of eucalyptus trees (gum trees) growing there that colours the whole mountain range and even the sky blue.

We headed to the scenic three-tiered Wentworth Falls with its delicate tracery plunging into the floor of the valley.

A short drive to the west of Wentworth Falls led us to the most visited town in the Blue Mountains, Katoomba which is home to the popular Scenic World where we spent the afternoon hours to experience the Scenic Railway, the world`s steepest incline railway that whisked us down the steepest descent through a long cliff side and gorge into a rainforest ending on the valley floor. The railway is super steep but you can adjust the pitch of your seat to make it more or less intense.

Adjacent to the Scenic Railway is the Scenic Cableway, the steepest cable car in the continent that took us down on a long ride into the greater Blue

Mountains world heritage tall rainforests of the Jamison Valley taking in views of the mountains` famous peaks, the `Three Sisters:`, essentially an unusual sandstone rock formation representing three sisters, (Meenhi, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo), who according to the local aboriginal legend were turned into stone.

Also at the same site is the Scenic Skyway, an aerial gondola that traverses an arm of the Jamison Valley providing breathtaking views beneath our feet through the electro-glass bottom cabin floor.

Evening was falling as we got back to Sydney.

Three Sisters Sandstone Rock Formation.

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Gem & Lita with daughter Marie-Anne Mountains.

and Cassy at Blue

Gem & Lita at the Flat Rock.

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24

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

March 5-20, 2017

Aquino urges LP members to speak up

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ormer President Benigno Aquino III said he was keeping his selfimposed yearlong moratorium on being critical of the current administration. But the ouster of four of his fellow Liberal Party (LP) members from the majority in the Senate on Monday bothered him to the point that he’s urging party members to speak up and make the party’s voice heard again.

In a press conference, LP secretary general and Quezon City Rep. Christopher Belmonte said the former President wants the party to be constructive and supportive of the Duterte administration without sacrificing the party’s principles and ethics.

The three-hour caucus was held in Quezon City following the party members’ ouster from key posts in the upper chamber.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, the LP president, told reporters that the caucus tackled the death penalty bill and the continued membership of the Liberals in the House supermajority.

March 5-20, 2017

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

25

Sharing our winter festivals with family

T

he Capucion family spent a day taking in the sights and activities at Festival du Voyageur and included a special overseas guest from the Philippines.

Visiting from the Philippines, Jadea Ezra Capucion discovered how to celebrate winter with her relatives and was also treated to meeting Winnipeg’s mayor, Brian Bowman.

Photos provided by Arnold and Shawie Capucion.

A memorable festival for all!

The 48th edition of Festival du Voyageur turned out to be, once again, a great success with over 94 000 visits to all the official festival sites.

Due to the spring-like weather conditions, the programming at the Rendez-vous on Ice (on the Red River Mutual Trail) was significantly reduced Capucion family with Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman at Festival du Voyageur.

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resulting in a decrease in overall participation by approximately 4%. However, a large number of visitors were able to enjoy the festivities and celebrated the “joie de vivre” at the winter festival!

See you next year for the 49th edition of Festival du Voyageur from February 16 to 25, 2018.

The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

26

Freedom Walk & Run

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March 5-20, 2017

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f you’re the Jets GM, do you buy, sell, or stand pat at trade deadline? Winnipeg is still in the playoff race but oddsmakers are confident the Jets won't be playing postseason hockey this April. As a result, Kevin Cheveldayoff’s decision to sell at trade deadline was the right choice for this hockey club.

Winnipeg Jets veteran forward, Drew Stafford, was traded to the Boston Bruins for a conditional 2018 sixth-round pick. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.

Regularly playing in bottom six roles and being injured or ill for a good part of the season, Stafford netted only four goals and nine assists in 40 games. When you look at the bigger picture, the Jets no longer had room for him.

Cheveldayoff has done an exceptional job drafting and developing players over the past six years. He has a locker room packed full of budding young stars. Look across the hall at the farm team and you’ll find another room filled with talented young players. Roslovic and Connor are already making a huge impact on the Manitoba Moose. It’s very possible they will crack the Jets

roster next season. To add such players means the Jets will need to subtract from someplace else.

Unfortunately, Stafford didn't fit into the Jets' plan going forward.

It’s likely Cheveldayoff tried pitching other pending UFAs to other teams, however, guys like Pavelec, Thorburn, and Postma didn't hold much value at the trade deadline.

Speaking of value, it’s no secret the Jets are a budget team.

The salary cap for each team this season is at $73M. After the Stafford trade the Jets hovered around the $66M mark. Expect the young guns such as Laine, Ehlers, Trouba, Morrissey, and Hellebuyck to get massive raises when their entry level contracts are done after the next few seasons. Cheveldayoff will need all the help he can get to make room for these upcoming monster contracts.

Another thing that throws a wrench into this year’s trade deadline is the June 20th expansion draft. The Vegas Golden Knights will be selecting 30 players in total. This means they will be selecting one player from each existing team. If Cheveldayoff acquired a player

Winnipeg Jets forward, Patrik Laine scored his 31st goal of the season during the Jets-Wild game at MTS Centre.

Mathieu Perrault with a goal in the 2nd period in the Jets-Wild matchup at MTS Centre on February 28.

Power D-man Dustin Byfuglien with a headlock on Jason Zucker.

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at trade deadline he would have had another player to worry about at the expansion draft. Spending any picks or prospects for such a player only to lose him at the expansion draft would be foolish.

Each team is limited to how many players they can protect. Teams can either protect eight skaters, or seven forwards and three defensemen. All teams can protect only one goaltender. Taking the eight skaters route would mean the Jets would lose one good defensemen. Toby Enstrom and Dustin Byfuglien are safe as they have no movement clauses. Will Cheveldayoff leave either Jacob Trouba or Tyler Myers exposed?

Trouba is an emerging star and Myers is already in his prime and has a team friendly contract. The Jets GM will need a well-thought out plan for this situation.

The lack of much movement at this year's trade deadline makes it clear the Winnipeg Jets are staying the course, for now. The way things are going and with all the talent on this team, Cheveldayoff won't be as quiet next time around.

And the Jets won’t be sellers.

They will be buyers looking to bolster their lineups in advance of a playoff run.

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