Filipino Journal Manitoba Edition October 05 - 20, 2019

OCTOBER 5-20, 2019 | VOL 33 NO 19

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

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Inang Turns 100, joins Centenarian Club A big Filipino community recently celebrated a significant milestone -- 100th birthday of kababayan Mercedes Calixterio, lovingly called as “Inang” by her family and friends.

Inang Mercedes was born on September 24, 1919 just after the first World War. She was a teacher in the Philippines before she moved to Winnipeg in 1986. She is a mother of 12 and a grandmother to 21 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

Not a milestone reached by many, the family of Inang Mercedes, led by her daughter Trifona Bermisa, just feels immensely blessed that she has lived a lifetime and they are grateful to share these many years with their mother queen.

Photo credit: Geraldine Ong

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Mercedes Calixterio turns a milestone celebrating her 100th year with loved ones

Winnipegger Mercedes Calixterio celebrated her 100th year last September 24, 2019 at the Hilton Hotel with the loving presence of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, some siblings, relatives and friends.

And it was a grand salvo feted for a mother queen, Mercedes or “Inang” to her family, a former teacher after the 2nd World War, was the centre of the celebration.

A special thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Darrin

J.G.Gurr, Pastor at St. Gianna Beretta Molla Roman Catholic Church and followed by the warmhearted birthday greetings from her loved ones as they offered the 100 beautiful red roses to her and picture taking with the greeters.

Added to the excitements was the blowing of the birthday cake by the centenarian who was beaming with smiles, gladly responding to all.

Mercedes also received greetings from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Prime

Minister Justin Trudeau, Governor General Julie Payette, Manitoba Premiere Brian Pallister and Manitoba Lt. Governor Janice Filmon.

Mercedes, who was born on September 24, 1919, had a humble beginning as she started teaching after she finished her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at the National Teachers’ College in 1949, to support their twelve children. Her teaching career started in the rural areas and had experienced hardship for during that time, transportation was not available. She had to walk and climbed the mountain terrains and passing streams, just to arrive to her teaching post with the Itneg tribe living in the mountain.

Mercedes juggled her time as a teacher and as an owner of a small scale business just to support the growing family.

During the second World War, both the husband and wife saw the ravages of war and had helped the Filipino soldiers by

providing them food, clothing and doing laundry and other necessary needs. For their acts of valour during the war, the husband and wife became members of the Philippine Veterans Association.

Mercedes’ services to the war was recognized by the US government.

In 1986, Trifona C. Bermisa, one of the 12 children, sponsored her parents Marcelo and Mercedes to Winnipeg and had helped prepare some food at the two nursing homes owned by the Bermisa family. Marcelo died at the age of 88 on December 2013, here in Winnipeg.

“Today is a very special occasion for all of us, celebrating my mother’s 100 years, living to a hundred years is a blessing and we are fortunate enough to be with her. And I would like to thank everybody especially Fr.

Darrin Gurr, for all the spiritual support given to us; to all my friends who helped me prepare for this occasion and to all her children, 21 grandchildren and 26 greatgrandchildren, our relatives who joined to celebrate our Inang,our mother who is a woman of resiliency, full of wisdom and strong faith in God,” Trifona C. Bermisa said with a smile.

Arnold Tongol and Paul Ong, local multi-talented balladeers, honored Inang with songs of love and admiration.

And a special performance by the St. Gianna’s Mob Dance Group.

Dancing followed to delight of the celebrant, Mercedes Cacatian Calixterio, who has the legacy of children, fellowmen and God who is blessed with many fruitful 100 years!

YOUR FUTURE IS WAITING Business Healthcare Legal Media Technology 204.775.8175 herzing.ca/winnipeg Photos by Gerladine Ong

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RE

-EL

ROBERT

EC

FALCON OUELLETTE

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Your VOICE In Ottawa ✓ Safer Communities & Gang Prevention ($12M) to

Winnipeg Police, Addictions reduction ($8.4M) & Mental Health ($200M) for Manitoba with $50 million for End Homelessness Winnipeg into Winnipeg Centre.

✓ Reunited more newcomer families, increasing the

number of spouses, partners, & dependent children to be admitted by 12,000 & shortened processing times for spousal application from 72 to 12 months in 2016.

✓ Announced the Student Direct Stream (SDS) which Robert and The West End Seniors Resource Centre dancers

improves the processing of student visa applications from China, India, Vietnam & the Philippines.

With Dr. Rey Pagtakhan, former MP

✓ Improved processing times for citizenship from 36 months to less than 12 months.

✓ Ensured that all Canadians – including dual citizens are treated equally once again by passing Bill C-6, a law that repeals unfair provisions from Conservative Stephen Harper’s Citizenship Act that created two-tiered citizenship.

✓ On September 19th family reunification for undeclared family members will be permitted.

✓ Retirement age back to 65, increases to Old Age Security, & $200 million for better home care in Manitoba.

✓ Lowest Child Poverty rate in Canadian history; new Original Filipino Senior Association of Manitoba’s Very Beautiful 2019 Mother of the Year

Visiting Manila with the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Association discussing security issues with the Filipino Military

Canada Child Benefit to 15710 children in Winnipeg Centre up to $540/per child/per month tax free.

✓ Protecting our Environment by meeting Paris targets plus ambitious national zero carbon emissions by 2050. ✓ New Home Buyers incentive up to $40 K to help reduce mortgage costs of 1st home.

✓ The new Canada Workers Benefit of $2335 for low income families.

✓ Steps forward for a National Pharmacare Plan.

Let's continue to work together Your VOTE can make a difference With The 204 St James-DeerLodge Neighbourhood Watch

Welcoming our new citizens

On October 21, Re-Elect Robert-Falcon Ouellette MP for Winnipeg Centre

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Steinbach Mayor Proud of Mentorship Program

A

By Kris Ontong

t the Annual General Meeting of the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce on September 24, Mayor Earl Funk listed his Mentorship Program as one of the highlights of his first year of being elected. Launched in the second quarter of 2019, the Mayor’s Mentorship Program aims to raise awareness of the workings of city government and the role of the city council. As well, it has the intent of encouraging residents to become more involved in the local governance of Manitoba’s third largest city, a forty-five minute drive southeast of Winnipeg and home to roughly 2,000 Filipino newcomers. For the program’s inaugural run, this writer happened to be the sole participant or mentee.

The first session of the program was to attend a meeting of the Steinbach City Council. This local governing body consists of the Mayor and his six councilors, namely Deputy Mayor Michael Zwaagstra, Bill Hiebert, Jack Hiebert, Susan Penner, Damian Penner and Jac Siemens. Regular Council meetings are held at City Hall on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm. The event is open to the public, with past meetings archived on the City Council’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UC5-sGvNM3Cvz5LJJtp-KSg.

before proceeding to the Council Chamber for the meeting. Also in attendance were City Manager Troy Warkentin and reporters from local media such as The Carillon newspaper and Golden West Radio. The ball started rolling when the Mayor called the meeting to order and declared the session open. Afterward, he asked the council for a motion to adopt the agenda and someone to second it. The rest of the meeting then followed the sequence outlined in the agenda. During the meeting, each Council member was guided by a document called the Agenda Package, which contains the meeting agenda, financial reports, and other references for the matters to be discussed. They typically receive this document on Thursday of the previous week to give them time to review and prepare whatever questions or concerns they might want to raise at the meeting proper. The June 18 Council meeting attended by this mentee featured the launch of WhySteinbach.com, which aims to complement the city website

There was a brief meet-andgreet with the Mayor at the lobby

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and boost investor interest. It showcases Steinbach's many amenities, infrastructure and significant developments.

The second session was more of an informal chat about the remuneration for being a City Council member and the other official functions that they attend. In May of 2017 it was reported by Steinbach Online that a city councilor’s salary was adjusted to $18,000 annually, while the Mayor’s was bumped to $44,000 per year. The session wound down with a preview of the actual Agenda Package which will be viewed in closer detail on the third and final session of the program.

On August 19, the Mayor’s residence was the venue for the third and final session of the program. As planned, Mayor Funk went through the contents

of the Agenda Package and explained the importance of each section. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the financial reports which contained the expenses regularly incurred by the city. The mentee remarked how illuminating it would be for fellow Steinbach residents to see where their tax dollars go. Before the session ended, Mayor Funk acknowledged the increasing diversity of Steinbach to be a factor in the Mentorship Program.

He also expressed how leaving a legacy is very important to him.

"I would really love to see the new cultures that are coming in and choosing Steinbach as their home to be represented in City Hall and in our government. My goal is to pass on knowledge and leave it with the next generation coming up, to share where we've been and how we got there."

The Mayor’s Mentorship Program is expected to re-open sometime in the last quarter of the year. Announcements about the actual date will be posted either on the website of Eastman Immigrant Services or the City of Steinbach website.

Kris Ontong is the past president of the South Eastman Filipino Association (SEMFA) and is an awardee at the 2019 National Filipino-Canadian Heritage Event for his active role in the Filipino community.

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October 5-20, 2019

New Original Music from The 12/21 and Humous & Gigs to Watch

I

n the recent years, there had been a rise in the number of local Filipino bands that thrive in our Filipino-Canadian community in Winnipeg.

The 12/21 One of the most enduring and successful is The

12/21—the so-called band of three brothers that was formed as early as 2006, consisting of Roman Maceda (vocal/guitar) and his twin brothers, Rico (bass/ vocals) and Roque (drums). A couple of years ago, the trio, whose music may be described as a blend of Pop Punk and Alternative Rock (certain points of references include The Ramones, Green Day, blink-182, The Cars, and The Romantics), released their first EP. Armed with this original music, The 12/21 has performed prolifically not only within Winnipeg’s Filipino community but also back in the Philippines during certain occasions as well as representing Filipino-Canadian to many Canadian Rock festivals, giving the brothers the opportunity to play in other provinces and alongside other young and even veteran Canadian Rock bands.

Now, The 12/21’s followup to its debut is forthcoming. Titled Hello Yellow, The 12/21’s second EP will be officially available digitally on Spotify and Apple Music on October 4. Come October 18, the power trio is set to launch the album’s CD format with a performance at The Royal Albert (48 Albert St., in Downtown Winnipeg).

Humous Led by cultural and music activist Julius Cesar Eugenio (vocals/bass) and completed by Johnric Navarro (guitar) and Junar Maglalang (drums), the 2013-formed Humous is paving

its own trademark in the local Winnipeg music scene. The trio— whose music may be described as Lo-Fi/Alternative Rock—released their first EP in 2018; it is still available at Sunrise Records at Polo Park Shopping Centre.

Several gigs in and out of the Filipino community after, Humous finally released another EP on September 28, at The Handsome Daughter (61 Sherbrook St.).

Titled Six Shots of Wisdom, Humous’s 2nd EP consists of six tracks that include “A Beautiful Mind,” “Paikut-íkot,” and “Pusò, Diwà, at Káluluwa.”

The CD’s beautiful cover design was made by Amber Daryl Ramos.

More Gigs to Look Forward To October 6 (Essence Event Centre, 2011 McPhillips) Tunog Kalye: Rakrakan na, Raprapan Pa!, featuring touring artists/bands that include Grin Department, Lei Bautista of Prettier then Pink, Robert Javier of The Youth, Stephen Lu of Rizal Underground, Jason Fernandez of Rivermaya, and Bendeatha of Salbakuta. (Tickets: 201-9790311) November 10 (Essence Event Centre) 1Heart: Funding Breakthrough Our Way, featuring Yzza Band and guest performers Rowena Mendoza, Manny Araullo, Jef Reyes, SherylLynn Policarpio, Ardie Sarao, HardNutz, Humous, Wasalak, and 4ThirtyOne (Tickets: 204-9960169)

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October 5-20, 2019

The Republic of Adobo

by Rod E. Cantiveros

Is immigration an issue in the coming Federal election?

Canada is an immigrant country, thus, a multicultural country where diversity is a strength and of course, the immigrants are the economic engines of Canada.

Currently, the population of Canada has grown to 37,305,066 and under the Liberal -Justin Trudeau- platform on immigration, the country needs more immigrants and the party is hoping to increase the intake of immigrants to 350,000 by 2021; compared with the Conservative Party - Andrew Scheer - which did not mention any number for the intake in the coming years; same as the Conservative Party, the NDP (National Democratic Party)-Jagmeet Singh- is on the same level on not committing any number of immigrants in the future intake; and the Green PartyElizabeth May- wants to increase

immigration for those places that can fill the job vacancies, meaning to spread out the intake of immigrants based on the job openings. But the new party founded by former Conservative MP, Maxime Bernier, the People's Party, when elected, to cut down the immigration by almost 50% less on the current (2018) figures 321,045, according to the leader of the party, Bernier, the current immigration level is not sustainable?

It was the Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau who opened the country to a wider flow of immigrants in the ‘60s when Canada welcomed immigrants from non-white countries like the Philippines, China, India, and other South Asian countries.

And this time, when the bulk of Filipino immigrants came in the late ‘60s, when the Immigration

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focused on the needs of garment workers to meet the demand of the ever-growing fashion industry in Winnipeg. Winnipeg then was the garment industry centre in the West; and Montreal, in the East.

And thus, Prime Minister Trudeau introduced multiculturalism in Canada. And since then, immigration to Canada has been increasing. And the Philippines became one of the major countries where immigrants are coming from.

The country of birth in 2016 based on statistics, the first 5 country of origins include India-668,565; China-649,260; Philippines-588,305; United Kingdom (UK)-495, 120 and the United States of America (USA)253, 715. And imagine yourself as one of the members these ethnic groups: Canadian-32.3%, E n g l i s h - 1 8 . 3 4 % , Scottish-13.93%, French 13.55%, Irish-13.43%, Italians-4.61%, First Nations-4.43%, Indian-4%, Ukrainian-4%,Dutch-3.2%, Polish-3.2%, Filipino-2.4%, Other British Isles-1.9%, Russian-1.8%, Metis-1.7%, Portuguese-1.4% Welsh-1.4% and Norway-1.3% And why we need more immigrants? Canada has small tax-payer base, and thus, less money for general expense; ageing population is increasing, in 2014, 6 million Canadians with age 65 and older; and by 2030, the seniors will rise to 9.5 millions or 23% of the population, so less workers, less productive; economic boom is a necessity for domestic and international competitiveness; and to supplement the falling birth rate in the Canada, with a current rate of 10.3 births per 1,000; not considering the death rate of 8.7 death per 1,000.

To be at the centre stage in the coming election, the following are the immigration platforms of the major parties: Liberal Immigration has increased under the Liberals; 321,045 immigrants came in 2018 — the largest number since the First World War. The party hopes to bump that number to 350,000 by 2021. Liberal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said he wants to accept more refugees, while the Liberal government has imposed measures to crack down on “asylum-shopping” and regulate immigration consultants.

refugees. Greens want them included as an official refugee category. They too want to get rid of the Safe Third Country agreement.

Conservative Conservatives haven’t said how many immigrants they would accept each year. But leader Andrew Scheer has stressed the importance of “economic immigration” and prioritizing those facing “true persecution.”

Conservatives also want to crack down on illegal border crossings.

They would instead promote the private sponsorship of refugees and increase refugee screening.

New Democrat The NDP don’t cite a specific number when asked how many immigrants they would accept.

The party has stressed the need to tackle applicant backlogs and prioritize family reunification.

It promises to regulate the immigration consultant industry and get rid of the Safe Third Country agreement, which prevents migrants who made claims in the U.S. from making claims in Canada.

Green Greens want to increase immigration to places that can’t fill job vacancies, but don’t cite targets for the number they would accept. The party also wants to start a discussion about climate

Contributing Writers: Gem & Lita Anis Johnny Cantiveros Tony and Letty Antonio Leila Castro

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Max Sangil Perry Diaz

Rod Escobar Cantiveros

Eric Labaupa

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Photographers:

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Alfred Gaddi Bryan Mesias

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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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Alfie vera Mella Clarence Cantiveros

Bloc Québécois The party says the Quebec National Assembly should decide how many immigrants and refugees the province accepts — not the federal government.

It wants Quebec exempted from the Multiculturalism Act. Like the NDP, the party wants to scrap the Safe Third Country agreement and give Quebec veto powers over federal decisions to expel refugees.

People's Party The party says it believes current immigration levels are “unsustainable.” It suggests a substantial drop in immigration, from 321,045 (the 2018 number) to between 100,000 and 150,000.

It wants fewer refugees, too, and would rely instead on private sponsors. It promises to designate the entire border an official port of entry, fence off problem areas and send back those crossing illegally.

Immigration is a national issue and must be given some clarifications from the various leaders: Justin Trudeau, Liberal Party; Andrew Scheer, Conservative; Jagmeet Singh, NDP; and Elizabeth May, Green Party.

Yes, Canada is a multicultural country and its people have come from more than 164 countries, bonding and working together as one.

And who can claim that he or she is not an immigrant in a certain period of time. Even the 1st Prime Minister in 1867, Sir John Macdonald, A Conservative Party leader, was born in Scotland in January 11, 1815 and came to Upper Canada as a child.

And it must be interesting to know the descendants of our party leaders?

And even the descendants of the First Nations people!

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief- Filipino Journal (1987-2008)

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Nonie Manalili

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Sa Båwat Påhinâ ng Pånitikan by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

Nasa Puso ang Pamayanan

Some Philippine Fruits & Their English Names

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ittle do many people know, the following Philippine fruits have their equivalent names in English. And although most of them originated from other countries in the previous decades or centuries, they have become considered local after years of cultivation. anónas - custard apple åtis - sweetsop; sugar apple avocådo - alligator pear balimbíng - star fruit caimíto - star apple chÊsa - egg fruit; cånistel chíco - noseberry; mud apple dúhat - black plum duriån - golden pillow guyabåno - soursop langkâ - jackfruit mabólo - velvet apple macópa - water apple; rose apple santól - cotton fruit Last Leaf Now that you have learned the names of these fruits, it’s time to hunt for them! You may find some of them at selected grocery stores or supermarkets here in Winnipeg. Most of them though

are more easily available in the Philippines. So, the next time you go there for a vacation, try to look for some, especially if you haven’t tasted them yet.

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Damascus, the "Pearl of the East"

by Gem and Lita Anis

Damascus (in Arabic, formally Dimashq), the capital of Syria, is said to be the the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. It was inhabited as early as 8,000 to 10,000 B.C. The city with about 4.5 million people has been called the "city of many pillars", the "gate of Mecca", and the "city of jasmine". Mark Twain, the American celebrated author and humorist (whose real name is Samuel Longhorne Clemens), referring to Damascus, wrote "Though old as history itself, thou art fresh as the breath of spring, blooming as thine own orange flower, O Damascus, the Pearl of the East". In 2008, Damascus was chosen as 2008 Arab "Capital of Culture".

Before the recent tragic conflict in Syria, i.e., the civil war which has been raging for eight years, eight months and a week, we visited historic Damascus and other parts of the country notably Aleppo, ancient Aramaic city of Maalula, the archaeological site of Bosra, and the magnificent ruins of Palmyra, on warm October pilgrimage together with the Middle Eastern countries of Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel.

Once the centre of Islam, Damascus, named a a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its outstanding universal value, has endured the test of time. A journey

to Old Damascus is a journey to both the past and the present.

What is there to see in Damascus that will let you travel timelessly?

Foremost by itself is the Old City of Damascus surrounded by a Roman wall, rebuilt many times, with seven extant gates to protect the ancient city which is divided into the market area, Muslim area, Christian area and the Jewish area.

Although the capital of a Muslim country, Christianity, first introduced when St. Paul the Apostle entered the city, has a large presence in Damascus with its churches, including the Church of St. Ananias said to be the remains of the house of Ananias where blind Saul (who became Paul the Apostle) was baptised by Ananias.

Ananias was a disciple of Jesus at Damascus as mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible. Still frequented by Christians today, the chapel is recognised to be the oldest church in Syria and one of the oldest in the world.

History, past and present, lives at the famous street in the old city, called "Straight Street", the Roman street that runs from east to west.

"Straight Street" was visited by St. Paul as recorded in the book of Acts. Straight Street contains many interesting sights that have endured the test of time.

Gem at the sculpture gardens of Damascus National Museum.

Also located in the ancient city of Damascus is the Azzam Palace which dates back to the days of the Ottoman Empire having been built in 1749 used to be the private residence of the governor of Damascus and now houses the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions.

A place that everyone must see, also at the old city, is the Souq al Hamidiyya, the largest and the central souq in Syria, that will certainly arouse all your senses.

You haven`t visited Syria altogether if you miss the souq (market). The experience here is pure middle eastern! Built in 1780 under the rule of Sultan Abdul Hamid, the souq which is about 600 meters long and 15 meters wide and covered by an ornate iron cover, is the most popular shopping district lined with hundreds of tiny shops selling traditional crafts and jewellery, cafes, grocery stores, and food stalls. The souq also plays host to the `bouzuria`(spice market) giving Al Hamidiyya its unique aroma particularly the smell of

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Gem & Lita at downtown Damascus, Syria.

cumin and other distinctive spices.

After the shopping experience or a wonderfal walk, you can relax and sample the delights of the Bakdash Ice Cream Parlour which serves locally-made pistachio covered-pounded ice cream, stretchy and chewy, known throughout the Arab world. Or eat at the Abu Al Aiz Restaurant which serves local dishes such as kabbab, kibbe (minced meat with spices), or middle eastern salad like the taboule (parsley with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions dressed with lemon vinaigrette & olive oil and the fattoush (cucumber, arugula, radish, tomatoes, green onions, parsley and mint).

Just at the end of the covered souq you`ll pass under the famous remains of the Temple of Jupiter and its arch and then find yourself in the shadow of the beautiful Umayyad Mosque. also known as the Great Mosque built by Umayyad Calip Al-Walid in 705 AD. The Islamic most famous mosque has four doors, three splendid minarets,and has four spacious halls. In the

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courtyard adjourned with golden mosaics are three domes - money dome, clocks dome and a dome over the fountain in the middle of the courtyard. Pope John Paul II came here in 2001 to visit the relics of St. John the Baptist, the first time a pope paid a visit to a mosque.

The Muslims believe that Umayyad Mosque is to be the place where Jesus will return at the End of Days.

After soaking up the sublime at Umayyad Mosque we stopped at at the mausoleum located in a small garden just outside the mosque containing the tomb of Salah-aldin, known in the West as Saladin, the first Sultan of Syria and the chief anti-crusader.

Last but not the least is our visit to the National Museum of Syria in the heart of Damascus, shut down and emptied during the country`s civil war and now has re-opened. With its over 3000,000 artefacts, the museum is organised into five wings - prehistoric age, ancient Syria, classical age, Islamic Age, and the Image Gallery.

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Rita Daniela says snubbing incident with Alex Gonzaga not an issue GMA talent Rita Daniela said she hopes the alleged snubbing incident with actress and vlogger Alex Gonzaga at an airport in Mindanao won’t turn into a big issue.

The incident ballooned after show biz columnist and talent manager Lolit Solis posted the news that Alex gave Rita and Ken Chan the cold shoulder after they

approached at an airport her telling her they were fans of her vlog. Rita said they have talked to Alex and everything is now settled.

The 24-year-old singer-actress added that as celebrities, she and Ken understood the situation that particular night. Meanwhile, Alex replied to Lolit’s post, refuting her source’s version of the incident.

John Lloyd Cruz makes surprising comeback

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John Lloyd Cruz surprised everyone when he appeared in the last frame of the “Culion” movie trailer shown recently.

The actor’s unexpected appearance indicated that he has finally ended his break from acting after more than two years in hiatus. His last film was the Star Cinema movie “Finally Found Someone” in 2017. He subsequently took an indefinite leave from showbiz to attend to personal matters.

“Culion” is set in the 1940s and follows the story of three leper patients Anna (Iza Calzado), Doris (Jasmine Curtis-Smith), and Ditas (Meryll Soriano). The film is directed

by Alvin Yapan and written

by Ricky Lee. It is vying for a competition slot in the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival.

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OPINIONS info@FilipinoJournal.com | FilipinoJournal.com

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Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience. Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

Solutions for Palaisipan & Sudoku will be posted online

www.FilipinoJournal.com

Horoscope Success and good fortune are strongly indicated where business and money is concerned. Efforts to advance your career that you’ve made that could finally bear fruit. Worries over finances disappear.

You could receive public recognition of some kind, particularly from higher-ups. Some benefit through contracts or legal papers is also indicated. This is a satisfying, profitable time.

You’re more action oriented, too, and willing to do whatever is necessary to further your plans. You’ll be in your part and eager to build ahead with your brightest and best ideas. Where finances are concerned, it’s a good time to find for bargains, especially on any typically expensive items. Some research could save you a lot of money.

Practical information attained from outside sources merges with insights to bring useful information your way. Heightened imagination and creativity could bring new ideas for advancing yourself in money and business affairs. Consider everything carefully before taking action. Be open to the advice of others.

Whatever you do, today shows promise of being successful and fortunate.

PAHALANG

Relationships with partners should be mutually beneficial, particularly when the people you’re dealing with are friends. Social events, especially those unrelated to business, could bring exciting new contacts. If you’ve been considering entering a new business partnership, start discussing it seriously.

Romantic partnerships begun or moved forward now should also go very well.

Major advancement could be in your works. Your efficient and practical abilities are operating at a very high level. A long-term goal that you’ve been working toward could finally be reached and bringing good fortune and open acknowledgement. Your efforts may be so appreciated that you could be asked to continue doing what you’re doing.

Information received from far away could prove especially valuable. Your strong business head and practical skills couple with imagination and innovation to bring advancement your way. Relationships with friends and neighbors should be warm, cordial, and cooperative. Love relationships also prove rewarding.

The meeting promises to be cooperative, rewarding, and fruitful. Business colleagues or prospective partners could be visit. Any partnership formed now shows promise of being a step in the right direction.

You might fantasize about how you’re going to spend all the money you’re going to make. This is fine as long as you postpone actually spending it until you have the money in your hands.

You could meet some valuable contacts .A social event in your neighborhood, perhaps in your home, could bring practical information your way that you can put to use to advance your business. Information received from neighbors can prove informative. You should feel optimistic, enthusiastic, and motivated. Whatever you start now should bring success and good fortune your way.

Any difficulties you’ve been having may disappear as if by magic. Your business and financial interests could suddenly take a turn for the better. Whatever your work, either related to career or projects of your own, it should suddenly run a lot more smoothly. You should be feeling physically strong and energetic. Optimism and enthusiasm spread throughout your thoughts.

Love matters should also be going very well, and children could bring you great pleasure. You feel mentally and physically great, and your business and financial interests may take a sudden turn for the better. A contract could be involved. This is a good time to make future plans and pursue your most cherished ambitions.

Helpful advice makes a future course of action seem clearer and more practical than before. You can overcome difficulties with business and money through the help of someone older. Your practical abilities are heightened.

You’re less likely than usual to let strong emotions interfere with using them. A previously unused intuitive ability could also help you now.

You might use your business and money-management skills to help a friend or a group with which you’re affiliated. A piece of information for which you’ve been searching could suddenly become known. You’ll have some good pointers to impart. Gratitude, if not financial compensation, should be forthcoming. Put your nose to the grindstone and get going!

PABABA

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October 5-20, 2019

The Conservative Party of Canada has a plan to put more money in the pockets of all Canadians to reduce the cost of living.

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October 5-20, 2019

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Anglers Compete for Cash at the FAAM Derby

T

he 2nd annual FAAM Red River Shore Derby took place on September 22nd at Selkirk Park. The weather was fantastic for the 116 competing anglers and over two dozen volunteers. This year’s event aimed to raise funds for the Barangay West End Community Group as well as hand out over $2000 in cash and prizes to the participants.

The entire length of available shoreline at Selkirk Park was utilized by the competitors who collectively scored just over 100 fish during the four-hour event.

A variety of species were caught including greenback walleye, sauger, freshwater drum (silver bass), burbot, carp, stonecat, bullhead, sucker, and channel catfish! All of the two-person teams of measuring judges were

busy recording scores from the beginning to the end.

A fantastic pancit, lumpia, fried chicken, and pulled beef meal was waiting for everyone in attendance at the awards lunch after the derby. Multiple draw prizes were handed out in addition to the major award categories.

Thank you to all of the sponsors of the event including Danny’s Whole Hog BBQ, Dylan Foui Automotive, Kickerfish Media, and The Filipino Journal.

Adult Walleye 1st - Tyler Waite 19.00” $700 2nd - Kevin Loewen 18.25” $350 3rd - Erwin Luna 17.75” $225 Adult Other Species (prize packages) 1st - Kham Manivong 29.00” channel catfish 2nd - Bernard Reyes 22.00” drum 3rd - Zack Hryciw 19.00” sucker Youth Walleye 1st - Kaiden Villarin 21.50” $150

2nd - Riley Loewen 19.75” $100 3rd - Joshua Loewen 18.25” $50 Youth Other Species (prize package) 1st - Joshua Loewen 16.00” drum

Kaiden with Dad Dennis Villarin and their Youth Division winning 21.5" walleye.

Erwin Luna with his 3rd place winning 17.75” walleye.

Val Dotoli, Dominga Labaupa, and Annie Torres helping serve lunch at the Awards.

Nizam Alli and Alan Alli serving hot chocolate and water to the anglers.

by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

Tamís ng Tahó sa Alaála At natápos rin ang kalbáryong hatíd ng Tag-lamíg Gáya ng mga umágang katawá'y nangínginig Nagmúmukmok sa isáng súlok, waláng nakíkinig Ang tánging kapíling ay mga paborítong hímig Ganyán talagá ang áting búhay—paikut-íkot Mínsan ay nakatútuwâ; mínsa'y nakatatákot Mínsa'y nakalílibang; mínsan ay nakabábagot Hindí lahát ng katanúngan ay mayroóng sagót Kitang-kíta na ang aníno hábang naglálakad Ang mga bulaklák ay malápit nang mamukadkád Walá nang maidádahilán ang tátamad-tamád Kasáma na rin diyán ang mga kukúpad-kúpad Kayâ tára na, bángon na, óras na ng trabáho H'wag mong hayáang maunáhan ka ng magtatahó

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October 5-20, 2019

The Pulse of the Filipino Community Since 1987

Senators endorse Bong Go’s Malasakit Center bill

T

he Malasakit Center bill proposed by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, has received huge support from his fellow senators during the Senate regular session on Monday, September 30.

Manifesting their support to Senate Bill No. 1076, or “An Act Establishing Malasakit Centers in All Department of Health Hospitals,” are Senators Cynthia Villar, Manny Pacquiao,

Sherwin Gatchalian, Sonny Angara, Bong Revilla, Francis Tolentino, Ronald dela Rosa, Imee Marcos, Joel Villanueva and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

In his sponsorship speech delivered during the session, Go emphasized that his proposed measure will complement the recently passed Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, or Republic Act No. 11223, in providing medical assistance and accessible healthcare to all Filipinos. The

Senator also clarified that the centers merely act as one-stop shops for medical assistance and will not provide additional funds. He added that the proposed measure establishes the Malasakit Program providing a “policy framework for integrated people-centered health services in DOH hospitals.” Currently, there are 42 Malasakit Centers nationwide serving 160,000 to 200,000 patients every month.

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Retro-themed fundraising of St. Gianna Parish, a success! jeans, tie-dyed shirts, moccasins, love beads, chain belts and long puffed bubble sleeves that called for a best in costume contest.

Door prizes, silent auction and 50/50 got even more exciting when the volunteers sought for more voluntary gift to raise the funds.

Entertainers include Paul Ong, pianist John Eisma and his group, and the razzmatazz group of volunteers who showcased their dancing prowess as they he slam-bang of ‘60s and recreated the disco atmosphere of ‘70s song and dance hits and fashion ignited more fun and enjoyment at the first fundraising event celebrating the 15th year of St. Gianna Beretta Molla Catholic Parish held last September 27 at the Marlborough Hotel .

The fundraising was organized by the dedicated volunteers of the parish, led by Perla Javate. Parish members and guests savoured the ‘60s and ‘70s ambience that filled the night with retro disco music. Attendees donned in frayed bell-bottomed Members of the organizing committee.

T

Men’s best in costume contenders.

the ‘60s and ‘70s at the Skyview Ballroom of the Marlborough Hotel.

“With over 400 people in attendance, the evening was filled with high energy and great jubilation. Proceeds from the event were directed toward the fund for the future commissioning of a bronze statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary for the Church’s worship space. Thank you to all for being a part of something great,” Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Darrin J.G. Gurr said.

The singers.

Photo credit: Lorna Aquino, Maricor Dano, Dot del Rosario

Women’s best in costume contenders.

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