Pilipino Express • Dec 1 2015

Volume 11 • No. 23 • December 1 -15, 2015

Publication Mailing Account #41721512

Manitoba bans inactivity fees on gift cards

Lovi Poe

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WINNIPEG – Just in time for holiday shopping, the Manitoba government’s legislation outlawing inactivity fees on shopping centre gift cards came into effect on December 1.

This closes a loophole that allowed companies that sell shopping centre gift cards to charge monthly fees if the card hadn’t been used after a certain period of time. Now, Manitobans can be sure that giving someone $50 means they’ll get to spend $50.

“These new rules will help families get a fairer deal for their hard-earned money,” said Minto MLA Andrew Swan, the member who brought this legislation forward. “It’s part of our government’s inclusive vision to keep life affordable for everyone, here at home.”

The Manitoba government had already banned inactivity fees and expiration dates for

Photo by Rey-Ar single-retailer gift cards in 2007.

Businesses that impose inactivity fees on gift cards after December 1, or otherwise violate the province’s rules related to gift cards, will be subject to penalties ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for an individual and from $5,000 to $20,000 for a corporation.

Winnipegger warns of immigration phone scam

Marion Aunor Live in Winnipeg!

December 27, 2015

A Benefit Concert See p23 for details

By Carol Sanders Winnipeg Free Press

More than 45 years after Winnipeg resident Monina Relano moved to Canada from the Philippines, she got a phone call Tuesday saying there was a problem with her immigration paperwork.

“I was scared,” said Relano.

Though she’s been a Canadian citizen since 1975, she was taken aback by the authoritative voice on the phone. The man told her she didn’t fill out a required immigration form and now had to pay an out-of-court settlement of $2,490 or the RCMP would be at her door.

Relano figured out it was an immigration phone scam but worries more recent newcomers See SCAM p3

23

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Photo by Rey-Ar

MA. LEE HOLGADO JEZREEL “The Jet” Sales Advisor REYES Sales Advisor

ELAINE VERRI

Sales Consultant

JOELAN MENDOZA Collision Repair Advisor

PAGE 2

PILIPINO EXPRESS

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

SCAM...

From page 1 without permanent status in Canada might be conned. She wants to warn them before they get the call and end up swindled.

“So many new immigrants don’t know how the government works,” said Relano. “They would give their Visa number and be done with it.”

She got the call Tuesday [November 17] at about 4 p.m.

“He said ‘This is Immigration Canada, and we want to inform you there’s been a complaint filed again you.’ I said ‘Like what?’ and he said I can’t discuss it in detail.

He passed the phone over to the next person.” A man identifying

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PAGE 3 himself as a supervisor told her “I want you to listen and don’t say anything.” He asked when she arrived in Canada, when she became a citizen and then told her she failed to fill out an immigration form “which is very important to stay in this country,” she recalled.

“He said to me that ‘Because of this, your case has been referred to the RCMP’… He said ‘You have to take this case seriously.

If you don’t, you will be taken to court, and the proceedings will cost you $80,000 in legal fees, and the RCMP will put you on a plane and haul you back to the Philippines’… He said ‘If you want this kept out of the courts with a settlement you could send us $2,490.” She had to decide right

away or the RCMP would be at her door, he said.

“Listening to something like that is scary,” she said. “It scared me to the point my knees were shaking,” said Relano. “I was trying to imagine what I might have done wrong — maybe I failed to fill out the form?”

The call ended when she said she had to speak to her lawyer before making a decision.

“Twenty minutes I was on the phone,” with the immigration phone scammer. “It was like a nightmare.”

When she checked her call display, the calls appeared to come from a Winnipeg area code and an Ottawa area code.

See SCAM p10

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Net proceeds to charity.

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

Never forget For veteran Davao City journalist Stella Estremera, these two words are as applicable to the atrocities during the martial law regime as to the Ampatuan massacre, which marked its sixth anniversary on Monday, November 23. “Never forget,” she said in answer to a student who had asked for her statement on the sixth anniversary of the massacre.

The occasion was the sixth Davao Media Freedom Day, held as part of the yearly commemoration of the massacre in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao that claimed the lives of 58 people, 32 of them journalists. The massacre was the single deadliest day for journalists in history and gave birth to the annual Davao Media Freedom Day. This year, the activities were held at the University of Mindanao (UM).

“It has been six years and nothing has happened yet,” Estremera said, noting that the case has been moving too slowly and justice has still eluded the victims’ families. She urged the participants, around 200 students from various universities in Davao City, to make use of social media to remind the people that the massacre has yet to be resolved.

For his part, Karlon Rama of the Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (Pecojon) said after six years, journalists now need to ask “new questions” that would give better information to the people.

He said everyone by now knows what happened on November 23, 2009 in Ampatuan town, and the people now need to know why the justice system is moving so slowly to resolve the matter.

Looking back The victims of the massacre had been in a convoy heading to the provincial capital of Sharrif Aguak to file candidacy papers for Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu

for the May 10, 2010 national election. Mangudadatu was running for the position of provincial governor against Andal Ampatuan Jr., one of the sons of incumbent Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. In an article she wrote in the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)’s report after its International Solidarity Mission in November last year, thenNational Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) chair Rowena Paraan gave the following account: “Already fearing the Ampatuan clan would interfere, Toto Mangudadatu arranged for his wife, sisters and two female lawyers to travel in a convoy to file his candidacy papers. It was believed that in accordance with Muslim tradition, no harm would come to the women. Prior to departure, the family had also sought a military escort for the convoy from the commander of the 6th Infantry Division, Major General Alfredo Cayton. Instead, he assured them that the road was clear and safe, and that the Philippine National Police (PNP) was deployed along it.

“The convoy of six vehicles headed off from the Mangudadatu compound at 9 a.m. One hour later at 10 a.m., as it was approaching Ampatuan Town, the group was stopped at a checkpoint roadblock at Sitio Malating, Barangay Salman, by members of the PNP and about 100 armed men allegedly led by Andal Ampatuan Jr. Mixed in with the original convoy were now two other vehicles with six people, unwittingly caught up in the cavalcade in the process of overtaking the slower vehicles.

“The convoy and more than 20 vehicles belonging to the gunmen were diverted west, on to a rough side road and along a

ridgeline for about 2.5 kilometres to Sitio Masalay, a knoll with a steep drop-off. They arrived at about 10.30 a.m. At that site, a backhoe belonging to the provincial government, its engine casing stamped with the words: “Property of the province of Maguindanao – Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr.,” had already dug three pits between 1.5 meters and 3.5 metres deep.

“Over the next hour the armed men massacred 58 people, including 15 women. They victims were shot in batches of about 10 with some still in their vehicles. The backhoe had earlier been carried on a transporter to the checkpoint, and then driven up the side road to the site to dig the holes. It was also used to begin burying the bodies and vehicles before its engine burnt out.”

Slow justice system According to the IFJ, a total of 193 people have been accused of being part of the massacre.

Eighteen of the accused carry the Ampatuan surname, including clan patriarch Andal Ampatuan Sr. who died on July 18, 2015 of liver cancer. Other Ampatuan family members on the list are Zaldy Ampatuan (the former governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) and former Datu Unsay town mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. The IFJ said that at the time of the fifth anniversary of the massacre last year, at least 118 people had been arrested and arraigned although 84 of them have still not been captured. The trial, which began in January 2010, “has been characterised by lengthy legal argument from prosecutors, delaying tactics by defence lawyers, bribery accusations and a sorry lack of updates for the families of the massacre victims.”

At least four potential state witnesses have been killed since the trial’s start. Witnesses and even some policemen “continue to fear for their safety as their status in the Witness Protection

Program remains unclear. The Justice Department has repeatedly assured the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) that sufficient money has been released by the Office of the President for this trial, however there have been instances of scheduled witnesses failing to appear, reportedly due to lack of funds,” the IFJ said.

Press freedom?

For Estremera and Rama, the massacre as well as other attacks on journalists and the journalism profession itself means there is virtually no freedom of the press in the country. Journalists are still being threatened with bodily harm and with the possibility of being imprisoned for libel.

They agreed that while there is no state-sponsored censorship in the Philippines, libel remains a criminal offense with a corresponding penal provision.

IFJ, for its part, noted that at least 34 journalists have been killed since the Ampatuan massacre. And since 1986 when the People Power uprising against the Marcos dictatorship brought democratic institutions back to the Philippines, 172 media workers have been killed.

President Aquino, the group said, has been “unsupportive,” and on several occasions has said the reasons journalists are killed in the Philippines are not always due to their media work.

“The main challenge for the NUJP and the media community is to put justice for the victims of the Ampatuan Massacre issue at the top of the national government’s agenda. The murderers must be held to account. But just as importantly, we need to restore public interest in the issue and strengthen the people’s resolve in demanding justice and asserting the democratic rights to free expression and a free press,” Paraan said.

Jon Joaquin is the Associate Editor of EDGE Davao, the newest daily newspaper in Mindanao. E-mail Jon at jonjoaquin@gmail.com.

Peace on Earth

A call to love one another Natalie is a 94-year-old woman who lives in a nursing home close to where I live. She has very poor eyesight to the point where her glasses do not help her much anymore. Her white hair falls softly onto her shoulders and she wears cozy sweaters and blankets whenever I see her, regardless of the weather outside. During our visits I often bring one of my children, and her smile lights up the room when I do. “Hello little boy!” she calls out when we arrive. She lets them feed Ginger the cat whenever they

ask. We sit together, pray together and chat about the weather and our families. Some days, she is tired or sick. There have been times when she has been sad.

My favourite conversations are about what she has learned as a mother over the years. “Children always want to know that you are there, even if they think they don’t, and even when they say they don’t,” she told me one day.

She lived through the Second World War and has told me what it was like growing up in Winnipeg during that time. Natalie has never

used the Internet or e-mailed anyone, nor does she watch reality TV or care about the latest musthave purse. “I don’t need much!” she tells me often. Her days are peaceful and simple, while mine are hectic, sometimes stressful, and always “go-go-go.” I often marvel at how different we are, yet our visits are never silent, are usually cheerful, at times have been tearful, but have always been a joy.

A force greater than the both of us brought us together. Natalie is my friend. She is my inspiration to think about what it truly means to love thy neighbour.

There is a lot going on in our world right now, particularly the

refugee crisis and acts of terrorism in other countries. It is natural to feel helpless and experience strong emotions such as sadness and anger. We often say, “What can I do?” or “I am only one person.” It is sometimes easier to put such tragedy out of our minds than think about it for too long.

We are hearing a lot of strong opinions in the media.

During this time of reflection of what “Peace on Earth” and “Good will towards others” truly means, we are called to consider the struggles of other people and to realize that we do indeed have power to facilitate change in our world.

See PEACE p6

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Syrian refugees and their detractors

The tragic events in Paris on November 13, 2015 are a reminder to us all about the kind of world we live in. Canada has enjoyed relative security in this uncertain world but we must remain vigilant.

Vigilance is good but at what cost?

In some ways the recent election was a referendum on the same subject. On the one hand we had Prime Minister Harper saying he was keeping Canada safe from terrorists and defending his government’s decision to do little or nothing for the Syrian refugees.

In sharp contrast we had the NDP and Liberals stating publically their intention to help the refugees as part of Canada’s long humanitarian history. Harper’s fear and division and his antiIslam approach did not convince the voters. The election is over but the debate continues.

Some of the first news reports from Paris said that one of the dead terrorists had a Syrian passport. Immediately there was a hue and cry about ISIS members infiltrating the refugee movement and spreading terror around the world. It did not matter that within days the news media corrected the report. We found out that domestic recruits to ISIS from France and Belgium carried out the attack.

Was there a change in the right wing reaction? No. Witness the United States GOP candidates

who are falling over themselves to stop the threat of refugees, even those under the age of three. The guideline for the critics of Obama in the south and Trudeau in the north is not to let facts get in the way of a good story.

In Canada, to the credit of all Canadians, the reaction has been mild compared to that of Donald Trump who is leading a call to vilify all Muslims or play on the fears of the public. North of the border the premier of Saskatchewan and a few others have expressed concerns about bringing in large numbers of Syrian refugees – or any at all. An example of right wing commentaries is that of Sun writer Lorne Gunter who wrote an article in the days following the attacks in Paris, entitled, “Liberals fail Canada with Syrian refugee pledge.” Mr. Gunter concluded, “there is only one word for the Liberals’ stubborn insistence on carrying through with their feel-good refugee promise: insane.” There are others words such as “mercy,” “compassion,” “consideration,” but the writer’s intention was not to be fair in his assessments. There is no doubt about Mr. Gunter’s extreme opinions when he describes Syrian refugees as “people from a region and a faith full of people sworn to destroy us” or the Liberal governments actions as “without

first screening them for terrorists and extremists in their midst.”

It is a credit to the majority of Canadians that commentators such as Lorne Gunter do not attract the same following as their counterparts in the United States. Jihadists are different from followers of Islam, which like all the other major religions, is based on peace not war. Mr. Gunter betrays both his ignorance of the fundamentals of Islam as well as his lack of awareness about the way refugees are vetted. He does not mention the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) nor does he appear to understand that refugees, in camps, are often screened for years. Finally we have the evidence coming out of France, where the conclusion is that the terrorists were domestic, born in France or Belgium, and possibly radicalized in those countries. He clearly missed the fact that the two terrorist acts in Canada, including the one on Parliament Hill, were committed by radicalized Canadians. If you are only waiting to say “I told you so,” why let facts and common sense get in your way? He sounds more like he is trying to fight the battle his party lost in October rather than add anything positive to the debate.

In contrast to Mr. Gunter and many others who supported the former Conservative government’s approach to doing nothing for refugees, we have

the Liberal election promise to bring in 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of the year. The plan itself was just announced on November 24, 2015. The highlights of the announcement were first that it was presented by a variety of Ministers from Immigration, National Defence, Public Safety, Health etc., which was a welcome relief from the former government’s approach of limiting the public statements of Ministers.

Some highlights include the plan to bring in 10,000 refugees by the end of the year who have been living in refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey. They have already screened by a host of agencies including UNHCR. The fact that the Liberals are unable to meet their election target of 25,000 until 2016 should not undermine the fact that their intention is good and they are following through.

The Winnipeg Sun was quick to point out critically that 10,000 is the same number the Harper government had announced in the run up to the election. The number is familiar but compare the times frames: under two months rather than five years. The current government plan focuses on persons already registered as refugees, families, persons with familial connections to Canadians and single men who are part of family groups or members of persecuted LGBT minorities.

There is a perceptible change in attitude from that of the former Harper government and writers like Lorne Gunter. In contrast to the fear and division preached by those who would persecute Muslims on the basis of their faith, we have the majority of Canadians opening their arms to the plight of the most vulnerable of persons displaced by the war in Syria. Can we be sure that no terrorist leaning person will get through the screening? The answer for opponents to the Syrian refugee movement would probably be “no,” so they would conclude that no one should be let in. But wasn’t that the same thing that an earlier Canadian Prime Minister McKenzie-King said about admitting Jews trying to escape from Europe in the 1930s: “one is too many.” The majority of Canadians, fortunately, are not like McKenzie-King, the Sun writer, the former Conservative governments or Republicans like Trump, Carson, Cruz etc. In the words of President Obama, “we are not like that.”

Michael Scott BA (Hon), MA, is a 30-year veteran of Canada Immigration and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program who works as an immigration associate with R.B. Global Immigration Consultants Ltd. (204) 783-7326 or (204) 2270292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail. com.

Word choice

The power behind the words you use Communication is key in any type of relationship, both personal and professional. The words we use can be simple and concise, but can truly convey a powerful message. Our division is compiling statements from each school regarding Mayor Brian Bowman’s challenge in response to Winnipeg being called the most racist city in a Maclean’s article.

My principal asked a student leadership group that I, along with three colleagues, supervise to help with this task. This is the same group I took to We Day and had

PEACE...

From page 4

• Keep those who are suffering, grieving, alone, lost, and ill in your thoughts and prayers. Mourn and identify with the situation of another. Contrary to what some might say, wishing good for another is not passive or pointless.

It is a powerful intention that leads to more good deeds, humbles us and leads us to more appreciation

been recognized formally by the Manitoba Schools Board for our work in advocating for the rights of others, and ourselves, both locally and globally. It seemed fitting that it was suggested that the task of summarizing what our school does to recognize and respect diversity and inclusion was left to our group.

We let the kids reflect on this idea, and decided to host an optional lunch meeting on a Friday. We only had a third of our members attend – but they were the most passionate about this issue.

The statement they created was

honest and simple, and I wanted to share it with you to show you the power behind words.

“Together, we know that small acts of kindness can make a big difference near and far.”

This was created by a group of 9 sixth graders. Let that sink in.

We often associate intelligence with using an eloquent vocabulary and, depending on context, the two may rightfully be correlated. After all, the more you read, the more you know. This statement above is literally the language of children, but they managed to summarize an idea that could lend itself to a book –in sixteen words. Global idea. Sixteen child-friendly words.

Parent tip: clarify When communicating with your child, take the time to slow down and become aware of the words you are choosing. I often, as a teacher, pause when I use certain words and I get the students to clarify what those words mean. We take for granted that children don’t always know the meaning behind the words they say.

I recently discussed with my students why I do not accept the word “retarded” being used, ever.

They honestly used it thinking it only meant “stupid.” They did not understand the connotations behind that word – this is common to elementary students. I had to

explicitly teach that it referred to someone with a mental, physical, or learning disability. Once they understood the weight of that word, I have not heard that word since.

When you hear your child saying certain words, or when you are speaking to your child, make sure you check their comprehension. Ask them to say it in their own words. It may surprise you what they understand from your sentence. Best of luck, families!

Judianne Jayme is an educator teaching sixth grade and a division-wide mentor in the Winnipeg School Division.

of what we have. Sooner or later, each and every single one of us will be in need of compassion and assistance from another.

• Be careful of prejudice, hatred and the spread of irrational fear. Those who discriminate and judge never have truthful facts to support their message. Fear is used to keep people apart, and prevents us from truly seeing each other. There are a lot of messages of intolerance circulating on

social media channels. Every time we refuse to spread messages of hate and educate others instead, we contribute to peace. If you look for the good in others, you will find it.

• Connect with others. The season is an opportune time to send a card or e-mail, call, or visit a loved one, especially if you haven’t spoken in a while. Gifts are usually a part of Christmas but should not be the main

focus. Emphasize having a great experience together, rather than gift giving.

• Pay it forward. If you have been the beneficiary of someone’s act of good will, take your turn and be kind. This will renew people’s faith that humans are good and generous. Acts of good will can easily be done by donating to the poor and needy, either with money or with your time.

One of the most valuable

lessons that I have learned from my friendship with Natalie is that humans are more alike than different. Everyone wants to belong. Everyone falls in love.

Everyone experiences delight.

Everyone feels pain. Realizing and remembering this truth will bring us closer to peace among humankind.

This Christmas season, I wish you and yours a joyful time of See PEACE p7

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 7

Executive functioning skills at a glance Do you as ever wonder why a co-worker just can’t seem to complete his or her assigned tasks at work, keep track of files, wait until the last minute to begin a project, and their office space look like a mess? Do you ever think to yourself that this co-worker just doesn’t care or is just plain lazy?

Whether we are at work, at school or at home, it is only proper to monitor ourselves and regulate our behaviour when it comes to organizing and completing tasks.

Being aware of surroundings as well as projecting appropriate behaviour is an expectation at work from employees. Even in school, students are expected to be conscientious to ensure homework and projects are completed on time. At home, family members are expected to be able to plan when a special occasion or an illness occurs. In general, as individuals, we have to be able to keep track of all the multiple priorities going on in our lives whether it is deciding upon which bills to pay first, balancing the needs of children as parents and being able to keep and make appointments.

All of these skills are examples of executive functioning skills.

Executive functioning skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan ahead, organize our thoughts, start and finish a task and manage our time. These skills can also impact our ability to interact with others as these skills also help to control emotions, monitor our actions, evaluate thoughts and find solutions to a problem.

Without these skills and key

PEACE...

From page 6 togetherness, reflection and good will towards others.

Cheryl Dizon-Reynante is the founder of Nexus Counselling and a licensed therapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

She is a proud member of the Manitoba Filipino Business Council and a provider for the Blue Cross Employee Assistance Program. Cheryl has experience helping clients with issues such as grief, depression, relationship difficulties, parenting, aging and illness. She can be reached at (204) 297-6744 or info@ nexuscounselling.com.

capabilities, not much will be accomplished. It wouldn’t matter either how smart or talented we are, because executive functioning skills are core and essential, it becomes more crucial as we grow older. As adults, we take on multiple roles at one time requiring us to juggle work with parenting, housework, paying bills, etc.

Other examples of executive functioning skills are being able to meaningfully include previously acquired knowledge in discussions and knowing when and how to interject in a conversation; being able to change our minds and make mid-course corrections while thinking, driving, reading or writing; being able to keep track of time and finish assignments and keeping track of more than one thing at once (ie multitasking).

For adults experiencing a deficit in these skills, having an extra child to look after is a common complaint that could add significant stress on family life. This is an indication that there are limitations in executive functioning skills, in which case there is an inefficiency in the cognitive management systems of the brain that affects a variety of neuropsychological processes, such as paying attention to and remembering details, managing

time and space, planning and organizing.

Researchers report that there is no information that indicates how to strengthen executive functioning, however, a review from cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham reports that certain parental behaviours such as affection, encouragement and well-structured and consistent rules can help children develop robust executive function skills over time.

In the workplace, there are ways to assist employees who show difficulty with these skills.

For instance, if an employee always seem to leave things at the last minute, one method of improving the skill, or the lack of it, is for the team leader to work with that employee to structure his or her day so that the harder tasks are worked on first thing in the morning when that employee’s focus is at his or her best. This way, there will be more chance for the employee to complete the easier tasks after that, and in turn enable him or her to meet deadlines.

There is one unforeseen but well-supported way to improve executive functions in both children and adults. In a published review of this research, the journal Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, concludes that “ample evidence indicates that regular engagement

in aerobic exercise can provide a simple means for healthy people to optimize a range of executive functions.” The study found that regular exercise have been linked to academic achievement in school-aged children, improved executive function in young adults and lessen the deterioration of these skills in older adults.

In the event that you experience or know someone who is experiencing difficulty in performing the aforementioned skills and tasks, it may not be just a case of laziness and procrastination, but rather a case that requires careful attention and assistance.

Sources www.caddac.ca/cms/page. php?69 w w w. l i n k e d i n . c o m / pulse/20140819043606-

114551449-executivefunctioning-in-school-theworkplace-and-life ldaamerica.org/types-oflearning-disabilities/executivefunctioning/ www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ blogs/secretlife/blogposts/thescience-of-smart-surprising-wayto-improve-executive-function/ This article is for information purposes only and not intended as advice.

Michele Majul-Ibarra is a Human Resources Professional.

She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Human Resource Management. She has also earned the C.I.M. professional designation (Certified in Management). E-mail her at info@pilipino-express.com.

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

Aluminum wiring Due to a rise in the price of copper in the 1960s and 70s, singlestrand aluminum wiring became a popular alternative for copper branch-circuit wiring in residential electrical installations. Buildings constructed or renovated during this period are more likley to have aluminum wiring than buildings built before or after those years.

However, it was later discovered that aluminum possesses certain characteristics that, compared with copper, made it an unsuitable material as an electrical conductor. Aluminum will usually deteriorate faster than copper even if it’s properly installed. Substandard connections in lighting fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets cause wiring to overheat and eventually become hazardous over time. Moreover, the presence of single-strand aluminum wiring might void a building’s insurance policies.

Given the same amperage, aluminum conductors have high

resistance to electrical current flow and therefore must be of a larger diameter than would be required for copper conductors. When subjected to bending and twisting, aluminum will disintegrate and fatigue faster than copper, which is more ductile. Fatigue causes internal breakdown and increase in current resistance that would result in excessive heat build-up.

If moisture is present, aluminum will go through galvanic corrosion when it gets into contact with certain dissimilar metals.

Oxidation, or exposure to oxygen in the air, causes corrosion on the wire’s surface. Aluminum is more easily oxidized than copper, and the resulting byproduct, aluminum oxide, is less conductive than copper oxide.

Over time, oxidation deteriorates the electrical connections and increases the risk of fire.

Aluminum is also malleable (can be easily shaped) and very sensitive to compression. So if

a screw has been over-tightened on aluminum wiring, the wire will keep on deforming or creeping long after the tightening has stopped. Eventually, the connection will be loose and increase the electrical resistance in that location.

Both copper and aluminum contracts and expands with changes in temperature, but it is more pronounced in aluminum.

In the long run, this repetitive process will cause connections between the wire and the device to weaken. Hence, aluminum wires must never be installed into the “push-in”, “bayonet” or “stab,” type terminations located on the back of many outlets and light switches. Additionally, electrical current vibrates as it passes through wiring that also causes the connections to loosen.

Aluminum is easily distinguished from copper and other metals by its colour. Also, since the 1970s, aluminum in wiring-device binding terminals have been marked CO/ALR, which stands for “copper/ aluminum revised.” Look also for the word “aluminum” or the

initials “AL” printed on the plastic wire sheath.

The most effective solution when aluminum wiring is found is to rewire the home with copper wire. However, rewiring is labour intensive, expensive and impractical, in most cases.

Nevertheless, other options include using copalum crimps, applying anti-oxidant paste, pigtailing, CO/ALR connections, and alumiconn.

In summary, aluminum wiring

can be a fire hazard due to the inherent qualities of the metal.

Homeowners should consult a qualified electrician to evaluate and correct aluminum wiring problems.

Norman Aceron Garcia is a registered Professional Engineer and a Certified Property Inspector of Mr. Peg Property Inspections Inc. Please visit www.mrpeg.ca for more information on home inspection, building science and home maintenance tips.

Feng shui decorating tips for the holidays Have you considered getting a merry little Christmas tree?

Years ago, it was always the eccentric aunt who bought a small, spindly Christmas tree. Today, though, small trees have begun to play a bigger role in holiday decorating. Whether it’s a live pine or a rosemary bush festooned with ornaments, mini trees can be big on style and presence.

A large Christmas tree is a pretty standard element in holiday decorating. But if you’ve seen all the wonderful small trees now available — both faux and real — it’s tough not to give in to their powerful charms. This is especially true today, when many people put up more than one tree.

If you opt for a real tree, it’s a nice to know you can get that genuine fresh fragrance without the major water worries of a larger tree. Real trees come in fresh cut and living varieties (in pots) in nearly all the traditional varieties as their taller cousins. Tie on a few red ribbons and they’re good to go. Another plus? A small, living tree makes a charming gift.

Small trees, big options There’s almost no end to places and ways you can use small Christmas trees. Among the cleverest include placing in a tree in a Chinese vase or large garden urn. Mini trees can be decorated and displayed on a table, tucked into a corner, or placed in the curve of a winding staircase.

Small trees can be delightful

additions to a dining sideboard when set in a wintry vignette.

They can be grouped to create a scene around a tall Christmas tree, placed like sentinels to flank the front door, or added to a sofa table.

For a striking look, skip traditional vases and go for something fun and unique like a champagne bucket, Mason jar, antique crock, or galvanized bucket. Empty paint cans, available from home centers, do a good job of holding a tree and water, too!

To create a sweet winter scene, take some of your Christmas figures, such as nutcrackers, Russian nesting dolls, or winter village pieces, add some faux snow and a tiny tree. Place the scene on a console with a mirror that doubles the effect. Or, place a small tree in an urn and set it inside a mirrored tray. Scatter small decorations or dishes of candy underneath.

Mini Christmas trees also look festive in the kitchen and breakfast room, as well as outdoors on porches, decks and stairs, or along walkways.

Use flowers, plants and real greenery to liven up the holidays This year, instead of putting out another tired pot of poinsettias and fake ferns, why not go with something living instead? In fact, winter is a time when many flowers are at their peak, making them a terrific option for holiday

decorating.

Better still, living plants clean the indoor air, and when spring comes around, you can often take them outdoors. Besides looking fresh and natural in your home, live plants also make great gifts.

Holiday in white Some of the most popular potted holiday flowers are paperwhites and cyclamen.

Paperwhite bulbs are available in most home and garden centres and are easy to force indoors. Their frosty white colour is perfect for the Christmas or Hanukkah table.

Cyclamen also come in a variety of colours from white to pale pink and deep fuchsia, making them a flexible choice.

Other choices for white flowers include jasmine and gardenia plants. Their waxy, dark green leaves and scented blooms will drive the winter chill out of your house and both can be planted outdoors once the seasons change.

And, don’t forget the last bloom to consider – an orchid.

These plants get a bad reputation for being delicate, but they really aren’t difficult to maintain. A window with indirect light and once-a-week watering keeps their big blossoms happy.

Turn up the heat If traditional red is the colour you’re looking for, there’s a wide range of plants to choose from. Christmas cactus is always a good choice. These plants are hardy, love the indoor, and they’re stingy drinkers. Try a cheery red-and-white version with candy cane colouring for a truly holiday feel.

If big, bold flowers are more your style, nothing tops amaryllis. Usually grouped as three or more blossoms, these showy flowers steal the show. Find them now at your local garden or home centre, or order online.

Another good choice that can easily make the transition from house to patio is kalanchoe. These plants come in a variety of colours, look wonderful with holiday decor and are easy care.

See FENG SHUI p9

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

Ready na In my last article, I asked the question, “Ready ka na ba?” in relation to making a decision regarding your future and possibly starting your own business. I can honestly say that I have also been giving a great deal of thought to my own future and after many long months of deliberations I can answer my own question by saying, “Ready na.”

I am pleased to announce that I have opened my own law firm with a good friend of mine. Our new firm, Mercado Trinh Law LLP, opened its doors on Monday,

November 30, 2015. Our new offices are located in the Power Building, Suite 600-428 Portage Avenue (at the corner of Vaughn Street by The Bay and across from Portage Place).

Opening a law firm, just like any business, is full of challenges: from finding the right location and space for the office; to negotiating the lease, to finding, ordering and financing the purchase of all the furniture, computers and supplies; to picking the right colours and materials to renovate the space.

And all that had to be done in

PAGE 9

between meetings because I still had to practice law before the big move. There are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done. It’s times like these that I envy Hermione’s time-turner.

One of the major components of moving a law practice is the Law Society rules regarding advising clients of the move. We lawyers are under an obligation to contact all of our current and on-going clients about the move and to advise them of their rights.

When a lawyer moves firms, the client is given the choice to: 1. Move their file to their lawyer’s new firm; 2. Keep their file at the existing firm; or 3. Take their file and find a new lawyer.

I spent many days sending out e-mails and letters to my current clients and those on-going clients, particularly those whose wills, powers of attorneys or health care directives were being held by me for safekeeping. If you are one of my clients and you did not receive an email or letter from me, please feel free to contact me at acm@

mercadotrinhlaw.com and we can discuss it. The simple answer may be that your file is already closed or I didn’t know how to reach you because you never gave me your new e-mail or address.

It has been a long journey to get to this point in my career. There have been many points along the way where I questioned whether I should go back to government and politics (especially in light of the recent elections) or try something new. But in the end I know I made the right decision because this new adventure I am embarking upon is fully my own.

I am thankful for the trust that my clients and contacts bestow upon me. For me, a referral is a sign that I’m doing something right.

I would also like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement during this long process. Whether it was acting as a sounding board, helping me pick the right kind of pen, or helping me move all my boxes to my new office, I truly appreciate you all.

Taos puso po akong

nagpapasalamat sa parents ko, sa aking mga kapatid, sa mga ninang ko, at sa auntie ko para sa tiwala at sa lahat ng suportang binigay ninyo sa akin, mula noong bata pa ako hanggang ngayon.

You have always been willing to take that leap of faith in me and in my abilities. I am thankful and humbled by your trust in me.

Now, I’m finally ready to take that leap of faith in myself.

How about you? Ready ka na ba?

The content of this article are not intended as legal advice and is for information purposes only. Should you require legal advice on a specific issue relating to the contents of this article, please seek the services of a legal professional. Atty.

Alona C. Mercado is a Partner at Mercado Trinh Law LLP. She was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1999. Her preferred areas of practice include wills and estates, committees, real estate and immigration law.

She can be reached at acm@ mercadotrinhlaw.com or (204) 594-3436.

who have successfully registered as Engineers-in-Training and Professional Engineers in 2015 and; (2) the awarding of two

bursaries to student members selected in a random draw.

To reserve tickets ($20.00 each), send an e-mail to fmc_

apegm@yahoo.ca.

For more information, go to www.apegm.mb.ca/events.html and filter events by chapter.

Paskong Pistang Pinoy This year’s theme for the FMC-Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba annual Christmas party is Paskong Pistang Pinoy and it promises to bring pure fun and a fiesta-like atmosphere in December. The executive committee invites everyone to join in the festivities on

December 5, 2015 at the Canton Food Gallery. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Aside from door prizes, games and networking, one can also expect to witness two other activities that have become a tradition each year: (1) the recognition of chapter members

FENG SHUI...

From page 8

publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in authentic Chinese feng shui. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more visit www. redlotusletter.com and learn the fast and fun way how feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!

Go green Of course, not all plants have to be blooming or showy to add a warm and inviting touch to your rooms. Simple cedar, juniper, or rosemary plants have a holiday look and add a nice spot of green.

Try a small trio of potted juniper plants. Add burlap coverings and red bows for the pots, and you’re all set.

Of course, all kinds of trees can be purchased live, from spruce and pine to fir and cedar.

The smell is incredible.

Still other options are wreaths made of eucalyptus, olive branches, or bay leaves. Try a miniature citrus tree, such as a Meyer lemon, blood orange or kumquat. Two-year-old, two-foothigh trees run about $40 and do well indoors.

Kathryn Weber is the

PAGE 10

The Prime Minister’s reply, “Because it’s 2015,” to a female reporter’s question, “Why is having a gender-balanced cabinet important to you?” is elegant in its simplicity and conveys a sublime meaning. Crafted in just three words, it not only reflects his deep personal belief in the societal significance of diversity in the success of our country as a just and prosperous society, but also manifests the importance of putting into practice what one preaches. It lends integrity to national leadership, which augurs well for a real salutary change in federal governance.

Moreover, the reply shows the Prime Minister’s deep sense of history and abiding faith in diversity as a Canadian gem as well as his good sense of humour – a most desirable trait we all would like to have. While another woman journalist in an op-ed did not take the reply kindly and took a critical view of it – and this columnist respects the journalist’s

PILIPINO EXPRESS

right to express that opinion – I must note that the newly installed cabinet with identical number of women and men cheerfully welcomed it.

I would also note that the gender-equal and multicultural cabinet, which includes ministers with disabilities, means a “target” – not a “quota, as wrongly suggested by a handful – has been achieved in cabinet-making. In fact, it was decisively achieved, I must observe, because the Prime Minister’s leadership is palpably vision-and-value-driven and rooted in civic mindedness, community volunteer work and real life experiences with our youth, First Nations, immigrant and other vulnerable groups.

It was also achieved because a diverse pool of demographics with extraordinary talents, skills, experiences, and, yes, emotional intelligence, abounds in the elected Liberal parliamentary caucus. Truly extraordinary as one readily discerns from

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

“Because it’s 2015” = diversity practiced as preached the resumes of ministers at the new cabinet table – political veterans and neophytes alike – their love of hard work, their determination and considerable accomplishments, and their passionate commitment to the core values of liberalism.

Indeed, the cabinet appointments reflect inclusiveness and rekindle the vibrancy of the equality provisions in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. They serve as an invitation to all Canadians and levels of government for participatory engagement. This is a welcome change to national decision-making, which needs to take into account the diverse aspirations of our citizenry and the competing priorities of our regions as their voices are heard in parliament. Author Anne Kingston’s observation – “the 31-member cabinet appears to

signal a recalibration of power” – is aptly insightful.

Some of the strikingly new directions the new federal government has already shown early in its mandate include: openness and transparency with the media (and, thereby, with the citizenry at –large); participatory engagement of provincial and territorial governments, the opposition parties, and other key stakeholders (and, thereby, a collaborative and non-partisan approach with First Ministers and other key stakeholders to finding solutions to vital national and global issues); and government by cabinet (and thereby authoritative, not authoritarian, governance).

Truly, “Because it’s 2015” is much more than an adverb clause reply crafted in the abstract. It is a poetic portrayal of putting into practice the Prime Minister’s

abiding faith in “diversity as Canada’s greatest success story” – a deeply personal credo revealed in his book, Common Ground. This, to this columnist, is the sublime message for all Canadians – a message that touches for sure the hearts and minds of immigrants and new citizens, as I am confident it touches the consciousness of all and of future generations.

Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., an immigrant from the Philippines, a retired lung specialist and Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine. He served as a member of parliament from 1988 to 2004 during which he served, among other assignments, as Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Jean Chretien and as senior federal minister for Manitoba.

Trudeau gets rock star welcome in Manila MANILA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III on November 18 while attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Manila.

The two leaders discussed the relationship between their two countries and development cooperation. They also discussed issues of mutual interest, including trade and regional security.

A crowd of several hundred shrieking fans mobbed Trudeau at the International Media Center during the APEC summit in a scene similar to the arrival of a rock star rather than a politician.

Men and women crowded around Trudeau, trying to get a glimpse, a handshake, and a “selfie” photo or video with the Prime Minister dubbed the “APEC Hottie.”

Earlier, the Malacañang media office warned journalists covering his arrival against shouting or making giddy shrieks.

The front page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer featured a photo of Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique

SCAM...

From page 3 She tried calling those numbers, but their voice mailboxes were full.

The numbers on her call display weren’t the actual numbers the con artists called from, says the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

“It’s the magic of VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) caller-

Nieto on November 18 with the headline, “Girls have only eyes for Trudeau, Nieto.” The article said Trudeau drew raves when he arrived at the summit and he was dubbed the “sexiest leader” in the free world.

When asked about his celebrity status Justin Trudeau shared a lesson from his father, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. “What I had to learn is that there were a lot of people who liked my father and liked me for reasons entirely unrelated to who I actually was, and I had to learn to set aside positive impressions that weren’t grounded in reality,” Trudeau said.

“So, throughout my life, I have focused on what I have to do and the substance of what I put forward, and that has left me both grounded and able to focus regardless of perceptions or attentions to things external,” he added.

As for the Prime Minister’s impression of the Philippines, he said, “I have absolutely adored my stay in the Philippines. Everyone has been tremendously friendly and, for me, it was an opportunity

to engage with a culture that I’ve gotten to know very well in Canada. We have over 700,000 Canadians of Filipino origin and the ties that bind our countries together are very strong. So for me to be able to be here and see what a beautiful and welcoming country so many of my fellow Canadian citizens call home or

original home is a real pleasure.”

But not everyone welcomed Trudeau with rock star adulation.

Activists pressed the issue of Canadian garbage in the Philippines. Trudeau vowed to close loopholes in the law that allowed Chronic Inc., a private company based in Ontario, to send shipments labelled as

recyclable scrap plastic materials to its subsidiary, Chronic Plastics in Valenzuela. In 2013, the Bureau of Customs discovered that the shipments, as many as 55 containers, were actually filled with tons of soiled adult diapers and household trash. The garbage was eventually dumped in Capas, Tarlac.

ID spoofing,” said senior fraud specialist Daniel Williams. “These guys are expert at it.” They’re able to make it look like the calls are coming from a government department phone number, he said.

Thousands of Canadians have received a call similar to the one Relano got — with a con artist posing as a federal immigration or Canada Revenue Agency official demanding payment, said

Williams from the centre located in North Bay, Ont. They’re coming from clandestine call centres in India and targeting people all over that country, Canada and the United States, he said.

“They’re masters of manipulation.” A government agency would send a letter notifying a taxpayer or newcomer if there were problems with their income tax return or application

form. They would not pressure anyone over the phone to immediately send money, he said.

People who receive a call from a phone scammer can report it to the centre at 1-888-495-8501.

There’s not a lot they can do to prosecute the con men abroad, with police resources directed to more serious and violent crimes than telephone fraud. Getting the word out to the public about scams

is their No. 1 crime-fighting tool.

“Any publicity we get cuts down the victimization of people before they get the call,” said Williams. “That is the best way of attacking the bad guys.”

This article was originally published in The Winnipeg Free Press on November 18, 2015.

It has been republished with permission from The Winnipeg Free Press.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Philippine President Benigno Aquino III

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 11

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

PAGE 12

PILIPINO EXPRESS

Kahit si Lala Aunor, sikat na miyembro ng dating Apat Na Sikat noong mga huling taon ng dekada 70, ay hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa mga nangyayari ngayon sa singing career ng kaniyang panganay na anak na si Marion.

Akala nito ay may tuldok na sa kaniya ang pagiging musikero ng kanilang pamilya dahil kay Mamay Belen na nagturo sa Superstar Nora Aunor noon, pero madudugtungan pa pala

iyon, dahil sa kaniyang mga anak na sina Marion at Ashley.

Nakakadalawang album na ngayon si Marion sa Star Records. Paborito ng mga bagets ang kaniyang mga kanta. Singercomposer si Marion na malaking katangiang nag-uungos sa kaniya sa ibang mga singers na kasabayan niya.

Palagi naming pinatutugtog sa aming programa sa radyo ang unang single ni Marion sa second album niya, ang Free Fall

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

• Marion Aunor – Nandito sa Winnipeg sa December 27!

• Aldub Nation – Excited pa rin ang mga fans sa buong mundo • Maine Mendoza – May karapatang bumiyahe ang pamilya • Alden Richards – Super in-demand ang pambansang bae!

• AiAi Delas Alas – Nakakaaliw na Russian Lola sa kalyeserye • Lovi Poe – Tunay na anak ng Da King, suportado si Sen. Grace • James Yap – Sumipot sa first communion ni Bimby • Kris Aquino – Either you love her or hate her!

• Daniel Padilla – Hantad ang peg-eendorse kay Sec. Mar Roxas • Kathryn Bernardo – Ititiwalag ba ng INC dahil sa suporta kay Kuya Mar? • Matet De Leon – Isa ring foundling tulad ni Sen. Grace Poe • TV5 – Mismong Viva Entertainment na makaka-partner sa 2016 Into Love, napaka-effortless ng atake niya pero nagmamarka ang kaniyang piyesa.

Ang maganda kay Marion ay tinapos niya muna ang kaniyang pag-aaral (Ateneo University), nag-compose muna See CRISTY p16

Marion Aunor

Maine Mendoza & Alden Richards

Lovi Poe

AiAi Delas Alas

For many years, we have been serving the Filipino community with

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We have worked hard at this by providing a dedicated and hard working group of professional men and women offering: • full disclosure of pricing • ensuring our Lamay are professional with great service • offering two well-positioned facilities • providing the best product lines.. and the list goes on!

We are not a nameless, faceless entity in Toronto or Houston.

We live here, work here and play here. Winnipeg is our home, and we demonstrate this daily to the families we serve.

24/7 Compassion & Accessibility Phone: 204-275-5555

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We are your Kababayan in the business! Feel free to call owners Darin Hoffman (Zeny Regalado), Shawn Arnason or our community representative Nap Ebora for a uniquely Filipino prerspective on prearrangements.

Phone: 204-275-5555

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 13

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

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Dingdong and Marian welcome Maria Letizia After much anticipation, Kapuso stars Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera welcomed their baby girl on November 23. The couple call her Maria Letizia, named after Dingdong’s grandmother and Marian’s aunt.

The proud father posted a photo of him holding the baby’s hand on Instagram (@ See SHOWBIZ p15

Baby Leticia’s hand

Marian Rivera & Dingdong Dantes

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 15

World Vision’s Pinoy para sa Pinoy project Mobilizing the Filipino community to help kababayans back home International aid organization World Vision has been working in the Philippines for more than 60 years. In 1954 it started helping in orphanages and day cares in Manila, to respond to the needs of some of the country’s poorest children. Today the organization is working to improve the lives of more than 16 million Filipinos, with a focus on helping the children who need it most.

A group of passionate Filipino employees at World Vision, who saw the difference the organization is making in the Philippines, had an idea.

Understanding that many Filipino Canadians have a deep desire to help improve the lives of children, they volunteered their lunch hours and time to create a new way to connect the community here with kababayans back home. They are proud of the Pinoy Para sa Pinoy campaign, and excited about the impact it is making.

Two of the biggest

SHOWBIZ...

From page 14 dongdantes) with the caption: “Twenty-three November, 2015: The day God decided to deliver His most precious gift. This morning, I witnessed a miracle

issues the Philippines face are underemployment and malnutrition. Pinoy Para sa Pinoy is a way to help combat these issues. Filipino-Canadians can now donate $10, or more, a month for a specified time of three, six, nine or 12 months to powerful programs that will bring real and lasting change to Filipino families.

By choosing to donate to Goodbye Gutom, Canadians can help prevent child malnutrition; by choosing to donate to BalikBAYANIHAN, they support livelihood projects that will help parents provide for their families.

It will help people like Heddy and his family who did not escape the wrath of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. It uprooted their house and wiped out their entire livelihood. Through assistance from World Vision and the government, they literally rebuilt their lives and started taking care of the family again through the organic garden cultivation. Now,

Heddy’s backyard is not only the source of food for the family but an additional source of income.

He sells surplus from his garden to earn about $200 US a month.

After the successful launch of Pinoy Para Sa Pinoy in the

Toronto area, World Vision is reaching out to Filipino communities in Winnipeg and Vancouver with this exciting new way our kababayans can extend their generosity to our kababayans in the Philippines.

Mga kababayan, tara nang tumulong!

Visit pinoy.worldvision.ca or call 1-800-975-9064.

For corporate donations, send an email to: Edgardo_ Gonzales@worldvision.ca

and during that moment, I realized that life will never be the same again. As we welcome this new graceful chapter with open hearts, we thank everyone who prayed with us through this sweet journey. Friends, say hello to Maria Letizia. @therealmarian.”

Throughout Marian’s pregnancy, the couple excitedly shared their journey to parenthood with their fans on Instagram, often posting photos of them preparing for the arrival of their baby.

Dingdong and Marian

announced the pregnancy back in April – four months after the couple got married in a lavish wedding in December last year.

Marian was still very much visible on TV as one of the hosts of GMA’s Sunday PinaSaya before she took a leave earlier

in November. Dingdong, on the other hand, continues to host the latest edition of the artista search, Starstruck while fulfilling his responsibilities as CommissionerAt-Large of the National Youth Commission and Chairperson of YesPinoy Foundation.

Heddy found a second chance after Typhoon Haiyan

PAGE 16

PILIPINO EXPRESS

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

The impact of individuality

Maria Josellee Dabalos was awarded an honourable mention for the ANAK Liwayway Scholarship for Leadership Excellence last June based on her high school GPA, a group interview, and an opinion piece in response to the question, “How does expression impact you?”

The following essay was her submission.

Individuality: “The quality or character of a particular person that distinguishes them from others of the same kind.” We are all made to be different in terms of how we look, how we talk, or even how we eat. These are a part of individuality, which is a form of expression that can create a positive impact on our self-will, our impression, and our society’s diversity. Individuality makes

our lives so much more exciting; we each have different ways of expressing our personality, as well as the qualities, and the talents we possess, and which in turn exposes our character as an individual.

Often we find ourselves asking, “How will I become the person I want to be?” The universal nature of this question shows how much we as a society gravitate towards doubt and lack of confidence in our talents and abilities.

Unfortunately this has become acceptable in today’s culture.

Such attitude makes us vulnerable to dictatorship under our very own society. In the Ted Talk Why I must Come Out, speaker Geena Rocero says, “The world makes you something that you are not.”

This strongly suggests that we should not conform to what the

society expects us to be and that we should be true to our desires.

Rocero’s talk about living in truth, led me into a realization that revealing our true selves is just the right ingredient to a firm self-will.

We are imperfect but this shouldn’t restrain us from contributing an array of talents, abilities, and personalities, because we are simply all entitled to share what God had made us to be.

Expression of individuality has its impact on our impression of others, just like how it impacts our self-will. Our negative reaction on others can be altered based on expression of individual talent. Nereo II’s experience is a powerful example of how it can impact our impression. When it comes to slam poetry, Nereo II stated that “I don’t know it from the top of my head, but I know it in my heart.” His talent in spoken word may have perhaps altered the judge’s and everyone else’s negative impression of him, as he was able to demonstrate who he really was. It goes to show

that expressing our talent can be a powerful tool to change one’s impression of us. This can also allow others to see our capabilities behind our mistakes.

Ultimately, expression of individuality is just one of the many diverse ways of expressing oneself, as it can be manifested in many forms through religion, race, sexual preferences, talent, and abilities. Individuals like Geena Rocero and Nereo II exemplify courageousness and truthfulness to oneself through expression.

They contribute greatly to the diversity of our society and they allowed me to appreciate the beauty behind the imperfection of our society; beauty that is none other than diversity.

In essence, expression in general will always have an impact on just about anyone, just like how expression of individuality had an impact on altering my outlook into positivity and understanding.

Truly, expression is formed in many ways and we express them differently whether it be through

individuality beliefs, talents, and diversity of preferences. Not only do these impact our self-will or impression, but it also diversifies the world we live in and makes for a unique society.

Sources: • “individuality.” Oxford Dictionary • TED. (2014, March 31).

Geena Rocero: Why I must come out [Video file]. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/mCZCok_u37w • eyedzproductions. (2008, October 7). Nereo II Interview & Performance Part 1 & Part 2 [Video files]. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/SaKHuhIsLTQ?lis t=PLFmoTeGNlagHzDVBR3XL aXp97XFzTovgV Maria Josellee Dabalos is a recent graduate from Fort Richmond Collegiate and currently in her first year of studies at the University of Winnipeg. Visit www.anak.ca to learn more about ANAK’s 2016 scholarship program and upcoming 10th anniversary celebrations.

The facilitator formula The mark of a true teacher is the ability to transfer useful knowledge to someone else so that the learner can use it to advance their life and others in the real world dynamic. Some would say it is one of the ultimate human skills for business, career and life.

A great teacher has eliminated the conflict of interest between oneself and the learner.

For instance the reward most teachers expect for being a teacher, that being money.

The benefit still matters but it is rendered secondary.

Importance is placed on the learner and practical application.

The facilitator does not subject answers onto the learner; rather, the facilitator provides the necessary amount of data for the learner to drum up their own selffulfilling prophecies.

CRISTY...

From page 12 siya, ipinanalo niya ang mga komposisyong parang laro lang niyang binuo sa iba’t ibang kumpetisyon.

Sa December 27 ay magkakaroon ng benefit show si Marion sa Winnipeg. Ang anak-anakan naming si ReyAr Reyes ng Pilipino Express News Magazine ang kaniyang producer. Lahat ng kikitain sa concert ni Marion ay ihahandog naman ng produksiyon sa mga nangangailangan nating kapatid dito sa Pilipinas. ***

In order to teach one must understand learning and more importantly, how to learn!

We humans learn through the study of words and symbols, in any given language, as we experience the process of taking in and connecting up different viewpoints to form our own perspectives.

That should be common knowledge but it is most definitely not.

However, up until now you may never have felt the need to define learning and how it is an emergent activity that increases our quality of being.

Freedom is found through definition.

If you fail to define things, you become confined in the fog of confusion. Lift the fog and unchain your mind!

Here’s the basic facilitator

formula: Words + Symbols < Understanding X Viewpoints / Connections (perspectives). We learn through words and symbols, which are less than understanding, our understanding is multiplied by all of the viewpoints we take in and connect up to other viewpoints, and this is divided by the connections we accept and that equals our learning perspective.

A good question a true facilitator should ask is, “why should we define anything anyway?”

Can we truly learn something without defining it? Of course not. If we do not fully define something we are learning about it or of it. Not it!

We learn through words and symbols because it is the first point of reference our mind has on the learning curve.

With that said, let’s learn what the mind is really about before we delve deeper.

The human mind can be defined as a series of ongoing mental pictures, taken every second, to make pro-survival

decisions to improve our existence.

Every mental image taken in our environment creates more mental pictures, which create fear or desire, and cause an actionable response. Those that are teaching should be aware that everything they say and do causes this chain reaction.

Understanding this process is powerful and improves your ability to self-regulate and become manipulation proof in the social environment. It also gifts you the ability to accept a new idea that may reform your present perspective, rather than pridefully reject or neglect the concept.

Most human beings make purely emotional decisions and defend them logically afterwards.

However facilitators who are consciously aware of this process are far less likely to make sporadic choices that have negative consequences.

This is why there are such things as buying frenzies, insurmountable debt, jealousy, gossip, racism, elitism, and discrimination. Nearly every

harmful outcome like those noted above are caused by people who have made emotionally charged assumptions instead of logically pondered perspectives.

I’ll leave you with this to ponder on in hopes to improve your ability to facilitate: Business, Success & Money message Learning is an active process, it’s not about absorption, repetition, and regurgitation of knowledge. It goes deeper than that. To understand that different learners require different tools, strategies, and environments to shine. Learners know their strengths, and are aware of what they need in order to grow. When learners understand not only what they’re learning, but how and why they’re learning, then they can truly identify themselves as learners.” — Judianne Jayme Valen Vergara is an award winning author, social entrepreneur, international investor, co-host of the movie Game Changer, speaker and B2C Marketer – www.valenvergara. com.

Matinding kilig na naman ang tumama sa AlDub Nation dahil sa naging daloy ng kuwento ng kalyeserye noong nakaraang Sabado. Ilang araw nang nalulungkot ang mga tagahanga nina Alden Richards at Maine Mendoza dahil akala nila ay magkakahiwalay na nang tuluyan ang kanilang mga idolo.

Nakatakdang ikasal sina Alden at Cindy Kournikova, iyon ang gustong mangyari ng Lola Babah ng guwapong binata, wasak na wasak ang puso ni Yaya Dub. Pero makapapayag ba naman ang mga pusong nagmamahalan sa kagustuhan ng ibang tao?

Ipinaglaban ni Alden si Yaya Dub. Nagbago ng isip ang dalaga na paalis na sana, kaya walang naganap na kasalan at muling pinagkasundo ng kapalaran sina Alden at Yaya Dub. Ang dami-daming nag-text at nagtawagan sa amin na kinikilig.

Matindi pa rin ang karisma sa publiko ng tambalang AlDub, kaya sorry na lang sa mga nagsasabing tumatamlay na ang kaway sa publiko nina Alden Richards at Maine Mendoza.

Napakarami pang magaganap sa kalyeserye. Marami pang personalidad ang papasok sa istorya. Buhay na buhay pa rin ang AlDub Nation na

nakikipagpatayan para sa kanilang mga idolo.

Ang buhay na ebidensiya noon ay ang napakataas na rating ng Eat…Bulaga araw-araw. *** Mayabang na raw si Maine Mendoza, komento ng mga naiinis sa kaniyang katanyagan ngayon, dahil balitang sa Japan magbabakasyon ang kaniyang buong pamilya ngayong darating na Kapaskuhan.

Porke kumikita na raw nang milyones si Yaya Dub sa pag-eendorso ng iba’t ibang malalaking produkto ay bigla nang nagbago ang kaniyang ugali.

Mayabang na raw ang dakilang

pag-ibig ni Alden Richards, sabi pa ng mga hindi natutuwa sa kaniyang tagumpay.

Nakakaloka, sana lang ay inaalam muna nila kung ano ang estado ng pamilyang pinagmulan ni Yaya Dub. Dahil kung nag-research man lang sila kahit konti ay mapatutunayan nila na hindi pa man nagdadalaga si Maine Mendoza ay talagang bumibiyahe nang madalas sa ibang bansa ang kaniyang pamilya kahit pa hindi Pasko.

Pinaka-bonding ng pamilya ang pagpunta sa ibang bansa nang magkakasama sila dahil See CRISTY p18

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

SHOWBIZ, SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 17

Banana Sundae is now on TFC worldwide Things will get wackier and funnier as Banana Split ramps up the fun especially now that it is serving Banana Sundae on The Filipino Channel (TFC) worldwide.

Kapamilya hottie Jessy Mendiola and comedienne Pokwang have been added to the show making it wilder and loaded

CRISTY...

From page 16 masyadong abala ang kanilang mga magulang sa pagnenegosyo dito sa Pilipinas.

Sa maaayos na eskuwelahan nag-aaral ang magkakapatid.

Hindi man sunod ang kanilang layaw ay natikman ni Maine at ng kaniyang mga kapatid kung paano mabuhay nang masagana.

Kaya hindi na niya kailangan pang mag-artista para lang makapagbakasyon ang kanilang pamilya sa ibang bansa. *** Nakakaloka! Nagpagupit lang ng buhok si Alden Richards ay isang malaking isyu na! Hindi na mapakali ang kaniyang mga tagahanga, lalo na ang mga miyembro ng AlDub Nation.

Kilig na kilig ang mga ito sa bagong haircut ng kanilang idolo.

Kahit ang aming assistant na si Japs Gersin ay kilig na kilig, gusto na raw nitong dukutin ang Pambansang Bae sa TV, lalo raw kasing gumuwapo si Alden.

Tingnan mo nga naman ang buhay ng mga artista. Noong hindi pa sumisikat ang kanilang tambalan ni Yaya Dub ay wala namang pakialam ang ibang tao kung magpakalbo man si Alden.

Wala lang.

Pero ngayon ay ibangiba na ang kaniyang dating, lahat ng ginagawa ni Alden ay napakalaking isyu na, naglalabasan na rin ang mga inimbentong kuwento para lang siya siraan at wasakin.

Mabuti na lang at may magandang puhunan ang actorsinger. Nakisama siya sa lahat noong hindi pa siya ganito kasikat, kaya lahat ng nakakakilala sa kaniya nang personal ay masaya sa kaniyang tagumpay ngayon.

Mabentang-mabenta siya sa mga provincial shows. Kinakagat talaga ang kaniyang presyo. Ito ang pagkakataong kailangang samantalahin ni Alden dahil hindi naman lahat ng araw ay Pasko. *** Nakakaaliw ang presensiya ni AiAi delas Alas sa kalyeserye.

Bilang Russian lola ni Alden Richards na matagal nang naninirahan sa Pilipinas ay bitbit pa rin ni AiAi ang dahilan kung bakit siya kinoronahang Comedy Queen.

Ibang klase siya, konting sundot lang niya ay humahalakhak na ang manonood, kahit nga ang Tito, Vic & Joey ay hindi makapagpigil ng tawa kapag umaarya na siya.

Bentang-benta ang komedya ni AiAi bilang lola ng Pambansang Bae na may inireretong babae sa kaniya, si Cindy Kournikova na pinagseselosan naman ni Yaya

with more wacky gimmicks.

Even before the shift, the Banana Split cast had been bringing laughter to late night in the Philippines. Most notable mainstays and segments are Angelica Panganiban and Jason Gainza’s segments Krissy TV and Ihaw Na. Worldwide viewers will continue to be tickled with

the steady servings of well-loved portions like Kantaranta, Baby Luv, and Make Me Rap. Other regular cast members of the show include John Prats, Ryan Bang, Sunshine Garcia, Aiko Climaco, JC De Vera, Pooh, Jobert Austria, and Badji Mortiz.

Bobot Mortiz directs the show.

Dub, nakakaaliw ang daloy ng kuwento ngayon ng kalyeserye. *** Sa isang umpukan ng mga taga-showbiz ay naging paksa ng argumento sina Lovi Poe at Sheryl Cruz. Hindi man direktang kadugo ay parehong may patagilid na relasyon ang dalawang aktres kay Senadora Grace Poe (SGP).

Kung paanong sa puso ni Lovi ay si SGP ang kaniyang susuportahan sa darating na eleksiyon ay heto naman si Sheryl Cruz, hindi na nga nakatutulong sa itinuturing na anak ng kaniyang tiyahing si Susan Roces ay nambubulabog pa. Magkaibang-magkaiba ang kanilang ugali ni Lovi.

Sabi ng isang miron sa umpukan, “Sa issue ng inggit na lumutang noong upakan ni Sheryl si Senator Grace, eh, si Lovi dapat iyon, dahil anak siya ni FPJ. “Pero wala tayong narinig na anumang negative from Lovi patungkol kay Senator Grace, tahimik lang siya, and in her heart, SGP siya!” komento nito.

Sabi naman ng isa pa, “Naku, parang nakikinita ko nang nanghahaba ang nguso ni Sheryl noong makalusot si SGP sa Senate Electoral Tribunal.

Kabaligtaran kasi iyon ng gusto niyang mangyari para mavindicate siya!

“Ito naman kasing babaeng ito, hindi na lang nanahimik!

Ano naman ang ikaiinggit niya kay Senator Grace, eh, hindi niya naman magulang si FPJ at Manang Inday! Mas may karapatang makaramdam ng ganoon si Lovi dahil anak siya ni Da King, ‘no!” maasim na pagkukumpara ng miron. Oo nga naman. *** Napakalaking kahihiyan para kay Kris Aquino na pagkatapos niyang pagsalitaan ng masasakit si James Yap at ipagdiinan na isang iresponsableng ama ang tatay ni Bimby ay kakainin pala ng aktres-TV host ang kaniyang mga pinagsasabi.

Si James ang napagtripan muli ni Kris. Ang isyung ipinagmamarakulyo ni Kris ay ang hindi pagtugon ng basketbolista sa kaniyang imbitasyon na dumalo ito sa first communion ng kanilang anak na si Bimby. Dalawang beses daw niyang inimbita si James pero hindi sumasagot Subalit isang lumalagapak na sampal para kay Kris ang pagpapakita sa kaniya ni James ng text message nito bilang sagot sa ipinagmamarakulyo niyang first communion ni Bimby.

Paano niya iyon maitatanggi samantalang hindi pala binura ni

James ang sagot nito kay Kris?

At, walang sabi-sabi pero dumating si James sa first communion ng kanilang anak, kulang sa salita pero sagana sa gawa ang sikat na basketball player.

Ang palusot naman ni Kris ay hindi raw niya natanggap ang text message ni James dahil nasa ibang bansa silang mag-iina.

Parang wala lang na nagpost na si Kris ng picture na magkakasama sila nina James at Bimby. Para raw sa anak ay kakalimutan na muna ang lahat ng hindi nila pagkakaunawaan, ganoon lang ba uli kasimple iyon? *** Totoo ang komento ng isang nakausap namin tungkol sa pagkatao ni Kris Aquino – it’s either you love her or you hate her. Extremes ang pamimilian.

Walang middle ground.

Kung gusto mo si Kris ay kaaaliwan mo ang kaniyang mga pinagsasasabi at pinaggagagawa kahit pa kahihiyan na para sa kaniyang imahe ang katumbas noon.

Kung ayaw mo naman kay Kris ay wala kang makikitang maganda sa kaniyang mga aksiyon at pinagsasasabi. Itatapon mo iyon sa basurahan.

Kesehodang paulit-ulit pa siyang magsalita nang masakit para sa mayorya at pagkatapos ay magso-sorry agad-agad ay hindi mo kaiinisan si Kris kung gusto mo siya.

Pero kung sa simula ay kontra ka na talaga kay Kris, ang kaniyang mga sinasabi at ginagawa ay isang malaking kaartehan, kahitaran at pagiging bratty.

Aakusahan mo siya, mumurahin mo, sasabihan mo siya na bigyan naman sana niya ng kahihiyan ang kaniyang pamilya kung wala man siya noon para sa kaniyang sarili.

Pero kung love mo si Kris ay wala kang makikitang mali, kaaaliwan mo ang kuwento ng kaniyang sunburn. Lahat ng sasabihin niya ay ituturing mong tama dahil siya ang sumasalamin sa ating lipunan.

Kanan at kaliwa lang ang puwede mong pamimilian kapag si Kris Aquino na ang paksa.

Hindi mo puwedeng piliin ang gitna, dahil kahit sa kalye, ang pumapagitna ay nasasagasaan. *** Nang kumalat ang balitang si dating Secretary Mar Roxas ang ieendorso sa panguluhan ni Daniel Padilla ay maraming kilay ang nagtaasan sa pinakamataas na palapag.

Ang kanilang tanong, bakit See CRISTY p19

The cast of Banana Sundae

FOR SALE Do you want to own your own business?

BUTCHER SHOP FOR SALE Call Kristina, 204-582-1528

OUR COMMUNITY

PAGE 18

PILIPINO EXPRESS

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

Melodies and strings for Christmas The Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers, Inc. (MAFTI) celebrated Christmas early this year with live music and a dinner at the Canton Food Gallery on Friday, November 27. The event, entitled Mga Himig at Kuwerdas para sa Pasko [Melodies and strings for Christmas], featured guest performers, singer Bénédicte LeMaître, guitarist Dody Feliciano Jr., the band half man half eLf, singer Bea Jaime and the MAFTI Rodalla ensemble.

The evening also saw the induction of MAFTI officers for 2015 to 2017. For the first time since its founding in 1977, the MAFTI general membership elected a male president, Ernesto Nicolas Ofiaza Jr., a former mathematics and journalism

teacher and secretary to the sanggunian in the Philippines.

He is now a settlement worker at Seven Oaks Immigrant Services.

Mike Pagtakhan, Deputy Mayor of the City of Winnipeg, inducted Ofiaza and fellow officers: Claire Manzano, Vice President; Jasmin Masancay; Secretary; Carrie Barroga, Treasurer; Beatriz Monge, Auditor; Mary Jane Napolitano, PRO; board members, Caridad Rino, Genalyn Tan, Julie Mandac, Asela Banares, and Roger Espino; and immediate past President Bernadette Agpalza, as ex-officio.

Past presidents Gemma Dalayoan and Cory Juan also joined the induction ceremony.

Photos by Arnel San Jose of Jeprox Photography and Alfie Ramos

MAFTI officers for 2015 – 2017

MAFTI Rondalla haLf man haLf eLf

Bénédicte LeMaître Mike Pagtakhan, Bernadette Agpalza, Gemma Dalayoan and Ernesto Ofiaza

Mary Jane Napolitano

Dody Feliciano Jr. and Bea Jaime

MAFTI Rondalla

Judianne Jayme

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 19

Entablado ng buhay Pagpupugay sa mga kabataan ng St. Peter’s Parish Nabuhay muli ang diwa ng aking passion at pag-ibig sa performing arts habang nanonood ako ng pagtatanghal ng St. Peter’s Parish sa Pantages Playhouse na pinamagatang: Proclaiming Christ Always. Ito ay pinangunahan ng halos lahat ng mga kabataan sa simbahan para sa pagdiriwang ng ika-40 anibersaryo ng St. Peter’s Parish at bilang isang fund raising initiative para sa pagpapatayo ng mas malaking simbahan para sa komunidad ng Tyndall, Garden Grove, Maples, Seven Oaks, North End at ng iba pang mga karatig na komunidad.

Saludo ako sa performances ng mga choir members, dancers, actors, musicians at ng buong production crew lalu na ang mga creative concepts tulad ng paggamit ng shadow movements, comical skit, choice of musical pieces, mga contemporary na sayaw, stage design, paggamit ng

live audience format na kung saan nagmumula ang mga nagtatanghal sa iba’t ibang sulok ng bulwagan at ang pagsasalarawan ng mga komunidad sa pamamagitan ng mga epektibong props na nagpakita ng mga landmarks na nasasakupan ng parokya. Ang resulta, nakita ng mga manonood ang kanila mismong komunidad sa entablado ng tanghalang ito.

Biglang bumalik sa isip ko ang sarap ng nasa entablado. Iba ang pakiramdam. Iba kang nilalang habang ika’y nakatuntong dito dahil bitbit mo ang ibang katauhan. Ang internalisasyon ng isang artist ay isang malalim na konsentrasyon at dala nito ang puso, diwa at ng buong katauhan ng kaniyang ginagampanan.

Sa bawat tinig at musika na nagmumula sa entabalado ay bumalik sa isipan ko ang kalayaan ng sining para yakapin ang sinumang gustong tumuklas nito.

Nandiyan lang ang sining, nasa

paligid nating lahat, at kailangan lamang na payabungin natin ito.

Sa entablado rin nahubog ang aking ilang mga paniniwala. Dito ko natuklasan ang aking lakas at kahinaan. Dito ako natuto ng pagoorganisa, pagsusulat ng mga tula at istorya, paglikha ng mga awit at pagtanggap ng mga masasakit ngunit nakakatulong na mga puna ng mga istriktong kritiko.

Noong kapanahunan ko sa teatro ay may mga pagtatanghal kaming matagumpay at umaani ng palakpak at papuri. Ngunit mayroon din namang mga pagtatanghal na halos layasan kami ng mga manonood.

Hindi puro kasiyahan ang buhay teatro. Maraming oras ang ginugugol dito. At sa bawat pagsasanay ay hindi puwede ang puwede na. Walang cut sa entablado (di tulad sa film o mga pelikula) kaya’t nakasalalay sa mga nagtatanghal ang kanilang uwido o diskarte para tiyaking

dumadaloy ang istorya sa kabila ng mga pagkakamali o aberya sa pagtatanghal. Parang buhay lang natin, it goes on and on sa kabila ng mga lubak at barikada.

Tulad ng buhay, ang entablado ay nagpapakita ng triumphs and failures o ng tagumpay at kabiguan. Ito ay sumasalamin sa tunay na buhay. Hango naman lahat sa totoong buhay ang mga awit, tula at pagtatanghal. Ang buhay ng bawat isa sa atin ang walang katapusang inspirasyon ng mga dakilang manunulat, ng mga mang-aawit at ng lahat ng mga alagad ng sining. Kung wala na ang buhay, wala na rin ang entablado.

Hindi man ako marahil naiintindihan ng mga kabataang nag-organisa ng pagtatanghal ng St. Peter’s Parish dahil sa aking paggamit ng wikang Filipino ay natitiyak kong dama nila ang paghanga ng mga manonood dahil sa kanilang malikhaing kaisipan,

sa kanilang talento at higit sa lahat ang kanilang pagbabahagi ng kanilang angking galing para makatulong sa pamayanan at papurihan ang Dakilang Lumikha.

Ang inyong pagtatanghal ay tinuturing kong napakagandang pamaskong regalo para sa lahat na nakasaksi nito. Sa mga kabataan, ipagpatuloy ninyo sana ang pagtuklas at paghubog sa inyong mga talento at ipakita at itampok ninyo ito sa entablado ng ating mga buhay.

Si Noel Lapuz ay dating OFW sa Middle East (Dubai at Qatar).

Nagtrabaho nang sampung taon sa City Hall ng Taguig bilang Human Resource Management Officer. Naging bahagi ng Bata-Batuta Productions bilang manunulat, entertainment host at stage actor. Nagtatag ng Kulturang Alyansa ng Taguig. Kasapi ng Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (EMJP).

Photo by Arnel San Jose

CRISTY...

From page 17 ang manok ng Liberal Party ang ikakampanya ng young actor, samantalang taga-Tacloban ang kaniyang inang si Karla Estrada?

Nang manalanta ang bagyong Yolanda ay nahagip ang Leyte.

Naging malaking isyu ang kabagalan ng pagtulong ng gobyerno sa nasabing probinsiya dahil isang Romualdez ang

kanilang tagapamuno. Sino ang makalilimot sa binitiwang linya noon ni Secretary Mar, “Remember, you’re a Romualdez and the president is an Aquino?”

Tapos ngayon ay si Secretary Mar ang isusulong-ikakampanya ni Daniel sa panguluhan?

Sabi ng isang kababayan ni Karla sa Tacloban, “When money talks, everybody listens talaga.”

Makahulugan ang komento, matinding patama iyon kay Karla. Naturingan pa naman

itong taga-Tacloban na pinagdusa ng gobyerno noong panahon ng Yolanda pero ang kaalyado pa ni P-Noy ngayon ang susuportahan ng kaniyang anak?

Pero hindi rin dapat kalimutan ng mga kababayan ni Karla na bestfriend nito ngayon si Kris Aquino na partido Liberal siyempre ang sinusuportahan.

Hindi makatatanggi ang ina ni Daniel Padilla sa kaniyang kabungguang-siko ngayon. ***

Sa isang okasyon ay ilang miyembro ng Iglesia Ni Cristo ang lumapit sa amin. Nagtatanong sila kung totoong si Secretary Mar Roxas ang ieendorso sa panguluhan ng kapuwa nila miyembro ng INC na si Kathryn Bernardo.

Ang nag-post ng pasuporta ng young actress sa manok ng partido Liberal sa panguluhan ay mismong si Korina Sanchez.

Tulad ni Daniel Padilla ay susuportahan din ni Kathryn ang

mister ng news anchor. Naging malaking isyu ang balita para sa mga kapatiran sa INC. Bawal pala sa mga miyembro ng INC ang pag-eendorso ng kahit sinong pulitiko.

Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit hindi umaakyat sa entablado de kampanya ang magasawang Christopher Roxas at Gladys Reyes. Matindi ang pagpapahalaga nila sa doktrina ng INC dahil ang mga See CRISTY p20

EH KASI, PINOY

PAGE 20

PILIPINO EXPRESS

KROSWORD

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Sumandig 20. Kasunduan6. Bumait 14. Gilalas 16. Hangal 13.

Isang sayaw 21. Tanong 7. Unlapi 17. Mauunlad 8. Ugali 14.

Gilalas 22. Bawat isa 9. Ilag 18. Panghalip 16.

Hangalsa taguan 23. Bulati 19. Hudyat 10. Mabini 21. Ipangako 11. Tilamsik 17.

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Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) Aries (March 21 – April 19) mong I IPuwede P A kaK I T Iwasan A U bumiyahe sa munang magB I Trelax A ngayong Y B U labas B Ang bansa S sa pagitan ng Disyembre. Hindi I L Omo Kkailangang O I M Disyembre A L 5 atI 12.

Kung nakahanda magpakahirap sa na ang lahat, maging maingat ka trabaho L oI negosyo K dahil A hindi S ka kung S kasama A ang L pamilya A Glalo naman magigipit. May sapat kang kung may mga bata. Bantayan naitabi para magsaya A W A Kka ngayongB na T A B I mo sila dahil baka mapalapit sila holiday season. Huwag mo lang sa panganib. Mabuti na ang naguubusin ang ipon A sa sobrang D Y U D A N shopping. OK ang ika-1, 10 at 11. iingat. OK sa ika-1, 10 at 11.

Bantay sa ika-7, 8, 9, 14 at 15.

Ingat sa ika-5, 6, 12 at 13.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Kalimutan mo muna ang trabaho o negosyo, mag-focus ka sa pagsagip sa iyong kalusugan.

May babala na manganganib ka dahil sa iyong balakang, kidney o colon. Oras na para magpaphysical check-up.

Huwag mong balewalain ang babalang ito. Masaya ang ika-1, 10 at 11.

Kuwidaw ka sa ika-2, 3 at 4.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) H A YK Au nP g nagmamaneho I T Aka, mag-ingat L A ka at huwag kang S I Lm a g mAa m aYn e h o lalo na kung O ka sa tulog.

A May N babalang A L kulang malalapit ka sa aksidente. Puwede mong maiwasan ito basta maingat 21. ka.Tanong Iwasan mo ang magalit at 22. Bawat isa masangkot sa away ng ibang tao.

23.

Bulati 24.

Baryaang sa kasalan Lucky ika-2, 3, 4, 12 at 13.

26. Aya Ingat ka sa ika-1, 7, 8, 9, 14 at 15.

28. Unlapi

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) T I Magpapalit L A D na naman ang taon.

A L Alam I Gmo bang I hindi mo pa L I nililinis B AangGmga agiw at sapot na Inakakagulo S Asa buhay Amo? May mga gamit kang hindi mo na kailangan, mag-donate ka o itapon mo na. Kung may utang ka, pagsikapan mong mabayaran ito. Suwerte ang ika-2, 3, 4, 12 at 13. Alalay ka sa ika-10 at 11.

21 – June 20) Mas mabuting humingi ka ng second opinion para matiyak mong tama ang sinabi ng iyong doctor. Magpahinga ka at magrelax dahil masyadong mataas ang iyong stress ngayon. Huwag mong pabayaan ang kalusugan dahil ikaw din ang mahihirapan.

OK ang ika-5, 6, 14 at 15.

Kuwidaw ka sa ika-2, 3, 4, 10 at 11.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) Buwenas ang pasok ng pera sa buwan ng Disyembre.

Magdamit at dalhin mo ang sarili nang maayos dahil may mga nakatingin sa iyo na handang pintasan ka dahil sa panlabas na kaanyuan mo. Kaya mong gawin ito kaya huwag kang magpabaya.

Inggit lang sila. OK ang ika-5, 6, 14 at 15. Ingat ka sa ika-12 at 13.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Pera ang magiging dahilan ng iyong stress sa unang bahagi ng Disyembre – kulang man o sobra ito, may problema pa rin. Huwag kang mag-alala, malalampasan mo naman nang mabuti ang pagsubok na ito. Bago mag-Pasko ay magiging maayos na ang lahat. Good days ang ika2, 3, 4, 12 at 13. Stressful ka sa ika-5 at 6.

D A W

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DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

I A

S

30. Saka 31.

Huni ng(May daga Gemini

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Sa buhay na ito, hindi tayo p u w e d e n g pumili kung sino ang magiging magulang natin.

Kaya anuman ang hinanakit mo sa magulang ay pilitin mong alisin sa iyong puso. Mahusay na ang katayuan mo ngayon. Mas gagaan ang loob mo kapag pinagbuksan mo sila ng puso mo. OK sa ika-7, 8 at 9. Ingat sa ika-5, 6, 12 at 13.

CRISTY...

From page 19 tagapangasiwa lang ng kanilang relihiyon ang may karapatang pumili kung sinu-sinong pulitiko ang dadalhin ng kanilang mga miyembro.

Sa tanong kung itiniwalag na ng INC si Kathryn ay wala pang kumpletong sagot ang mga nakakausap naming kapatiran ng young actress. Wala pa raw pormal na pahayag ng pagtitiwalag kay Kathryn pero sa kanilang pagkakaalam ay bihira nang dumalo sa mga gawain ng INC ang dalaga.

Dahil sa pag-eendorso ni Kathryn Bernardo kay Secretary Mar Roxas, may monetaryo mang kapalit iyon o wala, ay nakaabang ngayon ang mga miyembro ng

L O T

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) Pulang-pula ang kulay ng iyong pagibig sa buwang ito.

Matindi ang inyong pagmamahalan at matibay ang inyong relasyon. Kung buwenas ang romansa, may unos naman sa relasyon mo sa isang kaibigan.

Wala kang inagaw sa kaniya.

Huwag mo siyang patulan. Lucky ang ika-7, 8 at 9. Bantay ka sa ika-1, 14 at 15.

INC kung anong aksiyon ang gagawin ng mga tagapamuno ng kanilang relihiyon. *** Aksidente lang ang pagkikita namin ng mag-asawang Mickey at Matet de Leon noong isang araw. Tumawid kami ni Richard Pinlac sa Pioneer St. Market na katapat lang ng TV5. Naghahanap kami ng makakainan. Nakaaircon ang malaking ekstensiyon ng HMR na palaging tambayan na ngayon ng mga taga-TV5.

May puwesto doon sina Mickey at Matet at ang kanilang mga kaibigan, ang Soul Potato na puro mga batambatang chef ang namamahala. Iyon ang pinagkakaabalahan nila ngayon.

Chef na si Mickey (sa SKD Culinary School ito kumuha ng Culinary Art kung saan nag-

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Sa pagdaan ng maraming taon, nakita mo na kung saan at kung ano ang nagpapaligaya sa iyo. Magtiwala ka sa mga kaalaman mo pero makinig ka pa rin sa payo ng iba na naranasan na ang pinagdadaanan mo ngayon.

Mas madali kung matututo ka sa karanasan nila. OK sa ika-5, 6, 14 at 14. Ingat sa ika-1, 7, 8 at 9.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) Huwag kang malungkot kung sa palagay mo’y hindi mo naabot ang lahat ng nais mo sa taon na ito.

Tingnan mo na lang ang nakaraan bilang isang balangkas ng mas matibay na kinabukasan. Sa darating na taon, may mga aanihin ka nang bunga ng pinaghirapan.

OK ang ika-7, 8 at 9. Ingat sa ika2, 3, 4, 10 at 11. aaral din sina Empoy at Archie Alemania). Tumutulong si Matet sa kanilang restaurant kapag wala siyang taping at shooting. Ang bunso nilang anak ay kasama nila at tahimik lang na naglalaro sa stroller.

Habang hinihintay ang inorder naming pagkain mula sa Soul Potato ay pinagkuwentuhan namin ni Richard Pinlac ang buhay ni Matet. Palaban ang taong ito. Hindi siya kayang ilugmok ng panahon, dahil bukod sa malakas na ang kaniyang loob ay marunong silang magdala ng relasyon ni Mickey.

May tatlong anak na sila ngayon (pumanaw ang isa ilang taon na ang nakararaan).

Ang dami-daming humula na sa paghihiwalay rin mauuwi See CRISTY p21

EH KASI, PINOY!

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

Dumating sa Maynila si PM Justin Trudeau noong ika-17 ng Nobyembre para sa APEC Summit. Ang bagong PM ng Canada ay hindi nakaligtas sa isyu ng basura.

Nangako ang PM na uusisain ang Canadian company tungkol sa pagpapadala ng mga basura sa Pilipinas. Natural, aalamin lang ni Mr. Trudeau ang pangyayari.

Ang Canada ay may pribadong ahensya na namamahala sa basura. Gobyerno sa Maynila ang kausap at tumanggap ng basura mula pa noong 2013. Ang tanong, magkanong katuwiran ang dahilan ng tumanggap sa basura? *** Sa Maynila naganap ang kanunaunahang Obama-Trudeau meeting. May 20 minutes tumagal ang panayam ng Canada’s PM at ng outgoing US president.

Tungkol sa security, trade, economy and climate change ang buod ng kanilang pag-uusap.

Planong limitahan ng Canada ang bilang ng mga tatanggaping refugee na kaparis din umano na gagawin ng US. Pilipinas Ika-17 ng Nobyembre nang dumating sa Maynila si US President Barack Obama for APEC Summit. Nanawagan sa China. Itigil ang kanilang reclamation activities sa West Philippine Sea / South China Sea. Ang sagot ng China, huwag makialam si Obama sa problema ng Beijing at Manila.

Pagkaraan ng APEC Summit sa Maynila, pumunta si PNoy sa ASEAN meeting na ginanap sa Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hiniling sa mga lider ng ASEAN na labanan ang China na nangaagaw ng teritoryo. Maliban kasi kay Obama, ang mga lider na dumalo sa nakaraang meeting sa Maynila ay hindi nakialam sa territorial

PILIPINO EXPRESS

dispute ng Pilipinas at China. *** Ang APEC Summit sa Manila ay naging venue lang ng heads of states. Sa halip ng economics ang adyenda, ayuda at kooperasyon laban sa ISIS terrorists ang naging tema. Ginastusan ng 10 billion pesos, courtesy of PNoy na umaasa sa mga pangakong-ewan. *** Positive and negative ang APEC-TO. Sa hospitality ay numero uno ang mga Filipino.

Hindi alam ng taumbayan kung anong mahahalagang proyekto ang nasakripisyo kapalit ng malaking halagang nagastos. *** Kumapara sa 1996 APEC summit na ginanap sa bansa noon panahon ng Fidel V. Ramos administration, malayo sa preparasyon at natipid na pera ng bayang nagastos sa matagumpay na pagpupulong. Tunghayan sa Katas ng pitak na ito ang mga karagdagang komento. *** Ang Pilipinas ay nanatiling balitang-balita sa international communites. Maraming kalye ang sarado na puno ng mga sundalo ng PNP at AFP. Four-day holiday na suspendido ang klase ng mga estudyante at namamasukan sa gobyerno at pribado. Higit sa lahat, “tanim-bala sa NAIA” ang nanatiling nakalutang na issue.

OFWs, balikbayans at mga turista ang biktima. Ang kapalpakan ng mga pinunong itinalaga ni PNoy sa katungkulan ang sinisisi.

Nananatiling mga untouchables.

Ayaw tumanggap ng mga responsabilidad. Mga walang mga delicadeza. *** Nabanggit ko na sa nakaraang Pilantik ang pangunahing layunin ng pagkakatatag ng APEC, 17 taong nakaraan. Globalization

HINAGAP

Bayang Sinilangan Pag-ibig ko’y magpakailanman, Sa lupa na aking bayang sinilangan; Kandungang magiliw mulang kamusmusan, Ang bansang malimit dalawin ng lumbay! *** Hindi kailanman aking inakala, Na mapadpad dito sa lupang banyaga; Marahil ay kusang utos ng tadhana, Sa pusong marupok at mahinang diwa! *** Animnapu-isang taon na nga ngayon, Ang nagmamadaling nalumang panahon; Ako’y labing-isang taon na rin noon, Nang ang aking buhay bigyan ng karugtong! *** Lupang sinilangan, kaloob ng Diyos, Marapat balikan, mahalin nang lubos!

Paquito Rey Pacheco

and liberalization of trade ang sinusulong. Ang pangunahin sa mga layunin ay matulungan ang ekonomiya ng mahihirap na bansa. No-APECT sa Pilipinas na ngayon ay nanatiling pinakamahirap na bansa sa Asia.

Ang napaburan ay mga dayuhang kapitalista. Nabigyan sila ng kalayaang makapasok sa bansa ang kanilang mga produkto.

Nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng mga maliliit at katamtamang laki ng negosyo. Naging ahente lang sila ng mga produktong yari ng mayamang bansa.

Sa nakaraang 17 taon, mula nang matatatag ang APEC, napabayaan ng mga humaliling gobyerno ang sector ng agriculture na pondasyon ng kabuhayan sa mga rural na pook ng bansa. Ang foreign farmers ang natulungan sa produksiyon ng bigas.

Nawala ang backyard activities na pinagkukunan ng dagdag na kabuhayan. Kaparis ng nangyari sa nakaraang mahigit na limang taon ng Aquino administration.

Nasapawan ng legal at illegal na importasyon ng gulay at mga frozen karneng baboy at manok.

Malabong mangyari ang sinabi ni PNoy na dahil sa naganap na APEC summit sa Maynila ay magpapatuloy ang kaunlaran ng bansa. Guni-guni lang at pangarap ’yon. Sinong may matinong pagiisip ang mamuhunan sa bansang may malubhang peace and order situation, walang political stability at maraming kasosyong-laway? *** Binaligtad ng Supreme Court ang utos na suspension ni Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales kay Makati mayor Junjun Binay. Sino ngayon ang may last laugh? Di ba nakakahiya ‘yon? *** Political and not constitutional considerations ang naging resulta ng Senate Electoral Tribunal

CRISTY...

From page 20 ang kanilang pagsasama, pero pinatunayan nina Mickey at Matet na walang makatatalo sa isang pagmamahalang may matibay na pundasyon.

Sina Mickey at Matet mismo ang nagse-serve sa kanilang mga kostumer. Gusto naming yakapin nang mahigpit si Matet nang makita namin siyang may dala-dalang tray. Gusto naming ipagsigawan sa buong mundo ang pagiging totoong-totoo niya at sobrang katatagan sa kabila ng kanilang kakapusan sa buhay.

“Kapag may taping po ako, hati kami ng trabaho ni Mickey, siya muna ang nandito,” sabi ni Matet habang isa-isa niyang ibinababa sa mesa ang mga inorder naming pagkain.

Noong paalis na kami ay karga-karga na ni Matet ang kanilang bunso ni Mickey.

Napakagandang bata, manangmana ito sa kaniyang mga magulang na tisoy at tisay.

Habang pauwi na kami ay ramdam ang katahimikan sa van.

Isa lang pala ang iniisip namin ni Richard Pinlac, si Senadora Grace Poe na tulad ni Matet de Leon ay isa ring foundling.

PAGE 21

deliberation sa unang kasong DQ against Sen. Grace Poe. Limang senador laban sa tatlong supreme court magistrates at Sen. Nancy Binay.

Ang katungkulan ng members of the legislature ay magpatibay ng mga batas. Waring nawala ‘yon sa isipan ng limang senador.

Nabale-wala ang konstitusyon ng Pilipinas. Si Sen. Poe ay may tatlo o apat na DQ cases pa na dapat malampasan bago siya makasali sa 2016 presidential race. *** Nakakalito ang balita tungkol sa presidential bid ni Davao Mayor Duterte. Malinaw-malabo, depende sa magiging pasiya ng Comelec pagkaraan ng December 10 kung kabilang sa 2016 presidential race. *** Nabalita na ang Malacañang ay may planong luwagan ang mga probisyon ng Bank Secrecy Law. Malamang na gamitin against the political oppositions for the 2016 elections. Kakasuhan daw at ikukulong para hindi makakampanya. Si VP Binay at Bongbong Marcos ang malamang na punterya.

Mabuti raw kung mismong ang mga may hangad ay unang maghayag ng kanilang nakatagong kayamanan.

Malabong mangyari.

Nagmeeting recently sa Malacañang ang mga economic team ni PNoy na pinangungunahan nina Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima at BIR Commissioner Kim Henares.

Naroon din si Speaker Feliciano Belmente. Pinalagan daw ng Speaker ang ideya. Sinabing tiyak na matatakot ang mga local and foreign businessmen. Ang Pilipinas ay lalong iiwasan ng mga investors. Mahirap daw mailusot sa kongreso ang ideya sanhi sa kakulangan ng panahon at tiyak na mismong ang mga kongresista

at senador ay matatakot.

Katas Ang ginawang preparasyon sa ginanap na APEC summit, ayon sa mga kritiko ay patunay daw ng pagiging incompetent ng Aquino government. Ang halagang 10 billion pesos na ginastos sana ay nagamit sa iba pang higit na mahahalagang dapat napaglaanan.

1. Sana ang summit ay sa Subic Bay at Clark Internatinal Airports, sabi nga nina Mr. Richard Gordon at Rep. Martin Romualdez.

2. Maaayos ang mga pasilidad sa Clark at Macapagal Airports na alternative sa NAIA. 3. Maiiwasan ang mabigat na traffic sa Metro Manila.

4. Maiiwasan ang higit na maraming air travel cancellations.

5. Hindi na kailangan ang deklarasyon ng apat na araw holiday.

6. Ang mga may pribadong negosyo ay normal na makakakilos.

7. Naghihirap sa pagtatago ng mga pamilyang sa mga bangketa nakatira at, 8. Maraming batang lansangan na ginagastusan para maitago na babalik din naman sa kanilang pinanggalingan.

Paunawa: Ang mga paksa at salitang nakasaad sa Pilantik ay sariling opinion ng may-akda at hindi opinion ng mga taga-lathala ng Pilipino Express.

Paquito Rey Pacheco worked for 21 years in Philippine radio broadcasting. He is a former PRO for Radio in the Office of the Secretary of Philippine National Defense and former Chairman of the Rural Broadcasters Council of the Philippines. He was a reporter for Bagong Buhay newspaper. In Winnipeg, he was the News Director of Good Morning Philippines for 13 years on CKJS Radio 810 AM. E-mail: kakareypacheco@yahoo.ca.

Foundling na nagsisikap.

Foundling na lumalaban at nangangarap. Foundling na hindi sumusuko sa mga paghamon.

At foundling na maprinsipyo at lumalaban nang parehas sa buhay. *** Maganda ang mga kuwentong naririnig namin tungkol sa pagpasok ng 2016 para sa TV5. Magbabago ang mukha ng istasyon sa susunod na taon dahil sa pagpasok ng Viva Entertainment na makakapartner ng network sa pagbibigay ng mga bagong shows sa linya ng entertainment, news at sports.

Kung nitong mga huling buwan ay tumutok ang TV5 sa mundo ng palakasan, sa pagpasok ng 2016 ay magbibigay-sigla sa bakuran ni Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) ang pag-entra ng Viva Entertainment, narinig namin ang planong pagbabalik ng makasaysayang Panday at Tasya Fantasia na parehong nobela ng magaling na manunulat-direktor na si Carlo J. Caparas.

Nakalinya rin ang Born To Be A Star na isang talent search, mga artista ng Viva ang dadalhin ng produksiyon sa TV5. Isang magandang balita iyon para sa homegrown talents ng network na siguradong magiging aktibo

rin ang career sa susunod na taon.

Iyon naman talaga ang kulang sa TV5, kulang na kulang ang network sa mga artista. Iyon ang aspetong gagamutin ni Boss Vic del Rosario sa pakikipagpartner ng kaniyang malawak na produksiyon sa kumpanya ni MVP. Maraming artista ang Viva Entertainment ang nasa ABSCBN at GMA-7. Sinu-sino naman kayang contract stars nila ang regular na mapapanood sa TV5?

Ayon sa aming kausap, “Iyong sa dalawang network, mga artista lang ng Viva ang transaksiyon nila. Iba itong sa TV5, mismong Viva ang makaka-partner ng network.” – CSF

PEOPLE & EVENTS

PAGE 22

PILIPINO EXPRESS

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

ROCKSTEADY Babae Power in Winnipeg

Glaiza De Castro

Photo by Mark Godilano

Mary Aromin and Dennis Casta単eda of DMC Productions with hosts Geraldine Ong (left) and Mikaela Mendez (right). Photo by AJ Batac

Julia Clarete

Photo by Henry Balanial

Robert Javier

Photo by Henry Balanial

Julia Clarete

Photo by Mark Godilano

Glaiza De Castro

Photo by Mark Godilano

Babae Power rocks the house at the Club Regent Event Centre, November 29, 2015.

Photo by Mark Godilano

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 23

Elsaida Alerta, wins Karaoke World Championships 2015 You have probably received Kevin Chief’s Point Douglas - Celebrating a community that works together leaflet in the mail but did you know there’s a video that was created from the map below?

You can watch it by visiting Kevin Chief’s Facebook page or YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/kchiefndp

Elsaida Alerta, 2009 Pilipino Express Pinoy Pop Star Champion and 2015 KWC Canada National Champions with teammate Michael Victorero. Below: Elsaida with Muhammad Fairus bin Adam of Singapore (left), the 2015 KWC winner in the men’s category.

www.facebook.com/kevinchiefmb kevinchief@todaysndp.ca

@kevin_chief Authorized by the financial officer of Point Douglas NDP

PAGE 24

PILIPINO EXPRESS

DECEMBER 1 - 15, 2015