Pilipino Express • Feb 1 2015

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CHRYSTALLE OMAGA

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Peace process in peril

MINDANAO – Forty-four members of the Special Action

Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were

killed in a clash with hundreds See PEACE p17

The Maple Leaf forever!

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CANADA – The national flag of Canada celebrates its

NOEL CADELINA

LITO DABU

Sales, 6th Consecutive Sales, & Leasing Consultant SMG Gold Ring Awardee 5th Year SMG Gold Ring Awardee

JOEL SIBAL

JUNIOR BANSAL

Service Consultant

Sales Manager

ROBERT MISA Triple Diamond Sales Consultant Award 2014 - Gold Winner

JERAHMEEL REGALADO Sales Consultant

NELSON LANTIN Sales Manager

ROMMEL FAJARDO Sales Manager

50th anniversary this month. The Maple Leaf was inaugurated

MA. LEE HOLGADO JEZREEL “The Jet�

Sales Advisor REYES Sales Advisor

on February 15, 1965 on the See MAPLE LEAF p7

ELAINE VERRI

JOELAN MENDOZA

Sales Consultant

Collision Repair Advisor

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FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

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Juliana fights back 1045 Erin Street Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3G 2X1 Ph.: 204-956-7845 Fax: 204-956-1483

Every year an estimated 35.8 million people are trafficked all over the world, with revenues from the nefarious trade reaching up to an estimated $31.6 billion.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the Philippines is one of the hotspots of human trafficking. Poverty has a way of pushing people to take desperate measures – kapit sa patalim, so to speak.

Human trafficking is defined as the illegal movement of people, typically for the purpose of forced labour or commercial sexual exploitation. Most people only think of the latter, and forced prostitution is indeed a huge problem, but in truth, human trafficking can take so many forms that even victims don’t realize they’re already being trafficked.

Take the case of Juliana Palermo. The Davao City-born actress was 14 when she met a person who enticed her to work abroad. When she said she was underage, the person told her not to worry because a passport could be produced that would show she was 18; all she had to do was lie about her age and all would be fine. She was actually ready to go and had even travelled to Manila for her flight, but something happened

that prevented her from actually going. “I was 14 and I was in a position where I was vulnerable,� she said in the radio show At Home with Jon and Dadai (hosted by this writer and my wife Dadai). “I wasn’t with my parents at the time. I almost got sent overseas. Almost.�

Juliana of course went on to become a successful model and actress (with such films as www.

XXX.com; PanaghĂły sa subâ: The Call of the River; and Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo), but she said it actually took her a lot of time to get over that experience. It was only late last year, after meeting and talking with Davao Citybased Global Impact founding director Amy Muranko-Gahan, that she realized that someone had attempted to traffic her to another country. “It was a typical operation.

They promise you a certain type of job and ask you to lie about your age. It still happens today, but back then it wasn’t recognized for what it was. It was not common knowledge that it was illegal. I was asked to say I was 18 so I could be hired overseas. There was a lot of us, and until now I can’t believe I didn’t know what human

E-mail: info@pilipino-express.com www.pilipino-express.com Publisher

THE PILIPINO EXPRESS INC. Editor-in-Chief

EMMIE Z. JOAQUIN Associate Editor

PAUL MORROW Art Director

REY-AR REYES JP SUMBILLO

Juliana Palermo (Photo by Hartzell Cueva) trafficking was,� she said.

For her part, Gahan enumerated the kinds of human trafficking: sex trafficking, which is the most familiar to most people; labour trafficking; organ trafficking; and children being forced to under armed conflict. Even getting children to work as domestic helpers can be considered human trafficking if

they are forced to do it, especially for long hours.

There’s an app for that So how does one find out if a person is being trafficked?

One simple step, Gahan said, is to download the FREEDOM! Philippines mobile app, which was developed by Global Impact’s US partner Orphan See JULIANA p18

Fostering a loving relationship all year round The month of February naturally brings with it thoughts of romantic love. Valentine’s Day is the time of year when we set aside time to make our loved one feel special. Usually this is done with flowers, chocolate, cards, jewellery, or a fancy dinner.

As much as this special day gets special attention, however, celebrating your relationship once a year is not enough for it to stay healthy and loving. Effort must happen all year round.

The main characteristic of a successful romantic relationship is that it feels secure and safe.

This means that both partners feel that the other is committed and faithful, and that they can go to their spouse with any concerns or questions without there being a negative effect. A big red flag that there is difficulty in a marriage is when one is scared to tell their partner something because they will be overly upset or angry. Another sign of trouble is when one feels that they are “walking on eggshells;� trying not to upset their partner. When one of you feels uncomfortable in your own home, or feel that

you are putting on an act, it is time to do things differently. It is never too late to change the tone of your relationship, but it takes effort by both partners.

So how do you create a stronger bond with each other?

These tips are small things that go a long way. These actions do not cost any money – just a bit of time and effort every day.

Don’t automatically try to fix it A stereotype of men is that they tend to be problem solvers.

They hear about a situation and automatically look for ways to solve the dilemma. However, women often just want to vent about a situation that is troubling them. Sometimes, frustration and misunderstanding happens when the goal is not clear. For instance, one might want to talk about the cost of an unexpected car repair.

This can lead to an argument if they are not on the same page. It will help to clarify the intention of the speaker right at the beginning of the conversation, such as “I just need you to listen because I’m pretty upset about this�, or “We need to talk about our options of what we can do to

solve this problem.�

Put down the electronics At some point during couples therapy, I will ask a couple what their evenings at home look like. Often, it will be described as both people sitting in the same room, but each is on their phone, laptop, iPad, or watching TV. The whole evening can go by without any meaningful conversation.

Furthermore, pictures and comments made on Facebook or other social media can be misinterpreted and create feelings of jealousy. Social media can be fairly harmless as long as there is regular communication between partners because that sense of safety and security is there. And if one feels threatened by a picture or a comment, this needs to be addressed right away. It is important to validate their feelings (e.g. “I understand that you feel worried about that picture, but it means nothing to me,� rather than “You’re just making a big deal out of it.

You’re crazy.�

Go on a date – at home Sometimes, it is not possible to go out for a night on the town

due to finances, childcare, or work schedules. This shouldn’t stop you from having a romantic evening at home. After the kids are asleep, you can watch a movie together, have a picnic on the living room floor, or just cuddle on the couch and talk. It doesn’t cost anything to put on a romantic song and slow dance.

Making your spouse feel special does not have to be complicated.

Compliment your partner when they least expect it Telling your spouse that they look awesome is a great way to make them feel attractive, especially if it is during an unexpected moment such as first thing in the morning, or after a rough day at work. Your partner will feel more confident that the physical attraction is still there.

This has the overall benefit of assuring your spouse that you are committed and faithful. To further increase closeness, don’t just focus your compliments on one attribute. Comments on physical appearance are nice, but make sure that you also make note of their intelligence, See BRIDGES p19

Graphic Designer/Photographer ttttttttt Columnists/Contributors DALE BURGOS JB CASARES YVANNE DANDAN DENNIS FLORES ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ BRO. GERRY GAMUROT NORMAN ACERON GARCIA MIDAS GONZALES MICHELE MAJUL-IBARRA PERLA JAVATE JUDIANNE JAYME PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE NOEL LAPUZ JON MALEK ALONA MERCADO LUCILLE NOLASCO CST. REY OLAZO PAQUITO REY PACHECO DR. REY PAGTAKHAN AMALIA PEMPENGCO CHERYL DIZON REYNANTE MICHAEL SCOTT ROLDAN SEVILLANO, JR. RON URBANO VALEN VERGARA KATHRYN WEBER SHERYLL D. ZAMORA Youth Contributors Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) Philippine Correspondents NESTOR S. BARCO CRISTY FERMIN RICKY GALLARDO JON JOAQUIN AMBETH R. OCAMPO

SALES & ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT (204) 956-7845)

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Business immigration back in operation There is a connection between economic immigration and the health of the Canadian economy.

Immigration is one of the keys to ensure that Canada’s GDP grows by at least two per cent in 2015. This is much lower than the projected three per centplus for the United States, but it may be all we can reasonably expect. In order to maintain a healthy economy Canada and the individual provinces recruit the brightest and the best foreign trained workers to fuel economic growth.

But a healthy economy needs more than just workers. What about new investment from abroad? What about creating opportunities for experienced successful business applicants and entrepreneurs to come to the country to invest, start up new ventures, breathe new life into existing businesses and create new jobs?

Business immigration is important, but the immigration application process has been closed for much of 2014.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program for business (MPNP-B) stopped accepting new applications and the federal Immigrant Investor Program and Entrepreneur Programs have long been closed and backlogs eliminated. The New Year has come, the Canadian economy is

in a slump, the Loonie is around 80 cents American, elections are in the air at federal and provincial levels and we collectively need the infusion of new capital and new business ventures to “kick start” the economy, especially at the national level. The incentive for the foreign investor and entrepreneur is a quick way to obtain Canadian permanent residence status for the principal applicant and his or her immediate family.

Immigrant Investor Venture Capital At the federal level, Citizenship and Immigration Canada is bringing out a new pilot program called the Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC).

The target group is high net worth business immigrants with skills and abilities to integrate easily into the Canadian economy and society. Some of the requirements include: • A net worth of $10 million acquired through lawful profitmaking business or investment activities; • To make a $2 million nonguaranteed investment in the immigrant investor venture capital fund for approximately 15 years; • To demonstrate literacy in either English or French with Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) score of 5 in listening,

reading, writing and speaking; • To have completed a Canadian post-secondary degree, diploma or certificate of at least one year or the foreign equivalent validated by an Educational Credential Assessment from an organization designated by CIC; • Applicants with a net worth of at least $50 million can request an exemption for the requirement to validate the foreign education; • The program will accept up to 500 applications and from this list select 50 investors and their families with a quick way to permanent residence; and • The intention of the pilot program is to process the selected 50 applicants in roughly six months.

At this writing the application for IIVC program has not yet been released but it is important to note that the CIC has added requirements such as language and education to the mix. The key is that the suitable 50 applicants put up a $2 million nonguaranteed investment locked in for 15 years, in exchange for fast tracking their permanent resident applications.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program For Business In a similar manner, Manitoba is reopening MPNP-B for new applications in February 2015.

The application process and requirements differ from the IIVC program. Applicants must have a minimum verifiable personal net

worth of $350,000; a minimum of three years of successful business ownership and management experience or a minimum of three years of executive-level experience as senior manager of a business; and score a minimum of 60 points in the Adaptability Assessment Matrix.

The provincial applicant must present a credible business plan; create new jobs in the province; and provide a $100,000 bond, which is refunded if or when the landed business provincial nominee establishes the intended venture in Manitoba.

The provincial application process has been released.

Potential business applicants must: • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the online system. The applicants are graded against an Adaptability Assessment Matrix and must score a minimum of 60; • Important to note that business experience is part of the scoring system as is the provision of acceptable language scores for English or French language proficiency; • If/when the applicant is selected from the EOI inventory, they are given a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) from the MPNP-B; • Following a nomination assessment the applicant is required to post the performance bond and can be nominated;

• The nominated applicant must submit a further application to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia; • Following the issuance of permanent residence, landed provincial nominees must establish their eligible business and can request a refund of the deposit.

The fundamental differences between the federal IIVC and the reopened MPNP-B is that the former depends primarily upon the long term (15-year) investment of $2 million dollars while the provincial one has a focus on the creation or expansion of business ventures inside Manitoba. There appears to be merit in both approaches and it is important for the entire Canadian economy to attract new investors, new money and new ventures.

Our federal and provincial governments are correct to try and bring in business applicants and investors. Only time will tell which approach is more effective or if there is a better way for the provincial or national economy to grow.

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) 227-0292. E-mail: mscott.ici@ gmail.com

Advocating for Canada’s Kababayan:

In my last column, I introduced my interview with Diwa Marcelino in August 2014.

Diwa is the program coordinator of Manitoba’s regional chapter of Migrante, an organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of temporary foreign workers in the province. In the previous column, Diwa told us about what Migrante Manitoba is, the organization’s membership, and their core mandate. This issue will explore some of Migrante’s operations and how people can help Migrante’s central mission.

It may be surprising to some that there is a significant number of Filipino temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in Manitoba.

The exact numbers are not clear, but as of 1 December 2012 there were around 5,000 Filipino TFWs working in a number of industries. Some of these industries include the service sector (gas stations, food service attendants, hospitality services), and the pork and poultry industry.

Other than Winnipeg, Filipino TFWs also live in Steinbach and Neepawa.

It may also be surprising to some that there is an unfortunate and unacceptable amount of exploitation faced by some TFWs (not just Filipino) in Manitoba, as across Canada. As an advocate for these workers, Migrante performs a vital role for those who suffer abuses in the Temporary Foreign Worker program because it is not easy for these workers to stand up for themselves. Law protects Canadian citizens when it comes to voicing concerns regarding employment conditions, but as migrants whose status is temporary in nature, “a lot of them are reluctant to stand up for their rights publicly,” says Diwa. As advocates for these workers, “the role that we have in Migrante is to be that voice.” Being temporary workers, their employment status is not protected as it is for Canadians and their jobs can be terminated easily, resulting in

Migrante Manitoba part II deportation.

When TFWs arrive in Manitoba, they may not initially know about Migrante. As Diwa explains, though, the extensive involvement of Migrante in the Philippines exposes many OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) to this organization and the existence of regional chapters. However, in many cases TFWs are referred to Migrante Manitoba, whether by other Canadian chapters of Migrante, lawyers, politicians, or family members. In recent years there have been many changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program so that, as Diwa stated, what one may know in June might not be applicable by September.

As an organization devoted to advocating for TFWs, Migrante Manitoba has established a certain expertise in helping temporary foreign workers, making it a common point of referral for cases.

As mentioned above, Filipino TFWs work across Manitoba and Migrante Manitoba is active in many of these regions. In addition to specific cases that are brought to them, Migrante engages in proactive workshops across the province, especially in Southeast or Northern Manitoba, although much of their work concentrates in mainly southwestern or southeastern areas. Migrante Manitoba may also become involved in cases that go beyond the border, such as in Saskatchewan, as the nearest chapter west of Manitoba is in Red Deer, Alberta.

Many cases that Migrante Manitoba deals with have to do with injuries, such as punctures, stab wounds from using a knife, or safety concerns with things such as moving lines. As well, there are complaints about wages, overtime pay, or vacation time. As Diwa states, these are

common concerns of workers in Manitoba but “in their case, the issues are a little bit more pronounced because, for instance, if they get injured, a lot of cases [that Migrante is involved in] are workers being told they are fired and have to be sent home, which is illegal.” In many instances, TFWs are ineligible to receive employment insurance, despite the fact that they pay into the scheme like all workers in Manitoba. For those working on farms or in the hog industry, for example, the use of chemicals and the ability or inability to wash hands is a concern. In addition to what should be basic health and safety conditions, TFWs face exorbitant recruitment fees, sometimes as high as $5,000 to find employment.

When TFWs find themselves in a poor employment situation, they do not have the freedom to See HISTORY p20

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

MAPLE LEAF...

From page 1

Parliament Hill in Ottawa in a historic ceremony attended by then-Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, Governor General Georges Vanier, the members of Cabinet and thousands of proud Canadians.

On that momentous day, then-Speaker of the Senate Honourable Maurice Bourget called the flag “the symbol of the nation’s unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language, belief or opinion.”

The federal government discussed the importance of Canada having its own flag following the two World Wars but several attempts to adopt a specific design repeatedly failed, as consensus could not be reached.

In 1964, an all-party parliamentary committee considered thousands of proposals for flags submitted by See MAPLE LEAF p9

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Living with a Clutterbug What do you do when you have a clutter bug under your roof? How can you get a loved one to part with old, holey shirts and a baseball card collection that’s gone wild?

Maybe it’s the problem of storing a sofa in the garage for your nephew or a friend. Or, you have a kid that’s gone off to college (and graduated five years ago?) and so you’re the repository of all the said student’s stuff?

Here’s what I can say about other people’s stuff – it’s really your stuff.

Going way back to the beginning of the Free & Clear Forever program, we talked about the ability to say “no.”

Clutter is about boundaries.

And if you have them (boundaries that is), other people’s clutter usually isn’t a big problem.

Being clear about what’s acceptable – or what isn’t – to you often solves the problem. It’s a lot like babies and bottles.

Lots of moms talk about not being able to get the baby off a bottle and on a sippy cup.

Here’s why: they expect the baby to make the decision, and that’s a mistake.

Once the mom is decisive and explains that the new cup is now the norm, the baby will go along. I know. This is how every transition my children ever made occurred.

When I made the decision, they went along.

When we waffle, hope and pray they’ll accept the sippy cup,

big bed from a crib, limits on TV or whatever, no decision is being made by them or me – and they blissfully go on the way they want.

What’s the other problem with other people’s clutter? It could be you.

Karen Kingston in her seminal book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, writes that even a neatnik who has problems with a clutterbug is really only seeing a reflection of themselves.

Stay with me here.

When there is someone that’s cluttered and unclear in your home, it’s often a reflection of something cluttered in us – unresolved issues, upset emotions, unclear boundaries, muddled thinking, indecisiveness, etc.

A good example is the person who’s neat as a pin, but an emotional mess. Or, is always running with her hair on fire.

Clutter doesn’t have to be stuff – it can be emotions, stress, upset, time demands, or pure and simple overwhelm.

Maybe the clutter is on the inside.

If that’s the case, you might find that the others in your home are reflecting your cluttered inner life.

Remember, when it comes to feng shui our inner world mirrors our outer world and vice versa.

So, how do you get straight – and get others to clear their mess?

Set limits on your time:

Don’t let others soak up every bit of your precious hours.

Set boundaries: “I can no longer store your 800 CD music collection. Please move it out by the first of the month.”

Resolve open issues: You can’t move forward when you’re moving in reverse. Stuck in something that happened to you?

Get therapy or seek out help.

Network chiropractic is a gentle type of chiropractic that helps you release old traumas that become stuck in your body. Try both a physical and emotional clearing.

Decide: Many times we put off decisions hoping they’ll be made for us. I can guarantee you that any decision made for you is never as satisfying as a decision made by you.

Handle problems: We all have problems and difficulty.

What’s the ONE thing that’s holding you back in your life?

Usually it’s just one thing (and it usually relates to a decision that needs to be made). Get it handled and it could energetically unblock your home.

Clear your thinking: If you’re an emotional or stressedout mess, try learning to meditate or do yoga or tai chi. Find a way to make some mental clear space in your mind.

Once your inner world becomes uncluttered and clear, it’s amazing how our resident clutterbugs may spontaneously want to clear out, organize and get their belongings and neat and orderly as yours.

FENG SHUI Q&A Question: We had three pet dogs at home. One died a few years ago

Clutter doesn’t have to be stuff – it can be emotions, stress, upset, time demands, or pure and simple overwhelm. and the other two died last year.

My wife insists on keeping photos of the three dogs on a table at the southeast wealth corner of our living room. Please confirm if this is OK or if it will affect our prosperity.

Answer: I’ve had several situations like this with pets that have passed on. Some people like to keep the ashes of their pets in their homes, and this is not a good idea. It’s best to let our pets move on. Likewise, having the photographs of deceased animals in the southeast corner of the living room also isn’t beneficial.

For one, the dog is the enemy of the dragon whose home in the southeast corner, and having the dog photos placed here creates disharmony. Are there a lot of arguments about money? I would suspect so. Yes, I do believe this would impact your ability to save money and assets.

Also, this is the corner of ripe, growing chi – and the dead pets are the antithesis of that. I

completely understand how you love pets like family members.

My pets certainly are, and I have pets that have passed on.

Here’s what I do to honour their memory: I put their photos in the heaven, and coincidentally, the dog, location of the northwest corner. This is a great way to put them where they’ll be protective and harmonized, too, in your home so they can still remain a part of your life – but not harm your finances.

I wish you luck with your wife!

Kathryn Weber is the 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!

Loving your heart Love is a very beautiful thing to share with those around you but it is also a very important gift to give ourselves. Sometimes, we are so focused on loving others we completely forget to love ourselves.

Don’t get me wrong, when we truly love others, it should almost be completely natural to put their wellbeing before our own. We see this all the time with the love of a parent for their children. I could think of a perfect example in my life.

When my mom prepares dinner for the family she is always the last person to eat dinner because she wants to care for and serve each and every single member in the family before serving herself.

However, my mom doesn’t forget to take care of herself. She eats well and stays physically active because she understands

that the healthier she is, the more she’s able to continue taking care of others.

In this season of Valentine, I invite all of us to really start fully loving ourselves. One way to begin doing this is to love our hearts and give ourselves the gift of good health.

Did you know that every seven minutes in Canada, someone dies from heart disease and stroke? Heart disease and stroke are two of three leading causes of death in Canada: more than 62,000 strokes, an estimated 70,000 heart attacks, and up to 40,000 cardiac arrests occur every year.

For the youth, did you know that only seven per cent of Canadian youth are meeting the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines of at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous

physical activity per day? That’s a staggering 93 per cent of Canadian youth that do not meet the physical activity guidelines!

Women are probably the most at risk for heart disease and stroke because they are typically so busy taking care of others that ignoring their own health is becoming second nature. Did you know that heart disease and stroke kills seven times more women than breast cancer?

Almost 90 per cent of women have at least one significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke – but just as many rate themselves as healthy.

Don’t worry; I have some really great news, too! By putting your own heart health first and making lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by as much as 80 per cent!

So as you can see, it is very important to take care of ourselves. Remember this: taking care of yourself does not mean you are selfish. I

don’t know about you, but God willing, one of these days I hope to have a family of my own.

God willing, one day I will have grandchildren, and when that time comes I want to be able to run around and play tag with them! So this Valentine’s Day, make it a goal to take good care of yourself and love your heart.

Some tips: Habits – Replace every bad habit with two good habits.

Eat well. Example: Eat at least one dark green and one orange vegetable everyday.

Actually follow through with those plans you made to go to the gym!

Make a schedule: Mark it in your calendar and treat it like a meeting with the Queen! You wouldn’t want to miss something like that, would you?

Relax. Stress is a large contributing factor to heart disease and stroke. Make sure you have time to rest!

Talk to your doctor. Don’t just go to your doctor when

you’re sick; try to visit regularly and remain curious about your health.

Happy Valentine’s from my heart to yours!

Yvanne Dandan is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Marketing, Human Resources, and Organizational Behaviour. Yvanne currently works with the Heart and Stroke Foundation as a Program Coordinator and as well as with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as a Hip Hop Dance Instructor/ Choreographer.

Yvanne is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal which recognizes outstanding and exemplary contributions to the community.

When she’s not working, you might see Yvanne at St. Edward’s Parish, performing at local community events, or relaxing at a local coffee shop! E-mail Yvanne at yvannedandan@ gmail.com

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

MAPLE LEAF...

From page 8 Canadians. Eventually choice was reduced to three final designs: a red ensign with the fleur-de-lis and the Union Jack; three red maple leaves between two blue borders or; a red maple leaf on a white square between two red borders.

It was the single leaf, red and white design that the committee recommended to parliament. The motion was passed to adopt this design as the National Flag of Canada with a vote of 163 to 78 on December 15, 1964.

The winning flag was selected mainly for the simplicity of its design, which makes it easily recognizable. It also uses Canada’s official national colours and the maple leaf had long been a symbol of Canadian pride and national identity by 1964. Canadian troops as well as Canadian athletes used the maple leaf as an emblem on their uniforms when representing Canada abroad.

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Shine like a S.T.A.R. in behavioural-based interviews Behavioural-based interviews can be nerve racking. Thankfully, when it comes to this type of interview, there is no wrong or right answer. What makes a candidate a star in an interview is not based on his or her credentials alone; it is the preparation and the time that this person puts in to organize his or her thoughts prior to showing up at an interview. A candidate can have all the titles an employer might require but if this person is not prepared to answer in a manner expected by the employer, it can all go downhill right from the start. First impression is everything.

Behavioural-based interviewing originated from the premise that past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour. Although it is a technique commonly used for screening management level candidates, it is predominant in larger companies. The idea behind this style of interviewing is to assess how a person has reacted or behaved in particular situations in their previous jobs. It attempts to get a response based on actual experiences rather than a response based on how candidates view

themselves, as in the case of “traditional interviewing.”

Some examples of traditional questions are, “tell me about yourself;” “what interests you about our company and why are you applying for the job?;” “what are your strengths and weaknesses?” These questions are easy to provide impromptu answers for and because the questions are too general, it is quite easy to rehearse the answers and as well, for some people to lie about their answers.

At times, in traditional interviewing, you can get away with telling the interviewer what he or she wants to hear. On the other hand, in a behaviouralbased interview, your response will require you to be a little more organized.

Let us take a look at an example of a behavioural-based question. “Can you tell me about a time when you had to complete an assignment on a tight deadline?”

There are many different ways to respond to this question.

A regular response might look something like this: “Well, I was working in this department and there were so many things that

had to be done for my clients.

It was super busy and my boss kept asking for a whole bunch of stuff to do on top of all the things I had to do. Then I had to think about how I was going to be able to finish all my tasks on time. I created a spreadsheet so I can start keeping track of everything I had to do.”

That was a lot to take in, wasn’t it? For an interviewer, this type of a response is quite exhausting on the ears and it is difficult to figure out what the person is actually trying to say and what that person actually achieved in that specific example.

Behavioural-based interviews are almost similar to story telling.

Just like a story, it needs to have a clear beginning, middle and ending. The questions will almost always begin with, “Tell me about a time…” and “Describe a situation in which…” When questions are being phrased in this manner, it is a pretty good indicator that you are participating in a behaviour-based interview.

In order to be a star in behavioural-based interviews, a response needs to be framed in the S.T.A.R. format and needs to be as specific as possible. S stands for Situation from the past; T stands for the Task that you were given;

the A is the Action that you took (how you dealt with it) and the R is what happened as a Result of your actions.

Using the same question, “Can you tell me about a time when you had to complete an assignment on a tight deadline?”

A S.T.A.R. formulated response would probably sound something like this: S (Situation): “There was a time about two years ago when I was working as an assistant for a finance department where tight deadlines were constant; T (Task) One of the most critical part of my job was to ensure all account payables and receivables were accurate, with the correct client information and account numbers; A (Action) I created a spreadsheet to coordinate and cross-reference with a client list I created in Excel to help me keep track of the activities associated with each account; R (Result) The result was I was able to meet my deadlines even on days when other multiple priorities had to be accomplished.

My boss was very pleased and gave me a great review at year end”.

As you can see, in order to formulate an organized S.T.A.R. response, the key is preparation.

Unlike traditional questions, answers can be rehearsed.

Behavioural-based questions are more competency-based. In order to prepare, it is important to read the job description carefully and look for keywords that would identify as core competencies for the job. An example would be: “The candidate will possess excellent communication skills.”

The competency keyword here is communication. This should be a telltale sign to think of at least two examples of the times that you have successfully dealt with a situation using this particular competency. Of course, the competencies will vary from job to job, so reading the job description would be the best way to figure out which competencies would be applicable to the job you are interviewing for.

Michele Majul-Ibarra is a Human Resources Officer with Canada Post Corporation. 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) from the Canadian Institute of Management through the University of Manitoba.

E-mail her at info@pilipinoexpress.com.

Great writers are not perfect The past week, teachers at the school I work in were immersed in a four-day residency program, along with visiting teachers. This is Year 2 of three that we are focusing on how to get students to become better writers.

As a writer, I found that I, too, was learning about the process of writing in this residency, as both a learner and a teacher. One idea came up that I felt would resonate with you, my audience. Great writers shouldn’t care about errors as they write down their “first thinking” drafts. This is the case with my own writing, and it should be what’s encouraged at home.

It is altogether too easy to pick apart grammar and spelling, but we must understand that written work is always a draft until it is published. I’m even willing to debate that published work is still a work in progress. There will be mistakes and there will be points that need to be addressed, updated, and discarded. This is why so many texts have multiple editions.

When students come to me with drafts, we focus on a few things right away: ideas and voice. The organization, the conventions and mechanics – these are equally important, but are secondary in the writing

process. What’s most important is that students are writing meaningful content. No one wants to read a piece that is dry; that has no personality in the writing. Things are meaningful when you hear the author’s ideas and emotions in the piece.

This entire column is written specifically with my voice embedded in it. You get into my head every two weeks about educational ideas. This contributes to me being an effective writer. The editing, formatting, and the technical part are all done after I get my ideas down. I also have the amazing team at Pilipino Express who do one final look-over before this is published.

Do not discourage creativity in children. We want students to feel successful. Praise their ideas.

Honour how their piece sounds.

Do not nitpick at mechanical or structural errors when reading work for the first time. That is not what writing is entirely about.

What matters is the heart of the piece, the ideas generated, and how inviting the writer makes his or her work.

Parent tip: Writers write like readers!

There is a strong correlation between writing and reading.

The more you read, the more you notice patterns in published authors’ styles of writing. You also learn richer vocabulary.

Take the time to read with

your children, and I highly recommend reading their own work! If there are parts that don’t make sense (wrong spelling, runon sentences, repetitive ideas), ask them, “Is this what you meant?” You can even ask them, “What were you trying to say in this part?” or “What do you think about how this part sounds?”

Instead of saying “It should be…” make a suggestion instead.

We are here to support and encourage our young readers, not reprimand them for errors.

After all, even great writers make mistakes.

Judianne Jayme is a third year educator teaching sixth grade in the Winnipeg School Division.

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Matagal-tagal na panahon na rin kaming hindi lumuluhahumihikbi dahil sa pagkamatay ng mga Pilipinong hindi namin direktang kadugo. Ni isang patak ay wala, pero ang lungkot at pakikidalamhati ay sagad hanggang sa buto. Pinakamatigas mang puso ay hindi maaaring hindi lumambot habang marespetong ipinaparada ang mahigit na apatnapung bangkay ng mga minasaker na pulis kamakailan sa Maguindanao.

Pero ang pakikisimpatya ay nahaluan ng galit. Habang sinasaluduhan kasi ng mga opisyal ng ating pamahalaan at pamartsang buhat-buhat ng mga pulis ang mga namatay nilang kahanay ay lumantad ang balita na ang Pangulong Noynoy Aquino ay nasa Sta. Rosa lang pala na hindi kalayuan sa Villamor Air Base, dumalo sa paglulunsad ng mga bagong produkto ng isang car factory.

Napakainsensitibong senaryo.

Ang itinuturing na tatay ng mga namatay na pulis, mas inuna pa ang pakikipagbungguang-siko sa mga kapitalista kesa sa magpakita ng simbolikong pakikiramay sa kalunus-lunos na inabot ng mga

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

miyembro ng PNP-SAF. Buong hapon ng Huwebes (Enero 29) ay naglabas ng saloobin sa social media ang ating mga kababayan. Masasakit na salita ang ipinakain ng mga Pinoy kay PNoy. Tinawag siyang pangulong walang backbone at anak na nangwasak sa magandang kasaysayang iniwanan ng kaniyang ama.

Para balansehin siguro ang nagngingitngit na kalooban ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ng mga pamilyang iniwan ng mga pumanaw na miyembro ng PNP-SAF, ay dumalaw si Kris Aquino sa Camp Bagong-Diwa kung saan nakalagak ang mga bangkay ng mga pulis na nilipol sa Maguindanao kamakailan.

Pero mukhang hindi pa nakaganda ang pagdalaw at pagmamagandang-loob ng aktres-TV host. Lalong nagumigting ang emosyon ng ating mga kababayan kay P-Noy. Wala raw puso ang ating pangulo at siya mismo ang nangwasak sa magandang kasaysayang iniwanan ng kaniyang ama sa ating bayan.

Paano naman maglulubag ang kalooban ng ating mga

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

• Pangulong PNoy – Naghihinanakit ang buong bansa sa pangulo • Manny Pacquiao – Inimbita sa Buckingham Palace ni Prince Harry • Pacman at Floyd Mayweather – Malapit na ang pinakahihintay ng lahat!

• Jinkee Pacquiao – Mahilig mag-display ang kaniyang mga branded stuff • Toni Gonzaga at Direk Paul – Nasa tamang edad na para magpakasal • BB Gandanghari – Hayaan na, nagpapakatotoo lang • Kris Aquino – Pinatulan na ang mga bashers ni Bimby • Eric Santos at Angeline Quinto – Kung saan sila maligaya, doon sila • Wynwyn Marquez – Pang-beauty pageant ang anak ni Joey at Alma kababayan at naulila sa ginawa ni Kris? Huwebes nang tanghali, nang lumapag ang tatlong C-130 mula sa Maguindanao na lulan ang mga bangkay ng mga nasawing sundalo, ay hindi man lang sumilip ang ating pangulo sa Villamor Air Base?

Nandoon si Vice-President Jejomar Binay na noong mga oras na iyon ay binibitbit ang kaniyang anak para ikulong sa Senado – pero nagawa pa rin nitong magbigay-pugay sa mga yumaong pulis. Pero nasaan ang pangulo ng ating bayan?

Nandoon din si DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, nandoon ang mga tagapamuno ng kapulisan pero nasaan ang pangulo na dapat sana’y nagbibigay ng simbolikong presentasyon para sa mga bayani nating pulis?

Ipinakita si P-Noy na parang batang paslit na tuwang-tuwang pinagmamasdan ang mga vintage cars sa isang kumpanya ng mga sasakyan. Mas inuna pa niyang bigyan ng importansiya ang mga kotse kesa sa mga labi ng mga pulis na parang manok na pinakawalan sa teritoryo ng mga

Jinkee at Manny Pacquiao kasama si Prince Harry rebelde.

Ang galit ay mas nadagdagan pa nang buong-ningning na sabihin ng tagapagsalita ng Malacañang na wala raw naman talaga sa schedule ng pangulo ang pagpunta sa Villamor Air Base para magbigay-pugay sa mga namatay na pulis.

Susmaryosep!

Ama ng bayan ang pinag-uusapan!

Ang itinuturing na tatay ng mga nasawing pulis – pero pinanindigan pa ng mga tagaPalasyo na wala pala talaga siyang intensiyong salubungin ang mga bangkay ng mga pulis na nalipol habang ipinagtatanggol ang seguridad ng ating bayan?

Sinong naulila ang hindi magagalit sa kawalan ng pakialam See CRISTY p15

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

Top five reasons why you should hire HM Events 1. Stress: We will be there on the big day to make sure everything runs smoothly so you and the groom and the rest of your family can enjoy your day.

2. Prioritization: We will give you guidance about what is within your price range and help you prioritize what’s important to you. It is easy to get excited about all of the possibilities and uninformed choices but we can help you allocate whatever your budget is.

3. Peace of mind: We can reassure you that we can take care of all the things that need to be done on the day of your wedding, so you or your family won’t be bothered 4. Honesty: We will answer your questions and tell you our honest opinion. You need

someone who tells you a straight up answer so you can move on to the next decision that needs to be made. The least you want to feel is a roller coaster ride.

5. We are required: More and more venues and vendors are requiring wedding planners.

Site coordinators and wedding planners are two different things.

A site coordinator will help you on the venue but a wedding planner will make sure that all the vendors and everything is in place and a “go-to” person is available, just in case a decision must be made on your behalf.

Services Consulting – Description of service: For couples who need help getting started or who have hit a roadblock in their wedding planning or require assistance

at any stage of the wedding planning process. Consulting can be a one-time meeting or an ongoing service. A normal session takes two hours and includes a telephone consultation prior to meeting in person.

Day-of/month-of coordination services – Description of service: This is the most common service of a wedding planner. This service is for those who have planned everything themselves and need someone to help finalize the details and coordinate the actual wedding day for them.

Full coordination – Description of service: This service is for couples who would like a wedding coordinator working with them throughout the entire wedding planning process.

PAGE 13

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

PAGE 14

PILIPINO EXPRESS

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

• Heart at Chiz – Ikakasal na! • John Lloyd Cruz – Kapamilya pa rin!

Marami ang nag-aabang sa nalalapit na pag-iisang dibdib nang Kapuso actress na si Heart Evangelista kay senador Francis “Chiz� Escudero. Ang kasalan ay gaganapin sa Baselin Island na matatagpuan sa Quezon province, sa Pebrero 15, 2015.

Ayon sa report ang mahusay na fashion designer na si Monique Lhuillier ang gumawa ng wedding gown ni Heart.

Nagkaroon ng fitting ang aktres ng magbakasyon ito sa Amerika kamakailan.

Masayang ikinuwento ng dalaga ang pagkakaroon nila ng bonding ng mga anak ni Chiz dahil nakasama nila ito ng magpunta sila roon.

Isa sa magiging ninong sa kasalang ito ay ang Pangulong Benigno “Noynoy� Aquino.

Binubuo ng 15 pares ng ninong at ninang na kinabibilangan ng mga big bosses ng GMA Network na sina Atty. Felipe Gozon, Jimmy Duavit at Ramon Ang. Kabilang din si listahan ang big boss ng Viva Films na si Vic del Rosario.

Malapit sa puso ng aktres si Boss Vic dahil Viva talent si Heart.

Sa showbiz naman ay kabilang sina Susan Roces at Bibeth Orteza sa magiging ninang ng magkasintahan. Inaasahan, magkikita sa event na ito sina Susan at Lovi Poe na anak ng yumaong Fernando Poe Jr. Isa si Lovi sa mga bridesmaids ni Heart.

Inamin din ng bride-to-be na emotional pa rin siya pagdating sa usapin tungkol sa kaniyang mga magulang. Kahit na okey na sila ng kaniyang ama ay medyo may hidwaan pa rin sila ng kaniyang ina na kasalukuyang nasa Amerika. Umaasa ang aktres na dadalo ang mga ito sa kaniyang kasal. Hindi pa kasi nagkakausap ang Senador at ang kaniyang ina. Naniniwala siya na sa mga darating na araw ay magiging mahinahon na ang lahat at magkakaroon na sila ng panahon na magkaayos.

Samantala, tiyak na kakanta ang singer na si Mark Bautista sa wedding of the year na ito.

Nakabalik na ng bansa ang

magaling na singer pagkatapos ng matagumpay na musical show nito sa London na Here Lies Love noong nakaraang 2014. *** Nilagyan na ng tuldok ang bulong-bulongan na lilipat na sa ibang network ang matinee idol na si John Lloyd Cruz.

Kapamilya pa rin ang guwapong actor matapos pirmahan ang kaniyang three-year contract sa ABS-CBN nitong nakaraang Enero 22.

Bukod sa sitcom niyang Home Sweetie Home, inilahad din ni John Lloyd na may iba pa siyang proyekto na gagawin sa TV, maging sa pelikula. “Ang daming exciting na proyektong nasa paligid ko, nakaka-excite,� pahayag ng aktor. Bagamat hindi lubusang binigay ni John Lloyd ang mga detalye tungkol sa nakapila niyang mga proyekto,naibahagi naman nito na makakasama niya mula sa tigisang pelikula ang mga dating naging katambal nito na sina Sarah Geronimo at Bea Alonzo.

Naipahayag din ng aktor na nais din sana niyang muling makasama sa isang pelikula si Toni Gonzaga.

Dumalo sa pirmahan ng kontrata ang presidente at CEO ng ABSCBN na si Charo SantosConcio, broadcast head na si Cory Vidanes, Star Creatives head na si Malou Santos, Star Magic consultant na si Johny Manahan, at talent management & development center managing director na si Mariole Alberto.

Prenup photo ng mga ikakasal

Chiz at Heart

John Lloyd Cruz

Kapamilya JLC at mga big boss ng ABS-CBN

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

%FEJDBUJPO $PNNJUNFOU 'SJFOETIJQ 5SVTU

We have worked hard at this by providing a dedicated and hard working group of professional men and women offering: t‍ڀ‏GVMM EJTDMPTVSF PG QSJDJOH

t FOTVSJOH PVS -BNBZ BSF QSPGFTTJPOBM XJUI HSFBU TFSWJDF t PÄŒFSJOH UXP XFMM QPTJUJPOFE GBDJMJUJFT t QSPWJEJOH UIF CFTU QSPEVDU MJOFT BOE UIF MJTU HPFT PO 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

Two City Locations *OLTUFS #MWE (corner of Inkster Blvd. & Keewatin St.) /BJSO "WF (corner of Keenleyside St. & Nairn Ave.)

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

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

CRISTY...

From page 12 ng pangulo ng ating bayan sa kaniyang mga nasasakupan?

Sinong Pilipino ang hindi maglalabas ng kaniyang saloobin sa ipinakitang kawalan ng respeto at malasakit ng pangulo ng mga yumaong pulis?

Habang nasa Villamor Air Base ang mga bangkay ay nasa Sta. Rosa lang si P-Noy. Wala pang kalahating oras ay mararating niya ang kampo.

At dahil pangulo siya ay mas maigsing oras lang ang kailangang gugulin para masaglitan niya ang pagsalubong-pagbibigay-respeto sa mga bangkay.

Napakasakit noon sa kalooban ng mga inulila ng mga miyembro ng SAF. Malaking problema ngayon kung paano mapipigilan ng Palasyo ang paglalantad ng saloobin ng ating mga kababayan.

Marami pang ibang porma ng paghihiganti ang makikita ngayon sa social media. Magisprey man ng pinakamahal na pabango si Pangulong Noynoy ay hindi iyon sasapat para mapawi ang hindi magandang amoy ng kaniyang pangalan ngayon.

Hinahanap ng buong bayan ang kaniyang sinseridad at malasakit at ang ipinagkakabanduhan niyang tuwid na daan. *** Nakabando na sa buong mundo sa pamamagitan ng social media ang pakikipagdinner ng mag-asawang Congressman Manny Pacquiao

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

at Jinkee kay Prince Harry ng London kamakailan. Natural, sa Buckingham Palace sila nagkita at kumain, isang oportunidad na hindi nangyayari kahit sa ibang tagapamuno ng mga bansa.

Manghang-mangha siyempre ang mag-asawa sa tahanan ng mga hari, reyna at prinsipe. Hindi nga naman nila sukat-akalain na mapapasok nila ang Palasyo, kundi sa pagiging sikat na boksingero ni Pacman ay ni hindi nga naman nila malalapitan kahit ang bakod lang ng Buckingham Palace.

Nakakatuwang malaman na naimbitahan lang kung tutuusin ang Pambansang Kamao sa Buckingham Palace pero ang kinauwian ng kanilang pagkukuwentuhan ni Prince Harry ay magiging kapakipakinabang para sa ating mga kababayan sa Leyte.

Nasundan pala ng prinsipe ang mga balitang lumabas noon sa CNN. Masyado itong naapektuhan sa kaniyang mga nakitang pananalanta ng bagyong Yolanda. Kaya naman nang bumisita sa London si Congressman Manny Pacquiao ay naging sentro ng kanilang usapan ang tulong na maaaring ibigay ni Prince Harry at ng Royal Family sa mga kababayan nating sinalanta ng bagyo.

Tuwang-tuwa siyempre si Pacman dahil hindi na kailangan pang manawagan ng ating gobyerno sa iba’t ibang bansa.

Sa isang pagbisita lang ng Pambansang Kamao ay malaking tulong na agad ang kaniyang

nakalap, pinakamahusay na amabassador si Pacman.

Mula sa London ay lumipad ang mag-asawa papuntang Florida. Isa ang Pambansang Kamao sa mga naging hurado sa Miss Universe pageant na ginanap doon, pinagkaguluhan din si Manny sa eroplano pa lang.

Pero kuwento ng mga kababayan nating nakasabay nila sa flight, “Malapit na silang maiwan ng eroplano, late sila.

Akala siguro nila, e, Philippine Air Lines ang eroplano nila.”

Ilang beses na kasing nalelate si Pacman sa pagtse-checkin, may ilang beses na siyang malapit maiwanan ng eroplano, pasalamat na lang siya dahil PAL ang kaniyang airline dahil binibigyan siya ng kunsiderasyon.

“Ang nakakatuwa lang, noong makita siya ng mga pasahero, sa halip na mainis, e, nangatuwa pa!

Kani-kaniyang pa-picture na sila kay Pacman. Iba na nga naman ang sikat sa buong mundo!” bawi ng aming source. *** Ramdam ng mga kababayan nating tutok sa mundo ng boksing na ang pagkikita kamakailan nina Manny Pacquiao at Floyd Mayweather sa Florida ay bahagi na ng pagpapaingay sa nakatakda nilang salpukan sa lona ilang buwan pa mula ngayon.

Sabi ng isang sports writer na nakakuwentuhan namin, “Hindi lang magaling na promoter si Bob Arum, he’s a very good PR man! Magaling siyang gumawa ng mga senaryo para mapagusapan ang mga alaga niya!”

PAGE 15

Malapit na! Pacman vs. Floyd Mayweather Ibig sabihi’y hindi naman pala nagkabulagaan lang sina Pacman at Boy Daldal, planado pala iyon, kaya pala pagkatapos ng Miss Universe ay hindi siya agad umuwi ng Pilipinas.

“Magbilang na lang tayo ng mga linggo at buwan, makikita n’yo, ikakasa na ang salpukang Pacquiao-Mayweather.

Pinaiinit lang ‘yan ni Bob Arum dahil history iyon sa mundo ng boxing!” madiin pang komento ng aming kausap. *** Maraming pumapansin sa ginagawang pagpo-post ni Mrs. Jinkee Pacquiao sa kaniyang mga branded stuff. Maraming hindi nagagandahan sa kaniyang ginagawa dahil inilalabas iyon ng misis ni Pacman sa isang panahong maraming kababayan natin ang nagugutom dahil sa sunud-sunod na kalamidad.

Kaligayahan na nga sigurong

maituturing para kay Jinkee ang ilabas ang kaniyang mga kagamitang milyon ang halaga.

Bakit nga naman hindi? Wala naman siyang inaabalang ibang tao sa kaniyang mga kapritso dahil perang pinaghihirapan ng kaniyang asawang boksingero ang ipinambibili niya noon.

Bags, sapatos, relo, mga damit, magsabi kayo ng brand na milyon ang halaga at mayroon noon ang misis ni Pacman. Siya ang paksa noong minsan sa birthday party ng isang negosyanteng bukod na pinagpala.

Kilala ito sa lipunan pero low key, hindi nito ipinagmamalaki ang kung anumang mayroon ang kaniyang pamilya, tahimik lang ang mga ito tungkol sa kanilang pagkabilyonaryo.

Komento ng isang mukhang donyang nasa party, “It only shows one thing. Ngayon lang See CRISTY p16

PAGE 16

CRISTY...

From page 15 siya nagkaroon ng mga branded stuff, kaya siya ganyan.”

Dati nga naman kasi ay walang pambili noon ang misis ni Pacman kaya ngayong umaapaw na ang kanilang kayamanan ay sinasamantala lang niya ang pagkakataon.

Maraming nagkokomento na may tamang panahon ang bawat bagay.

Hindi masamang ipagmalaki ang ating kaginhawahan pero sana’y itiyempo iyon sa panahong walang masasabi ang iba dahil laganap ang kahirapan sa ating bayan. *** Hindi na malaking isyu kung tutuusin kung totoo mang namanhikan na ang pamilya ni Direk Paul Soriano para hingin ang mga kamay ni Toni Gonzaga sa kaniyang mga magulang.

July ng taong 2007 pa sila naging magkarelasyon, pitong taon at kalahati na silang nagmamahalan, mahabang panahon na iyon para malaman nila kung para nga sila sa isa’t isa.

Hindi na rin bumabata si Toni.

Siguradong pinag-uusapan na nila ni Direk Paul kung ilan ang gusto nilang maging anak, kaya kung hindi pa sila magpapakasal sa mga panahong ito at ilang taon pa mula ngayon ay baka mapagiwanan na sila.

May nakarating na kuwento sa amin na noon pa gustong magpakasal ng dalawa, pero kumontra ang mga magulang ni Toni, dahil marami pa siyang pangakong kailangang tuparin para sa kaniyang pamilya.

Marunong humawak ng pananalapi ang mga magulang nila ni Alex, may building na silang naipatayo at maraming lote na rin sa kanilang subdivision sa Taytay ang nabili nila, iyon siguro ang dahilan kung bakit ayaw pa siyang pag-asawahin ng kanilang mga magulang.

Pero nasa tamang edad na ang singer-actress. Panahon na para magkaroon na siya ng sariling pamilya. Hindi naman puwedeng habampanahon na ang obligasyon niya sa kaniyang pamilya ang palagi niyang prayoridad.

Kayang-kaya siyang buhayin ni Direk Paul, puwede silang magkatulungan, kaya hinog na ang panahon para bumuo sila ng sarili nilang mundo. *** Napanood namin ang unang sultada ng bagong show ng magkakapatid na Padilla sa TV5 noong Sabado nang gabi.

Nakakaaliw ang 2 ½ Daddies, sa unang pagkakataon ay masarap panoorin ang magkakapatid na Rommel, BB Gandanghari at Robin Padilla sa isang sitcom.

Napapahalakhak kami habang pinanonood sina Robin at Rommel na pigil na pigil ang pagtawa habang nagdadrama si BB. Bagong putahe ito, maganda ang takbo ng kuwento, tututukan namin ang 2 ½ Daddies tuwing Sabado nang gabi. Manghangmangha pa rin kami kay BB Gandanghari hanggang ngayon.

Tanggap na ng kaniyang

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

pamilya ang pagbabagong-anyo ng dating si Rustom Padilla, pero parang hindi pa rin kami makapaniwala hanggang ngayon kapag napapanood namin si BB, si Rustom pa rin ang naglalaro sa aming kamalayan.

Pero saludo kami sa kaniya.

Hindi madali ang kaniyang ginawang paglalantad sa tunay niyang kasarian, pero pinanindigan niya.

Hindi namin inaasahang magpakaBB Gandanghari rin ang ibang aktor, pero para sa ikatatahimik ng kanilang kalooban, manghingi sila ng payo sa matapang na Padillang ito.

Brusko at lalaking-lalaki si Robin Padilla, pero kapag paninindigan na ang pinagusapan, itinuturing naming mas matapang si BB Gandanghari na para sa ikatitiwasay ng kaniyang personal na damdamin ay nagbuyangyang ng tunay niyang kasarian.

Sa mga unang pakikipag-usap namin kay BB noong kababalik pa lang niya sa Pilipinas sa bago na niyang anyo ay naaalala pa naming sinabi niya, “Ang hiraphirap kayang magtago. Iyong alam mong lalaki ang tingin sa iyo ng iba, pero alam mo naman sa sarili mo na hindi ka ganoon.

“Napakaigsi ng buhay, bakit ko pa pahihirapan ang sarili ko and most importantly, bakit ko lolokohin ang ibang tao?

Napakahirap kumilos, napakahirap mag-pretend, nagpakatotoo lang ako,” sabi niya na nagpapanunawa.

At sino naman ang hindi makaiintindi sa isang taong nagpapakatotoo lang? Hindi naman tayo dinisenyong perpekto, may mga labis at kulang sa ating buhay, at mismong ang Santo Papa na nga ang nagbitiw ng salitang “Who am I to judge”? *** Napuno ang dakilang nanay! Madaling unawain kung bakit humulagpos ang bitbit na pasensiya ni Kris Aquino noong isang araw. Malapit siya sa mga becki, marami siyang kaibigang bading, pero nang may tumawag ng “toyab” sa kaniyang bunsong si Bimby na binaligtad na spelling ng bayot o bakla ay nagwala si Kris.

Hindi na iyon usapin ng pagiging bading. Ang mas nangibabaw sa aktres-TV host ay ang pagtatanggol sa walang kalaban-laban niyang anak, pitong taon pa lang kasi si Bimby pero pati ba naman ang child actor ay binabastos na rin sa social media?

Kaya ang hamon ni Kris – kung may gustong mambastos sa kaniyang anak ay gawin iyon nang harap-harapan at hindi sa paraang duwag, nagtatago lang sa likod ng pagiging basher.

Wala na ngang ligtas ngayon sa social media, kahit ano na lang ay puwede nang panghimasukan at pakialaman ng kahit sino, nakikipaglaban ang mga kilalang personalidad sa mga taong ni hindi naman nila kilala nang personal.

Komento ng isang kaibigan namin tungkol sa ikinagalit ni Kris, “Mali iyon, talagang mali ang ginawang kabastusan ng

basher kay Bimby dahil walang kalaban-laban ang bata sa panglalait sa kaniya.

“But this should also serve as a reminder to Kris na hindi lahatlahat ng tungkol sa buhay nilang mag-iina, e, isine-share niya sa publiko. Masyado kasi siyang open, lahat na lang, alam na ng mga tao, wala nang naiiwanan para sa kaniya,” makahulugang komento ng aming kausap.

Pero tama naman ang depensa ni Kris. Kundi niya iyon papansinin ay mawiwili naman ang mga taong walang magawa sa buhay na basta na lang nilalaitlait ang mga personalidad. Isa pa’y walang kapasidad ang kaniyang bunso na ipagtanggol ang sarili sa edad nitong pitong taon lang.

Sa maraming pagkakataon ay hindi namin nahahanapan ng katwiran ang mga ginagawa ni Kris lalo na kapag ang kaniyang lovelife na ang sangkot pero sa ginawa niyang pagtatanggol sa kaniyang anak ay sinesegundahan namin ang kaniyang emosyon.

Pati ba naman isang batang walang kalaban-laban ay ibubully? Hindi na nakunsensiya ang basher na iyon, dapat lang itong manghingi ng dispensa, dahil sobrang taliwas na sa kagandahang-asal ang ginawa nito sa anak ni Kris. *** Ngayon pa lang ay marami nang nag-aabang sa kahihinatnan ng magandang anak nina Mayor Joey Marquez at Alma Moreno sa Bb. Pilipinas. Minamanok na ngayon ng ating mga kababayan si Wynwyn Marquez.

Bata pa si Wynwyn ay marami nang nagpapayo sa kaniya na alagaan ang kaniyang katawan, huwag daw siyang magpapabaya sa kaniyang legs, dahil pangbeauty queen ang kaniyang tindig at itsura.

Nagkaroon ng saysay iyon nang maging teenager na si Wynwyn. Ang ganda-ganda niya, hindi niya nakuha ang itsura ni Ness, pero maganda ang resulta ng kumbinasyon nila ni Mayor Joey kay Wynwyn.

Dalagang-dalaga na ngayon si Wynwyn, puwede nang pakawalan sa rampa, bukod sa kaniyang ganda ay kapansinpansin din ang kaniyang talino.

May pagmamanahan si Wynwyn dahil ang kaniyang Tita Melanie Marquez ay tinanghal na Miss International, napakagaling din nitong modelo, idagdag pa si Ate Via Hoffman na pang-beauty queen din ang dating.

Palaging sinasabi ni Melanie noon sa kaniyang mga tinuturuang rumampa na lalaban sa international beauty pageant, “Kapag lahat ng mga contestants, e, wine ang hinihingi, ask for milk.” Para raw mapansin ang kalahok, para raw makapangagaw ng atensiyon ng mga judges, kailangan daw mapaiba ang contestant sa kaniyang mga kasabayan.

Malaki ang inaasahan ng mga nag-aabang kay Wynwyn Marquez, pangalan pa lang niya ay panalung-panalo na, lahat ng katangian ng isang lulutang sa labanan ay hawak ni Wynwyn.

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

Jinkee Pacquiao at isa sa kaniyang paboritong designer bag

Direk Paul Soriano at Toni Gonzaga - kailan kaya?

Wynwyn Marquez – Dalaga na ang anak nina Joey at Alma *** maliligaw na naniniwala sa Nagbabasa kaya ng mga kuwento. tabloids sina Erik Santos at Ang lima ay nagtataas lang Angeline Quinto? Hindi kaya ng kilay sa 20th floor, ang apat sila naaapektuhan ng mga pang natitira ay nagbabalik ng nasusulat tungkol sa sinasabing komento, “Ano ba? Ano bang pagkakamabutihan nila? kalokohan ‘yan? Tantanan na nga Sa bawat sampung tinatanong nila ang pagpapanggap!” namin kung naniniwala ba Ito naman kasing si Angeline silang may relasyon sina Erik Quinto, umaastang parang at Angeline ay isa lang ang See CRISTY p17

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 17

The love of money is the reason people stay stuck Most folks misrepresent money. They do not see the value in it. That being they value it.

They love it. Instead of the value it represents… Those without it, fear it, fear the responsibility of it for what it may do to them.

It is merely a reflection of our own inner-game. It’s a shame, that something so neutral, so intrinsically worthless is treated like an idol. It’s not the love of money that is truly the root of all evil, it’s the lack of understanding it that is.

This is such a theological dilemma for most; the problem is not that the walls are down with

the hedge of protection around the heart, it is the hedge that has been put around the mind that closes out a deeper knowledge of economics. Thou shall not fear money; thou shall fear what the lack of money is causing in your life. For it is the lack that is taking much of your time spent doing things away from your true calling for most (not for all), and that very same lack is what is causing you to esteem money in the first place.

“Those without it think a ‘hell’ of a lot more about it, those with it think a ‘heaven’ out of what you call your “hell.” #sittingduck.

“Give a man or a woman ten thousand dollars they did not learn to earn, you better as quick as humanly possible teach that person how to become a ‘thousandaire’ or they will surely lose every last cent of it.” #wealthskills.

“Give a man or a woman a million dollars they did not learn to earn, you better as quick as humanly possible teach that person how to become a millionaire or they will surely lose every last cent of it.” #millionairemindset.

“After you become a millionaire, you can give all of your money away because what’s important is not the

PEACE...

From page 1

statement.

Murad said in order to give meaning to the deaths of the police officers and MILF men, “we must resolve not to let something like this happen again.”

The commission will be composed of members of the MILF Central Committee and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) General Staff.

“The mandate of the SIC is to gather as much reliable information and interview witnesses to establish the truth,” Murad said.

“The SIC is given instruction to come up with a report to the Central Committee as soon as possible,” he added.

The incident is apparently endangering the peace process, with two senators – Alan Peter Cayetano and Joseph Victor Ejercito – withdrawing their authorship of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) bill.

In the House of Representatives, Davao del Norte second district Rep. Antonio F. Lagdameo Jr. clarified that he did not withdraw his support of the passage of the BBL. In a statement, Lagdameo said what he wants are answers. “We need to know and understand what happened and why,” he said.

Lagdameo said authorities should answer the incident so that similar tragedies may be prevented in the future.

Murad, for his part, reiterated the MILF’s “full commitment to the peace process with the Philippine government.”

“An enduring peace and justice remain to be our primary

objective. In this regard, all actions and pronouncements of our political and military units of the MILF should advance and adhere to this primary objective as much as possible and with due regard to the safety and security of our people and communities,” he added.

Murad, however, indicated that the incident happened because the protocols that had been established were not followed.

“The MILF have been in negotiations with the Philippine Government for some time now.

During this time both parties have established protocols, ways of proceeding and mechanisms which support and keep the peace.

Adherence to these mechanisms have created a peaceful environment and lessened actual hostilities through the years.

It is unfortunate but not entirely surprising that when parties do not follow established protocols, lives are placed in harm’s way. We therefore recommit ourselves to follow these processes and protocols,” he said.

Murad said the incident was “unfortunate” and expressed his “deepest sympathies to the families and fiends of those who died in the armed encounter.”

“The emotions of loss and pain are not alien to us Bangsamoro and Mujahideen. Nevertheless, respect and solidarity are due to all, irrespective of which side they belong,” he said.

No to war Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte also pleaded for peace, saying he does not want a repeat of an all-out war against

the (MILF) as many people – including Manila Mayor and former President Joseph Estrada – are calling for.

“There should be a resumption of the talks. It might not sound good to everybody but we do not have a choice because we cannot go to war again,” Duterte told reporters in an interview at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on January 28.

He also said government must continue the discussion on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) despite the recent deadly clash.

Duterte, however, said he is personally not ready to talk with the MILF leadership since he is still saddened by the incident.

“Magapahungaw una ta [Let us calm down first],” he said.

Duterte condemned the brutality with which some MILF men killed the SAF members.

Accounts of the incident had said many of the SAF operatives were shot in the face or head.

“Puwede ka namang pumatay isang bala lang [You can kill with just one bullet]. That is really painful, as warrior, hindi naman dapat ganun [but not as it was done]... Hindi naman kailangan rakrakan yung mukha (it was not necessary to shoot the faces repeatedly),” he said.

Who gave the order?

Duterte said the Maguindanao incident should be investigated to pinpoint what agency had the full responsibility of ordering the SAF to go in the area.

“The problem there is who ordered the poorly planned [operation]? Was there a plan at all or was it just a very reckless adventure?” he said.

He said the government invested a lot in training the SAF men since it is the strike force of the PNP, but the men were “just thrown into a misadventure.”

Duterte said there is an existing agreement between the MILF and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for situations like the one that led to the deadly clash.

“I am angry because if there is an agreement, huwag ka munang pumasok sa bahay ko habang hindi tayo nagka-areglo [do not enter my house if have not yet come to an agreement],” he said.

“We are neighbours, we used to be friends, you visit my house, I can enter your house, nagkaroon tayo ng deperensya [but we came into conflict]. In the meantime there is a settlement, you should honour the agreement,” he added.

Duterte said even the military in the area “were not properly informed, so they could not respond (when the SAF men were suffering heavy losses). What kind of operation was going on?”

He said the military hesitated to reinforce the SAF because it would be prosecuted for violating the GPH-MILF agreement.

Duterte said the problem was that the superior of the killed SAF members did not follow the exact protocol for operations.

“You could share information [about] who you are after and what kind of force you would need,” he said.

“I hope that there would be a reckoning someday na bakit murag gibahog nimo sa impiyerno (why did you send them to hell),” he added.

– Jon Joaquin and Armando B. Fenequito Jr./Edge Davao

at ipino-post pa sa social media?

At ito namang si Kris Aquino, sinusulsulan pa ng gas ang nagdidingas nang apoy, huwag daw munang magse-sex sina Erik at Angeline para hindi sila magkaproblema.

Ang pinakamagandang magagawa nina Erik at Angeline para hindi nabibigyan ng ibang kulay at pakahulugan ang

sinasabing pagkakamabutihan nila ay magmahalan na lang sila nang tahimik.

Iyong silang dalawa na lang ang nagkakaalaman, iyong hindi na nila ibinabahagi pa sa publiko, para hindi sila nahuhusgahang nagpapanggap lang.

Ngayon, kung totoo ngang magkarelasyon na sila, ano ba ang pakialam ng ibang tao sa

itinitibok ng kanilang puso? Eh, ano ngayon kung pinagdududahan ang kasarian ni Erik? Maibibigay ba ng ibang tao ang kaligayahang ibinibigay sa singer ni Angeline?

“Eh, ano rin kung pinagbibintangang tibo si Angeline, may ibang lalaki bang makapagbibigay sa kaniya ng kilig at kaligayahang naibibigay sa kaniya ni Erik?

Dalawang puso lang ang nagkakaunawaan sa larangan ng pakikipagmahalan, dalawang puso lang ang nag-uusap, hindi kasali ang puso at damdamin ng mga miron.

At kung totoo ngang magkarelasyon na ngayon sina Erik Santos at Angeline Quinto, di ibigay na lang natin ang kanilang kalayaan! CSF

of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and the radical Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Sunday, January 25 around Mamasapano, a remote village in Maguindanao province, Mindanao.

Seven civilians were also killed and three others injured.

On January 31, MILF chief peace negotiator, Mohagher Iqbal, released the names of 18 fighters from the MILF killed and 14 wounded in the combat.

Three platoons of the elite SAF police squad entered Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano town before dawn allegedly to serve the warrants of arrest against explosives experts, Zulkifli Abdhir and Basit Usman.

The PNP mission, designated “Oplan Wolverine,” was apparently conducted without coordinating with the local military and police as well as without the peace process mechanisms of the government and MILF’s Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

Peace endangered MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim is convening a Special Investigative Commission (SIC) to investigate the deadly incident.

“Our concern is the truth.

There will be a lot of speculation as to what happened, and until what happened is established with credibility and integrity, the said incident will weigh down our current efforts to bring peace to our homeland,” MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said in a

CRISTY...

From page 16 mauubusan na ng lalaki sa mundo, hawakan lang siya sa kamay ni Erik Santos ay ipinagmamakaingay na niya?

Hinawakan lang siya sa kamay, nakuryente na siya, agadagad na niyang ikinuwento iyon

million dollars; what’s important is the person you have become in the process of becoming a millionaire.” – Jim Rohn.

“Darren Hardy mirrored it well, your income seldom surpasses your personal development, and when it does it’s temporary.” #lotteryeffect. If you were to take the money from of the wealthiest people in all the world and evenly distribute it amongst the rest of the world, within five to10 years that money would end up in the very same pockets it started with.

Business, Success & Money Message: Value attracts money, not the wanting of it. If you want to get more money, you have it

backwards. To have more money you must create more value and once you master that, you will have more money than you know what to do with. Money is but paper and plastic, it’s worthless; when you create more value for “consumers,” and translate that value into terms “they” can understand; they will also realize that money is worthless. As a result, they will transfer the value they once placed on their money and transition that into your offerings instead… #winwin.

Valen Vergara, Award Winning Social Entrepreneur, Author, International Investor, Speaker & B2C Marketer – www.valenvergara.com

PAGE 18

EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS

Perfect girl Ang mga tauhan at mga pangyayari sa kuwentong ito ay kathang-isip lamang at hindi tumutukoy sa mga tunay na tao at sitwasyon.

MATINDI ang panliligaw ni Carlo kay Louise. Iniingatan niya ito nang husto. Kulang na lang na subuan niya ito ng pagkain kung suyuin at paglingkuran. Kahit nga subuan ng pagkain, kung papayag si Louise, ay gagawin niya upang magustuhan nito.

Gayunman, hindi mandin natutuwa si Louise. Habang sinusuyo niya, lalo itong lumalayo.

Katulad na lamang kanina.

Parang si Claire lamang ang kasama nito nang magpunta sila sa shopping mall paglabas nila ng opisina. Hindi siya pinapansin nito.

Kapag nagtatanong siya, kapiranggot na kapiranggot lamang ang sagot nito. Si Claire ay kaopisina nila.

Mas matanda ito nang humigitkumulang sampung taon kay Louise. Nakatulong tiyak ang pangyayaring magkasabay sa pagko-commute pauwi ang dalawa kaya naging malapit sa isa’t isa ang mga ito hanggang sa maging magkaibigan. Sa Fairview umuuwi ang dalawa.

Sa Las Piñas naman siya. Nagkocommute din siya. Sa Makati sila nag-oopisina. Kaibigan na rin niya si Claire.

Gayunman, nakabuntot pa rin siya kay Louise.

Namilit pa siya upang kumain sila sa isang restawran sa loob ng mall makaraang mabili na ni Louise ang hinahanap. Tiyak namang siya ang magbabayad.

Kapag sa canteen ng opisina sila kumakain, kaniya-kaniyang bayad sila. Si Louise mismo ang may gusto niyon.

“Huwag na lang. Umuwi na tayo,” sabi ni Louise.

“Gabi na rin naman.

Nakakagutom na. Kumain na tayo,” pakiusap niya.

Bagama’t nag-“Thank you,” matabang ang pagkabigkas nito ng dalawang salitang iyon nang hilahin at isulong niya ang silya upang madali itong makaupo.

JULIANA...

From page 4 Secure to help identify and report cases of human trafficking.

The app includes information on what to look for and how to submit a report on trafficking cases. In identifying victims of sex trafficking, for example, the app gives the following indicators: • The victim cannot freely communicate with friends or family.

• The victim is not able to

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

Hindi ito ngumingiti habang inaasikaso niya ito, tulad ng paglalapit ng bandehado ng ulam. Tiyak namang hindi ito nandiri dahil hinawakan niya ang bandehado. Nakita nitong nagsabon siya ng kamay. Wala rin siyang nakahahawang sakit.

Ni ubo o sipon ay wala siya.

Kahit sa opisina, parang balewala kay Louise ang lahat ng ginagawa niya. Kapag kailangan nito ng anumang tulong, laging andoon siya. To the rescue siya palagi. Hindi na nito kailangang hingin pa ang tulong niya.

Nagkakandarapa pa siya upang ibigay iyon.

Kung minsan, kapag bigla siyang lumingon, nahuhuli niya si Louise na nakatingin sa kaniya.

May nababasa siya sa mga mata nito. Gayunman, ibang-iba ang kilos nito kaysa sinasabi ng mga mata nito.

Hindi naman ito suplada. Sa tingin niya, mahiyain pa nga ito.

Tiyak na nasa bahay na rin si Claire. Tatawagan niya ito sa landline. Mas malinaw ang boses ng kausap sa landline kaysa cellphone. Mas madaling magkaintindihan. Hindi rin magastos.

Itatanong niya kung baka may nasabi rito si Louie nang humiwalay na siya sa dalawa.

Baka may problema ito.

Tutulungan niya.

O, malay niya, baka may nagawa o nasabi siyang ikinagalit nito. Hihingi siya ng pasensiya.

HABANG sinusuyo ni Carlo, tulad kanina, lalong iritablengiritable si Louise. Para siyang nakagat ng simutsang. O isang taong may allergy na nakakain ng itlog o hipon.

Sa pakiramdam ni Louise, para bang perfect girl ang tingin sa kaniya ni Carlo kaya ganoon kung suyuin siya nito.

Iyon ang problema niya.

Hinihintay niya ang tawag ni Claire. Kaninang humiwalay sa kanila si Carlo, nakita niyang lulugu-lugo ito. Kapag ganoon, tumatawag ito kay Claire.

Ibinabalita naman agad sa kaniya si Claire kung ano ang napagusapan ng dalawa.

“WALA namang binabanggit sa akin si Louise na problema niya,” sagot ni Claire nang kausap na ni Carlo sa landline.

“Walang binanggit na ikinagalit sa akin?” tanong pa niya.

“Wala namang binabanggit na ikinagalit sa iyo. Bakit?”

“Tahimik kasi siya. Baka ’kako me nasabi sa iyo na problema niya. O ikinagalit sa akin.”

“Wala. Walang nababanggit.”

Bakit nga kaya? naitanong niya sa sarili. “Salamat, ha?

Pasensiya na uli sa abala,” sabi niya kay Claire nang maalalang may kausap siya.

“Okey lang. Tawag ka basta gusto mo. Kausapin mo rin si Louise.”

“Sige. Salamat uli.”

Wala siyang balak sumuko sa panliligaw. Apat na buwan na niyang nililigawan si Louise.

Kung kailangang dagdagan pa ang panunuyo sa kaopisina, gagawin ni Carlo.

TULAD ng inaasahan ni Louise, tinawagan siya ni Claire sa landline matapos mag-usap ang dalawa. Ikinuwento ni Claire ang pag-uusap nito at ni Carlo.

“Sa palagay mo ba, talagang mahal ako ni Carlo?” tanong ni Louise.

“Hindi naman siguro magtitiyaga iyon nang ganoon kung hindi,” sagot ni Claire.

“Sobra kung suyuin ako ni Carlo. Para bang perfect girl ako.”

“Ngayon?”

“Baka pag nalaman niyang hindi naman pala ako tulad ng tingin niya sa akin e umayaw na siya.” Pitong buwan pa lamang sa kompanya si Louise. Apat na taon na roon si Carlo.

“Ano ngayon ang balak mo?

Hindi naman puwedeng ganiyan na lamang kayo habang panahon.

Kawawa rin naman ‘yong tao.

Laging lulugu-lugo.”

“Pag-iisipan ko,” sabi niya nang malaon.

PAGKARAAN ng isang linggo, nakabuo ng pasiya si Louise.

Nang sumunod na magpunta uli sila sa mall, siya na mismo ang nagbukas ng usapan nang iwan sila ni Claire dahil may titingnan daw ito saglit.

“Ano ba ang pagkakilala mo sa akin?” panimula niya.

“Bakit?”

“Ang treatment mo kasi sa akin e parang perfect girl ako.

Marami rin akong kapintasan.”

“Lahat naman ng tao e me kapintasan,” sabi ni Carlo.

“Alam mo rin bang nakatatlong boyfriend na ako?”

“Alam ko na.”

Naalala ni Louise na bago sila naging magkaibigan ni Claire, may kaopisina sila na nagpagkuwentuhan na niya nito.

“Kilalanin mo pa rin muna ako. Puwede kang magtanong kay Claire. Kilala niya ako.

Nagkukuwentuhan kami,” sabi niya.

“Kailangan pa ba ‘yon?

Tanggap naman kita kahit sino ka.”

“Madaling sabihin iyon.

Mabuti iyong kilala mo talaga ako. Ako na ang nakikisuyo sa iyo.”

Tumango si Carlo.

Nakahinga siya nang maluwag.

Mayamaya, bumalik na si Claire.

ITINULOY ni Carlo ang panliligaw sa kaniya. Pagkalipas ng dalawang buwan, sinagot

niya ito.

“Sorry, nahirapan ka tuloy.

Akala ko kasi, ang tingin mo sa akin e perfect girl ako kaya ganoon ang treatment mo sa akin.”

“Okey lang ‘yon. Sorry rin. Nahirapan ka pala dahil sa treatment ko sa iyo. Gusto ko lamang namang ipakita sa iyo na napakahalaga mo sa akin dahil mahal kita. Katulad ka rin lang ng karaniwang babae, nag-isip ka lang masyado.”

“Nalula lang siguro ako sa pagpapahalaga mo sa akin.

Namroblema pala ako nang wala namang dapat problemahin. Ang tanga ko talaga. Tingnan mo, hindi talaga ako perpekto.”

Nagtawanan sila.

Hindi na naalangan si Louise sa trato sa kaniya ni Carlo.

Gustung-gusto pa nga niya.

Maraming kakilala na nagsasabing blooming na blooming siya. Namumukod siya sa gitna ng karamihan. Nag-eexude siya ng self-confidence, sabi ng mga kaopisina.

Pagkalipas ng pitong buwan mula nang sagutin niya si Carlo, itinakda ang kanilang kasal.

Ninang si Claire.

“Nangangako ako sa iyo na hindi magbabago ang pagtingin ko sa iyo. Lalo pa nga kitang mamahalin,” sabi ni Carlo.

“Salamat.”

Habang inaasikaso nila ang pagpapakasal, nagsimulang mangarap nang gising si Louise tungkol sa magiging buhaymag-asawa nila ni Carlo. Alam din naman niyang walang perpektong buhay-may-asawa.

Dinaratnan ito ng mga problema.

Nag-aaway kung minsan ang mag-asawa. Pero dahil mahal nila ang isa’t isa, malalampasan nila ni Carlo ang mga iyon, tiniyak niya sa sarili. Sisikapin niyang maging ulirang asawa at ina. Patuloy niyang pauunlarin ang sarili.

May iniisip pa siya: Kuuu! humanda ang lalaking iyon pag mag-asawa na kami. Matitikman niya kung gaano kasarap ang aking pagmamahal.

Iniisip pa lamang niya ang mangyayari ay kiliting-kiliti na siya.

WAKAS Si Nestor S. Barco ay tinanghal na Makata ng Taon sa Pilipinas noong 2003.

Nagsusulat siya ng mga tula, kuwento, sanaysay at artikulo.

Isa siyang mamamahayag.

Masusulatan siya sa nestorsbarco@yahoo.com.ph.

leave or come and go as he/she wishes.

• The victim may be under 18 and is providing commercial sex acts.

• The victim has a pimp or manager.

One may say that these are common sense signs, but many times the obvious can slip our attention if we are not looking for them. The app, which is available on iOS and Android platforms, offers a constant reminder that women and children live in a dangerous world, and any help

we offer them will surely go a long way. It also involves ordinary people in the fight against human trafficking.

“It is not possible for us or another trusted partner in the fight against trafficking to be everywhere at once,” Orphan Secure says in its website. “That is why we need you and for you to use the app. With your help we can increase the reach of our information gathering and spread our net wider everyday to help identify victims and catch those criminals responsible for human/

child sex trafficking.”

Do something Now 29, Juliana has decided that she wants to use her celebrity status to help fight human trafficking. She is now an advocate – or in Gahan’s words, a “freedom fighter.”

“I was just lucky that time that I was not able to make it overseas. It was only very recently that I learned that it was human trafficking. From then on I realized that I have to do something about it. Now I want to take this opportunity to help

this advocacy and help young women to make the right choices and save them,” she said.

“And I want to take advantage of what I’ve worked hard for, being (the actress) Juliana, and use that to help other women and inspire them and make sure they take the rights steps and they’re educated on these things,” she added.

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

EH KASI, PINOY!

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

Nagiging Canada’s most racist city ang Winnipeg, ayon sa Maclean Magazine.

Si Mayor Brian Bowman na Metis ay nabalitang napapaluha sa nangyayari. Humihiling ng suporta against racism. Bakit nga hindi, pero sa totoo lang, racism issues are not only local and national, but universal. *** Nasa balag ng alanganin ang kalagayan ngayon ng Manitoba NDP. Sino man sa tatlong pagpipilian na maging lider ay walang kakayahang mapaghilom ang malalim na sugat ng partido.

Mahirap makabangon sa kamang uuga-uga. Kailangan ang bagong lider, subalit hindi mangyayari sa panahong ito. *** Tungkol sa immigration ang pangunahing issues na dapat pagtuunan ngayon ng pansin.

Hindi lang ang ating mga kababayan ang dapat kumilos.

Ang ibang lahi na nais maging landed immigrant dito sa Canada ay dapat magising. Marami nang mga pagbabago sa mga patakarang pinatutupad. Tulad ng family unifications issues na binuksan subalit masikip ang pintuan. *** Nagtawag ng premier/ minister meeting ang Ottawa, pero alanganin daw si PM Harper na dumalo. Bakit? Natatakot bang harapin ang mga premier na magrereklamo dahil sa halip tulungan ang mga probinsiya ay ginagatasan pa?

Feedback “Kaka, napakinggan mo po ba ang speech nina President Aquino at ng Pope Francis sa Malacañang? Mula sa puso ang message ng Santo Papa kumpara sa pahayag ng presidente.”

Opo, napakinggan ko. Salamat po sa e-mail ninyo. Pass muna

PILIPINO EXPRESS

ako sa komento.

Pilipinas Nakakalungkot ang nangyaring massacre sa 44 miyembro ng PNP elite forces na naging kapalit ng pagkakapaslang sa isang international terrorist.

Pumasok kasi sila sa teritoryo ng MILF na akala ng commander-inchief ay kapanalig, hindi pala. *** Malayo pa ang katahimikan sa Mindanao. Sa nakaraang halos 75 years ay sinisikap na ng mga nakaraang gobyerno subalit bigo dahil mismong ang mga kapatid nating muslim duon ay may kani-kaniyang pangkat na nais mangibabaw.

Ang panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law ay mahihirapan nang mapagtibay sa ngayon. Dahil sa nangyaring massacre sa 44 PNP forces, si PNoy ay mahihirapan nang makakaiwas sa criminal responsibilities. *** Matanim kaya sa isip at mamalagi sa puso ng mga katolikong Filipino ang isa sa mahalagang mensahe ng Santo Papa? “Tunay na Diyos ang kilalanin.Tulungan ang mga taong palaging hikahos sa kabuhayan.

Mercy and compassion ng gobyerno sa mga tao ang kailangan.” *** Ang mga mamamayan ay maraming pahatid na hiling sa Santo Papa. Narito ang ilan: • Bless our President at lahat ng mga namumuno sa gobyerno.

Tigilan ang corruption.

• Ipagdasal ang mga taong nawalan ng pag-asa dahil sa kanilang dinaranas na kahirapan.

• Tulungan silang ipagdasal na ang mga politiko ay maiwasan ang magnakaw. Tunay na paglilingkod sa bayan ang atupagin.

• Ipagdasal din na ang mga magiging pangulo ng bansa ay

HINAGAP Dahil sa Pag-ibig Ang buwan ng puso, puno ng hiwaga, Hindi inasahan, darating na kusa; Pintig ng pagsuyo, palaging malaya, Habang nabubuhay sa dibdib ng lupa! *** Sa puso nagmula tibok ng pag-ibig, Na laging katugon ang dibdib at isip; Karaniwang wagas ay walang kaparis, Ang ligayang taglay sa silong ng langit! *** Umibig-ibigin, handog ay ginhawa, Malungkot ang tibok ng pusong ulila; Kaya nga si Adan binigyan ng Eva, At sa paraiso’y malayang nagsama! *** Dito sa daigdig, ang hiram na buhay, Dahil sa pag-ibig ay laging makulay!

Paquito Rey Pacheco

PAGE 19

hindi na magiging partedista at benggatibo. *** Ipinakita at ipinadama ng mga Filipino ang kanilang taospusong pagmamahal kay Pope Francis. Sana’y hindi maulit ang kasaysayan. “Si Jesus Christ ay ipinagbunyi ng mga tao nang dumating sa Palm Sunday. Subalit sila-sila rin, ang nagpahirap at nagpako sa krus. *** Ang halos limang-araw na pagbisita ni Pope Francis sa Pilipinas ay hindi ba nagamit na propaganda ng mga nasa Palasyo?

Nakangiti lang naman ang Santo Papa. Patay malisya. Nakapako ang isip sa mga bata at mahihirap na mga magulang na napabayaan ng gobyerno. Baka hinahanap ang mga homeless families at mga batang lansangan na nakakarating sa kaniyang kaalaman. *** Ang Santo Papa nang magsalita ay pasasalamat sa kaniyang magandang pagsalubong ang binigkas. Subalit hindi nakatiis. Pinasaringan ang mga politiko at mga taong gobyerno. “Hindi dapat maging kurap.” Di ba hagip din si PNoy sa patama? Pinitik din ang mga alagad ng Simbahang Katolika.

Maging matapat at panatilihin ang simpleng pamumuhay. *** May mga politiko bang susunod sa hamon ng Santo Papa? Naku, malabo po ‘yon.

Sakaling mayroon man, baka kulang pa sa bilang ng mga daliri sa dalawang palad. Kung tungkol sa corruption, ang mga politiko at opisyal sa iba’t ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno sa Pilipinas ay mga pipi, bulag at bingi. *** Alam ng Santo Papa na ang mga obispo ay may kani-kaniyang opinion. Magkakaiba ang klase ng kanilang utak. Sa kasaysayan ng bansa, alalahaning may tatlong pari na noon ay kumalaban sa gobyerno. Sina Padre Gomez, Bugos at Zamora na tinuringang mga martir. *** Nakakalungkot, mistulang massacre ang pagkamatay ng may 44 mga mahusay na tauhan ng PNP noong Martes, huling linggo ng Enero sa Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Batay sa report, ang nangyari ay planong lahat ng

suspendidong PNP Chief, Gen. Alan Purisima. Alam umano ni PNoy, subalit hindi alam ni DILG Secretary Mar Roxas. *** Bunga ng pangyayari, sinuspinde ni Sen. Bongbong Maros na chairman ng lupon sa Senado na kung saan tinatalakay ang panukalang Bangsamoro basic law. Dapat lang, kasi paano nga eh, nababalot ng kaguluhan mismo ang lipunan ng ating mga kapatid na muslim sa Mindanao. *** Tungkol sa naman sa yellow ribbon na palaging nasa tapat ng puso ni PNoy. Katunayan lang ‘yon na ang bayan ay hati. Sana nga naman, kung presidente na, kapakanan ng lahat ang gawin ng isang lider. Kalimutan ang partido at pagiging benggatibo *** Erap pa rin ang Mayor ng Maynila. Sinabi niya sa mga empleyado sa kaniyang tanggapan na kung hindi nila nagugustuhan ang kaniyang palakad ay magresign. Nabalitang may 100 ang bilang ng mga supporter ni former Mayor Fred Lim na pinanatili ni Erap sa kanilang trabaho. *** Ang Comelec chairman, Sixto Brillantes ay nagretiro na basang-basa ang papel. Bihira ang mga naniniwala na ang hokus-pokus machine ay walang kinakaman sa umano’y naging dayaan noong 2010 presidential at senatorial elections noong 2013. Sinuportahan ang supplier hanggang sa huling mga araw. *** Ang katuparan ng planong executive clemency sa mga matatandang presong malaon nang nakakulong ay hindi nangyari.

Itataon sana sa panahong nang ang Santo Papa ay nasa Pilipinas.

Pipiliin pa daw. *** Bago dumating ang Oktubre ay malalaman na kung ilang pangkat ang lalahok sa 2016 presidential electons. Bukod kay VP Binay na baka si Erap ang maka-tandem, si Mayor Duterte ng Davao ay nagpahayag na. Sa LP coalition naman, malamang ang Mar Roxas na ang ka-tandem ay alinman kina Grace Poe, Chiz Escudero o Ping Lacson. *** Sina senador Trillanes, Alan Cayetano, Koko Pimentel

ang tinaguriang three political musketeers at si TG Guingona naman ang d’Artagnan sa senado.

Pilit na maibagsak si VP Binay.

Subalit naudlot ang pag-aresto sa kaniyang anak na Makati mayor.

Hindi pala alam ni d’Artagnan na kailangang may pahintulot muna ang Hari ng senado. Paano siya naging Chairman ng Senate Yellow Ribbon Committee?

Dapat matalino, hindi tanga.

Katas Kudos sa sambayanan ang matagumpay na pagdalaw ng Santo Papa sa bansa. Super welcome na pagsalubong, gayon din sa paglisan. Sana, matanim sa puso ng bawat Pilipino ang mga iniwang mensahe ni Pope Francis sa bansang may 85 per cent ng mga tao ay katoliko.

1. Unang umugong ang hangarin ng Pope Francis na puntahan ang Tacloban pagkaraang manalasa ang Super Typhoon Yolanda sa Visayan Islands.

2. Pinaalam ng Vatican sa mga namumuno ng Simbahang Katolika sa Maynila ang nais ni Pope Francis.

3. Ibinalita naman kaagad sa Malacañang. Hiniling umano ng Vatican na doon sa Tacloban na lamang magkita si Pope Francis at PNoy. 4. Hindi nangyari dahil nagkasunod-sunod ang pangit na panahon. Kaligtasan sa paglalakbay ng Santo Papa ang pangunahing konsiderasyon kaya naatraso. Ang simpleng pagdalaw na nais ni Pope Francis ay naging magarbo.

5. Ang Santo Papa ay may pahiwatig na muling babalik sa bansa. Kung mangyayari next year, malamang magamit ng Malacañang sa politika.

Kasabihan: Ang nagsasabi nang tapat, magsasama nang maluwat.

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.

BRIDGES...

From page 4

to make a commitment to each other. This will help carry you through the tough times.

Be silly The expression “nice guys finish last” may not be as accurate as “boring guys finish last.” Being boring in a relationship means that you do not try to share common interests with your partner, that you are not willing to try new things, admit that you’re wrong, or be vulnerable and share your feelings. You might also be reluctant to laugh at yourself.

Being silly and fun together is a way to keep the spark alive, and it also is an outlet for all the life stress that comes our way. When you laugh together, you feel safe and secure with one another.

At first, it might feel unnatural to try to connect with your loved one in these ways. However, over time it will get easier and not feel like such an effort. The payout will be tremendous.

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.

kindness, and accomplishments.

Walk down memory lane It is always nice to reminisce about what it was like when you first began dating. For instance, talking about when you first met, how you talked on the phone for hours, when you met the other’s family, your first kiss, that time when you walked in the rain together. Whatever it is, recalling these moments has the powerful effect of rekindling the spark right now. You remember what attracted you to your partner, long before the bills, the kids, and the pressures of work came along. Together, you remind yourselves why you decided

EH KASI, PINOY

PAGE 20

PILIPINO EXPRESS

KROSWORD

NO. 221

HOROSCOPE

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

PAHALANG 1. Lapian 4. Silid-tanggapan 7. _____ Pineda 8. Labasan ng tubig 11. Panauhin 14. Pinagkakasundo 16. Dalawang dalawa 17. Pananong 18. Sagisag ng bansa 19. Pangalan ng lalaki 21. Usok 23. Los Angeles Lakers 24. Igi 26. Haligi ng tahanan 27. Ampon 29. Panawag pansin 31. Panghalip 32. Uri ng kahoy 34. Sigaw ni Bruce Lee 35. Isangguni PABABA 1. Pag-aaruga 2. Labanan 3. Sinta 4. Uri ng tela 5. Sigaw ng ati-atihan

6. Walang suwerte 9. Mga titik sa lapida 10. Inistorbo 12. Dadanas 13. Panghalip 15. Manang _____ 20. Lubha 22. Samyo 24. Babatay 25. Buriko 28. Titulo ng bayani 30. Anak ni Ate Guy 33. Hulapi

SAGOT SA NO. 220

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

(Pebrero 1 – 15, 2015) Aries (March 21 – April 19) Buwenas ka sa pag-ibig at sa hanapbuhay sa buwang ito.

Bigyang pansin ang iyong mga kutob at pagtiwalaan mo ang iyong pakiramdam lalo na kaugnay ng pera o negosyo. Kung sa palagay mo ay makakabuti sa iyo, malamang ay tama ka. Best days mo ang ika-3, 4, 13 at 14.

Alalay ka sa ika-1, 8, 9 at 15.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) May babala pa rin sa iyong kalusugan.

Alagaan mo ang pagkain at utak.

May mga sakit na buhat lamang sa sobrang pag-iisip.

Kung hindi ka rin lang apektado, hayaan mo nang gawin ng iba ang gusto nila kahit hindi ka sangayon. Mas magiging masaya ka.

Mapalad ka sa ika-3, 4, 13 at 14.

Stressful ang ika-10 at11.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Napakadali mong kapitan ng ubo at sipon sa panahong ito.

Kailangan mong magpahinga muna dahil hindi sapat ang gamot sa nararamdaman mo. Mas madali kang gagaling kung matutulog ka nang tama. Mas maraming mawawala sa iyo kapag may sakit ka. OK ang ika-3, 4, 13 at 14. May tension sa ika-5, 6 at 7.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Mag-ingat ka sa paggasta sa umpisa ng Pebrero. Tiyakin mong mayroon kang nakatabi para sa biglaang pangangailangan.

Hindi ka naman pinipigilang gumasta pero pigilan mo muna ang pagbili ng hindi importante.

Mahigpit ang pera sa iyo ngayon.

Lucky days mo ang ika-5, 6, 7 at 15. Ingat sa ika-3, 4, 10 at 11.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) Maraming oras na ang ginugol mo para asikasuhin ang pamilya at mga kaibigan. Wala na silang puwedeng ireklamo dahil isusubo mo na lang ay ibinigay mo pa. Oras na upang kumawala ka sa tanikalang nakagapos sa iyo. Huwag kang ma-guilty. Asikasuhin mo ang sarili. Suwerte ang ika-5, 6, 7 at 15. Ingat sa ika-13 at 14.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Huwag mong kakalimutan na hindi lang pagkain ang kailangan ng katawan upang mabuhay.

Kailangan din natin ang malusog na isip. Magtabi ka ng oras para sa pagbabasa at pagpapalawak ng kaalaman. Kailangan din ng utak ng tao ang mental exercise. Good days ang ika-5, 6, 7 at 15. May tensyon sa ika-1, 8 at 9.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Kailangan mong mag-focus sa hanapbuhay kung nais mong manatiling magaan ang pasok ng pera. Hindi ka dapat magpabaya dahil may nakaabang na mang-aagaw agad ng anumang pakakawalan mong oportunidad.

Saka ka na lang magbakasyon.

Trabaho muna. OK ang ika-8 at 9. Ingat sa ika-5, 6, 7, 13 at 14.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) Maniwala ka, magiging masaya ang Pebrero mo.

Buwenas ang pananalapi at mabulaklak ang pag-ibig. Wala ka nang mahihiling pa. Samantalahin mo ang magandang kapalaran at gawin mo na ang lahat ng nais mong gawin. Basta wala kang aapakang ibang tao, ituloy mo. OK ang ika-8 at 9. Kuwidaw sa ika-1 at 15.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) May inaasahan kang tao na magbibigay sa iyo ng oportunidad para sa ika-uunlad mo pero huwag sanang sasama ang loob mo dahil hindi matutupad ito. Sabi nga’y huwag mong ilagay ang lahat ng itlog sa iisang basket. Magtiwala ka sa sarili mong kakayahan.

Lucky ka sa ika-8 at 9. Careful sa ika-3, 4, 10 at 11.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) May hindi pagkakaunawaan sa pook ng iyong pagsamba o kung saan ka man nagpupunta upang makipagkita sa mga tao na kapareho mo ang paniniwala.

Dahil sa drama ng ilan, napipikon ang marami sa kanila. May mga pagbabagong darating dahil dito.

OK ka sa ika-1, 10 at 11. Stressful ang ika-8, 9 at 15.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) Kailangan mong mag-ingat sa pagkain lalo na kung may family history ka ng sakit sa bato. Kung wala ka pang problema, maaaring sandali na lang kung patuloy kang magpapabaya. Masarap kumain pero alagaan mo ang iyong katawan upang humaba ang buhay. Lucky days mo ang ika-1, 10 at 11. Ingat sa ika-3 at 4.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) Masaya ang iyong Pebrero! Ang pagiibigan ninyong dalawa ay mas matindi at walang makakapigil sa inyong pagmamahalan. Pati ang pera ay magiging magaan para sa iyo at iyong partner. Pati ang kumpiyansa mo at tiwala sa sarili ay mataas. Enjoy! OK ang ika-1, 10 at 11. Ingat sa ika-5, 6, 7, 13 at 14.

HISTORY...

From page 6

the right to move freely from one job to another. While one may argue that, as non-Canadians, they are not eligible for such privileges, it seems that this is less about privilege and more about basic human rights. In the literature on labour migration, it is generally agreed that mobility is and should be a right extended to all, whether foreign or not. What worsens the situation is that, while being denied many privileges afforded to Canadian workers, TFWs are required nonetheless to pay taxes and premiums such as employment insurance while not benefiting from such services.

As Diwa said in the interview, the work of Migrante Manitoba is not just reactive, but is also holistic. It involves creating relationships with different

stakeholders such as government officials, lawyers, and other organizations so that, when they are faced with a situation, they can react appropriately and promptly. But more to this, Diwa and Migrante Manitoba endeavour to spread awareness about what issues migrant workers face. As has been the case throughout Canadian history, it is when the wider public becomes aware of abuses or injustices in the immigration system that meaningful change can happen. I ended our interview by asking Diwa what the most important points he would want to get across to the wider Manitoba community about migrant workers. His response was that, first, there needs to be awareness

simply find other employment, as this process may take up to six months and, if they publicly voice their concerns, they risk termination of employment and deportation. Plus, they have recruitment debts to pay and families at home relying on their income. It is because of this that Migrante Manitoba performs such a vital role, advocating for the basic human rights and dignity of foreign workers who contribute significantly to the Manitoban economy. When I asked what he felt were the most pressing issues for TFWs in Manitoba, Diwa replied that “they don’t have the same rights as Canadians or permanent residents,” including

See HISTORY p21

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 21

Hindi ko sinasadya, sorry kung naging racist ako Five years ago ay isinulat ko sa kolum na ito ang tungkol sa racism. Ang pamagat ng aking article noong February 2010 ay “Wag mo silang tawaging ‘Pana’” na umani ng maraming iba’t ibang reaksyon mula sa ating mga readers. Tinalakay ko dito kung paano ang ilan sa ating mga kababayan ay nagiging racist partikular sa mga katutubo ng Canada.

Nito lamang isang linggo ay naging laman ng pahayagan, social media at usapan sa opisina, eskwelahan at community ang isyu ng racism dahil sa artikulong isinulat ni Nancy Macdonald sa Maclean’s Magazine na tinuran niya ang Winnipeg bilang “Canada’s most racist city.” Agad namang nagpahayag ng kaniyang “moving at inspiring” message si Mayor Brian Bowman. Sabi niya, hindi natin mareresolba ang isyu ng racism bukas pero gagawin natin ang lahat bilang isang komunidad para wakasan ito.

Tanong: Aware ba tayo na may mga pagkakataon na racist pa rin ang pag-uugali natin?

Araw at gabi akong sumasakay ng bus number 16.

Ito ang bus na dumadaan sa kahabaan ng Selkirk, ang sentro ng North End. Masasabi kong guilty rin ako sa pagiging racist nang hindi ko sinasadya. Pinipilit kong igalang, irespeto at maging friendly sa mga katutubo pero kung minsan ay nasisira ang kanilang imahe dahil sa mga pagkakataong nakakapikon.

Noong isang gabi, isang lasing

na katutubo ang inambaan ng kamao ang pagmumukha ng isang Pilipinong kasakay ko. Gusto ko sanang ipagtanggol si kabayan pero ayoko nang palakihin pa ang sitwasyon. Umiwas na lang ang kawawang Pinoy at hindi na lang pinansin ito ng mga pasahero dahil lasing nga si katutubo. Sa mga pagkakataong ito, kumukulo ang dugo natin dahil wala tayong magawa kung hindi ang magpasensya.

Dalawa ang trabaho ko tulad ng marami sa inyo. Kayod kalabaw tayong lahat. Kaya minsan nakakapikon kapag pagod ka na nga ay maiinis ka pa sa mga sumusunod sa iyong mga lasing sa kalye at mga kasakay mo sa bus na tila mga wala sa sarili lalo na kung mahihingan ka pa ng pera. “Do you have a change?”

Hindi parehas ‘di ba?

Ganito ang kadalasang hinagpis ng marami sa atin kabilang ang asawa ni Gord Steeves na nagbunsod sa kaniya para mag-comment sa Facebook laban sa mga katutubo. Sa biglang bugso ng damdamin ay nagsulat siya ng masasakit na pananalita at panunumbat sa mga katutubong, sa palagay niya, ay ayaw tumigil sa panghihingi ng pera sa mga nakakasalubong nila sa daan.

Nandiyan din ang isa pang popular na komentaryo sa Facebook ng Kelvin High School teacher na si Brad Badiuk na hindi rin nakapagpigil at isiniwalat din ang kaniyang frustration tungkol sa mga katutubong, sa palagay niya, ay umaasa lang sa hand-out

ng gobyerno at ayaw humanap ng matinong hanapbuhay.

Sa mga comments ng dalawang ito, nahati ang opinion ng mga Winnipeggers; may mga bumatikos kay Steeves at Badiuk pero marami rin ang sumangayon sa kanila.

Sa aking palagay at personal na karanasan, unintentional o non-deliberate ang ating pagiging racist. Ito ay bunsod ng ating pagka-inis sa sitwasyon at pagkakataon. Dahil dito, kadalasan ay nilalahat na natin sila o kapag nakakakita tayo ng mga katutubo ay automatic na maiisip natin na associated sila sa pagiging iresponsable, lasenggo, magnanakaw, pabaya, maraming anak, walang trabaho, nanlilimos at marami pang iba. Ang hindi natin nakikita ay ang pagbabago ng komunidad ng mga katutubo, ang pagkilos ng mga katutubo para tulungan ang kanilang sarili at komunidad, at ang pagtalikod nila sa mga gawaing ikasasama ng kanilang lahi.

Maraming mga aboriginal activists ang nagsusulong ng pagbabago sa maling impresyon tungkol sa mga katutubo.

Bagama’t may mga balakid at challenges within and outside the aboriginal communities, ang mahalaga, kumikilos mismo sila para sa kanilang pagbabago.

Isa sa ipinagmamalaki kong lugar dito sa Winnipeg ay ang Flora Place sa North End, kung saan una kaming nanirahan.

Noong una ay iba ang impresyon ko sa lugar dahil sa aking mga narinig at usap-usapan tungkol sa North End. Pero 100 per cent na

HISTORY...

From page 20

come here to actually help us but there are some things that we can do to help them back.”

Empathy and understanding go a long way in forming the foundation for meaningful change. By spreading awareness and advocating for the basic human rights of Filipino TFWs, Migrante Manitoba and all those involved with it exercise the democratic prerogative that must be utilized to enact change.

As with the case in Canadian immigration history, it is such movements and organizations that make Canada a better place. *** There are many ways that one may become involved in Migrante Manitoba. They have a Facebook page under Migrante Manitoba, where information regarding their events and activity is posted. Their toll-free number

is 1-800-559-8092. The website for Migrante Canada is www. migrante.ca and has resources, information on campaigns, and related links.

The transcript of my interview with Diwa Marcelino will be made available on my webpage, www.pearloftheprairies.ca.

Jon Malek is a PhD candidate in History at Western University, and is a member of the Migration and Ethnic Relations program.

Jon’s research endeavours to document the history of the Winnipeg Filipino community through archival research and interviews. Jon is happy to hear from community members interested in sharing their experiences of life in Winnipeg.

He can be contacted at jmalek7@ uwo.ca and information on the project can be found at www. pearloftheprairies.ca.

of the issues that migrant workers face, and secondly that there needs to be more empathy to their cause. Diwa said “these workers contribute a lot to the Manitoban economy, but they also on the other hand have sacrificed a lot.

They are experiencing family separation, sometimes they are experiencing depression, and [they are] basically divorced… from their lives or the people that they had. I think we need awareness, if we can help them in some way to create laws and pressure government to create more equitable laws concerning the lives of migrant workers, for instance, regulations that protect them, or regulations that would equalize their rights as workers.”

This, I think, is an issue that deserves the attention and concern of all Canadians, especially as Canada strives to be a defender of human rights on the global stage.

While there is much that needs to be reformed with the current system, Diwa states that migrant workers do not need much. “They

mali ang aking unang impresyon.

Halos lahat ng kapit-bahay ko sa Flora Place ay mga katutubo pero wala akong naging problema sa kanila, sa halip dito ko natagpuan ang mga tunay na kaibigan kung kaya’t hanggang ngayon ay may ugnayan pa ako sa kanila.

Totoo na maraming mga pasaway na katutubo ngunit hindi lahat sila ay ganito. Mabubuting tao ang mga katutubong nakilala ko. Ganunpaman, dumarating sa puntos na nasisira ang magandang impresyon na ito dahil sa mga nakakayamot na sitwasyon.

Bilang mga FilipinoCanadians, ano kaya ang puwede nating i-ambag para wakasan na ang racism sa ating komunidad?

Hindi ko alam ang eksaktong sagot o solusyon. Pero sa palagay ko, maaari nating simulan ito sa pamamagitan ng pagtrato sa sinuman bilang tao regardless kung ano ang kanilang kulay, lahi, wika at dapat ay iwasan natin ang mga aspetong puwedeng simulan ng ating pagkakawatak-watak.

Utang na loob, iwasan na natin na tawagin silang “Pana.” Ganundin naman ‘wag na tayong magbansag ng kung anu-anong salita sa ating kapuwa tao tulad ng negra, puti, singkit, pandak, gorilla, bakulaw, halimaw, galisin at marami pang iba. Alam kong nakaka-relate ang marami sa atin tungkol ditto – ako mismo ay guilty. Sa opisina o workplace ninyo, ano ang bansag ninyo sa kinaiinisan ninyong boss o katrabaho? Kung mayroon man, dapat siguro ay iwas-iwasan na natin ang ganitong uri ng branding sa kapuwa natin tao.

Ang article ni Nancy

Macdonald (na aking binasa nang buong-buo) ay totoo. Sabi nga ni Mayor Bowman, accurate ang mga sinulat ni Nancy sa kaniyang artikulo. Ito ang masakit na katotohan at inuulit ko, minsan ay guilty tayo dito.

Pero bukas ang pinto ng pagbabago. Unti-unti, mababago natin ang imahen ng Winnipeg.

Unti-unti, mababago natin ang ating mga ugaling mapanghusga sa kapuwa. Unti-unti ang mga kapatid nating katutubo ay makikilala sa kanilang pagiging dakila at mararangal na tao. At pagdating ng panahong iyon ay lalo nating mamahalin sila bilang mga unang lahi ng bansang ating minahal na bukas ang isip para sa kaayusan at pagbabago ng lipunan.

Unti-unti, makakabuo tayo ng isang maayos na komunidad para sa maayos na mundo.

Sa pamamagitan ng kolum kong ito ay humihingi ako ng paumanhin sa mga katutubong napag-isipan ko ng masama.

Patawarin ninyo ako sa pagiging mapanghusga ko sa inyo dulot ng aking pagkayamot sa mga sitwasyon. Hindi ko po sinasadya, sorry kung naging racist ako.

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).

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OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

Mayhem at breakfast

By Judianne Jayme Saturday mornings are best when pancakes are involved. On Saturday, January 17, Winnipeg Team Mayhem basketball team held a fundraising event bright and early at the Applebee’s on Regent.

One thing was clear as soon as you walked into the restaurant – even at 8:30 a.m. there was a definite sense of community.

The section I was seated in was filled with familiar faces from the community, all out early to support the same goal. It was also an opportunity to meet new folks in the community over some coffee and a delicious breakfast.

Pancakes, bacon, networking, and the chance to help a team of athletes share their talents at a tournament in Minneapolis? I’m sure it doesn’t get any better than that!

Information about Winnipeg Team Mayhem can be found online at www.winnipegteammayhem. com. Also, keep an eye out for details about an upcoming free basketball clinic hosted

by Winnipeg Team Mayhem’s director of operations and coach, Alex Barra, which will be open to children of Life of Peg Association of Manitoba Inc. members.

Information for the event is as follows: Basketball Workshop hosted by Winnipeg Team Mayhem The workshop is on February 8, 2015 from 12:00 noon to 3:00

Some team members of Winnipeg Team Mayhem along with Mar Mance and Todd Labelle. Photo by Judianne Jayme

Helen Jayme, Ernesto Ofiaza Jr., Dennis Castañeda, and Guillermo Dolor Jr. supporting Winnipeg Team Mayhem.

Vangie & Mar Mance with friends, enjoying breakfast.

The Labelles: Katya, Todd & Jaira, with Mar Mance and a teammate

p.m. for children 8 to 11 years old and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for ages 12 to 16 years old with a maximum of 25 participants. The workshop will take place at Valley Gardens School, 220 Antrim Road. The cost is free! To register, send an e-mail to toddlabellepromotions@ gmail.com A big thank you to Todd and Katya Labelle – the power couple behind Todd Labelle Promotions – for inviting us to this event. We are

Owners of DKF fashion out to support Winnipeg Team Mayhem

more than happy to support your endeavours. Shout-out to Todd for your dedication to not only selling tickets to support your daughter, but also for waiting tables yourself!

Thank you to Katya for supplying the photos of guests at the event.

Best of luck, Winnipeg Team Mayhem as you represent our great city at your upcoming tournaments!

(Photos by Katya Labelle and Judianne Jayme)

Meet our first Ako ang Susunod na Pinoy Inhinyero bursary recipients The Filipino Members Chapter – APEGM, which held several fundraisers to make the first Ako ang Susunod na Pinoy Inhinyero Bursary Award possible, is pleased to announce its first two recipients.

Roy San Buenaventura Roy just recently immigrated to Winnipeg in October 2014.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the Philippines and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Scotland.

His first 10 years of engineering experience were gained in the Philippines from working as a Project Engineer for MB Villar Group and for the next eight years, he worked in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

He plans to complete the APEGM’s academic qualification requirements in two to three years through a combination of taking technical examinations and taking courses in lieu of an examination at the University of Manitoba.

His long-term goals include, a masters degree in civil

engineering, managing his own business or landing a job with a multi-national engineering firm.

He would like to give back by accepting a part-time professorial job and continuing to be an active member of the FMC-APEGM. Robin Allan Banaag Robin moved to Canada in 2012, which was the same year he completed his Civil Engineering degree in the Philippines. While

completing his degree, he received on-the-job training for two years as a Junior Engineer/ Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician for Trans-Asia. He managed to land a full-time job here in the same capacity.

He is in the process of completing the APEGM’s academic qualification requirements by taking all of the assigned five technical exams. He plans on completing all of them

by May 2015.

He is inclined to gain expertise

Robin Banaag (left) with Norman Garcia, Bursary Committee Coordinator

in structural engineering, but is also open to any civil engineering sub-disciplines.

His appreciation and support to the chapter is evident in his active participation in the chapter’s events. He believes that helping each other and everyone around us is key to building a greater community.

Roy and Robin – two deserving student members of the chapter who fully captured the essence of the award as demonstrated by their well-

defined goals, hard work and dedication to the profession, chapter and community.

Ethel Clemente Fernandez is a registered member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGM). She currently works for a federal crown corporation and is serving on the Executive Committee of the Filipino Members Chapter (FMC) APEGM. For inquiries, please e-mail fmc_apegm@yahoo.ca.

Roy San Buenaventura (left) with Norman Garcia, Bursary Committee Coordinator

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 23

Chrystalle Omaga signs with Elite Manila

Chrystalle and her snowflake-inspired national costume

The 5’8” beauty and her first tricycle ride in Makati City

Since winning Miss Teenage Manitoba 2014, Chrystalle Omaga’s life continues to be one exciting adventure after another.

Last summer, representing Winnipeg in the Toronto finals, Chrystalle took home first runnerup honours in the Miss Teenage Canada 2014 and the Miss Teen Supermodel With Style 2014 pageants. She also spent part of last summer in Kenya helping out Free The Children charity build an all-boys school there.

In late October, the 18-year old stunner left for Taiwan to represent Canada in Face of Beauty International – an international event that encourage and empower young contestants to “find beauty and to become that beauty.” – faceofbeautyinternational.com For three weeks Chrystalle and the other contestants toured various Taiwanese cities, supporting charities, attending press conferences, enjoying the scenery and of course, the food!

The finals night was held in Taichung where Chrystalle made Top 10 overall.

“We all graced the stage in our fancy gowns, strutted our stuff and showed our own heritage with our national costumes. Taiwan was a great experience!” said Chrystalle.

Wanting to relax after a hectic schedule, Chrystalle visited the Philippines from November 17th to December 23rd. She admits she

doesn’t remember much about her first time in the country since she was just 18 months old then, but now at 18 years old, Chrystalle shared that she was “beyond excited to be meeting relatives she’s never met before and seeing the beautiful country and the city where my dad grew up.”

She was able to visit Manila, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Makati, Las Piñas, Paranaque and Subic. Chrystalle had a ball shopping in Ayala and the Mall of Asia. She also got to experience being in a live audience with an impromptu interview on the popular TV show, It’s Showtime!

Her new favourite food? Fish balls.

It was also Christmas season so Chrystalle experienced the country’s unique Christmas spirit. “No matter where I went, from malls to beaches or just driving on the street, Christmas

spirit is everywhere! People sang Christmas carols, and there were little village competitions of who decorated their house with fascinating Christmas lights. I just loved it!” Chrystalle said.

As if these were not exciting enough, Chrystalle signed with Elite Manila – successful modeling agency based in Manila! So she is returning to the Philippines soon to pursue her modeling and possibly an acting career there.

“I want to thank all my sponsors, friends and family for supporting me on this journey.

Without all of you I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Besides modeling and acting, Chrystalle’s future goals include going to university, continue volunteering and hopefully to be able to compete in another international pageant, like Miss Universe Canada. Good luck, Chrystalle!

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

FEBRUARY 1 - 15, 2015