Volume 13 • No. 9 • May 1 - 15, 2017 Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Heart Evangelista
Lea Salonga in Winnipeg Tony award winning singer Lea Salonga returned to Winnipeg for another sold-out show with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra at the Club Regent Event Centre on April 27. “I had a blast singing with Maestro Mickelthwate and the Winnipeg Symphony in 2015, I couldn’t wait to perform with them again in April,” said Salonga. “The audiences in Winnipeg are so great and very supportive. We put together a very special show with a few old favourites and some exciting new songs.” Recognized around the world for her powerful voice and perfect pitch, Lea Salonga is a singer and actress best known for her
12 12 MHEL ELAGO (204) 955-4654
landmhel@gmail.com
www.landmhel.ca
Photos by Rey-Ar Reyes
Kathryn Bernardo & Daniel Padilla
role of Kim in the musical Miss Saigon, which first performed in 1989. She was asked to return in 1999 to close the musical in London and again in 2001 to close the Broadway production. In addition to the Tony award she received for Miss Saigon, she has also won the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards, in the field of musical theatre. She was the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Misérables on Broadway and returned to the beloved show as Fantine in the 2006 revival. Many fans of all ages recognize Lea as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and Fa Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II. For her portrayal of the princesses, the Walt Disney Company bestowed her with the honour of “Disney Legend” in August of 2011. Currently, Lea Salonga is a judge on the Philippine version of The Voice. She also appears as a judge in the third season of The Voice Kids.
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Nic Curry MLA for Kildonan t. 204.945.2322 e. nic@niccurry.com
Happy to serve the Families of Kildonan
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The hidden Cebu City Think Cebu City and what comes to mind are tall buildings, beaches, malls, mangoes, Magellan’s Cross, centuriesold churches, lechon, and all the touristy stuff that comes out when you do a Google search. In fact, these are what draw in most visitors. For years now Cebu City has consistently received the bulk of foreign tourist arrivals in the country. This much was clear during my visit there over the weekend: at the hotel that I and a group of journalists and bloggers were staying in, most of the guests were foreigners who were no doubt there to see the beautiful beaches scattered throughout the city. But there is another side of this city, one that relatively few people know about. “Cebu City is 80 percent mountain,” the city’s tourism officer Punky Oliverio told us. And in this mountain area can be seen all sorts of wonders that you would never think you’d find in such a progressive city like Cebu. For example, up in the mountain is where Cebu’s famed cut flower industry gets its supply. We visited the farm of Manuel Labrador, chosen the most outstanding farmer of the city in 2013, and saw the techniques he has employed to grow beautiful flowers consistently throughout the years. “I’ve put up LED lights over the plants to extend the daylight during the months of September to May when the days are shorter,” he said. The plants and flowers thus keep growing and achieve greater length than those in other farms. A few kilometres away is Lettuce on the Rocks where, as its name says, barangay folk grow their lettuce on very rocky terrain. The farmers found out in the 1990s that lettuce can grow and even thrive here because the rocks prevent rains from washing out their produce. Since then they have been maximizing their area and have been supplying lettuce not just to the city but in surrounding areas as well. Farther up the road is the Tabunan Forest, a newly designated wildlife sanctuary and tourism zone. Different types of birds make their home here, including the critically endangered Cebu flower pecker, which was last seen here in the 1990s. One can make a short and easy trek from the barangay hall into the forest and take a dip in Ginning Falls. Other activities that can be done here are mountain climbing, camping, and even caving. Driving up higher into the mountain, we visited the Cebu City Resource Management and Development Center (CREMDEC), which, among others, does agricultural research that benefits farmers in the city. One of the things it is focusing
on these days is sweet corn production, which gives farmers a higher and more steady income than other crops. Sweet corn, in fact, has already overtaken mangoes as Cebu’s biggest agricultural product. Oliverio said Cebu City was the first to propagate it and is the biggest supplier of sweet corn in the country. *** But for me the most interesting part of our tour up in the mountains was the visit to the Moncadista commune in Barangay Sudlon 2. There we met Henry Jayme, the current leader and one of the sons of Federico Jayme, who was closely associated with the group’s leader Hilario Moncado. Jayme told me that the group considers Moncado a messiah, a fulfillment of several prophecies in the Bible. The group, however, does not consider itself Christian; at best they accept Jesus as a prophet, but their allegiance is always to Moncado. It was the elder Jayme who founded the commune and built the hotel in which the group’s members have been staying since 1966. Entering the compound can be a nerve-wracking experience: it is surrounded by barbed wire and guarded by longhaired and bearded men wearing khaki military uniform. But they all greeted us with warm smiles, and it helped that they were unarmed. Henry Jayme himself was a jovial fellow and did not fit one’s stereotype of a “cult” leader. He had some strange ideas, to be sure, but he spoke logically and supported his assertions with Bible verses and even Wikipedia entries. “Go on,” he would say, “look it up in your computer.” He also said the long hair and beard were a spiritual requirement (I can’t remember the Bible verse he quoted to support this). In fact, Moncado himself was not bearded (bungoton in Visayan) and so he trained 12 followers — among them Federico Jayme — who would carry on his message. I actually left the place kind of longing for a life like the one the Moncadistas live. They are not as strange as others may perceive, and have the advantage of living a simple life up in the mountains of Cebu. They are not cloistered or anything, and judging by Henry Jayme himself, they are even connected to the rest of the world via the Internet. What a life that would be. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the original author, and do not necessarily represent those of the Pilipino Express publishers. Jon Joaquin is the Chief Editor of www.mindanation. com. E-mail Jon at jonjoaquin@ gmail.com
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1045 Erin Street Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3G 2X1 Phone: 204-956-7845 E-mail: info@pilipino-express.com www.pilipino-express.com Publisher
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Cut flowers are one of Cebu City’s main products
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A lettuce patch on very rocky terrain
Columnists/Contributors DALE BURGOS JB CASARES ANNE CAPRICE B. CLAROS YVANNE DANDAN 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 CHERYL DIZON REYNANTE MICHAEL SCOTT ROLDAN SEVILLANO, JR. RON URBANO KATHRYN WEBER SHERYLL D. ZAMORA Youth Contributors Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) Philippine Correspondents CRISTY FERMIN JON JOAQUIN AMBETH R. OCAMPO
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With Henry Jayme, leader of the Moncadistas in Barangay Sudlon 2
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Ginning Falls in Tabunan Forest
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Our tour guide Ka Bino Guerrero tries the sweet corn
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May 1, 2017 and still awaiting the EOI draw At the time of this writing we are all waiting to find out what is happening with the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. Yes, I wrote in my last article about the Minister’s public announcements, but we have to see what the changes mean in terms of actual numbers. What was the selection number set for the month of April and following draws from the Expression of Interest (EOI) profile database? As we have already noted, there is a strong correlation between the selection number and the issuance of Invitations to Apply (ITA). The higher the selection number, the lower the number of invitations issued. For purposes of review, consider the last five draws. Draw #25, on December 30, 2016, had a selection number of 787 and 20 ITAs issued. Draw #26, on January 27, 2017, had a selection number of 707 and 39 ITAs. Draw #27, on February 27, 2017, used a lower selection number of 575 and there was a noticeable increase in the ITAs to 124. However. the number on March 16, 2017 was raised once again to 703 with a corresponding
decrease in the ITAs to 63. The selection number was lowered marginally to 698 on March 30, 2017 with 24 ITAs issued. The science is not exact because there are other variables, such as the size of the EOI profile inventory, which should be factored in, but the pattern is clear that a higher selection number means a corresponding decrease in the number of invitations to apply. In sharp contrast to the MPNP, which appears to be limiting it’s activity by raising the selection number, there is the federal Express Entry program. A recent article in the CIC News, entitled “Express Entry CRS Requirement Continues to Tumble: 415 in April Draw,” noted that there were “more invitations to apply issued so far in 2017 than in the entire year of 2016.” What is the reason for this economic activity? The major variable has been the selection numbers set by the federal program. The graphs on this page demonstrate the activity. What is different about the outcome of both the federal and provincial programs is clear to any discerning reader. The MPNP has been keeping is selection
numbers high and limited ITAs while Express Entry has been lowering their selection number to maximize the number of ITAs issued. Express Entry is not the answer for all applicants because only high skill occupations, rated O, A or B, will be considered along with a minimum level for English or French language proficiency of CLB 7 (for the Federal Skilled Worker Program or FSWP). Hopefully the MPNP will change its direction, but the jury is still out. Will the pressure from the NDP and Liberal opposition cause the ruling PCs to change? Maybe, or maybe they will come to the realization that Manitoba needs skilled workers and the MPNP has been providing the province with a steady flow of workers needed to fuel the provincial economy. Don’t despair, but examine both programs and determine which one fits your immigration needs. If Manitoba is short sighted and the federal counterpart is a better alternative, then this may be the way to go. Let’s wait and see what direction the Manitoba numbers take. Hopefully the MPNP will follow the lead of Express Entry. Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience
with Canada Immigration and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant
with R.B. Global Immigration Consultants Ltd. 204-691-1166 or 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott. ici@gmail.com.
Reducing stress: steps toward mental wellness It is interesting that there is no obvious word for stress in Tagalog. The terms pagod (fatigue), bigo (frustration), inis (annoyance) or balisa (anxiety) come close, but are not direct translations for the physical, emotional and behavioural reactions to the demands of life. Unfortunately, the lack of a direct translation does not mean that Filipinos are exempt from stress. Studies have found that depression and anxiety do exist amongst Filipinos, for instance in college students, immigrants and children of immigrants. At some point in our lives, we have all experienced at least one of the top life stressors, which include the death of a loved one, finances, workplace stress, health concerns and family conflict.
Even positive life events such as a marriage, job changes and moving to a different home can result in higher stress levels. In general, mental health is less of a concern in comparison to physical well being. This is likely due to the fact that with physical ailments, symptoms are often visible; pain and discomfort is felt and doctors are more able to find a diagnosis and to implement treatment. Mental stress is, quite simply, easier to ignore. We are all guilty of having kept our emotions bottled up inside at times. Signs of stress are harder to recognize and further, there is a stigma attached to mental illness, where those who are afflicted are often judged as incompetent or even dangerous. Furthermore, because Filipino
culture places heavy importance on togetherness, or pakikisama, we tend to minimize our own individual troubles for the sake of having a strong unity with others. Filipinos tend to refrain from expressing negative feelings openly, maybe because of the emphasis on shame, or hiya. But what we fail to realize is that when we do not pay attention to our stress levels and neglect to take steps to attain mental wellness, it can manifest in other ways. Stress can affect our bodies (headaches, chest pains, muscle tension, fatigue, stomach upset, sleep problems), mood (anxiety, sadness or depression, lack of motivation, restlessness, irritability or anger) and behaviour (under or overeating, drug or alcohol abuse, angry outbursts, social withdrawal). The Canadian Mental Health Association states that mental wellness involves striking a balance in all aspects of life: social, physical, spiritual, economic and mental. Therefore, when our mental health is suffering, it will affect our overall health. The good news is, we can take steps to lower our stress levels and feel healthier. Here
are ten simple tips that will have a positive effect on your mental well being: 1. Organize your surroundings. Chaos can make it difficult to feel in control. Less mess = less stress. Create lists and keep a calendar in order to organize your daily activities. 2. Get enough sleep. Experts recommend seven to eight hours every night for adults. Inadequate amounts of rest may increase the likelihood of depression and other health ailments. 3. Exercise daily. Physical activity has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, improve self-esteem, and alleviate fatigue, anger, and tension. A brisk 30-minute walk every day will have significant improvements on your stress levels. 4. Watch what you eat. Certain foods may have a negative affect on your mood and your ability to handle stress. Restrict caffeine, alcohol, spicy and high-fat foods. Some super foods for alleviating stress are dark chocolate, green tea, avocados and oatmeal. 5. Laugh. Having a sense of humour will boost your energy, lessen pain, ease anxiety and stress and improve your immune system.
6. If you feel out of control and that you cannot handle things on your own, talk about it. Reach out to friends or family, or ask for professional help from a counsellor. 7. Find your stress outlet. Take a bit of time each day to do something that you enjoy such as reading, yoga, taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk or gardening. Self-care is a crucial step towards minimizing your stress levels. 8. Celebrate every success, even the smallest. Every day, write down at least three things that you did well. This will boost your self-confidence and keep things in perspective. 9. When it comes to big tasks or projects, ask for help. Delegate responsibilities to others and be realistic with what you can accomplish. 10. At the end of the day, think about what you are grateful for. It will help you to remember what really matters in life. And gratitude, or pasasalamat, is a term that definitely exists in our Tagalog language. Cheryl Dizon-Reynante is a licensed therapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
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Defeating the workplace bully When I hear the term “bully” I automatically associate it with Nelson Muntz, a fictional character from the animated TV series The Simpsons. If you’ve watched the show, Nelson was first introduced in Season 1’s “Bart the General” as a bully and arch nemesis of Bart Simpson, and as we know he is famous for his signature laugh, “Ha Ha!” Throughout the years, Nelson has practically bullied every single schoolmate in Springfield. I am sure at one point in your life you have interacted or worked with a person who possesses the characteristics of Nelson Muntz. We see Nelson in individuals who intimidate others, make jokes that are offensive and those who have nothing better to do than spread malicious rumours about other people. Nelson Muntz is a good example of a schoolyard bully. Schoolyard bullying is the torment of one child by another and workplace bullying is often compared to schoolyard bullying. Both types of bullying are similar in a sense that an insecure and inadequate person exerts power through the humiliation of their victim. The behaviour of a bully is normally reinforced when classmates cheer for them, when teachers become fearful and when school administrators ignore the incidents. The behaviour then continues and becomes part of that person’s development. Unfortunately, when they join the workforce, they continue to bully others as well. What is bullying in the workplace? The Ivey Business Journal defines workplace bullying as “status-blind” – deliberate and repeated interpersonal hostility
that is sufficiently severe to harm the targeted person’s health or economic status. It is also driven by the bully’s need to control another person, while neglecting legitimate business interests in the process. Before we can understand what bullying in the workplace is really about, we must understand that it is far more different from harmless impoliteness, rudeness, teasing and other forms of interpersonal torment. Bullying is in fact a form of violence that rarely involves fighting, physical harm or homicide. It is mostly nonphysical violence and according to research, bullying crosses boundaries of gender, race and organizational rank. What are some forms of workplace bullying? Bullying behaviour can be overt or obvious. Examples include: insulting or offensive language; humiliating and frightening language that degrades; teasing or regularly targeting someone for practical jokes; displaying offensive material in the workplace; spreading gossip and innuendos of malicious nature. Workplace bullying can also be subtle and may include isolation of an employee from normal
work activities, intrusion of a person’s space by tampering with their personal or work equipment. Some behaviour can also be covert such as overloading a person with work, setting unreasonable deadlines or setting tasks that are beyond a person’s abilities. How can bullying affect a person and the workplace? Individuals who are targets of bullying may experience feelings of frustration and helplessness. They may react with shock or anger and may also lose their confidence. Some physical symptoms include difficulty sleeping and loss of appetite. Other symptoms also include panic or anxiety especially when it comes to going to work. They may also suffer from stress, family tension, low morale, decreased motivation and low productivity. Bullying also affects the overall health of the organization, which may see an increase in absenteeism, turnover, and accessing an employee assistance program. They may also see a decrease in productivity and morale. Oftentimes, it is not easy to determine if bullying is happening in the workplace. However, research
acknowledges that there is a fine line between solid management and bullying. Comments and feedback from management that are intended to provide constructive criticism are not usually considered as bullying. The intention is to assist the employee with their career development and help them with their work. If you are unsure whether or not an action or statement made by your colleague or boss is considered as bullying, you can use the “reasonable person” test and ask yourself, “Would most people consider this behaviour acceptable?” If the answer is no, then chances are, your hunch is probably right. If you feel you are being bullied at work, the best method is to tell that person right away that his or her behaviour is unwelcome and unacceptable. Bullies are best handled when you call them on their behaviour. If you are uncomfortable talking to that person, you may consider consulting a supervisor or a shop steward before you make the approach. It is also important to log the events that took place. Before you report the incidents to your supervisor or manager, keep a record of the date, time
and description of the incident. If there are any witnesses, write them down as well. It is also important to remember that it is not just the perpetrator of the incidents, but the frequency and behavioural pattern that justify the bullying incidents. Last but not the least, do not retaliate or you may end up looking like the bully. Sources • “Workplace bullying: Escalated incivility” Ivey Business Journal, November/ December 2003 • www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ psychosocial/bullying.html • safety-council.org/ workplace-safety/bullying-inthe-workplace Michele Majul-Ibarra, IPMA-ACP is an Advanced Certified HR Professional through the International Personnel Management Association. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Human Resource Management. She also holds the C.I.M. professional designation (Certified in Management). E-mail her at info@pilipinoexpress.com.
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The “assault” on Canadian values In recent months, Canada’s immigration practices have been on the minds and lips of many across Canada and around the world. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau caught the attention of global media outlets when he said Canada would welcome the world’s refugees amidst the growing reactionary rhetoric of the Trump administration in the United States. This is at least partly responsible for the number of asylum seekers entering Canada from the United States. Within Canada, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister drew attention when said that the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program needed to be reformed, and that the program was admitting immigrants who became burden’s upon the state. All of this has generated a level of public discussion on Canadian immigration and refugee policy that I find quite alarming as an immigration historian. Not only do members of the public have very strong sentiments about immigration, especially asylum seekers entering from the United States, but more often than is excusable, these concerns are founded upon misconceptions, stereotypes, and basic ignorance. Listening to radio talk show programs, one would think that Canada is opening its doors to asylum seekers, immediately granting them refugee status. However, the reality is that many of these people, predominantly
from Somalia, are likely to be denied refugee status. What this means is that they will be deported to Somalia, not the United States. This whole issue is complicated by the fact that these asylum seekers are crossing the border illegally (i.e. not at a policed border crossing such as Emerson), an act which seems to vilify them in the view of some Manitoban residents. To be clear, these asylum seekers are not being immediately granted refugee status. Many have been incarcerated, while others remain in a temporary limbo while their applications are given due process. And, as a nation of laws and a nation that is a signatory to the United Nations’ Convention on Refugees, we are bound to treat each and every case with full consideration. This is a legal and moral obligation. Whether or not asylum seekers fleeing the United States are actually endangered by Donald Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric, there is a genuine fear for their own safety. The harrowing stories of those who cross wide fields of snow to enter Canada should be evidence enough of this. Recent shifts in Canada’s national dialogue have increasingly cast asylum seekers with suspicion, however – a process exacerbated by former immigration minster Jason Kenney’s claims that these people were “queue jumpers” attempting to abuse the Canadian immigration
system. There seems to be an assumption – even, it would seem, amongst government officials – that Canada’s immigration system and border security protocols are lax. In fact, Canada has some of the strongest border controls in the world and nobody is granted legal residence without intense vetting. But there are other aspects of this debate that I find troubling. Beginning with the last term of the former Harper government, immigration, and particularly immigrants, have been increasingly cast within a question of national identity. There is a long enduring concern among many Canadians that letting in too many immigrants or refugees will “ruin” our Canadian identity. Whenever I hear this tired and flawed refrain, I want to ask what on earth that is? On one talk radio program, a caller complained about the number of immigrants who have come into Canada, and that they were taking away our Canadian values. When pressed for what he meant, all the caller could say – after stumbling over his words – was that “we used to be so nice to each other,” to which the radio host rightly took issue: “Are you saying we aren’t nice to each other anymore?” No kidding! Of course we are, and that involves newcomers. What a ridiculous thing to say. When xenophobia is confronted to logically explain itself, it inevitably trips over its own weak excuses, unable to come out and face the inherent
racist logic behind it. Some, like our premier, complain that immigrants are entering Canada and not finding work and are becoming wards of the state; others complain that immigrants are stealing Canadian jobs. So, which is it? Or is this just a veiled attempt for xenophobia to express itself? In times thankfully long past, it used to be that in Canada a racist could be a racist. Thus, the Canadian government could pass things like the Chinese Head Tax; could illegally incarcerate Japanese Canadian citizens during the Second World War; or forcibly separate Aboriginal children from their parents under the residential school system. Now, though, it has become unacceptable to be openly racist, but this still doesn’t stop members of society from complaining that immigrants are ripping apart the sinews of Canadian society – as if that society was not built upon multiple threads of immigration. To those who insist upon the sanctity of Canadian values – and those who would use those values to exclude others who want to become Canadian – I would ask: What about toleration? What about diversity? What about this whole national policy of multiculturalism? Canada has always been multicultural. Even before European contact, the peoples of what is now Canada were culturally diverse; settler colonialism only built upon this
diversity. Canada is an ongoing project. With our 150th anniversary coming this summer, we must reflect very critically upon ourselves and upon our nation, which we create and recreate in our daily lives. It isn’t a time for reckless abandon in self-congratulatory celebration. Canada was not a project “finished” on July 1, 1867. Many like to look back to a time when things were “simpler,” when “political correctness” wasn’t a popular term. Unfortunately, the age that is being referred to was one where politicians actively resisted immigration from nonWhite countries to maintain a “White Canada” policy, and where many citizens believed other ethnicities unassimilable into Canadian society. Did you know that when Canada was considering allowing permanent Filipino immigration to Canada in the 1950s, the interest of immigration officials wasn’t piqued until they found out there were a number of white, Spanish descended Filipino citizens who might be interested in coming to Canada? That’s not the past I want. Canada is so much better than what it was before, and Canada can continue to be so much better, and it will do so by including those who want to take part in the project. Jon Malek is a PhD candidate in History at Western University, and is a member of the Migration and Ethnic Relations program.
Something old to something new: Education for sustainable development I’m using my space today to highlight a colleague who has done some amazing work facilitating the learning and growth of our students while also promoting sustainability. We live in a culture of consumption that is really not doing our environment any favours. Schools are challenging this idea by incorporating education for sustainable development (ESD), which not only looks at environmental concerns but also the wellbeing of our students (physically, mentally, emotionally) and our communities. Recently, Mrs. Glenda Medina, a third grade teacher at Lord Nelson School gathered up interested third graders to meet Take Pride Winnipeg’s Fashion Fest contest. Below is information from Mrs. Medina about what her group of young kids accomplished in an all-ages event. *** Have you ever made a dress of recyclable materials? We did,
and it was really fun! Mrs. Glenda Medina, Grade 3 teacher at Lord Nelson School worked with her after-school club of Crafter’s Corner students to create a dress that was submitted to Take Pride Winnipeg’s Fashion Fest contest. They used the following materials to create a beautiful dress, tiara and necklace: • pizza boxes • old magazines • newspapers • glue • tissue rolls • soda bottle caps • old cloth • used ribbon The after school club brainstormed the importance of recycling materials and decided what they wanted their dress to look like. They sketched the dress and then began creating! They used pizza boxes for the base of the skirt and rolled a lot of magazine pages to glue on the lower part of the skirt. They folded more magazine pages
to make the second layer, and then wove the magazine pages to make the upper part of the dress. An old shirt was used for the string. They created a headdress made up of bottle caps and old magazines for the links and a bracelet made up of bottle caps to add some details and colours. Parent tip: Reduce, reuse, recycle! People are generally used to the notion of recycling, but how many are actually advocating for reducing our consumption, or reusing materials? The world that our children will grow up in depends on how well we all work together at taking care of the environment and natural resources. ESD is not limited to a school or classroom, but extends to life at home as well. Encourage your kids and lead by example to reduce, reuse, and recycle! Judianne Jayme is an educator teaching sixth grade and a divisionwide mentor in the Winnipeg School Division.
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In today’s right sized, merged and acquired workplaces, not to mention dismal job outlook reports in the news, it’s hard to find much to be excited or positive about in the office. It has put a lot of people on edge – and that edge shows up in our work relationships. From snippy coworkers to overbearing bosses, to the downers that pull everyone into a depressing funk or the sidewinders who slink in to hiss out some unverified piece of gossip, it’s all we can do to remain calm and carry on. But there’s something you can do to create better workplace relationships and harmony in the office, and that something is feng shui. It might not be the first thing that comes to your mind for improving your workplace relationships, but it’s an indirect way to create a subtle goodwill without the fat and calories of bringing in doughnuts every day. Create the feeling One of the most potent ways to affect your workplace colleagues is to create the kind of environment you most want to work in. That means your office or cubicle should be relaxing, comfortable and attractive. Bring in a plant, play some soothing music and make your office a place where people (and you) enjoy being. What happens is that environment of relaxation you create in your office spills over, and others will notice it, and hopefully, emulate it. Want to make everyone in the office happy? Have a bowl of snacks, especially items like chocolate and cinnamon on a nearby desk or credenza. Chocolate and cinnamon are yang flavours that stimulate and create positive and energetic, happy feelings. Opt for the candies that
are in small snack packs and individually wrapped versus an open container where the office flu bug can make an appearance and no one will look accusatorily at you if it does. Or offer up a really nice hand lotion in a big size meant for sharing. People will have soft feelings for you as they walk away rubbing their hands together, the body part associated with the intellect and decisions. Get fruity Apples are one of the most feng shui friendly fruits around. Their name, “ping,” in Chinese means peace. A bowl full of red and green apples at the front of the office or in the break room is a great way to spread the feeling of care, health and nurturing. After all, the old saw that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” will make everyone feel cared for. See if your company will offer to pay for a regular supply of this healthful fruit that could just inspire a more peaceful place of work. Rearrange Another simple yet effective way to improve relationships is simple desk arrangement. When people work side by side, they’re more effective. But when they’re faced in opposing directions, that’s when opposition occurs. Try to align your desk so that you can see the door easily and comfortably, even if you’re in a cubicle. To improve your relationship with a boss, make sure that wherever your desk is placed, even if it’s across the building, that you are not turned to face your boss. It’s better if your boss is behind you if at all possible, so that you aren’t in a challenging position. Employ colour Lastly, look to colour to help tone down relationships or
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Happy at work – How to use feng shui for better work relationships perk them up. If you’re a man, consider wearing a pink or rose coloured tie instead of red, and just see how the women respond. Pink is a sentimental colour that feels warmer and more caring than bright red that can anger some people. If your office is lackluster and depressing, wear bright colours, especially reds, fuchsias and oranges. This will help to stimulate more energy and invigorate the office. If tensions are high and employees are on edge, opt for black, navy and darker colours to help tone down the anxiety. FENG SHUI Q&A Question: My girlfriend insisted that a red door brings good fortunate, so I painted my front door red. My house faces south and I’ve had nothing but difficulties since the Year of the Rooster began, like my girlfriend who I got into a big fight with and who won’t speak to me anymore. Does the colour of the door have anything to do with it? Answer: The red door feng shui myth is just that – a myth. It’s not always auspicious or favourable, and as you’ve found out, at certain times, it can actually be harmful. The biggest concern is when the front door is painted red and it faces the northwest or the southeast. It’s especially dangerous in the northwest because it can cause the loss of the breadwinner of the house. In your instance, having a red door is typically very auspicious, except for this year. When an earth affliction hits your front door and it’s painted red, the colour itself will aggravate the affliction. You may have difficulties with money,
love, jobs, and most seriously, health and accidents. There’s really not a “cure” per se for this. If this were my front door, I would paint it white or gray, depending on the colour of your house. You could also paint it green, but I’d recommend metal colours, like white or gray. It’ll take about an hour of your time to paint it, but we still have seven and a half months to go in the year. You may also want to try to enter your house through another door, if you
can. If not, repainting that red door makes it much more important. 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!
Another successful year for Youth Forum on Building Success by Karla Atanacio and Johsa Manzanilla The Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba (PHCM) Inc. hosted its 2017 Youth Forum on Building Success on April 6, 2017 in Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute’s (DMCI) multipurpose room, 720 Alverstone Street. The event, held annually and now in its third year, aims to instil the importance of education and hard work, promote
involvement in the Filipino and wider community, and inspire high school and post-secondary students to pursue engaging and fulfilling careers. Approximately 60 students, parents, teachers and community members were in attendance to listen to six guest speakers share their stories of how they discovered their passions and career path, the experiences they had, and the choices they made along the way. The evening began with a
panel session where the speakers, who are identified leaders in their industries and fields, were each given five minutes to introduce themselves. This was followed by two sets of speed mentoring: participants were divided into small groups with the speakers rotating among them, in order to facilitate more intimate discussions in which everyone had the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts. Mimi Aiello, a Grade 10 student from Sisler High School, said that the panel helped her determine what she wants to be in the future. “The group of panellists provided me with valuable advice in the career paths I’m interested in,” she says. “They answered any questions that I had for them about their jobs.”
Hipolito “J.R.” Alibin, a Chartered Professional Accountant, shared his experience with business and the steps he had to take to get into accounting. Another panellist, Ethel Fernandez, talked about her transition from the Philippines to Winnipeg, how she had her engineering degree accredited, and finally her working in that capacity in Canada. Jay Jimenez of the Seven Oaks School Division described what being a teacher is like and the importance of literacy and education. Catheryn Morton, a Civil Engineering Technologist and project manager also joined participants. She reminded participants about the value of communication and explored the topic of getting out of one’s
comfort zone. Janelle Salinas, a Registered Nurse, emphasized the importance of doing well in school while still balancing your social life. Finally, Roddy Seradilla of Bisita Restaurant talked about how he came to appreciate Filipino culture and how he decided to make a living out of it. The Youth Forum on Building Success was organized in collaboration with DMCI, the University of Manitoba Filipino Students Group (UMPinoy), Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) Inc., Magdaragat Philippines, Inc., and the Manitoba Filipino Business Council. It was made possible by sponsors, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Manitoba Pork, True North Sports and Entertainment, and Scotiabank.
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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ
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Mabuti naman at natulayan na ang problema sa pagitan ni Pia Wurtzbach at ng kababayan nating negosyante sa Brunei na si Kathelyn Dupaya. Magandang balita iyon. Mas malaki ang mawawala sa beauty queen kesa sa negosyante kapag nagpatuloy pa ang hindi nila pagkakaintindihan. May nakaputong na korona habambuhay kay Pia samantalang kahit sa pangbarangay na paligsahan ay hindi naman sumasali si Kathelyn. Komunikasyon lang ang gumamot sa sitwasyon. Pagpapaliwanagan. Noong una ay may kainitan pa ang pagpapalitan ng salita ng magkabilang kampo pero pasasaan ba’t lalamig din naman ang kanilang ulo. Kapag pride na kasi ang umiral ay walang posibilidad ang pagkakasundo, pero kapag isinuko na iyon, siguradong sorry na ang maririnig sa magkabilang bakod. Pamilyar sa amin ang pangalan ng sinasabing Pinay businesswoman sa Brunei na nakaengkuwentro ni Pia Wurtzbach. Ang misis ni April “Boy” Regino na si Madel ang nagkuwento sa amin kung gaano kabait itong si Kathelyn Dupaya. Kinuhang mag-show sa Brunei ang Idol Ng Bayan dalawang taon na ang nakararaan. Nalaman daw ni Kathelyn na ooperahan sa mata
PILIPINO EXPRESS
si ABR, kaya bukod sa talent fee nito ay nagbigay pa ng tulong si Kathelyn, malaking halaga iyon na nakatulong sa operasyon ni April Boy. Anak-mahirap daw si Kathelyn, salat na salat sa buhay, kaya nang magkaroon siya ng magandang kapalaran ay parang buslong butas ang kaniyang bulsa sa pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan. Maraming artistang pinapupunta sa Brunei si Kathelyn Dupaya. Siya ang sagot sa plane ticket, siya rin ang bahala sa hotel accommodation, may pocket money pa siyang ibinibigay. Bongga rin siyang magbayad sa mga artistang pinagso-show niya sa Brunei, spoiled ang mga ito, dahil binibigyan pa niya ng mga branded na regalo ang mga personalidad. Gusto nga palang linawin ni Madel na hindi sa casino madalas na nananalo si Kathelyn Dupaya at ang kaniyang mister kundi sa lotto. Hindi raw marunong magsugal ang mag-asawa, hindi raw sila nagka-casino, pero hindi sila pumapalya sa pagtaya sa lotto. Pero nagkaayos man ang kampo nina Pia Wurtzbach at Kathelyn Dupaya ay hindi na mabubura sa utak ng mga nakasaksi sa kanilang pagpapalitan nang maaanghang na salita. Lalo See CRISTY p15
• Pia Wurtzbach – Naayos na ang naging problema sa Brunei • Kris Aquino – Ano ang role sa Crazy, Rich Asians? • Claudine Barretto – Kailangang mag-diet at magbawas ng timbang • Angel Locsin at Neil Arce – Sila naman ang mag-steady ngayon • Jaclyn Jose – Dakilang ina ng isang palalong anak • Andi Eigenmann – Punumpuno ng poot ang puso • Mayor Patrick Meneses at Ara Mina – Hiwalay na pero magkaibigan pa rin • Alden at Maine – Mismong taga-GMA7 pa ang naninira sa Aldub • Ai Ai delas Alas – Ikakasal na sa isang taon kay Gerald
Heart Evangelista–Escudero stars in Follow Your Heart
How far can relationship goals stand the ultimate test when real or reel celebrity couples find themselves in an unfamiliar world? Kapuso actress-host Heart Evangelista-Escudero will try to answer this question as she joins celebrity couples when they step out of their comfort zones in Follow Your Heart. Follow Your Heart is GMA Public Affairs’ newest reality show that dares real and reel celebrity couples to face demanding challenges faced by common folk. Each episode features two celebrity pairs who will take on the challenges of raising children – and money – for their adoptive family. Together, they will look after the children and perform household See HEART p15
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Marlon Stöckinger & Pia Wurtzbach
Ara Mina & Mayor Patrick Meneses
Gerlad Sibayan & Ai Ai Delas Alas
Maine Mendoza & Alden Richards
Can’t Help Falling In Love – KathNiel returns to the big screen The wait is finally over for fans of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. The KathNeil loveteam returns to the silver screen in Star Cinema’s romantic movie entitled Can’t Help Falling In Love screening worldwide via TFC@ theMovies. A lighthearted and heartwarming romance, Can’t Help Falling In Love is the follow-up film of the KathNeil loveteam after the huge success of Barcelona: A Love Untold last year. Can’t Help Falling In Love marksthe 6th year of Bernardo and Padilla as one of the country’s leading love teams. Through the years, the KathNiel loveteam has been well-received by fans around the word both on television and in film; a continuous flow of covers in high profile magazines, product endorsements, and a steady record of critical and box-office success in the big screen. Can’t Help Falling In Love also stars Matteo Guidicelli, Cherry Pie Picache, Lito Pimentel, Lotlot De Leon, Dennis Padilla, and Joross Gamboa, with Janus Del
Kathryn Bernardo & Daniel Padilla Prado, Kristel Fulgar, Pinky Amador, Johnny Revilla, Hannah Ledesma, Devon Seron, Chienna Filomeno, Earl Ignacio, Nina Dolino, Belle Mariano, and Clarence Delgado.
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HEART... From page 12 chores such as washing clothes and cooking. It’s a show where drama, action, and entertainment are rolled into one. The task does not end there, as the celebrity couples must battle it out in a series of fun games where cash prizes are at stake for their newfound families. The winning host family will receive P50,000 while a consolation prize of P25,000 goes to the non-winning host family. Fans will definitely see another side of Heart in her latest
CRISTY... From page 12 na sa reklamo ni Kathelyn na nang imbitahan daw kasi niya ito ay bitbit ng beauty queen ang buong pamilya ng kaniyang boyfriend na si Marlon Stockinger. At may kasama pa silang mga kasambahay Ikinasama rin ng kaniyang loob ang pagtawag sa kaniya ng scammer ni Pia, idagdag pa ang sinabi diumano ng beauty queen na fake naman ang Hermes bag na iniregalo sa kaniya, kaya ang hamon ni Kathelyn Dupaya noon ay ipa-check ang uri ng branded bag na iniregalo niya para magkaalaman na. *** Habang inaayos pala ni Kris Aquino ang proyektong gagawin niya sa Hollywood ay pansamantala niyang ipinagkatiwala si Josh sa yaya nito. Isang buwan na palang nasa Hinigaran, Negros Occidental ang panganay ni Kris. Kuwento ng aming assistant na si Japs Gersin ay hindi ito ang unang pagkakataong nagbakasyon nang matagal sa kanilang bayan si Josh. Sobrang lapit kasi nito sa kaniyang yaya. Iniiyakan ni Josh ang bawat pag-uwi ni Yaya Anna sa Negros. Nagtatanungan ngayon ang marami kung ano na, finally, ang magiging role ni Kris sa gagawin niyang pelikula sa Warner Bros. May nakuha na kasing bida, may natitira pang dalawang mahalagang papel sa Crazy, Rich Asians, alin kaya doon ang masusungkit ng TV host? Sabi ni prop na naging abala nitong mga huling linggo, “Sigurado na iyon! Iyong role ng crazy ang mapupunta kay Kris! Hindi na niya kailangang umarte, just be herself na lang ang peg niya!” Malaki man o maliit ang papel na mapupunta kay Kris Aquino ay natupad ang kaniyang pangarap na makapasok sa mundo ng Hollywood na inaasinta ng lahat ng mga artista sa buong mundo. *** May mga kaibigan kaming nakakita kay Claudine Barretto sa isang kilalang grocery store. Kasama ng aktres sa kaniyang pag-iikot ang mga anak nila ni Raymart Santiago. “Maganda pa rin si Claudine, ang tunay na ganda talaga, hindi naitatago. Pero may problema siya. It must be the reason kung bakit hindi pa siya napapanood ngayon sa movie or sa TV,” banggit ng isa naming kaibigan.
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
project. “Never been seen iyong mga ginagawa namin. Matutuwa sila dahil mas makikilala nila kami bilang mga artista, kung sino kami sa totoong buhay” says Heart. Aside from hosting the show, Heart immerses herself in the challenges as well. “Ginawa ko iyong mga challenges. And iyong iba mahirap siyempre dahil summer pero sobrang ang dami kong natutunan,” says the Kapuso actress-host. “Expect [na] nila na talagang lahat kami na mafifeature sa show [ay] mag-i-step out talaga sa aming mga comfort zones,” she adds. Malaki pa rin daw ang katawan ni Claudine. Sa madaling salita, mataba ang aktres, kailangan muna niyang magpaliit nang husto para hindi siya maging katawa-tawa sa harap ng mga camera. “Ang braso niya, malalaki. Ang hips niya, sobrang laki rin. Ang mga hita niya, e, nagmumura. Di ba, nag-diet na siya dati? Naglabas pa nga siya ng mga pictures noon na payat na siya, di ba? “Pero ang laki-laki pa rin niya. Maganda siya, totoo iyon, pero ang body niya, parang kalahati lang ng katawan niya ang bulto ni Gretchen. “Sayang, ang dami-dami nang lumalampas na projects sa kaniya. Mag-diet na sana siya nang husto para makabalik na siya,” sabi pa ng aming kausap. At may hirit pa ang kasama nito, “Paano naman siya papayat, e, puro pampataba ang mga laman ng cart niya? Grabe, puro carbo, kaya mahihirapan nga siya pumayat!” *** Hindi lang sila lantarang umaamin pero malaki ang posibilidad na nagkakaigihan na ngayon sina Angel Locsin at Neil Arce. Hindi naman kasi si Angel ang klase ng babaeng ipinaglalantaran sa buong mundo ang mga nangyayari sa kaniyang pakikipagrelasyon. At wala namang problema kung sila na nga dahil malinis ang kanilang kartada. Malaya na si Angel na magmahal at malaya na rin si Neil sa paghihiwalay nila ni Bela Padilla. Mas maganda na para kay Angel ang ganitong kuwento, tutal naman ay nagbigay na ng pahimakas ang producer na si Mr. Arce, ano raw kaya ang susunod na kahahantungan ng kanilang pagkakaibigan na pitong taon na ngayon? Palaging kinukuwestiyon ng mga kababayan natin kung bakit puro mga tibo ang palaging kasakasama ngayon ni Angel kahit saan. May multiple choice pa nga silang ibinibigay. Kundi raw karelasyon ng tibo ang magandang aktres ay siya mismo ang tibo. Ngayong may nauugnay nang lalaki sa kaniya, kahit paano’y mababawasan ang mga nagtatanong kung ano ba ang totoong kasarian ni Angel Locsin, mababalanse ni Neil Arce ang kuwento. At may karapatang lumigaya si Angel Locsin. Walang makapipigil noon para sa kaniya. Kung busilak naman ang intensiyon ng producer
Andi Eigenmann & Baby Ellie
Angel Locsin & Neil Arce sa dalaga ay walang problema. Kilalang-kilala na nila ang isa’t isa, pareho pa silang mga anak ng sining, walang masama kung sila na nga ngayon. Umamin man sila o hindi ay nand’yan na ang mga palatandaan—maligaya sila sa
isa’t isa.
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Jacklyn Jose & Ellie
Kris Aquino
*** Nakakaawa si Jaclyn Jose. Pati siya ay inuupakan na rin sa social media ngayon dahil sa sobrang pagtalak ng kaniyang anak na si Andi Eigenmann. Hindi raw maayos ang ginawang pagpapalaki
Claudine Barretto ni Jaclyn sa kaniyang anak. Masakit ang paghusgang iyon para sa isang ina na ginawa naman ang lahat-lahat para sa kaniyang supling. Mag-isa niyang pinalaki si Andi, patay-katawan sa pagtatrabaho ang aktres para See CRISTY p17
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Living on the edge by Regina Ramos-Urbano In 2015, 58,050 Winnipeggers received emergency food assistance from Winnipeg Harvest every month. One in three families using Winnipeg Harvest have employment income. At any given night, 1,400 people experience homelessness in Winnipeg. I have to ask myself, how can this be happening here; the place my parents brought us for a better life? And this happens not just in Winnipeg, but other communities across Canada. What can I do? A gymnasium full of fellow Winnipeggers and I accepted the invitation of United Way for “a chance to broaden (my) understanding of the challenges faced by people who live on a low income.” “Poverty is not a game.” Facilitator Jason Granger reminded us of this repeatedly as we embarked on an eyeopening simulation that allowed participants to experience what it might be like to live on the edge of poverty. As I role-played being a 25-year-old male with a 19-yearold girlfriend and one year old baby, I learned what it was like to be “working poor.” I felt lucky to have a full-time job, but even so, I was homeless and had to somehow
provide for my family’s needs. Stress and worry were constant companions for my little family as we found a place to live, made sure to eat, paid bills, and still have enough for transportation to get to work and to see the doctor. In the end, we survived, but only with complex planning, not eating for two weeks, and ultimately, through the kindness of strangers and the assistance of community agencies. The Living on the Edge simulation provided me with “heart knowledge” that facts and figures can’t provide. It gave me a small glimpse of what it’s like to be in poverty. I felt the worry and stress of not having transportation; I felt the boredom
and anxiety of waiting in line to resolve a problem and avoid a crisis; and I felt resigned to limited options. And I am grateful for the experience. So what do I do with what I know now? What can we as a community do together? I don’t know – yet. But I know that it was the unexpected kindness from individuals and the assistance of community that helped my simulated family to survive. I will do all that I can. For more information on the Living on the Edge simulation and to learn more about the issues surrounding poverty, contact Mariah Baldwin at United Way of Winnipeg. www. UnitedWayWinnipeg.ca
Community volunteers Regina Ramos-Urbano and Anita Krushel
Role playing a working poor family making financial decisions
Our-one-year old baby boy
Jason Granger giving instructions for the simulation
Open house at Living Waters Columbarium by Monique Gauthier Living Waters Columbarium welcomed visitors from around the province at its Open House celebration on April 23. Uniquely located within St. Gianna Beretta Molla Roman Catholic Church, the columbarium is fully integrated into the liturgical life of the church. Participants had the opportunity to visit the columbarium and experience its distinctive features. At the centre of the columbarium, daylight pours through the baptismal font above, where we, as Christians, are baptized into the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is beneath these life-giving waters of baptism that the beloved dead are entombed, as they continue their pilgrimage in Eternity. Entombment and memorialization within the columbarium is within a living, praying community of faith, where the beloved dead are perpetually remembered in the prayers of the community. The columbarium encompasses a variety of entombment and memorialization opportunities. With over 2,700 entombment niches, there truly is a place for everyone! Four magnificent family chapels within the columbarium offer families an opportunity to create a legacy for generations to come. The Memorial wall for the Unborn creates a special place of remembrance for infants lost through miscarriage, abortion and stillbirth. The memorial niche doors commemorate loved ones who are entombed or buried in other parts of the world, so that they too can be included in the prayers and celebrations of the faith community. The columbarium serves members of the Catholic community and their families in their pre-need planning and at the time of death. Monthly payment plans and temporary leasing options offer flexibility for all circumstances. To learn more about Living Waters Columbarium, visit www.livingwaterswpg.ca or call 204-488-3977.
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CRISTY... From page 15 maibigay ang mga pangunahing pangangailangan ng kaniyang anak, pero siya pa ang sinisisi ngayon ng marami. Binigyan nang sapat na panahon ni Jaclyn ang paglaki ni Andi. Dahil siya ang gumaganap na tatay at nanay ng kaniyang anak ay napakahirap ng kaniyang pinagdaanan. Pero hanggang sa paggabay at pangangaral lang naman ang magagawa ng isang magulang. Hindi niya hawak ang saloobin ng kaniyang anak, hindi na kasalanan ng isang nanay na hindi naman nagkulang na lumaking ganyan ang kaniyang produkto. Kahit naman si Jaclyn ay halos sumuko na noon kay Andi na lumaking palalo. Kaya nga lang ay hindi niya naman matiis ang kaniyang anak, siya pa rin ang pumapagitna sa mga laban nito, siya pa nga ang nasisisi sa bandang huli. Napakasuwerte ni Andi sa kaniyang ina. Kung iba-ibang
PILIPINO EXPRESS nanay lang si Jaclyn, sa sobrang tigas ng ulo ng kaniyang anak ay baka pinabayaan na lang niya ito, pero magkarugtong nga kasi ang kanilang pusod. Kaya ayun si Jaclyn, ipinagtatanggol pa rin ang kaniyang anak, binibigyan pa rin niya ng katwiran si Andi kahit pa lihis na sa katwiran ang mga pinagsasasabi nito. Ganoon ang nanay. Handang ipagtanggol ang kaniyang anak. Handang ibuwis ang kaniyang buhay para lang hindi masaktan ang sanggol na dinala niya nang siyam na buwan sa kaniyang sinapupunan. *** Kung makapagsalita naman ng basura si Andi Eigenmann, para namang pagkasama-sama na ng mag-inang Laarni Enriquez at Jake Ejercito, kung makapagbitiw siya ng salitang walang puso ang pamilya Estrada ay parang wala nang bukas pa. Ano na naman ba ang nangyayari kay Andi? Naging libangan na lang niya ngayon ang upakan nang upakan si Jake, kapag
kulang pa sa kaniyang panukat ang mga bira niya ay idinadamay na niya ang pamilya Estrada, paano siya magiging maligaya kapag ganyan na punumpuno ng poot ang puso niya? Sayang ang panahong ginugugol niya sa pakikipag-away sa ama ng kaniyang anak na si Ellie. Gagastos pa raw siya ngayon para sa lawyer na kukunin niya, hirap na hirap na nga raw siya sa pagsuporta kay Ellie, dahil hindi naman nagbibigay ng sustento si Jake para sa kanilang anak? Ang lahat ng inirereklamo ngayon ni Andi ay puwede naman kasing naiwasan kung nagbigay lang siya ng panahon para makipag-usap kina Laarni at Jake. Alam ng mga taga-Viva ang kuwento. Ilang ulit nang nakipagusap ang dating aktres kay Boss Vic del Rosario para humingi ng appointment na magkausap-usap sila ni Andi, maaaring tumugon naman si Boss Vic sa hiling ni Laarnie, pero nangyari ba iyon? Hindi siya nakipagkita sa gitna, ni konting panahon ay hindi siya nagbigay para kina Laarni at Jake
PAGE 17 dahil busy raw siya, pagkatapos ngayong naghain ng petisyon si Jake para sa joint custody nila kay Ellie ay kung anu-ano ang ikinakatsang niya na para bang kaawa-awa siya. Kung pinagbigyan niya ang pakiusap ng mag-ina, di sana’y wala na silang problema, di sana’y hindi na siya magagastusan ngayon as pambayad sa abogado niya? Ito rin ang sigaw niya noon laban kay Albie Casino, ipinaaako niya noon sa aktor na ito ang ama ng bata, maraming salamat na lang sa resulta ng DNA test nina Jake at Ellie dahil nagkaroon na ng katahimikan ang buhay ng bagets. Kahit ilang beses pang magpalit ng karelasyon si Andi Eigenmann ay hindi siya magiging maligaya. Hanggang punumpuno ng galit ang kaniyang dibdib ay magiging mailap sa kaniya ang maligaya at may katahimikang buhay. *** Kundi mo alam ang kuwento ng relasyon nina Mayor Patrick Meneses at Ara Mina ay maliligaw ka sa mga pinakahuling pangyayari sa kanilang buhay.
Magdududa ka rin na baka nga nagkabalikan na sila. Pero kung kabisado mo ang naging takbo ng kanilang relasyon, lalo na ang naging dahilan ng pakikipagkalas ng pulitiko sa aktres, ay hindi mo bibigyan ng kahit anong kakaibang pakahulugan ang pagsasama nila noong nakaraang Semana Santa sa Brunei. Sa kabila ng nangyari sa kanilang relasyon ay pinanatili nina Mayor Patrick at Ara ang pagkakaibigan para sa kanilang anak na si Amanda. Malayang nahihiram ni Mayor Patrick ang kanilang anak, hindi siya nagkukulang sa pagtupad sa mga obligasyon para sa bata, maayos ang naging pag-uusap nila ni Ara tungkol kay Mandy. Walang pagbabalikang naganap, pero napasaya nina Mayor Patrick at Ara ang kanilang anak, naniniwala sila na kapag nakikita ng bata ang kaniyang mga magulang na nagkakasundo ay maayos ang paglaki nito. Ganoon lang iyon. Para sa bata Sundan sa pahina 20
EH KASI, PINOY!
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MAY 1 - 15, 2017
Sugal na pag-ibig Maikling kuwento ni Emmie Z. Joaquin
Ang mga tauhan at mga pangyayari sa kuwentong ito ay kathang-isip lamang at hindi tumutukoy sa anumang tunay na tao at sitwasyon. “Naku, ang itim! Sunog na naman ang sinaing mo!” pabirong reklamo ni Monching kay Rita nang makasandok siya ng tutong mula sa kaldero. “Sabi ko naman sa ‘yo, bumili na tayo ng rice cooker,” balik naman ni Rita sa asawa. “Huwag kang mag-alala, pag natapos ko ang pagkakabit ng wiring sa bahay ni Mang Pepe, papalitan na natin yung nasirang rice cooker natin,” nakangiting sagot ni Monching sa asawa. “Eh, tinapay na lang muna ang kainin mo, magsasaing ulit ako,” ani Rita sabay abot kay Monching ng pandilimon na binili niya sa panaderya ni Ching pagkagaling niyang maghatid ng mga tinahi sa ibayo. Pagod na pagod na si Rita nang hapong iyon subalit hindi niya maipahalata kay Monching. Pinilit niyang tahiing lahat ang mga telang ipinadala ni Mrs. Ramos kagabi dahil gusto niyang makasingil ng pambayad para sa taong lumalakad ng papeles ni Monching sa recruiting agency. Dalawa na ang anak nilang mag-asawa. Matagal din bago nasundan si Jun-Jun dahil apat na taon ding nagtrabaho sa Saudi si Monching at pinilit nilang huwag makabuo ng bata tuwing uuwi ito upang magbakasyon. Mabait na asawa si Monching at palagi ang padala niya ng pera kay Rita noong malakas pa ang kita niya. Sinamampalad nga lang na nagsara ang pinagtatrabahuhan sa Saudi at napauwi ang lahat ng empleyado nang wala sa oras. Kung sana’y nagtagal pa ng mga dalawang taon man lang, sana’y nakaipon pa sila kahit kaunti. Said na said ang ipon nilang mag- asawa lalo na nang magbuntis si Rita sa bunsong si Dolly. Hirap ang kaniyang pagbubuntis at na-caesarian pa siya. Sa ospital lang napunta ang naitabi nilang pera. Nang bumalik sa Maynila ay nag-apply na yata sa lahat ng construction companies si Monching subalit dahil hindi siya tapos ng kolehiyo, kahit maganda ang work experience niya sa Saudi, hindi siya matanggaptanggap sa magandang puwesto na may mataas na sahod. Kung saansaan na siya ini-refer ni Kuya, ang panganay na kapatid ni Monching, subalit wala pa rin. Hirap sila lalo na’t dalawang bata ang inaalagaan. Masiste ang bunso, iyakin at sakitin si Dolly. Si Jun-Jun naman ay sobrang likot at
kailangan ay laging binabantayan dahil mahilig lumabas sa may kalsada. Gayon pa man, maligaya silang apat kahit na maraming kulang. “Tao po!” Pinapasok niya si Aling Elvie na siyang magdadala ng papeles sa recruiting agency. Dali-daling kinuha ni Rita ang pera sa bulsa. Binilang niya sa harapan ng bisita, “Ayan, Aling Elvie, dalawampung libong piso ho ‘yan, siguro naman eh tama na muna ‘yan para sa lalakad doon sa loob,” at ipinasok ulit ni Rita sa envelope ang hawak na pera. “Oy, naku, kung hindi sa akin; hindi tatanggapin ang twentythousand pesos noong contact ko sa loob. Dapat, eh, treinta’y singko mil kaya lang sinabi kong wala kayong pera talaga. Gusto ko lang talagang makatulong sa inyo!” Napansin ni Rita na masama na ang tingin ni Monching sa mataray na bisita kung kaya dalidali niyang pinalakad na ito at baka kung ano pa ang masabi ng asawa. “Rita, mahigit na fiftythousand pesos na ang nakukuha niya sa atin,” malumanay na sabi ni Monching, “Duda ako. Baka lokohan na ‘yan.” Tila walang narinig si Rita at ipinagpatuloy na lang ang paghuhugas ng bigas upang magsaing muli. Para sa kaniya ay tapos na ang usapan tungkol doon para sa hapong iyon. Hindi pa natatagalan mula nang makausap ni Monching si Richard, isang balikbayang kaibigang matalik ng Kuya ni Monching. Nagbida ito nang nagbida kung gaano kasarap mamuhay sa Canada at kung gaano kasagana ang kaniyang pamilya roon. Sa wari ni Rita’y tila nainggit si Monching dahil noong araw ay mas mahirap ang buhay ni Richard kumpara sa kanila. Dati’y masigasig si Monching na ipalakad kay Aling Elvie ang mga papeles niya subalit mula nang makausap si Richard ay napansin niyang parang inis na kay Aling Elvie ang asawa. “Ano, Rita, pumayag na tayo sa offer ni Richard, alam mo namang pansamantala lang iyon,” samo ni Monching kay Rita pagkaalis ni Aling Elvie. Ayaw sana ni Ritang pagusapan ang alok ni Richard. Pinigilan niyang magpakita ng inis dahil ayaw niyang masira na naman ang hapon nilang dalawa. Malaki ang utang na loob ni Richard kay Kuya. At nang malaman niya ang nararanasang kahirapan ni Monching ay may inialok siya kay Kuya bilang pagganti sa mga kagandahang-
loob na ipinakita sa kaniya noong araw na siya ang nangangailangan. May alam na paraan si Richard upang makapunta si Monching sa Canada. Kapag nandoon na si Monching ay madali na raw makasusunod ang mag-iina. “Paano naman daw, aber?” tanong ni Rita kay Monching noong unang sinabi sa kaniya ang plano. “Nang sinabi ko na hindi pa tayo kasal, puwede raw niya akong paisponsoran sa kumare niya sa Canada. Pakakasalan ko ‘yung babae pero may unawaan na magdidiborsyo kami agad pagkaraan ng dalawang taon,” wika ni Monching kay Rita sabay akbay sa kaniya, “walang mamamagitan, walang sex.” Napailing si Rita. “At ano naman ang utang na loob sa atin ng babaeng iyon upang isakripisyo niya ang kaniyang buhay upang guminhawa lang tayo?” “Siguradong walang sabit dahil kakilala niya ang babaeng iyon. At – ano ‘kamo ang kapalit?” patuloy ni Monching, “Imbis na bayad tayo nang bayad kay Aling Elvie, pako-konswelohan na lang natin ng $5,000 iyung babaeng taga-Canada. Gagarantiyahan daw niyang walang sabit. Okey na rin kay Kuya ‘yung offer.” Nagsawalang-kibo na lamang si Rita. Alam niyang kapag tinutulan niya ay lalong maiinis sa kaniya ang kuya ni Monching. Palibhasa’y maagang naulila, at dahil panganay si Kuya, siya ang halos tumayong ama at ina ng tatlong magkakapatid. Bunso si Monching kung kaya hanggang tumanda na at magkapamilya ay parang nakakabit pa rin ang pusod nito sa kaniyang kapatid na matanda. Retired na si Kuya sa Army at maganda naman ang kabuhayan. Matagal rin bago natanggap ni Kuya si Rita. Hindi nakatapos ng kolehiyo si Monching dahil nabuntis si Rita kay Jun-Jun noong magnobyo pa lang sila. Pareho silang estudyante at batang bata pa. Subalit kahit matagal na silang nagsasama at lumalaki na ang mga bata, nararamdaman pa rin ni Rita ang inis sa kaniya ng mga kapatid ni Monching. Noon pa sila dapat nagpakasal. Panay ang kulit ng nanay ni Rita na magpakasal na sila kahit sa huwes man lang. Sa dami ng problema at inintindi, napasaisantabi nila ang planong iyon at hindi rin naman sinesegundahan ng mga kapatid ni Monching ang hiling niyang magpakasal na sila. “Ano, mahal, pumayag ka na,” samo ni Monching sa kaniya. “Habang maliliit pa ang mga bata; ‘kataon na iyon, pag malaki-laki na sila, eh, nasa Canada na tayo. Kailangan na nating magdesisyon kasi pauwi na si Richard sa isang linggó sa Winnipeg.” Umupong muli si Rita sa tabi ni Monching. Hinawakan ang makalyong kamay ng asawa. Kita na rin ang hirap sa mukha ni Monching pero magandang lalaki pa rin ito kung ikukumpara sa
iba. May kakaibang kirot sa puso ang naramdaman ni Rita. Wala pa mang nangyayari ay parang nagseselos na siya. Hindi yata kaya ng kalooban niya ang palakarin si Monching at pag-asawahin ng iba, kahit na para sa papel lang. “Ewan ko. Marami akong nababalitaan na hindi na nagkakabalikan ang gumagawa nang ganiyan, paano naman kami ng mga anak mo?” halos paiyak na tanong ni Rita. “Huwag kang mag-alala, bahala kami ni Kuya. Siya raw ang sasagot sa ibabayad nating $5,000 doon sa babaeng magpapakasal sa akin; siya na rin ang aako sa pagpapa-process at sa pamasahe, pati raw baon. Si Richard naman ang bahala ng umayos doon sa kaibigan niyang babae,” siguradung-siguradong sagot ni Monching. Napatayo si Rita at tiim-bagang na sinabi, “Ikaw ang bahala, si Kuya ang sasagot, si Richard ang bahala. Nakakalimutan ba ninyo na bukod sa aming tatlo ng mga anak mo ay may isa pang taong sangkot sa usapang ito? Ano bang klaseng babae ang basta papayag na lang sa kasal-kasalang pinaplano ninyo?” “Magtiwala ka sa akin, Rita. Mahal ko kayong mag-iina. Hindi rin ako komportable sa gagawing ito pero gusto ko lang mapabuti ang buhay natin at ang kinabukasan ng mga bata,” alo sa kaniya ni Monching. Lumipas ang walong buwan. Sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport. “Susulat ka nang madalas. Huwag mong pababayaan ang sarili mo. At ang lamig doon, lagi kang magsusuot ng makapal (hu, hu, hu),” halos hindi makahinga si Rita sa higpit ng yakap ni Monching. “Magpapadala ako ng pera. Ingatan mo ang sarili mo, ang mga bata lagi mong ipapakita sa kanila ang litrato naming mag-aama nang hindi nila ako makalimutan. Sandali lang ang dalawang taon, makikita mo,” sabay halik sa kaniyang labi ni Monching. Alam ni Rita na matagal-tagal
ding hindi niya madarama ang init ng halik at yakap ng asawa. Parang kinukurot ang kaniyang puso. Nakita na niya sa facebook ang larawan ng babaeng pakakasalan ni Monching pagdating sa Canada. Malaki ang selos na nararamdaman niya dahil may itsura naman ang babaeng iyon. Maritess ang pangalan ng babae. Hanggang ngayon ay nahihirapan si Ritang maintindihan kung bakit pumayag itong magpakasal kay Monching sa halagang $5,000 lamang. Sumapit ang Pasko at Bagong Taon. Maraming laruan ang mga bata. Maraming pagkain sa kanilang hapag-kainan. Masagana ang laman ng kanilang fridge at maraming padalang kung anuano sa door to door na kahon si Monching. Pati ang kaniyang Kuya at Ate ay sagana rin sa door to door na padala nito. Matagal-tagal na ring hindi nagpupuyat si Rita upang manahi. Tumatanggap pa rin siya ng tahi pero dahil may sustentong nanggagaling kay Monching, hindi na niya kailangang magpakahirap, kung ano lang ang kaya, iyon ang ginagawa niya. Hindi naman nagkukulang si Monching. Madalas mag-text at tumatawag sa telepono tuwing may mahalagang okasyon sa pamilya. Noong una ay panay ang tingin ni Rita sa facebook ni Monching at nababasa niya ang mga posting ni Monching na nami-miss niya ang mga naiwan niya sa Pilipinas. Alam niyang silang mag-iina ang tinutukoy kahit walang sinasabing pangalan si Monching. May mga posts si Monching na kasama si Maritess at sapat na iyon upang umiyak na naman siya dahil sa selos at sama ng loob. “Kailangang ipakita sa ibang tao na tunay silang mag-asawa dahil baka matsismis daw na ‘for convenience’ lang ang kasal at maging sanhi pa iyon upang maipa-deport si Monching.” Iyon ang paliwanag kay Rita ni Kuya nang mapansin nitong nag-iinit si Rita tuwing makikitang tila sweet Sundan sa pahina p19
MAY 1 - 15, 2017
EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS
PAGE 19
Anak na malaya “Tay, tagay,” alok sa akin ng aking anak. At kumampay kaming mag-Ama sa pagdiriwang ng ikalabing walong kaarawan ng aking panganay. Ang tagay naming mag-Ama ay sumisimbulo sa kaniyang pagtawid sa pagiging adult. Parang kalian lang ay karga ko lang ang sanggol na ito sa aking mga bisig. Ngayon ay mas matangkad at malaki pa sa akin. Ang batang makulit ay makulit pa rin pero marami ng pagkakataon na may mga idelohiya na siyang tinatanong, kinukuwestyon at pinag-aaralan. Marami din kaming tunggalian ng mga opinyon. Nirerespeto ko ang kaniyang mga paniniwala ngunit sinasamahan ko pa rin ito ng gabay. Nakita ko ang aking sarili 30 years ago. Ganito ako noong araw. Mapusok, matanong, walang takot, punong-puno ng excitement, creative, masaya, malungkot. Ang kapusukan ng
KUWENTO... Mula sa pahina 18 na sweet si Monching at Maritess sa mga larawang nasa facebook. Nang tumagal ay biglang nagalis si Monching ng facebook. “Abala sa hanapbuhay ko ang facebook na iyan kaya tinanggal ko na!” sabi sa kaniya ni Monching nang nagtanong siya. Kaya mula noon ay sa text na lang sila naguusap o sa telepono. Tinitibayan niya ang tiwala sa asawa. Umaasa siyang talagang tutuparin nito ang pangako sa kanilang mag-iina. Minsan ay dinadalaw siya ng duda dahil alam niyang legal ang kasal ni Monching kay Maritess. Alam niyang wala na siyang habol kung sakaling magbabago ng isip si Monching dahil hindi sila kasal. Natatakot si Rita dahil sa papeles ni Monching na naisumite sa Canadian Embassy sa Pilipinas, inilagay roon ang pangalan ni Jun-Jun at Dolly bilang mga dependent na anak sa pagkabinata. Siniguro ni Kuya na maayos ang lahat ng dokumento ni Monching. Sa kabila ng lahat, kahit na sagana silang mag-iina, takot na takot siya sa posibilidad na maaagaw sa
ating kabataan ay maituturing kong isa sa pinakamakulay na bahagi ng ating buhay. Aktibismo at paniniwala Ang paniniwala at hindi paniniwala sa mga bagay sa paligid natin ay higit na nabibigyan ng tuon sa panahon ng ating kabataan. Sa edad na ito ay pinasok ko ang pag-aaral at pagsapi sa mga samahan at mismong kilusan na naglalayon ng pagbabago sa lipunan sa pamamagitan ng armadong rebolusyon. Nag-aral kami ng teorya, nakipagdebate at lumutang sa komunidad bilang kasapi ng parliamento ng lansangan. Masarap ang pakiramdam. Fulfilling. Hindi alintana ang amoy ng tear gas kapag tumira na ang mga pasistang militar. Tatakbuhin mula Mendiola hanggang Divisoria para makatakas sa pagtugis ng mga parak. Walang takot. At magtatawanan pa kapag
kaniya si Monching. Magdadalawang taon nang nasa Canada si Monching. Inihahanda na ni Rita ang sarili sa pangakong nalalapit na ang pagkuha sa kanilang mag-iina ni Monching. Maraming gabing napapanaginipan niya na kayakap niyang natutulog si Monching. Umiiyak na lamang siya sa pangungulilang nadarama. Rrrrring! Rrrrring! Rrrrring! Schedule ng tawag ni Monching kung kaya halos magkandarapa si Rita sa pagkuha ng kaniyang cell phone. “Hello!” hingal na sagot ni Rita at umaasang ang maririnig sa kabilang linya ay boses ni Monching. “Hello, Rita, ano kumusta na kayo diyan? Si Richard ito!” “Nasaan si Monching, bakit ikaw ang tumawag?” usisa niya. “Hindi siya puwede kaya ako na lang pinatawag muna. May pinuntahan silang handaan ni Maritess at mamaya pang hapon matatapos, eh, baka ka raw mainip ng paghihintay. Anyway, natanggap mo na raw ba yung ipina-door to door niyang kahon?” Masamang-masama ang loob ni Rita subalit pinilit pa rin niyang
nalusutan ang mga bondat ng pulis. Uumagahin sa lansangan. Mag-aawitan ng mga makabayang awit. Mga awit ng rebolusyon at pagmamahal sa bayan: Isulong ang adhikaing proletaryo ang maka-Diyos at makataong balangkas Bangon na manggagawang Pilipino, tutulan ang panunupil at dahas! Isulong ang adhikaing proletaryo at hindi ang interes ng iilan Bangon na manggagawang Pilipino, isulong ang pambansang kasarinlan! Ang panganay kong anak ay nakikisawsaw na rin sa mga usaping politika. Armado ng kaniyang gitara, camera at laptop ay naipapahayag niya ang kaniyang paniniwala at saloobin sa pamamagitan ng mga buhay na larawan, tula at mga awit. Maaari ninyong bisitahin ang kaniyang website sa: www.lapuz.net Ang aktibismo sa puso naming mag-ama ay hindi tumitigil para sa kaganapan ng patuloy na pagbabago ng mundo. Pag-ibig o init Ang una kong pag-ibig ay sa
Inang Bayan, ngunit dumarating din sa buhay ng kabataan ang attraction sa tao. Ang bugso ng damdaming kumakabog kapag nakikita na ang nililiyag. Ang init ng laman na natural lamang sa pagiging tao. Ngunit pinagsasabihan ko siya tungkol sa respeto sa katawan at pagpipigil sa kapusukan. Hindi lahat ng mainit ay dapat isabog. May tamang oras para sa lahat lalo na sa usaping ng pagtatalik. Kabilang sa pagrespeto sa tao ay paggalang sa kaniyang katawan at ang hindi pangaabuso dito at ito’y para sa lahat ng kasarian. Pag-ibig man o init ng laman, marapat lamang na mananatili ang kamulatan ng tao, lalo na ng mga kabataan sa kung ano ang magiging bunga ng anumang hakbang. Sa madaling sabi, mag-isip muna nang todo at nasa tamang katinuan bago buwagin at isuko ang Bataan. Katropa at ama Pinipilit kong patuloy na maging tropa o kaibigan ng aking mga anak. Lalo na ngayon at mayroon na akong binata. Sana ay patuloy ang aming jamming,
kuwentuhan, kulitan, debate at minimal na tagayan para mapanatili namin ang bukás at hindi nagkakahiyaang relasyon bilang mag-ama at magkatropa. Tulad ng aking ama na hanggang ngayon ay nananatili kong kaututang-dila at para lang kaming magkaibigan ay maipasa ko rin sana ang ganitong level ng relationship sa aking mga anak. Challenging ang magpalaki ng mga anak. Kailangan ang creativity at pang-unawa sa isa’t isa. Maraming mga barriers sa pagitan ng magulang at anak, pero sa huli ay mananatili pa rin ang wagas na pagmamahal sa dati mong sanggol na ngayo’y ganap nang malaya. 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).
sagutin nang maayos ang tanong, “Oo, mabilis ngayon, pati ‘yung pera, natanggap na namin.” “Bilin nga pala ni Monching, bayaran mo na raw ang matrikula ni Jun-Jun mula sa padala niyang iyan at sa isang linggo raw siya magpapadala ng dagdag. O, sige, may lakad pa ako, kumusta na lang, babay!” sabay klik ng telepono. Napahagulgol si Rita sa sama ng loob. Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay pumalya si Monching sa nakaugaliang pagtawag sa telepono. Hindi malaman ni Rita ang gagawin. Nang humapon na ay tumawag na si Rita sa Canada, kay Monching. Matagal-tagal ding kumiriring ang telepono sa bahay ni Monching bago may sumagot. Alam ni Ritang madaling-araw pa lang sa Winnipeg. “Hmmm… hello?” antok na antok ang boses ng babaeng sumagot kay Rita. Alam niyang si Maritess iyon subalit walang gana si Ritang makipagkumustahan sa babaeng nagpakasal sa ama ng kaniyang mga anak. Hinanap ni Rita si Monching. Hindi na nagtanong si Maritess kung sino siya at tinawag nito si Monching.
Parang sinaksak ng patalim ang puso ni Rita nang marinig niya sa telepono ang tila naalimpungatang pag-ungol ni Monching mula sa pagkakagising. Katabi lang nang sumagot ng telepono, katabi sa higaan. Gustung-gusto na niyang i-off ang hawak na cellphone subalit nagtimpi siya kahit namamalisbis na ang mga luha sa kaniyang pisngi. “Hello, Rita, bakit? Ang agaaga pa,” tila walang anumang sabi nito. “Umuwi ka na, Monching, kahit na mahirap lang tayo rito, umuwi ka na (hu, hu, hu),” samo ni Rita sa kaniya. “Rita, kailangang mag-usap tayo. Ibababa ko muna ang telepono. Mamaya, tatawag ako sa iyo, puwede ba?” Walang nagawa si Rita kundi pumayag sa hiling ni Monching. Hindi pa man ay parang may masamang kutob na siya kung ano ang sasabihin ng lalaking minahal niya, itinuring na asawa, at ama ng kaniyang dalawang anak. Makalipas ang isang oras ay may kumatok sa pintuan ni Rita. Si Kuya. Tulad nang dati, may pasalubong kay Jun-Jun at Dolly ang kanilang Tiyo. Nang nalilibang na ang mga bata sa paglalaro ay pinaupo siya nito sa
may sala at may inilabas na sobre. “Noon ko pa gustong sabihin sa iyo ang lahat, Rita,” sabi ni Kuya habang inilalabas ang mga larawan sa sobre. Natigagal si Rita sa mga nakitang larawan na inihelera ni Kuya sa mesa. Isa roon ay kitang-kita ang magandang ngiti ni Monching at si Maritess naman ay may kalong na sanggol na siguro’y kapapanganak pa lamang. Christmas card iyon na ipinadala ni Monching sa kapatid. Ang iba nama’y mga baby pictures. “Hindi nagkulang sa inyong mag-iina ang kapatid ko, Rita,” sabi ni Kuya. “Sana’y maunawaan mo ang sasabihin ko sa iyo ngayon.” Manhid na manhid ang pakiramdam ni Rita sa pagkakaupo. Narinig niya ang lahat ng sinabi ni Kuya. Kung paanong sa simula ay talagang balak ni Monching na kunin silang mag-iina at pasunurin sa Canada pagkatapos diborsyohin si Maritess. Kung paanong nagsikap si Monching na makakuha agad ng trabaho at halos walang pahinga ito sa paghahanapbuhay upang makapagpadala ng sustento sa kanila. Narinig din ni Rita ang sinabi ni Kuya na nang lumaon ay Sundan sa pahina p21
EH KASI, PINOY
PAGE 20
PILIPINO EXPRESS
KROSWORD
HOROSCOPE
NO. 275
MAYO 1 - 15, 2017
Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot
PAHALANG 1. Humahawak 8. Tabako 11. Ampon 14. Pinapatnubayan 16. Sapi 17. Pakete 18. Unlapi 19. Banoy 20. Simbolo ng pilak 21. Panaksak 23. Uri ng tela 25. Diksyunaryo 28. Kaibigan ni Mama 29. Tinamo 30. Baylerina PABABA 2. Gumapas 3. Agad 4. Init 5. Ipusta 6. Ospital 7. Pangarap
9. Inabala 10. Pumutok 12. Asikasuhin 13. Sakim 15. Taba ng alimango 22. Mahalagang puno 24. Kabisera ng Guam 26. Kawil 27. Sasa
SAGOT SA NO. 274
MAY 1 - 15, 2017
Aries (March 21 – April 19) Kahit na pakiramdam mo ay tama, huwag ka pa rin lubos na magtitiwala. Mag-ingat ka lalo na kung may hihilingin sila sa iyo na kakaiba. Huwag kang magpapadala sa agos dahil sa bandang huli ay mag-isa ka lang at baka hindi mo na sila makita pang muli. OK ang ika-8 at 9. Alalay ka sa ika-3, 4, 5, 10, 11 at 12.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) Kailangan mo ng katotohanan kaya huwag aksayahin ang oras sa mga haka-haka o mga “akala.” Kung wala kang katiyakan sa mga gagawin mo, gumasta ka na at humingi ng payo sa isang propesyonal tulad ng abugado o psychiatrist. Mahirap ang puro “hula.” Ayos sa ika-8 at 9. Stressful ang ika-6, 7, 13 at 14.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Oo nga’t mas m a r a m i n g karanasan ang mga tao na mas may edad na sa iyo. Pero hindi lahat sa kanila ay may karapatang magbigay ng magandang payo. Gamitin mo pa rin ang utak mo. Tingnan mo ang estado nila sa buhay. Pag-aralan mo kung tatanggapin mo. Masaya ang ika-8 at 9. May tension sa ika-1, 2 at 15.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Simulan mo ang buwan ng Mayo na maingat sa lahat ng bagay na makakaapekto sa iyong kabuhayan at personal na buhay. Maganda ang pagkakataon upang kumita ka nang malaki dahil sa isang project na gusto mo rin namang gawin. Magaan ang pera sa iyo. OK ang ika-1, 2, 10, 11 at 12. Ingat sa ika-6, 7, 13 at 14.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) Saan mo dadalhin ang pera mo? May mamanahin ka o may darating na malaking halaga sa bulsa mo. Pag-isipan mong mabuti dahil minsanan lang ang dating ng perang ito. Baka hindi na maulit. Planuhin mo at nang hindi mawala agad na parang bula. Suwerte ang ika-1, 2, 10, 11 at 12. Ingat sa ika-8, 9 at 15.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Panahon ngayon upang tingnan mo ang tinitirahan mo. Kailangan mo bang ipagawa ito? May extrang pera ka ba? Kung may pampagawa ka, ituloy mo na. Mas mabuting agapan kapag nagsisimula pa lang ang problema. Lumapit ka sa bangko mo. OK ang ika-1, 2, 10, 11 at 12. Tensyon sa ika-3, 4, 5, 13 at 14.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Buksan mo ang iyong mga mata at tenga. May mga usap-usapan na maaga pa lang ay dapat mo nang malaman. Maaaring mabuti at maaaring hindi. Walang mawawala kung nakabantay ka na sa anumang kasasapitan ng pinag-uusapan nila tungkol sa iyo.OK ang ika-3, 4, 5, 13 at 14. Ingat sa ika-1, 2, 8, 9 at 15.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) Ang mga tao na iniwasan mo noong araw ay babalik muli sa buhay mo. Gusto mo man o hindi, wala kang magagawa dahil nandiyan na naman sila. Puwede ka namang maging civil lang sa kanila. Hindi mo sila kailangang kaibiganin. Walang pakialaman. OK ang ika-3, 4, 5, 13 at 14. Kuwidaw sa ika-10, 11 at 12.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Nasimulan mo na ang pag-aayos sa mga bagay na nakakaapekto sa iyong buhay. Ipagpatuloy mo. Kailangan mong mag-focus. Pag-aralan mo kung paano mo maiiwasan ang pagsasayang ng mahalagang oras sa mga bagay na hindi mo naman pakikinabangan. OK ka sa ika-3, 4, 5, 13 at 14. Careful sa ika-6 at 7.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22) May hihingi ng payo at handa ka namang magbigay nito sa kaniya. Huwag mo lang aasahan na susundin niya ang payo mo. Kung personal ito sa tao, magingat ka dahil baka balikan ka ng malalapit sa papayuhan mo. Kung pera, huwag kang magpapautang. OK sa ika-6, 7 at 15. Ingat sa ika3, 4, 5, 10, 11 at 12.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) Maging kontento ka na sa alam mong gagawin mo sa trabaho. Mahirap pumasok sa ibang larangan na hindi mo naman alam. Mahirap magkunwari. Oo nga’t malaki ang magiging pakinabang kung tatanggapin mo ang promosyon, pero baka doon ka malaglag. OK ang ika-6, 7 at 15. Mag-ingat sa ika-13 at 14.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) Dahan-dahan lang sa paggasta. Iwasan mong maubos ang naipon mong pera dahil sa mga maluluhong gamit at libangan. Tama na muna ang katwirang kaya ka nga naghahanapbuhay ay para masunod mo ang gusto mo. May kinabukasan pa. Iyon ang dapat paghandaan. OK ang ika-6 at 7. Ingat sa ika-1, 2, 8 at 9.
ang empleyado ng Siyete. Hindi nga naman iyon maganda sa pandinig, lalong hindi masarap sa panlasa na mismong tagaGMA-7 pa ang kumumpirmang mababa ang rating ng serye noong una, sino pa ang maniniwala sa pag-aangat ng mga fans nina Alden at Maine sa loveteam kung ganyan na mismong empleyado ng network ang nangdadaot sa kanilang mga idolo? Galit na galit sa kaniya ang mga tagasuporta nina Alden Richards at Maine Mendoza dahil sa pagbabando niya na flop ang serye ng AlDub. Hindi na bago ang kuwentong ito. Si Suzette Doctolero rin ang nagbulgar noon nang pagkadiindiin na ham actor si Aljur Abrenica. Hindi raw kakulangan sa istasyon ang isang banong umarteng aktor.
Hindi namin alam kung may basbas ng kaniyang mga bossing ang mga pinakakawalang salita nitong si Suzette. Mahirap kasing intindihin na mismong may posisyon pa sa network na tulad niya ang maglalabas ng mga komentong kontra sa kanilang mga artista. Nakakaawa si Suzette Doctolero sa pang-uupak sa kaniya ng mga tagasuporta ng AlDub. Hindi lang basta hinihiling ng tropa na bigyan ng leksiyon ng network si Suzette, ipinatatanggal pa nila, dahil wala raw malasakit sa mga programa at artista ng kanilang istasyon ang creative consultant. May katwiran naman ang grupo sa kanilang sigaw, hindi bale nang manggaling ang kumpirmasyon sa ibang tao o network, huwag lang sa mismong nagtatrabaho sa Sundan sa pahina 21
CRISTY... Mula sa pahina 17 ang naging pagsasama nila nang ilang araw, walang ibang dahilan iyon kundi ang kapakanan ng kanilang anak, walang nangyaring pagbabalikan. Malinaw iyon. *** Tustado na ang creative consultant ng GMA-7 na kumumpirmang flop ang serye nina Alden Richards at Maine Mendoza noong una pero medyo tumaas na rin ang rating nang ipasok sa istorya si Thea Tolentino. Ay, nag-royale rumble ang mga fans ng AlDub, pinupogkinuyog nila si Suzette Doctolero, ang nagsabing flop ang serye, kaya kumbaga sa tinapay ay sa tustadong mamon na maikukumpara ngayon
MAY 1 - 15, 2017
KUWENTO... Mula sa pahina 19 nagkakilala nang husto si Maritess at si Monching at dahil marahil sa nadaramang pangungulila ni Monching, nahulog siguro ang loob nito sa babaeng iyon hanggang magkaunawaan at mabuntis ito ng kapatid. “Tutal, legal naman ang kanilang kasal, alam nilang walang masama sa ginawa nilang dalawa, sorry, Rita.” Parang namuo ang dugo sa utak ni Rita. Sumakit ang kaniyang ulo at halos masuka siya sa naririnig mula sa kapatid ni Monching. Nagsasalita pa si Kuya subalit parang nabingi na siya, wala nang pumapasok sa kaniyang tenga. Hindi siya makapagsalita sa tindi ng galit at hinanakit sa lalaking minahal niya mula nang nasa high school pa lang sila at naging ama ng kaniyang dalawang anak. “Tinawagan ako kanina ni Monching upang sabihing oras na upang malaman mo ang lahat. Mahal na niya si Maritess at nagsimula na sila ng pamilya roon. Mahal niya ang mga bata at gusto sana niyang kunin sila dahil mas mabibigyan sila ng magandang kinabukasan kung doon sila palalakihin,” dagdag pa ni Kuya. Humahagulgol na si Rita at nanginginig ang buong katawan sa galit at sama ng loob. Ni hindi niya makuhang magsalita. Awang-awa siya sa sarili dahil pakiramdam niya’y ni wala man lang siyang makuhang simpatiya mula sa kapatid na panganay ni Monching. Maya-maya’y nakapagsalita na rin siya. “Kailan mo pa alam ito, Kuya?” “Nagtapat sa akin si Monching noong isang taon, nang malaman nilang buntis na nga si Maritess. Alam niyang mahihirapan siyang ipagtapat iyon sa iyo kung kaya pinabayaan na lang muna niya. At napansin mo naman na ni hindi naman siya nagkulang ng pagpapadala ng sustento, di ba?” parang panumbat pang sinabi nito kay Rita. “Hindi ako papayag na makuha niya ang mga bata. Mga anak ko si Jun-Jun at Dolly. Kailangan ko ang sustento para sa pag-aaral at pagbuhay ko sa kanila. Sabihin mo iyan sa kapatid mo, Kuya,” umiiyak subalit matapang at taasnoong sagot ni Rita. “Gustong kunin ni Monching ang mga bata, kung mahal mo sila’y hindi ka tututol. Huwag mo nang hayaang paratingin pa natin ito sa korte,” balik nito sa kaniya. “Napakalaki niyang duwag. Napakahina niyang lalake. Napakarupok niya,” sabay tayô patungo sa pinto. Iminuwestra niya sa bisita na maaari na itong umalis. Napakibit lang ng balikat si Kuya sabay bitaw ng mga
EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS
katagang, “Tatawag ulit siya sa akin mamaya, Rita. Ano ang sasabihin ko sa kaniya?” “Hindi ko kailangan ang pera niya pero kailangan iyon ng mga bata. Kung may natitira pa siya kahit na katiting na respeto man lang sa akin, hindi niya ihihiwalay sa akin ang aking mga anak. Ako ang naagrabiyado. Siya ang nagtaksil, hindi ako.” Matagal nang nakaalis si Kuya ay nakatayo pa rin sa may bintana si Rita at nakatanaw sa malayo. Masakit ang nangyari subalit kailangan niyang lakasan ang kaniyang loob. Litong-lito siya. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang iisipin. Napatingin si Rita sa rice cooker sa ibabaw ng mesa. Iyon ang rice cooker na binili niya noong unang nagpadala ng sustento si Monching sa kanilang mag-iina. May Play Station si JunJun at halos hindi na malaman ni Dolly kung anong Barbie Doll ang lalaruin sa daming manikang padala ng kaniyang Daddy. Palilipasin muna ni Rita ang magdamag upang makapag-isipisip siya nang matino. Bukas, tatawagan niya ang Ninong niyang abugado at kokonsultahin niya kung ano ang puwede niyang gawin upang mapangalagaan ang kaniyang karapatan lalo na sa mga bata. Walang sobrang pera si Rita. Lahat ng padala ni Monching ay tamang-tama lang panghulog sa renta ng bahay, pag-aaral ng mga bata, pagkain at kaunting panggastos. Dahil sa malaking tiwala na tutuparin ni Monching ang pangako sa kaniya, ni hindi man lang nakaisip magtago ng ekstrang pera si Rita para sa sarili niya. Napapailing habang marahang hinihimas ni Rita ang kaniyang noo. Sana’y isang masamang panaginip lang ang nangyayari at sana’y magising na siya. Hindi pa rin niya maubos maisip kung paano nagkaganito ang kanilang buhay. Parang napakabilis ng lahat ng pangyayari. Sino ang nagkulang? Siya ba? Nasaan ang pagkakamali? Dapat ba niyang sisihin ang sarili dahil pumayag siyang umalis si Monching at magpakasal sa ibang babae sa Canada? Dapat ba niyang sisihin ang sarili dahil pumayag siyang isugal ang pagiibigan nilang dalawa? Walang makitang sagot sa mga tanong niya si Rita. Naisip lang niyang sana’y hindi na lang siya pumayag sa alok ni Richard at ni Kuya. Sana’y hindi na siya nagreklamo noong araw sa hirap na dinanas. Sana’y hindi naging taksil si Monching. Sana’y hindi siya naniwala sa pangako. Sana. Ang “Sugal na pag-ibig” ay isang maikling kuwentong katha ni Emmie Z. Joaquin para sa Pilipino Express News Magazine
CRISTY... From page 20 istasyong pinagpapalabasan ng serye ng phenomenal loveteam. Ang pagpapakatotoo ay may pinipiling panahon at sitwasyon. Kung wala itong masasabing positibo tungkol sa serye ay mas magandang nagtikom na lang sana ito ng bibig dahil hindi magandang tingnan na ang mismong pinagmumulan ng biyayang ikinabubuhay nito ang malalagay sa alanganin. Respetuhan lang naman ‘yan. Kung ayaw ni Suzette Doctolero sa AlDub ay walang kahit sinong makapamimilit sa kaniya. Pero puwede nitong respetuhin ang bakurang nagbuo-nagbalangkas ng serye para kina Alden at Maine. *** Wala na nga sigurong paglagyan ang kaligayahan ngayon ni Ai Ai delas Alas. Wala na siyang mahihiling pa sa nakapagandang takbo ng kaniyang career. Maging ang kaniyang lovelife ay makinis ang takbo, tanggap ng kaniyang mga anak si Gerald Sibayan, ito pa nga ang itinuturing niyang lucky charm. Pagkatapos ng masalimuot niyang pinagdaanan sa pakikipagrelasyon ay pinremyuhan naman siya ngayon ng panahon. Wala na siyang nakikitang hadlang para sa pagpapakasal nila ni Gerald. “Masarap kasing kasama ang taong hindi ka lang mahal kundi naiintindihan ang buong pagkatao mo. Marami rin namang tiniis si
Ge. Iyong mga pangmamaliit lang sa kaniya noon ng ibang tao, e, enough na para sumuko siya kung tutuusin, di ba? “Pero tiniis lang niya iyon, ang palagi lang naming pinaguusapan, e, laban lang, anyway, kaming dalawa lang naman talaga ang nakakaalam kung ano ang nararamdaman namin para sa isa’t isa.” Sa susunod na taon na ang pagpapakasal ng Philippine Comedy Queen na si Ai Ai delas Alas at ng mag-aapat na taon na niyang boyfriend na si Gerald Sibayan. Sa mga susunod na buwan ay magiging busy na sila sa paglilista ng mga kukunin nilang ninong at ninang at ng bubuo sa kanilang secondary sponsors. Ngayon pa lang ay mayroon nang mga pangalang lumalabas na kukuning ninong at ninang nina Ai Ai at Gerald. Nababanggit ang mga pangalan nina Bossing Vic Sotto, Tony Tuviera, Boy Abunda,
PAGE 21 Congresswoman Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta at Marian Rivera. Malapit na uling patunayan ni AiAi delas Alas ang kaniyang magic sa takilya. Inspirasyon niya si Gerald Sibayan at ang kaniyang mga anak sa pagtatrabaho niya nang sabayan sa telebisyon at pelikula. Malapit na ang Our Mighty Yaya, may ginagawa pa siyang pelikula ngayon para sa Cineko Productions, dalawang TV shows ang umookupa sa kaniyang panahon. “Wala akong nararamdamang pagkabagot, kahit ang physical na hirap, wala akong napi-feel. Masarap magtrabaho kapag maganda ang mga nangyayari sa paligid mo,” tanging nasabi ng Comedy Concert Queen. Pinagpalang babae. Sabi nga, ang magagandang bagay sa mundo ay sabay-sabay na nangyayari para sa isang pusong busilak, ipinaaangkin namin iyon kay Ai Ai delas Alas. – (CSF)
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
MAY 1 - 15, 2017
MAY 1 - 15, 2017
PILIPINO EXPRESS
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