Volume 16 • No. 24 • December 16-31, 2020 Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Jane De Leon
12 ng Bilangin A it Lang Bituin Sa
18 Mylene Dizon, Nora Aunor & Kyline Alcantara
Vaccinations begin today Premier urges Manitobans to keep up fundamental precautions
The first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine in Manitoba were administered to front line healthcare workers today, December 16, 2020, at the University of Manitoba Rady Faculty of Health Sciences campus on McDermot Avenue in Winnipeg. The province began booking appointments on Saturday, December 12, in anticipation of the safe arrival of the PfizerBioNTech vaccine, which was approved for use by Health Canada last week. As of press time, 1,950 doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive, which is enough to immunize about 900 recipients with two doses each. These first doses will be
administered to healthcare workers based on their ages and depth of involvement with COVID-19 patients – including
those who: • work in critical care units, born on or before December 31, See VACCINATIONS p3
PAGE 2
PILIPINO EXPRESS
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
VACCINATIONS... From page 1 1970; • work in acute care facilities, born on or before December 31, 1960; • work in long term care facilities, born on or before December 31, 1960; or • are assigned to COVID-19 immunization clinics. This priority group is already larger than the first 900 doses available in Manitoba, so appointments have been booked in the order of calls received. The province plans to add more appointments to immunize this priority group as soon as possible, based on the next deliveries of vaccine, which are expected to arrive in late December or early January.
PILIPINO EXPRESS
In total, Manitoba expects to receive 228,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines between now and March 31, 2021 – enough to vaccinate more than 100,000 Manitobans or approximately seven per cent of the total population. These numbers are based on a federal per capita allocation, with an additional 9,600 Moderna vaccine doses the province secured due to Manitoba’s higher proportion of Indigenous population. “We have been assured by the federal government that sufficient doses will eventually be made available for every Manitoban who wants a vaccination, but that will take time,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “I ask Manitobans to be patient until that day arrives, and keep practicing the fundamentals of living with COVID by staying
safely apart, washing your hands and wearing a mask.” The priorities of who are among the first to receive vaccinations are based on recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, working with public health experts across the country through the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Special Advisory Committee on COVID-19. These priority populations include: • healthcare workers most directly involved in the COVID-19 response; • seniors in congregate living settings such as long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, retirement homes, and chronic care hospitals; • older adults starting at 80 years of age and older; and
PAGE 3
• adults at risk in remote or isolated Indigenous communities. “As we unfortunately know too well, older people are the most at risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer. “Health-care workers are always at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 or transmitting it to others. We need to protect them in order to protect our health care system.” More fixed vaccination sites are planned to be opened over the next three months in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, Steinbach, Gimli, Portage la Prairie, and The Pas. Over 60 freezers of varying specifications have already been procured or allocated to the province to meet the very stringent physical storage and
distribution demands of these two vaccines. By January, the province will have the capacity to safely store more than 1.8 million doses of vaccine. Dry ice and related supplies have also been purchased to ensure the quality of vaccine and safety for people who will work with it. The province will soon begin recruiting skilled individuals for the vaccination campaign. This will include positions such as clinic managers, immunization clinical leaders, immunization team members, clinic navigators and post-immunization observation team members. Retired doctors, nurses and other health professionals, as well as medical and nursing students, will all be encouraged to join Team Manitoba’s COVID-19 Vaccine Response as a vaccinator.
PAGE 4
PILIPINO EXPRESS
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
What is a phishing e-mail? Recently, a member of my staff messaged me on Microsoft Teams to say good morning and that she had just received my e-mail. She went on to say that she was about to respond directly to the e-mail, but she realized it was a phishing e-mail just in time. This set off a flurry of messages to my entire staff on Teams to warn them of this and to see if they had also received the same e-mail. We are a small organization – just myself, my law partner, our articling student and three legal assistants. Everyone except my partner and I received the phishing e-mail. What is phishing? Wikipedia defines phishing as the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information or data, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. It’s a scam and it can take the form of an e-mail sent out by individuals to try to fool people in one way or another. The e-mail my staff received was from “Alona C. Mercado” but the e-mail address was legaladvocate13@gmail. com. If you get an e-mail from this address, be careful – it’s not me. Delete it and report it to Gmail. We do not know the purpose of this individual’s phishing expedition. But it was curious
that the e-mail was sent to everyone except the two lawyers at the office. Could they have been trying to get access to our computer systems? Trying to plant a virus? Cause mischief? Access sensitive information? Who knows? I’m just glad my articling student caught it before replying to the e-mail. The rest of my staff deleted the e-mails immediately and emptied their trash. Unfortunately, phishing e-mails are common and come in various forms. For example, I’ve received a number of these over the years from e-mails of people I know asking for financial support because they were supposedly stranded in a foreign country. Each time it was a fake. Each time I just deleted the e-mail. If you suspect you’ve received a phishing e-mail, do not reply to it. Delete it immediately and report it. I reported this incident to Gmail. I don’t know what, if anything they will do. At the very least, I hope they will cancel this e-mail account and look into who the owner of that account is. Identity theft comes in many forms. We not only need to be careful of our physical identification documents, such as driver’s licenses and passports, but also our digital identities as well. With the very common use
of social media and all forms of electronic communication, we must be vigilant that we protect our accounts and report it to the proper authorities when we come across any unauthorized use of our names or accounts. This is especially true for us now as we are all using many more forms of electronic communications to keep in touch with family and friends during this global pandemic. On a different note, as we all prepare for our first virtual Christmas parties with our families and friends on Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype, I know we all wish it could be different. I, like you, long for the day when we can all gather and celebrate together, mourn together, worship together, and just enjoy the simple wonders of life together. Unfortunately, this COVID pandemic has to be controlled first before we can safely do that again. However, I take comfort in the knowledge that the vaccines are being approved and mass produced. Distribution plans are being made and executed. And hopefully, by this time next year, we will once again be able to enjoy the holiday season with all our loved ones in person. Kaunting tiis na lang. Sa awa ng Diyos, magsasama tayo muli. Until then, take care of yourselves and your family, and please do everything you can to stay safe. Christmas might look different
this year but there is nothing stopping us from making it as fun and as memorable as we possibly can. My sisters, cousins and I are doing just that. We are planning to deliver gifts and goodie bags in the morning and having a large zoom party with games, trivia and bingo (if we can figure out the logistics of it) with the whole extended family in the afternoon or evening. In one way or another, we can all still be with our loved ones this Christmas. We just need to be a little creative and let our imaginations roam. I wish you all a Blessed & Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon! Disclaimer The content of this article is not intended as legal advice, but is for information purposes only. Should you require legal advice on a specific issue relating to the content of this article, please seek the services of a legal professional. Atty. Alona C. Mercado is a partner at Mercado Trinh Law LLP. She was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1999. Her preferred areas of practice include wills and estates, real estate, business law and immigration law. She can be reached at acm@mercadotrinhlaw.com or (204) 594-3436. Website: www. mercadotrinhlaw.com.
IRCC’s COVID-19 program delivery The international pandemic continues to impact immigration applications and landings in Canada. IRCC has just issued a statement on policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is important to be aware of the current practices of the department. Permanent Residence application submissions The intake of new PR applications will continue. Submissions that are incomplete due to unavailable documents will be retained in the system and reviewed in 90 days. Complete applications will be processed as per normal procedures with some flexibility. If a new application is missing supporting documentation, that applicant must provide an explanation that they are affected by the service disruption as a result of the novel coronavirus. The application would be set aside and reviewed in 90 days. Applications found to be incomplete with no explanation provided may be rejected as
incomplete and processing fees refunded. Valid COPR and PRV The department has provided guidelines for several different scenarios. Group #1 are applicants travelling from any country other than the US and must have COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) or PRV (Permanent Resident Visa) issued on or before March 18, 2020. Holders are exempt from travel restrictions and can travel to Canada for landing as a permanent resident. They must have an acceptable plan to quarantine for 14 days in Canada. Group #2 are applicants who can travel to Canada from the US for landing as permanent residents. They must have approved applications and hold valid COPR and PRV. In addition, they also must have an acceptable plan to quarantine for 14 days in Canada. Expired COPR and PRV Group #3 are applicants
travelling from any country other than the US who were issued COPR and PRV before March 18, 2020 but the documents are now expired (validity date past). They must be exempt from travel restrictions and can travel to Canada for purposes of landing. The document holders must also have an acceptable plan for quarantine. Group #4 are applicants who are travelling to Canada from the US with now expired COPRs. They must have record of application approval, hold expired COPR and PRV and present an acceptable plan to quarantine. It is important for permanent residence applicants who are in possession of an expired COPR and PRV to contact Canadian immigration officials using the web form, to provide details on the expiration date of their documents and their reasons for travelling to Canada. Once web forms are received, the Client Support Centre will refer then to the appropriate processing network. The applicants can then travel to Canada, but only if their
intention at this time is to stay and settle. If you are planning on coming temporarily and leaving, that option is not available at this time, unless you are exempt from restrictions. You would have to show an acceptable settlement plan, proof of an acceptable quarantine plan and a proposed travel itinerary. Priority is given to applicants who have compelling reasons to travel to Canada now: family reunification, economic reasons, health, expiring status in the US, and tending to family matters for non-discretionary purposes. Good luck and remember, Canada remains open for COPR and PR holders. Just follow the IRCC recommendations. 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.
1045 Erin Street, Winnipeg, MB Canada R3G 2X1 Phone: 204-956-7845 E-mail: info@pilipino-express.com www.pilipino-express.com Publisher
THE PILIPINO EXPRESS INC.
Editor-in-Chief
EMMIE Z. JOAQUIN Associate Editor
PAUL MORROW Art Director
REY-AR REYES JP SUMBILLO Graphic Designer/Photographer ALEX CANLAPAN Photographer *****
Columnists/Contributors
DALE BURGOS JB CASARES ANNE CAPRICE B. CLAROS YVANNE DANDAN ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ BRO. GERRY GAMUROT NORMAN ACERON GARCIA MICHELE MAJUL-IBARRA PERLA JAVATE JUDIANNE JAYME PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE NOEL LAPUZ JON MALEK MALAYA MARCELINO ALONA MERCADO LUCILLE NOLASCO CST. REY OLAZO PAQUITO REY PACHECO DR. REY PAGTAKHAN CHERYL DIZON REYNANTE TIM ST. VINCENT MICHAEL SCOTT RON URBANO KATHRYN WEBER Youth Contributors Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) Philippine Correspondents CRISTY FERMIN JON JOAQUIN AMBETH R. OCAMPO
SALES & ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT
(204) 956-7845)
E-mail: info@pilipino-express.com www.pilipino-express.com Sales & Marketing Team ISAGANI BARTOLOME RODGE LOPEZ JAMES NEIL SOLIVEN The Pilipino Express is a Winnipeg based news-magazine published twice a month. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. The Pilipino Express and Pilipino Sports Express are registered names. Reproduction of any content and/or ad design published in the Pilipino Express is not permitted without the publisher’s written consent. Materials submitted are subject to editorial discretion and the publication accepts no responsibility for the return or safety of unsolicited artwork, photos, or manuscripts. All rights reserved.
Annual subscription rate within Canada: $65.00 For advertising inquiries, call: 204-956-7845, or e-mail: info@pilipino-express.com www.pilipino-express.com
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
PILIPINO EXPRESS
PAGE 5
PAGE 6
PILIPINO EXPRESS
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
COVID-19 Vaccine – A Triumph of Science Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine, safe and effective, is here! At long last we have a major tool with which to help curb and contain the deadly pandemic in all its aspects – the devastating medical, social, financial and economic consequences. Let us remind ourselves, at this juncture, of the current grim situation in Canada and in the world. Below is a summary of caseload and deaths as of December 12, 2020 with the percentage increase since November 27 – according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Tracker. Total cases World: 71,349,508 (+16.65%) Canada: 455,122 (+27.45%) USA: 15,911,620 (+23.38%) Phils.: 448,331 (+5.26%) Total deaths World: 1,600,219 (+11.48%) Canada: 13,316 (+12.66%) USA: 296,105 (+12.36%) Phils.: 8,730 (+5.75%) The past half-month has shown no reprieve from the pandemic as newly diagnosed cases and deaths continue to increase. Globally, more than 10 million citizens have been added to the infected group and close to 165,000 more added to the list of the dead, which now total to just over 71 million cases and 1.6 million deaths, respectively. The caseload for USA is over three million more (about 200,000 cases daily) and new notices of deaths have averaged more than 2,100 daily, making the total caseload closer to 16 million and death toll closer to 300,000. The Philippines’ share of cases and deaths increased by a little over five per cent. Canada has been hit hard during the past two weeks, averaging 6,500 cases and nearly 100 deaths daily. Indeed, these three headlines give you a feel of the coming weeks: • “Canada on track for 12,000 daily COVID-19 cases by January as first vaccines arrive Monday” – Laura Stone, Globe and Mail,. December 11, 2020 • “Canada could see close to 15K deaths by Christmas Day” – Rachel Aiello, CTV News, December 11, 2020 • “Alberta is leading Canada’s brutal second wave of COVID infections. How did we get here?” – Jason Herring, Calgary Herald, December 12, 2020. These numbers reflect the alarming surges ahead and invite us all to heed the advisories from public health authorities. Let us not be the cause of illness and death of others. A triumph of science & human commitment Back to the good news – Health Canada has certified that the Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine has met the safety, efficacy, and quality control
standards required. The Interim Order (IO) signed on December 9 makes Canada the second country in the Western nations to green light said vaccine, a week later after Britain had given its approval on the second day of the month, and a day earlier than the United States of America gave its Emergency-Use Authorization (EUA) on the 10th. Indeed, these are landmark and gratifying moments for humanity that now is in the midst of one of the worst global public health emergencies. “This is a triumph,” aptly wrote Drs. ER Rubin and DL Longo in their editorial on the accompanying scientific paper, “Safety and Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine” (called Pfizer/BioNTech ‘s COVID-19 vaccine in the lay press) published in the December 12, 2020 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). They continued, “What appears to be a dramatic success for vaccination holds the promise of saving uncounted lives and giving us a pathway out of what has been a global disaster.” What is an IO or EUA? Canada’s IO and the U.S.A.’s EUA are not exactly the same. Their goals, however, are identical: to ensure a vaccine approved for public use is both safe and efficacious. Britain, Canada, and the USA have their regulatory agencies for specified emergency certification of certain products – in contrast to full licensure – during a public health emergency. In Canada, the authority rests with Health Canada’s “Interim Order (IO) Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19,” signed by the Minister of Health on September 16, 2020. These agencies could permit the use of a vaccine, pending completion of the full clinical trial. There is a high degree of equivalency among the three national agencies. The standards they require for safety are much higher for a vaccine than for a drug to treat a specific illness. And that is because a vaccine is given to millions of healthy people rather than a drug used for the duration of an illness in a limited number of patients. The higher standard is crucial for maintaining public trust in vaccines and vaccination. Understanding the requirements for granting IO or EUA It is truly reassuring that this particular vaccine has received the scrutiny for interim use not only by Health Canada but by the two other agencies in the U.S. and the U.K. We can be assured that Pfizer/ BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine has met the requirements for interim order based on the vaccine data that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine-maker had (i) published
in the New England Journal of Medicine, issue of December 10, 2020; (ii) filed with Health Canada which subsequently analyzed and released to the general public; and (iii) released to the mainstream media. Below are the four basic requisites approval: 1. a grave national public health threat exists; 2. there is reason to believe that the vaccine will be effective in preventing serious illness or death; 3. the known or potential benefits from the vaccine outweigh the risks; and 4. there is no adequate, approved, and available alternative. Evidently, the unmitigated COVID-19 pandemic and the favourable data from Pfizer/ BioNTech’s vaccine provide the basic rationale for an IO or EUA. Moreover, the data and the maker have satisfied the following four additional prerequisites: 1. The specified minimum efficacy of 50 per cent% has been substantially exceeded; 2. The specified minimum period of safety follow-up before the interim order or emergencyuse application has been met; 3. The pharmaceutical companies have provided data on the production of the vaccine, including the manufacturing process and quality controls, and the supply chain; and 4. Plans for continued safety follow-up have been provided. According to Dr. Supriya Sharma, the chief medical advisor to the Health Minister, three scientific teams usually review a candidate vaccine and the review process takes years to finalize. To speed up the review without sacrificing safety, Health Canada has allowed a “rolling review” of application, as earlier indicated by Minister of Health Patty Hajdu. This new approach significantly cut the processing time by allowing completed segments of data to be filed and immediately reviewed. The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial I would like to discuss with you in some detail the story about the vaccine clinical trial and thereby strengthen your trust in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine that has become available. Hopefully we would have the additional supply early in the coming year so that we can help achieve community immunity (also known as herd immunity) as soon as possible. We would need at least 70 per cent of the population vaccinated to achieve this goal. This is my way of making the data more transparent for you. This was a double blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial of the vaccine and, as mentioned above, the preliminary results were published as a scientific paper in the NEJM. The clinical study recruited
43,448 participants who were randomized at 152 sites in six countries: 130 sites in the United States; nine in Turkey; six in Germany; four in South Africa; two in Brazil; and one in Argentina. The recipients were 16 years and older, with the median age of 52 years, 42 per cent of whom were older than 55 years of age. Fortynine per cent were female, 83 per cent were white, nine per cent were lack or African American, 28 per cent were Hispanic or Latinx, 35 per cent were obese, and 21 per cent had at least one coexisting condition. They were healthy and those with chronic medical conditions were stable. Key exclusion criteria included a medical history of COVID-19. “The primary outcomes were safety and the incidence of symptomatic COVID-19 with onset occurring at least a week after the second dose of the vaccine or a saline placebo. The participants were followed over a two-month period at the time the data were submitted for an EUA application in the U.S. or for IO use in Canada. This preliminary report on the clinical trial forms the basis for the published article. The accompanying editorial by Dr. EJ Rubin and Dr. DL Longo, “SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination — An Ounce (Actually, Much Less) of Prevention,” summarizes the safety and the efficacy of the vaccine and reflects their review of the scientific paper. (SARS-CoV-2 is the acronym for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 – the COVID virus.) While the clinical investigators and authors of the clinical trial have designed the study to follow participants for both safety and efficacy for two years after the second dose, the editors’ analysis and commentary could only reflect on the data as gathered over the two month period and, therefore, has the usual limitations of a preliminary report. Although the study was designed to follow participants for safety and efficacy for 2 years after the second dose, it is now acknowledged that given, 1) the demonstrated high vaccine efficacy with no serious concern about safety and, 2) the recommendation and encouragement by public health authorities for the public to participate in the planned mass vaccination program, it appears apparent that ethical and practical considerations would prevent following placebo recipients for two years without offering active immunization. Thus, assessment of long-term safety and efficacy for this vaccine – while it will occur – cannot now be done in the context of maintaining a placebo group for the originally planned follow-up period of two years after the second dose. The results showed that recipients of the Pfizer vaccine began to build immunity 12
days after the first dose and full immunity one week after the second dose – a total span of 28 days. On the safety of vaccine I distil and directly quote from the NEJM editorial and the investigators’ original article to comment on the safety of vaccine: “Site staff observed the clinical trail participants for 30 minutes after vaccination for any acute reactions. Participants recorded in daily diaries any adverse events they experienced over a twomonth period. Adverse events are either solicited or unsolicited (those reported with or without prompts from the electronic diary, respectively). Safety data through approximately 14 weeks after the second dose are included in this report. “Most of the events consisted of mostly transient and mild local reactions: injection-site pain, swelling and redness, which resolved within one to two days. “Systemic reactions such as fever, fatigue, headache, and lymphadenopathy were uncommon and were reported more often by younger vaccine recipients (16 to 55 years of age) than by older recipients (more than 55 years of age). But when seen, they were more common and severe after the second dose than after the first. Lymphadenopathy generally resolved within 10 days. “The incidence of serious adverse events was similar in the vaccine and placebo groups (0.6% and 0.5%, respectively). Two vaccine and four placebo recipients died from either arteriosclerosis, cardiac arrest, hemorrhagic stroke, and myocardial infarction, but no deaths were considered by the investigators to be related to the vaccine or placebo. No COVID-19–associated deaths were observed. “This trial and its preliminary report have several limitations. The follow-up time of two months at this juncture does not allow for detection of less common adverse events reliably. Safety monitoring will continue for two years after administration of the second dose. “Since only about 20,000 participants have received this vaccine, important questions of course remain: Will unexpected safety issues arise when the number grows to millions and possibly billions of people? Will side effects emerge with longer follow-up?” Summed up in the editorial: “The level of safety the vaccine has demonstrated thus far is remarkable. With this number of participants and this follow-up period, safety does not arouse specific concern.” [I note here that the recent British experience on December 8 of adverse events in two patients with histories of serious allergic reactions at the start of their vaccination program has led them See COVID-19 p7
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
PILIPINO EXPRESS
PAGE 7
Creating Health Chiropractic The Manitoba government has shown its support to both the Chiropractic profession and Massage Therapists by allowing us to stay open for the needs of our patients.
COVID-19... From page 6 to advise not to give, henceforth, the vaccine to those with a similar allergy history.] Efficacy of the vaccine “In this clinical trial, 21,720 participants received the vaccine and 21,728 received placebo. Both groups received two intramuscular injections spaced 21 days apart. They notified trial sites if they had symptoms that were consistent with COVID-19, and they were tested to diagnose infection. “The first primary end point was the efficacy of the vaccine against confirmed COVID-19; the second primary end point was efficacy in participants with and participants without evidence of prior infection. Confirmed COVID-19 is defined according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criteria as the presence of at least one of the following
Our patients need our help. Due to high levels of stress, poor ergonomics from working at home, challenged fitness levels due to reduced recreation options, our patients are sore, tight and
expressing all kinds of nerve system irritations. We are masked, social distancing as much as possible and cleaning consistently to ensure your safety. You will be
asked screening questions upon booking, but this is to keep every one safe. Our team is here for you! Dr. Crystal Paculan and Dr. Gerald Tole
symptoms: fever, new or increased cough, new or increased shortness of breath, chills, new or increased muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, diarrhea, or vomiting, combined with a respiratory specimen obtained during the symptomatic period or within four days before or after it that was positive for SARSCOV-2. “Major secondary end points included the efficacy of the vaccine against severe COVID-19. Severe COVID-19 is defined by the FDA as confirmed COVID-19 with one of the following additional features: clinical signs at rest that are indicative of severe systemic illness; respiratory failure; evidence of shock; significant acute renal, hepatic, or neurologic dysfunction; admission to an intensive care unit; or death. “The findings include the first 170 cases of COVID-19 detected in the primary population. In
the analysis, only eight cases of COVID-19 were seen in the vaccine group, as compared with 162 in the placebo group. This calculates to an overall efficacy of 95% (with a credible interval of 90.3 to 97.6%). Efficacy appeared to be similar in low-risk and high-risk persons, including some from communities that have been disproportionately affected by disease, and in participants older than 55 years of age and those younger than 55. The rate of asymptomatic disease (that is, infected by the virus but without symptoms) has not yet been reported. More comprehensive information on the duration of protection remains to be determined. Nevertheless, the trial results to date are impressive enough to hold up in any conceivable analysis. This is a triumph. “Of course, important questions remain. Implementing
a vaccine that requires two doses is challenging. What happens to the inevitable large number of recipients who miss their second dose? How long will the vaccine remain effective? Does the vaccine prevent asymptomatic disease and limit transmission? And what about the groups of people who were not represented in this trial, such as children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients of various sorts?” Distribution of vaccine supply The logistic challenges of delivering this particular vaccine remains daunting. Its requirement for storage at −70°C may limit its deployment in some areas of Canada. However, we can have great confidence that MajorGeneral Dany Fortin, a former NATO commander who is leading the distribution, will deliver on the logistic challenge. He said, “doses of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine will be here shortly,
Call us at 204-253-1900 Creating Health Chiropractic 100-600 St. Anne’s Road Winnipeg, Manitoba
with flights to arrive Sunday and Monday.” (December 12 -13) Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., O.M., LL.D., Sc.D., M.Sc., M.D. – a retired lung specialist and professor and former cabinet minister and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister – graduated from the University of the Philippines and did postgraduate studies/ training at Washington University, University of Manitoba and University of Arizona. He had authored/ co-authored chapters and papers for medical textbooks and journals and presently writes the column “Medisina at Politika” for two community publications. Widely lectured, he spoke on “The Global Threat of Infectious Diseases” at the G-8 Science Ministers/ Advisors Meeting on June 1315, 2003 in Berlin, Germany. reypagtakhan@gmail.com.
PAGE 8
PILIPINO EXPRESS
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
Filipino-Canadian Eric Bauza is the new voice of Bugs Bunny Scarborough, Ontario native Eric Adrian Bauza landed a prestigious job in 2020. He became the newest official voice of Bugs Bunny, one of the most beloved cartoon characters of the past 80 years. The 41-year old FilipinoCanadian, who currently lives in Los Angeles, debuted as the voice of Bugs Bunny earlier this year in the HBO Max show, Looney Tunes Cartoons produced by Warner Bros. Animation. He recently completed voice recordings for Space Jam: A New Legacy, a sequel to the 1996 hit film, Space Jam. Bauza is only the seventh person to take on the role of Bugs since the legendary Mel Blanc debuted as the bunny in the 1940 cartoon short, A Wild Hare. A role he held until his death in 1989. A former stand-up comedian, late-night host, and animation
artist, Bauza has been making voices since his early school days when he would get in trouble for doing impressions of his teachers and cartoon characters. He attended Cardinal Newman Catholic High School (now St. John Henry Newman) in Scarborough from 1993 to 1996, then Centennial College from 1996 to 2000. Bauza became a full-time voice actor in 2007 and landed his first Looney Tunes gig as Marvin the Martian about 10 years ago. Since then he has voiced many of the most popular Warner Bros. cartoon characters including Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester the Cat, Tweety Bird, Yosemite Sam, Foghorn Leghorn, Wile E. Coyote, Roadrunner, Pepe Le Pew, Barnyard Dawg, Speedy Gonzales, Tazmanian Devil and even Granny.
Eric Bauza Bugs Bunny Outside the Looney Tunes universe he has also voiced characters such as Stimpy on Ren and Stimpy, Rudolfo Rivera/White Pantera on El
Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, Foop on The Fairly OddParents, Lord Stingray on Superjail!, Chairman Drek from the 2016 Ratchet & Clank game, the Beagle Boys on DuckTales, Master Frown on Unikitty! Flip
Champion on Ballmastrz: 9009 and Leonardo in Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Eric Adrian Bauza’s big screen debut in Space Jam: A New Legacy is scheduled for release in 2021.
Province extends pandemic restrictions into January With continuing high infection rates and daily deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Manitoba government extended public health orders through the holiday season from December 12 until January 8, 2021. Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, made the announcement on December 8. “It is crucial that Manitobans continue to limit their close contacts and only gather with members of their immediate household in order to bend our COVID curve down and protect our most vulnerable friends,
families and communities,” said Pallister. “We recognize this holiday season will be difficult and lonely for most, but the best thing we can do for our loved ones right now is to stay safe at home so that we can gather together, in-person next year.” The existing Critical (red) level restrictions have been extended by public health order, with some modifications. Changes to the public health orders include: • allowing thrift stores to open with some capacity limits, to allow access to second-hand clothing and other items; • ensuring acupuncture and manual osteopathy practices are
allowed to open to align with other health services; • clarifying the operation of food banks and food hamper services; • allowing private residences to allow legal services, landlord access and access for home businesses; • encouraging safe outdoor physical activity for individuals and immediate households only by providing guidance to clarify that people not from the same household need to keep two metres of distance between them and that gathering sizes must not exceed five people; • adding school supplies as an
What’s in the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine? On December 12, Health Canada cautioned people with allergies to any of the ingredients in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine not to receive it. This followed reports from the U.K. of severe reactions in two individuals who had a history of severe allergic reactions and carried adrenaline auto injectors. They both were treated and have recovered. Health Canada’s announcement called such allergic reactions rare events. Pfizer-BioNTech reported that there had been no cases of severe allergic reactions to the vaccine during its nearly 44,000 volunteer late-stage clinical trial.
After reviewing the available evidence, Health Canada concluded that the current guidelines for using the Pfizer vaccine are appropriate, and they are not recommending any changes to the product’s use at this time. If you know you have allergies to any of the ingredients in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, listed below, Health Canada advises you not to receive it. If you have experienced a serious allergic reaction to another vaccine, drug or food, you should talk to your health professional before you receive the vaccine. The vaccine’s ingredients:
Medicinal ingredient: • mRNA Non-medicinal ingredients: • ALC-0315 = ((4-hydroxybutyl) azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl) bis(2-hexyldecanoate) • ALC-0159 = 2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,Nditetradecylacetamide • 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3phosphocholine • cholesterol • dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate • monobasic potassium phosphate • potassium chloride • sodium chloride • sucrose • water for injection Source: Health Canada
essential item under the restrictions to retail services; • allowing drive-in events as a temporary measure subject to compliance with the restrictions, and cars must contain members from one household only and no one may leave the car while at the event; and • permitting the Winnipeg Jets to train in Manitoba in preparation for an eventual NHL decision on a 2021 playing season. A seasonal change to the order will also be included to allow for the sale of holiday decorations such as garlands and ornaments, and religious items like menorahs and candles.
“Our modelling has shown the Critical level, or red, restrictions have helped us avoid even higher case numbers right now,” said Roussin. “But our numbers are still too high and now is not the time to let up. That is why we’re extending the public health orders with some adjustments to ensure Manitobans can access the goods and services they need, and have clear direction stay safe at home before and during the holiday season.” The updated orders and the list of items deemed essential are posted on the province’s Pandemic Response System website at https:// manitoba.ca/covid19/restartmb/ prs/orders/index.html#current.
What to do if you have any Covid-19 symptoms Anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 should selfisolate and visit www.manitoba. ca/covid19/ to use the online screening tool, or call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 for health guidance on how to seek testing. Symptoms may include: • Cough • Headache • Fever/ chills • Muscle aches • Sore throat/ hoarse voice • Shortness of breath/ breathing difficulties • Loss of taste or smell • Vomiting, or diarrhea for more than 24 hours • Poor feeding if an infant • Runny nose • Fatigue
• Nausea or loss of appetite • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) • Skin rash of unknown cause While many people will develop only mild symptoms, some groups appear to be more vulnerable to COVID-19. Those at higher risk typically develop more serious, even fatal, symptoms such as pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and kidney failure. High risk groups include those: • 60 years of age and older • living with chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart, renal or chronic lung conditions) • with weakened immune systems (e.g. cancer) Symptoms of COVID-19 or other coronaviruses may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus.
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
PILIPINO EXPRESS
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
May lagnat pa rin ang bayan sa katatapos lang na virtual concert ni Alden Richards. Hindi mawawala ang mga pagpansin at ang pamimintas, pero ang pinakamahalaga ay matagumpay ang Alden’s Reality. Umikot ang kaniyang virtual concert sa sampung mahahalagang taon ng kaniyang buhay bilang artista. Lalong naging malinaw para sa mga tumututok sa kaniyang palabas na hindi niya inani nang magdamagan lang ang katuparan ng kaniyang mga pangarap. Sampung taon ang kaniyang binalikan na may mga pagkakataon na ring gusto niyang sumuko pero nagpakatibay siya dahil ang kaniyang pag-aartista ang pinakamgandang legacy na ipinamana ng namayapa niyang ina labingdalawang taon na ngayon ang nakalilipas. Ang mommy niya ang pinakamalakas na hangin sa ilalim ng kaniyang pakpak na nagsulong sa kaniya sa pagharap sa mga camera. ’Yun ang dahilan kung
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
bakit siya nagiging emosyonal kapag tumatanggap siya ng parangal. Hindi na inabot ‘yun ng kayang nanay. Kuwento ni Alden sa kaniyang virtual concert, “Mahilig manood ng mga teleserye ang mommy ko. Paborito niya ang Marimar. Minsan, sinabi niya sa akin na gusto rin daw niya akong mapanood sa TV. “Sana raw, ako ang gumanap na parang Sergio, ang leading man sa Marimar. Napakamahiyain ko noon, takot ako sa tao, matindi ang pagiging insecure ko. Pero wala ngang imposible,” pagbabahagi ng Asia’s Multimedia Star. Ngayon lang din nalaman ng publiko na bawal pala siyang uminom ng kape noong bata pa siya. May tamang edad sa pagkakape, sabi ng kaniyang mommy. Tuwang-tuwa ring nalaman ng kaniyang mga tagahanga na sinigang pala ang paborito niyang ulam at ang gustung-gusto niya namang agahan ay sinangag, itlog, tuyo at See CRISTY p13
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
• Alden Richards’ virtual concert, matagumpay! • Willie Revillame, ang lalaking walang pahinga • TV Networks, pagandahan ng palabas • Nora Aunor, panahon na nga ba upang gawaran ng National Artist award? • Madel, di matanggap ang pagkawala ng asawang si April Boy Regino • Mag-inang Ian De Leon at Nora Aunor, nagkaroon ng di pagkakaunawaan
Alden Richards
Nora Aunor
Willie Revillame
Madel De Leon-Regino & April Boy Regino
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
PILIPINO EXPRESS
10 years and counting: Alden Richards keeps shining brighter When you hear the name Alden Richards, his be-dimpled cheeks, natural charm, and humility that have won the hearts of many fans easily come to mind. He was once an aspiring artist who made it big without losing his faith and genuine demeanour, making him well-loved on and off camera. Although his early years in the industry were tough, Alden refuses to lose sight of how he started 10 years ago, pointing out that his struggles served as the driving force behind his success. “When I was starting, ang dami kong pangarap, ang dami kong gustong mangyari sa buhay ko noon,” the Kapuso homegrown talent recalled. “As I go along the 10 years that I’ve been here, untiunti siyang natutupad because of the support of the people.” “My struggles pushed me to work hard para marating ko kung ano man ang narating ko ngayon. That’s what keeps my feet on the ground. Kasi if not for those hardships and struggles, hindi ko mararating kung ano ‘yung narating ko ngayon. So I really owe it to those moments. I don’t regret any of those moments that happened to me in the past.”
Ten years later, the Asia’s Multimedia Star remains at the top of his game. He is now one of the country’s premier actors, a top celebrity endorser, a highly talented host, an award-winning performer, a chart-topping recording artist, a record-breaking box office star, and yes, even a successful businessman. To celebrate a decade of breakthroughs in his career and to pay tribute to his fans’ unwavering love and support, Alden held the country’s first ever virtual reality concert, Alden’s Reality, on December 8, 2020, in which he debuted his latest single. The song Goin’ Crazy and was a collaboration between Alden, GMA Music, and FlipMusic Productions. It was composed by Pow Chavez and was arranged by Rap Sanchez. “I’ve done a few singles in the past but this is one of my favourites, said Alden. Reaching 10 years in the entertainment industry is a big feat. He said, “Malaki po ang pasasalamat ko sa tiwalang ibinigay ng GMA sa akin at sa suporta ng mga tao throughout my career. I’m really grateful to them kasi I would never reach 10 years without these people.”
Alden Richards
PAGE 11
PAGE 12
PILIPINO EXPRESS
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
Darna to fly as TV series, Kapamilya stars remain with Star Magic The much-awaited ABS-CBN project Darna is set to fly as a TV series in 2021 as announced on December 4 in a special contract signing event titled Star Magic Shines On in which several of today’s sought-after talents inked their respective contracts with ABS-CBN. “Tuloy na tuloy na po ang paglipad ni Darna. Ngayong 2021 na po ang Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series,” said Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN chief operating officer of broadcast. Jane de Leon will portray the iconic Filipino super heroine in the TV series. “I’m overwhelmed by the happiness I feel. I am so excited for the next chapters of my life,” Jane said. “It’s another dream come true. I have so much gratitude See DARNA p13
Jane De Leon
Kim spreads joy with Bawal Lumabas series Kim Chiu brings warmth and laughter to the whole family this holiday season with a special story about love and togetherness in the iWantTFC original Bawal Lumabas: The Series, which premiered on the streaming service on December 14. Viewers will surely relate to the story of Emerald (Kim), an overseas worker who has been employed in various countries to support her family financially The show also stars Paulo Angeles, Trina Legaspi, Francine Diaz, Rafael Rosell, and Kyle Echarri. The iWantTFC original series is directed by Benedict Mique and it also features Kim’s hit song of the same title, which
was inspired by a viral statement she made earlier this year. The Christmas remix of the song is now available on music streaming platforms.
Rafael Rosell & Kim Chiu
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
DARNA... From page 12 for our bosses because until now, they still entrust me with Darna’s stone,” she added. Apart from Jane, the artists who renewed their ties with ABS-CBN include Kim Chiu, Enchong Dee, JM De Guzman, and Joseph Marco, MYX VJ and host Robi Domingo, and teen actresses Andrea Brillantes and Kira Balinger. They are joined by Star Hunt’s newest P-Pop groups, BINI and SHA Boys. Kim, who led Star Cinema’s horror offering U-Turn, is starring in a new series titled Bawal Lumabas under Dreamscape Entertainment, which was released on December 14. She is currently hosting It’s Showtime and can be seen regularly on ASAP Natin ‘To. Pinoy Big Brother Connect host, Netflix film Alter Me topbiller, and Enrich other half Enchong will star in an upcoming inspirational series titled Huwag Kang Mangamba with Gold Squad member Andrea. Joining them are the other Gold Squad artists namely Francine Diaz, Kyle Echarri, and Seth Fedelin. JM, who last starred in Pamilya Ko, is geared up to be back on television with a new series titled Init sa Magdamag with Gerald Anderson and Yam Concepcion. The teleserye will fire up the television in 2021. Fans can also watch him in an upcoming Star Cinema movie. Meanwhile, Joseph, who recently joined the Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin cast, will be part of two Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entries this year. Robi is currently hosting Pinoy Big Brother Connect. He is also the host of Game KNB? Kira, who plays Hope in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, also signed up with Star Magic. Star Hunt’s new girl group BINI and rising boy group SHA Boys also signed up to be part of Star Magic. Comprising BINI are Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena; while the “SHA Boys” include Gelo, Mikki, Akira, Nate and JL. “BINI” recently wowed the madlang pipol with its Da Coconut Nut video number on the It’s Showtime Facebook page that has garnered almost three million views. The official music video of their single is now available on the BINI TV YouTube channel. The “SHA Boys” recently made waves online as they performed their electrifying version of some of Sarah Geronimo’s hit songs including Tala and Kilometro on the ASAP Natin ‘To stage. The “Star Magic Shines On” event was hosted by Gretchen Fullido.
CRISTY... From page 10 kape. Hinubaran ni Alden Richards ang kaniyang sarili sa kaniyang virtual concert. Hindi niya ipinagdamot ang kuwento ng kaniyang buhay, ang mga
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
naengkuwentro niyang pagsubok, pero nagpakatatag siya. Totoong-totoo na ang sumusuko ay hindi nagwawagi. Napakatagumpay na ngayon ni Alden Richards na sa kabila ng tagumpay ay mapagkumbaba pa rin, marunong lumingon sa kaniyang pinanggalingan, makapamilya at marespeto sa kaniyang mga tagasubaybay. *** Ang lalaking walang pahinga ang tawag namin kay Willie Revillame. Kundi pa naimbento ang magdamag para sa ating pamamahinga ay mabubuhay nang walang tulog ang aktor-TV host. Grabe siyang magtrabaho. Nakakalimutan niya na kadalasan ang kaniyang sarili. Sa halip na mamahinga siya ay gagamitin niya pa rin ang mga nalalabi niyang panahon sa pagtatrabaho. Bago umere ang Wowowin (Tutok To Win) ay iipunin niya muna ang kaniyang production staff. “Ito ang mga mangyayari sa show, ganito at ganiyan, kailangang ma-perfect natin ang segment,” sasabihin niya. Show proper na. Kahit wala siyang sapat na pahinga at tulog ay gagawin niyang makabuluhan ang show. Magpapatawa siya. Magpapasaya siya ng mga kababayan nating matindi ang pangangailangan. Magpapamigay siya nang daan-daang libong papremyo. Pagkatapos ng show ay may brainstorming na naman sila ng buong staff. Ilalatag ni Willie kung saan sila kinapos at kung saan sumobra. Kailangang maiwasan nila ang mga ganoong pagkakamali. Pagkatapos ng pagrerebyu nila sa katatapos lang na programa, kung minsan ay mayroon pa siyang meeting sa kaniyang mga sponsors. Halos madaling-araw na siyang nakauuwi at gigising na naman nang napakaaga. Ano ang resulta? Ilang araw nang 150/110 ang kaniyang blood pressure. Nakakaramdam na siya ng pagkahilo kung minsan at hindi maganda ang kaniyang pakiramdam. Gumanda lang ang pakiramdam niya ay hayun na naman si Willie. Magpapalipad na naman ng kaniyang chopper. Dadalawin niya na naman ang kaniyang beach house sa Mindoro at dadaan na rin sa kaniyang mansiyon sa Iruhin, Tagaytay. Paano magiging normal ang kaniyang BP? Paano siya makaiiwas sa pagkahilo at madalas na pagdyinggel sa madaling-araw? Hay, naku! *** Palaging masaya ngayon si Willie Revillame dahil halos kumpleto na ang kaniyang kaligayahan. Ilang buwan nang nasa kaniyang poder ang anak niyang si Juamee na anak niya kay Liz Almoro. Noong nakaraang Sabado naman ay sinundo nila si Marimonte sa Baguio, anak nila ng isang dating nakarelasyong si Sharon. Palaging nasa kaniyang bahay si Meryll na kaniyang panganay. Si Beckbeck Soriano naman na kapatid ng Diamond Star ang ina
PAGE 13
The cast of Paano Ang Pasko? nito, isang anak niya na lang ang kulang para mapagsama-sama na ni Willie ang kaniyang mga supling. Isa lang ang ibig sabihin: maayos ang samahan at komunikasyon ng aktor-TV host sa mga nakaraan niyang karelasyon, kaya nasa kaniyang pangangalaga ang kanilang mga anak. “Ito ang tunay na happiness. Nandito ang mga anak ko. Isa na lang ang hindi pa namin nakakasama. Paggising ko, nakikita ko sila, nakakakuwentuhan. Sobrang saya ko. “Maayos ang communication namin ng mga Nanay nila. Hindi rin naman kasi ako nagkukulang sa mga bata, kaya walang naging problema noong kunin at hiramin ko sila. “Sila ang dahilan ng lahatlahat ng mga ginagawa ko ngayon. Para sa kanila ang pagtatrabaho ko, ang mga sakripisyo ko. Para sa kanila lahat ito,” masayang kuwento ni Willie. Ngayon pa lang ay napaghandaan na ni Willie ang kinabukasan ng kaniyang mga anak. Nakaayos na ang kanilang mamanahin. Sigurado na ang kanilang buhay. Nagpagawa na ng last will and testament si Willie. “Hindi pagiging negative ang ganoon. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang mangyayari, kaya ngayon pa lang, mayroon na silang maaasahan para sa future nila. “Hindi na para sa akin ang mga ginagawa ko. Tapos na ako sa mga sarili kong pangarap. Para na lang sa kanila ang mga pagsisikap ko,” sabi uli ni Willie. Maligaya na si Willie sa pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan. Tuwang-tuwa na siya kapag may mga kalahok sa kaniyang Wowowin na nababago niya ang estado ng buhay. Pero ang pinakamaligayang punto
Jodi Sta. Maria, Maricel Soriano, Iza Calzado & Sam Milby ng kaniyang pagkatao ay ang makasama ang kaniyang mga anak. “Walang kasingsaya, walang explanation ang ganitong happiness, basta!” sabi pa ni Willie Revillame. *** Hilung-hilo na ang aming remote control tuwing gabi. Kung mayroon lang gamot para sa pagkahilo ng mga makina ay pinakyaw na siguro namin. Mabuti na lang at hindi nagkakatapat-tapat ang pagsasalang nila ng mga patalastas, nagkakalihis, kaya pareho pa rin naming natututukan ang mga palabas na sinusundan namin. Sa unang gabi pa lang ng seryeng Paano Ang Pasko ng TV5 ay hinawakan na kami nito sa leeg. Magagaling ang kanilang mga artista. Makinis ang script. Pampamilya ang tema nito na napapanahon. Magagaling sina Maricel Laxa, Ricky Davao (na direktor din ng serye kasama sina Direk
Eric Quizon at Direk Perci Intalan), Allan Paule, Beauty Gonzales, Julia Clarete, Ejay Falcon at iba pa. Binibigyan nila ng hustisya ang sinulat na istorya ni Direk Jun Lana. Makatotohanan ang kanilang pagganap. Walang umaarte nang OA sa kanilang lahat. Kasabay nila ang seryeng Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin na pinagbibidahan naman nina Jodi Sta. Maria, Iza Calzado, Sam Milby sa espeyal na partisipasyon ng Diamond Star na si Maricel Soriano. Hindi rin matatawaran ang seryeng ito, lalo na’t binibigyan ng pansin ngayon si Grae Fernandez na itinambal kay Kira Balinger na maganda na ay mahusay pang gumanap. Dagdag na rekado sila sa istorya. Palipat-lipat kami sa dalawang serye. Hilung-hilo na ang aming remote control, pero may isa pang seryeng sinusubaybayan namin na walang lipatan talaga. ’Yun ang Walang Hanggang Paalam See CRISTY p14
PAGE 14
OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
Westland Foundation fundraiser for inner-Winnipeg students goes virtual by Marilyn Camaclang Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Westland Foundation’s fundraisers have stopped. In lieu of its annual Fundraising Breakfast, which supports its Education Fund, the Westland Foundation released a video campaign, featuring community and business leader Dayna Spiring, to challenge the community to step up to help deserving students. The campaign runs until December 31, 2020. “We need you to share this video because if we want to see a better Winnipeg, we need your help. We need to give all innerWinnipeg students a chance at post-secondary education,” says Westland Founder and President John Prystanski. Walter Silicz, a Westland director, donor and volunteer for more than 25 years, along with Prystanski, will donate a dollar for every video share, up to a combined donation of $10,000 to
the Education Fund. As President & CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW), Dayna Spiring says she knows how important it is to invest today in tomorrow’s leaders. She wanted her message to inspire students while also reminding them they can build their dreams and careers right here in Winnipeg. “Find the education and training that feeds your passion, use that to create the life you want, then stay here to help build an even stronger Winnipeg that everyone is proud to call ‘home.’” Last year, support for the Education Fund meant 205 innerWinnipeg students were awarded more than $89,000 in scholarships for post-secondary education. Since 2009, approximately 1,120 scholarships totalling more than $610,000 have been awarded. Westland Foundation’s goal is to provide every inner-Winnipeg student with a full post-secondary
scholarship so that they can pursue higher education and thrive in today’s complex and competitive world. Westland scholar, Morgan Neault, values education so much that she works two parttime jobs to support her dream to be a teacher. It would take
her seven years with her current work and school loads. Thanks to the Westland Foundation, the scholarship has made her load bearable, motivating her to pursue the career she loves no matter how long it will take. “It’s very important for me to have that education so that I can
create a better future for my kids.” Watch and share the video fundraiser on YouTube at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=s9RVFcucBaY Marilyn Camaclang is the Communications & Development Coordinator of the Westland Foundation Inc.
Walter Silicz, director (left) and John Prystanski, Westland Founder and President
Dayna Spiring, President & CEO of Economic Development Winnipeg
CRISTY... From page 13 na sina Angelica Panganiban at Zanjoe Marudo ang tambalang ibinebenta, pero pagdating sa pag-arte ay pinaghaharian ni Paolo Avelino, na mapapamura ka sa galing. Nagbibigay naman ng inis ang partisipasyon ni Cherry Pie Picache at ng gumaganap nitong ina mula sa entablado na si Ms. Sherry Luna. Kapansin-pansin din ang pagganap nina Ronnie Lazaro, McCoy de Leon, JC Santos at Arci Muñoz. Pinakamalinamnam para sa amin ang seryeng ito na tumututok sa pagmamahal ng mga magulang sa kanilang anak. Maaksiyon ang mga eksena, pero hindi nakakaligtaas ang puso, lalo nakapaghumahagulgol na ang mahusay na aktor na si Paolo Avelino. Tanong sa isang patalastas, para kanino ka ba gumigising, sino ang inspirasyon mo? Babaligtarin namin ngayon ang tanong. Ano ba ang kumukumpleto sa araw mo bago ka magpahinga? Ano ba ang nagpapasaya sa iyo bago ka magnakaw nang isang mahimbing na tulog? ***
Morgan Neault, Westland scholar
Kung ang magiging barometro sa pagluluklok sa isang personalidad sa prestihiyosong National Artist award ay ang kaniyang kontribusyon sa industriyang kinabibilangan niya ay wala nang kailangan pang patunayan si Nora Aunor. Suyurin man natin pabalik ang kaniyang karera ay wala nang maibubutas ang kahit sino para hindi pa igawad sa kaniya ang pambansang parangal. Huwag na nating isali pa ang pagiging mahusay niyang singer, ang pagganap niya na lang na umani ng tagumpay dito at sa iba-ibang bansa man ang ating sentruhan, ipagdadamot pa ba kay Nora Aunor ang premyo ng kaniyang ipinamamalas na talento? May punto si Congresswoman Nina Taduran sa isinulong nitong House Resolution. Hindi tayo naghahanap ng santo. Tao lang si Nora Aunor na nagkakamali tulad nating lahat kaya hindi dapat husgahan ang Superstar sa mga personal niyang kakapusan. Ang kailangang bilangin ay ang kaniyang ambag sa industriya ng pelikula, ang kung ilang beses siyang nagbigay ng karangalan sa ating bayan sa mapa ng mundong tanghalan. Panahon na talaga para igawad kay Nora Aunor ang
Westland Foundation Scholars virtual committee meeting
National Artist award. Dalawang beses nang ipinagdamot ang parangal na ito kay Nora Aunor. May mga sinilip ang mga pumipili. Ibinabalik palagi ang kontrobersiyang naganap sa Amerika tungkol sa usapin ng droga. Wala bang pagkakataong ibinibigay sa mga taong minsang nagkamali? Kung santo ang hinahanap natin sa pagluluklok sa pagiging National Artist ay mababasyo ang upuan. Walang lulusot, walang papasa, dahil lahat tayo’y nagkakamali. Kung sa ikatlong pagkakataon ay mabibigo pa rin ang mga nagsusulong sa pangalan ni Nora Aunor sa pagiging National Artist ay wala na tayong magagawa. May parangal man o wala ay tuloy ang ikot ng mundo. Tuloy ang buhay at karera ni Nora Aunor. Wala nang kahit sinong makakabaklas pa sa pagkahinang sa ulo niya ng titulong Superstar. *** Kundi magkakaroon ng mga pagbabago ay desidido na ang misis ng namayapang Jukebox Idol na si Madel de Leon-Regino na ilapit kay Raffy Tulfo ang kinikimkim niyang problema. Nagpalipas lang nang isang linggo si Madel pagkatapos
ihatid sa huling hantungan si April “Boy” Regino. Kinausap niya ang kanilang mga anak na sina Charmaine at JC. Mula nang bawian ng buhay ang kaniyang mister ay hindi pa siya nareregaluhan nang mahimbing na tulog dahil sa hindi niya malimut-limutang naganap sa ospital nang isugod nila si April Boy. “Hindi po ako matahimik kapag naaalala ko po ang nangyari noong isugod namin sa ospital si April. Giniginaw po ako, kinikilabutan. Hindi ko po matanggap ang nangyari,” kuwento ni Madel. Tulad ng kaniyang namayapang asawa ay naniniwala rin si Madel na ang kalooban ng Diyos ang dapat mangyari. Kung talagang oras na ng pamamaalam, kapag dumating na ang takdang oras, ay wala na tayong magagawa pa. Sabi ng biyuda ni April Boy, “Opo, alam ko po ‘yun. Na kapag oras na natin talaga, e, hanggang doonn na lang tayo. Pero mas matatanggap ko po ang pagkawala ni April kung nangyari ang nararapat. “Napakasakit po para sa akin at sa mga anak ko ang nangyari sa ospital. Ala una nang madaling-
araw siya naka-schedule para sa emergency dialysis. Binutasan na nga po siya sa leeg para sa gagawing process. “Pero alas dos na, wala pa ang mga doctor. May inuna raw po silang emergency rin sa ibaba.” Sa paputul-putol na salita, e, sinabi ni April, “Emergency din naman ako.” “Na-video ko po ‘yung paghahanap nila ng isang gamit na wala na raw. Nagamit na raw po, wala silang stock. Inilagay ko po ang cellphone ko sa hita ko, kaya nakunan po ang pagdedeliryo ni April,” lumuluhang kuwento ni Madel. Magsasagawa ng imbestigasyon ang Tulfo In Action at ang Wanted Sa Radyo sa problemang ilalapit ni Madel Regino sa mga programa ng matapang at mapusong news anchor. Bubusisiin nila kung nagkaroon nga ba ng medical malpractice sa pagkawala ng Jukebox Idol. Kailangang managot ang may pagkukulang sa senaryong ito. *** Ilang tulog at gising na lang ay Pasko na. May pandemya man o wala, para sa ating mga Pinoy See CRISTY p16
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
PAGE 15
Alden Richards sets record with virtual concert Alden Richards not only made his fans’ hearts flutter but also made history with the firstever virtual reality concert in the Philippines via the highly successful Alden’s Reality: The Virtual Reality Concert. Held in three timeslots on December 8 and 9, GMA Network’s sold-out show enabled Alden’s supporters from all over the globe to celebrate with him as the actor marked his 10th anniversary in the entertainment industry. And unlike usual online concerts, Alden’s Reality gave them a taste of what the future of concert shows would be. It combined cutting-edge technology and performances to produce a full-length concert and immersive interaction with their idol right from the comfort of their homes. A virtual date like no other, the show began with Alden waking up in his house and inviting his “date” –the concertgoer – to join him as he navigated Alden’s Reality. He then set the mood up by dancing to catchy songs popularized by some of the world’s most loved boy bands. Joining him were his friends Rodjun and Rayver Cruz. Alden then went on to answer questions just like he was having a one-on-one conversation with his “date,” sharing his innermost
thoughts and reminiscing about his ups and downs in the past. From his heartfelt rendition of God Gave Me You to performing his latest single Goin’ Crazy and dancing to the beat of BTS’ Dynamite, Alden only showed how he has grown as a performer
on stage. Alden’s Reality also saw Alden looking back on his career as an actor and thanking all his former leading ladies. In this segment, OPM band December Avenue joined Alden on stage. Greeting him on his 10th year
in showbiz were his fans and friends in the industry including Sanya Lopez, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista, and Betong Sumaya. Alden’s fans and friends further showed their support to the Kapuso actor as they shared their experience online. The
hashtag “AldensReality” became the top trending topic on Twitter Philippines. Alden’s latest single under GMA Music and FlipMusic Productions, Goin’ Crazy also topped iTunes Philippines and is currently included in Apple Music’s “Absolute OPM Playlist.”
PAGE 16
CRISTY... From page 14 ay ang araw ng Pasko ang senyal ng pagsasama-sama ng pamilya, nagkaroon man ng hidwaan sa pagitan ng mga miyembro ay kusang kinalilimutan para sa pagdiriwang ng Pasko. Kung kailan naman malapit na malapit na ang Pasko ay saka pa nagkaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan ang tunay na mag-inang Nora Aunor at Ian de Leon. Ang minimithing pagkakasundo ng mga nagmamahal sa mag-ina ay naudlot. Marami nang nagtangkang pagkasunduin ang mag-ina pati sina Lotlot, Matet at Kiko pero lahat ay hindi nagkaroon ng positibong resulta. Heto na sana ang magandang pagkakataon, ipinaghanda ng
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
Superstar si Ian, pero hindi nagkrus ang kanilang landas. Meron kasing pader sa kanilang pagitan. Hindi man diretsong sinabi ni Ian kung sino ay alam na agad ng buong bayan na si John Rendez ang dahilan ng hindi niya pagunta sa party na ihinanda ng kanyang ina. At nagpakatotoo naman si Ian. Hindi sila magiging kumportable ng kaniyang mga kapatid kung nandoon si John. Ang gusto niya ay magkaroon sila ng panahon na kanilang mag-iina lang para makapag-usap sila nang masinsinan. Maglalatagan sila ng kanilang mga baraha sa mesa. Nasaan ba ang problema? Sino ba ang nakaharang sa dapat sana’y napakatagal na nilang pagkakasundo? Hanggang nasa buhay pa ni
Nora Aunor si John Rendez ay mananatiling pangarap lang ang inasinta nilang pagkakasundo. Hindi tanggap ng mga anak ni Nora si John. Hindi rin naman kayang isakripisyo ng Superstar ang singer. Paano sila magkikita sa gitna? Hanggang may John Rendez sa buhay ng aktres ay mananatiling malayo ang loob sa kaniya ng magkakapatid. Diretso nang nagpahayag si Ian na kailangang mawala na kay Nora ang mga taong nakapalibot sa kaniya. ‘Yun lang ang makabubuwag sa pader na nakapagitan sa kanilang mag-iina. Pero ang tanong, handa na ba si Guy na talikuran si John para magkasamasama na silang mag-iina, sino ang kanyang pipiliin? Nakakalungkot. – CSF
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
Nora Aunor’s children: Ian, Kiko, Kenneth, Matet & Lotlot De Leon
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
PILIPINO EXPRESS
PAGE 17
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ
PAGE 18
PILIPINO EXPRESS
KROSWORD
NO. 359
Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot
PAHALANG 1. Masusuwerte 8. Ibaluktot 11. ’Di komportable 14. Nasasaklawan 16. Mungkahi 17. Pandikit 18. Ano? 19. Banoy 20. Taya 21. Mando 23. Salita 25. Sobrang liwanag 28. Nara 29. Intindi 30. Mag-relax PABABA 2. Paunawa 3. Anod 4. Bino 5. Alipato 6. Tinutuklas 7. Delegado
9. Liham 10. Tibayan 12. Gisingin 13. Galaw 15. Taba ng alimango 22. Palagay 24. Disyerto 26. Ulupong 27. Parokyano
SAGOT SA NO. 358
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit brings vengeance back to television The hit TV adaptation of the 1989 award-winning blockbuster movie by Regal Films Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit returned to the GMA network on Monday, December 7. After several months of hiatus, the star-studded cast offered their loyal fans and followers a recap of the series that they have consistently followed since its pilot airing. Meanwhile, its much-awaited all-new episodes are set to air starting in January 2021. The drama series is top-billed by Nora Aunor as Mercedes “Cedes” dela Cruz. Playing equally important roles are actress Mylene Dizon as Magnolia “Nolie” dela Cruz and Kyline Alcantara as Maggie dela Cruz. Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit follows the story of Cedes, Nolie, and Maggie – three generations of women who will take on a quest to pursue their dreams and to avenge the indignities they suffered from those who have wronged them. Completing the powerhouse
cast are: Zoren Legaspi as Anselmo, Gabby Eigenmann as Arthur, Ina Feleo as Margaux, Yasser Marta as Jun, Divina Valencia as Editha, Candy Pangilinan as Connie, and Isabel Rivas as Martina. Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit also features the special participation of Ricky Davao as Damian, and Dante Rivero as Ramon. As the series airs anew, the cast members expressed what they think about returning to air, how they feel about working in the new normal, and what’s in store for viewers in the coming episodes. Mylene shares what she appreciates most about working in the new normal, “Magkakasama kaming lahat sa set, araw-araw kaming nagta-trabaho so it’s easier to stay in character. ‘Yung timeframe rin, mas mabilis naming natatapos ‘yung work. Nagkakaroon talaga ng tunay na bonding ang lahat ng tao sa set.” “Challenging po dahil isang
Yasser Marta & Kyline Alcantara bagsakan binigay sa amin ‘yung script pero masaya rin po dahil mas naging close ang lahat sa set. Masarap sa pakiramdam dahil suportado po namin at inaangat ang isa’t isa,” Kyline adds. See BITUIN p19
Kapamilya stars among most influential celebs of the decade Eight Kapamilya stars were recently named in the 10th EdukCircle Awards as Most Influential Celebrities of The Decade. Leading the list is Iba ‘Yan host Angel Locsin. It can be recalled that Angel led fundraising projects to help the country’s COVID-19 response, as well as relief efforts in successive calamities this year. In her acceptance speech Angel highlighted that everyone has the responsibility to influence one another to do good. “I believe we all have the responsibility to influence one another – to do what is right, to lift each other up, to create awareness about important matters, and to use our voice for the voiceless.” EdukCircle also named It’s Showtime host Anne Curtis and
Vice Ganda
Coco Martin
actress Bea Alonzo who both promised to continue setting good examples for the public, especially the youth. FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano star Coco Martin, The House Arrest of Us stars Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Sarah
Geronimo, and Vice Ganda all thanked EdukCircle for the prestigious recognition. Kapamilya stars also shined as they were part of the inaugural Fobes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars, which aims to recognize the most See KAPAMILYA p19
PCCM election postponed Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Code Red restriction mandated by the Government of Manitoba, The Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM) will postpone its Annual General Meeting and Election until January 30, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of the centre at 737 Keewatin St. in Winnipeg. For those who want to become a member, renew their membership, or apply as a candidate for the board of directors, please contact the PCCM by e-mail at president@thenewpccm.ca, thenewpccm@gmail.com, or call us at 204-775-4928. Thank you and Maligayang Pasko!
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
PAGE 19
BITUIN... From page 18 Meanwhile, Zoren feels fortunate and at ease to have worked in a safe location, “Ever since naman nagka-pandemic, I’m very careful sa pagsunod sa health protocols. Lahat din ng tao sa set ay dumaan sa swab test at talagang maingat. For me, it’s a safe environment but we still have to be cautious.” Gabby, in turn, teases viewers on what to expect in the new episodes, “Abangan nila kung maitutuloy ba nina Nolie at Arturo ang planong pabagsakin ang mga Santos o lalambot ba ang puso ni Nolie dahil mahal pa rin niya si Ansel. Malalaman na ba nina Maggie at Jun ang totoong pagkatao nila?” Yasser also reveals having to study their script religiously every day, “Challenging po ang mga eksena dahil ito po ay directed by Laurice Guillen kaya everyday bago matulog at paggising nagaaral po talaga kami ng script.” Candy is elated for viewers to witness the continuation of the story, “Excited to share what we all worked for. Excited to know how people will respond to our hard work, the fruit of our teamwork.” Don’t miss the highlyanticipated Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit which airs abroad via GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www. gmapinoytv.com.
Daniel Padilla
Kathryn Bernardo
Anne Curtiz
Angel Locsin
Nora Aunor, Mylene Dizon & Kyline Alcantara
KAPAMILYA... From page 18 influential personalities in the Asia-Pacific region. The Forbes Asia recognition means a double win for Angel, Anne, Kathryn, Sarah, and Vice. Forbes Asia took notice of Kim Chiu who is included on the list after she made something positive out of her viral video gaffe earlier this year. Kim sold “Bawal Lumabas” T-shirts to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. She also published a song inspired by the viral statement that raked in over nine million views on YouTube.
Sarah Geronimo
Bea Alonzo
PAGE 20
PILIPINO EXPRESS
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2020