Volume 16 • No. 1 • January 1 - 15, 2020
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st. mary ’s academy
M January 14, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. St. Mary’s Academy, a Catholic school in the tradition of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, is celebrating 150 years of educating in a faith-based environment. Our legacy of learning, faith, service and leadership defines the Academy as a preeminent girls’ school where students graduate empowered with knowledge, aware of their gifts, possess a desire for excellence in all endeavours, and embrace a sense of social responsibility to use their abilities in the service of others.
New student applications due February 4, 2020 Applications accepted for all grades, with major entry points in Grades 7 & 9 Financial assistance available | All faiths welcome 550 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg, MB, R3M 0C1 | 204-477-0244 www.smamb.ca | facebook.com/smawinnipeg | instagram.com/smawinnipeg | twitter.com/smawpg
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A wake-up call My family and I were having late lunch at a downtown Davao City restaurant on December 15 when my sister-in-law announced that there was an earthquake. I didn’t think too much of it at the time; after all, Southern Mindanao had been hit by three big earthquakes in October and I was sure this wouldn’t be so strong. But the initial weak shaking soon gave way to a strong tremor, and we realized were going through a big one. The ground was moving sideways and up and down, and we could see the cars outside shaking. It was a good thing the restaurant was only at ground level, and so we went out to the street where we felt it was safer. I don’t know what the official duration of the earthquake was, but it felt like it lasted for more than a minute. The December 15 earthquake was only the second time I got truly scared during a tremor – the first being the July 16, 1990 Luzon temblor that measured 7.7 magnitude and felt at around intensity VII in Metro Manila where I was at the time. In both instances I actually feared the worst – the ground opening up, buildings falling down, and panic ensuing. When the December 15 tremor stopped I looked around and was relieved that the tall buildings within view were still standing. Slowly it became clear that Davao City was again spared much damage, but at the epicenter of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Padada, Davao del Sur, a
grocery building had collapsed and buried a number of people. Interestingly, on the very day of the earthquake I had come out with an article on what actually causes deaths during such incidents. Here are some portions: Earthquakes don’t kill; poorly designed buildings do. This, in essence, was what Ishmael Narag, Officer-in-Charge of Phivolcs’ Seismological Observation and Earthquake Prediction Division, said in a briefing with reporters in late October after a series of earthquakes left 21 people dead and more than 400 injured. “Earthquakes, they don’t kill people… It’s the collapse of man-made structures, buildings, retaining walls that do,” Narag said. This echoes what engineers and architects have been saying: earthquakes don’t kill but poorly designed buildings do. Most injuries and deaths during earthquakes occur not because of the tremor itself but due to collapsing structures. Unusual tremors According to scientists at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), this was the first time in at least 20 years that such a series of strong earthquakes has happened. On October 16, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck 23 kilometres off Tulunan, Cotabato at 7:37 p.m.; another quake occurred in the same area
at 8:09 p.m. Then on October 29, two more quakes struck. The first was at 9:04 a.m. at 6.6 magnitude and the next at 10:42 a.m. at magnitude 6.1. Both quakes occurred in the same general area off Tulunan, Cotabato. Finally, on October 31, a 6.5 magnitude quake struck 28 kilometers off Tulunan, Cotabato at 9:11 a.m. Scientists at Phivolcs have said the Cotabato region is seismically active because there are several faults underneath it: the M’lang Fault, MakilalaMalungon Fault, North Columbio Fault, and South Columbio Fault. Besides these, there are also the western extension of the Mindanao Fault (CotabatoSindangan Fault) and the Cotabato Trench. Any one of these faults can trigger earthquakes in the area. Update, organize, enforce building codes According to Dr. Benito Pacheco, Project Leader of the UP National Engineering Center (UP-NEC) Team, the fact that thousands of homes, schools, and other structures in Cotabato were damaged means that most, if not all of them, were not built to be earthquake-resilient. Earthquake-resilient structural design reduces damage to or even prevents outright collapse of buildings and houses during a very strong quake, Pacheco said. This is crucial in increasing the likelihood of residents’ survival during a quake. Pacheco said the only way to make sure that our homes and other structures are earthquakeresistant is for builders and contractors to follow an updated set of building standards. This
ensures that structures would be designed to be resilient not only against earthquakes but also to other hazards like typhoons, floods, and fires. “We already have updated versions of our national building code all filed in Congress – all in five different bills,” Pacheco said. “One of these is the Philippine Building Act of 2018 (House Bill 7804). An updated set of national building standards is sorely needed considering that the current National Building Code in force today is 42 years old. Just think about that: our national building code is older than most Filipinos alive today.” Pacheco said the proposed Philippine Building Act of 2019 not only updates the National Building Code but also seeks to integrate the different building codes being used in both the local and national levels. “Yes, besides the National Building Code, there are also local building codes enforced by city and municipal governments. It’s a complicated, even confusing situation,” he added. The UP-NEC team has created a Facebook page called Project Building Resilience PH (https://www.facebook.com/ ProjectBuildingResilience/) that details how people can help. This website (https://bit.ly/35hPg6G) also gives further information on the Philippine Building Act. 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 Editor-InChief of the Davao City-based Mindanao Daily Mirror. E-mail Jon at jonjoaquin@gmail.com.
Wishes for you in 2020 Not only has another year gone by, but so has another decade! Significant events between 2010 and 2020 include two Royal weddings, the ice bucket challenge of 2014, Apple’s release of racially-diverse emojis in 2015, the #metoo movement beginning in 2017, the Humboldt Broncos hockey team tragedy in 2018, and the victories of Bianca Andreescu and Toronto Raptors in 2019. In addition, we saw Justin Trudeau, Rodrigo Duterte, and Donald Trump take office this past decade. Across social media platforms, we regularly see people posting parts of their lives. We see stories of joy, triumph, tragedy and heartache. These significant and personal events, along with countless others, have
all been greeted with varying responses. Across mainstream media and social media, there were expressions of criticism, fear-mongering and negative commentary. But of greater note are the other types of comments, those that exemplify empathy, kindness, and support for fellow human beings. Comments of compassion for others and hashtags such #spreadkindness, #love and #peace have a lasting effect on social media. This tidal wave of positivity and support meets the negativity and slander head on, and in my humble opinion, wins out. There is no doubt that there exists a positive energy out there that is a growing force. There are many stories out there that highlight the goodness in people, and mainstream media
often overlooks these tales of heroism and kindness. They are captured in smaller snippets on social media sites, and together with the positive responses, this is evidence that people do live, act and think with compassion. Showing empathy, living with kindness and mercy, and understanding differences are gestures and acts that are alive and well, even in the face of hatred and tragedy. Let us keep this in mind as we head into 2020 and the next decade and begin to dream of the times ahead. I wish for you kindness, courage, compassion, selflessness and hope. The human spirit is strong and will carry you through the joyful and difficult times. Remember: • Mistakes are gifts. Stop punishing yourself and think about what they have taught you. • Push yourself past your comfort zone. Challenge yourself
and grow. To stop learning means to stop living. • If you are carrying fear, sadness, guilt or shame, stop ignoring it. The only way to ease the pain is to go through it. Talk about it, journal, reflect, feel the emotions, and then let it go. • Material things are just things; they are replaceable. Don’t let them get in the way of relationships with loved ones, which are unique and meaningful. • Build your team. Surround yourself with supportive and positive people. • Live by the new golden rule: Treat others as they would like to be treated. “You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.” – Rumi Cheryl Dizon-Reynante is a licensed therapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
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Celebrations of Christmas differ around the world but some things are common and celebrated by all. The concern for the less fortunate, the poor in society is especially present in the season. Many of all faiths participate in contributing to hampers for the needy. We shake each other’s hands and wish them and their families well. Our greetings in some ways reflect who were are as people and believers. In Canada and the United States it is becoming more common for persons to wish you “Happy Holidays” and “Seasons Greetings.” There are some who decry political correctness but others who seek out the ties that bind not those that divide. For newcomers from the Philippines the most obvious change is no more brown Christmas but rather white. However, the similarities outweigh the differences. The
Are you dizzy by how quickly 2019 passed? I know I am! Thankfully I got a couple weeks off during the holidays to catch my breath and look back on an amazing year and end of the decade. Before I get to the Burgos adventures, let’s take a look at some top news stories from the past year, shall we? One of the biggest stories this past year involved 16 year-old Greta Thunberg. The Swedish teen captured headlines and hearts around the world and ignited passion in young and old alike. Climate change activism hit global proportions and it looks like we have gotten to the tipping point. The younger generation has had enough and are pointing fingers at lawmakers and big business. It is apparent that the demand for change will not go away. Even though I don’t think it needs more coverage, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the impeachment proceedings in the United States. Every time I checked, this took all the top spots in my news feed. I’m very curious to see how this plays out – it’s better than a TV drama series! What else happened in 2019? The protests in Hong Kong began, trade wars affected economies, Disney+ and AppleTV entered the media streaming wars – the list goes on. If we’re talking sports, 2019 was a pretty darn good year for Canadians. The Toronto Raptors won their first NBA
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countries are different but somehow life and faith are the same. The greetings of the festive season are a way to measure our multicultural Canada and also our faith. Filipinos, both new and old in Canada, greet one another with Maligayang Pasko or the English “Merry Christmas.” These greetings are more specific than “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings,” which are politically correct and intended not offend anyone. The season greetings for Christians can be more specific, for example, in French, Spanish, Italian, and Polish we can say “Joyeaux Noel,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Buon Natale,” and “Bozego Narodzenia.” The birth of Jesus is a time for celebration. The December 25th is not the actual birth day of Jesus in Bethlehem.
Championship after 25 years in the league. Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu became the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title – she did so by beating one of the greats. Oh and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Won the Grey Cup! About time. As for the Burgos family, 2019 started and ended pretty grand. I flew in to Winnipeg in January for some meetings. I was quickly reminded about how cold it gets. I was there when
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The traditions of Christmas celebrations differ around the world The date itself selected by Roman church authorities as a convenient date, which was the birth day of the “Sol invictus” (“unconquered Sun”) a God, favoured by later empire and the Roman army. It was also closely connected with a winter festival, the Saturnalia. The use of the day helped spread the faith to the pagan population. For believers it should not diminish the birthday nor the significance of the incarnation. Christians, it should be noted, were very particular about the crucifixion and resurrection dates which were scientifically calculated throughout the two thousand year history of the faith. The Christmas greetings are similar in meaning and significance. Christmas is a time of lights and celebration and for Christians we know that Jesus was
the “logos” or word which became flesh: “in Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” This is the brilliance of the revealed word of God and the reality of our adopted land Canada. It has brought light into the new world. With the exception of First Nations we are all immigrants and newcomers whether first, second or tenth generation. At this time of year we all need to remind ourselves of our basic values, our basic humanity and not be divided by those who place Christians against others. The season is intended to bring us all together. My writings through the year focus on immigration changes and the challenges that face applicants. At Christmas however we need to step back and look again at the things which connect us. The Holiday Season and the
celebration of the birth of Jesus are things which join Christians new and old with persons of all faith, to follow the Golden Rule and “to love thy neighbour as thyself.” Have a Happy New Year and for those Christians, especially orthodox Ukrainians who will celebrate Christmas on January 7th under the Gregorian calendar “Krystos Rozhdayetsia” (“Christ is born”). 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.
Goodbye 2019, Hello 2020 the overnight low dipped to -53 degrees with the wind chill. If that happened where I live now, I think it would cause mass hysteria. For Winnipeggers, no problem! My mom and I ran out to do some shopping. Streets were still busy with cars; it was only -45 after all. It was also a big year for Dale Jr. as he turned 16 years old. Soon enough he’ll be on the road and I will be watching intently out the window every time he goes out and will not move until he safely returns. Very stressful!
We had a lot of ups, but there was one significant down this year. We lost my Ninong Val. It was very sudden when he passed away in June. We were planning to stay with him in July for a couple weeks. It was heartbreaking that we didn’t get to spend that time with him. We were looking forward to it. Summer hit and we spent some of it in Alberta where we had the De Jesus family reunion. One of the highlights was when my mom tried out some Minute to Win It games. She started with an Oreo cookie on her forehead and had to maneuver it into her mouth without using her hands! Fast forward to the Christmas break. We fulfilled a long time dream of the Burgos kids. Izzy
and I booked a trip to Mexico! Seven glorious days in the Riviera Maya, snorkelling, swimming and just good old fashioned relaxing. As nice as the beaches in the Caribbean are, the ultimate goal is to visit the many beautiful beaches in The Philippines. Places like Boracay or Palawan are the hot spots, but I’m sure you know a couple not-so-famous spots that are just as nice. When it’s time, I’m going to be asking you where we should visit when we go back home. Until then, here’s to a prosperous 2020! Dale is a former Winnipegger and manages the communications department for a school district in B.C. You can follow him on Twitter: @ DaleBurgos.
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Make some New Year’s resolutions for your home Sticking to your New Year’s resolutions can drain away the good feelings you built up over the holidays. Whether your goal is to stop smoking, cut back on potato chips, or quit avoiding the dentist, getting the job done is no fun. This year, why not turn things around and make resolutions for your home instead of your bad habits? Sleep priorities Many people don’t get enough sleep, and those who do manage to get to bed on time often don’t sleep well. There are many ways you can improve your home and your bedroom to make sleeping easier. With all the security features around our homes, glowing microwaves and alarm clocks, it’s easy to be kept awake by too much light. A dark, cool room promotes good sleep, and even the tiniest diode can seem glaringly bright in the middle of the night. Cover up all those tiny lights on the TV, satellite box, or whatever else is glowing in your bedroom, or even outside the room. Small lights can still seem bright at night even though they’re 20 or more feet away. Think your glass block bathroom is private? It is, to everything but light. Put up a room darkening blind or shade if you can
see your bath from the bedroom. House goals Instead of setting weight targets for yourself in 2020, pick four top projects you’d like to get done around the house. This will give you three months on average to complete each one. Some helpful goals include getting rid of mismatched glasses, tableware, bowls and salt-and-pepper shakers. Short on storage? Make it your mission to add more organizers in the pantry, closets and kitchen cabinets. Installing organizers that attach to the ceiling of your garage will help you get all that stuff you rarely use off the floor and out of sight. Acupuncture for your home One of the things feng shui does the best is to make sense of your home by diagnosing its ills. One common problem with homes is a negative entrance. Many people enter the home through the garage, kitchen, or laundry room. These rooms represent work and are often messy and unattractive. If greeting a mess or seeing ‘work’ the minute you enter the door, you might find that your mood turns down when you walk in the door. One of the quickest ways to turn this situation around is to enter the
front door, where you most likely have created a pretty scene to greet your guests. Another good feng shui technique is to remove sad objects. One client I worked with looked at a blue painting of a woman crying every day she left her bedroom. It was at eye level as she went downstairs to the living area of her home. She suffered from depression and low vitality. I suggested she move the picture and put something happy and vibrant, such as flowers, in the same spot. After two weeks, she felt much happier and had actually lost a little weight. Who wouldn’t feel down if you saw a sad, crying woman every day of your life as you went out to greet the world? Overstuffed Clutter seems to be our constant companion. This could be the year you finally deal it a deathblow. Of course, some of that “clutter” is darn good stuff you hate to throw away. Besides that, someone would gladly pay for that antique corn husker out rusting in the garden. Create a corner to collect your unused items and start listing them – then, sell them or donate. The place to be How many times have you said to friends, “Hey, we’d love to have you over…” but then don’t
because the back yard landscaping is a mess, the carpet is worn, or the family room you started to paint six months ago is still unfinished? Make a commitment to follow through on such key items around the house that prevent you from socializing — and make your house the place to be in the New Year. FENG SHUI Q&A Question: I would like to know if feng shui is classified as a superstition or a religion? How do I answer family members who say I it conflicts with our religion? Answer: It’s been a while since someone asked about this, but I’m glad you did. The short answer is, it’s neither a religion nor a superstition. As modern people we know that the idea of invisible streams of energy is real, just like oxygen, gravity, and radio waves or cell waves that bring calls and videos to our smart phones is a fact. This is not superstition any more than the idea of chi, an invisible wave of energy that flows through every space is. Think about your microwave. You put your frozen dinner into a metal box and see nothing happen. There’s no coil heating up or flame warming your dinner. It is being bombarded with microwaves, tiny waves of energy that heat up the moisture and fat in the food, making the molecules in your Swedish meatballs move faster until they’re hot. The only thing you see is the dinner bubbling or the popcorn bag getting bigger as the turntable moves around. It is invisible energy working,
not reliant on our belief and is unseen, but there nonetheless, making my food hot. You can’t see the microwaves, nor do you have to believe in them. They’re just there, working away on your food. Religion is a belief system. Feng shui is a way of interacting with your space and is based on how you see and move in your space, how energy flows in your space, and whether your house is well maintained, organized and decorated. In a nutshell, feng shui is based on the idea that the way your home is decorated, maintained and arranged has a direct affect on your health, wealth and happiness. Everyone enjoys being in a pretty home, office, or hotel that works well and makes us feel good. Is that superstition? A religion? Of course not. It’s just feng shui. That’s how I sum it up, making feng shui a far cry from a lucky rabbit’s foot, or devotion to a Saint, God, or deity. It’s just another form of energy we don’t see, but is still there influencing us, like the smell of that popcorn from the microwave. Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in authentic Chinese feng shui. She has over 20+ years of feng shui study, practice and professional consultation. 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!
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Make mental toughness a goal for 2020 Mental health awareness is a topic we frequently hear about or see on all sorts of media platforms. Mental un-wellness can come in many different forms, and symptoms can be as simple as a change in eating habits, mood changes, low energy, or problems sleeping. Sometimes, symptoms may even include physical pain like stomach pain and headaches. It’s a type of health concern that is not always easy to identify since most symptoms are invisible for the most part. Despite of the sad reality of the global decline in mental health, many people are still only focused on physical appearance. In the New Year, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear about resolutions related to weight loss or improving on physical fitness. It is not a bad thing at all, but since our mental health is just as important, don’t you think it’s about time that we focus on getting our minds in top shape this New Year as well? For most people, the workplace is a substantial source of stress. From overtime, deadlines, production quotas to unreasonable bosses. While it is not always easy to overcome
work stressors, the good news is that there are creative ways to make the experience manageable and tolerable. Mental toughness is one strategy that could potentially help but it’s not always discussed. A few days ago, an article about mental toughness caught my attention. In the article, there were tips shared by Andrew Wittman, a former special agent who protected members of Congress in the United States, governors, heads of state and celebrities. Andrew Wittman said that growing up he was an easy target for bullies; and that he was a “fat kid” and he said that he cowered but he taught himself to bounce back and be strong. He is now the CEO of Mental Toughness Training Center where he teaches Fortune 500 CEOs how to be resilient like him. He also mentioned that, as an entrepreneur, resiliency and mental toughness were critical to his long lasting success. He also sees resiliency as a skill that can be learned and attained by anyone. In the article I mentioned, you can learn all about Andrew Wittman’s tips for mental
toughness under the “sources” links below. For the purposes of this article, I would like to share a few of the things that work for me to enhance my mental endurance. Conserve your energy Ever heard the phrase, “I just work here”? It’s a phrase often used by workers if a customer asks them a question that they’re unable to answer or address. Similarly, in order for mental toughness to last, it is important to conserve our energy for things that we can control. When we recognize which responsibilities are within our influence and control, it makes it much easier to worry less and focus our energy on actual priorities. Get out of your comfort zone Mentally tough people do not stay in their comfort zone. They have the ability to cope with their fear and manage under pressure
regardless of the challenge they’re facing. To Andrew Wittman’s point about resilience, when you challenge yourself in doing the things that you fear, you actually train your mind to be adaptive to change and defy difficulties. This is what resilience is about; the ability to bounce back from circumstances like pain and failure, which can also be applied in all aspects of our life. Spend some time to reflect One thing that I personally find to be very helpful before I begin my day at work is reflection. It also wouldn’t hurt to start with a prayer and to clear your mind of clutter from the previous day. Each day is a new day. While it’s difficult to overcome the accumulated stress from the previous day or even weeks prior, facing each new day with a positive mind will help ease any
feelings of worry and anxiety. Sources: • https://www.inc.com/marlatabaka/hes-trained-navy-seals-tobe-resilient-7-mental-toughnesstips-from-a-former-spe.html • h t t p s : / / w w w . triadmentalhealth.org/what-ismental-illness/ • https://www.mayoclinic. org/diseases-conditions/mentalillness/symptoms-causes/syc20374968 This article is intended for information purposes only and not to be considered as professional advice. Michele Majul-Ibarra, IPMA-ACP holds an Advanced Certified HR Professional Designation with the International Personnel Management Association. E-mail her at info@pilipinoexpress.com.
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That time when there was no New Year’s Eve in the Philippines It is a little known fact about Philippine history that the date for any given event during most of the colonial era is technically wrong. That’s because the Philippine calendar was out of sync with the rest of the world by one day (the parts of the world where the Gregorian calendar was used, that is). In 1844, there was no December 31st in the Philippines because the last day of the year was skipped in order to correct this problem that had persisted for 300 years. The mistake was a result of the route that Spanish ships travelled to get to Asia. Time travel An edict of Pope Alexander VI in 1493 drew a line down the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that divided the world for conquest between Spain and Portugal. All the lands to the east of the line were awarded to Portugal while everything to the west was for Spain. Not satisfied with having most of the Americas, Spain still wanted to have access to the valuable spice markets of Asia. So, to avoid their Portuguese rivals, the Spaniards had to travel west to get to the Far East. During their westward voyages to the Philippines, Spanish sailors of the 1500s naturally counted their days from the point when they left Spain, but they did not take into account the rotation of the Earth. Since they were, in effect, “chasing the sun,” each day was slightly longer than 24 hours. Each sunrise and sunset was a little later every day, but without accurate clocks (they used sand-filled hourglasses), they were unaware of this
happening. As they travelled farther and farther west, their shipboard day was gradually shifting toward “tomorrow.” By the time they got to the Philippines, more than halfway around the Earth, they had gained more than half a day – about 17 hours – without knowing it. However, their calendars still showed the date as though they had never left Spain. Magellan loses a day This phenomenon was first noticed on Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition to Asia, but only after the few survivors of his fleet had almost completed the first ever voyage all the way around the world. Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian chronicler, kept scrupulous records of the entire three-year voyage, as did one of the pilots, Francisco Alba. When their ship Victoria stopped for supplies at the Cape Verde Islands off the west coast of Africa, they were sure that the date was Wednesday, July 9, 1522, but, to confirm the accuracy of their records, they asked one of the locals the date. They were very surprised when he told them that it was really Thursday, the 10th. They had travelled a whole day longer than their records showed. If Magellan’s crew had had a clock with them, they might have noticed that they were constantly adjusting it backward in order to keep its 12:00 noon in sync with the sun at its highest point each day. Eventually they would have turned it back a full 24 hours by the time they got home. Out of sync Losing track of a whole day worried Pigafetta and some of the crew when they realized
After sailing around the world from east to west, Magellan’s crew discovered that their calendar was one day behind Spain’s calendar. The error persisted throughout most of the colonial era. that they had violated their faith by eating meat on Fridays and observing Easter and the Sabbath on Mondays. However, the date shift was not much of an issue in the Philippines during most of the Spanish era because the colony had very little contact with countries other than Spain. Very few people circumnavigated the globe and most who returned to Spain went back eastward, so the effect was reversed for them. The confusion only arose when the Philippines opened up trade relations with its neighbours whose calendars were brought by other European nations that had come to Asia travelling eastward. For them, Asia was only seven hours ahead of Western Europe, not 17 hours behind, so the adjustment did not affect their calendars. Eventually even
Spaniards were able to make the eastward journey to the Philippines and some of them found it absurd that the date in the Philippines was a day behind everybody else. New Year’s Eve cancelled The man to straighten out the mess was the new governor of the Philippines in 1844, Narciso Clavería, whom some may remember from an earlier article as the governor who made family names mandatory for Filipinos with his Alphabetical Catalogue of Surnames. Clavería was a very practical, rational and meticulous man with a passion for order – a real micromanager. Apart from giving surnames to all Filipinos, he also rearranged the boundaries of many provinces to make governing them more efficient. He made the
election of certain officials fairer and he untangled many of the useless and contradictory laws that had been passed over the centuries. One of the first problems that Clavería addressed when he arrived in the islands in 1844 was to fix the Philippine calendar. After consulting with Manila Archbishop José Seguí, Clavería issued a decree on August 16, announcing that Monday, December 30, 1844, would be followed immediately by Wednesday, January 1, 1845. There was a New Year’s Eve, of course; there was just no December 31 in 1844. Since then, the Philippines have been in sync with the rest of Asia – on the calendar, at least. E-mail the author info@ pilipino-express.com or visit www. paulmorrow.ca
Canada’s First-Time Home Buyer Incentive Program: What you need to know by Adrian Schulz Purchasing your first home is a rite of passage for many residents of Winnipeg and throughout Canada, but for some, it’s a dream that seems out of reach. With this in mind, the Government of Canada has established a first-time home buyer incentive program designed to help as many citizens as possible achieve their dreams of homeownership. Here is a brief overview of what the program does, and who is eligible to apply. What is the first-time home buyer incentive program? This program is for those who are looking to purchase their first home, and would like assistance in reducing the monthly payments without increasing their down payment. The incentive isn’t interest bearing, and you don’t need to make ongoing payments. Essentially, the government is sharing both the upsides and downsides of the property’s equity
with you. This is available in either five per cent or 10 percent options. The incentive can be paid back either after 25 years have elapsed, when the property is sold or prepaid at your convenience, without a penalty. The repayment amount will be based on the property’s fair market value. So if your home loses value, you won’t be required to pay based on your original purchase price. Of course, if it increases in value, then you’ll be on the hook for a larger payment. This incentive is ideal for those who want to purchase a home, but would be unable to save for a larger down payment or take on big monthly mortgage deals. It’s limited to first-time buyers because those who already own a home presumably have equity or savings from their previous purchase. Who’s eligible? There are a few qualifications for this program, including: • Down payment: You must already have saved the minimum down payment that your lender
will allow for that particular house. • Maximum income requirements: Your maximum qualifying income cannot exceed a certain limit, which is currently $120,000 per year. • Price limits: You can only borrow four times your maximum qualifying income. For example, if your income is $50,000 per year, you can borrow $200,000. If you make $120,000 per year, that soars to $480,000. • Citizenship: Canadian citizens, permanent residents and non-permanent residents who are legally authorized to work in the country can apply for this incentive. • First-time home buyers (and beyond): If you or your partner have never purchased a home before, you qualify for the incentive. Additionally, if you’re experiencing the dissolution of a marriage or common-law partnership, you are eligible, even if you have owned a home before. Finally, you are also eligible if,
in the last four years, you did not occupy a home that you or your current spouse or commonlaw partner owned. Ready to start looking for your first home in Winnipeg? The best way to decide whether the first-time home buyer incentive will work for you is to speak to a mortgage professional. They can discuss your options with you, and describe what your payments are going to look like, so that you can finally get your dream home. Adrian Schulz is a mortgage agent at Centum Financial Services LP.
Adrian Schulz
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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ
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Para sa amin ay pinakamaganda sa lahat ng kaniyang mga kakontemporaryo si Liza Soberano. Mayroon siyang lipstick commercial na kapag ipinalalabas ay hinihintuan namin para matitigang mabuti. Napakaganda ni Liza, ibangiba ang ganda niya sa iba, may kakambal na class iyon kahit pa sabihing pangmasa naman ang tambalan nila ni Enrique Gil. At tulad ng kaniyang manager na si Ogie Diaz ay marunong humawak ng kaniyang mga pinaghihirapan ang magandang young actress. Ngayon pa lang
PILIPINO EXPRESS
ay pinaghahandaan na niya ang kaniyang kinabukasan. At hindi lang para sa kaniyang sarili ang mga preparasyon ni Liza, kundi para sa kaniyang pamilya, hindi niya sinosolo lang ang lahat ng mga biyayang dumarating sa kaniya. Dito sa Pilipinas ay nakapagpundar na siya ng bahay para sa kanilang mag-ama, sa Amerika ay nakabili na rin siya ng bahay para naman sa pamilya ng kaniyang ina, isa sa pinakamalaking kaligayahan ni Liza sa taong ito ang naipundar See CRISTY p15
JANUARY 1 - 15, 2020
• Liza Soberano – Nakapagpundar na para sa kinabukasan • Alden at Angel Locsin – Parehong tahimik kung tumutulong • Aga Muhlach – Hinahangaan ang galing sa Miracle In Cell #7 • Kris Aquino – Baka magkaroon ng show with Catriona Gray • Arjo Atayde at Maine Mendoza – Nag-celebrate ng 1st anniversary • Anne Curtis – Nag-maternity leave na sa It’s Showtime • Lotlot at Manay Lolit – Case closed na raw ang isyu • Willie Revilame – Inilaan ang kapaskuhan kasama ng mga anak • Sharon Cuneta – Ipinagtatanggol si Regine sa mga bashers • Vice Ganda – Kumbinsido na, gusto nang magka-anak
Liza Soberano
Angel Locsin
Alden Richards
Maine Mendoza & Arjo Atayde
Anne Curtis
ABS-CBN presents big and new TV shows as 2020 opens ABS-CBN will unleash a bounty of fresh and exciting offerings, including teleseryes starring the biggest names in the industry, the return of well-loved reality singing competition, and the premiere of the biggest Asian dramas. After more than a year of waiting, the tandem of Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil finally makes their TV comeback this January in the newest series Make It With You, which was shot in Croatia. Gerald Anderson, Nash Aguas, Yves Flores, Elmo Magalona, Vin Abrenica, Jerome Ponce, and Carlo Aquino come together in a See ABS p15
Peace of M ind .
Pre-Arrangement relieves your family of last-minute planning and lets you choose how you’ll be remembered. Pre-arrange with Mosaic and we’ll provide peace of mind to those involved during this emotional time.
Maymay Entrata & Edward Barber
Enrique Gil & Liza Soberano
Carlo Aquino
Gerald Anderson
P R O U D LY S U P P O R T I N G T H E FILIPINO COM MUNITY
Fe e l at Home . I M M E D I AT E N E E D ? C A L L ( 2 0 4 ) 2 7 5 - 5 5 5 5 , W E ’ R E AVA I L A B L E 2 4 / 7 18 3 9 I N K S T E R B O U L E VA R D MOSAICFUNER AL S.C A INFO@MOSAICFUNER AL S.C A
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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
ABS... From page 14 drama which will bear stories of brave soldiers, A Soldier’s Heart. Set to rule TV are new Asian dramas, including the most awarded one in 2019: Yang Xi and Flower Crew Dating Agency starring South Korean actor and rapper Kim Min-jae. Meanwhile, reality-singing competition “The Voice Teens,” now with returning coach Apl. De.Ap, comes back for a new season in February. Love will fill the air in March as Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber make their teleserye debut in “When We Fall In Love,” which was shot in Japan. – ABS-CBN/abs-cbn.com
Sharon Cuneta & Regine Velasquez
CRISTY... From page 14 niyang bahay sa Amerika. Napakaraming dapat ipagpasalamat ni Liza Soberano sa takbo ng kaniyang career. Kumikita ang mga ginagawa niyang pelikula kasama si Enrique Gil, nagre-rate ang mga ginagawang serye ng LizQuen, wala nga siyang mahihiling pa. *** Iyong kagandahan ng puso ni Alden Richards bilang si Sep sa pinagbibidahan niyang seryeng The Gift ay hindi nalalayo sa kung sino siya sa tunay na buhay. Marami siyang tahimik na tinutulungan, gusto niyang ibahagi ang kaniyang mga biyaya sa mga mas nangangailangan, ginagawa niya iyon nang walang ingay. At pati ang kaniyang oras ay hindi niya ipinagdadamot sa kaniyang mga dating kaklase at kaibigan, humahanap talaga siya ng panahon para makasama ang mga ito, hindi siya nakalilimot lumingon sa kaniyang pinanggalingan. Pinaghahambing sila ngayon ni Angel Locsin na may busilak ding puso sa pagtulong sa mga kababayan nating dinadaluyong ng kalamidad sa iba-ibang probinsiya. Bibihira nga naman ang tulad nina Alden at Angel na may kusang-palo, hindi na kailangan pang hingan ng ayuda, bukas agad ang kanilang puso sa pagbabahagi ng kanilang mga biyaya. *** Kung hindi magbabago ang resulta ng mga nangunguna sa mga pelikulang lahok sa MMFF ay talagang masasabing napakasuwerte ni Aga Muhlach na pumapangalawa kay Vice Ganda ngayon. Panalung-panalo si Aga sa word of mouth, may mga kaibigan kaming nakahanda nang manood ng pelikula ni Coco Martin pero sa huling sandali ay nagbago pa ang isip, ang Miracle In Cell #7 ang pinanood nila. Maging ang mga balikbayan naming kaibigan ay iyon din ang pinanood, masyado raw kasi silang nasabik kay Aga Muhlach, bukod pa sa napanood nila ang Korean adaptation ng pelikula. Nagdududa pa si Aga noong una kung kakayanin niyang mailusot ang pinagbibidahan
Janine Gutierrez & Lotlot De Leon niyang pelikula, pero napakalaking sorpresa pala ang nakalaan sa kaniya, pinipilahan ngayon ang pelikulang sayang dahil tinanggihan ni Nadine Lustre kaya sinasambot ngayon ni Bela Padilla ang kredito. Kuwento ng kaibigan naming kapapanood lang ng pelikula ni Aga, “Grabe! Napakagaling niya! Iyong mga eksena nila noong bata, pusong-bato na lang talaga ang hindi hihikbi! “Alam n’yo naman tayong mga Pinoy kapag nanonood ng sine, di ba? Kapag umiiyak na, e, nagtatakip pa ng mukha, pretending na hindi tayo nadadala sa mga eksena! “Itong kay Aga, wala nang plastikan, puro singhutan ang maririnig mo sa sinehan, ang galing-galing talaga niya! Kaaawaan mo ang character niya!” papuri pa ng aming kaibigan. Panalo! *** Sana naman, sa pagpasok ng taong 2020, ay magbago na ang kapalaran ni Kris Aquino. Harinawang makabalik na siya sa mainstream television dahil marami nang nakaka-miss sa kaniya. Kung hindi man niya nakakampi ang dalawang taong nakaraan ay magbago na sana ang pagkakasalansan ng mga planeta para sa kaniyang buhay at career. Ang ganda ay kumukupas, ang katawan ay nagbabago ng hugis, pero ang talentong mayroon si Kris Aquino sa pagho-host na kakambal na ng kaniyang inunan nang ipanganak siya ay hindinghindi mawawala at malalaos. Pero, paano ba ito, nagsimula lang ang lahat sa suhestiyon. May nagbigay ng ideya kay dating Miss Universe Catriona Gray na dahil hindi na ito magiging abala ngayon at dahil gusto naman See CRISTY p17
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OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS
JANUARY 1 - 15, 2020
Be a gift to others by Lucille Nolasco “To lead a life as a gift to others is the best way to change the world,” according to Pope Francis’ Christmas message. In a world where the accumulation of material things are often the measurement of success and happiness, we forget that a gift is not only limited to material things, but we can also give the gift of talent and time for others. On December 13th, our group WPG ZINsistarZ, whose members are Zumba instructors, organized a food and cash drive for Winnipeg Harvest through a free Zumba class at the PhilippineCanadian Centre of Manitoba. Despite the crazy traffic and hectic schedules in the midst of the holiday season, we are extremely grateful to all our friends and family who were able to come and support the event in
many different ways. Special thanks also to Angela Caron, Community Event Coordinator for Winnipeg Harvest, for assisting us with the food and cash donations. Besides a fun Zumba class, attendees were also treated to some raffle prizes courtesy of each WPG ZINsistarZ member and our media partner, Pilipino Express News Magazine. According to Angela, we were able to raise 80 lbs. of food plus the monetary donation! Once again, thank you for your generosity! Your gift will go a long way to helping children, women and thousands of Manitoba families to have access to emergency food. Merry Christmas and a prosperous, blessed New Year to all! Zumba is a registered trademark. ZIN is also a trademark.
Back: ZINs Remy Caguisano, Grace Garcia, Neth Conte. Front: ZINs Elvie Conte and Lucille Nolasco with Winnipeg Harvest Community Coordinator Angela Caron, Winnipeg Harvest Community Event Coordinator
Wpg ZIN™sistarZ. Left to right: ZINs Janet Weiss, Neth Conte, Grace Garcia, Irma Quintos, Maricar Fee, Lucille Nolasco, Clarissa del Rosario, Elvie Conte
Photos by John Michael Photography
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CRISTY... From page 15 nitong kumanta at mag-artista ay puwede silang magsama sa isang show ni Kris. Ganoon lang naman kasimple ang ideya, pero nag-angalan na agad sa kanilang mga upuan ang mga bashers, inupakan na agad si Kris. Naku, huwag na huwag daw papayag si Catriona na makasama si Kris, dahil siguradong sasarilinin lang ng aktres-TV host ang kabuuan ang programa. Naging ugali na raw kasi ni Kris ang kopohin ang oras para siya ang mas lumutang sa show. Oo nga raw at kayang makipagsabayan ni Catriona sa pagho-host sa Ingles ay hindi pa rin daw iyon sapat para makipagtapatan ito sa aktres-TV host. Hindi pa man ay may mga kumokontra na sa pagsasama nina Catriona at Kris para sa isang show. Ang tanong, makababalik na ba si Kris sa mainstream television, saang network naman kaya nila gagawin ang pinaplano pa lang na programa? *** Nagdiwang ng first anniversary nila bilang magkarelasyon sina Arjo Atayde at Maine Mendoza. Nagpalitan sila ng matatamis na mensahe para sa isa’t isa sa social media. Nilalanggam ang pasasalamat nina Arjo at Maine, masayangmasaya sila dahil papasok na sila ngayon sa ikalawang taon ng kanilang relasyon, pero umariba pa rin ang ibang AlDub fans. Talagang ayaw nilang maniwala na magkarelasyon sina Arjo at Maine, sinasakyan lang daw ni Maine ang trip ni Arjo, si Alden Richards pa rin ang minamanok nila para kay Menggay. May anak na raw kasi sila ni Alden, malaki na raw ang bata, itinago lang daw nila ang kanilang pagpapakasal para hindi masira ang career nilang dalawa. Isang napakalaking palaisipan para sa mga kababayan natin ang ganitong paniniwala ng ibang tagasuporta nina Alden at Maine. Natutulog sila sa kahapon, mayroon na ngang boyfriend ang Dubmash Queen, pero si Alden pa rin ang ipinagpipilitan nila sa dalaga. Kahit nga ang tatay ni Alden ay napuno na rin, tahasan na nitong sinabing walang anak sina Maine at Alden, pero ayaw pa ring bumitiw sa kanilang paniniwala ang ibang AlDub fans na walang relasyon ang kanilang mga idolo. Mayroon palang ganoon? Kapag hindi totoo ang kuwento at gawa-gawa ay ilusyon ang tawag doon. Paano kaya nila napapalabas na nanganak si Maine para sa anak nila ni Alden nang hindi naman ito nawawala sa mga mata ng publiko? At ireponsableng ama ba naman si Alden para hindi niya paninindigan ang pagkakaroon nila ng anak ni Maine kung totoo nga iyon? Naku, nangangailangan na ng tulong ang mga taong ayaw bumtiiw sa isang ilusyon, kapag See CRISTY p18
Willie Revillame
Kris Aquino
Catriona Gray
Lolit Solis
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OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS
JANUARY 1 - 15, 2020
2019 USTAAMI Scholarship Awards CRISTY... Sturgeon Heights Community Centre, November 03, 2019 The University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association of Manitoba, Inc. (USTAAM) awarded some $6,000 worth of scholarships to seven applicants at a ceremony on November 3, 2019 at Sturgeon Heights Community Centre. The USTAAMI fund is invested and managed by the Winnipeg Foundation and yearly interest earned is allotted to the annual scholarship awards.
L-r: Gee Carbonell (USTAAMI Chairman), Reyna Reyes, Johhan Austin Ong, Vianca Gamboa, Andrei Joshua Loredo, Maxine Anne Restar, Roland Angelo Salacup, Nathaniel Gian Dizon, and Reggie Santos (USTAAMI Scholarship Committee Chairman)
Scholars with the USTAAMI officers & board members (photos supplied by USTAAMI)
From page 17 paulit-ulit kasi nilang pinaniwalaan ang isang bagay kahit hindi naman totoo ay napaniniwala na nila ang kanilang mga sarili sa kasinungalingan. *** Pormal nang nagpaalam bilang host sa It’s Showtime si Anne Curtis. Masakit na masakit para sa kaniya ang mapahiwalay sa grupong nakasama niya na nang ilang taon pero kailangan na niyang magpahinga. Malapit na siyang manganak para sa panganay nila ni Erwan Heusaff na isang babae. Napakaganda siguro ng kaniyang iluluwal dahil maganda rin ang kumbinasyon nila ng kaniyang mister. Sa halos buong panahon ng kaniyang buhay ay puro trabaho na ang inatupag ni Anne. Nagsimula siyang teenstar, matindi ang hirap na kaniyang pinagdaanan, iyon ang naging inspirasyon niya para mas magsipag pa sa pagtatrabaho. Kailangan niyang bigyan ng panahon ang kaniyang pagdadalantao, utang niya iyon sa kaniyang anak, hindi puwedeng hanggang sa sasalang na lang siya sa operating room ay magtatrabaho pa rin siya. Napakaemosyonal pa naman ng magandang buntis, madali siyang umiyak, lalo na kapag itinuring na niyang ekstensiyon ng kaniyang buhay ang mga kasamahan niya sa trabaho. Pero may mga pagkakataong kailangan niyang gawin ang mas prayoridad, ilang buwang pahinga lang naman ang kailangan niyang ipagpahinga, pagkatapos noon ay balik na naman siya sa It’s Showtime. Isa si Anne Curtis sa mga personalidad na mahal na mahal ng publiko dahil sa kaniyang natural na kabutihan. Wala siyang kaaway at inaaway, lahat ng tao ay welcome sa kaniyang buhay, walang masamang tinapay para sa misis ni Erwan. Isang masarap na pamamahinga at ligtas na panganganak para sa isang personalidad na hindi pinagbago ng kasikatan. *** Natural lang na ipagtanggol ni Lotlot de Leon ang kaniyang anak sa isyung kinapapalooban nito ngayon nang dahil lang sa simpleng pagkokomento tungkol sa pagbabalik-telebisyon ni Senador Bong Revilla. Napakaigsi lang ng ikinomento ni Janine Gutierrez, “Oh, God! Di ko kaya, besh!” lang, pero nagkaroon ng hindi kagandahang dating iyon sa mga nagmamahal sa aktor-pulitiko lalo na kay Manay Lolit Solis. Natural, maraming naungkat na kuwento, punto ni Manay Lolit ay magkasama sila sa industriya ni Senador Bong pero bakit kay Janine pa nanggaling ang ganoong reaksiyon? Hampas sa kalabaw, sa kabayo ang latay, ng ginawang pagtatanggol ni Lotlot sa kaniyang panganay. Hindi niya ginalaw ang isyung pinagtatalunan, ni hindi nga niya binanggit ang pangalan ni Manay Lolit, ikinuwento lang niya ang senaryo noong magpaalam sa
Ogie Diaz
Vice Ganda kaniya si Janine na gusto na nitong mag-artista. Ipinaliwanag ni Lotlot sa kaniyang anak na sa mundo ng showbiz ay kailangang sementado ang puso ng personalidad dahil sa puwedeng ikomento ng ibang tao tungkol sa kaniya. Alam iyon ni Balot, alam na alam niya, dahil marami rin siyang pinagdaanang kontrobersiya na kinaya niyang lampasan dahil matapang siya. Tapos na ang kuwento, nagsorry na si Manay Lolit kay Lotlot, case closed na raw ang isyu. *** Tapos na si Willie Revilame sa pangingibang-bansa kapag dumarating ang Pasko at Bagong Taon. Mas gusto na niyang dumito na lang at tahimik na palipasin ang selebrasyon sa kayang mansiyon sa Tagaytay. Pero mayroon siyang inilalaang panahon para sa kaniyang mga anak, nagpupunta ang mga ito sa kaniya, ipinasusundo ng aktor-TV host. Sa buong taon ay puro trabaho ang kaniyang tinututukan, napakahands-on niya sa game show niyang Wowowin, kaya tuwing Kapaskuhan lang niya nabibigyan nang sapat na panahon ang kaniyang mga anak at apo. Napakasaya niya nang makausap namin noong isang umaga. Ibinalita sa amin ng host ng Wowowin na hawak na niya ang kaniyang lisensiya sa pagpapalipad ng helicopter. Nakadagdag sa kasiyahan niya ang maayos na resulta ng kaniyang executive check-up, walang dapat ipag-alala ang kaniyang mga tagasuporta, stress lang ang dapat niyang iwasan para hindi tumataas ang kaniyang blood pressure. At mas magiging maligaya ang kaniyang mga tagasuporta dahil sa pagpasok ng 2020 ay anim na araw nang mapapanood ang kaniyang programa. Mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes ay mapapanood ang Wowowin nang alas singko nang hapon, tuwing Sabado naman ay mapapanood ang game show nang See CRISTY p20
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GMA Network bares exciting program line up for 2020 2020 promises to be an exciting year for Kapuso viewers as GMA Network reveals a powerhouse line-up of new primetime shows. Kicking off the New Year is the TV adaptation of the hit 1984 movie, ‘Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday,’ starring Barbie Forteza, Kate Valdez, Snooky Serna and Dina Bonnevie. Joining them are Jay Manalo, Teresa Loyzaga, Migo Adecer, Faith Da Silva, Benedict Cua, and Celia Rodriguez. Max Collins and Lovi Poe make the project more exciting as the young Snooky Serna and young Dina Bonnevie. Meanwhile, viewers should also watch out for the premiere of the much-awaited series, Love Of My Life. Top-billed by Carla Abellana, Mikael Daez, and Rhian Ramos. It also stars Coney Reyes and Tom Rodriguez. The highly-anticipated local adaptation of the hit Korean series, Descendants of the Sun (DOTS), also hits Philippine TV this 2020. Headlined by Dingdong Dantes and Jennylyn Mercado, DOTS Ph also features Rocco Nacino and Jasmine CurtisSmith. To rightfully represent the country’s military forces, GMA’s Entertainment Group inked a partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for this very important flagship project. Joining them is a highlytalented cast composed of the soldiers team: Lucho Ayala, Jon Lucas, Paul Salas, Prince Clemente, Ricardo Cepeda, and Antonio Aquitania; the doctors and nurses team: Andre Paras, Chariz Solomon, Nicole Donesa, Jenzel Angeles, Reese Tuazon, and Renz Fernandez; also starring Neil Ryan Sese, Ian Ignacio, Rich Asuncion, Marina Benipayo, Hailey Mendes, and Roi Vinzon, plus a host of exciting artists in cameo roles. After many years, Sen. Bong Revilla, Jr. returns GMA-7 this 2020 as he takes flight via dramafantasy program, Agimat ng Agila. In this thrilling and action-packed
L-r: Snooky Serna, Barbie Forteza, Kate Valdez & Dina Bonnevie
Gabby Concepcion & Marian Rivera-Dantes
L-r: Coney Reyes, Tom Rodriguez, Carla Abellana, Mikael Daez & Rhian Ramos
Dingdong Dantes & Jennylyn Mercado
Sen. Bong Revilla series, Sen. Bong will take viewers on adventures that tackle societal issues. Completing the stellar roster of primetime offerings is the muchawaited comeback of Marian Rivera-Dantes and her team up with Gabby Concepcion in First Yaya. Don’t miss the exciting line up of programs for the first semester of 2020 on GMA-7. – www.GMANetwork.com
EH KASI, PINOY!
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
KROSWORD
HOROSCOPE
NO. 339
Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot
PAHALANG 1. Doktor 5. Hinahalungkat 12. Paunawa 13. Kasambahay 14. Timawa 16. Alagang nangingitlog 17. Puwersahin 18. _____ buti nga 19. General Motors 21. Huwag aminin 25. Tira 27. Pampainit 29. Ihanay 31. Iwasto 32. Kagamitan PABABA 1. Malaking halaga 2. Bagsak 3. Libot 4. Walang alinlangan 6. Ibatay 7. Panghalip 8. Programang Kapamilya 9. Muli 10. Tanaw
11. Tiya 15. Pinang-iihaw 18. Kulay ng manok 20. Uri ng bigas 21. Baba 22. Wari 23. Katas ng niyog 24. Dulas 26. Sisidlan ng sorbetes 28. Tatay 30. Hulapi 31. Huni ng daga
SAGOT SA NO. 338
JANUARY 1 - 15, 2020
ENERO 1–15, 2020 Aries (March 21 – April 19) Alam mo bang ngayon ang tamang panahon na planuhin mo ang buhay mo nang pangmatagalan? Ano ang nakikita mong ginagawa mo 10 taon mula ngayon? Gusto mo bang masaya at komportable ka? Kung gayon, ano ang dapat mong gawin para maabot iyon? Best days ang ika-2, 3 at 12. Alalay ka sa ika-9 at 10.
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) Iwasan mong mapagod dahil sa dami ng mga kakilala mong gustong kumuha ng oras mo. Iisa lang ang katawan mo at kapag ito ay hindi mo inalagaan, wala kang maipapalit dito. Wala kang obligasyon sa kanila, mahalin mong unang-una ang sarili mo. Mapalad ka sa ika-2, 3 at 12. Bantay ka sa ika-5 at 6.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Sino ang paniniwalaan mo? Ang sasabihin sa iyo ng ibang tao o ang sinasabi sa iyo ng konsensya mo? Lalo na kung may kasamang pera sa usapan, mas dapat mong pakingggan ang kutob mo. Pagaralan mong mabuti ang mga nangyari, makikita mo ang katotohanan. OK ang ika-2, 3 at 12. Ingat sa ika-1, 7, 8 at 14.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Kung hindi ka rin lang makakaalis nang matagal dahil sa mga obligasyon sa trabaho at pamilya, mas mabuting mag-aral ka nang sa gayon ay magkaroon ka ng bagong skill o kaalaman. Gamitin mo ang mga libreng oras para maging productive ka. Tiyagain mo lang. Lucky ang ika5, 6 at 14. Ingat ka sa ika-12.
Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) Mahilig kang magbiro. Isa ito sa ugaling nagustuhan ng mga kaibigan mo – noong kayo ay mga bata pa. Hindi na kayo mga bata ngayon pero mapag-biro ka pa rin. Hindi na bagay sa edad mo ang mga ginagawa mo. Tigilan mo na at baka mawala ang mga kaibigan mo. OK ang ika-5 at 6. Ingat sa ika-1, 7 at 8.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Gusto mo nang magkaroon ng mamahalin pero parang mailap siya sa iyo. Siguro nga ay hindi mo pa siya kakilala. Subukan mong maging active sa mga organizasyon na ang layunin ay gusto mo. Baka doon lang naghihintay ang mamahalin mo habang buhay. Good ang ika5, 6 at 14. Stressful ka sa ika-2, 3, 9 at 10.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Kung may utang ka, siguraduhin mong bayad ito bago matapos ang Enero. May pambayad ka naman, di ba? Hindi mo na siya mauutangan muli kapag hindi mo inayos ang utang na ito. Iwasan mo ang gumastos nang wala kang pondo. Mabuhay ka ng ayon sa income mo. OK ang ika-7 at 8. Kuwidaw ka sa ika-1 at 14.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) Nalilito ka. Parang halo-halo ang nangyayari sa utak mo dahil hindi mo alam kung paano ang magiging katayuan mo kung sasama ka sa isang tao na ayaw ng pamilya mo. Kung lalayuan mo siya, matutuwa ang pamilya mo pero malulungkot ka. Nasa iyo na ito. OK ang ika-7 at 8. Ingat ka sa ika-2, 3, 9 at 10.
Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Bumili ka naman ng para sa iyo. Palagi ka na lang nag-aalala sa ibang tao pero nakakalimutan mo ang pinaka-importante: ikaw. Hindi naman masama kung papalitan mo na ang ilang gamit mong lumangluma na. Naghahanap-buhay ka. You deserve to feel good. Lucky ka sa ika-7 at 8. Ingat ka sa ika-5, 6 at 12.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Kung nais mong maging maligaya pati na ang iyong pamilya, gawin mong mas maayos ang pakikitungo mo sa ibang tao. Iwasan mong maki-ayon sa mga mahilig sa intriga dahil nadadamay ka kahit hindi mo sila kapareho. Mas aayos ang buhay mo kung walang conflict. OK sa ika-1, 9 at 10. Stressful ka sa ika-2 at 3.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) Wala kang tigil sa kasasalita pero hindi ka naman nakikinig sa mga sagot sa iyo ng kausap mo. Napansin mo bang parang lumalayo sila sa iyo? Bagong taon na. Hindi ka tatagal sa kinalalagyan mo kung mawawalan ka ng mga tao na gusto kang kasama. Lucky days ang ika-1, 9 at 10. Bantay ka sa ika-5 at 6.
Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) Bagong taon, bagong buhay. Kung naniniwala ka sa kasabihang ito – narito na ang bagong buhay para sa iyo. Sana ay pahalagahan mo ang bagong pagkakataong nasa iyo ngayon. Huwag ka sanang babalik sa mapait mong nakaraan. Tama na ang parusa sa sarili. OK ang ika-1, 9 at 10. Ingat ka sa ika-7, 8 at 14.
CRISTY... From page 18
matagumpay programa.
kasaysayan ng pagkanta. Matatagumpay na concerts, recording career na mahirap nang plakaduhin ng ibang singers, marami nga namang napatunayan na at naiambag sa larangan ng musika si Regine Velasquez. Hindi nakikisawsaw si Sharon, nagsabi lang siya ng totoo, lalo na’t kamakailan lang ay nagsama sila sa isang napakamatagumpay na concert kung saan pinarangalan pa nga sila ng Aliw Awards. Ganoon naman ang Megastar, kahit i-bash siya nang i-bash sa pagpapakatotoo niya ay wala siyang pakialam, basta ilalabas niya ang sinsero niyang opinyon. Wala mang binanggit na grupo si Sharon na nambabastos kay Regine ay alam na this! May mga grupo naman kasing See CRISTY p21
alas siyete nang gabi, anim na araw na niyang mapapasaya ang ating mga kababayan sa pamimigay niya ng mga papremyo. “Alam mo naman kung saan ako humuhugot ng happiness. Iyong talagang masayang-masaya ako. Makita ko lang ang mga contestants namin na lumulundag sa sobrang tuwa dahil nanalo sila, iyon ang pure happiness para sa akin! “Dala-dala ko iyon hanggang sa bahay, hanggang sa matutulog na nga ako, e, masaya pa rin ang puso ko. Iba talaga kapag marami kang napapaligaya,” sabi niya. Iyon na talaga si Willie Revillame, at hindi na iyon maiaalis sa kaniya, kaya naman
ang
kaniyang
*** Ipinagtanggol ni Sharon Cuneta ang kaniyang kapuwa singer na binabash-bash kamakailan, siya mismo ang nagdiin sa tungki ng ilong ng mga bumibira kay Regine Velasquez na hindi dapat ginaganoon ang Asia’s Songbird, dahil napakalaki na ng napatunayan nito sa mundo ng musika. Walang pinatungkulang sinuman ang Megastar, pero siguradong umaray ang mga umuupak kay Regine sa kaniyang mga sinabi, nagpakatotoo lang naman kasi si Sharon. Sa tatlong dekada nga namang wala nang ginawa si Regine kundi ang kumanta nang kumanta ay hindi na ito mabubura sa
EH KASI, PINOY!
JANUARY 1 - 15, 2020
Sana nga ngayong 2020 ay maging maligaya ang buhay ng lahat na ating mga kababayan na nasa loob at labas ng Pilipinas na bansang ating sinilangan. Ang nakaraang diwa ng Disyembre ay naging makulay. Higit na naunang pinagdiwang sa Pilipinas at kasunod naman ang ating mga kababayan na nasa iba’t ibang bansa at mga pansamantalang nangingibang bayan. *** Pinagtibay ng US, Canada at Mexico ang bagong North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) na mula pa noong 2017 ay walang iniwan sa winter weather. Nakasundo na rin umano ang US-China tungkol sa pagtigil ng kanilang trade war na nagkakaroon ng negative economic effect sa mga developing countries. Ang reaksiyon ng mga expert on economics and trade, China daw ang winner sa pangyayari. The negative effect sa kabuhayan ng mga naninirahan sa mga developing countries ay hindi lang daw sa pagkain bagkos ay sa iba pang mga pangangailangan tulad ng krudo at gasolina. *** Ang kaso on abuse of power regarding article of impeachment vs US President Donald Trump ay napagtibay na noong ika-16 ng Disyembre sa lower house of Congress na kontrolado ng Democrats. Hiniling ng US president ang madaliang pagdinig sa kaniyang kaso. Waring pinipigil naman ng Democrats dahil ang upper house ay kontrolado ng Republicans. Sila ang magsisilbing mga mahistrado na didinig sa kaso na inaakalang madaliang mabigyan ng hatol na possible acquitted in time for the 2020 US presidential
PILIPINO EXPRESS
elections.
Pilipinas Ang 2020 at 2022 ay inaakalang magiging political years. Normal lang naman na ang minoryang LP ay naghahangad na makabangon. Ang relasyon ng gobyerno sa China ay isa sa mga pangunahing tema. Mula sa joint mineral explorations hanggang sa West Philippine Sea ay pilit na pinalulutang. Normal lang naman na ang minoryang political parties ay hindi nasisiyahan sa performance ng majority political party. Gayunman ang popularity ng pangulong Duterte ay mataas pa rin. *** Ang Department of Finance and Asian Development Bank ay nabalitang lumagda sa isang kasunduang nagkakahalaga ng 623 million dollars suporta para sa Philippine infrastructure projects. Ang nabanggit na kasunduan ay nilagdaan nina Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez at Asian Development Bank vice president for operation Ahmed Saeed tungkol sa kalusugan at employment sa planong BataanCavite bridge at Metro rail transit from Ortigas Metro Manila to Taytay, Rizal province. *** Nabalitang ang Department of Agriculture, sa tulong ng Land Bank of the Philippines at Development Bank of the Philippines ay magkakaloob ng tulong na 5,000 pesos for small farmers affected by the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law. Gayunpaman, waring ang Pilipinas ay malabo nang maging self-sufficient sa bigas na pangunahing pagkain at isang issue for security ng mga Filipino. Ang pangunahing priority ng gobyerno na build, build, build, kumpara sa
HINAGAP
Ang 2020 Lumisang taon na nakalupaypay, Dahilan sa mga dusang pasan-pasan; Hilahil sa dibdib na pinagtiisan, Sa bagong panahon naman ibibigay! *** May magandang alay ang bagong panahon, Handog na sinayang ng nalumang taon; Tanggapin na sana ang pagkakataon, Nang sa paghihirap ay hindi mabaon! *** Ilibing sa limot ang sanhi ng dusa, Hanapin ang landas patungong ginhawa! Habang nabubuhay may bukong pag-asa, Kung pagyayamanin’y malusog ang bunga! *** Huwag akalaing masarap na ngayon, Ang natikmang bunga na mapakla noon! Paquito Rey Pacheco
agriculture sector na producers ng mga pagkain ng mga Filipino ay waring napag-iiwanan. Ako po ay radio broadcaster na noong 1960’s sa DZFM mula pa noong panahon ng mga naging pangulo ng Pilipinas. During former President Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal and Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. Naalala ko tuloy ang nasa kasaysayan na waring hindi alam ng marami sa ating mga kababayan. First time po na ang Pilipinas ay nakapag export ng bigas sa Indonesia noong about 1970’s. Sanhi po ‘yon sa information campaign ng gobyerno for rice production na tinaguriang Masagana 99 Rice
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production program. Ang build, build, build and other infrastructure’s project ay hindi masama subalit sana naman ang tungkol sa rice issue na lagi kong nababanggit dito sa Pilipino Express ay maging pangunahing programa din ng gobyerno. *** Ang Pilipinas ay waring walang iniwan sa lugar ng Florida, USA na datnan at panawan ng mga bagyo. Maraming gusali ang nasasalanta hindi lamang dahil sa malakas na hangin kundi mga pagbaha. Kada taon, halos humigit-kumulang sa 20 taon ang nararanasan sa iba’t ibang dako ng bansa bukod sa nangyayaring
mga sunog at lindol. Malaking pera ang naaaksaya sanhi sa nagiging negative effect ng nabanggit na mga kalamidad. Hindi kaagad-agad naibabaiik sa normal ang naging kalagayan. Alalahanin na lamang na ang lahat ng mga nabanggit na mga pangyayari sa ating buhay ay isang uri ng pagsubok sa buhay ng lahat na may buhay. Kasabihan Kapalaran natin, hindi man hanapin ay kusang darating. Paunawa: Ang mga paksa at salitang nakasaad sa Pilantik ay sariling opinion ng may-akda at maaaring hindi opinion ng mga taga-lathala ng Pilipino Express.
More action and drama in Ang Probinsyano’s 4th year FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’s Cardo has endured unimaginable threats to his job, community, and family. But in the fourth year of the country’s longest-running drama-action series, primetime TV’s everyday hero is facing his biggest mission: to protect the whole Philippines against its gravest conflict yet. “Next year, our story will be the story of the world. A big, big war will happen. It will be packed with more action, more drama, and more intense scenes. It won’t just be about Cardo and his family, but the entire country,” said Coco Martin, who serves as the lead star, creative head, and one of the directors of the program. According to the King of Television, they will start shooting scenes in different areas in and out of the country for the program’s next chapter in January. Hollywood actors have already been confirmed to join the series, he added. “What have we not encountered yet? What else does Cardo have to go through? We want to give people different flavours, different stories so everyone can relate to it. It has to be a new experience every time,” said Coco. He added that 430 actors and actresses have had guest appearances in the already star-
CRISTY... From page 20 maling-mali ang mga arya, wala sa tamang tiyempo ang pagiging sensitibo, maiangat lang nila ang hinahangaan nilang idolo. *** Hindi naman pala tatanda nang nag-iisa si Vice Ganda. Wala mang forever sa pagmamahalan nila ni Ion Perez ay siguradong may gagabay pa rin sa komedyante-TV host sa kaniyang pagkakaedad. Buo na ang kaniyang desisyon na magkaroon ng sariling anak. Sa kakukumbinse ng kaniyang kaibigan at dating manager na si Ogie Diaz ay pinagplanuhan na ng sikat na komedyante ang pagkakaron ng anak na dugo ng kaniyang dugo at laman ng kaniyang laman. Tama naman iyon. Mas
Yassi Pressman & Coco Martin studded program, including Judy Ann Santos, Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Angelica Panganiban, and Christopher De Leon. Meanwhile, Yassi Pressman expressed her appreciation and gratefulness for playing Alyana, Cardo’s wife and now a newly elected barangay captain whom she has come to love. “Alyana and the program have changed my life. I look up to her. She is good, kind, loving – all of the characteristics of a respectable woman.” Viewers should also watch out for when Yassi and Coco have another baby as they prepare to rebuild their family, after the unfortunate death of their eldest son two years ago. “We both have careers, how will we maintain our relationship? Having kids will add flavour and
colour to the story. It’s also a concern of Filipinos – having to spend time with and caring for their children. That’s what we want to show as well, that we are a solid family,” said Yassi. Amidst plot twists and foreign actors joining the show, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano aims to showcase and reflect real-life experiences that are distinctly Filipino, said Coco. “We have an obligation to the viewers. We will do everything so that every night they watch our show is worth it and does not disappoint them. They motivate us, they are the reason we wake up and go on every day, however we are feeling. They are our inspiration. Thank you all so much,” said Coco. – ABS-CBN
masarap tumanda na kamay ng anak ang umaakay sa atin at hindi tungkod ang gumigiya sa ating pagkilos. Ibang-iba ang pagmamahal na ibinibigay ng sariling dugo kesa sa mga pamangkin at kamaganak lang. Napakarami naming nakikitang becki na tumandang nag-iisa. Mapalad ang ibang may nakakasamang kasambahay, pero ang mga hindi nakapaghanda sa kanilang kinabukasan ay magisang namumuhay, hinihintay na lang ang kanilang katapusan. Nakikita naman ni Vice ang buhay na mayroon si Ogie Diaz, sinikap nitong makapagbuo ng masayang pamilya, anim ang anak nila ng kaniyang misis at isang responsableng ama ang manunulat-komedyante-manager. Sana nga ay matuloy ang plano
ni Vice na magkaroon ng sariling anak. Ibang-iba ang pakiramdam ng magulang, ang lahat ng kakulangan ay napupunuan, hindi nakakatakot ang pagharap niya sa dapithapon ng kaniyang buhay dahil may mga kamay ng anak na aakay sa kaniya. –CSF
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OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS
JANUARY 1 - 15, 2020
BIBAK Association of Manitoba Christmas Party and Induction of new officers 2020-2022
The newly elected president Marife Cadag (7th from right) with fellow officers of the BIBAK Association of Manitoba 2020-2022, with guest Inducting Officer MP for Winnipeg North Kevin Lamoureux (8th from right) and special guest MLA for Tyndall Park Cindy Lamoureux (9th from right), December 14, 2019 in Winnipeg
The Officers, members and guests of BIBAK Association of Manitoba
Philippine Tennis and Golf Association of Winnipeg Wind-up Party PHOTO #1: PTGAW Officers, l-r: Bon Soliven, Secretary; Eddie Exconde, Organizer; Jun Urbano, President; Allan Gomez, Vice President; and Jerry Laforteza, Organizer. PHOTO #2: The participants. Results: Kildonan: Randy Viray, 1st; Pompei Perez, 2nd, Low Net; Joseph Lumarque, 3rd, Low Gross. Rossmere: Tony Latiza, 1st, Low Gross; Jun Urbano, 2nd, Low Net. Windsor: Joe Lumarque, 1st, Low Gross; Emman Filomeno, 2nd, Low Net. Larters: Lorby Viray, 1st, Low Gross; Danilo de Vera, 2nd, Low Net. Selkirk: Eddie Exconde, 1st, Low Gross; Freddie Ramos, 2nd, Low Net. Kildonan: Bong Dayao, 1st, Low Gross.
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JANUARY 1 - 15, 2020
PILIPINO EXPRESS
Carmelita Gonzales – Happy Birthday!
Carmelita Gonzales celebrates her milestone birthday with hubby Boy and friends (December 23)
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
JANUARY 1 - 15, 2020