Pilipino Express • May 1 2021

Volume 17 • No. 9 • May 1 -15, 2021 Publication Mailing Account #41721512

Sanya Lopez

Restrictions return – Vaccinations expand

10 Residents or workers in these Winnipeg neighbourhoods can now make appointments for their COVID-19 vaccine at supersites and pop-up clinics and at urban Indigenous vaccine clinics.

Manitoba returned to tighter public health order restrictions on April 28 as the province enters the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

10

Alden Richards & Maine Mendoza

No visitors are allowed at private households either indoors or outdoors with certain exceptions. No indoor gatherings are permitted and outdoor

gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed in public outdoor spaces only.

“We are at a critical point in See VACCINATIONS p7

West End welcomes new dental clinic

by Lucille Nolasco A brand new state-of-theart dental clinic opened recently in West End Winnipeg – surely a welcome addition to the community. Pilipino Express recently got in touch with Dr. George Loewen to share exciting news about the Dental Dreams clinic.

PE: Congratulations on the opening of Dental Dreams! You have a very nice and modern clinic.

DGL: We are ecstatic to introduce a brand-new, state of the art Dental Clinic in the Notre Dame West End area.

PE: Why did you choose this See DENTAL p6

Malaya Marcelino, MLA for Notre Dame, cuts the ribbon with Dr. George Loewen (right), his staff and a guest, to open the new Dental Dreams clinic at 530 Notre Dame, April 16, 2021

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

MAY 1 - 15 , 2021

In our family, we make our plans together.

Sa aming pamilya, sama-sama kaming nagpaplano.

For all your important family events, it’s only natural that you plan ahead. It makes sense. And the same holds true for your funeral and cemetery arrangements.

Take the time now to discuss your final wishes with loved ones - and with a trusted representative from Arbor Memorial.

Call your local Filipino professional at Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery and ask about our FREE customized planning kit.

Para sa mga mahahalagang family events, natural lang ang magplano ng maaga. Totoo rin ito para sa iyong funeral at cemetery arrangements.

Maglaan ng oras upang makausap ang iyong mga mahal sa buhay tungkol sa iyong mga huling kahilingan—kasama ang isang trusted representative mula sa Arbor Memorial.

Tawagan ang Filipino representative sa Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery at magtanong tungkol sa aming FREE customized planning kit.

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MAY 1 - 15 , 2021

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As of Wednesday, April 28, additional public health restrictions were put into effect for at least four weeks. These include no visitors being allowed into private households, indoors or outdoors, with the exception of allowing one visitor who lives alone. Outdoor gatherings on public property must be kept to a maximum of 10 people. Along with the restrictions on retail outlets, restaurants, gyms, and faith-based organizations, the opportunities to spend time with family and friends are again put on hold.

We know what we have to do in order to curb the spread of this third wave of the pandemic, and it comes at a cost. Most people are tired of restrictions and are looking for a sense of normality. But in order for that to return, we must hang in there and follow public health guidelines.

PILIPINO EXPRESS

And currently that means staying at home as much as possible, limiting close contacts and getting the vaccine as soon as possible.

Experts are saying that it is a race between vaccines and variants, and adhering to these guidelines will help to tip the scales in favour of keeping the pandemic manageable.

To keep mentally strong, we must also look for glimmers of hope around us. With so much disappointment and despair in local, national and global news, it can be a challenge to see the light in the darkness. Yet, they are there – within the hearts of those who are helpers.

For example, India is currently going through a catastrophic surge in COVID-19 cases, and countries all over the world are lending a helping hand. Many, including Canada, are sending

MAY 1 - 15 , 2021

Look for the helpers as we ride out the third wave of COVID-19 medical equipment and supplies.

Also, Ontario is undergoing a devastating point in the pandemic, with hospitals and ICUs being overwhelmed with cases. Help is being sent from the Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian Red Cross, and other provinces who are sending PPE, other equipment, and health professionals.

There are also so many brave helpers in the form of front-line medical professionals, teachers and school staff, daycare workers, grocery store and essential workers, mental health professionals, clergy and spiritual care providers. Let us not forget the heroes that take care of family members, friends and neighbours by delivering groceries, medications and other

essentials. And of course, there are those who call and check-in on loved ones, providing comfort and words of encouragement.

As the late Fred Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

And that, fellow Canadians, is how we will all get through this; by helping one another. Because if there is nothing else you can do to help yourself, there is always the option of helping someone else.

The question is, will you do your part and help?

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

Temporary foreign workers and public policy offering On April 14, 2021 the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC), Marco Mendicino announced a new pathway to permanent residency for over 90,000 essential temporary foreign workers and international foreign student graduates.

The initiative comes under IRPA s.25.2 (1) of the Act or as a public policy initiative of the Minster. The need is immediate and the news is exciting for temporary workers in Canada as well as international student graduates.

It signals again the government’s interest to address the shortfall caused by the pandemic, giving priority to temporary foreign workers employed in our hospitals and long term care homes, and in other essential sectors.

The immigration authorities do not have to worry about the admission of these workers but rather their retention. The inCanada workers will assist in the country’s immediate response to the coronavirus and encourage them to remain in Canada rather than return to their homelands after their temporary work status ends.

The public policy initiative also targets international student graduates as a source for future economic growth. The country needs essential and high potential workers to secure its future economic growth, and it makes good economic sense to prioritize applicants who are already in the country and working.

Effective May 6, 2021, IRCC

will start accepting applications under the following 3 streams: • 20,000 applications for temporary workers in the health care sector; • 30,000 applications for temporary workers in other selected essential occupations; and • 40,000 international students who graduated from a Canadian learning institution.

The streams will remain open until November 5, 2021, or until they have reached their cap. The total number of 90,000 will help Canada reach its intended target of 401,000 admissions of new permanent residents in 2021 as part of its 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan.

The foreign national temporary workers must have at least one year of full-time work experience, or the equivalent parttime experience (1,560 hours), in Canada, in an eligible occupations listed in Annex A or Annex B in the last three (3) years.

For a detailed list of eligible occupations see Annex A for Health Related Occupations and Annex B for Other Eligible Essential Occupations, which are listed on the Canada.ca website. (See the link at the end of this article.) The one year of work experience must be obtained from health occupations listed on Annex A not combined with Annex B occupations. Stream B eligibility is also based on one year of experience from one or more Annex B occupations. The applicant must be employed at the time of application submission and

demonstrate a level of English or French language proficiency of at least benchmark 4 (CLB) in each of the four language skill areas.

The applicant must be a resident of Canada with valid temporary residence status and be physically present in the country at the time of application submission and approval. The applicant must also intend to settle in a province or territory other than Quebec and submit the application for the initiative online. All applicants and accompanying dependants must be admissible under the Act and Regulations.

Foreign students must have graduated from an eligible Canadian post-secondary program within the past four years, and no earlier than January 2017. They must be in status at the time of their application submission and be employed in any occupation (not limited by Annex A or Annex B) and demonstrate minimum CLB 4 language proficiency at the time of application submission.

The public policy comes into force on May 6, 2021, and there should be some place to indicate that submissions are made under a special public policy initiative of the minister or under IRPA s.25.2(1). The fees for permanent residence application must be paid at the time of submissions.

There will be more information as the initiative becomes operational, but it is important that foreign temporary workers and international student graduates become aware of the new offering

because this public policy initiative is intended to speed up the process of acquiring permanent residence.

Minister Mendicino summarized the purpose of the public policy offeringing statement: “The pandemic has shone a bright light on the incredible contributions of newcomers. These new policies will help those with a temporary status to plan their future in Canada, play a key role in our economic recovery and help us build back better. Our message to them is simple: your status may be temporary, but your contribution is lasting – and we want you to stay.”

The Public Policy change has opened up a promising pathway to permanent residency for eligible international student graduates and temporary workers. If you qualify, take advantage of the 90,000 spots opening up for you.

Find details of Annex A & B at: Canada.ca/en/immigrationrefugees-citizenship/corporate/ mandate/policies-operationalinstructions-agreements/publicpolicies/trpr-Canadian-workexperience-html.

Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience with Immigration Canada and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with Immigration Connexion International Ltd. Contact him at 204-691-1166 or 204-227-0292.

E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail.com.

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

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I spy with my little eye…

It’s now been over a year since the global pandemic has changed the way we conduct our daily lives. Today, our COVID cases are the highest they’ve ever been here in Canada. Across the world, India is seeing record numbers of daily cases. People are losing loved ones to the virus and we can only hope that it slows down very soon.

Thankfully, there are a number of vaccines being produced that will help fight the spread. The line-ups and waitlists grow here in Canada while we wait for more shipments of the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines. Personally, I’ve already registered for the British Columbia provincial immunization program and I’m on numerous waitlists for local pharmacies. I have no hesitation about which vaccine I get, as I know this is my best chance to take care of myself and my loved ones.

Back there, in my hometown of Winnipeg, my mom waits to get her vaccine and my sister is already slated to get hers some time this month. As I write this today, I can’t help but feel envious that Manitoba seems to be so far ahead in its immunization roll out.

I see old friends the same age and

younger getting the shot. I will wait patiently, as I know my time will come.

I have to give a shout-out to the many front-line workers, many of whom I grew up with – nurses and physicians alike. In fact, my best friend in junior high and high school is Dr. Jas Atwal, a key figure on Manitoba’s public health team. I also graduated with Dr. Brent Roussin, who needs no introduction.

In my article last month, I shared that I was appointed to the Government of B.C.’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Team here on Vancouver Island (population approximately 900,000). It has been a tremendous experience and will come to an end June 30. If we can get this under control, maybe earlier!

Like many of you, the pandemic consumes my everyday life. At times, it can get difficult because I feel there is no escape.

The current restrictions here in B.C. prohibit indoor dining and large gatherings. I’m fine with the large gatherings, as we don’t have a large circle of family and friends here, so no biggie there. I do miss having the opportunity to go on a dinner date with Elizabeth. That time will come once again.

Seems superficial for me to want to get back to the little things like dinner dates or travel when so many others are losing loved ones or are suffering. I want you to know that I feel such tremendous sadness for their loss and hope for a full and quick recovery. I also want you to know that I am doing my part in trying to keep this virus under control.

But I’ll be honest with you; oftentimes I need an escape, a safe one mind you. What has been your go-to escape plan during the pandemic?

I spy with my little eye something that is…green. As many of you may already know, Elizabeth and I have gotten green thumbs after we moved out west.

Gardening is therapeutic, but can also be tiring at times. We’ve got so many different trees and plants in our yard, and it is always the topic of conversation when I connect with my mom. We’ve got fig, plum, cedar and palm trees, many rose bushes, Japanese maple, and so many more that I can’t keep track. My problem is keeping them healthy by pruning and watering. Don’t even ask me what my water bill is during the summer months!

Last weekend, I got tired of looking at some grass growing amongst my trees and shrubs in the garden. It has now snowballed into full out weeding, trimming, re-tarping and covering with mulch. It’s taken up my evenings

and weekends, but like I said, it’s therapeutic, right?

I heard baking was popular in the early days of the pandemic – evidenced by the shortage of flour at the grocery stores. I think this may be my next project. Soon

enough you’ll find me selling Nanaimo bars at farmer’s markets across Vancouver Island!

Stay safe everyone.

Dale manages the communications department for a school district in B.C.

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DENTAL...

From page 1 location?

I chose to build my dental clinic in the West End because I feel a special connection to the neighbourhood. I spent years living in this neighbourhood and have many fond memories. I remember my mom taking me to Aristocrat, Pampanga, and Miranda’s meats for some great food. I played basketball at Spence Community Centre. I would like to give back to West End residents who played an important part in shaping who I am today.

PE: Have you started accepting patients yet and how’s the first few days of operation?

DGL: Absolutely! We are accepting new patients. We have been quite busy. The first few days of opening, we had a number of people walk in to ask if we are open and if they can be seen today. We are aware that it can be difficult to find time to come in for regular dental check-ups. We are open evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, as early as 7:00 a.m and as late as 7:00 p.m. So, no one has to miss work or school.

PE: What kind of services Dental Dreams offer? For adults? For children?

DGL: We serve patients as young as two years of age to 103 years of age. We offer comprehensive dental care such as check-ups, dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, bridges, dentures, root canals, plants, and Invisalign. Moreover, we offer sedation services for individuals who prefer to be asleep during dental treatments. Anesthesia is available for individuals over the age of 12, and nitrous sedation is available for those 12 years of age and under.

PE: Are there other dental professionals at Dental Dreams?

Other staff?

DGL: Yes, we have a great team of dental assistants and hygienists. We also have a team of nurses and anesthesiologists including Dr. Jay Daya, the Head Anesthesiologist at Grace Hospital. And, we cannot forget about our amazing front staff who make you feel at home. We are a culturally diverse team offering multiple languages including Tagalog, Laotian, and French.

PE: You opened Dental

Dr. George Loewen, DMD and his high school photo (right) Dreams during the COVID-19 pandemic; did it cross your mind to postpone the opening until the situation is much more settled?

DGL: Understandably, some people are concerned about their safety during the pandemic. I would like to reassure community members that dental clinics must follow strict guidelines and Dental Dreams is no exception. Our dental facility is equivalent to hospital infection control standards.

PE: Are there safety protocols in place at Dental Dreams for patients as well as staff?

DGL: The safety of our clients and staff is at our upmost importance. Staff and clients are required to answer the COVID-19 screening questions and have their temperature taken using our portable thermometer. We minimize foot traffic using a strategic floor plan; one designated entrance and one designated exit.

Staff members are provided with medical grade approved masks, N95 respirators, protective eyewear including face shields, medical gowns, and surgical caps.

We also have on-site laundry and shower for staff.

We have multiple sanitizing stations throughout the facility.

The clinic is equipped with the latest HVAC system that clears the air in each dental treatment room every six to eight minutes. There are also fans built within the floors of the surgery rooms to push air directly outside.

PE: Let’s talk about you, Dr. Loewen. Have you always wanted

to be a dentist growing up? Was anyone influential in your decision?

DGL: Growing up, there was always one constant in my life; working with my hands and excelling at academics. At the age of 10, I vividly remember really wanting a power drill and socket set for Christmas but never asked my mom for them because she was a single parent, and we could not afford much.

In Grade 9, I was exempt from class to self-study and conduct research projects to present to the class. Throughout high school, I challenged myself with taking all my core courses in the morning so I could attend autobody school at MITT. I finished the autobody program in half the time and graduated with honours at Kelvin

Malaya Marcelino with Dr. Loewen at the ribon cutting ceremony

High School with almost 10 credit hours above the high school credit requirement.

During my first year of fulltime studies at the University of Winnipeg, I also attended R.B. Russell Vocational School to finish my autobody program. The skills I learned from MITT and R.B. Russell led to self-taught auto mechanics: replacing transmissions, clutches, and timing belts. These experiences helped me pay for four years of tuition at the University of Winnipeg. I purchased written off vehicles from MPI and rebuilt them during the evenings and weekends, and then sold them. I also applied my autobody skills by helping others install superchargers, Lamborghini doors, and painting vehicles for local car shows where I was awarded the

best paint job.

Following the completion of my undergraduate science degree, I worked for Station 4 on Sargent and Burnell as a firefighter/ paramedic. This role taught me so much, including managing emergencies. All these events influenced me in applying for dental school.

PE: You were born in Los Angeles but grew up in Winnipeg’s West End. What was your childhood like?

DGL: My father is American and mother is Canadian. My parents separated when I was baby and my father did not play an active role in my life. I was raised exclusively by mother in Canada.

My childhood was different. My mother was a medical doctor in the Philippines and was unable to practice in Canada. My mother could not afford childcare thus our family home was her place of employment. She ran a home day care and senior home. My mother is always accepting of others into our home and welcoming people into our family.

PE: Did being a paramedic/ firefighter help you in any way in your work now as a dentist?

DGL: Absolutely. As a paramedic/firefighter, you are first on scene. Every second is critical. I learned to remain calm in emergencies, make critical life savings decisions in a matter of seconds, and communicate effectively in team settings. In this role, you also have the opportunity to connect with community members; to learn their stories. I have images permanently implanted in my head, images I cannot “unsee.” I have so many stories.

See DENTAL p7

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

VACCINATIONS...

From page 1 the third wave – it is a race between the variants and vaccines, and right now the variants are winning. We need a few weeks in order to allow our accelerated vaccine efforts to catch up and change the course of that race. Today, we are asking Manitobans to stay close to home, significantly limit your close contacts and get your vaccine as soon as you are eligible,” said Premier Pallister in a statement on April 26.

The new orders are in effect until Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

Meanwhile, the province also expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to include all adults aged 18 and older who live in the communities of Brandon East End, Brandon Downtown, Winnipeg’s Inkster West, Fort Garry South, Point Douglas North, Downtown West, Downtown East, Inkster East, Point Douglas South, Seven Oaks West, and, outside Winnipeg – Powerview-Pine Falls.

Adults employed at specified workplaces in these areas are also eligible for vaccination. These occupations and locations include: K-12 schools, care providers, food processing facilities, grocery or convenience stores, gas stations, public health inspectors or workplace safety and health officers, or any place that serves food (e.g. restaurants or food banks).

All adults who live or work (in any role) in the Northern Regional Health Authority, as well as Churchill, are also eligible for vaccination.

Super site vaccinations As of April 28, 2021, vaccinations at the province’s super site are available for Manitobans 50 years of age and older or 30 years of age and older for First Nation people, and front-line police officers and firefighters 18 years of age and older.

Manitobans aged 40 and over are eligible to receive the AstraZeneca/ Covishield vaccine at a medical clinic or pharmacy.

“The best vaccine is the first one available, and we encourage all Manitobans to get their vaccine as soon as they are eligible,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “While we continue to ramp up our vaccine efforts as more vaccines become available, it is crucial that Manitobans continue to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones by continuing to follow the public health orders and practising the fundamentals.”

DENTAL...

From page 6 PE: What values or characteristics do you have that make you a perfect fit for this profession?

DGL: I think that the unique life experiences make me a person who can really listen to your concerns and build that trust and comfort that we all look for in dentist. In addition, my psychomotor skills to perform advanced surgical procedures has many saying, “Are we are done already!?”

PE: What do you do in your spare time?

DGL: I believe in the importance of active living to remain healthy. Despite working seven days per week, I will do my best to workout daily. I incorporate calisthenics, weight lifting, cycling, and basketball in my exercise regimes. I also enjoy car detailing.

PE: Is there anything else you would like to impart to our readers about you or Dental Dreams?

DGL: We understand that there are financial barriers to achieving optimal dental health care thus we offer in-house budget accounts. One can pay into their budget account for future dental care. We would like to place your physical and mental health care needs before your teeth.

Dental Dreams is now accepting new clients. The clinic is located at 530 Notre Dame Avenue. They are open Monday to Sunday. Call 204-777-5300 to book an appointment or to get more information.

Public Health Orders as of April 28, 2021

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MAY 1 - 15 , 2021

Feng shui houseplant rules and guidelines Interior designers will tell you that every home needs a touch of green and that a home with plants turns a home into a living space.

That’s because there really aren’t any bad feng shui plants.

All plants have benefits, but there are some guidelines that will help you place your plants in your home auspiciously, including plants for wealth and prosperity.

Very often a room without a plant appears lifeless and sterile, but the question isn’t so much about which are good, and which are bad feng shui plants, but it’s how and where they’re placed that matters most.

Where to place plants In general, plants are best suited for the east, southeast, south, west, and northwest corners.

Tall plants are perfect for placing in the lucky corner of rooms. This is the corner that is diagonal from the door, usually to the left or right at the rear of the room. Plants placed here have an incredible ability to bring good luck and promote growth and health when placed here.

If you have a bathroom in an earth corner, such as southwest, northeast, or center, adding a small plant here will help drain the effect the bathroom has on these sectors.

Small, leafy plants can go anywhere Whether it’s ivy, a fern, or a peace lily, having plants indoors is an excellent energizer for growth and health. Having that little touch of life is essential to almost every room. A pot of ivy on an end table is appropriate anywhere and is a nice decorative accent to boot.

Where not to place plants There aren’t a lot of feng shui plant rules, but one of them is to never have plants in a bedroom.

The energy of the plants competes with the energy of the occupants and can take a toll on the relationship.

The other place you should avoid is bathrooms. Plants are thought to “grow in waste” when placed in a bathroom. However, a small plant can be placed in the southwest, northeast, or center bathroom to help drain the effect the bathroom has on these sectors.

Large plants and plant groupings should be placed properly Large indoor plants exude a lot of energy. For this reason, they should be placed carefully.

A large indoor tree or plant should not be placed in the southwest, northeast, or center sectors, nor in the north. The excess wood energy in the earth sectors of southwest, northeast, and center are drained by large plants or big groupings, and this can impact health and relationships.

That’s because wood destroys earth in 5 Element Theory, and in the north, the wood energy drains the water energy of the north (income, career, opportunity) and can impact your earnings or career as the plants drink the water energy of the career corner.

Instead, large plants or plant groupings can go in the east, southeast, south, west, and northwest. Here they are enhanced or, at least, they won’t cause any harm to these sectors.

Cactus plant myths There are several types of plants that are used indoors, but one rule of thumb is that cactus plants aren’t good feng shui is wrong.

Cactus make great houseplants if they don’t have thorns.

Because they’re succulents, they store water – and that’s great feng shui. However, cactus plants with thorns are excellent outdoors because their thorns act as a protector.

Indoors, cactus plants are especially helpful in the east and southeast corners because of their ability, much like jade plants, to hold water.

Spiky plants Like their cactus cousins, spiky plants like the dracaena marginata, also called the Madagascar Dragon tree or simply dragon trees, are best suited in the west and northwest corners because of their pointy tips.

It’s better if someone doesn’t sit next to them because their spiked leaf shape can emit sharp energy.

Another plant that’s tall and pointed at the top is the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue.

This plant points up, so it’s just fine in the wood and metal sectors and is especially helpful in the south fame sector as well.

Plants as enhancers Plants are helpful for encouraging growth, resiliency, and good health. One plant that can go in the north? A blooming orchid plant. The bloom of the orchid is excellent feng shui and is auspicious for the career sector and is a sparing sipper of water.

White and purple blooms are particularly auspicious.

In the southeast corner, groupings of plants bring added benefits to the growth of assets and wealth. This is one of the reasons jade plants are so highly regarded. They store water; therefore, they represent the storage and accumulation of wealth and handsome profits, and financial growth.

Plants as remedies Adding a vase of lucky bamboo to wherever the annual 5 Yellow or Black 2 illness afflictions fly is helpful for

boosting health and weakening these two annual afflictions.

Because the 2 and 5 are earth stars, lucky bamboo, most often kept in a vase of rocks and water, helps to drain the 2 and 5 stars of their energy.

Good feng shui plant guidelines • Keep plants trimmed and looking lush and healthy • Remove dead or dying leaves, clean and dust leaves regularly • Don’t let plants get spindly or leggy • Keep plants out of the bedroom • Faux or silk plants are fine to use if they look good and

don’t get dusty • Avoid bonsai trees and plants as these represent stunted and contained growth.

Kathryn Weber has over 20+ years of feng shui study, practice and professional consultation.

Her witty, no-nonsense style appeals to audiences, making her a popular speaker and radio show guest. She is often called on by media to explain feng shui in down-to-earth terms, and has been featured in Seventeen, First for Women, Faces, Conceive, Martial Arts Professional, and Natural Health magazines, and on websites around the world.

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Sampung taon na ang nakararaan nang mag-post si Maine Mendoza ng kaliwa’t kanang pamimintas sa maraming artista. Pintas kung pintas talaga ang ginawa niya.

At hindi lang iyon. May post din siya noon tungkol sa kaniyang mga kapatid, napakatabil ng kaniyang dila, parang araw-araw na minamantikaan.

Pero dahil sa kapangyarihan ng teknolohiya, ang mga salitang ipinost noon ng Dubsmash Queen ay muling nahukay sa baul ng alaala, isinasampal iyon pabalik sa kaniya ngayon.

Ang mga na-screen grab na mensahe ni Maine sampung taon na ang nakararaan ay ginagamit ngayon laban sa kaniya. Naghohost pa naman siya ng Bawal Judgmental pero hinuhusgahan siya nang matindi ngayon na halos isumpa na ang kaniyang pagkatao.

Kahit naman kasi si Maine ay hindi umasang maging artista siya. Nadiskubre lang siya sa social media nang i-post niya ang pagngiwi-ngiwi at paglukutlukot sa kaniyang mukha habang sinasabayan ang dayalog ng mga personalidad.

Doon siya minahal ng publiko na nadagdagan dahil naging katambal niya ang guwapo at simpatikong si Alden Richards kaya ipinanganak ang tambalang AlDub. Pero ganoon nga yata talaga.

Pinagsisihan na ni Maine Mendoza ang pagiging pintasera niya noon sa mga artista, dala lang daw iyon ng kaniyang kabataan, pero hindi iyon makalimutan

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

ng mga taong sumusumpa sa kaniyang ugali.

Hindi raw sinsero ang panghihingi ng paumanhin ni Maine, kailangan lang daw niyang gawin iyon dahil utos ng mga nag-aalaga sa kaniyang career, pero ang tunay niyang ugali ay lutang na lutang pa rin.

Si Maine Mendoza lang ang nakakaalam kung mula sa puso ang panghihingi niya ng paumanhin, siya lang ang nakakaalam kung kailangan lang niyang gawin iyon para mailsalba ang kaniyang imahe, siya lang talaga.

Kapag may humihingi na ng tawad ay kailangang mayroon ding handang magpatawad.

Sabi nga, learn to forgive, just remember names. *** Binubulabog ngayon ni Sanya Lopez ang mundo ng telebisyon. Panahon ngayon ng maganda at seksing aktres.

Mayroon na siyang First Yaya katambal si Gabby Concepcion ay magsisimula na rin ang Agimat Ng Agila nila ni Senador Bong Revilla.

Lunes hanggang Biyernes ay napapanood siya sa First Yaya, tuwing Sabado naman ang serye nila ni Senador Bong, malapit na ring mag-uumpisa na ang Agimat Ng Agila.

Grabe ang suporta sa First Yaya ng ating mga kababayan, talagang inilaglag na nila ang walang katapusang serye ni Coco Martin, kabog na kabog na ng tambalan nina Gabby at Sanya sa rating ang puro na lang flashback See CRISTY p11

MAY 1 - 15 , 2021

• Maine Mendoza – Pinagsisihan na ang pagiging pintasera • Sanya Lopez – Binulabog ang mundo ng telebisyon • Julia Barretto – Di kilala ang papaya at singkamas?

• John Lloyd Cruz at Derek Ramsay – Mga edukadong tao • Derek Ramsay – Napakatotoo at may paninindigan • Kris Aquino – Hindi na naman nakapagpigil • Bimby – Wala raw respeto sa amang si James Yap? • Angel Locsin – Walang kasalanan pero may mga pagkukulang?

• Arnell Ignacio – May paninindigan at hindi uurong sa laban • Joseph Estrada –Magaling na, ligtas na sa Covid-19 • Coco Martin – Tatakbong Senador sa 2022 Election?

Angel Locsin

Alden Richards & Maine Mendoza

Arnell Ignacio

Coco Martin

Gabby Concepcion & Sanya Lopez

Joseph Estrada

MAY 1 - 15 , 2021

PILIPINO EXPRESS

CRISTY...

From page 10 na serye ni Cardo Dalisay.

Katwiran ng mga kababayan natin ay pandemya ngayon, mahirap ang buhay, isa sa mga pangunahing pangangailangan natin sa araw-araw ay kuryente.

Natural, hindi tayo magsasayang ng power para sa seryeng hindi naman natin gusto, lalo na kung paulit-ulit na lang ang mga eksena.

Masaya kami para kay Sanya Lopez na napakasimpleng babae.

May kilig factor ang kanilang serye ni Gabby, bagong tema kasi ang ikot ng kuwento, presidente ng bansa na umiibig sa yaya ng kaniyang mga anak.

Panalo ang kanilang mga eksena. Good vibes ang dating mula sa maghapong pagiisip at pag-aalala kung kailan matutuldukan ang salot na bumabagabag sa buong mundo.

Walang makakokontra.

Panahon ngayon ni Sanya Lopez. *** “Lunukin mo! Lunukin mo!

Huwag mong iluwa! Sayang!”

Markado ang linyang iyon ni Gerald Anderson sa kaniyang vlog kung saan ang special guest niya ay si Julia Barretto.

Pinakain niya kasi ng street food ang kaniyang girlfriend.

May isaw, balun-balunan, kwekkwek at iba pa. Siyempre, hindi gusto ni Julia ang mga pagkaingkalye na ipinatikim sa kaniya ni Gerald.

Noong pinakain na ito ng dinuguan ng kaniyang boyfriend ay gustong iluwa ni Julia ang See CRISTY p13

Gerald Anderson & Julia Barretto

John Lloyd Cruz

Derek Ramsay & Ellen Adarna

James Yap

Bimby & Kris Aquino

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

MAY 1 - 15 , 2021

Love looks beyond flaws in the new ABS-CBN series Init sa Magdamag People have their flaws, but can love make things right?

Gerald Anderson, JM De Guzman, and Yam Concepcion present yet another look in love in the new series Init sa Magdamag,

now seen outside the Philippines on TFC via cable, satellite, and IPTV. Init sa Magdamag starts with the young love between Tupe (Gerald) and Rita (Yam) whose

story is cut short because of a circumstance that leaves Tupe to choose between protecting the woman he loves or his responsibility to his family.

As Rita moves forward, she

meets Peterson (JM) who finds a reason to be a better man because of her. Yet they will be tested early on in their relationship, which is the same time when Tupe finds his way back into Rita’s world.

The new series comes after Gerald’s moving portrayal in the series A Soldier’s Heart, JM’s relatable character in Pamilya Ko, and Yam’s hated antagonist See INIT p13

Richard Yap admits he left his heart in two places I Left My Heart in Sorsogon lead actor Richard Yap confessed that he left his heart in two very special places.

In a recent interview on GMA Pinoy TV’s digital exclusive

JM De Guzman, Yam Concepcion & Gerald Anderson

Quick Chat, the Kapuso actor was asked, “If Heart Evangelista left her heart in Sorsogon, where did you leave yours?” He promptly answered Manila but then he mentioned another place.

Richard Yap

“I think dito na sa Manila.

Because I’m really from Cebu pero I think nandito talaga ang puso ko sa Manila. Although I still go back (to Cebu) all the See RICHARD p13

MAY 1 - 15 , 2021

INIT...

From page 12 character in the series Love Thy Woman.

Also part of Init sa Magdamag are Joey Marquez, Tetchie Agbayani, Lovely Rivero, Mickey Ferriols, Albie Casino, Alexa Ilacad, Nikko Natividad, Gab Lagman, Kate Alejandro, Aleck Bovick, and Jeric Raval, under the direction of Ian Lorenos and Raymund Ocampo that is produced by Star Creatives.

Don’t miss this yet another unique love story from ABSCBN, Init sa Magdamag now on TFC via cable, satellite, and IPTV.

RICHARD...

From page 12 time. Pero my family is here, my wife is from there. Kaya dito ko na naiwan ang puso ko.” Richard answered.

Richard grew up in Cebu before going to Manila to study and eventually enter the world of modeling. He entered showbiz in 2011. He is happily married to Melody Yap, and they celebrated their 26 years of marriage in April. They have two children: Ashley and Dylan.

Richard is set to star in an upcoming romance drama series I Left My Heart in Sorsogon with Kapuso actress Heart Evangelista who is, in real life, residing in Sorsogon with her husband, former senator, and now Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero.

According to Heart, the series is her brainchild and “dream project” to showcase the beautiful province of Sorsogon. Multitalented Kapuso actor Paolo Contis completes the love triangle of Heart and Richard.

I Left My Heart in Sorsogon is about a young fashion socialite who is shaken after she returns to her hometown, rediscovering her roots and rekindling her love for family, community, and an exflame.

Watch Heart Evangelista, Paolo Contis and Richard Yap in I Left My Heart in Sorsogon on GMA Network and GMA Pinoy TV.

CRISTY...

From page 11 pagkain, kaya ang sabi ni Gerald, “Lunukin mo! Lunukin mo!

Huwag mong iluwa, sayang!”

Naghalo rin ng mga prutas si Gerald, pero ang ipinagtataka namin ay kung bakit hindi alam ni Julia kung ano ang papaya, singkamas at mais.

Unang kain daw niya iyon ng papaya at singkamas, sabi ni Julia, paano ba siya pinalaki ni Marjorie Barretto? Lumaki lang ba silang magkapatid na ang kinakaing prutas ay kahel, mansanas at ubas lang?

Puro prutas na pagmayaman lang? Bakit hindi niya kilala ang papaya at singkamas?

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

Napakaraming naartehan kay Julia sa puntong iyon.

Hindi raw naman siya ipinanganak na may gintong kutsara sa bibig, kung si Sharon Cuneta nga raw na super-yaman ay kumakain ng fishballs, anong kaartehan daw ang ipinakita ni Julia?

Lalong binash si Julia nang kantahin niya ang isang li niya sa Bahay-Kubo, ang lyrics niya, “Singkamas at tuyo…” Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Halatang-halata namang sanay sa mga street food si Gerald, alam ng aktor na masarap ang singkamas kapag kinakain nang may bagoong, ang kwekkwek at isaw ay mas sumasarap kapag isinasawsaw sa sukang may siling maanghang.

Yakap nang yakap si Julia kay Gerald kapag inaayawan niya ang ipinakakain sa kaniya, halatado namang parang umiiwas ang aktor, kaya komento ng mga nakapanood ay halatang-halata raw na mas mahal ni Julia si Gerald kesa sa mahal siya ng kaniyang boyfriend.

Tanong pa ni Gerald kay Julia, “What if dinuguan lang ang kaya kong ipakain sa iyo?” Sagot ng dalaga, “Rice na lang!” *** Iba talaga ang mga edukado.

Lalong ibang-iba ang mga taong marespeto. Sa aspetong iyon ay isang magandang halimbawa sina John Lloyd Cruz at Derek Ramsay.

Pinagsasabong sila ng mga bashers, palagi silang pinagaaway, pero kahit kailan ay wala tayong nababasa at naririnig na kuwento ng pagpatol nila sa mga amuyong.

Sariwa pa ang paghihiwalay nina JLC at Ellen Adarna, si Derek agad ang pumalit sa puso ng sexy actress, napakabilis ng mga pangyayari.

Naging malapit agad si Elias Modesto, ang produkto ng pagmamahalan nina John Lloyd at Ellen, kay Derek. Parang tunay na anak na rin kung ituring ng hunk actor ang bata.

Parang mahirap sakyan ang mga nagaganap, parang magiging mahirap tanggapin iyon ni Elias, pero hindi. Sa mga ipino-post na video at retrato nina Derek at Ellen ay masayang-masaya ang bata.

Kamakailan lang ay nagkita na nang personal sina John Loyd at Derek, naganap iyon sa mismong bahay ng hunk actor, sinundo ni JLC ang anak nila ni Ellen.

Maayos na palang pinaguusapan nina JLC at Ellen ang senaryo. Susunduin ng kaniyang ama ang bata at ihahatid din pagkatapos ng panahong napagkasunduan nila ni Ellen.

Plantsado na ang lahat. Si Ellen ang gumawa ng hakbang.

Malinaw kina John Lloyd at Derek ang dapat mangyari.

Ang ganda-ganda ng kanilang samahan, ang lahat ay para sa kapakanan ni Elias, hindi lang para sa kanilang tatlo.

Sabi nga, marunong lang tayong mahiya at rumespeto ay wala nang kulang sa atin, tahimik na ang mundo. Marespeto si Derek, ganoon din si Lloydie, at

marespeto rin si Ellen bilang ina ni Elias.

Alam ni Derek Ramsay kung ano ang kaniyang posisyon, ipinagpapasalamat naman ni John Lloyd ang pagmamahal ng aktor sa kaniyang anak sa mga panahong hindi sila magkasama, ganoon sana kayos ang relasyon ng mga artistang nagririgodon sa pakikipagrelasyon.

Sa totoo lang! *** Masarap interbyuhin si Derek Ramsay. Napakatotoo niya.

Pinaninindigan ng hunk actor ang kaniyang mga pinakakawalang pahayag. Wala siyang pero-pero at kasi-kasi.

Maganda ang prinsipyo sa buhay ni Derek Ramsay.

Mayroon siyang paninindigan.

Sabi ng kontrobersiyal na aktor, “People will curse me for telling the truth, for being straight forward, but it will not make me happy telling lies.

Hindi siya umiiwas sa mga tanong, sinasagot iyon ni Derek ayon sa kaniyang pagkakaalam, maaaring mayroon siyang masaktan sa pagpapakatotoo pero hindi siya magsisinungaling para lang siya magustuhan ng mga nakaabang sa gusto niyang sabihin.

Saganang-sagana sa bashing si Derek at ang pakakasalan na niyang si Ellen Adarna, sabi nga ng kanilang mga tagasuporta, kung kailan daw sila maligaya ay maraming nalulungkot para sa kanila.

Mabuti na lang at matibay ang sikmura nila sa mga bashers, sumasagot pa nga kung minsan si Derek, lalo na kung talagang baligtad na ang sitwasyong pinalalabas ng iba.

Iyon ang gustong ipunto ni Derek nang tanungin namin siya kung may kinalaman ba ang pamilya ni Andrea Torres sa kanilang paghihiwalay? “Opo. Opo,” ang isinagot ng aktor.

Sinabi ni Derek na may kinalaman ang pamilya ni Andrea Torres sa kanilang paghihiwalay.

Wala siyang anumang detalyeng ibinigay, basta sinagot lang niya ang tanong, pero umalma si Andrea.

Nag-post si Andrea na kalma lang, “Let karma finish it,” sabi ng dalaga. Aamin ba naman ito na para kay Derek ang kaniyang

mensahe sa social media?

Natural, takot ma-bash si Andrea, kaya wala itong direktang pinatungkulan ng kaniyang post.

Basta bahala na raw ang karma.

Masarap interbyuhin si Derek dahil kahit pa may magalit sa kaniya ay sinasabi niya ang totoo.

Tutal nga naman ay katotohanan lang ang makapagpapalaya sa kaniya at panahon lang ang magsasabi kung sino sa kanila ang nagsasabi ng totoo.

Marunong siyang mag-sorry, pero kapag nasa panig siya ng katotohanan ay paninindigan niya iyon, iilan lang ang lalaking may balls.

Ganoon ang taong gusto nang iwanan sa nakaraan ang kaniyang saloobin, gusto niyang magsimula nang wala nang kuwentong nakatago lang sa ilalim ng carpet, napakasarap makaengkuwentro ng artistang may bayag.

(Note: Ininterbyu siya sa 24 Oras, tinanong siya kung pinilit lang ba siyang magsalita tungkol sa pamilya ni Andrea. Ang sabi ni Derek, “No, I just said it because it’s true. Opo ang isinagot ko kay Nanay Cristy dahil iyon ang totoo and I trust her so much.”) *** Wala kaming pakialam kung bakla si Bimby. Kung ang kaniyang ina nga ay hindi problemado, kayang-kayang tanggapin ni Kris Aquino kung bakla nga ang kaniyang bunso, tayo pa bang nakatanaw lang sa malayuan ang maaapektuhan kung beki nga si Bimby?

Hindi na naman nakapagpigil si Kris, sa kabila ng kaniyang pangako na hindi na niya ilalagay sa mukha ng publiko ang kaniyang mga anak ay ayan, isinalang niya na naman sa kumukulong tubig si Bimby.

Ang mga detalyeng dapat ay pinag-uusapan na lang nila nang pribado ay nahalukay na naman. Ipinaalam na naman ni Kris sa buong mundo ang hindi magandang relasyon ng kaniyang anak at ni James Yap. Sino ngayon ang nalagay sa alanganin kundi si Bimby na bina-bash na naman nang todo ngayon samantalang ginawa lang naman itong bala sa kanyon ng kaniyang ina?

May punto naman ang binatilyo sa pagsasabiing bakit pa ito makukulangan sa pagmamahal

PAGE 13 sa kawalan ng presensiya ng kaniyang ama kung hindi naman nag-eeport si James na tumawag sa kaniyang anak?

At para isalba ang kaniyang sarili ay tinanong pa ni Kris nang diretso si Bimby kung ipinagdadamot ba niya ang kanilang anak kay James?

Natural, alangan namang sabihin ni Bimby na oo, para itulak sa putikan ang kaniyang ina?

Kung mananalamin lang si Kris ay siya ang nakakaalam ng totoo na matagal nang hinihiram ni James si Bimby dahil iyon naman ang pinagkasunduan nila sa korte, pero kung anu-anong dahilan ang ibinibigay niya, susmaryosep naman!

Kailan niya naman kaya iinterbyuhin si Joshua para si Phillip Salvador naman ang mapuruhan? Tutal din lang ay kinaladkad niya na naman si dating Mayor Herbert Bautista na nananahimik na, pati ang basketball player na si Alvin Patrimonio, di idamay niya na rin si Kuya Ipe para it’s a tie na!

Para kumpleto na ang casting! *** May nakakuwentuhan kaming source na malapit na malapit kay James Yap. Mahaba ang naging usapan namin, hanggang sa mauwi na nga sa pinakahuling pagkaladkad na naman ni Kris Aquino sa basketball player, si Bimby ang parang naging bala ni Kris sa giyera.

Bilang kaibigan ni James Yap ay nalulungkot siyempre ang aming source, nananahimik na nga raw iyong tao ay kung bakit kinakalampag pa rin ni Kris, ikinalulungkot iyon ng kanilang tropa.

Sabi ng aming source, “Kunsabagay, baka hindi na rin nagulat si Hames (tawag kay James ng malalapit niyang kaibigan), kasi, parang lagnat na lang iyon na paulit-ulit. Gagaling, pero babalik na naman uli.

“Kapag palagi na lang ganoon na nananahimik ka na nga naman, pero ipinapahiya ka pa rin, e, masasanay na rin ang system niya. Parang wala na lang. Ang masakit lang this time, e, ang anak na niyang si Bimby ang nagsasalita.

“Parang iyong anak na niya ang nagagamit para siya siraan.

See CRISTY p15

PAGE 14

PILIPINO EXPRESS

MAY 1 - 15 , 2021

Healthcare workers in dire situation

The two worst COVID-19 pandemic spots include India and the Philippines. Fortunately, Canada’s situation is not among the worst, but dire, nonetheless.

In Ontario where nearly twofifths (39 per cent) of Canadians reside, shortage of health human resources to adequately staff critical care capacity has recently become imminent. So much so that on April 16 its Deputy Minister of Health Helen Angus wrote her counterparts across the country to ascertain whom they could deploy from their departments.

She identified Ontario’s specific needs: 500 nurses (ICU/Critical Care/recovery room/general), 100 respiratory therapists, 10 perfusionists, and 10 anesthesia assistants.

Ontario’s Ministry of Health has since confirmed the arrival of three medical teams from the Canadian Armed Forces and a nine-member corps of critical care team (three doctors and six nurses) from Newfoundland and Labrador. They have come to help alleviate the pandemic crisis that has so overwhelmed the province’ hospitals and intensive care units, particularly at the Greater Toronto area, that discussion about triage had been raised, that is, doctors would be asked to make the grim choice of who gets lifesaving care. These are never easy decisions to make ever.

Responses from other provinces Alberta could not oblige.

Its twin cities – Calgary and Edmonton - have seen high case numbers in recent weeks.

At press time, the news reads (Heide Pearson. Global News.

April 28, 2021): “Surgeries to be reduced in three Alberta health zones as COVID-19 cases surge.”

It has also seen recent surge of admissions of COVID-19 patients to its intensive-care units.

British Columbia remains in a precarious situation, too. Its state of emergency has once again been formally extended, this time until the middle of this month. They are under strict orders to stop travel between health regions until the end of this month’s long weekend.

While no new death has occurred at press time (April 28), it reported 799 more cases.

In Manitoba, a Free Press headline reads: “No private gatherings starting Wednesday as Manitoba tries to ‘dampen the third wave’ (Bryce Hoye. CBC News. April 26, 2021). Most Manitobans will not be allowed to have visitors at their homes for at least four weeks. Said Premier Brian Pallister: “We’re at a very critical point.” Added Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief public health officer: “The province is seeing rapid growth in the number of cases, hospitalizations and ICU admissions similar to what was seen the Fall.”

“Nova Scotia just declares provincewide shutdown as

COVID-19 cases surge,” reads a recent Toronto Star’s headline (Keith Doucette. Canadian Press.

April 27, 2021). Premier Iain Rankin said: “COVID-19 and its variants are on the move … in every region of our province,” with a record number of new cases from its eastern, western and northern zones reported. “We need to act now,” added chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang. The Royal Canadian Navy ships and Canadian Army units will deploy service personnel to assist at testing centres.

The foregoing provincial situations give a public health snapshot of the ongoing pandemic challenges Canada-wide.

Magnitude of human toll Globally, the pandemic has claimed the loss of over 3.13 million lives and sickened over 148.18 million citizens. Canada’s ill-stricken population has passed the million mark (1,200,334) of whom over 24 thousand had died. (Source: Johns Hopkins University) Scope of damage on the human anatomy Reviewing the damage to the human body brought on by this disease would equip us to better appreciate its gravity beyond what statistical numbers can portray. Shown above is the three-dimensional computerized photographic scan of the lungs of a patient who died to remind all the extensive physical damage wreaked on the human body, with these organs as ground zero. When the damaged air sacs in the lungs can no longer allow the inhaled oxygen to be exchanged for the carbon dioxide that is normally exhaled, the patients are deprived of the oxygen needed to sustain life and the elevated carbon dioxide eventually depresses the breathing centre in the brain. When the heart and the kidneys fail to do their functions, the circulation stops, and the toxic by-products of body metabolism accumulate. When the vascular system develops blood clots and the clots are dislodged to and block the circulation to the brain and the limbs, patients suffer a stroke and their legs, arms and toes become candidates for gangrene and amputation. And when a blood clot is dislodged to the circulation of the lungs and the brain, the consequence can be swiftly tragic.

Blot clots in almost every vital organ Indeed, “the virus acts like no pathogen humanity has ever seen,” wrote science writers Meredith Wadman and her group a little over a year ago (Science. April 17, 2020). They were sketching the devastation the virus, since named SARSCoV-2, can inflict on the human body from head to toes among the critically ill five per cent (5 per cent) of the patient population who died. The medical community has since

learned that within the organs of those who succumbed from lung, heart and kidney failure; who died from brain stroke; and who developed multisystem inflammatory condition a month or longer after COVID-19 – as has been observed in children – is the widespread presence of blood clots.

Professor and blot clot expert Dr. Alex Spyropoulos at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in New York said in a recent interview (Maggie Fox. CNN. April 20, 2021): “I have been doing this for a quarter century. I have never seen these levels of blood clots. It (COVID-19) is the most bloodclotting disease we have ever seen in our lifetimes.” He observed that pathologist found blood clots in ‘almost every organ’ during autopsies on COVID-19 patients who died. Thus, he wondered “how ironic that fears about a much, much rarer type of blood clot (following vaccination) may now scare people off getting vaccinated when getting vaccinated against COVID-19 can prevent blot clots altogether by preventing the infection in the first place.”

Grief, frustration, exhaustion weigh heavily on bereaved and workers The extensive damage is not limited to the structure and function of the patients’ human anatomy. The human loss is multiplied many times in the loved ones, families and communities left grieving and left helpless. The caseloads of patients in hospitals and their intensive care units have weighed heavily on the healthcare workers – nurses, doctors and other members of the healthcare team. As they bear the burden on the front lines, burnout becomes a clear danger that could further endanger hospitals.

One recent example came from nurse Kendall Skuta at Abbotsford Regional Hospital in British Columbia. Depicted in the heart-rending photo of herself sobbing after watching a patient suddenly succumbed to the disease, she posted it to Instagram to plead with fellow citizens to take the pandemic seriously and to heed the public health guidance.

“Please, I’m begging you all.

Stay home, wear a mask and get vaccinated if you’re eligible. We are all exhausted, and I don’t know how much more pain my heart can take,” she shared with a CBC reporter (Anita Bathe. CBC News.

April 21, 2021). A plight that has been re-echoed by the president of the British Columbia Nurses’ Union, Christine Sorensen, who said: “Nurses are being stretched to the limit of emotional and physical exhaustion.”

In Quebec, head of the ICU at the Jewish General Hospital Dr. Paul Warshawsky, who has attended to nearly 300 critically ill COVID-19 patients since the pandemic’s onset, confided to

Nurse Kendall Skuta posted this photo of herself on Instagram after watching a patient die of COVID-19 CBC national reporter Alison Northcott (CBC News Montreal.

April 27, 2021): “We’ve been doing this consistently for over a year now, which is exhausting.

We’re hoping that the third wave is the final lift.”

Additional professional pain National CBC reporter Alison Northcott has captured another human dimension – the disheartening pain intensive care physicians have experienced, that is, hearing denials from their ICU patients about the role of the microbial disease in their ill health. She quoted Dr. Warshawsky saying: “We have people who have COVID who don’t believe in COVID…We have to try and persuade people that we really do know what we’re talking about. We’ve treated a lot of patients with this condition at this point.”

His colleague Dr. Blair Schwartz added: “Virus scepticism can be disheartening, but his team is dedicated to get patients through COVID’s unpredictability and severity…

Patients who pull through and eventually get better is what … give him hope for those stuck in the trenches of their illness, as well as for their families. That’s the hope that we keep. That’s what keeps the team motivated…

That’s the humility of being an ICU doc in COVID.” Toronto critical care physician Dr. Alex Patel had a similar disheartening experience. “I just admitted three patients to the ICU in 30 minutes. All of them had qualified for the vaccine over a month ago but never got it.” His plea to the public: “Please, don’t hesitate when it’s your chance. It may be your last.”

Status of vaccinations As of April 28th, Canada has vaccinated over 12 million (12,826,266), that is, a little over a third of its population, with 2.7 per cent (1,018,381) fully vaccinated. The province-byprovince vaccination rate all equal to about a third of each population.

Nunavut has vaccinated 70 per cent of its people; Yukon and the Northwest Territories have each vaccinated their entire population.

Dawn is coming Getting vaccinated as soon as possible will protect us individually and help reach community or herd immunity.

When reached, the virus could no longer spread and the pandemic ends. Heeding all public health orders and restrictions and strict adherence to public health advice – masking, keeping the distance, avoiding congregate gatherings, and washing the hands with soap and water or hand sanitizing will slow down or help halt the transmission and flatten the pandemic curve. Then, we will effectively be preventing preventable COVID-19 – disease and death. This is the ‘spark of good news’ that Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam has alluded to, recently. “For the first time in many weeks, the epidemic has dropped out of a growth pattern,” she said, as a result of stronger public health measures taken the last two weeks.

The public health measures are the ones that will resolve the dire situation our health care system is in as well as help ease the emotional pains of our health care workers. When reached, then we can all celebrate our civic duty to each other. Indeed, if only the entire public would open their minds, be humble to acknowledge medical science, and heed the heartfelt voices of the healing professions – our health care team and public health officials - then we can all fulfill our sense of purpose, our collective citizenship.

Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., O.M., LL.D., Sc.D., M.D. – a retired lung specialist and professor of pediatrics and child health, author/co-author of articles and chapters in medical journals and textbooks, former cabinet minister and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, and member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science – spoke at the G-8 Science Ministers/Advisors Carnegie Group Meeting held on June 1315, 2003 in Berlin, Germany on the “Global Threat of Infectious Diseases.”

MAY 1 - 15 , 2021

CRISTY...

From page 13 Doon lang siguro magre-react si Hames, pero kay Kris, sanay na sanay na siya!” natatawa na lang na reaksiyon ng aming kausap.

Dahil doon ay nakakatikim na naman ng bashing si Bimby, wala raw itong respeto sa kaniyang ama, dahil pagbali-baligtarin man daw ang mundo ay wala ito ngayon kung wala ang nakasalo sa kaligayahan ng kaniyang ina. *** Masyado nang maraming nakikisawsaw sa nakalulungkot na kaganapan sa dapat sana’y masayang selebrasyon ng kaarawan ni Angel Locsin.

Mahabang-mahaba na ang itinatakbo ng kuwento.

May mga nagtatanggol sa aktres, mayroon ding sumisisi sa kaniya, iyon daw ang napala ni Angel sa kagustuhan niyang saktan ang gobyerno sa pagpapabibo niya. Napakaganda ng kaniyang misyon, ang makatulong sa mga nangangailangan, pero may nabuwis na buhay sa kaniyang pagmamagandang-loob.

Masakit ang pamba-bash na ito na sobrang personal na, “Ayan, ano ang napala mo? Gusto mo kasing magpalapad ng papel na kasinglapad ng katawan mo!”

At may isa pang personal din ang bira kay Angel, “E, 300 lang naman pala ang mabibigyan mo sa community pantry kuning-kuning mo. Bakit ka pa nanawagan sa FB page mo na open sa lahat ang pamimigay mo?

“Pa-sorry-sorry ka pa ngayon, e, wala ka naman palang coordination sa community na pinagdausan mo ng pagpapabida mo!” sabi ng isang basher ni Angel.

Sa totoo lang ay hindi naman ginusto ni Angel ang nangyaring pagkakagulo, lalo na ang pagkamatay ng balut vendor na si manong, huwag naman sana siyang tawaging kriminal.

Wala siyang kasalanan, pero mayroon siyang mga naging pagkukulang, mga kakapusan na ipinanghingi na niya ng tawad at handa niya namang harapin at pagbayaran sa batas kung kinakailangan.

Hindi makahihinga si Angel sa mga ibinabatong masasakit na salita laban sa kaniya ng mga nagpapakilalang tagasuporta ni PRRD, ang mga DDS, na kung ilarawan ng kaibigan naming propesor ay parang virus na hindi natin nakikita pero nand’yan at handang manakit.

Mahirap ang sitwasyon ni Angel Locsin. Kumaliwa siya at kumanan ay hagip pa rin siya ng mga hindi nakauunawa, kahit pa wala naman siyang tanging hangad kundi ang makatulong, ang makapagbigay ng pansamantalang biyaya sa mga sikmurang kumakalam ngayong pandemya. *** Kilalang-kilala namin si Arnell Ignacio. Kapag nasa tama siya ay mayroon siyang paninindigan, hindi siya uurong sa laban, sukdang magkaubusan sila ng bala.

Dahil sa kaniyang mga komento ay pinag-initan si

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

Arnelli ng mga tagasuporta ni Angel Locsin, pinersonal siya, tinawag sa iba-ibang pangalan.

Nang mabasa namin ang mga negatibong komento tungkol sa TV host sa social media ay isa lang ang naisip namin, lalaban nang sabayan si Arnelli, hindi siya basta mauupo lang at mananahimik.

Iyon nga ang nangyari.

Naglabas siya ng kaniyang saloobin tungkol sa naganap na indulto sa community pantry na pinamunuan ni Angel. May mga punto ang kaniyang litanya.

Ayaw na ayaw ni Arnelli sa mga palusot na hindi raw naman kasi inasahan ng grupo na ganoon karami ang darating sa ipinangimbita nilang community pantry.

Open invitation kasi ang ginawa ni Angel sa FB account nito, “free for all,” iyon ang kinukuwestiyon ng TV host.

Nakapagmura pa nga siya, paanong hindi dadagsain ang pamimigay ng ayuda, samantalang pangalan pa nga lang ng aktres ay matinding kaway na?

Malaking artista si Angel, pagdidiin ni Arnelli, sikat, kaya kahit tumayo lang ang aktres sa kahit saan ay siguradong dudumugin na ito. At ganoong tatlong daan katao lang naman pala ang kanilang babahaginan ng ayuda ay bakit bukas ang imbitasyon sa social media ng grupo ni Angel?

Ang kawalan ng komunikasyon sa mga LGU, ang kakapusan ng disiplina, ang napakamaling imbitasyon sa publiko—ilan lang iyon sa mga maling-maling ginawa ni Angel Locsin ayon kay Arnelli. *** Sinserong pasasalamat ang ipinararating ng pamilya Ejercito-Estrada sa lahat ng mga nagdasal para sa paggaling sa COVID-19 ni dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada.

Grabe ang tumamang virus sa dating pangulo, matindi ang pagtutok ng kaniyang mga doktor sa pinakasentrong dahilan ng kaniyang sakit, ang pneumonia.

Ngayon pa namang pandemya ay tinibag na ang malaking pader na napakagitan sa mayaman at mahirap, lahat ay maaaring kapitan ng virus, walang nakaiiwas sa COVID-19.

Noong Lunes nang hapon ay sinundo na ng kaniyang mga anak sa ospital si dating Pangulong Erap para maiuwi na sa kanilang bahay sa Polk, Greenhills. Maayos na maayos na ang kaniyang pakiramdam.

Lumutang agad ang mga kuwento na napakalaki ng naging hospital bill ng dating pangulo dahil sa gamot na ibinigay sa kaniya ng mga doktor. Isang milyon daw ang bawat turok ng gamot na Leronlimab.

Sabi ng aming source, “Kapag buhay na ang nakataya, lahat, gagawin natin. Di nga ba ang nalulunod, kahit sa tingting, e, kakapit sa pag-asang makaliligtas siya?

“Buhay ni former president ang nakataya, kahit more than one million pa ang halaga ng gamot, e, talagang ipatuturok niya! Hindi na iyon pinag-iisipan pa, buhay na ang nakataya, e!” sabi nito.

Pero napakalaki ng nagawa ng mga panalanging ibinigay ng ating mga kababayan kay dating Pangulong Erap, tanggap na tanggap iyon ng kaniyang pamilya, dahil gumagawa naman talaga ng himala ang samasamang panalangin. *** Ayon sa aming source na hindi nanununog at nangunguryente ay buung-buo na ang loob ni Coco Martin na lumahok sa eleksiyon 2022. Wala raw nagawa ang malalapit kay Coco na nagpapayo sa kaniya na huwag na dahil lalo lang gugulo ang kaniyang buhay.

Kung sa kaniyang pagiging artista pa nga lang daw ay napipikon na si Coco sa mga isyung ibinabato laban sa kaniya ay paano pa kung papasok siya sa mundo ng pulitika na mas matindi ang upakan?

Pero ang payo ng mga taong nagmamahal at nagmamalasakit kay Coco ay dinadaig ng puwersa

ng mga taong nagtutulak sa kaniya para tumakbo sa pagiging senador.

Nakakatakot ang hakbang na gagawin ng aktor kung totoo ngang kumbinsido na siyang tumakbo.

Maraming masasakit na tanong ang kailangan niyang saluhin at sagutin para maidepensa ang kaniyang kagustuhang pumasok na sa pulitika.

Mamaliitin siya ng kaniyang mga kalaban, kukuwestiyunin siya ng mga kritikong pampulitika, sapat na bang pasaporte niya sa pagtakbo ang kaniyang matagumpay na karera?

Ano ba ang kaniyang alam?

Siguradong uupakan nang husto si Cardo Dalisay sa panahon ng kampanya. Upuan sa Senado ang sinasabing inaasintang posisyon ni Coco. Beinte kuwatrong miyembro lang ng Mataas Na Kapulungan ng Kongreso ang susuwertihing makalusot.

Parang nakikinita na namin

PAGE 15 ang indultong maeengkuwentro ng aktor kung itutuloy niya ang pagtakbo. Si Senador Lito Lapid pala ang nagpapasimuno sa pagtutulak kay Coco sa halalan.

Sabi siguro sa kaniya ni LL, “Ako nga, wala rin namang sapat na kaalaman, pero palagi akong nananalo. Ikaw pa kaya, e, panahon mo ngayon?”

Totoo rin naman ang sinabi ng aktor-pulitiko, noong nakaraang eleksiyon ay ang pagiging pinuno nito sa Ang Probinsiyano ang kaniyang binangkuhan sa kampanya, di lalo na si Coco Martin bilang si Cardo Dalisay na walang kamatayan sa serye?

Si Cardo Dalisay na isang batalyon na ang kalaban, pero buhay pa rin, si Cardo Dalisay na sobra-sobra ang pagmamahal kay Alyanna, kaya puro flashback ang mapapanood sa seryeng pinagbibidahan niya, ganoon ba iyon?

– CSF

OUR HEALTH

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

MAY 1 - 15 , 2021

Mayo Clinic Q & A: Paying attention to diet may help prevent gout flare-up DEAR MAYO CLINIC: What causes gout? I have had one attack and am not on treatment but am watching my diet. Is it possible that I won’t have additional attacks or need treatment for it, or is it likely to come back again?

ANSWER: Gout is a form of arthritis that happens when sharp particles, called urate crystals, build up in a joint, causing severe pain, tenderness and swelling.* As in your situation, treatment usually is not recommended after just one attack. But gout can come back. Being careful about what you eat may help prevent another gout flare-up. If it does come back, medication is available that can effectively control gout.

The urate crystals that lead to gout form when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood.

Your body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines — substances found naturally in your body, as well as in certain foods. Uric acid usually dissolves in your blood and passes through your kidneys into your urine.

But sometimes your body either makes too much uric acid or your kidneys flush out too little uric acid. When this happens, gout is

often the result.

Certain foods and beverages have been shown to increase the risk of gout attacks, including those that are rich in fructose, such as fruit-flavored drinks, nondiet soda and many processed foods. Seafood, fatty fish, and red meat also are associated with increased risk of gout.

Drinking alcohol, especially beer, is a significant gout risk factor. Studies have suggested that drinking two or more beers a day can double the risk of a gout attack. So, limit the amount of alcohol you drink, or avoid it completely.

One of the most helpful things you can do to prevent gout attacks is to stay at a healthy body weight. Research has shown that excess weight is a major risk factor for developing gout. If you are overweight, losing weight can lower uric acid levels in your body and significantly reduce your risk of gout attacks.

When it comes to the specific diet you should follow, traditionally it was thought that reducing all foods that contain purines could substantially decrease the risk of gout flares.

However, managing a low-purine

diet can be quite cumbersome, and the success of such a diet in lowering blood uric acid levels is actually quite low. Even if you strictly follow a low-purine diet, the amount it can decrease your blood uric acid level is rarely enough to cure gout.

Instead, a lower-calorie diet — one that replaces refined carbohydrates with more complex carbohydrates, limits meat, and increases vegetables and fruit — often can be much more effective at reducing blood uric acid levels than a low-purine diet.

Specifically, if you want to lower your risk of gout, eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fatfree or low-fat milk products. Get your protein mainly from low-fat dairy products, which may have a protective effect against gout.

Limit the amount of meat, fish, and poultry you eat to no more than 4 to 6 ounces a day. Drink 8 to 16 cups — about 2 to 4 liters — of fluid daily, with at least half of that being water.

If you have another gout attack, your doctor may recommend that you take medications. A drug called colchicine or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

can be useful in reducing the symptoms of a gout attack. A group of drugs called xanthine oxidase inhibitors, including febuxostat and allopurinol, can help prevent future gout flare-ups.

They work by causing the body to produce less uric acid.

These medications are often very effective in controlling gout.

If you experience another episode of gout, talk to your doctor about your treatment options and which medications may be best for you.

— Thomas Osborn, M.D., Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Symptoms: The signs and symptoms of gout almost always occur suddenly, and often at night. They include: • Intense joint pain. Gout

usually affects the big toe, but it can occur in any joint. Other commonly affected joints include the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. The pain is likely to be most severe within the first four to 12 hours after it begins.

• Lingering discomfort. After the most severe pain subsides, some joint discomfort may last from a few days to a few weeks.

Later attacks are likely to last longer and affect more joints.

• Inflammation and redness.

The affected joint or joints become swollen, tender, warm and red.

Limited range of motion. As gout progresses, you may not be able to move your joints normally.

Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network

Mayo Clinic Q and A: Congestive heart failure and diet DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My doctor told me that I have congestive heart failure and I must change my lifestyle, including my diet. What kind of diet should I be on?

ANSWER: When patients have congestive heart failure, their heart can’t manage fluid well, and it builds up in the body.

This fluid can cause shortness of breath, swelling in the abdomen or legs, and fatigue. If this occurs, diuretics, or water pills, often are prescribed to remove the excess fluid. Your health care provider also will recommend that you restrict your sodium, or salt, intake. Why is this important?

Sodium makes your tissues act like a sponge, hanging on to water. This extra water retention, on top of the fluid retained from your heart not working properly, will make it harder for your water pill to work, and you likely will keep feeling poorly.

So, what does it mean to restrict your sodium? The American Heart Association recommends 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams of sodium per day for heart failure patients. Most North Americans far exceed that recommendation.

How will you know how much sodium you are getting in your diet? First, be aware that any added salt will add up quickly.

One teaspoon of table salt is over 2,000 mg of sodium. And it doesn’t matter if it’s Himalayan salt, sea salt or kosher salt ― all should be avoided.

Next, read the label of everything you put in your mouth, liquids included. Almost everything in a box, can or bag has added sodium in it. First, look at the serving size, then look for the sodium count in milligrams.

The sodium listed is per serving.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything over 500 mg per serving. Items at 500 mg or more

Enjoying a wide variety of foods focused on fresh and unprocessed food can be good for your heart.

A diet naturally low in unhealthy fats, salt and added sugar, and rich in wholegrains, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats is ideal. per serving will add up fast, as it only takes four servings to get to 2,000 mg.

As you start reading labels, you may be surprised at how much sodium is contained in common favourite foods. The obvious high-sodium foods are things that taste salty, such as snack chips, olives, pickles, ham, bacon, and salted nuts. But countless items have hidden salt in them, such as canned soup and vegetables, cheese (cottage cheese is especially high in sodium), cereal, muffins, bread, desserts, sauces for pasta and stir fry, condiments, and many salad dressings.

Another huge source of excess sodium is restaurant and fast food. If you are trying to limit your sodium, you will want to avoid eating food from these establishments. Sandwich shops often are thought to be safe, but the sandwiches — often made

with cold cuts — can be high in sodium, making them a less desirable option. A quick search online of a chain restaurant or fast-food item will reveal the sodium count of your favourite foods. While you may find some lower-sodium foods, you may be surprised by how much sodium is in many of them. Also, don’t be fooled with a “Heart Healthy” label. This label usually refers to fat content, not sodium.

So, what can you eat? At home, basically, anything fresh is usually safe. If you can pick it in your backyard, catch it in a lake or stream, or hunt your own game, the sodium count should be low. At a restaurant, stick with fresh fish, beef, and vegetables.

Avoid chicken or pork, which often are injected or brined with salt. Limit your use of marinades, sauces, rubs and anything mixed in any way. Avoid pastas, soups, omelets, breads, and salads. The

concern with salads is that the dressing tends to be very high in sodium, as are many of the added ingredients. Use herbs and spices to flavour your foods. When you are tempted to reach for the saltshaker at home or when eating out, try flavouring your food with lemon, lime or vinegar.

The addition of a little acid can enhance the flavour of your food, and you won’t need added salt.

Salt is an acquired taste and learning to restrict your sodium is a journey. Even with a gradual reduction, you may miss the salty taste initially, but, over time, your body will not need or crave extra salt. And your heart, your body and you will be much healthier and happier. ― Janell Grazzini Frantz, certified nurse practitioner, Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network

EH KASI, PINOY!

MAY 1 - 15 , 2021

PILIPINO EXPRESS

KROSWORD

NO. 368

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

PAHALANG 1. Tinukoy 8. Bintang 11. Isama 14. Sumunod na araw 16. Sunog na kanin 17. Mali 18. Notang musika 19. Sapantaha 20. Palayaw ng lalaki 21. ’Di kanila 23. Isang inakay 25. Tinitipuhan 28. Itira 29. Ihanda 30. Hindi pa tuyo

9. Pinatay 10. Makikisama 12. Sasalakay 13. Sosobra 15. Asal 22. Hinamak 24. Gawing wasto 26. Suweldo 27. Angkan

SAGOT SA NO. 367

PABABA 2. Idagdag 3. Liyab 4. Gawa sa ginapas 5. Ibigay sa iba 6. Nakataklob 7. Ginawang wagas

What to do if you have any Covid-19 symptoms Anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 should self-isolate and visit www. manitoba.ca/covid19/ to use the online screening tool, or call Health Links–Info Santé at 204788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888315-9257 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.

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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

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Heartful Café now on GMA Network Take a sip of kilig and fall in love with the charming story of two business owners-turnedlovers on GMA Network’s newest primetime offering Heartful Café.

The original series introduces the fresh team-up of two of the Network’s brightest stars - Asia’s Pop Diva Julie Anne San Jose as Heart Fulgencio, an online romance novelist and coffee enthusiast who owns a cozy and quaint cafe called The Heartful Café; and Kapuso heartthrob David Licauco as Ace Nobleza, a competitive and goal-driven businessman who takes an interest in Heart’s cafe.

Julie shares that she is both excited and challenged to be acting again, “It’s really good to be back doing a series, talagang exciting and challenging. I’m excited kasi ang ganda ng story ng Heartful Café, may new set of actors na makaka-work ako, and of course production team na bago rin. It’s also challenging because of our current situation na new normal.

We have limitations and we have to follow safety protocols po.”

Apart from the romance and comedy elements of the series, David believes that viewers can also learn a thing or two about business management, “Not only ‘yung mga tao matutuwa dahil romantic-comedy siya, light siya, I think matutunan din nila maging passionate when it comes to business, maging goaldriven, maging hardworking kasi ‘yung mga characters sa show ay talagang very focused sa ginagawa nila.”

Adding flavor to the series are EA Guzman as Uno Ynares; Ayra Mariano as Mars: Victor Anastacio as Roco; and Angel Guardian as Charity Manabat.

Heartful Café also introduces Zonia Mejia as Sol Fulgencio and Jamir Zabarte as Buddy Portales.

Set in a coffee shop located inside a university campus, Heartful Café follows the story of Heart Fulgencio (Julie). For Heart, The Heartful Café is more than just a stomping ground for coffee drinkers; rather, it’s a place where all the magic happens.

EA Guzman

David Licauco & Julie Anne San Jose Despite having experienced heartbreak herself, Heart enjoys playing cupid for her customers who seek help regarding matters of the heart. When her cafe turns into shambles, Ace Nobleza (David), a handsome co-investor

comes into her life and rescues her.

Just like how love brews in mysterious ways, will this investment lead to an unexpected romance between two opposing strangers?

Heartful Café is under the helm of director Mark Sicat Dela Cruz.

Viewers abroad can watch the series via GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.

L-r: Jamir Zabarte, Zonia Mejia, Victor Anastacio, Ayra Mariano, David Licauco & Julie Anne San Jose

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