Pilipino Express • Apr 1 2023

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Vanessa

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Philippines faces shortage of nurses

High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens was named a global tourism ambassador for the Philippines during a courtesy call on President Bongbong Marcos Jr in Malacañang on Thursday, March 30. The Filipino-American actress, who’s best known for her role as Gabriella Montez, in the hit series is currently in the Philippines to film a documentary series which is set in Manila and Palawan.

MANILA – The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, March 30, said it is studying the standardization of salaries of nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers to encourage

them to stay in the Philippines.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire made the statement in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to address the shortage

of nurses due to migration, which hinders the delivery of effective healthcare in the country.

Vergeire said the DOH is also assessing the status of the See NURSE p12

Sincere and authentic Moira in Winnipeg

by Jon G. Malek

On March 25, 2023, Moira took to the stage at the Canada Life Centre to cap off a night of amazing performances. Her 2023 tour, set during the release of her new album, started on February 2 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. The tour has already brought her through a Middle Eastern and United States leg, and will end in Canada on April 1 in Calgary.

The show was organized by ACC Events and Services whose skilled and capable members, led by Alex Canlapan, recently brought in Kamikazee. The entire night was one success after

See MOIRA p14

Jillian Ward

Photo: FB/PCO

Dingdong Dantes

Credit: Jillian’s Instagram

Toni Gonzaga

Hudgens is Philippines’ global tourism ambassador

“I have so much to do!”

“Everyone turns to me for help.”

“I’ve always taken care of everyone else first.”

I talk to many caregivers who spend so much time and energy helping others that they feel exhausted by the end of the day. Healthy boundaries are important for our own physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Imagine that a boundary is a line between you and someone else that represents what they are responsible for and what you are responsible for. Although it might feel rude, uncaring, or even wrong to say no to someone else (especially someone we love), it is important to let them take responsibility for their own life and actions. Often, we can feel guilty if we say no to someone, but it is important to take care of ourselves too!

Healthy boundaries protect us from negative influences, establish self-respect and self-worth, and build positive relationships with others.

It’s okay to say “no” sometimes!

Steps towards a healthier you

Increased self-awareness

One of the primary benefits of healthy boundaries is increased self-awareness. When we set healthy boundaries, we become more aware of our own needs, values, and beliefs. We learn to identify our limits and communicate them effectively to others. This, in turn, helps us to develop a stronger sense of self and to be more confident in our decision-making.

For example, if we tell ourselves, “I will not accept disrespectful behaviour from anyone!”, we then become more aware of what we consider disrespectful (e.g. swearing, yelling or name-calling) and are better able to communicate that to others. (“You raised your voice and called me a name. I won’t take that and will leave right now unless you tell me that this will stop right now.”) This increased self-awareness can lead to greater personal growth and development.

Improved relationships

Another benefit of

healthy boundaries is better relationships. Boundaries help us to set clear expectations. When we communicate our boundaries to others, we give them a clear understanding of what we are comfortable with and what we are not. This can prevent misunderstandings and arguments. In addition, setting boundaries can help us to identify relationships that are not healthy.

For example, we might tell a friend in need, “I can’t stay all day, but I will help you to paint your house until noon because I also want to spend time with my family today.” By setting boundaries, we have positive relationships that are based on mutual respect.

Less stress and anxiety

Reduced stress and anxiety are further benefits of healthy boundaries. When we do not have healthy boundaries, we may feel overwhelmed or anxious because we do not know how to say no or protect ourselves. This can lead

to physical and emotional stress, which can have negative effects on our health.

For example, we might feel stressed and anxious when a co-worker asks for help with their project, but we already feel short on time with our own responsibilities. One way to set a healthy boundary is to say, “I would like to help you with this, but I have to focus on my deadlines this week. If I finish early, I’ll let you know.” It is important that we give ourselves permission to say no, to take time for ourselves, and to prioritize our own needs. This can reduce our stress levels and promote greater overall well-being.

Greater personal fulfillment

Finally, healthy boundaries can lead to greater personal fulfillment. When we establish boundaries that are in line with our values and beliefs, we are more likely to feel content and satisfied with our lives. This is because we are living in

accordance with our authentic selves, rather than trying to please others. When we set boundaries that allow us to pursue our passions and interests, we are more likely to feel fulfilled and happy.

An example of this would be if a good friend asks us to go to a concert where the music and lyrics do not agree with our beliefs and values. A healthy boundary would be to advise them of why we will not go, but that you’d be happy to do something else together on another day.

By setting healthy boundaries, we can create a life that is meaningful and fulfilling.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” –Maya Angelou

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

There’s peace in “them” hills

Back in February, my article “Gearing up for Riding Season” introduced you to my latest adventures – getting on a motorcycle after wanting one for decades. I’m happy to report that riding weather returned in late March and I’m back on the road!

The last couple of years have been challenging for us all, be it the global pandemic, natural disasters, or the increasing inflation costs. I am struggling and that is why I set out to focus on my mental health and finding ways to step away from the work life and find new ways to relax. Riding a motorcycle does that for me. Oh, and spending time with the family, of course. (That should be a given, however they may be reading this, so I probably should write it).

My latest two-wheel adventure is, in large part, thanks to my wife, Elizabeth, and a new riding buddy whom I have known for almost my whole time living in Nanaimo. You see, I knew he rode bikes, but I never thought to ask if he would want to join my motorcycle “gang.” Turns out, it only took Elizabeth to say, “You and Dale should go out for a ride sometime,” to set the momentum.

After the initial planning to head out for a short road trip in and around town, he texts the

following:

“Have you ever tried offroad trail riding? I have an extra dirt bike you can use.”

As my eyes began to bulge out of my head in excitement, I replied as calmly as I could,

“Oh nice, I’ve always wanted to try, but have never gotten the chance.”

Stay calm, just stay cool.

“What about this Wednesday, it looks like it will be a nice day.”

I thought long and hard for about a millisecond, and replied, “Yes!”

Thinking back, I probably should have waited a bit longer. I probably came across as too eager.

The next few days was me scraping together offroad riding gear. Thankfully, I never throw anything away. I had a pair of pants that the kids wore years ago, an old helmet, riding boots and gloves. Being a packrat paid off! The only thing I needed was a chest protector.

At this point, thinking of all the safety gear required would stop the truly intelligent people from trying this out for the first time, but not me!

After gassing up the bikes, we head out on a rural road that took us onto one of the many logging roads here in B.C. The entrance to the trail was quite muddy and

there was a lot of deep puddles to maneuver. I conquered the first leg of our trip. Then came a fallen tree that blocked our path. My friend easily jumped the stump with his bike, not so for me. The log was a little wet and my back wheel spun the bike out from under me. I fell to the ground next to a large puddle, dodged a good one I thought. That was #1.

Once back on the bike, we rode on trails evading large rocks and the odd branch. We were also riding along a gradual incline as we headed to the top of a small mountain. I don’t recall him mentioning anything about cliffsides…

As we rode on, we were on a trail with a lot of loose rocks. Balancing the clutch and throttle is a must. I was doing great! The trail was very accommodating, except for this one rock – he had it out for me. The loose boulder mixed with a sudden throttle caused me to lose balance. This time the bike fell on my leg when I hit the ground. Thankfully my riding boots kept me from getting a serious burn from the bike exhaust. My friend had to lift the bike off me. This was #2.

As the trip went on, I failed at climbing a small rock face and fell again in the same spot when we were coming back down. Those were falls three and four.

Not only were my hips and legs bruised, but so was my ego. Yet, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I was having a blast!

The highlight of the trip was a cliffside stop that was overlooking

the smaller mountains in behind Nanaimo. Nothing could have prepared me for the beautiful sunset and landscape that surrounded us.

My riding buddy said I did well overall with it being my first time. I felt better after he told me

he fell a bunch of times on his first time.

Minus the sore body and sound of the motorcycle engine, I think I found some peace in “them” hills.

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

There are a number of categories of work permits in Canada, such as open and closed work permits. If your work permit is open and you lose your job, it’s not a problem. You can find another one. Your options are open. You are not limited to work for the employer. The options for the migrant worker with a closed work permit are not so encouraging or open. If you hold an employer-specific work permit, you can only work for the named employer. That employer must have obtained a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before providing the foreign worker with a job offer.

The employer-specific or closed work permit allows the holder to work in Canada but only under the conditions detailed on the work permit document itself. The conditions on the Work Permit document IMM1442 include information such as the name of the employer you can work for; how long you are legally entitled to work; the job title and NOC code; and the location of the employment. In other words, you are limited by working for the named employer, working only within the validity period of permit and within the geographic confines of the job.

If the holder loses the job, then he or she is not entitled to work for the named employer or for any other employer in Canada. The period however remains valid, so losing the job does not make someone illegal or out-of-status inside the country. You cannot continue to work, but you can apply for a new work permit, if the prospective employer has an approved LMIA or you can apply for a study permit if you have been admitted to a post-secondary institution. You are not allowed to start another job or transition to a study permit without first obtaining permission from IRCC.

You may also have an option to apply for an open work permit but only under certain circumstances. The open work permit is highly desirable because it is not limited by employer, job, or even location but by validity period. You do not need an approved LMIA as in the case

The Closed Work Permit: Options for those who lose their jobs

of the employer-specific work permit. Before you conclude that all your challenges have ended, you need to understand more about the specific requirements for obtaining the open work permit.

The change from employerspecific to open work permit is available only for overseas workers who were abused or exploited at their job in Canada. The open work permit is available to vulnerable workers in Canada, who are on the job or have lost their jobs. In order to start the process, the OFW must apply directly to IRCC for an open work permit for vulnerable workers. It is important to note that vulnerable is defined by being a victim of abuse for any of the following: physical abuse, including assault or forcible confinement; sexual abuse, including sexual contact without consent; psychological abuse, including threats and intimidation; and financial abuse, including fraud and extortion. The abuse also covers being forced to work outside of the limits of the employer-specific work permit such as for a different employer, in a different job, or in a different location.

Migrant workers who have lost their jobs because of abuse or those who are considering leaving their employment can apply for an open work permit for vulnerable workers. They are encouraged to contact IRCC to seek information on the process and the requirements. They can contact the Client Support Centre (CSC) to obtain work information. The CSC can provide functional guidance on the steps to follow including the provision of a Letter of Explanation-Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (IMM0017). They will be required to submit evidence of the abuse, such as a sworn statement (affidavit) by the applicant, and a letter or report from an abuse support organization, or a medical doctor, or a copy of an official complaint from an enforcement agency, for example, a police or CBSA report. The impact statement can be supported by copies of e-mail messages, photos showing injuries or working conditions

and witness testimonies.

Officers must have reasonable grounds to believe that the migrant worker is/has been subject to abuse or is at risk of abuse within the former or existing employer-specific placement. The “reasonable grounds to believe” standard of proof is more than mere suspicion but less that the civil standard of proof on the balance of probabilities (over 50 per cent). Reasonable grounds is where the complaint is supported by compelling and credible information. It may include a document from a

recognized authority affirming that the event occurred. Note that an anonymous letter alleging misdeeds would not meet the minimum standard.

It is not right for any worker to be subject to abuse. They have rights and they have options. The first is not to consider the extreme measure of pursuing an open work permit for vulnerable workers if there is or was no abuse. Rather if you have lost or are losing your job, consider the options of applying for a new work permit or transitioning to a study permit or changing to a visitor visa if your time in

status is ending. If you are in doubt about the process or your options, contact an immigration lawyer or licensed immigration consultant.

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 204-2270292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail. com.

It is a happenstance that I fell ill to COVID-19 on its third-year anniversary as a pandemic – the pandemic was officially declared by the WHO on March 11, 2020.

Are there teachable lessons I could distil from my encounter with the virus of which I have written about since the onset of its global journey that appears to be winding now? I share my reflections as I recuperate – how it happened, and some soulsearching I went through.

How I became a COVID-19 patient

The COVID-19 virus successfully broke into my body system on Thursday evening, March 2nd, when I joined, reluctantly, an indoor social reception at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg. An hour into the arrival of the guest of honour, the 300-standing room-capacity in its Provencher Room was nearly full. While I was wearing my N95 mask, only a handful of the others had theirs on. Soon, I found myself unavoidably exchanging greetings with three guests who had coughs and colds, none of whom donning a face mask.

Fear of COVID contagion

Uncomfortable as it was, and worried about a COVID-19 contagion because of my senior age, I unobtrusively excused myself to the washroom. I washed my hands and face with warm water and soap to the silent hum of

Reflections of a COVID-19 Patient – Part 1

two Happy Birthday tunes, went to the cloak room for my winter jacket, and phoned my son, Reis, for a ride home – without having the chance, after all, to say hello to the guest of honour.

Too late, contagion had turned real

It was too late by Saturday morning at home on March 4th. Not quite 48 hours after the Fort Garry event my apprehension of contagion had turned real. I had developed a sore throat, was coughing almost incessantly, had sniffles, registered low-grade fever, lost my appetite, had a dull headache, and felt drowsy and weak. I tested positive with the rapid antigen test.

Vacillation over vigilance meant COVID mishap

Unquestionably, I let my guard down. Against my better judgement, I vacillated rather than remain vigilant. I should have been steadfast and not joined the big social gathering indoors. Worse, not only did I get infected, but I also brought the COVID virus to my wife, Gloria, and our son. Towards the end of the first week, he tested positive, too, followed by Gloria a few days later.

Self-care and monitoring at home

I isolated myself in our basement, now turned into an infirmary for my sole use, since I was the only one sick on March 4th. We followed all the infection

control measures, fully masked and diligent with hand hygiene and other non-pharmaceutical control measures. Gloria and our son took turns alternately visiting me downstairs to ensure I had my symptomatic treatment for fever and cough. She periodically checked my temperature for a more precise reading of the fever level and applied a cold compress cloth on my forehead and around the sides of the neck when the fever was above 38 degrees centigrade. This gave me comfort and less headache. They saw to it my nutrition, hydration and alertness were maintained. They supplied me with a soft diet of arroz caldo, fruit juices, a jug of ice water, high protein Ensure, fruit loop and frosted flakes cereals. Since I was only able to comfortably take small servings, I took them as often as I could.

Monitoring for supplemental oxygen, sans gadgets

One difficult part was monitoring the need for supplemental oxygen without the aid of machines and gadgets. I did this calmly, conscious at all times of the so-called “S-shaped” Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve and the clinical implications of its sudden shift to the clinical status of the patient. This was drilled into us when I was a medical intern at the Philippine General Hospital and during my postgraduate medical training abroad. I only had my fingers to check my pulse rate and rhythm, my watch to count my breaths per minute, and my vintage stethoscope to listen to my heartbeat. Sometimes I did not want to know what I was hearing.

I alerted Gloria to periodically watch my nostrils for flaring when I was asleep. Flaring of the alae nasi suggest laboured breathing. We had reversal of roles when she took ill.

For a solid week, I had no pep, not even to listen to and watch the news. The cycle of signs and symptoms did not begin to abate until into the beginning of the second week. To remain high in spirit, I reminded myself often to think: “Every day without worsening is a day towards recovery.”

Exposure of family members; antiviral drug I had no illusion after I tested

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positive that Gloria and our son had already been exposed to the virus. In fact, he tested positive by the end of the first week and Gloria followed suit within the subsequent few days. Younger and fully vaccinated and able to take the antiviral, Paxlovid, for the first five days of his symptoms, he has since recovered almost fully.

Gloria and I could not take the Paxlovid, per our family doctor’s advice, for fear of untoward interactions with our regularly needed underlying medications. Nonetheless, I feel much better now, as of March 27. Gloria has to catch up in her recovery yet.

Efficacy of face masks and amazing power of vaccines

We can further bear witness to the efficacy of face masks –although not 100 per cent absolute – since we had been spared the disease during the nearly oneyear wait before vaccines became available.

Foremost and fortunately, all three of us, including the rest of the immediate family members, had been up to date with our COVID vaccines. While they were not able to protect us from the infection and the disease – we knew this was not the design nor the claim for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines – they were able, as designed, to prevent the disease from becoming severe and lifethreatening. This is particularly worth noting since Gloria and I are

REGINA RAMOS URBANO

RON URBANO

WEBER Youth Contributors

Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) Philippine Correspondents:

FERMIN

extremely at high-risk due to our senior age and concomitant use of some medications that disqualify us from using the Paxlovid antiviral drug. We can attest, indeed, to the “amazing power” of the vaccines as ICU doctor Brian Garibaldi of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine so aptly said in a recent interview.

Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) makes the following recommendations:

• Anyone who did not get a COVID-19 booster shot in the fall of 2022 should get one as soon as possible.

• The following groups of people at a high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and, therefore, should get another COVID-19 bivalent booster shot in the spring:

1. Aged 80 and older;

2. Aged 65 to 79 living in long-term care homes or other congregate living situations (particularly those who’ve never had COVID); and

3. Aged 18 and older who are immunocompromised.

• Everyone gets an additional dose of the vaccine six months after one’s most recent shot or six months after one was last sick with COVID.

• The NACI is currently not recommending an additional bivalent booster for the general population this spring.

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Dingdong Dantes returns to primetime TV

Dantes makes his biggest and highly anticipated comeback to the small screen in the upcoming series, Royal Blood

From the creator of Widows’ Web, Ken de Leon, and the brilliant mind of RJ Nuevas, GMA Network is proud to present another murder mystery drama

that will surely keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.

Royal Blood follows the story of Napoy (Dingdong), a loving single father who struggles to provide for his daughter’s needs by working as a motorcycle rider. He is also the bastard son of a business tycoon.

Toni Gonzaga, preggy?

Kumpirmado umanong preggy uli si Toni Gonzaga pero ayaw daw muna itong ianunsiyo.

Wala pang pag-amin sa magasawa at pati ang mga magulang nito na sina Daddy Bono at Mommy Pinty ay tikom pa ang bibig. Pati ang kapatid nitong si Alex na ubod ng daldal at taklesa ay tahimik din.

For sure, mas marami ang magiging masaya kung ito nga ay totoo.

Naghihintay pa lamang daw ng tamang oras upang isapubliko ang muling pagbubuntis ni Toni dahil baka raw ma-stress lamang ito sa magiging reaksyon ng mga netizen. Alam naman natin ang mga netizen, baka kung ano lang ang masabi.

Kung totoo man ito, dedma na dapat sa mga basher sina Direk Paul at Toni.

Isinilang ni Toni ang first baby nila ni Paul Soriano na si Seve noong September 30 na ngayon ay six years old na.

Paul Soriano, Seve & Toni Gonzaga

Tanya

“We

a better tomorrow.”

Kapuso Dingdong

Abot Kamay Na Pangarap offers new twists

The surprises never stop as GMA Network’s trending and well-loved series, Abot Kamay Na Pangarap, welcomes new cast members and offers more exciting twists in every episode.

The drama soap is headlined by Carmina Villarroel as Lyneth, Richard Yap as Doc RJ, and Jillian Ward as Doc Analyn.

Seasoned artists Dina Bonnevie as Giselle, the

GMA Pinoy TV presents feel-good Kapuso shows

Get ready to be inspired as GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Network’s flagship international channel, brings light and hope in its TV offerings for the month of April.

On Maundy Thursday (April 6) and Good Friday (April 7), the hearts of global Pinoys will be touched by Tanikala’s Tugon sa Dalangin and Paghilom

Tugon sa Dalangin is a compilation of heartwarming

See GMA p11

See ABOT KAMAY p11 Jillian Ward Kazel Kinouchi

Carmina Villarroel

Dina Bonnevie

DINGDONG...

From page 8

But despite facing financial problems, Napoy is able to provide for his child with the help of their friends and neighbors. However, the chaos begins when his estranged father suddenly appears and wants to make amends with him.

As Napoy enters the family of his rich father, he gets to know his half-siblings and discovers that being rich does not guarantee a perfect and happy life. Sooner or later, things become more complicated when their father is murdered and Napoy becomes the primary suspect.

How will the mystery unravel? Who among them is the real innocent and who will be

ABOT KAMAY...

From page 10

intimidating elder sister of Doc RJ, and Leo Martinez as Pepe, Doc RJ’s wealthy yet simple estranged father, are the newest cast members who add spice to the lives of Doc Analyn, Doc RJ, and Lyneth.

While Doc RJ is away to continue his treatment abroad, Giselle temporarily acts as the CEO of APEX Medical Hospital. As the story continues, Giselle’s character remains an enigma. Is she really a friend or foe of Analyn?

Giselle also favors Doc Zoey (Kazel Kinouchi) without knowing that she is an illegitimate child of Doc RJ after Moira (Pinky Amador) secretly cheated on him.

How will Analyn face the harsh treatment of Giselle? When will Doc RJ return and expose the

GMA...

From page 10 stories of the beneficiaries of Operation Blessing who experienced God’s goodness. Paghilom, on the other hand, inspires hope and restoration in a broken relationship.

Also set to play on Good Friday is the Siyete Palabras to commemorate the Seven Last Words of Jesus Christ during his passion and death.

GMA Pinoy TV’s GMA Pinoy Blockbuster will also present movies that will lift spirits this month.

Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles’ Ang Babaeng Walang Pakiramdam tells the story of a woman diagnosed with a rare congenital disease that makes her incapable of feeling physical and emotional pain.

Island Dreams, starring Louise de Los Reyes, Alexis Petitprez, and Irma Adlawan, features the adventures of an unaccredited tour guide and a heartbroken tourist who accidentally form a romantic bond as they explore the wilds of the Philippine islands.

Another must-watch is Derek Ramsay and Jennylyn Mercado’s All of You where two strangers meet on a dating app and experience instant chemistry.

Mumbai Love is about a cross-

judged guilty?

Completing the star-studded cast are Megan Young, Dion Ignacio, Mikael Daez, Lianne Valentin, and Rhian Ramos

Introducing in the action-packed family drama is Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo together with Benjie Paras and Arthur Solinap

Playing a special and significant role in the program is no less than multi-awarded actor Tirso Cruz III as Gustavo Royales, the rich and shrewd business tycoon and patriarch of the Royales family.

Don’t miss the twists and surprises in Royal Blood — under the helm of esteemed director Dominic Zapata — unveiling soon on GMA Network. Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.

truth that Moira was the one who put his life in danger?

Recently, viewers also witnessed the special participation of Gabby Eigenmann as Benny, the arrogant celebrity chef; Jamir Zabarte as Darwin, the gay son of Benny; and Archie Alemania as Lando, the bomber who threatened APEX Medical Hospital.

Completing the star-studded cast are Dominic Ochoa as Michael, Andre Paras as Dr. Luke, Chuckie Dreyfus as Dr. Ray, Denise Barbacena as Dr. Eula, Wilma Doesnt as Josa, Ariel Villasanta as Cromwell, Dexter Doria as Susan, Jeff Moses as Regan, Alexandra Mendez as Jhoanne, and John Vic De Guzman as Dr. Ken.

Catch Abot Kamay Na Pangarap – under the helm of director LA Madridejos. Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.

cultural romantic comedy that explores how two cultures can come together as one in the name of love and friendship. The film is headlined by Solenn Heussaff, Kiko Matos, and Martin Escudero

Love On Line (LOL) follows the story of Samson and Lily, two individuals with different cultural backgrounds who managed to forge a connection online. It is bannered by Vic Sotto, Paula Taylor, and Gina Pareño.

Feelenial showcases comedians Ai ai de las Alas and Bayani Agbayani. The movie is about middle-aged individuals who feel and act like Millennials. Their characters are the adorable and relatable titos and titas who stumble from one misadventure to another as they try to adapt the lifestyle of the younger generation.

Marathon episodes of GMA documentary shows The Atom Araullo Specials, I-Witness, and Reporter’s Notebook, will also air

this month on GMA Pinoy TV. GMA Pinoy TV’s regular programming will resume after Easter Sunday, April 9.

Saint Patrick’s Fiesta 2023, March 17

SEMFA - South EastMan Filipino Association Cultural Event, March 15

From page 1

proposed legislation on the Magna Carta for Public Health Care Workers and Philippine Nursing Act, both of which aim to provide more benefits and ensure the welfare of medical professionals.

During the meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Healthcare Sector group at Malacañan Palace Wednesday, the President also asked the Commission on Higher Education

(CHED) for concrete steps to keep Filipino nurses working in the country.

“We have to be clever about the healthcare manpower. Our nurses are the best, buong mundo na ang kalaban natin dito (and we are up against the rest of the world),” Marcos said, referring to nurses migrating to other countries where pay is higher.

“Lahat ng nakakausap kong President, Prime Minister, ang hinihingi (All the Presidents and Prime Ministers that I have talked

to are asking for) more nurses from the Philippines,” he added.

In response to the President, CHED Chairperson Prospero de Vera III said it is already carrying out interventions to address the shortage, which include retooling board non-passers, adopting nursing curriculum with exit credentials, redirecting nonpracticing nurses and conducting exchange programs with other countries.

“Under the nursing curriculum with exit credentials, students

could have several options: exit at the end of Level I or II, obtain the certificate or diploma in Nursing, or choose to continue and finish the four-year nursing program to become a registered nurse,” De Vera reported to the PSAC Health Sector group.

De Vera said CHED is also working on a flexible short-term masteral program to address the lack of instructors in nursing and medical schools.

Among those who attended the PSAC meeting include Sabin

Aboitiz, Strategic convenor president and CEO of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc.; Paolo Maximo Borromeo, Healthcare lead president and CEO of Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc; Fr. Nicanor Austriaco Jr., Healthcare Sector Member and FilipinoAmerican molecular biologist; and Dr. Nicanor Montoya, Healthcare Sector Member and CEO of Medicard Philippines, Inc.

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, PNA

Photo by Arnel San Jose - Jeprox Photography

Greg Carlos (middle), Steinbach’s SEMFA President

Steinbach, Manitoba

Dahil ayaw mong makasakit ng damdamin ng umutang sa iyo ay iniisip mong mabuti ang gagamitin mong salita sa paniningil. Kailangan kang maging ma-respeto, magalang at tunog mabait ang paniningil. Bukod dito ay isasa-alang-alang mo ang petsa ng paniningil. Panahon ba ito ng bayaran ng upa sa bahay, tubig, hydro, etc?

Anong oras ba kailangang magtext? Baka naman natutulog pa ang umutang at nakakahiya naman sa kaniya na gisingin mo sa isang text ng paniningil. Hiyang-hiya ka sa umutang sa ’yo. Ikaw na ang nagpautang. Ikaw pa ang nahihiya. Sounds familiar ba, ika mo?

Going back months or years ago ay mabait sa iyong nagmessage ang umutang sa iyo at kinumusta ka. Isang messenger notification ang nakita mo at may smiley icon pa. Masaya ang tunog ng mensahe. “Kumusta na po Kuya?” Ang pangungumustang ito ay mauuwi sa maikling kuwento na susundan ng pagbabahagi ng problema at ang ultimatum na mensahe ay “baka naman.” Kapag bumanat na ng “baka naman” ang mensahe ay alam mo na ang ibig nitong sabihin. Mangungutang lang pala kaya ka naalala.

Kapag naipadala mo na ang pera ay magpapasalamat sa iyo ang umutang na may pangakong “huwag kang mag-alala.” Ikaw naman ay tiwala dahil naawa ka at

Ang umutang at ang inutangan

kapal ng mukha ng taong ito!”

nahihiya kang hindi magpautang dahil baka sabihin naman ay masama ang ugali mo. Kung baga, parang lumalabas na may obligasyon kang magpautang.

Lumipas ang ilang linggo, buwan, at taon. Tila yata nagkasakit ng amnesia ang umutang sa ’yo. Naisip mo tuloy na sana ay okay lang siya at baka naman gipit na gipit talaga. Habang ipinagtatanggol mo sa iyong isip ang hindi niya pagbabayad o pagkalimot niya sa utang ay magugulat ka na lang sa kaniyang mga posts sa FB at IG! Wow! Bagong kotse, travel pictures, kain sa labas, bagong bags, magagarang damit!

Maiisip mo tuloy na parang may hindi tama. Parang dapat muna ay mabayaran ka muna sa inutang sa ’yo bago unahin ang mga ka-lechehan, kayabangan, at karangyaan sa buhay. Walang masama sa pag-enjoy sa buhay, pero parang hindi rin parehas na tutuwaran mo na lang ang mga obligasyon mong utang!

Makikita mo ang umutang sa ’yo sa isang event. Ang ganda ng itsura. Talagang hindi mo masasabing swindler. Magalang kausap at very sosyal ang datingan sa mga gatherings.

Makikita ka niya at ibebeso-beso ka na parang walang nangyari.

“Kuya, nice to see you!” Parang wala lang. Siyempre, hindi naman ito ang tamang venue para maningil kaya ngingiti ka na lang at sasabihin sa sarili na “Ang

Uuwi kang natatawa na lang sa pangyayari. Talaga palang may mga taong ganito. Mga switik at hustler sa pangungutang.

Sino ba naman ang walang utang lalo na dito sa Canada? Walang masama sa pagutang kung tayo naman ay magbabayad. Ang problema, yung iba magaling lang umutang pero hindi marunong magbayad.

Sino ang nasira? Walang ibang sinisira ang mga hindi nagbabayad ng utang kundi ang sarili nila. Hindi na sila makakaulit at kahit hindi mo ito isalaysay sa madla ay tiyak na kakalat ang balita ng masamang ugaling ito. At the end of the day, wala ng magtitiwala sa ganitong uri ng tao. Sayang kung ipagpapalit nila ang kanilang reputasyon dahil

lamang sa kasamaan ng ugali na hindi pagbabayad ng utang. Tandaan, karma is a female dog. Doon naman sa mga nagpapautang at ginagawang negosyo ito, huwag naman sanang pagsamantalahan ang mga lehitimong nangangailangan. Bigyan ng pagkakataong makabayad ang mga totoong nagsisikap na magbayad. Maging considerate. Isa-isip lagi na mas masarap tumulong at mas magandang makitang nakakaahon sa pinagkautangan ang iyong pinautang. Pero doon sa mga hindi talaga nagpaplanong magbayad ng utang, mahiya naman sana sila sa sarili nila. Hindi napupulot ang pera; ito ay pinagsisikapan. Sana, kahit paunti-unti ay gumawa ng paraan para makabayad dahil ang utang

ay utang, ang bigay ay bigay. Sana noong una pa lang ay sinabi ng “pahingi” instead of saying “pautang”.

Noel Lapuz ay dating OFW sa Middle East (Dubai at Qatar). Nagtrabaho nang sampung taon sa City Hall ng Taguig bilang Human Resource Management Officer. Naging bahagi ng Bata-Batuta Productions bilang manunulat, entertainment host at stage actor. Nagtatag ng Kulturang Alyansa ng Taguig. Kasapi ng Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (EMJP).

Paunawa: Ang mga paksa at salitang nakasaad sa Batang North End ay sariling opinion ng may-akda at maaaring hindi opinion ng mga taga-lathala ng Pilipino Express.

KROSWORD

NO. 414

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

From page 1

another, with excellent acts that were boosted by an excellent sound system and light show.

The night began with Winnipeg’s gem Jovelle Balani, followed by the On the Que band. Next, Star Music’s Zachary Ignacio sang Ulan by Regine Velazquez. Zachary is the daughter of former Alamid drummer, Gail Ignacio, who recently moved to Winnipeg.

her white outfit shimmered in the dim lighting making her look like an angel in the darkness. As good as the concert had already been, there was a sense that the show was about to begin.

no question was left about her authenticity.

PAHALANG

PABABA

Next, Zephanie Dimaranan opened her act with a high intensity dance performance. Zephanie gained fame after winning the first season of Idol Philippines in 2019. Her range of skill came through her act as she transitioned into well executed covers of Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back to Me Now and Mariah Carey’s Through the Rain. Dion and Carey, two of the most talented artists in modern music history, are not easy to duplicate, and her ability to hit the high points of each song is a testament to her range. Zephanie’s love for music and performing was palpable throughout her set, and, seeing the joy in her eyes, I could not help but think I was watching someone living their dream.

Afterward, T.J. Monterde took the stage and played a set that brought many in the crowd into a state of kinikilig After Monterde’s performance, the lights went down, and the anticipation built. It was Moira’s time.

Waiting in darkness, seeing shapes and shadows move across stage, the first rows struggled to spot Moira. The music started and we could hear her voice singing in her soothing yet powerful voice. Her singing was so on key it sounded at first like it was from her recorded album. As she sang, suspense built amongst us in the crowd. She got the crowd whipped up, asking where is she or where is she going to enter the stage? When she came on stage,

I’ve been to many concerts from a range of different musical genres, and none have been so raw, with emotion so real, as Moira’s performance. When Beyoncé and Jay Z came through Winnipeg on tour nearly ten years ago, it was amidst rumours that he had cheated on her. The entire concert was built on that theme. Beyoncé first entered the stage with Jay Z in an outfit that stifled her as if she were repressed in the relationship; at the end of the concert, the couple came out again, but this time she walked with confidence and freedom. Behind her, a screen read “The Truth.” Clearly, it was meant to dispel rumours of their marital discord. The whole affair was so well rehearsed and performed –and quite frankly, insincere – that I was convinced those rumours of cheating by Jay Z were only a marketing ploy to draw people to their show. My reaction to Moira was the opposite of this.

Those who know the story of Moira’s life recently know how much tumult and pain she’s endured, both privately and in the public eye. Instead of hiding it, she bore that hurt for all to see. Instead of smoothing out that pain in well-rehearsed lyrics, she brought us into what she referred to as the closing of a book in her life. Not a chapter, but a book. Moira took the audience into her pain, and she didn’t do it because she wanted sympathy, she didn’t do it because she wanted to get the crowd on her side. She did it because she wanted everyone to know that, by experiencing her own pain, Moira saw the pain of everyone else. “We all bear our own pain,” she said, “And I want you to know that I see it.” Moira’s entire set was such an incredible display of humanity, of compassion, and of love for those she had never met, that

Every single artist I’ve seen in Winnipeg has said how great Winnipeg is, how awesome the crowd is, and how they can’t wait to come back. Personally, I don’t usually buy it, and that’s okay because I know bands have to tour and sweeten up a crowd to survive in a hard business. But, once again, Moira’s sincerity struck me. When she said she loved Winnipeg, I believed it. By the tone of her voice, and the look on her face, we could tell that Moira was experiencing emotions that were raw and honest. Moira’s pain is well known and instead of side-stepping or avoiding it, she brought it out for all to see. She told us how the last few months have been hard on her – that the book was closing – and that she had been stressing as she prayed to God to know what was to come. But, she said, her experience in Winnipeg showed her that it was okay she didn’t know.

Moira admitted that, of all the Canadian cities her tour would bring her, she knew nothing about Winnipeg. She said it was the same as not knowing what to expect next in her life. But she had a startling realization. Coming to Winnipeg, she had no idea what to expect, and in a way, this made her more receptive to the experience. She was amazed by the Northern Lights, which blazed with such intensity that the sky was consumed by it. Her social media post about that encounter read, “how do you even process this?” Her social media also has her close encounter with a polar bear at the Assiniboine Zoo. The lesson she shared with us at Canada Life Centre is that she didn’t know what Winnipeg would bring, but those experiences would be life changing. So, how could she fear what her next book in life would contain? She shared that “God answered so many of my prayers while I was here [in Winnipeg].” When she started her set, she said, “We’re only getting started but, of the whole tour, you guys are my favourite.” As the show progressed, as she let us into her hurt through her music, she told us that, “I’m not joking, I’m glad I met you guys.” This was the most honest, raw, and intimate performance I’ve ever been to, and I know that I will be processing this experience for a while.

The other great part of the concert was the fans. There was such a great connection between all the artists and the crowd, but it was strongest with Moira. As she told of her pain, as she told of how she had been filled with so much doubt, the crowd would call back to her, sharing their support and love for her.

A great concert is one that is more than the individual sets combined, it is an entire experience. It is something that changes you in some way, a single moment that progresses with each performance. Congratulations to ACC Events and Services, to each of the performers, and to every fan in attendance for a great concert.

Oh, and Happy Birthday, Ate Gloria. (If you know, you know.)

SAGOT SA NO. 413

Moira in Winnipeg

Zachary Gail, Geraldine Ong, Jeik Perlas & Jovelle Balani

Moira

Zephanie TJ

The birthday girl, Gloria

On the Que

The luckiest boy, Vonzerah Miranda

With Alex Canlapan of ACC Events and Kevin Lamoureux, MP - Winnipeg North

Moira’s tweet