Pilipino Express • Aug 16 2020

Volume 16 • No. 16 • August 16 - 31, 2020 Publication Mailing Account #41721512

KC Concepcion

10 10 Matteo Guidicelli & Sarah Geronimo

Manitoba’s pandemic plans for schools The government of Manitoba released its plan for reopening schools in September as new cases of COVID-19 make a resurgence in the province. The guidelines released on August 13 say facemasks will be “strongly recommended” but not mandatory for students and staff.

The guidelines include: • Physical distancing will be practiced through methods such as controlling the way students enter and exit the school at designated entrances, one-way or marked hallways, leaving space between desks and tables, staggering start and end-times for recess and lunchtime, timetabling to avoid spares, and limiting bathroom occupancy at any given time.

• Where two metres physical distancing not possible, students

will be in distinct cohorts (groups), separate from other students, to reduce the risk of virus transmission throughout the school day.

• Students in Grade 5 and above, as well as teachers and staff, are strongly recommended

to wear a non-medical mask in common areas throughout schools and when physical distancing of two metres is not possible. Younger students can wear masks too.

• Masks will be required when See SCHOOL p4

Belt Fest features local Filipino artists Live music returns to Rainbow Stage

WINNIPEG – Local talents will once again shine this summer through Belt Fest, a musical showcase celebrating Winnipeg’s Filipino voices.

The brainchild of stage actress and singer, Andrea Macasaet, the exciting event is happening on Saturday, August 22, at Rainbow

Stage in Kildonan Park.

“I created Belt Fest because I wanted to provide a platform to artists who wanted to elevate their vocal and performance techniques and take a deeper dive in musical theatre,” said Andrea.

“I wanted to showcase how talented the Filipino community

is, give them mentorship, introduce them to the industry and put them on a stage where we don’t often see Filipinos perform.”

Andrea has been singing since she was a child, and joined her first singing contest in 2002’s See BELT FEST p4

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

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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PILIPINO EXPRESS

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

Philippines: DepEd delays opening of classes to Oct. 5 MANILA - The Department of Education (DepEd) announced Friday that the opening of classes has been moved to October 5, heeding calls for adjustments as the Philippine education system shifts to distance learning.

President Rodrigo Duterte approved delaying the opening of classes in both public and private schools after DepEd raised implications of the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and nearby urban hubs on preparations for the new school year, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

“We will implement such a decision to defer school opening to October 5 pursuant to Republic Act No. 11480,” Briones said.

“We shall use the deferment to provide relief to the logistical limitations faced by the areas placed under MECQ and to fill in the remaining gaps of the school opening that we are currently addressing,” she added.

Classes were supposed to open on August 24, with students learning at home - either through online, TV, radio, or printed materials, to avoid possible exposure to COVID-19.

But Metro Manila and nearby provinces were placed back under MECQ from Aug. 4 to 18 as COVID-19 cases surged.

Briones said even with the October 5 opening of classes, blended learning would still be used, as face-to-face classes remain prohibited.

Private schools, many of which are attached to universities and colleges, that have already started their classes will meanwhile be allowed to continue.

Adjusting the school calendar became possible after President Duterte signed into law a measure allowing DepEd to move the opening of classes beyond August

SCHOOL...

From page 1 on school buses for all students in Grades 5 and above. Boarding and exiting the bus will be done with physical distancing and assigned seats.

• Extra masks will be made available at all schools throughout the school year for those who do not have their own.

• Extra hand washing and sanitizing stations will be set up and monitored to ensure students use them.

• Special attention will be paid to younger students to ensure they follow all safety procedures, such as wearing a mask where required or strongly recommended, and keeping their hands washed and sanitized.

• All parents will be reminded regularly that students must stay home when sick or exhibiting any symptoms of a cold, flu, or COVID-19.

• Increased cleaning and disinfecting will occur around the school and throughout the day, especially high touch surfaces.

• Any incident of COVID-19 in a school will result in immediate contact by Public Health with instructions if that student and/

as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the education system.

Several groups and lawmakers have earlier called on DepEd to delay the opening of classes as more time is needed to prepare to transition to distance learning.

Briones made the announcement a day after President Duterte’s former aide Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go urged DepEd to move the opening of classes to October.

“Even with the implementation of MECQ, we will use this time to make the necessary adjustments and ensure that all preparations have been made for the successful opening of classes for school year 2020-2021,” the education chief said.

Preparations to continue With the delay in the start of the new school year, Briones said teachers and students should continue with their preparations for the meantime.

“Patuloy ang up skilling ng ating teachers, patuloy ang pag-prepare ng ating learners,” Briones said.

Changes in the curriculum are likely, Briones said as DepEd needs to make adjustments in the school calendar.

“We will have to make the corresponding adjustments kasi siguradong apektado diyan ang curriculum at ang readiness ng bata,” the education chief said.

Some 23 million learners have enrolled for the upcoming school year, 21 million of whom are in public schools or 95 percent of last year’s figure, according to DepEd data presented to the Senate.

The enrolment figure remained dismal in private schools with only 1.5 million enrolled learners, or 36.1 percent from last year’s 4.3 million.

Source: Arianne Merez, ABS-CBN News or cohort must self-isolate, if they need to be tested and when they can return to school.

The province previously announced that schools will reopen on September 8, with teachers and staff returning on September 2 to prepare for the school year.

BELT FEST...

From page 1 Tuklas Talino of Radio 810 CKJS, at the age of eight.

Through the years, she has joined and won other singing contests such as Pilipino Express’ Pinoy Popstar.

Andrea has also tried her hand at movie acting, as she recently appeared in the movie. I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After Tonight, by award-winning Canadian writer/director, Sean Garrity.

But perhaps her most lifechanging experience to date is being cast as Anne Boleyn in the Broadway production of Six the Musical. She also played the same role in its North American Tour beginning on May 14, 2019.

So far, she is the only Canadian actress involved in the show.

1045 Erin Street, Winnipeg, MB Canada R3G 2X1 Phone: 204-956-7845 E-mail: info@pilipino-express.com www.pilipino-express.com Publisher

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Editor-in-Chief

EMMIE Z. JOAQUIN Associate Editor

PAUL MORROW Teachers and school employees prepare modules for elementary school students as the education department transitions to blended learning for the upcoming school opening at the Geronimo Santiago Elementary School in Manila on July 21, 2020. Photo by Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

Art Director

REY-AR REYES JP SUMBILLO Graphic Designer/Photographer ALEX CANLAPAN Photographer *****

Columnists/Contributors

DALE BURGOS JB CASARES ANNE CAPRICE B. CLAROS YVANNE DANDAN ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ BRO. GERRY GAMUROT NORMAN ACERON GARCIA MICHELE MAJUL-IBARRA PERLA JAVATE JUDIANNE JAYME PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE NOEL LAPUZ JON MALEK MALAYA MARCELINO ALONA MERCADO LUCILLE NOLASCO CST. REY OLAZO PAQUITO REY PACHECO DR. REY PAGTAKHAN CHERYL DIZON REYNANTE TIM ST. VINCENT MICHAEL SCOTT RON URBANO KATHRYN WEBER Youth Contributors Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK)

“I am thankful that it gives me the opportunity to share my gifts with communities from all over the world. I am currently pursuing projects that spark change – much like Six, Belt Fest is a step in that direction.”

For Belt Fest, Andrea takes 10 talented singers under her wing to offer free mentorship and coaching though the world of musical theatre. Together, they will workshop a song from a musical and then perform the piece, live at Rainbow Stage.

The 10 featured artists were chosen from over 50 applicants from around Manitoba – even one from Manila and one from Hawaii. The group includes: Jesse James Baris, Seanne Buenafe, Josh Caldo, Vina Dimayuga, Victoria Exconde, Joyce Jugo, Alba Manuel, Robin Quintana, Marini Tagarda and Shauldon Santos.

There will also be an artist panel and special guest performance by the creator of MA-BUHAY!, Joseph Sevillo.

Because of the current pandemic, producer Hazel Venzon reminds all attendees that it is mask-mandatory event, and to adhere to safety guidelines such as wearing a mask and social

Philippine Correspondents CRISTY FERMIN JON JOAQUIN AMBETH R. OCAMPO

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distancing.

“We have bravely created this event to bring live entertainment to our lives,” Hazel said. “We do not deny that there is a pandemic.

So please adhere to Manitoba Health guidelines when attending this special event.”

Belt Fest is Saturday, August 22 at Rainbow Stage in Kildonan Park. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online via Instagram: @beltfestywg or through their Facebook page: Belt Fest 2020 “Belt Fest will bring the joy of live performances back into the uncertain times we face and provide education to aspiring performers who wish to pursue a career in the arts. Everyone will leave Belt Fest inspired and definitely wanting more!” Andrea said.

–By Lucille Nolasco

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AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

PILIPINO EXPRESS

Manitoba doubles order for flu vaccine The Manitoba government is doubling its order of the high-dose influenza vaccine to address anticipated demand, and expanding the criteria for who can receive it free of charge.

Cameron Friesen, Minister for Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister made the announcement on August 11, 2020.

“The flu season is always challenging, but COVID-19 will make it even more difficult.

That’s why our government is taking every precaution to help keep Manitobans safe,” said Friesen. “By doubling our order of high-dose influenza vaccine and making it available to more people at high risk of contracting the flu, we are able to protect them, as well as our health-care providers on the front line.”

The high-dose influenza vaccine is an immunization formulated for people age 65 years and older. Manitoba was the first province to offer to that age group and those living in long-term care facilities, clients in interim or transitional care beds, respite care clients or unimmunized residents admitted to a long-term care home during the flu season.

This year, the Manitoba government is expanding criteria for the vaccine to allow more seniors to get the high-dose influenza vaccine starting this fall including: • residents of supportive and

assisted living housing; • those who are newly incarcerated or transferred from other federal or out-of-province correctional facilities; • those receiving home care services while on a waiting list for admission into a long-term care facility; • living on a First Nation or remote communities; and • living north of the 53rd parallel of latitude.

In 2017, Manitoba became the first province to offer a high-dose version of the flu vaccine and many provinces have followed suit since then. Last year, Manitoba ordered 11,500 highdose influenza vaccines and for the 2020-21 influenza season, the province will order up to 21,500 high-dose vaccine.

In 2019-20, over 26.3 per cent of all Manitobans received the flu vaccine, the highest ever, and demand is expected to increase this year, the minister noted.

During the 2019-20 flu season, 29 Manitobans died from the flu.

Starting August 17, pharmacies, physicians and other providers can start placing their influenza vaccine orders, with the vaccine expected to start arriving late September.

“Manitobans need to plan for a challenging flu season as COVID-19, influenza and colds will be occurring at the same time this fall,” said Dr. Brent Roussin,

Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer. “Getting the flu vaccine or the high-dose influenza vaccine is an important step that will help keep you and those around you healthy this season. Staying home when you are sick, practising good hand hygiene and covering your cough also helps reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.”

Visit Manitoba’s seasonal influenza website at www. manitoba.ca/flu or contact Health Links–Info Santé at 204-7888200 in Winnipeg or 1-888315-9257 (toll-free) for more information.

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AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

Open Work Permit Pilot for SCLPC extended There are many applicants and sponsors who do not fully understand the time it takes regulatory changes to be completed. A case in point is the Open Work Permit Pilot program for spouses and common law partners in Canada class (SCLPC). On December 22, 2014 the immigration department introduced a temporary measure to allow SCLPC members to apply for an open work permit under a pilot program until changes were made to the Act or Regulations. The pilot was set to expire at the end of July 2020 but it has now been extended without any set expiration date. The departmental bulletin reads: “The pilot program has been extended until the regulatory changes have been completed to permanently

implement this policy.”

The question is no longer when the pilot will expire (it does not) but whether or not you or someone you know is eligible to apply for an open work permit as the sponsored spouse or common law partner of a Canadian sponsor, citizen or permanent resident. In order to be eligible for an open work permit, the bulletin stipulates that applicants need to meet the following requirements: • Must submit or have submitted an application for permanent residence under the Spousal or Common law Partner inside Canada class; • The sponsor who submits or submitted the application must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; • The SCLPC applicant and

sponsor must reside at the same address; and • The SCLPC applicant must have valid temporary resident status or has applied for restoration of status and the officer is satisfied that the applicant is eligible for restoration.

The following foreign nationals do not qualify for the open work permit pilot program: • Applicants who have applied for permanent residence under the SCLPC who have been refused or who have withdrawn that application; • Applicants who have applied for permanent residence under the spousal public policy who did not have valid temporary resident status and were beyond restoration (90 days). These applicants must wait for approval in principle to be eligible to apply for an open work permit; • Applicants who have applied

as members of the overseas family class, including those living in Canada; and • Applicants applying for the work permit pilot at a port of entry.

It is important to note that if there is information that an applicant may be inadmissible, their application for an open work permit will be placed on hold pending a final decision on their permanent resident application or inadmissibility.

The federal bulletin also provides functional guidance on the coding required for the open work permit application under SCLPC class. The Case type: “27”; Special Program Code is “SPO” (sponsored spouse or partner); Province of Destination: “Unknown” or “Open”; LMIA – Exemption Code: “A70”; NOC code: “9999”; Intended Occupation: “Open”; and

Duration: maximum of two years or until the date the SCLPC applicant’s passport expires, whichever is earliest.

The indeterminate change (no date) underlines the department of Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada’s strong support to family reunification, which remains a core immigration priority and one of the objectives of the Act: “To see that families are reunited in Canada,” IRPA s.3(1)(d).

Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience with Canada Immigration and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with R.B. Global Immigration Consultants Ltd. 204-691-1166 or 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott. ici@gmail.com.

Do you know what your post-CERB life looks like?

by Tim St Vincent Over 8.5 million people have applied for CERB, the program has paid out over $64 billion. Lots of people needed help then and still do now, but those benefits will be ending soon. Do you have a plan of action? If not, there is still time.

Fifty per cent of Canadians were living close to the edge and barely managing pre-COVID on a cheque to cheque basis.

Post-COVID will have pushed them closer to that edge. Putting together a plan of action can help keep you from going over that edge – but where to start?

Maybe start by tracking your expenses and getting a grip on where your money is really going, not where you think it is going.

There are a lot of great apps out there that you can download from the web or from your financial institution. There is always good old-fashioned pen and paper. It doesn’t really matter how you track; the important thing is that you track. Once you know where

your money is going, you can start to figure out where you really need for it to go and to start cutting back.

Last month we talked about how to save on groceries, so we won’t cover that again. Let’s look at what some people are calling “subscription creep.” That is where you start picking up subscriptions to services that you didn’t have before. I mean you are at home and bored so maybe get NetFlix, I mean why not, it’s only about $15.

Maybe you could add another one or two while you are at. I mean, they are cheap and you are home a lot. That is called subscription creep, and it could be a good place to trim those expenses a bit. Cut down to one or (gasp!) get rid of them all! Or maybe keep one and get rid of cable? Either way, it is a good place to start looking.

If things are really tough, maybe you could look at reducing savings a bit. Keep in mind that is a last resort type of thing to look at. Reducing savings is something you should only really look at if you have already cut down on all

other expenses. If you smoke and have thought many times about quitting, now could be a good time to give it some serious thought. For a regular smoker the cost is easily in the $150 to $200 a month range.

Also be wary of all the sales that are likely to pop up. As the economy reopens and retailers are eager to start ringing in sales, they are likely to tempt you with some great offers. This is a great time to remember the difference between things you need (to survive) and things you want (just because) and to understand that there is a dividing line between needs and want. It is called things we can afford. If you want it and can afford it, great, no problem.

If you want it and can’t afford it and think “no problem, I will just put it on my credit card,” then you are forgetting part of this sentence.

You can’t afford it. Putting it on a credit card only means that you can’t afford it 30 days later when you already have it and can’t return it! Putting something you can’t afford on a credit card does not make it affordable!

If there is nothing left to trim, if you have cut everything and you are down to the bare bones of

expenses, then the other option is to increase your income. The gig economy has gotten really big and there may be options out there for you. Do you have a personal skill that you can market? Perhaps an upgrading of your skillset during this downtime could assist you. If there is nothing that you can think of, then there may be one final consideration for you and this is either a new job or going in for a career change.

No matter what path you choose, it will be a challenge.

There is no way around that. Reach out for government supports; there are plenty out there. Use your support network, not only for emotional support but also for

ideas for additional income and expense reduction. COVID won’t last forever. Do your best to be in a good position to move on when it has been beaten.

Tim St Vincent is a retired CFP and is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance with the Credit Counselling Society, a Non-Profit organization. If you wish to contact Tim for a free workshop or webinar, have a question, or would like to submit an article idea, please contact Tim at 1-888527-8999 ext 1330. You can also contact the Credit Counselling Society for further information or assistance at 1-888-527-8999 or visit www.nomoredebts.org or www.mymoneycoach.ca.

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 7

Children in the eye of the pandemic storm The world today has surpassed 21 million cases and 761,000 deaths from COVID-19 in less than nine months of global circulation.

The USA, whose 331-million population constitutes only 4.25 per cent of the world’s 7.8-billion inhabitants, has hit 5.29 million patients – 25 per cent of the global total – with deaths over 167,948 since the first reported on February 29. The latter translates to a daily average of 1,000 wholly preventable deaths. These numbers make the country the present epicenter.

Canada’s cases and deaths come to 123,318 and 9,067, respectively; for the Philippines, the numbers come to 153,660 patients and 2,442 deceased.

These figures from the John Hopkins University online COVID-19 dashboard reflect the contagiousness and lethality of this globetrotting agent of disease and death.

Children in the eye of the pandemic storm Pediatricians Jason G Newland of the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, and Kristina A. Bryant, President, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, penned the editorial, “Children in the Eye of the Pandemic Storm – Lessons from New York City” for the June 2020 issue of JAMA Pediatrics.

The city, they noted, was one of many locations that experienced hospitalization of many COVIDinfected children.

This editorial, in particular, led me to review several published original reports from other countries, including the report by Dr. Philip Zachariah and his group from the Pediatrics Department at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City.

I also reviewed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), August 2020 Guideline as it relates specifically to children.

These reference materials helped inform my update on the theme for this issue. My choice of format for presentation (paragraphs A to E as shown below) is to facilitate understanding of the many facets of the disease among children.

A. Clinical picture 1. Common symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, cough, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and diarrhea. A small number of patients presented only with gastrointestinal symptoms.

2. The average number of days from onset of symptoms to hospitalization was two days 3. As many as 15 per cent have no signs or symptoms of illness (asymptomatic) 4. At the New York City hospital, however, a third (32 per cent) of the patients required oxygen therapy, half of whom also needed a ventilator.

B. Accompanying infections

and co-morbidities 1. Concomitant infection by other viruses only occurred in eight per cent of USA patients, compared to a much higher occurrence reported in earlier reports from medical centres elsewhere.

2. Those with underlying medical conditions (comorbidities), like in adults, increased the risk of severe illness from the disease. Obesity has emerged as an important comorbidity and was seen in 60 per cent of the children characterized as having severe disease requiring intensive care and even a ventilator to help them breathe. Also, children with intellectual and developmental disabilities may be similarly affected.

C. Transmission of the virus among them 1. Children appear less likely to get the disease compared to adults (less than 7 per cent of reported cases) and generally have a less serious illness (less than 0.1 per cent of COVID-19-related deaths).

2. The majority of infected children were infected by a family member. Half (52 per cent) of the children at the New York hospital had a known household contact with an adult with symptoms compatible with COVID-19.

3. Students are not as likely to transmit the virus to other students compared to household contacts.

4. The number of cases among them may vary by age and other factors. a. Adolescents aged 10-17 may be more likely to become infected than children younger than age 10,

but adolescents do not appear to be at higher risk of developing severe illness. b. There is currently a higher proportion of cases among Hispanic/Latino children as compared to non-Hispanic white children. In an other study, as much as 75 per cent of the patients were of Afro-Caribbean descent.

Care must be taken not to suggest inherent biological susceptibility; the disparities in health outcomes might be a result of poor access to health care due to financial reasons or living accommodations that make physical distancing difficult to do. That is, we should always acknowledge accompanying underlying factors that have put individuals at a given risk.

D. Sequelae after acute infection 1. A recent CDC health alert notes that cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with COVID-19 have continued to rise, with more than 100 cases reported in New York State alone.

2. Investigators in London, England had described eight previously healthy children who were hospitalized with a severe inflammatory syndrome in whom blood test results for the COVID virus (serology tests) were positive, suggesting recent or past infection.

3. Although likely to be rare, the potential for post-infectious sequelae must be taken into account when discussing the burden of COVID virus infection in children.

4. This syndrome requires collaborative studies among many medical centres to better

understand it.

E. Pandemic outcome beyond the infection and the disease I began this piece for this issue with observations from the editorial of Drs. JG Newland and KA Bryant. Let me conclude with their observation and insightful question in said editorial: “We also need to understand the association of the pandemic with adverse health outcomes in children beyond the consequences of viral infection. On May 15, 2020, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a precipitous drop in the ordering and administration of pediatric vaccines. Are outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases on the horizon? That could be the next important chapter of the evolving

COVID-19 story.”

Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C, O.M., LL.D., Sc.D., M.D., M.Sc. graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and the University of Manitoba (UM) Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and trained at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital-Washington University School of Medicine.

He is a retired lung specialist, former professor of pediatrics and Canada’s former Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development. He presented on “The Global Threat of Infectious Diseases” at the G-8 Science Ministers and Advisors Carnegie Group Meeting held in June 2003 in Berlin, Germany. Contact: reypagtakhan@mail.com.

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AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

Feng shui and clutter Today, many of us share one common problem: too much stuff in our homes. And, if you’re willing to invest just a couple of weeks – or weekends — you can get a grip on clutter and start feeling more in control over all the stuff in your house. Better still, you won’t have to live in a disorganized, cluttered home that frustrates and annoys you.

Having an uncluttered, organized home will repay you in time and money – and will return your peace of mind – and in just a few short weeks. Besides being a serious re-charge to your life and vitality, decluttering is good feng shui.

Everything that surrounds you exerts an influence on your life.

If you’re surrounded by clutter and disorganization, it’s a serious energetic drain on your mind, your emotions and your physical body. Too much stuff quickly turns a home “yin” and that makes energy turn negative. Once that happens, the circumstances of life start changing, too. You could say that clutter becomes the sticks and mortar that dam your life and stop the opportunities that flow to you.

Let’s get started with the basics.

What is clutter?

Clutter is anything that you don’t regularly use, things that you don’t like or enjoy or that are broken, or items kept out of guilt and obligation. Clutter includes items like old clothing, unused toys, mismatched dishes, or stacks of magazines. One of the worst sources of clutter is paper.

Newspapers, mail, magazines, old greeting cards, and various paper items all clutter up our coffee tables, desks, and refrigerator.

What clutter isn’t Clutter isn’t anything you truly love or use regularly. Clutter also isn’t a valuable collectible.

Some things shouldn’t go in a landfill or in a garage sale. Your grandmother’s Fostoria crystal isn’t junk and shouldn’t be treated that way.

Ebay, local antiques or consignment stores are resources to help sell your collectible items.

One woman made $15,000 off her clutter. Every week, she sat at her computer with five to 10 items she wanted to sell and in six months, she had made an extra $15,000 by selling her clutter on Ebay. Too much trouble to sell? Give special items away as gifts to someone who’ll appreciate them.

Clutter sources There are a number of reasons for our over-accumulation.

One is that we’ve moved from a disposable society to everything’s-a-collectible society and if everything is valuable, then you can’t throw anything away then, can you? We’ve also moved from a buy-it-as-youneed-it outlook to a buy-it-in-bulk mindset – and if we buy in bulk, we have to live in bulk.

Lastly, recreational shopping creates an overload of unused, unwanted household items.

Hitting the mall every weekend just packs your house and empties your wallet.

Staying present.

The difficulty with clutter is both past and future.

Too often people are tied to items because of the past (it was a wedding gift, it was Uncle Frank’s) and the future (what if I need a shoe buttoner again?).

Yet clutter causes you problems in the present because you can’t find what you’re looking for or

How an overstuffed home robs you of vitality, opportunities and money and what to do about it

you have things you don’t really need or want. Other problems from the past include items we’ve inherited.

Many people feel like they have to keep everything passed down from their loved ones. It’s a tremendous burden of guilt.

Remember that things are not people and it’s okay to let things go. To feel like you have to hold on to the possessions of your loved ones who are no longer around is to have to build your own life and hang on to their lives, too. It makes for a crowded house. Keep just a few items that you especially love or that you’ll use on a regular basis. What’s my favourite item from my grandmother? It’s her cast iron skillet that stays on my stove to this day and gets almost daily use.

Go ahead, be wasteful Have you ever heard the Depression era stories about being so poor that coffee grounds were dried in the sun and re-used?

Well, it’s not the Depression era anymore. It’s okay to throw things away. Permit and encourage yourself to get rid of stuff. There will be enough and you can always get more if you need it.

People hang on to so many things because they don’t want to be wasteful; like holding on to a shirt with a stain that won’t come out. The stain won’t come out the longer it hangs there, so why reach for it and then put it back on the rack? Throw it away once and for all.

Your role: The first step to getting control over clutter is recognizing your role in creating it.

Do you overshop? Do you keep things out of guilt (it’s Aunt

Mary’s!)? Do you have to buy in bulk? Are you afraid to throw things away? Taking a hard look at how and why your house has gotten cluttered helps you get it under control and from becoming cluttered in the future. So recycle when you can, and throw away, donate, or sell the rest – and at every opportunity.

The physical symptoms of clutter Clutter stops the flow of energy. When energy stops flowing, there is a negative impact to our bodies, spirits, and energetic life flow in the form of money, opportunities, love, and enjoyment. Clutter manifests as excess weight, constipation, inability to think, feeling stuck in life, low vitality, and poor personal growth and movement.

Once you begin decluttering, you may find yourself unburdened by heavy emotions and will begin to feel lighter, more at ease and have a greater sense of happiness and personal well-being. Clutter holds us back, like a giant weight, and creates blockages in our lives and spirits. Feel yourself unencumbered by lifting the burden of clutter and watch the increased flow of your life to start again.

Your Decluttering Starting Points: • What’s at hand. This week, try to make a change to your habits like going shopping weekends or letting junk mail stack up instead of throwing it out. Try to change one habit each week. Make a decision about whatever you touch to find a home for it or to relieve yourself from it. Looking at the mail? Put bills in a special location, throw out junk mail and place magazines in a holder to read later.

• The bedroom. Clear out from underneath the bed, clear

out nightstand drawers and try to remove any items off the floor and clear off dressers.

• The closet. Next, make your way into your closet to get rid of all stained or damaged clothes, followed by those you have never worn, followed by the ones you can’t wear, don’t like, etc. Have a giant drawer full of socks or some other clothing items? Get rid of all but the newest. Most of the time we have much more than we really need.

• The kitchen. Clean out the refrigerator and pantry first, throwing away old food or small packages and doubles. Wipe down the shelves and organize items. The kitchen represents wealth and health and keeping the food organized, clean and purged frequently will help your health.

Next, tackle dishes, throwing away those that are cracked or damaged. Get rid of excess plastic ware and any doubles you no longer need. Try to keep only those things you use frequently.

• The office. Clean out papers, discard old files, clear out drawers. Create organization systems for your files. Get rid of old electronics you never use.

And consider getting a good scanner, to help you keep your document digitally.

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in classical Chinese feng shui.

Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more information and to receive her FREE Ebook “Easy Money – 3 Steps to Building Massive Wealth with Feng Shui” visit www.redlotusletter.com and learn the fast and fun way how feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 9

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Cost of borrowing is $609.75 for a total obligation of $24,423.45. Down payment of $1999 is required. Lease and finance offers include a maximum of $2,023.70 for freight and delivery, tire tax and air conditioning tax.** Lease a 2020 RAV4 AWD LE (B1RFVT A) for $89 weekly with a down payment or equivalent trade of $1,799. Based on a vehicle price of $32,577 and 4.99% lease APR. Total lease obligation is $24,887.95; lease end value (for personal use only) is $13,207.85. Example based on a 60-month walk-away lease with 24,000 km per year. If km limit is exceeded, an additional km charge of $0.10 per km will apply. Total of 260 weekly lease payments required during the lease term. Representative purchase finance example based on a 2020 RAV4 AWD LE (BFREVT B): $32,577 at 3.99% APR for 60 months equals weekly payments of $131. Cost of borrowing is $3,223.11 for a total obligation of $35,800.29. Down payment of $1,799 is required. Lease and finance offers include a maximum of $2,387.18 for freight and delivery, tire tax and air conditioning tax. Weekly lease offers available through Toyota Financial Services on approved credit to qualified retail lease customers of new and demonstrator Toyota vehicles. Down payment and first weekly payment are due at lease inception, and next weekly payment is due approximately seven days later and weekly thereafter throughout the term. Visit your Toyota Dealer or shoptoyota.ca for more details. Some conditions apply; offers are time limited and may change without notice. Dealer may lease/sell for less. Each specific model may not be available at each dealer at all times; factory order or dealer trade may be necessary. Offers valid until August 31, 2020.

PAGE 10

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

• KC Concepcion – “I am not perfect…”

• Sarah Geronimo – Bukas ang pintuan ng GMA-7 at TV5 • Kris Aquino – Sana’y siya na lang magprodyus ng sariling show • Alden Richards – Masuwerte. Hindi nawalan ng trabaho • Anjo Yllana – Nagpaalam na sa Eat…Bulaga • Willie Revillame – Nagbigay na ng Php5M tulong, napintasan pa • Gabby Concepcion – Malungkot. Pumanaw na ang ina

Pinaglaanan talaga namin ng oras ang unang sultada ng Usapang Real Life ng hepe ng News 5 na si Ms. Luchi Cruz Valdes.

Nasa Probe Team pa lang ang news anchor ay inagaw niya na ang aming atensiyon. Malinaw siyang magtawid ng mga impormasyon at itatago mo sa iyong puso ang kaniyang mga dokumentaryo.

Ang Usapang Real Life ay isang klase ng programang uumpisahan mo at tatapusin mo.

Hindi mo iiwanan ang panonood kahit pa nagrereklamo na ang pantog mo para dyuminggel ka.

Turn the table ang unang segment, si Luchi ang kinapanayam ng kaniyang kasamahan at kaibigang si Karen Davila, nakasalampak lang sila nang napakakaswal sa isang puting sofa.

Binuklat ni Luchi ang libro ng kaniyang tunay na buhay sa publiko.

Mula sa kaniyang pagkabata hanggang sa magtrabaho na siya bilang reporter. Mula sa pagpanaw ng kaniyang mister na si Kuya Lito hanggang sa siya na mismo

ang tatlong buwang nagkasakit at namalagi sa ICU. Siya ang unang nagbukas ng tunay niyang buhay sa manonood.

May karapatan na siyang buklatin ang tunay na buhay ng kaniyang mga panauhin.

Masustansiya ang kaniyang panayam kay KC Concepcion bilang buwena-mano sa kaniyang programa. Maraming impormasyong tumawid sa publiko tulad ng pananahimik lang ng dalaga nina Sharon Cuneta at Gabby Concepcion pero napakarami palang natutulungang mga kababayan natin.

Lumuha si KC sa puntong ang pagiging anak niya na ang naging paksa. May kani-kaniyang pamilya na ang kaniyang mga magulang, mayroon siyang mga kapatid sa ama at ina, pero hindi niya naman kasama.

Ang konsepto ng isang pamilya para kay KC ay buo, isang katotohanang wala siya, iyon ang kulang sa kaniya na hanggang ngayo’y hinahanap pa rin niya.

See CRISTY p11

Willie Revillame, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque & Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla

KC Concepcion Matteo Guidicelli & Sarah Geronimo

Anjo Yllana & Alden Richards

Gabby Concepcion, KC Concepcion & Mommy Lourdes

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

PILIPINO EXPRESS

We are so excited to see you.

EMI L

Assiniboine Park Zoo is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with modifications in place for you, our staff, volunteers and the animals! Buy tickets before you visit for contactless and quick entry.

assiniboineparkzoo.ca Assiniboine Park Conservancy Client: Zoo / Insertion: Pilipino Express/ Insertion Date: Aug 16, 2020 ZOO Summer Ad - Canstar July/ CMYK / 10” x 7.6” Problems or questions email LCurtis@assiniboinepark.ca

CRISTY...

From page 10 Pero gusto niyang ipagmalaki siya ng kaniyang mga magulang sa kaniyang pag-iisa, lalo na ni Sharon, na aminado si KC na number one fan siya.

Naging napakahirap para kay KC ang ilang buwan na lockdown na mag-isa lang siya sa kaniyang condo. Ginamit niya ang panahon See CRISTY p13

Kris Aquino

PAGE 11

BUY TICKETS ONLINE

PAGE 12

PILIPINO EXPRESS

WORKING

TOGETHER FOR OUR COMMUNITY

LEAH GAZAN Member of Parliament

MALAYA MARCELINO, Member of the Legislative Assembly

Winnipeg Centre 892 Sargent Ave Winnipeg MB R3E 0C7  204-984-1675  Leah.Gazan@parl.gc.ca

Notre Dame 849 Notre Dame Ave Winnipeg MB R3E 0M4  204-788-0800  Malaya.Marcelino@yourmanitoba.ca

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

Vice Ganda launches his new talk show on Vice Ganda Network MANILA — Clad in a lingerie dress – much to the surprise of his celebrity guests, Angel Locsin and Bea Alonzo, who thought that they were only supposed to wear their pajamas— Vice Ganda yet again, for two nights in a row now, provided his fans with laughs and little bit of money to help during this pandemic.

On August 15, the comedian debuted his new talk show, Gabing Gabi na Vice, which is aptly named considering its 10 p.m. start time and the overall laid back feel of live streaming from his bed.

The show has a rather simple format of having his guests play a guessing game for cash prizes to give away, while talking about

random topics and spending a few minutes for shout outs.

Much like any game show, it also had a few hiccups, concerning camera feeds and audio, but overall played out more smoothly.

There was notably very little complaints from fans this time about Vice Ganda’s website crashing on them, as he decided to split his audience by streaming it both on his website and Facebook.

All in all, Vice Ganda gave away more than P30,000 in cash prizes and some items from his cosmetics line to viewers chosen at random.

The show became one of See VICE p13

Vice Ganda debuts new talk show with Bea and Angel as guests

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 13

Converting the CERB into a permanent basic income Leah Gazan, MP for Winnipeg Centre, submitted a motion to the House of Commons on August 12 to convert the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) into a permanent Guaranteed Liveable Basic Income.

The motion (M-46) was a collaboration of Gazan, Basic Income Manitoba and the Basic Income Canada Network.

“COVID-19 has demonstrated that we do have the resources. We must ensure all individuals in Canada can thrive in dignity and that means making investments to ensure basic human rights for all,” said Gazan.

In May 2020, a Probe Research poll indicated that 62 per cent of Manitobans support introducing a basic income.

“Canada’s income security system has always contained many gaps, inequalities and

inefficiencies, which have been access to housing, healthcare, worsened by the pandemic. A education and social services. guaranteed liveable basic income As the very rich get richer, GLI would solve these deficiencies and increase the sense of security and well-being of all who live in Canada,” said Sid Frankel, Basic Income Manitoba board member Gazan’s motion calls on the federal government to work with the provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples to implement a guaranteed liveable annual income. Call to Justice 4.5. of the​ National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls ​final report also calls upon all governments to establish a guaranteed annual liveable income for all to provide for social and economic needs.

“CERB has proven that a Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI or Basic Income) is possible and good for Canadians, said Senator Marilou McPhedran. “GLI is Leah Gazan deeply interconnected with fair MP, Winnipeg Centre

is how Canada can uphold our international reputation for respecting fundamental human

rights – by creating a path for all Canadians to reach peace, wellbeing and security.”

UNICEF/WHO: 2 in 5 schools around the world lacked basic hand washing facilities prior to COVID-19 pandemic NEW YORK/GENEVA, 13 August 2020 – As schools worldwide struggle with reopening, the latest data from the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) reveal that 43 per cent of schools around the world lacked access to basic hand washing with soap and water in 2019 – a key condition for schools to be able to operate safely in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Global school closures since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have presented an unprecedented challenge to children’s education and wellbeing,” said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director.

“We must prioritize children’s learning. This means making sure that schools are safe to reopen – including with access to hand hygiene, clean drinking water and safe sanitation.”

According to the report, around 818 million children lack basic hand washing facilities at their schools, which puts them at increased risk of COVID-19 and other transmittable diseases.

More than one third of these children (295 million) are from sub-Saharan Africa. In the least developed countries, 7 out of 10 schools lack basic hand washing facilities and half of schools lack basic sanitation and water services.

VICE...

From page 12 the most talked about topics on Twitter among Filipinos as it aired live, and it reached around 35,000 viewers on Facebook at one point.

Vice Ganda said that replays of “Gabing Gabi na Vice” will be available on his website, though he did not say starting when.

The report stresses that governments seeking to control the spread of COVID-19 must balance the need for implementation of public health measures versus the associated social and economic impacts of lockdown measures. Evidence of the negative impacts of prolonged school closures on children’s safety, wellbeing and learning are well documented, the report says.

“Access to water, sanitation and hygiene services is essential for effective infection prevention and control in all settings, including schools,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “It must be a major focus of government strategies for the safe reopening and operation of schools during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic.”

Other key findings from the report include: • Of the 818 million children who lacked a basic hand washing service at their school, 355 million went to schools which had facilities with water but no soap, and 462 million to schools which had no facilities or water available for hand washing.

• In the 60 countries at highest risk of health and humanitarian crises due to COVID-19, 3 in 4 children lacked basic hand washing service at their school at Gabing Gabi na Vice,” is part of the programming line-up of the Vice Ganda Network, Vice Ganda’s answer to the clamour from his huge, loyal fan base, who have sorely missed him this pandemic.

The other programs scheduled are a sitcom and a karaoke challenge, both of which have yet to get an official premiere date.

SOURCE: ABS-CBN News

the start of the outbreak; half of all children lacked basic water service; and more than half lacked basic sanitation service.

• 1 in 3 schools worldwide had either limited drinking water service or no drinking water service at all.

• 698 million children lacked basic sanitation service at their school.

The report identifies several resources necessary for COVID-19 prevention and control in schools, including 10 immediate actions and safety checklists. It builds on guidelines on the safe reopening of schools issued by UNESCO, UNICEF, WFP and the World Bank with practical advice for national and local authorities on how to prepare for safe school reopening and keep children safe when they return to school. The guidelines include several WASH-related protocols on hygiene measures, use of personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection, as well as providing access to clean water, hand washing stations with soap, and safe toilets.

UNICEF and WHO are committed to achieving equitable access to adequate WASH services worldwide. The agencies recently launched a joint initiative, Hand Hygiene for All, to support the most vulnerable communities with the means to protect their

CRISTY...

From page 11 sa pagluluto sa tulong ng kaniyang mga kaibigan.

Ikinuwento rin ni KC ang madalas niyang pagyakap sa isang puno ng mangga, kapag nag-wish ka raw kasi ay matutupad iyon, gusto na niyang magkaroon ng anak.

Marami pang ikinuwento

Six-year-old Payal in India uses a foot pedal sanitizer to practice hand hygiene (UNICEF/Panjwani) health and environment. It brings together international partners, national governments, public and private sectors, and civil society to ensure affordable products and services are available, especially in disadvantaged areas.

Sources: UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone; WHO – The World Health Organization directs and coordinates international health within the United Nations system. Working

with its 194 Member States, WHO’s mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.

About the Joint Monitoring Programme: The WHO/ UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) for Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene is responsible for monitoring global progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets and indicators relating drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). The JMP produces national, regional and global estimates of progress on WASH in households, schools and health care facilities.

ang dalaga pero sa pagtatapos ng panayam ay sinabi niya, “I am not perfect, but I’m willing to learn.”

Aabangan uli namin sa susunod na Sabado nang gabi sa TV5 ang Usapang Real Life ni Ms. Luchi Cruz Valdes.

Kapag masarap na sa una ang natikman mo ay siguradong mas masarap ang mga susunod pa.Problemado talaga ngayon ang mga artista ng ABS-CBN. Walang

katiyakan ang kanilang trabaho, iilan lang sa kanila ang nabibigyan ng proyekto, isang maliit na piraso lang ng karne kumbaga ang kanilang pinaghahati-hatian.

May trabaho man sila ay hindi na tulad nang dati ang kanilang talent fee, halos kalahati ang kaltas, na intindido naman ng mga artista dahil sa pagpapasarado sa kanilang network.

See CRISTY p15

PAGE 14

PILIPINO EXPRESS

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

Motivation reset Hello to all my fellow dreamers out there! How are you? Still working towards those dreams, I hope!

Motivation is an integral component for achieving any goal, isn’t it? However, it does not always come easy. There are times when we may lack motivation and it makes pursuing any endeavour a challenge.

If you’re currently lacking motivation, just know that you’re not alone. Especially during these uncertain times, it may be more challenging to see how our dreams and plans will actually come to be. When so many things around us are changing, we cannot rely too much on external factors to be our motivators. Sometimes, we need to create and find our own nuggets of motivation along the way. Below are some tips that I

hope can help.

Self-awareness Similar to if you were to lose your keys, you would probably retrace your steps to see where things may have gone wrong in order to find your keys again.

When you lose motivation it is a great idea to ask ourselves, “at what point did I start feeling unmotivated?” and then follow up with, “and why?” In doing this, we will be able to understand ourselves better and start to create our own very personalized next steps. It is also important to give our self the grace to know that we are learning everyday. During a stage of un-motivation, we should simply think of it as an opportunity to learn more about ourselves.

The power of “little goals” Big goals can be very overwhelming at times. When we

only look at the big goals, it may lead us to thinking that there’s no point in trying because it is too far out of reach. However, if we break each big goal into a number of little goals, it makes the journey clearer, easier to follow, and the dream will seem even more possible! However, we should always keep that big goal in mind along the way to ensure that we are still headed in the right direction.

Plan it out with power words Make a schedule and have a timeline! This is especially true when it comes to all the “little” goals mentioned earlier. Deadlines are incredible tools because they give us that little nudge to get moving. We have to be cautious about getting caught within vague vocabulary. In other words, “I’ll do it soon” or “Someday I hope to _______,” are not effective.

The more specific the plan is, the more powerful it will be. It is important to be specific with the deadlines we give ourselves. In doing this, we are able to visualize

our journey.

What’s your “Why?” We can easily awaken our motivation simply by asking ourselves, “Why?” “Why do I want to accomplish this goal?”

This is especially helpful for those who have been pursuing a goal for a long time and may have forgotten why they set the goal in the first place. Sometimes this is the most powerful tip of all because it brings us back in touch with our intention, and this is a major stage in following any dream.

Examine your tribe Years ago, someone told me, “you are the average of the five people you hang out with most.”

The people we surround ourselves with on a regular basis have a huge impact on how we live out our lives. Personally, in my journey so far, I feel so blessed to be surrounded by many other dreamers who have such positive attitudes towards life. Their vibes continue to be extremely contagious and I cannot help but be

inspired by them. This inspiration converts itself to motivation and, in healthy relationships, the hope is that we are always part of this exchange of positive energy. It is gold to surround ourselves with people who will not only inspire us by their hustle, but who will also support us with ours.

The above tips are just some of several other ways we can regain motivation in our journey as dreamers. Let’s not forget that we can find motivation within ourselves, we don’t have to look far. Let’s be inspired by our past: because of our strength we endured and continue to carry along the way. Let’s be inspired by our future: because just think of how incredible it will feel to accomplish our goals! Finally, let’s be inspired by where we are today: because we acknowledge the desire within our hearts to do more and be more.

Yvanne is a Program Manager with Career Trek Inc. She’s also an Independent Pop, R&B/Soul Singer-Songwriter.

OUR HEALTH Yes, face mask protection helps slow the spread of COVID-19 Can face masks help slow the spread of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19? Yes, face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing and social distancing, help slow the spread of the virus.

So why weren’t face masks recommended at the start of the pandemic? At that time, experts didn’t know the extent to which people with COVID-19 could spread the virus before symptoms appeared. Nor was it known that some people have COVID-19 but don’t have any symptoms.

Both groups can unknowingly spread the virus to others.

These discoveries led public health groups to do an about-face on face masks. The World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now include face masks in their recommendations for slowing the spread of the virus. The CDC recommends cloth face masks for the public and not the surgical and N95 masks needed by health care providers.

How do the different types of masks work?

Surgical masks Also called a medical mask, a surgical mask is a loose-fitting disposable mask that protects the wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with droplets, splashes and sprays that may contain germs. A surgical mask also filters out large particles in the air. Surgical masks may protect others by reducing exposure to the saliva and respiratory secretions of the mask wearer.

At this time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any type of surgical

mask specifically for protection against the coronavirus, but these masks may provide some protection when N95 masks are not available.

N95 masks Actually a type of respirator, an N95 mask offers more protection than a surgical mask does because it can filter out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales. As the name indicates, the mask is designed to block 95% of very small particles. Some N95 masks have valves that make them easier to breathe through. With this type of mask, unfiltered air is released when the wearer exhales.

Health care providers must be trained and pass a fit test to confirm a proper seal before using an N95 respirator in the workplace. Like surgical masks, N95 masks are intended to be disposable. However, researchers are testing ways to disinfect N95 masks so they can be reused.

Some N95 masks, and even some cloth masks, have one-way valves that make them easier to breathe through. But because the valve releases unfiltered air when the wearer breathes out, this type of mask doesn’t prevent the wearer from spreading the virus. For this reason, some places have banned them.

Cloth masks A cloth mask is intended to trap droplets that are released when the wearer talks, coughs or sneezes. Asking everyone to wear cloth masks can help reduce the spread of the virus by people who have COVID-19 but don’t realize it.

Cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce the spread

of the COVID-19 virus when they are widely used by people in public settings. And countries that required face masks, testing, isolation and social distancing early in the pandemic have successfully slowed the spread of the virus.

While surgical and N95 masks may be in short supply and should be reserved for health care providers, cloth face coverings and masks are easy to find or make, and can be washed and reused.

Masks can be made from common materials, such as sheets made of tightly woven cotton. Instructions are easy to find online. Cloth masks should include multiple layers of fabric. The CDC website even includes directions for no-sew masks made from bandannas and T-shirts.

How to wear a cloth face mask The CDC recommends that you wear a cloth face mask when you’re around people who don’t live with you and in public settings when social distancing is difficult.

Here are a few pointers for putting on and taking off a cloth mask: • Wash or sanitize your hands before and after putting on and taking off your mask.

• Place your mask over your mouth and nose.

• Tie it behind your head or use ear loops and make sure it’s snug.

• Don’t touch your mask while wearing it.

• If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands.

• If your mask becomes wet

or dirty, switch to a clean one.

Put the used mask in a sealable bag until you can wash it.

• Remove the mask by untying it or lifting off the ear loops without touching the front of the mask or your face.

• Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask.

• Regularly wash your mask with soap and water by hand or in the washing machine. It’s fine to launder it with other clothes.

And, here are a few face mask precautions: • Don’t put masks on anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or otherwise unable to remove the mask without help.

• Don’t put masks on children under 2 years of age.

• Don’t use face masks as a substitute for social distancing.

Tips for adjusting to a face mask It can be challenging to get used to wearing a face mask.

Here are some tips for making the transition: • Start slow. Wear your mask at home for a short time, such as while watching television.

Then wear it during a short walk.

Slowly increase the time until you feel more comfortable.

• Find your fit. If your mask isn’t comfortable or is too difficult to breathe through, consider other options. Masks come in a variety of styles and sizes.

• Tie one on. Try getting used to a scarf or bandanna to cover your nose and mouth at home, first, then transition to a mask.

If these tips don’t help or you have concerns about wearing a mask, talk with your health care provider about how to protect

yourself and others during the pandemic.

By Dana Sparks. This article is written by Mayo Clinic Staff.

Find more health and medical information on mayoclinic.org.

Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific understanding, along with guidelines and recommendations, may have changed since the original publication date.

– Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

CRISTY...

From page 13 Maganda ang posisyon ni Sarah Geronimo, bukas ang pintuan ng GMA-7 at TV5 para sa singer-actress, depende na lang kay Boss Vic del Rosario kung saang network siya ibibigay.

Saang istasyon man magtrabaho si Sarah ay malaking kadagdagan siya, malawak at aktibo ang kaniyang Popsters, matindi na rin ang napatunayan niya sa takilya.

Walang katalu-talo si Sarah, nakakatulog siya nang mahimbing habang kayakap si Matteo Guidicelli, may kapayapaan siya ng kalooban dahil alam niyang mayroon siyang maaasahan at pupuntahan.

Kapag nagkukuwentuhan nga raw sa phone ang mga artista ng ABS-CBN na walang trabaho ay hindi nila maiwasan ang magkaiyakan. Marami silang iniintindi.

May mga kumuha ng hulugang sasakyan dahil may buwanan naman silang kinikita sa network, puwede na nga namang ipangutang iyon, may naglakas-loob ding kumuha ng house and lot.

Pero sino nga ba ang magaakalang sa isang iglap ay ganito na ang sitwasyon ng ABS-CBN, wala man tayong nakikitang mga padlock ay ipinasarado ang network, matindi ang epekto siyempre noon sa kanilang mga nasasakupan.

Sino ang dadalawin ng antok kapag ganoon ang sitwasyon?

Lumolobo ang bills ng mga artista at empleyado na kailangang bayaran pero wala na silang buslong pagkukunan?

Lantad ang emosyon ni Gerald Anderson, wala na itong trabaho ay sarado pa ang kaniyang

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

negosyong gym na malaki ang naitutulong sa kaniya, nangangapa rin sa dilim ngayon ang aktor.

Suwerte ang mga nakapagipon, may nadudukot pa sila ngayon kahit walang pumapasok sa kanilang kaban, madilim naman ang mundo ngayon ng mga personalidad na hindi nakapaghanda para sa kanilang kinabukasan. *** Tahimik ang mundo ngayon ni Kris Aquino. Walang anumang pahayag na nanggagaling mula sa kaniya tungkol sa pagkaudlot ng kaniyang pagbabalik-TV pagkatapos nang halos apat na taon.

Ayon sa isang source ay may dalawang dahilan para manahimik si Kris. Una ay wala siyang dapat ipaliwanag, maayos ang lahat, kaya bakit siya magsasalita?

Ang ikalawa ay totoong may problema, ayaw lang niyang magbigay ng komento, dahil lalo pang makagulo. Kaya habang nagpipista ang lahat ay tahimik lang si Kris. NR siya.

Suhestiyon ng marami, tutal naman ay idolo niya si Oprah Winfrey na may sariling network, ay bakit kasi hindi na lang siya ang magprodyus ng sarili niyang programa?

Kapag kaniya ang network ay masusunod ang lahat ng gusto niya, wala siyang kailangang kausapin, siya na mismo ang magdedesisyon. Wala siyang makakaaway na prodyuser, wala siyang makakasamaan ng loob, dahil siya ang reyna ng network.

At kayang-kaya niya namang isakatuparan iyon dahil kayangkaya niyang mamuhunan, kaya niyang kumuha ng magagaling na production people na makakasama niya, malaya pa siyang makapagdedesisyon.

May mga nagkokomento na baka raw may kasamang mabibigat na tao sa kaniyang paligid ngayon si Kris. Tinatalo raw ng negative vibes ang kaniyang mga plano.

Nakakahiya naman iyon sa mga taong tumutulong ngayon kay Kris para sa kaniyang pagbabalik.

Ginagawa naman nila ang lahat para ipaglaban ang kaniyang programa na noong una’y tinanggihan na nga ng TV5 pero napagtagumpayan nilang makakuha ng airtime.

Sayang na sayang na oportunidad, nakaabang na ang mga kababayan natin sa dapat ay paglulunsad ng kaniyang programa sa August 15, pero nabulilyaso pa.

Tuwang-tuwa na sana ang kaniyang mga tagasuporta, pagkatapos nga naman nang halos apat na taon ay mapapanood na uli ang Queen Of All Media, pero biglang may naganap.

Nakaplantilya na ang show, kasado na, pero nagkaroon pa rin ng problema. Totoong-totoo na habang hindi pa gumigiling ang mga camera at literal na nating napapanood ang proyekto ay wala pa ring kasiguruhan ang mga plano. *** Napakasuwerte talaga ni Alden Richards. Sa isang panahon na nawalan ng exposure ang napakaraming artistang nawalan ng trabaho ay isang buong linggo namang napapanood ang Pambansang Bae. Mula Lunes hanggang Sabado ay nasa Eat…Bulaga siya, may musical variety show siya tuwing Linggo, ipalalabas pa uli mula bukas ang seryeng pinagbibidahan nila ni Louise delos Reyes kung saan nag-ugat ang tawag sa kaniyang Tisoy.

Isa si Alden sa mga artistang nakakatulog nang mahimbing, may kapayapaan ng kalooban,

dahil hindi siya napabilang sa mga personalidad na walang trabaho.

Siya na ang sumusuko sa marami pa sanang plano para sa kaniya ng GMA-7, alagang-alaga siya ng network, idagdag pa ang mga bagong TVC na ginawa niya na ipinalalabas na ngayon.

Wala nang mahihiling pa si Alden, puro pasasalamat sa Diyos na lang ang ginagawa niya, dahil kahit sa panahon ng pandemya ay hindi siya problemado dahil nakapag-ipon siya.

Napaghandaan niya na ang kinabukasan ng kaniyang pamilya, may nakatabi na siyang magagamit sa panahon ng indulto, mayroon din siyang nakalaang halaga para sa pagtulong niya sa mga nangangailangan.

At tama ang obserbasyon ng kaibigan naming propesor, sabi nito, “Si Alden ang barometro ng kaguwapuhan ngayon. Dati, si Piolo Pascual iyon. Dati, kapag sinasabing guwapo, si Piolo ang comparison.

“Pero ngayon, e, si Alden na.

Kapag sinasabing guwapo ang isang guy, ang sasabihin agad, e, mala-Alden Richards ang itsura.

“Mabait kasi si Alden, kaya palagi siyang binibiyayaan. Kahit sa malayuan, kahit hindi mo pa siya kilala nang personal, alam mong mabait talaga siya,” papuri ni prop sa Pambansang Bae. *** Magiging masakit talaga para kay Anjo Yllana ang pagpapaalam sa Eat…Bulaga.

Dalawang dekada siyang naging bahagi ng pinakamatagal na noontime show sa balat ng Pilipinas, arawaraw iyon, Linggo lang sila hindi nagkikita-kita ng kaniyang mga kasama.

Napakalalim na ng kanilang samahan, sa noontime show na siya nagbinata, nag-asawa at

PAGE 15 naging pulitiko.

Nagbitiw na sa programa si Anjo Yllana, ang tanging sinabi niya ay mabigat na desisyon ang kaniyang ginawa, pero wala siyang nabanggit na dahilan kung bakit.

Noong una ay kasama si Anjo sa main studio, marami silang nagho-host, pinakabida siyempre ang Tito, Vic and Joey.

Pero nitong mga huling panahon ay nasa labas na siya ng studio, inilipat siya sa SugodBahay segment, na ang lutang na lutang naman ay sina Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola at Paolo Balleteros (Jowapao).

Naramdaman kaya ng aktorpulitiko na paliit na nang paliit ang kaniyang mundo sa noontime show? Dati’y malaki ang kaniyang partisipasyon, hanggang sa isang segment na lang ang kaniyang ginagawa, iyon kaya ang dahilan ng kaniyang pagbibitiw?

Para sa ibang kababayan natin ay hindi masamang bumitiw lalo na kung hindi na siya masaya. Lalo na ngayon, walang Sugod-Bahay ang pangtanghaling programa, nasa studio lang ang mga hosts at magkakalayo pa.

Pero nang lumutang ang balitang may gagawin pala silang programa ni Kitkat na katapat pa ng Eat…Bulaga ay nagbago ang timplada ng reaksiyon ng ating mga kababayan.

Sana raw ay nagpalipas muna nang mahaba-habang panahon si Anjo bago siya nagdesisyong tumanggap ng programang katapat pa mismo ng show na kaniyang pinanggalingan.

Respeto at delicadeza ang tawag doon. Punto naman ng kaibigan naming propesor, “Sinumang hindi kalabisan ay hindi kawalan.” *** See CRISTY p16

EH KASI, PINOY!

PAGE 16

PILIPINO EXPRESS

KROSWORD

NO. 351

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

PAHALANG 1. Binibisita 8. Palagay 11. Himok 14. Susuksukin 16. Sigalot 17. Bitbit 18. Sigaw ng karatista 19. Siyasat 20. Unlapi 21. Pananong 23. Anak ng kuto 25. Sang-ayunan 28. Silong 29. Uring kahoy 30. Kabaliwan PABABA 2. Ilalim 3. Turo 4. Ulupong 5. Karayom 6. Kaparusahan 7. May ber-beri

9. Kakulangan 10. Balak 12. Malimit 13. Krusada 15. Taba ng alimango 22. Isulong 24. Ilagis 26. Uri ng damit 27. Tela

SAGOT SA NO. 350

CRISTY...

From page 15 Napakahirap ng sitwasyon ng mga personalidad na tumutulong sa mga kababayan nating nasa gitna ng pagdarahop ngayon.

Tumutulong na nga sila ay pinipintasan pa at kinukuwestiyon.

Hindi biro ang limang milyong pisong tulong na ibinigay ni Willie Revillame sa mga kababayan nating jeepney drivers na dahil hindi makapamasada ay napilitan nang mamalimos sa kalye para may maipakain sa kani-kanilang pamilya.

Pero may mga namintas pa sa aktor-TV host, bakit pa raw siya nagpa-interview kay Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, bakit daw hindi na lang siya ang direktang namahagi ng tulong sa mga jeepney drivers?

May maipintas lang, may masabi lang, may maipanira lang.

Unang-una ay hindi naman alam ni Willie ang mga samahan ng mga jeepney drivers. Napakalaking trabaho para sa kaniya ang alamin kung anu-anong organisasyon ng mga motorista ang kinasasaniban nila kaya ang pinakamagandang puwedeng gawin ay ipadaan sa DSWD ang kaniyang donasyon.

Kung si Willie mismo ang magsasadya sa lugar kung saan may mga namamalimos na jeepney drivers ay ano ang kahihinatnan noon? Magkakagulo, nakakatakot ang magiging scenario, sa halip na

mapabuti ang kaniyang intensiyon ay baka mabaligtad pa kapag nagkaroon ng pagsasakitan sa hanay ng mga nagmamaneho ng pampublikong sasakyan.

Kapag tumutulong ang tao nang bukal sa puso ay huwag na sana nating kinukuwestiyon pa ang intensiyon. Hindi siya nagpa-interview para magyabang, kinailangan lang niyang padaanin kay Attorney Harry Roque ang tulong, para maiendorso naman iyon sa DSWD. May suntok sa puso ang pahayag ni Willie Revillame sa Tutok To Win; ang sinsero niyang sabi, “Alam ko po kung ano ang pinagdadaanan n’yo. Ramdam na ramdam ko po kayo.

“Nagtrabaho rin po akong barker noon sa Caloocan. Naglinis din ako ng mga jeep na kabibiyahe lang na barya-barya lang ang tinatanggap ko.

“Alam na alam ko po ang buhay na pinagdadaanan n’yo ngayon.

Napakahirap,” pagbabalik-alaala ni Willie Revillame sa payak niyang nakaraan.

At hindi lang naman ngayon ginawa ng TV host ang pagtulong, noong salantahin ng Yolanda ang mga kababayan natin sa Leyte at mga katabing probinsiya ay nagbigay rin siya ng donasyong sampung milyong piso, walang halong kulay ng pulitika ang pagbubukas ng kaniyang puso sa maliliit nating kababayan.

Kahit sino pa ang pangulong

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020 nakaupo, tutulong at tutulong pa rin si Willie Revillame, dahil iyon ang ibinubulong ng kaniyang puso.

Hindi lahat ng taong may sobra-sobrang tinatanggap na biyaya ay magkakaroon ng puso para ibahagi iyon sa mga walangwala lalo na sa panahon ngayon ng pandemya. *** Dobleng kalungkutan ang nararamdaman ni Gabby Concepcion sa pagpanaw ng kaniyang ina. Literal na nakalulungkot ang mawalan ng magulang. Sugat iyon na walang paggaling.

Pero masakit ang katotohanan na pumanaw si Mommy Baby na may problema sila ni Gabby.

Nagkasuhan sila dahil sa isang property sa San Juan na ayon sa mga kapatid ng aktor ay sinolo niya.

Sa mga lumabas na balita, na umabot na nga sa husgado, ay pineke ni Gabby ang pirma ng kaniyang ina para maibenta niya ang propyedad. Mismong mga kapatid niya ang nagpapatunay na walang alam ang kanilang ina sa bentahan.

Harinawang bago nawala si Mommy Baby ay naiayos na ng pamilya ang problema. Sa kasabihang Pinoy, kapag pumanaw ang magulang na may matinding sama ng loob sa anak, ay hindi magiging maganda ang takbo ng kaniyang buhay.

Sana naman. –CSF

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

Folklorama: the pearl of Manitoba

by Kevin Lamoureux One of Canada’s greatest strengths is our diversity and we need to better understand the potential economic and social benefits by investing in our everchanging heritage. Winnipeg’s annual Folklorama celebration, in many ways, displays our diversity, and the more we understand that diversity, the better we will be as a nation.

This time last year we were celebrating Folklorama’s 50 anniversary and I remember the incredible party, with thousands of Winnipeggers and tourists alike enjoying the diversity of music, dances, and foods. Now it’s hard to believe that this year we won’t be holding a festival at all. COVID-19 has changed so much for us.

While it’s sad for us to miss the festival, it’s also given us time to reflect and think about the things we really value. Folklorama needs to be one of those things, and we need to pull together to make sure this tradition continues. Did you know that it’s the largest and longest-running multicultural festival in the world? Every year Folklorama is almost like the year-end recital for dance troupes and musical groups all across Winnipeg. It provides a reason to practice, an end-goal to strive towards, and a motivation for youth to maintain cultural

traditions.

The Pearl of the Orient Philippine pavilion has been a pillar of Folklorama for years.

Since 1988 I have been attending the pavilion and in many ways it was through the pavilion that I first met many of the good friends that I have today. Over the years I have accompanied many politicians to the Pearl of the Orient including people like Justin Trudeau, Bob Rae and so many others. It has been a place that I often bring people or encourage others to visit. In many ways the Pearl exemplifies what a pavilion should strive to achieve.

Literally hundreds of volunteers of all ages, a first class cultural display, incredible performances that often highlight the incredible talents that can be found within the community and a food section that will provide tasty servings to thousands in seven days. I should also mention the bar and the outdoor patio where you will often see people enjoying karaoke. I mentioned hundreds of volunteers and many of them are the people who provide security, stamp passes, clean and more.

Over the years the Pearl of the Orient has also demonstrated how a pavilion can become a broader family with strong healthy relationships between its members. Children that performed years ago now have children of their own performing,

and people who first met at the pavilion have gone on to become best friends.

The Pearl of the Orient – and the Nayong Pilipino pavilion in the past – have helped shape the community to what it is today.

The impacts they have had on the broader community as a whole are incredible and just can’t be measured.

We should also recognize that Folklorama plays a major role in Manitoba’s economy, generating millions of dollars each year. Its loss would have a real impact on our city and our local businesses.

Even more important, it would have a terrible impact on our rich diversity and heritage.

The coronavirus has made 2020 a difficult year for many of our cultural groups. The reality is that many dance troupes, language groups, and even cultural centres are finding it challenging this year and it is important that we continue to show support for them in whatever way we can.

Folklorama will always be a critical cultural celebration for our city, province and country. I wish to express to those thousands of volunteers how much I appreciate what they do and I, along with thousands of others, will be looking forward to seeing the pavilions again in 2021.

Kevin Lamoureux is the Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

PILIPINO EXPRESS

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 19

I propose we watch this movie!

by Lucille Nolasco Chance meetings. Freedom for one’s self. Family love.

These are just some of the takeaways from the new movie, I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After Tonight by award-winning Canadian director, Sean Garrity.

The film, which was originally slated for release last March but had the misfortune to coincide with the first shutdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic, will now open August 21 at the Cineplex Odeon McGillivray Cinemas.

In what may be a first for a Canadian movie, 20 of the 29 cast members are Filipino-Canadians, mainly from Winnipeg.

The Pilipino Express spoke with Sean about his unique new film.

PE: Tell us about the idea behind your new movie, I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After Tonight. Was it years in the making? Was it full of challenges or was it a smooth project from beginning to end?

SG: I was making films in Toronto for a few years, and when I moved home again, I wanted to make a really Winnipeg movie.

So, I started writing a romantic comedy where one character was Filipino and one was Mennonite, and I wanted the story to climax at a big wedding social! To me, that seemed like the architecture of a truly Winnipeg story.

We started shooting on January 31, 2019, and it was a very difficult film to make.

I was trying to achieve a very specific tone. I wanted it to be very authentic; with very real performances, but not too earnest; funny, but not broad comedy, either. It was hard to get it right, but I felt very supported by my cast and crew who worked really hard to help me achieve my vision.

PE: Is it based on a personal story (yours or someone you know)?

SG: The story starts with an encounter between a man and a woman, who have never met before. They decide that instead of getting to know one another, they will keep their names secret, and take advantage of the opportunity to share secrets with a complete stranger that they will never meet again. After an evening of sharing their darkest secrets with each other, they vow to never see each other again – except, of course, it’s Winnipeg.

This inciting incident is based on an encounter I actually had in South America. I met a Canadian who was backpacking through, while I was living there for two years, going to film school. We had this exact thing happen to us, except in the real story, we actually never saw each other again. I wonder what happened to her?

PE: The main actress and a few others are from the Filipino community, how was it working

with these actors?

SG: It was amazing to discover the seemingly endless talent in Winnipeg’s Filipino community! At the very beginning of my writing process, I sat down with a number of Filipino friends to talk about their experiences going through the events about which I wanted to write. They were so open and generous in sharing their stories with me; it was incredible. I ended up going back to them a number of times while writing, to ask “did I get this right?” or “does this seem like something that might happen in a Filipino family?” They were so supportive. It was fantastic. I am very grateful to them. They are all listed in the end credits of the movie.

In terms of actors, at first, I couldn’t find very many at all. The usual casting directors in the city don’t have a lot of connections to actors in the Filipino community, which is too bad! So, I had to start searching in other places: I talked to Stephanie Sy, and she connected me with Andrea Macasaet, who, in turn, connected me to a bunch of other actors. We looked online and I cast my lead, Hera Nalam, based on her YouTube videos.

We found our “Mom” and “Dad” actors through 204 Filipino Marketplace on Facebook. I talked to someone who had been a drama teacher at Sisler High School, and he connected me with his former students who were talented. I built a real web of people-connected-to-people to fill out the cast.

But now that I have discovered these great actors, I want to do more! Maybe a TV show or something. So much talent! And nobody seems to be camera shy; everyone I met was willing to take a swing at acting.

I love it!

PE: The movie is primarily a romantic-comedy, but I believe there’s also a hint of family drama in the mix?

SG: It was important for me that my characters have a background – a family, a job, a goal in life. They need to be fully-flushed characters. My lead character is named Iris Dela Cruz and I was so happy with the scenes we shot with her family – played by Andrea Macasaet, Mel Hizon, Mithus Mallari, and Elmer Aquino – that they ended up taking more space in the final film than I had anticipated.

One of the themes of the film centres on Iris’s struggle to get her mother to accept her as an adult who is capable of making adult choices, and I really enjoyed the performances in those scenes, so they became centrepieces of Iris’s story.

PE: What do you want viewers to take away from the movie after watching it?

SG: The movie is funny and sexy and honest and emotionally intense. I want audiences to laugh, and be engaged and

walk away having been told a good story. I want them to walk away feeling like they know my characters, that maybe they saw something of themselves in my characters. I also want them to walk away recognizing that our stories deserve a place on the silver screen, alongside stories from Hollywood and Bollywood. Just because we’re from Winnipeg, doesn’t mean we have to spend our lives watching stories from somewhere else.

PE: As a Canadian film maker, what usually are the challenges you face?

SG: Where do I start? The biggest challenge is publicity; finding a way to let people know that the film is in cinemas.

PE: Suggestions on how to overcome these challenges for you and other filmmakers in Canada?

SG: The average US film has a $35 million publicity budget.

The average Canadian film has a few thousand dollars. I don’t mind if people know about my film, and choose not to see it, but it seems unfair that so many people aren’t able to make that choice because they don’t even know that our films are there!

PE: Any future projects we can look forward to?

SG: Yes! I am always developing new projects. I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After Tonight is my eighth film. I am presently writing a new thriller about identity theft.

The more I research it, the more paranoid I become. I change all my passwords almost every day now. My wife thinks I am crazy.

(You can see trailers for Sean Garrity’s previous films at bedbugsfilms.com/trailers/ ) PE: Anything else you’d like the readers and viewers to know about you and your work, as a Canadian filmmaker?

SG: I would love people to come out and see the new film in the cinema. In the cinema, the sound is in 5.1 surround, the score (composed by local producer Murray Pulver) is mixed beautifully, the colours are right, and you can enjoy the film on a giant screen. It is the way the movie is meant to be seen.

I Propose We Never See Each Other Again After Tonight opens at the Cineplex Odeon McGillivray Cinemas on August 21.

Kristian Jordan

Hera Nalam as Iris dela Cruz

Director on set, Sean Garrity

Andrea Macasaet

Dela Cruz Family, l-r: Elmer Aquino, Andrea Macasaet, Mel Hizon and Mithus Mallari

PAGE 20

PILIPINO EXPRESS

AUGUST 16 - 31, 2020

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Sa aming pamilya, sama-sama kaming nagpaplano.

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