Pilipino Express • Aug 16 2023

SB19, l-r: Stell, Ken, Justin, Josh and Pablo. Story on p9. Photo by Josel Media Photography.

Kris Aquino

The Magic of Magdaragat Philippines. Story on p15. Photo by Chito Sta. Brigida

FREE LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR YOUTH

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• Part one – Board Governance

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When: 8:30 am, Saturday, 07 October 2023

Where: PCCM’s Multi-purpose Room

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In an inspiring display of unity and camaraderie, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba’s ethnic chapters representing Filipino, Chinese, Indian, Arab, EthioEritrean, Nigerian, and Israeli members came together to organize a summer picnic.

Held on August 12th at the Assiniboine Park, over 200 members and their families gathered despite the looming threat of rain as forecasted for the day. Fortunately, nice weather prevailed throughout the event, allowing the organizers to continue with the activities as planned.

The event’s itinerary catered to all age groups, ensuring an engaging experience for everyone. A bouncy castle sponsored by the Chinese Members Chapter delighted the children, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day. Both adults and kids participated in various games, such as the classic tug of war, fostering healthy and friendly competition.

Engineers Geoscientists

Manitoba’s ethnic chapters organize summer picnic

One of the highlights of the event was the captivating food spread, featuring mouth-watering delicacies from each participating culture. The Filipino Members Chapter proudly presented our iconic lechon that became an instant hit.

In between games and lunch, attendees had the opportunity to interact with peers and new acquaintances who may not have crossed paths in their daily routines. Discussions cantered around their unique journeys, challenges, and triumphs within the engineering and geoscience profession.

“The picnic was a wellorganized, very successful, and excellent networking event. Attendees had a great time as they shared their traditional food and had fun with the games, especially the kids who also made new friends. The positive feedback we received as event organizers will encourage us to plan more events in the future,” remarked Mike

Toma, current counsellor, and past chair of the Arab Members Chapter.

As the event ended, it was clear that the organizers had achieved their goal of bringing members together from diverse backgrounds to connect, share experiences, and forge meaningful professional relationships.

The organizers would like to thank the following event partners and sponsors for supporting this special event – Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, National Bank, Venson Wang of Cora’s Restaurant, Lafarge Canada, Duque Immigration Services, Eyob Abebe, and Lakeside Emerson.

Kudos to the following organizing committee members for their efforts in ensuring the success of the summer picnic: Filipino Members Chapter –Rey Robillos, Danica Limpahan, Maria Karla Pascual Chinese Members Chapter –Jovian Yang

Arab Engineers Chapter –Mike Toma, Kaseem Harb, Will Safkou, Samir Hammad

India Members Chapter –Suman Suri

Nigerian Members Chapter –Victor Adebayo, Johnson Aina

Ethio-Eritrean Members Chapter – Getnet Muluye, Bekal, Wondimu

Israeli Members Chapter – Leo Reznik, Alex Vladimirsky

Ethel Clemente-Fernandez is a professional engineer registered in the province of Manitoba. She is an active member of the Filipino Members Chapter - Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba (FMCAPEGM).

Kid’s Tug of War

Filipino Members Chapter volunteers

Bouncy castle sponsored by the Chinese Members Chapter

Event organizers and chapter officers

Lechon sponsored by the Filipino Members Chapter

Adult’s Tug of War

Lunch time

Just when we started becoming accustomed to Sean Fraser as the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship he has been moved to different department. The roughly two years he spent were rewarding and eventful. The backlog was reduced, processing started improving and times have not been so good in years. His time was more than talk and federal immigration really did improve. It almost makes an old federal employee long to return to IRCC. No, not really, but I did commend him several times for his effectiveness as the guy on top. Now we have Marc Miller as the new minister and hopefully he will follow in the same footsteps as Sean Fraser.

The current minister began his term on July 26, 2023, and should be expected to remain in the portfolio for approximately two years unless the Conservatives or NDP win the next federal election, in which case all bets are off. The Prime Minister has made a habit of changing the Minister almost every two years. Since the renaming of the department to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) from the former Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), the following served as minister: John McCallum from November 4, 2015 to January 11, 2019; Ahmed Hussen from January 10, 2017 to November 20, 2019, Marco Mendicino from November 20, 2019 to October 26, 2021, and Sean Fraser from October 16, 2021 to July 27, 2023.

During their recent years in office the Trudeau Liberals

Canada changes its immigration minister Welcome Marc Miller

have continued the process of increasing immigration levels, a process that began in the late 1980s by the Conservative Party of Canada. The Liberals have been aggressive in recent years to increase levels to record numbers in to provide greater support for the Canadian economy and help the country recover from the devastating pandemic. Shortly after the Liberals were returned to power in 2015, they targeted 300,000 landings per year, up from the roughly 250,000 per annum targeted by the CPC for 10 years. The landing numbers in the depth of the pandemic were 184,000 in 2020, the lowest since World War 1. However, with the support of the government and the active IRCC programs and workers, the numbers rose dramatically to 401,000 in 2021, 432,000 in 2022, and the following numbers projected in the Levels Plan, are 465,000 for 2023, 485,000 for 2024 and 500,000 for 2025. If we stay the course and retain the Liberals as a national government then happy days are coming for immigration.

Immigration accounts for almost all of Canada’s labour force growth. Roughly 75 per cent of Canada’s population growth comes from immigration, especially the economic stream.

It is estimated that by 2036 immigrants will comprise up to 30 per cent of Canada’s population compared with 20.7 per cent in 2011. The measure of an aging population is changed by incoming migration. Did you know that 50 years ago there were seven workers for every retiree in Canada but today that ratio is

closer to three to one? If things remain unchanged it will drop to two workers for every retiree. The country’s education system remains one of the top ten in the world and attracts the brightest applicants along with a positive lifestyle and quality of life.

In order to remain a preferred destination for foreign workers the country must look to immigration. The current Canadian fertility rate is below the population replacement level. The current replacement level stands at 2.1 children per woman. The downward trend has continued steadily since 2009 and reached a record low of 1.4 children per woman in 2020. In that year Canada also the lowest number of births since 2007 and the greatest year-over-year decrease in birth (-3.6 per cent) since 1997.

Our sincere hope is that the Minister Marc Miller will continue in the same supportive fashion as his predecessor. Just think about one change with the introduction of an 18-month extension on the post-graduate work permit and IRCC staff actually identifying potential applicants and encouraging them to apply. I have been around immigration for a long time, and this was a pleasant change from the gate keepers who prided themselves on saying “No” and keeping people out. One more cheer for the outgoing Sean Fraser and welcome to Minister Marc Miller. Maybe with an open mind and continued proactive immigration policies all political parties will see the benefits of

immigration for Canada.

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.

Phone: 204-956-7845

E-Mail: info@pilipino-express.com

Website: www.pilipino-express.com

Publisher: THE PILIPINO EXPRESS INC.

Editor-in-Chief: EMMIE Z. JOAQUIN

Associate Editor: PAUL MORROW

Art Director: REY-AR REYES

JP SUMBILLO: Graphic Designer/Photographer ALEX CANLAPAN:

Contributor/Photographer

ANNE CAPRICE B. CLAROS

ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ

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Youth Contributors

Aksyon Ng

Fil-Can artist tapped to restore more images at St. Malo Shrine

by Lucille Nolasco-Garrido

The annual pilgrimage to the Shrine and Grotto of Notre Dame de Lourdes in St. Malo, Manitoba was held on Sunday, August 13.

Attendees may have noticed the newly restored and repainted collection of outdoor statues of the Shrine. These religious statues were cleaned and repaired by Filipino Canadian artist John Millar, who was previously commissioned to recreate a reclining image of St. Bernadette, which was stolen from the Shrine in June of last year.

Pilipino Express caught up with Millar to find out more about his latest projects for St. Malo.

PE: After you recreated a new image for St. Bernadette, tell us about your new projects for the St. Malo Shrine.

JM: After the installation of the replica of St. Bernadette’s body in the chapel, the board committee of St. Malo Shrine and Grotto said they were so impressed with my work that they hired me to do repairs and painting on all the statues that fell into disrepair at the shrine.

The outdoor concrete statues have developed cracks, chips, and other damage over the years. A couple years ago someone attempted to paint the skin and hair on the three statues at the Crucifixion Scene but left them unfinished. I prioritized the cement repairs on the statues that were structurally compromised or had other aesthetic defects, like a broken hand, missing toe, chipped nose, etc. I then proceeded to paint the statues in full colours to bring them to life; the Crucified Jesus, Mother Mary, and St. John at the foot of the cross, La Pieta (Mary with the Dead Christ on her lap), and Jesus in the tomb. Those statues were finished and took a total of three weeks, but the work is still ongoing. I will have to return in September to complete everything that is planned.

PE: What would be the most noticeable for the visitors to the Shrine?

JM: Visitors to the shrine will have noticed that the old statue of the Crucified Jesus is back on the cross. It needed repairs, which is why it was taken down around two years ago, but I was able to fix it and paint it in colour, which is why it is now back in place. The new Crucified Jesus statue that was donated by the Manitoba Métis Federation last year (presented during the pilgrimage in August 2022) also needed repairs due to damages during shipping, which I was able to complete as well, but it is now in a storage facility because the material is not suitable for Manitoba weather. The committee was very happy to have the original Crucified Jesus statue restored.

PE: What goes on through your mind while during the restoration work?

JM: Long hours passed while I worked up to 11 hours a day, so that gave me plenty of time for quiet reflection on these religious stories and narratives and how I relate to them on a personal level.

I think about how I can integrate the lessons that are being taught and how they can help me grow spiritually and to develop a sense of integrity. Experiences like this allow me to contemplate that God is present not just in what we use to represent him, but even in his own creation in the natural environment. God speaks to us every day in the echo of his creation.

PE: What does all this mean to you?

JM: My art practice has always been meaningful for me, whether or not I’m working on something considered religious. Art is a form of expressing your spirit, but also a form of therapy. It has the potential to heal not only yourself but also the people around you too. The most rewarding part of doing my job is the joy and healing that it brings to people. The money is a benefit, but the reactions and approval of the client or community is forever priceless. I believe that doing something as simple as artistic work is powerful and uplifting. We are given talents and skills to share, to direct us on our path of purpose and destiny. Sometimes it only takes one small spark to ignite a big change in someone else’s life, and for me that is art.

PE: For you personally, how important is restoring and/or fixing holy images for the faithful community?

JM: The restoration work for religious statues is never just about restoring the physical statues, but restoring the sense of faith and hope in people that these statues bring or remind everyone of. Painting them in colour instead

of just plain white helps with the visualization of what these statues represent; they are anchors of faith and reminders of historical events that the faithful believe to have happened. There were visitors at the shrine every day that I was working, and I had many compliments from people who were pleased to see them come to life in colour instead of just plain white. I try to achieve a sense of realism in my work because to many, these are not just statues. They are representation of those we believed once lived on earth, just like photographs to remind people.

PE: Anything else you would like to add or impart to our readers?

JM: I appreciate everyone’s acknowledgement and compliments about my work, but what I would really like the most for people to express their gratitude is to donate to this special place so that it does not fall into disrepair at any point in the future. There are always hefty maintenance and renovation costs, especially because the shrine has plans for building a proper washroom facility in the next year or two.

E-transfer donations can be sent to “secretary@stmaloparish. ca” with note “for grotto renovations”, or cheques can be sent and made payable to the parish with a note “for grotto renovations.” Any amount is immensely appreciated. An advanced thank you from myself and the shrine for your generosity.

St. Malo Parish Box 69 St. Malo, MB R0A 1T0

A selection of Millar’s work before and after repairs and painting

Artist John Millar puts the finishing touches on the repaired and newly painted sculpture of La Pieta

John Lloyd Cruz wins Best Actor in Locarno Film Festival

Award-winning actor John Lloyd Cruz added another recognition in his long list of accolades in showbiz after capturing the Boccalino d’Oro prize in Switzerland.

Cruz claimed the Boccalino d’Oro prize also known as the Golden Jug award for best actor at the 76th Locarno Film Festival for his performance in Lav Diaz’s Essential Truth of Lake, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) announced Friday. Shaina Magdayao was also in Switzerland with Diaz and Cruz.

According to the FDCP, it is the only Southeast Asian film in

Kris Aquino shares improvement in health journey

Kris Aquino is optimistic about her health in a new update on Instagram.

The Queen of All Media made her latest announcement while commemorating the death anniversaries of her parents, Senator Ninoy Aquino and former president Cory Aquino, this August.

Kris said that she received the second dose of a biological injectable to help lower her high IgE (immunoglobulin E), which are antibodies that mediate the body’s response to allergens. The injectable is not available in the Philippines.

Kris was commended by her doctor, “because kinakaya ko even though malapot at mahapdi ‘yung ini-inject at malalim kailAngan ibaon yung prefilled high tech syringe.”

“Yes, matapang na ko sa halos lahat ng kailangan pagdaanan at mataas ang pain tolerance ko,” she added.

Kris said that after the shot, her body felt heavy for 72 hours.

“This will be every other week, optimistically for me to reach “remission” over the next 10 to 12 months.”

She will also be taking

methotrexate, her chemotherapy medication taken once a week. It is being used as an immunosuppressant to help Kris reach remission for three of her autoimmune conditions.

With her current treatments, Kris is showing signs of progress and is hopeful to get better. She is also likely to have new medications in a few months.

“Thank you because our prayers are being answered— my last blood panel showed improvement—it’s slow progress, I have a long way to go…” she said.

“I am, against all odds

(because of all my limitations with medicinal options), finally, on the correct path to remission and a better quality of life. Thank you to all. Thank you, God. #faith,” she added.

The actress and host also emphasized that autoimmune disorders have no cure. However, life-threatening damage to a patient’s organs can be prevented or managed if the disease is diagnosed early and given the proper treatment.

Kris, as well as her sons Josh and Bimby, are currently in the US for her treatments.

– GMA News

Carla Abellana learns hardest lesson in life

Carla Abellana took to social media to share one of the “hardest lessons” she learned in life.

On Instagram, the Kapuso star shared a video clip of herself, looking bright and beautiful as always in her yellow outfit.

“One of the hardest lessons in life is to forgive someone who was never truly sorry,” she said in the video.

Carla captioned her post with a light bulb emoji.

In February, the actress dropped a mysterious but reassuring post on Valentine’s Day.

Posting a photo set of the house she is currently having built, Carla wrote “I am okay” in

L-r: Enchong Dee, Sylvia Sanchez, Richard Somes, Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde

John Lloyd Cruz See JOHN p11

Kris Aquino

See CARLA p11 Carla Abellana

SB19 wows fans with energetic concert

by Lucille Nolasco-Garrido

Sunday, August 13, the Club Regent Casino Event Centre exploded with hundreds of screaming A’Tin or fans of trailblazing Pinoy Pop (P Pop) group, SB19.

The talented quintet composed of Pablo, Josh, Ken, Stell, and Justin were in Winnipeg for the eighth instalment of their SB19 Pagtatag World Tour.

The audience did not have to wait long for the group’s current hit Gento, which spawned a viral dance craze, as the group opened their dynamic show with it.

Within the two and a half hour exhilarating show, the group performed their chart-topping dance songs such as Go Up, Where You At, and Bazinga, showcasing their slick choreography, as well as heart-warming hits like MaPa and I Want You.

The boys also took turns to shine with their solo performances before regrouping for more energetic numbers.

As the show was wrapping up, the boys asked the audience if they will watch again should they come back to Winnipeg, and the

answer was a resounding yes!

SB19 debuted on October 26, 2018, after years of training with ShowBT Entertainment, a Philippine subsidiary of ShowBT Korea.

Currently, the group is under 1Z Entertainment, a company built and managed by the members themselves.

They were the first Filipino and Southeast Asians to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards.

SB19 stands for Sound Break 19. With the goal of breaking into the music scene and improving the quality of Philippine boy

Pinoy Tribe’s Marby Gutierrez (left), SB19 and Anna Puno of Starmedia Entertainment (far right)

groups. While 19 is derived from the country calling codes of South Korea (+82) and the Philippines (+63) symbolizing the collaboration of the two countries in forming the group.

The Winnipeg ZIN™sistarz at the concert

Robert Arevalo dies at 85

Veteran actor Robert Arevalo, whose film and TV career spanned 60 years and also included a stint as a news anchor, passed away on August 10, Thursday morning, his family announced. He was 85. Arevalo’s daughter, Anna Ylagan, confirmed the screen veteran’s passing.

“Today is the day that the Lord has chosen to take our dearest Papa home. Robert Francisco Ylagan, a.k.a. Robert Arevalo, peacefully passed away at 10:17 a.m. this morning, Aug. 10, 2023. Praise God for His mercy and grace,” she wrote.

Arevalo, whose real surname was Ylagan, came from a family with a long lineage of illustrious showbiz background. Veteran director and National Artist Gerardo de Leon was an uncle and so was actor-director Angel Esmeralda, who was the father of the late Jay Ilagan, Arevalo’s nephew.

Actor Tito Arevalo was his dad, who was married to Guadalupe Francisco Ylagan, while actress Liberty Ilagan was his niece. Actor-director Conrado Conde was his uncle.

Born in Manila on May 6, 1938, Arevalo was schooled in San Beda College and completed his college education at the Ateneo de Manila University, where he took up Business Administration.

See ROBERT p12

JOHN...

From page 8

the main competition. Aside from Cruz and Magdayao, Orencio, Bart Guingona and Agot Isidro are also in the movie.

“It is with great joy and pride that I congratulate one of the most talented artists of our country, Mr. John Lloyd Cruz, for having won the Boccalino d’Oro prize for Best Actor at the 76th LFF in Switzerland,” said FDCP Chairman and CEO Tirso Cruz III in a statement.

“This award is much deserved by an artist of his caliber. Lloydie, congratulations and thank you for bringing honor to our country.”

Cruz followed the footsteps of Hazel Orencio, who was the first Filipino actor to win the Best Actress award in the 2014 edition of the film festival.

Coincidentally, Orencio won for another Lav Diaz masterpiece, Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon

Essential Truths of the Lake marked Diaz’s return to Locarno since he won the Golden Leopard Prize, or the Best Picture award, for the same Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon film.

Essential Truths of the Lake is part of the Concorso

Internazionale or the main competition section of the film festival, which is ongoing until August 12.

Also spotted in the film festival were Maine Mendoza with husband, Arjo Atayde, in support of his movie Topakk. Maine’s mother-in-law Sylvia Sanchez, movie director Richard Somes, and Arjo’s costar Enchong Dee also attended the festival in Switzerland.

ABS-CBN News

CARLA...

From page 8

the caption.

She also recently posted an Instagram Reel about “a day [she’ll] never forget.” It was when news broke that she and ex-husband Tom Rodriguez had split up.

Since the separation, Carla has been sharing some posts about her healing and self-love journey, which included this visual poem titled Mahinahon

Last April, she went on a vacation to Japan with her family.

Carla played the role of Dr. Mary Ann Armstrong in Voltes V: Legacy – GMA News

Magdaragat: An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing

Four Filipino writers’ articles from Winnipeg have been included in Magdaragat An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing edited by Ted Alcuitas, C.E. Gatchalian, and Pat Rivera to be published by Cormorant Publishing Company in Toronto. The writers are the following: Jim Agapito, Gemma Dalayoan, Primrose Madayag Knazan, and Maribeth Manalaysay Tabanera. The reading on August 25th is a part of Kultivation Festival led by Maribeth Manalaysay Tabanera. The book is slated to be sold on October 7, 2023.

UP alumni hold Tambayan and PalarOlympics

by Oscar Pantaleon Jr.

Dr. Rey Pagtakhan hosted this year’s third Tambayan of the University of the Philippines Alumni and Associates in Manitoba on August 12, 2023.

“I am delighted to host Tambayan, a gathering of Iskos and Iskas,” shared Dr. Pagtakhan, in the course of planning the acvity with members of the UPAA-MB Board of Directors.

Tambayan is a new project of the UPAA-MB to foster camaraderie and cooperation among members. Invitation is extended to members and their families and friends, and also to those who support the vision and mission of the UPAA-MB.

This recent Tambayan included PalarOlympics and a book highlight. It was coordinated by board members Sunshine Teologo (secretary), Mario Muan (membership committee head), and Ann Evangelista (information and communication committee head).

PalarOlympics is a fun and friendly competition held annually since UPAA-MB was established in 2010. It features Filipino children’s street games such as patintero, tumbang preso, piko, luksong sako, and even Chinese garter. Participants are grouped into two teams named after the official colours of the

State University, which are maroon and green.

Dr. Pagtakhan recruited new UPAA-MB members and invited them to the Tambayan. Before the day ended, he introduced the group to a new book, Indomitable Canadian Filipinos, written by UP alumna Eleanor del Rio Laquian.

Attendance to the monthly Tambayan has been growing since the first gathering hosted by Teoddy and Ria Figueroa in June.

In July, Danjae Medina opened his home to the UPAA-MB for

the second Tambayan. Members also participated in Tagisan para sa Iskolar ng Bayan, a pub quiz on UP, Philippine, and world trivia. Ruby Manalang emerged as this year’s Tagisan champion. UPAA-MB is now preparing for the Tambayan in September. Other upcoming events in the coming months are Isko Talks, Bursary Fundraising, and Annual General Meeting. All UP alumni in Manitoba are invited to join UPAA-MB. E-mail membership@upmb.net for information.

From page 10

Arevalo started as a drama actor under the banner of Premiere Productions. His wife, Barbara Perez, was a contract star of Sampaguita Pictures under the stable of Dr. Jose Perez. She was being built up then as the Audrey Hepburn of the Philippines. It was Perez’s cousin, George Sison, who introduced them to each other. Sison was a friend of Arevalo’s, who was then also escorting his cousin, Liberty.

Arevalo and Perez have two daughters – Anna and Gina –who both graduated from the University of the Philippines (UP). Arevalo and Perez also have a son, Christian Ylagan, who joined their family from the time he was born.

While the kids were growing up, Perez deemed it better to stay at home. She didn’t have to work and took care of their children, instead. Arevalo, meanwhile, provided well for the family as he also worked for an advertising agency. Under the Martial Law, he managed Channel 5.

Arevalo and Perez both won the FAMAS best actor and best actress trophies for De Leon’s Ang Daigdig ng mga Api (1965).

In 1990, Arevalo won best supporting actor in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for Lino Brocka’s Ama, Bakit Mo Ako Pinabayaan?, that starred the father-daughter team of Ricky Belmonte and Sheryl Cruz, with Marita Zobel, Gretchen Barretto and Jestoni Alarcon

Arevalo was the recipient of the Film Academy of the

Philippines’ (FAP) best supporting actor trophy for Joel Lamangan’s Pangako ng Kahapon (1994). Meanwhile, Arevalo received the Urian trophy from the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino for best screenplay for Hubad na Bayani (1977), a film he also directed and starred in.

Aside from delivering lines as an actor, Arevalo also delivered the news as an anchor. He was among the personalities who ushered in ABS-CBN’s return on air in 1986 after the Marcos dictatorship. Arevalo co-anchored the newscast Balita Ngayon with Mel Tiangco

Among Arevalo’s more recent screen offerings were the film adaptation of the musical Ang Larawan, and the teleserye Dear Heart — both released in 2017. – ABS-CBN News

Dr. Rey and Gloria Pagtakhan with Ann Evangelista (UPAA-MB Information and Communication Committee Head) and her mom Bing Medrano, and Sunshine Teologo (UPAA-MB Secretary) holding their copies of “Indomitable Canadian Filipinos,” written by UP alumna Eleanor del Rio Laquian. Photo by Ann Evangelista

UPAA-MB members Liesl Puentespina, Mario Muan (UPAAMB Membership Committee Head), and Ann Evangelista (UPAAMB Information and Communication Committee Head) playing patintero as part of the PalarOlympics during the recent Tambayan.

Photo by Gina Gabriel.

UPAAMB members, family, and friends at this year’s third Tambayan, which was recently hosted by Dr. Rey and Gloria Pagtakhan. Photo by Paul Badion

Bayanihan Gawad Parangal 2023 in Saskatoon

The Bayanihan Gawad Parangal was held on July 22, 2023, at the TCU Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

The celebration, which recognizes Filipinos and FilipinoCanadians who are at the forefront of genuine service and exemplary achievement throughout their lifetime, is presented by Bayanihan Community Services Canada Inc., and PRIMECom Corporation.

Twenty-one Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians were awarded from all-over Canada and a few from outside of Canada. Three from Winnipeg were honoured.

Lee Angela Igne –Achievement in Sports

Lee Angela is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Modern Sikaran and Arnis Lapunti Style. She is also a martial arts instructor at the Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy. Lee Angela started training in the Filipino Martial Arts when she was only three years old. She has competed in many local, regional, provincial, national, and international martial arts tournaments. Her most recent achievement as a young martial arts athlete was bringing home five gold medals for Manitoba and securing her spot as a member of Team Canada, at The Canadian National Martial Arts Team Tryouts in Ottawa, in May 2022.

Also in 2022, Lee Angela competed at the World Karate Championships in Killarney, Ireland, where she won two gold medals and one bronze. She was the first to showcase the Filipino Arnis form on the world’s stage! She was recognized as one of the strongest assets of Team Canada.

Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy – Filipino National Sport Advocacy

This Filipino Martial Arts school was established by Redentor Igne and Kelly Legaspi on January 4, 2004. They promote and share their skills in the Filipino martial arts styles of Sikaran and Arnis.

They started with only six students and two of them were their own children. Through the years, WSAA has developed well-rounded and highly skilled martial arts athletes and champions. It is also active in many community programs, events, and celebrations. WSAA was the first Filipino Martial Arts School and Association from

Manitoba invited to participate at the Calgary Stampede Parade. They brought the First Kalesa to Canada at the 2014 Manitoba Filipino Street Festival.

Most recently, WSAA ranked the third Best Martial Arts School based on medal count at the US Diamond Nationals and World Karate Championships in October 2022 in Minneapolis. They also ranked as the Best Martial Arts Academy at the Vilcu’s Martial Arts Tournament in March 2023 in Weyburn, SK.

WSAA was the first Filipino Martial Arts School to have members on Team Canada in 2018 and 2022.

The Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy was also designated as the Official Provincial Martial Arts Team, Team Manitoba, in May 2022. All their athletes came home as National Champions and secured their spots with the Canadian National Martial Arts Team as members of Team Canada who represented the country at the World Karate Championships in Killarney, Ireland.

Kelly Legaspi, 5th degree black belt, co-owner, instructor and administrator of the Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy accepted

the Award on behalf of chief instructor Redentor Igne, 7th Degree Black belt and on behalf of all the members and families of the WSAA. In her impromptu speech, she said, “Even though we are far from our homeland, the Philippines, may the Filipino spirit continue to inspire others here in Canada. As one of the coaches and instructors of WSAA, this award will be our inspiration to continue to promote the Filipino Sport here in Canada and to continue to train and develop world class athletes who will bring pride and honour to our Filipino community and our countries, the Philippines and Canada. This is our way of giving back to the country that we now call home. Mabuhay ang lahing Pilipino sa Canada! Congratulations to all!

Pan De Cretos – Filipino Product Promotion

Pan De Cretos is an artisanal neighbourhood bakeshop offering a wide range of baked breads, pastries and pies as primary products and cooked dishes as their auxiliary products. Apart from the traditional range of baked goods, Pan De Cretos offers innovative breads to create tastier and healthier variants.

Its products reflect the history, culture, and tradition of breadloving Filipinos. The bakery is owned and operated by the

family of five incorporators who have mastered traditional baking skills through hard work under a long-time apprenticeship.

After the awards night at the TCU Place, the Igne-Legaspi family attended the Saskatchewan Filipino Music and Food Street Festival in Downtown Saskatoon – a three-day festival from July 21 to 23, now in its third year.

Lee Angela Igne, Red Igne, Sr. & Kelly Legaspi

KROSWORD NO. 423

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Bro. Gerry Gamurot

Philippine public schools open

August 29

Volunteers tidy up a classroom at Commonwealth Elementary School in Quezon City on Friday (Aug. 11, 2023) as part of “Brigada Eskwela” of the Department of Education. Stakeholders, teachers, parents and other groups participate in cleaning and preparing schools for the opening of classes, set Aug. 29 this year in all public elementary and secondary institutions. PNA

SAGOT SA NO.

School supplies and uniforms are bestsellers at a market in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Wednesday (Aug. 9, 2023). Preparations are underway for School Year 2023-2024 in all public elementary and secondary institutions. PNA photo by

checks on a bundle of notebooks at a school supplies stall in Commonwealth Market in Quezon City on Wednesday (Aug. 9, 2023) weeks before the opening of classes in public schools across the country.

A mother fits a school uniform on her son at a stall in Commonwealth Market, Quezon City on Wednesday (Aug. 9, 2023). PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

photo by Joey O. Razon

A boy

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Joan Bondoc

Students on their way to Marcelo H. Del Pilar Elementary School in Diliman, Quezon City on Monday (Aug. 7, 2023) to donate used books. The Department of Education has announced that School Year 2023-2024 in all public schools will start Aug. 29 and preparations are underway, making sure students will have everything they need. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

The celebration continues!

The 52nd Folklorama Festival continues until August 19th celebrating the communities that make up the ethno-cultural fabric of Manitoba,

Now in its second week, the second group of 20 pavilions dazzle the locals and the tourists with their respective cultural presentations and delicious cuisine. These are the Africa/Caribbean Pavilion, Belgian Pavilion, Casa do Minho Portuguese Pavilion, Chinese Pavilion, Cuban Pavilion, First Nations Pavilion, German Pavilion, Hungary-Pannonia Pavilion, Irish Pavilion, Japanese Pavilion, Pabellón de España – Spain Pavilion, Pavilion of Scotland, Pavilion canadienfrançais, Polish Pavilion, Punjab Pavilion, Romanian Pavilion, Scandinavian Pavilion, South Sudanese Pavilion, Tamil Pavilion and Ukraine Kyiv Pavilion.

All the money made in a Pavilion stays in that ethnocultural community to assist with creating connections and providing newcomer support.

“By supporting Folklorama, you are enabling generations to keep sharing their culture, traditions and the stories that weave Manitobans together,” said Teresa Cotroneo, Executive Director of Folklorama. “I encourage you to immerse yourselves in the cultures of as many Pavilions as you can. Take in their hospitality and educate yourself on how their ethno-cultural arts and cuisine enrich our lives, every day of the year.”

“The heart of Folklorama is the Folklorama family,” said Bridget Peterson, President, Folklorama Board of Directors.

“These volunteers work tirelessly to bring Folklorama to life each

year. In total, there are more than 8,000 volunteers who dedicate over 300,000 volunteer hours each year. Please join us in thanking them for their ongoing dedication.”

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Folklorama began in 1970 as a one-time celebration of Manitoba’s centennial but has since grown to be the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world. Developing out of the success of the festival, the organization offers year-round programs: Folklorama at Home, Folklorama at Work, Folklorama at School, and Folklorama at Play. All the programs bring to life Folklorama’s mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding. For more information, visit Folklorama.ca.

Photos by Chito Sta. Brigida