Janine Gutierrez
Heroes’ welcome for Filipino Olympians
On Tuesday, August 13, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the nation in welcoming Team Philippines, celebrating their historic achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The event was highlighted by double gold medalist in gymnastics, Carlos Yulo, and boxing bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio.
President Marcos honoured 22 Filipino Olympians in a solemn ceremony at Malacañang Palace, where he awarded a total
of PhP50 million in cash prizes, Medals of Merit, and Presidential Citations.
Carlos Yulo, the first Filipino to win multiple Olympic gold medals, received PhP20 million in cash and the Presidential Medal of Merit in recognition of his victories in the men’s artistic gymnastics floor exercise and vault events.
Bronze medalists Aira Cordero Villegas and Nesthy Alcayde Petecio each received
See HEROES p12
Winnipeg’s powerlifters win gold at international competition
Two young Filipino Canadian athletes from Winnipeg, representing Team Canada, have made their community proud by each winning a gold medal at the 21st annual IPF-North American Powerlifting Federation North American Championships in Scottsdale, Arizona, on August 5, 2024.
These exceptional athletes demonstrated remarkable dedication and skill in their pursuit of excellence. Monica Gayot claimed the gold medal in the 57kg Open class category, while Francine Ma-ao secured gold in the 57kg Junior class category. Gayot currently holds all provincial records in her weight class, and Ma-
See WPG p10
Monica Gayot
CARLOS EDRIEL YULO
AUGUST 16 - 31, 2024
Two statues, standing nearly twelve thousand kilometres apart, depict two figures in strikingly similar fashion. One, on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg facing the Assiniboine River, gazes fiercely outward as he grips rolled up papers in his left hand. He wears a Western-styled overcoat with vest, dress pants and fine shoes. His hair is coiffed, and his thick moustache well kept. The second, along Roxas Boulevard in Manila near the bay, looks focused upon something behind the viewer as he holds a book in his left hand. He wears a Western-styled overcoat with vest, dress pants and fine shoes. His hair is coiffed and his face well shaved.
These two men, Louis Riel and José Rizal, are rarely spoken of in the same sentence and yet have so much in common. Born and raised in the context of Western colonialism, they utilized their education and charisma, as well as a skill with the written and spoken word, to defend their people and argue for their nationhood in the face of a dismissive occupying government. Both advocated for their beliefs and for their people, and both died for their visions and words.
José Rizal was one of the first figures in Philippine history of whom I learned. In 2016, I gave a talk on the importance of education in the thought of Rizal. Recently, I had the privilege and pleasure to take part in the reading of José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, scripted and directed by Ronald Mervin Sison, and hosted by the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba at the PhilippineCanadian Centre of Manitoba. As one of Métis descent, I have also been drawn to the life of Louis Riel, and it didn’t take me long to see the similarities in their lives.
Louis Riel was born in the St. Boniface Métis community on 22 October 1844. His father was a successful Métis businessman and political leader, having organized a resistance against the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) in 1849. For his position as a Métis in the Red River Colony (focused along the Red River near modern Winnipeg), Louis Riel was welleducated. As a youth, his intellect was acknowledged by his teachers and, at the age of 13, he was identified by Catholic clergy in his community as a being a worthy candidate for the priesthood. He was recommended and travelled to Montréal to study at a Sulpician junior seminary. As with Rizal, Riel quickly rose to the top of his class and was known for his passion for poetry.
Rizal, too, was identified at a young age as a brilliant student. He would go on to study Law and Ophthalmology in Manila, Madrid, and Heidelberg in Germany. Riel’s position as a Métis – a radicalized group that was heavily repressed
by the British and, after 1867, the Canadian colonial government – prevented him from travelling beyond Canada for education.
Rizal, being a member of the Philippine elite and known as an illustrado, had access to wealth and status that enabled him to study abroad in Europe. While Riel did not travel as far as Rizal, they are both comparable in that they did travel to a colonial centre to attain a European-style education. It also worthwhile to note that they both grew up in strongly Catholic settings and received a Catholic education.
While Riel’s life was already remarkable by the time he returned to his home, standing out as an educated leader of the Métis nation in the Red River Settlement, it was the context of Rupert’s Land that spiralled Riel to prominence in the political landscape of Canada. Rupert’s Land was a massive territory that would today account for a third of Canada’s territory. It was land given to the HBC by the British government to pursue a monopoly in the fur trade, a lucrative industry that fuelled fashion tastes in London and beyond. This territory encompassed the drainage basin of the Red River Valley, and included what is now Manitoba and parts of Saskatchewan. In March 1869, eight years after Rizal’s birth, the HBC sold Rupert’s Land to the government of Canada. In anticipation of the acquisition of lucrative and fertile lands, the government appointed William McDougall as LieutenantGovernor of the region. The territory was not yet a part of the country of Canada, whose confederation had only occurred in 1867.
This act of the Canadian government alarmed the Métis, and this was heightened by the arrival of Donald Smith (the namesake of both Donald and Smith Streets in Winnipeg) to Upper Fort Garry as a representative of the HBC in January 1870. A rampant racist, Smith made no attempts to hide his utter contempt for Riel and the Red River Métis. Smith was arrested by the Métis government after taking part in the attempted takeover of Upper Fort Garry and was executed for treason.
This act brought the wrath of the Canadian government, leading to the Wolseley Expedition in the summer of 1870. While it was called a peaceful mission by the Canadian government, Riel saw that his life was in danger and fled to the United States. He returned in May 1871 and entered federal politics. The Prime Minister, John A. MacDonald, was very cautious in dealing with Riel. While all of Ontario – largely British – hated Riel, he was revered in Quebec – largely French – as a defender of the Catholic faith. Riel was eventually offered a deal of
Riel and Rizal: A shared struggle
amnesty in exchange for an exile of five years to allay the influence and agitation that he had come to embody.
Riel was quickly drawn back in June 1884 at the behest of the Métis in the Saskatchewan Valley to defend their legal rights against an imposing Canadian government. However, the context had changed since 1870: the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had been established and exerted great power in the Canadian prairies, and the trans-continental railway to the West Coast had been built, allowing for a rapid deployment of soldiers from Ontario. This meant that Canada was far less willing to deal in good faith with Riel and the Métis. After a confrontation at Batoche in Saskatchewan, Riel was arrested, tried, and executed in 1885 by the Canadian government.
At his trial, Riel’s lawyers tried to portray him as insane, but his final statement to the jury demonstrated his lucidity and oratory skill:
Your Honours, gentlemen of the jury: If I was a man of today perhaps it would be presumptuous to speak in that way, but the truth is good to say, and it is said in a proper manner, and it is without any presumption, it is not because I have been libelled for fifteen years that I do not believe myself something. I know that through the grace of God I am the founder of Manitoba. I know that though I have no open road for my influence, I have big influence, concentrated as a big amount of vapour in an engine. I believe by what I suffered for fifteen years, by what I have done for Manitoba and the people of the North-West, that my words are worth something. If I give offence, I do not speak to insult. Yes, you are the pioneers of civilization, the whites are the pioneers of civilization, but they bring among the Indians demoralization. Do not be offended, ladies, do not be offended, here are the men who can cure that evil; and if at times I have been strong against my true friends and fathers, the reverend priests of the Saskatchewan, it is because my convictions are strong. There have been witnesses to show that immediately after great passion I could come back to the great respect I have for them.
While not as eloquent as Rizal’s Mi Último Adiós, written in prison the night before his own execution in 1896, both statements share a lot in common. Both uphold a love, loyalty, and servitude to their homeland: Rizal to the Philippines, Riel to his homeland of Manitoba. Both Rizal and Riel see the Spanish and British/Canadians, respectively, as colonizers, outsiders in their homeland. They both recognize the existence of a distinct people occupying a distinct homeland currently controlled by those outsiders. Furthermore, both the lives of both Rizal and Riel were
shaped by colonialism. Rizal, the first to write of the Philippines as the homeland of Filipinos as opposed to Spain, believed his people composed a nation capable of self-governance (if in need of a little more preparation).
Riel believed the Métis were a nation, too, and he fought to bring this to reality, founding the first government of Manitoba. In doing so, he was responsible for the formation of Manitoba as a part of the Canadian confederation in 1870. While just a province in the eyes of Ottawa, to the Métis, Manitoba was (and is) a homeland, a nation of its own.
Two men, separated by thousands of kilometres, but not that many years, grew up in the shadow of European colonialism and, despite the weight of such, came to be leaders of their people. Their lives and influence both continue today, symbolizing the struggle against colonization and embodying independence. Both used Western tools (language, political ideas, governmental structures) to fight off the yoke and weight of Western colonialism, helping to birth nations of proud, independent peoples.
This comparison can be a
means to build bridges between the Métis and other Indigenous peoples living in what is now Canada and Filipinos. Both Métis and Filipinos have a major point in common: we were colonized. A big difference is that Filipinos have won their freedom back from the grips of colonization, while the Métis in Canada continue to live in a colonized land. While colonialism has shaped the homelands of Métis and other Indigenous peoples, so has colonialism shaped the history of the Philippines, leading many to seek a better life abroad and find a new home in the nation of the Métis. The Red River valley historically has been a land where peoples have come together peacefully; European colonialism broke that pattern, but now we have a chance to renew those networks of friendships and shared pasts.
Jon Malek is an Assistant Professor of History at Providence University College. His research is on the history of the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora. His current writing projects include a book on the history of Filipinos in Canada and a project on Filipino food and culture.
Minister Marc Miller recently announced his intention to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to introduce a Regulatory Program for TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations. This is a major change at the federal level, which has a provision for skilled workers in TEER 0, 1, and 2, as part of Express Entry but excludes semiskilled occupations.
The proposed amendment will add a new processing stream for semi-skilled workers to the regulations. The new permanent resident economic class will cover workers with training, education, experience, and responsibilities in semi-skilled occupations classified under TEER 4 and TEER 5. The purpose of the initiative in the departmental release, “would support the modernization of the economic immigration system by expanding the selection of permanent residents to candidates with a more diverse range of skills and experience.” The department will introduce the change in the fall of 2024 with two amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part 1 followed by Canada Gazette, Part II.
The changes are a boon for
foreign nationals with Canadian work experience in TEER 4 and 5 occupations. The amendment is expected to increase opportunities for workers in these semi-skilled occupations to obtain permanent residence. The government recognizes the contributions of these foreign workers to the Canadian economy and will be giving them an opportunity to gain landed status inside the country. The country needs both skilled and semi-skilled workers to grow the economy.
The TEER system itself was introduced as part of an overhaul of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system in 2022. The system introduced “TEERS” to replace “skill levels” found in NOC 2016. TEERs 0, 1, 2, and 3, are for occupations that require a post-secondary education or an apprenticeship. TEER 4 and 5 cover occupations that require completion of secondary school or on-the-job training or, in the case of TEER 5, no formal education but occupational courses or shortterm work demonstration.
The major challenge now for workers in TEER 4 and 5 is that the work experience
Regulatory program for TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations
does not conform to FSWP or Express Entry processing, which is primarily limited to skilled work. This restriction is one of the primary reasons for the introduction of the new regulatory program for TEER 4 and 5. It gives potential applicants the chance to become permanent residence, or they may be able to apply to the Nominee Program in a province such as the MPNP in Manitoba.
If you are inside Canada, you can start preparing for the new program by completing an English proficiency examination such as CELPIP General or IELTS General and your proficiency level should be at least CLBT 5, but you increase your chances of selection with 7. You may also require an Education Credentials
Assessment (ECA) from one of the following schools: Comparative Education Services at the University of Toronto; International Credentials Assessment Service of Canada; World Education Services; International Qualifications Assessment Service; or International Credentials Evaluation Services-University of British Columbia.
You can check your occupation in the NOC to find out the matching five-digit code. If the second digit is a four, the TEER level is four. If the second digit is five, the TEER level is five. For example, NOC 64100 is a “Retail Salesperson” and is TEER 4. NOC 75110 is a “Construction Trades Helper” and is TEER 5. You may be eligible to
apply to the provincial nominee program at this time, otherwise you must wait to qualify for the provincial program or wait for the introduction of the new program. Things are looking up for semiskilled workers and opportunities for permanent residence are increasing. Be aware and watch for the changes.
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.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits Folklorama
On Monday, August 5, 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with Members of Parliament Kevin Lamoureux (Winnipeg North) and Terry Duguid (Winnipeg South), made a pit stop at the Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion and Punjabi Pavilion as part of Folklorama celebrations. The dignitaries received a warm welcome from the Filipino and Punjabi communities as they visited the cultural display and tasted a variety of Filipino and Punjabi dishes. The visit is part of the Government of Canada’s efforts to recognize over 80,000 Filipino-Canadians living in Manitoba.
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Jericho Rosales admits dating Janine Gutierrez
Actor Jericho Rosales has admitted that he is dating his Lavender Fields co-star Janine Gutierrez
Speaking to reporters on August 13, Rosales admitted that he has feelings for the Kapamilya actress.
“I first decided to join the show talaga because I was really, really so into the production team and everyone and then I realized that I was so into her,” the actor said in jest.
“She’s an amazing person, very sweet, very kind, very funny, and very dedicated, good actress,” he added.
“We like to share a lot of things, ‘hey you’re fun, I’m fun,’ let’s go to the museum, sure.”
Asked if they are dating, he said: “Yes, we’re going out.”
For now, Rosales said that he is enjoying his time with Gutierrez
“We’ll see, we shall see. You expect good things about it. It’s a really, nice and happy…things are great. There’s no negativity around,” he said.
“It’s fun, you gotta enjoy this fire, flame, whatever it is.”
Reacting to Rosales’ comments about her, Gutierrez expressed her gratitude to be able to work with the actor on the show.
“That’s sweet to hear and I am also super excited to be able to work with him. Actually, one of
the things na sinabi ko sa manager ko and when na-pitch pa lang sa ‘kin ‘tong show, they hadn’t mentioned any person yet, sabi ko sana si Jericho, ta’s ni-kwento ko rin ‘yun kay Echo when we first met, na ‘I’m so happy it’s you’,”
the actress said.
“Siyempre, lahat naman tayo hinahangaan siya bilang artista so masaya ako na kasama ko siya rito as Tyrone and bonus na rin ‘yung we get along offcam,” she added.
Pressed on about their status, Gutierrez also confirmed that they are dating, saying: “I guess so. Yeah, it’s been fun getting to know him and hanging out with
‘Palala na nang palala’ BINI members ask fans to respect their space, privacy
Members of the nation’s girl group, BINI, have appealed once again to their fans to respect their privacy, after some of them apparently knocked on their doors to ask for photos.
Gwen Apuli said that while they appreciate the support of their fans, she hopes they will not cross a line
“Nakakalungkot, palala
na (nang) palala. I really hope everyone respect people’s privacy ‘yung personal time we’re trying to adjust eh kase wala ganon na talaga, pero kahit privacy na lang,” Apuli said.
“We appreciate your love and support and we always try na mapagbigyan kayo sa pagpapicture but pleasee… not to the
him outside of work so masaya naman.”
Despite their characters falling out, the actress is happy that they are happy to slowly to know each other off cam.
“He’s really nice and funny and sobrang okay siyang kausap and everybody knows that he’s such a good actor and na-enjoy ko rin ‘yung mga eksena namin together which is funny kasi most of our scenes magkaaway kami,” she said.
“Masaya na off cam it’s the opposite. I think he’s great.”
Josiah Antonio, ABS-CBN News
Julia and Joshua reunite for UnhappyforYou premiere
Fans of the beloved love team
Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia were thrilled to see the two actors back together at the premiere of their highly anticipated movie, Unhappy for You
Held on August 13, the event was attended by the film’s cast and director Petersen Vargas, as well as excited fans and members of the press.
Barretto and Garcia graced the red carpet together, sparking excitement among their supporters. The premiere marked their much-anticipated return as a love team.
During an interview with TV Patrol, Barretto was asked how it felt to work with Garcia again, considering their previous
romantic relationship.
“This whole process has just been so much fun,” Barretto said. “Saka nagpapasalamat lang ako na lahat kami, we were able to get to this point na makakagawa kami ng pelikula ulit.”
Garcia said he was excited about the film’s upcoming release.
“Madami silang dapat abangan. Masaya ‘to—roller coaster na emotion po ito,” Garcia said, hinting at the emotional depth and excitement the movie promises.
Unhappy for You is a romantic drama that explores the complexities of love and relationships.
Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News
Jericho Rosales and Janine Gutierrez
Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia
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point you’ll go knock our rooms just for pictures,” she added.
Aiah Arceta echoed Apuli’s sentiments and stressed that their rest is important to them, so that they can give their best during their performances.
“This is what I had been talking about before. We genuinely care for and appreciate everyone who support us. However, at the end of the day, tao lang din kami and need din namin ng personal time and space para makapag recharge.
Recharged BINI girlies equals renewed energy and positive spirit that can radiate to everyone else,” Arceta said.
“Thank you to all the Blooms
who are very respectful with our space and had asked nicely for a photo, the best kayo,” she added
Maloi Ricalde also shared Apuli’s post and said: “Rest is essential.”
Arceta earlier appealed to their fans to respect their privacy after a video went viral on social media wherein a man appeared to get too close to her while she was walking into a bar with her friends.
The incident happened during BINI’s break after the girl group’s concert in June.
Star Magic earlier issued a warning against people not respecting the privacy of their artists.
Josiah Antonio, ABS-CBN News
BINI
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ao, as a junior, holds the provincial junior and open bench record. Their achievements on the international stage reflect the strength and determination of the Filipino Canadian community in Winnipeg. The entire community celebrates their success and looks forward to their future accomplishments.
OUR COMMUNITY
UP Alumni in Manitoba gather for summer events
The University of the Philippines Alumni and Associates in Manitoba (UPAAMB) is inviting UP alumni, family, and friends to participate in summer activities lined up to promote camaraderie and cooperation among its members and to engage with other organizations and initiatives in the community. The UPAAMB summer calendar of events includes Tambayan, Manitoba Filipino Street Festival, the annual general meeting, and bursary fundraising.
Encouraged by its successful run last year, the UPAA-MB Tambayan series is back.
Members take turns hosting informal gatherings reminiscent of their UP “org tambayan” days. The 2023 Tambayans were hosted by Teoddy & Ria Figueroa, Danjae Medina, and Dr. Rey Pagtakhan. The first Tambayan this year was hosted by Gina Gabriel early last month in Taika’s Court, a 20-acre country retreat in Giroux, St. Anne. The second one will be in Winnipeg, hosted by Arles Madlangbayan next Friday, August 23.
After years of absence, the UPAA-MB is returning to the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival.
On August 24 and 25, members will be participating in the opening parade and tending to a booth where visitors can learn about the organization and its programs. The booth will also be carrying information regarding membership and donations.
To cap its summer activities, the UPAA-MB will be holding its annual general meeting and board of directors’ election on October 20. A bursary fundraising event is being planned to coincide with the AGM. The bursary program supports scholars of the UP System and students of Filipino heritage in Manitoba.
The UPAA-MB was established in 2010 and was subsequently incorporated as a non-profit organization in January 2012 with Jullie Quijano, Christy Domingo, Joanna Flores, and Jeffrey David as first board directors. Past presidents since its establishment are Quijano, Norman Garcia, Dr. Ramon Sales Jr., and Lourdes Casañares-Still.
The UPAA-MB has also recognized members who have rendered outstanding service to the university, the association, or the Filipino community in Manitoba. The title of Honourary Member of the Association was conferred on Perla Javate, Emmie Joaquin, Flor Marcelino, and Orli Marcelino in 2014.
Currently, the organization is led by board members Oscar Pantaleon Jr. (chairperson), Sunshine Joy Teologo (secretary), Katrina Ibe-Dimatulac (treasurer), Mario Muan (membership committee head), Gian Marco Pau (fundraising committee head), Emmanuel Dimatulac (social responsibility committee head), and Ann Evangelista (information and communications committee head).
Membership renewal and applications are now being accepted. Membership fee remains at $10 and may be e-transferred directly to treasurer@upmb.net.
Past and potential members are encouraged to activate their membership before the AGM to entitle them to participate in the AGM and election proceedings. Regular members (UP alumni) may nominate for associate membership an individual showing special interest in the association. For membership inquiries, please feel free to contact Mario Muan at memcomm@upmb.net.
By Oscar Pantaleon Jr.
Regular and associate members of UPAA-MB affirmed their support of the bursary program at last year’s AGM. The upcoming AGM on October 20 will coincide with the biennial election of board of directors. The UPAA-MB will send details to its members in September.
During the summer, UPAA-MB members gather in a series of Tambayans, reminiscent of their UP “org tambayan” days at university. Gina Gabriel hosted this year’s first UPAA-MB Tambayan at Taika’s Court, in Giroux, St. Anne.
UPAA-MB members visited Masagana Flower Farm in La Broquerie known for its on-farm, immersive botanical experience. The farm is owned and operated by Lourdes Casañares-Still, former chairperson of UPAA-MB.
Is Canada an integrated multiculturally-mosaic or an assimilated melting pot society? If the former is your answer, you got it right; if the latter is your choice, you got it wrong.
Why ask the question?
In the immediately preceding issue of Canadian Filipino Net [Marcos Jr. visit to Canada to “seize on momentum” of Philippine-Canada ties] on the forthcoming state visit later this year by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, both the President and the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines
David Hartman have identified the strong and significant presence of Canadian Filipinos or Filipino diaspora in the country, albeit from two different perspectives.
Said Hartman: “More than one million people in Canada claim Filipino heritage – a cultural identity that has become an essential component of Canada’s multicultural fabric.” This reflects integration, not assimilation, of Canadian immigrants.
The President, for his part, said: “I noted during our Independence Day, all these celebrations being held officially by local governments around Canada for the Philippines, as a celebration of Philippine culture, a celebration of Philippine independence, was really indicative of how well they (the Filipino diaspora in Canada) have assimilated themselves into your space, into your society.”
Although they echoed
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PhP2 million from the President, in addition to the law-mandated PhP2 million for Olympic bronze medalists, bringing their total to PhP4 million each. The remaining Olympians were awarded PhP1 million each, while their coaching teams received PhP500,000.
President Marcos acknowledged the athletes’ hard work and sacrifices, extending his
similar sentiments – namely, the important role of the Canadian Filipino community in Canadian society – the President and the Canadian Ambassador reflected two contrasting viewpoints: “assimilation” and “integration,” respectively.
What’s the big difference?
Assimilation happens when the diasporas’ heritage cultures are not encouraged to thrive. Instead, the varied heritage cultures of the varied subsequent immigrant groups are absorbed or assimilated into the host country’s founding and prevailing culture.
The diasporas are expected to conform. The result is a melting pot nation, like the USA.
In contrast, integration is “the combining of separate parts or elements into a unified whole.”
That is, the varied cultures of the varied diasporas are preserved and continue to mould and enhance the continually evolving multicultural heritage of Canadians – a Canadian public policy now legislated in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act and enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms of the Canadian Constitution.
The need to be fully informed
That is why the abovementioned quote attributed to the President (in the media release from the Philippine Presidential Communications Office) caught my attention and prompted me to bring my observation to the Office of the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa. We would like the
gratitude to their coaches, trainers, nutritionists, and families for their roles in shaping these exceptional athletes. He also emphasized that the Olympians embody the spirit, determination, and excellence of the Filipino people.
The Philippines placed 37th overall in the 2024 Summer Games, ranking as the top Southeast Asian nation in the 100th year of the country’s participation in the quadrennial event.
Is Canada a multicultural mosaic or a melting pot nation?
President and his Communications Office to be fully informed and advised, particularly so in light of the President’s forthcoming state visit within the next five months and the anticipated Canadian media contact and coverage.
We thank the Philippine Ambassador to Canada Her Excellency Maria Andrelita S. Austria. She wrote: “Thank you too for the very perceptive comments on the President’s comments regarding the diaspora in Canada. We will convey these comments to the Office of the President, to make sure the President is made aware of the nuances in describing the diaspora in the US and Canada.”
A reminder comes to mind
This reminds me of a piece of Canadian history I reflected on for the book, Canada: The New Millennium Series, edited by Elizabeth McIninch and published by Carol Canada in 2003 (“Rey Pagtakhan: PeopleThe Multicultural Experience,” p35). Allow me to share a couple of paragraphs:
“The framework for a multicultural Canada was eloquently envisioned by Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canadian Prime Minister at the turn of the 20th century when he boldly proclaimed while beholding an English gothic cathedral: ‘I would like the marble to remain marble, the granite to remain granite, and the oak to remain oak, and out of these varied elements I will build a nation that will be the envy of the world.’
“The very essence of this vision would be echoed as
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Canada-Philippines meeting on September 6, 2023, during the ASEAN summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, where the Prime Minister invited the President for a state visit to Canada. [Photo by the Philippine Presidential Communications Office]
a public policy nearly three quarters of a century later in 1971 by then Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau: ‘A policy of multiculturalism commends itself to the government (of Canada) … National unity, if it is to mean anything in the deeply personal sense, must be founded on confidence in one’s own individual identity; out of this can grow respect for that of others and a willingness to share.’
Yes, Canada is a multicultural mosaic, not a melting pot nation. You got it right.
Dr. Rey Pagtakhan is a retired Canadian Filipino physician, professor, and parliamentarian.
“This ideal underpins the pillars of Canada’s multiculturalism policy: shared identity, social justice, and social cohesion. It was designed to integrate, not assimilate, all Canadians in every facet of Canadian life. The policy has become the unique identifying thumbprint of our Canadian society” – a nation that champions diversity, equity and inclusion; a country with a full government ministry dedicated to these fundamental values of human dignity and decency.
Cultural festivities in Winnipeg continue well into August. Upcoming events include the Kultivation Festival (August 19-25) and the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival (August 24 & 25), and Primrose Madayag Knazan is presenting a mango inspired culinary experiment Filipinx Fusion 3: Mango Unchained on August 25th. Reservation queries can be sent to pmknazan@ gmail. The first half of August hosted Winnipeg’s time-honoured tradition of Folklorama. This year’s Filipino pavilion, The Pearl of the Orient, was sponsored by Magdaragat, another esteemed world-class cultural institution homegrown in Winnipeg.
Since about 2007, I’ve attended almost every performance of The Pearl of the Orient, as well as the former second Filipino pavilion, Nayong Pilipino by the Kayumunggi Philippine Performing Arts group.
I also got in the habit of visiting the Filipino pavilion more than once, and what I learned is that Magdaragat often switches Folklorama performances. You could stay all night and view three shows, and each would be different. So, for this review, I attended four different show times to get a sample of what they had in store for this year.
Folklorama started in 1970 as a one-time event in celebration of Manitoba’s centennial. It proved so popular, however, that it became a permanent fixture in the province’s cultural landscape. The Pearl of the Orient Pavilion first began in 1982 under the sponsorship of Magdaragat. The performing arts group was founded in 1976 by Dante C. Buenaventura, whose vision still inspires younger generations of performers. One feels the reverence and respect held for Buenaventura while attending the pavilion, as he features prominently in both the program and venue set up. Magdaragat, meaning “voyagers of the sea,” began as a theatre and, after its founding, introduced dance.
The theme of this year’s Pearl of the Orient was Pilipinas, Kong Mahal (Philippines, my beloved). One of the performances opened with an emotional performance of the song, Pilipinas, Kong Mahal, including a magnificent flag waving performance. The theme reflects the strength of the Filipino people, whose identity has been forged and proven by centuries of strife including colonialism, war, and hard economic conditions. These struggles are presented as the forge that helped form the Filipino people. In the pavilion’s program, Magdaragat writes that they “begin to shed layers of pain and struggle as we move towards the future” by “creating hope from the turmoil. turning strife into freedom.” In many ways,
the repertoire of the Pearl of the Orient’s dance suites reflects this hope and freedom. Indeed, the existence of these dances in the diaspora is, in itself, an act of postcolonial resistance, an expression and claiming of Filipino history, values, and identity.
There were five suites this year, comprised of dances influenced by the Spanish colonial period (the Maria Clara suite), from the Lumad peoples of the Southern Philippines, from the Northern Luzon peoples of the Cordillera, the Muslim peoples of the south, and rural areas of the Philippines. Each show started with a fifteen-minute selection followed by a longer presentation of about 25 minutes. The opening performances drew from these various suites, and one of the more creative dances was a presentation of Filipino wedding traditions. One was a Christian wedding, which included such things as the giving of coins, and the donning of both cord and veil on the man and woman. Also included was a Muslim pre-nuptial dance that demonstrated artistic and physical excellence.
For three of the four shows, the longer performance was of a rural Luzon scene. Although my wife and I saw this set three times, we both agreed (on multiple occasions) that it never got old. This is because the performance was seamless, breathtaking, and extremely enjoyable. First to note is how incredibly choreographed the dances were. There were always groups moving on and off the stage, starting with the youngest children and moving up in age. The crowd didn’t have a chance to look away from the stage. In particular, I loved the Bulaklakan, Pandanggo sa ilaw, Sayaw sa banko, and the Tinikling dances. The dances were acts of grace, artistry, and great physical skill. The tinikling, with its thunderous beating of bamboos never fails to please, but the movement of the banko amazed me. The young men and women, always in control of their movements, moved with ease and joy with the girls bouncing from bench to bench with springlike ease. In one performance, a gentleman sitting next to me said he’d seen the pavilion for several years and that it keeps getting better. I can attest to this as Magdaragat always seems to outdo itself each year.
One thing that came across from the performances is how well in-sync this group is. Comprised of 170 members, the group is described by one of its directors, Goldie Garcia, as like a family, with very strong intergenerational influences. This does not just refer to the strong presence of Dante Buenaventura, the group’s founder, but the strong relationships that are built within
Pearl of the Orient 2024
the group. Many of the group’s adult members and volunteers grew up in Magdaragat, and many have enrolled their own children. The members of Magdaragat clearly train long and hard, given the excellence of their performances, and the inevitable consequence of this is tight-knit relationships and camaraderie. This also creates real and strong intergenerational relationships, as the groups states, “Many of the current production members and teachers have grown up with the group, and are passing on the knowledge (that was) taught to them when they were younger.”
The current leadership of Magdaragat is not only interested in passing on what has been learned from previous generations but is also seeking out new forms of inspiration. Goldie, who graciously spoke to me after one 9:45 PM show, told me that they are constantly looking for what’s new and what other groups are doing through research. They also bring in other performers to teach new routines to their members. It’s also important to note that, in planning and choreographing the dances for this year, a lot of attention was spent on the authenticity of each dance. As we
all know, the Philippines is made up of a wide range of cultural groups so that, within each of the five dances suites, there is a lot of specific groups. Each of these groups have specific dances and costumes, even down the symbolic colours that are used. Magdaragat deserves commendation for their desire to honour the various sources of the dances they use.
As always, the dedication and sheer skill of the Winnipeg Filipino community continues to shine. We are privileged to live in a city with so much talent and I hope you all get the chance to experience it at least once.
Mabuhay to the performers of
Magdaragat, the Pearl of the Orient pavilion, and Folklorama for another year of excellence.
Correction
In my last piece, I erroneously spelled FilipinxPages, one of the sponsors of the Vancouver Filipino-Canadian Book Festival July 12-14th, 2024. My apologies for the error!
Jon Malek is an Assistant Professor of History at Providence University College. His research is on the history of the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora. His current writing projects include a book on the history of Filipinos in Canada and a project on Filipino food and culture.
According to some pioneers, Mohamed Alli is a long-time trade unionist and a pioneer member of the Knights of Rizal, an organization inspired by the ideas of the national hero of the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rizal. Sir “Mho” has been grafted into the community since he is proudly married to a Filipina. Below is the gist of my interview with him.
Arrival in Winnipeg
Bro. Mho shared, “I arrived in Winnipeg in October of 1972 from Guyana and started working as a building maintenance engineer – a fancy name for a janitor. I worked in that trade until 2015 on a fulltime and part-time basis. From 1972-73, I had 16 employees working under me. In 1973, I started working at a warehouse in Fort Gary – MacLeods Gamble,
at Gamble Place. I retired in 2013, after working for 40 years in different capacities.”
It was here in the early 80s that
Bro. Mho started union organizing.
Relevance of a working-class party
Bro. Mho commented,
“During the 70s and 80s, a political party became most relevant as the working class was mistreated and the government was making promises and not keeping them. When the Schreyer NDP government won, they delivered on some of their promises, like changes in labour policies. The NDP government tried giving labour unions what they asked for, including improvements in health and safety, healthcare, housing and jobs.” Knowing the nature of social legislation and the importance
KROSWORD NO. 447
Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot
Erosyon
Para
Kapok 20. Alaga
Bugso 22. Estrelya
Pulmon 24. Yugyog 26. Tuyo
28. Sisidlan ng sorbetes 30. Hulapi
Saka
Mohamed Alli: Embracing Filipino struggles and culture
of the workers’ movements in fighting for its realization, it is understandable that some of these gains are at times reversed when an anti-worker political party comes into power. That is why organized strength is crucial.
Importance of labour unions
“Unions are very important for the working class since they organise them as a bargaining unit vis-a-vis the company. Any workplace without a union always makes less on wages and benefits and is treated differently. When a union is organized in a workplace, the employees become consolidated, thus expressing their demands with one voice. In retrospect, I brought the union into my workplace in the early 80s as an association, which later became a formal union until the company closed. The labour union is the greatest movement for the working class.”
How did the Workers of Colour Committee come about?
Bro. Mho explained “During the setting up of the WOC committee, we had several workers from the CAW locals, i.e. Bob Luna, Leo Alonzo, myself, Lance Brenna from the Black community and Louis Ifill from the Jamaican community. This was done in collaboration with the national CAW representative, Brother (Senator) Hassan Yussuf. Later, the Workers of Colour Committee evolved into AWOC –Aboriginal & Workers of Colour Caucus and eventually BIWOCBlack, Indigenous and Workers of Colour Caucus. The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) started this, and it trickled down to all affiliates, including the Federation of Labour and Labour Councils in each provincial jurisdiction.”
It is interesting to note that the Workers of Colour Committee to which Bro. Mho was a pioneer, together with his CAW brother, Bob Luna, would be instrumental in the Filipino community’s struggle against racism and discrimination. This led to the education and mobilization in the community back in the mid-80s, 90s, and up to the present.
Connection with the Filipino community
Bro. Mho fondly recalled, “My connection with the Filipino community happened when I met my wife Erlinda Maddela in 1973 and eventually got married in October 1974. We are blessed with two boys, a girl, and two granddaughters. We are hoping for another 50 years if the good Lord graces us with more happy life. I had no blood family, so the Filipino community became my family.”
After more than five decades in Winnipeg, Bro. Mho has become involved in the community as a family man, a unionist, and a community leader as part of the Knights of Rizal. Up to the present, he is serving as an officer of the Knights of Rizal and is still active in labour conferences and rallies,
whether fighting for the existing policies that serve the workers or marching for substantial reforms. The community may forget the likes of him who expects nothing in return. As for me, this article is my tribute to his contributions and for embracing the struggles of the working class in general and the Filipino community of Winnipeg.
Levy Abad authored a book titled Rhythms and Resistance: Narrative of Filipino Musicians and Activists (1972-1994). Levy is also a singer-songwriter, poet, and migrant rights activist who has released four albums centred on the life and struggles of migrants.
Mohamed Alli
