Pilipino Express • Aug 1 2023

Maine Mendoza

Experience Folklorama 52

MP Rechie Valdez makes history as first Filipina-Canadian cabinet minister

Mississauga-Streetsville MP Rechie Valdez made history yet again as she was sworn-in as the first Filipina-Canadian cabinet minister in Ottawa on Wednesday, July 26.

She was among seven rookie parliamentarians appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and will hold the small business portfolio.

Valdez first made history when she was elected to the federal seat in September 2021 to become the first ever FilipinaCanadian to hold that post.

Inside Rideau Hall in Ottawa, a visibly emotional Valdez recited her oath with passionate

See RECHIE p6

The Ambassadors’ General embody Folklorama’s mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding. They represent the organization throughout the year at events and in the media. The 2023 Folklorama Ambassadors General from left: Lovepreet Singh Virdi, 2023 Adult Ambassador General Julia Amato. 2023 Youth Ambassador General Samantha Luczenczyn-Lane, 2023 Adult Ambassador General Jessica Deminco, 2023 Youth Ambassador General. Story on p15. Photo Credit: Tony Nardella.

Philippines’ First Gold! PSsg Maria Caress Arnejo wins Gold in the 21K half marathon event. See pp 8-9

Negative thinking and how to change unhealthy thoughts

things as their siblings, when it is not always possible.

“Things will never get better”… “They are out to get me”... “I’m a failure”… “It’s always their fault, I didn’t do anything.”

These are examples of unhealthy, and often inaccurate, thoughts. A lot of the time, the problems that people have with relationships, controlling their anger, low confidence, anxiety, or depression, have something to do with how they think and view their world.

Have you ever thought about how you think? It might be strange to consider this, but research shows that negative thought patterns can lead to negative emotions and poor behaviour choices. For example, if Jane thinks, “I never do well in exams,” she may feel anxious or sad, and then avoid or procrastinate studying for a test.

Below are 14 negative thought patterns (or “cognitive distortions”) to watch out for. If you are feeling upset about a situation, see if your thoughts fall into any of the following categories:

1. Filtering – Ignoring all the positive outcomes and only focusing on the negative. For example, after a performance review, an employee chooses to focus only on the areas his boss says needs improvement and ignores all the good things his boss said.

2. All or nothing thinking – Thinking in extremes. For instance, a person with this tendency might view herself as either a successful person or a complete failure, with no grey area.

3. Overgeneralization –Assuming that all experiences

and people are the same, based on one negative experience. For example, a person might assume that after an encounter with someone rude from a particular city, everyone from that city is rude.

4. Jumping to conclusions – Being convinced of something with little or no evidence to support it. Someone who tends to do this might jump to the thought that their spouse is having an affair after they come home late one night.

5. Catastrophizing –Assuming the worst-case scenario, magnifying the negative and minimizing the positive. If you tend to do this, you might think that something awful has happened to a family member if they do not pick up their phone right away.

6. Personalization –Believing that you are at least partly responsible for everything bad that happens around you. For instance, after learning that his parents got into a car accident, a child may blame themself.

7. Control fallacies – In this type of negative thought pattern, we misjudge how much control we have in a situation. This can be distortions of having no control (e.g. “I hate my job but I have no choice but to stay here”) or that we are responsible for everything, even things we cannot control (e.g. “I should have noticed that my friend needed more help planning her wedding. Now she’s stressed and it’s my fault.”)

8. Fallacy of fairness – Being too concerned over whether everything is fair. A good example of this is when kids are focused on having the exact same

9. Blaming – Pointing at others after something bad happens, without looking at oneself. In this situation, someone might put the entire blame on their spouse for their marriage difficulties, rather than looking at their own contribution to the problem as well.

10. Shoulds – Holding tight to your personal rules on how people should behave. For instance, a parent might make quick judgments on how another parent should discipline their child.

11. Emotional reasoning –Believing that something is true just because they feel a certain way. An example of this type of thinking is, “I feel guilty, therefore my action must have been bad.”

12. Fallacy of change –Expecting others to change to suit your needs or desires. This often happens with couples. For instance, “He should know that I like the towels folded a certain way, so he should fold them that way too.”

13. Always being right –Believing that it is unacceptable to be wrong. Someone who has this attitude will not accept another person’s difference of opinion, and likely has problems getting along with people and keeping friendships.

14. Heavens’ reward fallacy – Believing that any good act you do will be repaid or rewarded. Someone with this thought pattern might think that if they endure bad treatment from their boss, they will surely be rewarded with a promotion one day.

It can be a humbling experience to recognize that your thinking sometimes falls into one or more of these categories. The next step is to challenge the negative thought. For example, in Jane’s situation above, she can ask herself, “Is it 100 per cent true that I never do well in exams? Probably not.” Then she can change her thinking to be more flexible and kinder, yet still realistic. So, for example, she might say to herself, “Exams can be difficult, but I will study hard and do my best.” This kind and self-compassionate thinking will lead to Jane feeling better about herself, studying more, and then

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she will likely do better on the exam. Again, the key to healthier thinking is to be more flexible and kinder in your thinking, which is still realistic. This will change negative thinking patterns, lead to feeling better emotionally, making healthier choices, and having stronger relationships with others. Once you recognize a cognitive distortion, look for

evidence against it. Adjust your self-talk to be kinder to yourself, more like how you would talk to your best friend.

There is so much negativity out there in the world. Changing the world begins with changing ourselves!

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

REGINA RAMOS URBANO

RON URBANO

KATHRYN WEBER

Youth Contributors

Aksyon Ng

Family reunification is a pillar of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). The immigration department (IRCC) has been introducing many new measures to make family stream applications more efficient. The intention of the department is to make it possible for more families to be together. In the month of May 2023 IRCC took yet another step to make things more efficient and helpful for families. Spouses, partners, and dependents of permanent residents, Canadian citizens, temporary workers, and students already in Canada may now be eligible for an Open Work Permit.

Previously the Open Work Permit option was only available to applicants who were applying for permanent residence from inside Canada or those already

RECHIE...

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conviction.

Valdez, 43, is married to Christopher Valdez and has two children. She is an entrepreneur and considered to be a champion for local businesses.

Former MP Dr. Rey Pagtakhan was the first Filipino Canadian to be elected as a Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North-St. Paul in 1988 and served in that position until 2004.

“MP, now honourable Minister, Rechie Valdez has

Sponsorship inside and outside Canada

Applying for an open work permit

living inside Canada on a temporary residence permit. The new measure allows those being sponsored from outside Canada to be eligible for an Open Work Permit.

According to IRCC, family members who have valid temporary residence status and the same residential address in Canada as their sponsor are eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit. The IRCC public policy says that officers may issue an open work permit to foreign nationals who meet either one of the following conditions:

• The foreign national is the principal applicant who has submitted a permanent residence application under the spouse of common-law partner in Canada class and has been accepted for processing by IRCC. • They

always impressed me as a serious, sincere, energetic and hardworking Member of Canada’s Parliament,” said Pagtakhan. “Her appointment as Canada’s Minister for Small Business is a clear indication of the Prime Minister’s trust in her capabilities and business background. In addition, her appointment reflects the importance Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attaches to the vital role Canadian Filipinos can continue to play in the affairs of our nation – a further validation that our Canadian Filipino community has come of age. She

should have submitted a work permit application for a minimum of two years. • They also should have first applied for permanent residence sponsored by their Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse or commonlaw partner. • The applicant must be residing at the same residential address in Canada as their sponsor at the time of their application. • They must ensure that they have valid temporary resident status and are eligible for or have applied for restoration of their status.

The new category of applicants includes those who have been sponsored from abroad and have entered Canada as valid visitors, workers, or students. They can apply for an Open Work Permit when they are inside Canada and residing with their sponsors. This measure is an enhancement of

will do well, added Pagtakhan.”

MP Kevin Lamoureux for Winnipeg also had good words for Valdez’ appointment to the federal government.

“I have known Rechie for close to two years now, I have found her to be a quick learner and a hard worker, which will allow her to do well as a Minister. What inspires me about her is how, in a very humble way, you sense a very strong pride that she has in being a woman of Filipino Heritage, which compliments and adds so much value to the entire Liberal Party caucus.”

the options open to the applicants who are being sponsored from outside the country. In the past the option of the Open Work Permit was only available to sponsorships inside the country and upon assessment of their inCanada sponsorship applications. It is now possible for applicants from outside the country to have access to the open work permit in order to further the reunification of the family inside Canada.

The new measure introduced in May by Minister Sean Fraser is part of a series of changes in Family Class immigration. There are number of other measures in place that have been making things better for families and sponsors. These include faster temporary resident visa (TRV) processing times for spousal applicants; Open Work Permit extensions for open permit

holders expiring between August 1st and the end of 2023.

The Minister is good for his word. He said IRCC is committed to reuniting families and allowing them to work once they are here. In these actions, Canada is helping newcomers achieve their true potential while strengthening the country’s economy. Reunification is good for families and in turn the country. It is a win-win situation.

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.

Honourable Minister Rechie with MP Kevin Lamoureux, MPWinnipeg North

– Lucille Nolasco Garrido

Minister Sean Fraser and Minister Rechie Valdez with some members of the Winnipeg Filipino community. Photo taken on June 6, 2023 at a community lunch meeting hosted by MP Kevin Lamoureux at Lucita’s Restaurant.

The 26th of July saw Member of Parliament Rechie Valdez elevated to Minister of Small Business when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a major cabinet shuffle.

With Valdez’ political promotion, Canadian Filipinos have their voice at the federal cabinet table – the highest body for national-decision making – once more. The only prior presence of a Filipino voice at the Canadian Cabinet was around 20 years ago when this columnist served in the cabinet from 2001 to 2004 during the leaderships of Prime Ministers Jean Chretien and Paul Martin, Jr. Making Canadian history twice

With her election to the House of Commons on September 20, 2021, Rechie Valdez made Canadian history as the second Canadian Filipino and the first Canadian Filipino woman to become a Member of Canada’s Parliament (MP). With her recent appointment as Minister, Valdez achieved her second political milestone in Canadian history by becoming the second Canadian Filipino and the first Canadian Filipina to become a member of Canada’s Cabinet.

Major cabinet change

The cabinet change was sweeping. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau retained only nine ministers in their respective portfolio, 23 ministers changed assignments, and seven new faces were added. A total of 38 cabinet members divided equally among men and women. Thus, the prime minister has kept the gender-parity precedent he established in 2015. Eight members, a fifth of the total are visible minorities.

It is laudable of the prime minister to constitute this cabinet composition. In a news release, he said: “We have the right team, made up of accomplished people who reflect the diversity and talent of our country. We are ready to keep delivering on the things that matter most … making life more affordable, growing the economy, and creating good jobs for the middle class. Together, we will keep building a strong future

for the middle class, and for all Canadians.”

Fitting the cabinet mould

In my commentary on Rechie Valdez’ election to the House of Commons, I wrote in part: “Every MP wants to be a cabinet minister … Best, though, that one has a keen and analytic mind, humility, integrity, decisiveness, enviable work ethic, a vision-and-valuedriven leadership style, a relevant prior work resume, team player, and a deep sense of others.”

Let me add another dimension from Canadian Filipino Net’s immediate past Editor Eleanor R. Laquian’s editorial, “Diminishing Filipino Invisibility in Politics, thanks to Filipino Women Power.” She wrote: “Many of these women are adventurous, daring, and indomitable. They have proven to be community organizers, risktakers, trailblazers, and envelope pushers.”

Rechie Valdez fits the mould, indeed. She is eminently prepared. As an MP, she has been serious, sincere, energetic, and hardworking. Those traits, along with her active community engagement and background as a small business entrepreneur, will serve her well in the cabinet – the better not only for Canadian Filipinos but also for all Canadians.

How did Filipinos receive the news?

July 26 was a moment of great excitement for the Filipino community across Canada and beyond. I had a phone message from Rowena Papasin-Cando of ABS-CBN International, The Filipino Channel based in Vancouver, followed by e-mails from Lucille Nolasco Garrido of Pilipino Express based in Winnipeg and from Editor Carlito Pablo of Canadian Filipino Net based in Vancouver. They were wanting to share the news.

Truly, everyone was thrilled. I did an interview via ZOOM, e-mailed my initial thoughts, and confirmed the topic for my column. Then, I was able to send my congratulatory e-mail:

“Hi Rechie, I am excited

The Honourable Rechie Valdez Our Filipino Voice in Canada’s Cabinet

and pleased. Your ministerial appointment today…reflects Prime Minister Trudeau’s trust in your capabilities and the importance he has attached to small businesses as a force for economic prosperity. As well as to the vital role Canadian Filipinos can continue to play in the affairs of Canada, including as a vital political force – a validation that Canadian Filipinos have come of age! I salute you on your exciting ministerial appointment… to the Government of Canada.”

I’m confident all Canadian Filipinos across the country –close to a million – and Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad beyond Canada share my sentiments. Michelle Abad, a multimedia reporter at Rappler.com based in the Philippines, promptly featured Valdez’ profile the following day, “Who is Rechie Valdez, first Filipino woman in the Canadian Cabinet?” As well, mainstream Canadian media like the Canadian Press provided their coverage.

Indeed, we can all salute Minister Valdez for this additional milestone in her political career even as we say “Thank You” to Prime Minister Trudeau for making a timely and welcome choice in Rechie Valdez’ appointment to the cabinet.

What does it mean being at the cabinet table?

“The cabinet is the central decision-making forum in government, responsible for its administration and the establishment of its policy,” reads the prime minister’s website. “Its members are each responsible for individual portfolios or departments.”

Let me elaborate briefly. Responsible government is a cornerstone of the Canadian system of government, that is, “that a government must be responsive to its citizens; that it must operate responsibly (i.e., be well organized in developing and implementing policy); and that its ministers may be regarded as the device for achieving it.”

With respect to ministerial responsibility, “Ministers have both individual and collective responsibilities to parliament… (They) are expected to take responsibility for, and defend, all cabinet decisions (cabinet solidarity). The principle provides stability within the framework of ministerial government by uniting the responsibilities of the individual Ministers under the collective responsibility of the crown.

In Canada, the state is commonly referred to as “the Crown in right of Canada,” which is the country’s “supreme executive authority.”

In practice, “executive authority” in Canada is vested “in the governor general acting with the advice and consent of the prime minister and cabinet.”

Thus, being at the cabinet table means Rechie Valdez’ arc of public service obligations has just become wider. Her duties

With Dr. Rey & Gloria Pagtakhan and responsibilities as MP for Mississauga-Streetsville have become heavier. They will continue even as she attends to her ministerial mandate. She will certainly need more working hours and time management, but assuredly her promotion will be personally fulfilling.

Being at the cabinet table also means she is able to bring the Filipino voice directly to national decision-making. And that perspective includes bringing to the attention of the Canadian Government a range of issues that matter not only to Canadians in general but also to Canadian Filipinos in particular. One most recent example is helping “boost Canadian-Philippines ties.

The Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., O.M., LL.D.,

Sc.D., M.D. M.Sc. – a former Member of Canada’s Parliament, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and cabinet minister and a retired lung specialist and professor of pediatrics and child health at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine and – graduated from the University of the Philippines, did postgraduate studies at the Children’s Hospitals of Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, and spent a sabbatical year as Visiting Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson. He has maintained this column, Medisina at Politika, since 2012 as part of his continuing civic and political engagement.

The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business (official photo)

by Regina Ramos Urbano

More than 40 athletes from the Philippine National Police (PNP) are in Winnipeg to compete in the 2023 World Police and Fire Games from July 28 to August 6, 2023. The full Philippine delegation, including support staff and family members proudly paraded into the Canada Life Centre for the Opening Ceremonies on Friday, July 28th to cheers from the excited crowd.

Police Master Sergeant Jose Daryl P. Sobretodo, a member of the Police Security and Protection Group, was overwhelmed by the geniality he has experienced so far since landing in Winnipeg on Thursday. “The people here are so friendly! So many people have come up to say ‘Hi’ and to welcome us.” Jose, with his teammate Edgar Cabral, represented the Philippines in the boxing competition at the RBC Convention Centre – Jose in the 81kg and Edgar in the 75kg weight class on July 31.

While the athletes are here to do their best to make their country proud, they are also here to enjoy the camaraderie of colleagues and have new experiences. Police Staff Master Sergeant Adora Aquino is a veteran participant of the WPFG in the sport of karatedo. She is also a seasoned dragon boat paddler and joined the International Dragonflies, a composite team (made up of athletes from different countries) as the sole Filipina competitor in the Dragon Boat Event. Several paddlers on the

From front line to finish line

boat are trying the sport for the first time at these games.

Jose and Adora are just two of the Filipino athletes at the WPFG. Meet and cheer on the other members of the Philippine delegation and support staff at the following sports: basketball, mountain bike, golf, shooting, badminton, track and field, judo, bowling, lawn tennis, cross fit, triathlon, karate, darts, table tennis, karatedo, police action pistol, volleyball, and the full and half marathon.

The full event schedule can be found online at www.wpfg2023. com/schedule.

The Philippine delegation led by Police Lieutenant General Rhodel Sermonia attended a Testimonial Potluck Dinner organized by Kenneth Salazar, lead convenor/organizer of welcome meet and greet, Ray Argulla, President of Bulacan Association, and Leila Castro, founder of 204 Filipino Forum and Marketplace on July 31 at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba.

The evening included a presentation on the government’s program for Filipinos living abroad, Zumba dancing, a performance by the Winnipeg Galaxy Girl Candidates, and an exhibition by the Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy.

Follow the 204 Filipino Forum and Marketplace on Facebook for the latest information on kababayan athletes.

Photo credits: Regina RamosUrbano and Kenneth Salazar

Police Staff Master Sergeant Adora Aquino is a seasoned dragon boat paddler and joined the International Dragonflies, a composite team (made up of athletes from different countries) as the sole Filipina competitor in the Dragon Boat event. Photo l-r:Abby Boehm, Dragon boat Sport Coordinator, Staff Master Sergeant Adora Aquino and Regina Ramos Urbano.

Philippines’ Volleyball Team

Philippines’ First Gold! PSsg Maria Caress Arnejo wins Gold in the 21K half marathon event. July 30, 2023

Winnipeg fans show support

Police Master Sergeant Jose Daryl P. Sobretodo, a member of the Police Security and Protection Group and Edgar Cabral, represented the Philippines in the boxing competition at the RBC Convention Centre – Jose in the 81kg and Edgar in the 75kg weight class on July 31.

Philippine delegation joins the 2023 World Police and Fire Games in Winnipeg

by Lucille Nolasco-Garrido

On Friday, July 28, the 2023 World Police and Fire Games officially opened in Winnipeg. Among the delegates to the Olympic-style event are members and officers of the Philippine National Police.

The 70-strong contingent joined the short parade from RBC Convention Centre to Canada Life Centre for the opening ceremony.

Team Philippines is led by Lt. Gen. Rhodel O. Sermonia, who is currently the PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, the second highest position in the 227,000-strong police force.

The Philippine contingent will be participating in about 11 events during the 10-day games, including basketball, volleyball, badminton, karate, and darts.

Day one saw the PNP’s Team Pilipinas Puso win their first volleyball game against Team Calgary, 2-0.

“Their players might be much bigger than us, but we persevered and won!”said team captain, Police Master Sergeant Kristine Fritz Ramos. She will also compete in basketball and karate.

This is Ramos’ third WPFG. She first joined the games held in Chengdu, China in 2019 and then in Rotterdam, Netherlands in 2022. But this year is special, she said. During an interview with Lucille Nolasco-Garrido on Afternoon Pasada on 92.7 FM CKJS, Ramos said this is the first time they were warmly welcomed by the Filipino community where the games are being held. From the warm welcome by kababayans at the airport, help with transportation, accommodation, and other assistance, they are very grateful for the support.

Winnipegger Kenneth Salazar is among the WPFG volunteers who has been welcoming delegates at the airport and providing them transportation and other support. Salazar also initiated a community effort to hold a testimonial welcome dinner for all the PNP members and officers at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba on July 31.

“If we can welcome visiting artists from the Philippines, why not our police and our frontliners?” Salazar said.

Around 8,500 athletes are expected to participate in 63 athletic events. The Olympic-style games is considered the largest ever sporting event to be held in Manitoba and will run from July 28-August 6, 2023.

Members of Team Pilipinas Puso won their first volleyball game Friday (July 28) against Team Calgary, 2-0. Group members are: PCpl Karen Kay Quilario, PSsg Laura Jay Dimapilis, PCpl Razel Mae Absalon, PCpl Johanna Marie Pacunta, Pat Entezar Bangcola and team captain PMsg Kristine Franz Ramos.

Police Captain Jan Bryan V. Dickson and Police Master Sergeant Kristine Franz Ramos, accompanied by Games volunteer Kenneth Ramos, dropped by Afternoon Pasada program of Lucille NolascoGarrido on 92.7FM CKJS. Dickson is playing in the men’s basketball, while Ramos will participate in women’s basketball, volleyball, and karate events.

Photo credits: Ray Forbes Argulla and Lucille NolascoGarrido

Some of the delegates to the 2023 World Police and Fire Games receive a warm welcome at the airport from kababayans in Winnipeg. Lt. General Rhodel Sermonio (middle) heads the Philippine contingent of 70 policemen and women participating in various events.

Opening ceremony participants of Team Philippines. The Pinoy and Pinay athletes will compete in different events like basketball, volleyball, karate, darts, badminton, and others.

The athletes march to Canada Life for the opening ceremonies. Ray Argulla, President of Bulacan Association and one of the local welcome organizers (in red shorts) marches with the Filipino athletes

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ & EVENTS

Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde are now married! Pauleen Luna kumpirmadong buntis, Tali excited na maging ate

Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde’s Baguio City wedding is as intimate as it can get. The celebrity couple finally tied the knot at the Alphaland Baguio Mountain Lodges Chapel in Baguio City on Friday, July 28, exactly one year after their engagement (and exactly 10 years after Maine’s serendipitous ‘Arjo cutie’ tweet’).

Maine and Arjo decided to make their special day an intimate one where only their family, friends, and other people close to their hearts graced the occasion. The parents of the newlyweds –Maine’s parents Mary Ann and Teodoro Mendoza and Arjo’s parents Sylvia Sanchez and Arturo Atayde happily joined them as they entertained the guests.

Principal sponsors include well-known personalities in

Tuluyan na ngang inamin ni Pauleen Luna na ipinagbubuntis niya ang kanilang baby no. 2 nila ni Bossing Vic Sotto

Sa kaniyang Instagram page ay ibinahagi niya ang video ni Tali kung saan naglalaro ito ng mga lobo na nakasulat ang “big sister”.

Caption ni Pauleen, “Someone’s excited to be a….”

Ito na nga ang kanilang kumpirmasyon matapos ang ilang linggong pagtatanong at pag-uusisa ng netizens kung may kasunod na nga ba ang kanilang panganay na si Tali.

Marami na rin kasi ang nakapansin sa preggy awra ni Pauleen bagay na mas lalo pang umigting nang tawagin siyang “buntis” ni Joey de Leon sa kanilang pilot episode ng “E.A.T.” noong July 1.

Mukhang inantay lang niya na matapos ang umang trimester ng kaniyang pagdadalangtao bago niya ito inanunsyo sa mga dabarkads.

Umani naman ng mga congratulatory messages mula

See PAULEEN p11

Maine Mendoza & Arjo Atayde

Tali, Pauleen Luna & Vic Sotto

See MAINE p11

MAINE...

From page 10

showbiz and politics like Antonio Tuviera, Tito Sotto III, Joey de Leon, Vic Sotto, Carlo Katigbak, Martin Romualdez, Joy Belmonte, and Maricel Soriano

MJ Lastimosa, Maja Salvador, Ciara Sotto, Kristine Hermosa, and Sheena Halili were bridesmaids while Enchong Dee and Joseoh Marco were groomsmen.

During the ceremony, the actress-host donned a plain white tube gown. On her wedding reception, Maine opted a strapless ball gown which her fans assumed it was made by popular wedding gown label, Studio Mira Zwillinger – GMA Network News

PAULEEN...

From page 10

sa dabarkads ang magandang balitang hatid ni Mrs. Sotto

“Woohoo!!!!!! Yey Tali Girl!!!!

We are so excited for you!!! You’ll be the best Ate for sure,” saad ni Joy Sotto

Sey naman ni Camille Prats kay Pauleen, “WAAAAHHHHHH congratulations mars!!! And bossing!!!! My heart is so so happy!!!!!”

“We were just praying for a new baby, and now here we are! Surreal, but that’s how the Lord works!!! Congrats to your new promotion, Taligirl!!!!” hirit naman ni Nina Sotto

Kapansin-pansin na rin ang paglaki ng tiyan ni Pauleen nang mag-guest sya sa July 29 episode ng E. A.T. para sa selebrasyon ng National Dabarkads Day o ang 44th anniversary ng longest running noontime show.

Nagkaroon kasi ng twist sa segment nilang Babala: Huwag ganu’n kung saan silang mga asawa ng TVJ ang nagsilbing hosts habang sina Vic at Joey naman ang naging mga contestants.

Hirit naman ni Bossing Vic matapos ang segment, “Tuloy tuloy lang ang celebration ng National Dabarkads Day at dahil celebration of love, gusto ko lang i-announce na nagbunga ang aming pagmamahalan [tukoy sa pagbubuntis ng asawa].”

Congratulations, Sotto family!

By Therese Arceo - Bandera

University of Santo Tomas Alumni

Association of MB Inc. is now accepting applications for:

2023 USTAAM Scholarship Awards

• applicants must be of Filipino descent

• have attended grades 11 & 12 in Manitoba

• have a minimum grade 12 average of 85%

• accepted and entering first year in any post-secondary schools in Manitoba in September 2023

• have community and volunteer work

2023 USTAAM Bursary Awards

• available to members of the USTAAM who are currently upgrading their profession

• deadline: September 30, 2023

For other requirements and application forms

• visit the USTAAM facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/ustaami/

• for inquiries: ustaami@gmail.com

Back in 2016, the Filipino Members Chapter-Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (FMC) initiated their first volunteering endeavour with Winnipeg Harvest (now Harvest Manitoba), setting a precedent for their commitment to community service. Seven years later, on July 22, FMC returned for a second time to contribute to the food bank’s goal of providing food to hungry Manitobans by volunteering their time sorting perishable and non-perishable goods.

The event, initially limited to 25 participants, received overwhelming response prompting event lead Chrislynne Concepcion and co-lead Lea Esconde to request if they could expand the participant count to accommodate more volunteers. In the end, 33 volunteers were allowed to take part, including Engineers Geoscientists

Filipino Engineers volunteer for Harvest Manitoba

Manitoba’s (EngGeoMb) CEO and registrar, Michael Gregoire and his family.

The day commenced with a video presentation to familiarize everyone with Harvest Manitoba’s mission and goals. Harvest Manitoba, according to its website, is the fourth largest food distributor of its kind in Canada and feeds over 90,000 people each month.

After the presentation, Harvest Manitoba staff led the team to the sorting warehouse where they enthusiastically engaged in sorting goods, ensuring that the donated items were carefully organized for effective distribution. They diligently checked the expiration or best before dates and identified items that were no longer suitable for consumption or use, guaranteeing that only safe and quality products make it to the Harvest Hampers.

As an additional act of generosity, FMC members and participants also donated money and most needed items to further support Harvest Manitoba.

“I once used food bank services

when we were just starting out in Winnipeg. Now that my wife and I are blessed to have good jobs and a place to call home, I volunteer my time whenever I can. Volunteering is a great way to support those who

are less fortunate and to give back to the community,” said Jun Tapia, past chapter chair and a returning volunteer.

To donate or learn more, visit www.harvestmanitoba.ca

Checking expiration dates

FMC members and participants also donated money and most needed items to further support Harvest Manitoba

Filipino Members Chapter-Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (FMC) volunteering at Harvest Manitoba, July 22

FMC Officers with M. Gregoire, EngGeoMb CEO & Registrar

Orientation video before the volunteer work

Engineers Geoscientists MB CEO Michael Gregoire and daughter, Ember

MB Harvest volunteers

The 2nd Greater Winnipeg Alpha Phi Omega Canada Alumni Association (GWAPOCAA) annual fundraising Fishing Derby

The GWAPOCAA annual fundraising Fishing Derby was held on June 24, 2023 at Selkirk Fishing ground. Winners are: 1st Prize: Jhenner Miranda, 2nd Prize: Ellan Dela Cruz, 3rd Prize: Garry Martinez, Fastest Catch: Garry Martinez, Smallest catch: Benjie Torrigo and Last minute catch: Garry Martinez. Thank you to all our sponsors!

Filipino Canadian helps to preserve historic American jet

Crisanto Aquino of Dr. Shine PHD in Winnipeg was one of 35 automotive detailers selected to assist in an annual project to preserve some of the most historically significant aircraft at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington, this past July 10 to 15.

This is Aquino’s third year with the Air Force One Detailing Team tasked with the preservation of the first presidential jet that served as a flying Oval Office for U.S. Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. He is the first and only Canadian to work on the plane.

“It has been quite an experience, being a part of this team,” Aquino said. “I’m just a small automotive detailer who never dreamed when I got into the business that these kinds of opportunities existed, much less that I would have the opportunity to be a part of them. The technology, the products, the equipment, and the team’s dedication have helped us save this deteriorating plane that many

people did not believe could be saved, and I am honoured to be preserving aviation history.”

Aquino and other team members are successful detailing business owners who pay their own way to Seattle and donate their time and skills to the project. And this is not Aquino’s only prestigious detailing project. He also served on the McCall’s Motorworks Revival and The Quail Motorsports Gathering teams at Monterey Car Week.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the prestigious aviation project led by the “Detailer of Air Force One,” Renny Doyle. His team consists of the most experienced and proven members of his elite “Detail Mafia” who have been caretakers of the historic jet, preserving and protecting its exterior since 2003.

“Cris is an amazing and talented professional detailer … [and he] is a fantastic man,” said Doyle. “His spirit and willingness to help fellow team members is a significant draw of why he has been selected for this year’s team.”

KROSWORD

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Every spring, Doyle chooses his team members carefully from detailers he has trained and certified over the years. Many of them are senior members of the team that go back to the original restoration project in 2003 while he also brings in rookies who show promise in the meticulous art of paint correction and polishing one-stage paint and brightwork.

“Aquino has earned his place as a part of the finishing team this year,” said Doyle.

Air Force One

For more than a decade, the first presidential jet lived on the open tarmac at the Museum

of Flight, exposed to Seattle’s notorious climate. Although it is now on display inside the open-air Aviation Pavilion, it is still exposed to the outside environment, and it shows. Every year when the team comes to work on the plane, the paint shows signs of weathering and dulled brightwork that requires a protective coating to hold it over until the next year.

The historic presidential plane is a specially built Boeing VC-137B Special Air Missions (SAM) 970, delivered in 1959 as the first presidential jet. In 1962, it was replaced by a newer Boeing

VC-137C, but SAM 970 remained in the presidential fleet, ferrying VIPs such as Nikita Khrushchev, and U.S. vice-presidents until June 1996.

Over the past two decades, the “Detail Mafia” has also been restoring five other historic aircraft including the Concorde G-BOAG “Alpha Golf, the last of the supersonic airliners retired in 2003, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress “T-Square 54,” the Boeing 727 “Serial No. 001,” and the propeller-driven Lockheed 1049G Super Constellation “Connie,” predecessor of the first jet-powered Air Force One.

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

SA

pari

na durog

sa utos PABABA

2. Ibintang

3. Galaw ng tubig

4. Dampa

5. Ikasampung bahagi

6. Sarado

7. Pananampalataya

9. Lugar sa Mindanao

10. Patibay

12. Magmamarka

13. Dadanas

15. Isang ibon

22. Sapantaha

24. Ibulwak

26. Maton

27. Wasak

Crisanto Aquino is the first and only Canadian to work on the preservation of the first jet aircraft to serve as a flying Oval Office for U.S. Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon.

Aquino, buffing the brightwork of the original Air Force One jet

Experience Folklorama 52

This year, Folklorama 52 will feature 40 pavilions from August 6 to 19 with 20 pavilions in each of two weeks. The various pavilions will showcase their countries and peoples’ unique culture, traditions, and cuisine for everyone to experience and enjoy.

The Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion opens its door during Folklorama’s first week: August 6 to 12 at R.B. Russell High School, 364 Dufferin. It features the creative and outstanding presentations of the Magdaragat Philippines performers, which have earned many positive reviews from tourists and local guests alike.

This year’s pavilion coordinators are Sheila Pelagio and Sheryl Vasquez. The adult ambassadors are Del Pelagio and Sarahdelle Galera. The youth ambassadors are Nicolas Tamayo and Sudan Parke.

Experience the sights, sounds and rich heritage of the Philippine Islands along with the elegant folk dances of Magdaragat Philippines. Taste the delicious pansit (sautéed noodles), okoy (shrimp fitter), or barbeque pork skewer. Pair your meal with tapioca punch or an imported San Miguel or Red Horse beer. Then stop by the display of

Filipino artifacts.

“Folklorama encompasses more than a two-week Festival,” says Teresa Cotroneo, Folklorama’s Executive Director.

“It’s more than the entertainment and the mouth-watering cuisine.

It’s a connection to community, a vehicle to preserve heritage and an essential building block in Manitoba to embrace ethnocultural diversity and celebrate what makes the fabric of this province so unique – the people. Just like every bead, ribbon, and stitch of embroidery – Folklorama is the tapestry of Manitoba.”

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. To find out more, visit folklorama. ca.

Photos by Rey-Ar Reyes