Volume 17 • No. 24 • December 16 - 31, 2021 Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Marian Rivera
10 10 Bea Alonzo
Merry Christmas
Maligayang Pasko
10 Angeline Quinto
Magpaparol
1933, oil on canvas By Filipino artist, Jorge Pineda (1879 - 1946) Pineda painted a parol (lantern) maker dressed in traditional barong Tagalog all set to sell his parol wares. A parol is a Filipino ornamental lantern displayed during the Christmas season. This work belongs to what is known as Pineda’s most colourful series of works: Philippine Lanterns.
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
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December 16, 2021: Temporary foreign workers (TFW) in Canada’s agricultural sector have been left vulnerable to COVID-19 during the past two years. Thus, summarized Auditor General Karen Hogan in her news release when she presented to Canada’s Parliament on December 9 her Report 13, Health and Safety of Agricultural Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic: “Overall, we found that the Employment and Social Development Canada’s inspections—whether they targeted quarantine, outbreaks or basic living conditions—provided little assurance that the health and safety of temporary foreign workers were protected during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons.” This revelation reflects a lamentable breach of federal duty and poses a threat to a human security. Hence, this commentary is to: 1) brief readers on the TFW Program for a better understanding and appreciation of its significance, governance, administration and human security dimension; 2) discuss the impact of the pandemic on the Program; 3) outline the appointment, tenure, independence and mandate of the Auditor General (AG) and the importance of performance audit; and 4) share my observations following my review of the full AG Report No.13 as tabled in the House of Commons. All these are considered to alert the public on the most recent AG report on TFW in the midst of the pandemic, and thereby through civic engagement with governments, help strengthen human security to the ultimate benefits of TFWs, the agricultural sector, and the nation. Understanding the TFW Program and its human security dimension Start, scope and significance: For half a century and a decade, thousands and thousands of TFWs have been coming seasonally to Canada to meet labour-force shortage in Canada’s farms and horticultural operations. Their arrival times are variable: some begin in January while most during the spring and summer. In 2019, some 54,000 TFWs and 4,700 agricultural employers matched. From March 2020 to June 2021, over 79,000 workers participated in the Program. The benefits have been reciprocal: Canadian agricultural employers are able to maximize their productivity while workers remit their earnings to families back in their distant homes. In the process, employers and workers have helped support the security of Canada’s food system – a situation that at once gives the TFW program its human security dimension. Governance, administration and integrity: Participation in the program requires employers to meet legal requirements. While
PILIPINO EXPRESS
the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its enabling Regulations govern the TFW Program, it is administered by the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), in partnership with other federal departments and provincial governments, which set labour and safety standards, and in cooperation with relevant nongovernmental workers’ groups. ESDC conducts inspections: 1) to verify employers’ compliance with requirements and 2) determine consequences for violators. Basics of human security and the TFW Program: The four elements of security – economic, food and health security as well as freedom from threats to safety – encompass the basics of human security as they relate to the TFW Program, and reflect the commonly cherished human aspirations as understood by the U.N. Development Programme, namely, food for the family, adequate shelter, good health, and safety. This concept assumes relevance to one of the AG’s recommendations that bears on the promise of the U.N. sustainable development goals dealing with migrant workers. Impact of Canada’s Response to COVID-19 on the TFW Program Governments around the world, Canada included, had to promptly invoke more emergency powers and adopt more restrictive public health measures under the Quarantine Act when the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared on March 12, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, Canada as other countries, had already begun taking restrictive travel measures as soon as the WHO declared earlier on January 30 that the then emerging new contagious coronavirus respiratory disease is a global health emergency. One emergency order announced in mid-March 2020 banned majority of foreign nationals from entering Canada and another emergency order given near the end of the month required persons entering Canada to quarantine for 14 days. TFWs already holding valid work permits were exempted and allowed entry in recognition of their pivotal role securing Canada’s food system – a clear appreciation of their human security dimension. Thus, the largest pool of agricultural TFWs were able to arrive for the 2020 growing season. The travel and 14-day quarantine restrictions continued to apply to all arrivals, including testing requirements on arrival. These were still operative at the conclusion of the AG’s audit in June 2021. Note that earlier in April 2020, Canada amended the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and added more responsibilities on employers
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COVID-19 Pandemic: Human security of temporary farm foreign workers left vulnerable
Auditor General of Canada Karen Hogan, CPA, CA presented to Parliament, by tabling in the House of Commons on December 9, 2021, her COVID-19 Report 13. Photo Source: Auditor General of Canada website.
to help protect workers from COVID-19 and prevent its spread. The Auditor General and the AG Report The Auditor General of Canada is appointed as an Officer of Canada’s Parliament by the federal cabinet on advice of the House of Commons and Senate; serves for a fixed, non-renewable term of 10 years; may only be removed for cause and not at pleasure; is mandated by law to independently and objectively assess how well the Government of Canada is managing its activities, responsibilities, and resources; and reports directly to Parliament. The AG evaluates government performance, not policy choices. This a distinctive principle in our parliamentary democracy. The AG Report 13 tabled in Parliament is the entirety of performance audit conducted on the Health and Safety of Agricultural Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Designed to contribute to “an ethical and effective public
service and a government that is accountable to Parliament and Canadians,” this particular audit report has identified key problems and has made a number of recommendations to address them. Findings of Concern: Three findings of concern are summed up below by the federal auditor, namely: 1. “Inspections provided little assurance of protection for the health and safety of agricultural TFWs; 2. ESDC did not address longstanding concerns about TFWs’ accommodations; and 3. ESDC did little to meet the commitments to improve living conditions for agricultural TFWs that it had made in previous years.” To briefly elaborate, consider the following key facts and figures: 1. From March 2020 to June 2021, 79,255 workers arrived to work in Canada’s agricultural sector. 2. In 2020, ESDC assessed See COVID-19 p5
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Express Entry and PNP work together Many readers are aware that Canada set an ambitious target of admitting 403,000 new immigrants to Canada in 2021. The federal Express Entry for skilled workers program has been busy issuing invitations to apply. What about the various Provincial Nominee Programs across the country? Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program issued nearly 3,000 invitations to apply (ITA) in November 2021. This level of activity is indicative of the efforts of nearly every province and territory in Canada, except for Nunavut and Quebec, which has its own immigration program. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), as set forth in the Regulations section 87(2) requires applicants to be named on a provincial certificate and show their true intention to reside in the province of nomination. The applicants must also demonstrate that they can become economically established in Canada in subsection (3). The provinces individually determine who they think will meet their local labour market needs and determine their own way of selecting foreign worker applicants. Since its inception in 1998, the PNP has
COVID-19... From page 4 almost all employers as compliant with the COVID-19 regulatory requirements yet about 73% of the quarantine inspections miserably failed to validate compliance. 3. In the following year, this problem rose to 88% of the quarantine inspections done even though ESDC received $16.2 million the year before to help improve its inspections. The foregoing findings reflect a serious breach of the government’s duty to ensure the health and the safety of these valued essential workers had been protected these past two years. They also reflect little regard for regulatory requirements and insensitivity to health and safety standards. Thus, the vicious cycle of non-compliance and risks that have pervaded the system. AG’s Recommendations: Specifically, the AG recommends ESDC “should, without delay”: 1. re-examine its system
become one of the main routes to permanent residence in Canada. It is projected that from 2021 to 2023 PNPs alone are expected to comprise 80,000 immigrants per year. The provinces have been active across the country. Each provincial PNP program operates one stream that is aligned to the federal Express Entry program, which has become Canada’s main economic immigration path. Since mid-September, IRCC has been holding draws under the PNP category. There have been 23 PNP specific draws for the calendar year with over 13,000 ITAs being issued. For example, in November the Express Entry held two draws targeting PNP candidates. It issued 755 ITAs on November 10 and another 613 on November 24. The provinces nominate applicants based on a base nomination that meets the selection standards of the particular PNP, or by coordination with the federal Express Entry. The PNPs have an opportunity to search the Express Entry EOI pool and identify those who match the specific criteria of the province. The province then invites these candidates to
apply for provincial nomination. If the candidates are nominated, they are awarded an additional 600 Comparative Rating System (CRS) points, which practically ensures that they will receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence in a subsequent Express Entry draw. The federal provincial coordination can be seen in the provincial activity of the November 2021 for example. Over the past month, British Columbia (BC-PNP) held six draws and invited 861 candidates to submit applications through “Express Entry British Columbia” and “Skills Immigration.” The numbers are consistent with invitations issued since the beginning of the year. Manitoba held two draws from the following streams: “Skilled Workers in Manitoba,” “International Education Stream,” and “Skilled Workers Overseas.” The draws conducted on November 1 and November 18 issued 849 Letters of Advice to Apply, of which 143 declared a valid Express Entry profile. In contrast, Alberta (AINP) held only one draw under “Express Entry Stream” on November 9 and issued 200 ITAs; Saskatchewan (SINP) issued the largest number of invitations
through its “Express Entry” and “Occupations in Demand,” for a total of 633 invitations. SINP also announced its intention to launch a pilot program to help local employers recruit workers in certain demand occupations. The list of occupations has not yet been announced by candidates for the new “Hard-To-Fill Skills Pilot.” Applicants must have a permanent full-time job offer, meet a minimum proficiency level in English or French, and minimum education and work experience. One the smallest provincial nominee programs is that found in Prince Edward Island. The PEI-PNP held one draw on November 18 and issued 188 invitations, of which 172 were issued under “Express Entry” and “Labour Impact” candidates. PEIPNP held 11 draws to the end of November and issued a total of 1,729 invitations. Newfoundland and Labrador PNP (NL-PNP) released the total numbers of three “Priority Skilled Newfoundland and Labrador.” NL-PNP invited a total of 663 candidates. Nova Scotia PNP issued 330 ITAs in October 2021. The provincial PNP added three new eligible occupations to their
Occupations in Demand list in November: food & beverage servers NOC 6513, food counter attendants NOC 6711, and lightduty cleaners NOC 6731. The coordination between IRCC and the various PNPs is helping Canada meet its yearly goal of 403,000 landings for 2021. The opportunities for skilled applicants have seen a sharp upturn because of the global pandemic. If Canada is to meet its ambitious goals, skilled immigration is needed. It is to the benefit of the country, and the various provinces, if we welcome more needed workers, especially those identified by provincial authorities as in-demand. It looks like a bright Christmas for skilled workers and immigration applicants in general. Now we wait and see if the lofty target will be met. 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 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail.com.
to ensure inspections are properly assigned within established workload capacity and completed in a timely manner; 2. train and support its inspectors to collect sufficient and appropriate evidence, as prescribed; 3. improve its quality control system a) to monitor the progress of inspections at various stages of completion and b) to ensure timely follow-up and application of appropriate corrective actions or consequences, as prescribed; and 4. expedite, in consultation with provincial, territorial and other jurisdictions, the development and implementation of minimum accommodation requirements as an eligibility condition of this federal program. The AG further recommends that ESDC identifies the TFW Program as a departmental program tracked to demonstrate progress to support Canada’s effort to advance the United Nations’ development goal No.
3 (Good health and well-being), particularly Target 8.8 which states: “Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.” Adoption of the abovementioned recommendations would help 1) affirm the seriousness of employer compliance with specific immigration regulations; 2) restore trust in the Department’s commitment to better the living conditions for workers; and 3) validate the relevance of the TFW Program to Target 8.8 of the U.N. sustainable development goal: “Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.” Summation This commentary has made the case that the TFW Program is a vital human security issue. Thus, it is lamentable that the Program
was left vulnerable to COVID-19 during the past two years by the absence of timely, quality and rigorous quarantine and outbreaks inspections. The urgent call by the Auditor General to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to move “without delay” on the recommendations for action cannot be overemphasized. Time is of the essence since Omicron – the newest COVID-19 variant of concern – could be devastating in magnitude with its speed of transmissibility if it replaces in the coming months the current dominant Delta variant, as the Public Health Agency of Canada recently projected – as much as 10,000 new cases daily could occur as early as mid-January in the new year if Omicron assumes dominance over the Delta. The gravity of the issue and the necessity to have in place a rigorous inspection regimen are best conveyed by the Auditor General in her statement that reflects a deep sense of concern:
“It’s long past time to fix the situation for temporary foreign workers in Canada.” Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., O.M., LL.D., Sc.D., M.D. M.Sc. is a retired lung specialist, professor of child health, author of articles and chapters in medical journals and textbooks, and former Vice-Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, and cabinet minister. He graduated from the University of the Philippines, did postgraduate training and 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 June 2003, he spoke on “The Global Threat of Infectious Diseases” at the G-8 Science Ministers/Advisors Carnegie Group Meeting in Berlin. Contact: reypagtakhan@ gmail.com]
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PEOPLE & EVENTS PILIPINO EXPRESS
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2021
Pinays Manitoba celebrates Christmas at Max’s Restaurant On Sunday, December 5, Pinays Manitoba, an organization of Filipino women, held its Christmas lunch at Max’s Restaurant in Winnipeg. The weather forecast for that day was bleak – blowing snow with strong winds – but mother nature thought otherwise. It was still wintry cold outside, but the expected blizzard-like conditions did not happen. Close to 60 guests – families
and friends of Pinays members – enjoyed the fellowship, delicious lunch prepared by Max’s Restaurant, singing, games and raffle draws. Almost everyone went home with a prize. Major raffle prizes were given by Tiber River, Ryan Cruz of Canada Protection Plan, and Max’s Restaurant Winnipeg. The Pinays choir, directed by Joy Lazo, sang Christmas carols. Lucille Nolasco of 92.7 CKJS emceed the program. Pinays Manitoba Board of Directors (L-R): Asst. Treasurer Leah Beltran, Treasurer Connie De Villa, Vice-President Winnie Navarro, President Araceli Ancheta, and PRO Emmie Joaquin. Not in photo: Auditor Trifona Bermisa and Seretary Imelda Sangalang.
Alice Robles receives the Member with Perfect Attendance award. L-R: Araceli Ancheta, Alice Robles, Lucille Nolasco, and Winnie Navarro
Sally Bader receives the Most Enthusiastic Member award. L-R: Winnie Navarro, Araceli Ancheta, Lucille Nolasco, and Sally Bader
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PEOPLE & EVENTS PILIPINO EXPRESS
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Pinays Manitoba celebrates Christmas at Max’s Restaurant
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Christmas and Holiday Feng Shui Holidays are special times to gather family and friends together to enjoy festivities, gifts, and special foods. This is especially true at Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa when we seek to share the bounty of the year by giving gifts and celebrating with those closest to us. It is a fun and beautiful time of year when homes and shops are decorated in glittering lights and bountiful greenery. Decorating for the holidays is also great feng shui because it puts attention – and intention – on your home. We seek to create warm and beautifully decorated homes that appeal to both grown-up and children’s tastes alike. Children enjoy the festive ornaments and decorations of stars, presents, Santa, reindeer, the North Pole, Hanukkah presents, and the Nativity scene. Both adults and children enjoy a beautiful Christmas Tree and sparkling holiday decorations. Create a feng shui holiday this year for fun and for the greater intention and meaning that it can bring to your holidays. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more mindfulness as you make your holiday preparations. 1. Clear out unused items and toys. This isn’t the fun part, but it is important. Good feng shui requires room for chi to circulate — and to grow, we must have room.
So, before all the new gifts and things come into the house, take a half-hour to go room to room and clear out old, broken, or unused items. Then, donate what’s usable to charity and throw away the rest. You will feel much better about all the additional things coming into the house if some of the old clutter is removed first. OK, now that’s out of the way… 2. Wrap gifts according to who receives them. Wrap all the gifts according to colour and recipient using the feng shui guidelines. Not only will the gifts be appropriate to the person, but they will also be easy to identify and quick to find. • Father/Man: Gold paper • Mother/Woman: Red or purple paper • Children: Silver or purple paper • Boys/Sons: Brown, craft, blue or green paper • Girls/Daughters: Red, pink, or purple paper • Grandparents: Gold or purple paper • Someone who has been ill: Brown, craft, or green paper (with or without nature designs such as trees, pine boughs, deer) •Neighbors/Friends/ Coworkers: Red 3. Send “gold” for presents. Whether they’re for business associates or family members, Christmas, Hanukkah, or
Kwanzaa, oranges are considered to be “natural gold” and represent both wealth and opportunities. The word “orange” is a homophone with the word “gold” in Mandarin. Gold is always appropriate for gifts, such as Hanukkah gelt, gold-wrapped candies, and other goodies. If you’re at a loss for ideas of a gift to give, go online and send a box of beautiful oranges. Include a note that explains how the Chinese revere oranges as representations of golden opportunities and wealth. This turns a simple box of citrus into a load of gold. And while you’re ordering, consider sending your own family a gift of oranges! Another option? A beautiful box of oranges also makes a terrific business or New Year’s gift. A beautiful flowering plant such as narcissus symbolizes gold and your wish for prosperity. 4. Place and decorate your tree according to what you want to achieve. A lighted Christmas tree is a large and powerful object that can be used for directing energy toward something you desire. What’s your heart’s wish? More money? Put your tree or holiday decorations in the Southeast corner of your living room or home and decorate accordingly. Maybe you’d like a husband or new man in your life? Place decorations in the NW corner of your home or living room. Simply more family harmony? Then decorate in a mixture of red and gold. These two colours bring harmony and happiness wherever they are placed. 5. place religious articles where they will benefit you. Place Nativity scenes and religious figurines in the center of the living room or home. Figures of the Three Kings or Santa can go in the northwest, as can a creche. The Three Kings represent helpful people traveling to visit the Baby Jesus. In feng shui, the Three Kings and Santa Claus represent
benefactors who can bestow gifts to you as well. The northwest also represents international dealings and travel (and is a good place to store travel information and suitcases). Avoid placing your menorah here, though, as the candles burning here are not good feng shui. 6. Light up your foyer for a welcoming entry — and more opportunities! Lights are perfect feng shui – whether they are placed in the south or in the east. Adorn your plants with tiny white lights or put them into vases. Outline the front door with a lighted garland to bring extra energy to your home. Whatever you do, though, make sure the foyer is welldecorated and lit up. This welcomes all who come to your house and beckons opportunities because the foyer of the home is where opportunities enter. 7. Buy your house or family
a gift. Present your home or your family a gift that all can enjoy. It can be a beautiful painting or a simple vase (for the fresh flowers that you will resolve to buy yourself next year!). Or purchase a game that you can all play together or a popcorn maker for when you’re watching movies. Anything that encourages your family time together is a great feng shui. Kathryn Weber has over 20+ years of feng shui study, practice and professional consultation. Her witty, no-nonsense style appeals to audiences, making her a popular speaker and radio show guest. She is often called on by media to explain feng shui in down-to-earth terms, and has been featured in Seventeen, First for Women, Faces, Conceive, Martial Arts Professional, and Natural Health magazines, and on websites around the world.
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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
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• Bea Alonzo – Napakaganda ng farm sa Zambales • Angeline Quinto – Lalaki ang ipinagdadalantao • John Lloyd Cruz – May bago nang karelasyon • Alden Richards – Makulay ang buhay-artista • Pops Fernandez at Piolo Pacual – Naging magkarelasyon • Alwyn Uytingco at Jennica Garcia – Nagkabalikan na • Barbie Imperial – Masama raw ang ugali? Hindi kami nagsasawang tutukan ang vlog ni Bea Alonzo tungkol sa kanyang Beati Farm sa Zambales. Sinusundan namin ang bawat kuwento niya tungkol sa naipundar niyang malawak na lupain. Napakaganda ng kanyang farm, si Mommy Mary Anne at ang kanyang stepdad ang puringpuri ni Bea kung paano natupad ang kanyang pangarap, masipag si Ronald na katuwang ng kanyang ina sa pagpapaganda ng kanyang farm. Nakakatuwa ang kuwento ni Mommy Mary Anne nu’ng minsang bumagyo, “Nabuwal ang pitong puno ng mangga, iyak ako nang iyak! Imagine, ganito lang sila kaliliit nu’ng itanim namin, tapos, nu’ng malalaki na, e, biglang ibinuwal sila ng bagyo! “Pumasok ako sa kuwarto, iyak ako nang iyak! Lumabas na lang uli ako nu’ng masuhayan na nila at maitayo ang mga puno!” kuwento ng dakilang ina ni Bea. Ayon kay Bea ay tanggap niya ang katotohanan na ang pagpa-
farm ay parang buhay rin ng tao. May mga darating na pagsubok, pero ang mahalaga ay tuloy ang buhay, hindi tayo dapat sumuko. Nagtanim ng calamansi si Bea nitong huli, nagpundar na rin siya ng mga makinaryang pambukid tulad ng traktora, namitas siya ng mga gulay sa bakuran at nagluto siya ng pakbet. Sa susunod ay magluluto naman siya ng ginataang tilapya na mahuhuli lang sa kanilang bakuran, tuturuan siyang magluto ni Mommy Mary Ann, PWD na ang ina ni Bea. Napakasarap niyang magmahal, ang CR ng kanyang ina ay ipinadisenyo niya para sa isang hindi na nakapaglalakad, may konkretong upuan sa paliguan ng kanyang mommy. Napakaganda rin ng ipinatayong bahay ni Bea sa Beati Farm, kitang-kita ang kaligayahan sa kanyang pagkukuwento na kapag gumigising siya ay sinasalubong siya ng sariwang hangin, habang iniikutan niya ng See CRISTY p13
Bea Alonzo
Angeline Quinto
Pops Fernandez
Alden Richards
Barbie Imperial
John Lloyd Cruz
Alwyn Uytingco & Jennica Garcia
Love, hope, and watch together on GMA Pinoy TV As GMA Network enjoins Filipinos all over the world to “love and hope together” this Christmas, its flagship international channel GMA Pinoy TV makes this season even more colourful through new and exciting programs that are launching this December! Don’t miss the highly anticipated Kapuso debut of multi-awarded actor John Lloyd Cruz in his TV comeback via the sitcom Happy ToGETher beginning this December 26! On December 20, starring in the new installment of the drama
series Stories from the Heart: The End of Us are the real-life spouses Carmina Villaruel and Zoren Legaspi. Serenading and providing world-class performances on Christmas Day are the talented Kapuso stars on Paskong Pangarap: The 2021 GMA Christmas Special featuring The Clash on December 25. Also on Christmas day, Kapuso Abroad can watch together for a special screening of Marian Rivera-Dantes’ muchSee LOVE p12
Zoren Legaspi & Carmina Villaroel
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LOVE... From page 10 loved movies My Big Bossing with Vic Sotto and Ryzza Mae Dizon; and followed by You To Me are Everything with Dingdong Dantes on December 26. On December 31, wrap up 2021 and ring in the New Year
Marian Rivera & Dingdong Dantes
with GMA’s Kapuso Countdown to 2022 live event featuring the biggest Kapuso stars and get a sneak peek of what’s in store for all the Kapuso viewers this 2022! As this year draws to a close, the Kapuso abroad are always assured that GMA Pinoy TV remains steadfast in keeping Filipinos #StrongerTogether!
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CRISTY... From page 10 tingin ang mga puno ng mangga sa bintana. ‘Yun ang katuparan ng pangarap ni Bea Alonzo. Ginamit niya ang kanyang pinaghirapan sa pagbili ng mga ari-ariang puwede niyang asahan kapag gusto na niyang magpahinga sa pag-aartista. Ganu’n din katindi ang pasasalamat niya sa kanyang ina na naging susi sa tagumpay ng kanyang farm. Walang kasingsarap ang buhay sa bukid. Sariwang hangin, mga sariwang pagkain, isang kapaligirang parang dinisenyo bilang pampalimot sa mga problemang bumabagabag sa atin. *** Tamang panahon lang ang hinintay ni Angeline Quinto para aminin ang pinagdadaanan niyang pagdadalantao ngayon. Wala siyang planong itago ‘yun nang habampanahon. Matapang si Angge. Kaya niyang panindigan ang mga nagaganap sa kaniyang buhay. Pero may kakambal ‘yun na matinding lungkot dahil sa pagkawala ng kaniyang Mama Bob. Ekstensiyon ng buhay ni Angge si Mama Bob. Ito ang nagpalaki at sumubaybay sa buong buhay niya. Pero ngayong nasa estado na siya ng pagdadalantao ay wala na si Mama Bob na unangunang gusto niyang pagsabihan ng katotohanang nagdadalantao na siya. Dumating ang ama ng kaniyang dinadala sa panahong matindi ang kaniyang kalungkutan dahil sa pagkawala ni Mama Bob. Masayahin siya kapag nasa linya ng trabaho, pero kapag umuuwi na siya ay puro luha ang kaniyang kasama, ang pagkawala pa rin ni Mama Bob ang dahilan. Dati na niyang kaibigan ang lalaki, lumaki sila sa iisang lugar sa Sampaloc, pero pagkatapos ng mahabang panahon ay saka lang uli sila nagkita. At naganap na nga ang kaniyang pagdadalantao. Ang dami-dami niyang inalala. Paano na ang kaniyang singing career? Paano na ang pag-aartista niya? Kailan niya aaminin na nagdadalantao na siya? Ibebenta ba niya ang kaniyang bahay para sa Amerika siya manganganak? May mga kaibigan siyang pinagtapatan ng kaniyang lihim. Iniyakan niya ang mga taong mahal siya at hindi naman siya pinabayaan. Ayon sa aming kaibigan na kaibigan din ni Angeline ay lalaki ang kaniyang ipinagdadalantao. Kaya raw pala hindi siya mahilig mag-ayos, kaya raw pala medyo namamaga ang kaniyang mukha at medyo lumapad ang kaniyang ilong, baby boy pala ang binhing pumipintig sa kaniyang sinapupunan. Hindi nag-iisa si Angeline sa ganitong kalagayan. Marami sila. Komento nga ng isang singer na nakakuwentuhan namin ay mas gaganda pa ang boses ni Angge pagkapanganak niya. May kung anong elemento raw na nagbubukas sa babae kapag nanganganak siya. Ganoon ang kapaniwalaan ng mga singers.
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
At itinuloy ni Angeline Quinto ang kaniyang pagdadalantao. Hindi siya kailanman nag-isip ng kahit anong negatibong aksiyon para mawala ang bata dahil sa kaniyang singing career. Doon pa lang ay kahangahanga na ang magaling na singer. Hindi lang ang maganda niyang boses ang dapat hangaan at palakpakan kundi pati ang kaniyang paninindigan. A baby is always a blessing. Everybody deserves a birthday. Ayon sa isang source na nakakuwentuhan namin ay maselan pala ang pagdadalantao ni Angeline Quinto. Nagkakaroon siya ng spotting na tulad ng nangyari kay Jenylyn Mercado. Talagang mangyayari ‘yon dahil kahit nagdadalantao na si Angge ay tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang kaniyang pagkanta, wala siyang pamimilian kundi ang magperform pa rin, dahil nakasagot na siya. Bago pa lumabas ang balitang buntis si Angeline ay marami na siyang tinanggap na komprimiso. Hindi niya puwedeng bitinin ang show dahil wala naman sa usapan na kapag nagdalantao siya ay hindi na ‘yon matutuloy. “Gusto niyang magkaanak, alam niyang ‘yon ang kukumpleto sa pagiging babae niya, pero hindi niya inasahan na ngayon na pala mangyayari ‘yon. Natural, marami siyang inalala. “May mga nasagutan siyang shows, masaya siya dahil kahit pandemic, e, mayroon siyang mga projects, pero nawindang siya noong malaman niyang pregnant pala siya,” kuwento ng aming kausap. May mga anak sa ibang nakarelasyon ang boyfriend ni Angeline, hindi ‘yon itinago sa kaniya ng lalaki, pero ‘yon din ang inaalala ng mga nagmamahal at nagmamalasakit kay Angge. “Sana nga, e, pakasalan siya ng guy. Sana nga, panindigan siya. Pero paano kung matulad din siya sa mga babaeng inanakan lang noong karelasyon niya?” makahulugang sabi pa ng aming source. *** Kinumpirma ng aming regular na tagapanood sa Cristy Ferminute at Take It, Per Minute… Me Gano’n ang relasyon nina John Lloyd Cruz at Isabel Santos. Si Tita Nene Ulanday na parang kapamilya na namin ay pinsan ng misis ng namayapang magaling at sikat na pintor na si G. Mauro Malang Santos. Si Isabel Santos ay anak ng mga kilalang pintor na sina Soler at Mona Santos, anak ni Mang Mauro si Soler, nagsisimula na rin sa kaniyang karera bilang pintor si Isabel. Matagal nang alam ni Tita Nene ang relasyong JLC at Isabel, pero kahit minsan ay wala itong binabanggit sa amin, hinintay muna ni Tita Nene na lumabas sa mga pahayagan ang balita bago nito kinumpirma ang relasyon. Sabi pa ni Tita Nene, “Madalas si John Lloyd kina Soler. Nasa Amerika silang mag-asawa ngayon, dinalaw ang panganay nilang si Carina.” Malaking impluwensiya kay Lloydie sa pagpahalaga sa sining
si Isabel. Nangongoleksiyon na rin ng mga obra ngayon ang magaling na aktor at baka nga isang araw ay matuto na rin siyang magpinta dahil kay Isabel. Magandang impluwensiya. At panahon na rin naman para muling lumigaya si John Lloyd. Hindi naman puwedeng huminto na lang ang kaniyang mundo sa paghihiwalay nila ni Ellen Adarna na nagpakasal na kay Derek Ramsay. Hindi dapat kinakalimutan ang magmahal. Kapag nakita na natin ang tamang taong makapagpatibok ng ating puso ay ‘yun na ang hudyat. At noon nagkakilala sina Lloydie at Isabel Santos. Sa pagkakaalam namin ay madalas magpunta noon sa gusali ng gallery ng mga Santos sa West Avenue si Lloydie. Akala nami’y bumibili lang siya ng mga likhang obra ng namayapang si Mang Mauro, pero ang apo na pala ng pintor ang kaniyang binabalik-balikan, hanggang sa maging sila na nga. Ang sining na biswal ay parang pag-aartista rin dahil parehong publiko ang tumatangkilik sa kanilang produkto. Magandang kumbinasyon ang pagmamahalan nina John Lloyd Cruz at Isabel Santos dahil ang pag-ibig ay isa ring sining. *** Labing-isang taon na ang pagiging artista ni Alden Richards. Mga taon na nagkaroon ng saysay at kabuluhan. Ang kaniyang mga dasal ay nagkaroon ng positibong sagot. Isa lang ang ikinalulungkot ng Pambansang Bae. Sana’y buhay pa ang kaniyang ina para magkasama nilang pinagsasaluhan ang tagumpay. Makulay ang buhay-artista ni Alden Richards, puring-puri siya ni Senador Bong Revilla, nakita kasi ng aktor-politiko ang kaniyang pagsisimula. Kuwento ni Senador Bong, “Kapag tapos na kami sa shooting, nag-uuwian na ang lahat, pero naiiwan pa si Alden. Hinihintay pa kasi niya ang mga crew. Makikisabay siya sa pag-uwi. “Napakatagal niyang naghihintay dahil nag-aayos pa ng kable ang crew. Ganoon siya katiyaga, kaya Alden deserves this success,” kuwento ng senador. Nakikisabay lang siya noon sa mga crew, pero ngayon ay meron na siyang magagarang sasakyan na mula sa kaniyang pagpapagod at pagsisikap, dininig ng langit ang kaniyang mga panalangin. Ganoon naman talaga. May mga hiling tayo na may tugon agad. Mayroon namang napakatagal ng sagot. Pero ang mahalaga ay naririnig ng Diyos ang ating mga bulong. At matindi ang kapit ni Alden Richards sa Diyos. Wala siyang inaangkin, ang lahat ng meron siya ngayon kahit pa siya naman talaga ang nagpagod at nagsikap kung bakit hawak niya ngayon, ay dahil sa tulong sa kaniya ng Diyos. Totoong-totoo naman. *** Ngayon na lang literal na umamin si Pops Fernandez na naging mag-boyfriend sila ni Piolo Pascual. Dekada muna ang
pinalampas ni Pipay bago niya ‘yon inamin. Bago sila naging magkarelasyon ni Piolo ay si Carmina Villaroel muna ang palaging nakaka-date noon ni Papa P. Naging close sila ni Piolo sa kanilang musical variety show sa ABS-CBN tuwing Sunday. Pero hindi sila nagtagal, agaran ding natapos ang sinasabing relasyon ni Pops, alam na alam namin ang dahilan kung bakit pero pang-blind item na lang ‘yon! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Alam din siyempre nina Piolo at Pops kung bakit hindi nagtagal ang kanilang relasyon. Pagkatapos ng show nila noon ay sa van ni Pops sumasakay si Piolo. Nasa harapan ng van ang PA ni Pops, katabi ng kaniyang driver, sila naman ni Piolo ang magkatabi sa unang hilera ng upuan sa likuran ng van. Kuwentuhan lang sila nang kuwentuhan. Tawanan sila nang tawanan. Ayon sa aming source ay hindi naman sila malambing sa isa’t isa. May isang karakter na pumasok sa eksena. Kilala ang nasabing male personality. Kaibigan din nilang dalawa. Pagkatapos noon ay wala nang sumunod pang eksena tungkol sa relasyon nina Piolo at Pops. Hiwalay na raw sila. Haaaayyyy! *** Sa kabila ng mga kuwento ng kalungkutan dahil sa paghihiwalay ng mga personalidad na matagal nang nagmamahalan ay may mga istorya rin namang nakakapagpasaya ng puso dahil sa pagbabalikan ng mga pusong nagkasakitan. Maraming maligaya sa muling pagkakasundo nina Alwyn Uytingco at Jennica Garcia. Nanaig ang pagmamahal nila sa isa’t isa, hindi nila sinayang ang pitong taon nilang ipinuhunan sa kanilang relasyon, dalawang anghel ang masayang-masaya ngayon dahil sa pagbabalikan ng kanilang mga magulang. Naging masidhi si Alwyn para makuhang muli ang tiwala ni Jennica, hindi siya nagsayang ng panahon, nakapanghihinayang naman talagang mauwi na lang sa wala ang kanilang relasyon. Hindi pa sila magkasama uli sa isang bubong ayon sa aming source, pero nabasag na ang pader sa kanilang pagitan, nagkikita na sila nang mata-sa-mata ngayon na kalaunan ay mauuwi na rin sa muli nilang pagsasama-samang maganak. Kahanga-hanga ang relasyon nina Alwyn at Jennica dahil napakabata pa nilang nagpakasal. Nagkaroon sila ng dalawang anak. Hindi perpekto ang kanilang pagsasama kaya hindi sila nakaiwas sa paghamon na karaniwang nagaganap sa mga mag-asawa. Ang mahalaga ay ipinaglaban
PAGE 13 nina Alwyn at Jennica ang kanilang pagmamahalan, maiiwasan na nila ngayon ang mga bagay-bagay na naging dahilan ng pansamantala nilang paghihiwalay, matindi ang leksiyong natutuhan nila sa nangyari. Sana, all. *** “What is beauty if your panty is dirty?” Gasgas na gasgas ang linyang ‘yan sa showbiz na ipinatutungkol sa magandang personalidad pero basura naman ang ugali. Minsan pa naming nabasa ‘yun sa social media, si Barbie Imperial ang tinutumbok ng mga Maritess, aanhin daw ang kagandahan kung ganoon naman ang ugali ng dalaga? Kahit kami ay hindi nagkakagusto sa tulis ng dila ng babaeng ito kung makapagsalita laban kay AJ Raval na kinaiinsekyuran niya, matinding magsalita si Barbie, pakiramdam niya ay inaahas ni AJ ang boyfriend niyang si Diego. Literal na niyang inaari si Diego na boyfriend pa lang naman niya. Binabakuran niya ang marespetong aktor na para bang asawa na niya. Dapat malaman ni Barbie na hindi itinuturing na pag-aari ang isang tao. Ang inaari lang ay ang ating pangalan. Atin lang ‘yun at hindi maaaring angkinin ng iba. Ang bahay at lupa, inaari rin ‘yun, ang damit, ang sapatos, anumang bagay na tayo ang bumili. Pero ang tao ay hindi. Hindi niya pag-aari si Diego, boyfriend lang niya, nagmamahalan lang sila. Kung ‘yung asawa na nga ay nakalulusot pa, nagkakaroon ng third party, kabit o mistress. Galit na galit siya kay AJ Raval, gusto raw nitong maging kabit ni Diego, e, ayaw nga raw ng boyfriend niya ka AJ! Ay, kasal na sila, kaya kabit ang ginamit na termino ni Barbie? Hindi maganda ang tubo ng dila ng dalagang ito na isinunod pa naman sa magandang manyika ang pangalan. Tanong ni Prop na iritado kay Barbie, “Saan ba lumaki ang babaeng ‘yun? Bakit masyado siyang butangera? Bakit hindi kagandahan ang mga salitang ginagamit niya? “Sayang na ganda, beauty is deceiving talaga. Maganda nga siya, kung mga basurang salita naman ang lumalabas sa bibig niya, sayang!” madiin pang komento ng kaibigan naming propesor. Oo nga. Palaaway si Barbie. Mahilig siya sa kontrobersiya. Magulo ang mga kuwento ng lovelife niya. Gusto ba ni Diego na ganoon ang imahe ng kaniyang girlfriend? Naalala tuloy namin ang dating PA ni Barbie na nagreklamo sa programa ni Kuya Raffy Tulfo. Ibinando nito ang ugali ni Barbie Imperial, maganda lang daw siya, pero pangit ang ugali niya. – CSF
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OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2021
Association of Ilocanos in Manitoba Christmas Party, December 4
Larry Vickar of Vickar Automotive Group donates $1,000 to the Association of Ilocanos in Manitoba
Myra & Mario Rosario, AIM President
AIM officers, members and guests
BIBAK Association of Manitoba Christmas Party, December 10
L-r:Higinio Vasquez, Auditor; Jerilyn Oyas, PRO; Henny Codamon, Treasurer ; Imelda Cindy Lamoureux, MLA for Tyndall inducted the new officers of BIBAK Association Calugay, Secretary; Remedios Pablo, Vice President; Marife Cadag, President; Cindy of Manitoba for the year 2022-2023 at the Maples Community Centre Lamoureux; Virgie Gayot, Adviser; Alex Oyas, Adviser and Enrico Ancheta, Adviser
Officers, members and guests of BIBAK Association of Manitoba at the Maples Community Centre, December 10
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2021
OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS
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Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba Christmas get together
L-r: Fred de Villa, Board Of Director (BOD); Cesar Villamayor, Treasurer; Eric Hernandez, BOD; Ross Desiderio, BOD; Virgie Gayot, President; Menchie Nacario, Secretary; Chris Santos, BOD; Gigi Gacula, Auditor and Rodge Lopez, Vice President
PCCM Officers, Board of Directors and guests celebrate Christmas at Montana’s, December 12
BCBP Winnipeg levels up Yes, you read it right. The Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) Winnipeg moves to the next level as a full-fledged Outreach. BCBP Winnipeg was inaugurated as a mission last July 2019, when it held its 1st breakfast meeting. Last October 16, 2021, BCBP Winnipeg
was elevated from Mission to Outreach during the 9th founding anniversary of BCBP Canada. Members from the eight areas in Canada where BCBP was established, Greater Toronto Area East, West, Southwest, Durham, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Winnipeg, attended the 2-day festivities, either in-person or
virtually. The program started with a Holy Eucharist on October 15. It was followed by a grand breakfast the next day and ended with a fellowship night. The BCBP Community started 41 years ago in the Philippines and is now spread internationally in Asia Pacific and North America. It is a Catholic-based,
not-for-profit community, duly recognized by the Archdiocese where it is operating. The BCBP community regularly holds Breakfast meetings for members and their guests. During breakfast meetings, couple speakers from the community would share their life journey with the Lord. It
also serves as an introduction to the BCBP community. Breakfast meetings are usually held every Saturday, be it in-person or virtual nowadays due to the pandemic. For inquiries, please contact the BCBP Secretariat at bcbpwinnipeg@gmail.com or the Breakfast Head, Bro. Loy Salvador at (204) 962-1535.
OUR COMMUNITY
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
KROSWORD
NO. 383
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2021
AYOS 4th Wave Anniversary celebration
Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot
The Lab Trio: Contempairs, Tsep Betsin and Papah Dee
PAHALANG 1. Ang ating bansa 8. Unlapi 10. Aburido 12. Maraming ginagawa 14. Maginhawa 15. Kinawa 17. Sapantaha 19. Asarol 21. Away 23. Asma 26. Pagiging bayani 27. Ganiyan 28. Sana 29. Bahagi ng karera 31. Manghingi PABABA 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 9.
Iwasto Pinawi Dagdag Ipagkaloob Ampon Ugali Ulupong
11. Bigyan 13. Digmain 16. Muni-muni 18. Rolyo 20. Labas ng bayan 21. Bighani 22. Silong 24. Isama 25. Bulong 29. Notang musikal 30. 3.1416
SAGOT SA NO. 382
Mok Arda, Cheekita Muñoz-Maceda, Papah Dee and Glenda Ramos Pepito
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2021
OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS
PAGE 17
2021 Manitoba Filipino Street Festival Parol Making Contest
The participants and the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival Board of Directors. Photos by J&J Photography
1st Place Winner
2nd Place Winner
3rd Place Winner
OUR COMMUNITY
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2021
FMAACI’s Folk Night – pandemic edition In its aim to explore and develop creative approaches in the preservation, promotion and blending of Filipino music with Canada’s multi-cultural environment, The Filipino Music and Arts Association of Canada, Inc (FMAACI) held their “Folk Night” on November 27, 2021, at the Filipino Seniors Group Event Hall at 49 Euclid Avenue, in Winnipeg. FMAACI founding president, Ernesto Ofiaza Jr., delivered the opening remarks and acknowledged the unending support of their avid sponsors, donors, collaborators, as well as the viewers, despite the pandemic. He briefed the audience that the two-hour English and Filipino folk music night would have two parts, Gig 1 and Gig 2. In Gig 1, Manny Araullo sang Musika ang Buhay (Asin), Tayo’y mga Pinoy (Heber Bartolome), and I Have to Say I Love in a Song (Jim Croce). Zaldy Ordoñez performed Sa Paskong Darating, Probinsiyana, and Ama Namin. Levy Abad sang Wondering, Old Photographs, and his original composition, Dito sa Winnipeg. Double D, the duo of Daniel Tabo-oy Jr. and Dario Javier performed The Boxer, The Sound of Silence, Teach Your Children, and they accompanied FMAACI’s treasurer Jun Isla with the song Puff the Magic Dragon. For Gig 2 Vina Dimayuga sang Anak and Al Santos had two songs, Both Sides Now and Last Thing on My Mind. Larry Velasco sang Balita (Asin), Dahon (Asin), Bridge Over Troubled Water, and Danny’s Song. Arman Reyes performed Sweet Baby James, Handy Man, and Sana’y di Matapos ang Pagibig. A raffle draw ended the event with thanks to the many generous sponsors. Ofiaza also introduced his fellow officers: Levy Abad –vice president; Paige Dimayuga – secretary; Jun Isla – treasurer; Ernie Pionela – auditor. Board members include Jojo Yso, Daniel Tabo-oy Jr., Jet Tabuena, Kris Ontong, Jogin Tamayo and Alma Ganaden. The FMAACI Juniors ad-hoc board members are Hazel Papelleras, Clare Shann Blanco, Maria Tined, Justine
Baxa, Ramir Tabing, Nico Bryle Alfafara, and Angelica Placido. FMAACI was founded in 2014 as a federally registered, non-profit organization, and initiated the First Filipino Folk Music Festival that same year at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba. – Ernesto Ofiaza Jr., Photos by Alex Canlapan
FMAACI founders (l-r): Daniel Tabo-oy Jr., Allan Pamplona, Ernesto Ofiaza Jr., Jojo Yso, Al Santos & Levy Abad
Manny Araullo
Larry Velasco
Double D (l-r) : Dario Javier & Daniel Tabo-oy Jr.
Zaldy Ordoñez
Levy Abad
(l-r): Dario Javier, Jun Isla & Daniel Tabo-oy Jr.
Vina Dimayuga & Jojo Yso
Al Santos
FMAACI President Ernesto Ofiaza Jr (at microphone) with members, officers, and performers at Folk Night 2021.
Arman Reyes
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2021
PILIPINO EXPRESS
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
DECEMBER 16 - 31, 2021