Elisse Joson
Celebrating Joy Lazo becoming the first Filipino ever inducted into Rainbow Stage’s Wall of Fame
Kevin Lamoureux and Cindy Lamoureux with Joseph Sevillo at Ma-Buhay musical, Rainbow Stage
Canada Day 2024 with Kevin Lamoureux and the zumba group, Winnipeg ZINsistarz
MP Kevin Lamoureux at the Filipino Canadian National Congress Gala with MP Ben Carr, Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler, and Minister Rechie Valdez
Kevin Lamoureux and Cindy Lamoureux at the 2024 Pinays Manitoba Trailblazers Recognition Awards
Kevin Lamoureux and Cindy Lamoureux with volunteers at Folklorama’s Pearl of the Orient Pavilion
Kevin Lamoureux and Cindy Lamoureux at Meadows West School with Mr. Leochko’s Grade 5 class celebrating Winnipeg Fire & Paramedic First Responders
Kevin Lamoureux and Cindy Lamoureux with volunteers at their annual perogy lunch
OUR HEALTH
Self-care steps can keep your heart healthy during the holidays
Dear Mayo Clinic: I have read that heart attacks are more common around the holidays. Why does that happen? Is there anything I can do to lower my risk? I currently take blood pressure medication, and heart disease runs in my family.
Answer: Heart attacks, along with heart problems in general, are more common around the holidays. Various factors can play into this, including stress, travel, disrupted schedules, changes in diet and even environmental factors. Fortunately, many self-care steps can help you keep your heart healthy.
One of the biggest challenges this time of year is healthy eating. For people with cardiovascular health problems, choosing a hearthealthy diet amid an abundance of holiday foods can be daunting. But not straying too far from your normal diet is important.
Keep portion sizes reasonable and limit fatty foods. Eating too much can lead to chest pain or shortness of breath in some people with heart problems. Drink small amounts of alcohol, if any, as alcohol can raise your risk for heart rhythm problems and heart attack. Men should not drink more than two alcoholic beverages a day. Women should not have more than one.
Watch the amount of salt, or sodium, you consume. If your heart pumping function is reduced or if you have heart failure, your ability to manage fluid and to process salt is diminished. To limit fluid retention in such cases, a lowsalt diet often is recommended.
Controlling salt can be hard, however, when you eat out or dine at someone else’s home. Ask the cook if he or she might limit the amount of salt added. Find out which foods are lower in salt. Limit canned and prepared foods, along with gravies and sauces, as they tend to be very high in sodium.
Travel and schedule changes also can be barriers to heart health during the holidays. Staying on schedule with your medications can be challenging when you switch time zones or when you are away from your daily routines. But taking your medication as prescribed is critical. Set up reminders to yourself or ask someone to help keep you on track. If you are planning to travel to another time zone, ask your pharmacist if medication schedule changes are necessary.
As much as possible, continue the self-care you do at home. For example, if you weigh yourself every day to help maintain your fluid balance, find a scale where you can do that. If a walk is part of your routine, invite your family to go with you and enjoy some company along with the exercise. Finally, it is important to keep stress in check. Increased stress can raise a person’s risk for a heart attack. We think of the holiday season as a happy time, but that isn’t always reality. For some people, the holidays can be sad and stressful. If that is your situation, try to give yourself a break. Plan and do what is reasonable. If you have feelings of sadness or
depression that last more than two weeks, see your health care professional. If you start to feel sick, seek help. Don’t ignore symptoms because you feel badly about disrupting a holiday gathering. Tell someone right away if you notice new or changing chest discomfort, especially if it radiates to your back or to your arm, neck or jaw. Other symptoms of heart
problems include shortness of breath, feeling clammy or lightheaded, an irregular heartbeat, and swelling in your legs. Getting medical help is particularly critical if these symptoms last or if they don’t improve after taking your usual medications. The holidays are a high-risk time for heart problems, especially in people who have existing heart conditions. Pay attention to your
Regular Social Pack
Includes:
Cooked Ham, Salami, Coil Garlic Sausage, Cheese, Pickles, Rye Bread, Chips, Mustard, Paper Plates and Napkins
Deluxe Social Pack Includes:
Smoked Ham, Roast Beef, Roasted Turkey, Corned Beef, Coil Garlic Sausage, Cheese, Pickles, Rye Bread, Chips, Pretzels, Mustard, PaperPlates and Napkins
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Janice Palmer, Certified Health Instructor and Trainer; Jupinder Brar, Sales Associate; Felly Grieve, B. Comm., LPN, Proprietor, Certified Natural Product Advisor; Anzhelika Bashanova, Sales Associate; and Rose Bigornia, B.S.E., A.N.C., Manager, Certified Natural Product Advisor, Applied Nutrition Specialist.
Hindi kita malilimutan
Your loved ones are always in your hearts. That’s why when they pass away, you want to ensure that they feel your love and are well taken care of until the very end.
With Pre-Planning, you can prepare for this eventuality. With affordable pricing, take the opportunity today to make decisions on your own behalf, saving undue hardship for loved ones tomorrow.
Call us for a FREE Pre-Planning Kit.
Glen Eden
What’s wrong with Christmas trees, colourful lights, and buying and giving gifts for our loved ones?
While reflecting on the answer to this question, I was reminded of the song by Michael Jackson, Give Love on Christmas Day. Whether one is Catholic, Orthodox, a member of the United Church of Canada, or Evangelical, each has his or her way of celebrating Christmas, usually by giving gifts. But with this tradition comes the commercialization of Christmas, which others perceive and shun as opportunistic. Well, who’s to blame? The Christmas’ “business” is just an offshoot of the collective psyche of people rooted in a two-thousand-year-old tradition called Christianity. Ostensibly, opportunities like this cannot escape the dynamics of capitalism, thus the commercialization of Advent.
Take out the concept of life, liberation, and redemption as gifts of God, rooted in the Scripture, and what would we be celebrating?
John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Indeed, the birth of Yeshua or Jesus is enough to celebrate. Jesus’s immersion in our midst is like a mustard seed that will grow through the years and will yield social and spiritual blessings like hope, love, justice, freedom, and peace.
Historically, Christendom or even other belief systems, share the idea that “It is better to give than to receive.” This is the time of the year when most migrants around the world will be sending gifts to their loved ones in line with the Christmas tradition. Christmas is continuously observed so that the elementary message of giving will be ingrained in society. Who cares whether it is the actual Christmas or just a theological one, as long as the tradition of giving gifts to loved ones is continued and observed? Matthew 5:29 says, “If your eye (evil eye/ ayin raah) causes you to sin, you must tear it out at once and cast it from you.”
This verse is about the concept of good eye and evil eye, which most people misunderstand without digging into the Hebraic / Aramaic idiomatic root of the concept. The evil eye referred to in Matthew is about stinginess or greediness. If one is stingy, how could a person do acts of righteousness, compassion, and mercy, among other things?
How could one celebrate the season? All these revolutionary values start with “giving without expecting anything in return,” the true meaning of Christianity. Essentially, activism in the light of serving the poor and the oppressed constitutes the spirit of Christmas done every day. Jesus’s birth two thousand years ago is a gift of life.
He led a revolutionary life through his liberation agenda as expressed
Christmas, a celebration of life
in Luke 4:18-19 (Good news to the poor) that ended in crucifixion for the salvation of many.
Hundreds of years ago, Caesar was considered the “son of god,” but with the birth of Jesus and the radical life that he led, the Roman Empire crumbled in a protracted manner. Caesar is no more, but Rome, as a seat of Christendom and all its “strands,” still stands. What greater gift can one ask for aside from this? Most apostles offered their lives as part of the story of remembrance and resistance, a subversive memory of giving and selfless love.
With this great message, let us celebrate the holiday season by remembering our friends and those who cannot celebrate because of their dire situation brought about by evil social structures. Let us offer gifts and embrace the spirit of sharing, giving, and letting go. Only by doing this will we experience the true meaning of the season, which is the liberating and redemptive act of God in history. Every gift that we give is like a seed sown that grows in the heart of the giver and receiver. It is the only way to freedom, the radical nature of truth and liberation.
Levy Abad is the author of Rhythms and Resistance: Narrative of Filipino Musicians and Activists (1972-1994). He is also a singer-songwriter, poet, and migrant rights activist who has released four albums centred on the life and struggles of migrants.
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ
Garcia and Elisse Joson
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ
Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez wins TheVoiceUSA
Sofronio Vasquez made history as the first Asian to win the hit American talent show The Voice USA
The 32-year-old singer from Team Bublé won the competition after receiving most number of votes.
He received the grand prize of US$100,000 and a recording contract.
“Michael… it’s so weird to say Michael, I call you Sir. Your mentorship is a blessing to me, to my family, and to all the dreamers out there. You open the doors for everyone. Thank you so much,” Vasquez told his coach before the final announcement.
Michael Bublé, for his part, said: “Well, my Filipino brother, you are the hope of so many people. Not just in the Philippines, but Asians everywhere truly are looking at you tonight. So proud.”
“You represent them so well and it’s such an unbelievable journey to be here with you,” he added.
During the final round of The Voice, Vasquez performed Unstoppable by Sia and A Million Dreams from TheGreatest Showman
He first rose to fame as one
of the Tawag Ng Tanghalan contenders on It’s Showtime, where he reached the semifinals.
Vasquez had a strong start in The Voice USA as a four-chair turner during the blind auditions, with all four judges giving him a standing ovation.
He went on to join Michael Bublé’s team and gave one powerful performance after another, which brought him to the final round of the competition.
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, Bublé believes that Vasquez has a chance of making history as a winner of The Voice USA
“I realized that if tomorrow Sofronio wins, he will be the first Asian to ever win this kind of singing competition in America,” he said.
“So he’s not just singing for Filipinos, he’s singing for Malaysians, Indonesians, for Chinese,” he added.
While he spent most of his life in the Philippines, Vasquez moved to the United States in 2022. He initially planned on pursuing dentistry but found his way back to music.
ABS-CBN News
Enjoy GMA Pinoy TV’s heartwarming Christmas treats!
GMA Pinoy TV delivers entertainment brimming with a touch of Filipino Christmas cheer this December.
It won’t be Christmas without singing, and GMA Pinoy TV has back-to-back vocal showdowns with The Clash and The Voice Kids!
The search for the Ultimate Clasher continues with the panel led by stars Julie Anne San Jose, Rayver Cruz, Aiai de las Alas, Christian Bautista, and Lani Misalucha. The Clashback Round is set to return as the season’s best talents battle it out.
Meanwhile, the stakes get even higher at The Voice Kids. Following the Sing-Off Round, the remaining talents for the Semi-Finals are Nevin Garceniego, Christina Holly, Wincess Jem Yana and Del Velize Olimba. Who will shine and become the next champion?
Laughter comes to the screen with the return of Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis Season 3 Sen. Bong Revilla returns as Major Bartolome “Tolome” Reynaldo with Beauty Gonzalez as his wife.
The multi-awarded documentary program, The Atom Araullo Specials with host Atom Araullo will once more go behind the stories of the day’s biggest headlines.
GMA Pinoy Blockbuster offers cinematic masterpieces such as
In the Name of the Mother, Child Haus, Children of the River, Bisperas, Jowable, Unforgettable, and Mang Kepweng Returns.
In the Name of the Mother, stars Snooky Serna, Gardo Versoza, and Diana Zubiri
A story set in a halfway house for children stricken with cancer will inspire audiences in Child Haus. Based on the actual Child Haus established by beauty guru Ricky Reyes. The movie boasts of Vince Magbanua, Therese Malvar, and Miggs Cuaderno.
Children of the River is another must-see film. The coming-of-age movie explores the lives of four friends who live in a community of soldiers. It stars Noel Comia Jr., Rich Asuncion, and Juancho Trivino.
Watch the movie Bisperas on Dec. 22 with dramatic stars Tirso Cruz III, Raquel Villavicencio, Julia Clarete, and Jennifer Sevilla
The comedy Jowable airs on Dec. 22. Kim Napoles plays a 30-year-old woman who has been single since birth despite being more than attractive enough to have at least snagged a boyfriend at some point. Bitter and desperate, she rants to God about her situation.
Jerald Napoles co-stars as a man
Sarah Geronimo
who might just be the solution to the NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth) problem.
On Dec. 29, watch the movie In Unforgettable starring Sarah Geronimo plays Jasmine, a highfunctioning person with autism. Gina Pareño plays Sarah’s grandmother. Magic and laughter add fun to the season with Mang Kepweng Returns Vhong Navarro, Helga Krapf, Luz Fernandez, and Alex Calleja come together in the fantasy-comedy movie. Experience the warmth of this Christmas season with GMA Pinoy TV’s programs and movies that celebrate love, family, and togetherness.
MOMOL...
From page B1
na doon magmo-MOMOL sa ballroom sina Joshua Garcia at Elisse Joson,” Ogie said.
“Sabi ko, parang hindi ko naman makitaan na mayroon silang tendency na magganoon. Kasi kung ang dalawang tao may balak na kaelyahan, didiretso ng kuwarto ‘yan. Hindi rin naman alam ng source ko kung saan na sila dumiretso afterwards,” he added.
The source was uncertain about where the two went afterward. However, the alleged incident reportedly reached McCoy de Leon, Elisse’s partner and the father of her child, which allegedly sparked his anger.
“Nakarating dito na nagkasomething-an itong si Elisse at si Joshua. Syempre sa galit niya, parang napamura siya tapos napabanta pa. ‘Yung the usual na ‘Makita ko lang to sasapakin ko ito’,” Ogie added.
Elisse Joson and McCoy de Leon
The end of year is coming soon, and prices continue to rise, including immigration fees. The purpose of the fee increase is to cover the costs of providing services.
If you have submitted an application before December 1 the new fees will not affect that application. IRCC receives and confirms online application submissions immediately, so the submission has been paid in full. If you mailed in a paper application there is a chance, for example in the case of a post graduate work permit (PGWP), that you have paid the old fee prior to IRCC receiving your application submission. If the fee has changed, IRCC does not automatically reject the application provided that:
• You paid the old fee in total;
• You submitted a complete application; and
• You mailed the paper application before the fee change.
In cases such as these IRCC will notify you if the fee paid is not correct and advise you how to submit a payment for the difference between new and old fees.
If you are required to pay the difference between the old and new fees for the applications listed in the chart or any other program, note that you will have to issue a payment to make up the difference between old and new amounts.
The first step is to calculate the amount owed by subtracting the old fee from the new fee. You must sign into your account or create one. Using the IRCC
IRCC fees continue to rise for designated uses
payment tool, select the option “make an additional payment or pay other fees” option. Under “quantity” enter the difference between new and old fee and keep a copy of the one receipt you receive for each payment.
The changes in the fees are modest but required. The range of increase is modest, ranging from 2.8 per cent to 4.69 per cent, but they must be paid. If you want
to check if the amounts you paid were correct, check these recent increases: the Inadmissibility (December 1, 2024), the International Experience Canada fee (October 29, 2024), or the Removal fee (April 30, 2024).
Fees have increased and the user is responsible to meet the new fees.
Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon!
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.
Happy 33rd Anniversary to FILCASA!
On November 30, 2024, FILCASA Housing Co-op at 442 William Avenue in Winnipeg, celebrated its 33rd anniversary.
and treats as they happily looked back at the past 33 years of camaraderie as neighbours in the non-profit
April Ramirez, to be their reigning 2024 Miss FILCASA.
The tenants with their families and friends enjoyed delicious food
housing co-op. The tenants also honoured one of their own, Mrs. Dolores
IRCC raised service fees for these applications
Maligayang Pasko!
PHILIPPINES...
From page 1
Destination for Manila (second win since 2023)
• World’s Leading Luxury Island Destination for Boracay
World’s Leading Dive Resort for Amanpulo Commitment to sustainable tourism
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco emphasized the DOT’s dedication to sustainable dive tourism during the Philippine Dive Experience launch in Anilao on November 28, 2024.
“The Philippines holds the distinct privilege of being one of only 18 mega biodiverse countries
in the world. If we do not prioritize conservation and shepherd the sustainable industry of diving, we risk losing marine wonders and depriving future generations of livelihoods,” Frasco stated.
The dive industry has proven its value not only as a top tourism product but also as a significant economic driver. In 2023 alone, it generated PHP 73 billion in revenue, showcasing its critical role in sustainable economic growth and improving Filipino livelihoods.
Other Philippine accolades at the WTA
In addition to the dive-related awards, the DOT was named the World’s Leading Tourist Board,
while City of Dreams Manila received recognition as the World’s Leading Casino Resort.
This year’s achievements build on the country’s success in 2023, when it was also awarded World’s Leading Beach Destination alongside the inaugural win for Manila as the World’s Leading City Destination.
About the World Travel Awards
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are regarded as the hallmark of excellence in the global travel and tourism industry.
The Philippines’ consistent accolades reaffirm its position as a premier destination, offering unmatched experiences for travelers worldwide.
Association of Ilocanos in Manitoba Christmas Party, Nov. 30
The Association of Ilocanos in Manitoba (AIM) marked its 15th anniversary with a festive dinner and dance on November 30, 2024.
In his speech, AIM President Mario Rosario expressed heartfelt gratitude to the members, sponsors, and friends who have supported the organization’s initiatives over the years. He extended special thanks to Larry and Tova Vickar of the Vickar Automotive Group, whose generous $2,000 donation this year enabled AIM to contribute to the Main Street Project, providing meals for Winnipeg’s homeless community.
Rosario reaffirmed AIM’s commitment to its mission in the Philippines, specifically highlighting plans to distribute hampers to underprivileged residents in Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur.
The event celebrated not only AIM’s achievements but also its enduring dedication to community service both locally and abroad.
L-r: Mario & Myra Rosario with Larry Vickar of Vickar Automotive Group Mario & Myra Rosario with MP Kevin Lamoureux
Mario & Myra Rosario with City Councillor Devi Sharma
Mario & Myra Rosario with Lora Meseman, Executive Director of General Council of Winnipeg Community Centre
L-r: Ana Ziprick, Director of Development, Main Street Project, Mario Rosario, Tova Vickar, Myra Rosario and Larry Vickar
Eva and Company Dance Group
The officers and members of the Association of Ilocanos in Manitoba
The Asper Foundation Community Shabbat
A gathering of Jewish and Filipino cultures
It was a special evening for Winnipeg’s Filipino and Jewish communities as they came together to celebrate their unique connection at The Asper Foundation Community Shabbat on Friday, November 29, 2024. Held in the Berney Theatre Foyer at the Asper Jewish Community Campus, this historic gathering marked the first shared Shabbat dinner between the two vibrant communities.
The event, attended by 25 representatives from each community, was initiated by the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg as part of its outreach initiatives.
Jeff Lieberman, CEO of the Jewish Federation, expressed his enthusiasm, “It was a joy to share meaningful conversations and celebrate the beautiful blend of Jewish and Filipino cultures!”
The Shabbat dinner was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Perla Javate, President of the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba, Larry Vickar, CEO of Vickar Automotive Group, and the Jewish Federation team.
“On behalf of the Philippine group here tonight, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Jewish Federation for this wonderful and meaningful initiative of bringing our two communities together on the special occasion of your Shabbat dinner,” said Javate.
Vickar echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural interactions, “Community through interaction of different groupings within the wider community we live in is usually a very positive step in the correct direction!”
The evening began with blessings, hymns, and prayers led by Rabbi Anibal Mass of Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. He explained the significance of Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest observed every Friday evening until Saturday evening. For Jewish families worldwide, this day is marked by special songs, blessings, favourite foods, and the gathering of loved ones.
Rabbi Mass also introduced Filipino guests to the sequence of Shabbat rituals, including Lecha
Dodi (Come, My Friend), Shalom Aleichem (Peace Be Upon You), lighting the candles, blessing over wine, handwashing, blessing over bread, and the Birkat HaMazon (grace after meals).
Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, made even more memorable by a unique JewishFilipino fusion dessert crafted from the recipe of playwright Primrose Madayag Kazan. This culinary creation perfectly embodied the spirit of the evening, blending the rich traditions of both cultures into a delightful treat.
The gathering was graced by Honourable Anita Neville, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, and attended by distinguished guests such as Minister Malaya Marcelino, MLA Jelyn Dela Cruz, MLA Carla Compton, Philippine Honourary Consul Ronald Opina and Pastor Wendell Olojan. Jeff Morry of The Asper Foundation thanked the organizers and guests for making the evening possible.
In addition to the inspiring prayers, the evening featured captivating performances by talented Filipino Canadian vocalists. Broadway star Andrea Macasaet delivered a heartfelt song from the Rainbow Stage musical Ma-Buhay, while veteran singer Joy Lazo joined her for a special duet from the same production.
Joseph Sevillo, the creator and producer of Ma-Buhay, shared his life experiences that inspired the musical’s creation. To conclude the evening, renowned Filipino tenor Paul Ong and Rabbi Anibal Mass performed a stirring rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, leaving the audience deeply moved.
The Asper Foundation Community Shabbat was a truly memorable experience. Guests enjoyed not only a delicious meal and beautiful music but also the warm company of both familiar and new friends. Above all, the event enriched everyone’s understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures, fostering a stronger bond between the Filipino and Jewish communities in Winnipeg.
By Emmie Joaquin, Editor-inChief, Pilipino Express
PEOPLE & EVENTS
Marietta Mushumanski’s surprise
Non-stop flights between Vancouver and Manila begin April 2025
Air Canada announced on December 5 the addition of nonstop flights between Vancouver and Manila. The announcement was made during the Government of Canada’s Team Canada Trade Mission to the Philippines, celebrating 75 years of CanadaPhilippines diplomatic relations.
The new route will operate four times weekly beginning April 2, 2025, – subject to final government approvals – using the airline’s flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. It will be Air Canada’s first destination in the Philippines and the airline’s 12th route in its transpacific network from Vancouver, which includes
Japan, South Korea, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
“We are thrilled to add Manila to our global network with new, year-round, non-stop service from Vancouver, Air Canada’s Pacific gateway hub. The Philippines is an important market reflecting longstanding family ties between our two countries with growing business connections and tourism opportunities. It is with great excitement that we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard next spring,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning, and
President, Cargo at Air Canada.
Stakeholder comments
“This marks an exciting milestone between our two countries… As we mark 75 years of our diplomatic relations, these new direct flights between Vancouver and Manila will help create stronger connections and partnerships, easier travel, economic growth, and generate shared prosperity. I look forward to seeing our Canadian companies continue to develop in the Philippines through initiatives like these,” said Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development of Canada.
Marietta Mushumanski (5th from right) with her family
L-r: Rey, Joey and Marietta
L-r: Rading, Rey, Joey and May