Pilipino Express • Feb 16 2023

Catriona Grey

Philippines aids quake victims in Türkiye

MPNP nominations reach record high in 2022

Results from the 2022 Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) have exceeded expectations in attracting record numbers of skilled immigrants.

Nominations issued by the MPNP reached 6,367 in 2022, the highest number since the program was established in 1998 according to Labour and Immigration Minister Jon Reyes. He noted that more than 184,000 nominees and their families have immigrated to Manitoba from all over the world since the program began.

“Our government is taking action to help Manitoba better

See MPNP p5

The Philippines sent an 82-member team to Türkiye to help earthquake victims. Filipino rescuers and medical personnel have been working under extreme cold weather conditions in one of the most devastated places in Türkiye. See story p6

Co-chairs Lloyd Axworthy, Canada’s former minister of foreign affairs, and Manitoba Labour Immigration Minister Jon Reyes released the province’s Immigration Advisory Council report with 70 recommendations to boost immigration. With them in photo is Andrew Micklefield, MLA for Rossmere (right).

Photo Credit: Catriona’s IG

The Manitoba government recently announced that a “delegation is heading to the Philippines next month on a recruitment drive to pave the way for hundreds of qualified internationally educated nurses (IENs) and other health-care providers to move and work here.” The mission will visit the cities of Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo. Advocates for the plan cite the large Filipino community in Manitoba and strong bilateral ties with the Philippines as being “selling points” for Philippine-based nurses and other practitioners. The history of Manitoba recruiting Filipino nurses has also been suggested as a reason to justify this mission to the Philippines. However, a lot of questions remain.

The first, and most obvious in my mind, is what about all the Filipino IENs already here? Those who have been trying to get their credentials and work experience recognized so they can work in province. Why can’t we tap their skill and education? Why is there the need to go on a costly overseas mission to screen a new wave of Philippine nurses? It’s not a matter of whether or not more Filipinos would be welcomed in the community –they would be and with open arms. But what about those already here who have been forced into other professions? The Manitoban government has the opportunity to help those already here reintegrate into their profession. In my research on the Filipino community in Winnipeg, I’ve heard many stories of Filipino nurses being forced into other career paths, leaving the province

Supporting our IENs and celebrating our teachers

to find work in other regions of Canada where it is easier to get licensed, and even returning to the Philippines. It seems a better investment for the government to support the IENs that are already here by funding their bridging programs or whatever upgrades are necessary so they may work in the Manitoban healthcare workforce. If Manitoba wants to be a “destination of choice for trained health-care providers from around the world,” much more needs to be done to integrate those already here who have hitherto been denied. Word of how difficult it is to get credentials recognized does travel. It is not secret that we have this potentially rich resource, and in our healthcare system’s time of need, it is a win-win for the province to focus on these IENs.

I was also curious about the “long history of recruiting health-care providers from the Philippines,” which has been used as a justification for this project. The 1960s and 1970s saw intense recruitment of Philippine nationals who were practicing as nurses in the United States, and later directly from the Philippines. I’ve even written elsewhere that this helped change Canada’s xenophobic and racist immigration policies that prevented Asian immigration by law. But that was a very different time than now. Canada, and Manitoba in particular, could not train enough nurses locally to fill the immediate demands and so turned to other countries for supply. Now, however, we have a rich supply of nurses in Manitoba who are not able to practice. So, again, it seems that

the better investment would be in the Manitoba Filipinos who are already here and wanting to work in their chosen profession and to help Manitoba in its current healthcare crisis. ***

On January 21, 2023, the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers, Inc. (MAFTI), in which I serve as a board member, celebrated their 45th anniversary. Today, the organization supports the integration and professional development of internationally trained teachers, offers community cultural programming such as after-school heritage classes and adult Filipino language courses, and engages in community events across the city. The following is a copy of a memoir of MAFTI, which I delivered at that celebration.

Filipino teachers were among the first members of the Winnipeg community, settling alongside doctors, nurses, and other professionals. As teachers, this group has for long taken up the torch of Filipino culture and heritage by spreading it through programming and advocacy.

In 1977, the Filipino community organized a conference titled “The Role of Filipinos in the Manitoba Mosaic,” which called for the formation of a Filipino teacher’s group. Shortly after the conference, the Manitoba Filipino Teachers Association was founded. The intentions of the organization were to provide classes in the Filipino language, to develop teaching aids for culture and language classes, and to advocate for credential recognition of Filipino teachers.

After its formation, MAFTI petitioned the Winnipeg School Division to hire Filipino teachers

in schools with large Filipino student populations. Thanks to the efforts of MAFTI and parents of Filipino students, more and more Filipino teachers found work in the Division. This advocacy was not only meant to assist Filipino teachers find employment, but also recognized the importance of youth to have close contact with members of their community. These teachers would have been able to respond to the needs of Filipino youth, while taking opportunities to engage with fellow Filipinos.

Throughout the late 1970s and the 1980s, several members of the Filipino community advocated for the importance of expanding Filipino cultural programming to preserve the heritage in Filipino youth. This was a common topic in the community newspapers the Silangan and the New Silangan. MAFTI often led these endeavours with cultural and language classes for youth. In 1982, MAFTI members set out to establish a Filipino language curriculum in John M. King and Tyndall Park Schools, and regularly conducted Filipino language proficiency exams at the high school level. In the 19821983 school year, one hundred students enrolled in Filipino language classes at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, dating back to 1978 through financial support from government funding.

Many of MAFTI’s successes have relied upon such government funding to support the activities of multicultural communities. For decades, the Filipino community has been proud of its place within multicultural Canada, being a founding member of Folklorama in Manitoba and using its cultural programming to foster understanding of the Filipino

community.

In addition to cultural and language classes, MAFTI has offered professional development sessions to teachers to help acclimatize them to professional life in Canada. In the last few years, MAFTI has offered afterschool heritage programs, adult language classes, provided performances by its Rondalla band, and has been a major presence at cultural events in June of each year. When the pandemic closed down in-person gatherings, MAFTI’s programming quickly shifted to online teaching. Last year, there were 118 students enrolled in five different classes, with ten teachers.

Generations of MAFTI leadership and membership have been motivated by the idea of a better world through education. Their youth programming for Filipino and non-Filipino students introduces the language, customs, arts, and culture of the Philippines to a new generation of Manitobans. Its adult classes have continued its multicultural mission of educating others about Filipino culture.

Today, MAFTI offers all its services to Filipino and non-Filipinos alike, striving to help teachers trained outside of Canada adapt and succeed in life in Canada. As we gather here to celebrate 45 years of MAFTI, let us not only reflect upon this Association’s long history of service, but anticipate the next years of MAFTI’s accomplishments.

Jon Malek received his PhD from Western University and currently teaches history at the University of Manitoba. He is working on a book manuscript on the history of the Winnipeg Filipino community.

Phone: 204-956-7845

E-Mail: info@pilipino-express.com

Website: www.pilipino-express.com

Publisher: THE PILIPINO EXPRESS INC.

Editor-in-Chief: EMMIE Z. JOAQUIN

Associate Editor: PAUL MORROW

Art Director: REY-AR REYES

JP SUMBILLO: Graphic Designer/Photographer

ALEX CANLAPAN:

Contributor/Photographer

ANNE CAPRICE B. CLAROS

ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ

BRO. GERRY GAMUROT

NORMAN ACERON GARCIA

LUCILLE NOLASCO GARRIDO

MICHELE MAJUL-IBARRA

PERLA JAVATE JUDIANNE JAYME PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE NOEL LAPUZ

MALEK

MARCELINO

REGINA RAMOS URBANO

RON URBANO

KATHRYN WEBER

Youth Contributors

Aksyon

The landscape for English language testing has just grown by one more test. IRCC announced on February 1, 2023, that it has approved The Pearson Test for English (PTE) as one of three English-language tests that economic stream applicants will be able to use for their Canadian immigration applications. Beginning in late 2023 the PTE will join CELPIP (Canadian English Language Index Program) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as one of three accepted tests to demonstrate English language ability. In addition, there are two Frenchlanguage ability tests approved for immigration purposes – TEF Canada and TCF Canada – for a grand total of five different tests.

The need for demonstrated proficiency in English or French is part of the selection of candidates for economic class immigration candidates. They must demonstrate proficiency in one of the two official languages in order to be selected. Statistics Canada research shows strong proficiency in English or French

MPNP...

From page 1

attract and retain newcomers to enhance economic prosperity and enrich communities,” said Reyes at a news conference, February 14. “Thousands of skilled workers immigrate to Manitoba each year, strengthening the workforce, and contributing to the further growth and expansion of the economy.”

The Manitoba government has received the report of the Immigration Advisory Council (IAC) to help build on this momentum and to further enhance the program, added Reyes.

The IAC was formed in

Then there were five: Language tests for Canada Immigration

is a strong predicator of economic integration in Canada.

At this time, Canada has over 100 different pathways for economic class immigrants. Under the recently announced Immigration Levels Plan 20232025 the leading pathways continue to be Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Applicants for other economic class pathways include IRCC pilot programs, the Atlantic Immigration Program and Quebec skilled worker programs, which all require a language test approved by IRCC.

It is notable that IRCC measures the language proficiency of candidates in terms of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and have set a standard achievement mark in order to qualify. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for example requires candidates to obtain a CLB of at least 7 in all four language abilities: writing, reading, listening and speaking. The minimum requirement for other programs is CLB 4.

IRCC does not have a preferred test. All are valued

February 2022, co-chaired by Reyes and Lloyd Axworthy, to recommend improvements to Manitoba immigration policies and programs. The council’s report is now complete and includes input from every corner of the province.

“The Manitoba government would like to thank Dr. Axworthy and the IAC for its hard work and dedication reviewing the entire continuum of immigration and for providing recommendations to improve our immigration programs and policies,” said Reyes.

Both the MPNP and the IAC will help inform ongoing efforts to enhance provincial immigration

equally, and participants can choose the version that they find most convenient. The results must be within the past two years or 24 months to be valid.

All three English language tests measure the same four abilities of language proficiency. If you don’t like the results in one test you can try a different version to improve them. Currently, CELPIP and IELTS offer both General and Academic versions of their tests. PTE is slightly different with three versions of the test: PTE Academic, General and Young Learners. It is important to remember to prepare for any of the tests. You should study and do practice tests. In order to achieve the best score, you need to prepare and set a high standard for yourself. It is not enough to make the minimum but rather always to aim higher.

IRCC will continue to measure outcomes in terms of Canadian Language Benchmarks from 4 (poor) to 10 (excellent) and assessment outcomes are always measured in points. The

programs and policies to meet labour market shortages and strengthen Manitoba’s present and future economic development prospects, the minister noted.

MPNP highlights for 2022 include:

• Manitoba’s top regional immigration destinations for provincial nominees were Neepawa, Brandon, Steinbach, Morden, Winkler, and Thompson.

• The top occupations for nominees included transport truck drivers, food-service supervisors, food-counter attendants, cooks, and industrial butchers and meat cutters.

In 2022, immigrant landings

higher you score, the greater your likelihood of being invited to apply. First you must meet the minimum requirement and if it is CLB 4 then you must score at least 4 in writing, reading, listening, and speaking. If you score lower, you are not eligible and if you score more you increases your chances of selection.

Not all applicants are measured by their language abilities. Family and refugee class immigrants do not need to complete a language test since they are admitted to Canada for social and humanitarian reasons. However, all applicants for Canadian citizenship between the ages of 18 and 54 need to demonstrate their English or French language competency. They may submit the results of an approved language test to demonstrate their language proficiency. Temporary foreign workers and international foreign students also must demonstrate that they have sufficient language skills to do the job in Canada or compete with Canadian students

were the highest since the MPNP’s establishment in 1998. Up to November 2022, over 21,000 immigrants had declared Manitoba as their intended destination in Canada, with nearly 14,000 arriving through the MPNP.

The Manitoba government has also formally requested the federal department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to approve a significantly larger MPNP nomination allocation for 2023 to better address labour market needs and skill shortages. A response is expected to be received by the end of March, the minister noted.

The minister highlighted the

at institutions of higher learning. Language testing is here to stay because newcomers to the country require English and/ or French language skills to integrate and progress in the country. It does not matter if the applicants meet the bar in PTE, or IELTS or CELPIP for English or TEF or TCF in French. What matters is that they integrate and add to the economic wealth of the country. We need immigration to progress, but we need newcomers who add value, cultural, social or economic value to the country. Watch for more information about the PTE. It is here to stay.

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.

upcoming recruitment mission to the Philippines as a way to pave the way for hundreds of qualified internationally educated nurses to move and work here, saying it aligns with one of the report’s recommendations to be proactive and competitive in recruiting skilled workers with the strong professional credentials needed to support Manitoba’s economy.

To read the IAC report, visit: https://immigratemanitoba.com/ iac/.

For more information on the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, visit: https:// immigratemanitoba.com/.

Source: Manitoba Government

Manitoba’s Immigration Advisory Council (IAC) was formed in February 2022, co-chaired by Minister Reyes and Canada’s former minister of foreign affairs Lloyd Axworthy. The 22-member IAC served as an expert panel to recommend improvements to Manitoba immigration policies and programs. The council’s report is now complete and includes input from every corner of the province.

Philippines aids quake victims in Türkiye

Türkiye’s ambassador to the Philippines, Niyazi Evren Akyol on Monday, February 13, thanked the Philippine government and the Filipino people for sending people and resources to aid his country following a massive earthquake that left thousands of people dead and reduced many homes and infrastructure to rubble.

The envoy expressed his country’s gratitude to the Filipino people after Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez turned over USD100,000 in financial assistance for Türkiye earthquake victims.

“You know in an event like this, it’s very good to know you have your friends on your side,” said Ambassador Akyol.

Amid the disaster, Akyol said the people of Türkiye are consoled by the fact that the international community has come out strong to help them, with 99 countries helping date.

“And we have on the ground almost 10,400 rescue workers, and of course the Philippines is one of the major contributors,” Akyol said.

He noted that within 48 hours of the disaster, there was a Philippine search and rescue and medical team of 82 young Filipino “heroes” in Türkiye, braving extreme cold to help.

The Turkish government is very thankful because the Philippine contingent was the first medical team that responded four days after the incident.

In response, Romualdez said the people of the Philippines will continue to support the emergency and relief operations in Türkiye.

“The Filipino people have benefitted so much from the compassion of Turkish volunteers,” said the Speaker, as he recalled the assistance sent by Türkiye after super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck Leyte and many parts of Eastern Samar in November 2013.

“We will be here with you as Türkiye was always with us in Haiyan – Yolanda – and all the other disasters,” Romualdez said.

Philippine team provided medical, humanitarian aid

Collapsed buildings, piles atop piles of rubble, and debris lying all around.

This is what the 82-member Philippine Inter-Agency Contingent (PHIAC) to Türkiye saw during their search and rescue operation in the hope of finding victims under the rubble. The PHIAC has swept through

20 buildings destroyed by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in search for survivors in Adiyaman as of Sunday, February 12.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said the PHIAC has also set up the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) field hospital in Adiyaman.

Since starting operations, the PEMAT field hospital has catered to ambulatory cases and referrals requiring hospitalization, serving 14 patients on Saturday and 41 more on February 12.

Dr. Alfonso Danac, PEMAT team leader who joined the press briefing virtually from Türkiye, said the PHIAC has been working very hard to help earthquake victims despite the many challenges. Danac explained that Filipino rescuers and medical personnel have been working under extreme cold weather conditions in one of the most devastated places in Türkiye.

He said the language barrier is also a problem, but the people of Adiyaman are very thankful for the help being provided by the PHIAC, the first such response team to reach their area.

The PHIAC team consisted of 525th Engineering Combat Battalion and Philippine Air Force members who are capable of conducting search and rescue in high angle, collapsed structures, confined spaces, with rapid response as main responders in the National Capital Region. The Department of Health also sent a 30-member emergency medical teams trained to treat chronic illnesses, high blood pressure, asthma, and to ensure water sanitation for patients and their teams and provide psychosocial services to survivors.

The OCD said the Filipino responders brought with them 13,412 kilos of cargo composed of medical supplies and equipment; field hospital tents and personnel shelter; search, rescue and retrieval equipment; food rations and engineering tools and equipment.

The OCD procured 11,205 blankets, 5,000 bonnets and 420 gloves that were delivered to Turkish Airways cargo with the items now stored at the Incirlik Air Base in Adana.

The Philippine contingent is expected to stay in the quake-hit nation for two weeks.

Second Philippine contingent canceled

On Monday, February 13, OCD said Ankara will not accept a second contingent from

Manila to help in operations in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake.

Asked for the reason of the Turkish government, Alejandro said the so-called element of “life-saving time” has already lapsed.

The Turkish embassy in the Philippines indicated its preference to receive donations in the form of medical devices, medications and medical consumables.

Source: PNA/OCD

Catriona’s love letter to the Philippines

Former Miss Universe

2018 Catriona Gray is now the Philippines’ National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Ambassador.

During the National Arts Month 2023 press launch early this February, she expressed her own take on the correlation between the two famous celebrations of Arts Month and Love Month.

“During Love Month, we think of ways on how we can tell them how much we love them and how much we appreciate them and to make them feel loved and seen. This arts month, we can think of all the ways that the Philippine arts and culture are like a love letter to our own country. From our own countrymen to our countrymen. To allow our kababayans to fall even more in

love sa ating bansa through our arts.”

She encourages everyone to celebrate the love month together with their loved ones by attending the series of online and live events that the NCCA prepared for the whole months of February to March.

“In the Philippines, celebrating love month is a big thing because Filipinos are known to be very loving people. Also, it is no doubt that Filipinos are very passionate about arts, considering the diverse cultural expressions we have as a nation. The month-long celebration reflects our identity as a nation where we can highlight how we can reap the fruits created by our Filipino artists,” she added.

With her experience, Catriona Gray said that her inclination with arts led her to fall even more in love with the Philippines. In her own words she said, “It opened up a pathway for me to know what the Philippines is – as an identity, and also to discover my own identity and how it means to be a Filipina”.

The National Arts Month theme for 2023 – Ani ng sining, bunga ng galing – which aims to immerse Filipinos in diverse cultural expressions and celebrate the bountiful harvest from the Filipino imagination.

Join the celebration of the National Arts Month (NAM)

2023. For more information, visit: ncca.gov.ph/nam2023/ and follow the NCCA Facebook page.

MGR /PIA-CPSD. Photo: National Commission of Culture and the Arts

Photo credit: Catriona’s IG

Coco Martin embraces new character Tanggol, thanks Cardo Dalisay

Just hours before he debuted his latest character Tanggol in the ABS-CBN series FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, Kapamilya actor Coco Martin formally bade farewell to his iconic character Cardo Dalisay in Ang Probinsyano

In an interview with ABSCBN News on Feb. 13, Martin admitted that he feels sad saying goodbye to Cardo.

“Nakakalungkot kasi ang tagal ko ring isinabuhay si Cardo. Ang tagal ko siyang isinapuso, pitong taon. Kasi kapag gumagawa ako ng character sa buhay ko, sa mga proyekto ko, hindi siya parang damit sa akin na hinuhubad lang. Kapag sinimulan ko ang proyekto huhubarin ko iyung character ko pagkatapos na noong project,” Martin said.

“Kaya minsan nawiweirdohan sa akin ang mga tao. Sabi sa akin, ‘Ang init-init lagi kang naka-jacket.’ Sabi ko, ‘Paano ko maaarte ang isang character kapag hindi ko isinabuhay?’ Kapag isinabuhay mo siya, kapag alam mong everyday ikaw na si Cardo, hindi ka na maliligaw kahit nakapikit ka pa, kahit biglang gisingin ka pa, si Cardo ka na. Wala akong magagawa iyon ang hanapbuhay ko. Kaya minsan anuman ang pananamit ko, eh sinasadya ko

Coco Martin & Lovi Poe

Ilang taon na ang nakararaan ay regular “caller” ng isang simple lang pero kilalang pimp ng mga artista ang isang female personality. Walang paltos iyon, tuwing malapit na ang katapusan ay siguradong tatawagan niya na ang Boogie Wonderland (bugaw), dahil kailangan niya kasi ng datung.

Tuwing katapusan kasi ang bayaran ng inuupahan nilang apartment ng kaniyang mister, iyon din ang nakatakdang oras ng pagbabayad nila ng sasakyan, pati ng kanilang ilaw, tubig at marami pang ibang bayarin.

Kuwento ng dyugaling (bugaw) ay hindi raw naman maluho ang female personality, pambayad lang talaga sa kanilang mga pangangailangan ang kailangan niyang ihanap ng solusyon, kaya nagpapa-booking siya.

“Once a month lang niya ginagawa ang ganoon, hindi siya iyong regular na humihingi ng booking para sa mga granatsa niya. Pambayad lang talaga ng mga utilities nila ng mister niya ang concern niya.

“Pagkatapos ng booking na iyon, mananahimik na naman siya, hanggang sa dumating na naman ang katapusan, walk na naman siya,” simulang kuwento ng aming source.

• Da Hu itong female personality na pa-booking?

• Cristy Fermin at Willie Revillame, Nagkasira na?

Ang ipinagtataka ng samahan ng mga Boogie Wonderland ay kung paano iyon nagagawa ng female personality nang hindi nakahahalata ang asawa niyang artista rin. Nalulusutan niya ito nang wagas na wagas.

“Malaking palaisipan nga sa mga dyugaling iyon, e! Gusto nilang isipin na dahil hindi naman kalakihan ang kinikita nilang mag-asawa, e, pinapayagan ni ____(pangalan ng mister ng female personality) ang wife niya na gumawa ng sideline.

“Pero wala naman sa character noong mister niya ang ganoon, saka mayroon pa siyang malalapitang kapamilya niya na makatutulong sa kanila. May lalaki ba namang papayag na magbebenta ng katawan ang mahal niya para lang maisalba ang mga gastusin nila?

“Pero iyon talaga ang nangyayari, e! Kapag malapit na ang katapusan ng bawat month, e, nagpapa-booking ang girl! Maganda naman ang presyo niya, hindi naman siya binabarat-barat, kaya sobra pa siguro sa mga needs nilang mag-asawa ang talent fee ng girl!

“Tumigil na lang ang girl noong medyo gumanda na ang kabuhayan showcase nila. May malaking halaga ang napasakamay ng husband niya. Nakaginhawa rin

sa kanila.

“Noong minsang tawagan siya ng booking agent niya, e, sinabi ng girl, ‘Ate, rest muna ako, kapag kailangan na lang uli.’ Kaya ninyo iyon?” mahabang kuwento ng aming source.

Da Hu itong female personality na ito? Hula na! ***

Parang bulkang sumabog si Willie Revillame sa kaniyang programang Wowowin noong isang araw upang sumbatan ang mga taong sabi niya’y natulungan niya sa showbiz at ngayo’y sinisiraan siya.

Dahil lamang pala ito sa sulsol ng mga taong ayaw magutom.

Hindi ito pinalampas ng radio host na si Cristy Fermin Sa kaniyang programang Cristy Ferminute at detalyadong sinagot ni ‘Nay Cristy ang mga bira ni Willie.

Pinanood muna ng buong buo ni Cristy ang mga sinabi ni Willie sa Wowowin para alam niya ang kaniyang isasagot.

“Pinanood ko po, may sinabi siya na isang reporter ng ABSCBN na kumandidatong konsehal na tinulungan daw niya, may celebrity daw na binira siya, eh, itong celebrity na ito, eh, makaDiyos pa ang datingan at noong ikasal daw ang kapatid, eh, tumira pa yata ang mga magulang sa bahay niya.”

“At mayroon daw isang tao na, ‘binigyan ko pa nga ‘yan ng condo unit, eh, binigyan ko pa ng sasakyan tapos tatawagin akong mayabang?’

“Kaninang umaga po ay tinext ko po si Willie Revillame ang sabi ko, ‘sana lang pinanood mo nang buo ang mga sinabi ko sa CFM tungkol sa ‘yo. ‘Yung terminong mayabang sinabi ko ‘yun, pero iba

pala ang interpretasyon mo.”

“Kahapon, ipinagtanggol pa naman kita tungkol sa ABS-CBN, bago ka magsalita mag-isip ka muna! Pero kung gusto mo ng giyera sa kabila ng pagmamalasakit ko sa ‘yo, nakahanda ako!’

“Dahil po dito ay tumawag siya. Unang sagot ko palang… hindi ko alam kung paano ko ilalarawan ang mga salita ko. Lahat siguro ng mga binitiwan kong salita kaninang umaga patungkol sa kaniya bilang sagot (ay) ‘yung mga bagay na ayaw niyang marinig na sa unang pagkakataon ay ipinatikim at pinalasa ko sa kaniya (Willie).

“Unang-una po mga kapatid ang pinakaayaw ko po ‘yung nanunumbat. Sabi ko nga ang mantra ng buhay ko, anumang ginagawa ng ating kanang kamay ay hindi na dapat pang ipinaalam

Cristy Fermin Willie Revillame

COCO...

From page 9 iyon,” he added.

Martin also thanked Cardo for all the help and inspiration he gave to Filipino viewers

“Nung hinubad ko na iyung Cardo, nag-iba na rin ako, pati gupit ko, lahat. Kasi sabi ko nga siguro ganoon ako magmahal sa trabaho ko. Ganoon ko siya nirerespeto. Ngayon na kailangan ko na siyang bitawan (si Cardo Dalisay) gusto kong magpasalamat sa kaniya kasi napakalaki nang nagawa niya at naitulong niya sa buhay ko, personally at sa lahat ng mga tao at Filipino. Kasi alam ko nakapagbigay siya ng saya at inspirasyon sa bawat Filipino,” he said.

naman ang ihahandog ko para sa mga tao o ibang inspirasyon,” he added.

Asked of his expectations of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo Martin said: “Honestly hindi ako nagexpect ng kung ilang taon siya, kasi ganoon din naman Ang Probinsyano walang expectation. Depende iyan sa mga manonood kung ano iyung pagtanggap nila. Basta ang alam ko lang ang buong team ko, lahat ng mga kasama ko rito, sabi nga namin ‘never say die.’ May sakit, umuulan, ano man ang panahon lahat ng mga kasama ko – sundalo.”

The original Batang Quiapo starred Lovi Poe’s father, the late film icon Fernando Poe, Jr.

FPJ’s Batang Quiapo is now on Kapamilya Channel, TV5, iWantTFC, and TFC.

“At ngayon sa pagbubukas ng pinto para kay Tanggol, ibang aral

DA HU...

From page 10

Reyma Buan-Deveza, ABSCBN News sa kaliwa.

“Ngayon kung tutulong po tayo at isusumbat lang pala natin pagdating ng panahon, ‘wag na lang tayong tumulong, ‘yun lang naman ‘yun di ba?

“Sa pagsasalita ko nang dirediretso, nakiusap siya kaagad, ‘Sandali! Magpapaliwanag ako, magpapaliwanag ako. Nag-iisa lang ako, wala akong nakakausap.’

“Hindi mo kailangang magpaliwanag sabi ko sa kaniya. ‘Titirahin mo ako mamaya!’” sabi raw ni Willie.

Ang sagot ni Nay Cristy ay, “Hindi kita titirahin, magsasalita lang ako pero hindi kita bibirahin dahil ipararamdam ko sa ‘yo kung ano ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit.”

Tinanong ni Nay Cristy si Willie kung pinanood nito nang buo ang Cristy Ferminute kung paano nagiging mayabang ang Wowowin host.

“Hindi raw. Ang nagsulsol sa ‘yo ay mga taong takot magutom kapag nawala ka. Ito’y mga taong ‘yes people.’ Ito ‘yung mga taong kapag nawala ka ay hindi sila kakain dahil hindi po tama.”

“Parang kolum, title pa lang ang naririnig nagwawarla na! Title palang ang nababasa nagwawala na! Hindi muna tingnan ang kabuuan.”

“Ano ang nangyari sa ‘yo? Pati ang mga reporters na tinulungan mo noong pandemya, isinudsod mo sa kanila ngayon. ‘Wag ka na lang tutulong kung pagdating pala ng araw isusumbat mo lang.”

“Sabi niya, ‘hindi ganito kasi ‘yan ako ang binibira! Ako ang binibira ng mga tao dahil sa pagsasara raw ng AMBS (Advance Media Broadcasting System).’

Tanong daw ni Nay Cristy, “Bakit hindi mo alam na magsasara na ang inyong istasyon?’ Wala raw kumakausap sa kaniya. Tumatawag daw siya at wala raw gustong makipag-usap sa kaniya.

“Yun ang sabi niya (Willie), sabi ko, ikaw na lang ang hindi nakakaalam. Hindi tama ‘yan. Dapat kausapin mo sila. Arawaraw daw po siyang tumatawag pero walang gustong makipagusap sa kaniya,” ang paliwanag ni Nay Cristy.

“Hindi mo pala napanood nang buo itong CFM February 6 at February 7, magwawarla ka na kaagad? Magsasalita ka na kaagad ng kung anu-anong panunumbat?” Gigil pang sabi ni Nay Cristy.

At dito na inamin ni ‘Nay Cristy na siya pala ang binanggit na binigyan ng sasakyan at condo unit sa Will Tower.

“Bakit hindi mo ikuwento kung saan nanggaling ang sasakyan at ‘yang condo unit na mula noong 2017 na hanggang ngayon na nagsasalita ako, minsan ko lang nakita noong lagyan ko ng mga muwebles at ng mga paintings!

“Never akong nagpunta doon ulit kahit tanungin n’yo ang guwardiya n’yo at tagapamahala ng building. Hindi ko pinuntahan ‘yan kahit minsan! Ano ‘yung sasakyan? Tayo ang nagtulungtulong para makapasok ka dito sa TV5 (Wowowillie, 2013)!

“Anong sabi ni boss Vic del Rosario? Dapat kumukuha ka kay Willie dahil ikaw ang nagpasok sa kaniya dito. Dapat kumukuha ka sa kaniya ng 20 per cent monthly.

“Hindi ko po ginagawa ‘yun! Ang aming kasunduan, pera o sasakyan. Doon po nagmula ‘yun! Kaya nangyari ‘yun. Pero pinaghirapan ko po ‘yan at hindi ko hiningi at sa kaniya nanggaling.

See DA HU p14

Heart health and dangers of shoveling snow

Shoveling and digging out after a heavy snowfall can be a good workout for most people; but for those with heart disease, shoveling is best left for others to do.

Dr. Sharonne N. Hayes, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist says she encourages exercising but the combination of cold weather and strenuous exercise puts extra strain on your heart and can trigger a heart attack.

Shoveling snow can be a good workout, but it’s not for everyone.

“Shoveling snow is one of those uniquely dangerous cardiovascular stress tests for a variety of reasons,” says Dr. Hayes.

She tells her heart patients, “I really don’t want you to do that anymore. You can mow your lawn; you can go on hikes and walks. I want you to exercise.”

The reasons, she says, are both physiological and psychological.

Physiological includes your blood vessels constricting from being out in the cold, which increases blood pressure.

“And that’s enough, in a vulnerable individual sometimes, to give them chest pain. Say they have some blockages, it might give them angina, or chest pain,” Dr. Hayes says.

Add that to the workload of

digging heavy snow.

“The psychologic part. And everyone says - oh!” says Dr. Hayes. “My patients smile when I say because it’s a knowing smile. Oh, yeah.”

Sometimes it’s hard to stop once you start something.

To avoid a trip to the emergency department, when shoveling it’s best to push the snow instead of hoisting and dumping, it which can be a big workout on your heart.

“It’s that combination of cold. extreme exertion, and then maybe sticking it out longer than is wise because we got to finish and get to the end of the walk,” Dr. Hayes explains. “If you start shoveling, and you start having chest pain or shortness of breath, you should put that shovel down and rest, and go in and be checked if it’s chest pain.”

It’s best to check with your doctor about the advisability of shoveling heavy snow, says Dr. Hayes.

When chest discomfort becomes something to worry about Chest discomfort and pain account for more than 6.5 million emergency department visits in the U.S. each year. Discomfort can be the first sign of a serious heart event or a symptom of other medical conditions.

Dr. Regis Fernandes, a Mayo

Clinic cardiologist, says people should seek medical care at the first sign of chest pain.

Chest pain and discomfort has many possible causes — whether related to the heart, lungs, a panic attack or other reasons that can produce different sensations.

“For some people, it can also be felt in other areas than the heart, like the shoulder, the arm, on the back or the base of the neck,” says Dr. Fernandes.

Acute chest pain starts

suddenly and last several minutes — increasing in intensity. This can be a representation of a heart attack. There’s also chronic chest discomfort caused by blocked arteries typically felt when people exert themselves.

“When you increase the workload that the heart has to do, you increase the demand for blood flow. And because the blood flow is blocked, patients will feel like a discomfort,” says Dr. Fernandes.

When you experience new or unexplained chest pain, seek medical attention.

“A health care professional will be able to get a good history, which is very important, on the details of your chest discomfort and a focused physical examination to be able to determine if your chest discomfort is more heart-related or not,” says Dr. Fernandes.

Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News network

Are energy drinks a healthy option?

Dear Mayo Clinic: My husband has swapped out his regular morning coffee for an energy drink. Are these healthy options for getting his daily dose of caffeine? Do energy drinks have more caffeine than regular coffee? And how much caffeine is too much?

Answer: People love their caffeine, whether it’s coffee, tea, soda or energy drinks like your husband. It’s the most common stimulant in the world, and about 90 per cent of all adults consume caffeine in some form every day. Many different caffeine options and flavors are readily available at coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores and convenience stores. Energy drinks, in particular, are packaged in bright cans and have exciting names.

Caffeine is big business as well. The total global sale of energy drink alone reached $57 billion in 2020. Energy drinks are the second-most popular dietary supplement among U.S. teens and young adults behind multivitamins.

Caffeine’s health effects

Caffeine’s health effects vary from person to person and depend on the dose. It’s been shown to improve vigilance, reaction time, alertness and ability to concentrate. It can help alleviate the adverse effects of sleep deprivation.

Caffeine intake also is associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, alcoholic cirrhosis and gout.

However, caffeine intake also is linked with nervousness, insomnia, irritability and panic attacks. Those with pre-existing anxiety disorders may be more susceptible to these effects. Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure, and a high intake has been associated with mild increase in cholesterol levels.

Check the caffeine amount in your husband’s energy drink. Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is considered safe for most adults. Most contain 100 - 300 milligrams of caffeine per serving, while home-brewed coffee contains 80 - 100 milligrams of caffeine per serving. Of course, these amounts can vary. If his preferred energy drink has 210 or more milligrams of caffeine per serving, consuming more than one per day would place his intake over the recommended level.

Excessive caffeine intake, more than 400 milligrams per day, can cause palpitations, tremors, agitation and gastrointestinal upset. Heavy caffeine use also is associated with an increased risk of other addictive behaviors, like smoking and alcohol abuse.

People who routinely consume caffeine may develop physical and psychological dependence, and may they experience withdrawal symptoms if intake is abruptly stopped.

Sugar

Another ingredient to review in his energy drinks is sugar. Many can contain significant

amounts of added sugar or other sweeteners. High intake of added sugar can contribute to a variety of health problems, so the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting the intake of added sugars to no more than 10 per cent of total daily calories.

If your husband follows a 2,000-calorie diet, no more than 200 calories per day should come from added sugars. This is about 12 teaspoons a day. One 16-ounce can of some energy drinks can contain as much 210 calories and 47 grams of added sugar, which is equal to roughly 12 teaspoons.

This is an entire day’s worth of added sugar. Moderation is key Energy drinks aren’t all bad, though, especially when consumed in moderation. Some contain vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Others contain herbal supplements, such as ginseng and guarana, which may be used to increase energy and mental alertness. Use caution with these substances, as research on safety and effectiveness is limited. Also, some herbal supplements can interact with medications, so seek input from your husband’s health

care team if he takes prescription medications.

It’s important to note that people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should limit their caffeine intake to 200 milligrams or less per day. The Food and Drug Administration has not set a safe level for children, but the American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the consumption of caffeine and other stimulants by children and adolescents. — Jamie Pronschinske, R.D.N., Dietitian, Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network

Filipinos face rising egg prices

Philippines – Apart from sugar and onions, Filipinos are also facing rising prices for eggs and a supply shortage. Eggs used to be one of the cheapest sources of protein.

Data monitoring of the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed medium eggs retailed at P7.00 to P9.00 per piece as of January 30. A year earlier, eggs cost P6.00 a piece.

The egg industry has been reeling from the impact of the avian influenza or bird flu and the high cost of production.

Increasing the egg supply could take at least one year after the effects of the bird flu, Philippine Egg Board Association chairman Gregorio San Diego said during a briefing of the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) recently.

“Increasing the number of chickens will take about a year,” he said.

In explaining the timeframe, San Diego said hens are produced from imported parent stocks.

“When we import parent stocks, we have to wait for about six months before they lay eggs,

where we will get the hens. Then it will take another six months for them to lay eggs. More or less, the cycle is one year,” San Diego said.

“High prices of eggs are not unique to the Philippines. Egg prices rose sharply in the U.S. and New Zealand. Almost every country is affected by the bird flu,” he said.

As of December 29, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said 20 provinces in eight regions remain affected by the disease.

Two provinces, Ilocos Sur and North Cotabato, have ongoing cases.

San Diego said the cost of production remains high.

Feeds are the most basic input – taking up much of an egg’s selling price – as chickens feed on a daily basis.

“The feed component alone accounts for P5.00. Several years ago, the price of feed was only P19 per kilo. Now it’s P34 per kilo. Other expenses also increased like electricity,” he said.

Because of high production costs, some egg farmers are

hesitant to expand or continue their operations.

Moving forward, demand will play a crucial role in driving egg prices in the market.

“Prices right now remain high because demand increased amid a relatively low supply. But later this year, we can’t tell the price movement of commodities and

how it will affect consumers, so demand will be a big factor. If demand slows down, egg prices could be maintained or lower,” San Diego said. PNA

Trays of eggs await delivery or pickup on Blumentritt Road in Manila. The Department of Agriculture will meet with egg producers and traders to address increasing prices. Photo by Ben Briones

KROSWORD NO. 411

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

PAHALANG

1. Pagmamahal

8. Balat ng ulo

9. Murang niyog

11. Palayaw ng babae

12. Iyak ng sanggol

14. Kailangan kung tag-init

16. Unang nota

32. Sinauna

34. Nanginginig

PABABA

1. Imbakan ng bigas

2. Katigan

3. Inabot ng dilim

4. Itakas

6. Inganga

7. Tibag

10. Panghalip

DA HU...

From page 11

“Ngayon pinaplano ko, sinabi ko kay Revo (anak ni Nay Cristy) pagkatapos ng pagkakataong ito kukuha ako ng papeles ibabalik ko kay Willie Revillame ‘yung pinaghirapan kong condo unit na ‘yan kahit may transaksyon pa kami. Wala na ‘yung sasakyan naibenta ko na, wala na napalitan ko na!”

Mainit pa ring pinag-uusapan

13. Ingkong

15. Sinulid

16. Tipunan ng tubig

Pinsala

SAGOT SA NO. 410

ang nangyari sa pagitan nina Willie Revillame at ni Cristy

Fermin

Kamakailan ay nag-trending ang dalawa dahil sa sagutan nila sa diumano’y panunumbat ni Willie sa mga taong kaniyang natulungan. Sa episode noong nakaraan show ni Nay Cristy sa Cristy Ferminute ay tinalakay nilang muli ang iba pang personalidad na pinaringgan raw ni Willie na sina Ogie Diaz at Gab Valenciano Labis na nasaktan si Nay

Cristy sa mga sinabi ni Willie sa kaniyang programang Wowowin at hindi raw ito basta basta mawawala.

“Pambansang kahihiyan po ang aming inabot nina Ogie Diaz at Gab Valenciano. Yun po ay hindi mahihilot. Yun po ay hindi pupuwedeng daanin lang basta sa ganito na lang. Masakit pong masyado. Kaya para matigil na, ibalik sa kaniya ang kung ano mang isinusumbat niya,” sabi pa ni Nay Cristy.

Dagdag pa ni Nay Cristy, “At Willie, si Ogie Diaz ay ibang

klaseng tao na, kung nilalaitlait mo siya ngayon, kung noon ay wala kang respeto sa kaniya, tumigil ka. Yang bibig mo, itikom mo. Milyonaryo na si Ogie Diaz, pero hindi niya ipinag-iingay. Hindi niya ipinagsasasabi ang mga tulong na naibibigay niya sa maraming foundation. Ang pagtulong ni Ogie ay hindi na niya pinapangalandakan sa iba.”

“Hindi siya nagpupunta sa isang lugar, may dalang camera, na andun ka pa lang at nagbibigay ng ano, eh, sinasabihan ka na ng, ‘I-edit n’yo na yan! I-edit n’yo na

agad-agad yan! Bukas ipapalabas na yan!’

“Hindi ganoon si Ogie. Tahimik lamang siyang tumutulong. Ang kaniyang pagtulong ay mula sa puso, hindi mula sa nguso,” lahad pa ni Nay Cristy.

Medyo magtatagal pa ang isyung ito, lalo na at inamin ni Nay Cristy na talagang nasaktan siya sa ginawa ni Willie.

Kahit nagkausap na ang dalawa at humingi na ng tawad si Willy ay sinabi ni Nay Cristy na kaya niyang magpatawad. She will forgive, but she remembers names.

Dennis Gupa’s Gossip with Whales gets first Green Award honour

Dr. Dennis Gupa and his unique artistic collaboration, Gossip with Whales: Exploring Ocean Science through Applied Theatre is the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) Green Award’s Individual Artist Runner-Up.

Gupa, Assistant Professor at the University of Winnipeg,

Theatre and Film Department, beautifully used the collaboration of ocean science and the arts and drew upon the Filipino tanaga and Mangyan lyrical art forms to produce four original and beautiful choral compositions: Corals Crawl, To the Pacific, Gossip with Whales, and Bamboo Stilts

“By looking at the experience and knowledge of local people – who have been experiencing these climatic events for so many years but are not really given a lot of opportunities to tell their stories – we can learn from their knowledge and wisdom,” said Gupa at the panel interview during the world premiere. “Our poetries and songs renew our kinship with the ocean.”

The PACT Green Award is initiated by PACT, a “leader in the national performing arts community and a devoted advocate for the value of live performance.” The Green Award goes to one winning project along with two runner-up projects; one for a company and one for an individual artist.

The award ceremony will be held on February 23, 2023. The major winner is the Only Animal Theatre Company for its project The Artist Brigade; Artist Runner Up is Dennis Gupa for Gossip with Whales, and Company Runner Up is the Soulpepper Theatre for The Green Sessions They will present their projects and share their experiences with the community.

Dr. Gupa is now Assistant Professor at the University of Winnipeg, Theatre and Film Department. While working with Gossip with Whales, he was then a PhD student at the University of Victoria’s Theatre Department and the artist-in-residence with Ocean

Networks Canada (ONC). For Gupa, this residency fitted in with his doctoral focus on indigenous sea rituals, climate change, and sustainable ecology. He presented Gossip with Whales in its world premiere, with the performances of four new choral compositions, musical performances with artists from the Philippines, and a panel of artists, performers, and scientists. This feast of music and celebration of the ocean, which all of humanity shares, was presented at the launch of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for

Sustainable Development 20212030.

Gossip with Whales was made possible by the University of Victoria Faculty of Fine Arts and Ocean Networks Canada, the Victoria Filipino Canadian Association, UP Alumni Association in BC, Bayanihan Community Centre in Victoria, and the National Pilipino Canadian Cultural Centre. Gupa worked with his collaborating team of Karla Comanda, Roijin Suarez, Darren Vega, Thai Hoa Le, and Jeremiah Carag.

Dennis Gupa’s Gossip with Whales can be streamed on Oceans Network Canada. Listen to the songs of the ocean on YouTube.

Dr. Dennis Gupa’s Gossip with Whales wins PACT award. Photo by John Threlfall