Pilipino Express • Jan 16 2022

Volume 18 • No. 2 • January 16 - 31, 2022

Publication Mailing Account #41721512

Jillian Ward

10 Fundraiser to help the victims of Typhoon Odette. See p12

Philippine elections 2022 The world will be watching

This is an important year for the Philippines. As Filipinos struggle to overcome the incapacitating health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the political climate is heating up and political candidates are now trying to convince the population that better days are just a few months ahead. On May 9, Filipinos will head to the polls to elect the successor of incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte, whose six-year term ends this year.

While the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in late December 2021 released a tentative list of political aspirants for the May election – reducing the number of presidential aspirants from 97 down to 15 – Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the official list, minus the nuisance candidates, will be released soon, once the ballots are printed. That is

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Leni Robredo

expected on January 17.

According to various surveys, the current front runners are incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo, former senator

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso. International boxing champ, now Senator See ELECTION p5

MB K-12 students back to in-person learning

James helps his young son, Sebastian, get prepared to go back to in-school learning. “I want my son to be mentally and physically ready for the change after the long holiday break,” said James. Manitoba’s K-12 students and teachers return to in-person learning on January 17. See story p6

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January 16, 2022: Canada and the world are in the worst public health emergency in a century.

And COVID-19 is not leaving us anytime soon. Its most contagious variant Omicron, which started its global appearance just two months ago has already become the dominant strain in most countries, Canada included. Its exponential spread continues to seek and multiply in every human host, adults, and children alike, particularly the unvaccinated. All 10 provinces and three territories have recorded profound increase in caseloads. Its impacts are felt everywhere, most gravely when emergency room departments and ICU units have been inundated.

Compared to the Delta variant, Omicron may not cause as severe an illness but, I emphasize, it is not a trivial illness, and it is inaccurate to call the variant mild in nature. This is particularly the situation with the unvaccinated – the adults who have refused the jab for no valid reason and the kids below five years old for whom, unfortunately, no vaccine has been approved for use.

As I apprehensively stated half a month ago, a resurgence of COVID cases at a very rapid pace would consequentially result in 1. increased hospitalization, 2. a stressed health care system, and 3. a shortage among health care staff, among other complications.

Burnout among nurses Recent news reports from CTV News have validated these apprehensions: Nicole Lampa, Carmen Wong: “Internationally trained nurses in Kitchener unable to help hospitals due to lengthy certification process.” January11, 2022; Tom Yun, Heather Wright: “‘We can help’: Internationally trained nurses in Canada eager to work,” January 11, 2022; and Anthony Vasquez-Peddie: “Nurses are burning out from the COVID-19 pandemic but supports can help, experts say,” January 12, 2022.

Earlier, in May 2021, I also stated the dire situation faced by nurses and doctors.

To the issue of burnout among nurses, Dr. Nita Chhinzer, associate professor of leadership and organizational management at the University of Guelph, is quoted by CTV News: “Burnout is the end of a very long duration of stress… It results in physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive depletion of your resources. As nurses experience high levels of stress amid increases in hospitalizations for COVID-19 across Canada due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant – the latest challenge in a twoyear struggle against the virus – organizational changes can help front-line health-care workers cope with burning out.”

Enlisting foreign-trained nurses One approach to solving the imminent crisis is to engage

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“internationally trained nurses” as has been raised in the media.

I am confident human resources department could figure this out, but crucial is the buy-in from the accrediting body and the government. Accreditation and budgeting are interlinked and needed.

Assuming the immediate though tentative approach is established, the long-term planning and the will to proceed must also be established in good faith on the part of all concerned.

The few foreign-trained nurses who had been interviewed have identified the crucial barrier: the certification or accrediting process is lengthy, complex, and costly.

Not mentioned, but I submit is critical to success, would be the need for alternative source of financial support to the family while undergoing and fulfilling the requirements for accreditation.

One model I suggest be looked at is one akin to medical internship and residency programs.

Enlisting foreign-trained doctors Foreign medical doctors who are not yet fully accredited could also be engaged through an orderly process. Most of them work already as clinical assistants but no known pathway to full accreditation. They appear trapped in perpetual apprenticeship.

Medical regulatory bodies, medical schools and governments could begin the process to have them fully enlisted and registered eventually. They shall find the means. The Canadian Medical Association should be involved.

CMA president Dr. Katharine Smart has recently remarked in a broadcast interview her concern the health care system may well be “unable to recover.”

Medical excellence knows no geographic boundaries Speaking of the CMA, I recall an issue I had, a little over 35 years ago, with the Association’s resolution: “That the government of Canada be urged to co-operate with the CMA to review immigration processes with a view to restrict medical immigration to those physicians who satisfy perceived needs in the community.” Alarmed, I sent a Letter to the editor of the Winnipeg Free Press outlining my response. Upon the editor’s invitation, I expanded it into a full debating position paper which was published on September 14, 1986 (page 7), with equal space reserved for the CMA, under the heading “Debating Foreign Doctors.” I signed off in my individual capacity as a professor of pediatrics and child health at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine. I share excerpts from it for its teaching value as Canadian provinces (health delivery being a provincial jurisdiction) are challenged to visit anew and enlist more fully the untapped foreigntrained nurses and doctors:

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Time to enlist foreign-trained nurses and doctors “Seemingly innocuous to the unsuspecting public, the implication of the resolution became clear when the outgoing CMA President revealed during the press interview the following arguments, namely, foreign medical doctors: 1. will take jobs away from Canadian medical graduates; 2. reduce the number of admission spots in Canadian medical schools; and 3. take way medical school faculty seats from Canadian citizens.”

Rather than viable reasons, I consider them rationalizations.

Responding to the first two rationalizations, I wrote: “The federal government had already rejected in its report to Parliament the misconception that “immigrants take jobs way from Canadians.” Self-employed immigrant physicians create jobs and services. That entry of foreign medical doctors would ultimately reduce the current number of admission spots in our medical schools is speculative and failed to take into account physicians’ incapacity, retirement and emigration.”

To the third rationalization, I said: “Our medical schools follow a rigorous selection process when recruiting teachers, researchers and clinicians. The process places a premium on academic excellence, investigative mind, and clinical skills. It is to their credit that our medical schools have attracted eminently qualified foreign medical doctors, many of whom have occupied leadership positions. Medical excellence knows no geographic boundaries.”

Importance of multicultural health I then added “other compelling reasons” why should welcome foreign graduates: “Canada is a multicultural nation. A physician’s knowledge of his or her patient’s culture and language facilitates doctor-patient rapport and ensures the taking of an accurate history of the patient’s complaint – an essential step in making an accurate diagnosis, formulating a treatment strategy, and ensuring patient compliance with a treatment regimen.”

I summarized: “Would it not be desirable to have available a continuing varied pool of qualified physicians of various ethnocultural backgrounds to ensure and facilitate the delivery of quality medical care to all citizens and newly arrived immigrants?

The medical profession and the CMA would be well advised to remember the multicultural character of Canada – a national consciousness now enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Impeccable credentials, competency, and

commitment to service – not speculative rationalizations – ought to be the paramount criteria for their entry into Canada, irrespective of colour, culture, and country of origin. It is hoped the new executive of the CMA will exercise the wisdom of leadership and rescind the ill-conceived and ill-studied resolution. To allow the proposed restrictive immigration policy for foreign physicians … would threaten international goodwill, undermine our stature in international health and bring disrepute to Canada’s nondiscriminatory and universally fair immigration policy. Foreign medical doctors will continue to enrich the high academic standards of our medical schools and hospitals; contribute to the advancement of medical science; and will continue to share the responsibility for health care for all Canadians while nurturing our multicultural character as a nation.”

Time to enlist internationally educated nurses and doctors Fully enlisting foreigneducated nurses and doctors would be a win-win for all concerned and the health care system stands to get not only immediate infusion of nursing and medical support but long-term and lasting. The pandemic would likely be with us for a little while, what with the exponential surge and the continuing mutation of the COVID virus and potential emergence of newer variants of concern with even more unwelcome characteristics: more contagious, more deadly, and more evasive of immunity. Let us hope not. But hope is not a strategy; advanced preparedness is.

Time to enlist the internationally educated nurses and doctors.

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 a former health critic, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, and cabinet minister, including Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development. 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 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.

JANUARY 16 - 31, 2022

The federal government released the Express Entry YearEnd Report 2020 annual report in December 2021. It is important to note that the Express Entry system issued more invitations to apply in 2020 that in any previous year despite the challenges raised by the COVID pandemic. It displays in graphic terms who got to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, and how the pandemic affected the primary source for permanent resident landings.

Even though Canada issued a record number of Invitations to Apply (ITA) the number of landings dropped to a three year low. It is at first surprising because applications contain both the principal applicant and their family members. In 2020, IRCC issued more than 107,000 ITAs, compared to 85,300 in 2019. However, only 63,923 of the 2020 ITAs became permanent residents.

This compares with 2019 when 85,300 ITAs resulted in 198,601 landings.

The pandemic and the delays in processing can explain part of the reason for the fall in admissions but it is also important to note that admissions to the country is perhaps the wrong measure because many of the ITAs were

ELECTION...

From page 1 Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao, has also thrown his hat into the ring, seeking the top post of the land.

Comelec’s list of presidential aspirants As of December 2021, the candidates for president are (in alphabetical order): Abella, Ernie (Independent) Andes, Hilario (Independent) Arcega, Gerald (Independent) De Guzman, Leody (Partido Lakas ng Masa) Domagoso, Isko Moreno (Aksyon Demokratiko) Gonzales, Norberto (Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas) Lacson, Ping (Partido Para Sa Demokratikong Reporma) Lihaylihay, Danilo (Independent) Mangondato, Faisal (Katipunan ng Kamalayang

PILIPINO EXPRESS

issued to foreign applicants from inside the country. One result of the falling numbers is that Canada has introduced a number of measures to have students, workers and visitors inside the country apply for permanent residence through existing application processes such as Express Entry.

The main source countries for 2020 with Canada accounting for 67,570 and external applicants from India, the United States, China, Nigeria, and the UK following. The numbers of applicants from outside the country witnessed a slight decrease from 2018 and 2019 numbers down in 2020 compared with ITAs from inside Canada who increased from 40,517 in 2019 to 67,570 – an increase of over 50 per cent in 2020.

In terms of gender equity, the Express Entry continues to attract more males than females, but the outcomes are higher for the females. Both genders applied most often to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and least often to the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSWP). The proportion of women in the Express Entry pool grew to 43 per cent in 2020 compared with 41 per cent in 2019. But number of the female

Kayumanggi) Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Partido Federal ng Pilipinas Maria Aurora Marcos, (Independent) Montemayor, Jose Jr. (Democratic Party of the Philippines) Niez, Edgar (Independent) Pacquiao, Manny Pacman (Abag Promdi) Robredo, Leni (Independent) The vice-presidential candidates Atienza, Lito (Abag Promdi) Bello, Walden (Partido Lakas ng Masa) David, Rizalito (Democratic Party of the Philippines) Duterte, Sara (LakasChristian Muslim Democrats) Lopez, Manny (Workers and Peasants Party) Ong, Doc Willie (Aksyon Demokratiko) Pangilinan, Kiko (Liberal Party)

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Observations on the Express Entry Year-End Report 2020 applicants who were invited to apply was significantly higher than their male counterparts.

IRCC reports that 77 per cent of women compared with 71 per cent of men were eligible for at least one program In terms of occupational areas, the most popular for 2020 applicants include Software Engineers and Designers (NOC 2173); Information Systems Analysts and Consultants (NOC 2171); Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers (NOC 2174); Food Service Supervisors (NOC 6311); Administrative Assistants (NOC 1241); Financial Auditors and Accountants (NOC 1111); Administrative Officers (NOC 1221); Professional occupations in Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations (NOC 1123); Accounting Technicians and Bookkeepers (NOC 1311); and Retail Sales Supervisors (N0C 6211).

The processing times for Express Entry 2020 submissions show the impact of COVID. IRCC did not meet the standard of finalizing 80 per cent of Express Entry applications within six months. The overall

average increased to nine months, especially in the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) applications. By immigrant categories in the Express Entry, the Canada Experience Class changed from an averaging time of five months in 2018, to seven months in 2019 to eight months in 2020. The Federal Skilled Worker from six months in 2018, to nine months in 2019, to 12 months in 2020. The Provincial Nominees changed from six months in 2018, to nine months in 2019 to 11 months in 2020.

The Skilled Trades changed from seven months in 2018, to 12 months in 2019 to 16 months in 2020.

In terms of destination, Ontario led the country with 63 per cent of the application submissions.

This number was much higher than British Columbia with 21.1 per cent and Manitoba at the lower end with 1.8 per cent behind the Northwest Territory with 2.1 per cent.

The Express Entry results for 2020 are indicative of both the success and the limitations because of COVID. The delays in processing caused by the

pandemic seriously affected the numbers of admissions to Canada. However, it is important to acknowledge IRCC’s efforts to improve processing times and modify programs to increase the participation rates of students, workers, and visitors inside the country. There is something positive to be said about changing programs to keep potential permanent resident applicants inside the country, especially if they have already chosen Canada. Let us now wait to find out the results of a survey of 2021 to see if the efforts to recruit new Canadians has resulted in increases in both the number of ITAs as well as the number of landings from outside and inside the country.

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.

Serapio, Carlos (Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi) Sotto, Vicente Tito (Nationalist People’s Coalition)

In the Philippines, the offices of the president and vice president are elected separately; consequently, voters may split

their votes. The candidate with the highest number of votes wins the position. Both winners serve a six-year term.

Isko Moreno Domagoso

Ping Lacson

Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao

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Year of the Water Tiger: February 1, 2022 - January 21, 2023 Although spring seems like a great time to pare down as you prepare for spring cleaning, winter is also a great time to purge your excess. Feng shui experts will tell you that clearing out clutter is a great way to unburden your life and add new, fresh energy to your home.

But cleaning and clearing is also an important tradition and part of the preparations for the Lunar New Year, also called Chinese New Year. The Lunar New Year is the time when having a sparkling and decluttered home just ahead of it is considered to bring good luck all year long.

New Year ready As part of preparing for the Lunar New Year, many Asians and Chinese prepare their home as they would for an important guest, taking time to do a thorough decluttering of old items, giving their home a deep cleaning, and adding auspicious decorations such as flowers and oranges. The home is given a thorough goingover to rid the house of old energy and prepare it for the new energy of the New Year.

Broken equals broke Another important undertaking around the house is to make home maintenance repairs. When

PILIPINO EXPRESS

there are broken items in the home, the belief is that it can bring down the homeowners’ fortunes, even creating financial loss. Taking a quick run through the house to oil a squeaky door or cabinet hinge, touch up scuffed wall paint, or repair faucet drips will help create good energy because your home is in good working order.

Clean thoroughly Sweeping, dusting, and cleaning are key parts of making the house ready for the Lunar New Year. This helps to remove old, stuck, and stagnant energy that’s left over from the previous year.

One area is of particular cleaning importance and that’s the kitchen. According to Chinese custom, the kitchen should be thoroughly cleaned, the pantry purged and restocked, and canisters refilled. New foods, such as nuts, sweets, and fruits are also purchased and put out for all to enjoy and to show abundance.

Citrus fruits, especially oranges, are set out in large bowls as the fruit symbolizes gold in Chinese tradition.

Decorate auspiciously Creating a home that welcomes the New Year, often seen as a young boy and a girl, the Chinese believe in adorning their homes with bright red signs written with words of good fortune at doorways and bringing

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Declutter, clean and decorate for good luck at Chinese New Year in flowering plants.

Many will purchase small orange trees, and a visit to your local Chinese markets will often find them overflowing with plants and flowers believed to augur good fortune. Flowers such as narcissus are considered especially auspicious as are flowering branches such as peach or pussy willow. Added to your home, they’ll bring a little springtime feeling and brighten up dull winter days.

If January New Year got past you and you’d like a re-set, the Lunar New Year is a fun way to get your house purged, cleaned, and to welcome the Lunar New Year – and who knows? You might just find that fortune and favor are with you in the new lunar year from your newly energized and activated home!

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.

MB K-12 students back to in-person learning Manitoba’s K-12 students and teachers return to in-person learning on Monday, January 17.

This time, however, schools will no longer provide close contact notification and notification letters on individual cases but will provide reports of absenteeism through their regular notification channels to their school community.

Schools will monitor staff and student absenteeism rates and self-reported COVID-19 cases. In addition, public health will continue to report confirmed cases through the online dashboard and monitor confirmed cases in schools for evidence of increased transmission above levels expected in the community. When there is increased COVID-19 activity based on absenteeism, case counts or operational concerns, public health will investigate and provide recommendations to

school officials.

In situations where public health determines increased transmission may be occurring in a school, they may recommend the implementation of a period of rapid antigen testing or other preventive measures in school, such as reducing higher-risk activities. Where transmission continues to increase or where COVID-19 cases are affecting school operations, a seven-day period of remote learning for the class, cohort or school may be recommended by public health.

Students and staff who are exposed at school can continue to attend as long as they are asymptomatic. Household close contacts who are exempt from isolation but have a case in their household are encouraged to use rapid tests to monitor for asymptomatic transmission, as household contact remains the highest risk setting for

transmission.

“The omicron variant isn’t going to go away, and we need to learn to live with the virus...

Public health officials will also continue to monitor cases in schools and work with schools to track absenteeism rates for staff and students. This will help us target measures like rapid antigen testing programs and remote learning to specific schools as needed, rather than all having measures apply to all schools in a region,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer.

Students or staff who test positive on a PCR test or rapid antigen test, or suspect they have COVID-19, are required to follow public health isolation protocols and are strongly encouraged to notify the school. School staff and students should attend a test site if they have signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

“The benefits of in-person learning can’t be understated, from mental and physical health to socialization and supports for families...we know that students learn best in the classroom, and those benefits cannot be understated,” said Education Minister Cliff Cullen. “Schools have done a tremendous amount of work and have measures in place to help reduce the spread of the virus and protect our children.

Schools will continue to work with public health to help mitigate the risk of the virus and keep children where they need to be – in the classroom.”

Schools have been moved to the Restricted (Orange) level on the Pandemic Response System to ensure enhanced cleaning measures are in place, medical masks that meet Health Canada performance requirements for the staff, ensuring two metres of physical distancing to the greatest

extent possible.

Omicron is highly contagious Manitoba’s deputy chief provincial public health officer Dr. Jazz Atwal said in a recent press conference that with the appearance of the Omicron variant with a shorter incubation period, the coronavirus has become much more infectious, making it more difficult to contain. As such, instead of focusing on individual cases, public health officials will work to manage risk at the community level. “COVID-19 is no longer an emerging illness...It is here to stay, and our ability to contain the virus is limited. It is highly likely that everyone will be exposed to the virus in the coming weeks,” said Dr. Atwal For more information on COVID-19 and measures in place to address the spread of the virus in schools, visit www.gov. mb.ca/covid19/schools/index. html.

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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

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Lalong naalarma ang mga kababayan natin sa sitwasyon ng pangangatawan ni Kris Aquino sa kaniyang pinakahuling IG post.

Bagsak na bagsak na ang kaniyang katawan, napakapayat na niya, hirap na hirap din ang kaniyang nurse na saksakan siya ng suwero dahil sa sobrang nipis ng kaniyang mga ugat na nagbibigayan na.

Pagkaliliit na ng kaniyang mga braso, humpak na ang kaniyang mga pisngi, kitang-kita talaga ang patuloy na pamomroblema ni Kris sa kaniyang sakit.

Dahil doon ay may mga nagtawagan sa amin, bakit daw hindi magbigay ng panahong maniwala si Kris sa mga albularyo, marami rin daw milyonaryong napapagaling ang mga ganoong manggagamot!

Sabi pa ng isang kausap namin, “May mga milyonaryong tinaningan na ng mga doktor na napapagaling ang mga albularyo.

Si Kris na mismo ang nagsasabing hindi makita ang dahilan ng sakit niya, wala na raw cure iyon, remedy na lang ang maibibigay sa kaniya.

“Masama bang malaman ng publiko na nagpapagamot na rin siya sa mga albularyo?

Nakakaawa na kasi siya, sobrang payat na niya!” madiing pang sabi ng aming kausap.

Sa ngayon ay hindi pa bukas ang isip ni Kris na humingi ng tulong sa mga albularyo.

Magpapagamot pa rin siya sa ibang bansa. Kailangan niyang magpalakas para sa kaniyang mga anak na sina Josh at Bimby.

See CRISTY p9

• Kris Aquino – Nakakaawa na sa sobrang kapayatan • Bea Alonzo – Masaya sa kaniyang farm sa Zambales • Alden Richards – Sa U.S. nagdiwang ng kaarawan • Ken Chan at Rita Daniela – Di man lang na-nominate sa MMFF • Piolo Pascual – Napagtripan na naman ng mga Marites • Nora Aunor – Dinalaw ng kaniyang mga anak • Wowowin-Tutok-To-Win – LIVE na sa mansiyon ni Willie • John Lloyd Cruz – Nagpasikat sa salitang “Ingat!”

• Nadine Lustre – Nauntog na rin sa katotohanan • Misis ng basketbolistang si Terrence Romeo – Timbog!

Kris Aquino

Bea Alonzo & Dominic Roque

Piolo Pascual & Shaina Magdayao

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Nora Aunor’s family

John Lloyd Cruz

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Willie Revillame

Alden Richards

CRISTY...

From page 8 Sinabi rin ni Kris na isinuko na niya sa Diyos ang anumang maaaring mangyari sa kaniya.

Itinaas na raw niya sa Diyos ang kaniyang kalagayan ngayon.

Sa kabila ng paghina ng kaniyang katawan ay patuloy pa rin si Kris sa pagbibigay ng tulong para sa mga kababayan natin. Napakaganda ng ginagawa niya. Siya ang may kakayahang tumulong kaya siya ang nagbibigay.

Hindi tayo hinuhusgahan ng Diyos sa ating mga sinasabi, binabasa Niya ang laman ng ating puso, harinawang regaluhan si Kris ng Diyos ng matatag na kalusugan.

Makabawi sana siya.

Madiskubre na sana ng mga doktor ang tamang gamot na makapagpapagaling sa kaniya.

Sobra pa sa sapat ang kaniyang pera para mapagaling siya.

Pero sabi nga ng kaibigan naming propesor, “Money is not everything. Maraming hindi kayang bilhin ang pera. Good health is one.” *** Aminado si Bea Alonzo na kapag nandoon siya sa kaniyang Beati Firma Farm sa Zambales ay parang nakakalimutan niya ang lahat ng pagod niya sa pagtatrabaho.

Noong huling dalaw niya ay nagtanim pa siya ng dalawang puno ng calamansi, namitas siya ng mga gulay na kinagabihan ay iniluto ng kaniyang ina, hayahay naman talaga ang buhay sa bukid.

Tapos na ang bahay nila ng kaniyang mommy, napakalaki ng pasasalamat niya kay Mommy Mary Anne at sa kaniyang stepdad na si Ronald, dahil ang mga ito ang patuloy na nag-aalaga sa kaniyang farm.

Dahil PWD nga ang kaniyang ina ay ipinasadya niya ang maraming lugar ng bahay. Sa paliligo ni Mommy Mary Anne ay mayroon itong upuan na malapit sa shower.

Sabi ni Bea, “Hindi kasi siya makatatayo sa paliligo, kaya pinagawan namin si mommy ng upuan na sementado. Kailangang ibigay natin ang comfort sa parents nating PWD.” Napakaganda ng kaniyang farm. Sa paggising niya ay kitangSee CRISTY p11

Rita Daniela & Ken Chan

Nadine Lustre & Christophe Bariou

Terence Romeo

Beatrice Pia White

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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

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GMA Network unveils line-up of new programs for 2022 Love and hope continue to reign as GMA Network brings viewers together with its fresh and exciting programs for 2022!

GMA Afternoon Prime • On GMA Afternoon Prime, catch the highly-anticipated return of the top-rating series Prima Donnas on January 17. Starring Jillian Ward, Althea Ablan, Sofia Pablo, the three Donnas are stronger and ready to take on new challenges that will come their way. Completing the stellar roster of stars are Katrina Halili, Wendell Ramos, James Blanco, Benjie Paras, Elijah Alejo, Will Ashley, Vince Crisostomo, Bruce Roeland, Allen Ansay, and Sheryl Cruz with Chanda Romero and the special participation of Aiko Melendez.

• Watch the afternoon drama Little Princess. The series is headlined by Jo Berry, Rodjun Cruz, and Juancho Trivino.

It follows the story of a little person who dreams of becoming a businesswoman despite growing up in a poor family. The drama also features Angelika Dela Cruz, Geneva Cruz, Chuckie Dreyfus, Therese Malvar, Lander Vera Perez, Gabrielle Hahn, Kaloy Tingcungco, and Jestoni Alarcon.

• GMA Afternoon Prime also offers the legal drama series Artikulo 247 airing on February 14. Top-billed by Rhian Ramos, Benjamin Alves, Kris Bernal, See GMA p11

JANUARY 16 - 31, 2022

GMA...

From page 10 and Mark Herras.

• Other upcoming shows to look forward to on GMA Afternoon Prime are The Fake Life, Raising Mamay, Apoy sa Langit, Abot Kamay na Pangarap, Frozen Love, Return to Paradise, Underage, Heaven In My Heart, and Nakarehas Na Puso.

Election 2022 As the country gears up for the elections this 2022, GMA Network is likewise all set to deliver the widest and most comprehensive coverage across all platforms through Eleksyon 2022. As part of its election advocacy Dapat Totoo, GMA News and Public Affairs proudly presents The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews.

GMA’s first election-related special for 2022 is hosted by the country’s most credible and most trusted broadcast journalist, GMA News pillar Jessica Soho. In a series of one-on-one interviews with presidential hopefuls in the coming national election, Soho asks the presidential candidates the most important questions that need to be asked -- the issues that they have been involved with,

CRISTY...

From page 9 kita niya agad ang hilera ng mga puno ng mangga sa kaniyang bintana. Nadagdagan na rin ang mga alaga nilang hayop, ang kanilang gulayan, ang kanilang fish pond at mga kubo kung saan sila nagsasalo-salo kapag nandoon siya.

Kung wala lang sa Maynila ang tunay na laban ng karera ni Bea ay baka nga doon na lang niya gustong mamalagi kasama siyempre ang kaniyang mahal na si Dominic Roque.

Produkto ng pagtatrabaho ni Bea Alonzo nang maraming taon ang kaniyang Beati Firma Farm.

Tanawin lang niya ang malawak na lupain ay makakaramdam na siya ng kaligayahan dahil hindi nasayang ang kaniyang pinaghirapan. *** Sa Lake Tahoe sinalubong ni Alden Richards ang kaniyang kaarawan kasama ang kaniyang kapatid at ilang malalapit na kaibigan. Sa larawan niyang lumabas ay para siyang nakatalukbong ng kumot.

Ang Lake Tahoe ay isang malawak na bundok ng yelo.

Nandoon din ang mga ice glaciers (mga buo-buong malalaking tipak ng yelo na tulad ng nabangga ng barko sa pelikulang Titanic).

Talagang kailangang magtalukbong si Alden sa sobrang lamig ng lugar lalo pa’t alas dose nang hatinggabi ang pang-aasalto sa kaniya.

Hindi sasapat ang pasasalamat lang sa Diyos ang mensahe ni Alden. Naging napakabait nga naman sa kaniya ng kapalaran.

Natupad ang lahat ng kaniyang mga pangarap nang dumating na ang takdang panahon ng kaniyang kasikatan.

Wala na siyang mahihiling pa sa sitwasyon ng kaniyang buhay

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 11

the controversies thrown at them, their stand on pressing issues, and their plans should they be elected.

Games • Leading the stellar lineup of weekend game and variety shows is Family Feud, a popular franchise game show where two families compete by giving the most popular answer to the survey questions.

• The much-awaited Philippine franchise of the SBS Korea Original Running Man Philippines airs this 2022 and more.

Action Also on weekends, get ready for an action-packed adventure as the top-rating family fantasy drama Agimat ng Agila Season 2 returns with more intense and exciting scenes headlined by Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, Jr. Also returning to the series is the stellar roster of cast headlined by Sanya Lopez, Elizabeth Oropesa, and Benjie Paras together with new cast members Gardo Verzosa, Betong Sumaya, Kim de Leon, Shanelle Agustin, and newest Kapuso and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Rabiya Mateo.

GMA Telebabad • From the big screen to

primetime, the blockbuster movie franchise Mano Po continues its legacy on television with the premiere of Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune. Headlined

by Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza, Sunshine Cruz, Maricel Laxa, and Boots AnsonRoa. • Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes is back on GMA Telebabad as he portrays a dual role in the latest installment of the hit GMA drama anthology, I Can See You -- titled AlterNate.

Playing equally important roles in the series are Beauty Gonzalez, Jackie Lou Blanco, Joyce Ching and Ricky Davao.

• The well-loved first family is back every weeknight as GMA Telebabad launches First Lady, the most-awaited sequel to the hit TV series First Yaya starring Gabby Concepcion and Sanya Lopez. Completing the cast are Cassy Legaspi, Patricia Coma, Clarence Delgado.

Also returning to the series are Pancho Magno, Joaquin Domagoso, Maxine Medina, Kakai Bautista, Cai Cortez, Thou Reyes, Thia Thomalla, Glenda Garcia, Pilar Pilapil, and Alice Dixson.

• New Kapuso Actor Xian Lim is joined by versatile actress Glaiza De Castro in the new primetime series False Positive.

• Sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats every weeknight is Widows’ Web, a murder-mystery top-billed by Pauline Mendoza, Ashley Ortega, Vanessa Del Moral, and Carmina Villarroel.

GMA Public Affairs GMA Public Affairs is also set to bring its biggest actionadventure series to date in Lolong.

Bannered by Ruru Madrid, Lolong is inspired by the world’s largest crocodile in captivity of the same name. Joining Ruru in the series are Kapuso actresses Arra San Agustin and Shaira Diaz, as well some of the biggest names in the local entertainment industry. Viewers should also look forward to Lolong’s crocodile friend, Dakila. Made of fiberglass body and silicone skin, Dakila is manned by 14 people. The show also utilizes pneumatic technology and an air compressor on Dakila on top of computergenerated imagery (CGI).

Voltes V: Legacy GMA Network gives its loyal viewers a treat with the highlyanticipated live-action adaptation

of the hit Japanese anime series Voltes V: Legacy. This stars Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Radson Flores, Matt Lozano, Raphael Landicho, Martin del Rosario Zardoz and Liezel Lopez. Completing the powerhouse cast of the upcoming series are veteran actor Albert Martinez who will be playing a character named Smith; Epy Quizon, Neil Ryan Sese, Carlo Gonzalez and Gabby Eigenmann.

Sports Sports fans can also catch the new season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) on GTV with Stronger Together. Buo ang Puso: NCAA Season 97 and its primer Stronger Together. Buo ang Puso: The Road to the NCAA Season 97. This season will showcase the worldclass talent of young Filipino student-athletes, including but not limited to Basketball Men and Volleyball Women, from the 10-member schools led by Season 97’s host, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.

Catch these exciting programs on via international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV.

at karera ngayon. Nagkaroon ng pandemya pero hindi naapektuhan ang kaniyang pag-aartista. Tuluytuloy pa rin ang kaniyang trabaho habang naghihintay sa wala ang marami niyang kasamahan.

Iyon ay dahil sa kaniyang pagsisikap at pagsisipag, wala sa kaniyang bokabularyo ang pagrereklamo, marunong siyang makisama at palaging nakalapat ang magkabila niyang paa sa lupa.

Walang dahilan para hindi magtagumpay ang isang tulad ni Alden Richards na hindi pinagbago ng oportunidad at kinang ng salapi.

Wala siyang ipinagbago.

At napakabukas ng puso ng Pambansang Bae sa mga tunay na nangangailangan. Tumutulong siya nang tahimik, walang kahit anong ingay, kaya bumabalik sa kaniya ang biyaya nang hindi lang sampung doble kundi higit pa. *** Parang makinang bagong linis at pahinga ngayon si Alden Richards. Naka-quarantine pa siya sa isang five-star hotel ngayon pagkatapos niyang magbakasyon sa Amerika pero trabaho agad ang kaniyang aasikasuhin paglabas niya.

Parang makina uli siyang magtatrabaho, una niyang sesentruhan ang kaniyang concert na gaganapin sa January 30, napakapersonal ng atake ng concert dahil iikot iyon sa kaniyang pribadong buhay.

Ang kikitain ng kaniyang concert ang ipangtutulong niya sa mga kabataang matalino pero walang kapasidad na makapagaral. Ramdam na ramdam ng Pambansang Bae ang ganoong klase ng sitwasyon dahil aminado siyang mahirap lang ang pamilyang pinanggalingan niya.

Totoo. Nang pumanaw ang kaniyang ina ay kinailangang magretiro ng ama niya para ang makukuhang pera nito ay maipampapalibing naman sa

kaniyang mommy.

“Kaya po kapag nagdarasal ako, it’s more of thanking the Lord na dahil sa ibinigay niyang mga biyaya sa pamilya namin. Naging maginhawa po at kumportable ang buhay namin dahil sa trabaho ko,” mapagkumbabang sabi ni Alden.

Nakabalik na si Alden Richards, pero ang mga positibong kuwento ng mga kababayan nating nakaengkuwentro niya sa Amerika ay naiwanan doon, tulad ng kaniyang kabaitan at pagiging mapagkumbaba.

Sabi nga ng kaibigan naming propesor, “Iba ang dating ni Alden sa publiko. Parang hindi siya artista. Parang anak, apo at pamangkin siya ng mga kababayan natin.

“Napakalapit niya sa puso ng masa, itinuturing siyang hindi iba. It pays to be nice and humble talaga,” opinyon ni prop. *** Maraming nagtatanongnagtataka kung bakit parang pinagkaisahan ng mga jurors ng MMFF ang pelikulang pinagtambalan nina Ken Chan at Rita Daniela.

Kung hindi pa ibinigay sa kanila ang parangal para sa musical scoring ay uuwing humahagulgol ang buong produksiyon dahil wala talaga silang nakuhang nominasyon man lang sa maraming aspetong pinaglabanan.

Ang dami-dami pa namang kaibigang nakapanood ng Huling Ulan Sa Tag-Araw ang nagsabi sa amin na maganda ang pelikula at mahuhusay sina Ken at Rita sa mga papel na ipinagkatiwala sa kanila.

Sabi ng isang taga-MMFF na tinanong namin, “Kasi naman, dying of cancer si Rita, pero hindi kapani-paniwalang may taning na ang buhay niya. Malusog siya, paano naman magiging convincing ang ganoon?

“Kung ngayon ginawa ang

movie, e, puwede pa, dahil nagdiet si Rita. Malaki ang nabawas sa timbang niya, magiging kapanipaniwala na mamamatay na nga siya!” komento ng aming tinanong.

Pero maraming tagahanga pa rin ng tambalan ang naniniwalang parang pinagkaisahan ang pelikula ng kanilang mga idolo.

Mahuhusay sina Ken at Rita, pero kahit nominasyon man lang ay hindi sila binigyan, kaya parangal pa kaya ang magiging posible?

“Hindi kayang kunin sa make-up lang ang mga eksenang mamatay si Rita, hindi pa rin siya convincing, kailangang umaayon ang physical appearance ng artista sa role na ginagampanan niya,” madiing sabi ng taga-MMFF. Aminado naman sina Ken at Rita na kinunan ang principal photography ng pelikula dalawang taon na ang nakararaan.

Iyon ang panahong marami talagang pumapansin sa bulto ng pangangatawan ni Rita.

Napabalita pa nga ang inilabas na memo ng GMA-7 na kung

gustong magkaroon ng mga proyekto ng aktres ay kailangang magbawas siya ng timbang.

Na pinaghirapan naman at pinagsakripisyuhan ni Rita, malaki ang nahulog sa kaniyang timbang, kaya marami siyang gagawing proyekto sa network ngayong taong ito.

Panghimasmas namang komento ng kaibigan naming propesor, “Ang pelikula, e, istorya sa totoong buhay na iniaarte lang ng artista. Kailangang kapanipaniwala.” *** Si Piolo Pascual naman ang napagtripan ngayon ng mga Marites. Ang una nilang tanong— bakit daw sa edad na kuwarenta’y singko ni Piolo ay binata pa rin siya hanggang ngayon?

Sa normal na takbo ng buhay ng mga kalalakihan, ang edad na treinta ay parang huli na nga, ang kuwarenta’y singko pa kaya?

Napakaguwapo ni Piolo, sangdamakmak na kababaihan See CRISTY p12

OUR COMMUNITY

PAGE 12

PILIPINO EXPRESS

JANUARY 16 - 31, 2022

Fundraiser for Tubigon, Bohol - January 8 On January 8, the Quezon Province Association of MB (QPAM), Philippine Canadian Centre of MB (PCCM) and Winnipeg’s Aristocrat Restaurant held a fundraising event at the PCCM to help the victims of Typhoon Odette in Tubigon, Bohol.

Super Typhoon Rai (known as “Odette” in the Philippines) was the strongest storm of 2021 to hit the Philippines last December particularly causing catastrophic damage to the Filipinos in southeastern Philippines. As of Dec. 31, 2021, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, more than 300,000 people from more than 10,000 villages were left homeless, 405 died, and thousands were injured.

Maggie Chan-Urbano, QPAM president, reported that Winnipeggers dropped off used clothes, canned goods, and cash donations (total cash received on Jan. 8 was $951.00).

Juanito ‘Dong’ Calunia of

Aristocrat Restaurant, who hails from Bohol, said that generous people have also been going to the restaurant to donate cash and dry goods.

The cash raised will be used to buy hundreds of sacks of rice and will be sent to Tubigon’s typhoon victims together with the donations in-kind.

The organizers would like to thank the generous support from the Filipino Seniors Group of Winnipeg (FSGW), Association of Ilocanos in MB (AIM), PCCM and QPAM members, and the many donors on Jan. 8 and those who continue to donate at the Aristocrat Restaurant location.

A raffle draw was also conducted to thank the donors.

Congratulations to the raffle draw winners: Jasmin Gagarin and Jophie dela Cruz.

Donations for Odette typhoon victims in Tubigon, Bohol are still being accepted at the Aristocrat Restaurant, 210 Tyndall Avenue in Winnipeg.

The organizing committee, l-r: Nolasco Merluza, Maggie Chan Urbano, Juanito Calunia, Virgie Gayot, Chris Santos and Rodge Lopez

Jasmin Gagarin

Jophie dela Cruz,

CRISTY...

From page 11 ang nahuhumaling sa kaniya, pero bakit wala pa rin siyang ihinaharap sa altar hanggang ngayon?

Ayon ka Piolo ay walong taon na silang magkarelasyon ni Shaina Magdayao, kung totoo nga iyon ayon sa mga Marites, bakit hanggang ngayo’y hindi pa rin niya pinakakasalan ang magandang aktres?

Saka bakit si Piolo lang ang nagsasabing magkarelasyon sila, bakit kapag natatanong si Shaina ay hindi naman nito kinukumpirma, ngiti lang ang isinasagot ng dalaga?

Kinokontra ng marami ang kaniyang litanyang “What you see is what you get,” kung ano raw ang nakikita sa kanila ay iyon na iyon, ano ba ang nakikita sa kanila?

Ang paghahawak-kamay nila? Ang pagyakap ng guwapong aktor kay Shaina mula sa likuran? Ayaw pa ring maniwala ng mga Marites! May gusto silang sabihin pero ayaw nilang unahan si Piolo.

Para matapos ang argumento ay sakyan na lang natin ang mga sinasabi ni Piolo. Siguro nga ay kabilang siya sa mga kalalakihan na may edad na kung mag-asawa.

May iba pa siguro siyang mas prayoridad kesa sa magbuo na siya ng pamilya sa edad niyang kuwarenta’y singko. Mayroon namang mga lalaking ganoon.

Ihinahanda muna nila ang kinabukasan ng kanilang magiging pamilya bago sila magasawa. Kailangan muna nilang magsiguro, iyong mapapanindigan nila ang pagpapamilya, ganoon din siguro ang pinaghahandaan ni Piolo.

Iyon na lang ang paniwalaan natin para matapos na ang isyu. Huwag nating madaliin si Papa P, See CRISTY p14

OUR COMMUNITY

JANUARY 16 - 31, 2022

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 13

SOIS holds teachers’ panel for IETs As a frontline organization that helps newcomer individuals and families in the North-West Winnipeg community and other parts of the city by offering information, support systems, enhanced skills and community connections to attain better lives in Canada, the Seven Oaks Immigrant Services (SOIS) conducted a Teachers’ Panel for internationally educated teachers (IETs) and other interested immigrants, permanent residents, and citizens on December 4, 2021 at the Maples Collegiate Student Commons, 1330 Jefferson Avenue.

Administrators and educators from Seven Oaks and Winnipeg School Division were invited to share t their expertise, skills, personal success stories and career growth, hiring requirements and processes in the school system.

The two-hour event had the following: 10:00 AM Treaty 1 Acknowledgment and Welcome

by Ernesto Ofiaza Jr., Teachers’ Panel Coordinator; 10:05 AM introduction of the Panel by Hanna Fiesta-Reyes, SWIS Coordinator; 10:10 AM Topics and Speakers – What administrators are looking for in a teacher or educational support staff? by Ms. Harpreet Panag, Principal, Arthur E Wright Community School; Understanding Manitoba School Culture and System by Mr. Paul Ong, Vice Principal, Ecole Garden Grove School; The Advantage of Volunteerism in Navigating the School System by Ms. Fran Taylor, Executive Director, Seven Oaks Adult Learning Centre and Immigrant Services; Success Story of an Internationally Educated Teacher by Ms. Fatumah Mbabaali, Principal, Collicut School;

Professional Organizations as a Tool for Success by Ms. Mary Jane Napolitano, PRO Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Inc.; 11:30 AM Q & A and

Networking moderated by SWIS Clare Shann Blanco & SWIS Khristine Villanueva.

This fifth in-person teachers’ panel strictly followed

COVID-19 pandemic protocol and was facilitated by newly hired Settlement Workers in the Schools (SWIS).

by Ernesto Ofiaza

BCBP Winnipeg Outreach Christmas festivities The Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) Winnipeg Outreach celebrated its annual Christmas party with festive fun and food galore on December 11, 2021, at Bord Aire Community Centre.

The celebration commenced with a mass officiated by Father Gerry Sembrano. It was followed by a sharing of sumptuous dishes highlighting Filipino cuisine and merry festivities. As is custom-

ary in the community, the members displayed their group performances of Yuletide songs and zany dances, which they spent several weeks preparing. Even the kids got to flaunt their cool dance moves to the delight of the audience.

The afternoon was spent with various games that got everyone in competitive spirits and was capped off by a White Elephant exchange gift. Truly, it was a day well spent with a big smile on every face as

the day ended.

The BCBP Christmas party is a yearly event that all members look forward to as it gives them the opportunity to celebrate as one big family and commemorate the importance of the birth of Jesus and to be a blessing to others not just during Christmas but every day of our lives.

The BCBP regularly hosts a monthly virtual breakfast that features inspiring and transforma-

tional stories from members of the community in Canada and all parts of the world.

The BCBP Winnipeg Outreach also recently announced that they will be conducting their virtual BCBP Christian Life Program (BCLP) every Saturday of February starting on the 5th of February.

The BCLP is open to individuals interested in discovering a closer relationship with the Lord.

BCBP is a not-for-profit orga-

nization registered as a charitable institution with the Canada Revenue Agency. It is a community of like-minded Christian businessmen and professionals who aim to bring Christ into their workplaces, businesses, and communities.

For inquiries, please contact the BCBP Secretariat at bcbpwinnipeg@gmail.com or the Breakfast Head, Loy Salvador at (204) 962-1535.

– Bong Lachica

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

PAGE 14

PILIPINO EXPRESS

CRISTY...

From page 12 darating din tayo doon, ang tanong na lang ay kung kailan?

Ano sa palagay mo, SOS naming mahal, your very honest opinion, please! *** Maraming nag-text na Noranians sa amin para ibalita na dinalaw ng kaniyang mga anak si Nora Aunor nitong maka-Bagong Taon.

Dumating sina Ian, Matet, Kiko at Kenneth. Pati ang kaniyang mga apo ay nakasama ng Superstar. Si Lotlot de Leon lang ang wala.

Anuman ang gawin ni Nora Aunor na hindi maganda sa panlasa namin ay palagi naming maaalala ang maganda niyang puso. Hindi na magbabago iyon habampanahon.

Si Ian lang ang nagmula sa kaniyang sinapupunan, sina Lotlot, Matet, Kenneth at Kiko ay sa puso na niya nagmula, hulog sa kaniya ng langit.

Hindi lahat ng tao ay makapagmamahal ng mga binhing hindi naman sa kaniya. Puso ang

nagtulak kay Nora Aunor para tanggapin, alagaan at palakihin ang kaniyang mga tinaguriang ampon.

Itinuring niyang mga sariling anak ang mga batang ni gapatak na dugo ay walang kuneksiyon sa kaniya. Kung hindi dakilang matatawag ang ipinakita ni Nora Aunor ay hindi na namin alam kung anong termino ang ireregalo namin sa kaniya.

Sabi ng isang Noranian na tumawag sa amin, “Wala pong utang na loob si Lotlot! Pagkatapos siyang ituring na anak ni Ate Guy, e, ganito pa ang igaganti niya!

Wala siyang utang na loob talaga!”

Hindi namin alam kung gaano kalalim ang itinatagong galit o tampo ni Lotlot sa Superstar.

Maaaring may dahilan iyon, pero hindi alam ng publiko, kaya hanggang ngayon ay nagmamatigas pa rin si Lotlot.

Sabi namin ay apat na anak ni Nora ang dumating, iisa lang si Lotlot na wala, siguro’y mas kailangan nilang pahalagahan ang magkakapatid na nagbigay ng respeto sa kanilang magulang.

Napakaigsi ng buhay, hindi natin alam kung kailan tayo

KROSWORD

NO. 385

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

PAHALANG 1. Asosasyon 8. ____ Horton’s 10. Galapong 12. Katulong 14. Matangos 15. Pananong 17. Ihalal 19. Iluto sa mantika 21. Pakikinabangan pa 23. Mahiyain 26. Pinalalabas 27. Bulong 28. Hangad 29. Yugto ng karera 31. Sasang-ayunan PABABA 2. Diwa 3. Itayo 4. 3.1416 5. Lumisan 6. Babala 7. Higaan 9. Damit

11. Napunit 13. Kutyain 16. Panghalip 18. Alagad ni Jesus 20. Ipagkaloob 21. Kalbo 22. Hinamak 24. Iwasto 25. Ilag 29. Notang musikal 30. Dagdag

SAGOT SA NO. 384

mawawala, kaya kailangang sulitin na natin ang panahon na makapiling ang mga taong nagmahal at nagpala sa atin.

Sabi nga, habang nabubuhay pa sila ay ipaamoy na natin ang bango ng mga bulaklak. Dahil kapag wala na sila, pinakamahal at pinakamabango mang bulaklak ay mawawalan na ng saysay, wala nang makakaamoy.

Ang mahalaga ay maligaya si Nora Aunor. Kaligayahang hindi kayang pantayan ng salapi, ng kasikatan, at ng kahit ano pang materyal na bagay sa mundo.

Iyon ang pinakamarkado. *** Paboloso at malawak ang nabiling property ni Willie Revillame sa Iruhin, Tagaytay.

Malapit lang ang ari-arian ng TV host sa Palace In The Sky na dinadayo sa siyudad.

Limang taon na ang kaniyang mansiyon, tatlong taon na ang mga ipinagawa niyang villa, kitangkita ang Taal volcano at Taal Lake mula sa kaniyang bahay.

Nasa ikaapat na palapag ang kuwarto ni Willie. Putimputi ang kulay ng lahat ng kaniyang mga kagamitan. Walang ibang kulay na makikita sa kaniyang bedroom.

Sa isang bahagi ng kaniyang mansiyon ginaganap ngayon nang live ang Wowowin-Tutok-To-Win. Sinikap niyang ipagpatuloy ang airing ng kaniyang programa para makapagbigay siya ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan.

Ganoon din ang ginawa niya nang abutan siya ng lockdown sa bahay-bakasyunan niya sa Puerto Galera. Nag-live show siya doon na kulang-kulang ang kaniyang mga equipment, mairaos lang ang Wowowin, hanggang sa payagan na siyang lumipat sa Wil Tower.

Nag-iiyakan ang mga tinatawagan ni Willie, malaking biyaya kasi ang ipinamamahagi niya araw-araw, lalo na ngayong naka-Alert Level 3 sa maraming probinsiya.

“Ginawan ko talaga ng paraang makapag-show kami nang live.

Konting ilaw lang muna sa unang araw, hanggang sa nakumpleto na namin ang equipment. SNG (satellite network gathering) lang naman ang importante, iyong magbabato ng nangyayari sa GMA-7 para mapanood ng mga kababayan natin ang show,” paliwanag ni Willie.

Aminado si Willie na mahirap ang ginagawa niya, lima lang kasi silang nagpapatakbo ng show, wala ring mga dancers na nakasanayan na ng manonood.

Lagi kaming naniniwala na kapag gusto ay may paraan pero kapag ayaw ay maraming dahilan.

Sobrang mahal ni Willie ang kaniyang programa, mahal na mahal din niya ang mga kababayan nating nangangailangan ng ayuda, hindi siya titigil hanggang kaya pa niya.

“Para lang tumakbo ang show, kung anu-anong games na lang muna ang ginagawa ko. Ano ang kulay ng suot ko, ng medyas ko?

Kapag tama ang sagot, twenty thousand na agad iyon! Naglaro na rin kami ng beto-beto na parang sa peryahan!

“Wala pa kasi akong staff, naka-quarantine sila, kaya ganito muna ang mga palaro

namin. At least, nakatutugon tayo sa pangangailangan ng mga kababayan natin,” kuwento pa rin ni Willie Revillame. Panalo! *** Si John Lloyd Cruz ang nagpasikat sa terminong “Ingat!”

Kunektado iyon sa isang brand ng paracetamol na siya ang modelo ng isang laboratory ng mga gamot.

Kahit saan magpunta si Lloydie ay iyon ang sigaw sa kaniya ng ating mga kababayan— ”Ingat!” Napapanahong paksa dahil nagkakaubusan ngayon ng paracetamol sa mga botika.

Usung-uso ang sipon at ubo ngayon. Hindi na mga aso lang ang kumakahol ngayon, ang buong bayan ay kahulan nang kahulan, dahil sa matinding mikrobyo ng ubo.

Nakakatakot ang mga pahiwatig na napapanood natin.

Kapag umuubo at sinisipon daw, kahit walang lagnat ay kailangan nang magpa-check-up, iyon daw kasi ang palatandaan ng Omicron virus.

Natural, nerbiyos na nerbiyos ang mga kababayan natin, lalo na ang mga hindi pa bakunado. Tama lang naman ang abiso na kailangan nating magpabakuna. Kapitan man tayo ng virus ay may mga sundalo nang nakikipaglaban sa atin dahil sa bakuna.

Pero may mga ayaw pa ring magpabakuna. Ang sipon at ubo raw na kalat na kalat ngayon ay sanhi lang ng amihan. Taun-taon daw naman ay sumasargo talaga ang ubo at sipon kapag nagpapalit na ng klima sa ating bayan.

Bakuna pa rin ang pinakamabisang armas sa anumang sakit. Isang turok lang naman iyon na parang kagat lang ng langgam. Isang hinga lang nang malalim ay tapos na ang laban. *** Mabuti naman at nauntog na rin sa katotohanan si Nadine Lustre pagkatapos nang mahabang panahon. Napakarami na niyang sakripisyong ginawa para lang sila magkabalikan ni James Reid.

Tama na iyon. Ginawa na niya ang lahat-lahat pero parang nagmamakaawa lang siyang balikan ng ex niya. Panahon na para una niyang mahalin ang kaniyang sarili.

Sobrang magmahal si Nadine.

Ibinibigay niya ang lahat kasama na ang pamato. Wala siyang iniiwanan para sa kaniyang sarili.

Mabuti naman at nagising na rin siya para bigyan ng kaligayahan ang kaniyang sarili.

Madalas nating naririnig ang ganitong lita niya sa pelikula, “Kapag nagmahal ka, huwag mong ibibigay ang lahat-lahat.

Kailangang mag-iwan ka para sa iyong sarili bilang respeto.

At para dumating ang taong magmamahal uli sa iyo, mayroon ka pang ibibigay.” Pero ang pagibig ay bulag. Walang nakikitang iba.

Sabi ng isang kasamahan naming manunulat na nakakakilala kay James Reid, “Feeling naman kasi ng taong iyon, e, siya lang ang nag-iisang isda sa dagat!

Nakakaawa sa kaniya si Nadine!

Ginagawa niyang tau-tauhan!”

Muling nagbukas ang puso ng dalaga. May lalaking dumating sa kaniyang buhay na nangangako

JANUARY 16 - 31, 2022 ng isang magandang bukas.

Magkaiba man sila ng lahi ay puso naman nila ang magtatakda ng kanilang pagmamahalan.

Maging maayos sana ang relasyon nila ni Christophe Bariou. *** Pinagpipistahan sa mundo ng basketball ang sumabog na balita tungkol sa pagkahuli-pagkakulong sa misis ni Terrence Romeo.

Hindi na estafa lang ang asuntong pinagdadaanan ngayon ni Beatrice Pia White, ginagamit niyang pangalan, kinasuhan na rin siya ng paggamit ng mga fake na pangalan at technical carnapping.

Post ni Ogie Diaz na isa sa mga inutangan at hindi binabayaran ni Pia, “Nasakote rin, finally.”

Napakarami na kasing naghahabol kay Pia, mga negosyante iyon na inutangan niya, pero puro pangako lang ang kaniyang tugon kapag sinisingil na.

Nakakalungkot ang nangyari kay Pia. Kahit paano’y nakakasama rin namin siya nina Manay Lolit at Mr. Fu kapag dumadalaw siya sa Take It, Per Minute… Me Gano’n.

Ang palagi niyang pakiusap ay huwag siyang kukunan ng retrato, ganoon din ang pakiusap niya kapag nanonood ng PBA sa laro ni Terrence Romeo, huwag siyang tututukan ng mga camera.

Akala naman namin ay mahiyain lang siya, paniniwala nami’y mapagpahalaga lang si Pia sa kaniyang pribadong buhay, pero may pinoproteksiyunan pala siya.

Ayaw niyang lumabas ang mga pictures niya dahil marami siyang pinagtataguang maniningil.

Matagal na palang sangkot si Pia sa mga tiwaling gawain, marami na siyang kaso, pero ngayon lang naglalabasan.

Minsan ay sinabi niya kay Ogie Diaz na magbabayad siya sa pamamagitan ng kotse.

Napakatagal na hinintay ni Ogie ang sasakyan, pero wala manan siyang maibigay, rent a car lang pala ang ipinangangako niyang kotse.

Isang lote sa Antipolo at sa probinsiya ng Quezon ang ipinangako niya uling pambayad kay Ogie, nang itsek ni Ogie ang mga property ay nabisto nito na dalawang beses na palang naibebenta ang propyedad, nagkagastos pa nang daang libo si Ogie nang dahil doon.

Talagang isang araw ay magkikita-kita ang problema ni Pia dahil sa dami, mahihinog ang mga demandang kinakaharap niya, hanggang sa nahuli na nga siya at ikinulong.

Nasaan ang magaling na basketbolistang si Terrence Romeo sa lahat ng mga kasong kinakaharap ni Pia ngayon?

Ayon sa aming source ay naghiwalay na sila, nahuli ni Pia ang kaniyang mister na may ibang babae, mag-isa na lang niyang hinaharap ang kaniyang mga asunto ngayon.

Sabi pa ng aming impormante, “Nakakaawa rin si Pia, kasi, siya ang gumastos sa lahat ng mga luho ni Terrence. Pati sa pagsusugal ni Terrence, si Pia ang nagbibigay ng puhunan sa kaniya.” Napakasaklap naman.

– CSF

JANUARY 16 - 31, 2022

PEOPLE & EVENTS PILIPINO EXPRESS

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ACC Events & Services hosts pre-Christmas show, Dec 18

Winnipeg’s Filipino performers showcase their talents at the PCCM on December 18. Photos by Jayson Del Rosario Photography and Alex Canlapan Photography

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

JANUARY 16 - 31, 2022