Pilipino Express • Jan 1 2023

Nadine Lustre

Bill proposes intervention for “left-behind” families of OFWs

MANILA – Families left behind by OFWs (Overseas Foreign Workers) or migrant workers must be assisted by the government considering that their children are deprived of parental attention during their formative years, according to a measure filed by Senator Mark Villar.

Senate Bill No. 1527 or

the Left-Behind Household of Migrant Workers Act noted that the healthy development of the children is affected when left behind by either their father or mother, or worse, both.

Children of migrant workers experience a vast range of poor physical and mental health due to separation from their

parents, most starting from early childhood, that may result in long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional outcomes, according to studies.

“Although migrant workers fulfill the basic needs of the family especially food and financial security, the psychological needs

Ian Veneracion

Personnel from the DFA Office of Undersecretary of Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) welcome repatriates from Lebanon and Kuwait upon their arrival at NAIA Terminal 3. Photo from OFW Help FB page.

Joaquin Domagoso

Credit: Nadine’s Instagram

In 2022, we witnessed numerous events in countries that had ripple effects across the entire globe. To minimize the spread of COVID-19, citizens in China were put under strict lockdown measures, which impacted the country’s export of goods. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine put into the spotlight the threat to democracy and worries about international relations. This event has nations reconsidering the significant usage of Russian gas in Western countries.

We also saw positive change in 2022, including advances in cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and climate change research. Animal species that were on the endangered list have increased again in numbers, including bison in England and rhinos in Mozambique.

It is important to realize that with every devastating event comes change, and yes, we must grieve these losses. However, with change comes the opportunity to take action and do better.

Governments and world leaders are called upon to drive change

OFW...

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of belongingness and intimacy were fully challenged because of physical separation,” Villar said in his explanatory note.

The bill seeks to establish

for the overall good. And just as important, we as individuals have a direct impact on those around us and have the potential to have a positive effect on people in other countries that we will never meet.

Consider this. If you choose to always carry with you a reusable drink container, you will no longer purchase and use containers that will be thrown into the garbage. This will save you money and result in less garbage in our landfills because let’s face it – not everything gets recycled! This is the direct impact locally. But think of poorer countries who often must deal with our choices. Let’s not forget that 103 shipping containers of trash left Vancouver and landed in the Philippines in 2013-2014. Sixty-nine of the containers were eventually shipped back to Canada in 2019 and we know that at least some remained in landfills in the Philippines, affecting the children and citizens who live there. It is possible that we personally contributed to some of that garbage that landed halfway around the world!

You may say to yourself, “But

migrant workers family centres nationwide to provide welfare assistance and counselling services to the families of migrant workers. These centres would serve as coordinating offices with non-government organizations and associations that cater to the

Good will to all in 2023 Things that you do can help the world

I’m only one person. What can I possibly do?”. Change has to start with a different way of thinking. Consider changing your mindset to “I am a person who has the ability to take care of others and I will have a great impact. Here are the things that I can do!” Here is a list of calls to action that are within your control:

Buy less

A helpful hint is to ask yourself, “Do I need this or do I want this?” If you can live without it for the next month, put it down and out of your mind. Know that advertisements from companies want us to feel like we need their product, when, in reality, we don’t.

Eat a green-friendly diet

Meat production (farming and feeding cows, pigs, goats, and chickens) contributes to climate change. To improve your own and your family’s health, eliminate meat or eat very little of it. This will lower your risk of obesity, cancer, and heart disease, among other illnesses. Fill your plate with mostly vegetables and fruit, whole grains, and legumes (e.g., chickpeas and lentils). Buy from local sources when you can.

Eliminate the use of plastic Make simple choices: Carry a reusable coffee mug or drink

plight of migrant workers and serve as a link for left-behind households to various services and/or agencies of the government on overseas employment.

The family centres would help family members sustain harmony in their relationships and prepare

container, use reusable lunch containers instead of plastic bags, and make your own cleaning products.

Cook meals at home

Not only is this a money saver, but you will also eliminate the use of plastic bags, utensils, and drink containers. Your meals will be fresh and have less salt and additives in it. Also, making a meal and enjoying it together brings families closer.

Reduce the amount of water you use

A lot of energy, chemicals and money go into treating and pumping water. This contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Try simple steps such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing the dishes. Take shorter showers and invest in eco-friendly appliances that use less electricity and water.

Reduce how often you use your vehicle

A significant amount of climate change is due to the use of road vehicles. Most pollution from cars and trucks come from burning fuel; so, use your vehicle less. This can be done by biking, walking, or taking the bus.

Consider buying a fuel-efficient, hybrid or electric vehicle. You can

them for future reintegration with the migrant worker.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is to head the program and establish the family centres that will be strategically located in every city or municipality where there is a

also help by planning your errands carefully and going to places that are close to home.

Conserve power

Small actions that will have a big impact include turning off your computer and lights when not in use, reducing the amount of heat and air conditioning that you use. Don’t leave your car running if you are waiting outside for someone. Consider hanging your clothes to dry during the summertime rather than using the dryer.

According to the United Nations, our planet is expected to warm up to approximately 2.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels by the year 2100. This will lead to more global devastation than we are already seeing today including storms, droughts, forest fires, floods, hurricanes and typhoons.

Your call to action

Here is an invitation to help others in 2023: Choose three of the above ideas to try and know that this will help others close to where you live and across the world!

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

large population of families who have relatives working abroad.

The measure also mandates DMW to report to congress the number of cases brought to various centres and the interventions provided.

By Leonel Abasola, PNA.

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Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) wait for instructions prior to their departure. Photo courtesy of OFW Help Facebook

That time when there was no New Year’s Eve in the Philippines

Remember that year when there was no New Year’s Eve in the Philippines? No, not the pandemic lockdown of 20202021. There was one year when the Philippines just gave it a miss and actually deleted December 31st

It is a little-known fact about Philippine history that the date for any given event during most of the colonial era is technically wrong. That’s because the Philippine calendar was out of sync with the rest of the world by one day (the parts of the world where the Gregorian calendar was used, that is).

In 1844, there was no December 31st in the Philippines because the last day of the year was skipped in order to correct this problem that had persisted for 300 years. That mistake was a result of the route that Spanish ships travelled to get to Asia.

Time travel

An edict of Pope Alexander VI in 1493 drew a line down the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that divided the world for conquest between Spain and Portugal. All the lands to the east of the line were awarded to Portugal while everything to the west was for Spain. Not satisfied with having most of the Americas, Spain still wanted to have access to the valuable spice markets of Asia. So, to avoid their Portuguese rivals, the Spaniards had to travel west to get to the Far East.

During their westward voyages to the Philippines, Spanish sailors of the 1500s naturally counted their days from the point when they left Spain, but they did not take into account the rotation of the Earth. Since they were, in effect, “chasing the sun,” each day was slightly longer than 24 hours. Each sunrise and sunset was a

little later every day, but without accurate clocks (they used sandfilled hourglasses), they were unaware of this happening. As they travelled farther and farther west, their shipboard day was gradually shifting toward “tomorrow.” By the time they got to the Philippines, more than halfway around the Earth, they had gained more than half a day –about 17 hours – without knowing it. However, their calendars still showed the date as though they had never left Spain.

Magellan loses a day

This phenomenon was first noticed on Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition to Asia, but only after the few survivors of his fleet had almost completed the first ever voyage all the way around the world. Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian chronicler, kept scrupulous records of their entire three-year voyage, as did one of the pilots, Francisco Alba. When their battered ship Victoria was almost back home in Spain, they stopped for supplies at the Cape Verde Islands off the west coast of Africa and they were sure that the date was Wednesday, July 9, 1522, but, to confirm the accuracy of their records, they asked one of the locals the date. They were very surprised when he told them that it was really Thursday, the 10th. They had travelled a whole day longer than their records showed.

If Magellan’s crew had had a clock with them, they might have noticed that they were constantly adjusting it backward in order to keep its 12:00 noon in sync with the sun at its highest point each day. Eventually they would have turned it back a full 24 hours by the time they got home.

Out of sync

Losing track of a whole day worried Pigafetta and some of

the crew when they realized that they had violated their faith by eating meat on Fridays and observing Easter and the Sabbath on Mondays. However, the date shift was not much of an issue in the Philippines during most of the Spanish era because the colony had very little contact with countries other than Spain. Very few people circumnavigated the globe and most who returned to Spain went back eastward, so the effect was reversed for them. The confusion only arose when the Philippines opened up trade relations with its neighbours whose calendars were brought by other European nations that had come to Asia travelling eastward. For them, Asia was only seven hours ahead of Western Europe, not 17 hours behind, so the adjustment did not affect their calendars. Eventually

even Spaniards were able to make the eastward journey to the Philippines and some of them found it absurd that the date in the Philippines was a day behind everybody else.

New Year’s Eve cancelled

The man to straighten out the mess was the new governor of the Philippines in 1844, Narciso Clavería, whom some may remember from an earlier article as the governor who made family names mandatory for Filipinos with his Alphabetical Catalogue of Surnames

Clavería was a very practical, rational and meticulous man with a passion for order – a real micromanager. Apart from giving surnames to all Filipinos, he also rearranged the boundaries of many provinces to make governing them more efficient. He made the election of certain

officials fairer and he untangled many of the useless and contradictory laws that had been passed over the centuries.

One of the first problems that Clavería addressed when he arrived in the islands in 1844 was to fix the Philippine calendar. After consulting with Manila Archbishop José Seguí, Clavería issued a decree on August 16, announcing that Monday, December 30, 1844, would be followed immediately by Wednesday, January 1, 1845.

There was a New Year’s Eve, of course, but Tuesday, December 31, 1844, was deleted from the calendar. Since then, the Philippines have been in sync with the rest of Asia – on the calendar, at least.

E-mail the author info@ pilipino-express.com or visit www.paulmorrow.ca

After sailing around the world from east to west, Magellan’s crew discovered that their calendar was one day behind Spain’s calendar. The error persisted throughout most of the colonial era.

Why, you might ask, did the non-profit Maple Bamboo Network Society of B.C. (MBNS) and its non-commercial newsmagazine, Canadian Filipino.Net (CFNet), decide to undertake this book project?

To take on a challenge? You bet. Both the MBNS Board of Directors and the CFNet Editorial Board have been guided by their passion to profile the Canadian Filipino community in their common pursuit with fellow Canadians to make Canada the best country that it could be. In fact, both boards subscribe to the thesis that Indomitable Canadian Filipinos would have a salutary impact not only on Canadian Filipinos but also on all Canadians. Indeed, this project is a labour of love.

This is part 3 of my preview series of the book. It focuses on its impact and importance. Parts 1 and 2, published earlier, covered the “scope and purpose” and the “contents and themes,” respectively.

Impact and importance

Until now, most books on Filipinos published in Canada had been limited to Filipinos in a province, city, or specific occupation. Important as they are, the need to expand inquiries more widely and more inclusively has become imperative in light of the fast-growing community.

Dr. Jon Malek, while researching for his introductory booklet Filipinos in Canada – as mentioned earlier in part 1 of this ongoing preview – had keenly

observed that “very few works had been published in Canada about the Canadian Filipino community in its entirety.” He singled out Seeking a Better Life Abroad: A Study of Filipinos in Canada (1957–2007) by Eleanor Del Rio-Laquian and Aprodicio A. Laquian as one of the few. Now a vintage book, it provided a natural groundwork for Indomitable Canadian Filipinos, which encapsulates the contemporary history of the Canadian Filipino community in its entirety.

Admittedly, many intervening developments have transpired in the Canadian Filipino community since the publication and distribution in Manila of the Laquians’ pioneering book a decade-and-half ago. The magnitude of Filipino migration to the country has remarkably increased. The 1.5 and secondgeneration Canadian Filipinos have more actively participated in Canadian affairs. And there has been heightened awareness about Filipino heritage, culture, and traditions since Canada’s Parliament declared in 2018 that “June, every year, is Filipino Heritage Month” nationwide.

Indomitable Canadian Filipinos offers all Canadians an opportunity to better understand Canadian Filipinos as a community with their own perspective on Canadian affairs and impact on Canadian society.

It also offers comprehensive coverage of Canadian news and views as seen from the perspective of Canadians with Filipino

Indomitable Canadian Filipinos

A labour of love – part 3

heritage; and information on the Canadian Filipino community across the country and beyond the first generation. Thus, one can anticipate greater intercultural and intracultural understanding and collaboration.

Canadian Filipinos would also know more about their own contemporary history, the richness of their Filipino heritage, and the jewel box of Filipino values. They would become more confident when engaged in conversations with their non-Filipino friends,

neighbours, and co-workers about the scope of Filipino heritage, culture, traditions, and work ethic. And they would be more assured when they dialogue with the fast-growing 1.5 and second generations who grapple with their identity.

When Canadian Filipinos become an increasing part of the national conversation – the availability of this book to many Canadians will help that happen – it will, intuitively, reinforce national consciousness that Filipinos are a significant part of Canada’s national identity and prosperity. When their community’s contributions to the varied spheres of our nation’s life – cultural, economic, environmental, political, and social – are made known to the greater whole, the vibrancy of the community will be duly acknowledged. Then, greater things become more forthcoming.

Intergenerational adjustments within Canadian Filipino families will proceed with more ease. Any lingering perception that the Canadian Filipino community is fragmented and non-visible on issues of national dimension would be laid to rest.

The book could serve, too, as a motivational tool for role modelling and a reference source for governments, industry sectors, and educational institutions. Historians, social scientists, and policy makers stand to gain new insights into universal human values and envision future research projects.

Most certainly, Indomitable Canadian Filipinos commends itself as a legacy for future generations of Canadian Filipinos. Just as it is hoped all readers would find this book informative, inspiring, and entertaining. To be continued.

About the author: The Honourable Rey Pagtakhan, P.C., O.M., LL.D., Sc.D, M.Sc., M.D., is widely published in medical journals and textbook chapters. He is a retired lung specialist and professor of pediatrics and child health, a former member of parliament, parliamentary secretary to the prime minister, and cabinet minister, and a recipient of academic, governmental, professional, and community awards and honours. He graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and the University of Manitoba (UM) Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, trained at the children’s hospitals of Washington University in St. Louis and UM in Winnipeg, and spent a sabbatical year as visiting professor at the University of Arizona in Tucson. With an abiding interest in medicine, politics, and community volunteerism, he writes the column Medisina at Politika for Pilipino Express and CanadianFilipino.Net and volunteers on the Advisory Council of Immigration Partnership Winnipeg and the Board of St. Paul’s College Foundation at the UM.

Book cover design by award-winning Canadian Filipino artist Leo Orpilla Cunanan, Jr. of Vancouver, B.C.

MMFF 2022: Deleter wins include best actress for Nadine Lustre

The 48th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) held December 27, 2022, handed out awards to stars and talents involved in this year’s eight competing entries, with the psychological horror Deleter taking home the most trophies, including Best Picture.

Among the seven-trophy haul of Deleter were Best Director for Mikhail Red, Best Actress for Nadine Lustre, as well as Best Cinematography for Ian Guevarra

The romance thriller Nanahimik Ang Gabi, meanwhile, clinched five awards in total, including Third Best Picture, Best Actor for Ian Veneracion, and Best Supporting Actor for Mon Confiado

Winning Second Best Picture was Mamasapano: Now It Can Be Told, which received three other awards, including Best Screenplay for Eric Ramos Held at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, the 2022 Gabi ng Parangal saw the biggest awarding ceremony of the MMFF in three years in terms of attendees, amid eased pandemic restrictions.

The 2020 edition was held completely virtually, while last year’s festival had significant limitations both in cinema capacity and public activities, including the traditional Parade of Stars and its awards night.

Themed Balik Saya, in part to reflect the full-scale return to cinemas, the 2022 MMFF also celebrated the re-energized movie audience during Tuesday’s Gabi ng Parangal

The other winners are: Best Child Performer - Shawn Niño Gabriel, My Father, Myself; Stars of the Night were Ian Veneracion and Nadine Lustre; Marichu Vera Perez Maceda Memorial AwardVilma Santos; Best Supporting Actress - Dimples Romana, My Father, Myself; Best Picture is Mikhail Red’s Deleter – ABS-CBN NEWS

Nadine Lustre

Ian Veneracion

Dimples Romana

Mon Confiado

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

Joaquin Domagoso wins another international Best Actor award

Kapuso actor Joaquin Domagoso reaches another milestone in his career as he was once again recognized as the Best Actor; this time at the Boden International Film Festival in Sweden.

Joaquin received the award for his film That Boy in the Dark, where he plays the character of a young man named Knight who is suffering from a condition that tests his bravery against the shadows lurking in the dark.

This is not the first international acting award for Joaquin. He also received recognition at the 16th Toronto Film and Script Awards in November 2022. Last week, he also bagged the Best Actor award at the 2022 Five Continents International Film Festival (FCIFF), an online festival in Venezuela.

That Boy in the Dark is directed by Adolf Alix Jr., who also won the Best Director, and features actors Lotlot De Leon, Ramon Christopher, Glydel Mercado, Nanding Josef, Charo Laude, Kiko Ipapo, and Sharmaine Santiago. The film will have its Philippine premiere on January 8.

Joaquin first started in showbiz in 2019, when he appeared in the Kapuso variety show Studio 7. His latest TV projects include the hit GMA Telebabad series titled First Yaya and its sequel First Lady

– By Kristian Eric Javier, GMA Entertainment

Joaquin Domagoso

There’s one image that gives you support at work and represents wealth, resources, strength and support and that image is a mountain. Mountains, whether images, real, such as the Rocky Mountains or Himalayas, or symbolic, such as a screen, all give support in feng shui. This is a critical concept in feng shui because without support, there is struggle and a feeling of rolling a boulder up, well, a mountain.

Support from behind

The idea of being supported makes a lot of sense when you think about it. If you sat on a stool all day, your back would ache. But when you have a comfortable and high-backed office chair, you are supported and can work longer and more effectively at your job.

The same is true in your home.

Having a support at the rear of the house symbolizes the black tortoise, a celestial creature that provides support and adds vigor and longevity to your life and home, helping to protect you from unpleasant surprises and misfortune. The black tortoise is represented by a slight rise at the rear of your home, supporting your home, much like the tall back on an executive chair supports you as you work.

Bedroom and Offices

In your bedroom, the mountain is symbolized by a solid wall behind your bed and headboard. The same is true when you are seated at a desk. Even if the direction that your head will point as you sleep or the direction you look while seated at your desk may not be your most auspicious according to your KUA directions, it’s always better to have a solid wall of support behind you rather than try to favour your personal directions.

New mountains

While it’s not always possible to have a rise at the rear of your property, tall buildings can be a good replacement for mountain support. Tall buildings are a good mountain substitute and symbolize modern support according to

Lillian Too. The same is true if the home that’s behind yours and is taller than your own home. If the land slopes away from your home, be sure to read my article about homes built on a slope. Other stand-ins for mountains include large shrubs or tall trees.

Adding mountain support

Rear slope — If your home doesn’t have mountain support behind it and it slopes away, you can simulate the mountain support by building a stone wall, planting a row of five trees behind your house or building an earthen berm and then planting large shrubs or trees atop the berm.

Bed lacking support — In your home, if the only wall you can place your bed has a window, consider adding a tall screen or headboard and heavy drapes behind your bed. This will help to provide added support. Sleeping without support can leave you feeling drained, like you always have to “go it alone,” or prevent you from getting full and complete rest at night.

Career support — For an office that has windows behind the desk, adding a screen will help create support behind your desk. Screens are easy to construct and will provide a solid feeling behind you as you work. Add rounded tops to mimic the soft edges of an old mountain.

Mountain imagery

Another helpful way to bring more support to your life, and the ease that comes with it in the form of recognition, help from others, and a feeling of optimism, is to add an image of a mountain to your home or office. You can also help your career by selecting a mountain image to hang behind you at work.

Selecting mountain images

An auspicious mountain image will show the mountain prominently. A mountain at a great distance with a valley below or anything prominently in the foreground is not considered auspicious, but rather a close-up image is preferred.

The mountain should also not

Mountain feng shui provides strength and support

include any other features such as waterfalls, lakes or rivers, as these diminish the effect and strength of the mountain. Place verdant green mountain images in the south, east or southeast to enhance these corners. If the mountain is brown or orange, such as a desert type mountain, place these images in

the northeast, southwest, west or northwest. Strongly pointed peaks are not considered good fortune, so forgo these images.

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.

Caring for our Environment - Manitoba launches year-end events

Caring for our Environment - Manitoba (CEM), Inc., in partnership with Let’s Talk Science (LTS) chapter -University of Winnipeg (U of W) and Arthur E. Wright Community School (AEWCS), held A Climate Action Workshop for Grades 3 to 6 students at AEWCS in Winnipeg on November 19, 2022. A total of 72 students and 14 volunteers from LTS-U of W, CEM and AEWCS teachers participated in this event.

The three workshop stations led by Let’s Talk Science aimed to actively engage students to learn more about waste recycling, reduction and upcycling, clean water, water conservation and climate change, all while having fun. Workshop outputs included

individual and group posters about water conservation and the 4R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse) and the students own microplastic filters.

CEM President, Dr. Ramon Faustino Sales Jr., along with Ms. Harpreet Panag and Dr. Porfiria Pedrina, AEWCS Principal and Vice Principal, respectively, also shared their own remarks about the significance of environmental protection and conservation. They challenged the students, teachers, and volunteer-students of the event to continue the important fight for our environment through collaborations such as the Climate Action Workshop.

The event was also supported by Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba (MMSM), Recycle

Manitoba, and the Canadian Beverage Container Recycling Association (CBCRA), which provided promotional items to the participating students such as reusable bags, pens, jar openers and recycling guides.

Following the Climate Action Workshop, CEM launched a year-end event to celebrate the holidays and to induct its incoming Board of Directors for 2023 – 2024. The event, with the theme Enhancing Community Knowledge and Action: Alternative Approaches for a Sustainable Future was held at the Tyndall Park Community Centre in on December 10, 2022.

The event was attended by CEM members, volunteers, and organization partners. The guest speaker for the event was Noelle Vong, Communications Coordinator at Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba (MMSM). She also led the induction of CEM’s board of directors for 2023-2024 namely: Ramon Faustino Sales, Jr. (Chairperson), Mariciel Nuyda (President and Head of External Relations Committee), Mhaolene Leana B. Palevino (Secretary, Head of Information Committee), Garry Alejo (Treasurer and Head

of Sponsorship Committee), Rizalina Cortez (Auditor and Head of Membership Committee), Mia Cortez (Head, Education Committee), and Joy Rimano (Member at-Large).

The event also recognized the outstanding work of three CEM members, namely, Mia Balansag Omerez, Aira Villanueva and Mhaolene Palevino. As well, the outgoing CEM Board of Directors were awarded certificates of appreciation for their important contributions to the organization. They were, namely: Ramon Faustino Sales, Jr., PhD (president), Nikki Mailom (secretary), Arlene LicardoLontoc (treasurer), Teody Leano (Auditor), Mariciel Nuyda, DEd (Head, Education Committee), Allan Pamplona (Head, External Relations Committee), Dario Cidro, PhD (Head, Information and Communication Committee), Gina Gabriel (Head, Membership Committee), Rizalina Cortez (Head, Sponsorship Committee) and Sheila Leano (formerly Head, Information and Communication Committee.

Certificates of appreciation were also given to CEM partner organizations for their continued collaboration on advancing shared

organizational goals. These included the Let’s Talk Science – University of Winnipeg, Arthur E. Wright Community School, MMSM, Recycle Everywhere - CBCRA, FoodTrip Kitchen, and the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival. CEM also acknowledged the support of raffle prize donors, namely: Norman Garcia of MR. PEG and realtor Gina Gabriel, May Sales, and Rizalina Cortez.

Caring for Environment Manitoba is excited to continue its work to uphold its goals of enabling the Filipino community and the broader society to make informed choices and decisions through awareness and relevant knowledge and to collaborate and build meaningful partnerships with organizations in Manitoba and beyond to share resources and expertise to achieve common objectives.

Individuals who are interested to join CEM and to do volunteer work may send an e-mail to caring4environment@gmail.com. You may also visit CEM’s website for more updates at ceminc.org.

– By Mhaolene

Leana

Palevino, the Incoming Secretary and Head of CEM Information and Communication Committee for 2023-24.

CEM members and volunteers

Volunteers from Lets Talk Science - U of W, CEM and AEWCS Teachers

Incoming CEM Board of Directors for 2022-2024

LTS student volunteers facilitate group workshop on resource conservation.

Workshop session

EH KASI, PINOY!

Body shaming is not cool

Naka-survive ka ba sa mga panlalait at insensitibong comments ng iyong mga kamaganak nitong nakaraang mga reunions at holiday gatherings? Ang mga karaniwan at walangpakundangang tanong na parati mong naririnig sa mga ganitong uri ng pagsasalu-salu ay:

“Tumaba ka yata?”; “Ang payat mo naman!”

“Bakit wala ka pang asawa?”; “Bakit wala pa kayong anak?”

“Kailan ba masusundan ‘yang anak ninyo?”; “Wala pa ring boyfriend, 2023 na?”

Sawang-sawa na akong bigyan ng hustisya ang ganitong uri ng mga tanong mula sa mga tinatawag na old-school folks. Nagiging sangkalan na rin kasi ng marami ang excuse na ito kaya’t patuloy ang ganitong uri ng mga komento lalo na sa mga magkakamag-anak. Hindi dahil nakasanayan na ay dapat itong ipagpatuloy or okay lang na sabihin dahil hindi naman talaga ito okay. Ito ay uri ng pambu-bully kahit saan mang anggulo natin tingnan. Hindi nakakatawa ang gawing katatawanan ang iyong kamag-anak para lang maging masaya ang inyong reunion. Hindi cool ang maging pa-bida at the expense of your biktimang kamag-anak.

Ang respeto ay hindi lang ibinibigay sa mga matatanda. Ang

respeto ay mutual regardless sa edad at estado. Nirerespeto din dapat ng mga nakatatanda ang mga nakababata sa kanila. Hindi dahil sa Tito or Tita ka ay may karapatan ka ng laitin or panghimasukan ang buhay ng iyong mga pamangkin o nakababatang kamag-anak. Kung gusto mong galangin ka, ay gumalang ka.

Body shaming or panghihiya dahil sa itsura ng katawan.

Ito ay tipikal sa mga Pilipino na dapat nang burahin sa ating kultura. Ayon sa kasaysayan, ang ganitong uri ng kaugalian ay nag-ugat matapos ang giyera noong second world war, noong conscious ang mga mamamayan sa kanilang katawan dahil sa gutom na dinanas noong panahon ng giyera. Ang orihinal nitong layunin ay upang kumustahin ang pisikal na kalagayan ng mga tao. Kumbaga ay tinatanong nila ang kanilang mahal sa buhay kung okay lang sila physically matapos ang giyera. Katulad din ito ng layunin natin sa moderong panahon lalo na during the COVID-19 pandemic, nang tinatanong natin ang ating mga mahal sa buhay ng, “Are you okay?” na nangangahulugan ng totoo nating pagiging concern sa kanilang condition lalo na in terms of their mental health. However, pagkalipas ng panahon matapos ang giyera ay nagbago o bumabaw

ang kahulugan ng pag-kumusta sa pisikal na kalagayan ng mga tao. Nauwi ang ganitong uri ng tanong sa biro hanggang sa naging katatawanan at insensitibong pang-hihiya sa kapuwa. Dagdag pa dito ay ang impluwensya noon ng pelikula at telebisyon kung saan ginagawang katatawanan ang itsura ng mga tao.

Mahilig din tayong magbansag sa ating kapuwa. Aminin natin na hanggang sa ngayon ay may mga bansag tayo sa ating mga co-workers at ina-associate natin ang kanilang mga itsura base sa mga nakaka-insultong characters. Halimbawa, palihim nating tawag sa isang matabang empleyado ay “Pong,” which actually means “Pong Pagong”; kapag naman payat at mahaba ang baba ay “Aiai”; “Anap or Pana” na bastos na tawag sa mga indigenous people; at marami pang iba.

Masakit ngang tanggapin na hanggang sa ngayon ay nariringgan ko pa ang ilan sa ating mga kababayan dito sa Canada na ginagamit ang “N” word. Again, hindi passport or dahilan ang pagiging old-school para sabihin ito. Hindi ito acceptable at dapat silang itama kahit na sila’y sabihin pang matatanda.

Pumutok sa social media at pinick-up din ng mainstream media ang insidente ng body shaming sa isang pinoy restaurant sa Winnipeg. Siyempre iba’t iba ang comments ng mga tao. Pinag-piyestahan ang isyu at nakisawsaw ang napakaraming keyboard warriors.

Ito ay isang malungkot na pangyayari ngunit isa ring eye-

opener o paalala sa ating lahat na kailangan nating maging maingat sa ating mga sinasabi. Maaaring wala tayong intensyon na makasakit sa kapuwa ngunit dahil sa pagbibiro, paggamit ng maling salita, maling timing at lugar ay nauuwi ito sa mga suliraning hindi natin inaasahan.

Ang pagbabago para sa kaayusan ng sangkatauahan ay isang pang-araw-araw na bagay. Dapat maging bukas ang ating isip sa mga pagbabagong ito. Hindi dahil matanda na tayo ay exempted tayo sa mga bagay na dapat ituwid. We learn from our elders, same as we learn from the young generation.

Sa pagtawid natin mula sa 2022 patungo ng 2023 ay imulat

sana natin ang ating isip sa bagong mundo na may acceptance, diversity, equity and respect.

Noel Lapuz ay dating OFW sa Middle East (Dubai at Qatar). Nagtrabaho nang sampung taon sa City Hall ng Taguig bilang Human Resource Management Officer. Naging bahagi ng BataBatuta Productions bilang manunulat, entertainment host at stage actor. Nagtatag ng Kulturang Alyansa ng Taguig. Kasapi ng Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (EMJP).

Paunawa: Ang mga paksa at salitang nakasaad sa Batang North End ay sariling opinion ng may-akda at maaaring hindi opinion ng mga taga-lathala ng Pilipino Express.

Strategies for health success in the New Year

Many people gain weight over the holidays and then try, unsuccessfully, to get back into shape after the new year. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The key is to not set yourself up for failure.

In this Mayo Clinic Minute, Dr. Donald Hensrud, a Mayo Clinic physician specializing in nutrition and the editor of The Mayo Clinic Diet, explains how to face 2023 with optimism, and creative strategies for success when it comes to health.

A new year can be a great time to kick-start a new, healthier routine. But the reality is, most people, while they may have great intentions, end up ditching their New Year’s resolutions within the first two weeks.

Dr. Hensrud says it’s important to go into the new year with the right attitude.

“Not focusing on a goal weight but looking at this as an

opportunity to eat better, to move more and, most of all, to feel better.”

Whether you want to work out more, eat a more healthful diet or both, Dr. Hensrud says it should be a priority in your schedule.

“They can make it part of their lifestyle, and they can improve their health and manage their weight throughout the year, not just for two weeks in January,” says Dr. Hensrud.

He says the first steps toward weight management can be overwhelming, complex and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. One strategy that can help is planning.

“If we don’t plan, we may have to eat whatever’s available. We may not make good choices. So, the work and the effort, a lot of it is in the planning,” says Dr. Hensrud.

Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network

KROSWORD

NO. 408

Meet the new Pinays Manitoba board of directors

Pinays Manitoba has a new set of officers to its Board of Directors for the incoming two-year term that begins in January 2023. The election of the executive officers took place during a special board meeting on November 27, 2022. Subsequently, they were officially introduced to the general membership on December 11, 2022, during the Pinays Christmas party.

Founded in 2016, Pinays Manitoba Inc. is a nonprofit, registered community organization dedicated to the support and empowerment of Filipino women in Manitoba. Its founding president was Perla Javate, a well-known community leader, an active volunteer, and a Winnipeg School Trustee. The organization’s out-going president is Araceli Ancheta who was elected in May 2019.

Annually since 2016, Pinays Manitoba has recognized outstanding Filipino women of all ages – the Pinays Manitoba Trailblazers – that have made outstanding contributions to the community not only in Manitoba but also in the mainstream society at large. The organization is now inviting nominations for the 2023 Pinays Trailblazer awards.

The new Pinays Manitoba board of directors

Winnie Navarro – President

Winnie Navarro is wife to Mano Navarro and mother to Martin and Cat. She graduated from the University if the Philippines (Diliman) with a degree in BS Business Administration. Her career path took her to the world of broadcasting where she has worked in senior management and executive level positions for over three decades. At CTV, Winnie worked for 17 years as the Manager for Programming and Traffic.

She is currently employed at APTN TV as the Director for Scheduling and Traffic. Aside from serving as a board member in Pinays Manitoba, she also serves as a Director for the Board of Women in Communications and Technology, Manitoba Chapter.

Luella Sadicon

– Vice-President

Luella is new in her job as Executive Assistant for the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre. Before joining the centre, Luella was previously employed as an administrator at Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) and as the Web, Event, and Client Relations Officer at the Sustainability Network in Toronto.

Luella sits as a board member of the Mindoro Association of Manitoba (MAM). She is also the founder of a charitable organization called the Island Zone Learners Charity that helps indigenous schoolchildren in

the island-province of Oriental Mindoro.

Luella holds diploma degrees in Business & Administrative Studies (Red River) and Website Design (CDI). She has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and a Master’s in Communication Research.

Leah S. Beltran, CPA, CGA – Treasurer

Leah S. Beltran currently works as a supervisor in the finance division of a crown corporation. She was a contractor panellist for a CPA Capstone 1 presentation. Her previous volunteer work includes BOD Treasurer for École Guyot PreKindergarten school in 2016 and 2017. She was also a panellist for the ASBAA business case competition in 2019 and 2021. She has been a Winnipeg resident since 2006 with husband Ronald and two kids – Iris and Lee.

Connie De Villa – Auditor

Connie De Villa is an accountant and owns CLP Financial Services Inc., a company specializing in accounting and consulting services. She is a partner and currently serving as Executive Assistant for B.W. Phillips and Co. Connie has been able to put the accounting degree she earned to excellent use. Over the years, her strengths, and her ability to make connections with her clients has garnered some recognition from kababayans in Winnipeg.

She has been an invaluable volunteer for Pinays Manitoba since it was founded in 2016. For many years, she was also a volunteer/finance officer for Magdaragat Philippines.

Lucille Nolasco-Garrido – Secretary

Lucille Nolasco-Garrido is the afternoon drive program host and program producer at 92.7 FM CKJS, an Evanov Radio Communications station. She also serves as creative writer and Filipino translator for the multilingual radio station.

As a journalist, Lucille writes for Pilipino Express News Magazine. She has also contributed to the Winnipeg Sun and Filipino Journal.

Being a dance and music enthusiast, she has organized and supported community fundraisers such as for the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, Diabetes Canada, and St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. Her fundraising efforts have extended to her elementary school in Bulacan, Philippines in rebuilding their school library.

Lucille is a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, where she majored in Communication Arts.

Most recently, Lucille was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in celebration of Her Majesty’s 70th

anniversary of accession to the throne. The medals were given to Canadians for outstanding contributions and community leadership.

Emmie Joaquin

–

Public Relations Director

Emmie Joaquin is the editorin-chief and co-publisher of the Pilipino Express News Magazine She is also a licensed insurance broker affiliated with W.P.G. –The Wealth Planning Group. She graduated from the University of the Philippines (Diliman) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Communication.

In 1989, she was instrumental in the conceptualization, design, and production of the Filipino programs on CKJS 810 Radio (now 92.7 FM CKJS) that Manitobans enjoy today. She worked at CKJS until 2003.

In recognition of her service to the community through the years, Emmie is a three-time recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medals in celebration of Her Majesty’s anniversary of accession to the throne: Gold in 2002, Diamond in 2012, and Platinum in 2022.

Araceli Ancheta

– Director/Past-President Celi Ancheta started volunteering in 2005 with United Way of Winnipeg as a Loaned Representative for the Government of Manitoba. She saw the value and contribution of volunteers in the community so that the following year she got involved with BIBAK Association of Manitoba, an organization composed of indigenous people from the Philippines; she represented the group at Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba for more than 12 years.

In 2016, along with other Filipino women from different organizations, she became one of the founding members for Pinays Manitoba Inc. where she acted as secretary. In 2019, Celi became the first elected president of the organization.

Recently, she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Manitoba). The occasion marked the 70th anniversary of Her Late Majesty’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada.

Josie Concepcion – Director

Josie Concepcion currently works as constituency assistant for Kevin Lamoureux, MP for Winnipeg North. Previously, she worked for the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities as its office manager for many years. Since 1986, Josie, with her late husband and daughter (choir member), have been active

for St. Peter’s Roman

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

SAGOT SA NO. 407

OUR COMMUNITY

PINAYS...

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12 years, Josie dotes on her three children and five grandchildren. She is also a member of the Bicol Association of Manitoba, Magdaragat Philippines, and the Mabuhay Serenaders.

Maybelle De Leon – Director

Maybelle De Leon is an accountant. This January, she began working for the Province of Manitoba in the Department of Families-Manitoba Housing. She is also currently working part

time at CLP Financial Services and was formerly employed at Neighbourly pharmacy. She is a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas with a bachelor’s degree in accountancy. On her free time, Maybelle loves to bake and experiment with new recipes. She regularly works out at the gym. During her time as an OFW in Dubai UAE, she finished three full marathons and a sprint triathlon.

Margaret “Meghan” Marquez

– Director

Meghan, also known as Margaret, Marquez has been a

change management consultant for the past five years and was in several executive administration and management positions at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MLL) since 2008.

Before MLL, she worked at Convergys, Inc. as a call centre agent and was promoted to a team leader after six months. This was Meghan’s first job when her family moved to Canada in 2004. Meghan is blessed with a loving husband, Erbe and three children, Maisie, Erik and Maggie.

Outside work, Meghan is actively involved in volunteering

at her Catholic parish in several positions. Currently, she is the Vice Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council. She also goes to the gym at least three times a week to keep herself fit and has participated in the 10k marathon at the Manitoba Marathon since 2019.

Meghan is a graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Science Degree, with a major in management Marita Salazar

– Director

Marita has been working as an accountant for Neighbourly Pharmacy for six years now. Prior

to that, she worked in a similar capacity at Manitoba Housing & Builders Association (MHBA) and at BW Phillips & Associates.

She is a sports buff, being a certified bowler and a member of the Nairn Ten-Pin Bowling Association and the CFT Canadian Ten-Pin Federation. Aside from sports, she’s also a diva singer – belting like a pro the songs of Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Regine Velasquez.

Marita completed her bachelor’s degree in Commercial Science with a major in accounting.

Association of Ilocanos in Manitoba Christmas Party

Pinays Manitoba Board of Directors, l-r: Margaret “Meghan” Marquez, Director; Josie Concepcion, Director; Luella Sadicon, Vice-President; Araceli Ancheta, Director/Past-President; Connie De Villa, Auditor; Leah S. Beltran, CPA, CGA, Treasurer; Emmie Joaquin, Public Relations Director; Marita Salazar, Director; Winnie Navarro, President; Maybelle De Leon, Director. Front row with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus is Lucille Nolasco-Garrido, Secretary. The organization is now inviting nominations for the 2023 Pinays Trailblazer awards.

L-r: Myra Rosario, Councillor Vivian Santos and Mario Rosario