Pilipino Express • Jul 16 2023

World Police and Fire Games

Philippine delegation to compete in MB

Manitoba will host the 2023 World Police and Fire Games from July 28 – August 6.

Held biennially, this Olympicstyle competition brings together over 10,000 athletes representing law enforcement and firefighters from more than 70 countries to compete in a number of sporting

events, ranging from archery to wrestling.

As one of the largest sporting events ever hosted in Winnipeg, over 25,000 people are expected to attend the games, which will help stimulate new business growth and economic opportunities for the city.

The Philippine delegation will be headed by P/Lieutenant General Rhodel Sermonia, the Deputy Chief for Administration based in Camp Crame and the second highest ranking police general of the Philippine National Police. According to Kenneth Salazar, See POLICE p4

Department Of Tourism continues “Love the Philippines” promotions

The Department of Tourism (DOT) will continue to use the “Love the Philippines” slogan in attracting both foreign and local tourists to travel around the country after terminating its contract with DDB Philippines, the advertising agency behind the campaign.

This was announced by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on July 5, days after it was discovered that the agency used stock footage shot abroad in the new tourism campaign video.

DDB Philippines issued a statement apologizing for the “highly inappropriate” use of foreign stock footage in the video, which has since been taken down.

“Having come out of the pandemic, indeed the greatest

The Department of Tourism’s new campaign slogan and logo

Photo credit: 2023 World Police and Fire Games FB page

Photo Credit: Bea Alonzo IG

Most of us spend a large portion of our days at work. As a matter of fact, the average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. Given this reality, the majority of our interactions happen at work. For some, conflict is inevitable, particularly in smaller work environments and smaller teams. For the most part conflict is not necessarily a bad thing because disagreements and ideas can often lead to innovation and problem solving.

Some people believe that conflict is a disagreement between two or more people, but most of the time, it starts within ourselves. While we may point fingers and blame the other person about an issue, the important thing is to find a balance by allowing ourselves to manage our emotions and to be open to establish a common ground with the other person. Negative responses to conflict can often result into something unproductive and destructive, but how can harmony be maintained at work when conflict seems to be

POLICE...

From page 1 a local volunteer for the games, the Filipino community is preparing for a welcome testimonial dinner for the Philippine delegation on July 31 at the PCCM. Details will be announced once finalized.

“Volunteering for 2023 World Police and Fire Games is a great opportunity for me because I will be serving the community, becoming an ambassador of goodwill, and best of all, cheering for my kababayans competing in their respective events. I am glad and happy to see them waving our Philippine flag!” said Salazar.

Past host countries include the US, Australia, Canada, China, Northern Ireland, Spain, and Sweden. As a celebration of firefighters and law enforcement worldwide, the size and scope of the World Police & Fire Games continues to grow. Attendance in the games has been increasing as have the number of nations involved throughout its history. The 2011 WPFG in New York holds the current attendance record with more than 16,000

Phone: 204-956-7845

E-Mail: info@pilipino-express.com

Website: www.pilipino-express.com

inevitable?

Civility and respect Civility is basically everyone’s responsibility. According to The Institute for Civility in Government, “Civility is about more than just politeness, although politeness is a necessary first step. It is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, listening past one’s preconceptions, and teaching others to do the same. Civility is the hard work of staying present even with those with whom we have deep-rooted and fierce disagreements … and civility begins with us”.

It is quite a lengthy definition, but it captures the essence of how to be civil and respectful. In contrast, incivility and disrespect are the complete opposite. Uncivil behaviours can hinder effective communication and performance at work, and it can take many forms such as rude comments, gossip, crude jokes, profanity, and even threats or workplace violence.

athletes competing in 67 sports from almost 70 countries. More than 10,000 competitors competed in the Chengdu, China Games in 2019. With family and traveling companions, overall attendance topped 25,000.

“The 2023 World Police and Fire Games in Winnipeg is an exciting opportunity for our community to play host to those in emergency service from across the globe and share what makes our city and province so special,” said Gord Friesen, Co-Chair, WPFG 2023 Host Society Inc.

Maintaining harmony at work

If we develop an awareness for ourselves, we can expect to be role models, which may lead to a higher chance of respectful and civil behaviour spreading in the workplace and beyond.

Accountability

This is an extremely valuable trait to have at work and it simply means taking responsibility or ownership for your actions. The opposite of accountability is putting blame on others or using the “not my fault” attitude. The reality is that we are humans, and we will make mistakes; what matters is how these mistakes are handled. Being accountable for your actions is approaching your manager directly to make them aware of the issue or conflict and explain how you might have contributed to the problem. By doing this, the manager will not only appreciate the honesty, but also appreciate your willingness to learn and be better in handling conflict or issues going forward. Focus on solutions

Having a solution-focused attitude is not only a positive trait but also a good way to move

forward from a conflict. Being stuck on an issue can be a barrier to a harmonious relationship with others, and can cause frustration from not being able to resolve issues.

There is no secret formula to maintaining harmony at work, but there are many ways to handle conflict and it starts within us. Recognizing how we might have contributed to a conflict is a big thing; the other piece is awareness

and willingness to move forward to be better.

This article is intended for information purposes only and not to be considered as professional advice.

Michele Majul-Ibarra, IPMAACP holds an Advanced Certified HR Professional Designation with the International Personnel Management Association

Sources: https://www. instituteforcivility.org/

Publisher: THE PILIPINO EXPRESS INC.

Editor-in-Chief: EMMIE Z. JOAQUIN

Associate Editor: PAUL MORROW

Art Director: REY-AR REYES

JP SUMBILLO: Graphic Designer/Photographer ALEX CANLAPAN: Contributor/Photographer Columnists/Contributors:

ANNE CAPRICE B. CLAROS

ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ

BRO. GERRY GAMUROT

NORMAN ACERON GARCIA

LUCILLE NOLASCO GARRIDO MICHELE MAJUL-IBARRA PERLA JAVATE

REGINA RAMOS URBANO

RON URBANO

KATHRYN WEBER

Youth Contributors

Aksyon Ng Ating

Kenneth Salazar

Volunteers meet to prepare for the big event

In May of this year Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, Sean Fraser, announced the implementation of category-based selection draws for permanent residence (PR) from the Express Entry online Express of Interest (EOI) data base. The purpose of the category-specific draw was to invite individuals with specific skills, training, and language abilities to apply for immigration. It would be beneficial for Canada to select applicants with the most in-demand skills for permanent residency and meet the ongoing labour needs of the Canadian economy. According to the Minister, “Canada’s immigration system has never been more responsive to the country’s social and economic needs.”

The category-based selection will be divided amongst applicants with a strong French language proficiency, experience in health care, experience in STEM professions (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), and trades such as carpenters, plumbers, and contractors, as well as workers in both transport, agriculture, and agri-foods.

Candidates for categorybased selection must be in the Express Entry pool following their online EOI (Express of Interest) submission. Candidates must show that they have worked at least six months in the past three years in a qualifying job.

LOVE...

From page 1

threat to humanity, we have survived, we have thrived, and we continue in the journey towards recovery and transformation. We are the Philippines. We have gone through so much as a nation,” Frasco said.

“We possess the strength of spirit to continue to prevail and to overcome. The world has told us that there is so much to love about our country. And I’m fully confident that if all of us look into the depths of our heart, we will find in each and every one of our fellow Filipinos that burning pride of place for the Philippines and the deep love of country that will propel the recovery of Philippine tourism and allow our

First STEM draw announced for categorybased immigration

The applicants must first submit an online EOI related to one of the programs administered under Express Entry, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program of the Canadian Experience Class.

In terms of category-based selection, the first STEM selection was made on June 28 with the invitation to apply sent out to 500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 486.

IRCC is prioritizing the invitation of skilled newcomers with STEM experience. Eligible occupations under the STEM draw include: architects, architecture and science managers, business system specialists, civil engineers, computer and information systems managers, computer engineers (except software engineers and designers), computer systems developers and programmers, cybersecurity specialists, data scientists, database analysts and data administrators, electrical and electronics engineers, engineering managers, industrial and manufacturing engineers, information systems specialists, land surveyors, landscape architects, mathematicians, statisticians and actuaries, metallurgical and materials engineers, natural and applied science researchers, consultants, and program officers, softwear developers and programmers, softwear engineers and designers, urban and land use planners, web

country to claim its position as Asia’s tourism powerhouse.

“Love the Philippines” is a recognition of our natural assets, our storied history, our rich culture, and diversity. There is so much more to the Philippines than the fun and adventure that we have so far articulated to the world,” she said in a speech about the new campaign.

When asked to clarify if the agency would still use the slogan, Frasco made an apparent reference to her remarks, saying “it was evident.”

DOT spent 49 million pesos (approximately $880,000) on the new “Love the Philippines” campaign and slogan, which replaces the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” slogan from over a decade ago. – PNA

designers, and web developers and programmers.

The CRS score still applies to category-based applicants. Minister Fraser spoke supportively of his efforts to attract candidates with a strong background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

“I am excited to announced this STEM category-based selection round with my colleague, Minister Champagne (Minister of Innovations, Science and Industry), which will increase access to permanent residence for skilled workers with STEM experience. We look forward to

welcoming these talented and innovative newcomers to our country.”

It is comforting to know that our immigration department is taking active steps in managing the Express Entry system to attract the brightest and the best applicants for Canada. One of the greatest strengths of Canada is to remain a welcoming country of destination for skilled workers from abroad. The efforts to increase our recruitment of candidates with STEM experience is an example of the immigration department’s refinement of Express Entry to attract more in-demand skilled

workers. We applaud their efforts and encourage family, friends, and applicants to consider Canada as the choice destination for STEM and other category-based immigration.

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 204-6911166 or 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail.com.

Throughout the month of June, the Filipino Members Chapter-Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (FMC) participated in several key events that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.

From Philippine Heritage Week, organized annually by

Filipino engineers celebrate Filipino Heritage Month

Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba (PHCM), to the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival, FMC members, under the leadership of Rey Robillos, Jr., current chapter chair, and his team of dedicated executive committee officers, demonstrated their commitment to promoting

Filipino culture by volunteering their time and creativity and encouraging their members to participate in the following events:

Philippine Heritage Week Opening and Flag Raising Ceremony

On June 2nd, the night before the event, the FMC, took charge of the stage setup and decorations at the Philippine Canadian Centre

of Manitoba (PCCM) where program would be held for the opening ceremony. On the day of the event, FMC members participated in the parade and flag-raising ceremony along with other Filipino organizations.

Philippine Independence Ball

This year’s ball was held at the Victoria Inn Hotel on June 17th, with the theme “Kalayaan…ating ingatan at alagaan.” New to the event was the diorama decorations featuring the Philippines’ national symbols from national hero to national sport, catching the attention of those in attendance.

The FMC, once again volunteered to set up stage decorations. The materials used at this event were ingeniously repurposed from the earlier opening ceremony, showcasing the chapter’s resourcefulness and commitment to sustainability.

Manitoba Filipino Street Festival

Capping off the month, the FMC participated in the two-day celebration of Manitoba Filipino Street Festival on June 24th and 25th. The first day saw the FMC

officers and members joining the parade, donning the red, black, and white garb for the first time, creating a cohesive appearance. A booth was set up to showcase traditional Filipino games such as sungka and jolens and engineering-themed toys. The decorations that adorned the stage at the two previous events found new life as they were reused to create a festive and vibrant facade for the booth attracting festival goers. The FMC’s active participation in these events not only increased awareness of the chapter and its goals but it may have also inspired future generations to pursue careers in engineering. To learn more about the chapter, visit their redesigned website at www.fmc-egm.ca.

Ethel Clemente-Fernandez is a professional engineer registered in the province of Manitoba. She is an active member of the Filipino Members Chapter - Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba (FMC-APEGM).

Battle of the Judges takes the spotlight on GMA Pinoy TV

GMA Pinoy TV brings the reality television program Battle of the Judges this month hosted by Alden Richards

Featuring a star-studded panel of celebrity judges, namely Boy Abunda as The Strategist; Ms. Annette Gozon-Valdes as The Entertainment Industry Leader; Jose Manalo as The Powerhouse Comedian; and Bea Alonzo as The Premiere Leading Lady, this intense competition pits judge against judge and talent against talent.

Viewers will witness electrifying performances, fierce rivalries, and unexpected twists as the judges’ acts go head-to-head in knock-out duels.

Then, on July 29, awardwinning broadcast journalist Atom Araullo returns with a brand-new episode of The

Atom Araullo Specials, bringing thought-provoking stories to the forefront.

Voltes V: Legacy makes history as the first Philippine TV program in Comic-Con International

GMA Network’s Voltes

V: Legacy becomes the firstever Philippine TV program to participate in the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2023, which takes place from July 20 to 23.

The cast of Voltes V: Legacy will be at the highly anticipated event, including Miguel Tanfelix (Steve Armstrong), Ysabel Ortega (Jamie Robinson), Gabby Eigenmann (Commander

Robinson), and the show’s esteemed director Mark Reyes

GMA will formally make its Comic-Con debut on July 22 from 10 am to 11 am at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Afterward, the cast will be signing a limited-edition poster on the convention floor.

Since the opportunity is extremely limited, fans are

See VOLTES V p11

Also this month, the liveaction adaptation Voltes V: Legacy will continue to bring the story of

the anime series to old and new fans. It gets even more exciting with the highly rated drama Royal

Blood starring Dingdong Dantes

Viewers are also in for a treat from heart-warming dramas like Abot Kamay na Pangarap to sidespitting comedies like The Boobay and Tekla Show and Bubble Gang Happy 2 Get Her and Open 24/7 also provide laughter and entertainment on-screen. GMA Pinoy TV also continues to air the award-winning drama anthology Tadhana

I Can See You now available on Amazon Freevee

The GMA romance anthology series I Can See You is now available on Amazon Freevee. Viewers in the U.S. are treated to a lineup of unique stories featuring their favourite Kapuso stars.

Love on the Balcony features a story of a videographer, Iñigo (Alden Richards), as he searches for his ideal girl. An incident with his drone and a medical

L-r: Boy Abunda, Bra Alonzo, Alden Richards, Annette Gozon-Valdes and Jose Manalo

Atom Araullo

Soliven – Guerra Nuptials, June 16, 2023

The newlyweds, Neil Soliven & Fia Guerra

VOLTES V...

From page 8

advised to secure their place early so they don’t miss out.

Meanwhile, the groundbreaking live-action adaptation still airs weeknights at 8:00 p.m. on GMA Telebabad and at 9:40 p.m. on GTV. Global Pinoys can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.

I CAN SEE...

From page 8 frontliner, Lea (Jasmine CurtisSmith), causes them to meet.

In The Promise, Frank (Paolo Contis) struggles to move on from the untimely death of his wife, Clarisse (Yasmien Kurdi). Frank’s cousin Jude (Benjamin Alves) and his girlfriend, Ivy (Andrea Torres) visit Frank to help him feel better after this tragedy.

High-Rise Lovers features a story of a married couple, Samantha (Lovi Poe) and Luis (Tom Rodriguez) who just moved into a new condominium unit. Samantha continues to strive

hard at work to get a promotion not knowing her husband already longs to have a baby.

In Truly. Madly. Deadly., Coleen (Jennylyn Mercado) successfully saves her best friend Abby (Rhian Ramos) from Pampanga’s most wanted killer, Drew (Dennis Trillo).

A heartbreaking tale is featured in On My Way to You! as runaway bride Raki (Shaira Daz) has second thoughts as she walks down the aisle at her wedding. How will her groom, Albert (Gil Cuerva), handle this situation?

In #Future, Vinchie (Miguel Tanfelix) is faced with a tough choice while taking risks in the search for viral news for the sake of his job.

A thrilling tale, The Lookout features the story of Emma (Barbie Forteza) who is under investigation because of her alleged involvement in the Penuliar family’s criminal case.

Amazon Freevee, formerly IMDb TV, is a streaming video service with thousands of premium movies and TV shows, including Originals and FAST channels, available anytime, for free.

Manitoba Filipino Street Festival Balik Kalye, June 24-25, 2023

Photos by Nonie Manalili, Joel Eugenio and Rey-Ar Reyes.

Manitoba Filipino Street Festival Balik Kalye, June 24-25, 2023

KROSWORD

NO. 421

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

Ride for the Philippines

Roger Rigor rides his bike to aid Pinoys affected by climate change

by Lucille Nolasco-Garrido

When you talk about the Philippine music scene in the ‘70s, VST & Company will often be mentioned. The Filipino disco band from Manila is considered one of the most successful Filipino bands of the late 1970s. Founded by Vic Sotto, Spanky Rigor and Tito Sotto, its original members also included Roger Rigor, Male Rigor, Celso Llarina, Monet Gaskell, Val Sotto and Jun Medina

They pioneered the Manila sound genre along with bands such as Hotdog and Cinderella, spawning their first disco hit Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko. From then on, VST & Co. produced five albums that included many other hits such as Rock Baby Rock, Swing It Baby, Disco Fever, Magsayawan, and many others.

For many, the pioneering group is considered a pillar of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

SAGOT SA NO. 420

More than four decades later, one of the original members, Roger Rigor continues his love for music, albeit he has found a new focus in another meaningful undertaking.

Pilipino Express recently spoke to Rigor about this and more.

PE: What have you been busy with after VST & Co.?

RR: It has been years since we had our last stint with VST and since then, I have settled in Seattle; followed the footsteps of my parents and grandparents and became an educator in public education, teaching math and science. Since my retirement, I committed myself to working with the Foundation for Philippine Progress (FPP) since it was a way for me to return what I have been fortunate to have earned while I lived here in the U.S.

PE: Are you able to continue performing or being active in the music industry at present?

RR: I continue to perform in many communities who host projects and programs, annual festivities, or private occasions. I also had opportunities to present workshops and symposia about Original Pilipino Music in conferences or academia. My role as an educator and a community advocate has also created a kind of attention that a band in California came up to Seattle and collaborated with me to create a song about the climate crisis in the Philippines. This process was filmed for a documentary that is planned to be premiered, with the song, by either the end of this year or early next year. The band’s name is Bootleg Orchestra.

PE: How did the idea come about for the “Ride for the Philippines” project?

RR: The idea came up after

another colleague of ours in the Foundation decided to ride the annual Seattle-to-Portland Bike ride, pre-COVID, and was able to raise $2000. Now that the ride has returned, we have encouraged others to ride along again. And yes, this time, with the sole purpose of spreading the word about the work of the Foundation while seeking other riders, the greater the community, and families to extend financial and publicity support. With a bigger number of supporters and donors, one does not have to shell out a substantial amount of money. The effort to extend help to the people in the Philippines becomes a unified, bayanihan act, especially with the wide outreaching power of social media.

PE: What are the main objectives of the project?

RR: Ride for the Philippines (RFP) aims to attract others to take part in the Foundation’s effort to raise awareness about its existence and who it helps back in the Philippines. RFP envisions covering a quarter of all Fil-Ams in the US to respond to the urgent need of marginalized and vulnerable people in the Philippines as they now face dire environmental conditions due to the impending weather patterns brought about by climate change.

PE: Who are involved in this endeavour?

RR: The Foundation for Philippine Progress is the organizing group while it is supported by Cascade Bicycles, organizers of the annual Seattleto-Portland Bike ride; and a few Seattle Biking clubs, including the St. Peter’s Cycling Club, the Gruppetto Cycling Club, the Life After Forty Biker’s Club and Bike Works Seattle. We envision widening the scope of the RFP so that communities of the diaspora with Fil-Am riders can emulate the spirit of “riding” along with the Filipinos as they face the challenges of today’s environmental changes.

PE: What does this project mean to you, personally?

RR: This project has made me reflect on my role as an educator, a Filipino-American living in a country that is endowed with so much, and someone who others relate to because of our songs from years past. In spite my years of absence from the Philippines, my heart continues to beat for our people back home. And so, for now, as an initial act of physical commitment, I’m going back to the annual bike ride, which I had set aside in the past five years. There is now a purpose to ride and encourage other riders, and to encourage our communities here in general, why it is important to join the RFP and to share with others what the Philippines is dealing with in terms of a changing climate.

PE: What tangible and lasting benefits will this project bring to our kababayans in need?

RR: The Foundation partnered with community networks back in the Philippines that are solely

intent on servicing the poor and the marginalized, most especially during times of crisis or weatherrelated relief efforts. They provide the FPP a continuing update on their sustainable environmental and community projects that aim to empower little barrios to both survive and be self-sustaining through the years. One of the projects, among others, the FPP has made a strong impact on is the rebuilding of fishing boats for coastal communities whose source of livelihood was destroyed by powerful typhoons lately.

PE: How can people not riding with your group be able to help?

RR: Others are invited to participate in other ways – be our cheering support along the way, and in the process, take the opportunity of giving others more information about the RFP and the foundation’s projects that help the folks in the Philippines. Volunteers can also help in sharing the ride updates during the weekend to others. This will allow a wider network in the community become aware of the Foundation’s existence. Also, other riding clubs may organize their own versions of the RFP anywhere they may be and at any time in the year.

PE: Anything else you would like to impart to our readers?

RR: In our initial attempt to draw attention to the Foundation through this mass ride, we are greatly encouraged by the support the greater Fil-Am community is beginning to extend – what your radio program and Pilipino Express newspaper is doing for us is one example. We feel that with today’s communication technology, we have hurdled the limitations of time and space and are able to mobilize others to act as if they are our physical neighbours.

The conditions brought about by the changing climate impact those who are the poorest most seriously, especially in countries like the Philippines where these weather-related conditions are getting worse and will continue to worsen in the decades ahead. We feel the urgency of providing them at least a fighting chance to ride these calamities through. And, in our collective effort to gather needed resources and with renewed determination, we literally, and spiritually, will ride along with them.

***

With the goal of raising $10,000 dollars by July 15th, Roger Rigor and Ronald Antonio rode 206 miles (331.5 km) from Seattle to Portland this past weekend, with roughly 8,000+ cyclists participating in this iconic summer bike ride for a cause.

Funds raised will support the group’s trusted partners in the Philippines to aid in their relief efforts, medical missions and community health programs.

See photos on p15

Ride for the Philippines

Roger Rigor rides his bike to aid Pinoys affected by climate change

The life and legacy of a godly man: Josue Boy Hipolito

Josue Bisquera Hipolito, known to family and friends as “Nong Boy,” went home to be with the Lord in the early hours of Monday, July 11, 2023. Nong Boy was born on June 11, 1947, in Lamitan, Basilan, to Igmidio Hipolito, Sr. and Carolina Bisquera Hipolito (both deceased). Nong Boy had six sisters and two brothers.

He was a loving husband to Elic Castillo, a caring father to Japheth and Rachel, and a doting grandfather to Jane and Jack. He was a godly man and a committed churchman, deacon, and choir member. By education he was a civil engineer and a Red Seal mechanic. He worked with FF Cruz and Company (Philippines), Saudi Electric Company as a special vehicle inspector (Dammam), and Standard Aero (Winnipeg/San Antonio). He loved cars and basketball and was a champion at soapbox derby in Lamitan at an early age.

He had a zest for life. Generous in spirit, he was always a helping hand to those in need and loyal to his friends. He touched many lives. Yet, he remained unassuming, a man of few words but with a contagious laugh. He also loved to cook.

We will not forget him, and he will continue to live in our cherished memories. His belief in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord reminds us that more than ever, Boy is alive and is now enjoying a blessed life in the presence of the Lord. As Jesus said, “Because I live, you will live also.” – John 14:19.

His favourite verse says it all: “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 21, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. We will celebrate God’s goodness in his life in a service on Friday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Interment will be Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 a.m. Both events will be held at Glen Eden Chapel and cemetery.

Roger Rigor wearing the purple bandana that participants wore for the Ride for the Philippines 2023. Purple is the official colour of the Foundation for Philippine Progress.

Rigor and friends in one of their rides to promote the event.

The Ride for the Philippines Core group at Seattle’s St. Peter’s Church.

VST & Company – Hailed as one of the most successful Filipino bands of the late 1970s. Roger Rigor, now based in Seattle, second from right in photo.

VST & Company - Reunion Tour 2022

Rigor and friends - all set for the ride, July 15