Katrina Czarina Salazar
Ma-Buhay! A New Musical captures the heart of Winnipeg
by Emmie Joaquin
Rainbow Stage, in celebration of its 70th anniversary, gave the Filipino Canadian community in Manitoba a priceless gift – the Canadian premiere of Ma-Buhay!
A New Musical
For us, the audience who received this precious gift, we laughed, cried, and beamed with pride as we watched Ma-Buhay!
A New Musical and its all-Filipino cast conquer Rainbow Stage from June 27 to July 14, 2024. The original musical is also a gift to Winnipeg’s Filipino Canadian community by its creator, Joseph Sevillo, who, through his creative genius, has further enriched the Filipino’s history in the province.
Sevillo, a Winnipeg-born and raised musical theatre artist, created, directed, and composed the songs performed in Manitoba’s first all-Filipino musical. In an earlier interview with the Pilipino Express, we asked him what inspired him to create MaBuhay. He said, “The inspiration of my musical is my parents who always supported my love to sing,
See MA-BUHAY p14
AP Bautista, Daren Dyhengco and Andrea Macasaet
Ma-Anne Dionisio
Andrea Macasaet
Joseph Sevillo
Joy Lazo and Kaitlyn Yago
Filipino Heritage Month, a pan-Canadian event, has naturally become a prelude to Canada Day. Although this was not by design, it is a beautiful happenstance.
Three years ago, during Canada Day 2021, I shared my reflections as a Canadian Filipino with our community. I drew from my life experiences in medicine, politics, and community volunteerism.
Last month, on Monday the 17th, I shared my Filipino Heritage story, drawing once again from my lifetime of experience, on the invitation of the Honourable Minister for Small Business, Rechie Valdez, and the manager for Outreach, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Ottawa Liberal Research Bureau, Jerica Gelle Mariano. Both are members of our heritage community. They hosted the 2024 Filipino Heritage Month Celebration on Parliament Hill and invited me to be the keynote speaker in person. When I conveyed my regret, Minister Valdez requested a video message, and Jerica added that I include reflections on my life experiences. I understood immediately, given the theme of their celebration was “Building Bridges Across Generations, Honouring Heritage and Stories.”
What is heritage and why honour and preserve it?
“Heritage,” as defined by the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, is “anything that is or may be inherited; valued things that have been passed down from previous generations; or relating to things of historic or cultural value
that are worthy of preservation.”
Heritage can be viewed as multidimensional, tangible, or intangible, such as cultural values or traditions, which are valuable tools for any family and society.
Who would argue against the importance of “a love for education, participation in community life, a strong work ethic, or religious devotion”? Or “passing on to future generations a country’s rich musical heritage, a person’s ethnic or cultural background”? Or “cherishing family traditions that provide unity and a sense of belonging, peace, security, and safety”? Or “telling and sharing family stories that help instil confidence, self-esteem, and pride in youth”? Or “honouring cultural values and traditions that provide a strong sense of self-identity and make for a self-assured and happy child”?
One’s heritage may also reflect struggles and triumphs, achievements and accomplishments, within or beyond one’s dreams. Alone or joined with others, I am confident these stories would inform and inspire. From the viewpoint of the Multiculturalism Branch of the Canadian Heritage Department, they “reflect historical and cultural milestones that help define the rich and significant history” of Canada’s multicultural communities.
Indeed, preserving our cultural heritage offers broad perspectives and many benefits. Many more can harvest these benefits when we share them with others in the community.
An invitation to share our Filipino heritage story
Why share our Filipino heritage story
I recalled the history, significance, and observance of June as a dedicated pan-Canadian Filipino Heritage Month. This year’s celebration is the sixth since the House of Commons of the Parliament of Canada adopted Motion No. 155 on October 30, 2018, unanimously and with the full concurrence of the government of Canada. The motion states:
“That, in the opinion of the House, the government should recognize (1) the contributions that FilipinoCanadians have made to Canadian society; (2) the richness of the Filipino language and culture; and (3) the importance of reflecting upon Filipino heritage for future generations by declaring June, every year, Filipino Heritage Month.” The third element focuses on the importance of Filipino heritage.
Multicultural heritage of Canadians
The 1982 patriated Canadian Constitution includes a new part – the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Section 27 states: “The Charter shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the preservation and enhancement of the multicultural heritage of Canadians.”
This specific charter provision not only reaffirms Canada’s multiculturalism policy first announced in 1971 by the Government of Canada under Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, but also makes it difficult for any future Canadian government to change this provision by a simple majority vote in parliament.
YVANNE CABALLERO
ANNE CAPRICE B. CLAROS
ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ
BRO. GERRY GAMUROT
NORMAN ACERON GARCIA
LUCILLE NOLASCO GARRIDO
MICHELE MAJUL-IBARRA
Any future change will require a constitutional amendment, which is a very difficult process. Thus, the preservation of the “multicultural heritage of Canadians” is virtually guaranteed a permanent fixture of our national fabric.
Moreover, during the patriation process, Canada resolved that the “multicultural heritage” of its people shall not only be preserved but also enhanced. Enhancement is a natural and welcome outcome of immigrants to Canada, who, by choice or necessity, contribute to nation-building, as will their future generations by birth. We can only be assured of their achievements and accomplishments, making Canada a better place.
The Filipino community and its heritage
It has occurred to me that sharing our individual heritage stories is one of the best ways to preserve our collective Filipino cultural heritage for posterity, thereby ensuring its preservation and enhancement for the wellbeing of Canadians’ continually evolving multicultural heritage.
Since the patriation of the Canadian Constitution in 1982, Canada has become increasingly diverse and mosaic-like. Our Canadian Filipino community alone is approaching the million mark. In the years ahead, our Filipino heritage will be a more significant part of the continually evolving Canadian multicultural heritage.
Indeed, our community has already become a significant part of the Canadian thumbprint, including two elected to the House of Commons and two appointed to the Senate. Beyond politicians, we have far more
in the healthcare and caregiver fields and other service sectors. Our presence is increasingly felt in all facets of national life. More than mere statistical numbers, we have brought with us exceptional talents and skills, and a jewel box of cultural values and traditions, which we apply to whatever work we do.
Invitation to all to share our Filipino heritage story
Thus, I thought I should share my Filipino heritage story more fully starting in my next column/ commentary, in the hope you, our readers, would also send in your own in the months to come to Pilipino Express and CFNet, or directly to reypagtakhan@gmail. com for subsequent sharing with our greater Canadian Filipino community. Thereby, we can all harvest the many benefits alluded to above.
Everyone, I am sure, has a unique heritage story to tell and share. Our Filipino heritage stories may reflect our struggles and triumphs, our achievements and accomplishments, within or beyond our dreams. Whatever the case, alone or joined with others, I am confident these stories would inform, inspire, entertain, and enhance a positive Filipino image – or, from the viewpoint of the Multiculturalism Branch of the Canadian Heritage Department, “reflect historical and cultural milestones that help define the rich and significant history” of Canada’s multicultural communities.
Begin to tell and share your own Filipino Heritage story!
Dr. Rey Pagtakhan is a retired Canadian Filipino physician, professor, and parliamentarian.
Enjoy your summer!
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has set a target of 110,770 skilled immigrant arrivals for 2024. The target surpasses the 83,000 who landed in 2023 and according to the Levels Plan will be followed by 117,500 in 2025 and 2026. It is time for potential skilled worker applicants to turn to the Federal Express Entry. The recent history of ITAs (Invitations to Apply) points to the targeting of category-based candidates and lowering CRS scores for consideration. IRCC can adjust its selection based upon national targets and preferred occupations.
The department announced that 3,750 ITA’s were issued on July 5, 2024, in a categorybased selection for healthcare occupations. The candidates scored a minimum of 445 (CRS) points at assessment. This was the second batch of invitations under the category-base since the beginning of the month.
1,800 ITAs were issued to trade occupations on July 4, 2024, with a CRS score of 436. In two days, IRCC issued 5,550 under category specific along with a PNP invitation of 920 on July 2, with a CRS score of 739. The total of 6,000 plus is the highest number of monthly invitations to apply since April and be included
in the yearly target.
Express Entry is a processing system that was introduced in 2015 as a way for IRCC to identify in-demand candidates and speed up their immigration to Canada. It is closely connected to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Express Entry promised six-month processing and this target is still being used by IRCC. The Express Entry considers human capital factors such as age, education, work experience, occupation, language facility in English or French and occupational demand. There are several types of Express Entry draws including program-specific draws, category-specific draws and general draws. Potential candidates submit their profile or Expression of Interest (EOI) and are retained in a data base for one calendar year unless they are selected by an assessment score (CRS) and issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
In 2023, the federal immigration department introduced another refinement to the selection system according to category-based selection. The occupational areas targeted included: healthcare occupations; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professions
Invitation to Apply (ITA) and Express Entry
or STEM occupations; trade occupations, such as carpenters, plumbers and contractors; transport occupations; agriculture and agri-food occupations; and French language proficiency candidates. These draws are not program specific and often include lower than average CRS scores, when compared to general draws.
A summary of the Express Entry draws for the second quarter of 2024 give the reader a sense of IRCC recruitment of skilled worker candidates. On July 5, ITAs were issued to 3,750 healthcare occupations with a CRS of 445; on July 4, 2024, 1,800 trade occupations with CRS of 436; on July 2, 2024, 920 Province Nominee Program candidates with CRS of 730;
PNP ITAs were issued on June 19, 2024, with 1,499 candidates with a CRS of 663; 3,000 ITA were issued under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) on May 31, 2024, with a CRS of 522; and 2,985 ITAs were issued under PNP on May 30, 2024, with a CRS score of 676. The summary provides potential users with detailed information about Express Entry and how they might submit their Expressions of Interest.
If you fit the category-based pool, your chances of being selected are enhanced. Do your research and find out if you qualify under FSWP or FSTP. If you do, then Express Entry may be your best bet. The federal selection system is heating up and we can anticipate more
activity leading up to the next federal election. The recruitment of needed skilled workers is important to the economic health of the country. The last provincial election was won and lost on the issue of health care and the importance of this occupational area is something we should not lose sight of.
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.
OUR COMMUNITY
The WSO shares music with kids in the community
by Jeffrey Acosta, Manager Education, Community and Sistema
El Sistema (The System) is a publicly financed, voluntary sector, music-education program, founded in Venezuela by educator, musician, and activist José Antonio Abreu with the motto “Music for Social Change.”
Sistema Winnipeg is a partnership between the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Seven Oaks and Winnipeg School Divisions. This year, the program encouraged about 150 students in grades 2 to 12 to reach their full potential while aiming to inspire social change through accessible music education.
Sistema Winnipeg delivers musical training every day after school, at no cost to participating families at two main locations: Elwick and King Edward Schools. This year, Sistema Winnipeg students participated as many as 19 performances and three volunteer opportunities.
The Sistema Winnipeg program officially started in September when we welcomed new and returning students and our new Sistema Winnipeg Music Director, Monica Chen, who is also the WSO’s RBC Assistant Conductor. By early October, the Sistema’s Beethoven Orchestra had already performed at the WSO’s Community Celebration
concert, conducted by Monica!
Students from each school performed at three family night events for their communities, showcasing their work and celebrating over food with Sistema families. Sistema Elwick performed at the Seven Oaks School Division’s Hall of Fame induction and their Arts in the Park event. Sistema King Edward performed at Isaac Newton School as a mini-outreach concert for the music program.
Performances included the Tannis M. Richardson Winter Concert and the Michael Nozick Spring Concert; named in honour of the generous individuals who launched the Sistema Winnipeg Endowment Fund in 2017. In February, the Sistema Winnipeg Benefit Concert fundraiser was held in memory of Judith Prescott Flynn, who helped support and plan the annual event over the years.
Sistema Winnipeg students were excited to sing the national anthem at a Manitoba Moose game! This allowed many Sistema families to experience a Canadian hockey game in person!
Sistema Winnipeg students became the teachers for folks attending the WSO’s Kid’s Concert Series. Running the instrument petting zoo, they showed others how to hold and make a sound on their instruments. And after spring break, Sistema
Winnipeg performed at the WSO’s Adventures in Music program, playing for students from across the province.
With the support of our community, partners, foundations and sponsors, Sistema Winnipeg can continue to support the growth, both musically and socially, of our student communities.
Sistema Winnipeg student talks about preparing for the spring concert
Q: What’s your name?
A: Khaeilynn!
Q: How old are you, and how long have you been in Sistema Winnipeg?
A: I am nine years old, and I’ve been playing violin in Sistema for three years! I was also in the Winnipeg Youth Orchestras this last year.
Q: What is your favourite
If you would like to support Sistema Winnipeg, you can make a donation by scanning this QR code and following the link.
thing about Sistema Winnipeg?
A: When we get to play for the younger and new Sistema students!
Q: How does it make you feel to play on your instrument?
A: It’s fun, and I love my
violin! It makes me feel happy to play it.
Q: What do you want the audience to experience at the upcoming concert?
A: Our energy and our big sound!
Jeffrey Acosta, Manager Education, Community and Sistema
Community Celebration Concert. Photo by Matt Duboff
Sistema Winnipeg Music Director, Monica Chen. Photo by Grajewski Fotograph
Khaeilynn from Sistema King Edward
Sistema at the Manitoba Moose hockey game
KC Salazar and Cia Fajardo VieforpageantcrownsinFlorida
Winnipeg’s pride, Katrina Czarina Salazar (Katrina), 18, the reigning Miss Teen Galaxy Canada 2024 alongside with Lesceia Fajardo (Cia), 8, the reigning Little Miss Galaxy Canada 2024, will be among the seven young girls and women who will vie for the coveted Galaxy International Pageants crowns in Orlando, Florida next month. The coronations are slated between August 14-19, 2024, at the Embassy Suites by Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort.
Miss Teen Galaxy Canada 2024 was Katrina’s second title crown under the national Canada Galaxy Pageants where the first title she held was Junior Miss Galaxy Canada 2019, the first Queen ever crowned. She finished as one of the semi-finalists during the Galaxy International Pageants also held in Orlando in September 2019.
Katrina also won the following special awards during the national competition in October 2023: Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality, Best in Fashion Wear, Best in Evening Gown, Miss Publicity Award. Meanwhile, Cia also won Best in Interview, Best in Fashion Wear, Best in Evening Gown and the Miss Publicity Award during the national competition.
Katrina graduated high school from Maples Collegiate with honours and she will be taking up psychology and neuroscience and has been admitted to University of Manitoba this September. She loves to volunteer with her family, in the Filipino community and other not for profit organizations, and has appeared and featured in different print, radio and television media. She advocates for youth mental health and diversity amongst Canadians. During her spare time, she loves reading different sci-fi, romance and adventure books, she also writes poems and paints. Katrina first ventured the world of pageantry when she was crowned as the first Second Princess of the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival Queen Bulilit in 2016.
Cia was previously crowned as Manitoba Filipino Street Festival Queen Bulilit First Princess in 2022. She was also invited by the Canadian Talent and Model Convention (CMTC) this year. Cia has been featured on different media platforms such as, OMNI and CTV news
as well as local newspapers. Volunteering extensively in different communities, Cia believes that when you volunteer, you are not just giving your time and talent, but you are opening your heart to others. She is very passionate about making a difference in the community. Her significant achievement by far was her “Little Library Book Drive” advocacy project, which collected new and gently used books to replenish Winnipeg’s Free Little Library, providing stories to those in need. Additionally, she actively participates in giftgiving programs with various organizations and using her voice to empower others.
Katrina and Cia will be holding their Journey to the Internationals fundraiser social on August 10, 2024, from 5: to 10:00 p.m. at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM), 737 Keewatin St. There will be lots of fun and activities happening such as a 50/50 and a silent auction. Sponsors and a pop-up market are welcome to support these two Winnipeggers on their journey to win the Galaxy International crowns and help achieve their dreams in putting Winnipeg on the international stage of pageantry. Interested donors and sponsors may reach out to Kenneth Salazar, Katrina’s father, at 204-915-6018 and Charina Fajardo, Cia’s mother, at 204-298-4280.
Lesceia Fajardo, Little Miss Galaxy Canada 2024
Marian Rivera turns ‘deglamorized’ for upcoming movie Balota
GMA Network has unveiled a new look at Marian Rivera’s upcoming role in Balota
In contrast to her usual graceful personal looks and lovely characters, the Kapuso Primetime Queen turns “deglamorized” in her latest character photo posted on Instagram. Wearing a grimy teacher’s uniform in a forest, Marian has messy hair, plus blood and bruises all over her.
In the comments section, Marian’s fans still pointed out that she remained beautiful despite her disheveled appearance.
Balota follows a landgrabbing tycoon and a former male sexy actor who are locked in a tight race for the mayoral seat of a small town.
Marian will play the role of Emmy, a teacher who serves in the election. Emmy runs into the wilderness with a ballot box, the last copy of the election results
See MARIAN p11
Josh and Bimby visit First Lady Liza Marcos
The visit of the sons of Kris Aquino, Joshua (Josh) and James (Bimby), on July 9 to the office of First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos was “personal,” according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The President described the visit as a “human interaction” between the families of the Aquinos and the Marcoses
“It’s sort of I suppose put a little more – how do you say –personal, a human interaction
between our families,” the President told reporters on the sidelines of the impounding process ceremony of the Upper Wawa Dam in Rizal.
Josh and Bimby are sons of actress-TV host Kris Aquino, sister of the late former president Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III and daughter of the late former president Corazon “Cory” Aquino and former senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr
Marian Rivera
See JOSH p11
Bimby & Josh Aquino with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos
Julie Anne San Jose, handa na bang magpakasal kay Rayver Cruz?
Julie Anne San Jose kay Rayver Cruz, “Gusto ko siya na talaga.”
Very inspired ngayon si Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose sa kaniyang kabi-kabilang proyekto sa singing at acting career.
Malaking bahagi ng inspirasyon ni Julie ay ang kaniyang boyfriend na si Rayver Cruz.
Kuwento ni Julie sa 24 Oras, sobrang swak ang personality nila ni Rayver, sa katunayan, nakikita niya raw ang kaniyang sarili sa kaniyang nobyo.
Aniya, “Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit ‘di kami nag-aaway, e. Si Ray kasi parang ako siya or if I look in the mirror I see Ray. Para akong nakahanap ng katapat ko or nakahanap ako ng kapareho ko.”
Sinagot din ni Julie ang tanong kung plano na rin ba nilang magpakasal ni Rayver.
“Of course, we really do talk about it. Marami pa kaming mga pangarap individually but of course being together, we also want to achieve those dreams together.
Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz
See JULIE p11
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ
Richard Gutierrez, Barbie Imperial are ‘exclusively dating’
Ogie Diaz confirms that Richard Gutierrez (who’s still legally married, as far as the public knows) and Barbie Imperial are exclusively dating
Relationship rumors between the two were recently fueled after photos, perceived to be them, surfaced while in South Korea.
In a recent video on his Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update YouTube channel, Ogie confirmed via a “very reliable source” that Richard and Barbie are indeed exclusively dating.
The source also said that there was no overlap in Richard’s relationship as he had already
separated from his ex-wife Sarah Lahbati before seeing Barbie.
Ogie said that Richard and Sarah broke up last year and they are co-parenting their two sons, Kai and Zion
The talent manger’s source added that they feel bad for Barbie because people are claiming she is a homewrecker and the reason for Richard and Sarah’s split.
“Barbie had nothing to do with the hiwalayan issue,” Ogie quoted his source, also mentioning Richard is still friends with all his exes, including Anne Curtis and Georgina Wilson (both of whom are already married).
The latter point was to prove that Richard does not hit women, a rumor being thrown around since news of his breakup with Sarah went public.
“Si Richard, ‘pag may mahal, hindi na nagmamahal ng iba. Alam ‘yan ng mga ex-girlfriend niya,” Ogie’s source told him.
“Kaya nu’ng time nila ni Sarah, may nabalitaan ka bang may No. 2 si Richard? Wala! Hindi porket ‘di nagsasalita si Richard ay siya ang may kasalanan sa hiwalayan.”
The source added Richard was not speaking out against Sarah because it is not in his nature to fight with women, especially the
mother of his children.
Ogie then asked his source if Richard and Barbie would go public about their relationship, and the source said, “in due time.”
Earlier this year, the two actors were seen having some drinks in an Alabang bar, and it sparked the romance rumors. At that time, Ogie reported
there was nothing romantic between Richard and Barbie, an information he also obtained from a reliable source. Meanwhile, in a recent event, Sarah did not seem to care if the rumors between Richard and Barbie were true.
Source: Kristofer Purnell, Philstar.com
Barbie Imperial and Richard Gutierrez
OUR COMMUNITY
MARIAN...
From page 8
when violence in their town erupts.
It is directed by awardwinning filmmaker Kip Oebanda and will screen at the Cinemalaya Film Festival from August 2 to 11.
Previous photos showed Marian holding a bright yellow ballot box in a school. Her costar, content creator Sassa Gurl, also shared scenes of a protest and a conversation with Marian.
Marian is fresh from a win at the FAMAS Awards, where she and Dingdong Dantes were the first recipients of the Bida ng Takilya trophies.
She is currently starring in her comeback series, My Guardian Alien and the sitcom with Dingdong, Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa
Source: GMA Integrated News
JOSH...
From page 8
The Chief Executive said the First Lady is the aunt of the Aquino siblings.
“But what the reports did not say is that Liza is their aunt. Dahil ang kaniyang auntie ay napangasawa si Don Pepe (Cojuangco), the eldest brother of Cory,” he explained.
“So, they are related. Kaya’t hindi naman nakakapagtaka, kilang-kilala niya si – kilalang kilala niya ‘yung mga pamangkin niya very well. So, that – and so, they came at nagbiyahe sila, bumalik may dalang pasalubong. Iyon lang naman. Dinala nila ‘yung pasalubong kay First Lady,” he added.
President Marcos made the remarks when asked about the nature of the visit of the Aquino siblings. He was also quizzed on the relations between the Marcos and Aquino families after the EDSA revolution.
He explained that Josh and Bimby asked help from the First Lady for travel arrangements. The
First Lady granted assistance, he added.
“Sabi lang magpapasalamat sila. And so – I think it was a very fine gesture on the part of the Aquino family,” Marcos added.
President Marcos said the Aquinos and the Marcoses have always been okay. “We just don’t agree politically,” he added. PND
JULIE...
From page 9
“Right now, we’re just not forcing things to happen and we’re not really rushing,” ani Julie.
Dagdag pa ng singer actress, “Ako naman kasi I’m the kind of person na kung sino man ‘yung ka-relationship ko or kung sino man ‘yung other half ko, siyempre ‘yun ‘yung goal ko na gusto ko siya na talaga.”
Nauna na ring sinabi noon ni Rayver sa Fast Talk with Boy Abunda na si Julie na ang nakikita niyang babaeng kaniyang papakasalan.
“Para sa akin kasi, Tito Boy, everything happens for a reason, e, and Siya lang ang nakakaalam noon sa itaas. Para sa akin kasi yung river of hope ko, yung lakas ng loob ko ay nanggagaling kay Julie.
“So iniisip ko, may rason kung bakit si Julie, magkasama kami sa Holy Land. And for me, mind, body, and soul, kasal na ako sa kaniya,” pahayag noon ni Rayver.
Samantala, bago magbalik bilang coach sa The Voice Kids, puspusan na rin ang paghahanda ni Julie para sa kanilang firstconcert together ni Stell. Ito ay ang Julie X Stell: Ang Ating Tinig concert na gaganapin sa New Frontier Theater sa July 27 at July 28.
Bukod pa rito, may special participation din si Julie sa highly-anticipated family drama ng GMA na Pulang Araw, kung saan gaganap siya bilang isang Bodabil star na si Katy Dela Cruz
Source: Jimboy Napoles, GMA Entertainment
THISISME at PTE on August 23
A new, one-night-only theatre experience is coming to Winnipeg. THIS IS ME: An Interactive Musical Experience is an original show that will have its premiere at this year’s Kultivation Festival.
Co-producer Tricia Magsino Barnabé is presenting the show through her non-profit production label, A Million Dreams. She said the evening “invites music lovers to an inspirational voyage of self-discovery, optimism and empowerment.” Audience members, young and old, are invited to sing along to jazz tunes, pop singles, Broadway hits and songs from movie musicals. All this, while enjoying complimentary appetizers and drinks.
“I wanted to showcase the unique talents of our performers and creative team, provide an exciting and unforgettable experience for our participants and audience, and also introduce a platform to raise awareness and fundraise for the worthy causes of our charity, L’Arche Winnipeg” said Magsino Barnabé.
THIS IS ME features a surprise
cast of over two dozen Winnipeg singers, a Zumba dance group and performers from L’Arche Winnipeg, all collaborating to perform a partly scripted, partly improvised musical theatre show that is sure to get the audience members out of their seats and onto the stage.
Winnipeg’s Reporter in Pink and award-winning filmmaker, Joanne Roberts, makes up the other half of the producing duo alongside Magsino Barnabé.
Roberts said the evening is not just a night of music; it’s also acting as a fundraiser for a local charity – a staple for A Million Dreams.
“We really wanted this show to be a night of empowerment through entertainment, while also supporting a good cause,” said Roberts.
One hundred per cent of the proceeds are going to the local charity, L’Arche Winnipeg, an organization which creates homes and social opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. (https://www.larchewinnipeg.org/)
“It’s a great way to enjoy an evening out with the community,
while giving back at the same time,” Roberts said.
Magsino Barnabé and Roberts are presenting THIS IS ME: An Interactive Musical Experience on August 23rd at 7:00pm at the PTE, 3rd Floor, Portage Place.
“We invite you to sing and dance in your seats, in the aisles and absolutely, on stage too,” said Magsino Barnabé.
Purchase your tickets in advance before this event sells out! Reach out to Tricia Magsino Barnabé amilliondreams333@gmail. com
For Tickets scan this code and follow the link.
In the September 14, 1986, issue of the Winnipeg Sun, it was reported that a group of about 35 Filipino workers gathered in front of the Winnipeg Free Press to protest an alleged racist slur. The group was led by its spokesman Raul Bautista, a union agent of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union Local 459. This story was told to me by Danny Ferrer, a CAW member who was present at the protest. He added that it was probably the first of the organized protests against racism at a time when the Filipinos numbered only 20,000 in Winnipeg compared to today when the community is a hundred thousand strong.
While racism can be encountered daily on an individual basis and can be addressed immediately due to individual awareness, from time to time, it rears its ugly head. Fortunately, those who protested were some members of unions like CAW and the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union Local 459 who were aware of their rights and understood the power of organized protest. In the same article by Rene Mauthe, a Sun staff writer, it states, and I quote, “Filipinos, Chinese and Vietnamese community officials want to meet with Attorney General Roland Penner to discuss a joint response to a report linking those groups to organized crime.” (Winnipeg Sun, September 14, 1986)
1993 – Spring of resistance
The Winnipeg Free Press’
May 9, 1993, issue had its headline “Angry Filipinos rally,” which turned out to be the biggest anti-racism mobilization led by the Filipino community where around 1500 gathered at the Superstore. Winnipeg was surprised by the magnitude of the mobilization. Most of the leading personalities at the rally were workers and members of unions like Garment Workers, and Canadian Auto Workers (CAW), to name a few. In my blog titled “1993, Spring of Resistance –The Struggle Against Racism,” published by Ang Peryodiko (February 1, 2016), it was mentioned that “a big campaign against racism and discrimination happened, which was spearheaded by the Filipino community” (Carol Sanders, “Rallying Cry: Shoplifting accusation galvanized Winnipeg’s Filipino community to rise against racism,” Winnipeg Free Press, March 3, 2012). In the same article, Pilipino Express editor Emmie Joaquin explained that the rally stemmed from a statement made by a grocery store clerk accusing Filipinos of being thieves.
It is interesting to note that back in the early 90s, most of the community leaders and participants who were involved in the campaign were Filipino workers and activists. In the 90s, there was an organization called the Philippine Solidarity Group (PSG) coordinated by Neri Dimacali with council members Conrado “Popoy” Gomez –Chair of Filipino Coalition for Human Rights (FILCOHR), Danny Gomez, and Felino De Jesus who were present in the campaign. Other organizations
Filipino workers: Racism and resistance!
like the Pilipino Association of Manitoba (PAM) and the Council of Filipino Organizations of Manitoba headed by Fred De Villa were also involved.
Stopping racism in the workplace
On March 21, 2000, to commemorate International Anti-racism Day, an urgent demonstration was launched with a campaign slogan, “Stop Racism at Seven Oaks Hospital!” It was sponsored by the Workers of Caucus (Manitoba Federation of Labour) led by its pioneer coordinator Louis Ifill.
This event was fully endorsed by the Kilusan ng Manggagawang Pilipino or KAMPI (Filipino Workers Movement). KAMPI was an organization that evolved from the Philippine Support Group or PSG that was formed in response to the Marcos dictatorship between 1972 and 1986. KAMPI came into being when the Marcos regime was overthrown at the EDSA uprising. One of the programs of KAMPI was to help unions organize workers. It was also involved in campaigns focused on the rights and welfare of workers from 1996 up until 2004. Some of the members of KAMPI were members of mainstream unions like the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), CAW, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), Garment Workers, and many more.
Hence, since its beginning in 1986, the struggle against racism and discrimination continues. However, it is important to
recognize that the years 1986, 1993, and 2001 were periods when the community composed mainly of workers in industries got involved in major organized pushbacks against racism and discrimination. Such actions kept democracy alive in a city that is home to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and where the spirit of the 1919 General Strike is still burning. The Filipino community, which the city has blessed with opportunities, also gave back by asserting human rights through the years.
Levy Abad authored a book titled Rhythms and Resistance: Narrative of Filipino Musicians and Activists (1972-1994). Levy is also a singer-songwriter,
poet, and migrant rights activist who has released four albums centred on the life and struggles of migrants.
Raul Bautista
Groups recognized for promoting Filipino Heritage Month
Canada celebrated Filipino Heritage Month this past June with programs and activities that showcased the vibrancy of the Filipino Canadian community. In Winnipeg, several organizations initiated projects designed to raise awareness about the Filipino community, its culture and traditions, and its valuable contributions to the development of the province.
On July 6, 2024, MP for Winnipeg North Kevin Lamoureux and his daughter, MLA for Tyndall Park Cindy Lamoureux, hosted a gathering at the Pool of the Black Star room in the Manitoba Legislative Building for local Filipino Canadian community members who helped promote Filipino Canadian heritage during June. The special guests received certificates of recognition and commemorative coins honouring Filipino Heritage Month.
Photos by Ralph Figurasin
Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers Inc. (MAFTI)
Clarita Nazario with MP Kevin Lamoureux, Joy Pascual, and MLA Cindy Lamoureux
Meadows West School’s students and their families, teachers and Vice Principal Paul Ong
Community advocates with Garry Alejo of the Bear Clan
Seven Oaks Filipino Employees Association SOFEA)
Filipino Chapter – Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (FMC –EngGeoMB)
EH KASI, PINOY!
KROSWORD NO. 445
Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot
10. Hindi iyo
12. Pananong
16. Ikasampung bahagi
19. Kapahamakan
21. Sino ang may-ari
23. Kalawit
24. Anaki
25. Palaman
26. Ilug-ilugan
27. Ihalo
28. Biyudo
30. Balik
31. Lantad
SAGOT SA NO. 444
MA-BUHAY...
From page 1
Inihanda
in Manitoba.” Regarding the title, MaBuhay, he explained that while “Mabuhay” in Filipino means “long live,” the hyphenated title Ma-Buhay carries an extra meaning for him. “MA stands for ‘mother’ or short for ‘mama,’ and BUHAY is the Filipino word for ‘life.’” He added that it is also a tribute to his late mother,
Teresita Dizon Sevillo, who loved him unconditionally and always supported his dreams to pursue theatre arts for a living.
When asked what he hopes to achieve with Ma-Buhay, Sevillo said, “I hope that Ma-Buhay! will be the most successful musical of all time and the first musical from Manitoba that will have a long-
See MA-BUHAY p15 dance, and act, as well as the local Filipinx talents in Manitoba who have inspired me year after year during the days of Tuklas Talino, the most prestigious Filipino singing contest in Manitoba, and how singing seems to be the love language of so many Filipinx here
MA-BUHAY...
From page 14
standing run on Broadway, as well as many sit-down productions internationally. Filipinx are the most adaptable of people and can be found on every continent. I hope this show provides a mirror in which they can see themselves and feel proud of their culture.”
The formidable cast that energetically and powerfully carried the show nightly deserves our cheers because each performance did not disappoint. The singing, dancing, and acting were incredible. The triple-threat performers succeeded in capturing the audience’s admiration with their powerful voices and acting.
Ma-Anne Dionisio, Andrea Macasaet, Arnold Tongol, Joy Lazo, Daren Dyhengco, AP Bautista, Shauldon Santos, Rochelle Kives, and Robin Jordan Quintana were outstanding. The young actors Pierson Alibudbud, Annika Malolos, Jordan Sevillo, and Kaitlyn Yago performed on par with the rest of the more mature cast members. And we must not forget the ensemble that effectively and tirelessly took the audience on a high-energy musical ride. Kudos to Alba Manuel, Jerilyn Bulaong, Justin Bulaong, Dutchess Cayetano, Victoria Exconde, Johan Malolos, Nathan Malolos, Hazel Wallace, and Josh Calabio.
The production team behind the scenes also did a great job. Seanne Buenafe, the music director/conductor and piano vocal arranger, along with his five-member band, provided impeccable musical accompaniment for the show. The beautiful and colourful costumes designed by Brenda Belmonte and Alba Ignis enhanced the performers’ presence on stage. Co-choreographers Lee Banaga, Sharlyne Chua, and Jayel Masangkay did an excellent job. The video design by students in Sisler’s CREATE program created a rich visual package that added to the success of the show.
Of course, the icing on the cake was this musical feat of bringing together two outstanding Filipino Canadian Broadway stars with Winnipeg roots – Ma-Anne Dionisio, who originated the role of Kim in the Canadian premiere production of Miss Saigon, and Andrea Macasaet, best known for originating the role of Anne Boleyn in the Broadway production of Six: The Musical – to join the cast. The probability of seeing these two outstanding Filipino Canadian actors performing on the same stage in Winnipeg again may be slim.
Thank you, Rainbow Stage.
Thank you, Joseph Sevillo.
That’s a wrap!
Photos courtesy of Rainbow Stage
Robin Jordan Quintana and Rochelle Kives
AC Tongol, Shauldon Santos and Daren Dyhengco
Arnold Tongol AP Bautista
