Pilipino Express • Jul 1 2022

Volume 18 • No. 13 • July 1 - 15 , 2022 Publication Mailing Account #41721512

Rabiya Mateo

Marcos Jr. takes top office Editor’s note: The Philippines has a new chief executive with a familiar old name. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took his oath of office as the 17th president of the Philippines on June 30, 2022.

Jon Malek looks into the Marcos legacy and its impact on the nation’s political dynasties in this first part of his two-part series.

Marcos: The Legacy, Part 1

by Jon G. Malek

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The results of the 2022 Philippine elections surprised many observers.

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos had a strong chance of winning, according to several polls, but nobody predicted the size of the margin he gained over his main rival, Leni Robredo. The election of Bongbong, also known as BBM, See MARCOS p4

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., 17th president of the Philippines

Dr. Rey Pagtakhan honoured with park dedication

St. Vital Councillor Brian Mayes (left) unveils the park sign with honoree, Dr. Rey Pagtakhan. Also, in photo are from right: Former city councillor Mike Pagtakhan, MP Terry Duguid, Larry Vickar, and Mrs. Gloria Pagtakhan. Over 122 guests attended the park dedication, June 25. See p16

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MARCOS...

From page 1 and Sarah Duterte continue the Philippine’s legacy of political dynasties. In my first of a twopart series on the Marcos political legacy, I discuss international reaction to the election and how the EDSA People Power Revolution provides a useful context.

Without a doubt, it was a rousing election. Filipinos have a long history of being politically minded, involved, as well as divided. Philippine political history dates back well before the presence of the Spanish, during which times a multiplicity of small communities led by datu composed the political landscape.

After centuries of Spanish colonization, which saw the denial of political involvement, educated Filipinos in the late 19th century began demanding, and receiving, increased opportunities for participation, ultimately culminating in the declaration of the first Philippine Republic in 1898, a date which Filipinos across the world just recently celebrated.

This was the first real political revolution in Asia against colonial powers, and it would continue against American occupiers. The Philippines once again became a source of inspiration for political revolution with the People Power Revolution of 1986 (also known shorthand as EDSA), which ended in the departure of the president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., from the country.

Much of the attention from international news agencies has focused on why the elections garnered so much attention as they did. While I cannot touch on all issues, there are a few about which I’d like to speak as a historian.

International news agencies and observers are struck by a single fact: the son of a dictator, deposed by a people’s power movement, has been elected by an undeniably large mandate. In Canada, an infraction such as leaving classified documents in one’s car is enough to ruin one’s political career (in reference to the thenForeign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier who quit his cabinet post in 2008). The Philippines, however, has a different political culture, informed by a history quite different to that of Canada.

It is, nevertheless, a question that millions of Filipinos around the world are asking: how could the son of a dictator be elected by such a wide margin, especially on such a vague (many would argue non-existent) political platform?

PILIPINO EXPRESS One might also ask what happened to the memory of EDSA, to that period of struggle that galvanized the Filipino people and reinvigorated its democracy? Was the election of BBM a result of the Philippine population forgetting the legacies of Marcos, or at least selectively forgetting? There is no doubt a degree of forgetting and re-casting the memory of Martial Law by some. But it is more nuanced than just that. BBM’s campaign did involve a significant degree of historical revisionism, and the need for large-scale disinformation campaigns are proof of this. However, there is an underlying reason that has become apparent: the ultimate failure of the EDSA. One of the main reasons that the EDSA revolution was revolutionary was its bloodless toppling of the Marcos dictatorship. In the sense that EDSA ended the reign of Marcos and dislodged his supporters from power, the people power movement was successful.

Philippine political leaders hailed it as a revolution, as did many who flooded the streets and congregated in Camps Aguinaldo and Crame in February 1986. However, a political revolution is something See MARCOS p5

Civilians block a tank at the intersection of Quezon Avenue, Timog Avenue, and West Avenue in Quezon City. Photo by Linglong Ortiz.

Published in People Power: An eyewitness history (1986)

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Ferdinand Marcos and his family including Bongbong Jr (right) at his second inauguration as Philippine president, 1969. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Corazon Aquino campaigning with son Noynoy, 1986. Photo: Wikipedia

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Bongbong and his father Ferdinand Marcos.

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June 20th is World Refugee Day Canada is one the leading countries in support for refugees displaced by war and natural disasters. We should be rightly proud of the reputation of our country as an international leader in resettlement and integration. The theme of this year’s celebration of June 20th is “Whoever, Wherever, Whenever.”

Everyone has the right to seek safety (http://unhcr.org/worldrefugee-day, html). Since 1980, Canada has welcomed one million refugees and continues to open its hearts and borders to those in danger and need.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in his address on World Refugee Day: “Today, I invite all Canadians to reflect on the values that make our country a top destination for those in search of a better life: peace, freedom, equality, and above all a hope for a better future. We will continue to show the world what it means to be Canadians by continuing to provide those

MARCOS...

From page 4 that completely topples a power system. The French Revolution overthrew the French monarchy; the American Revolution shook off the colonial administrative shackles of the British Empire; the Haitian Revolution wrenched the lands of Haiti from the French and put in the hands of former slaves.

Many theorists and historians of colonialism and anti-colonial revolutions such as Frantz Fanon argue that a revolution cannot be successful unless the entire colonial framework – political, economic, and social – are not only deconstructed but destroyed.

In this sense, EDSA failed.

EDSA succeeded in dislodging Marcos and his cronies from power, but instead of following through on the revolution, power was immediately returned to the very elite that had held it since the time of the Spanish. Today, many scholars (both pro- and anti-Marcos) argue that this was a failure of the movement, and that instead of a revolution, it was a restoration. As stated by Caroline Hau, EDSA “usher[ed] in yet another variant of the elite democracy dominated by

in need with a safe place to call home. Refugees are integral to the fabric of our communities across the country; they start businesses, volunteer to help those who need it, and contribute fully to our local economies. Canada is better for it.”

It is too easy for some to lose sight of our country’s proud tradition of helping the displaced.

We have only to remember Canada’s response to the Soviet suppression in Hungary in 1956 or in Czechoslovakia in 1968 or the plight of the boat people who fled Vietnam by sea in the late 1970s. We continue to address the crises of the day from the war in Syria, to the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan to the current invasion of Ukraine. Canada responded to all these and other international crises. Canada welcomed over 74,000 Syrian refugees between 2015 and 2020 as well as over 16,000 Afghans since 2021 and 43,000 Ukrainian nationals to date, displaced by the

dynastic political clans at the local, provincial, and national levels.” (https://ikangablog. wordpress.com/2022/05/27/ response-to-rigoberto-tiglaosincompetence-indolence-andu n e t h i c a l - b e h a v i o r- o f - a n t i marcos-scholars/). EDSA thus saw the restoration of the former political and wealthy elite – to which, for example, the Aquino and Arroyo family belong. But, in this way, Bongbong Marcos is a product of the failed EDSA revolution, as he is the latest in the history of political dynasties claiming Malacañang’s halls.

Bongbong rose to power almost in part by the memory of his father, reminiscent of “Noynoy” Aquino’s campaign, which also invoked the memory of his parents, Benigno and Cory – one a martyr and the other a hero of post-EDSA Philippine democracy – but both are also examples of the political aristocracy coming back to power. BBM’s invocation of his father’s memory appealed to those who wish for a Philippines free of its entrenched political elite, a promise that Marcos, Sr., actually acted upon. As Luis H. Francia wrote in A History of the Philippines, though, “While the regime [of Marcos] had to a

ongoing Russian invasion. The world continues to be a dangerous place for displaced refugees, but Canada remains open and honours the theme of “Whoever, Wherever, Whenever.”

Everyone has the right to be free from the threat from war, violence, or persecution.

The United Nations drafted protocols for the treatment of affected persons in the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol, which are both signed

by Canada. The measures include a cornerstone principle of nonrefoulement: Article 33 stipulates that Canada and other signatories must carry out risk assessments prior to the removal of noncitizens from Canada who allege the risk of persecution, torture, or other forms of cruel and inhuman treatment if they are returned to their home country. Other rights include: the right to work; the right to be housed; the right to be educated; and right to access public relief and assistance; the freedom of religion; the right to

access the courts; the freedom of movement within the country of settlement; and the right to be issued identity and travel documents.

Canada’s immigration Act (IRPA) contains the following description of who is a Convention Refugee: IRPA s.96: “A Convention refugee is a person who, by reason of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion, (a) is outside each of their countries of nationality and is unable or, by reason of that fear, unwilling to avail themself of the protection of each of those countries; or (b) not having a country of nationality, is outside the country of their former habitual residence and is unable or, by reason of that fear, unwilling to return to that country.” The following section 97 covers Protected Persons or those who submit refugee claims from inside Canada based on a fear of returning to their home

country. All claims are vetted, Canada is not perfect, but its efforts to provide a safe haven for refugees and fair adjudication are laudable. Prime Minister Trudeau’s comments (noted above) are a reflection of Canada’s continuing support for refugees.

The theme words of “Whoever, Wherever and Whenever” are something for Canadians to keep in their hearts, minds, and sentiments such as words coined by leaders of world religions such as Moses and Jesus, “thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Canada is a “doer of these words, not hearer only.”

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 204-227-0292.

E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail.com.

large degree broken up the old oligarchy and disbanded their private militias, it simply replaced the former with one of its own making, with its members forming their own private militias.”

EDSA, in failing to fulfill its revolutionary potential, replaced that old, displaced oligarchy. The

irony and contradiction of BBM’s invocation is that, as a post-EDSA product, he, along with his other family members in political office, are a part of that oligarchic elite.

Next issue, we will explore some of the mythos surrounding Marcos, Sr., which BBM’s camp have drawn upon, and

what his election shows about contemporary Philippine society.

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

Bongbong Marcos and his running mate Sara Duterte during a grand caravan in Quezon City in December 2021. Photo: Wikipedia

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Ang daan patungo sa Parliament Hill

Ang salaysay na ito ay isinulat ni Emmie Joaquin at unang inilathala sa Hiyas Magazine noong Disyembre, 1998. – Ed Kasabay ng Grey Cup Parade nitong nakaraang Nobyembre 20, 1998 ang pagdiriwang ng ikasampung anibersaryo ni Dr. Rey Pagtakhan bilang isang Member of Parliament ng Canada.

Puno ng mga kaibigan ng pamilya Pagtakhan ang banquet hall ng Lombard Hotel at parang sinadya namang naisabay ito sa pagsasaya ng lunsod ng Winnipeg. Bukod sa Grey Cup parade ay sinindihan din nang gabing iyon ang mga Christmas lights sa downtown at pagkatapos ay nagkaroon pa ng magandang fireworks display.

Pati panahon ay tila nakisama; hindi pangkaraniwang gabi, hindi pangkaraniwang kasaysayan.

Napakalayo ang distansiya ng Bacoor, Cavite sa Winnipeg, Manitoba. Malayo na rin ang narating ng batang lumaki sa hirap na nakayapak lamang sa paglalakad patungo sa mababang paaralan noong dekada ‘40.

Ipinanganak si Reynaldo Pagtakhan sa Bacoor, Cavite.

Pang-anim siya sa labing-isang magkakapatid. Ang kaniyang ama ay si Victor, Sr. na isang “selftaught” accountant at ang kaniyang ina ay si Fabiana na naging guro sa elementarya. Nang matapos ang panahon ng Hapon, nagtayo ang kaniyang mga magulang ng isang maliit na bakery sa Bacoor, ito’y tinawag nilang Philippine Bakery.

Nagsimula lamang ito mula sa kusina ng kanilang bahay.

“Walang social life,” nakangiting sabi ni Dr. Rey nang tanungin ko siya kung paano ang buhay niya noong siya ay lumalaki. Lahat silang labing-isang magkakapatid ay tinuruang maging panadero ng kanilang magulang, gising silang lahat sa madaling-araw at samasamang nagmamasa ng arina at nakaharap sa hulmahan ng tinapay. Kapag naluto na ang pandesal ay katulong pa rin sila sa pagtitinda at pagrarasyon nito sa mga kapitbahay. Hirap man ang katawan nilang lahat dahil sa pagod at puyat, tiniyak ng kanilang mga magulang na ang pag-aaral nilang magkakapatid ay hindi napabayaan pati na ang kalusugan ng kanilang mga katawan at isipan.

Noong una, kahit gusto niya ay hindi isinaisip ni Dr. Rey ang maging isang doktor. Una, alam niyang napakamahal ng matrikula at ikalawa, baka hindi makayang tustusan ng kaniyang mga magulang ang kaniyang pagaaral ng medisina. Subali’t nanaig ang desisyon ng kaniyang ama.

Tiniyak na igagapang ng buong pamilya ang kaniyang karera at ang mga nakatatanda niyang kapatid na may hanapbuhay na ay nangakong tutulong din sa kaniyang pag-aaral.

“Dahil sa taglay naming kahirapan noong araw, ni hindi ako nakapagsuot ng bagong

unipormeng pantalon habang ako’y nasa una at ikalawang antas ng pag-aaral ng medisina sa U.P. Taong 1956 noon at tandang-tanda ko pa na puting polo lang ang kaya naming bilhin at ang mga isinuot kong pantalong puti na sulsi-sulsi ay puro pinaglumaan ng aking mga pinsan,” sagot sa akin Dr. Rey nang tanungin ko siya kung paano siya noong siya ay nag-aaral pa ng medisina sa atin sa Pilipinas.

Kahit isang medical student na siya sa U.P. ay hindi pa rin siya tumigil sa pagtitinda ng pandesal at pagtulong sa bakery. Ang huling araw ng kaniyang pagiging magtitinapay ay ang araw na inilabas ang resulta ng Philippine Medical Board Examination sa pahayagan. Hindi makakalimutan ni Dr. Rey ang umagang iyon na binati siya ng “Congratulations!” ng kaniyang mga nirarasyunan ng tinapay dahil sa nabalitaang pagpasa niya sa board.

Nagtayo siya ng klinika sa Bacoor. Bilang isang General Practitioner (G.P.), siya’y nanggagamot kapag gabi at kung Sabado at Linggo. Ito ay isinabay niya sa kaniyang research at pagdadalubhasa sa larangan ng Pediatrics sa UPPGH. Sa kaniyang panggagamot sa Bacoor, hindi nagtakda si Dr. Rey ng presyo para sa kaniyang serbisyo bilang tanda ng kaniyang pasasalamat sa komunidad na alam niyang nakatulong nila upang maigapang ang kaniyang pag-aaral sa unibersidad. Kung ano ang kayang ibayad, iyon ang kaniyang tinatanggap. Kadalasan, ito’y manok, itlog, gulay o prutas.

Kung may nagbayad man ng cash, iyon ay wala pang piso.

Noong 1960, nang siya ay isa pa lang medical intern sa UP-PGH, nakilala ni Dr. Rey ang dalagang bibihag sa kaniyang puso.

“Wala akong pasok noon at nagpunta kami ng aking fraternity brod na si Fernando Pajo sa isang exhibit ng Philippine Medical Association. Pabalik na kami sa dormitoryo sa PGH nang makasalubong namin ang isang napakagandang dalaga na aking hinangaan agad sa una ko pa lang pagkakita,” ayon kay doktor, “at suwerte talaga ako dahil nagkataon namang pinsan pala ni Fernando ang magandang dalagang iyon!”

Sariwa pa sa kaniyang gunita ang oras kung kailan ipinakilala siya ni Fernando sa pinsan nitong si Gloria Visarra na noon ay isang estudyante sa Centro Escolar University. Naumid ang kaniyang dila at ilang beses din siyang nagpasama muna kay Fernando sa pagdalaw kay Gloria. Bandang huli ay nilakasan na rin niya ang loob na solong umakyat ng ligaw sa bahay nito sa Bangkal, Makati.

Mahiyain si Dr. Rey kung kaya’t kahit ilang beses na siyang nakaakyat ng ligaw mag-isa, tumatango lang siya at ngumingiti sa mga magulang ni Gloria kapag kinakausap siya sa wikang Bisaya.

Hindi niya masabi-sabi sa kanilang

Pagbabalik-tingin sa buhay at pag-ibig ni Dr. Rey Pagtakhan siya’y taga-Bacoor at hindi niya naiintindihan ang kanilang salita sa kaba niyang ayawan agad siya ng mga magulang ni Gloria kapag nalamang hindi pala siya isang Bisaya rin. Sa kalaunan ay nabisto ring hindi nga siya Bisaya at wala naman palang basehan ang kaniyang kaba dahil malugod naman siyang tinanggap ng pamilya ni Gloria.

Konserbatibo at mahigpit ang mga magulang ni Gloria, sina Teofilo at Hospicia Visarra na mula sa Bohol. Mataas ang kanilang pangarap para kay Gloria kung kaya ipinakita naman sa kanila ni Dr. Rey na matuwid ang kaniyang hangarin sa kanilang anak. Napagkasunduan nilang magnobyo na pagbutihin muna ang pag-aaral at pagpapakadalubhasa sa napiling propesyon bago sila lumagay sa tahimik.

Taong 1963 nang magdesisyon si Dr. Rey na magtungo sa St. Louis, Missouri upang doon ay magpakadalubhasa. Dalawa ang kaniyang pinagpipiliang puntahan noon: ang Deaconness County Hospital kung saan siya susuweldo ng $500 buwan-buwan o ang St. Louis Children’s Hospital na isang teaching hospital ng Washington University kung saan naman siya ay makatatanggap lamang ng $250 sa isang buwan.

Wala siyang pera at kukuha lamang siya ng “fly now, pay later plan” para sa kaniyang pamasahe sa eroplano. Dahil sa magiging utang, kahit mas gusto sana niya ang St. Louis Children’s Hospital, napilitan siyang piliin ang Deaconness dahil mas malaki ang ipapasuweldo nito sa katulad niyang intern pa lamang na may babayaran pang utang.

Nang malaman ito ng kaniyang propesor at Head ng Pediatrics sa UPPGH na si Dr. Mabilangan, agad-agad nitong sinabing kailangang sundin ni Dr. Rey ang kaniyang puso at huwag bayaang maging sagabal ang magiging utang sa pamasahe dahil si Dr. Mabilangan na ang magbabayad ng kaniyang ticket. Dahil dito, pinili ni Dr. Rey na puntahan ang St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Hanggang ngayon, malaking utang na loob na tinatanaw ni Dr. Rey ang kabutihang ginawa sa kaniya ng propesor.

Isang taon ang nakaraan, noong 1964, sumunod si Gloria sa US upang mag-aral para sa kaniyang post-graduate degree sa Dietetics sa St. Louis University.

Nangingiti na lamang silang dalawa ngayon kapag naaalaala nilang kaya hindi tumutol ang mga magulang ni Gloria na mag-aral siya sa St. Louis University ay sa pag-aakalang ang pinapasukan ni Dr. Rey na Washington University School of Medicine ay nasa Washington D.C. o kaya’y nasa Seattle (Washington State) at malayo kay Gloria.

See DR. REY p7

Wedding (1964, St. Louis)

Wedding Reception (1964, St. Louis)

Early 1960s

1970

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Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. 17th President of the Philippines

On June 30, 2022, the Filipinos witnessed the oath-taking of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the Philippines’ 17th chief executive administered by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo.

The inauguration was held at the National Museum.

Incoming Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez told media prior to the event that, “The victory is really for the Filipino people...and he will take his oath before, to be witnessed by those Filipinos who overwhelmingly voted him into office.” The Marcos inaugural team chose the National Museum as the inauguration’s venue as the Quirino Grandstand, where Marcos’ father and namesake took his oath, is still being used as a COVID-19 facility.

The Marcos Cabinet These are the individuals who have accepted Marcos Jr.’s offer to become part of his Cabinet: • Vice President-elect Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio – Department of Education

DR. REY...

From page 6 “You don’t have to volunteer the information if they don’t ask!” may kapilyuhang payo ni Dr. Rey sa kaniyang sulat sa nobya noong bago ito umalis ng Pilipinas.

Bandang huli, ipinagtapat din naman nila na nasa iisang state lamang silang dalawa mag-aaral subali’t ito’y nang ayos na ang lahat ng papeles ni Gloria para tumungo sa Missouri at hindi na puwedeng bawiin pa.

Makalipas ang ilang buwan, Oktubre 31, 1964, pinagtalingpuso sa makasaysayang St. Louis Cathedral sa St Louis, Missouri si Reynaldo Pagtakhan at Gloria Visarra. Isang kasalang masasabing isang pagsasalo ng dalawang pusong nagmamahalan na nanatiling magkaagapay sa tagal ng panahon, isang mahusay na partnership sa pag-ibig at sa kabuhayan.

Sa kaniyang pagnanais na maging isang espesyalistang doktor para sa sakit sa baga ng mga bata kapag bumalik na sila ni Gloria sa Pilipinas, sinulatan niya noong 1967 ang Head of Pediatric Respirology ng University of Manitoba na si Dr. Victor Chernick. Si Dr. Chernick ay kilalang dalubhasa sa children’s lung diseases mula sa John Hopkins Medical Hospital sa US at isa ring Queen Elizabeth Scientist awardee. Inimbitaban siya ni Dr. Chernick na magtungo sa Winnipeg upang makatulong niya sa pananaliksik at dito na ipagpatuloy ang kaniyang pagaaral tungkol sa sakit sa baga ng mga bata.

Noong Enero 7, 1968, lumipat sa Winnipeg ang mag-asawang Rey at Gloria. Ipinanganak ang kanilang panganay na si Reis sa Winnipeg noong 1969 at noon namang 1972 ay isinilang si Advin.

Walang balak na permanenteng manirahan sa Winnipeg noon ang nagsisimulang pamilya ni Dr. Rey. Nasa puso pa rin niya ang

• Benhur Abalos – Department of the Interior and Local Government • Boying Remulla – Department of Justice • Arsenio Balisacan – Chief of National Economic and Development Authority • Bienvenido Laguesma – Department of Labor and Employment • Manuel Bonoan – Department of Public Works and Highways.

• Susan “Toots” Ople – Department of Migrant Workers • Benjamin Diokno – Department of Finance • Alfredo Pascual – Department of Trade and Industry • Christina Frasco – Department of Tourism • Amenah Pangandaman – Department of Budget and Management • Erwin Tulfo – Department of Social Welfare • Ivan John Uy – Dept. of Information and Communications

Technology • Felipe Medalla – Governor, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas • Antonio Lagdameo Jr. (Special Assistant to the President) • Atty. Vic Rodriguez (Executive Secretary) • Ma. Zenaida Angping – Chief of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) The new administration’s Press Secretary Trixie Cruz Angeles said the nominees were chosen “generally for their experience in public service and proven service records.” Marcos Jr. has said he is willing to work with non-allies as long as they are competent and qualified. His campaign’s messaging was mainly focused on uniting the country.

Marcos Jr.’s official website states that he has been a public servant since 1980, he held several positions in both the legislative and executive branches of government: as a Senator (six years), Congressman (six years),

bumalik sa bayang sinilangan upang doon gamitin ang kaniyang kaalaman sa panggagamot ng mga batang may sakit sa baga.

Subali’t nang sila’y umuwi sa Pilipinas noong Setyembre, 1972 dahil sa pagkamatay ng ama ni Gloria, ang pagbabalik-bayang yaon ang naging dahilan upang desisyunan nilang magkabiyak na gawing permanenteng tirahan na ang Winnipeg. Tatlong araw pa lamang sila sa Maynila noon nang idineklara ni Pangulong Marcos ang martial law. Lubha silang nabahala sa nakitang kaguluhan sa bansa at dahil doon, mahirap man sa kanilang makabayang damdamin, inuna nilang isapuso ang magandang kinabukasan ng kanilang mga anak na sina Reis at Advin at ang kanilang magiging mga anak pa sa pagdating ng araw.

Bumalik sila sa Winnipeg at dito ay puspusan nang itinatag ni Dr. Rey ang kaniyang pagiging pediatric respirologist. Si Gloria naman ay nagkaroon na rin ng pagkakataong maging isang dietician sabay ng pagiging ulirang maybahay at ina ng kanilang lumalaking pamilya. Nasundan si Reis at Advin nang ipinanganak si Sherwin noong 1975 at ang bunso namang si CJ (Christopher Justin) ay isinilang noong 1979.

Sa ngayon, hindi na lingid sa ating kaalaman kung anu-ano ang mga naging tagumpay ni Dr. Rey Pagtakhan. Siya ang unang Pilipino na naging propesor sa Pediatrics and Child Health sa University of Manitoba, naging Director ng Cystic Fibrosis Centre.

Siya ang una at hanggang ngayon ay tangi pa ring Canadian Member of Parliament na ipinanganak sa Pilipinas, siya rin ang naging unang Liberal mula noong 1940 na humawak ng Winnipeg North riding noong 1988. Siya rin ang unang M.P. sa bagong riding na Winnipeg North-St. Paul.

Kung paano napunta ang buhay ni Dr. Rey sa paglilingkod sa publiko sa pamamagitan ng pagpasok sa politika ay isa pa ring mahaba, subali’t kapana-panabik

na kasaysayan.

Sa pagbabalik-tingin, malayo na nga talaga ang narating ng batang magpapandesal na tagaBacoor, Cavite. Inaani na niya ngayon ang bunga ng kaniyang naipunlang pagsisikap at pagtitiis na huwag sumuko sa kabila ng kahirapan. Ang malubak na daan patungong Parliament Hill ay makinis na at maaliwalas. Siya ay magandang huwaran para sa lumalaking populasyon ng mga imigranteng Pinoy, hindi lamang dito sa Winnipeg kundi sa buong bansa na rin.

Huling salita mula sa patnugot: Maraming taon na ang nakalipas mula nang isinulat ko ang salaysay na na ito. Sa kasalukuyan ay retirado na si Dr. Rey sa larangan ng politika.

Kapiling pa rin ang kaniyang minamahal na si Gloria, kanilang ninanamnam ang maligayang buhay kasama ang kanilang malaking pamilya.

Nitong nakaraang Hunyo 25, isang park sa Beliveau Road, na bahagi ng St. Vital, ang pinangalanang Dr. Rey Pagtakhan Park – isa pa ring tanda ng pagkilala sa kaniyang makabuluhang ambag sa pagunlad ng Filipino Canadian community dito sa Manitoba.

Governor (12 years) and ViceGovernor (three years).

Government positions that Marcos Jr. occupied through the years: • 2010-2016: Senator of the Philippines • 2007-2010: Congressman, Ilocos Norte (2nd District) • 1998-2007: Governor, Ilocos Norte

• 1992-1995: Congressman, Ilocos Norte (2nd District) • 1983-1986: Governor, Ilocos Norte • 1980-1983: Vice-Governor, Ilocos Norte Marcos Jr. is married to Louise Araneta-Marcos with whom he has three sons: Ferdinand Alexander, Joseph Simon and William Vincent.

Gloria (1960s St. Louis)

Dr. Rey (1960s St. Louis)

Family (1979)

Family (2014, Golden Wedding Anniversary)

PAGE 8

PILIPINO EXPRESS

JULY 1 - 15, 2022

Rising costs and rising stress The soaring inflation rate in Canada is at the highest it has been since 1983. According to CBC News, from May 2021 to May 2022, food prices rose by 9.7 per cent, gas prices increased by 48 per cent, and furniture prices rose by 15.8 per cent.

There are many stories on the news and in social media of people taking on second jobs, relying on coupons and food banks, and falling behind on payments.

People are tracking their spending more and experiencing rising stress levels.

The FP Canada Financial Stress Index survey found that most people say money is the biggest source of stress for them, nearly twice as much as personal health, work, or relationships.

Approximately 33 per cent of respondents reported that financial stress is leading to anxiety, depression, or mental health

challenges.

These times are very stressful for Canadians, and sometimes people feel that most things are out of their control. It is important for people to figure out how to cope and manage stress, anxiety, and depression. It may not seem like a lot but making small changes to improve your situation and taking care of yourself physically and mentally can change your outlook, leading to hope. This will improve your relationships at home, with friends and family, and at work.

Practical tips • Record your expenses and set up a budget.

• Walk, cycle or take the bus.

This has the added benefit of exercise. If you must drive, group trips and errands together and keep close to home.

• Do not leave your car running when the vehicle is not moving for a long time.

• Limit eating at restaurants or ordering take out.

• Do not go to the grocery store hungry because this can lead to impulse shopping.

• Buy food in bulk and on sale when possible and use coupons.

• Freeze food and meals.

Preparing meals ahead of time will save you time during a busy work week and decrease the temptation to order out.

• Look for free entertainment events near you. There are many outdoor summer concerts and festivals, as well as activities at the local library.

Mental health strategies • Establish a sleep routine.

When we feel rested, this improves mood and leads to calmer and more effective problem-solving.

• Limit screen time. This opens up opportunities to talk and socialize with your loved ones, exercise, and actively engage in

fun activities (e.g., art, puzzles, sports).

• Exercise or walk daily. During physical activity, the body releases chemicals, including endorphins, which reduce stress and increase feelings of contentment.

• Meditate and/or pray regularly. This increases selfawareness, reduces negative emotions, focuses on the present, and fosters imagination and creativity, as well as patience and tolerance.

• Talk about your worries with someone you trust. A well-known quote by author T.A. Webb says “A burden shared is a burden halved.”

• Journaling is another way to decrease stress by putting thoughts and feelings to paper. This has a way of externalizing the problem, slowing down thoughts and becoming more self-aware.

• Do something creative such as crafting, playing a

musical instrument, knitting, or artwork. When people create, the imagination is brought to life, which is productive and fulfilling.

Feelings of stress decrease when we are playful.

• Practice gratitude. When you wake up or before you go to sleep, list the people and things that you are grateful for, big and small (e.g., sunshine, your family, access to free healthcare, shoes, running water). With an open mind and heart, you will easily find many things to be grateful for, especially when you think about millions of people around the world who live in poverty and areas of war and conflict.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light, despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu Cheryl Dizon-Reynante is a licensed therapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

Jonhelyn Lantin called to the bar On Thursday June 16, 2022, at 9 am in the morning, the Court of Queen’s Bench held a special session of the Court for the Call to the Bar Ceremony of Manitoba’s newest lawyers. This session was

the first one held in person in Winnipeg since 2019.

One of the newest members of Manitoba’s legal profession is Jonhelyn Lantin, the only daughter of Nelson Lantin and

Jocelyn Buenafe Lantin. Jonhelyn obtained her law degree from the University of Manitoba and was a summer student and an articling student with Mercado Trinh Law LLP. She joins Mercado Trinh

Jonhelyn with parents, Nelson & Jocelyn Lantin, brothers and grandparents

Jonhelyn with her mom

Jonhelyn with her family at Mercado Trinh Law Call to the Bar Reception

Law LLP as an associate after her call to the bar.

Jonhelyn’s proud family and friends witnessed the call to bar with over a thousand people in attendance at the RBC

Convention Centre. They then joined her at the reception hosted

by Mercado Trinh Law in her honour at their firm.

Congratulations Atty. Jonhelyn Lantin!

Jonhelyn with her dad and brothers

Jonhelyn with Alona Mercado and Yenny Trinh at the Mercado Trinh Law Call to the Bar reception

JULY 1 - 15, 2022

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 9

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

PAGE 10

PILIPINO EXPRESS

Dati nang kuwestiyonable para sa amin ang rebelasyon ni Carla Abellana na tiniis niya nang pitong taon ang mga kawalanghiyaang ginawa sa kaniya ni Tom Rodriguez.

Ang isa, dalawa, tatlong taon na pagtitiis ay pasable pa para sa amin, pero ang pitong taon, ang sobrang haba na ng panahong iyon ay isa nang kahangalan para ipagtiis.

Kung totoo nga ang mga ibinato niyang bintang laban kay Tom sa loob nang pitong taon ay nasaan ang kaniyang mga resibo?

Pambabastos. Panloloko. Paninira.

Panggagamit.

Pagtataksil.

Paninira sa kanilang pamilya.

Ano ang mga patotoo niya sa mga akusasyong ipinakain niya kay Tom? Pitong taon ng pagtitiis?

E, bakit pa rin siya nagpakasal kay Tom kung ganoon pala’t matinding pagsasakripisyo ang ginagawa niya?

Binalikan namin ang mga interbyu sa kanila ni Tom bago ang proposal, pagkatapos ng

engagement nila, hanggang sa kasalan at pagkatapos ng kanilang pagtataling-puso.

Ni anino ng mga bintang niya kay Tom ay hindi naming nakita.

Mula lupa hanggang langit ang papuri niya sa kaniyang boyfriend na naging asawa na.

Magaganda ang kaniyang deklarasyon tungkol kay Tom, wala siyang angal, samantalang tapos na ang kanilang kasal doon sa napanood naming panayam nila.

Kaya lalo kaming naguluhan sa mga sinabi ni Carla. Dapat, kung totoong demonyo ang kaniyang karelasyon, sa mga unang taon pa lang ay lumabas na siya sa pintuan ng kanilang relasyon!

Bakit pa siya magtitiis nang mahabang panahon?

Bakit kailangan pa niyang isakripisyo ang kaniyang kinabukasan sa isang lalaking walanghiya? At bakit pa siya nakipagkita sa altar?

Ang lahat daw ng ginawa sa kaniya ni Tom ay binalikan niya See CRISTY p13

JULY 1 - 15, 2022

• Carla Abellana – Kuwestiyonable ang rebelasyon • Tom Rodriguez – Naloko ng dalawampung milyong piso • Rabiya Mateo at Jeric Gonzales – Hiwalay na?

• Joaquin Domagoso – Tatay na! Lolo na si Yorme!

• Ai Ai Delas Alas – Namayapa na ang kinagisnang ina • Julia Montes – Nagdadalantao na nga ba?

• Kris Aquino – Bilyon ang uubusin sa gamutan • Nora Aunor – Nakabawi na ng lakas • Miel Cuneta Pangilinan – Naglantad na ng kaniyang tunay na kasarian

Carla Abellana

Tom Rodriguez

Ai Ai Delas Alas

Joaquin Domagoso

Raffa Castro

Julia Montes

Kris Aquino Jeric Gonzales & Rabiya Mateo

Miel Cuneta Pangilinan

Nora Aunor

JULY 1 - 15, 2022

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

PILIPINO EXPRESS

JULY 1 - 15, 2022

JULY 1 - 15, 2022

CRISTY...

From page 10 ng tunay na pagmamahal, ng respeto, ng masarap na pag-aalaga at milya-milyang pagpapatawad at pang-unawa.

Wala raw siyang karapatang magalit, malungkot at magreklamo dahil siguradong makakatikim siya kay Tom. Banta iyon ng pananakit pero kahit minsan ay walang ganoong kuwentong lumutang tungkol sa kanila.

Ilang ulit din daw niyang sinabihan si Tom na magpagamot dahil iyon din ang nakabuti sa kaniya, pero hindi tumugon ang kaniyang asawa, ibig sabihi’y pareho pala silang nangailangan ng professional help ng isang doktor?

Malabo para sa amin ang mga bintang ni Carla. Babae kami na dapat ay makaunawa sa isang kapuwa babae pero malabo pa sa putikan ang pagtanggap namin sa mga rebelasyon ni Carla Abellana.

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

Hindi man naging sapat sa mga ipinukol na akusasyon sa kaniya ni Carla ang naging sagot ni Tom Rodriguez ay pasable na rin. Lalaki naman siya.

Mahirap makipagpingkian ng salitaan sa isang babae, lalo na’t asawa pa, siguradong may magsasabing bakla siya.

Sa halip na makipagtalo siya at dumepensa sa mga bintang ni Carla, bilang isang US citizen ay nag-file na lang ng divorce si Tom, depende na lang sa batas natin dito sa Pilipinas kung magiging aprubado o hindi ang kaniyang hakbang.

Parang nakikinita na namin na gusto na sigurong magtago sa ilalim ng lupa ni Tom nang makarating sa kaniya ang mga bintang ni Carla sa kabuuan ng kanilang relasyon.

Mabuti na lang at nilinaw ni Tom na kahit kailan ay hindi niya sinaktan nang pisikal ang kaniyang dating misis. Walang naganap na ganoon.

At sa kanilang mga panayam na isa-isa naming pinanood ay walang makikitang pahimakas man lang kay Carla na sinaktan nga ito ni Tom. Walang consistency ang mga akusasyon ni Carla kay Tom. Hindi makapagsisinungaling ang video, iyon ang nagpapatunay na maligayang-maligaya ang aktres sa kanilang relasyon, kaya saan nanggagaling ang mga bintang niyang matindi at masakit laban kay Tom? May resibo ang aming pagpuna. Pinanood namin ang kanilang mga interbyu bago at pagkatapos nilang ikasal.

Ano ang napanood namin, puro papapanggap lang, puro panloloko lang sa publiko? Nakakawindang! *** Kung maraming nagtataas ng kilay sa mga rebelasyon ni Carla Abellana laban sa nakahiwalay nitong asawang si Tom Rodriguez ay ganoon din ang nangyayari ngayon sa poder ng aktor.

Napakalaking tandangpananong para sa marami ang kaniyang pahayag na isang kaibigan ang nanloko sa kaniya nang mahigit na dalawampung milyong piso.

Naengganyo raw si Tom na mamuhunan para sa isang negosyo, malaki raw ang kaniyang kikitain, kesa sa nakalagak lang sa banko ang kaniyang pera.

Dalawampu’t apat na milyong piso ang eksaktong halagang tinutukoy ni Tom, napakalaking halaga na pinagdududahan ngayon maging ng kaniyang mga kasamahang artista, mayroon daw bang ganoon kalaking naiipon ang aktor?

Ibinigay na katwiran ng iba na katatapos pa lang nilang magpakasal ni Carla noong Oktubre ng nakaraang taon.

Milyon din ang ginastos sa kanilang kasal. Napakalaki raw pala ng naiipong pera ni Tom? Sabi ng aming kausap na propesor na hindi nagpapahuli sa

PAGE 13 mga kuwentong-showbiz, “Kahit pala may pandemya, napakalaki ng naiipong pera ni Tom? Hindi joke ang twenty-four million!

“E, ikinasal pa sila ni Carla, paboloso ang kanilang wedding, pero may natira pa pala siyang ganoon kalaking halaga?” nagtatanong ang aming kausap.

Bakit daw hindi pangalanan ni Tom ang kaibigang nanloko sa kaniya? Bakit hindi rin niya kasuhan ito? Sigurado namang may ebidensiya si Tom nang pakawalan niya ang napakalaking halagang iyon?

Alangan nga namang ipinagkatiwala niya ang naiipon niyang pera nang wala man lang silang pirmahan? Ang ganoon kalaking halaga ay nangangailangan ng kaukulang ebidensiya.

Maraming butas na sinisilip ang marami sa mga rebelasyon nina Carla at Tom. Kung walang mga detalye ang bintang ng See CRISTY p14

PAGE 14

CRISTY...

From page 13 aktres sa kaniyang dating mister ay pinagdududahan naman ang milyones ni Tom na diumano’y tinangay ng pinagkatiwalaan niyang kaibigan.

Marami silang dapat iayos para maging kapani-paniwala ang kanilang mga pahayag. *** Tinanggal na ni Rabiya Mateo ang mga pictures nila ni Jeric Gonzales sa kaniyang IG account. Makahulugan din ang kaniyang post na kailangan niyang manghingi ng tawad sa kaniyang sarili dahil sa isang senaryong hindi niya dapat ginawa para sa kaniyang sarili.

Isang source na hindi nanununog at nangunguryente ang nagsabi na ang dahilan ng paglabas ni Rabiya sa kanilang relasyon ni Jeric ay ang maraming kuwento ng pagpatol sa becki ng aktor.

Sabi nito, “Wala namang babaeng papayag na mayroon siyang kahati sa love ng boyfriend niya, lalo na kung bading! Ang dami-dami naman kasing kuwento ng pamamakla ni Jeric, ang latest, e, iyong may kahalikan siyang becki na tinakpan ang face!”

Sa isyu ng pakikipagrelasyon sa becki ni Jeric ay kakapusin ang espasyo ng kolum naming ito kapag nagkuwento kami. Itigil na ni Jeric ang pagdedenay at pagsasabing sinisiraan lang ito.

Hindi lang kami, maraming

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

nakakaalam kung paano nito ginamit ang isang negosyante para sa kaniyang personal na interes, damay pati ang kaniyang pamilya sa istorya.

Pagdepensa ng kaniyang panig ay ginawa lang daw ni Jeric ang ganoon para maiahon sa kahirapan ang kaniyang pamilya. Maraming paraan para magawa iyon ni Jeric.

Hindi dahilan ang panggagamit sa becki, lalong hindi magandang tingnan na aabusuhin nito ang becki para sa kaginhawahan ng kaniyang pamilya, kapit sa patalim?

Kahit sinong babae, kapag nalaman ang ganoon, ay siguradong lalabas sa relasyon.

Ngayon, kung talagang pinahahalagahan at mahal ni Jeric ang kaniyang girlfriend, sa simula pa lang dapat ay buksan na nito ang kuwento ng kaniyang pamamakla.

Kung mahal din ito ng babae ay ipipikit na lang nito ang kaniyang mga mata tungkol sa nakaraan ng kaniyang boyfriend.

Bakit, si Jeric Gonzales lang ba ang nakikipagrelasyon sa becki?

Maraming artistang pumapasok sa ganoong relasyon pero hindi masyadong pinagpipistahan dahil simpleng magtrabaho ang iba.

Kilo-kilo lang ang hingi, hindi isang buong baka, kaya hindi masyadong napapansin ang pagiging manggagamit nila. *** Noong kasagsagan pala ng kampanya kung saan tumakbo sa panguluhan at nabigo si Mayor

Isko Moreno ay nanganak na ang karelasyon ng kaniyang anak na si Joaquin Domagoso.

Baby boy ang anak nina Joaquin at Raffa Castro, artista rin ng GMA-7, anak ng newscaster ng TV5 na si Diego Castro.

Maraming nagkokomento na simula na ito ng pagbaba ng premium bilang artista ni Joaquin.

Napakaaga raw kasi niyang naging batang-ama, masisira ang ilusyon sa kaniya ng mga tagahanga, matetengga raw ang career ng anak ni Mayor Isko.

Pero gusto naming silipin sa positibong pananaw ang naganap kay Joaquin. iyong paninindigan niya bilang ama ng sanggol, ang hindi niya pang-iiwan sa kaniyang girlfriend, para sa amin ay karagdagang kahanga-hangang karakter ang pinalutang ni Joaquin.

Maraming batang-ama na basta na lang tatalikod, matatakot sa kanilang ginawa, kaya mas malaking problema ang naiiwanan sa kanila.

Pero nagkaroon ng balls si Joaquin, pinanindigan niya ang maagang paghamong ito sa kaniyang buhay at career, hindi babagsak ang napasimulan niyang pangarap.

Mas hahangaan pa siya ng mga kababayan natin dahil binigyan niya ng pangalan ang munting sanggol na bunga ng pagmamahalan nila ni Raffa.

Nangyari na ang lahat na pareho nilang ginusto, nand’yan na ang kanilang anak, walang naging problema dahil pareho

nilang tinayuan ang pagiging mga batambatang magulang.

Isununod ang pangalan ng sanggol kay Yorme, Scott kung tawagin ng pamilya ang kanilang munting anghel, ang mismong pangalan ng pulitiko sa Tondo.

A baby is always a blessing.

Regalo ng langit ang bawat sanggol. Maraming may gustong magkaroon ng anak pero hindi napagbibigyan. *** Namayapa na ang Nanay Justa ni Ai-Ai delas Alas. Ang inhinyerong si Nanay Justa ang kinagisnang ina ng Comedy Concert Queen.

Sobra-sobra ang pagmamahal at respetong ibinibigay ni AiAi at ng kaniyang mga anak sa namayapang nanay niya. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit maraming planong gawin sa Amerika ang komedyana na hindi niya agad maisakatuparan dahil nandito ang kaniyang Nanay Justa.

Ang pagiging mapagkumbaba ni Ai-Ai, ang pagiging malapit sa Diyos, ang pagiging matulungin sa maliliit at iba pang positibong katangian ay itinanim sa kaniyang puso at isip ng kaniyang Nanay Justa.

Naalala tuloy namin si Willie Revillame, mahal ni Nanay Justa ang TV host-komedyante, palagi nitong kinukumusta kay Ai-Ai si Willie.

Sabi ni Ai-Ai, “Kasi, noong magpunta sa bahay namin si Willie, e, binigyan niya ng datung ang mga kasambahay namin.

E, gustung-gusto ng nanay ko ang ganoon, iyong mabait ka sa maliliit.”

Sa buong buhay ni Ai-Ai ay isang tao lang ang nakasama niya sa paglaki, si Nanay Justa lang, ito ang nagpaaral sa kaniya at gumabay.

Pero kailanman ay hindi pinabayaan ng sikat na komedyana ang kaniyang tunay na ina, ibinigay niya rin ang lahat ng mga pangangailangan nito, dahil iyon ang pagpapalaki sa kaniya ni engineer.

Ngayong wala na si Nanay Justa ay napakalaki ng magiging pagbabago sa buhay ng Comedy

JULY 1 - 15, 2022 Concert Queen. Wala na ang kinilala niyang ina na unang-una niyang tagahanga at kritiko.

Wala na ang taong nagpatuloy sa kaniyang buhay nang ipanganak siya ng kaniyang tunay na ina.

Wala nang magtatanong sa kaniya kung kumpleto ba ang kaniyang tulog at kung ano ba ang gusto niyang kainin.

Napakalaking pagbabago.

Hahanapin nang matagal na panahon ni Ai-Ai delas Alas ang babaeng nagsakripisyo para sa kaniya.

Ang taos-puso naming pakikiramay. *** Ayaw pa ring tantanan ng mga Marites ang kakaibang napansin nila tungkol kay Julia Montes.

Nagkakaisa sila sa pagsasabing nagdadalantao ngayon ang aktres.

Ang kanilang resibo ay ang kapansin-pansing umbok sa bandang tiyan ni Julia, itinatago pa raw niya iyon sa pagkukubli ng kaniyang tiyan sa kung anu-anong paraan, tulad ng paglalagay ng libro at iba pang kagamitan sa harapan niya kapag nagpaparetrato.

Pinagpipistahan ng ating mga kababayan ang sinasabing kundisyon ngayon ng ilang taon nang karelasyon ni Coco Martin na walang direktang pag-amin.

Paano nga ba naman aamin sina Julia at Coco sa kasalukuyang isyu, samantalang kahit ang kanilang relasyon nga ay hindi pa rin naman nila inaamin, bigay na bigay lang ang mga patotoo na magkarelasyon nga sila.

Nagsimulang pumutok ang balita nang hindi dumalo sa eulogy para sa namayapang Reyna Ng Pelikulang si Manang Inday si Julia. Nandoon ang lahat ng mga artista ng seryeng Ang Probinsyano sa lamay pero wala siya.

May naglabas ng komento na bawal daw kasi sa nagdadalantao ang pagpunta sa burol, kaya hindi dumating si Julia, idagdag pa ang identical rings na suot-suot nilang dalawa.

Kung tutuusin ay hindi na bago ang istoryang ito dahil noong See CRISTY p18

JULY 1 - 15, 2022

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 15

Dr. Rey Pagtakhan 20 years later This article was first published in The Pilipino Express News Magazine on November 16, 2008.

Twenty years ago, on November 21, 1988, Canadian history was made in north Winnipeg. The first Filipino Canadian, in the person of Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, won a seat in Canada’s parliament. I was sixteen at the time and the political bug had not yet bitten me, so I was not involved in that historic campaign. However, I remember very clearly the excitement of my Tatay and his friends who were all involved in helping to get “Doc” elected. I also remember the pride the community felt after it became official that Canada had its first ever Filipino Canadian Member of Parliament (MP).

From 1988 until 2004 Dr. Pagtakhan served as MP for Winnipeg North, and then Winnipeg North-St. Paul when the boundaries were redistributed.

During that time however, he did not confine his duties simply to those who resided within his riding. Instead, Dr. Pagtakhan often assisted individuals and families from across Winnipeg and Canada.

Over the years, Dr. Pagtakhan, or “Dr. Rey” as his constituents often called him, achieved many milestones for himself and for the Filipino community in Canada.

Not only was he the first Filipino Canadian MP but he was also the first Filipino Canadian to be appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Jean Chrétien), and the first Filipino Canadian to be appointed to the federal cabinet. Dr. Rey’s appointment to Cabinet also made him the highest-ranking Philippine-born elected official serving outside of the Philippines.

His long and distinguished career will forever be remembered in the history books.

Dr. Rey has always believed that politics is a noble profession, and he strove to always uphold that principle throughout his political career. He also strove to impart that same belief and sense of ethics to his staff. In fact, to this day, when I sit down to meet with a client to discuss their concerns, I can sometimes hear Dr. Rey’s voice in my head because I was fortunate enough to have been a member of his staff in the early years when he conducted extensive meetings with constituents at his office on Leila Avenue. Very often during those Saturday afternoons I would sit in on Dr. Rey’s meetings and I was able to witness and learn how he conducted an interview, dissected a problem, and formulated a solution.

As someone who has served

on Dr. Rey’s staff for many years (first as a student who worked part-time both in his Winnipeg and Ottawa offices and later as an advisor when he became a minister) I could share many stories about his life, his family, his career and his achievements.

However, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of his first election, I will just share with you what I believe to be the three most important parts of his legacy.

Tireless advocate First, Dr. Rey was a tireless advocate for his constituents.

If you were to ask him what he found most gratifying: “securing millions of dollars for the Red River Floodway and Manitoba Human Rights Museum” or “helping thousands of individual Canadians obtain visitor’s visas, CPP disability cheques or veterans’ benefits”, I’m sure he would pick the latter.

Regardless of where he was in Canada, people were constantly asking him for help. Most people sought his assistance for problems they were experiencing with the government. However, others sought his help for their personal problems, for letters of recommendation and some even asked him to help find them jobs.

The role of an MP with regards to government related issues is straightforward – they advocate for their constituents to the best of their ability. However, many of the requests being made of Dr. Rey were completely beyond the scope of his duties as an MP. Nevertheless, he would try and assist as much as possible. The hardest thing Dr. Rey had to say to a constituent was, “I’m sorry that I couldn’t help you.” And it wasn’t because he didn’t help; he would and did help but he was not always successful in some of his advocacies. In my opinion, there were many people who either did not understand this or simply were offended that their problem wasn’t solved.

The life of a politician isn’t easy. In many ways it’s a thankless job because regardless of how hard they work or how much they accomplish on any given issue or file; the constituent may still not be happy. However, this did not deter Dr. Rey from trying, and in the end, he can honestly say that he was able to help thousands of people.

Influence on youth Second, although Dr. Rey left his job as a professor when he became an MP, he did not leave behind his love of learning and teaching. To me, one of Dr. Rey’s lasting legacies will be his influence on the youth that he mentored during his time in Parliament. All across Canada,

Dr. Rey was able to meet young Canadians from all walks of life.

He was particularly interested in meeting young Filipino Canadians and asking them for their opinions on the latest issues and encouraging them to take part and volunteer, not just in the political process, but in all aspects of the community. Dr. Rey is fond of saying that we should not confine our volunteerism to just the Filipino community. Instead, we should share our talents with all Canadians.

The PCCM Finally, the creation of the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM) will forever be one of Dr. Rey’s most lasting legacies. Over the years, there have been many claims about who was responsible for the establishment of the PCCM. The community has heard many names being thrown about yet the name “Rey Pagtakhan” never seems to be one of them. In fact, if you look at the official PCCM website, there is one mention of Dr. Rey, and it makes it sound as if his involvement was minimal and he simply came in at the end to make the official announcement.

Why is that? Is it because he likes to keep a low profile and doesn’t like to brag about his own accomplishments? Sometimes, Dr. Rey’s humility and respect for others has worked against him and others have received the credit he rightly deserves.

I know that Dr. Rey will probably be upset with me over this part of my article, but I think the time to remain silent has long past. As a former member of the

Pagtakhan staff (or the ““Pagtaclan” as we jokingly refer to ourselves) we can personally attest to Dr. Rey’s intimate involvement with securing the necessary funding for the PCCM and with his providing valuable advice to the many community leaders involved in the process from the beginning.

The PCCM had no greater friend or ally than Dr. Rey because he constantly advocated for PCCM funding to his Manitoba colleagues, his cabinet colleagues, and to the prime minister. The truth of the matter is, Dr. Rey was instrumental in securing government funding for the PCCM, and the various ministers involved from all levels of government can attest to this. In fact, the late Ron Duhamel, former Minister of Western Economic Development at the time, sent Dr. Rey a letter shortly before the announcement to “officially” advise him of the funding approval. More importantly, in his letter, Minister Duhamel handwrote a short note to Dr. Rey, congratulating him because all his hard work had finally paid off.

My purpose in raising this is not to diminish the hard work of the many people who dedicated themselves to ensuring that the PCCM was built. In fact, I applaud their dedication. However, I simply want to set the record straight and to encourage the community to finally acknowledge Dr. Rey’s involvement. We must remember that regardless of how hard the community worked, the PCCM would never have been built without the support of

government funding. Neither the province nor the city was willing to approve this funding until the Government of Canada came on board. And who was at the cabinet table pushing the Government of Canada to approve this project? It was Dr. Rey Pagtakhan.

From humble roots to a lasting legacy, Rey Pagtakhan travelled a long and winding road during his political career in Parliament. The journey was filled with successes and triumphs, setbacks and losses, accomplishments and missed opportunities. To most he was a great MP while some viewed him as “just another politician.” For those of us who were fortunate enough to be a member of his staff, a volunteer on his campaigns, or a supporter from across Canada, he is a leader, a statesman, a mentor, and a friend. Love him or hate him, surely, we can all agree that his election as the first Filipino Canadian to Parliament on November 21, 1988, was truly a historic event for Winnipeg North, for Canada, and indeed, for all Filipinos.

Atty. Alona C. Mercado is a partner at lawyer practicing inthe Winnipeg with the law firm of MERCADO TRINH LAW LLP. She was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1999 and the Ontario Bar in 2003. Her preferred areas of practice include estate planning and administration of wills and estates, real estate, business and commercial transactions, committees, and immigration law. Alona can be reached at (204) 594-3436, acm@ mercadotrinhlaw.com, an www. mercadotrinhlaw.com

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

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Dr. Rey Pagtakhan honoured with park dedication

By Lucille Nolasco-Garrido Distinguished Filipino Canadian Dr. Rey Pagtakhan was honoured at a park dedication on June 25, for his many achievements and contributions benefitting various communities in Winnipeg and beyond.

The momentous event, which was delayed seven times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held at St. Vital Park on 369 Beliveau Road.

It was spearheaded by St. Vital Councillor Brian Mayes, who said that the particular park was chosen because of the many years the Pagtakhan family spent in the area, as they were building a growing family and respective careers.

In attendance were about 122 special guests and well-wishers including former colleagues, government officials, friends, community leaders and members.

Dr. Rey’s wife Gloria, as well as their children and grandchildren were also there to witness the significant event.

As special guests delivered their speeches and reminisced how Dr. Rey has helped and inspired them in different remarkable ways, Dr. Rey’s extraordinary abilities, intelligence and passion to give back and pay it forward were a recurring sentiment.

“His successes are magnified by his humility and zeal to place himself in advocacy for the well-being of all,” Michael Eze, a Professor of Chemistry from the University of Winnipeg said.

“My community, ‘Umunna Igbo), therefore crowned him Chief OCHENDO (Protector of all persons) in May 2012.”

Perla Javate, President of the Philippine Heritage Council and long-time community leader, said: “Today is truly of momentous significance and a proud moment for the Philippine Community in Manitoba. Our community is now 63 years old with a population of about a 100 thousand Filipinos, and to finally have a park dedicated to one of our very own is a strong validation of our community.”

Larry Vickar of the Vickar Auto Group conveyed his appreciation for Dr. Rey’s significant role in ANCOP. For his part, Dr. Rey was visibly moved and expressed his profound gratitude to Councillor Mayes and to all present at the event. “(Brian) you have conveyed the message that Winnipeg, and Canada for that matter, offer all of their people – citizens and immigrants alike – the opportunities for services to our common city and country.

I am deeply honoured and profoundly humbled. This is not within my dreams.

Once more, I thank you all for your gracious presence and generosity of thoughts.”

After the morning program, Dr. Rey happily posed for photos with everyone by the park sign now bearing his illustrious name: Parc Dr. Rey Pagtakhan Park.

Delicious ice cream was also served for refreshment.

Micayla Ibarra sings O Canada

Dr. Rey and Gloria with family

Dr. Rey with some of his former office staff members. L-r: Atty. Alona Mercado with Mercado Trinh Law LLP, Pilipino Express publisher/editor Emmie Joaquin, Micayla Ibarra, Dr. Rey, Gloria Pagtakhan, Michele Majul-Ibarra, HR officer at Canada Post, and lawyer Jamie Jurczak with Taylor McCaffrey LLP.

L-r: St. Vital MLA Jamie Moses, Pt. Douglas Councillor Vivian Santos, St. Vital Councillor Brian Mayes, Hon. Minister Jon Reyes, MP Terry Duguid, MP Rechie Valdez, Dr. Rey and Gloria, and Philippine Honorary Consul Ron Opina

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

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Dr. Rey Pagtakhan honoured with park dedication

Honoree Dr. Rey Pagtakhan

Reis Pagtakhan, Dr. Rey’s eldest son; a lawyer at MLT Aikins

St. Vital Councillor Brian Mayes

Fr. Gerry Sembrano

Mike Pagtakhan, former City Councillor; Dr. Rey’s nephew

Michael Eze, UofW Chemistry professor; an elder leader in the Igbo Nigerian community in Winnipeg

L-r: MP Terry Duguid, Alona Mercado, Emmie Joaquin, Dr. Rey, Gloria Pagtakhan, CKJS 92.7 FM’s Lucille Nolasco, MP Rechie Valdez, and Pilipino Express Publisher/Associate Editor Paul Morrow

Dr. Rey receives a copy of Filipinos in Canada book from author Jon Malek, in photo with wife Marilyn

Dr. Rey and Gloria with Tova and Larry Vickar

PHCM president Perla Javate

Larry Vickar of Vickar Automotive Group; a philanthropist and strong supporter of ANCOP International in Canada

Mississauga-Streetsville, ON MP Rechie Valdez presents Prime Minister Trudeau’s special message and her congratulatory certificate to Dr. Rey Pagtakhan

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

CRISTY...

From page 14 2019 ay pumutok na ang balitang nanganak si Julia sa isang ospital at si Coco ang itinuturong ama ng sanggol.

Dahil kilala si Coco sa pagiging pikon, nagalit ang aktor sa mga press people, wala na nga raw nagagawang maganda para sa kanila ay naninira pa. Maraming nagalit sa action star, nabuhay sila ni Julia sa bashing, wala raw silang utang na loob sa publikong sumsusuporta sa kanila.

Ibig sabihin, napakalaki ng nakuhang pribilehiyo ni Coco sa pag-aartista, nagbago ang kaniyang kabuhayan pero ni hindi man lang nito maibahagi sa publiko ang katotohanan.

Ikalawang yugto na ng kuwento ang sinasabing pagdadalantao ngayon ni Julia Montes, hindi na bago ang istorya, noong taong 2019 pa ay marami nang naniniwalang mayroon na silang anak.

Sabi nga ng aming source, “Babae an anak nila, isinunod nila ang pangalan ng bata sa lola ni

Coco, marami nang nakakaalam noon.

“Kung bakit ayaw pa nilang umamin, e, sa kanila na iyon, pero alam nila ang katotohanan,” madiing sabi ng aming source. *** Marites na Marites naman ang peg ng mga kababayan nating matagal nang nagtatrabahonaninirahan sa Amerika, lalo na sa Texas, dahil alam nilang nasa isang ospital na sa Houston ngayon si Kris Aquino.

Pinakamalaking siyudad ng Texas ang Houston, ayon na rin sa aming nakakausap ay nandoon ang sentro ng lahat-lahat, nasa Houston din ang pinakamoderno at pinakamalalaking ospital na dinadayo ng mga bilyonaryo sa buong mundo.

Apat na ospital ang sinasabi nilang pinupuntahan ng mga dayuhan, hindi lang nila alam kung alin doon ang napiling pagpagamutan ni Kris, pero may nag-iisa silang komento na bilyon ang uubusin sa gamutan ng TV host kung dalawang taon siyang mamamalagi doon.

Nasa sitwasyon ngayon si

KROSWORD

NO. 396

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

PAHALANG 1. Banggerahan 5. Pinag-uusapan 12. Ipinid 13. Silong 14. Bahay-kalakalan 16. Hindi kanila 17. Pagtingin 18. Ano? 19. Ayos 21. Ipatimbang 25. Bukana ng ilog 27. Tupad 29. Aburido 31. Ilangis 32. Hinaharap PABABA 1. Pusali 2. ____ de coco 3. Lagalag 4. Baryo 6. Ihalo 7. Nais 8. Turo 9. Supling 10. Sisiw

11. Diyos-diyosan 15. Lungsod sa Japan 18. Taban 20. Lutuan 21. Pabayaan 22. Biyaya 23. Pang-isis 24. Panahon 26. Dating boksingero 28. Batay 30. Tipo ng dugo 31. Huni ng daga

SAGOT SA NO. 395

Kris na kaligtasan ang kaniyang tinututukan.

Nakikipaghabulan siya sa panahon, siya na rin ang nagsabing oras ang kaniyang kalaban ngayon, kaya hindi na siguro importante para sa kaniya ang usapin ng pananalapi.

Sundalo naman siyang punumpuno ng bala, kakayanin niya ang kung magkano mang aabutin ng kaniyang pagpapagamot, ang mahalaga ay nasimulan na ang prosesong kailangang-kailangan ng kaniyang dinaramdam ngayon.

Nandoon din ang kaniyang mga anak na sina Joshua at Bimby, iyon ang kaniyang inaalala noong mga nakaraang buwan, hindi siya sanay na malayo sa kaniya ang magkapatid.

Ayon sa aming kausap, sa napakamodernong kagamitan ng mga ospital sa Houston ay malaking-malaki ang pag-asang malampasan ni Kris ang kaniyang sitwasyon, maraming salamat naman.

Balewala ang pera kung tutuusin, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang nag-iisa nating buhay, dahil wala nang maipampapalit sa nagiisang buhay na ipinagkaloob sa atin ng Diyos.

Komento pa ng kaibigan naming matagal nang naninirahan sa Dallas, “Sayang, problemado si Kris, nasa ospital siya. Kung maayos ang sitwasyon niya, nasa Houston ang lahat-lahat ng mga branded stuff na type niya.

“Hindi na siya lilipat ng State, nasa Houston na ang lahat-lahat, pero hindi naman kasi bakasyon ang ipinunta niya dito,” sabi ng aming kaibigan.

Ang mahalaga ay nasa tamang lugar na si Kris Aquino ngayon, umaandar na ang kaniyang gamutan, isang araw ay makakaasa tayo na siya na mismo ang magpo-post ng kalagayan niya sa Houston.

Mas kumpleto kapag siya, mas sigurado kapag siya ang nagbahagi sa atin ng kuwento, harinawang

maayos na siya ngayon. *** Dininig na langit ang samasamang panalangin ng mga tagahanga ni Nora Aunor. Pati ang taimtim na dasal ng mga kaibigan at kababayan nating nagmamahal sa kaniya ay naging napakalaking tulong sa kaniyang paggaling.

Nakabawi na ng lakas ang Superstar. Hindi pa siya ganoon kaaktibo, nangangailangan pa siya nang mahaba-habang pahinga, kailangang ituloy pa rin ang kaniyang gamutan.

Pero noong nakaraang Sabado nang gabi ay nagbigay-pugay siya kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte para personal na magpasalamat sa National Artist award na iginawad sa kaniya ng NCCA. Tinupad ng Superstar ang kaniyang pangako na kapag kaya na niyang magpasalamat nang personal ay gagawin niya iyon.

Kasama ang kaniyang mga anak ay nagsadya ang Superstar sa Malacañang.

May ipinost ding larawan si John Rendez na kuha nito sa Palasyo, ang dahilan kung bakit nagkomento ang marami nating mga kababayan na hindi sumama sa kaniya si Ian de Leon at ang nakasundo na niyang si Lotlot, ito ang sinasabing pinakamalaking hadlang sa pagbabati ng mag-ina.

Suot ni Nora Aunor ang medalyon bilang National Artist.

Wala nang mahihiling pa ang Superstar sa estado ng kaniyang karera ngayon dahil iginawad na sa kaniya ang pinakamataas na antas ng parangal bilang aktres.

At harinawang tuluyan nang bumuti ang kaniyang sitwasyon, hindi biro ang pinagdaanan niyang proseso ng gamutan, salamat dahil nalampasan niya ang paghamon.

Nakakaawang tingnan ang Superstar na nahihirapang huminga, tumataas ang kaniyang mga balikat sa paghugot ng hininga, sundin sanang lahat ni Nora Aunor ang mga

JULY 1 - 15, 2022 ipinagbabawal sa kaniya ng mga doktor. *** Kuwento ng aming mga kaibigan, bago raw sila nagsimulang magtrabaho sa opisina noong Miyerkules nang umaga, ay nag-umpukan muna silang lahat.

Dahil wala pa naman ang kanilang boss ay nagpista muna sila sa tsismisan. Ang kanilang paksa, ang paglalantad ni Miel Cuneta Pangilinan tungkol sa kaniyang tunay na kasarian, magkakaiba ang kanilang reaksiyon.

Sabi ng aming kausap, “Pero walang kumontra kay Miel, instead, halos lahat nga kami, e, natuwa at humanga sa katapangan niya!

“Anak siya ng mga kilalang tao, pero sinunod niya ang damdamin niya, inamin niya kung ano siya talaga!” unang komento ng aming kapalitan ng opinyon.

Ang totoong naganap pala ay pinagkumpara nila ang magkapatid na Kakie at Miel.

Maraming hindi kagandahang komento ang naisip nila tungkol kay Kakie.

“Nag-compare kasi kami. Di ba, ang nega-nega ni Kakie noong before and after elections? Kahit hindi naman kami maka-BBM, hindi namin nagustuhan ang mga ginawa at pinagsasabi niya!

“Tapos, heto ngayon si Miel.

Personal ang revelation niya.

Wala siyang sinaktan, wala siyang inakusahan, umamin lang siya tungkol sa gender niya!

“Very positive iyon para sa amin, kahanga-hanga siya, hindi na niya pinagtagal pa ang pagpepretend niya. Naging totoo siya sa sarili niya, pati sa publiko, di ba naman kahanga-hanga ang ginawa ni Miel? Nagagandahan kami sa kaniya, siya ang kahawig ni Sharon.

“Si Kakie kasi, nakuha niya ang itsura ng side ng father niya.

Basta, hangang-hanga kami kay Miel, huwag naman sana siyang i-bash, kasi, nagpakatotoo lang naman siya!” kuwento ng aming kaibigan.

Kahanga-hanga ang mga magulang na nagbibigay ng suporta sa kaligayahan ng kanilang mga anak. Sila ang unang dapat magbigay ng pang-unawa, hindi ibang tao, lalong hindi ang kanilang mga kapitbahay.

Sino ba ang unang dapat magmahal at magmalasakit sa mga anak kundi sila? Kaya kasalu-saludo ang mga tulad nina Ian Veneracion, Ricky Davao at Jackie-Lou Blanco, ang pinakahuli ay sina Senador Kiko at Sharon Cuneta.

Naalala namin ang isang anak na noong itakwil ng mga magulang dahil sa kaniyang pagiging tibo ay winakasan na lang ang kaniyang buhay.

Kaligayahan at katotohanan ang ipinaglaban ng anak, imahe naman ang mas binigyan ng pagpapahalaga ng mga magulang, hindi nagkita sa gitna ang kanilang damdamin.

Nang mawala na ang kanilang anak ay saka sising-alipin ang mga magulang, naghahagulgulan, pero huli na ang lahat.

–CSF

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