Pilipino Express • Jul 1 2023

MB Filipino Street Festival

Drew Arellano

Mayor Scott Gillingham cuts the ceremonial ribbon to open MFSF at the Maples Multiplex on June 24, 2023. Photo l-r: Freddie Sion, Nina Sion, Verna Lazaro, Orlando Sanchez, Anna Maceda, Ley Navarro (chairperson), Aida Champagne, Mayor Gillingham, Azel Navarro, Robert Maceda, Rowena Oquendo (vice chairperson), Jackie Servida, and Jun Oquendo. Photos below (l-r): The lovely Miss Vienna Jaime is Miss Pilipino Express and the colourful parade contingent of the Aklan Association of Manitoba. Photos by Josel Media Photography, Rey-Ar Reyes and Joel Eugenio. See story and photos pp 12 & 13.

Kelvin Miranda

In 2021, Statistics Canada introduced a survey called the Canadian Social Survey (CSS). The goal is to understand social issues more rapidly by collecting information on relevant social issues every three months.

One of the results of the survey was that overall, 46 per cent of Canadians perceived their stress level as somewhat or much worse than it was prior to COVID-19. Women (49 per cent) reported worsening stress levels compared to men (44 per cent). Also, Canadians that identify as LGBTQ2+ reported feeling high levels of stress most days in higher proportions (35 per cent) than non-LGBTQ2+ individuals (24 per cent).

If people do not make a conscious effort to manage stress in healthy ways, it could lead to negative behaviours such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and addictions. Consequently, our relationships could be negatively affected because we are more likely to be irritable, anxious, or depressed.

The key to overall wellness is to be proactive in our approach to health by practicing self-care and positive stress management on a daily basis. To think about what can work for you, let us

consider what kind of a learner you are. Howard Gardner was a developmental psychologist who is famous for his theory on multiple intelligences. Essentially, this theory supports that there is not one overarching trait of being “smart.” There are actually at least nine different ways that people learn, understand, and perceive the world. You may find that you fit into more than one category.

1. Linguistic Intelligence

– “word smart” is the ability to use spoken or written words. People with this capability have a large vocabulary and are eloquent when they speak, such as authors and poets. They often think in words and learn best by hearing the explanation. If you fall into this category, the right stress management outlet for you may be reading, writing poetry or stories, or playing word games. Crossword or word search puzzles will likely be fun and relaxing for you. If you really want to be creative, try learning a new language.

2. Visual-Spatial Intelligence

– “picture smart” refers to the ability to mentally visualize objects and spatial dimensions, such as what architects, designers, photographers, and physicists

University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association of MB Inc. is now accepting applications for:

2023 USTAAM Scholarship Awards

• applicants must be of Filipino descent

• have attended grades 11 & 12 in Manitoba

• have a minimum grade 12 average of 85%

• accepted and entering first year in any post-secondary schools in Manitoba in September 2023

• have community and volunteer work

2023 USTAAM Bursary Awards

• available to members of the USTAAM who are currently upgrading their profession

• deadline: September 30, 2023

For other requirements and application forms

• visit the USTAAM facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/ustaami/

• for inquiries: ustaami@gmail.com

do. These individuals are very aware of their environments and have a good sense of direction. If you have always had a tendency towards learning better through visual aids like charts and pictures (and think that you would be great on the reality TV show, Amazing Race) you are likely high in this type of intelligence. Regarding stress management, try drawing or painting, putting together puzzles, or taking photos. Maybe even go and explore your city like a tourist would.

3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence – “number smart” refers to reasoning, calculating, using logic, and the use of numbers and abstract pattern recognition. People with this type of intelligence would excel as accountants, computer programmers, scientists, and mathematicians. They learn best by experimenting and solving puzzles. They need to understand the concept first before paying attention to details. Stress management activities could include playing Suduko, chess, or computer games. Even cooking and baking could work for you because it involves following steps to achieve a goal.

4. Body-Kinesthetic Intelligence – “body smart” is the ability to control one’s bodily motions and handle objects well. These people have good handeye coordination and a sense of timing such as athletes, dancers, police officers, and fire fighters. If you fall into this category, some ways for you to unwind after a stressful day could include going for a walk, run or bike ride, playing a sport, yoga, or taking a dance class.

5. Musical-Rhythmic Intelligence – “music smart” refers to sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, melody, and tone of music. These people learn best through songs, patterns, rhythms,

instruments, and musical expression, such as musicians, singers, and dancers. Some strategies that could work for you could be to simply hum or sing when feeling stressed, playing an instrument, watching music videos online, or taking a Zumba class.

6. Interpersonal Intelligence

– “people smart” is the ability to communicate well with others and develop relationships. These people empathize with the situations of others, are sensitive to the moods and feelings of others, and can cooperate well. People with high interpersonal intelligence enjoy discussion and debate and are often counsellors, teachers, politicians, managers and sales people. In order to destress, it is important for you to talk to someone when you are troubled, rather than bottling it up inside. An evening out with friends or family, joining a volunteer group or book club could be opportunities to get that social interaction that you look for.

7. Intrapersonal Intelligence

– “self smart” refers to beings highly aware of one’s own feelings, interests, and goals. If you belong to this category, you have wisdom, a strong will, and are confident. You also value your privacy and enjoy time spent alone. Good career choices for you might include being a psychologist, counsellor, clergy member, or entrepreneur. Some appropriate stress outlets for you might include writing in a journal or diary, reading, or going for walks on your own. You might find massage therapy to be relaxing.

8. Naturalistic Intelligence –“nature smart” is one of the most recent additions to Gardner’s original theory. People that possess this kind of intelligence are more in tune with nature and

are interested in preserving and exploring the environment and the animals and plants within it. If you are high in nature smarts, you might enjoy work as a gardener, biologist, veterinarian, or farmer. Some recreational activities that would reduce stress for you include gardening, hiking, and camping. Even if your job requires that you remain inside most of the time, use your breaks to go outside. A quick walk around the block could do wonders for you.

9. Existential Intelligence – “spirituality smart” can be defined as the ability to be sensitive to deeper questions about human existence, i.e.. What is the meaning of life? How did we get here? Why is there pain in the world? Such people have a desire to be connected to others and likely to a higher being. If you feel you are one of these individuals, you would do well in employment as a motivational speaker, philosopher, counsellor, clergy member, or a researcher. Ways that you can nurture this part of you would be through prayer, meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness exercises. Since you enjoy theory and making sense of the world, you may benefit from taking a theory, philosophy, or science class for fun. Volunteer work could be worthwhile to you, as you would get satisfaction out of helping others.

Whatever outlet you choose, it is crucial that you learn how to best reduce your stress. Without effective stress management tools, your body will frequently be operating on high alert. Eventually, high stress will lead to serious health problems. Start by trying a new stress outlet today. You might be surprised by how you feel tomorrow!

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

It is not often that the immigration Minister Sean Fraser makes a public statement about the ongoing business of his department. He made a public announcement about the rumours of the mass deportation of overseas foreign students from India.

Yes, it is true that over 700 foreign students are facing misrepresentation charges over a scheme involving fraudulent admission letters from Canadian schools. But it is equally true that many of them are victims of fraud. The sheer number of cases suggest that there is more to this story than just individuals submitting fraudulent documents. It would appear that an unscrupulous representative in India was at the centre of a false college enrolment scam of both fooling the applicants and mispresenting their qualifications to Canadian officials.

The immigration authorities work closely with Canada’s colleges and universities to detect and combat fraud and, in this case, to crack down on dishonest consultants who seek to abuse Canada’s immigration system and take advantage of those seeking to study and settle here in Canada. In

700 international students, some victims of fraud

this case, we should be comforted by the detection of the fraud and its prosecution.

The words of the Minister are welcome to allay fears of the extent of the abuse and rumours of mass deportation of the students involved. Rather than moving swiftly to remove the offenders, he spoke about procedural fairness and efforts of his department to separate those students who were complicit in the submissions of false documents and reports and those who were themselves victims.

“I understand that this situation is distressing for those affected by unscrupulous actors,” Minister Fraser declared, “and I want to assure them that their well-being is of paramount importance. As a result, I have already struck a taskforce of my officials and have asked them to work closely with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify the victims of fraud; that is, those students who came to study here in Canada and did exactly that.”

The Minister is correct in stating that the Act provides him with discretionary authority to treat the students victimized by the fraud differently from those knowingly participating in the

submitting of false information in support of their applications. He is distinguishing between deliberate misrepresentation and innocent misrepresentation. The Minister, to his credit, is concerned about student victims of the fraud, who came to Canada with a genuine intent to study and without knowledge of the use of fraudulent documentation. He explained in his news release that his department does investigate potential fraud and offers a procedural fairness review to all in order to separate offenders from victims. His immediate solution to victims is to have his officers issue such students “Temporary Resident Permits” to ensure that they would not be removed from the country and could continue to stay pending an investigation into their individual cases.

Minister Fraser’s public statement show that his department is serious about working to protect the integrity of foreign student programs and to crack down on dishonest and fraudulent representatives who abuse Canada’s immigration system and take advantage of those seeking to visit, work, or study in Canada.

“The Government of Canada’s focus is on identifying those who are responsible for the fraudulent activity and not on penalizing those who may have been affected

by fraud.”

Minister Fraser’s actions are welcome in this regard. He encourages interested parties abroad to do their research and ensure that they obtain admissions from schools on the Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) list in Canada before applying for a study permit. Ensure that they take their guide from official websites and follow the step in the Student Direct Stream, available from selected countries, including the Philippines. If you think that you have been deceived by an

unscrupulous representative, you can come forward and report the fraud to the government department.

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.

MAFTI Filipino heritage class wraps up another school year

On June 17, the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers, Inc. (MAFTI), celebrated the culminating activity of the Filipino Heritage Classes for Teens and Adults at Jeepney Restaurant in Winnipeg.

There were two Filipino heritage classes for teens and adults. One class was in-person, based at Tec-Voc High School every Thursday from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., from March 9 to June 1, 2023. There were 19 students registered in this program and they were led by Vicky Cabrera, assisted by Girlie Lozada.

There was also an online class

led by Genalyn Tan and Cecil de Guzman. There was a total of 24 students in the online class and they met every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Both classes performed activities showcasing their learning throughout the class, including recitations, skits, and singing – including a rendition of Pilipinas Kong Mahal, in which the gathered crowd joined.

The teenager and adult language class is a free service provided by MAFTI that focuses on instruction in the Filipino language. Grammar and vocabulary are taught as students

learn about Filipino culture and values are explored. The program draws a variety of students, from Filipino teenagers and adults who are looking to learn their ancestral language to non-Filipinos looking to learn the language to be able to speak with their friends, coworkers, or partners.

Those interested in signing up for the class next year should e-mail Vicky Cabrera at vicky. sa.cabrera@gmail.com for more details.

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.

Diorama made by the MAFTI adult class for the PHCM ball

Filipino Canadian lawyers meet in Winnipeg

On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Atty. Alona C. Mercado hosted the first-ever gathering of Filipino Canadian lawyers, articling students and law students in Winnipeg at her firm, Mercado Trinh Law LLP. The breakfast reception commemorated Philippine Heritage Month and Philippine Independence Day.

“When I first got called to the

Bar, you could count the number of Filipino Canadian lawyers on one hand. Now, there are over 30 Filipino Canadian lawyers practicing in Winnipeg,” said Atty. Mercado. She continued, “it was a long overdue gathering. A number of us senior lawyers have been tossing around the idea of getting everyone together for a long time now, but nothing ever

came of it.”

After her firm decided to host the gathering, Atty. Mercado personally e-mailed every Filipino Canadian lawyer, articling student and law student in Winnipeg that they were aware of. Several lists and sources were used to gather all the names, but even with all their efforts, they knew that they would likely miss

some names; and they did.

The successful event was attended by 22 lawyers, articling students and law students. It was the first time many had seen each other since the pandemic, and for many others, it was the first opportunity to meet each other in person and not simply by e-mail or over the phone.

Atty Mercado is now

maintaining a list of Filipino Canadian lawyers, articling students and law students in Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba. For any Filipino Canadian lawyers, articling students, law students, and those participating in the NCA process, please email acm@ mercadotrinhlaw.com to be included in the list.

CEM marks 6th anniversary with a series of events

Caring for the Environment – Manitoba (CEM) celebrated its 6th anniversary with Trees Winnipeg on Arbor Day, June 3 at Crescent Park Drive. Arbor Day is the largest annual event dedicated to trees in Winnipeg. At the event, CEM community and people of all ages enjoyed tree climbing and bucket rides. They also participated in crafts, tree planting and wood-carving demonstrations. Christian Cassidy, Trees Winnipeg Executive Director, thanked CEM for its participation and expressed enthusiasm for more collaborative opportunities for the two organisations. CEM gave away clean up kits that were donated by CBCRA/Recycle Everywhere through Candace Kunkel, Marketing and Events Coordinator.

Ramon Sales, Jr, CEM Chairperson coordinated the event. This was the highlight of CEM’s 6th anniversary and served as a family day as well. Twentyeight CEM members and friends attended the Arbor Day.

CEM also held other projects in the spring to prepare for its 6th anniversary celebration.

On May 26, 2023, Green Action Centre’s (GAC) Kristen Malec, Senior Compost & Waste Reduction Coordinator and Cesar Flores-Gubert, GAC’s Project Contractor, partnered with CEM through its President, Mariciel Nuyda to implement their Backyard Composting

Project. This is a six-month long community capacity building project where GAC aims to assist seven pre-identified homeowners in the Weston/Brooklands area to start composting at home. Cesar Flores led the workshop held at the Salvation Army Cross Bridge Community Church in Weston. He shared information about the benefits of composting, how to use and manage the compost bins which were provided by GAC. Part of the ongoing project is for Cesar to conduct home visits to check on the progress of the composting and provide troubleshooting should issues arise with the compost. In all, 17 people participated in the event –the seven homeowners and others were CEM members and friends.

On Earth Day (April 22, 2023), upon the invitation of Mika Pineda, Manitoba Museum’s Learning and Engagement Producer for Youth Climate Action event organizer, CEM, through the Education Committed lead, Mia Balansag, participated in the Museum’s Earth Day celebration. Its focus was on waste management where it presented an interactive and fun way to learn about recycling through the “Tale of Recycling Journey” to those who came to the kiosk. This activity aimed to help children and families to answer the question, “What actions can I start today to care for the planet?”. The kiosk visitors received reusable bags and give

aways courtesy of Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba (MMSM) through Noelle Vong, Marketing Communications Specialist. For more information on CEM, how to join, donate and lineup of events, visit ceminc.org for more information.

By: Mariciel Nuyda, EdD, CEM President

Seated (l-r): Emily Salcedo, Caitlin Madden (Law student), Alona Mercado, Stephanie Dizon (Law student), Jonhelyn Lantin. Back Row: Nicholas Mark (articling), Daniel Cleto, Renato Mamucud, Gary Sarcida, Adriel Agpalza, Rachelle Punzalan, Athanasia Guerrero, JB Casares, Efren Cabrera, Mark Intertas, Marie Gravoso, Ingrid Ruiz, Dan Patriarca. Not in picture: Dexter Lacanilao, Nueva Mabilen, Alma Paasa, Mary Lacanilao

Herlene Budol’s acting debut in GMA’s Magandang Dilag

GMA Network began airing Magandang Dilag on June 26.

The program stars Benjamin Alves as Eric, Rob Gomez as Jared, and introduces Binibining Pilipinas 2022 1st Runner Up Herlene Budol as Gigi.

Joining the star-studded cast are Adrian Alandy as Magnus, Maxine Medina as Blaire, Bianca Manalo as Riley, Angela Alarcon as Allison, Muriel Lomadilla as Donna, Prince Clemente as Cyrus, and Jade Tecson as Jadah.

Playing equally important roles in this upcoming drama are seasoned artists Al Tantay as Joaquin, Chanda Romero as Sofia, and Sandy Andolong as Luisa.

Magandang Dilag follows the story of Gigi, a woman who may not have the best looks but has the most optimistic attitude toward life. Gigi faces a turnaround of events when she inherits enormous wealth from her estranged father, Joaquin. Soon after, Gigi finds romance

with the man of her dreams, Jared, who is a prominent triathlete/ endorser. Unbeknownst to Gigi, Jared is still with Blaire, and they

will only fool her to steal her money.

Magandang Dilag is directed by Don Michael Perez.

Biyahe ni Drew’ turns 10

A line-up of thrilling surprises awaits all budget-conscious and adventure-seeking biyaheros as Biyahe ni Drew, hosted by the award-winning host and “ultimate biyahero” Drew Arellano, celebrates its 10th anniversary with back-to-back specials in South Korea airing July 2 and July 9 on GTV.

The two-part anniversary episode is made more special as Drew’s wife, Kapuso personality Iya Villania-Arellano, joins him in exploring and discovering the wonders and hidden gems of South Korea. Viewers should definitely not miss out as the couple tries the most sumptuous Korean dishes, explores Korean beauty, and visits the most talkedabout places including a popular BTS bus stop and a film location

Kelvin Miranda captivates viewers in Missed Connections

Sparkle’s talented and sought-after leading man Kelvin Miranda takes centre stage with his newest Netflix movie Missed Connections

Produced by Kroma Entertainment, Missed Connections is about a hopeless romantic who turns to an app to seek out a man she just met after their unforgettable encounter.

Kelvin expressed his gratitude for doing another amazing movie, “Masaya ako sa proyektong ito

kasi naramdaman ko ‘yung suporta ng management at network. Nag-audition po ako sa role as Norman and nagpapasalamat ako na nakuha ko ito. Masarap po sa feeling lalo na at first time kong nakatrabaho sina Miles Ocampo at Chie Filomeno. Very professional at collaborative po silang katrabaho.”

He briefly shared what to look forward to in the movie and his character, “Ang movie

See KELVIN p11

Bianca Manalo

Benjamin Alves, Herlene Budol & Rob Gomez

See DREW p9

Maxine Medina

Kelvin Miranda

Kelvin Miranda

Iya Villania-Arellano & Drew Arellano

DREW...

From page 8

of the hit K-drama series Goblin

“We want viewers to have the chance to experience South Korea, most especially maraming Pilipino ang KPop and KDrama fans. Once we air the episode, automatic na iisipin nila na they want to experience what we have shown sa Biyahe ni Drew as we will give them options that will be useful when they travel,” shared Drew.

Since 2013, Biyahe ni Drew has established itself as the

See DREW p11

Drew Arellano

DREW...

From page 9

definitive travel magazine show on television. The program has proudly featured all the regions of the Philippines and has visited at least 14 countries – from Asian neighbours like Japan and Singapore, to parts of the Middle East like Jordan and Israel, to countries in Africa like Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

As a host who is naturally always game for everything, Drew has tried all sorts of thrilling and extreme adventures including skydiving, free diving, scuba diving, rock climbing, canyoneering, e-foiling, surfing, paragliding, and climbing a vertical bivouac. He has also communed with nature in so many ways – swimming with sharks, whale sharks, sea turtles, and millions of sardines, as well as dolphin watching, bat watching, and many more.

Aside from showcasing mustsee places and featuring all sorts of things-to-do on a trip, Biyahe ni Drew more importantly advocates for responsible travel, sustainable tourism, respect for local culture, and an appreciation for the locals and hardworking members of the tourism industry.

This 2023, local travel will remain at the forefront of Biyahe ni Drew adventures as it continues to promote Philippine tourism. In addition, the show will also return to traveling abroad this year as it heads to Bali, Indonesia for a budget-friendly and Instagramworthy cultural immersion. The team is also set to visit Hanoi, Vietnam where Drew will be joined by another surprise celebrity guest.

Catch Biyahe ni Drew via GMA International channel, GMA Life TV.

KELVIN...

From page 8 po ay tungkol sa connection na hinahanap natin. At ‘yung missed connection po nangyayari ito araw-araw so masasabi kong

relatable at nakaka-touch ‘yung kuwentong mangyayari dito. First time ko rin gumanap sa pelikulang hindi chick boy or bad boy yung character ko. Ang character ko dito ay wholesome talaga at walang girlfriend since birth so wala siyang experience at all. Hindi niya alam paano makipag-usap sa mga babae at kung papaano sasabihin yung nararamdaman niya. Very awkward yung character ko na magugustuhan ng manunood kasi light lang yung personality niya. May romantic connection din po ako kay Miles and Chie at doon iikot yung storya.”

Kelvin’s busy schedule does not hinder him from exploring opportunities and growing as an artist. “Ngayong gumagawa po ako ng mga pelikula, nag-stop po muna ako sa pag-venture sa music pero hindi ko po sinasara ‘yung pinto ko for opportunities. Mas nag-focus lang po ako sa pelikula kasi kailangan ko pong paghandaan ‘yung characters. Stressful din po in a good way to portray different roles kasi nachachallenge [ko] ‘yung sarili ko na hanapin ‘yung bagay na ‘di ko noon kayang gawin. Napakarami kong natututunan doon sa characters na ginagampanan ko,” he shared.

Kelvin has shown great promise and versatility as an actor through his onscreen projects like The Lost Recipe, Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss, TOLS, Unica Hija, and Dead Kids. He is also part of GMA Network’s Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis where he plays the role of Gary.

Missed Connections is available on Netflix.

A Night for a Cause

A Night for a Cause" is a fundraising event organized by MARIO T. MANCE P. Eng Memorial Scholarship and Filipino Members Chapter - Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba in partnership with the PhilippineCanadian Centre of Manitoba. This event will help University of Manitoba's Engineering students and Internationally Trained Engineers to pursue their dreams to become professional engineers in Manitoba.

Katya Labelle & Vangie Mance

Ken Muys & Vangie Mance

Return of Manitoba Filipino Street Festival thrills community

by Lucille Nolasco-Garrido

It was an exciting weekend for the Filipino community as the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival returned on June 24, 2023, after a brief pause because of the pandemic.

The streets of Jefferson and Watson in the Maples were abuzz with participants of a street parade that signalled the start of the two-day celebration. With eye-catching floats, flamboyant street exhibitions, and beautiful, colourful cultural costumes, the parade thrilled on-lookers, young and old.

After the parade concluded at the Maples Multiplex grounds, there was an official welcoming

ceremony by the MFSF organizers. It was followed by amazing cultural performances from nine community groups and associations, which showcased the rich and vibrant music and dance of the Philippines.

The free event also featured 18 food vendors that served delicious Filipino food and treats as well as non-Filipino fare. There were also lively decorated booths and tents offering services, fun activities, and free giveaways.

The evening of the first day culminated in the presentation of the Queen Bulilit (Queen Junior) and Reyna ng Festival (Queen of the Festival) beauty pageants. Winners of the Queen Bulilit, were: Miss Photogenic

– Janiyah Raven Estrella; Best In Talent – Jazmin Maog; Best in Cultural Gown – Janiyah

Raven Estrella; Second Princess

– Jazmin Maog; First Princess

– Angelian Falco, and Queen Bulilit – Janiyah Raven Estrella

For the Reyna ng Festival winners: Miss Photogenic –Mikaelah Ramos; Best in Talent – Lee Angela Igne; Best in Cultural Gown – Mikaelah Ramos; Second Princess –Denby Perez; First Princess –Lee Angela Igne; and the Reyna ng Festival 2023 – Mikaelah Ramos

The second day of the MFSF featured talented singers and musicians in the Filipino community, belting out enjoyable

covers as well as original music, to the delight of the festival goers.

Finally, Philippine Zumba instructor Ron Antonio took the stage to lead Zumba enthusiasts in a rousing one and half hour dance set. The former singer also performed some of his original songs from his Zayaw Pilipinas album.

Antonio is dubbed the Philippines’ Zumba King, after leading a historic Zumba event in Pili, Camarines Sur, in 2018. Almost 14,00 participants attended that event and was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest Zumba class on record.

The success of the 2023 MFSF is due to the support

and involvement of various sponsors and event partners, as well 30 Filipino associations, groups, and many food vendors, according to MFSF head, Ley Navarro. He added that almost 10,000 attended the two-day free celebrations.

The Manitoba Filipino Street Festival was founded in 2012 and aims to celebrate Manitoba’s Filipino community by showcasing the beauty of Philippine culture through unique dances, music, food, and worldrenowned hospitality.

Photos by Josel Media Photography, Nonie Manalili, Joel Eugenio, Jopatz Gatmaitan, Insight Neepawa and Rey-Ar Reyes. More photos next issue.

Manitoba Filipino Street Festival Balik Kalye

Usap-usapan hanggang

ngayon ang pagbibitiw nina Tito, Vic and Joey sa Eat Bulaga, ang tinaguriang longest-running noontime TV show sa Pilipinas matapos ang 44 na taon bilang main hosts ng programang ito. Sinundan din ito ng pagbibitiw ng iba pang mga co-hosts at production crew. Sa July 1 ay ina-abangan ang pagbabalik sa ere ng TVJ at mga legit dabarkads sa kanilang bagong tahanan sa channel 5. Marami pa rin ang nagtatanong kung ano ang magiging title ng kanilang programa. Maraming beses na ipinahayag ng tatlo na ang Eat Bulaga ay inimbentong pangalan ni Joey De Leon. Dagdag pa ni Tito Sotto na gagawin nila ang legal na pamamaraan para maibigay sa kanila ang karapatan sa paggamit

Magnanakaw ng konsepto

Sino nga ba ang karapat-dapat na gumamit ng title na Eat Bulaga?

ng naturang title ng programa.

Sa mga oras na ito ay wala pang kompirmadong magiging pangalan ang bagong programa ng TVJ.

Marami ng mga naganap na pagnanakaw ng konsepto sa Pilipinas man o sa iba pang dako ng mundo. Noong empleyado pa ako ng city hall ng Taguig ay minsan akong naging bahagi ng Tourism and Cultural Affairs

Office na kung saan ay nagbuo ako ng konsepto ng isang street festival na tinawag kong “Taga-giik

Festival.” Hango ang pangalang

Taguig sa “taga-giik” ng palay o rice threshers. Sa konsepto kong “Taga-giik Festival” ay itatampok ko ang kasaysayan ng

Taguig sa pamamagitan ng Mardi Gras at dito rin ay ipakikita ang evolution ng estado ng Taguig

KROSWORD NO. 420

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

from agricultural to a modern city. Nakapasa ang konsepto sa pamunuan ng Taguig ngunit dahil sa maraming kadahilanan ay hindi ito nasimulan noong ako ay nandoon pa. Makalipas ang mga taon, nabalitaan ko na lang na may tila ginawang festival ang siyudad na may kaparehong-kaparehong konsepto. Natawa na lang ako.

Ang aking Ninang at kasama sa kilusan na si Josie Sta. Ana, isang aktibista at dating journalist ay naisip ang katagang

Forward Taguig sa panahon ng panunungkulang ng isang mayor na may initial na FT. Sakto ang Forward Taguig sa pangalan ng Mayor. Matapos niyang ibahagi ang konsepto ng Forward Taguig sa isang malapit sa Mayor ay nagulat na lamang siya ng pormal na lamang itong ginamit ng pamununan ng Taguig nang wala man lang pasasalamat at pahintulot sa kaniyang naisip na konsepto. Nagkibit-balikat na lamang si Ninang Jo at natawa na lang sa harapang credit grabbing ng mga taong sipsip sa gobyerno.

Bukod sa mga konsepto, ay may mga artepakto (artifacts) ding literal na ninanakaw. Mayroong mga halimbawa ang kasaysayan ng mundo na kung saan naganap ang mga pag-aangkin na hindi legal o labag sa kautusan. Narito ang ilang mga halimbawa:

Mona Lisa – Ang pamosong painting ni Leonardo da Vinci na kilala bilang “Mona Lisa” ay nanakaw mula sa Louvre Museum sa Paris noong 1911. Ang mga salarin ay nagtago ng obra sa kanilang tahanan sa loob ng dalawang taon bago ito muling nahanap at naibalik sa Louvre. Ishtar Gate – Ang Ishtar Gate

ay isang makasaysayang pintuan na gawa sa mga bato at glazed tile na matatagpuan sa sinaunang lungsod ng Babylon sa kasalukuyang Iraq. Isang bahagi ng pintuan ay inangkin at dinala sa Germany noong dekada 1910 ng isang ekspedisyon na pinangungunahan ni Robert Koldewey. Ito ay kasalukuyang nasa Pergamon Museum sa Berlin.

Koh-i-Noor Diamond –Ang Koh-i-Noor Diamond ay isang malaking mantsa na bato na kasalukuyang nasa bahay ng British Crown Jewels sa London. Ito ay naging bahagi ng mga inagaw mula sa India at pumasa sa iba’t ibang mga kamay ng mga pinuno at monarko bago ito napunta sa Britanya.

Elgin Marbles– Ang Elgin Marbles ay mga bahagi ng mga marmol na friso, metop, at pediment na naalis mula sa Parthenon sa Athens, Greece. Ang mga ito ay kinuha ng British diplomat na si Lord Elgin noong mga dekada 1800 at itinago sa British Museum sa London.

Lalayo pa ba tayo sa Pilipinas?

Natatandaan ba natin ang kontrobersyal na pagnanakaw ng Golden Buddha? Nasaan na kaya ito at sino ba ang orihinal na may pag-aari nito?

Mahalagang tandaan na ang mga halimbawang ito ay nagdudulot ng kontrobersya at patuloy na pinag-uusapan ang isyu ng pagbabalik ng mga naagaw na artepaktong ito sa kanilang pinagmulan. Ang pag-aangkin at pagnanakaw ng mga artepaktong kultural ay malinaw na labag sa etika at mga internasyonal na alituntunin sa kultura at patrimonyo.

hindi isang artifact, ito naman ay maituturing na institusyon sa larangan ng sining at entertainment. Kaya nga, anuman ang magiging kahihinatnan ng desisyon sa kung sino ang may karapatang gumamit ng pangalang Eat Bulaga ay mahalaga sa mga Pilipinong sumusubaybay dito.

Nitong nakalipas na mga araw ay idinaos ang taunang Manitoba Filipino Street Festival sa Winnipeg. Ito ay pagdiriwang ng cultural heritage ng mga Pilipino sa kalye. Napakaganda ng konsepto ng event na ito.

Saludo ang inyong lingkod sa mga naka-isip, nagsimula, nagtaguyod at patuloy na nagpapatupad ng programang ito.

Patuloy tayong magbuo ng mga orihinal na konsepto at sana ay bigyan natin ng karampatang pagkilala ang mga taong nasa likod nito. Maaaring sa simula ay maghari ang kabulaanan ngunit darating din ang panahon na mismong ang kasaysayan ang kusang magbubuklat ng katotohanan.

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

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

Bagama’t ang Eat Bulaga ay