Volume 18 • No. 5 • March 1 - 15 , 2022 Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Alex Gonzaga
Justice for John Lloyd
Justice for our communities by Malaya Marcelino
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I met with the family of John Lloyd Barrion in their modest home on Saturday, February 19, before a vigil held at the hotel beer vendor parking lot where the 19-year-old was killed. The family told me a little bit about their immigration story and their family. John Lloyd was the middle child who used his earnings at the beer vendor to directly support his family and save money so that he could put himself through culinary studies. His siblings include three brothers and one sister. His parents are heartbroken and are barely functioning. John Lloyd’s mother, Maria, described how John Lloyd generously shared the weekly earnings from his minimum wage job to pay for household bills, buy food, clothes, and shoes for his siblings. The Barrion family lives across from the hotel yet on those nights when John Lloyd would take the closing shift, a parent or an older sibling would always pick him up to ensure his safety. It’s very plain to see how much the Barrion family cares for one another. See JUSTICE p5
Photo by Alex Canlapan) Mourners left flowers, candles, photos, stuffed toys at a makeshift shrine to honour the memory of John Lloyd Barrion, 19, who was tragically killed on February 15 inside the beer vendor at the Travelodge Hotel on Notre Dame Avenue where he worked his late night shift. The Feb. 19th vigil outside the same beer vendor was organized by the Filipino watch group, 204 Neighbourhood Watch.
John Emmanuel Barrion, brother of John Lloyd, addresses the large crowd at the vigil, February 19. (photo credit: Malaya Marcelino)
Seated front and centre are members of Barrion family. Speakers at the vigil were Grade 7 Cecil Rhodes teacher Ben Ganaden; John Lloyd’s friends: Kiko Mapuyan, Ponz Mapuyan, Joshua Lim, and Robert Duong; and family: John Christian, John Emmanuel, and Lola Ned Barrion. (photo credit: Malaya Marcelino)
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Putin’s Act of War in Ukraine:
Let me start by sharing a fond memory of Kiev, Ukraine that I have cherished for decades. Kiev, December 01, 1991: It was a peaceful Sunday morning a little over 30 years when I greeted in Kiev a woman about 102 years old: “How do you feel?” With tears seemingly wanting to escape from her eyes, voice hoarse through a seemingly swollen throat, and muffled words slowly coming from her lips, she kindly answered: “I feel very good. I’ve waited for this for my whole life. I’m glad I’ve lived this long. I thank God.” “Thank you; have a good day.” The elderly woman was really overwhelmed by the moment. She had just cast her ballot for the independence of her native land. I had wanted to talk to her longer, but I could only do it briefly. Our conversation was facilitated by a Ukrainian Canadian translator who had accompanied our 3-member Canadian Parliamentary Delegation to observe the Referendum on the Declaration of Ukrainian Independence. Over 92 percent of voters approved the Declaration. A few days later, Soviet Union dissolved, and an independent Ukraine was born. Canada, in fact, officially recognized Ukraine’s independence the following day – one of the first two countries to do so. It was a special experience to have as an MP; it was an experience to have as an individual citizen to observe an orderly process in a nation’s return to democracy. No gunshot! No missile hit. No artillery. No ground offensive. No war! No human life lost. February 24, 2022: What a contrast today thirty years later. Only because one man with the power of a presidency, unguided by the principles of democracy and the rule of law, has decided against humanity. Indeed, the action shocks the human conscience. Hours before dawn on Thursday February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered, without any provocation or justification, his premeditated
assault on Ukraine – “special military operation” that sent a series of cruise or ballistic missiles and long-range artillery coming from three sides (north, east and south) and from three sourceroutes (air, land and sea), targeting multiple locations in the whole of the country, including around the capital city of Kiev – and “would be waged relentlessly,” boasted Russian ex-president Dmitry Medvedev to the media, “until their goals were achieved.” What conceivable human goal could possibly exist to justify such wanton act of war on a country not at war and on her civilians? Not any was mentioned. I submit none whatsoever exists, or the media would have already known. Perhaps, incumbent President Putin would simply “want to project his power far beyond the borders” of his own country. At any cost? Can it ever be excused? To date (dateline Feb 27) – the fourth day – news reports put these numbers: at least 198 Ukrainians, including three children, have been killed and 1,115 people wounded. Nearly 400,000 – elderly, mothers, youth, children and infants – have left their homes fleeing westwards towards the European Union to seek refuge in adjacent friendly countries. Thankfully, the countries of the world, Canada included, have come to the fore to help the beleaguered Ukraine and her people. Canadians nationwide are in solidarity with Ukraine and her people. Western leaders have condemned Putin, vowed unity with Kyiv, and imposed serious sanctions. To any extent we could, we must add our voice to the collective voice of human dignity and decency. Minutes before the invasion started, Secretary-General António Guterres of the United Nations reportedly said at the start of an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Wednesday evening in New York: “President Putin, stop your troops from attacking Ukraine, give peace a chance.”
OBITUARY
Lucila (Lucy) Joaquin Gambalan October 31, 1950 February 15, 2022
A crime against the Ukrainian people, a crime against world peace
Secretary-General António Guterres (at podium) briefs journalists on the current situation in Ukraine. “We are seeing Russian military operations inside the sovereign territory of Ukraine on a scale that Europe has not seen in decades. It is against the Charter. It is unacceptable. But it is not irreversible. I repeat my appeal from last night to President Putin: Stop the military operation. Bring the troops back to Russia. We know the toll of war. — ANTÓNIO GUTERRES UN Photo/Loey Felipe An hour into the meeting, that plea obviously fell on deaf ears. The “special military operation” started in Ukraine’s eastern region of Donbas. If the goal were to “protect” the Russian-speaking Ukrainians in the region, why then the incursion going to the centre to occupy the capital city of Kiev, the seat of Ukraine’s most popularly elected government? Or is the capture of Ukrainian President Zelensky one of the many “goals,” alluded to above? After the Security Council session ended, UN Chief Guterres – reflecting on his “saddest moment” in his tenure – shared with reporters, addressing his words directly to Russian President Putin: I must change my address and say: In the name of humanity bring your troops back to Russia. In the name of humanity do not start what may be the most devastating war since the start of the century.” Is the world witnessing a war between democracy and
Lucila passed away peacefully in her sleep at Health Sciences Centre on February 15, 2022. She leaves behind wonderful memories to her husband Ferning Gambalan, and daughters Jennifer (Marc), Allison, and granddaughter Emma Lily. Born in Guiguinto, Bulacan she was the second youngest of eight children. Her favourite activities were anything family related, she watched TFC shows such as Ang Probinsyano and Showtime. She relished sewing beautiful outfits for her
daughters and granddaughter. She enjoyed going shopping looking for the latest sales, as well as garage sales to see what she could bargain for. Lucy will always be remembered for her famous Chicken Mami, Palabok, and Kare-Kare. Before immigrating to Winnipeg in May 1974, Lucy finished a Bachelor of Science in Commerce at Jose Rizal College. Lucy worked for many years as a data entry operator at Nygard, as well as a variety of jobs thereafter. After retiring she loved babysitting and taking care of her
autocracy? US President Joe Biden said: Russian President Vladimir Putin had “committed an assault on the very principles that uphold the global peace.” Indeed, Putin’s act of war in Ukraine is a crime against the Ukrainian people, is a crime against world peace, is a crime against humanity. Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., O.M., LL.D., Sc.D., M.D. M.Sc. is a retired lung specialist, professor of child health, author of articles and chapters in medical journals and textbooks, and a former health critic, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, and cabinet minister. He graduated from the University of the Philippines, did postgraduate training and studies at the Children’s Hospitals of Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, and spent a sabbatical year as Visiting Professor at the University of Arizona Medical Center. granddaughter. A Lamay (viewing) was held on February 26 at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street. Followed by an interment on March 1st at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Rest in Peace Mom until we are together again! Matthew 11: 28-30 Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.
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Immigration Levels Plan 2022 to 2024 revealed The new Immigration Levels Plan 2022 to 2024 was announced in mid-February, and we can look forward to an increase in new immigrant landings. The department is planning on landing 432,000 new immigrants in the present year instead of its initial plan to land 411,000. The actual numbers set for the next three years are set forth below. The announcement of the levels plan is mandated by the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act (IRPA) and was due in November 2021 but was delayed by the federal election held in September. The plan guides the actions of the immigration department and shows the population the direction the country will follow for the next three operational years, 2022 to 2024. In 2022 IRCC will land 431,645 permanent residents, followed by 447,055 in 2023 and 451,000 in 2024. Minister Fraser was quick to explain, “This levels plan is a balance of needs for our country and our international obligations.
JUSTICE... From page 1 At the vigil, several folks spoke fondly of John Lloyd, including a former teacher from Cecil Rhodes, his friends, classmates, and two of his brothers, John Emmanuel and John Christian. Community leaders offered prayers and a gospel song, Lead Me Lord, as well as words of condolence from Bear Clan. The Winnipeg Police Service was also present to offer condolences. The most poignant message for me at the vigil came from John Emmanuel, the oldest sibling. He said he would like to see our community be safer for everyone. He said that can happen only when “everyone’s basic needs can be met” and when “young people and anyone who needs it can access mental health and addictions supports.” In the coming days, there will be questions and demands from our Filipino community about the lack of security measures at John Lloyd’s workplace. Governmentrun liquor stores have had enhanced security for almost two years due to increased incidents of
It focuses on attracting skilled workers who will contribute to Canada’s economy and tackle the labour shortage, while recognizing the importance of family reunifications, and helping the world’s most vulnerable populations through refugee resettlement. Our focus remains on supporting economic, labour, and demographic challenges. I’m proud of what Canada has achieved thus far, and I want to see how newcomers will continue to make Canada a top destination of choice.” The target numbers for 2022 by IRCC will be comprised of 56 per cent under economic classes including Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee programs, and the Temporary to Permanent Residence (TR2PR) available since 2021. IRCC is looking to PNP for 85,000 of the expected landings in the year and to return Express Entry to normal admission levels by 2024 when it is expected that 115,000 of that year’s arrival will come through Express Entry. violent robberies. Non-unionized workers like John Lloyd at privately-run hotel beer stores are not adequately protected. Our Filipino community’s wounds have still not healed from the violent death of Jimboy Adao in 2019. John Lloyd’s case has similar strains: another unprovoked robbery and the killing of a promising young man from the same high school, from a tight-knit Filipino newcomer family living in the West End. Our Filipino community will once again, stand united, and demand that the perpetrators of this heinous crime be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. But that’s not all. “Justice for John Lloyd” and “Justice for Jimboy” is also an earnest search for what it means for our neighbourhoods to be safe for everyone. Even Winnipeg Police Chief, Danny Smyth has said that “more policing” will not prevent these violent crimes. Our Filipino community has learned the brutal way that the safety of our children in this place we’ve immigrated to is not a given. It’s not enough to work hard, study hard, go to church, and stay out of trouble. We live in the
Family class arrivals for 2022 are expected to comprise 24 per cent of total arrivals, with 80,000 expected to land under spouse, partner and children sponsorships, and 25,000 under parent and grandparent sponsorships. IRCC has increased PGP targets up slightly by 1,500 additional spots. The remaining 20 per cent for 2022 will arrive under refugee and humanitarian programs. This represents an increase of roughly five per cent and we should note that the levels plan was announced before the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resultant refugee crisis as families are fleeing the country ahead of the advancing Russian army. Things are getting worse in the world, and we are only at the end of the second month of 2022.
The numbers in the chart show the priority given to the country’s economic wellbeing and fiscal standing. It is important for Canada to recover from the COVID pandemic and continue to be a welcoming destination for newcomers. The country needs immigration of all categories to maintain our place as one of the choice destinations for immigrants in the world, those making a conscious choice, and those forced to relocate in the face of political upheavals and war. The Immigration Levels Plan 2022 is a clear indication of the direction of our current government over the next three years and now we shall wait and see how Minister Fraser and his department respond to the processing challenges of lessening
the backlog of 1.8 million applications and achieving the ambitious plan of landing over 1,329,700 newcomers in the next three years. The plan is ambitious and forward looking and, yes, we need these newcomers to maintain our quality of life inside the country and as preferred destination for resettlement. Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience with Immigration Canada and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with Immigration Connexion International Ltd. Contact him at 204-691-1166 or 204-2270292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail. com.
John Lloyd’s older brother recites a poem for his brother. John Lloyd’s friends and classmates stand behind. (photo credit: Malaya Marcelino) poorest, urban neighbourhoods in all of Canada – the federal riding of Winnipeg Centre. Childhood poverty rates in our neighbourhoods are almost one out of every two children. That means almost half of the children do not have adequate nutrition, warm clothing or a warm, safe place to live, much less all the other things families need to have a full life like access to transportation, recreation or the Internet. Crushing deprivation like this leads to low school graduation rates, poor mental See JUSTICE p6
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In Manitoba, we are headed toward yet another period of transition. The government had previously announced that as of March 1, vaccine cards will no longer be required and on March 15, mask requirements and all other COVID-19 restrictions will be removed. Some are welcoming this transition while others are nervous or anxious about it. Both are valid reactions when it comes to major changes. What is anxiety? Different people experience anxiety in different ways. Some may use words such as “nervousness,” “fear,” “stress,” “panic,” “freaking out,” or “butterflies.” But overall, anxiety is characterized by having overwhelming worry or thoughts that cause distress and interfere with your ability to function at home, work, or in the community. Anxiety can affect our relationships with others too. Symptoms of anxiety can include: • negative thinking • excessive worry • confusion • trembling • fatigue • feeling faint or dizzy • irritability • restlessness • difficulty breathing • rapid heartbeat • upset stomach or nausea • difficulty concentrating • muscle tension • insomnia
JUSTICE... From page 5 health, addictions outcomes, and a higher incidence of violent behaviour. Winnipeg Centre is second in Child Poverty rates only to Manitoba’s North – the federal riding of Churchill-KeewatinookAski – where over 70 per cent of all children do not have enough to eat. Demanding “law and order” justice for John Lloyd is the first step. But the rest of our journey for justice as a Filipino
Photo by Alex Canlapan)
PILIPINO EXPRESS
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Managing worry as Manitoba lifts COVID-19 restrictions
Everyone experiences anxiety to some level, and there is no single cause for anxiety. Usually, a number of factors will contribute to how you experience anxiety such as genetics, your brain chemistry, and life situations. You are not able to control these factors. However, what we do have power over is how we look at and interpret things that we experience. Core beliefs about ourselves, thinking style, and behaviours are factors that we can change. We can work to improve low self-esteem, try to change our negative thoughts, and adopt behaviours that will decrease our anxiety and stress. Try some of the following effective anxiety-reducing strategies. Think realistically Often times, we pay more attention to the negative, rather than the positive. Another thing that humans can do is to think of the worst-case scenario or downplay our successes. So, it is helpful to try to zoom out and look at the big picture. For instance, after a difficult workday, do not focus on all the things you didn’t do. Instead, make a mental list of all the things you did accomplish, and how well you did it. This can also apply when thinking about how well you handled all the ups and downs of the pandemic. Evaluate the benefits of worrying If it is a situation that we have little or no control over, there is
not much we can do. Sometimes we worry so that we feel that we are prepared, or that we are doing something. But sometimes this brings about feelings of hopelessness and can interfere with our everyday functioning, limiting opportunities to feel joy and happiness. Examine your thought processes Do you only see the worst possible outcome? Do you make broad interpretations from a single or a few events? e.g. After feeling awkward at a job interview, thinking “I am always so awkward.” Try to stay away from thoughts using the words, always, never and every. e.g. “I never do a good job at work.” Be careful not to jump to conclusions or assume what others are thinking e.g. “If I continue to wear a mask, others will judge me” or “If I stop wearing a mask, people will think that I don’t care”. Don’t try to be perfect We often feel more anxiety when we want to be absolutely perfect at something. However, complete perfection is impossible for anyone to achieve. The end result is that you feel more worried and hopeless because you will continually fall short of your goals. In fact, perfectionists tend to accomplish less because they spend a lot of time correcting and going over things again and again, trying to
community living in Manitoba must also include advocacy for the social and economic uplift of very vulnerable families who live right next door to us. Just as how we stand united for “law and order” justice, we can also stand united for safer communities for everyone. We can demand that our government implement school nutrition programs. We can demand our government build housing for the poor. We can demand that the government provide free mental health and addictions treatments for young
people and all who need it. And our voices will be amplified if we stand shoulder to shoulder with organizations like Bear Clan and other First Nations groups who are demanding the same. If you can donate to help this family, please go to https://www. gofundme.com/./help-raisemoney-for-john. “Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God” – Micah 6:8 Malaya Marcelino is the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Notre Dame
achieve an impossible standard. Meanwhile, a non-perfectionist could have accomplished twice as much work that is at an acceptable standard. Regarding the pandemic, you should not feel embarrassed if you caught COVID-19, especially if you followed public health recommendations. Let out your feelings With any form of negative stress, it is always best to let out heavy feelings, rather than keeping them to yourself. Talking to a family member, friend, counsellor, teacher, doctor, or spiritual leader will help you to feel better. If you do not want to talk about it, write it out. You can choose to keep a journal or rip up any notes that you make. Every one of us has been worried about something during this pandemic. There has been a lot of change, so it is normal to feel stressed. Find ways to relax The behaviours and activities that you choose can be a powerful outlet for stress and worry. Some people find that journaling is a great way to sort out their thoughts and let go of anxiety. Playing a musical instrument or singing can serve as a creative outlet for stress. Stretching is one of the easiest anxiety-reducing techniques because you can do this anywhere. If you find that you are feeling upset or tense, take a stretch break to find immediate relief. Yoga is an activity that
combines stretching, breathing exercises and meditation, which can result in inner peace. When in doubt, turn to the Internet or YouTube to find a variety of information and videos on relaxation, deep breathing, and mindfulness. Mindfulness focuses on the present moment, which can relieve anxiety because we are often worrying about what happened in the past and what will happen in the future. Being mindful means accepting what is happening in the present moment, and not being judgemental. It is important to manage anxiety before it happens, not just when we experience it. This decreases the chances of having emotional and physical problems down the road. Understandably, with big changes coming soon, there are mixed reactions among Manitobans. Some are looking forward to these changes and others are more hesitant and will continue to wear masks, and practice physical distancing and good hand hygiene. In order for us to get through this transition smoothly, we must all be understanding, nonjudgmental and patient with people who choose to adopt a different strategy than we do. Cheryl Dizon-Reynante is a licensed therapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
Photo by Alex Canlapan)
Photo by Alex Canlapan)
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Habang walang nagsasalita sinuman kina Tom Rodriguez at Carla Abellana ay mananatiling paglalaruan ng mga Marites ang kanilang hiwalayan. Kung anu-anong dahilan ang ikakambal sa kanilang hiwalayan, may mga lulutang na kuwento na sa gusto nila at ayaw ay pagpipistahan, sino ang napapahiya habang ganoon ang nagaganap? Mas magandang magbigay na sila ng pahayag sa mga nagaganap sa kanilang relasyon. Talagang nakawiwindang ang pangyayari dahil napakatagal nilang naging magkarelasyon pero ilang buwan lang pagkatapos nilang magpakasal ay saka pa sila nagkani-kaniya ng landas. Nakakapag-isip ang ganoong senaryo, nagpakasal lang ba sila para maghiwalay pagkatapos, ano ang mga dahilan at nagkaganyan ang kanilang relasyon?
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
Pati ang kuwento ng dati nilang seryeng My Husband’s Lover ay nauungkat. May mga naglalagay sa pangalan ni Tom sa alanganing sitwasyon. Mukhang nagkatotoo raw ang kuwento ng palabas sa relasyon nilang magasawa? Maraming kaibigang tumatawag sa amin para magtanong kung ano ang tunay na dahilan ng paghihiwalay ng kakakasal lang na sina Tom at Carla. Sino naman kami para magbigay ng kongkretong sagot? Kung silang mag-asawa nga ay walang inaamin sa publiko, walang nagsasalita sinuman sa kanilang dalawa, sinong nasa labas ng kanilang buhay ang magbibigay ng sagot tungkol sa paghihiwalay nila? Kahit ang kani-kanilang pamilya ay walang pahayag, tumatagal na ang isyung ito, kaya See CRISTY p11
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• Carla Abellana at Tom Rodriguez – Bakit naghiwalay? • Angeline Quinto – Positibo ang takbo ng isip • Alex Gonzaga – Aminadong matapang lang ang hiya • Alden Richards at Maine Mendoza – May anak nga ba? • Paulo Avelino at Janine Gutierrez – Friends nga lang ba? • Jake Zyrus – Tapyas na ang magkabilang dibdib • Arjo Atayde at Maine Mendoza – Magpapakasal na? • Kris Aquino – Di natuloy ang biyahe papuntang Amerika • Gretchen Barretto – Ibang klase talaga • KC Concepcion – Hindi sumasama sa kampanya ng daddy niya
Tom Rodriguez & Carla Abellana Alex Gonzaga
Arjo Atayde & Maine Mendoza
Gretchen Barretto
Jake Zyrus (formerly known as Charice Pempengco) Maine Mendoza & Alden Richards
KC Concepcion
Janine Gutierrez & Paulo Avelino
Kris Aquino
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Watch out for Bianca Umali in HBO Asia’s Halfworlds Kapuso actress Bianca Umali could not contain her excitement for the world to see her on HBO Asia’s original series Halfworlds which will premiere this year. She bagged the lead role in the fantasy thriller series which is now in post-production.
“We shot for the series for about a year and a half. But the whole thing has been in the making for five years already,” Bianca said on GMA Pinoy TV’s Quick Chat. Asked about her most See BIANCA p11
Bianca Umali courtesy of HBO Asia
Announcement from Pinays Manitoba Inc. The annual Pinays Manitoba Trailblazers Recognition event will be held on May 28, 2022. This was announced recently by Pinays Manitoba president, Araceli Ancheta. “We (Pinays Manitoba) decided that the event we were planning to hold on March 5 should be re-scheduled because of the uncertainties we still face at this time...hence, the Pinays Trailblazers Recognition Awards to celebrate Filipino women in Manitoba and to honour International Women’s Day will be held on May 28, 2022,” said Ancheta. Please watch out for further announcements.
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BIANCA... From page 10 memorable moment in doing the series, she said that auditioning for the main role is definitely one for the books. “After a month, when I was finishing Sahaya, I received the call. [The audition master] finally said na “Congratulations, you got the part!” I remember crying. I had to leave the set. I had to go behind the tent and call my lola agad kasi kailangan kong sabihin na “Mama, I got the part!” Bianca feels blessed and privileged to be part of the series which is under the helm of internationally-acclaimed filmmaker Mikhail Red. “Honestly, hindi pa siya nagsi-sink in talaga. Kahit na lahat ng remarks na sinabi nila, how the executives describe me, I think it will never sink in. HBO is surreal talaga. Napakataas na pangarap nu’n. Never ko pa nga siya pinangarap eh pero dumating siya sa akin.” Bianca’s achievement is something that every Filipino around the world can be proud of. By supporting her and other Pinoy talents who are making a name for themselves in whatever industry they are in, Filipinos become #StrongerTogether. “It humbles me and hindi ako makapaniwala na ito na ako ngayon. Kaya walang humpay na pasasalamat!” Visit www.gmapinoytv.com/ subscribe for more details.
CRISTY... From page 8 kung anu-anong ispekulasyon na lang ang naglalabasan. Lalo pang tumindi ang mga pagtatanong dahil sa pagla-like ni Carla sa tanong ng kaniyang mga followers. May nagtanong tungkol sa infidelity, ni-like iyon ni Carla, makahulugan nga naman iyon para sa mga nakatanaw lang sa kanilang mag-asawa. Pero ang pinakamatindi ay nang i-like ni Carla ang tanong ng kaniyang follower na wala namang binanggit na pangalan pero bigay na bigay namang si Tom ang tinutumbok nito. Ang tanong, “True ba na gay raw siya?” na ni-like din ni Carla, ano raw ang ibig sabihin ng paglalike niya? Lalo tuloy pinagpistahan ang kuwentong umikot na diumano’y nahuli ni Carla si Tom na may ginagawang hindi kanais-nais sa pamamagitan ng tracking device. Palala na nang palala ang mga kuwento, senyal na ito na kailangan na nilang magsalita, sagutin na nila ang napakaraming tanong tungkol sa kanilang paghihiwalay. Pareho silang nalalagay sa alanganin, hindi isa lang, sa hindi nila pagsasalita. Bigyan dapat nila ng panahon na malaman ng publiko kung ano ba talaga ang dahilan ng kanilang hiwalayan. Isang salita lang nilang pareho ay sasapat na, hindi naman nila kailangang sabihin ang lahat ng aspeto kung bakit sila nagkanikaniyang landas na, kesa naman
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
sa ganyan na pati ang pagkalalaki ni Tom ay kinukuwestiyon na. *** Positibo ang takbo ng isip ni Angeline Quinto. Nasa tamang huwisyo ang singer-actress. Pati ang pagdadalantao niya na hindi inaasahan ng marami ay tinatrato pa rin niyang biyaya. Positibo ang kaniyang sinabi na noong mawala sa buhay niya si Mama Bob, ang kinagisnan niyang ina, pakiramdam niya ay tapos na ang kaniyang mga pangarap. Itong pagdating sa buhay niya ni Nonrev na ama ng kaniyang ipinagdadalantao ay ginawa rin niyang positibo. Sa pagkawala ni Mama Bob ay ang karelasyon niya ngayon ang pumalit kahit pa sabihing napakalayo naman ng pagkukumpara. At ang itinuturing niyang bubuhay sa kaniyang mga pangarap ay ang kaniyang magiging anak. Nakakatuwa ang mga sinasabi ni Angeline, sa halip na problemahin niya ang biglaang pagdating ng paghamon sa kaniyang buhay ay binabaligtad niya iyon, ginagawa niyang positibo, kinokompronta niya, kaya maraming humahanga sa kaniya. Sabi ng isang common friend namin ni Angeline, “Madasalin si Angge, kinalakihan niya na iyon. Palagi siyang mananalo sa buhay dahil marunong siyang magpasalamat sa Diyos at sa mga taong tumutulong sa kaniya.” Naaawa naman sa kaniya ang ilang nakausap namin dahil kagampan na raw siya ay kilos pa rin nang kilos. Nagso-show pa rin, naging abala pa siya sa paglipat ng tirahan, baka raw kung ano ang mangyari kay Angeline? Kayang-kaya iyon ni Angeline dahil napaka-positive thinker niya, alam niya ang kaniyang ginagawa, alam na alam din niya kung ano ang kaniyang kapasidad. *** Aminado si Alex Gonzaga na matapang lang ang hiya niya pero hindi siya kasingtapang ng kaniyang Ate Toni. Hanggang sa pakikay-kikay lang sa kaniyang mga vlogs ang kaya niyang gawin para maaliw ang kaniyang mga subscribers. Totoo namang matapang ang kaniyang hiya, hindi kayang gawin ng ibang mga artista ang ipinakikita niya sa vlogs niya, nakakaaliw siya na nakakainis din kung minsan. Nakikita niya kung paano upakan sa social media ang kaniyang ate. Busog na busog na si Toni sa kangunguya ng ampalaya mula umaga hanggang gabi na ang pinakainumin ng singer-actress-TV host ay mapaklang apdo. Masasakit na salita ang ibinabato laban kay Toni na ayon kay Alex ay hindi niya makakayang sikmurain. Saludo siya sa katapangan ng kaniyang kapatid, kontrolado raw ni Toni ang kaniyang emosyon, hindi raw niya kayang dibdibin ang ganoong sitwasyon. Tama ang opinyon ni Alex na pinanday na ng panahon ang katatagan ng kaniyang ate. Bata pa lang daw si Toni ay sagana na
ito sa pambu-bully, hanggang sa mag-artista na silang magkapatid, kaya ganoon na katapang si Toni. Isang kaibigan ang nagkuwento sa amin, sabi nito, “Alam mo bang ang pinakaeffective pa ring panlaban ni Toni sa negativity tulad ng nangyayari sa kaniya ngayon, e, prayers? Sabay silang nagdarasal ng husband niya. “Dahil she belongs to a Christian family, pareho sila ni Direk Paul, palagi silang nagpepray. Buong pamilya silang nagdarasal, humihingi sila ng gabay, kaya ganyan katibay ang paninindigan ni Toni. “Hindi sila nakalilimot sa Diyos, guided sila, at totoo naman iyon! When you are with God, sino pa ang puwede mong katakutan?” kuwento ng aming kaibigan. Galit na galit kay Toni ang kampo ng mga kalaban ni BBM na sinusuportahan nilang magasawa. Ang daling unawain kung saan nagmumula ang galit na ibinabato laban sa kaniya ngayon. Sabi nga siguro ni Toni ay nabubuhay tayo sa demokrasya at ang pinakaesensiya ng kalayaan ay ang karapatan nating pumili ng pinaniniwalaan natin at kung sino ang idinidikta ng ating puso. Si BBM ang sinusuportahang kandidato nina Toni Gonzaga at Direk Paul Soriano sa panguluhan, at karapatan nila iyon, ano ang ating magagawa? *** Nadiskubre na ang mabibisang gamot para pagalingin ang mapamuksang virus na nagpapahirap sa buong mundo ngayon. Marami nang pagpipilian bukod sa mabisang bakuna. At gumagaling ang mga kinakapitan ng virus, pababa na nga nang pababa ang numero ng mga nagkakaroon ng COVID-19,
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Angeline Quinto and her non-showbiz boyfriend, Nonrev kaya nagkakaluwagan na sa maraming lugar na dating sobrang higpit at binabantayan. Tanong ng isang kaibigang tumawag sa amin kahapon nang umaga na nagpahalakhak sa amin. May naimbento na rin daw kayang nakapagpapagaling na gamot para maipamahagi sa mga tagahanga nina Alden Richards at Maine Mendoza? Sabi ng aming kausap sa kabilang linya, “Mayroon din kayang madidiskubreng gamot o bakuna para sa mga members ng AlDub na naniniwalang may anak na sina Alden at Maine? “Naglalabas pa sila ng mga pictures ng batang lalaki, iyon daw ang anak nina Alden at Maine, Theo raw ang name ng bata!
“Nakakaalarma iyon! Kailangan na nilang magising sa katotohanan na ilusyon lang ang mga pinagsasasabi nila! Nasaan ang bata kung totoo nga!” naiinis na sabi ng aming kaibigan. Natawa kami. Tama ang aming kausap, may mga tagasuporta nga sina Alden at Maine na mula noon hanggang ngayon ay naniniwalang nagkaanak ang kanilang mga idolo. Ni minsan ay hindi naman natin nakitang lumaki ang tiyan ni Maine, wala rin silang maiturong ospital o bahay kung saan ipinanganak ng Dubsmash Queen ang sanggol, saan kaya sila humuhugot ng lakas ng loob para panindigang nagkaanak sina Alden at Maine? See CRISTY p12
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
CRISTY... From page 11 Ano ba ito? Katulad ng kuwento ilang taon na ang nakararaan na may nakakulong sa basement ng isang kilalang mall na katawan ng tao ang kalahati at ahas naman ang bandang itaas? Sabi uli ng aming kausap, “Bakit hindi kausapin nina Alden at Maine, once and for all, na ilusyon lang ang lahat? Baka sakaling makinig sila sa mga idolo nila? “Maling kuwento ito, wrong signal ito, magising na sana sila sa katotohanan na ipinagbubuntis ang binhi nang siyam na buwan! E, may nakakita ba naman kay Maine na buntis siya? “Nakakaawa naman sila! Gumagaling ang nagkakaroon ng virus, pero sila, parang hindi nila kayang kumalas sa ilusyon na nagkaanak ang mga idols nila! E, ni hindi nga naging magkarelasyon sina Alden at Maine, di ba? “Bakit hindi nila matanggap
na pangharap lang ng camera ang sweetness ng mga idolo nila? Haaaay! Wala ngang gamot sa ilusyon at halusinasyon!” parang pagsuko na ring komento ng aming kaibigan. *** Komento ng isang Marites ay wala raw originality sina Paulo Avelino at Janine Gutierrez. Kopya lang daw nila ang mga ibinibigay nilang dahilan ngayon kina Paolo Contis at Yen Santos. Friends lang sila. Basta, magkaibigan lang daw sila, walang ibang dapat isipin ang mga usisero tungkol sa ganda ng kanilang samahan ngayon. Natural, walang naniniwala, magkasama na silang dumayo sa Palawan pero hindi pa rin dapat bigyan ng kakaibang interpretasyon ang kanilang ginawa? E, kasama naman nilang nagpunta doon ang magkarelasyong Edu Manzano at Cherry Pie Picache na parang mga bagets sa tema ng kanilang pagmamahalan ngayon, marami
KROSWORD
NO. 388
Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot
naman sila, kaduda-duda ba iyon? Wala ngang naniniwala na basta sumama lang sina Paulo at Janine sa grupo, mas nakatutok ang marami sa personal nilang dahilan, mahihirapan silang kumbinsihin na maniwala ang mga nakasubaybay sa kanilang mga galawan ngayon. Isang Marites pa ang nagkomento, “Magaling pumaraan si Janine, talagang gumawa siya ng dahilan para magkahiwalay sila ni Rayver Cruz. “Iyon ang time na siguro nga, e, nagkakaigihan na sila ni Paulo, madalas kasi silang magkasama, lock-in taping pa? “Ano iyon? Isang umaga, e, nagising na lang siyang nagfall out of love sa boyfriend niya? Nakakapagtaka naman iyon? Kasi nga, e, nand’yan na pala si Paulo Avelino na walang pinalalampas!” madiing komento ng Marites. Isang araw ay lalabas din naman ang katotohanan kahit magdenay pa nang magdenay ngayon sina Paulo Avelino at Janine Gutierrez. May lihim ba namang hindi nangangamoy? *** Masaya kaming nalulungkot nang tumambad sa amin ang retrato ng dating Charice Pempengco na parang halos tapyas na ang magkabilang dibdib. May mga rekoleksiyong pumasok sa aming kamalayan. Parang kailan lang iyon nang madalas naming makita si Charice na akay-akay ng kaniyang Lola Tessie kapag lumalaban siya sa Little Big Star. Nakabestida siya, naka-ribbon pa ang buhok, babaeng-babae ang kaniyang gayak. Nang mag-show sa Winnipeg, Canada si Willie Revillame ay isa si Charice sa mga artistang isinama ng TV host. Malapit siya kay Willie.
Ganoon din ang kaniyang itsura, ang ganda-ganda ng kaniyang damit, naka-make-up pa nga siya, saka sapatos na may heels. Sikat na sikat siya noon dahil sa matinding suporta sa kaniya ng sikat na si Oprah Winfrey, isinasama pa siya ni David Foster sa mga concerts nito, binulabog ni Charice Pempengco ang mundo ng musika. Ibang-iba na ang nakikita naming si Charice, lalaking-lalaki na siya bilang si Jake Zyrus, inilantad na niya ang impis niyang mga dibdib dahil sa mga iniinom niyang gamot. Pero hanggang sa pagkawindang na lang ang magagawa ng kahit sino, si Jake mismo ang nagsasabing maligaya siya sa kaniyang kaanyuan ngayon, kumportable ang kaniyang buhay. Ang ating kaligayahan ay hindi nanggagaling sa ibang tao, hindi sa mga puwersa sa labas, kundi sa sarili lang mismo natin. At sabi nga, kung saan tayo maligaya ay iyon ang bumubuo ng ating pagkatao, kaya ibigay na lang natin kay Jake Zyrus ang kaniyang kaligayahan. *** Lumutang ang balita ng malapit na raw magpakasal sina Arjo Atayde at Maine Mendoza. May kuwento pa nga na bago raw ang botohan ay magpapakasal na sila. Hindi madaling kagatin ang istorya, hindi ganoon kadaling maghanda para sa kasalan, lalo na ngayong abalang-abala si Arjo sa kaniyang kandidatura. Siguradong aangat na naman ang mga tagahanga ni Maine sa kuwentong ito. Matagal nang binubulabog ng mga taong iyon si Arjo pati ang kaniyang pamilya, kayamanan lang daw ng dalaga ang habol ni Arjo, na para bang dinampot lang sa pusalian ni
MARCH 1 - 15, 2022 Maine ang mahusay na aktor. Hanggang ngayon kasi ay may mga AlDub fans pang naghihintay na ang dapat magkatuluyan ay sina Maine at Alden Richards. Mayroon nga raw silang naging anak kahit hindi naman nakita ng publiko na nagdalantao ang Dubsmash Queen. Maraming nanggugulo sa pamilya ni Arjo, hanggang sa mahiya na lang tuloy ang nagagawa ni Maine sa sinasabi ng kaniyang mga tagasuporta, dahil puro kabaligtaran naman ang mga bagay-bagay na ipinupukol ng grupo sa pamilya nina Art Atayde at Sylvia Sanchez. Malaking tulong si Maine Mendoza sa kandidatura ni Arjo, bakit naman ang hindi, pero ang magpakasal sila bago maganap ang botohan sa Mayo ay hindi kapani-paniwala. Engrandeng kasal siyempre ang pangarap ni Arjo para sa kanila ni Maine at kung ngayon pa nila haharapin ang paghahanda para sa kasalan ay hindi magiging posible. *** Noong February 17 pa nakatakdang bumiyahe papuntang Amerika si Kris Aquino para sa kaniyang mahabang proseso ng gamutan. Kasama niya sina Joshua at Bimby para wala na siyang iniintindi nang malayuan. Pero hindi iyon natuloy. Ayon sa aming impormante ay ipinakumpleto muna ng kaniyang mga doktor dito sa Pilipinas ang maraming tests bago siya bumiyahe. Marami siyang pinagdaanang test, nagsiguro lang ang kaniyang mga doktor, hindi nga naman maigsing biyahe lang ang kaniyang pagdadaanan sa pagpunta sa Amerika. Ngayon ay naglabas na ng kaniyang medical record si Kris. See CRISTY p13
Alfredo Peñaflorida’s 80th surprise birthday celebration PAHALANG 1. Suweldo 5. Sinisimbolo 12. Katulong 13. Patalastas 14. Tahimik 16. Konsorte 17. Kasamahan 18. Magalang na sagot 19. Huni ng ibon 21. Ililista 25. Sinauna 27. Bayaan 29. Malaking ibon 31. Isama 32. Lulusubin PABABA 1. Punit 2. Hagis 3. Takas 4. Ikot 6. Itinda 7. Panghalip 8. Pulas 9. Pagkahilo 10. Takaw
11. Uri ng kahoy 15. Ihagis 18. Punit 20. Lutong bigas 21. Ayos 22. Bituin 23. Itlog ng kuto 24. Hidwaan 26. Yugyog 28. Aba 30. Palayaw ng lalaki 31. Huni ng daga
SAGOT SA NO. 387
Alfredo Peñaflorida (5th from left) with Forever Young 2021 at Fortune Cooking, February 26, 2022
MARCH 1 - 15, 2022
EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS
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Si Marites at Karen na makasarili Habang sinusulat ko ito ay patuloy ang tension sa Ukraine dahil sa pag-atake ng Russia. Kinumpirma ni Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy na 137 katao na ang namatay kabilang dito ang mga sibilyan at militar. Kinondena ng maraming bansa kasama ang Canada ang patuloy na pagsugod ng Russian troops sa ilang bahagi ng Ukraine. Ang sabi ni PM Justin Trudeau sa kaniyang opisyal na pahayag: “Russia’s recent actions are a blatant attack on Ukrainian sovereignty, as well as a serious threat to the security and stability of the region and the international rules-based order. The sanctions and the additional military support we are announcing today is the first step Canada will take to stop Russia’s unwarranted aggression. There will be serious consequences for Russia’s actions, and together with our allies and partners, we will continue to take decisive action to support the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Ukraine.” Bahagi ng pagtulong ng Canada sa crisis sa Ukraine ay ang pagpapabilis ng immigration process upang i-reunite ang mga Canadians na may mga kamaganak sa Ukraine na gustong pumunta sa Canada upang magsimula ng bagong buhay. Narito ang opisyal na pahayag ng PMO patungkol dito: “Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented measures to quickly issue travel documents to help Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and their
CRISTY... From page 12 Magandang balita ito para sa mga nagmamahal at nagmamalasakit sa kaniya. Ligtas na siya sa cancer. Maayos ang kaniyang blood sugar kaya wala siyang diabetes. Naging maganda rin ang resulta ng kaniyang kidney tests, maayos na gumagana ang kaniyang bato maging ang kaniyang atay kahit marami pa siyang iniinom na gamot. Ang tinututukan na lang ngayon ay ang matagal na niyang pinoproblemang allergies, ang kaniyang chronic urticaria na hinahanap pa rin hanggang ngayon kung saan nag-uugat, iyon ang talagang nagpapahirap kay Kris. Harinawang masugpo na dito ang lahat ng kaniyang pinoproblema para hindi na niya kailangang magpagamot pa sa ibang bansa. Hiling ng kaniyang mga tagasuporta na sana nga ay tuluyan nang gumaling ang
immediate family members in Ukraine get to Canada as quickly as possible should they wish to do so. IRCC is also increasing operational capacity in the region and has enacted priorityprocessing of applications for proof of citizenship, permanent residence, and temporary residence, including study and work permits, for Ukrainian nationals who want to study, work, reunite with family, or start a new life in Canada.” Bago ako umuwi ng bahay ay nagpa-gasolina muna ako. Habang nasa loob ng convenience store/ gas bar counter at nag-aantay ng aking turn para magbayad ay narinig ko ang usapan ng iba pang nag-aantay tungkol sa Ukraine. Siyempre, mga Pilipino din sila na laging up to date sa mga issue sa mundo. At tulad ng marami, tiyak na may mga opinion sila sa nangyayaring giyera. Ang sabi ng isa: “Naku, itong si Trudeau papapasukin na naman ang mga refugees dito. Hindi na nadala.” Umayon naman ang kaniyang kausap at dinagdag pa na lalo daw tatagal ang pag sponsor nila sa kanilang mga kamaganak dahil tiyak na priorities ang mga Ukrainians ngayon tulad ng ginawa nila sa mga taga-Syrians noon. Opo, si Marites at ang kaniyang kumare nga yata ang nasaksihan ko. Gusto ko ng makialam sa usapan nila “Marites” pero nagpigil na lang ako dahil tiyak na away lamang ang kahahantungan nito. Pagkatapos kong magpa-gas habang nagmamaneho pauwi ng bahay ay tinanong ko ang aking sarili kung talaga bang ganito
nang kakitid ang utak ng mga tao ngayon? Ganito na ba tayo kaselfish? Talaga ba, Marites? Ang nasaksihan at nadinig kong usapan nila “Marites” ay hindi representante ng mga mabubuting Pilipino dito sa Canada. Sana nga. Nag-iisip ako kung ano ang isusulat ko ngayon sa Batang North End. At habang nag-iisip ay kinalikot ko muna ang aking phone. Kung bakit ba naman parang tukso na Ukraine opinions pa rin ang nabasa ko sa Facebook posts and comments. This time hindi mga Pilipinong Marites kundi mga “Karen”! Maraming mga “Karen” comments ang nagsasabing huwag daw dapat makialam ang Canada sa gulo ng Ukraine at Russia. Marami ding mga comments na taliwas ang paniniwala sa mga “Karen” na tama lang daw ang ginawa ng gobyerno na economic sanctions at pagpapadala ng military support. Muli, nabahala ako sa napansin kong pattern ng behaviour na mga tao. Ang daming makasariling Marites at Karen. Ilagay kaya natin ang ating sarili sa sa gitna ng nangyayari ngayon sa Ukraine? Ano kaya ang mararamdaman natin. Dahil ba’t safe na tayo at maayos na ang buhay natin dito sa Canada ay wala na tayong pakialam sa crisis ng mundo? Ganito na ba tayo? Habang nagtatalo tayo sa social media at nagpapagalingan ng ating mga kaalaman at opinion ay maraming namamatay. Mga sundalo, bata, matanda, mga simpleng mamayang katulad mo at katulad ko. Sa mga Pilipinong iniisip na hindi parehas na bigyan ng priyoridad ang mga Ukranians
para mabilis na makapasok sa Canada, magpasalamat na lang sana kayo dahil ang napuntahan n’yong bansa ay pinaninindigan ang pagtulong sa katauhan at nagtatanggol sa kalayaan ng sinuman. Imbis na maging bitter kayo dahil may nauuna sa mga Pilipino ng pagpasok dito ay isipin n’yo na lang na ang Canada ay sumasagip ng buhay ng mga tao na ang mga buhay ay nasa peligro. Tandaan natin na ang Canada ay champion ng diversity. Kung gaano natin kamahal ang ating mga kamag-anak ay ganoon din sana natin mahalin ang iba pang tao sa mundo. Nasa isang mundo lang naman tayo. Kung bakit kasi naimbento pa ang salitang “race” na naghati-hati sa atin. Sa mga panahong ito, lalo sana nating palaganapin ang pagdadamayan, pagtutulungan at
pag-ibig sa bawa’t isa sa kabila ng ating pagkakaiba. Marites at Karen, iwasan n’yo na kasi ang sablay ninyong paniniwala at huwag ng masiyadong selfish. 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 Bata-Batuta 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.
kanilang idolo. Isang prinsipe ayon sa nabasa naming kuwento ang nakapagpatunay na walang nagagawa ang salapi kapag kalusugan na ang nakataya sa usapin. Umaapaw ang kaniyang salapi pero hindi mahanap-hanap ng mga espesyalista kung saan nagmumula ang kaniyang sakit. Sa isang five-star hotel kung saan pansamantalang tumira ang prinsipe habang nagpapagamot ito ay may isang manipis lang na babasahing gumising sa kaniya sa katotohanan. Nakita ng prinsipe ang babasahin sa gilid ng kaniyang kama. Ang laman ng manipis na babasahin ay pagtawag at pasasalamat sa Diyos na kaniyang sinunod. Walang humpay na nagdasal ang prinsipe sa loob nang maraming araw, lumakas ang kaniyang pakiramdam, hanggang sa nagpatawag ito sa kaniyang tauhan na tapos na ang kaniyan gamutan at uuwi na sila sa palasyo.
Pagdating sa kanilang bansa ay naglaro agad ng hockey ang prinsipe, alalang-alala ang kaniyang pamilya, lalo na ang hari at reynang mga magulang nito. Simple lang ang sinagot ng prinsipe, “Huwag kayong matakot, binabalot ako ng pagmamahal ng Diyos. Siya lang ang magdidikta kung kailan ako mawawala, hindi ang salaping mayroon tayo na wala naman palang saysay.” Amen. *** Ibang klase talaga si Gretchen Barretto! Puring-puri ngayon ng mga kababayan natin ang mapuso niyang pagbibigay ng ayuda sa lahat ng sektor ng ating bayan. Lahat ay pinadadalhan niya ng tulong, truck-truck na bigas ang ipinadedeliber niya sa mga ospital at opisina ng mga frontliners, wala siyang iniiwan. Pinaligaya niya ang buong showbiz, wala rin siyang pinipili lang na ayudahan, kaya naman mahal na mahal
siya ng industriya kung saan siya sumikat. Habambuhay nang hindi makakalimutan ng lahat ng tinulungan niya ang makasaysayan niyang love boxes. Napanood namin ang video ng pagiging plantita ni Gretchen. Napakalawak ng bakuran nila ni Tony “Boy” Cojuangco, pinapuno niya ng mga halaman ang buong garden, nakakalula ang mga presyo ng mga halamang ipinampuno niya sa bakuran. Daang libong piso ang presyo ng bawat halaman, ang pinakamura ay kabuhayan na ng isang mahirap na pamilya, ganoon katindi ang pagiging plantita ng aktres. Walang-wala ang mga ipinagmamalaking halaman d’yan ni Jinkee Pacquiao na ipinaglalantaran nito sa buong bayan. Tahimik lang si Gretchen, hindi niya ipinagmamakaingay ang kaniyang mga ginagawa, pero nakakalula iyon. Ibang-iba talaga ang kilatis ng dating sanay na sa kayamanan kesa sa ngayon lang
nagkaroon. Tahimik lang, hindi nagmamayabang, secure na secure sa kaniyang estado. At siya mismo ang gumagabay sa mga nagdedeliber ng truck-truck na halaman, siya ang nagtuturo kung saan dapat ipuwesto, siya rin ang nagdidilig nang basta nakapusod lang pero ang ganda-ganda pa rin niya. Natural, tuwang-tuwa si Kuyang Tony Boy nang makita ang kanilang hardin na punumpuno ng mga pananim, kaligayahan na nila iyon ni Gretchen, doon siguro sila nagkakape paggising habang nagkukuwentuhan. Ang nagagawa nga naman ng salapi kapag ginagamit sa tamang paraan. Hindi dinidiyos ang pera kundi inaalipin. Totoong-totoo na may silbi lang ang kayamanan kapag marami tayong napapasaya. *** Nakakaaliw ang litanyang “benefit of the daw.” “Daw” talaga, hindi doubt, benefit of the daw. Iyon ang usungSee CRISTY p14
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PEOPLE & EVENTS PILIPINO EXPRESS
MARCH 1 - 15, 2022
Local singer tries Broadway for yearly fundraiser by Lucille Nolasco Garrido Winnipeg singer, Paul Ong, is staging his annual fundraising concert live, this year. After doing a concert series via online for the last two years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Paul has courageously pursued a live production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat set for March 16, 2022, with the help of friends, family, and volunteers. Pilipino Express (PE) caught up with Paul in the middle of preparing for the production, in this interview. PE: Congratulations! Your annual fundraising this year is back to live presentation, tell us about it. Paul Ong: Yes, after two years of doing things virtually, we are so excited to be back and performing live. The last time we were able to do it was 2019 with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO). This year, we are collaborating with Musical Theatre for Change, and will be performing selections from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. We are set to go on stage March 16th, 7:00 p.m. at the Centennial Concert Hall in support of the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. PE: How different is it from your previous productions?
CRISTY... From page 13 uso ngayon tungkol sa mga isyung kinapapalooban ng mga personalidad. Huwag naman daw basta husgahan agad. Bigyan daw muna ng benefit of the daw. Galing sa mga CFMers ang terminong iyon.
Paul Ong: This year’s production is very different from our usual concert style format. We are doing an adaptation of a Broadway musical. We have a cast and crew of over 300 people who are all volunteering their time, talents, and skills for our cause this year. We will have a 200-piece show choir consisting of children in Grades 3 to 6 across the city, a live band with some members from the WSO to accompany us live, and a cast of 30 individuals. Another difference this year is that we are limiting live audiences to 250 seats to ensure that we can maintain proper distancing, and that health and safety is a priority. Regardless of the lifting of restrictions, we will keep the audience at 250. PE: The pandemic is still here, what were the challenges that you needed to overcome to stage this production? Paul Ong: Health and safety of the cast and crew, and the audience is the top priority. We ensure that we are adhering to safety protocols set out by the province. We are very conscious about distancing and safety protocols. We rehearse with masks on and always at a good distance from one another. At the initial stages, it was very hard to plan because we were unaware of where things will go, and how things will be. We are so happy and feel blessed that our show
will be proceeding. Challenges are opportunities for us to be more resilient and creative. The pandemic has allowed us to appreciate things we had taken for granted. It has also pushed us to go beyond our comfort zones. When there is a will, there is always a way! PE: Tell us about your beneficiary for this year. Why did you choose it? Paul Ong: This year, we chose the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation-Pediatrics. The burden in the healthcare system is ongoing and has been elevated due to the pandemic. This year, we wanted to do it for children diagnosed with cancer. Cancer has affected the lives of several individuals and their families and friends. Children diagnosed with cancer deserve the best care, treatment, and research possible. PE: How can people support the fundraiser? Paul Ong: People can support through donating to our cause. All the seats to the live show is sold out. However, we have a web page set up with CancerCare specific to this event. https://support.cancercarefdn. mb.ca/site/TR/communityevents People can visit the link and donate directly. All donations $20 and above will receive a link to watch the video of the show, which will be taped during the live performance on March 16th. I would like to take this
Maraming isyung kailangang bigyan ngayon ng benefit of the daw. Tulad ng pagpansin ng mga Marites na bakit daw hindi sumasama si KC Concepcion sa kampanya ni Senator Kiko Pangilinan. Sa ngayon ay hindi pa, pero malay naman natin kapag bumalik na sa bansa si KC, tutal ay mahaba pa naman ang tatakbuhin
ng kampanya. Madalas sabihin ni KC na mahal niya ang kaniyang daddy, para na rin siyang anak kung ituring ng pulitiko, kaya siguro naman ay maglalaan siya ng panahon para sa kampanya nito. Kaya lang ay napakalapit din ni KC sa pamilya nina Senate President Tito Sotto at Ate Helen Gamboa, para na rin
Paul Ong opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the community for their support all these years. It is through the support and trust of the business sponsors, ticket buyers, media, volunteers, and the whole community that I can use my gifts in singing as a platform to make a positive
difference in the community. It is my firm belief that music and the performing arts extend more than just providing entertainment. It is a platform to unite the community, inspire, empower, and make a positive difference. I am thankful that the community has given me this privilege.
siyang anak ng mag-asawa, kaya paano kaya ang pagdedesisyon ni KC para wala siyang masaktan sa dalawang nagbabanggang puwersa sa pagka-vice-president? Napakahirap ng posisyon ngayon ng mag-inang Sharon at KC, sobrang mapagbiro ang kapalaran, sinusukat ang kanilang kapasidad ngayon. Si Sharon ay mauunawaan natin dahil ang kaniyang asawa ang tumatakbo, pero isa pang bagay ang sigurado, hindi magbibitiw ng masasakit na salita ang Megastar para makapanakit sa kalooban nina Kuya Tito at Ate Helen. Hindi sasadyaing saktan ni Sharon ang mga taong nagtuturing na sa kaniya bilang anak, pati ang kaniyang mga pinsan na para na silang magkakapatid, iyon ang sigurado. Tingnan na lang natin kung
ano ang gagawin ni KC sa kampanya. Baka wala na lang siyang suportahan sinuman kina Senator Tito at Senator Kiko para wala siyang masaktang kahit sino. Ang kapalaran talaga kung magbiro, mahirap ispilengin, sino ba ang mag-aakalang sina Senate President Tito Sotto at Senador Kiko pa pala ang pagsasabungin sa isang posisyon sa ating pamahalaan? Noong minsan ay sinabi na ni Sharon, “Kahit sino ang manalo, okey lang, basta ang mga kababayan natin ang makikinabang.” Ang pagkakataong ito ang susukat sa kanilang pagkatao at paninindigan. Malaking kuwestiyon kung paano nila dadalhin ang labanan nang hindi manganganib ang kanilang malalim na relasyon. –CSF
MARCH 1 - 15, 2022
PILIPINO EXPRESS
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
MARCH 1 - 15, 2022