Pilipino Express • May 16 2023

Meet the new PCCM board of directors

Sesame Street has introduced TJ, the show’s first-ever Filipino muppet. TJ joins Ji-Young, the show’s first Korean muppet, that was introduced in 2021. TJ first appeared on May 7, 2023, alongside actor Kal Pen, Sesame Street favourite Grover and JiYoung. In the video, TJ and his friends learned the meaning of the word “confidence.” TJ said that he was working on learning Tagalog, the language his Filipino family speaks. “It’s a language my Filipino family speaks,” he tells his friends.

TJ also added that he has confidence when learning the language because he can always ask his Lola (grandmother) for help when he doesn’t understand a word. “I’m confident because I can always ask my lola for help

Sesame Street presents TJ, its first Filipino muppet

See SESAME p3 TJ is Sesame Street’s first Filipino muppet. Photo: Screen grab

L-r: Christopher Santos, Member; Dante Aviso, Auditor; Lou Fernandez, Treasurer; Virginia Gayot, President; Gigi Gacula, Member; Lucille Nolasco-Garrido, Member; Maria Harper, Assistant Treasurer; Rodrigo Lopez, Member, and Atty. Efren Cabrerea, Member. Complete set of directors on p4. Photo by Rey-Ar Reyes

Photo credit: Miss Universe Facebook Page

SESAME...

From page 1 when I don’t know a word.”

TJ’s creator is the USbased animation director Bobby Pontillas. He collaborated with puppeteer Louis Mitchell to create the muppet. On his Instagram post, Pontillas said that he based TJ’s looks on kids of his long-time friends in Seattle, Washington, Max and Mateo. Voice actor and puppeteer Yinan Shentu plays TJ.

In an interview by ABSCBN’s Rhia Grana, Pontillas said that during the initial stages of the character creation, he met with Mitchell to discuss the muppet’s main personality and physical features. The goal was to create a new muppet character that’s authentic and coming from a place of real-life experience.

Pontillas made sure that Mitchell knows it’s really important to get the skin tone right. The Filipino muppet has to have a slightly dark complexion.

“I wanted [TJ] to really represent Filipinos that I have come across with in my lifetime, both in the Philippines and America.” Then it has to have a “very Filipino nose,” he added. “Look at my nose, it’s wider and flatter,” Pontillas pointed out to Mitchell.

In terms of personality, Pontillas said that TJ is a little shy and reserved, drawing from his own experience growing up in the US. “That shyness I think kind of comes from being a second generation [FilipinoAmerican in the US]… being part of a minority group in America.”

Filipina American Rosemarie Palacios, Sesame Workshop’s Director for Talent Outreach, Inclusion and Content Development, was instrumental in giving Pontillas the opportunity to do the character design for TJ, the muppet. In an Instagram post, Palacios disclosed that TJ was named after her own brother.

Bobby Pontillas is the only child of Corazon Pontillas, who hails from Nabua, Camarines

Sur. Mrs. Pontillas, at 21, moved to the United States to join the US Navy. She was stationed in Guam, and it was there where Bobby was born.

Mrs. Pontillas enrolled her young son in art school. Later on, he studied at The Art Institute of Seattle between 1999 to 2001 where he discovered the world of animation.

His first shot as a professional animator was getting a job in a gaming company. A decade into his professional career, he landed his dream job at Walt Disney Animation Studios. That’s where he had the chance to work on animated movies like Moana, Zootopia, Wreck it Ralph, and Frozen. He left Disney to join the start-up company Taiko Studios, which was comprised of a few Disney animators and technicians. With this group, Pontillas co-directed with

Andrew Chesworth the animated short film One Small Step, which got an Oscar nomination in 2019. He joined Walt Disney Company again in 2019 to develop films

and series for Disney Plus and Disney Channel.

With notes from an interview by ABS-CBN’s Rhia Grana

Bobby Pontillas speaking at the 2019 San Diego Comic Con International. Photo by Gage Skidmore

Meet your new PCCM board of directors

There are about a million people of Filipino descent living in Canada today – 960,000 according to the 2021 census. About 100,000 of them now live in Manitoba (94,000 in 2021), making up 7.4 per cent of the province’s population.

At present, there are many Filipino groups and organizations operating in the province, of which the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM) serves as an umbrella organization in keeping their traditions, customs, values, and identity, remain strong even far from the motherland.

Last March, an Annual General Meeting (AGM) was called in the community wherein new officers were elected to the PCCM Governing Board, to serve their respective one to three-year-terms.

Virginia Gayot – President

President of the PCCM since June 13, 2019, to present. Virgie is also an adviser of the BIBAK Association of Manitoba. She was a board member of Siloam Mission from 2003-2010. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, St. Louis University in Baguio City, Philippines. Currently, she works as Inspector Specialist at Standard Aero Ltd.

Gerard Madarang – Vice President

Gerard joined the PCCM in 2021. Prior to immigrating to Canada in 2016, he served as a public health physician for nine years in the Philippines. Currently, he continues his public service in the field of social work. He also regularly volunteers for Canadian Blood Services.

Rodrigo Lopez – Secretary

Rodrigo [Rodge] arrived in Canada in 1985. He volunteers at various community events and organizations such as Cancer Care Manitoba, the Winnipeg Consular Office, the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba, and others. He has been with the PCCM since 2014.

Lou Fernandez – Treasurer

Lou served as PCCM president from 2014-2016. He was president of the old Philippine Association of Manitoba during the years when the PCCM land lease for 50 years with the City of Winnipeg was under negotiation. He has a bachelor of commerce degree and a graduate degree of master’s in business administration. He is now a retired accountant, program/planning analyst, and paralegal. As former Senior Immigration Officer, he was a member of a team who developed the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program in the 1990s. Along with his wife Leah, Lou has been running a successful day spa for the last 12 years.

Maria Harper – Assistant Treasurer

Maria is a Human Resource Professional in the Child & Family Services sector for the Government of Manitoba. She and her family moved to Canada in 1989. She is thrilled to be a part of the PCCM board and contribute towards its mission and vision.

Dante Aviso – Auditor

Dante was recently elected as a School Trustee for the Winnipeg School Division during the October 2022 civic elections. He joined the PCCM board in 2021 and heads the fundraising, programs and services committee of PCCM and at the same time he is the artistic director of the Musica Singers of PCCM. He is passionate in promoting Filipino arts and culture and mentoring the youth in the pursuit of their chosen interests. Dante is a real estate agent for Century 21 Bachman & Associates and a Commissioner for Oaths in the Province of Manitoba.

Atty. Efren Cabrera – Member

Efren arrived in Canada in 2011. PCCM appointed him as a member of the Board of Directors in 2022 and was subsequently elected as a Member of the Governing Board in 2023. Efren is a practicing lawyer at Cabrera Law Firm.

Gigi Gacula – Member

Gigi immigrated to Canada in 2014. She is thrilled and happy to be a part of PCCM since 2018.

Eric Hernandez - Member

Eric has been a PCCM volunteer for the last six years. He heads the PCCM Building and Maintenance committee. He currently works at Carte International where he has served as a lead hand for the past 39 years. He immigrated to Canada in 1982.

Lucille Nolasco-Garrido – Member

Lucille is a familiar voice in the community, being the host of 92.7 FM – CKJS drive-home program, Afternoon Pasada. She is also a Board Member of Pinays Manitoba, a community organization dedicated to empowering and supporting Filipino women. Lucille is a licensed Zumba instructor. Her love for dance has allowed her to raise funds for different organizations such as the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, Diabetes Canada, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, and others. She has been elected as a new Member of the Governing Board of the PCCM during the AGM in March.

Christopher Santos - Member

Chris was the PCCM President in 2018-2019. He has been an officer and volunteer for various community organizations such as the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba, the Bulacan Association of Winnipeg, and the Filipino-Canadian Technical and Professionals Association of Manitoba. He volunteers in many charitable works and fundraising projects, mostly in the Filipino community.

Enrico Tiglao - Member

Enrico joined the PCCM Board of Directors in 2018. He works as a site superintendent at J5 Construction. He is an alumnus of Red River College, Robertson College and International Worship Centre’s (IWC) School of Leadership.

Paul Unciano - Member

Newly appointed member of the PCCM governing board, Paul is an accounting professional and a tech savvy finance person. He has 16 years of accumulated experience in government, insurance, and non-profit organizations.

Phone: 204-956-7845

E-Mail: info@pilipino-express.com

Website: www.pilipino-express.com

Publisher: THE PILIPINO EXPRESS INC.

Editor-in-Chief:

EMMIE Z. JOAQUIN

Associate Editor: PAUL MORROW

Art Director: REY-AR REYES

JP SUMBILLO:

Graphic Designer/Photographer

ALEX CANLAPAN:

Contributor/Photographer

Columnists/Contributors:

DALE BURGOS

JB CASARES

YVANNE CABALLERO

ANNE CAPRICE B. CLAROS

ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ

BRO. GERRY GAMUROT

NORMAN ACERON GARCIA

LUCILLE NOLASCO GARRIDO

MICHELE MAJUL-IBARRA

PERLA JAVATE

JUDIANNE JAYME

PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE

NOEL LAPUZ JON MALEK

MALAYA MARCELINO

ALONA MERCADO

CST. REY OLAZO PAQUITO REY PACHECO DR. REY PAGTAKHAN

CHERYL DIZON REYNANTE TIM ST. VINCENT

MICHAEL SCOTT

REGINA RAMOS URBANO

RON URBANO

KATHRYN WEBER

Youth Contributors

Aksyon

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Virginia Gayot

Gerard Madarang

Rodrigo Lopez

Lou Fernandez

Maria Harper

Dante Aviso

Atty. Efren Cabrera

Gigi Gacula

Eric Hernandez

Lucille Nolasco-Garrido

Christopher Santos

Enrico Tiglao

Paul Unciano

Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada regularly update the proof of funds required for Express Entry candidates, or skilled worker applicants. The recent change announced on May 2, 2023, was actually effective on April 25. Proof of funds are updated annually and are based on 50 per cent of the lowincome cut-off totals or LICO. If you are considering applying under Express Entry you need to be aware of the requirement and must present supporting documentation.

This is the area where many speak about “show money,” but this should not be confused with “money to show,” which many regard as fraud. The term “show money” should be avoided because it sends a wrong message. Use settlement instead and ensure that the statements you make are honest and the money you are declaring is yours to use.

Proof of funds demonstrates that you have enough money to settle in Canada and will not become a burden on the wider Canadian society. LICO numbers are based on a calculation of how much money a family of one, or adjusted by family size, needs to support themselves in Canada for six months. This is the standard, which Canada uses in many application streams, such as skilled worker, or sponsorship of parents and grandparents (LICO plus 30 per cent). The recent announcement is revealing because of the way the LICO is adjusted for applicants under Express Entry. It differs by the stream.

First anyone candidate who receives an invitation to apply (ITA) from Express Entry must be able to show written proof that they have the funds they require. However, if they are inside Canada and applying under the Canadian Experience Class, they do not need to show that they have enough money to support

Settlement funds and Express Entry

themselves and their families. They are exempt because they are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid offer. The applicants often have demonstrated that they are able to work and live in Canada over an extended period of time. The “proof is in the pudding” or the settlement. This exemption will cover those who applied from abroad under the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades programs but only if they have a valid job offer to come to in Canada.

The job offer is the key when considering how much settlement money the applicant must present. If you are being invited under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades program and do not have a confirmed job offer in Canada, you need to present evidence of funds for yourself, your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children. The amounts vary by the family size. The current amounts, effective on April 25, 2023, are:

1 – $13,757

2 – $17,127

3 – $21,055

4 – $25,564

5 – $28,994

6 – $32,700

7 – $36,407

If there are more than seven family members, an additional $3,700 is required for each additional family member.

The required proof for settlement funds includes official letters from banks or financial institutions where you have an account. The accounts should show an average balance over the past six months and also outstanding debts. You must show the CBSA that you can legally access the money when you arrive in Canada. This means that you cannot use equity on real

property as proof of settlement funds or borrow money from another person. You must be able to show that you can access your funds to support your family even if they are not coming to Canada with you. It would be easier to show your settlement funds if your spouse or partner is not accompanying you to Canada. Otherwise, you and your accompanying spouse can count any money you have together as part of the settlement funds calculation.

Immigration authorities encourage families to bring as much money as possible because the cost of living varies widely throughout Canada. Large cities

such as Toronto and Vancouver tend to be more expensive. However, you must honestly declare the funds you are brining into Canada to border officers. Failure to disclose could result in the seizure of funds over $10,000 CDN. This includes cash on hand and other property or capital payable to you. This is one of the reasons why IRCC offers seminars on moving to Canada in order to inform potential immigrants of the requirements. The information sessions are for the benefit of applicants, and we encourage you to attend.

The recent announcement is helpful in advising Express Entry applicants but the responsibility

to show adequate settlement funds rests with the applicant, not the border agents (CBSA) or IRCC officers. They enforce the rules and assess your eligibility. Good luck with your submissions.

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.

Welcome to Kabalen!

Kabalen is a newly opened restaurant and catering services in Winnipeg, Manitoba that primarily serves traditional Filipino dishes popular in the province of Pampanga in Central Luzon, Philippines.

The restaurant located at the corner of Inkster Blvd. and Sheppard St. (Unit 4-1485 Inkster Blvd.), officially opened to the public last April 30th. Their sisig, kaldereta, and all-day silogs were instant favourites.

The restaurant and catering business is named after the kapampangan word Kabalen that means countryman or someone from the same town. Kabalen is an instantly noticeable name that will let people know that the dishes are cooked by a culinary team who hails from Pampanga. The province prides itself as being the Culinary Capital of the Philippines as they offer some of the best Filipino dishes.

But even if most of Kabalen’s offerings are from kapampangan cuisine, it caters to everyone regardless of which area in the Philippines they are from. The varied dishes easily win over customers’ taste buds.

Kabalen is the brainchild of Arlene Asban, who was born and raised in Guagua, Pampanga. Passionate about cooking since her childhood, she thought that since she was already cooking for friends and family, “Why not turn her passion into a business opportunity?” So armed with determination and 20 years of cooking experience. Arlene and her husband Albert, decided to put up Kabalen with the help of close friends.

The Asbans, together with their partners, the Tumbokons and Lapuz, are very excited about this venture and cannot wait to serve everyone. For all your everyday ulams (dishes), party tray orders, all-day silogs, lauriats and many more, come to Kabalen! You’re always welcome here.

Kabalen Restaurant & Catering Services owners. From l-r: Nats and Andrea Lapuz; Arlene, Emman and Albert Asban; Elaine and Jeff Tumbokon

With Jon Reyes, Minister of Labour and Immigration

With Atty. JB Casares

Elaine, Issi Bartolome and Ley Navarro Sauler, Lapuz, Tumbokon family and Rey-Ar Reyes of Pilipino Express

Enjoy Vic Sotto and Maja Salvador on Open 24/7

Kapuso viewers as GMA Network airs its brand-new sitcom Open 24/7 beginning May 27 on GMA.

Bringing in the laughs is the highly anticipated onscreen comedic collaboration of Bossing Vic Sotto as Boss EZ and multi-talented actress Maja Salvador as Mikaela. Boss EZ is a reluctant, socially awkward guy who finds himself suddenly in charge of a convenience store. Meanwhile, Mikaela is a funny and very “kikay” girl who is one of Boss EZ’s crazy Gen-Z crew in the store.

Joining them in making the

Michelle Dee is Miss Universe Philippines 2023

Michelle Dee from Makati City is Miss Universe Philippines 2023. The actress emerged victorious on the grand coronation night held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday (May 13) and was crowned by Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi

Aside from winning the title, she also won Best in Evening Gown.

Zambales’ Christine Opiaza is 1st Runner-Up, while Pampanga’s Angelique Manto is 2nd Runner-Up.

In the Q&A portion, Michelle was asked: “Income inequality is still high in the Philippines. The gap between the rich and the poor remains. How do we close that gap?”

She answered, “I think first, we have to recognize what we have and the privileges that we have, such as food, education,

and homes. I think the best way to address this is really through education because education holds no status quo. And every Filipino child has the right to an education, but not just any education, but quality education. Because I believe if the government can provide this to every Filipino child, then we can not only elevate their quality of life, but we can empower them as well. Thank you.”

The candidates were then asked the same question: “Recently, the Department of Tourism has adopted a new branding campaign, ‘“We give the world our best.’ For you, what is the best that we could offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?”

During her turn, Michelle responded, “The Philippines is home to very beautiful natural

resources. From the beaches, the mountains. But I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines has is us Filipinos. We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines, with the way we are hospitable, with the warm smiles, and we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more. No matter where the universe takes me, I will always be proud to call the Philippines my home and no matter what happens, I will always be proud

Maja Salvador Vic Sotto

Photo credit: Miss Universe Facebook Page/Michelles’ IG

See MICHELLE p11

GMA Network’s shows are now streaming on Jungo Pinoy

Global Pinoys will never miss a Kapuso show ever again as the Philippines’ leading broadcasting company GMA Network, through its overseas arm GMA International, teams up with Jungo Pinoy, the fastestgrowing entertainment mobile app specifically created and curated for Filipinos by Los Angelesbased media company Jungo TV, to bring Filipinos around the world closer to home.

Jungo Pinoy users abroad can now enjoy GMA’s international channels: GMA Pinoy TV for streaming hit Kapuso shows like Abot Kamay Na Pangarap, Family Feud, Eat Bulaga, and more, GMA Life TV for lifestyle, travel, and infotainment programs, and GMA News TV for the latest,

MICHELLE...

From page 8

to call myself Pinoy. Thank you.”

Michelle is now set to compete in the international Miss Universe pageant.

Dee is the daughter of former character actor Frederick “Derek” Dee and actressbeauty queen Melanie Marquez (Miss International back in 1979). She’s a cousin of Reina HispanoAmericana 2017 Winwyn Marquez. Dee graduated from the De La Salle University with a Psychology degree and in 2021 completed a certificate program in Entrepreneurship Essentials from the Harvard Business School.

Thirty-eight pageant hopefuls competed for the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 crown. The pageant was hosted by Alden Richards and Xian Lim, whereas Tim Yap and Maureen Montagne were the backstage hosts. Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi was a special guest host.

Reigning Miss Universe

R’Bonney Gabriel was the event’s special guest. Fil-Am singer Jessica Sanchez and Korean singer Nam Woo Hyun were the performers.

By Nika Roque/JCB.

Courtesy: GMA Integrated News

most comprehensive, and most credible news from home—with no TV, cable, or satellite required.

And till May 31, Jungo Pinoy is offering free mobile streaming of these premium channels as a special limited-time offer! They can simply download the app and turn to their phones anytime, anywhere to watch their favorite Kapuso programs.

GMA’s top-rated lineup of comedy, game, reality, variety, and talk shows will be available on demand via Jungo Pinoy to the many Filipinos living and working in Hong Kong, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Canada.

“Jungo’s mission is to provide world-class entertainment at

24/7...

From page 8

viewers crack up every weekend are Jose Manalo as Spark, Sparkle Sweethearts Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay as Kitty and Al, and Sparkle artists Riel Lomadilla as Bekbek, Anjay Anson as Andoy, Kimson Tan as Kokoy, Abed Green as Fred, and Bruce Roeland as Doe.

Boss EZ’s convenience store, Open 24/7, was started by his brother through a bank loan. Unfortunately, his brother had an accident and is temporarily disabled. As the co-borrower, Boss EZ has no option but to take responsibility and deal with all the difficulties of managing his zany Gen-Z crew and quirky clients, or risk losing everything.

Despite all that, Boss EZ is motivated by his love for his brother, his employees, and his clients. He aims to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. Although they may not be perfect, the convenience store is his home, and they are his family.

Under the helm of JR Reyes and M-Zet Productions, Open 24/7 airs beginning May 27, after Magpakailanman on GMA-7.

Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.

an affordable price. We believe everyone deserves the best quality entertainment without overpaying. Through our advanced technology, we are able to offer a reimagined digital TV experience for Filipinos abroad, at a fraction of the traditional cost of cable and satellite,” Jungo TV CEO George Chung.

“We’re excited to be showcasing our highly rated Kapuso programs on the Jungo Pinoy

app that lets them ‘watch TV’ on their phones wherever they may be. With this partnership, GMA Network hopes to give Global Pinoys the opportunity to stream and watch the shows that their loved ones back in the Philippines enjoy,” adds GMA International FVP and Head of Operations, Joseph Francia. Download the Jungo Pinoy app on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Follow @jungopinoy on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter.

Carmina Villaruel & Jillian Ward

Filipinos complete the Booth University College’s Community Capacity Building Program

Seven Filipinos were among a diverse group of students who completed Booth University College’s Community Capacity Building Program, one of Booth UC’s program offerings. The awarding of certificates was held during Booth University College’s 2023 Spring Convocation and Conferring of Degrees, held Sunday afternoon, April 30, 2023, at the Knox United Church in Downtown Winnipeg. MLAs Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame) and Uzuma Asagwara (Union Station) graced the occasion with their greetings and exaltations to the graduating class.

The Filipinos who were awarded the Community Capacity Building (CCB) Certificates are:

• Roselyn Advincula

• Pearl Jobelle Largo

• Daisy Mendez

• Ernesto Ofiaza Jr.

• Hermina Tipan

• Khristine Marie Villanueva

• Joanne Viviezca

“Congratulations to all! We salute you for your continued commitment to the communities you serve and for empowering the communities to help one another,” said Dr. Mariciel Nuyda, Dean of School for Continuing Studies.

The CCB program was offered through the School for Continuing Studies (SCS) at Booth University College. It was created in conjunction with Simon Fraser University (SFU) and is a five-course, 20-week program

designed to empower people who have a vision to make a difference in their respective communities. With the non-traditional student in mind, a balance between theoretical concepts and practical knowledge was sought. Moreover, student supports such as childcare funding and connections to social services were integrated in the program to ensure student success.

This pilot run saw 22 graduates who come from various backgrounds, provinces across Canada, ethnicity and community organizations. Some of them are involved with Indigenous youth, immigrant and refugees, educators, and other community groups who support marginalized

populations. This mix created a diverse and multicultural learning community.

An enriching and handson student experience was made through connections with guest speakers who are experts in fields such as storytelling, intercultural competence, grant writing, project management and Indigenous knowledge. Furthermore, networks were established with various community partners to enable the students to work alongside them to identify and assess community needs and longings. The students then worked on plans for their respective projects, presented and implemented the projects and evaluated their community initiatives. Some of these projects included mental health services, a food bank for a community centre, a day out for single mothers and a multicultural event to promote unity.

Here is what some of the graduates had to say about their experience and the impact the program had on them:

“I was able to explore the Sense of Belonging as a crucial part in newcomer settlement and integration. Because of this, I realized that we can spread this concept and even make a campaign to let everyone know the value of being kind, inclusive, and open. I am hoping this the Sense of Belonging project will generate more community leaders and volunteers that will create a positive impact in the community.”

Roselyn Advincula

“My Interview Shoe Project gave me the opportunity to look back at my early stages as an

immigrant. I encountered a Good Samaritan who bailed me out of a winter storm as I was on my way to a job interview. I believe it was his kindness and the message to be myself at the interview that got me the job and not the confidence that I believed the pair of shoes brought. More importantly, the program gave me the confidence to stand up for myself especially when things do not sit right. Because of this, I did not let an opportunity for a better workplace slip away.” – Daisy Mendez

“Booth University College had provided me a clearer perspective of my role as a change agent here in Canadaas a settlement worker, and as an advocate. I have learned the importance of acknowledging and respecting our roots — the elders and their teachings - to serve as a strong foundation and source of strength, and inspiration for all future endeavors.”– Ernesto Ofiaza, Jr.

“The program made me appreciate the role of The Salvation Army beyond thrift shops, emergency disaster reliefs and food banks. More than getting a certificate in Community Capacity Building, exposure to Booth University College’s ethos gave me the perspective of how a faith-based education can help transform the Downtown and bring hope to a hurting world. The change that we all desire is possible if we take the first step to move forward.” – Joanne Viviezca For information about the Community Capacity Building program and other programs at Booth UC, please visit www. boothuc.ca.

The graduates who were awarded the Booth University College’s Community Capacity Building Program. Front row, l-r: Daniel Swaka, Mirwais Nasiri, Dr. Mariciel Nuyda (Dean, School for Continuing Studies), Mahendra Adhikari. Back row, l-r: Grace Mweresa, Joanne Viviezca, Hermina Tipan, Pearl Largo, Ernesto Ofiaza Jr., Daisy Mendez, Roselyn Advincula

MLA Malaya Marcelino with graduate Joanne Viviezca and guests. L-r: MLA Malaya Marcelino, Art Fernandez, Joanne Viviezca, Baby Green and Dr. Mariciel Nuyda, Dean, School for Continuing Studies

Consumer Health: Does expired sunscreen still work?

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which makes this a good time to check the expiration date on last year’s sunscreen.

It’s that time of year when everyone’s looking forward to some fun in the sun. Too much sun can be dangerous, though. Exposure to UV radiation from the sun damages your skin, and children are especially vulnerable because they tend to spend more time outdoors and can burn easily.

Sunscreens are required by the Food and Drug Administration to remain at their original strength for at least three years. This means that you can use leftover sunscreen from one year to the next. Some sunscreens include an expiration date — a date indicating when they’re no longer effective. Discard sunscreen that is past its expiration date. If you buy sunscreen that doesn’t have an expiration date, write the date of purchase on the bottle. Throw out the bottle when three years have passed since the purchase date.

Skin damage from the sun increases your risk of developing:

• Skin cancer

Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands and legs. Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. Skin cancer occurs when mutations occur in the DNA of skin cells. Much of the damage to DNA in skin cells results from UV radiation found in sunlight and in the lights used in tanning beds.

• Wrinkles

Although genetics mainly determine skin structure and texture, sun exposure is a major cause of wrinkles, especially for people with light skin. Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin’s connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the deeper layer of skin. Without the supportive connective tissue, your skin loses strength and flexibility. Skin then begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.

• Age spots

Age spots are caused by overactive pigment cells. UV

light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives skin its color. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, age spots appear when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations. Use of commercial tanning lamps and beds also can cause age spots.

One way to protect your skin is to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring. Use a generous amount of sunscreen on all exposed skin, including your lips, the tips of your ears, and the backs of your hands and neck.

In addition to sunscreen, avoid sun exposure in the middle of the day when the UV rays are strongest, wear sunglasses that block both types of UV radiation — UVA and UVB rays — and wear a broad-brimmed hat and other protective clothing.

Exercising and enjoying time outdoors are important for good health. Staying protected from the sun will allow you and your family to do so safely.

By Laurel Kelly. Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network

Enjoying time outdoors is important for good health. Staying protected from the sun will allow you and your family to do so safely. Use a generous amount of sunscreen on all exposed skin, including your lips, the tips of your ears, and the backs of your hands and neck.

KROSWORD NO. 417

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

SAGOT SA NO. 416