World Gold Medallists
Dear Heart concert - Nov. 21. See p6 for details
Winnipeg martial artists among top athletes at World Karate Championships
The Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy (WSAA) sent 11 athletes to the 2024 World Karate Championships in Albufeira, Portugal, which wrapped up on November 1. They all brought home medals, ranking them among the top four Best Fighters in the World. The WSAA won five gold, five silver, and seven bronze
medals, and earned six fourth place rankings in tournament.
Lee Angela Igne of WSAA finished as the Second Top Athlete of the tournament with her performance of Filipino Arnis Creative Weapon Forms.
The WSAA team of Lee Angela Igne, Lourdes Lynn Igne, Red Jr Igne, and Jayzelle Policarpio
became the first-ever World Gold Medallists for the newly
category
“This most recent achievement of the Winnipeg
Academy again truly made a
They represented our community, our city in its 150, and our
Canada,” said Kelly
Honouring a pillar of Philanthropy in Manitoba’s Filipino community
For the first time in its 26year history, the Manitoba Philanthropy Awards recognized a Filipino-Chinese Canadian for his outstanding contributions to the community. Paul Ong, an educator and well-known Filipino performer, was honoured with the 2024 Manitoba Philanthropy Award in the category of Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Manitoba Chapter describes the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award as recognizing an individual or family residing in Manitoba who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating volunteers and donors for major fundraising efforts across multiple not-forprofit organizations. Importantly, these efforts are entirely voluntary, without any remuneration.
Since 2014, Paul Ong has been the driving force behind the annual Concert for a Cause, raising thousands of dollars for local Manitoba charities. His commitment to philanthropy and community
See PAUL p5
Paul Ong
introduced
called Open Team Kata.
Sikaran Arnis
mark.
country
Legaspi,
See WSAA p6
OUR HEALTH
How to stay healthy in changing weather conditions
The weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter. One day it might be sunny and warm, the next day it might be freezing and snowy. How does this changing weather affect your health and well-being? And what can you do to protect yourself from getting sick?
Dr. Tejal Shelat, a Mayo Clinic family medicine resident, says fluctuations in temperature can cause the body temperature to vary as well.
Changes in body temperature and exposure to seasonal viruses make you more susceptible to catching illnesses such as the common cold and flu.
Symptoms of respiratory infections
Dr. Shelat says that these viruses can cause upper respiratory infections, which are characterized by several symptoms: runny nose, postnasal drip, fevers greater than 38C, shortness of breath, persistent productive cough, and chest pain when taking in a deep breath may indicate a more serious infection, such as pneumonia.
To prevent or treat these infections, Dr. Shelat recommends boosting your immune system with some simple strategies. The first is to consume enough vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help fight off infections.
Strategies to stay healthy in changing weather
• Vitamin C – Consume enough vitamin C from fruits or supplements to boost your immune system. “Fruits that are rich in vitamin C, like lemons and oranges, just having one a day or squeezing a few slices of lemon into your water bottle, that might go a long way in protecting your immune system,” Dr. Shelat says.
• Vitamin D3 –Mayo Clinic recommends that adults get at least the RDA of 600 IU. However, 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D from a supplement is generally safe, should help people achieve an adequate blood level of vitamin D, and may have additional health benefits.
• Zinc and Selenium are two trace elements that are required for human health. Each of these minerals plays an important role in the body, and insufficient levels can lead to a variety of health problems. Both zinc and selenium are required for healthy immune function, which makes these nutrients vital for keeping the body free of disease and common illnesses.
Seek medical attention if you have a fever above 38C or any severe or persistent symptoms.
Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, to improve your blood circulation and cellular function. Regular exercise can improve your blood circulation, oxygen delivery and cellular function. Dr. Shelat says that exercise does not have to be strenuous or time-consuming.
“It could be just a 30-minute walk most days of the week. That gets you to 150 minutes (about 2.5 hours) a week. And that is a good amount of exercise,” she says. She also encourages those who enjoy more intense workouts to continue doing them if they are safe and comfortable.
If you experience any severe or persistent symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Source: Deb Balzer, Mayo Clinic News Network. For more information, see your friendly associates at A1 Nutrition, Grant Park Shopping Centre.
Brought to you by A1 Nutrition, Grant Park Shopping Centre
The American presidential election was less than two weeks ago and many are still shocked by the results. The re-election of Donald Trump was not something many of us expected or hoped for. He appeared to lead an attempt to seize the government by force on January 6, 2021, and was charged but not prosecuted for the offence. Justice delayed is in some ways justice denied.
We are wise to heed the warning of the election. The Democratic Party, which claimed to champion democratic rights, was soundly defeated and, no, Kamala Harris fought but did not win. It is not enough to say that the USA was not ready for a female president. We should focus on issues raised by voters in focus groups and town halls: inflation and immigration. The USA like all countries, democratic or authoritarian is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic and the deaths of hundreds of thousands of its citizens. Trump
used the Biden government failure to control inflation and the illegal immigration through its southern borders to good effect.
There is one ominous parallel in history and that is 1933 Germany where the Weimar Republic fell to the Nationalist Socialist Party led by Adolph Hitler, who controlled roughly 33 per cent of the country. The target of his hate speech was not immigrants per se but the Jews who were blamed for the depression and the loss of power and territory in the Great War of 1914-1918. We can pray that things do not play out that badly in the USA, but the warnings for newcomers are there.
In Canada we have a tired Liberal government that is moving towards a major defeat in the next election and the general population, which for the first time in our history is opposed to bringing in foreign temporary and permanent newcomers. Policies and practices that encourage greater numbers of immigrants, whether high skilled
Student direct stream cancelled
labour or family reunification, are being changed, seemingly by the minute. I sat with a Manitoba provincial nominee last week and looked at the computer that displayed the breaking news, “IRCC closes the Student Direct Stream, effective immediately.”
The effective date for the change was November 8, 2024. There were signs that things were changing but no warning of any closures. If you or your relatives and friends were thinking of using the Student Direct Stream (SDS), think again, the option is closed for all applicants. Including those from designated countries, such as the Philippines. It is time to take stock in what we have just lost.
The Student Direct Stream was launched in 2018 and before its closing it was open to prospective students from Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam. Prospective university students
JOB OPPORTUNITY
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JOB OPPORTUNITY
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from Nigeria had access to the Nigeria Student Express, which also ended on November 8, 2024. The applicants under the SDS stream were required to provide language proficiency test results in French or English and show that they had opened a Canadian Guaranteed Certificate (GIC) of $20,635. The process was accelerated for SDS and the federal web site is showing that the current processing times for applicants to the old study permit stream is now six weeks.
The Student Direct Stream was helpful in identifying the items required, some of which applies to the general application stream still in place. The candidate requires an acceptance from a designated learning institution in Canada and must be residing outside of Canada when the application is made. Candidates must also show proof of tuition payment for the first year of studies and the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) for $20,635. A medical examination may be required as well as a police certificate such as the NBI. All applicants will be required to provide the most recent secondary or post-secondary school transcripts and meet the minimum standard for language tests in English or French.
Canada has now implemented a two-year limit on study permits, restricting the number of international students entering Canada. In 2024 study permits are being reduced by 35 per cent.
In 2025, the cap on study permits will be lowered by a further 10 per cent to a total of 437,000.
Some other changes considered are as follows: only graduates from public colleges (Designated Learning Institutions) in fields with labour shortages can qualify for a Post Graduate Work Permit.
Graduates holding a master’s or doctoral degree will still qualify for a PGWP, irrespective of their field. Eligibility for spouses and
partners of international students is now limited; only spouses in a 16-month master’s program or longer are eligible to apply for a work permit.
The changes will have an immediate impact on the housing situation in Canada with fewer applicants. The reduction in class sizes is expected to enhance education quality and personal academic experiences. The changes may prevent students from low-income backgrounds from coming to the country as students, and Canada’s image as a top international education destination could suffer because of competition from the U.S. and the U.K.
The ending of the SDS may lead to a more sustainable balanced intake of foreign students. It is also intended to focus on quality over quantity for both international and domestic students. The challenge for Canada is to balance the immigration of foreign students with other factors such as occupational demand and housing availability. The major change is that Canada is going to take a more proactive role in limiting foreign student intake, to address the impression that the country is motivated only by growth and additional tuition payments from foreign students. The long-term question is how the changes will impact temporary immigration to the country and our reputation as a choice destination for foreign students.
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.
PAUL...
From page 1
support has had a lasting impact.
In an interview with the Pilipino Express, Ong expressed his gratitude for the recognition:
“Thankful, honoured, humbled. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible community for your unwavering support, which has enabled us to make a positive impact over the past 10 years and beyond. I am deeply honoured to be the first Filipino-Chinese recipient in the 26-year history of the Manitoba Philanthropy Awards, and I am humbled to represent both the Filipino and Chinese communities in this capacity. This recognition is a testament to our shared dedication. Together, we’re making a difference!”
Paul Ong was recognized
alongside other 2024 awardees, including Pacey Wall (Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy), Access Credit Union (Outstanding Corporation), Carolyn Basha (Outstanding Professional Fundraiser), Jose and Maria Graciete Correia (Outstanding Philanthropists), Bell MTS Volunteers (Outstanding Philanthropic Group), and Jo Wright (Lifetime Achievement Award).
National Philanthropy Day, celebrated annually across North America on November 15, honours the significant contributions of philanthropy and the dedication of those involved in the philanthropic community. This year, the 2024 Manitoba Philanthropy Awards ceremony took place November 15 at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. –
By Emmie Joaquin
WSAA...
From page 1 instructor and administrator of the WSAA. The tournament, which is organized and sanctioned by the World Karate Commission, is “one of the most prestigious martial arts tournaments in the world,” said Legaspi. “Some call it the ‘Olympics of Martial Arts’ where the best of the best martial arts athletes meet and compete. Everyone trained and competed at black belt level regardless of one’s current belt level,” she added.
Of the 11 WSAA members,
only five were black belts while the other six brown belts also competed against experienced black belters and past champions. Team Canada sent the largest delegation with almost 200 athletes. Other countries in attendance were, England, the United States, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Spain, Venezuela, Switzerland, and Germany. Next year’s national team try-outs will be in May 2025 in Ottawa. The 2025 World Karate Championships will be held in Niagara Falls, New York.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Pinays Manitoba Trailblazer Awards!
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Pinays Manitoba Trailblazer Awards!
To be eligible for the Pinay Trailblazer Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:
• Be a woman of Filipino descent, a woman of integrity, at least 18 years old, with strong ties to Manitoba.
• Not be a current member of Pinays Manitoba Inc.
• Support the mission and vision of Pinays Manitoba.
• Consent to being nominated.
• Have made significant contributions to the Manitoba community, whether through paid work or volunteerism in the private, public, or nonprofit sectors.
E-mail pinaysmbinc@gmail.com to get a nomination form. Deadline for submission: December 15, 2024.
Global icon Heart Evangelista headlines GMA Pinoy TV
GMA Pinoy TV brings entertainment set to thrill the global Pinoy audience this November with programs that cover a wide range of genres and Philippine cinema’s best movies, for the whole family!
Global icon and Sparkle artist Heart Evangelista returns to TV with Heart World. Set to enchant audiences as it peeks into her vibrant life beyond the glitz and glam, this feel-good, vlogstyle show is produced by Heart herself. Through a mix of personal storytelling, an exhilarating fashion week, behind-the-scenes access to her glamorous lifestyle, and snippets of her private life in Manila, each episode unveils the woman behind the public persona.
The country’s King of Talk, Boy Abunda, interviewed Comedy Concert Queen Ai-Ai delas Alas about her recent separation from husband of 10 years, Gerald Sibayan
Watch GMA Pinoy Blockbuster with Filipino movies that are sure to delight and engage audiences: Papa Mascot, Coming Soon, Habangbuhay, and Above the Clouds.
Papa Mascot, starring Ken
Chan, Gabby Eigenmann, and Miles Ocampo, is the story of a young father whose daughter suffers from a grave illness. The movie won the critics award at the Fantasporto International Film Festival.
Coming Soon, starring Andi Eigenmann, Glaiza de Castro, and Boy 2 Quizon, follows six friends on a road trip while the end of the world approaches.
Habangbuhay features performances from McCoy de Leon, Elisse Joson, and Yayo Aguila. The movie explores the story of the unlikely romance between a spoiled, rich, social media influencer, played by Elisse, and her household employee, played by McCoy.
Rounding up the GMA Pinoy
Blockbuster line-up in November is Above the Clouds. The drama stars Ruru Madrid as Andy, a boy who witnesses the tragic loss of his parents during a flood in Manila. Their deaths bring him to his estranged grandfather, played by Pepe Smith Keep tuning in to GMA Pinoy TV featuring favourite Kapuso stars.
Heart Evangelista
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ
Kathryn Bernardo will shock fans in HelloLoveAgain
Blockbuster director Cathy Garcia-Sampana proved once again that doing a sequel from a blockbuster movie will not harm the first one if you are good enough to surpass the pioneer movie.
Cathy masterfully did justice to Hello Love Goodbye, the once top blockbuster movie of all time after Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera’s Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 entry,Rewind surpassed it last December.
Fearless forecast: Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards will reclaim the throne with Hello Love Again after Cathy announced
during the red carpet premiere that the most-anticipated movie will be shown in 500 cinemas nationwide and 400 cinemas abroad.
Alden showed that he is really a good actor as Ethan in the movie, while Kathryn is just being Kathryn, showing her proven acting chops.
Fans of the actress, however, will be shocked upon seeing her doing a specific scene for the first time in her career.
The movie is filled with kilig scenes that will make moviegoers scream their lungs out. It is also loaded with drama that will make
Tom Rodriguez, may baby na?
Mayroong big revelation ang Kapuso actor na si Tom Rodriguez tungkol sa kaniyang personal na buhay.
Sa short exclusive interview ni Nelson Canlas kay Tom na mapapanood sa Instagram, inamin ng huli na mayroon na siyang anak.
Pahayag ni Tom, “I feel great. He’s my greatest source of inspiration… I just really wanted to keep it for myself. If someone wanted to ask… kapag nasa work ako, I happily share.”
Ibinahagi ng first-time dad na Korben ang pangalan ng kaniyang anak at ayon pa sa kaniya ay kuhang-
kuhang nito ang kaniyang dimples. Ayon pa kay Tom, “He’s four months today.”
Base sa naturang interview, sketches muna ni baby Korben ang maibabahagi ni Tom sa ngayon.
Matatandaang halos dalawang taon na nagpahinga ang aktor sa kaniyang showbiz career matapos ang divorce nila ng Widows’ War actress na si Carla Abellana Si Tom ay kasalukuyang napapanood sa GMA afternoon drama series na Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law. Siya ay napapanood dito bilang si Atty. Renan Alon.
them teary-eyed. For humor, Joross Gamboa filled the movie with his one-liner hugots Ruby Rodriguez, Kuya Jobert, Valerie Concepcion and Jennica Garcia also added to the laugh trip.
KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde’s Palagi and December
In the end, moviegoers will realize that home is not a place; it’s a person.
Review by Jan Milo Severo, Philstar.com
Avenue and Moira’s Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw are the perfect soundtrack for the movie. The movie also shows overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs’) daily struggles juxtaposed against the beauty of Canada. The film, however, used green screen in some scenes as some scenes showed a snowy Canada. They only filmed the movie a few months back, when it was still not winter.
AiAi delas Alas feels there’s 3rd party involved in breakup
Comedienne AiAi delas Alas confirmed that she and husband Gerald Sibayan have broken up.
In an interview with her manager Boy Abunda on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” on November 11, 2024, AiAi said that Gerald broke up with her through text message on October 14.
“Oo, hiwalay na kami. Sinabi niya na gusto niya magka-anak, hindi na siya happy,” AiAi said.
“Medyo confused ako, shocked. ‘Bakit ngayong oras na ito? Sana hinintay mo muna akong makauwi sa Amerika.’ Maraming bakit,” she added.
AiAi said that they never had an intense argument in the past, so she’s confused on what’s happening.
“In fairness, wala naman talaga kaming pinag-aawayan. Actually, sa buong [panahon] ng pagsasama namin, bilang sa daliri ‘yung… discussion nga, e, hindi away. So, parang nagulat ako.
“Why ngayon? Anong mayroon sa October? Anong mayroon sa araw na ito? Bakit madaling-araw dito [sa Pilipinas]? Sumasagot ako sa chat niya, pero nag-sink sa akin noong umaga na.
“Siyempre, initial reaction ng asawa, nagalit muna ako. Sini-sink ko muna, ano ba itong nangyari?”
AiAi said that she has a hunch that there’s a third party involved in the breakup.
“Aahhh, bilang asawa, ‘di ba ang mga asawa malalakas ang [pakiramdam]? Ako, ramdam ko mayroon. Ramdam ko. Gut feel. Pero it doesn’t matter kung
mayroon o wala. Kasi noong sinabi niya na firm na siya sa decision, wala na naman akong ilalaban, ‘di ba?” AiAi said.
“Kapag lumaban pa kasi ako, kunyari nag-stay ako, alam ko naman ang magiging ending. ‘Yung dignity at self-worth ko, mawawala na ‘yon. Nagtira naman ako kasi alam ko na mangyayari uli ‘yon. Kasi noong 2019, nag-cheat na rin siya noon,” she added.
By Jan Milo Severo, Philstar. com. For more updates on the Ai Ai and Gerald breakup, follow Cristy Fermin’ Showbiz Now Na on YouTube
Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards
Base sa naturang interview, sketch muna ni baby Korben ang maibabahagi ni Tom sa ngayon. Courtesy: akosimangtomas (IG)
Ai Ai delas Alas and Gerald Sibayan
UPAA Manitoba to celebrate 15th anniversary
The University of the Philippines Alumni and Associates in Manitoba (UPAA-MB) will hold its 15th Anniversary Dinner on November 30, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Couple Chef Restaurant, 1199 Fife St.
This celebration is dedicated to honour the strong bonds built over the past 15 years, while also furthering the UPAA-MB’s commitment to supporting educational opportunities for Filipino students both in Manitoba and in the Philippines.
With the theme “Honouring 15 Years of Connection, Commitment, and Community,” the celebration will bring together UP alumni, family, and friends to reflect on achievements, raise funds for the bursary program, and induct the 2025-2026 board of directors. This holiday gathering aims to foster community spirit and support educational
opportunities for Filipino students in Manitoba and the Philippines.
The event’s fundraising goal is $2,000 from ticket sales and donations, helping the bursary program to assist University of the Philippines students and students of Filipino heritage in Manitoba.
This initiative aligns with UPAAMB’s mission to assist Filipino students in maximizing their potential through improved access to education and training.
The 2025-2026 board members, elected on October 20, are Oscar Pantaleon Jr. (chairperson), Sunshine Joy Teologo (secretary), Cecille Mendoza (treasurer), Emmanuel Dimatulac (membership committee head), Alvin Jake Vergara (fundraising committee head), Mario Muan (social responsibility committee head), and Ann Evangelista (information and communication committee
head). The team is set to further UPAA-MB’s vision and expand its impact on both the local Filipino community and the Iskolar ng Bayan of UP. Tickets are $35, with a $10
discount for children 12 and under. Payments are accepted via e-transfer to treasurer@upmb.net or by cash at the venue. Due to limited seating, early purchase is recommended.
For more information, contact infocomm@upmb.net. Join us as we celebrate connection, commitment, and community and support educational opportunities for Filipino students!
TOPYU, Baguio’s famous acoustic singer in Winnipeg
Newly elected UPAA-MB 2025-2026 Board of Directors (l-r): Oscar Pantaleon Jr., Sunshine Joy Teologo, Cecille Mendoza, Ann Evangelista, Alvin Jake Vergara, Mario Muan, and Emmanuel Dimatulac. (Photo by Ann Evangelista)
TOPYU
TOPYU with the JUJUKETS of Manitoba
One of the early union leaders in the Filipino community is Evelyn Elago. Almost every unionist I interviewed mentioned her name and many people in the community asked me if I had already interviewed her. After some research, I finally found Evelyn on Facebook and sent her questions for this article on the history of Filipino union leaders of Winnipeg from the 70s to the 90s. Evelyn told me that she was thirteen years old when she arrived in Winnipeg in 1979 from Makati, the financial centre of the Philippines.
Based on the book Manggagawa Noon at Ngayon, the year 1979 in Philippine history was marred by unfortunate events on the labour front. About 56,000 workers lost their jobs in 1979. Around 1.3 million people looked for jobs abroad. Prior to this, in 1978, a massive noise barrage protest was successfully launched after the 1978 elections. On May 1, 1980, the Kilusang Mayo Uno or the May First Movement was founded to carry on the fight of workers in a comprehensive way – nationalist, democratic, and antiimperialist. Such was the context of the time when Evelyn left the Philippines for Canada.
Evelyn recalled that she worked with Boeing and became a union president of Canadian Auto Workers Local 2169 (now UNIFOR) for two three-year terms. Boeing Winnipeg is one of the largest aerospace composite manufacturers in Canada. The company employs more than 1000 people in the 800,000 square feet of space in two locations in the city. Under her leadership, Evelyn reckons handling two or three
collective bargaining negotiations with management. She also shared that one of the persons who influenced her to attend conferences on unionism was Neri Dimacali. Neri was a union officer of Boeing Union Local 2169 and a leading community activist back in the day. Another person who influenced her to be active in the union was Bob Luna.
Evelyn proudly narrated that she attended several courses or training from the union, such as workers of colour workshops and human rights. She continued that she was part of the Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) National Executive Board and CAW Women delegation to Brazil and Guatemala.
Evelyn also shared, “I was Boeing’s United Way Campaign Co-chair for four campaign years. In the 2003 United Way campaign, I was a sponsored executive for United Way representing the Boeing company. It was the first time Boeing sent a representative from the local union.”
Mohamed Alli, a long-time union leader in Winnipeg, has this to say about Evelyn, “I did attend union courses with her. We served on the Human Rights Committee and the Workers of Colour Committee. I also attended CAW constitutional conferences with her in attendance.”
Chris Santos, the current President of Unifor Local 2169 and who has also held an executive position since 2007 shared his thoughts on Evelyn, “She helped me gain enough confidence to sit on the executive where she served as president of my union. She guided my training and introduced me to good people.”
Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot
Evelyn (Sy) Elago: Woman of colour empowerment
In my conversation with Evelyn, I told her that a number of Filipino labour leaders remember her as a pioneer woman of colour leader. Evelyn commented that she made history as the first woman of colour elected as local union president. Boeing is one of the strategic industries in Winnipeg employing a lot of workers from the Filipino community. Usually, people in the community become envious when they know someone is working at Boeing. Boeing is known as a good-paying employer. It was a great opportunity to interview Evelyn on Facebook, one of the Filipinos from Winnipeg who became a union leader. It is not easy to research the involvement of Filipinos in the labour movement of Manitoba from 1970s to the present. More Filipinos should be part of and appreciate the history of the labour movement in our province.
USTAAMI scholarship awards
Evelyn (Sy) Elago
Scholarship awardees (l-r): Reggie Valencia, USTAAMI scholarship committee chairman, John Lloyd De Leon, Celina Casiano, Precious Paguio, Arbien Shammah Liwanag, Maya Barnabe, and Alda Ruiz, USTAAMI president.
Bursary awardees, from (l-r): Alda Ruiz, USTAAMI president; Lanie Pasco and Nino Agustin, bursary committee members; Levy Yugioksing-Pablo and Abe Sarmiento, bursary awardees; Evhonel Comia, bursary committee chairman; and Ela Bumacod, bursary committee member
The USTAAMI held its annual scholarship awards program on October 27, 2024, at Sgt. Tommy Prince Place in Winnipeg. This year’s USTAAMI scholars are John Lloyd De Leon, Celina Casiano, Maya Barnabe, Arbien Shammah Liwanag, and Precious Paguio. According to USTAAMI Vice President Mayumi Panelo, a total of $5,500 in grants and bursaries was awarded to the five recipients.
Golden Tambuli Awards: Marking 10 years of FMAACI’s cultural impact
The Filipino Music and Arts Association of Canada, Inc. (FMAACI) celebrated a major milestone this year, marking its 10th anniversary with the Golden Tambuli Awards on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Maples Collegiate Student Commons.
Since its founding, FMAACI has played a significant role in promoting traditional Filipino music in Winnipeg. What began as an initiative by founder and current president Ernesto Ofiaza Jr. has grown into both a movement and an official non-profit organization. Its accomplishments are visible throughout Winnipeg’s Filipino community, most notably through the annual Filipino Folk Fest – a music festival that brings together diverse communities, including local First Nations groups, in celebration of Filipino culture and artistry.
Over the past decade, FMAACI has highlighted Filipino folk music and advocated for immigrant rights and community connection. The organization has recently expanded its outreach with various programs aimed at strengthening its community impact.
As FMAACI enters its second decade, it plans to launch new programs to create more opportunities for the Filipino community. These include breakfast and dinner gatherings that will bring together community leaders and prominent figures to broaden FMAACI’s advocacy efforts and community reach.
The anniversary event treated attendees to an evening of food and entertainment, featuring live performances from notable musicians such as Levy Abad, Topyu, Joyze Colada, Christine Mazur, Elmer Aquino, Jun Llanos, RJ Arellano, Jeanette Perez, Daniel Tabo-oy Jr., and the Ukelele Filipino Club.
Following the performances, Ofiaza Jr. presented the Golden Tambuli Awards to honour FMAACI’s distinguished members, partners, musicians, and local talents.
Among the prominent awardees were Perla Javate, Joy Lazo, the musical group 12/21 (featuring Roman, Rico, and Roque Maceda), Kris Ontong, Paul Ong, represented by Myrna Ong, Aida Champagne, Clarita Nazario and Levy Abad.
The 10th anniversary celebration was a testament to the shared success of everyone involved in FMAACI.
As the organization steps into a new chapter, its legacy, mission, and vision continue to resonate and strengthen within the community.
By Maryrose Villena, ACC News Correspondent
Photos by John Lopez
Run, Noel 5.5! Winnipeg Man runs 5.5 hours for Cancer Care Manitoba
Five years ago, Noel Lapuz. successfully ran five hours around The Forks area when he celebrated his 50th birthday on November 16, 2019. The event was called, “Run, Noel!” where he was able to raise a total of $3,166.00 for Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation.
With the support of his family, friends, co-workers and the generous people of Manitoba, that birthday celebration marked as one of the most important highlights of his life.
On November 16, 2024, he will be turning 55 years old. “Yes, time flies so fast and I could not imagine that another milestone of my life is on its way.” Lapuz said.
“I am dedicating this run event to my late father Narciso Lapuz, my father-in-law Teddy Rabanal who both passed away in 2020; my
boss and mentor, Nancy Anderson who died of cancer in 2017 and to all cancer patients and survivors out there!”
As he celebrates his 55th birthday this year, Lapuz will do a repetition of his fundraising run that he did five years ago. However, he will be adding a half this time.
Noel will run 5.5 hours around The Forks area from 6:30 am to 12:00 noon. The start/finish line is at the front of Union Station on 123 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB. The route will be around The Forks from Main Street, Marion, Tache, Provencher Bridge and back to Main Street until he finishes the 5.5 hour run at 12 noon.
All proceeds of this run event go to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
Noel with his close friend and mentor, Nancy Anderson, who lost her fight with cancer in December 2017.