Pilipino Express • Nov 1 2021

Volume 17 • No. 21 • November 1 - 15 , 2021 Publication Mailing Account #41721512

AJ Raval

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Manitoba honours Fred De Villa

On Saturday, October 30, 2021, members of the Filipino community in Winnipeg gathered at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM) to honour one of its own.

On the occasion of the 150th founding anniversary of the province of Manitoba, Honour 150 recognizes 150 people from across the province who stand out for their role in making Manitoba such an amazing province. Fred De Villa is one of them.

Fred De Villa, a long-time volunteer and Filipino community mover received his Manitoba 150 commemorative medal from Cindy Lamoureux, Manitoba MLA for Tyndall Park. He also received $500 which he donated to St. Anthony of Padua Church and the PCCM. De Villa emigrated with his young family from the Philippines to Winnipeg in 1977. With his

Fred De Villa receives the Honour 150 award from Cindy Lamoureux, MLA for Tyndall Park bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Far Eastern University (FEU), he landed a marketing and accounting job at Caprice Distributor. A few years later, he joined Sun Life

Financial as a financial advisor. In 1993, he merited the company’s “National Quality Award” for maintaining a high level of quality of service. He maintained this See FRED p19

Noralyn “Mama Nors” Pua Cooking with love and passion

by Lucille Nolasco Garrido We have all done it – we buy cooked food or ulam because we are pressed for time or we treat ourselves to good food cooked outside of our homes.

For Winnipeggers living in the Garden City area, you can depend on Mama Nors Kitchen to provide a variety of tasty food, any day.

Noralyn Pua, or “Mama Nors” from Cavite, serves as the main chef of this small enterprise along Leila Avenue. Helping her with the day-to-day running of the business is her husband, David, and children, Vanessa, Valerie, and Vincent.

Pilipino Express talked to Mama Nors, who told us about the challenges and rewards of running their family business.

PE: Tell us about your See MAMA p8

Noralyn “Mama Nors” Pua (Ed’s note: Mask lowered for photo)

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Statues and history This month I’d like to discuss a topic similar to my recent three-piece series on history and commemoration by focusing on statues of historical figures and events. In July 2021, amidst Canada Day celebrations and protests over the ongoing recovery of victims of residential schools, a statue of Queen Victoria, prominently placed on the front lawn of the Manitoba Legislature Building, was toppled. In a further act, the head of the statue was later decapitated and thrown into the Assiniboine River. This event was the result of, and elicited, intense emotions over these recent recoveries which put a spotlight on painful memories for Indigenous peoples. Residential schools are not the topic of my article, but I encourage all to research this topic. As part of reconciliation, it is a responsibility of us all to better understand this issue, and I’ve attached links to some suggested readings below.

The issue I’d like to focus on is why the statue was targeted and some of the reactions to its the toppling. It was an action that not only divided Canadian society, but also led to deep disagreements amongst historians.

Queen Victoria was the monarch of Great Britain and Ireland, and the head of the British Empire, from 1837 to 1901. Under her reign, India became a direct possession of the British crown after 1857, having previously been colonized and governed by the British East India Company. British colonial rule in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East grew while the British colony in North America expanded its colonial settlement in what is now Canada. She is held up by some as a figurehead of imperial grandeur, while for other significant portions of the world’s population she is the figurehead of imperial exploitation, land theft, as well as cultural and actual genocide. Because it was under her reign that residential schools grew and thrived in Canada, she is associated with this dark period in Canada’s history and is particularly a target of anger for Indigenous communities.

When her statue was toppled in July 2021, former Manitoban Premier Brian Pallister called the actions “failures of character on display” – one of many such

dismissive comments about protestors from the former premier and others. Indeed, this action led to a debate of what was actually accomplished by the toppling of the statue.

For those with the mindset of Pallister, it was no more than an act of vandalism. For others, it was misdirected anger, a sign of an inability to engage in public debate. For supporters of the protestors, however, it was recognized as an expression of anger and frustration. Instead of mere vandalism, the toppling of the statue should be seen as comparable to the removal of other monuments, such as that of Vladimir Lenin in Ukraine (1990s), Saddam Hussein in Iraq (2003), and current moves to take down Confederate monuments in the United States.

An immediate criticism of those who toppled the Queen Victoria statue, as well as those advocating removing monuments of other residential school figures such as Canada’s first prime minister, John A. MacDonald, was that removing a statue will not erase the history of what happened. This point is largely uncontested, but it misses the point. These actions are not aimed at erasing history; they are aimed at changing the conversation. Many in Canada have been asking, following the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2015, why the architects of such attacks on Indigenous lives and cultures continue to be celebrated. The common response that they helped shape early Canada seem to ring weakly because, as a nation and as a society, we must decide what we commemorate, as that directly reflects upon us today. We can acknowledge that John A. MacDonald had a significant role in early Canadian history but must at the same time also acknowledge that he was an architect of Indigenous genocide, and that men like him also contributed to other racist policies such as Anti-Asian immigration policies. There is a growing proportion of society that recognizes this. The City of Winnipeg has established the Welcoming Winnipeg Commission that “will help ensure that the contributions,

experiences, and perspectives of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit are reflected truthfully in our stories, historical markers, and place names” (https:// winnipeg.ca/indigenous/ welcomingwinnipeg/).

Other actions are being taken in consultation with Indigenous groups as well, such as the renaming of Cecil Rhodes School and the discussions surrounding renaming Bishop Grandin Blvd.

But what does this accomplish? Will removing a statue or changing a school’s name erase the memory of the individual or event being commemorated? Not necessarily, but there is a difference between history and historical memory.

The response to the claim that removing statues and other monuments will not erase the past or its effects is largely agreed upon, but one would add that it helps alter the focus of public commemoration and discussion.

Sean Carleton, Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba, has noted in reference to John A. MacDonald that keeping statues of the first prime minister in prominent places is equivalent to celebrating his wrongdoings. This is only exacerbated by the way he is portrayed in history and social studies classrooms, and even to newcomers first introduced to Canadian history. But the removal of statues – whether of Queen Victoria or John A. MacDonald – ignites a debate about those historical figures and encourages explorations into the history of these figures and the events with which they are associated.

As readers of this column have seen, what societies remember is more about what is selected to be remembered.

Our discussion on Lapu-lapu’s statue in August brought up many issues under discussion here. Very few national societies today do not share in these experiences with public memory and these debates are complex and nuanced. In the Canadian context, commemorations of those affiliated with residential schools were often architects of early Canada. It is important to recognize the role that was played, but one must not fall into the trap of blindly celebrating it.

Canada’s early history contains

many aspects of which we should not be proud. The process of constructing Canada in the late 19th and early 20th century involved the creation of a white settler society, which was created through the land dispossession of Indigenous peoples, and racial exclusion of people from Asia, which prevented their immigration. The process of nation building is not over, and we are now living in a moment in Canadian history where its construction is continuing as new historical narratives gain both prominence and support from wider sections of Canadian society.

As these debates in Canada occur, especially over the past summer when the Philippines was in the midst of celebrating the Quincentennial of contact with Ferdinand Magellan and Christianity, I was reminded how we share some of these issues.

Monuments, statues, and other remnants of Spanish colonialism colour the landscape of the Philippines. Some are old Spanish churches, now sites of Filipino faith and religiosity. Some are statues of Spanish figures, such as the Urañeta monument I referenced in August. Then there are sites such as Intramuros and Fort Santiago in Manila, where the colonization of the Philippines was administered, and Filipinos were detained and executed. Today, Intramuros is a tourist attraction with a dedicated administrative body. Its operation and maintenance – including the near complete reconstruction following the end of Japanese occupation in 1946 – can be interpreted as an act of reclaiming and owing that colonial past, which left lasting effects upon Filipino culture. This act of reclaiming and owning is more difficult with a statue of a figure like Queen Victoria, though. It is in this context that we should understand the push to remove statues of Queen Victoria, John A. MacDonald, and other historical monuments. Historical memory is dynamic, and it reminds us that each new generation will retell that narrative, not as an act of erasure, but as a result of demanding new answers.

Suggested readings: https://nctr.ca/education/ teaching-resources/residentialschool-history/ h t t p s : / / w w w . scientificamerican.com/article/ canadas-residential-schoolswere-a-horror/ h t t p s : / / b r o a d v i e w. o r g / residential-school-denialism/ Jon Malek received his PhD from Western University and currently teaches history at the University of Manitoba. He is working on a book manuscript on the history of the Winnipeg Filipino community.

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A new way of measuring occupations NOC 2021 and TEER categories

Many have become familiar with the system of categorizing occupations with a four-digit code or NOC. The system distinguishes between skilled occupations spread out in the current National Occupation Classification (NOC) book (1216) as O, A, and B as opposed to the semi-skilled or low skilled C and D categories.

If you are comfortable with this system, be warned that it is set to be overhauled by next year and replaced by major users, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Before shaking your head in disbelief, accept the inevitable change that is coming.

Forewarned is forearmed. You need to understand what is coming.

It is important for potential users to be aware of the scope of the NOC and the changes coming under version NOC 2021.

Beginning in the fall of 2022, IRCC will be assessing potential economic class and temporary foreign workers applications under the new NOC. ESDC, who have also been using the NOC 2016 to evaluate Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications, will also be making decisions based on the new NOC by fall. The two departments are coordinating the change over to the new NOC to ensure

consistency across work permit applications and seamlessness among users, both employers and worker clients.

Canada’s system for categorizing occupations is called the National Occupation Classification (NOC). The NOC is reviewed every five years to ensure that it reflects Canada’s changing labour market and gets overhauled about every 10 years, with the last major upgrade in 2011. Statistics Canada warned of the change in a recent publication.

The NOC is a collaborative effort between Statistics Canada (STC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the release of NO 2021 will be the product of ongoing discussions between the two federal departments and has a major impact on economic and skilled worker applications.

The current NOC structure (2016), is categorized by two major features of jobs: the “Broad Occupational Category” and the “Skill Level.” The first is defined by the type of work performed with respect to educational requirements and field of study for entry into a particular occupation. The “Skill Level” categorizes the type of education and training required to enter and perform the duties of the occupation but also considers the experience, complexity, and responsibilities of the occupation.

For instance, under the current

Express Entry selection process, applicants must demonstrate that they have work experience in the NOC that falls under one of the following high skill codes: NOC 0: Skill type jobs at the managerial level; NOC A: Skill type jobs that are professional in nature and usually require a university degree; NOC B: Skill type jobs are skilled trades occupations that usually require a college diploma or training as an apprentice.

The new way of categorizing occupations moves beyond NOC 2016 reliance on skill types to one which will categorize jobs based on a new Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) system. In place of the current 0, A, B, C and D skill types, TEER has categories 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5: TEER 0: Management occupations; TEER 1: Completion of university education and several years of experience in TEER 2 jobs; TEER 2: Completion of a postsecondary program of two to three years; or an apprenticeship of two to five years; or supervisory work experience, or several years in TEER 3 when applicable; TEER 3: Completion of post-secondary program of less than two years; or an apprenticeship of less than two years; or more than six months of on the job training, or a combination of training course and work experience with some

post-secondary education; or several years work experience in TEER 4 occupations; TEER 4: Completion of secondary school; or several weeks of on-the-job training with some secondary school; or work experience with some secondary school; or several years of experience in TEER 5 work; TEER 5: Short work experience and no formal educational requirements.

The reasons given for the change is first because the federal departments feel that defining occupations on “skill levels” is confusing. NOC focuses on the occupations and not the skills.

TEER is intended to address the confusion by focusing on the education and skill necessary to perform the work.

Statistics Canada argues that the NOC categories develops a system of distinguishing between low versus high skill categorization. The TEER system moves away from high versus low distinction by focusing on the skills required for each occupation.

An examination of the two systems in Canada Immigration News showed that Skill Level B under the current system is the highest in terms of grouping categories for assessment. The Distribution of Unit groups under NOC 2016 showed: Skill Level A at 28 per cent, Skill Level B at 42 per cent; Skill Level C at 24 per cent; and Skill Level D

at six per cent. This compared with the Distribution of Unit group under TEER: Category 0: nine per cent; Category 1 at 19 per cent; Category 2 at 31 per cent; Category 3 at 13 per cent; Category 4 at 18 per cent; and Category 6 at nine per cent.

The new TEER system has 516 occupations compared with 500 in NOC 2016. The new occupations reflect occupations created to match emerging fields in data science, cyber security, and others.

The jury is out on the changes but at least we have some preliminary information to work with. The actual release of NOC 2021 with the TEER categorization will take place in 2022, so the readers and potential users will have some lead time to adjust their plans. I remember supervisors in times past who advised us all to embrace change, it may work out for the best. At least this is something we can hope and pray for.

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.

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Canada’s House of Commons, our nation’s highest elective body and the institutional embodiment of our parliamentary democracy, opens its 44th session on the 22nd of this month. It will be no ordinary opening in the life of the Canadian Filipino community nationwide.

On this day, Rechie Valdez, the newly elected MP for Mississauga-Streetsville in Ontario, will take her seat in the House, not only as one among 337 colleagues but also as the second Canadian Filipino (and the first Canadian Filipino female) elected to Canada’s parliament. The first was yours truly as the MP for Winnipeg North in Manitoba and occurred a little over three decades ago on November 21, 1988.

With Valdez’ electoral victory this past September 20, our Canadian Filipino community will not only visualize our continuing community’s presence again, but also realize our collective voice on issues of fairness and social justice. The House of Commons is where the Government of Canada (that is, the prime minister and his cabinet ministers, all of whom are also MPs) accounts for its policies, programs, and governance to all Canadians from coast to coast.

These are historic times, indeed, for our community, which is now has a population of close to a million in Canada.

High expectations and anticipation Historic times bring new expectations.

Welcoming Valdez’ electoral win while simultaneously lamenting our community’s continuing underrepresentation in Canada’s Parliament, Canadian Filipino Net aptly began its post-election editorial, A Canadian Filipino Member of Parliament and yet we’re still underrepresented: “Valdez’s recent victory at the polls was a welcome relief from the long drought of political representation in the House of Commons after Dr. Rey Pagtakhan concluded in 2004 his 16 years of service as member of parliament…”

It went on to note that it “may very well be the inspiration that other like-minded Canadian Filipinos may need to become more aggressive in their pursuit of a political career in Canada.”

“We should,” concluded the editorial, “as there ought to be more Canadian Filipinos in all levels of politics in the years to come.”

Similar sentiment has been echoed by the Filipino Canadian Political Association.

Indeed, expectations from the community are high for Valdez to deliver beyond her geographic constituency. Grant Gonzales, a co-founder of the association said

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in a recent interview with reporter Veronica Cusi of New Canadian Media: “…even though she only represents one riding…she has a special responsibility…to make sure that the voice of the broader Filipino community…is heard.”

Valdez herself has accepted the challenge when she shared her goals with Global News soon after election. I paraphrase her: “My goal is to listen and learn from my community in Mississauga-Streetsville, as well as from within the larger Filipino-Canadian community, and do my best to be their voice in parliament.”

The Association also encourages more members of the community to get engaged in politics.

Why then the seeming hesitancy to engage in politics?

I once was posed, not too long ago, a similar question for a serialized interview article for CFNet with author Eleanor Guerrero Campbell. I answered: “I hesitated and agonized long and hard because of the twin images of politics – the ugly and the beautiful; I had known about the unpredictability of political life and the risks that it poses to aspiring politicians and their families… I had heard stories of friendships broken and community camaraderie strained.

And I had been keenly aware of the public perception that holds physicians much higher on the pedestal of public esteem than politicians who are deemed only above murderers and thieves.”

I now add that had I known then of developments as recently reported in the media, I could have really declined political participation.

Toronto Star columnist Heather Mallick made the following three observations in her recent opinion piece, With the personalization of politics and hate, what kind of person will be attracted to public office in the future?: “1) the abuse thrown at the Alberta Health Minister as he walked with his family on Canada Day… with one of his boys in tears…was appalling; 2) activists angry about evictions during the pandemic showed up in a mob at Toronto Mayor John Tory’s downtown home; and 3) Infrastructure Federal Minister Catherine McKenna left politics – “a terrible blow… after years of great achievement” – following “personal abuse and violent attacks at her constituency office.”

These are examples of personal anger that were “directed at the homes and families of elected officials.”

Evidently, the foregoing paints an ugly portrait of politics and could readily dissuade anyone

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44th Parliament: Historic times again and opportunities for Canadian Filipinos from political participation. The federal government has a duty to confront this urgent threat to our parliamentary democracy.

Politics, like medicine, is a noble calling This is the beautiful image of politics that I have always nurtured. It made me overcome my initial hesitancy in 1988. I would like us all to understand that, whether we like it or not, politics has an overwhelming influence 1) on the lives of a nation’s people and her institutions, 2) on the civic and educational aspirations of our youth, 3) on the plight of the vulnerable and marginalized sectors of our rank and file, 4) on the security and safety of our seniors, 5) on the stability and strength of our social programs, 6) on the integrity and independence of our judiciary and civil service, and 7) on the prosperity, vitality and very essence of nationhood itself. Hence, the need for greater civic and political participation.

Hence, the challenge for us to offer ourselves and serve with integrity.

A political scientist once said: “Politics is about humanity.”

How true, indeed.

Things to know in the House Understanding the many roles of an MP gives the public a better appreciation of their MPs and what to realistically expect from them and, thereby, create better rapport between constituents and their MPs. All MPs, including the Prime Minister and each cabinet minister, have an electoral district to represent whose population comes to about 100,000 per district.

Imagine the close to a million Canadian Filipinos across Canada calling on Rechie Valdez for their concerns. That would be equivalent to adding 10 more additional districts to her Mississauga-Streetsville constituency. Now we can appreciate and understand her potential predicament. She has said, however, she would like to be a voice for Canadian Filipinos nationwide. We owe her our support.

The MPs have their seats assigned and are preferentially grouped according to whether their political party has been asked to form the government (Liberals constitute the government caucus) or is acting as the official opposition (Conservatives constitute the official opposition caucus), or as the other opposition parties (Bloc Quebecois; NDP, Green Party) or independent.

Non-ministers in the government caucus – also called backbenchers – sit on the government caucus

group, starting from near the front bench (reserved for ministers and leaders) and going to the back, according to seniority in the House and in alphabetical order.

Hence, do not be surprised if we see Rechie Valdez seated in the back row simply because of the seniority rule and alphabetical order tradition.

Political dreams and roles Every MP wants to be a cabinet minister. It is a natural expectation. The ambition is engendered not so much about the perks and privileges that go with a ministerial appointment but out of a genuine motivation to give back more of oneself in the fullest.

Each minister receives a mandate letter and is guided and assisted in the assignment by professional, non-political civil servants. Best, though, that one has a keen and analytical mind, humility, integrity, decisiveness, enviable work ethic, vision-andvalue-driven leadership style, a relevant prior work resume, a deep sense of others, and is a team player. These said, crafting a cabinet is no easy task on the part of the prime minister. Many factors are considered, including the strengths of caucus and regional balance. I would not second guess the prime minister’s choice. As former Prime Minister Jean Chretien once said: “For every minister appointed, ten colleagues will be disappointed.”

Parliamentary Secretary (PS) to the prime minister and to other ministers: We can expect 38 MPs will be given the assignments. Whether for one year or longer is fluid. Specific tasks assigned would depend on the minister. The universal mandate for all PSs is to assist the minister.

One PS, I suppose, could initiate a specific initiative, and would soon know whether the minister is appreciative. The one initiative I took as PS to Prime Minister Chretien was appreciated – due more to serendipity, I would say.

Assignments at standing or ad hoc committees – officer or member-at-large: These offer opportunities to learn more about specific issues for policy developments or hold the government to account. Special ad hoc or legislative committees may be created to study a specific parliamentary issue or review existing legislation.

Attendance at the House for quorum: A minimum number of MPs, on rotation, are expected by their respective caucuses to be present in person inside the House’s chamber to ensure quorum for the conduct of House

business. MPs, backbenchers, and minsters alike, take turns.

Other specific activities: MPs have these privileges: 1) make a one-minute statement (called a Standing Order 31 Statement) on any subject of their choice; 2) ask a question of the minister (usually given to members of the opposition) during question period, 3) introduce motions under private members business, 4) introduce a private member’s bill; and 4) participate in debate on bills, motions and resolutions that may come to the floor of the House.

MP’s office beyond Ottawa – the constituency office This is the venue where the MPs’ constituents can meet with the MPs or their staff to bring both individual and general issues and concerns for resolutions.

During my time, I established a six-day office to accommodate my constituents’ needs. This office will play an instrumental role in arranging the many and sometimes competing invitations to social functions and events at the constituency level.

Issues that matter to Canadian Filipinos One could expect to hear requests from the Canadian Filipino community, within and beyond the electoral district boundary on immigration (visitors’ visa processing, opportunities from frontline workers, pathway to citizenship for temporary workers, family reunification, voluntary departure order, accreditation of foreign professional and trade credentials, fairness for live-in caregivers), and citizenship applications. Our community has a special interest to be engaged with the agenda of truth and reconciliation with our First Nations.

Interests on affordable housing, day care, climate change, Medicare, pharmacare, and recovery from the pandemic would continue to be raised as they were during the campaign.

More opportunities for Canadian Filipinos The constant presence of Rechie Valdez on Parliament Hill and in the government caucus would, I envision, open the eyes of the government, and awaken its consciousness to tap on the talents in our community for suitable placements and to engage the community on issues of common national interests. I identify two areas: 1. Need for more Canadian Filipinos in federal agencies, on boards, and in the Senate: It was more than a welcome coincidence See 44th p7

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Seasons are very meaningful in feng shui, and fall is one that is full of prosperity and good fortune symbolism. In the west, many homeowners like to decorate their homes with decorations of fall and around harvest themes.

The look and feel of these decorations are one of abundance and prosperity, but they also bring great feng shui and augur good fortune for your home and family.

As a time that typically represented the harvest, the fall is a seasonal representation of the full bounty and abundance of the growth of the year from the spring and summer seasons.

Unlike the Lunar New Year, the emphasis isn’t on the new beginnings of the year but on the reward of the fruits of our labour in the months preceding fall.

The Chinese have many fall symbols and incorporating these around your house is a great way to bring in the energy of the abundant fall season and welcome the change of the seasons and acknowledge a year of efforts and the harvest of those efforts, as well as attract good fortune and symbolize wealth and prosperity.

Display chrysanthemums for health and wealth The mum is one of the four noble plants, along with the bamboo, orchid, plum blossom.

Mums have been cultivated in China for over 3,000 years and are highly revered for their combination of beauty and strength.

The chrysanthemum is a symbol of long life and represents an easy retirement.

It’s the flower that represents the fall season because this is the time when it naturally grows and comes to blossom. Like the flower that blooms as the temperatures begin to drop, its bright petals are considered healthful and its sturdy stems representations of physical stamina and strength.

Display mums to welcome the harvest of the year, symbolizing all you have accomplished, and to welcome good health and recognize the bounty of your efforts.

For wealth, display bright gold and yellow mums, and for success

44th...

From page 6 that the decade-and-a-half from November 1988 to mid-2004 saw many of the Canadian Filipino community’s best and brightest appointed as judges and members of Citizenship Court, Immigration Tribunals, Veterans Appeal Board, Canada Pension Tribunal, Unemployment Insurance Panels, Canadian Race Relations Foundation, deputy minister, and head of the Civil Service Commission, to mention a few

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Fall decorating adds lucky feng shui and brings good fortune

display red mums. Place them indoors and outdoors, particularly by your front door where they can welcome abundant good fortune.

Pumpkins symbolize gold from the earth Pumpkin and other gourds typically ripen and glow like the setting sun in the autumn. To the Chinese, pumpkins represent drawing the gold energy from the earth into form, making them a favoured symbol of the wealth gods.

In Western markets, bins are full of pumpkins in every size, colour, and shape. Each one offers bountiful and abundant symbolism of happy families, wealth, and the attraction of further prosperity.

In fact, the pumpkin is favoured for its symbolism of successful and thriving children.

Displaying the pumpkin represents the ability to manifest more wealth, be prosperous, and attract riches and family fortune.

Display these in the east for family luck, southeast for wealth luck, southwest for the luck of the mother, west for the luck of children, and northwest for the luck of the father. In the north, pumpkins symbolize career progress and business success.

Add bowls of fall fruits The fall is the perfect time to display the fruits of the season.

Add bowls of apples, persimmons, and pears. These beautiful fruits each hold a special place in Chinese symbolism.

Pears represent vitality and health, apples symbolize peace, happiness, and contentment, and persimmons represent good luck in business affairs. Sometimes called a Chinese fig, persimmons are symbols of everlasting and auspicious luck.

Gourds bring good health and ward off bad luck In the west with the spectre of Halloween and the haunting of ghosts, gourds make the perfect representation of bounty and good fortune. For millennia, gourds have been fashioned into vases because gourds made fitting holders for wine and other items.

In Chinese lore, gourds were believed to hold the elixir of immortality and dispel negative

intentions.

Because a gourd held the elixir of life as well as medicine and wine, and because their name was a homophone for protection and good fortune, gourds have the ability to transform luck and by displaying them you bring blessings to your home.

The next time you see a bag of mixed gourds in the autumn, filled with mini pumpkins and funnyshaped gourds, snap it up and add them to your kitchen counter to represent harvest, symbolize good fortune and blessings, and protection from evil spirits.

Nuts represent abundance and blessings Two of the favoured nuts that represent blessings are the walnut and the peanut. Peanuts symbolize prosperity because they often look like the number eight, considered one of the most auspicious numbers associated with wealth.

Peanuts are also a symbol of birth, continuous growth, and multiplying luck.

All nuts are considered auspicious, but walnuts are a favoured nut for the fall. A favourite in Chinese cooking, walnuts are highly prized in China as a nut. Although long thought of as a nut that represented flirtation, walnut shells have long been favoured for jewellery and have come to represent family harmony.

Kathryn Weber has over 20+ years of feng shui study, practice, and professional consultation.

Her witty, no-nonsense style appeals to audiences, making her a popular speaker and radio show guest. She is often called

on by media to explain feng shui in down-to-earth terms, and has been featured in Seventeen, First for Women, Faces, Conceive, Martial Arts Professional, and Natural Health magazines, and on websites around the world.

examples. Thus, the leadership of the federal government could again be made more acutely aware of available talents from among our community members and the need for more varied representation and perspectives in Canada’s institutions, including in the Senate.

Could we expect renewed federal awareness so much so that there occurs a more proactive search for our community members to become engaged in key civic and official roles? The talents, work ethic, dedication to

duty, and integrity are plentiful and ready for civil service.

2. More engagement of the federal government in community-initiated projects: One specific challenge comes to mind: The federal government could be stirred to take interest and provide resources to ascertain what initiative(s), the Canadian Filipino community has undertaken 1) to inspire our community to take its rightful place in Canadian society (call to civic duty); 2) to raise the profile of Filipinos in Canada (to

enhance visibility and profile); and 3) to inform, engage and facilitate interactions among Canadian Filipinos coast to coast, and Canadians in general.

Summation The months and years ahead are, indeed, new historic times for our Canadian Filipino community. Once more we have in MP Rechie Valdez an avenue to have our community concerns and aspirations heard at the federal level. I have great hopes that Rechie Valdez would reflect our collective voice and

succeed in getting the federal government’s dutiful attention to our community priorities.

Meanwhile, we anticipate hearing her maiden speech and debate, her first S.O. 31 statement, and inaugural question during question period. And we look forward to learning about specific policy initiatives she may undertake with our community.

Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan is a retired lung specialist, former health critic, cabinet minister, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Pumpkins symbolize gold from the earth

Add bowls of fall fruits

Display chrysanthemums for health and wealth

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PEOPLE & EVENTS PILIPINO EXPRESS

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021

MAMA...

From page 1 restaurant business.

Noralyn Pua (NP): Mama Nors Kitchen is a Filipino take out & catering restaurant owned by me and my husband, David. I have been cooking since I came to Winnipeg in early 1991 but finally opened my own place in 2016.

It was difficult and easy to start Mama Nors Kitchen. It was difficult because it was only me and my family managing the restaurant – from cooking, administration to customer service. We had to learn everything and had to be really patient and persevering. There was a lot of sacrifice involved. It’s really not easy. It becomes easy because we love doing what we do. We all come from many educational backgrounds and experiences that helped the execution of Mama Nors Kitchen. I am thankful for my family, current staff, and loyal customers. They are the reason why Mama Nors Kitchen exists.

PE: Any particular reason why you chose to do the food business?

Does Mama Nors Kitchen have any specialties?

NP: The food business is important to me. I have always loved cooking different cuisines and experimenting with recipes.

Food is what brings friends and family together. In the beginning, I first started cooking kakanin and Filipino desserts that Filipino families always expect at birthday parties or any gatherings. Then we introduced an everyday special at Mama Nors Kitchen, but it is more of a surprise dish on what I am craving! I love cooking fish.

To name a few of my fish dishes: Paksiw na Pompano, Ginataang Tanigue, Sinaing na Tulingan. All of these became part of our daily menu. I like it when my customers from the Philippines tell me they miss a particular ulam and it feels like home when they get to taste it again.

PE: Were there any challenges that you have faced, or you are still facing in running the business?

NP: We have faced many challenges, especially in the year of the pandemic. It is what comes with any business. Among the challenges we face is manpower to accommodate every menu item and customers. We have different tastes. We are a small location and a small local business. Our ideal day is to have many staff members to assist with everyone’s needs.

With the increasing support of Winnipeggers for local business, some days we wish for infinite energy and hands to prepare and execute at the level of a top restaurant. Our patient customers make every day worth it despite the demand on time and space.

PE: How are you doing during this pandemic? Did you have to close shop or were you able to keep the business open?

NP: During the pandemic, we had to close our doors to the public

Mama Nors & Papa Dave once we entered code red. It was not safe for us to serve Winnipeg during a global pandemic. It was hard on our part because this is my passion and work, but we had to do it for our customers and family to stay healthy. We were able to keep the business open during the summer of 2020 through delivery services and contactless service.

That was hard but we made it by the grace of God. As they say, “keep the faith.”

PE: How is the division of labour in the business? For example, do you do all the cooking while other family members take care of the other sides of business, etc.

NP: We all help one another here in the kitchen. My employees and family have designated areas based on their skills and liking but if there is a job to be done, everyone is good at working together.

For the main duties, I am the only Chef in the kitchen and my husband is in charge of the front line. Papa Dave assists with all our suppliers, delivery services, customer service and in/out of anyone in our kitchen. I am in charge of my kitchen team – the preparation, the ingredients, the execution of my food. My kids come during the weekend when they don’t have work and they help wherever they can.

PE: Are there any plans of expanding? Or venturing into other businesses?

NP: It is nice to think of expanding as a restaurant but for now, we love our Garden City community and serving our kababayans and other nationalities here in Winnipeg. I think my small kitchen is okay until I run out of space to put all my ulam!

PE: What do you do in your spare time? Do you still have time to relax?

NP: Mama Nors Kitchen turned out to be a 24/7 job of mine. When I am at home, I am thinking of the kitchen. I think I love it too much. My only “day off” is Sunday to spend time with my family, for God, and to take a rest. Even though this is my admin day, I always enjoy this side of the business.

My relaxation time is during early mornings with my husband.

This is the time where it is peaceful. We can communicate during this time and just enjoy each other’s company before our

days start.

For my spare time, my family and I love exploring restaurants in the city. We love discovering new cuisines and Winnipeg’s food industry is one of the best with many talented chefs. I also spend time with our two dogs and relaxing with my family at home or around Winnipeg. We love travelling when we can and spending time at our cabin.

PE: Any life lessons you would like to share with our readers?

NP: If you love something, go for it. Do not be discouraged.

Be a supporter of anyone who loves what they are doing. Say no to crab mentality. If you can help someone, help them. For those wanting to start, my advice is to not be afraid. They need to take their first step. Keep doing what you love but make sure you do it unto the Lord. Without the Lord, none of this would exist.

Be thankful, be humble and enjoy life. Life is too short to not do

what you love.

Pinays Manitoba Corner is a project of Pinays Manitoba in cooperation with the Pilipino Express News Magazine. It features Filipino women in Manitoba who are persevering and committed in pursuing their goals in life.

In this issue, Pinays Manitoba

Corner features Noralyn “Mama Nors” Pua, an inspiring model for women who are interested in setting up and operating their own small business. Let us know if you are aware of other Filipino women whose life story can inspire our readers, please e-mail Pinays Manitoba at pinaysmb@ gmail.com.

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 9

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

PAGE 10

PILIPINO EXPRESS

Sa wakas, pagkatapos nang mahabang panahon ng pag-iisa, ay natagpuan na ni Kris Aquino ang lalaking pinapangarap niyang makasama habambuhay.

May edad na rin si dating Congressman Mel Senen Sarmiento, sa biglang tingin ay kahawig pa nito si dating Mayor Joey Marquez na matagal ding nakarelasyon ni Kris, kaibigan ng namayapang kuya ng aktres-TV host ang kaniyang pakakasalan.

Totoong sila na, sabi ng isang nakausap namin, dahil naka-tshirt na rin ng pink ang dating kongresista. ‘yon ang paboritong kulay ni Kris na kailangang maging paborito rin ng mga nakakarelasyon niya.

Matunog si Kris sa lalaki.

Alam niya kung gagamitin lang siya, kung mayroon lang kailangan sa kaniya ang lalaki, hindi ‘yon makalulusot sa kaniya.

Siguro nga ay napatunayan ni Kris na malinis ang hangarin sa kaniya ni Mr. Sarmiento, siguro nga ay kinakitaan niya ito ng magagandang katangiang hinahanap niya sa makakasama niya nang habambuhay, kaya engaged na sila ngayon.

Maraming maligaya para kay Kris, nagbubunyi ang kaniyang mga taga-suporta at kaibigan, dahil lalaking mamahalin at lalaking magmamahal din sa kaniya na lang ang kulang sa buhay niya.

Hindi siya paliligayahin ng salapi, ng kasikatan, isang lalaking magmamahal sa kaniya nang sinsero ang kukumpleto sa kaniyang buhay.

At tama, gawin sanang pribado ni Kris Aquino ang biyahe ng kanilang pagmamahalan ni Mr. Sarmiento, huwag na niyang ilantad pa sa publiko. *** Parang sa anak niyang si Bimby nakasasalay ang kaligayahan ni Kris Aquino.

Kahit sa kaniyang pagdedesisyon ay kailangang bahagi ang kaniyang bunso, kapag ayaw ni Bimby ay ayaw na rin ni Kris, hindi na niya ‘yon itutuloy.

Lalo na sa kaligayahan ng kaniyang puso ay parang si Bimby rin ang kailangang kumilatis.

Kapag hindi pasable kay Bimby ang lalaki ay nawawalan na rin ng interes si Kris.

See CRISTY p12

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021

• Kris Aquino – Engaged na!

• Kylie Padilla – Walang nakuhang ugali sa ama na si Robin • Aljur Abrenica – Hinamon si Kylie Padilla!

• Pasabog ni Kylie Padilla – Walang laman • AJ Raval – Lutang ang ganda • Dennis Padilla – User daw?

• Lolit Solis – Sumamâ ang loob sa asawa ni Alex Gonzaga • Willie Revillame – Nakakatulog na rin nang mahimbing • Mayor Isko Moreno – Kinukuwestiyon ang kredibilidad • Manny Pacquiao – Sunud-sunod na reklamo ang naglalabasan • Bobit Vidanes – Buking ang pagiging power tripper

Engaged! Mel Senen Sarmiento & Kris Aquino

Willie Revillame

Jessica Sojo & Kylie Padilla

Aljur Abrenica

Jeric & his daughter AJ Raval Manay Lolit Solis

Konsehal Mikee Morada & his wife Alex Gonzaga

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno

Jaime Fabregas

Julia Barretto & Dennis Padilla

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021

PILIPINO EXPRESS

Alden Richards renews contract with GMA Alden Richards is a name that needs no introduction. With an impressive thread of local and international recognition, boxoffice hits, top-rating series, and chart-topping albums, the Kapuso actor has proven worthy of his title as Asia’s Multimedia Star.

Alden renewed his contract with GMA Network on October 15, proudly continuing his more than a decade-long journey as a Kapuso.

“I’m a homegrown Kapuso at isa yun sa pinagmamalaki ko because my dreams came true sa tulong ng GMA. It’s an honour to be part of people’s lives and I get to do it because of GMA,” Alden shared.

He added that he has always considered GMA his second home. “I’d like to celebrate this kasi every year na nadagdag sa taon ko with GMA is a milestone for me and it made me feel that I am in the right place. Isang malaking karangalan po talaga maging parte ng GMA for 10 years. Here’s to another 10 years and I’m really looking forward po to more beautiful projects and opportunities with the Kapuso network.”

During the contract signing, top GMA executives showed their full support to Alden via Zoom, video messages, and their presence at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.

Last June, Alden’s Reality: The Virtual Reality Concert earned a finalist slot at the prestigious

Alden Richards 2021 New York Festivals (NYF) “World’s Best TV and Films” competition.

On top of being a trusted brand ambassador, Alden has been recognized as one of the 10 Most Influential Celebrities of the Decade at the 10th EdukCircle Awards.

He was recently given a Plaque of Appreciation for his participation in the benefit concert, Awit sa Pandemya, at

the 12th Star Awards for Music, and Movie Actor of the Year at the recently held 36th Star Awards for Movies by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC).

Alden is currently gearing up for the return of GMA’s top-rated series The World Between Us on GMA Telebabad on November 15. Fans are also looking forward to his exciting movie team up with fellow Kapuso actress Bea Alonzo.

PAGE 11

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CRISTY...

From page 10 Pero mukhang nagkita sa gitna ang mag-inang Kris at Bimby kay dating Congressman Mel Senen Sarmiento. Pasado

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

sa panlasa ni Bimby ang malapit nang pakasalan ng kaniyang mommy.

Sa pananaw ni Bimby ay malinis ang hangarin ng pulitiko sa kaniyang ina. Wala itong ibang agenda kundi ang mahalin lang at

paligayahin si Kris. ‘yon ang dahilan kung bakit maligaya si Bimby sa nalalapit nang pagpapakasal ng kaniyang mommy at Tito Mel. Walang bolang kristal si Bimby pero ramdan na ramdan nito

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021

na maligaya si Kris sa piling ng kaibigan ng kaniyang Tito Noynoy.

At ‘yon naman ang palaging inililita niya ni Kris. Ang mamahalin niyang lalaki ay kailangang kakitaan niya ng pagtanggap sa kaniyang mga anak na sina Joshua at Bimby.

Kapag hindi niya ‘yon nakita ay tapos na ang kuwento.

Kailangan munang mahalin ang kaniyang mga anak bago siya.

At siguradong nakita ‘yon ni Kris kay dating Congressman Mel Sarmiento na malaki talaga ang pagkakahawig kay Mayor Joey Marquez. *** Hindi pa kami nagkikita nang personal ni Kylie Padilla.

Nasisilip namin siya sa ilang palabas ng GMA-7 pero bukod doon ay wala na kaming alam tungkol sa kaniya.

Siyempre, alam naming anak siya ni Robin Padilla, ang action star na mula noong kaniyang kasikatan hanggang ngayon ay hindi pinagbabago ng panahon ang magandang ugali.

Nag-post ng isang mensaheng kapos sa respeto si Kylie tungkol sa amin. Parang magkaedad lang kami sa kaniyang lintanya. Pero napakabilis din niyang binura ang kaniyang post sa Twitter.

Pero na-grab na ‘yon ng mga kaibigan at kasamahan namin sa panulat kaya naipadala sa amin.

Nagsalita na kami ng aming panig sa CFM, naitawid na namin kay Kylie ang gusto naming sabihin, lalo na sa pagtatangka niyang saklawan ang aming opinyon bilang isang kolumnista.

Walang-walang nakuhang ugali ang Kylie na ito sa kaniyang ama. Mapagkumbaba si Robin, See CRISTY p13

Senator Manny Pacquiao

Direk Bobet Vidanes

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021

CRISTY...

From page 12 matayog naman si Kylie, na para bang mayroon na siyang napatunayan na maaari niyang maipagmalaki.

Ang gusto lang niyang mabasa ay mga opinyong pabor sa kaniya, pero kapag binibigyan ng espasyo si Aljur Abrenica ay ayaw niya, lalo na ang mga papuri kay AJ Raval na nililigawan ng kaniyang asawa.

Kung ganoon ang hinahanap ni Kylie ay pinagpayuhan namin siyang magtayo ng sarili niyang publikasyon para puro papuri lang sa kaniya ang mababasa niya.

Hindi ang isang Kylie Padilla lang ang puwedeng manghimasok sa aming propesyon. Hindi siya sapat para angkinin ang karapatang manduhan at diktahan ang mga manunulat ng kung ano lang ang gusto niyang Mabasa – binabangungot ang babaeng ito. *** Kung isinalin sa Tagalog ni Aljur Abrenica ang kaniyang pasabog tungkol sa kung sino sa kanila ni Kylie Padilla ang unang nangaliwa ay mas markado sana ‘yon sa publiko.

Hinahamon ni Aljur si Kylie na magpakatotoo, huwag nitong pinaliliguy-ligoy pa ang kuwento, umamin na raw sana si Kylie kung sino ang unang nanloko at totoong nangwasak sa kanilang pamilya.

Napakadiin din ng pahayag ni Aljur na aminin nito sa kaniyang ama ang katotohanan at kung sino ang kasama nito ngayon.

Siguradong-sigurado si Aljur sa ginagawa ni Kylie.

Nang magsalita pala si Robin Padilla tungkol sa kanilang hiwalayan ay hindi kumibo at sumagot si Aljur dahil mayroon silang usapan ni Kylie na walang magbibigay ng reaksiyon.

Pero ‘yon ang hindi na kinakaya pa ni Aljur ngayon, siya pa rin kasi ang sinisisi at inuupakan ng mga tagasuporta ni Kylie, samantalang alam na alam niya kung sino ang unang nanloko sa kanilang dalawa.

Kundi raw ‘yon kayang sabihin ni Kylie sa kaniyang ama ay umamin na ito kahit para man lang sa kanilang mga anak, para matapos na ang problema.

“Kylie, tell them the truth, tell them who cheated first. Tell them why I gave up on you, tell them the truth, have the courage to settle this,” pakiusap pa ni Aljur kay Kylie.

Ang tanging sagot ni Kylie sa mga pahayag ni Aljur ay maigsi at simple lang, “Never underestimate a man’s ability to make you feel guilty for his mistakes.”

Ang buod ng mensahe ni Kylie ay binaligtad ni Aljur ang kuwento. Huwag daw maliitin ang kapasidad ng lalaki na iligaw ang pangyayari para ang babae ang ma-guilty o lumabas na may pagkakamali.

Sa buong istorya ng kanilang hiwalayan ay hindi nagbigay ng komento si Aljur, praying hands lang ang kaniyang ipinost, pero may nakatago palang pasabog sa likod noon.

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

Ang bulto ng pagpapatunay ngayon ay nakay Kylie Padilla na. Pinaputok na ni Aljur ang kanyon, lumabas na ang pasabog, si Kylie na ang bahalang dumepensa sa matatalim na salita ng paghahamon ng ama ng kaniyang mga anak. *** Burado na ngayon ang matapang na post ng paghahamon ni Aljur Abrenica kay Kylie Padilla kung sino sa kanilang dalawa ang unang nagluko at tunay na sumira sa kanilang pamilya.

Ikinawindang ‘yon ng mga kaibigan ni Aljur, ng kaniyang mga kasamahan sa trabaho, lalo na ng mismong mga kamag-anak nila.

Kuwento ng isang source na tumawag sa amin, “Gulantang ang mga friends ni Aljur kung bakit dumating siya sa point na hinamon na niya si Kylie! Sa pagkakilala kasi nila kay Aljur, e, hindi siya ‘yon!

“Pasensiyoso siya. Tahimik lang. Kaya noong mag-post siya na ramdam na ang pagkapuno, talagang nawindang ang mga nakakakilala sa kaniya.

“Ang nasabi na lang nila, e, iba raw mapuno ang taong mabait at pasensiyoso. Isang bagsakan lang, pero rock na rock!” sabi ng aming source.

May naalala naman ang isa pang source kung paano ipinakipaglaban ni Aljur si Kylie noong bago pa lang silang nagsasama sa isang bubong na wala pang basbas ng kasal.

Kuwento nito, “May nabili nang bahay si Aljur sa Scout area, di ba? So, doon sila nakatira.

Kasama nila sa bahay ang mommy at mga kapatid ni Aljur.

“Ewan kung ano ang nangyari, pero siguradong si Kylie ang dahilan, malungkot na pinakiusapan ni Aljur ang mommy at kapatid niya na humanap ng bahay na malilipatan.

“Matindi ‘yon! Dugo ang iniluha ang pamilya ni Aljur, pero para sa ikagaganda ng relasyon nila ni Kylie, umalis sila ng bahay, lumipat sila ng tirahan,” pag-alala pa ng aming impormante.

Ganoon katinding minahal ni Aljur si Kylie. Kung ano ang gusto ng babae ay sunod lang nang sunod ang lalaki. Pero may pagkapatid ang pisi ng pasensiya.

Dumarating ang kahit sino sa sukdulan. *** Press release lang pala ang ipinagmamalaking resbak ni Kylie Padilla sa KMJS. Inabangan ‘yon ng buong bayan, sasagutin daw kasi nang punto por punto ni Kylie ang mga hamon sa kaniya ni Aljur, pero maraming nabigo.

Wala siyang sinagot nang diretso. Ang rebentador ay walang pulbura. Sa madaling salita, supot ang sinasabing bombang pasasabugin ni Kylie, walang laman.

Kahit ang mahusay na host ng programa ay walang nagawa para pasukahin si Kylie, paulit-ulit ang tanong ni Jessica Soho kung ano ang maisasagot niya sa mga hamon ni Aljur, pero idinaan lang niya ‘yon sa katatawa.

Nagtago si Kylie sa ilalim ng pajama ng kanilang mga anak ni Aljur, ayaw raw niyang magdetalye, dahil naaawa siya sa kanilang mga supling.

Napakagandang pagkakataon na sana ‘yon para maipagtanggol ni Kylie ang kaniyang sarili sa matatapang na hamon ni Aljur, pero nasayang, kung sinagot niya ang tanong kung sino ang unang nangloko sa kanila at kung sino ang tunay na nagwasak sa kanilang relasyon at pamilya ay kuwentas claras na sana sila ng ama ng kaniyang mga anak.

Hindi ‘yon ang inaasahan kay Kylie ng mga tumutok sa KMJS, sinayang niya ang makasaysayang damage control, marami raw siyang puwedeng sabihin para siraan si Aljur pero wala naman siyang sinabi.

Sina Alas at Axle ang palagi niyang isinasangkalan. Mahal daw niya ang kaniyang mga anak. Kung ang pagmamahal na ‘yon ang una niyang naisip nang maghiwalay sila ni Aljur ay

pinigilan sana niya ang kaniyang mga daliri sa pagpo-post ng mga double-bladed niyang mensahe.

Hindi sana niya isinapubliko ang kanilang paghihiwalay, nag-usap na lang sana sila nang pribado, dahil silang dalawa lang naman talaga ang makapagreresolba ng kanilang problema. *** Tama ang sinabi ng mommy ni AJ Raval na taong pumasok sa kanilang tahanan si Aljur Abrenica kaya makatao rin nilang tinanggap ang aktor.

Ayaw mang magbigay ng pahayag ng kaniyang amang si Jeric Raval dahil kahit ang action star ay nakatakatanggap na rin ng mga pamba-bash na hindi lang nito pinapansin ay nagbitiw ito ng salita na nagkaharap na sila ni Aljur.

Marespetong humarap sa kaniya si Aljur, tinanong nito ang aktor, “Nililigawan mo ba ang anak ko?” Opo ang isinagot ni Aljur, “Hiwalay ka ba?” Opo uli

PAGE 13 ang isinagot ng aktor.

Maaaring mayroon silang pinag-usapan, pero kanila na lang siguro ‘yon, ang mahalaga ay nagpaalam si Aljur sa mga magulang ni AJ na nanliligaw ito sa dalaga.

Nanliligaw pa lang, hindi pa sila magkarelasyon ni AJ, kailangang maging malinaw ‘yon. Kahit pa nagpahayag na si Kylie Padilla na puwede na silang makipagrelasyon sa iba dahil matagal na silang hiwalay ay mahirap na.

Mahirap pagkatiwalaan ang ganoong salita, paano kung isang araw ay maisipan ni Kylie na kasuhan ng bigamya si Aljur, malaking problema ‘yon.

Isang direktor naman ang nagkuwento sa amin na hindi na ito nagtataka kung bakit nakuha ni AJ ang atensiyon ni Aljur.

“Mabait ang bata. Walang attitude, Marespeto siya sa buong production, walang kaarte-arte, mahal siya ng mga katrabaho See CRISTY p14

PAGE 14

CRISTY...

From page 13 niya.

“Hindi siya namba-bad mouth ng kahit sino, tahimik lang siya.

At napakaganda ng bata, simple lang siya, pero lutang ang ganda niya!” madiing paglalarawan ni direk kay AJ Raval. *** Muling nabuhay ang hindi pagkakasundo ng mag-amang Dennis Padilla at Julia Barretto nang dahil lang sa simpleng reaksiyon ng komedyante sa vlog ni Ivana Alawi.

Pagmamahal at pagtanaw ng utang na loob sa mga magulang ang naging paksa ni Ivana, natutukan ‘yon ni Dennis at ang kaniyang reaksiyon, “Great advice.”

Komento ni Dennis ay dapat daw iparamdam ng anak sa magulang ang pagmamahal habang nabubuhay pa. Ganoon lang kasimple pero binigyan ‘yon ng ibang kulay ng mga tagasuporta ni Julia.

User daw si Dennis, pinariringgan daw niya ang mga anak nila ni Marjorie Barretto para lang siya mapag-usapan, lalo na si Julia.

Sa isang panahon na ang akala ng mas nakararami ay sarado na ang libro ng hindi pagkakaunawaan ng mag-ama ay mayroon pa rin pala. Sa pagkakatanda namin, nang magagaw-buhay ang komedyante sa pagkakaroon ng COVID ay humingi na siya ng tawad sa kaniyang mga anak, aminado naman si Dennis na nagkaroon siya ng pagkukulang sa mga anak niya.

Maraming humanga kay Ivana sa magandang aral na ibinigay ng kaniyang vlog, pero si Dennis lang ang napuruhan,

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

hindi pa pala tapos ang kuwento ng hindi nila pagkakaintindihan ng mga anak nila ni Marjorie.

Nakakalungkot. *** Pinanindigan ni Manay Lolit Solis ang kaniyang sinabi na hinding-hindi na niya susulatin ang sinuman sa pamilya Gonzaga.

Anumang may kinalaman kina Toni at Alex ay hindi na niya bibigyan ng espasyo sa kaniyang IG at mga kolum.

Sumamâ ang loob ng kolumnista-host-manager sa sarkastikong pahayag ng asawa ni Alex na si Konsehal Mikee Morada na huwag siyang gumagawa-gawa ng mga kuwento lalo na kung hindi niya naman alam ang tunay na pangyayari.

Pero napakatamis na bendikasyon ang natanggap ni Manay Lolit nang ipahayag na ni Alex ang naganap sa kaniyang miscarriage. Saktung-sakto ‘yon sa kaniyang ipinost at sinulat, walang pagkakaiba, kaya ayaw na niyang magsalita pa.

Noong nakaraang Martes, sa Take It, Per Minute… Me Gano’n ay hinihintay ng publiko kung ano ang opisyal na pahayag ni Manay Lolit, pero deadma lang ang kolumnista. Wala siyang sinabing anuman, kami lang ni Mr. Fu ang nagsalita tungkol sa isyu, nakikinig lang siya.

Nakakalungkot ang ganitong senaryo. Pabawas nang pabawas ang mga kolumnistang hindi na nagsusulat tungkol sa magkapatid na Gonzaga. Balat-sibuyas kasi ang pamilya, konting kibot lang ay mayroon na agad silang negatibong reaksiyon, tulad ng ginawa ng konsehal na asawa ni Alex.

Magkatuwang ang trabaho ng mga artista at manunulat, kailangan nila ang isa’t isa, pero

mukhang nakakalimutan ng mga Gonzaga ang mundong pinasok ng magkapatid.

Pampublikong pigura sila.

Natural lang na may mga pumupuri, pumapansin at kumukuwestiyon sa mga isyung kinapapalooban nila.

Kailangang tanggapin ng magkapatid na ito ang presyong kailangan nilang pagbayaran sa pagiging kilalang personalidad. *** Maluwag na ang oras ngayon ni Willie Revillame.

Nakakatulog na rin siya nang mahimbing. Madalas na uli niyang nakakasama ngayon ang kaniyang mga anak at apo.

Ilang buwan niyang hindi nasarili ang panahon. ‘yon ang mga pagkakataong nakapikit ang mga mata niya pero gising naman ang diwa niya.

Hindi rin siya makakain nang maayos, napakarami niyang iniisip at binabalanse, itutuloy ba niya ang pagpasok sa pulitika o tutulong na lang siya sa mga kababayan natin sa pamamagitan ng Wowowin?

Lakas-loob siyang nagpaalam kina PRRD at Senador Bong Go. Ibinagsak niyang lahat ang mga baraha sa mesa. “Hindi ko po kaya.”

Sa halip na mangatwiran ng kung anu-ano ay nagpakatotoo siya sa kaniyang mga kaharap.

“Ayoko pong mapahiya lang kayo dahil sa akin, gusto ko pong magserbisyo sa mga kababayan natin, pero sa paraang kaya ko lang.”

At ang iba pang pahayag niya ay narinig-napanood natin sa kaniyang programa nang umatras na siya sa laban.

Ngayon ay kaniyang-kaniya na ang oras niya. Nakakasama na uli ni Willie ang kaniyang mga anak at apo sa beach house niya

sa Mindoro.

“Para akong nabunutan ng tinik sa lalamunan. Ganoon pala ‘yon? Para akong nasusuka na hindi ko maintindihan,” rebelasyon pa ng TV host.

Maraming kaibigan niya ang nagbunyi sa kaniyang desisyon, nagsisigawan ang mga tagasuporta niya sa Wowowin dahil hindi na siya tatakbong senador, masayang-masaya rin ang kaniyang mga anak dahil wala na silang makakaagaw sa oras ng kanilang ama.

Naaasikaso na uli ni Willie ang mga ipinagagawa niya. Ang kaniyang mga villa sa Iruhin, Tagaytay, ang seven-star hotel na sinimulan na sa Puerto Galera, pabalik-balik siyang lumilipad sa mga lugar na ‘yon para personal na pamahalaan ang pagpapagawa.

At siyempre’y patuloy pa rin ang pamimigay niya ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan sa Wowowin-Tutok-To-Win, daang libo araw-araw ang ipinamamahagi niya sa mga pamilyang nagdarahop ngayong pandemya, may milyones ring ipinamimigay ang kaniyang programa na totoo namang nakapagpapabago sa antas ng buhay ng ating mga kababayang nawalan ng trabaho.

Siya na mismo ang nagsabi, “Mas simple ang buhay, mas masaya. Marinig ko lang ang sigawan sa kabilang li niya kapag may nananalo nang one million, masayang-masaya na ako.

Kumpleto na ang araw ko! “‘yon ang parang dextrose ko kapag nalulungkot ako. Daig ng saya ng mga kababayan nating walang-wala ang kahit anong gamot,” positibong kuwento ni Willie *** Hindi lang kumikibo si Mayor Isko Moreno pero siguradong

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021 nasasaktan siya dahil ang mga kasamahan niyang artista ay hindi pumapabor sa pagtakbo niya sa panguluhan.

Wala na tayong nararamdamang personalidad na isinisigaw ang kaniyang pangalan, wala pang lumalantad sa pagkampa niya sa kaniya, sa halip ay ibang kandidato pa nga ang kanilang kinakampihan.

Masakit ‘yon para kay Mayor Isko. Sarili niyang mundong pinagmulan pero walang sumasang-ayon sa kaniyang mataas na ambisyon.

Ang pinakahuling nagparamdam ng pagkuwestiyon sa kaniyang kredibilidad para kumandidatong pangulo ay ang nirerespetong veteran actor na si Jaime Fabregas.

Matitindi ang mga salitang binitiwan ng beteranong aktor laban kay Mayor Isko, nag-ugat ang kaniyang reaksiyon sa sinabi ni Yorme na mula noong 1998 hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa nasangkot ang kaniyang pangalan sa corruption, doon pumapalag si Jaime Fabregas.

Teka lang muna, sabi ni Mr. Fabregas, puwede bang pakipaliwanag ng mayor ng Maynila ang isyu ng nawawalang mahigit na pitumpung milyong piso noong 2014 na sangkot ang pangalan ng aktor-pulitiko?

At naglitaniya na ng kaniyang maaanghang na salita ang beteranong aktor, “Sa umpisa pa lang, e, sinabi ko nang mahirap pagkatiwalaan si Isko! Parehongpareho sila ni Duterte, utakmayor, hindi pangpresidente!

“Mag-isip-isip sana ang mga botante. Mag-aral sila, mag research, presidente ng Pilipinas ang iboboto natin. Isko, nakikiusap ako, umatras ka na sa laban!

See CRISTY p15

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021

CRISTY...

From page 14 “Ang trabaho ng isang pangulo ay higit pa sa pagpipintura ng Lagusnilad at mag-ilaw ng park!” madiing-madiing panawagan ni Mr. Jaime Fabregas. *** Nakakatakot ang pakikipagsuntukan sa buwan ni Senador Manny Pacquiao sa darating na halalan. Pinakamatayog na pangarap ang kaniyang inaasinta, pagiging pangulo ng ating bayan, sa mga nagaganap ngayon ay mukhang magiging mailap sa kaniya ang tagumpay.

Sunud-sunod na reklamo ang naglalabasan tungkol sa Pambansang Kamao. Mukhang nakaligtaan niyang linisin muna ang kaniyang mga obligasyon bago siya naglatag ng ambisyong maging pangulo.

Bago nagpahayag ng kaniyang saloobin ang kaniyang bestfriend na si Jayke Joson na mula noong 2005 ay kasama na niya sa lahat ng kaniyang laban ay may mga mas naunang nagreklamo muna laban kay Pacman.

Tungkol sa pananalapi ang reklamo ng mga ito, lumalabas na iresponsable ang senadorboksingero dahil hindi sila nababayaran sa kanilang mga serbisyo.

Naging mas markado lang ang mga rebelasyon ni Jayke Joson na pinalalabas na walang utang na loob ng kampo ni Pacman, milyun-milyong dolyares kasi ang sangkot sa isyu, ang kasong isinampa sa Amerika laban sa boksingero ng Paradigm Sports ang magpapatotoo.

Sanggang-dikit silang dalawa, kung nasaan si Pacman ay siguradong nasa likuran niya si Jayke, binansagan nga

OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

itong Pambansang Anino ng boksingero dahil sa kanilang pagkakaibigan.

Pero naging maasim na ang kanilang samahan, tulad din ng pagkakaibigan ni Pacman at ni Governor Chavit Singson, maraming kailangang ayusin si Senador Manny para maging makinis ang kaniyang kartada sa darating na kampanya.

Sabi nga ni prop, ang kaibigan naming nakasunod sa takbo ng isyu, “Paano siya mananalong pangulo kung ganiyan na maraming naghahabol sa kaniya?

Kung ang iilang tao nga lang na nasasakupan niya, e, hindi niya naiayos, ang buong bansa pa kaya?”

May katwiran ang katwiran. *** Buking na buking na ang pambabaligtad ngayon ng maangas na direktor na si Bobet Vidanes sa mga hosts ng It’s Showtime na ayon sa kaniya ay naging dahilan ng pag-alis niya sa noontime show.

Marami raw kasing nagliliderlideran sa programa, hindi raw pera ang dahilan ng kaniyang paglundag sa Brightlight Productions, hindi na raw healthy ang kanilang samahan.

Dahil sa kaniyang pag-iyak na wala namang sinseridad at pagtuturo sa mga hosts ng It’s Showtime na may kasalanan ay hindi na nakapagpigil pa ang mga dati niyang katrabaho sa ABSCBN. Buking na buking ang pagiging power tripper ng direktor, nalantad ang mga sinasabi niya noong magkakasama pa sila, sinungaling daw ang ambisyosong direktor.

Text sa amin ng isang source mula sa nilayasan niyang programa, “Sinungaling si Bobet!

Lagi niyang sinasabi na bobo raw si Vhong Navarro! Kay Vice Ganda naman, lagi niyang sinasabi na iba raw talaga ang ugali ng bakla!

“Paano niya ‘yon maidedenay ngayon, sige nga! Hindi siya makapagsisinungaling, naririnig ‘yon ng floor director at ng mga cameramen sa headset nila!

“Akala niya siguro, e, siya lang ang nakakarinig ng mga sinasabi niya! Maraming tao sa booth, naka-headset ang mga cameramen, dinig na dinig ang mga pinagsasasabi niya!

“Pati ang mga dancers, bobo rin ang tawag niya, walang magaling para sa kaniya, siya lang!” galit na sabi ng aming source mula sa ABS-CBN. Alam din ng lahat sa nilundagan niyang show ang katotohanan tungkol sa kaniyang paglipat, kapitan siyang naturingan ng noontime show, pero siya pa ang unang lumundag sa “sinking ship.”

Isa pang source ang nag-text sa amin, “Ipinagmamalaki niya ang deal nila ng nilipatan niyang production, dalawang co-hosts ng show ang pinagkuwentuhan niya.

Pinatapatan daw niya sa mga executives ng network ang offer sa kaniya, pero hindi kinaya.

“Ano ngayon ang sinasabi niya na it’s not about money? E, nandoon pa nga siya sa Showtime, nakikipag-deal na siya sa lilipatan niya? Di ba naman katrayduran ang ginawa niya?

“Nasaan ang loyalty niya sa network na nagbigay ng lahat ng opportunities sa kaniya? Group hug? Walang iwanan hanggang sa huli? Neknek niya!” walang patumanggang komento pa ng dating katrabaho ni Bobet Vidanes sa ABS-CBN. – CSF

PAGE 15

BCBP’s second virtual breakfast The Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) Canada – Winnipeg Mission hosted its second virtual breakfast meeting on October 2, 2021, with members from around the globe attending. Homegrown couple sharers, Arvin and Vanji Sombilla, shared their journey with God with the theme. Be not afraid, just believe. Arvin and Vanji joined the BCBP community in June 2015 with BCBP Singapore and recently moved to Winnipeg.

The BCBP is a not-for-profit organization registered as a charitable institution with the Canada Revenue Agency with the aim of bringing Christ into the marketplace. It is a Catholic lay organization recognized by the Archdiocese of Winnipeg and other archdioceses where it operates across the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and North America. Here in Canada, BCBP breakfasts also take place in Greater Toronto East and West, Hamilton, Durham, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.

Everyone is welcome to join and witness another couple share their life testimony. For inquiries, please contact the BCBP Secretariat at bcbpwinnipeg@gmail.com or the Breakfast Head, Bro. Loy Salvador at (204) 962-1535.

Arvin and Vanji Sombilla

PAGE 16

OUR HEALTH PILIPINO EXPRESS

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021

Avoiding pain while working at a desk DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have been working at home for the past year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. My work requires me to be on a computer much of the day, and over the past few months, I’ve noticed more frequent headaches, and pain in my lower back and sometimes my neck. Could my workspace be contributing to my pain? If so, how can I fix it?

ANSWER: The number of people working from home has increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. With more people working from home came an increased number of people reporting neck pain and back pain.

Sitting and working at a desk — perhaps a makeshift one — is one of the most common causes of this type of pain. Taking time to review and redesign your workspace can alleviate discomfort, whether you work at home or in an office.

First take notice of your computer or workstation.

Often I find that people try to accommodate to the technology rather than the other way around.

For instance, many people strain to see a computer monitor that is too far away, too low, too high, too small or too dim. This compromises good posture.

The average human head weighs almost 12 pounds — the equivalent of a bowling ball.

When your neck is bent to 45

degrees, your head exerts nearly 50 pounds of force on your neck.

In addition to straining joints and muscles in your neck and shoulders, the pressure affects your breathing and mood.

To alleviate this stress, redesign your workspace to encourage well-aligned posture.

You can improve the ergonomics — the efficiency and comfort level — of a typical workstation in many ways.

Start by answering these questions: Is your monitor positioned so you can see it well without straining? Consider these tips: • Raise or lower the monitor or your chair so your eyes are level with the top of the screen. If you wear bifocals, you may need to lower the monitor another 1 to 2 inches.

• Move the monitor closer or farther away so you can easily read the screen.

• Increase the font size you use.

• If using a laptop, link to a larger monitor.

Are your mouse and keyboard positioned so you don’t have to reach up to use them?

Lower your desk height or raise your chair so your forearms are parallel to the floor or pointed slightly downward and your wrists are not pointing either upward or downward.

Do you keep frequently used tools within close range to minimize reaching? Consider these tips: • Keep your mouse nearby, and regularly change it from one side of your body to the other.

• Use a headset if you talk on the phone frequently.

• Find shortcut keys you can use while typing.

• Use a document holder so you don’t have to look down frequently.

Does your chair allow you to maintain the normal curves in your spine, such as the curve in your low back?

Raise your chair so you’re not sitting straight up at a 90-degree angle, but rather with an angle of 115 to 120 degrees between the torso and thighs.

When you’re seated, do your feet touch the ground?

Consider using a stool if you’ve elevated your chair and your feet no longer reach the ground. Also, maintain a couple of inches between the back of your knees and the chair.

If your chair has armrests, do they allow your shoulders to relax?

Consider lowering or getting rid of the armrests so your neck and shoulders can relax downward.

Check your posture Have someone take a picture of you at your workstation and

check to see if you are in a wellaligned posture, which means: • Your eyes are looking straight.

• Your neck is not bent.

• Your forearms are parallel to the floor.

• Your low back is in its natural curve.

This can provide another perspective to help you make adjustments.

Talk to your employer, as well, to see if additional items can be provided to assist you, if necessary, such as a standing workstation or a sit-stand desk.

The latter setup allows you to raise and lower the height of your computer and peripherals.

Consider these best practices Also consider these best

practices to support good health and posture: • Set a timer and get up every 30 minutes. Take a walking meeting, stand or exercise during a conference call, or hand-deliver a message when you would normally email it.

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule.

Every 20 minutes, give your eyes a 20-second break by focusing on something at least 20 feet away.

Being mindful of healthy work habits can go a long way to reducing neck and back pain, as well as creating a more positive work experience.

— Jill Henderzahs-Mason, P.T, D.P.T, Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, Rochester, Minnesota. Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network

muscles a break. If your main focus is an aerobic exercise such as running, incorporate strength training into your routine — and vice versa.

• Learn proper technique.

Take lessons or work with a coach or trainer to learn the correct techniques — especially if you’re learning a new sport or using a new piece of equipment.

• Get the right equipment.

Choose the appropriate shoes for your activity and replace them when they’re worn out. Consider using orthotics or a heel cushion if you experience foot pain.

Running shoes should be well cushioned.

• Pay attention to evenly working your muscles Strengthen muscles on both sides of your body to avoid imbalances.

Above all, listen to your body.

Don’t ignore pain — it signals that you may be heading for injury. Remember, it’s better to take a day or two off than to find yourself laid up for several weeks waiting for an injury to heal.

Healthy-Living Tip: Don’t make this shopping mistake. If your stomach is growling when you enter the grocery store, you’re more likely to reach for junk food, such as potato chips and chocolate chip cookies. Avoid unhealthy choices by eating a healthy snack before you leave the house. If you find yourself getting hungry while you are food shopping, drink some water or buy some nuts to munch on.

Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network

Prevent these eight common injuries Overuse injuries can be the bane of physically active people, from elite athletes to weekend warriors. Excessive, repeated stress on tendons, bones and joints over weeks or months can lead to painful knees, shin splints, tennis elbow and other overuse injuries. Most of these problems stem from the “terrible toos”: trying to do too much, too hard, too soon. Not getting enough rest and using poor technique or equipment can also make you vulnerable.

You can prevent overuse injuries by following some common-sense guidelines and listening to your body.

Common overuse injuries Unlike the sudden pain of a torn ligament or sprained ankle, overuse injuries develop slowly and show up more subtly. At first you might feel minor pain or tenderness in the affected area just after you exercise. Eventually the

pain becomes chronic and may keep you from participating in your sport or everyday activities.

Common overuse injuries include: • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) — Pain and weakness at the outside of the elbow • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) — Pain and weakness at the inside of the elbow • Swimmer’s shoulder (rotator-cuff tendinitis) — Pain with overhead activity, problems sleeping on the shoulder, weakness of the shoulder • Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome) — Pain around or underneath the kneecap, made worse with running, jumping or cycling, going up or down stairs, and sitting with knees bent • Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) — Leg pain

associated with running • Achilles tendinitis — Ankle pain associated with running, dancing or jumping • Plantar fasciitis — Heel or foot pain that’s often worse with your first steps of the day • Stress fractures — Pain in the foot, lower leg, hip or other area that’s made worse with weight-bearing activity Limits and common sense To avoid overuse injuries without sacrificing your commitment to fitness, follow these guidelines: • Increase your workouts gradually. Observe the 10 percent rule — don’t increase your workout time or distance by more than 10 percent each week. If you’re currently running 10 miles a week, add one mile or less a week to your total.

• Warm up, cool down and stretch. Warm up for five minutes before your activity by exercising at a low intensity, then do some slow stretches that you hold for about 30 seconds. After exercise, cool down for five minutes, then stretch again.

• Rest when needed. Fatigue may increase your chance of injury, so allow time for your body to recover and heal. Include rest days and easy days in your schedule.

• Cross-train with other activities. Pursue a variety of exercises to give your joints and

EH KASI, PINOY!

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021

PILIPINO EXPRESS

KROSWORD

NO. 380

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

PAGE 17

PCCM election December 19 The Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba Inc. invites all its members, who are in good standing, to attend the PCCM Annual General Meeting and Board of Directors Election from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 19, 2021, in the PCCM’s Multi-Purpose Hall, 737 Keewatin St., in Winnipeg.

Registration of PCCM membership

Registrant must: • Be at least 18 years old • Have ancestral origin in the Philippines • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Canada • Be a resident of Manitoba • Pay an annual membership fee of $15.00 • Not have been suspended, expelled, or have resigned as member of the PCCM(Art. 2.5 (e) Constitution and By-laws

Application for candidacy as member of the PCCM board of directors

PAHALANG 1. Pinapasan 5. Hinihimok 12. Bahay-ampunan 13. Pang-aapi 14. Marahil 16. Dama 17. Kulang sa lapad 18. Tiyo 19. Panawag-pansin 21. Puting bulaklak 25. Dupok 27. Bulalas ng nasaktan 29. Awit ng papuri 31. Paniwala 32. Nakakabigla

11. Litson 15. Bintang 18. Uri ng pansit 20. Payat 21. Supling 22. Nawa 23. Bulalas ng nabigla 24. Leksyon 26. Sungayang hayop 28. Hawig 30. Huni ng ibon 31. Simbolo ng pilak

SAGOT SA NO. 379

PABABA 1. Tahanan 2. Uri ng kawayan 3. Hibang 4. Puntirya 6. Ihalo 7. Palayaw ng babae 8. Ambag 9. Abang 10. Hinhin

GET VACCINATED!

Applicant must: • Be at least 18 years old • Have ancestral origin in the Philippines • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Canada • Be a resident of Manitoba for at least three (3) years • Be a PCCM member in good standing • Police Clearance: official receipt showing his/her police clearance is accepted, provided a copy of the police clearance be furnished to election committee as soon as it arrives • Sealed Envelope: (a) application for candidacy, (b) police clearance, (c) proof of membership, and (d) photo ID • Has not been suspended, expelled, or resigned as a member of the PCCM board, Art. 4.1 (g) Constitution & by-laws Membership forms and applications for candidacy are available at the PCCM office, 737 Keewatin St. from Monday to Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Deadline for submission of membership form, payment of registration fees, and application for candidacy as a member of the board of directors is on December 11, 2021, at 3:00 p.m.

Please bring one (1) photo ID for validation.

For more details, contact Virgie P. Gayot, Election and Membership Chairman, E-mail: president@thenewpccm.ca Phone number: 204-960-6887

What to do if you have any COVID-19 symptoms Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate and visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19/ to use the online screening tool, or call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or tollfree at 1-888-315-9257 for health guidance on how to seek testing.

Symptoms may include: • Cough • Headache • Fever/ chills • Muscle aches • Sore throat/ hoarse voice • Shortness of breath/

breathing difficulties • Loss of taste or smell • Vomiting, or diarrhea for more than 24 hours • Poor feeding if an infant • Runny nose • Fatigue • Nausea or loss of appetite • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) • Skin rash of unknown cause While many people will develop only mild symptoms, some groups appear to be more vulnerable to COVID-19. Those at higher risk typically develop

more serious, even fatal, symptoms such as pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and kidney failure.

High risk groups include those: • 60 years of age and older • living with chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart, renal or chronic lung conditions) • with weakened immune systems (e.g. cancer) Symptoms of COVID-19 or other coronaviruses may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus.

OUR COMMUNITY

PAGE 18

PILIPINO EXPRESS

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021

Fundemic Indoor Games, PCCM, October 16

Pinoy pool players

Pinoy Chess Players

Bulls Eye Masters winners: Rommel Natividad, Champion; Victor Pancito, 2nd; Redan Comia, 3rd; Dominic Catalla, 4th

Photos by Chito Sta. Brigida & Alex Canlapan

Bulls Eye Masters Players

1st Pinoy Pool winners: Marvelous Ramirez, Champion; Jun Mendoza, 2nd; Oyet Rosales, 3rd; Andro Mission, 4th

Chess Masters winners: Marcos Valentino, Champion; Gilbert Perez, 2nd; Jamie Sigua, 3rd. Group C and D Champion, Jeric Quebrado; Daniel Rodriguez, 2nd

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021

FRED...

From page 1 successful career at Sun Life until he retired in 2019.

As new immigrants in the late 1970s, he and his family became involved in many community projects, meeting and making lasting friendships with fellow Filipinos who were united in their effort to create a vibrant Filipino community.

During those days, the community was relatively small and many, especially newcomers, did not know how, or did not have the means, to access support agencies that are supposed to be available to everyone in the province.

De Villa, together with his fellow kababayans, initiated many townhall meetings to address various concerns, and lobbied civic and elected officials, thus making the Manitoba government aware of the mounting needs of the growing Filipino community.

In the 1980s, when there was no Internet nor social media to provide the platform for people to sound off their complaints and concerns, De Villa founded the Filipino Council. Its volunteer members met on a weekly basis,

PEOPLE & EVENTS PILIPINO EXPRESS

bringing to the table the various community issues facing the young Filipino community at that time. With the assistance of the Filipino programs on CKJS radio, De Villa and members of the Filipino Council made the community aware of problems and possible solutions facing immigrant families.

Foremost among his contributions was spearheading the filing of petitions and lobbying for changes and improvements to the immigration law, which resulted in the deferment of the payment of $975 landing fee, also known as “head tax,” for new immigrants. De Villa’s other significant contribution was to facilitate the process by which Philippine trained nurses pass their licensure examination to enable them to practice their profession.

An activist in and for the Filipino community, De Villa is frequently involved in rallying the community to a just cause. His 1998 Human Rights Achievement Award is a powerful testimony that he shares the Province of Manitoba’s seriousness in safeguarding its migrant communities.

Since the 80s, De Villa has

worn different hats; President, Chair, founding member of various services and groups; among them, the Pepe and Pilar day care, Mary Poppins (domestic workers), the Filipino Sports Federation, Heritage Week Coordinating Committee, and many other organizations.

In 2004, he was named Outstanding Filipino in Canada.

In 2012, De Villa was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. On October 30, 2018, the House of Commons adopted the month of June as Filipino Heritage Month nationwide. On this occasion, MP Kevin Lamoureux and his daughter MLA Cindy Lamoureux led the first Filipino Heritage event, and there, De Villa was presented a certificate and medallion recognizing his valuable contributions to preserving Filipino Canadian heritage.

Recognizing his valuable contribution to the growth of the Filipino community in Winnipeg, Fred was nominated to the Honour 150 by MLA Cindy Lamoureux, lawyer Leo Aniceto and Susan Scott.

Sources: Manitoba 150 and friends of Fred De Villa

PAGE 19

Fred De Villa

Fred De Villa & Kevin Lamoureux, MP Winnipeg North

Fred de Villa ni Alfredo C. Ugali

Fred de Villa laging sa gunita Ang iyong pangalan di na mawawala Ika’y Pilipino, dam=ing tagahanga Unang pag-aalsa sa iyo nagmula.

Ito ay nangyari ng meron inapi Ang bata’y binastos siya’y sinalbahe At pinagbintangan merong ikinubli kaya’t hiyang-hiya ang ina ng pobre.

“Ikaw ang idol ko” at tunay na bida Ang kabutihan mo hanap ng balana Ipinagtanggol mo ang pobreng kawawa Na sa kahihiyan laging lumuluha. lkaw ang idolo ng nakakarami At ako isa na sa iyong kakampi May puso kang ginto, mahirap ikubli Na sana’y matupad, at laging magwagi.

Sa iyo ko nakita na may “pusong ginto’’ Ipinaglalaban lahing Pilipino Hindi natatakot kahit na “dehado” Para patunayan “tunay kang katoto!”

Pinagmamalaki kita’t ginagalang Ang kabutihan mo di matatawaran Tunay kang katoto at lingkod ng bayan Maging huwaran ka ngayon at kailan man!

PAGE 20

PILIPINO EXPRESS

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2021