Volume 19 • No. 20 • October 16 - 31, 2023 Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Kathryn Bernardo
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The cast of Sparkle U
Manitoba’s new government
With the election of the Wab Kinew’s majority NDP government in Manitoba on October 3, the legislature once again has two seats held by Filipino Canadians – but this time, there is a new face. Malaya Marcelino (NDP) easily held the Notre Dame constituency with 75 per cent of the votes cast, while Jelynn Dela Cruz won her place in the legislature for the NDP, defeating incumbent cabinet minister James Teitsma in the riding of Radisson with 52 per cent of the vote. Jon Reyes, Minister of Labour and Immigration, narrowly lost his seat to David Pankratz of the NDP by only 115 votes. Manitoba premier designate Wab Kinew’s new cabinet will be announced and sworn in on Wednesday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. at the Leaf in Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park. The ceremony, conducted by LieutenantGovernor Anita Neville, will honour the seven Indigenous nations in Manitoba. Kinew, 41, is the first-ever First Nations premier of a Canadian province.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew
Jelynn Dela Cruz MLA for Radisson
Malaya Marcelino MLA for Notre Dame
ZumbaYanihan raises $3,220 for Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba
Wpg ZIN sistarz with Paula Kreitz, Community Engagement Coordinator for Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. See story p15
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
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OUR COMMUNITY
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Philippine Fiesta for Smiles and Sight 2023 Fundraiser for a Dental/Vision/Optical Mission in the Philippines On Saturday, November 18th at 7:00 p.m., an exciting fundraising event called Philippine Fiesta for Smiles and Sight 2023 will be celebrated in a colourful, Pahiyasthemed Vickar Ford showroom, 2000 Main Street. In true Philippine fiesta fashion, guests will be treated with food, desserts, and beverages, as well as entertainment from guest performers, Philippine games, karaoke auction, and dancing with DJ Kalvin of Gelyns. Guests may try their luck at raffles and silent auction, then take photos with the Jeepney Vickar. With their donations, attendees will have the opportunity to pick up delectable baking and sweets, trinkets, artwork, jewelry and other items. To purchase $25 tickets (includes fiesta, food and drink), please scan the QR code on the event poster or contact Carol Colina (431)388-2937 or carol.l.s.colina@gmail.com The beneficiaries Proceeds from this event will support the Smiles and Sight Philippines Mission 2024 in February 2024, with the goal of providing free dental, vision, and optical services to povertystricken children and families. The first mission site will be in a village in the middle of Quezon City slums and second mission site will be in the community of Pagbilao in Quezon province, both locations established by the charity organization Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP). Volunteer members are funding the mission and donating their knowledge and skills to educate, treat dental disease and provide eye care to individuals inhabiting surrounding impoverished villages. All money raised from the Philippine Fiesta for Smiles and Sight 2023 will help provide funds for transportation, supplies, instruments, equipment, medication, eyeglasses and miscellaneous essentials for oral and eye healthcare needs. The vision The vision of this worthy undertaking took shape in its earliest stages when dentist Dr. Tricia Magsino Barnabe resolved that an allotment from proceeds from her musical revue New Beginnings in a New World should subsidise some of the costs of running a mission in
the Philippines. She especially wanted to provide dental care to her kababayans in her birthplace, Quezon province. She procured the assistance of Dr. Tom Colina to mobilise the dental team which consists of nine dentists from Winnipeg, Calgary and Ottawa, one hygienist, and several support members. From there, the offer came from Ronald Mervin Sison, a licensed optometrist in the Philippines, to assemble a group of fellow optometrists and ophthalmologists from surrounding areas of the mission sites. Both teams will partner in a two-week mission to help our kababayans in need. The collaborating charities The Smiles and Sight Philippines Mission 2024 is in collaboration with two charities, Kindness in Action (KIA) and Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP). The charity Kindness in Action (kindnessinaction.ca) is an outreach program that provides services to the less fortunate in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, Guyana, Peru, India and the Philippines. ANCOP International Canada is a duly registered, non-profit Canadian charity that is dedicated to restore dignity and uplift the lives of the impoverished families in various countries in Africa and Asia. This mission is in cooperation with Vickar Automotive Group, Integral Dental Group, A Million Dreams and the Manitoba Dental Association, with additional support from Couples for Christ and media sponsors Pilipino Express, Filipino Journal, 92.7FM CKJS Radio and Bond Printing. Donations of medications and reading glasses will be provided by the Doña Marta T. Hernandez Foundation. For any questions or to offer support to the Philippine Fiesta for Smiles and Sight or the mission
itself, please contact Maria Pagdato or Melanie Dalguime at (204)5600011 or integraldental1721@ shaw.ca By Dr. Tricia Magsino Barnabe
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When is commission or suspicion insufficient grounds for inadmissibility? On September 27, 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada made an important ruling to limit the power of immigration officials and tribunals to remove foreign nationals with no criminal conviction on security grounds. The case before the Supreme Court, Mason v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration Canada), concerned Earl Mason and Seifeslam Dleiow, both foreign nationals in Canada. Mr. Mason had been charged with attempted murder and discharging a firearm following an argument in a bar, but the charges were dropped because of delay. Mr. Dleiow is alleged to have engaged in acts of violence against intimate partners, but some charges were dropped, and the subject plead guilty to others. Canada Border Services Agencies (CBSA) prepared reports alleging that both were inadmissible to Canada under s.24(1)(e) of the Immigration Act (IRPA). It is important to consider the use of the section to challenge both applicants and the outcome of the Supreme Court decision. First, IRPA s.34(1)(e) does not deal with a charge specifically nor a conviction but rather allegations of the commission of an offence, for “engaging in acts of violence that would or might endanger the lives or safety of persons in Canada.” It is possible for applicants to be deemed inadmissible based upon their commission of an offence not their formal charges, prosecution, or proven guilt. The cases under consideration are not proven criminality but rather on the decision of immigration officials to determine they represent a security risk to the Canadian public and should be deported from the country as inadmissible persons. In both the cases of Dleiow and Mason, CBSA were issued judgments based on what is called “second 34 inadmissibility,” which were later upheld by lower courts. The wording in section 34 sets forth the justification used
by departmental officials to declare the persons inadmissible to Canada under IRPA s.34(1) (e), “A permanent resident or a foreign national is inadmissible on security grounds for … (e) engaging in acts of violence that would or might endanger the lives or safety of persons in Canada.” The two individuals did not engage in espionage against Canada, nor in subversive actions against the government, nor terrorism. They do not represent a security risk to the country but rather engaged in activities that might endanger the public. Neither Mr. Mason nor Dleiow were members of an organization that engage in such acts. Yet both have been judged as inadmissible under IRPA s34(1) (e) and face deportation. The issue is not the threat the country faces – by the government officials’ assessment – but rather the wide application of the provision. The two cases have been tried at several levels of administrative law. The initial refusal was issued by the department as “section 34 inadmissibility” based on actions, which “might endanger the lives and safety of persons in Canada.” The question was then debated at several courts of appeal. The IAD supported the inadmissibility decision, but the subsequent Federal Court disagreed. The government appealed and the Federal Court of Appeal overturned the decision and supported the initial inadmissibility decision but the subjects facing deportation from Canada on minor charges took their appeal to the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court of Canada. The Supreme Court overruled the lower courts and made a decision based upon the primary consideration that neither Mason nor Dleoiw represent a present security danger to Canada. The decision in Mason v. Canada, is set forth in paragraph 186: “For these reasons, in addition to those identified by my colleague and by Grammond J. in the Federal Court, I would conclude
that inadmissibility under s. 34(1) (e) requires a nexus between the relevant act of violence and with national security or the security of Canada. However, it remains the task of administrative decision makers under the IRPA to apply this interpretation going forward, including determining which acts of violence may indeed qualify as a threat to national security or the security of Canada.” Judge Mahmud Jamal’s
decision is significant for administrative justice. The decision of the Supreme Court set a decision which now applies to all lower courts (“stare decesis”) that courts must respond to proven or real threats to Canadian security, not supposition alone. The decision to declare persons inadmissible on security grounds, under section 34(1) (e) should be based on real acts of violence or a nexus (connection) with national
security. 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.
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
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Dr. Denise Koh recognized most “Influential Filipina Woman in the World” Dr. Denise Koh, founder of MedResRx, creator of the MedResRx Hypnotherapy App, will receive the prestigious “Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World” award from the Foundation for Filipina Women’s Network (FWN). She will receive her award at a Gala Dinner Ceremony at the Lobkowicz Palace, a 16th-century palace, one of the most significant cultural sites in the Czech Republic in the Prague Castle complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 19th Filipina Leadership Global Summit is from October to November 2, 2023, at the Hyatt Andaz in Prague, Czech Republic. The FWN recognizes women of Philippine ancestry who are changing the face of leadership in the global workplace. They have reached outstanding work in their respective fields and are acknowledged for their contributions to society, femtorship, and legacy. Dr. Koh, Public Health and Occupational Medicine specialist, Assistant Professor (University of Manitoba), Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, Author, and Motivational Speaker was selected from an outstanding field of nominees from 10 countries this year for the Innovator and Thought-Leader Category. This award recognizes women who have broken new ground in the marketplace, have delivered new and unique
applications of emerging technology transforming the way people think, in the fields of sports, literature, the arts and pop culture, or have improved the lives of others by helping develop a product or service in the fields of science, engineering, technology, or medicine. This award category is also for someone who have either launched a new enterprise learning function or completely overhauled an existing development or community initiative. FWN launched the Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World Award (Global FWN100™) in 2006 in the United States and expanded its search globally in 2013. Awardees have reached the pinnacle of their careers, breaking “glass ceilings” in the public and private sectors. “Dr. Denise Koh is now a valued partner helping FWN increase the Filipina community’s pipeline of qualified leaders. Her involvement will increase the odds that some will rise to the “president” position in all sectors of the economy,” said Benel Se Liban, FWN vice president for membership. “The summit is where smart women share challenges and secrets to success. The 2007-2023 awardees’ leadership stories have become part of the largest recorded history of Filipina women in diaspora in modern times.”
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“I’m incredibly honoured to be nominated for this award and thrilled that my work is being recognized. I’m so excited to connect with these dynamic women and collaborate on making an even bigger impact. Thank you FWN for bringing us together to uplift and support each other, our community and the next generation of Pinay leaders,” said Dr. Koh. Some of the previous awardees: • Hon. Rechie Valdez – Member of Parliament and Minister of Small Business, first Filipino woman elected MP and appointed to cabinet. • Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye – former California Chief Justice. • Cora Manase Tellez – first Filipino to become CEO of a Fortune100 company, HealthNet CEO and now Sterling CEO. • Evelyn Dilsaver – Charles Schwab Investments CEO and now Commonwealth Club Board Chair. • Minerva Tantoco – New York City’s first-ever Chief Technology Officer (CTO). • Leni Robredo – former Vice President of the Philippines. • Dr. Honey Lacuna-Pangan – first Filipina woman elected Mayor of Manila. • Gwen Garcia – Cebu Governor and former Philippines House of Representatives Deputy Speaker. • Astrid S. Tuminez – Utah Valley University President. • Nora Terrado – Country Head of Legato Philippines and former Undersecretary of the Philippines Department of Trade. • Teresita Batayola – Commissioner appointed to the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI), President and CEO Emerita,
ANNE CAPRICE B. CLAROS ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ BRO. GERRY GAMUROT NORMAN ACERON GARCIA LUCILLE NOLASCO GARRIDO MICHELE MAJUL-IBARRA PERLA JAVATE JUDIANNE JAYME PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE NOEL LAPUZ JON MALEK MALAYA MARCELINO ALONA MERCADO CST. REY OLAZO PAQUITO REY PACHECO DR. REY PAGTAKHAN CHERYL DIZON REYNANTE TIM ST. VINCENT MICHAEL SCOTT
Dr. Denise Koh International Community Health Services. • Dr. Eileen de Villa – Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto. • Annaflor Feliprada-Patrizio – award-winning Ontario Pharmacist and Owner of Schomberg Village Pharmacy. • Joycelyn David – Owner & CEO of leading multicultural marketing agency AV Communications, the only Filipina-owned firm of its kind in Canada. • Cristeta Comerford – First woman White House Executive
REGINA RAMOS URBANO RON URBANO KATHRYN WEBER Youth Contributors Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) Philippine Correspondents: FRANCESCO BRITANICO CRISTY FERMIN JON JOAQUIN AMBETH R. OCAMPO SALES & ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: 204-956-7845 E-Mail: info@pilipino-express.com Sales & Marketing Team: ISAGANI BARTOLOME RODGE LOPEZ RUBY PASCO NEIL SOLIVEN
Chef. • Jessica Cox – the world’s first licensed armless pilot and Taekwondo black belt. Filipina Summit’s 2023 theme is “Intersectionality: Filipina Women Changemakers.” About MedResRx and the MedResRx Hypnotherapy App MedResRx reflects Dr. Koh’s extremely busy and successful therapy and coaching practice and operates the MedResRx Hypnotherapy App which delivers programs such as her signature Burnout Blaster Bootcamp, hypnotherapy and motivational recordings, and yoga series, anytime anywhere at a fraction of the price of her regular therapy. MedResRx also runs other initiatives such as her Canadian Physician trainee support network, group hypnotherapy sessions, Canadian Physician Suicide Log, writing and speaking projects. Source: Dr. Denise Koh, phone: 431-275-0648 Email: drdenise@medresrx. com medresrx.passion.io.
The Pilipino Express is a Winnipeg based news-magazine published twice a month. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. The Pilipino Express and Pilipino Sports Express are registered names. Reproduction of any content and/or ad design published in the Pilipino Express is not permitted without the publisher’s written consent. Materials submitted are subject to editorial discretion and the publication accepts no responsibility for the return or safety of unsolicited artwork, photos, or manuscripts. All rights reserved. Annual subscription rate within Canada: $65.00. For advertising inquiries, call 204-956-7845, or e-mail: E-mail: info@pilipino-express.com.
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A Very Good Girl stars Kathryn Bernardo, Dolly de Leon on what they learned from each other Filipino actress Kathryn Bernardo started acting at six years old, so she’s at home in front of the cameras. But the actress happily shared that in A Very Good Girl, apart from what her acting coach taught her, she learned an important lesson from her co-star, Golden Globe nominee Dolly de Leon in tackling extremely challenging
scenes. “I’m used to method (acting), that’s the technique that I’m familiar with,” said Bernardo in Filipino. “But then Ms. D told me to try this. And turns out, there are other techniques! I said to myself, how come I only knew about this now?” She added: “There are other techniques, and they are healthier.
Because after doing a scene, you can easily let go of it and you don’t have to bring it with you every time.” The actress recalled the first time she found out that there’s a healthier way to effectively deliver a genuine performance. “I told Ms. D, ‘Can you say these things to hurt me so I can get angry?’ during that scene where I was wearing white. She said, ‘Kath, I don’t think I can say that. That doesn’t seem okay.’ And that’s where it started.” See GOOD GIRL p9
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Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko returns with new adventures Kapuso viewers are excited about the return of GMA Network’s award-winning anthology series, Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko. Set to bring life lessons and action-filled episodes beginning this month is the show’s newest offering Captain Kitten headlined by the lovely Jillian Ward as Kat. Joining her in the monthlong special are multi-talented actor Gabby Eigenmann as Dr. Tom and Sparkle stars Archie Alemania as Caloy, Angela
Alarcon as Coach Abby, Kim Perez as Marty, Shuvee Etrata as Feline. Captain Kitten tells the story of Kat, a high school student who volunteers for the welfare of stray animals. She rescues and brings them to her favorite pet cafe. In the cafe, Kat meets Dr. Tom, a veterinarian who runs a nearby clinic. Don’t miss Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko: Captain Kitten — under the helm of esteemed director Rico Gutierrez on GMA Pinoy TV.
Dolly de Leon & Kathryn Bernardo
Jillian Ward
Shuvee Etrata, Jillian Ward, Gabby Eigenmann & Kim Perez
Jillian Ward
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GOOD GIRL... From page 8 Bernardo said what she learned from De Leon is a lesson that “I will bring with me in everything that I will do.” De Leon, meanwhile, said it is imperative for actors to take care of their mental health when playing challenging scenes. “Sometimes, it’s hard to use method,” she said. “What’s difficult in method (acting) is it takes a toll on your mental health and my mental health is already at risk, so I don’t want to add to it.” Bernardo said doing the Star Cinema film with De Leon felt like she was in an acting workshop, where she learned a lot. “[You have to] familiarize yourself with these emotions and keep it within you, so that every time you need it, you just pull it from a cabinet,” she said. “It was great, and it really helped me.” Star Cinema’s A Very Good Girl’ is directed by Petersen Vargas. It recently had a starstudded premiere in Hollywood, joined by ABS-CBN executives. – ABS-CBN NEWS
Kathryn Bernardo & Dolly de Leon
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KC Salazar and Lesceia Fajardo win major titles in 2023 Galaxy Canada Pageant The four young Winnipeggers who participated in the 2023 Galaxy Canada Pageant coronation held October 14 at the Meridian Art Centre in Toronto brought home their winning crowns and trophies from the competition. Katrina Czarina “KC” Salazar was crowned 2023 Miss Teen Galaxy while seven-yearold Lesceia Fajardo took the crown for 2023 Little Miss Galaxy Canada. In the Miss Pre-Teen Canada category, Myrielle Aco was 2nd Runner-Up and Janiyah Estrella was 3rd Runner-Up. Salazar is the second Canada Galaxy Queen to win two crowns from different divisions. In 2019, she was the first Junior Miss Galaxy Canada and ranked one of the top eight in Junior Miss Galaxy International. This year, she won again in another category as Miss Teen Galaxy Canada. The new 2023 Canada Galaxy Queens, seven in total for the seven divisions, will be representing Canada in the Galaxy International pageant, September 2024, in Orlando, Florida.
This is the 5th anniversary of the pageant under the directorship
of Sindy Withans. She was 2018 Miss Canada Galaxy Queen.
Katrina Czarina “KC” Salazar, Miss Teen Galaxy Canada
Lesceia Fajardo, Little Miss Galaxy Canada 2023
Miss Pre-Teen Canada category winners - Janiyah Estrella, 3rd Runner-Up and Myrielle Aco, 2nd Runner-Up
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Youth-oriented anthology series Sparkle U on GMA Pinoy TV Can the youth of today survive in the real world where people can’t just mute or delete someone in their life? Watch the exciting school adventures as the newest youthoriented anthology series Sparkle U holds its classes on GMA Network. Set in a fictional universe called Sparkle University, Sparkle U is an anthology miniseries that revolves around the complicated lives of today’s youth, including the relevant struggles and issues they’re facing. From the effects of social media use and family conflicts, a different facet of teenage life will be explored in each episode, with the story
confined in the halls of Sparkle University, which is described to be a “conservative, parent-funded, all-inclusive” institution that offers educational programs from elementary, high school, senior high school, to undergraduate studies. Starring in the first story of Sparkle U are two of GMA Network’s teen stars, Shayne Sava and Abdul Rahman. In Sparkle U: Frenemies, Shayne is set to excite audiences with her bubbly portrayal of Bekang, while Abdul plays the role of Drake – the ladies’ man of Sparkle U and famous for his quirky you-only-live-once type of videos online.
Joining them are Sparkle artists Roxie Smith, Michael Sager, Zephanie, Princess Alliyah, Vanessa Pena and Anjay Anson, with the special participation of Matt
Lozano, Leandro Baldemor, Sue Prado, Geleen Eugenio. The second story of Sparkle U introduces the new faces of campus life: Sparkle Sweethearts and popularly known as Team
The cast of Sparkle U
Shane Sava & Abdul Rahman
Zephanie & Michael Sager
Jolly, Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay. They are joined by Marco Masa, Liana Mae, Princess Aliyah, and Ruffa Mae Quinto. – GMA Network
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
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Musica Singers of Manitoba shines at WSO Community Celebration Musica Singers of Manitoba, a new vocal ensemble dedicated to promoting Philippine music and culture, delivered a captivating performance at the WSO Community Celebration on Saturday, October 7th, at the Centennial Concert Hall. The WSO Community Celebration, a much-awaited annual event, returned with a renewed commitment to showcase local talent, including singers, instrumentalists, and composers. This is the second year that the Musica Singers was invited to take part in the program. Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra music director Daniel Raiskin conducted the remarkable evening dedicated to celebrating the diverse musical heritage in the community. Under the guidance of their dedicated creative team, including Dante Aviso (Artistic Director), Oscar Pantaleon (Music Director), Lorenz Edward Sarrondo, Donna
Bautista-Rubio, and Paolo Camus, the Musica Singers delivered a heartfelt rendition of cherished Filipino classics. At the 2023 WSO Community Celebration, Musica Singers sang the timeless Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal (How Much I Love You) composed by two Philippine National Artists for Music, Ernani Cuenco and Levi Celerio. Conrado Del Rosario’s arrangement of this song was used with special permission from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The score and parts were prepared by Paulo John Rubio. The ensemble’s performance was capped with a rendition of Ay, Ay, Ay, O, Pagibig! (Oh, Love!), a traditional Filipino love song that delighted the audience with its catchy melodic charm. The Musica Singers’ performance at the WSO Community Celebration was
a testament to their dedication to promoting Philippine music and culture in Manitoba. Their enchanting voices and sincere singing left an indelible mark on the hearts of the audience, making it a truly memorable evening. Sharing the stage with the Musica Singers was an array of talented artists, including Raymond Ding on piano, the Manitoba Chinese Choir, vocalist Jason Burnstick, the Sistema
Orchestra, traditional singer and drummer Ray “Coco” Stevenson, Walking Wolf Singers & Dancers, BunmiPraise, WithUs Ensemble, and the event’s host, Paul Ong. Monica Chen, Sistema music director, and Daniel Raiskin, WSO music director, ensured that the evening flowed seamlessly and was a true celebration of local talent. Musica Singers of Manitoba, founded in 2019 as an informal
group of kundiman (Philippine art song) soloists, has since evolved into a notable vocal group. The ensemble’s repertoire reflects their versatility, encompassing a wide range of genres from folk and kundiman to contemporary choral music, popular melodies, and sacred compositions. Musica Singers comprises professionals from various fields who share a deep passion for Philippine music.
Musica Singers of Manitoba singing Ernani Cuenco and Levi Celerio’s “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal” with Paolo Camus, violinist, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Raiskin. Photo by Teoddy Figueroa
Daniel Raiskin conducting the Musica Singers of Manitoba and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in the lively rendition of “Ay, Ay, Ay, O, Pag-ibig,” a traditional love song with a catchy melody. Photo by Matt Duboff
Traditional singer and drummer Ray “Coco” Stevenson and the Walking Wolf Singers & Dancers pose with the Musica Singers of Manitoba at the 2023 WSO Community Celebration at the Centennial Concert Hall. Photo by Emmanuel Dimatulac
OCTOBER 16 - 31, 2023
OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS
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Manitoba Maharlika Lodge No. 192 Consecration, Sept. 9
EH KASI, PINOY!
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“Accidental journalist” Teodoro Alcuitas co-edits Filipino Canadian anthology Magdaragat By Carlito Pablo/ Pancouver For almost a half century, Teodoro “Ted” Alcuitas has been writing and sharing stories about Filipinos in Canada. Now 83, the Vancouver publisher and editor who’s originally from the Philippines is telling his own story. Alcuitas reports being an “accidental journalist” in Magdaragat: An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing, which he co-edited with author C.E. Gatchalian and poet Patria Rivera. “To me personally,” Alcuitas notes in a written interview, “it is a dream come true in that I have always thought of writing my story, albeit not in an anthology.” “I believe this is a breakthrough for our community that will
hopefully spur other writers to share their stories,” Alcuitas says about the compilation. “I am convinced that it is our own responsibility to write and document our struggles, histories, and not rely on others.” As the anthology published by Cormorant Books explains, “magdaragat” is Filipino word for “mariner” or “seafarer”. “The title alludes to our experience of being ‘voyageurs of the sea’– being travellers from our small rivers to the vast oceans of other lands, albeit not by ship in all cases but mostly transported by modern means of transportation,” Alcuitas states in the interview in reference to the Filipino diaspora. In a lot of ways, Alcuitas is a magdaragat himself. “Personally, I have travelled
KROSWORD NO. 427 Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot
PAHALANG 1. Tiwala 5. Pinatotohanan 12. Libis 13. Ibigay sa iba 14. Kapehan 16. Mando 17. Pagiging marahas 18. Mapitagang tugon 19. Sabaw ng sinaing 21. Ibilang 25. Bisiro 27. Gaganda 29. Pakuluan 31. Sinta 32. Pinaghahalo PABABA 1. Dating 2. Kilos 3. Tatamo 4. Erosyon 6. Itinda 7. Hangad 8. Uri ng sitaw 9. Tuntong 10. Marahil
11. Uri ng kahoy 15. Bakal 18. Abot 20. Una sa oras 21. Panghalip 22. Kawil 23. Gusto 24. Tulad 26. Muli 28. Tugi 30. Simbolo ng pilak 31. Notang musikal
SAGOT SA NO. 426
Teodoro (“Ted”) Alcuitas shares his experiences in journalism in Magdaragat. Photo by Andres Imperial. by ship from my home province of Cebu to Mindanao and other provinces and eventually to Manila. And like the ocean my life seems to be in constant flux – from the Philippines to Saskatoon in 1968 with my wife and eight-month-old baby and then to Winnipeg where I started Silangan,” Alcuitas recalls in the interview. Magdaragat shares story of Silangan Silangan, which translates to “east”, is the name of the community paper founded by Alcuitas. Its first edition came out in February 1976. “There were no Filipino newspapers in Canada at the time,” Alcuitas wrote in his piece for Magdaragat. Educated as an architect in the Philippines, Alcuitas did not have a journalism background when he ventured into publishing. Initially focused on the Winnipeg community, Silangan eventually expanded its reach, becoming a national Filipino Canadian paper. “Soon, I had people sending their contributions from Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver.” Meanwhile, the family was growing. Alcuitas and wife Corazon had two more daughters in Winnipeg. He sold the paper, and the last edition of Silangan came out in July 1982. The new publishers changed its name to Filipino Journal. “Filipino Journal continues to this day, making it one of the oldest Filipino newspapers in Canada. The other is Atin Ito of Toronto,” Alcuitas wrote in Magdaragat. He went on publish another paper in Winnipeg named Kalayaan, which means “freedom”. It came out in February 1983. “The paper became a magazine, and I named it Mosaik to reflect the diversity of the city. Personalities that were featured included Elijah Harper, the first Indigenous member of the
Manitoba legislature; and Evelyn Lau, the acclaimed Chinese Canadian poet and author.” In 1992, Alcuitas and his family moved to the West Coast and settled in Vancouver. In his new city, Alcuitas wrote for the Philippine Chronicle, which was published by Boding and Erly Juatco. When the paper changed ownership, he became its new editor until it folded. “In early 2009, I tried to revive Silangan with a first tabloid issue in April. It lasted for ten issues until January 2010.” Alcuitas approaches 50 years in journalism Alcuitas also worked as senior editor of Philippine Asian News Today (PNT), a Metro Vancouver paper published by former Philippine Olympian and boxer Reynaldo “Rey” Fortaleza. In December 2014, Alcuitas started his own online paper, philippinecanadiannews.com, which he continues to publish.
“Working for forty-six years now as an ‘accidental journalist’ in Canada has not always been easy, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am truly grateful that I have chosen this path,” Alcuitas wrote in Magdaragat. Including Alcuitas, Gatchalian and Rivera, a total of 49 authors contributed to Magdaragat. “As diverse as the authors are,” Alcuitas states in the interview, “there is a common thread that emerged from the stories: how immigration impacted and shaped their lives, the common struggles against discrimination and racism, as well as stories of success.” Magdaragat: An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing is available through the Cormorant Books website and UTP Distribution. Follow Carlito Pablo on Twitter @carlitopablo. Follow Pancouver on Twitter @PancouverMedia and on Instagram @PancouverMedia.
PEOPLE & EVENTS
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
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ZumbaYanihan raises $3,220 for Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba ZumbaYanihan 2023 was successfully held on September 23, 2023, at the PhilippineCanadian Centre of Manitoba. Organized by the Wpg ZIN sistarz members – Zumba instructors Lucille NolascoGarrido, Janet Weiss, Maricar Dee, Elvie Conte, Neth Conte, Grace Garcia, Clarissa Del Rosario and Irma Quintos – the well-attended event also served as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba (CHFM). With the help of sponsors, donors, supporters, friends and family, ZumbaYanihan 2023 was able to raise a total of $3,220 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba Paula Kreitz, Community
Engagement Coordinator for CHFM said, “Your generous gift through your ZumbaYanihan Event will #GiveBetterFutures to sick and injured children in your community. Support today from community members like you will go towards programs that provide comfort for families in hospital, leading-edge research at Children’s Research Institute of Manitoba, and lifesaving medical equipment.” Attendees of the dance masterclass enjoyed lively Zumba dances and popular dance songs from the 80s, 90s and 2000s. There were raffle draws and special prizes as well as food and refreshments.
Lucille Nolasco-Garrido with Paula Kreitz, Community Engagement Coordinator for CHFM
Wpg ZIN sistarz members – Zumba instructors, l-r: Maricar Dee, Neth Conte, Grace Garcia, Lucille Nolasco-Garrido, Clarissa Del Rosario, Janet Weiss, Elvie Conte, and Irma Quintos
Rochelle Buenaventura celebrates 75th birthday, October 14
The celebrant Rochelle with her husband Mel
Rochelle with her grandchildern
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
OCTOBER 16 - 31, 2023