Marian Rivera
WSO Community Celebration Concert
A Night of Music and Cultural Pride
On Saturday, September 28, 2024, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) hosted a vibrant Community Celebration concert, an evening dedicated to highlighting local talent across diverse cultures.
As part of Culture Days, this free event brought together singers, instrumentalists, and composers from a variety of backgrounds.
Conducted by WSO Music Director Daniel Raiskin, the orchestra was joined by guest
artists representing the Filipino, Indigenous, Chinese, and 2SLGBTQIA+ community-based musicians and local talent from the With Us program. The event was hosted by WSO Board Member and tenor Paul Ong, who brought warmth and enthusiasm to the evening.
A highlight of the concert was Magdaragat Philippines’ debut performance with Paul Ong and the WSO at the Centennial Concert
Hall. Together, they presented a selection of beloved Filipino folk songs, evoking deep nostalgia among the Filipino audience. The children of Magdaragat Philippines, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, danced gracefully, adding to the evening’s magic.
The Centennial Concert Hall was brimming with energy, making this celebration a true reflection of the rich cultural diversity that defines our community.
Celebrating Excellence Nominations open for 2025 Pinay Trailblazers
Dear Heart concert - Nov. 21. See p9 for details SEE PAGE 6 FOR DETAILS
The recipients of
Pinays Manitoba is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Pinays Manitoba Trailblazer Awards! Each May, this prestigious event celebrates exceptional Filipino women who have made a profound impact on the local, national, and even global stage. Pinay is a term that refers to a woman of Filipino descent, highlighting the proud heritage of these remarkable leaders.
As a registered community
organization, Pinays Manitoba is committed to empowering and supporting Filipino women in Manitoba. These Trailblazers are role models – bold and progressive leaders who shatter glass ceilings, pave the way for others, and create lasting change in their communities. Whether through professional achievements or volunteer work, these women are shaping the future for all women,
See PINAYS p5
A standout moment of the concert was the Magdaragat Philippines’ debut performance with the WSO and Paul Ong at the Centennial Concert Hall. More photos on p4
the 2024 Pinays Manitoba Trailblazer Awards
We have been inundated with a steady stream of changes to immigration program from federal authorities. Change may be inevitable, but it does not mean that it is readily accepted nor that it does not cause harm or disruption. The best we can hope for in the near term is to understand the changes and adjust our expectations and submissions.
Consider the recent changes announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller regarding the eligibility criteria for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs). It is important to reserve judgement on the current changes and to understand what they are and how they limit or expand your options.
On September 18, the minister noted that his department will be instituting further limits on SOWP eligibility for spouses of students
in doctrinal and certain master’s programs, some professional programs and pilot programs. For example, the limits on spouses of master’s degree students cover “only those whose program is of at least 16 months in duration.”
In more specific terms, the changes to SOWPs are only available to spouses or partners of students in specific masters or doctrinal programs at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada, with some exemptions for undergraduate programs in high demand. The participants, including master’s and doctrinal students, will be included in the cap on the number of work permits to be issued in 2025, or 12 per cent of the 437,000 study permits allocated for the year. At this time, master and PhD students are not included in the 2024 study permit cap.
Changes in SOWPs
The minister did not specify what other changes were being considered but that his department would effectively decrease the number of SOWPs in the next three years. IRCC plans to extend the reduction in issuing work permits to accompanying spouses and partners beyond the international student programs. The changes will affect accompanying spouses and partners of highly skilled workers including executives, scientists, engineers, lawyers, professors and technicians, and workers in sectors where there are key labour shortages. The department estimates that the changes will result in 100,000 fewer SOWPs in the next few year years.
The changes in the issuance of SOWP’s have been on the table since the spring of 2024. On April 30, the department announced changes to the following professional degree programs: Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Law, Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Optometry, Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Veterinary
Medicine, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Education, and Bachelor of Engineering. The SOWP applicant should provide a copy of the admission from their sponsor’s DLI and transcripts from their current program. If approved, the accompanying spouse or partner will receive an open work permit valid for the same length of time as their sponsor’s study permit.
The changes to SOWP are just one of the measures IRCC has taken recently to reduce the number of temporary residents in the country. The department will introduce caps on work permits for 2025.
The department has also added a language requirement for PGWP with the CLWP requirements.
University graduates will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English or French at CLB 7 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Other college graduates will be required to provide evidence of CLB 5.
It is important to follow the federal changes with the release of the Immigration Levels Plan,
which will include a reference of temporary residents. Over two million temporary residents arrived in Canada in 2023, and Minister Miller said that the recent changes are expected to decrease this number from 6.5 per cent of the population down to five per cent. The minister explained that the country no longer needs the higher numbers to increase immigration and the labour force following the pandemic. The country’s needs are decreased and therefore the number of temporary residents, including the SOWPs, is reduced. The Department of Immigration must consider both.
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.
WSO Community Celebration Concert
A Night of Music and Cultural Pride
PINAYS...
From page 1 particularly the next generation of Filipino women.
Winnie Navarro, President of Pinays Manitoba, shares, “We are inviting the public to nominate outstanding women who embody the spirit of a true Trailblazer. Nominations are open to first-time nominees or past nominees who haven’t previously won. We’re excited to discover the next group of inspiring women we’ll honour in May 2025.”
Navarro adds, “A nominator can submit more than one name, but please note that selfnominations will not be accepted. It’s important that each nominee agrees, if selected, to receive the award in person at the May Recognition Awards event.”
Who Can Be Nominated? To be eligible for the Pinay Trailblazer Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:
• Be a woman of Filipino
descent, a woman of integrity, at least 18 years old, with strong ties to Manitoba.
Not be a current member of Pinays Manitoba Inc. Support the mission and vision of Pinays Manitoba.
• Consent to being nominated.
• Have made significant contributions to the Manitoba community, whether through paid work or volunteerism in the private, public, or nonprofit sectors.
If you know a deserving woman who fits this description, we encourage you to submit a nomination! Simply email pinaysmbinc@gmail.com to request a nomination form. Completed packages must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on December 15, 2024. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Let’s celebrate the incredible Filipino women who are making history and paving the way for future generations! – by Emmie Joaquin
Senator Flordeliz “Gigi” Osler, a 2023 Pinay Trailblazer awardee (4th from left), with the 2024 Pinays Trailblazer awardees and the outstanding 2024 Young Pinays
Abot-KamayNaPangarap bids goodbye
“Chase your dreams, but always know the road that will lead you home again.” – Ziad K. Abdelnour
After over two years on air with several milestones achieved, GMA Network’s afternoon drama
Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap nears its finale on October 19.
The show is headlined by Carmina Villarroel as Lyneth, Richard Yap as Doc RJ, and Jillian Ward as Doc Analyn.
Bringing more depth to the story are Dina Bonnevie as Giselle, Pinky Amador as Morgana, Allen Dizon as Carlos, and Kazel Kinouchi as Doc Zoey.
Also part of the country’s top afternoon medical series are Andre Paras as Doc Luke, Chuckie
Dreyfus as Doc Ray, Wilma
Doesnt as Josa, Jeff Moses as Reagan, John Vic De Guzman as Doc Ken, and Kim Ji Soo as Doc Kim.
After becoming the youngest doctor in town, Analyn ensured that her mother, Lyneth, went back to
school and graduated from college – a proud accomplishment for them both. But Analyn’s journey didn’t stop there. She also set out on a personal quest to discover her true identity, eventually finding her biological father, Doc RJ.
Analyn then learns about her step-sister, Zoey, who instantly became her rival at the APEX Medical Center and a competitor for their father’s affection. But despite various obstacles and emotional setbacks, Analyn refused to give up on her dreams.
Now, as Abot Kamay Na Pangarap approaches its finale, the stakes couldn’t be higher. What else is Zoey willing to do to destroy Analyn’s reputation?
Meanwhile, Analyn still holds on to her long-awaited dream of having a complete family. Soon, she also finds her true calling as a doctor. Will there be a happy ending for the country’s favourite doctor?
Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap is under the helm of esteemed director L.A. Madridejos
The cast of Abot Kamay Na Pangarap
Jillian Ward Carmina Villarroel
Kazel Kinouchi
Richard Yap
Dina Bonnevie
Pinky Amador
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ
Tadhana celebrates 7th anniversary
On its seventh anniversary, GMA Public Affairs’ award-winning drama anthology Tadhana, hosted by Marian Rivera, continues to inspire and bring lifelong learning to viewers through a special three-part episode that began airing on October 5.
The special episode titled Sino si Alice? features Herlene Budol, Mon Confiado, Jon Lucas, Thea Tolentino, and Kim Perez.
The story of Alice, is a woman whose death remains to be a mystery among her officemates. Days before her death, Alice was promoted in her job causing a rift between her and Violy, an officemate who was also vying for a promotion.
As Tadhana celebrates its seventh
anniversary, Marian shares the secrets to the drama anthology’s continued success.
“Ang maganda kasi sa Tadhana, sa bawat dulo ng kuwento, may matututunan ka, may advice na maibibigay sa’yo. Even ikaw na nagkukuwento ng sarili mong buhay, ‘yung kuwento na ibinibigay mo sa audience, nabibigyan sila ng pag-asa at inspirasyon,” Marian explained.
The host also expressed her gratitude to all Kapuso viewers who showed their unwavering support to Tadhana throughout the years, “Maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyo. Sana po ay huwag kayong magsawang suportahan ang Tadhana dahil hindi po kami titigil na bigyan kayo ng pag-asa at inspirasyon sa bawat kuwentong aming ipalalabas.”
Asian Academy Creative Awards
GMA Network was big winner at the prestigious Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) with 14 of its programs and personalities honoured. 24 Oras: Super Typhoon Carina Southwest Monsoon won as Best News/ Current Affairs Program and Unang Balita: Ravaged by El Niño as Best Documentary Series. GMA Public Affairs’ multi-awarded
Marian Rivera
GMA...
From page 8 another award to its still-growing list. Screenwriter and GMA Public Affairs Senior Assistant Vice President Anj Atienza received the Best Screenplay award.
Michael V was named Best Actor in a Comedy Role for Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy ang Kuwento, while the show was recognized as Best Comedy Programme. Dingdong Dantes was awarded Best Entertainment Host for Family Feud Philippines.
The Voice Generations won Best Adaptation of an Existing Format (Non-Scripted), longrunning infotainment program i-Bilib was named Best Children’s Programme, and drama anthology Magpakailanman: Sa Puso’t Isipan: The Cantillana Family Story was recognized as Best Single Drama/ Telemovie/Anthology Episode.
The launch trailer of Pulang Araw, meanwhile, was recognized as Best Promo or Trailer.
Completing the list of Kapuso winners was Kokoy De Santos who won as Best Actor in a Leading Role for the movie Your Mother’s Son.
The Asian Academy Creative Awards, regarded as Asia Pacific’s most prestigious award for creative excellence, honours the best of the best from 17 nations representing the region’s content industry. The national winners will represent the Philippines at the Grand Awards and Gala Final in Singapore in December.
Dingdong Dantes
Michael V Kokoy De Santos
EH KASI, PINOY!
Neri according to friends
According to Phoebe de Leon, CAW Chair of Local 3000, “Neri Dimacali is a two-term Vice Chair of CAW Local 2169-Boeing.”
Phoebe added that Neri is a trade union leader and a community activist who influenced her to become a labour leader. In the mid-90s when Neri led KAMPI or the Filipino Workers MovementWinnipeg, Phoebe received training in the rights and welfare of Migrants, labour rights, community organizing, and solidarity. (Levy Abad, “Reflecting on Migration and Labour Activism,” Ethnorama News, July 2020).
From Westin Hotel to Boeing Romeo Tabanera arrived in 1982 and within two months of arrival he was working at the Westin Hotel (now the Fairmont) with Neri Dimacali as his co-worker. Neri was assigned to the banquet hall while working initially in the laundry department before moving to housekeeping. Romy added that Neri would eventually move to Boeing where he would become the Vice-Chair of the union. Neri and community leadership
The earliest detail of Neri’s community leadership was in 1984 as chairperson of the Philippine Solidarity Group (PSG). The PSG was an organization that helped with solidarity campaigns for the national democratic struggles in the Philippines during the death knell of the Marcos dictatorship, which was overthrown in the 1986 EDSA Revolution. The PSG transformed into KAMPI in 1996 with programs promoting the rights and welfare of migrants, labour solidarity, and supporting
the democratic and nationalist struggles in the old country.
Combating racism and discrimination
Under Neri’s leadership, the PSG and KAMPI would involve with numerous programs that combat racism and discrimination.
Neri was active with the Workers of Colour Support Network together with Louis Ifill (Coordinator). Neri was also active in the formation of Grassroots Women of Manitoba whose leading organizer was Elisa Buenaventura, a PSG Women’s desk member and program coordinator in 1992. Not many people in Winnipeg know that in 1993 when the PSG was under the leadership of Neri, it assisted in organizing a big Anti-racism Rally in Winnipeg (Levy Abad, Rhythms and Resistance, p. 125).
Countless educational initiatives
Under Neri’s leadership and beyond, countless educational initiatives were launched that covered varied worker and community issues between 19972001, including: employment insurance, workers’ compensation, health and safety, occupational health, unions’ role in advocating for workers’ rights, maternity and paternity leaves, injury in the workplace and more. Most of these initiatives were on Neri’s watch (Levy Abad, KAMPI timeline manuscript). This demonstrates Neri’s profound insight on the importance of promoting democracy in the workplace. His education and training prepared him for his community work. According to Susan Rodriguez also, a pioneer community activist, Neri finished his social work course at
KROSWORD NO. 451
Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot
Neri Dimacali: Union and community activism (1984-2004)
the University of Manitoba, which she only discovered by accident. Neri is a great listener and only uses his theoretical knowledge to understand and address the community issues that came to the PSG or KAMPI’s desk in 1996.
Always helping people
When I was writing my first book, Rhythms and Resistance, Narrative of Filipino Musicians and Activist of Winnipeg 1972 to 1994, Neri was one of the people who provided substantial information. He pointed me to an activist in the community whom he worked with and also to some trade unionists like Butch Mendiola (USW Local 4297), Leo Alonzo (CAW), Evelyn Sy-Elago (CAW Boeing), Bob Luna (CAW), Mario Tamayo (CAW Local 2005), Phoebe De Leon (CAW Local 3000), Amado Rosales (CAW), and many more who became involved in the labour movement here in Winnipeg and who were once beneficiaries of the PSG and KAMPI’s education programs. On the solidarity front, Neri referred me to Peace Alliance Winnipeg activist Glen Michalchuk and Karen Hamilton of the Manitoba Federation of Labour-Occupational Health Centre.
Compassion for homeland and diaspora
In retrospect, Neri told me that he became an activist in the Philippines during the heat of the dictatorship. He arrived in Winnipeg in the early 80s and
continued his activism. He was prompted by his compassion for the motherland and the diaspora, attributed to the semi-feudal and semi-colonial roots of the labourexport policies perpetuated by the dictatorship.
Nowadays, although Neri is retired from Boeing, he often calls his friends to check on them, and true to himself, he always asks
how he can be of help in making the world a better place both here and on the home front.
Levy Abad authored a book titled Rhythms and Resistance: Narrative of Filipino Musicians and Activists (1972-1994). Levy is also a singer-songwriter, poet, and migrant rights activist who has released four albums centred on the life and struggles of migrants.
PHSCI hosts Philippine history and migration workshop for Filipino youth
by: Jomay Amora-Dueck
A local Winnipeg group is hosting an event for young Filipinos to learn about Philippine history and migration, as well as share their most memorable migration story and unique experiences as part of the diaspora.
The Philippine Historical Society of Canada, Inc. (PHSCI) will be hosting Balik-Tanaw, Bridging Generations: The Migration Story of Filipino Youth in Manitoba. This will be at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights on Sunday, November 3,
2024, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Doors open at 9:30 am.
Balik-Tanaw, Bridging Generations: The Migration Story of Filipino Youth in Manitoba will be a program of sit-in workshops and lectures focusing on Philippine history, migration, and unique experiences of Filipino youth in the Philippines and Manitoba. The program will end with a collaborative art project to commemorate our community coming together for our pagbabalik-tanaw (Tagalog for “looking back” or “reminiscing”).
The group hopes that this
initiative will spark conversations in the community, giving the younger generations an opportunity to learn about the past and collaborate in protecting Philippine history, democracy, and our future. This event is free, but seats are limited. To register, please visit: www.philippinehistoricalsociety. com or scan the QR code in the event poster.
PHSCI is a Filipino-Canadian non-profit organization that aims to combat historical distortion by providing the community with access to historical facts and research-based resources.
OUR HEALTH
Little by little: Small changes can lead to heart health
Switching from an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle to healthy eating and exercise can be daunting. In this expert alert, Juan Cardenas Rosales, M.D., an internal medicine physician and medical director of the international medicine practice at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, shares small steps and one big one that can lead to a heart-healthy life.
Taking the first step can be difficult, whether trying to eat a nutritious diet, exercise more or both, Dr. Cardenas says. That is in part because people often set high expectations for themselves and try to reach them immediately, rather than approaching it as a process.
“It is better to make these changes little by little, and stay consistent, than to make a sudden change that is difficult to maintain,” Dr. Cardenas explains. “For example, don’t start exercising 30 minutes a day, five times a week, but start with 10 minutes every third day. Also, adjust your diet, and each day lower your sugar consumption
a little, your fat consumption, your salt, and so on, little by little. Start with small steps but keep moving forward.”
Dr. Cardenas recommends gradually substituting healthier choices into your diet, such as fish, chicken, fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
“Drinking a lot of water is also important, at least 2 liters of water a day, and staying away from processed foods that are very high in certain types of harmful fats like trans fats,” Dr. Cardenas says.
One of the hardest moves to make can be skipping favourite foods that are now known to be unhealthy but have been part of family meals for generations, he adds.
“Many times, in our culture, our tradition, this type of diet has been followed for many years, and it is what we were often taught by our relatives, our grandmother, our parents. But many times, that does not mean that it is healthy for us,”
Dr. Cardenas says. “If we know that
it is something that is harmful to our health, we should always try to choose the healthy option.”
Working toward adequate sleep — at least seven hours — is also important for heart health. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and serious conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, that are also risk factors for heart disease, Dr. Cardenas says.
“By having a good sleep, we also allow our body to recover and to be ready to continue the next day,” he explains. “It has also been shown that many times, not sleeping well can lead to chronic stress.”
There is one big change that Dr. Cardenas recommends making immediately: Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke, exposure to other people’s smoke.
“The moment one stops smoking, the risk of cardiovascular disease decreases,” he says.
“Research has shown that after one year of completing quitting smoking, the cardiovascular risk falls to half that of a person who
smokes.”
Before starting an exercise plan, it is a good idea to talk with your healthcare team to ensure a safe approach, Dr. Cardenas advises. It is also a good practice to schedule
annual checkups so your healthcare team can screen for heart disease and risk factors, such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, he adds.
- Mayo Clinic News Network
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation honoured at Meadows West School
Meadows West School students continued their journey toward reconciliation during the week of September 26. Leaders from Maawanji’idiwag – the Meadows West Indigenous Learning Group – shared their knowledge and gifts by leading knowledge sessions about smudging and the effect that residential schools have had on their cultures and experiences.
On September 27, 2024 Meadows West held an assembly to acknowledge National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and honour residential school
survivors and thrivers, as well as those who didn’t make it home.
The assembly, spearheaded by Indigenous student leaders, provided an opportunity for every class to share their commitments working toward reconciliation.
The assembly ended with everyone singing the Honour Song
The week concluded with a school-wide walk for reconciliation and a schoolwide round dance, uniting our community in remembrance, respect, and the goal to share the truth.
Strings and Voices
by Maryrose Villena ACC News Correspondent
On October 4, ACC Events
brought Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists Noel Cabangon, Joey Generoso of Side-A, and Ice Seguerra to Club Regent Casino Events Centre for the Strings and Voices concert to serenade fellow Filipinos and fans for one night.
Strings and Voices is one of the first of the three incoming OPM concerts this October and November. With this, fans were looking forward to seeing their long-time music idols in the Filipino music industry. It can also be said for the three artists that they were excited to perform live for their kababayans in the Winnipeg.
Winnipeg is the first leg of their Canada concert tour before heading off to other cities such as Toronto, Edmonton, and Calgary.
Throughout the night, the trio performed their popular songs.
As well as song covers of Michel Jackson, A-ha, and various retro artists. As the night progressed, the audience lit up their phones to Cabangon singing Awiting Kanlungan
For this concert, the front acts were Winnipeg Filipino artists, On The Que, Daniel & Dario, Manny Araullo, and Daze.
The concert was a success, and it was a good start to build momentum for ACC with their upcoming concert shows, Soulful Voices, and Ben&Ben
Ice Seguerra Noel Cabangon
Joey Generoso
Manny Araullo
Daze
On The Que
Daniel & Dario