Olivia Rodrigo
A new chapter
Dear Readers,
It is with great excitement that we announce a major change in the format of the Pilipino Express News Magazine starting with this, our September 16, 2024, issue. After 19 years of being a trusted tabloid, we are evolving into a broadsheet publication. This is a big step forward for us, and we believe it will serve our readers and advertisers better.
Since our first issue in 2005, Pilipino Express has been a steadfast part of the Filipino-Canadian community in Manitoba. We’ve shared stories of culture, triumph, challenges, and the experiences that bind us all. Our publication’s growth has been fuelled by the support of our loyal advertisers and readers, especially during the challenging pandemic years. We owe our continued success to you, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Why the change?
After nearly two decades as a tabloid-size publication, we’re making the leap to broadsheet. This shift brings with it several exciting benefits. First, the increased paper size will allow us to provide more content, both entertaining and informative. Whether you’re reading about local news, Filipino culture, or national events, the new format, with every page in full colour, will enable us to present it in a more engaging and expansive way.
Moreover, the change is accompanied by an increase in print circulation. We’ll be reaching even more readers with every issue, ensuring that more people in our community can stay connected and informed.
In addition to our print magazine, which remains our primary platform, we also maintain a strong presence on our website at www.pilipino-express.com and social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram. While digital media have certainly grown in popularity, we believe print and digital platforms complement each other. Despite the rise of social media, many of our readers still enjoy picking up a physical copy of Pilipino Express – there’s something special about holding a paper in your hands.
Another exciting development
Starting this month, Pilipino Express will be featured as an insert in the Winnipeg Sun, one of Manitoba’s major mainstream newspapers. This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for us to expand our reach beyond the
Filipino community, introducing our magazine to a wider audience.
About the Pilipino Express Our primary focus has always been on the Filipino-Canadian community in Manitoba, but over the years, we’ve noticed that our readership extends far beyond. Non-Filipinos, members of other ethnic groups, and even mainstream Canadians are picking up copies of our publication. We are proud of the role we play in promoting mutual understanding between Filipino and Canadian cultures.
Our bilingual format – 85 per cent English and 15 per cent Tagalog – caters to both Filipino and general audiences. We feature a wide range of topics, from current events and politics to entertainment, business, and social issues. With respected columnists from Winnipeg and the Philippines, we strive to provide a well-rounded and enjoyable reading experience for all.
Our editorial and creative team is dedicated to producing highquality content that reflects the
vibrancy of the Filipino-Canadian community. We are deeply involved in both the local Filipino community and the broader Canadian society, and we are committed to keeping you informed, entertained, and connected.
Looking forward As the Filipino community in Manitoba continues to grow, with over 94,000 members as of 2021, we are proud to be a part of your journey. Filipinos are known for their resilience, dedication, and commitment to family, and it is these values that inspire us as we move forward.
Thank you for your continued support, and we hope you enjoy the new and improved Pilipino Express News Magazine in its broadsheet format. We look forward to sharing many more stories with you. Warm regards from Emmie Joaquin, Editor-in-Chief; Paul Morrow, Associate Editor; Reyar Reyes, Art Director and Sales; and all the columnists of the Pilipino Express News Magazine. Maraming salamat po!
Fil-Canadian families navigate cellphone ban in schools
by Lucille Nolasco-Garrido
As students venture into a new school year, school divisions across Manitoba are implementing a ban on cell phones in class. To minimize distractions in schools, the provincial government announced back in August that it is banning the use of cell phones in the classroom beginning September 2024. Under the new guidelines, students
Our first issue, November 16, 2005, was in a smaller tabloid-size format, which we maintained for nearly two decades.
Olivia Rodrigo to hold Manila concert on Oct. 5
Employment in Winnipeg is on the rise, up 4.3 per cent over the last year. The Conference Board of Canada also expects Winnipeg’s labour force to grow 2.3 per cent in 2024. According to the July 2024 Manitoba labour market snapshot, the Downtown Winnipeg Biz reported that foot traffic appears to be increasing in Winnipeg’s downtown. Their organization tracked visitors to the city centre in the second quarter of 2024, finding a 23.5 per cent increase over the same period in 2023.
On the flip side, did you know that Canada ranked fourth globally for highest employee turnover in 2018? According to the 2024 Canadian Mercer Turnover Survey, the average turnover rate sits at 11.9 per cent. The retail and wholesale industry leads with a 25.9 per cent turnover rate, while the energy industry has one of the lowest at eight per cent.
Turnover is a normal part of any organization or business. As an example, promotion, retirement, medical leave, and familyrelated issues may play a natural
role in employee turnover. To prevent turnover from continuing, employers have a difficult task to ensure they keep their employees from leaving. This is because employee turnover costs, not only financially, but it can also impact employee satisfaction and productivity for those who remain with their employer.
When a highly skilled or highly knowledgeable coworker leaves their role, the remaining employees then must complete the requirements of that job. No doubt this can cause stress on those having to cover while still completing their own job duties.
A study conducted by the Institute of Behavioral Research at Texas Christian University observed 353 clinical staff workers at several outpatient substance abuse treatment programs. The study found that those who were in programs with the highest turnover experienced higher job stress and lower support from leadership. They felt there was far less collaboration and communication within the organization.
Turnover facts and impacts
Unfortunately, for these reasons productivity of the employees cannot be the same as it would be with every job filled with those responsible for their own job tasks.
A study done by the Allied HR IQ’s 2012 Allied Workforce Mobility Survey reported some interesting findings regarding productivity. This report gathered insights of HR professionals who represent numerous company sizes in terms of annual revenue and number of employees, and represent such industries as government, manufacturing, retail, service, technology, energy, transportation, non-profit, and professional services. The study found that, on average it takes about eight months to develop a new employee to full productivity after having to replace an employee who departed their role. Of those surveyed, 27 per cent stated that it took closer to a year. Reasonably if it takes eight to 12 months to get a new hire to full productivity, and others have had to take the time from their existing roles to train the new associate, there’s no doubt that productivity is directly affected by an employee leaving.
Despite of the negative impacts of turnover, positive outcomes can also result. When a turnover is triggered by internal promotions, employees can feel motivated
knowing there are opportunities from within that they can look forward to. Lateral moves are often a signal to employees that there is room for growth and development.
Another positive outcome is that the organization and their employees can benefit from gaining new ideas and fresh perspectives from the new hires.
This article is intended for information purposes only and not to be considered as professional advice.
Sources: The Conference Board of Canada, Major City Insights: Winnipeg –July 2024 https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/ trend-analysis/job-market-reports/ mb/job-market-snapshot
OUR HEALTH
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC4986917/ https://www.yumpu.com/en/ document/read/11269917/2012allied-workforce-mobility-surveyonboarding-and-retention
https://blog.clearcompany. com/27-surprising-employeedevelopment-statistics-you-dontknow
Michele Majul-Ibarra, BA (Psych), IPMA-ACP, C.I.M. is a Director of Human Resources in the public sector. She holds the Advanced Certified HR Professional Designation with the International Personnel Management Association, and the professional designation C.I.M. through Chartered Managers Canada.
How testing has kept up with new COVID-19 variants
While COVID-19 continues to evolve, there is some good news when it comes to detecting the virus.
“The tests we’ve used over the last three or four years don’t seem to be significantly impacted by the new variants,” says Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic.
He says that the molecular, or PCR, tests processed in laboratories look at multiple parts of the genetic makeup of the virus, so even if there are mutations in one area, a test can still pick up the virus. “And the home antigen tests look for a different protein altogether from where we’re seeing these mutations in the recent variants,” says Dr. Binnicker.
So, what should you do if you’re feeling ill? “I’m recommending
that if an individual has symptoms of cough, sore throat or body aches, that they take a COVID athome antigen test as a first step. If that’s positive, you probably have COVID-19 and should stay home for a period of time until your symptoms resolve,” says Dr. Binnicker.
He adds that if the test is negative, consider contacting your care team, “and scheduling a labbased test that will probably look for flu, RSV and COVID-19. That way, you can get a wider picture of what could be causing your disease.”
It’s important to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Along with testing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Dr. Binnicker recommend these strategies: • Stay up to date on vaccination.
• Stay home if you are not feeling well.
•If you have any respiratory symptoms, wear a mask if you must go out in public.
• Practice good hand hygiene.
Courtesy: Joel Streed. Mayo Clinic news Network
Scientifically accurate atomic model of the external structure of SARS-CoV-2. Each “ball” is an atom. Image by Alexey Solodovnikov.
Lateral flow COVID-19 negative (left) and positive (right) test. Photo by Boldie.
Young’s third location Grand Opening
Young’s Market celebrated the Grand Opening of their third location at 2188 McPhillips on September 7th. L-r: Brandon Young, Linda Eng, Malaya Marcelino, MLA for Logan and Minister of Labour and Immigration, Jennifer Chen, MLA for Fort Richmond, Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, Councillor Devi Sharma, Kathy Lim, Anita Chan, Kevin Lamoureux, MP Winnipeg North, Cindy Lamoureux, MLA for Burrows and Councillor Vivian Santos. More photos on p4. Photo by Rey-Ar Reyes.
Effective August 28, 2024, Canada ended its temporary public policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits from within the country. The public policy was scheduled to end on February 28, 2025, but IRCC decided to end it earlier without warning. The sudden change caused panic among many applicants and persons who work with immigration.
IRCC is within its rights to cancel the policy early, but this left many applicants in the lurch and doubtful about their status in Canada. The temporary policy was introduced in August 2020 to help visitors who were unable to leave the country due to COVID pandemic travel restrictions. The policy was a welcome option for many visitors and its sudden end came as a surprise and disappointment for many inside the country. This includes foreign nationals visiting the country and those who previously held work permits within the previous 12 months. For many the only option is to return to their home country.
The end of the public policy means that even applicants holding a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) must now return to their home country or a foreign country in which they have continuing status in order to apply
for a work permit. The reasons for the change appear to be related to several issues related to temporary foreign residents in Canada. We are aware of the issues related to the housing shortage and the criticism raised by the official opposition party to immigration and the number of temporary residents, visitors, students and foreign workers currently inside the country. The departmental news release for the end of the policy states, “IRCC is ending the policy as part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system. IRCC is also aware that some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization.”
IRCC does have a responsibility to ensure the integrity of all its programs, but this does not explain the suddenness of the cancelation nor the apparent disregard for the visitors and persons who interrupted their lives and their work to come to Canada to find a new life. The department decided to change things without any warning, which suggests a disregard for the feelings of those affected. IRCC has an obligation to exercise due diligence in its adjudication but
What happened to the consideration due to temporary visitors?
also common curtesy to applicants and their friends and families. The department is justified in changing the process but should never forget that they represent the country to both foreign applicants and supportive family and friends and prospective Canadian employers.
We are aware of the 700 Indian international students who submitted applications with false letters of acceptance. Yes they should be investigated and prosecuted, but as a special group, and the immigration advisor punished if he or she created this problem. The case should not be treated as a “cause celebre” to justify the punishing of thousands of otherwise innocent applicants and their supporters and families.
The end of the policy was not the only change announced in August. The department also announced that it would pause the processing of some Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications under the Low-Wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This change will impact applicants in Census Metropolitan Areas with an unemployment ratio of six per cent or higher. IRCC will limit the
number of foreign workers to 10 per cent of their total workforce, and the term of employment for workers in the Low Wage stream will be reduced to one year from two.
The changes announced in August are consistent with the government’s attempt to roll back changes that were introduced in the country’s reaction to the pandemic and need to restart economic activities. IRCC, working in cooperation with Employment Social Development Canada (ESDC), had introduced temporary polices allowing Canadian companies to hire up to 30 per cent of their workforce through the LowWage stream. IRCC and ESDC have been working together to repeal some of the special pandemic-era policies since May 2024. Things are settling down and the need for special exemptions and changes are now reduced.
We may have too many newcomers to fill vacancies. The problem may be in planning. The admission of temporary residents in the student, worker and visitor classes will now be included in the annual Immigration Levels Plan and applicants should prepare for enhanced screening.
It would appear the government target is to limit temporary residents rather than expand their admission. Minister Miller may also announce changes in the admission of permanent residents. Canada, as seen by the actions of the governing Liberals and opposition Conservatives, appears intent on decreasing immigration numbers from abroad. Our sincere hope is the attempts to restrict immigration is only temporary and reason and fairness will return. We need foreign applicants but also a return to civility and consideration in the way foreign applicants are treated. It costs nothing for immigration officials to be considerate to foreign nationals inside the country and goes a long way to maintaining Canada’s good international reputation. 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.
Photos by Rey-Ar Reyes
A dream come true for owners of Mar’s Sisig Restaurant
From renting a small space
inside a restaurant on Main Street in 2018, to renting a space inside two locations of an Asian supermarket on McPhillips and Jefferson during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Mar’s Sisig now has its own restaurant!
Located at 2142 McPhillips, owners Marson and Christine Ocampo fulfilled their dream of opening their own restaurant with a grand opening on September 9, 2024.
“We have been here in Canada for 12 years now and it has always been a dream for us to have our own restaurant where customers can comfortably sit and enjoy our many varied dishes. We want to provide everyone with a nice place that reminds them of home, of the Philippines,” Christine said.
Back in the Philippines, Christine worked as a nurse, while Mar worked as a seafarer. Both have always been surrounded by people who love to cook –Christine’s mother who owned a canteen in Olongapo, and Mar’s mother who cooked different dishes at home to sell.
The name “Mar’s Sisig Restaurant” came from the name of Mar and of the popular dish from Pampanga, Philippines. Sisig is a Filipino dish made from pork jowl and ears, pork belly and chicken liver, which is usually seasoned with calamansi, onions and chili peppers. These dishes are mostly prepared by Mar himself.
Aside from sisig, other beloved Filipino dishes are also available like kare-kare, beef salpicao, kaldereta, chicken curry, nilagang baka, beef steak, bulalo, chopsuey, eggrolls, pancit, and so much more! They also have desserts,
made by Christine. And more than the tasty dishes offered, Mar’s Sisig is also known for their exceptional customer service. Staff always has a friendly smile for everyone and they make sure that customers have a good dining experience.
As for their two locations inside Lucky’s, Christine said they will continue to operate for the convenience of their loyal clientele.
Mar’s Sisig Restaurant is open Monday to Sunday and offers catering and events services. For event bookings, you can call 204-594-2233. They are also on Facebook. The restaurant can accommodate up to 250 people.
Marson and Christine Ocampo
– Lucille Nolasco-Garrido
Marson and Christine with Laarni Trinidad Tan and her family
Marson and Christine and their children, Sophia Nicole, Maureen Nicole, Martin Nicolas and Mason Nicolas
Marson and Christine with friends and suppliers
Olivia Rodrigo to hold Manila concert on October 5
It’s finally happening! FilipinoAmerican singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo is coming to Manila for a one-night concert this October, promoter Live Nation Philippines announced on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
The show will be on October 5, Saturday, at the Philippine Arena.
All net ticket proceeds will support Rodrigo’s Fund 4 Good, a global initiative “committed to building an equitable and just future for all women and girls through direct support of community-based non-profits that champion girls’ education, support reproductive rights and prevent gender-based violence.”
“All tickets for the Manila show will be sold as Silver Star Tickets,
all priced at P1,500 including taxes, with a limit of four per purchaser.
These seats will be located next to each other and the seat locations are revealed when tickets are picked up in person after September 28. Ticket sections within the venue will be issued to fans at random and will include all seats within the venue including limited view seats, lower and upper-level seating as well as the floor,” the Live Nation Philippines post read.
In her Instagram Stories, Rodrigo expressed her excitement as this will be her first visit to the Philippines.
“People there [Philippines] are so welcoming and hospitable and awesome,” she said. “Filipino people ride for other Filipino people.”
Rodrigo’s show in Manila is part of her GUTS tour in Asia and Australia. She will be touring Asia from September 16 to October 1 and will be doing shows in Australia from October 9 to 18.
Rodrigo was born and raised in California to a Filipino father and a German Irish mother. She is often dubbed a lookalike of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who is also a half-Filipina.
Rodrigo, a Grammy Award winner, rose to fame for her singles Driver’s License, Traitor, and Deja vu.
- ABS-CBN News
Olivia with her Filipino dad and German Irish mother
Masaya na para sa isa’t isa sina Gabbi Garcia at Ruru Madrid
Ang dating on-screen at reallife partners na sina Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid ay nagsabing
masaya sila para sa isa’t isa lalo na at may mga bagong minamahal na sila ngayon.
Sa isang interview ng 24 Oras, sinabi ni Garcia, na ngayo’y nauugnay kay Khalil Ramos, na natuwa siya nang banggitin ang kaniyang pangalan ng ka-look-alike ni Black Rider star Ruru Madrid sa Kalokalike sa It’s Showtime Komento ni Garcia, “Nakakaloka lang si Kalokalike.”
Usap-usapan ang contestant ng It’s Showtime sa segment nitong Kalokalike na si Kevin. Bukod kasi
sa kilig na kilig si Bianca Umali
sa “kalokalike” ng kaniyang reallife partner, mayroon din itong rebelasyon.
Aniya, isang artista na pinagawayan umano nila ng aktres ay si “Gabbi,” na ikinagulat naman ng guest hurado.
Sa panayam kay Garcia ni Aubrey Carampel para sa 24
Oras, pabirong sinabi ng aktres na baka ang tinutukoy ni “kalokalike”
Ruru ay si Gabby Concepcion
“Alam mo, feeling ko si Gabby Concepcion talaga ‘to. Parang hindi ako ‘to,” ani Garcia.
“Kidding aside, I’m happy for both Bianca and Ruru naman talaga
and it’s nice to see them happy din together,” sabi ng aktres.
Matatandaan na naging kapareha ni Madrid si Garcia sa 2016 version ng Encantadia bilang sina Ybrahim at Alena. Sa isang panayam ni Madrid sa Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, inamin niyang naging girlfriend din niya ang kaniyang ka-love team bago pa naging sila ni Bianca Umali.
Ngayon na magkakatrabaho na muli sila, inamin ng aktres na nakakatuwang balikan muli ang kanilang mga karakter.
“Naglolokohan nga kami na after eight years, isipin mo, naging
Kate Valdez hopes to work with Marian Rivera
“Same here! Sana magka-work tayo soon,” ani Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera sa kaniyang post. Masayang nakapanayam ng content creator na si Reniel Serrano ang Shining Inheritance star na si Kate Valdez
Ibinahagi ni Kate sa naturang
interview kung sino ang artista na sobra siyang na-starstruck. Ayon sa Sparkle star, ito ay ang Kapuso Primetime Queen na si Marian
Rivera.
Dagdag pa ni Kate, nais niyang makatrabaho ang award-winning actress.
“Ms. Marian Rivera po talaga. Hindi ko pa siya nakaka-work pero I hope na magkaroon ako ng chance to work with her. Sobrang ganda. Grabe, parang immortal, gano’n. Goddess,” pagbabahagi niya.
Ni-repost naman ni Marian ang video na ito sa kaniyang official Facebook page at sinabi, “same
here! Sana magka-work tayo soon.”
Kasalukuyang napapanood si Kate bilang Inna Villarazon sa Philippine adaptation ng hit Korean drama series na Shining Inheritance
Samantala, pinarangalan si Marian bilang isa sa Best Actress sa Cinemalaya 2024 para sa kaniyang mahusay na pagganap bilang
Teacher Emmy sa pelikulang Balota
Iza Calzado reflects on life after becoming a mother: “My life has bloomed”
The Encantadia actress Iza Calzado loves being a mom to her adorable daughter, Deia Amihan
The former Encantadia star has been religiously sharing important milestones of Deia on her social media accounts and has talked about how motherhood forever changed her.
In a recent post, Mrs. Wintle stated that her life “bloomed” even more now that she has Deia. This is a complete reversal of her previous focus on her career.
Iza wrote, “I never knew how great life would be once I became a mother.
“When we did this shoot, I couldn’t help but look back on my time before I became a mother – I used to think that my life revolved around my career, but now I see that my life has bloomed into even more than that as a mother.”
She continued, “I get to have shoots with my baby, making these workdays more beautiful, meaningful, and precious. I can’t help but wonder if, when Deia grows up, she’ll love it as much as I do, or will she be more like her father who shies away from the camera. Whatever path she takes, I just pray she loves her life as much as I do.
“I love doing life with Deia! Everything is so much more
colourful, more vibrant, more beautiful with her in my life. And to share these moments, to have these images with her, to me, are just so priceless.”
The Wintle family celebrated the first birthday of Deia in January 2024 and Iza and Ben will mark their sixth wedding anniversary this coming December. They tied the knot at the scenic Club Paradise in Busuanga, Palawan in December 2018.
Marian Rivera
Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid
See GABBI p9
Ben, Iza and Deia
Amihan Wintle
Kate Valdez
OUR COMMUNITY
Dennis Gupa arrived for dinner right on time, a characteristic that perfectly reflects his disciplined nature. It has been three months since we last met, as he was away conducting research in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. His focus during this trip was theatre and eco-critical conservation, two fields that define his career and passions.
Although I was eager to hear more about his latest work, the joy of reconnecting after such a long time led our conversation in multiple directions. What began as a discussion of his research soon expanded into topics like physics, music, arts, and sociology. Through it all, Dennis’s dedication to making a difference through creative and intellectual work was unmistakable. By the end of the evening, he took home my interview questions, and it feels as if this article could have been penned by him.
I met Dennis a few months after he moved to Winnipeg in the fall of 2021. Since then, he has found immense joy in what he calls an “intersection of cultures.” The meeting of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers at the Forks is, for him, a symbol of the city’s cultural confluence. “It’s a beautiful and powerful image of time,” Dennis shared, describing how Winnipeg blends its past with the present in a way that elevates his spirit.
For Dennis, Winnipeg’s cosmopolitan nature, where languages, histories, and cultures coexist, serves as the perfect backdrop for his artistic work. Being a faculty member of the Theatre and Film Department of the University of Winnipeg (UW), where he enjoys the dynamic interactions with his students and colleagues, he finds inspiration in the city’s art spaces, such as the Winnipeg Art Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Inuit art, and the Theatre District, which speaks to the city’s longstanding love for performance art.
Dennis has immersed himself in the cultural, political, and social scene of Winnipeg, particularly within the Filipino community even before relocating here. As early as 2018, he has already established connections with community leaders and organizations like Aksyon ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK), a Filipino Canadian youth group that supported him in producing his doctoral projects. He is also a board member of the Caring for our Environment - Manitoba (CEM) Inc. Through these connections, he has conducted theatre workshops and lectures on climate change and applied theatre. He believes that these experiences have helped him connect with Filipino migrants, highlighting the role that theatre can play in shaping diasporic narratives.
While Dennis has rooted himself in Winnipeg, his work and research continue to take him around the world. Over the summer,
GABBI...
From page 8
Alena at Ybrahim Ibarro ulit siya at ako. Nakaka-throwback lang, nakakatuwa,” sabi ni Garcia.
Sa hiwalay na panayam, sinabi ni Madrid na matagal na umano nang maging sila ni Garcia at ngayon ay natutuwa lang siyang balikan ang kanilang mga karakter sa Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre
“Nung naging kami, sobrang bata pa po namin. Gabbi’s 15. Ako po, 16. And then, siguro, somehow, malaking factor na magkatrabaho po kami, love team kami. Kailangan laging kami makita na sweet sa isa’t isa so siguro, dun, dun namin na-discover na in love kami,” he told Boy Abunda. Ngayon ay happy na rin si
he travelled to Southeast Asia and the United Kingdom to present his research, with the immense support of UW and his home department, Theatre and Film. Last year, he was in Africa engaging with international theatre scholars and artists who opened doors to create possible partnerships connecting Canada, the Philippines, and Africa.
These international engagements have allowed Dennis to forge connections with artists and theatre groups across continents, contributing to his dream of fostering global collaborations in ecological performance. Dennis hopes that he will soon be able to offer his students a summer course that includes immersive experiences working with theatre companies in Asia, Africa, and Europe – an ambitious vision that demonstrates his commitment to bridging cultures through art.
Dennis’s upcoming talk at UW’s Centre for Research in Cultural Studies (CRiCS) offers a glimpse into the innovative scope of his research. Entitled What Does This All Have to Do with Coconuts & Rice? (and Typhoons and Climate Change),” the talk will explore the intersections between theatre, climate change, and cultural
Dennis Gupa: Bridging theatre, culture, and ecological conservation
narratives in the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and Canada. As part of this interdisciplinary research hub, Dennis will be presenting his work to colleagues across various disciplines, fostering academic dialogue around urgent global issues.
Looking ahead, Dennis envisions a future where Filipinos in Manitoba become a “critical mass of diasporic communities” that actively confront their settlercolonial entanglements. He imagines a collective formed by a community-university relationship that goes beyond individual success stories, contributing to global progress in ways that transcend traditional notions of remittances and service work.
For Dennis Gupa, theatre is not just a form of artistic expression; it is a means to effect change. Whether through ecological conservation or the cultural empowerment of marginalized communities, Dennis’s work continues to challenge the boundaries of performance, culture, and activism, making him a vital voice in the global theatre landscape.
Photos provided by Dennis Gupa.
Dennis Gupa delivered the paper, “Women, Ritual, and Power: Performative Preservation of Autonomous Leadership in the Ritualization of Prusisyon”, at the Southeast Asian Ministers Of Education Organization Regional Centre for Archaeology and Fine Arts 2024 Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, last June.
Multi-awarded Dennis Gupa has been recognized by the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT), Boca del
Foundation’s 2023 SLaM (Successor, Leadership and
Program, Performance Studies International
and
and
the Cultural Centre of the Philippines’ Encyclopedia of Philippine Arts for his contribution to the contemporary theatrical heritage of the Philippines.
A theatre director, performance maker/researcher, applied-theatre practitioner and an educator, Dennis Gupa holds an MFA in Theatre (Directing) from the University of British Columbia, an MA in Theatre Arts from the University of the Philippines and completed his PhD in Applied Theatre at the University of Victoria as a Vanier scholar. As an eco-performance researcher, he divides his time between Southeast Asia and Canada.
Dennis Gupa has directed and devised performances in Southeast Asia and North America. His recent theatre and eco-conservation research in the Philippines and neighboring countries was under the auspices of the University of Winnipeg and its Theatre and Film Department, where he is an assistant professor.
Garcia sa kaniyang relationship sa kapuwa Kapuso actor na si Khalil Ramos. Katunayan, looking forward na siya sa kanilang Hawaii vacation soon.
Happy rin umano si Madrid makitang maganda at masaya ang relationship nina Gabbi at Khalil.
Aniya, “I’m very happy rin for her na she’s doing her own thing na ‘yun talagang pinapangarap niya before, ngayon ginagawa na niya and I think kitang-kita ko naman din ‘yung happiness niya with Khalil.”
“Matagal na rin naman sila so we’re very happy para po sa kanilang dalawa,” pagpapatuloy ng aktor.
Ang dating love team ay nagkatambal sa noon sa Encantadia, My Destiny, Let The Love Begin, and Sherlock Jr.
In 2022, the author attended the world premiere of “Alunsina’s Love”, a play directed by Dennis Gupa that weaves historical elements of Filipino migration in Winnipeg featuring UW BA Honours acting students Eve Ross Moore, Liam Liam Dutiaume, Madison Chevrefils, Nicolas Firth, and Woo Jun Lim, with set & lighting design by Adam Parboosingh and costume design by Kate George. (Photo: Amber Leblanc-Peitsch)
Lupo
RBC
Mentorship)
(PSi),
Toronto’s Young People’s Theatre. Dennis is mentioned in
Reflecting on the manuscript I wrote about Filipino union leaders of Winnipeg from 1968 to 1998, the name Joy Santos appears often. Several women unionists mentioned her name. By coincidence, Crissy Aquino came by the Once Young Filipino Seniors hang out. The first chance I got, I asked Crissy if she was a unionist, to which she proudly confided that she worked at Olympic Sportswear near McDermott and Albert Street when she arrived in 1969, earning $1.25 per hour. She added that they belong to the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union and their union rep was Joy Santos.
Danny Henson, who arrived in 1974, also remembers Joy Santos as a union rep in the mid-70s. This was also confirmed by Sister Mildred Caldo, union organizer of Workers United. She added that before retiring, Joy used to be the rep in charge of Nygard, Peerless, Freed & Freed, and TanJay clothing. Before becoming a member of the Workers United, Joy was a well-known and respected rep of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union (ILGWU) in the 80s and 90s.
According to a friend, Felino De Jesus, Joy Santos – also a member of the Philippine Solidarity Group (1983-1996) – was from Central Luzon. He recalls Joy telling him that her father was part of the AntiJapanese resistance, Hukbalahap Maybe that’s where Joy got her courage and left-wing tendencies.
Mildred Caldo, her union sister, shared that when Joy was a kid in Manila, she used to sell banana-cue to save for her education and help the family.
Just to provide the context of
Joy Santos’ involvement and union history, the ILGWU merged with the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union in the ‘90s to form the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE). UNITE likewise merged with the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (HERE) in 2004 and formed UNITE HERE.
In 2008, “numerous local unions between 105,000 to 150,000 members left UNITE HERE” and became Workers United. With this history, it becomes clear why pioneer Filipino women union leaders and members of the above unions know Joy Santos as she was part of the merging process.
Community union outreach
Sometime in 1982, Joy Santos became a member of the board of the Federation of Filipino Workers of Manitoba (FFWM), together with Fran Balagot, Florencio Antonio, Aurora Casem, Oscar Carbonel, Joe Sulit, Ben Esteban, Greg Sevillo, Jose Gonzales, Francisco Juan, and Ed Bumanlag. The formation of the FFWM can be considered one of the earliest attempts of the Filipino community to form a serious Workers’ Union (Silangan magazine, Oct. 1982). Joy Santos’ involvement with the federation was part of the immersion and outreach to organize and popularize workers’ unionism, thus advancing their rights and welfare.
Government task force and board appointments
I found the following Manitoba government news releases about Joy.
“Joy Santos was appointed to part of the Multicultural Task Force representing the International Ladies Garment Workers Union
Ihagis
Joy Santos: One tough Filipina unionist!
Local 288.” (May 22, 1987)
“Minimum wage board’s new and existing members will assess the current minimum hourly wage…Joy Santos, employee representative, staff representative, International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union division/ UNITE/ Winnipeg.” (May 26, 1998)
Human rights and democracy activism
Back in 2012, in one of my interviews with Neri Dimacali, former Vice-Chair of Boeing Union and pioneer community activist, he mentioned that I should look for Joy Santos and interview her. Joy was an original member of the Philippine Solidarity Group, fighting for human rights and democracy in the Philippines, together with Dante Buenaventura, founder of Magdaragat, Conrado Gomez (Philippine Echo Newsletter), Felino De Jesus (Knights of Rizal), Danny Gomez, Manny Reyes, Elisa Buenaventura (Grassroots Women), Cleto Buduhan (author), and Ruffy Salcon (Rhythms and Resistance: Narrative of Filipino Musicians and Activists of Winnipeg 1972- 94, Levy Abad).
Looking at the years that Joy Santos devoted herself to labour activism, becoming the union representative of the local at Olympic Garments, and doing community labour outreach with FFWM and Philippine Solidarity, it is just fitting to write a tribute article for her dedication to serving the labour movement and the
community from the 70s until her retirement as a representative of Workers’ United. Strangely, you can barely see postings online about her service. Fortunately, brothers and sisters in the labour movement remember her and share her achievements to serve as exemplars for future workers to emulate.
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.
Sources: Wikipedia https:// en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ International_Ladies_Garment_ Workers_Union Wikipedia https:// en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNITE_ HERE
Manitoba government, May 22, 1987, https://news.gov.mb.ca/ news/archives/1987/05/1987-0522-multicultural_policy_taks_ force_appointed.pdf
Manitoba government, May 26, 1998, https://news. gov.mb.ca/news/index. item=23439&posted=1998-05-26
Upcoming concerts in Winnipeg
by Maryrose Villena, ACC news correspondent
ACC Events and Services are working hard for their upcoming shows in Winnipeg, Manitoba in partnership with other groups: VRS production, and EJE Entertainment.
Alex Canlapan, the owner of ACC and producer of these shows, is keeping his word in supporting Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
ACC will be bringing local artists back from the Philippines to come and perform live shows in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
For this coming fall there will be two concerts happening. The first one will be Strings of Voices featuring artists such as Joey Generoso from Side-A, Ice Seguerra, and Noel Cabangon
The performance will be held at the Club Regent Event Centre on October 4.
Next up will be Soulful Voices at the Burton Cummings Theatre on October 25. Bugoy Drilon is the headliner together with the “Social Media Songbird” Zaragine & Friends as the supporting act.
The following month, ACC will be bringing a beloved, and soughtafter group Ben & Ben, who are known for their songs Araw-Araw and Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay
Their show also will be at Burton Cummings Theatre on November 8.
ACC is inviting you all to watch and support Filipino talent and OPM. Come get your tickets now and reserve your seats. Contact 204-229-6818 or 204-995-1974.
CELL...
From page 1 from kindergarten to Grade 8 won’t be allowed to use their phones during school hours while those in grades 9 to 12 will be allowed to use their phones during lunch and other breaks.
For parent Nanette GimenaDomingo, she is okay with the cell phone ban because it decreases
the potential of cyber bullying and distractions to learning.
“I believe this will increase their interest and can focus more on academics during class,” she said. Nanette added that her three children, one in Grade 5 and two in high school, have no problems with the news policy and they respect the new rules.
Meanwhile, parent Ferdie Calayag says he is leaning in favour of the cell phone ban in class because he can see that kids can concentrate more, and they will be interested more in their studies than what is not school-related.
“It’s a great practice as well to lessen their screen time and develop a better communication with their parents, classmates and teachers.”
As for his son David, who just started high school this school year, not being able to use his cell phone in school is not a big deal. “Not really in favour (of the ban), but even if I bring my phone, I won’t be able to use it as much anyway.
It’s a responsibility too, that if I lose it, it’s not good.”
The new province-wide school policy on banning cell phones comes with exceptions to support students with medical and diverse learning needs, as well as allowing cell phone use for educational purposes in grades 9 to 12 when directed by classroom teachers. Manitoba is the last western Canadian province to implement such a policy, after Saskatchewan’s decision to ban the use of cell phones back in early August. Saskatchewan’s policy applies to all kindergarten to Grade 12 classrooms, and followed the announcements in Alberta, B.C., Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia.
Studies show it can take up to 20 minutes for a child to refocus on what they were learning once they’re distracted, according to Manitoba Education Minister Nello Altomare in a news release accompanying the announcement of the ban.
Nanette Gimena-Domingo with her kids Ryann (Grade 11), Ryle (Grade 9) and Jaden (Grade 5).
Ferdie Calayag with son, David (Grade 9).
UNDAS: A celebration of grief through the lens of the Filipino diaspora
The public is invited to attend UNDAS, an artistic celebration exploring grief through the eyes of the Filipino diaspora, on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at Artspace Building, 3rd Floor - 100 Arthur Street, Winnipeg.
This exhibition showcases work from Filipino Manitoban artists across various mediums, including installation, film, music, and print art.
The featured artists are Charina Duenas, CR Venzon, Karen Remoto, Maribeth Tabanera/ Kilusan, MC de Natividad and Nathan Flores.
The concept of UNDAS originated with local filmmaker and event producer MC de Natividad during the creation of their upcoming short film, griePH, which delves into the experiences of a Filipinx (non-binary Filipino person) navigating sudden loss and the complexities of grief.
Conversations with other Filipino artists in Winnipeg led to the realization that many of their works also touched on themes of grief, inspiring the idea to collaborate for Nuit Blanche Winnipeg – a free nighttime celebration of contemporary art in the city’s
historic Exchange District and Downtown.
“I am confident our project aligns perfectly with the theme of ‘Illuminate the Night,’ as it invites us to reflect on grief in its many forms and transform that energy into lights guiding us into new spaces. This exhibition also encourages meaningful conversations about grief in a safe, comforting environment,” said de Natividad.
The event draws inspiration from the Philippine tradition of UNDAS, a commemoration of All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day, where communities come together to honor the lives of departed loved ones. De Natividad believes the showcase not only presents Filipino artists’ work but also serves as an opportunity to shed light on cultural practices often underrepresented.
“This is a great opportunity to introduce the public to aspects of the Filipina/o/x community and our traditions, which are not often highlighted in mainstream art spaces,” said de Natividad.
The event operates on a paywhat-you-may basis, with all proceeds supporting the artists and covering exhibition costs.
