Filipino Journal Manitoba Edition March 05 - 20, 2021

MARCH 5 - 20, 2021 | VOL 35 NO 05

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

TOGETHER WE GLIDE The Batoon family are learning to love Winnipeg winters with help from generous Winnipeggers and the Winnipeg Trails Association. As new Canadians, their family is embracing the snow, cold and windchill and willing to come out and spend time outdoors.

The Winnipeg Trails Association has been instrumental in providing access to equipment such as cross country skis, skates, snowshoes and a kicksled. We caught up with Anders Swanson at Woodsworth Park in the Maples last week as Zoe and Finn Batoon finished their first cross-country ski adventure.

Page 2►

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Photo courtesy of Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

Getting Lost in the Snow Maze

Manitoba Reopening

FEATURES | 8►

COMMUNITY | 3►

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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

March 5 - 20, 2021

LEARNING TO LOVE OUR WINTERS

Mobile Ski Library at Central Park in Winnipeg

Councilor Vivian Santos and family with Anders Swanson at the Freighthouse Loop ski centre

W

elcome to WinterPeg and our beautiful winters and learning to love our winters means understanding what’s out there for people to do. As a result of generous Winnipeggers donating cross country skis,

Councilor Vivian Santos racing through the Freighthouse Loop

and other winter gear such as skates and snowshoes, the Winnipeg Trail Association has been visiting Winnipeg parks and pleasure rinks with the opportunity for residents to try out a new winter sport for free. Several weekends ago, residents

near Central Park had the chance to try out cross country skiing and skating.

Last weekend, Councilor Vivian Santos took a spin around the Freighthouse Loop (679m) and made for a great midmorning workout with her family.

“Just do it!” Exclaimed Zoe Batoon in her video interview with Anders Swanson. Great advice from a first-time skier.

The Batoon Family – Gail, Marcel Anne, Zoe and Finn – eager to enjoy and embrace the outdoors with more winter adventures and many winters to come.

Finn

Marcel Anne, Zoe and Finn on the kick sled.

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Zoe

Photos by Ron Cantiveros and Councilor Vivian Santos

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March 5 - 20, 2021

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

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Focus on Filipino Music Manitoba COVID19 Public Health by aLfie vera mella

Winnipeg's The 1221 signs recording contract Winnipeg's band of brothers, The 12/21, are excited to announce that they are now under BLACKSHEEP RECORDS MANILA and Viva Records Philippines! Let's look forward to a proper full-length album soon!

Based in Winnipeg, The 1221 are the Maceda brothers--Roman (vocals/guitars) and twins Rico (bass/vocals) and Roque (drums).

Let’s get social

Orders Starting March 5

T

he following changes will able to operate with the exception public health measures in place; go into effect March 5 at of indoor theatres, indoor concert - indoor recreation and sporting 12:01 a.m. and will expire halls, casinos and bingo halls; facilities such as gyms, fitness on March 25: - retail stores, malls and personal centres, rinks, courts, fields, ranges, • households and gatherings: services to have increased capacity studios, clubs, pools and centres to - households can choose one of limits of up to 50 per cent or 250 open at 25 per cent total capacity, the following: people, whichever is lower, with with public health measures in ⁎ continue designating two other public health measures still place including for spectators, visitors to their home; or in effect; common areas and locker rooms. ⁎ designating a second household - restaurants and licensed premises The requirement to provide one-onso that two households can visit to have increased capacity limits one instructions has been removed; each other, as long as everyone of up to 50 per cent, with the gym, fitness centre and pool users in the house has authorized requirement for tables to sit with must continue to wear a mask while those designated individuals only household members, and working out and in all other areas to visit. other public health measures still of the facility, with the exception - gathering limits at an outdoor in effect; of while in a swimming pool; public or private place to increase - businesses other than casinos dance, theatre and music facilities to 10 people including for outdoor to resume operating video lottery to open for a total capacity of 25 non-organized sport or recreation terminals, with physical distancing per cent; activities; and measures and barriers in place; and - indoor recreational facilities - places of worship to have - professional theatre groups, such as arcades, go-kart tracks increased capacity size of 25 per dance companies, symphonies and and children’s facilities to open at cent or 100 people, whichever is operas to resume rehearsals that 25 per cent capacity with physical lower, with physical distancing are not accessible to members of distancing measures in place. measures in place and mask the public.

For up-to-date information requirements.

• recreation and fitness: on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit • business, retail and restaurants: - day camps for children to operate www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

- any types of business to be at 25 per cent capacity with other

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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

March 5 - 20, 2021

Zoo Lights at Assiniboine Park Zoo are on!

T

he Assiniboine Park Zoo has officially opened its annual Zoo Lights display last February 20 that will run over the course of 32 evenings until March 28.

Plans to host a modified version of Zoo Lights over the holiday season were put on hold in November when the Zoo closed in response to the public health orders. The Zoo reopened on January 30 and has since received approval from Manitoba Public Health to proceed with a modified, COVID-safe version of Zoo Lights.

“A lot of time and effort went into preparing for Zoo Lights and, while the timing has changed, we are thrilled to be in a position to invite visitors to enjoy these stunning light displays,” said Bruce Keats, Chief Operations Officer, Assiniboine Park Conservancy. “This has been a challenging year for the Zoo and our community. We are so grateful for the support we have received and are optimistic that people will embrace this opportunity to enjoy the Zoo Lights experience!”

Zoo Lights features a visually stunning array of light installations, from traditional tree wrapping to the latest technology in outdoor lighting and projection. Displays are spread out along pathways on a 2 km loop and feature close to 1.5 million lights.

Modifications have been made to the Zoo Lights experience to comply with public health orders

by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

Sa Sáliw ng Pláwta ng Isáng Elbíno and ensure that all in attendance can follow public health guidelines and advice. This includes the elimination of live music and other programming that may encourage guests to gather.

In addition, this year, the experience is almost entirely outdoors. Guests are encouraged to embrace winter and dress for the weather. Food and beverage service will be available at the Zoo’s Tundra Grill Restaurant and Winston’s concession.

All COVID-19 protocols in place for daytime Zoo operations will be followed. Additional measures and modifications to the Zoo Lights experience include: • site expanded by 25% to include a larger area within the Zoo • one-way path of travel • date/time specific ticketing and capacity management • separate entrance and exit for guests • streamlined entrance procedures to keep people moving and reduce contact with staff/volunteers

Tickets are date and time specific and must be purchased in advance, preferably online. All guests, regardless of age, require a ticket. Tickets for infants and toddlers 2 years of age and under are free. Tickets for all other guests are $12.50 + GST. Tickets are on sale now and quantities are limited, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and buy early to avoid disappointment.

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy received funding through Western Economic Diversification Canada through the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF) to support the creation of Zoo Lights. The Canadian Experiences Fund supports businesses and organizations seeking to create, improve, or enhance tourism products, facilities, and experiences.

Additional information, including schedule and hours of operation, is available online at zoolightswpg.ca.

illustration by LoveKat

Sa paá ng buról sa tabí ng lawà May 'sang elbínong tumútugtog ng pláwta S'ya'y nakasakáy sa mahiwágang pagóng Bahagháring makúlay kaniláng sílong Tahímik ang palígid líban sa hímig Melódya ng mga k'wágo at kuliglíg Patí mga lóro sa sangá ng punò Mga manlalakbáy saán inyóng tungò?

Ganoón rin sána ang áting daigdíg Kaylán manánaig galák at pag-íbig?

Hanggáng kaylán háharapin ang paghámon?

Magpapaágos na lang ba sa panahón?

Kung lahát ng 'yan ay páwang panagínip Wag sánang magisíng ng álon at íhip!

Contributing Writers: Kris Ontong Jomay Amora-Dueck Eric Labaupa Gem & Lita Anis Johnny Cantiveros Ryan Reyes Tony and Letty Antonio Leila Castro Max Sangil Perry Diaz Kathryn Valladolid Ebrahim

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

Rod Escobar Cantiveros

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Ron Cantiveros

Business Development

Photographers: Star Roxas

Alfie vera Mella Associate Editor

Clarence Cantiveros Creative Services

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief- Filipino Journal (1987-2008)

All photos & articles available online!

Alfred Gaddi

We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters.

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March 5 - 20, 2021

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

Bakit hanggang ngayon, naghihirap pa ang ating Inang Bayan?

Sa panahon ba ni President Duterte mababawasan ang kahirapan ng mga Pinoy?

The Republic of Adobo

by Rod E. Cantiveros

A

no nga ba ang dahilan at mabagal ang pagbaba ng poverty rate at populasyon sa ating bansa?

Sa kasalukuyan, ang Pilipinas ay may populasyong 108.93 milyon at 25% o 25 milyon nito ay mahihirap.

Ano ba ang mga dahilan at may 25 milyon na ngayon ay hirap sa buhay? Una, ang ating bansa ay dumaranas ng maraming kalamidad . Dahil dito ang mga magbubukid ay lalong naapektuhan sa mga dumadaang bagyo. Karamihan sa mga naghihirap ay mga magbubukid at mangigisda. May tinatayang 23 bilyong dolyar ang nawawala sa bansa kung dumarating ang panahon ng mga bagyo. Ikalawa, kulang ang pag-iinvest sa edukasyon at ang nagiging bunga nito ay mataas na porsiyento na kawalan ng kita.

Ikatlo, napakabagal ng takbo ng ekonomiya at ika-apat, walang tiyak na programa sa pagkontrol ng populasyon kada taon.

Batay sa mga dahilan kung bakit hanggang ngayon marami pa ring mahihirap?

Sa aking pananaw ay dahil sa corruption ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan. Himayin natin kung bakit karamihan ng mahihirap ay mga magsasaka at mangingisda.

Ang bansang Pilipinas ay mayaman sa mga natural resources o likas na yaman at ang dapat mangalaga, mag-develop at magpaunlad ng mga ito ay ang Department of Agriculture.

Sa tanang buhay ko, walang akmang programa ang pamahalaan para sa ikabubuti ng pagsasaka o pangingisda.

Maraming katiwalian. Naalala ba ninyo noong panahon ni Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, ang milyunmilyong halaga ng pataba ay tila naglaho sa mga kamay ng maraming opisyal. Kakaunti ang nakinabang sa teknolohiya sa pagsasaka. Ang paggamit ng mga makabagong makinarya ay dapat bigyan ng pansin subalit ano ang nangyayari? Kurakot dito at kurakot doon. Ang resulta, halos kapos ang mga magsasaka.

Ganoon din ang kalagayan ng mga mangingisda. Sa sobrang lawak ng karagatan at yaman ng dagat, dapat sana ay maganda ang buhay ng mga mangigisda, subalit ang mga namumuno ay walang programa para sa kabutihan ng mga mangingisda.

Bakit naman parang pagong ang pag-usad ng ating ekonomiya?

Ang ating mga mambabatas ay gumagawa ng mga batas sa bansa.

May mga programang binibigyan ng pansin, subalit kaakibat pa rin nito ang kakulangan ng mga taong dapat mamuno sa pagpapatakbo ng ekonomiya ng bansa. Marami ngang proyekto pero may mga corruption ding nangyayari. Katulad na lamang ng Pork Barrel ng mga senador at

kongresista na dapat ang halagang nakalaan sa mga proyekto ay maibigay lahat. Subalit ang nangyayari, napupunta sa kanilang mga bulsa.

Siguro alam lahat ang nangyayari noong panahong mahuli si Napoles na kasapakat ang mga mambabatas sa paggastos ng kanilang perang nakalaan sa kanilang nasasakupan.

Ang bansang Pilipinas ay may 80 porsyentong Romano Katoliko.

Batay sa kalakaran ng populasyon,di dapat gumamit ng birth control o dili kaya aborsyon, bilang bawal sa relihiyon. Ang pamahalaan ay walang akmang paraan upang di dumami ang mga tao sa bansa. Ang mga naghihirap na pamilya ay sila pang mararaming anak. At dahil din sa kahirapan, ang mga anak ng mga ito, agad ding nag-aasawa kaya ang pagdami ng tao ay umiinog sa mga mahihirap na pamilya. May mga NGOs na gumagawa ng paraan upang makontrol ang pagdami ng tao subalit ang simbahan ay tumututol sa mga pamamaraan na kontrolin ang pagdami ng populasyon.

Sa panahon ngayon ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte, mayroon bang pag-asa na mabago ang takbo ng ating bansa o malutasan ang mga paghihirap ng mahigit na 25 milyong Pilipino?

Sa pangkasalukuyang datos ng populasyon, may 1.72% ang itinataas ng dami ng mga tao sa kasalukuyan. At ang pagbaba ng porsyento ay patuloy base sa mga programa ng Pangulong Duterte.

Hindi katulad ng mga nakaraang panahon na 2.75% ang nadadag sa bilang ng populasyon. Dahil dito, ang poverty rate a bumaba sa 16.7% noong 2018 kumpara sa 23.3% ng poverty rate noong 2015.

Sa ngayon, agresibo ang Ahensiya ng Agrikultura at maraming mga isinasagawa ang pamahalaan sa ikauunlad ng pagsasaka at pangingisda.

Una, nababawasan ang corruption.

Nakatuon ang pansin sa kapakanan ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda.

Katulad ng pamamahagi ng mga lupang tiwangwang, binibigyan ng kaalaman sa mga makabagong paraan ng mga pagtatanim. Ikalawa, ang pagbibigay-pansin sa edukasyon.

Itinaas ang grado ng pag-aaral mula Grade 1 hanggang Grade 12 at binigyan ng pansin ang karapatdapat ng sweldo ng mga guro. Batid ng mga namamahala ang mabuting ibubunga kung ang mga guro ay may sapat nang sweldo upang maging masigla sa pagtuturo sa mga bata.

At may balak na repasuhin ang mga kursong dapat na makatulong sa pagpapasigla ng ekonomiya. Sa kaalaman ng lahat, ang agrikultura ang pondasyon sa ikabubuti ng ekonomiya ng bansa. Dagdag dito, binibigyan ang mga kababaihan ng sapat na lakas upang magkaroon ng

Let’s get social

boses sa pamilya. Bahagi nito ang tugmang pagpapausad sa family planning.

Sa programa ni Pangulong Duterte ay dapat ikalat ang mga industriya ng bansa at di dapat manatili sa mga urban area, dahil 47.5 porsiyento ng mga tao ay nakatira sa urban areas. Maraming mga industriya ang nagbabalak na magtayo sa mga probinsiya at nang sa ganoon, ang mga magtratrabaho ay hindi magsisikan sa urban area katulad ng Metro Manila. Ang mga tanggapan ng mga ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan ay inililipat sa mga probinsiya, maging ang mga international airport ay itinatayo sa iba't ibang lugar sa Luzon, Visayas at Mindanao, katulad ng bagong airport sa Bulacan at sa Pampanga.

Dagdag dito ay ang pagbibigay ng ayuda sa mga libu-libong OFW na bumalik sa bansa upang dito sila maghanap-buhay. At sa pagkakaroon ng mga industriya sa iba't-ibang probinsiya, ang ibang mga Pilipino ay hindi na mangingibang-bansa upang maghanap-buhay.

Subalit may mga hadlang pa rin sa pagpapatupad ng mga programa sa ekonomiya. Meron pa rin mga kumukontra sa mga balak ng kasalukuyang pamahalaan. Marami

ring kritiko si Duterte. Sa kabila nito, patuloy pa rin ang kanyang programang "Build, Build, Build" upang umusad ang ekonomiya sa pamamagitan ng mga konkretong kalsada, matitibay na mga tulay . Sa huling taon ni Presidente Duterte, nangako siya na mababawasan ang corruption sa pamahalaan. At sa 2022, panahon na naman upang magkaroon ng bagong pangulo. At ang tanong, ipagpapatuloy kaya ng sinumang ihalal na pangulo ang mga proyekto ni Pangulong Duterte?

Alam ng lahat na ang mga nabimbing proyekto ni dating Pangulong Noynoy

Aquino ay ipinagpatuloy ni Duterte.

At batid din ng karamihan, ang mga nabimbing proyekto ni Marcos ay hindi ipinagpatuloy ng yumaong Presidente Cory Aquino.

Mahirap lutasin ang kahirapan ng may mahigit na 25 porsiyento sa ating bansa. Dahil sa talamak ang corruption sa pamahalaan, ito ang nagiging dahilan ng mga problema sa ating bayan?

Nawa'y ang susunod na presidente ay may magandang pananaw upang maging mayaman ang bansa, upang lalong pababain ang populasyon at ang bahagdan ng kahirapan.

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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

March 5 - 20, 2021

Spreading Hope, Developing Leadership in the Month of Love

"We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt Love was not the only spirit that filled the air this Valentine’s Day. Inspired by faith and community spirit, Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) Canada also filled February 14 with hope, by putting together ‘Faith, Hope & Love – A Million Dreams Concert for a Cause,’ to fund projects for poverty-stricken regions in the Philippines, the rest of Southeast Asia, and Africa.

The musical event was headlined by singer and actress Dr. Tricia Magsino Barnabé who conceptualized the benefit concert back in 2018.

Away from the spotlight, Barnabé practices dentistry in Winnipeg at Integral Dental, which co-presented the concert along with the Vickar Automotive Group.

As with most events in the pandemic era, the concert was held online. Ticket holders and this columnist were emailed a link to watch the prerecorded concert video on YouTube.

Long-time ANCOP supporter Larry Vickar welcomed viewers with a message explaining how proceeds from the concert will "support beneficiaries by providing homes, scholarships for further education, and creating livelihood programs that will result in a sustainable living income for those involved.” The Winnipeg-based philanthropist continued, “Over the years, we have been involved in many multicultural efforts, but we are especially overjoyed as active

contributors supporting the poorest of the poor of the Philippines."

Barnabé pulled double duty by also co-hosting the event through a seamless split screen with her cousin Dr. Franco Enverga who is based in Chino Hills, California. Kicking off the performances was a humorous rendition of Billy Joel’s ‘The Longest Time,’ whose lyrics were updated to depict life during the COVID-19 pandemic. To segue to the other featured artists who were based in different parts of the world, airport departure boards were creatively used as transition screens to the performers’ next location. Among the highlights for this viewer include Barnabé’s duet of ‘The Prayer’ with Dr. Gordon Buduhan, the Manila Chamber Singers’ rendition of ‘Bless the Broken Road,’ and the inspirational performances from Original Pilipino Music luminaries Ogie Alcasid who sang ‘Di Ka Pababayaan’ and Dingdong Avanzado who sang ‘Home’.

As of press time, ANCOP Canada has yet to disclose the amount raised by this year’s Million Dreams Concert for a Cause, but expectations are high that it will match or exceed the net proceeds of $40,000 raised by the inaugural concert in 2019.

Pinoys on Parliament The week following the ANCOP concert, Pinoys on Parliament (POP) was slated to run from February 19th through the 21st. The annual event is a leadership conference that is free and open to all Filipino-Canadian youths aged 17 to 29. True to its name, the

Faith Hope & Love hosts

Dr. Gordon Buduhan & Tricia Barnabé sing The Prayer

Dingdong Avanzado performance

Ogie Alcasid performance

event is typically held in Parliament. This year however, it also moved to the virtual realm. Registered delegates can participate in the activities by logging in to the POP website at pinoysonparliament.com.

A delegate to last year’s event, Aira Villanueva stopped by the February 10 episode of the Barangay Canada Community Update in her new role as a member of this year’s Outreach Committee. “POP provides young Filipino-Canadians with an environment where they can exchange perspectives on what it is like to grow up as a Filipino-Canadian, and the obstacles that come with pursuing their individualistic careers,” Villanueva shared. More details about this year’s panels, workshops and featured speakers can be found on the website.

Asked how participating in POP made an impact on her, Villanueva attested that when she returned to school after the event, she was motivated to set up the University of Winnipeg Filipino Students’ Association. Villanueva currently serves as the co-president of the 60-member association and is enthusiastic about its goals. " We serve as a platform to promote

POP's Aira Villanueva on BCCU

Manila Chamber Singers perform Bless the Broken Road

and celebrate the Filipino identity, culture and heritage through cultural events for Filipino-Canadians. We will also create various workshops, masterclasses and volunteer activities.”

As the pandemic continues to cast its long shadow across the world, more people are driven to poverty and economic recovery remains uncertain, but with events like the Faith Hope and Love concert and Pinoys on Parliament, the present generation is striving earnestly to provide the next generation with the resources and skills to lead the way to a better and brighter future.

Kris Ontong is an award-winning community advocate and a finalist in the 12th RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards. He is the cofounder of Barangay Canada, and hosts its weekly video podcast.

FILIPINOS, AMONG BIPOC MANITOBANS, EXPERIENCE THE MOST DISPROPORTIONATE BURDEN DUE TO COVID-19, REPORT SHOWS

I

n a report released by the Province of Manitoba last March 1, 2021 on COVID-19 Infections in Manitoba based on REI (Race, Ethnicity and Indigeneity), 51 per cent of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Manitoba from May 1 to December 31, self-identify as BIPOC. This is 1.5 fold higher than expected, as 35 per cent of people in Manitoba belong to a BIPOC group (Statistics Canada Census, 2016).

Filipinos, according to the report, experience the most disproportionate burden due to COVID-19. They make up seven per cent of the population but 12 per cent of COVID cases with more women affected than men.

Report also included results of COVID-19 cases based on occupations.

It showed that COVID-19 cases are over-represented in some occupations such as food manufacturing, service industry, transportation and health care work.

Manitoba's chief public health

officer, Dr Brent Roussin said that stigma is a challenge in releasing race-base data on COVID -19 but these are data that is important to gather and share and he stressed that systematic factors, not race, are what make individuals more susceptible.

"We know people in BIPOC communities are more likely to live in low-income neighbourhoods, live in overcrowded ... multigenerational households," said Dr. Brent Roussin.

Roussin also added that BIPOC are also more likely to have lowwage occupations and be employed in higher-risk occupations such as food manufacturing, service industry, transportation and accommodations, food service and retail.

Meanhwile, in a CBC report

by Peggy Lam, Filipino community members commented on the report.

Kris Ontong of Barangay Canada vodcast commented on the importance of enforcement. He said that the

All photos & articles available online!

province should ensure that protocols are followed and enough personal protective equipment is provided at workplaces with Filipino workers.

Dan Buenventura, president of the Filipino Nurses Association of Manitoba, said that having public health information translated into Filipino or other languages will help address the disproportionate numbers.

In a stement released from Health and Senior Care Minister

FilipinoJournal.com

Heather Stefanson, she said: "We have learned that in the fight against COVID-19, we need to have the right data to ensure we are able to take the steps needed to protect all Manitobans . We will continue to work with our healthcare partners to ensure the personal health information remains private and protected , while also allowing our public health officials to use an evidence-based approach to ensuring every Manitoban has access to the health care they deserve."

March 5 - 20, 2021

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

7

Teens Need Structure Too By: Kimberley Bedona-Padua

M

ost often, when we think of implementing structure into our children’s lives, it is because we have a newborn that needs a feeding schedule, a toddler that needs a nap schedule, or a child that needs an activity schedule. When children become teens, they are often left to implement their schedules.

And yes, they are on the verge of asserting their independence so that it can be a challenge. However, not implementing a structure for them can be counterintuitive and leave them “real world unready.” Therefore, parents must establish boundaries, rules, and structure for their teens to create life-long success habits.

Adolescence is a period of massive changes in all areas of development. During this time, puberty triggers the neural systems, and the hypothalamus sends signals to the body to produce certain hormones.

This, along with an underdeveloped pre-frontal cortex, makes way for intense emotions and impulsive behaviours. Not to mention how wacky sleep patterns become, all contributing to testing limits and parental frustration. However, leaving teens to their own devices will most likely lead to more impulsive decisions and, ultimately, trouble.

Parents must remember that teens don’t have the cognitive control to resist temptations, and it’s better to steer them towards healthy, positive risks than to do nothing at all.

Believe it or not, teens need and want structure. Since they are already dealing with multiple changes in their bodies and minds, having boundaries in place gives them a sense of security. Clear limits and structure can keep riskier behaviours at bay, especially when parents take the time to discuss these things ahead of time with their teens.

And although we may experience some pushback, the life lessons of time management, self-control, and responsibility will ultimately win out.

And to top it off, when everyone is on board, confusion and frustration are reduced making relationships stronger while trust is cultivated.

So as teens have rules imposed on them, they learn to set boundaries for themselves, thereby increasing their self-control.

As teens travel the pathway to becoming responsible young adults, parents can rest assured that routines and boundaries are powerful, positive influences. And while teens may resist some, they ultimately understand that their route to more freedom comes from the development of trust, responsibility, and accountability. When parents enforce structure on their teens, they eventually learn to manage a 24-hour day independently, which leads to lifelong habits of success.

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Getting Lost In The Snow Maze

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he World's Largest Snow Maze according to Guinness Book of World Records got a lot bigger. The previous maze was 30,000 sq.ft. The 2021 edition is over 50,000 sq.ft and given the pandemic, provides wider spaces for people to pass and walk through the maze.

In addition to the Snow Maze, there are more fun activities for the family including a 60ft high toboggan slide, snow hill and sleigh rides along with outdoor entertainment throughout the day.

The Snow Maze located in St. Adolphe, Manitoba, a quick 15min drive south of Winnipeg. The Snow Maze opened in mid-February after provincial COVID19 restrictions were eased. Tickets to the Snow Maze can be purchased online and with timed/scheduled blocks and capacity restrictions.

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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

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11

Three of the Country’s KZ Tandingan is Unveiled as Singer Top Production Houses of Disney’s First Filipino Song Collaborate for Big Movie Project KZ Tandingan, dubbed as the country’s Soul Supreme, has been revealed to be the singer of “Gabay,” the first ever Filipino song to be part of a Disney animation’s official soundtrack.

The said song is the theme for the upcoming “Raya and the Last Dragon” which also features Disney’s first heroine from Southeast Asia.

Before this announcement, there have been speculations that the voice to sing “Gabay” would either be Morissette Amon, Sarah Geronimo or Ylona Garcia. There were also some who made the right guess by betting on KZ Tandingan herself.

Tandingan, for her part, is very elated and posted the good news on her page, expressing her gratitude for being chosen to be part of this milestone in Disney history.

Gabay is set to be released on Spotify this March 05.

Mixed Reactions on Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon” regarding SEA Representation

T

he second day of March marked the sealing of a huge deal between GMA Pictures, VIVA Films and APR Entertainment in their biggest production to date - the Philippine’s adaptation of the Japanese drama, “Pure Soul,” from where the hit Korean movie, “A Moment to Remember” was also adapted from.

Said project also paves the way for the first-time pairing of two of the country’s bankable stars namely: New Generation’s Movie Queen Bea Alonzo and Asia’s Multimedia Star, Alden Richards.

Witnesses to the contract signing ceremony from VIVA were President and COO Vincent del Rosario, Viva Artists Agency President Veronique Del Rosario-Corpus, and Senior Vice President for Content and Production Valerie Del Rosario.

From GMA Network’s side were GMA Films, Inc. President and Programming Consultant to the Chairman and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz, and Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara.

Representing APT Entertainment Inc., were CEO and President Mike Tuviera, COO and CFO Jojo Oconer, and Vice President for Production Operation Camille Montano.

Also in attendance at the said ceremony was Bea’s manager Shirley Kuan.

During the said event, Vincent del Rosario said what the audience can look forward to with this Filipino adaptation is that while it will stay true to the original Japanese plot, it will contain traces of Filipino nuances that are sure to resonate with viewers.

For her part, Gozon Valdes shared how elated she was to have this project finally become a reality. Thrilled with Alonzo and Alden’s pairing, she believed both are perfect for their roles and is quite confident that both artists can pull off a performance that will show a unique Filipino adaptation.

Meanwhile, Tuvera enthusiastically expressed her excitement at making the film a theatrical experience for the viewers. Given that people want to see Bea and Alden together, they plan on making the audience feel the concept and characters in its full glory while in the theater.

As for both leading stars, Alden shared his gratitude to be trusted with such a meaningful role while Bea said she is excited about what their pairing can offer and is looking forward to injecting the Filipino culture to the script.

The movie is about a new couple whose marriage was put to the test with the wife’s diagnosis of early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. It shows the journey of how they coped and handled their fear, pain and uncertainty with this adversity.

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he trailer release of Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon” has spawned a rolling ball of mixed reactions regarding how Southeast Asia (SEA) was represented.

Inspired by the cultures of Southeast Asian countries, one of the objectives of the upcoming animation is to provide viewers an in-depth look at Raya’s journey as she fulfills her mission of finding the mythical “last dragon.”

With a voice cast of Asian American artists, Kelly-Marie Tran leads the pack bagging the role of though, the film paved the way for Tran to make her mark in history as the Raya. Joining her are Sandra Oh, first Southeast Asian actress to bag the lead role of a Disney animation.

Gemma Chan and Awkwafina.

However, the casting has received criticism for having a majority of East Asian artists taking the major roles, pointing out that Tran is the only actress who is from Southeast Asia in the first place.

In a twitter post, a netizen expressed her conflicted emotions of the casting saying how big it would have been if actual Southeast Asian actors were given the roles and pointed out that Hollywood lacks such actors.

Another one pointed out the uniqueness of each Southeast Asian country, with each of its citizens speaking a different language and having different customs. A Thai is totally different from an Indonesian and not having this emphasized results into zero representation of its ethnicity.

Echoing the first two sentiments, another netizen said while she is all for Asian representation in Hollywood, Southeast Asian culture is very different from that of East Asia.

Regardless of these misgivings

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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

March 5 - 20, 2021

Positivity will always help for a conversation to be smooth and worthwhile. If you feel that it is tipping a little to the negative, think of ways to resurrect the conversation to positive. Remember that any transaction that we may have with anyone begins with a simple greeting. With a clear purpose and intention, your, "How do you do?" is sure to go a long way.

Ano'ng Masasabi Mo? (Readers' Column)

by Kathryn Valladolíd Ebrahim

*Currently working at Philippine International Convention Center, where she began services 22 years ago, Kathryn Valladolid Ebrahim is an alumna of St. Scholastica's College-Manila; she finished a degree in Bachelor of Arts, major in Sociology, at University of Santó Tomás; drawing and writing are her primary avocations.

Hi, Ho! What's in a Greeting?

I

t was just Valentine's day the other day and there were those, due to the limitations of the pandemic, I surmise, celebrated the occasion somewhat creatively.

There were those who probably chose to just celebrate it sharing a simple home cooked meal or confection. Not to discount those who, for some reason or another, did not celebrate at all. Some contend themselves with the overwhelming epiphany of a greeting. This is the kind of greeting that pertains to special occasions. This may not always be automatic. We advance a greeting in this manner, because we value those we find worthy of it on a personal level.

How Do You Do? In the community I grew up in, it is polite and customary to greet people in accordance with how they mean to us and/or their position in society. There is the family: elders, brothers, sisters, and helper(s), if any- those whom we also consider extended family.

Outside of the family unit, there are

those who are essential to our growth and well-being: friends, teachers, medical / health professionals, local government officials, food providers, transportation operators.

For the religious, church leaders and workers find them essential.

Moving outwards from the microcosm, there are those whom we may consider essential to our self-worth and well-being. These are people whom we consider, to some degree of importance because they have somehow touched our lives and made a difference- be it in our work, neighborhood, or relationship.

The Power of a Greeting The rapport we wish to have with those we value begins with a simple greeting.

"Hi" "Hello" "How do you do?"

"Good Morning, Afternoon, Evening" A greeting opens up the venue for positive conversation. In the exchange of thoughts and ideas, one slowly reveals himself and

Horoscope The stars give you the gift of gab for the next six weeks when Mars enters Gemini on Wednesday. With your ruling planet in your communication zone, you can talk the talk and walk the walk. While you may feel very passionate about new ideas, really think them through before putting them into action. Look before you leap.

Tax season will soon be upon us, and while you’ve always been a money-savvy sign, it would be a good idea to take another look at your finances. Mars enters Gemini on Wednesday, staying for the next six weeks. The planet of passion and drive enters your sector of value, encouraging you to find new sources of income or business ideas. However, with flighty Gemini, you could be a victim of impulse spending. Set a budget for yourself, but keep it flexible.

Get ready, Gemini, because the next six weeks are going to be busy after Mars enters your sign on Wednesday. Mars brings passion, energy, and drive when it comes to new beginnings and your outlook on life. While you may feel and appear a little more anxious than usual, you are just buzzing with extra energy. This is a great time to start new projects.

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Explore your subconscious mind and hidden passions starting on Wednesday when fiery Mars enters Gemini and your privacy zone. This is a tough spot for the warrior planet, and you may feel more anxious and temperamental than usual, which could lead to self-destructive tendencies if you aren’t careful. Practice self-care and work on your inner healing, not inner battles.

Adventure is out there, Libra! After staying still for what feels like forever, you are ready to explore! On Wednesday, Mars enters Gemini and your sector of philosophy, making you passionate about knowledge and learning. If you’ve been interested in taking a few classes, studying a new subject, or planning a trip to a dream destination, start exploring!

Be flexible this week, Capricorn. Don’t make any strict schedules or plan any important meetings for the next six weeks because Mars enters Gemini on Wednesday, moving into your sector of routines. This can create some scattered energies, making it difficult to focus or get tasks done. Be kind to yourself as you figure out your new workflow.

March starts with a lot of big wins when Mars enters Gemini on Thursday. The warrior planet will be in your sector of friendship for the next six weeks, making it an excellent time to do some networking. Make social connections that will be helpful in all aspects of your life and you can see some windfalls in your social life.

Should you stay or should you go? That’s the big question for you this week because you’ll have to make some major decisions. It kicks off on Wednesday when Mars enters Gemini and your sector of intimacy. You may be given a choice to stay in the same situation with the bonds you’ve built or let go and move forward. There are no easy answers, so think it over carefully.

Get ready for some fun and excitement to come into your life over the next few weeks because Mars enters Gemini on Wednesday. Mars will be in your pleasure zone for the next six weeks, making this a very stimulating time, if a bit erratic. You might bounce from passion to passion, but it will still be a fun period.

March brings a renewed focus on your career ambitions, starting when Mars enters Gemini on Wednesday. The planet will be in your career sector, making you extra ambitious and driven to make it to the top. You’re moving in the fast lane this month, but don’t let your anxieties derail you. Try to go with the flow and don’t overthink it (we know it’s a big ask).

PA L A I S I PA N

Be flexible in your relationships for the next few weeks, Sagittarius. Mars enters Gemini on Wednesday, landing right in your partnership zone. Mars brings a passionate desire to rediscover new things about the relationships in your life.

What makes them tick? If you’re single, it’s a good time to put yourself out there. You could meet someone fascinating.

(Crossword)

PABABA

PAHALANG 1 Sigurado 5 Walang suwerte 10 Diwata 11 Asikaso 13 Louie Ocampo 14 Asunto 15 Hindi sa salitang Kapampangan 17 Bulalas ng nakahuli 18 Los Angeles 19 Kapital ng Columbia 21 Ouch 23 Responsibilidad

intentions are realized. It promotes camaraderie as each person becomes civilly familiar with the other. How do you think businesses are made and alliances formed? Communication seals the deal.

Of course the effect will not always be positive for all. One just needs to be ready for these effects.

After all, no one can predict the reaction or response of a person.

Communication requires patience and understanding as well. Just be quick spontaneous reply that could turn any negative reaction to a positive one. It is always good to be well-equipped.

A simple greeting promotes positive behavior. Don't fret if your greeting was not received the same way as you've perceived it. The person on the other end might just be experiencing something unpleasant or just in a bad mood.

Overall, politeness goes hand-inhand with being kind. In my opinion, you can't have one without the other.

Also keep your own attitude in-check.

24 Si Sayyaf 25 Sapa na mababaw ang tubig 27 Barandilyang nakaakma 30 Tipo ng dugo 31 Gabok 32 Inam 33 Kasintahan 36 Ano? 37 Alpabetong Arabiko 39 Pagsusulit ng mga abogado 40 Iba't iba 41 Hukumang Muslim

1 Tagos 2 Taong hinahangaan 3 Yayo Aguila 4 Ikaw 5 Lakambini 6 Isang computer school 7 Yugto sa karera 8 Sabi nila 9 Bihasa 12 Likido sa mata 16 Munting palos 17 Ravanes ng PBA 20 ____ Doki Doc

21 Hamak 22 Batong hiyas 24 Suyo 25 Kakayahan 26 Busy 27 Kaya 28 Siyensya 29 Bigkis na may mga hiyas na

sinusuot ng mga babae 31 Ibig sa salitang Maranaw 34 Subscriber Identity Module 35 Hika 38 Tawag ng bata sa dumi 39 Kurso sa kolehiyo

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Wednesday brings the need for emotional security and the desire for a solid foundation when Mars enters Gemini and your family zone. Whether you are considering buying a house, moving back in with family, or dealing with drama in your private life, domestic life is on your mind. This period can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, so make sure you are practicing plenty of self-care.

March 5 - 20, 2021

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

1990s: The Corrs - Forgiven, Not Forgotten (1995) ("Runaway") Spice Girls - Spice (1996) ("Wannabe") Hanson - Middle of Nowhere ("MMMBop") Backstreet Boys - Millennium (1999) ("I Want It That Way")

Sa Úgoy ng Músika by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

13

South African Variant Detected in the Philippines

Great Records through the Decades pt. 3 (Pop)

L

2000s: Daft Punk - Discovery (2001) ("Digital Love") Outkast - Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003) ("Hey Ya!") Black Eyed Peas - Monkey Business (2005) ("Bebot") Ne-Yo - In My Own Words (2006) The Monkees - More of The Monkees ("So Sick") (1967) ("I'm a Believer") 2010s: 1970s: Lorde - Pure Heroine (2013) ABBA - Arrival (1976) ("Dancing ("Royals") Queen") Tegan and Sara - Heartthrob (2003) Bee Gees - Children of the World ("Closer") (1976) ("You Should Be Dancing") Billie Eilish - When We All Fall Commodores - Natural High (1978) Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019) ("Three Times a Lady") ("Bury a Friend") Air Supply - Life Support (1979) OneRepublic - Native (2013) ("Lost in Love") ("Counting Stars")

ast issue, we came up with a list of Progressive Rockclassifiable albums released in the previous decades.

This time, I will introduce you to yet another list of albums that may, on the other hand, be classified as Pop. The following albums may be listened to via online platforms like YouTube and Spotify. But, better yet, you can purchase CDs via online stores like eBay, Amazon, and Discogs.

1980s: Michael Jackson - Thriller (1982) 1960s: ("Billie Jean") The Beach Boys - All Summer Long Cyndi Lauper - She's So Unusual (1964) ("Wendy") (1983) ("Girls Just Want to Have The Ronettes - Presenting the Fun") Fabulous Ronettes (1964) ("Be Madonna - Like a Virgin (1984) My Baby") ("Material Girl") The Beatles - Help! (1965) Menudo - Reaching Out (1984) ("Yesterday") ("Like a Cannonball")

Final Note Many of these albums may be familiar to you; after all, their being classified as Pop has made them easily commercially popular and radio staples. Because we are still living in pandemic times, listening to these albums is an essential home activity. Just as food is to the body, music is to the spirit.

T

he Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed entry of the South African Variant of the corona virus in the country, citing six cases.

DOH reported that such cases were in the 8th batch of the 350 samples that were sent for genome sequencing at the Philippine Genome Center (PGC).

Of the six cases, two are OFWs returning home while three are residents from Pasay City. For the remaining case, location is currently being verified.

The two cases of Pasay City involve a 39-year old male and a 61-year old female presently managed by authorities while the third case was a 40-year old male who has already recovered.

As per Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, more research

is needed in order to pinpoint what the implications of the South African variant are on COVID-19 vaccines.

While experts have reported that the said variant, called B1351, is more infectious and may affect a vaccine’s potency, Sinovac has not issued any study on the implication of its vaccine to other variants.

However, some manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson have this data as they had done trials in areas where there was an outbreak of this variant.

The South African variant ‘s detection coincided with the kick off of the government’s vaccination drive last March 01, with the arrival of China’s donated vaccine doses.

However, it is yet to be determined if the Sinovac vaccine, which has a low efficacy rate – is strong enough to fight against the B1351 variant.

Bello Warns Employers Against Firing Workers Who Refuse Vaccination Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III issued a warning to employers who will fire workers who refuse to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

Stating that a worker’s refusal does not serve as termination grounds, the former Justice Secretary also pointed out that it has no legal basis.

No Vaccination, No Work Policy The Associated Labor Unions (ALU) has reported of some companies warning employees that non-acceptance of their sponsored COVID-19 vaccination would result into nonentry of their office premises or get tagged as “unfit to work.”

They may also be re-assigned or relocated to another branch or would be forced to go on temporary leave until such time that they will be vaccinated.

ALU reported that internal company surveys revealed that majority of the workers are hesitant to get the vaccination because of possible unfavorable side effects.

Calling it a “form of coercion and discrimination that violates a worker’s right to freely decide with regard to their health and well-being,” ALU has vehemently denounced the no vaccination, no work policy that came about as the

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government kicked off its vaccination drive, starting with health workers, soldiers and policemen, this week.

ALU National Executive Vice President Gerard Seno said employers can try to convince their employees by having information drive of what benefits they can get from the vaccination but should never force them.

To which, Bello agreed saying that the choice is entirely up to the employee. He also said that the Department of Labor and Employment will soon be releasing official guidelines against mandatory vaccination to address this issue.

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Conquer Whistler Blackcomb Mountains, B.C.

by Gem and Lita Anis

S

kiing at the largest ski resort in the world outside Europe is simply like no other. And the drive along the scenic “Sea to Sky” Highway to reach the twin mountains from Vancouver makes it more unforgettable.

The ski resort is Whistler Blackcomb , located in Whistler, a beautiful town north of Vancouver, British Columbia, with almost 12,000 residents and three million annual visitors. The consistently ranked number I year-round resort consists of the interconnected Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain .

The two areas, situated on two ridgelines, are separated by a deep valley with a creek, Fitzimmon’s Creek, running along the valley floor. Besides alpine skiing and snowboarding, the area with an incredible 8,171 acres (3,307 hectares) of terrain and huge vertical drop of 1,609 meters and over 200 ski trails, offers snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ski jumping. In 2010, before the Whistler Blackcomb holdings were bought by the American Company Vail Resorts, Whistler was the proud host mountain resort for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Whistler Blackcomb features the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, holding the record for being part of the longest continuous lift system in the globe, to move and transport skiers between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains at the top.

Skiers are served by a lift system of 36 lifts (Whistler – 19, Blackcomb – 16 ) plus Peak 2 Peak. There are 5

gondolas (including 1 high-speed quad: Blackcomb Excalibur), 2 high-speed six pack chairlifts, and 12 high-speed quad chairlifts.

The area is quite big – you don’t need a terrain map; it’s easy to get lost in the slopes. So, what you need to enjoy the slopes is an atlas! It’s unbelievable that the longest ski runs, from Peak to Creek, the easy green road at the twin mountains are eleven (11) kms or 7 miles. Out of the 200 ski runs 35 of them are the easiest green, 110 more difficult (marked by blue square) 35 most difficult, and 20 experts. Whistler Mountain has more beginner terrains than Blackcomb, so we start at Whistler Mountain by taking the Village Gondola and later go up to Olympic Chair and then hop back on the Whistler Village Gondola to head for higher terrain taking us to the family zone. Here the view is fantastic!

Then we need a bite to eat here at the Roundhouse Lodge, one of the eighteen (18) restaurants on the mountain top with the Rendezvous as the biggest where you can get everything from burger and fries to curries and pizzas.

After taking a picture with the “inuksuk” we head down under the chairlift for the runs on Ego Bowl or, as the atlas says, Lower Whiskey Jack, ending at the bottom of the Emerald Express Quad where we continue down on Upper Olympic and It Happens to hit the Olympic-mid station learning space. All these runs are not steep.

Gem's sons, Jimmy & Rico, at Blackcomb

Gem at Whistler

They are wide with plenty of rooms to maneuver and are long enough for us to feel like we’re having a great mountain experience.

On the Blackcomb side , route Expressway (taking the B terminal of Peak 2 Peak gondola) we take a gentle easy ride down to the bottom of 7th Heaven Express and continue on Green

The fallacy of ‘America First’ PEREZCOPE

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com

W

hen Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected president in 1933, he instituted his New Deal programs, some of which were the Social Security Administration (SSA), Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Civil Works Administration (CVA), and Farm Security Administration (FSA). Roosevelt focused on what were referred to as the “3 Rs” – relief for the unemployed and poor, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system to prevent a repeat of the depression.

But several presidents who followed Roosevelt did not adhere to the “’3 Rs” that led to the Great Recession of 2009, which was caused by the collapse of the housing market; and, more recently, the Great Recession of 2019, which was caused by Trump’s mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trump era But nothing was more harmful than Trump’s “America First” policy, an isolationist and protectionist attempt to disengage the US from her allies and trade partners. It’s back to the time when the US isolated itself from the rest of the world. Trump began the process

of dissociating the US from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Had Trump won reelection last November, he would have moved for the dismantling of NATO, which he believed had outlived its usefulness. He became too friendly with Russian President Vladimir Putin; they became buddies often calling each other on the phone. Meanwhile, Russia was secretly developing and testing new nuclear cruise missiles that were not allowed under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which prohibited the possession, production, or flight-testing of ground-launched cruise missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers. In 2019, the US, after repeatedly complaining about Russia’s non-compliance, withdrew from the INF Treaty.

Surmise it to say, it would appear then that Trump’s cozy relationship with Putin was a prelude to the US withdrawing from NATO. It was just a matter of time but his election loss in 2020 prevented that from happening.

In a nutshell, Trump believed that his “America First” policy would best serve America’s geopolitical and economic policies. His trade war with

Jimmy & Rico ready for the slopes

China, Canada, the European Union, and Mexico hurt the US economy in terms money and jobs. Trump claimed that “trade wars are good, and easy to win,” but as it turned out it had significantly hurt the American economy.

The trade war caused economic pain on all sides and led to the diversion of trade flows away from the United States and the other countries. The Washington Post described it plainly: “U.S. economic growth slowed, business investment froze, and companies didn’t hire as many people. Across the nation, a lot of farmers went bankrupt, and the manufacturing and freight transportation sectors hit lows not seen since the last recession. Trump’s actions amounted to one of the largest tax increases in years.”

Indeed, the net effect of the trade war is “More pain than gain.”

At the end of 2019, the trade war had cost nearly 300,000 jobs and 0.7% of GDP. By the end of 2020, it cost $316 billion to the economy, and companies lost at least $1.7 trillion in the price of their stocks as a result of tariffs imposed on imports from China alone.

“America First” meant that Trump had to re-fashion America’s foreign policy by withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord, World Health Organization, and Iran nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- which consists of the US, the UK, China, France, Russia, and Germany (known as P5+1) -- that placed significant restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanction relief. Later on, Trump demanded the extension of restrictions against Iran for breaking the terms of JCPOA that he himself had withdrawn from.

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Lane and the long and gently twisting Easy Out to the bottom of Blackcomb.

A world-class resort usually comes with world-class price tags. Whistler Blackcomb is no exception. Because it’s one of the best, it’s worth the price.

A one-day lift ticket for adults costs between $139 to $149 depending on the monthly season. Whistler Blackcomb

America is back Recently, President Joe Biden, in his first major foreign policy speech at the Munich Security Conference, said that the US has re-entered the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Accord. He also said that he has overturned the Muslim travel ban, and that the US will return to the JCPOA if Iran resumes compliance.

Biden declared, “America is back, the trans-Atlantic alliance is back… and we are not looking backward.” And in no uncertain terms, he concluded: “We must demonstrate that democracies can still deliver for our people in this changed world. That is our galvanizing mission. Democracy doesn’t happen by accident. We have to defend it. Strengthen it. Renew it.”

Indeed, that spells the end of Trump’s “America First” and the beginning of Bidenism, the re-engagement and leadership of the US in world affairs.

But in a veiled warning to China, Biden said: “We must prepare together for long-term strategic competition with China,” naming “Cyberspace, artificial intelligence and biotechnology” as the new subjects of competition. “The West must again be setting the rules of how these technologies are used,” he argued, “rather than ceding those forums to Beijing.” And make no mistake; Biden has assured America’s allies and the Free World that the US will confront China in all fronts geopolitically, economically, technologically and militarily He also mentioned pushing back against Russia, particularly the need to respond to the SolarWinds attack on federal and corporate computer networks.

“Addressing Russian recklessness and hacking into computer networks in the United States and across Europe and the world has become critical to protect

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is open for winter operations with enhanced safety protocols in place because of the covid-19 pandemic. Lift tickets are available on-line only to limit capacity and maintain distancing.

Face coverings are mandatory!

You need not to ski to enjoy the mountains. Grab your ticket, the Peak 2 Peak 360 experience ticket, for access to the entire gondola system that will transport you across the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. And experience the cultural metropolis of Whistler main village at the bottom of the mountain, a no-car zone making it easy to stroll around and enjoy the boutiques, retail outlets, gift stores, cafes, and restaurants. The village led by an elected council also incorporates various community services, hotels, condominiums and vacation properties.

Trivia: The biggest ski resort in the world is the ski resort Les 3 Vallees – Val Thorens/Les Menuires/Meribel/ Courchevel located in Savoie, France.

The Ski Mountain Resort Park City is the biggest in the United States.

collective security,” he said.

He outlined how he could bridge the transition from Trump’s isolationist policy to a new era of US leadership and from the old Democratic foreign policy to one that is increasingly becoming progressive.

Biden Doctrine By all indications – after wandering in the wilderness of a chaotic Trump administration – diplomacy is once again at the center of American foreign policy. In fact, the Biden Doctrine or Bidenism doesn’t entirely abandon Trump’s nationalist vision. His goal of making the middle class the center of his doctrine on foreign policy carries the imprint of the populist message that catapulted Trump to prominence and power.

Biden who had championed globalization that included free trade, has pledged that every foreign-policy decision from now on must be taken “with American working families in mind.” That’s true populism unlike Trump’s brand of demagoguery.

Instead of following Trump’s retreat and retrenchment, Biden pledged that he would rebuild the “muscle of democratic alliances that have atrophied over the past few years of neglect… and abuse.” He vowed that he would stand “shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and key partners.”

It is interesting to note that while Trump viewed allies as taking advantage of the US, Biden sees them as “a pennieson-the-dollar” way to bolster US security.

“The United States doesn’t invest in diplomacy just because it’s the right thing to do for the world,” Biden said.

“We do it because it is in our own naked self-interest.” As someone once said, continued on page 15 ►

March 5 - 20, 2021

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY SINCE 1987

“There are no permanent enemies, and no permanent friends, only permanent interests.”

Clearly, the difference between Trump’s “America First” and Biden’s global diplomatic offensive is that while Trump wrecked the harmonious relationship between America and her allies, Biden is cementing an orderly world order with America at the helm… and rightly so.

Trump had created havoc in Europe by making US allies walk on thin ice due to Trump’s ambiguity in affirming

to honor NATO’s Article 5, which stipulates that other NATO allies must come to the aid of an ally under attack if it is invoked. He called NATO obsolete.

“It’s no longer needed,” he said. Does that mean the NATO allies can fend for themselves from Russian aggression? He needs to remember that there is peace in Europe only because of the 29-member NATO’s existence. On March 29, 2004, former Soviet client states Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia formally became members of NATO. If they didn’t join

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NATO, Russia could have overran them within days. These countries form a buffer zone between Western Europe and Russia. Needless to say, they will always remain loyal to the US and NATO. Biden reassured world leaders of the US’s commitment to her European allies after their relationship had eroded

under Trump’s presidency.

The speed by which Biden had swiftly dismantled Trump’s foreign policy agenda, is remarkable. Within days he resolved two thorny diplomatic and geopolitical situations by rejoining the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization. Yes, America is

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15 back in the game for good.

Indeed, Biden has driven home the core proposition that “the transAtlantic alliance is the cornerstone for American engagement in the world in the 21st century, just as it was in the 20th.” Biden’s swift actions confirmed the fallacy of “America First.”

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March 5 - 20, 2021

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