Filipino Journal Manitoba Edition Dec. 20, 2016 - Jan. 05, 2017

December 20, 2016- January 5, 2017 • Volume 30, Number 24

Celebrating Christmas Aklan, UST & More!

Jolly Christmas Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

• pages 4 & 25

Mr. & Mrs. Castillo • page 24

• pages 6-7 The grand opening of Jollibee Winnipeg is an early Christmas present for the Filipino community. The restaurant's pre-grand opening celebrations included the store blessing and the Jolly Crispy Chicken toast. Jollibee officially opened to the public on Thursday, December 15.

Photo by Star Roxas | FilipinoJournal.

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From our branch to your family, happy holidays and best wishes for a happy new year.

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

Aklan Association of Manitoba Christmas Party at FSG Event Hall

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Jollibee Opens In Winnipeg The first Canadian restaurant for Jollibee Food Corporation opened to wild crowds, long lines in Winnipeg. The -37c temperature on opening day didn't stop over 500 people from lining up just to get

December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

thier first taste of Jollibee's famous menu items.

The restaurant hosted special guests, supplier and media to thier pre-grand opening ceremonies

which included a store blessing, a Jolly Crispy Chicken toast and the first Jollibee dance on Canadian soil. continuation on page 7

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Photos by Krypton Enerio and Star Roxas | Filipino Journal

Congratulations & Welcome To Jollibee Canada

Proud event producer for the Canadian launch in Winnipeg

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Jollibee... from page 6

The opening of the Ellice location is the first in Canada with a second location set to open at Northgate Shopping Centre in spring 2017.

Winnipeg is a fitting choice for Jollibee’s first Canadian store because it has largest density of Filipinos to the total population of the city. Every Filipino wants to be reminded of the taste of home, especially during Christmas, and I think there is no other fast food

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brand out there that can deliver but Jollibee.” Shared Maribeth dela Cruz, Vice President and General Manager for Jollibee Foods Corporation North America.

Jollibee Canada is expected to open locations in Scarborough and Mississauga in 2017, and Edmonton in 2018.

Photos by Krypton Enerio and Star Roxas | Filipino Journal

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Manitoba BM Christmas Party

Photos by Mark Godilano

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PEREZCOPE

by Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com

Quo vadis, Leni?

W

hen Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo entered politics 2013, little did she know that within four years she’d be propelled to the second highest position in the country – the vice presidency. Some people call it “fast track” ascension; some call it luck; and a few call it destiny. But as the country’s vice-president since June 30, 2016 – just a little over five months in office – many people now believe that Leni is destined to assume what the country needs: a servantleader whose compassion for the poor transcends policy.

Before entering public life four years ago, Leni led a simple and down-to-earth lifestyle. She

graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Economics in 1986. That was the year the People Power Revolution erupted.

Inspired by the revolution, Leni deferred her law studies and went to work as a researcher for the Bicol River Basin Development Program, a government agency that was responsible for planning the development in the three provinces of the Bicol region. It was here where she met her future husband, Jesse Robredo, who was then the agency’s Program Director. They got married the following year.

A few years later, Leni obtained her Master’s Degree in

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Business Administration at San Beda College. After getting her MBA, she went to law school at the University of Nueva Caceres where she earned her law degree in 1992. She passed the bar exam in 1996 and went to work in the Public Attorney’s Office, where she took up the defense for cases pursued by her husband, who was then the Mayor of Naga City.

Fate and destiny With 26 years of experience in serving the people – mostly poor – in the Bicol region, Leni sharply honed her “people skill,” which prepared her for a life of public service. However, she didn’t realize that fate – and destiny – would catapult her in a trajectory that would lead her to the vice presidency… a heartbeat away from the presidency.

With the untimely and sudden death of her husband Jesse from a plane crash in 2012, who was then the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the administration of then President Benigno Aquino III, Leni was encouraged by Liberal Party stalwarts including President Aquino to run for a congressional seat to represent Camarines Sur’s third district.

Her first foray into politics was one of the most – if not the most – watched contests during the 2013 mid-term elections.

Pitted against Nelly FavisVillafuerte, a member of the powerful Villafuerte dynasty, conventional wisdom dictated that Leni didn’t stand a chance of beating Favis-Villafuerte.

The odds were just too great.

But she won! She occupied her district’s congressional seat in Metro Manila and commuted by bus to and from Naga City once a week. She could have availed of a government-paid chauffeurdriven sedan but she didn’t.

Underdog wins In 2015, Aquino prodded her to run for vice-president when the LP couldn’t find a strong candidate to field against several seasoned and nationally recognized senators.

With no track record of winning in nationwide elections, Leni didn’t stand a chance of beating them.

When Leni began her vicepresidential election campaign, she was the underdog with only 1% approval rating in the surveys

Filipino Journal Ron Cantiveros Publisher

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versus the 44% of Chiz Escudero, who wan then the front-runner.

By April 2016, just two weeks before the elections, Leni climbed to the top of the leader board at 26% and tied statistically with Bongbong Marcos’ 25%. Leni won the vice-presidency by a razor-thin margin over Bongbong, which led Bongbong to file for recount.

But Bongbong wants the recount the precincts in which he got zero votes. However, he doesn’t want the recount of Leni’s zero-vote precincts, which she claims was four to five times as many as his.

Marcos burial Newly elected President Rodrigo Duterte who won in a landslide due mainly to his populist appeal to the common people and a promise to end illegal drugs, criminality, and corruption in three to six months, appointed Leni as Chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC). However, the appointment did not dwell too well with Bongbong whom Duterte is openly supporting in his electoral protest against Leni. The case is now pending before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET), which consists of members of the Supreme Court.

Interestingly, the Supreme Court, by a 9-4 vote, recently ruled to allow the burial of Bongbong’s father and namesake, the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos to be buried in the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery).

Does their vote indicate that PET would likely declare Bongbong the winner of the vice-presidential election; thus, replacing Leni as Vice President?

Déjà vu With the political currents shifting erratically, speculation is rife that there is an insidious plot for Bongbong to replace Leni.

The obvious one is for Bongbong to win the recount, which many believe would be done by hook or by crook. As to how they’d do it hookedly or crookedly, depends on many factors, including an attempt of Duterte to amend the Constitution to convert the government system to a federal system. Or, perhaps, into a parliamentary system where Duterte would remain President as the head of state and Bongbong

who would be Prime Minister as head of government?

This reminds me when the elder Marcos changed the Constitution to a parliamentary system with him as President and Cesar Virata as Prime Minister. With a large majority of congressmen – many of them were LP turncoats – serving as rubber stamp for a DuterteMarcos alliance, there wouldn’t be a need for Bongbong to run for President in a national ticket. All Duterte has to do is to convince the turncoats to make Bongbong the Prime Minister. And with the LP reduced to about 30 congressmen and a handful of senators, they could hardly function as an opposition party. There won’t be any opposition party! Does that remind you of the dark era of the Marcos dictatorship? Yes, it’s déjà vu all over again.

The battle begins Last December 4, Leni resigned from the Duterte Cabinet after she received a text message from Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco to “desist” from attending Cabinet meetings. In her letter, Leni said: “I had been warned of a plot to steal the Vice Presidency.

I have chosen to ignore this and focus on the job at hand. But the events of recent days indicate that this plot is now being set into motion.

“From the very beginning, the President and I had major differences in principles and values. Since I assumed office, I have been consistent in my opposition to issues such as the burial of former President Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, extra-judicial killings, reinstating death penalty, lowering the age of criminal liability, and sexual attacks against women.”

In a press conference following her resignation, Leni declared her readiness to lead the political opposition to a DuterteMarcos conspiracy to steal the vice-presidency. “This is not a time for fear. This is a time for conviction and courage.” She concluded, saying: “We have fought this battle before and won.

We will never let anyone revise our history and twist it to turn evil into good. What is at stake here is our collective future.”

And now, the battle begins.

Quo vadis, Leni?

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Contributing Writers: Joan Duhaylungsod Fran Avila-Anthony RG (Bob) Gabuna Dr. Eusebio Koh Reis Pagtakhan

Mike Pagtakhan

Pastor Junie Josue Ramon Toralba Johnny Cantiveros Perry Diaz Paulo G. Ercia

Gem M. Anis

Ruwiz Mercado

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We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/ Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.

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Our homes are like people; they come and go

P

eople simply come and go in life. It’s also true when it comes to our home-- our house.

There’ll come a time when we have to let it go, leaving behind us so many fond memories of living a happy home.

We’re leaving home for many reasons; maybe we want to sell a home to simplify life because of advancing age. Or maybe the children have grown up, gotten married—and then, they’ve finally decided to move out of home to live life with their own families.

Another reason could be that we just want to take advantage of the good real estate climate; since it’s a sellers’ market in Toronto, we might be thinking that now is the right time to sell a home to get the right price.

Here’s in North America, keeping one’s home for some sentimental reason is not a popular thing; unlike in the Philippines, we often reminisce the memories about the ancestral home.

Buying and selling homes is a big business in this part of the world. It’s part of the culture and it is also well entrenched in the people’s mindset that a time would come when they would have to sell their home to fund their retirement years.

Instead of transferring

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the home’s ownership to their children, parents would rather sell it and share some money with their children as a seed money for their children’s initial down payment in buying home; in some cases, the money is used to pay off a part of the children’s mortgage, a good way to help their children in this time of economic uncertainty.

As part of the Pinoy culture, we seldom sell our home--- and we would rather have members of the family to inherit it. There’s no need for parents to live elsewhere because their children and other members of Filipino households would always be on hand to take care of their aging parents.

In short, there are so many reasons why we are leaving homes in North America.

Leaving home is not easy.

There are many things that come into play specially when we think about those unforgettable memories that have been accumulated over the years of living life in our own home.

I, myself, could not imagine that someday, somehow, I would have to decide to sell my home.

As I say, it’s not easy to do that.

I’ve been living in our home in Toronto since 1995, a year after arriving in Canada. I remember lots of memories-- when my children were still studying in high school at the R. H. King Academy.

Then, they started studying in universities, working in some firms, marrying their partners and finally leaving our home.

In this home, we experienced and struggled through the years of recession in this country, and but we survived by working parttime and paying the mortgage despite the downturn of Canada’s economy in the early 90s.

How could I ever forget always sitting in front of the table, pounding on my computer in my little library used to be occupied by my youngest daughter, Katrina May, when she was still single.

This is the room where I have done all my writings, a place where I will find solace and comfort.

And through the years we’ve kept on improving and beautifying our home not necessarily to add value to it but I think it’s human nature that we always want to see good things happening in the home.

Even if we sell it to other people, we want them to see our home in good condition; our home is a reflection on how we’ve lived life and it’s a show window of what we’re inside- our own character.

We want the new owner to take care of our home the way we cared for it. Even if we live elsewhere but when we come to think of our home, what we will always remember are those happy memories of ours when we were still rearing our young children, living life to the fullest despite problems and anxieties we faced, and while we were making friends and interacting with our neighbors.

The good news is that Our Home is not for sale yet!

(Editor’s Note: Willie Jose is the former Section Editor of the defunct Times Journal in Manila.

He and his family have now settled in Toronto, Ontario.)

Lace Up: The Forks’ Canopy Rink and Skate Rentals Are Now Open

Strap on your skates, Winnipeg – the skating rink under the canopy at The Forks is ready for action!

Also opening today is Iceland Skate Rentals, located right beside the skate changing area in the Market Atrium. Kids and seniors can get laced up

for just $3, and adults for $5. Have your own skates that are looking a little dull from last year? Roy at Iceland can sharpen them up for you for only $5 as well.

“We’re embracing winter here at The Forks,” said Paul Jordan, Chief Executive Officer, The Forks. “With the first rink open and the opening of Arctic Glacier Winter Park just around the corner, we’re excited to get out there.”

On-land skating trails are expected to be open later this week, followed by more pieces of Arctic Glacier Winter Park in the next couple weeks: the toboggan run, an ever expanding snowboard facility professionally designed to thrill, and the Snowman Lounge, sponsored by Great-West Life.

With the addition of The Common to The Forks Market this past spring, skaters can now take a break, head inside, warm up with a glass of wine or craft beer, and grab a bite from some of our new Food Hall kiosks.

Arctic Glacier Winter Park attractions are free and will be open as they become available from now until March, weather permitting.

More information on Arctic Glacier Winter Park can be found on our website at www.theforks. com/agwinterpark.

The Red River Mutual Trail is not yet open for the season, check the website for future updates http://www.theforks.com/rivertrail.

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Active Living Seven Oaks (ALSO)Free General Exercise Tuesdays-Thursdays-Saturdays 7:30 to 8:30 a.m Garden City Shopping Centre One-hour activity: warm-up, muscular, cardio-vascular, balancing and flexibility Contact person: Cory Juan- 204.694.8517

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

Life of Peg Association of Manitoba Inc. Christmas Party

Pangasinan Group of Manitoba Christmas Party

Mips BatangueĂąo Annual Christmas Party

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Bulakan Association of Winnipeg Inc. Christmas Party

MindoreĂąos 1st Christmas Party at St Eugene Hall in ST Mary's Road

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre Takes in Second Orphaned Polar Bear Cub This Year An orphaned male polar bear cub has arrived at the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. This is the second cub to arrive at the Centre this year after being identified as in need of intervention and transfer by Manitoba Sustainable Development.

The male cub is approximately one year old and weighs just 39kg (85 lbs) which is the lightest orphan the Centre has received to date. Members of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s Polar Bear Rescue Team traveled to Churchill to supervise the cubs’ trip to Winnipeg on Friday.

He has now settled in at the Zoo and has adjusted well to his new surroundings.

“Each year we hope that the ice formation is not delayed and polar bears can get out on the sea ice,” said Dr. Stephen Petersen, Head, Conservation & Research at Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

“This year it was very late and has put enormous pressure on polar bears, people, and conservation officers in Churchill.”

“We are always here to help but can’t forget that this is a reminder to all of us about the close tie between sea ice and polar bears,” continued Dr. Petersen. “The loss of sea ice due to climate change is alarming and

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it is critical that we work together as a community to reduce our carbon foot print and take personal actions to positively impact the environment, not only for polar bears but for all wildlife.”

Conservation officers observed the cub for quite some time alone in the Churchill area.

After several failed attempts to connect him with other female bears in the area, it was clear that intervention was needed. Cubs of this age need to stay with their mothers for at least one winter, or through freeze up of the Western Hudson Bay, to learn how to hunt and for protection from other bears. Wildlife experts agree cubs

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this young are not able to survive on their own.

The cub will now undergo the standard 30 day quarantine period at the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre.

The Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Journey to Churchill exhibit focuses visitors’ attention on the species, people and issues important to the Arctic while educating them about the significance of action against climate change. The 10acre exhibit is currently home to eight polar bears: Storm, Aurora, Kaska, Blizzard, Star, York and Eli, as well as a female polar bear cub that arrived in late November.

December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

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Staff Sgt. Andy Golebioski receives 1st Embracing Diversity Award

A

t the recently held Winter Reception of the City of Winnipeg Citizens Equity Committee, Staff Sargeant Andy Golebioski of the Winnipeg Police Service was awarded the 1st Embracing Diversity Award.

The award presentation held at Carol Shields Auditorium, Millennial Library, before the audience composed of the Golebioski co-workers at the Winnipeg Police Service, his family and friends and the members of the Citizens Equity Committee.

The program started with the opening ceremony by

Sherry Copenace and welcome addresses by Maria Morrison, CEC Coordinator and Councillor Cindy Gilroy, chairperson of CEC. Greetings from the city was delivered by Doug McNeil, CAO; and the award citation was given

by Inspector Gord Friesen. of the Winnipeg Police Service.

The Embracing Diversity Award will recognize a staff member for his or her commitment and dedication to diversity, through their contribution to a program, event, or community development outreach initiative. . . in addition to their personal commitment to respect and

inclusiveness, in the workplace.

Areas of diversity may include: Cultural, Gender, Race and Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Social Justice, and Persons with a disability.

Golebioski says: “ I humbly received this award for my efforts in reaching out to the indigenous communities within Manitoba and building closer relationships with the City of Winnipeg. This included creating a greater awareness of the indigenous employees of the City of Winnipeg and how we can use their wisdom and experience in addressing the community issues.”

From l to r: Maria Morrison, CEC coordinator; Gord Friesen, Andy Golebioski, Councillor Cindy Gilroy, CEC chair and Doug McNeil, CAO.

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WPGY/YPE/16/Credit & Debt Counselling MaCCFA and OFSAM officers, from l to r: Letty Antonio, President OFSAM and MaCCFA; Tony Antonio, treasurer MaCCFA; Andy Golebioski, Julie Javier, member CEC; MaCCFA; & OFSAM; Rod E. Cantiveros, co-Publisher, Filipino Journal.

From l to r: Damien Beaudoin, Andy, Carrie Keep and Louise Golebioski.

Credit Counselling • Credit Rebuilding

The CEC members with the awardee, from l to r: Sylvia Todaschuk, Solange Sookram, Maria Morrison, coordinator, Andy, Councillor Cindy Gilroy, chairperson; Alison Moist and Ken McKenzie.

Photos by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

House approves higher tax on cigarette

W

ith votes of 176-30 with two abstentions, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a bill about tax hike on cigarette starting 2017.

Authored by Rep. Eugene Michael de Vera of party-list group Arts, Business and Science Professionals, Bill 4144 proposes to keep the present regime of two tax rates on cigarettes based on

their retail prices. Under this bill, the new rates are P32 per pack for cigarettes with a retail price of up to P11.50 and P36 for those selling above P11.50 per pack.

As opposed to the proposal, the Department of Finance said it would not discourage smoking since smokers would just shift to low-priced cigarettes. On the other hand, the stand of Philip MorrisFortune Tobacco, the largest

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by Rod E. Cantiveros

The Religious meanings of the song: " The Twelve Days of Christmas"

N

ever in our thoughts, as we sing every Christmas, that this iconic song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" has the rightful symbolism, making us more engaged in the celebration of sharing and giving.

To most of us, the sequence of songs would give us the best feeling of joy celebrating the Birth of Christ.

The true meaning of the song moves my mind, body and soul; and for everybody, this is a great singing experience on this Christmas season.

The Song "The Twelve

Days of Christmas is an English Christmas Carol. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholic in England was not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a Catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the Church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember. To fit the number scheme, when you reach number 9, representing the Fruits of the Holy Ghost, the originator

combined 6 to make 3, taking the 6 fruits that were similar: the fruit in each parenthesis is the that was not named separately. There are actually Twelve Fruits of the Holy Ghost.

The "True Love" one hears in the song is not a smitten boy or girlfriend but Jesus Christ, because truly Love was born on Christmas Day. The partridge in the pear tree also represents Him that bird is willing to sacrifice its life if necessary to protect its young by feigning injury to draw away predators.

According to Ann Ball in her book, "Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals: The two turtle doves were the Old and the New Testaments.

The three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The five golden rings represented the first five books of the Old Testament, which describes the man's fall into sin and the great love of God in sending a Saviour.

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gift of the Holy SpiritProphesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation,Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit...

Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience (Forbearance), Goodness (Kindness), Mildness, Fidelity, Modesty, Continency (Chastity).

The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

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The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Apostles.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles Creed.

This is an original source came from Fr. Calvin Goodwin, FSSP, Nebraska.

So, now you know the meaning of this favorite song, you can relate yourself to its meaning. And to all: Blessed Merry Christmas and a bountiful 2017!

Celebrate the season with giving and sharing.

December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

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Immigrant Centre hosts Annual Holiday Feast for Newcomers

Cary Tardi, the Magician, shows kids his tricks with help from a young volunteer.

M

any newcomers shared on of their first winter holiday meals at Immigrant Centre on Saturday, December 10. Families gathered to eat, talk and open gifts at the event.

Gina Lizarazo attended with her husband and daughter. “It’s good, especially for our daughter, because we have no family here.

It’s good for her to be around other kids.”

A magician performed before Santa arrived to hand out gifts to the children.

“We want to provide a safe and fun atmosphere for peopl.,” said Etiene Serpa, organizer and Director of Settlement Services.

“It’s a growing community, so

we think it’s important to make people feel welcome.”

The event started at 1 p.m. and lasted until about 3:30 p.m.

The Centre served a meal of

pasta, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, ham and desert.

Attendees ate at long tables and had the chance to talk while they ate.

Magician Cary Tardi entertained the children as parents finished their meals. He asked for volunteers and had a couple children help him with magic tricks before handing out balloon animals.

Then Santa entered the room, greeted some kids and started handing out gifts.

Children were called up by their first names to get their gifts from Santa.

“We got here in September, so this is a good time for us,” said Lizarazo.

Bicam passes P3.35-T national budget for 2017

T

he bicameral conference composed of members of both the House of Representatives and Senate ratified the proposed P3.35 trillion national budget for 2017 of the Duterte administration.

According to the chairman of the Senate committee on finance Sen. Loren Legarda, after ratification, the signed committee report on the budget will be presented to Pres.

Duterte for signing. Legarda cleared that the budget was free from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel. Meanwhile, the senator described the budget as socially inclusive noting that it had provisions that benefited the poor. Higher allowances will be granted for inmates, hiring of more

Gina Lizarazo and her husband, Carlos Almanza, came to Canada in September. Lizarazo says the feast is good for her daughter to be around other kids.

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doctors and medical personnel, and more drug rehabilitation centers. An agreement between the two chambers was also made to allocate P8.3 billion to Commission on Higher Education (ChED) to finance free tuition for students in all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and additional funds for incentives and grants.

Other additional projects approved in the bicam are the P770 million for the additional P1,000 cash allowance for teachers; P1.2 billion for additional scholarship funds in SUCs; P100 million for the centenarian fund; P2 billion for irrigation fees subsidy; and P3 billion for the additional increase of PhilHealth subsidy, among others.

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by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

To Be or Not To Be Tolerant (On Dealing with Disagreements) Sa kasulukuyang panahon, maraming tao ang regular na laman ng social media na gaya ng Facebook, masigasig na naglalahad ng kani-kanilang kasiyahan, mga hinaing at sarisaring personal na problema, mga papuri sa mga kaibigan at mahal sa buhay, mga litrato ng mga napasyalan at mga pagkain, at pati na rin mga angal sa

gobyerno at pasaring sa mga taong kanilang kinaiinisan.

Lakas-loob at buong tapang nilang isinisiwalat ang lahat ng ito. Wala namang masama r’yan.

The repercussion of expressing one's view publicly, whether on one's Facebook wall or on any other places in the social media world, is you express not only your strengths but also

your weaknesses. You expose your biases, your tendencies, your mistakes, your intelligence, and even your foolishness. In the long run, you reveal your true self.

And because not everything that you say and believe in will be shared by or agreed upon by all your friends, acquaintances, and especially strangers, you will definitely encounter counterviews, countercomments, counterarguments, or even ridicule; worse, some will even attack you personally.

You should be prepared for them. You should anticipate them.

You should be level-headed. You should not get piqued easily.

After all, social media is also real life; you just have to deal with it.

And in life, that is how we deal with disagreements--we stand by our own principles with conviction, but we also try to be flexible, openminded, perceptive, and considerate; and then we listen, we consider, we reconsider, we modify our positions whenever necessary, and ultimately we change for the better and then move on without bitterness nor regrets.

We cannot just tell people to shut up or stop talking with us; or discourage them from expressing their sides after having provoked, engaged, or interested them with our ideas and stories in the first place.

But if you really could not manage opposition,

All photos & articles available online!

December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

disagreement, disapproval, more so counterattack, then don't let people whose opinions differ from yours enter your door--be it on Facebook or real life.

You either tolerate them or simply kick them out.

But you could not just rant all you want and not expect reactions.

For every action there's a likely reaction, and that's inevitable.

Deal with them, and learn from them.

As far as I'm concerned, I tolerate people's verbal outpourings--be they dramatic, morbid, sarcastic, funny, corny, stupid, or full of grammatical blunders. My only primary condition: Don't extend such outbursts into actual physical harm or violence.

I don't mind counterarguments. Heck, I don't mind even counterattacks! I love the art of literary war, in which I fight using the power of the mind, words, and knowledge. Because, through passionate discussions I force myself to think, to analyze, and to become a better and wiser person.

So, to all my Facebook friends, I welcome all your opinions, be they in congruence or intersectional with mine. Just be prepared also with your

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strategic counterattack. I wield and angle my literary sword mathematically and seriously.

Remember, “A wise person will learn something even from a fool, whereas a fool will not learn anything even from a wise person.”

Sa Madaling Salita Bawat tao ay may karapatang maghayag nang may kalayaan.

Subalit kung ilalahad ang buong pagkatao e dapat maging handa rin sa mga posibleng komento at reaksyong matatanggap mula sa ibang tao. Wag maging pikon. Ganyan naman kahit ang totoong buhay. Kailangang matibay ang paninindigan at ang kalooban. Nararapat na harapin nang maayos kahit ang mga hindi umaayon sa iyong kagustuhan. Lalo na ngayong Kapaskuhan—panahon ng pagninilay at pagtatapos ng panibagong taon—e panahon din upang kilalaning muli an gating mga sarili. Ipagpatuloy ang mabubuting gawa. Itigil at iwaksi ang masasama.

December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

Tickets to Miss Universe to sell at P8,000 to P50,000

T

he Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that the tickets for the 65th Miss Universe pageant coronation night will be available online on December 20 with prices ranging from $160 to $1,000.

According to Sec. Wanda Teo, general admission tickets cost around $160 (approximately P8,000), while VIP tickets would more or less cost $1,000 (almost P50,000), and prices for upper and lower box tickets have yet to be announced. Teo revealed

that only 200 tickets remain for the VIP section, as most of the seats have been reserved by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO).

She assured, however, that many

Rosanna Roces ties the knot with lesbian partner

F

ormer sexy star Rosanna Roces married partner Blessy Arias last December 10 in Antipolo.

Roces wore a traditional white lace gown and was escorted by friend Butch Francisco in an LGBTS ceremony officiated by Rev. Crescencio Agbayani Jr. of the LGBTS Christian Church Inc. Agbayani explained that the ceremony is “a combination of Anglican-Catholic and Protestant liturgy, with a touch of Filipino wedding traditions.”

Superstar Nora Aunor and

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filmmaker Adolfo Alix Jr. were among the principal sponsors.

Roces admitted that she made sure this time everything would fell closely to her idea of a dream wedding after her first wedding with Tito Molina was invalid. She revealed that Arias was a “childhood sweetheart” when she was 15 years old and have lived together for a few years. She recalled that it was her first serious relationship but later went their separate ways before they got back together 11 years later.

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seats in other sections are still available. The coronation night will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on Jan. 30, 2017.

Jennylyn Mercado teams up with Filipino-Spanish model Gil Cuerva, a Filipino-Spanish model, is actress Jennylyn Mercado’s leading man in GMA-7’s “My Love from the Star” remake.

The hit Koreanovela is about an alien who has been on earth for four centuries before

getting involved in the life of a model. Mercado revealed that she is giving ‘a little of herself’ for the character who is quirky and funny. Gil, on the other hand, shared that it is his first-ever acting project so he’s having mixed feelings.

Kevin Chief

MLA for Point Douglas Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year!

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon

kevinchief.ca (204) 421-9126 FilipinoJournal. com

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PH teams ready to take over ‘Amazing Race Asia’

T

he Philippine teams of Eric and Rona Tai and Maggie Wilson and Parul Shah are ready for back-toback wins in AXN’s “The Amazing Race Asia” after eight tough legs.

In the ninth episode of the competition, both Eric and Rona and Maggie and Parul have eliminated their biggest threat, Indonesia’s Treasuri and Louisa, now only needs to contend with Malaysia’s Yvonne and Chloe as all

three teams advances to the race’s finale on December 15.

Eric, also known as Eruption, first became known as a member of the Philippine Volcanoes rugby team and later joined ABS-CBN’s “It’s Showtime,” as one of the hosts. He married his wife Rona for the second time this year. On the other hand, beauty queens Maggie and Parul hopes to eliminate the stigma that there’s little more to beauty queens other than good looks.

All photos & articles available online!

December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

Kaye Abad and Paul Jake Castillo marries in Cebu

B

est friends turned lovers Kaye Abad and Paul Jake Castillo tied the knots at San Pedro Calungsod Chapel in Cebu on December 9.

Kaye walked down the aisle in a radiant Francis Libiran gown, while suppressing quiet tears. Paul Jake, elegant in an Inno Sotto suit, flashed a big smile as he calmly waited for his bride near the altar. The wedding was almost a “secret” as it was kept quiet and confined to the bride and groom’s family members and close friends. Spotted in the event are star guests Jason Abalos, John Prats and his wife Isabel Oli and his sister Camille Prats. After the brief “crying scene” on the aisle, the reception was filled with fun and laughter at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

The couple had been going steady for two years before Paul Jake proposed to Kaye on her birthday on May.

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

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When UST alumni celebrate Christmas there is an outburst of Thomasian spirit!

The officers and members of the UST Alumni Association of Manitoba.

Christmas celebration is one of the most important events for the officers, members and guests of the University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association of Manitoba.

Led by Vangie Mance, chairman, USTAAM, the recently held Christmas Party at Bourkevale Community Centre has sparked the alumni to be involved more often in the sharing and giving traditions.

Mance says: "This is a time to

have more sharing and giving, a true Thomasian spirit.'

The young alumni members and some first time attendees joined the celebration, making them participate in various games and gift giving. Each member had the recollections while they were pursuing their careers at the University of Santo Tomas.

The current officers and board members for 2016-2018 include

Vangie Mance, chairperson; Gee Carbonnel, vice-chairperson; Lanie Pasco, secretary; Jen Purificacion, alternate secretary; Jerecho Giba, treasurer; Mayymi Panelo, alternate treasurer; Byron Yadao, auditor. Board members, Drs. Mirla David, Nena Huypungco, Maridol Madolora, Lauren Abano, Prosy Kalaw; Leah Enverga Magsino and Rod Escobar Cantiveros, advisers.

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Filipino street food is now available!

Katakam-takam!

Kabayan, tara na at mamili ng ulam!

Huwag ka ng magluto! Luto na at pagdating ng bahay, kain agad! Hindi ka pa pagod!

Photos by Mark Godilano and Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com

Mustering Memories through Songs (part 3)

H

ere are some more old and new songs that I love listening to, primarily because I love how they sound like and what they sing about and, secondarily, because of their power to pull old memories and to create new ones.

“Welcome to the Jungle” (1987) by Guns N' Roses While he and I were feasting on the pizza that I bought on my way back home after meeting a friend one Saturday afternoon, Evawwen asked me, “Daddy, may you play ‘Welcome to the Jungle’?”

I asked, “What band?”

He replied, “Guns N' Roses.”

I ended up playing the entire

Appetite for Destruction, which contained “Welcome to the Jungle,” reminding me that I was 16 when this album came out and when Axl Rose, Slash, and the rest of the band catapulted to mainstream Metal popularity with just the strength of “Sweet Child o' Mine.” And that I was already deep into music and a part of the Metro Manila music scene when Guns N' Roses and other Metal bands invaded the commercial music scene. Great times!

Wow, one more year and Guns N' Roses’ debut album will be 30 years already!

“D’yah know where you are? You’re in the jungle, baby; you’re gonna die!”

Education for Life St. Paul’s is Winnipeg’s only all-male, Catholic, Jesuit high school dedicated to educating Men for Others. St. Paul’s High School strives for academic excellence and the growth of the whole person in preparing young men for post-secondary education and subsequent leadership in the community. Our education is enhanced by strong extra-curricular programs combined with exceptional personal development and faith formation.

A St. Paul’s education forms students into lifelong learners who are open to growth, intellectually competent, loving, religious and committed to doing justice.

97% of graduates continue to post-secondary education

Partial and full bursaries available

75% of students participate in extra-curricular activities

Over 12,000 hours of service in the community each year

St. Paul’s High School offers the Crusader for a Day program so that students can experience our school first-hand during a regular school day. Students are paired with current students and experience a morning of classes and camaraderie followed by a lunch in our cafeteria. For more information and to register your son online, please visit our website at: www.stpauls.mb.ca/visit.

Plan the next step of your son’s education by visiting www.stpauls.mb.ca/admissions

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Celebrating 90 Years of Educating Men for Others › 1926 - 2016

December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

“Harper Lee” (2016) by Suzanne Vega Here’s another track from Suzanne Vega’s newly released, ninth album, Lover, Beloved: Songs from an Evening with Carson McCullers, which is based on a play, thus the overall theatrical and vaudeville feel of the sound of the album, sprinkled with Vega’s inevitable trademark Folk Pop sensibilities.

With its characteristic horn melody and piano flourishes, “Harper Lee” harks to the rustic sound of 1950s old Jazz. Harper Lee was the author of the 1960-published novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

This Jazz sound takes me back to my ’70s childhood, when music by the likes of Charles Mingus (“Profile of Jackie”), Thelonious Monk (“Monk’s Mood”), and Duke Ellington (“The Mooche”), were regular staples on our record player every time some old uncles were v i s i t i n g with their priced v i n y l records ready to be shared with all of us. It also faintly resonates the playfulness of ’60s female-sung Pop tunes like Margo G u r y a n ’s “Someone I Know,” Cilla Black’s “Work Is a FourLetter Word,” and Sandie Shaw’s “Heaven Knows I’m Missing Him Now.” “…From across the Kitchen Table” (1985) by The Pale Fountains A snowy Sunday outside, but Evawwen and I are warmly tucked in our humble abode, so it’s a beautiful day after all.

And since that we slept in, enjoying the school-less and work-less weekend, we woke up at around 10 a.m. already.

Evawwen asked, “Daddy, may you make pancakes and cook bacon?”

So, I stood up, went to the washroom to perk myself up, then played some music, and started working in the kitchen.

The first song played today: “...From across the Kitchen Table” by The Pale Fountains.

The Pale Fountains was a British band that released two studio albums, Pacific Street (1984) and ...From across the Kitchen Table (1985). Other recommended songs include “Crazier,” “Reach,” “Jean’s Not Happening,” “Thank You,” “These Are the Things,” and “Palm of My Hand.”

“To the Rescue” (2016) by The Divine Comedy One of the bands that I discovered during the emergence of the Britpop music scene in the 1990s was The Divine Comedy. What attracted me to this Northern Irish band’s music is the lush, orchestral character of the songs—an epitome of Baroque Pop or, more generally, Orchestral Pop or Classical New Wave.

Since then, I’ve followed the discographic releases of the band, along with similar-sounding bands such as Belle & Sebastian, Beulah, My Life Story, and Blur. I remember back in the 1990s, when the Internet was not yet a commercially accessible and available tool, I usually relied on friends who were fellow music enthusiasts, music magazines, and record stores for my dose of music. I always hunted for the albums of these bands.

Formed in 1989, in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, The Divine Comedy has released 11 studio albums, from 1990’s

All photos & articles available online!

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Fanfare for the Comic Muse to the newly released Foreverland.

And “To the Rescue” is my instant favorite off this new album by Neil Hannon and the rest of The Divine Comedy.

“The King of Kissingdom” (1997) by My Life Story By the late ’90s, the mainstream sparkle of what many came to regard as Britpop music was waning. Despite that, my ears were still attuned to the kind of music that I’ve come to consider simply the linear continuation of the Baroque Pop and Art Rock of the ’60s through the New Wave of the ’80s, including all their offshoots and related subgenres. Because of this, I have never been deprived of releases that may be classified under this kind of music.

The ’90s-released music of My Life Story was among what defined also my heyday in that decade. I still remember how I would spend hours hanging out with friends just to share with each other our latest finds or discoveries, talking about bands like Belle & Sebastian, Northside, The Essence, The Divine Comedy, and My Life Story.

Remember, those were pre-Internet days!

“The King of Kissingdom” is another favorite of mine from Jake Shillingford and the rest of My Life Story, from this British group’s second album, 1997’s The Golden Mile.

“Do they Know It’s Christmas” (1984)

by Band Aid Finally, because it’s the Christmas season, here is my most-favorite Christmas-related song. This collaborative single was recorded on November 25, 1984, by a collective of personalities associated with the Pop and New Wave genres of the decade when it was released, including members of Culture Club, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, U2, The Police, The Boomtown Rats, Ultravox, The Style Council, Bananarama, Heaven 17, Kool & the Gang, Status Quo, and Wham!

I was in Better Living Subdivision, in Parañaque City, Philippines, at the house of my del Prado–Aranzamendez relatives when I first saw the music video of this on MTV. It was a big deal for a New Wave music enthusiast such as I was/am to see members of many of my favorite New Wave bands performing together in the same song, and it’s a Christmas song!

My cousins and I were really excited that moment. We were glued onto the T.V. set.

Afterwards, we always waited for MTV to play the song again that Christmas season in the early ’80s. A cousin of mine ended up buying a copy of the single in vinylrecord format.

Final Note Many people claim that the music of their respective generation is always the best. Not really. Actually, the beauty of music is often subjective and personal.

Every song becomes memorable to the individual listener in a very special way because of the personal experiences and memories that he has associated with or will begin to attribute to such songs.

Thus, when a person cries or smiles as she hears a song—it’s not really because of the song—rather, it was because of the particular memories that played in her mind as she heard the song.

December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

QPAM Paskuhang Pasasalamat 2016 brings family together Festive Christmas celebration is hosted by the QPAM Youth

QPAM's founders, officers, members and guests enjoyed togetherness in the spirit of giving and sharing.

QPAM Paskuhang Pasasalamat 2016, the annual Christmas Party of the Quezon Province Association of Manitoba, was held recently at the Filipino Seniors Hall under the program management of the Youth arm of the Association.

Emceed by the two young promising QPAM members, namely, Justin Conchada and Hannah Chan Urbano, the family oriented Christmas party was attended by family members and some special guests who participated in the various games and activities.

With the presence of Santa Claus (Oly Merluza) the children, the youth and even the adults

had enjoyed the company as they received gifts donated by QPAM Youth, Filipino Journal/ Ron Cantiveros, Le Kim, Kim Vit Travel, Sonny Puache, Federico Hinanay, KIMVY FashionVyVy Nguyen, Sarbit Travel and Insurance, Farmking, Vickar Chevrolet, Mr. & Mrs. Rowena Lopez Arquero and Mario Arquero, Normita Cymbalisty, and Nelson Nonie Manalili.

"This is a very blissful celebration for all the families and guests and by the presence of Santa Claus, gift giving is a greatest tradition of sharing and giving; and I have to thank our QPAM Youth members who are responsible

Photos by Nelson Manalili

hosting this Christmas party and also to all our gift sponsors who are always willing to participate by giving joy to everyone, especially the Children," said Maggie Chan Urbano, president of QPAM. Part of the celebration is the selection of scholars for 2017 and the winning Quezon Town, namely, Alabat and Lucena, where the scholars will be selected. For the next scholarship grant, the money is intended for a short technical courses.

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

Blind Pinay singer places 3rd in “France Has Incredible Talent” got third place in “France Has Incredible Talent” (La France A Un Incroyable) last December 14.During the final round of the competition, Golbin impressed the judges with a moving performance of Jacques Brel’s “Quand on n’a que l’amour” during the final round of the competition. Judges Katchry Golbin, also known as illusionist Eric Antoine, singer Aliènette Coldfire, a 26-year- Helene Segara, choreographer old visually impaired Filipina kamel Ouali and producer Gilbert

Rozon were first amazed by the young singer with her French rendition of I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables.

Golbin came from Tapaz, Capiz. She also said she learned French through her France-based friends and from taking French as an elective language subject during her college years at Central Philippine University (CPU) in Iloilo City.

Seasons of Tuxedo Hosts FREE Santa’s Workshop Selfies with Santa, horse and wagon rides, and holiday gift wrapping offered Seasons of Tuxedo is hosting a free Santa’s workshop on Sunday, December 18 featuring selfies with Santa, horse and wagon rides, and free holiday gift wrapping. Candy canes, hot chocolate, prizes, and contests will also be available.

“This will surely be one of the best events of the holiday season,” says organizer Brenda Bourns. “Kids will love seeing Santa and riding in the wagon, their parents will love the free gift wrapping and hot chocolate, and it’s all for a great cause, Inclusion Winnipeg.

All photos & articles available online!

Attendees are invited to bring their gifts regardless of where they were purchased for free gift wrapping. Donations for gift wrapping are welcome and will support Inclusion Winnipeg’s programs and services. Inclusion Winnipeg is a registered charity whose mission is to enhance the lives of children, youths and adults living with intellectual disabilities and autism, support their families, and advance their human rights and inclusion in the community.

“We’re incredibly honoured to be the recipient of an event

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that will bring holiday cheer to so many,” said Karen Menkis of Inclusion Winnipeg. “Coming together as a community to celebrate is what the holidays are all about.”

The day’s schedule is as follows: Wrapping station: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Selfies with Santa: 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Horse and wagon rides: 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The event will be held at Unit 4 – 550 Sterling Lyon, on the strip between IKEA and Cabela’s.

December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience. Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

Solutions for Palaisipan & Sudoku will be posted online

www.FilipinoJournal.com

Horoscope Your relationships can be a source of new ideas that change your life in some way. A feeling that something needs to give may be a call to explore a new relationship that ends up being very productive for both of you. It may not be romantic, although it could be. There is a suggestion that you could go into business together and be quite successful at whatever you do.

Is it really worth doing so, you may find that direct for a certain outcome and doing all you can to obtain it is quite stressful.

You may be looking for a way to bend an opportunity to your advantage. It might be better to give it your best shot and let the whole thing go. On another note, this is an excellent time to release any emotional baggage that is holding you back.

You could be entering a busy period when you need to get certain work completed. This could intensify over the days ahead, so organization will be the key to success. Don’t neglect it in favor of other, more present activities, as it could stack up and leave you with too little time to complete it. You could be a great time for a celebration that everyone will enjoy.

Research your options and create a plan. If you’ve been looking for the perfect job, one that allows you to earn a good income while giving you the freedom to be your own boss, you may be about to discover it. Approaching this in a practical, step-by-step way could be rewarding and productive. Your finance sector could see splurging on items to make you feel good even if you don’t really need them.

You may be making more of an issue than is necessary, particularly if you haven’t spoken to anyone about it and it is weighing heavily on your mind, consider chatting with someone you can trust, as this could leave you feeling much better. You may find that what was bothering you isn’t such a big deal after all.

You may benefit from time out that allows you to rest and recharge. As will soon enter your leisure sector, make the most of the coming days to indulge in a little self-care or pampering.

Get a hairstyle or relax on the massage table. You may also be working on an idea to change your financial situation. Take your time to research this. It could make a real difference.

You do seem to be heavily invested in the idea of a complete change, which could include a move. They could see you putting your personal stamp on plans that have special resonance for you. This may be connected to a job or career change that you’re seriously considering. At this stage, though, it’s best not to hurry it along. Take a practical, downto-earth approach to such matters.

You may feel too restless to focus on important things. Travel and opportunities to sample other diversions might be more appealing. And with the likelihood of enjoying a more active social life, your everyday tasks and duty could seem a bit dull.

However, you might be stirred to action by a conversation or idea that gets you back on track and encourages you to make good progress, too.

The present picture suggests a meeting of minds that could cement your bond or at least encourage mutual respect. Your relationship with a certain person may be deepening, but it doesn’t seem to be on a romantic level. The person could be influential in encouraging you to take a certain course of action, but don’t just take their word for it. Consider if it might work for you before you commit.

A powerful aspect might be the reason you feel called to move outside your comfort zone and consider options that are a bit of a stretch but could change your life for the better. You may be intensely involved in a course or plan that could transform your beliefs and change your way of thinking about the world.

This is part of a bigger pattern of change that could set you on a new course with fresh challenges and opportunities.

It’s a time to look forward. Your interactions could be the reason you feel inspired to explore new ideas. The current picture is less about the past and more about what you hope to achieve in the future. This could intensify emotions and see you responding naturally to someone’s request or a conversation. However, it’s best to think before you react to avoid doing or saying anything you might regret later.

PAHALANG

PABABA

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Taking part in a charity event or involving yourself with visits to the elderly or weak could be very rewarding for you. Your spiritual zone might see you taking time to help those who need extra care. Even so, another side of you may be quite ambitious and eager to get ahead, and this is the perfect time to do so. Whatever you’re planning, don’t wait until to make your move. The time is now!

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

Happy New Year

T

hree Hundred Sixty Five (365) days of 2016 are coming to an end.

The beginning of 2017 is fast approaching. Let us recall the beautiful events and things that happened the past days, as well as the mountains and hills we had gone through. In all of these, good or bad, we have to be thankful to our Almighty God, we have to be thankful in everything that comes to us.

Another year, another plans, another wishes, another New Year's resolutions, another long list of what to do and what to accomplish, another promises to make good and some to be broken!

What do we ask God to provide us for another 365 days of 2017? Is it wealth and riches? Is it silver and gold? Is it more power and become more famous? Is it good health and long life for the whole family? Is it wisdom and wiser than before?

King Solomon gave us the best example of what to ask from the Lord. King Solomon asks for WISDOM. He gave a wise ruling between 2 mothers who came and stood before him, One of them

said, "My lord, this woman and I live in the same house, I had a baby while she was there with me.

The third day after my child was born, this woman also had a baby.

We were alone; there was no one in the house but the two of us.

During the night this woman's son died because she lay on him.

So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side and while I your servant was asleep. She put him by her breast and put her dead son by my breast.

The next morning, I got up to nurse my son - and he was dead! But when I looked at him closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn't the son I had borne." The other woman said, "No! The living one is my son; the dead one is yours."

But the first one insisted, "No! The dead one is yours; the living one is mine." And so they argued before the king. The king said, "This one says my son is alive and your son is dead,' while that one says, "No! Your son is dead and mine is alive."

Then the king said, "Bring me a sword." So they brought a sword for the king. He then gave an order : "Cut the living child in two and give to one and half to the other.

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The woman whose son was alive was filled with compassion for her son and said to the king. "Please my lord, give her the living baby!

Don't kill him!" But the other said, "Neither I nor you shall have him.

Cut him in two."

Then the king gave his ruling; "Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is the mother." When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had WISDOM from GOD to administer justice.

As we ask God what we want and what we need for this coming year 2017, let us all pray for WISDOM. Wisdom is defined as the quality of having experience knowledge and good judgement; the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of knowledge and good judgement.

Yes, we make mistakes, we make wrong decisions, but we don't have to stay where we are at this stage of our lives. We have all the time and all the opportunities to correct, to improve and to change the unfortunate happenings in the past.

Let us all seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and ALL these things will be added unto us. (Matt.

6:33).

Ask and it will be given to you,; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks, receives; he who seeks finds; and he who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matt. 6: 7-8).

December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community since 1987

Manitoba Filipino Street Festival 2017 Board of Directors

Seating L-R Anna Maceda, Aida Champagne ,Jaina Medida, Rowena Oquendo, Vicky Tumolva. Standing L-R Jun Isla, Ester Camuyong, Manny Trawon, Rody Capistrano, Jun Oquendo, Orlando Sanchez, Marc Tumolva, Ley Navarro, Wilfredo Sion.

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

Congratulations, Tess and Edwin Happy 30th Wedding Anniversary and, at the same time, the blessing and enjoyable retirement for to Edwin and Teresita Padilla, of their house with family and Tess, who as a nurse had made a who celebrated their special day close friends. Moreover, a happy difference in the lives of many.

Wedding Congratulations to Virgilio & Pilar Virgilio Magnaye and Pilar July 16, 2016, with a reception their close friends and respective Clemente celebrated their love at Marigold Restaurant in the families. together by getting married on loving and delighted company of

SSS eyes signed joint resolution on the P2,000 pension increase before year-end

T

he Social Security System (SSS) expects the signing of the joint resolution from the House of Representatives and the Senate on the proposed pension increase before the Christmas break to pave the way for the release of the initial P1,000 benefit at the start of 2017.

Social Security Commission (SSC) Chair Dean Amado D. Valdez said that in order for pensioners to receive the additional P1,000 in time for January 2017, SSS needs the formal approval of the proposal before the year ends, since pensions are disbursed to banks the month prior to their scheduled release.

Dean Valdez explained that the joint resolution on the P2,000 pension increase would first have to be passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and then a Commission Resolution shall be sent to Malacañang for the formal approval of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, before SSS can implement it.

“SSS is also guided by the Department of Finance in ensuring that the implementation of the proposed pension increase will not drive the fund to the brink of bankruptcy. We are wary of possible criticisms for our support for the

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pension increase, and we don’t want to be seen as irresponsible,” Dean Valdez said.

The SSS chair said that Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III is keen on ensuring that SSS funds would last at least until 2039. SSS funds are currently projected to last until 2042, but granting the entire P2,000 pension increase in 2017 will shorten fund life to only until 2025.

“Based on our actuarial valuation of the proposed implementation of the initial P1,000 hike, SSS funds are projected to last until 2032. However, we are optimistic in adding more years to our fund life, making it last until 2050 by 2022 should SSS succeed in the innovations it plans to undertake to shore up its revenues,” Dean Valdez said.

Among the early measures targeted by the new SSS management to strengthen revenue intake include investing in infrastructure such as toll roads and railways and securing up to 25 percent of ownership in utility corporations. The agency has also tightened its monitoring of employers’ SSS compliance.

SSS is also considering possible joint ventures with developers to maximize gains from

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SSS assets such as its five-hectare property in Quezon City at the corner of EDSA and East Avenue, part of which can be converted to a high-rise building for residential and commercial use. Dean Valdez said that the East Avenue development will include a highrise parking to help ease EDSA traffic.

He said that SSS continues to work closely with legislators, whom he credited for acknowledging the rationale behind balancing the need to grant higher pensions with preserving the long-term viability of SSS funds for the benefit of currently-paying members who are future SSS pensioners.

“The legislators have heeded the voice of the people who have been clamoring for the increase in SSS pensions. The same sentiment is shared by President Duterte, who understands that the current SSS pension amounts are inadequate to meet the financial needs of the country’s retirees,” Dean Valdez said.

SSS has been consistent in providing better benefits to its members and pensioners while ensuring the sustainability of the fund.

December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

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MAFTI holds Teachers’ Panel for Young Educators

O

n December 3, 2016, Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers, Inc. (MAFTI) hosted a teachers’ panel for internationally trained educators, at Seven Oaks Adult Learning Center (950 Jefferson Avenue). The event was inititated in partnership with Seven Oaks School Division and Winnipeg School Division.

Billed as “Career Development: Broadening Practice as an Educator,” the panel was geared towards helping internationally trained teachers in learning new concepts in career development, which would elevate their knowledge and skills through

the practices and success stories the guest panelists had shared.

Moderated by Ernesto Ofiaza Jr. (MAFTI President) and Maryjane Napolitano (MAFTI Chair on Professional Development), the panelists included Lorelei Bunkowsky (Principal, Amber Trails Community School), Gemma Dalayoan (former Vice Principal of Sisler High School and a past president of), Charles Bendu (Vice Principal, Transcona School Division), Joanne Banares Esteban (HRIS/Staffing Advisor, Winnipeg School Division), Praveen Alahakoon (Academic Advisor, Immigrant Teacher Education

Program), Loreta Genota (Teacher, Shaughnessy Park School), and Navjeet Kambo (Learning Support Staff, Amber Trails Community School), who each shared personal experiences and stories with the 75 young and hopeful attendees.

Topics that were discussed included the Qualification Recognition Process for recognizing the international teaching degrees; the Immigrant Teacher Education Program; the hiring process and experiences, skills, and documents needed for teaching; and other career pathways for internationally qualified educators that can use their skills, experience, and passion.

Pinoy Boyband Superstar ends with five singing heartthrobs

F

ive singing heartthrobs were put together by judges and super fans in a group called BoybandPH after the talent-reality search for the Pinoy Boyband Superstar ended on December 11.

The first who earned the spot on the first night was Niel Murillo after earning the highest combined scores. On the final night, Russell Reyes, Ford Valencia, Tristan Ramirez and Joao Constancia

were declared winners. The Seven heartthrobs made it to winners received P1M cash each, a the finals including Mark Oblea Yamaha motorcycle, an exclusive and Tony Labrusca who did not contract with ABS-CBN’s talent make it to the Top 5. development arm Star Magic and a recording contract with ABS-CBN’s online music hub One Music PH. The members of the newly formed BoybandPH performed at the end of the show their first single that is aptly titled We Made It.

H A P P Y H O L I D AY S F R O M T H E M A N I T O B A F I L I P I N O B U S I N E S S C O U N C I L

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December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

Patricia Torres Silastre Bigornia visits Winnipeg to rekindle the warmth of friendship Particia Torres Silastre Bigornia is a living time capsule!

Consider this: Patricia, Pat to her friends, had lived in Winnipeg for more than 25 years before moving to the sunny California.

Being one of the pioneers to settle in Winnipeg, she has hundred of friends and members of her family, all connected by its common bond of friendship and love for family. And when she moved to California, 25 years ago, her contact with her Winnipeg friends and relatives continued, communicating by phone, by facebook and by phone. And from both sides of her residence,

she has many stories to be told, so many great memories of the 50's, the 50's and the 70's while living in Winnipeg; and every time she comes back, she wants to meet all her former kababayans and have a little gathering, or a reunion to renew and rekindle the fire of friendship. And to share her stories about her family in the sunny California, and how her creative aging promises more gatherings and social events.

Ask about her involvement in the first few years in Folklorama, and she would tell you how she enjoyed being a volunteer in this festival of nations.Likewise, she

knew many stories of the Filipino pioneers who settled in Winnipeg: the story of their survival in the new country, the story of the unfolding friendship among new acquaintances.

Lately, Pat is in town and held a mini-salo-salo to meet her Winnipeg friends and relatives.

And when they meet, lot of memorable stories are told and relayed with smiles and laughters, as if Pat has not gone for so long, distance and time wise. As if the north and south are tied together into unique narrative of friendship, warmth by her festive presence.

Photos by Rod Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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Winnipeg Jets Report

by Derick Ramos @DerickRamos

of the year. Following a goal by the Oilers, Chris Thorburn tallied his third goal of the year giving the Jets a 2-1 lead going into the third. Mark Letetsu scored on the power play to tie the game and would also get credit for the game

December 20, 2016-January 5, 2017

winner. Letetsu fired a shot on Connor Hellebuyck and bounced out to Patrik Laine. Trying to clear the puck to the end boards, Laine directed it into his own net giving the Oilers a 3-2 victory. It was Letetsu's fourth goal against

the Jets in his past two games.

Sitting fourth in the Central Division, the Winnipeg Jets 136-1 return home to take on the Florida Panthers followed by a Sunday matinee against the Colorado Avalanche.

Falling Short December hasn't been too kind to the Winnipeg Jets. With Mark Scheifele returning to the lineup and Patrik Laine continuing to challenge for the scoring lead, the Jets managed to squeak out a couple of close wins against Central Division foes but penalty trouble and giving up late leads in close games has been the recurring theme in the final month of 2016.

After a pair of wins at home, the Winnipeg Jets entered the month of December welcoming Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers to the MTS Centre. Bryan Little opened the scoring just 35 seconds into the game. After an Oilers power play goal, Patrik Laine gave the Jets a 2-1 lead going into the second period. The Oilers took advantage of a pair of Jets penalties and scored two power play goals in the second frame and never looked back. Mark Letetsu and Leon Draisaitl scored twice lifting the Oilers to a 6-3 win. Laine tallied twice for the Jets in a losing effort.

After struggling on the road, the Jets bounced back with a pair of victories against the top two teams in the Central Division.

Bryan Little scored 17 seconds into overtime against the St. Louis Blues in a 3-2 victory. Patrik Laine scored and fed Little for the winner. The following day, the Jets travelled to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks. Little opened the scoring and Andrew Copp scored with under five minutes left edging the Blackhawks 2-1.

Connor Hellebuyck held the fort

for the Jets stopping shot after shot late in the game recording 25 saves in the victory.

The Jets got off to a quick start at home against the Detroit Red Wings. Andrew Copp, Dustin Byfuglien, and Patrik Laine scored in the first period taking an early 3-1 lead. Detroit rallied back in the second with goals from Anthony Mantha and Thomas Vanek. The game needed a shootout and after three shooters could not decide anything, Henrik Zetterberg made an excellent move going upstairs on Connor Hellebuyck giving the Red Wings a 4-3 shootout victory.

New York Rangers Kevin Hayes sealed another victory by an Original Six team against the Jets with a late power play goal.

With under three minutes left and Drew Stafford in the penalty box, Ryan McDonagh's shot deflected and found its way onto Hayes stick for an easy tap-in. Mark Scheifele scored for Winnipeg and Antti Raanta made 17 stops in the 2-1 Rangers win.

A pair of road games in Alberta wasn't the tonic for the Jets to break out of their two game losing streak. The Calgary Flames pounced on the Jets early and often with four first period goals. Dougie Hamilton notched a pair of goals and added an assist for Calgary in a 6-2 drubbing of Winnipeg. One day later, Winnipeg travelled north to take on the Edmonton Oilers.

Mathieu Perreault got the Jets on the board first with his second

Josh Morrisey battling against the boards against the Detroit Red Wings.

Nikolaj Ehlers' scoring attempt against the visiting New York Rangers at MTS Centre.

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