Pilipino Express • Feb 16 2015

Volume 11 • No. 4 • February 16 - 28, 2015 Publication Mailing Account #41721512

Heart Evangelista

Cold hands, warm hearts

12 14 In theatres March 6 - see ad on page 14

NOEL CADELINA

LITO DABU

Sales, 6th Consecutive Sales, & Leasing Consultant SMG Gold Ring Awardee 5th Year SMG Gold Ring Awardee

JOEL SIBAL Service Consultant

JUNIOR BANSAL Sales Manager

ROBERT MISA

Triple Diamond Sales Consultant Award 2014 - Gold Winner

Photo by Rey-Ar Reyes

Festival du Voyageur 2015

Winter fun at the Festival du Voyageur Don’t miss it! Read story on p22.

Neil Perez – Mr. International 2014/15 PHILIPPINES – The Philippines may have missed capturing the coveted crown in the recently concluded Miss Universe pageant but the country scored big in the Mister International 2014/15 held February 14 in Ansan City, South Korea. Police Officer 2 Mariano Flormata Jr. a.k.a. Neil Perez is the new Mister International winning the sought-after title among other contestants from 28 countries that competed in the male pageant that’s now in its ninth year.

Neil Perez joined Misters of the Philippines 2014 where he won the title of Mister International Philippines in September 2014. Upon winning, he became a very popular figure in the Philippines with his fans referring to him as the “Hunk Cop” and “Poging Pulis [handsome police].” But his admirers rooted for him not only due to his good looks but also because of his career with the Philippine National Police (PNP) as a bomb and explosives technician with the PNP Aviation Security Group.

The PNP leadership has supported his participation in the male pageant. He had to take a leave of absence from the force while he was preparing for the international competition.

Before Perez left the Philippines for Korea, he said that he was dedicating his participation in the contest to the 44 See NEIL p15

JERAHMEEL REGALADO

Sales Consultant

NELSON LANTIN Sales Manager

ROMMEL FAJARDO

Sales Manager

MA. LEE HOLGADO JEZREEL “The Jet” Sales Advisor REYES Sales Advisor

ELAINE VERRI

Sales Consultant

JOELAN MENDOZA Collision Repair Advisor

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Don’t jump to conclusions With Filipinos focused on the 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) who were killed on January 25, 2015, it is easy to forget that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) also suffered casualties in an incident that, based on most accounts, was instigated by the Philippine National Police (PNP) when it launched an operation to arrest the terrorist Julkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan without coordinating with the MILF before entering the small town of Mamasapano in Maguindanao. According to MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, 18 of their men were killed and 14 were wounded, some of them as they were actually trying to rescue SAF men from the volley of gunfire from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the breakaway group that was the one actually coddling Marwan.

What many do not realize is that, unlike a movie where the delineation between “bida” and “kontrabida” is clear, the area that the SAF men had entered is home to both MILF and BIFF, two groups that are actually opposed to each other. Aside from these two groups, Mamasapano also has private armed groups, local militias, and others like them, and Iqbal said the “delicate task” of finding out who did what cannot immediately be blamed on the MILF. “That would be unfair. We need to investigate,” he said.

Iqbal, who appeared before a Senate panel investigating the incident on February 13, was also referring to a video that surfaced online apparently showing a SAF member being finished off in cold blood. That video, which has spread like wildfire and is actually being sold on the streets in the form of DVDs, is fanning the flames of war and has had many Filipinos calling out for vengeance against the MILF. But again, it is still not clear who shot the SAF man, who took the video, and what the other circumstances are. At this point, I think it is best to believe – or at least take seriously – Iqbal’s assertion that the MILF would not do something like that because it is against the teachings of Islam.

Jumping to conclusions can be a dangerous thing right now. *** Among the first casualties of any conflict are the children; they who rely on the adults to guide them and protect them but from whose hands they often suffer.

Such is the case with the children of Mamasapano, Maguindanao, who have been out of school ever since the January 25 clash. The incident had forced the authorities to suspend classes in 13 public schools in the town, leaving at least 6,000 school children without classes for more than two weeks now. Needless to say, these children are the ones who will suffer the most out of their

unfortunate situation as they miss instruction that they can use to lift themselves out of the poverty that is already widespread in Mamasapano.

This is the hidden cost of a conflict that has been hogging the headlines since the clash happened. Most people, especially those outside of Mindanao, only see the deaths of the SAF men, and because of this they call for “all-out war” to exact vengeance.

What they do not see is that even now, with government still waiting for the result of the investigations that are being mounted and no declaration of war has yet been made, civilians – especially the children – are already suffering.

What more when the government wages an actual war against the MILF? Many apparently do not realize that the areas that they want government to wage war in are not empty battlefields as they see in the movies where soldiers can fire at each other without fear of hitting civilians. These are thriving communities where people live, work, raise families, and share friendships. Mounting a war there is like shooting cannonballs at Makati City or staging a gunfight in downtown Quezon City. If that sounds ridiculous, that’s because it is.

Always remember that each call for war is like a death sentence on entire communities, and children will be the first casualties. ***

It’s hard to fathom what sacked SAF chief Police Director Getulio Pascual Napeñas had in mind when he asserted before the Senate inquiry that the operation itself was successful because the SAF forces killed not only Marwan but also 250 MILF and BIFF fighters. “Yes, madams and sirs, you heard it right. Not less than 250 casualties on the side of the combined forces of the MILF, BIFF and other private armed groups,” Napeñas proudly told the Senate inquiry attended by at least 13 senators led by Senate President Franklin Drilon.

Pardon us, Mr. Napeñas, but all the while we thought the operation was intended to arrest Marwan and not kill every MILF and BIFF member in sight. Had we known it was a video game in which the important thing was to have the most number of hits, then we would not have mourned the deaths of 44 of your men. After all, the ratio stands at 44:250, and by any standard that is an impressive score.

Let Mr. Napeñas tell this to the families of the Fallen 44 and he will realize just how hollow that boast is. He may claim “mission accomplished,” but the kin of the heroes will always know that it came at an unreasonable price: The lives of 44 brave young men.

Jon Joaquin is the Associate Editor of EDGE Davao, the newest daily newspaper in Mindanao. E-mail Jon at jonjoaquin@gmail.com.

Golden jubilee of the Canadian flag A personal reflection February 15 marked the golden jubilee of the Canadian flag. On this momentous day in 1965, the Canadian Red Ensign was lowered from the Peace Tower in Ottawa and the new red maple leaf flag, at exactly noon, hoisted and inaugurated as the National Flag of Canada. It is simple and stylish in design – a maple leaf, the chosen floral emblem of the country since the early 18th century, set in Canada’s two official colours of red and white.

At this juncture I add the prescient words of the Right Honourable Paul Martin, Sr. (father of Canada’s 21st Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Paul Martin, Jr.) to the House of Commons, as he recalled them, when he took the initiative much earlier in 1945 to secure this national symbol: “The ideal flag should be easily recognizable, and symbolic of our great country and of its position as a sovereign state in the family of nations.”

Easily recognizable in design

and symbolic of the country it is, indeed! Yet, it took nearly two decades of acrimonious debate from when it was first announced in the Speech from the Throne in September 1945 as official aspiration during the Prime Ministership of Mackenzie King to when it was officially inaugurated on February 15, 1965 as Canada’s flag, during the administration of Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson.

Such was the intensity of controversy that, in fact, outbursts of boos were heard from the audience when then Prime Minister Pearson – a Nobel Peace Prize recipient – boldly announced at the Convention of the Royal Canadian Legion held in Winnipeg in May 1964: “Canada would have its own flag.” Boldly, I note of the announcement, since the issue was very controversial. Subsequent debates in the House of Commons were heated. Ostensibly, the issue became so emotional that the House referred it to a Joint See DR. REY p6

“The Pearson Pennant,” Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson’s preferred design for the proposed Canadian flag in 1964

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FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

Heart Your Parts Dear Ate Anna, My girlfriends and I were talking about some private and sensitive issues including our sex lives. We were all giggling and having a good time. Some of my friends were embarrassed when the words vulva and vagina were mentioned. One friend said that the two words mean the same thing. I thought of writing you and asking you to clarify. Are we talking about the same thing?

Esperanza Dear Esperanza: Thank you for trusting Ate Anna as a reliable source of information. It is interesting to see that many of us are still not comfortable talking about our bodies and reproductive health.

National Sexual and Reproductive Health Week (February 9 to 13) is a campaign that encourages us to be aware of our bodies and conscious of our reproductive health. This year’s campaign continued with the theme, Heart Your Parts. The Canadian Federation for Sexual Health website (www.cfsh.ca) provides information on how to “heart” or love and take care of your parts.

The first section gives us information about keeping our parts healthy. The parts they refer to are called the vulva; the outside part of the female genitals. The vulva includes the clitoris, the urethra, opening to the vagina, labia minora, and labia majora.

The vagina is the tube inside a woman’s body where the menstrual blood flows out from the uterus. A penis or sex toy goes in during sexual penetration and a baby will pass through the vagina during childbirth. As you can see the vulva and the vagina are

two different parts of a woman’s anatomy.

Women are encouraged to wash the vulva on the outside only with water. If soap is used it should be one that is very mild and not perfumed. The inside of the vagina should not be washed with anything. Using soaps or douches to clean the vagina can dry the vaginal tissues and cause irritation.

This increases the chances of upsetting the normal balances in the vagina. It can also increase the chances of becoming infected with a sexually transmitted infection during unprotected intercourse with a person who already has an STI. A woman’s body has a wonderful way of keeping the vagina clean by producing a fluid that we know as vaginal discharge.

Some people think that women’s body fluids are “dirty.” In fact, this discharge keeps the vagina clean and tells a woman that there is a healthy balance between the beneficial bacteria and the harmful bacteria that normally live in the vagina. If the discharge changes it can be a sign of an overgrowth of yeast or unfriendly bacteria.

This is a common problem that indicates a woman’s body is responding to something as simple as too much stress in her life or too much sugar in her diet. The first time this happens it is best to see your family doctor or go to a walk-in clinic.

A woman should also see a doctor if she notices a bump or sore, irritation or itching around the genitals. A person who has had oral, vaginal, anal sex or skinto-skin contact without using a condom should go for an STI test even if they have no symptoms.

See ATE ANNA p7

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Express entry 2015 – one month in Express Entry has been with us for over a month and the federal Minister cannot resist providing constant updates. On February 3, 2015 Minister Chris Alexander personally took responsibility for the roll out of the new approach and preliminary returns. Within the first month of operation the new selection matrix identified 779 skilled workers, including professionals in natural and applied sciences, and industrial and construction trades, who were invited to apply for their permanent residency in Canada.

“Express Entry is already getting impressive results in its first month.” Minister Alexander proudly proclaims. “The fact that everyone who was invited to apply for permanent residence in this round of invitations already has a valid job offer or provincial nominations shows that Express Entry is working to fill Canada’s existing labour market needs.”

I am sure we are all pleased that the Minister provides his own positive reviews of the Express Entry but now let’s put it into perspective. First, the reader should take note that all the applicants selected from

the Express Entry inventory “declared that they already have a valid job offer.” If this is a surprise it should not be because applicants who have valid confirmed Canadian job offers or provincial nomination receive 600 bonus points under Express Entry (or 50 per cent of 1200 possible points). The initial Comprehensive Ranking System, which invited all interested applicants to apply and said that they would be selected according to a Comprehensive Ranking System, included points under core/human capital factors as well as skill transferability factors. English or French language proficiency was high on the ladder along with things like post-secondary education, and work experience inside Canada. Arranged employment and provincial nomination could add additional points with the maximum of 1200 points available.

The local community response was largely positive because they focus on elimination of backlogs and six month processing times leading to permanent residence.

What many potential users do not

understand is that if you do not have a confirmed Canadian job offer or provincial nomination your chance of selection from the Express Entry inventory is slim to none. The first round of selections of 779 appears to remove this margin of doubt. If the selection process remains unchanged only those with confirmed Canadian job offers or provincial nomination will be selected. This fact is important because potential applicants are confused. The bottom line for applicants appears to be no confirmed Canadian job offer; no provincial nomination; no invitation to apply for permanent residence from Express Entry; and therefore no accelerated sixmonth skilled worker processing leading to permanent residence.

Some problems with Express Entry were identified in the past. Immigration practitioners correctly pointed out that international student graduates with open work permits do not qualify. The jobs must be confirmed Canadian job offers, otherwise known as LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). This requirement eliminates many international

student graduates inside Canada.

They can apply for an open work permit but to what end? The open work permit is not equivalent to the approved Canadian job offer and foreign students are on the outside looking in. In his article entitled “Are options for international students to immigrate permanently narrowing?” immigration lawyer Steven Meurrens, concludes “that many international students will be shut out or express entry” (Canadian Immigrant).

Susana Mas did a piece for the CBC News entitled “Express entry could sideswipe high-skilled foreign workers” and identified another group of potential applicants who are fallings through the cracks. Employers fear that Americans brought into Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement would also not qualify for selection under Express Entry. She quoted Sarah Anson-Cartwright, the director of skills policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Ms Anson-Cartwright, one of the persons consulted by federal immigration about express entry since 2013, was surprised by the strict requirements. “We weren’t

aware that a labour market impact assessment was going to be required for virtually every candidate to be eligible to apply for permanent residency, but that’s the new scenario.”

The early reviews are in but the reality is not quite the same as that presented by Minister Alexander in his press release. It is not often that even the Canadian Chamber of Commerce complains about the outcome. But there is always time to correct things.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is apparently working on a redraft of the entire skilled worker program to be released in March 2015. So let’s wait and see what happens. It is important in an election year that many in the public were initially supportive of the changes because backlogs are to be eliminated and processing times shortened, but at what cost?

Michael Scott BA (Hon), MA, is a 30-year veteran of Canada Immigration and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program who works as an immigration associate with R.B. Global Immigration Consultants Ltd. (204) 783-7326 or (204) 227-0292. E-mail: mscott.ici@ gmail.com

Winter blues – indoor recess and inactivity In a recent mentorship training workshop I attended, the facilitator referred to this time of the year as “renewal” for new service teachers – renewal, that is, from the time frame of November and December that they labelled as the “disillusionment” phase.

It’s cold and bleak outside, and five minutes before recess, you hear the announcement from the office: “We will be staying inside for recess this morning.”

Students cheer, and I don’t blame them. They’re excited to spend time inside instead of having to brave the Winnipeg winter, which, for new immigrant families, is a lot to take! While I’m all for keeping students

warm, there is a visible change in classroom dynamics for teachers returning from recess. Students have a lack of both Vitamin D and ample space for physical activity in a classroom, which can lead to behavioural issues. Students get restless, they become more talkative, and they focus less and less.

We have been blessed with warmer weather this year, but teachers are mentally gearing up for spring when, despite it being warm outside, we cannot send students out due to rain. Indoor recess is inevitable.

At one school, they’ve set up an indoor walking track in the hallway where students walk as

an activity break away from their classrooms. I, too, would be antsy if I were eight years old and had to stay in the same room from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.! I like to remind my sixth graders, although I don’t seem to need to remind this current batch, that junior high does not provide an official recess, so they should take this time to truly be active – play tag, play a sport, walk around the field when they’re outside! Do more than just stand and talk, waiting for the bell and to be let in.

I can imagine how children feel if they are cooped up inside during school breaks.

Unfortunately, as you know, it may be their own choice to stay glued to the TV or computer. As adults, it is our chance to guide

DR. REY...

From page 4 Committee of the Senate and of the House for further study and recommendations. Most likely, as had been suggested by others, referral to the Committee was more for the purpose of lowering the temperature of debate.

Passionate division of views had not, in fact, subsided when it returned to the House for final deliberations. To put an end to the apparently unending debate

them towards active lifestyles.

Parent tip: get active!

With spring break a month and a half away, consider this advice with ample time to plan. Your child is going to be indoors for quite some time. A few articles ago, I advised you to spend as much quality time together, and to communicate with each other.

During the upcoming break, my wish for you is to enjoy the (hopefully) mild weather coming our way!

Plan ahead of time using a community guide to see what events are taking place during this time. There are always familygeared activities and events, knowing that students provincewide are free at this time. Talk as a family about the types of

activities that you can do as a group. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a city-hosted event. Grab some sports equipment for a family day at the park or at a local community centre. It’s a good way to spend time as a family, as well as set the example that staying active is important! There truly is more to life than video games and YouTube videos all day.

At this point in time, you have approximately a month to get the ball rolling on your plan to win against those winter blues. Be proactive by being pro active!

Best of luck, stay warm, and beat your winter blues away!

Judianne Jayme is a third year educator teaching sixth grade in the Winnipeg School Division.

and consequent delay for the consideration of other House agenda, the government invoked closure on debate. Ten days before Christmas on December 15, 1964, nearly two-thirds of the members of the House of Commons (142 versus 85) voted to adopt the flag as we have it today. It was officially adopted two months later at a ceremony held within the precinct of Parliament in the nation’s capital, attended by thousands in the midst of winter who sang O Canada and God Save

the Queen.

Said the Honourable Speaker of the Senate, Maurice Bourget, at the time: “The flag is the symbol of the nation’s unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction of race, language, belief or opinion.”

Half a century hence, today, what does the Canadian flag reflect to me?

I share this vignette on the history of the Canadian flag – See DR. REY p7

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

ATE ANNA...

From page 5

As well, women need to know that sexual activity should not hurt. If a woman experiences pain or has bleeding during or after vaginal intercourse, it is important for her to see her doctor.

Another way to “heart your parts” is by having a Pap test every three years after becoming sexually active. If the health care provider finds a problem they may contact you and ask you to come back for a follow-up visit. The Pap test is a tool to check for changes to the cervix; the opening of the uterus. Regular Pap tests help in preventing cervical cancer. It is also important for a woman to be familiar with her breasts and know how they look and feel. Ask your health care provider to check your breasts during your regular checkups.

Esperanza, please encourage your friends to visit the SERC website along with you to celebrate Sexual and Reproductive Health Week. Let’s celebrate keeping healthy!

Ate Anna Ate Anna welcomes your questions and comments. Please write to Ate Anna, Suite 200 – 226 Osborne St. N., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1V4 or e-mail: info@serc.mb.ca

DR. REY...

From page 6

from its conception through the unduly prolonged gestation and debate to its triumphant birth as a national emblem – because it is a timely reminder, as it reminds me, that leadership, at whatever level of government, with a vision and determination can inspire a community or a nation to overcome challenges. I see this quality of leadership displayed and reflected during the tumultuous journey of our red maple leaf flag spanning seven decades from an idea to reality.

For me and, I trust, for all of us, the Canadian flag is like a mirror. It reflects Canada’s outstretched arms welcoming immigrants who seek better opportunities and receiving refugees who seek protection. I see from this Canadian mirror fellow

citizens – indigenous, naturalborn and naturalized – sharing whatever they could and giving of themselves in elected or nonelected public service and in one’s work or voluntary community service to make it bearable in life, prosperous and safe for all of us.

Like Paul Martin Sr. 70 years ago, I see in our flag the greatness of our country. Like Hon. Maurice Bourget 50 years ago, I see in it our nation’s unity in the midst of our diversity. Indeed, I feel our collective sense of pride mirrored in our Canadian flag when we duly exercise our deep sense of others as a nation for fellow citizens of Canada and of the world.

Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., an immigrant from the Philippines and a retired lung specialist and Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine, served as a Member of Parliament from 1988 to 2004 during which he served, among other assignments at varied times, as Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Jean Chretien and senior federal minister for Manitoba.

The Canadian flag today

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FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

The positive and negative role of salt in feng shui Salt has been one of the world’s most precious minerals for ages. In the 1600’s the King of Spain sent ships to travel to the New World to collect salt in South Texas to bring back to him. In Russia, bread and salt is presented to show hospitality. And if you’ve ever had a sore throat or sprained an ankle, salt water was often prescribed for healing.

Yet, salt has an interesting role in feng shui.

First and foremost, salt is a crystal.

Because salt both absorbs and dries, it can be used to purify and cleanse objects by absorbing and clearing their energies. Salt baths are also useful for removing bad feelings and energies when you’ve been around negative people.

When you bring home crystals or geodes, it’s always helpful to soak them in salt water to help remove any lingering energies that the stones may have picked up.

This is especially true of diamonds.

Many diamonds are sold and re-sold multiple times, especially large stones – which often go into engagement rings.

It’s a well-known practice in jewellery circles that diamonds are often removed from their settings to be resold and reset in another setting. That makes it highly possible that your onecarat diamond once belonged to another person — maybe someone with a failed romance or financial or emotional problems.

It’s important to note that stones retain the vibrations and energies of their surroundings and the people who once wore them, and the metal they’re set in helps conduct those energies just like it

does electricity.

But, let’s talk about one of the most popular ways to use salt in feng shui and that’s with salt lamps and salt cures. But should you use them?

Read on for more tips and myths about using salt in feng shui.

How not to use salt in feng shui: Salt cures These are often recommended as a way to combat the Five Yellow, Black 2 and the Jade 3 star. A salt cure is basically a jar with rock or Epsom salt, six Chinese coins and some water.

The ‘cure’ is stored in the afflicted sectors and often grows quite large and spills outside of its jar.

But I don’t recommend them and this is why: The 2 and 5 are both earth afflictions Adding salt, simply adds the earth element to these corners where we’re trying to offset their influence. Secondly, the cures are messy – and that’s not good feng shui. The cure bubbles up and grows out of the jar and requires a waterproof mat or container to hold it so it doesn’t do damage.

The mess, the fact that the cures are an earth element and their drying ability makes them a poor choice for handling these afflictions. Moving metal is preferred for its cleanliness and its ability to produce water (make money) –not to reduce it; and to drain the earth energy not to make it grow like the cure does.

Salt lamps Like the salt cures, these lamps too are quite drying. When they’re heated with a light element, it makes them even more drying.

It’s the drying effect of salt lamps that creates problems such as

lethargy and despondency, and a lethargic, despondent atmosphere in your home. Unless you’re a side of ham, you don’t need to be dried out, or live in a drying atmosphere. Most houses (and often people) suffer from is not having enough water and water energy — and the salt just dries them out more. This means your wealth, like your skin, dries up too, as well as your opportunities.

Have a salt lamp? Throw it away.

How to use salt effectively in feng shui: Cleanse and purify a new space Before moving in to a new residence, sprinkle salt in each room of the house, especially in the corners and let stay there at least 24 hours to absorb the energies of the previous occupants. Sweep up the salt and dispose of it.

Cleanse crystals and jewellery If you’ve purchased jewellery with stones or geodes, it’s a good idea to soak them for 24 hours in sea salt. Some say to let them sit for a week in salt water, but that’s excessive. A good day’s soak is perfectly fine for cleansing your stones and crystals.

Clean with salt If you’ve had illness in the house or arguments, you can clean using salt water. It’s especially helpful if you add salt to water that’s soaked in the sun for at least four hours. You can also wipe down items such as antiques with salt. Put salt in drawers of an antique chest to draw out old energies and cleanse it.

Seven seas cleansing If you feel you have been harmed spiritually or emotionally or if you would like to cleanse your personal energy, you can bathe in the ocean for seven days in a row to help cleanse your body and aura.

This exercise requires you immerse your whole body in the water and is excellent for clearing your chakras. If you don’t live near the sea, you can use sea salt in your bath and take a sea salt

Salt has been one of the world’s most precious minerals for ages

Like the salt cures, these lamps too are quite drying bath seven days in a row to help clear your energy and detox your spirit.

Draw water for money Another way to draw water, or wealth, to you is to put a few crystals of rock salt into your wallet to draw water and money to your life.

FENG SHUI Q&A Question: My sister has been seriously ill for a long time and insists on keeping a salt lamp on in her bedroom and has it on all night long. In fact, it seemed like when she put the lamp in her bedroom, she became ill. What can I do to convince her that it’s not healthy?

Answser: It’s hard to convince someone you’re right when they’re convinced you’re wrong.

Sometimes we crave the thing

that’s bad for us, just like an addiction. Like people who are allergic to nuts have a craving for walnuts, for example.

The bedroom should always be a bit more on the yin side than yang because this is the place where you rest and recharge.

Alternatively, the house should always tilt more yang than yin because you want the house to be full of growth, life and progress. A salt lamp is not just not healthful in the bedroom, it can also be dangerous, creating an excessively yin state which can harm health and wealth.

Another important consideration is that it’s important that we sleep in full darkness.

Having a lamp on all night long can mean she’s not getting fully rested that comes from deep sleep.

Secondly, this could be aggravating her condition and creating an exceptionally yin environment where she doesn’t recover each night but instead goes a bit deeper down in her health.

Try to talk to her about trying a 30-day experiment by removing the lamp and see how she feels after one month. Maybe when she starts to feel better she’ll see that removing the lamp was a good idea.

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in authentic Chinese feng shui. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more visit www.redlotusletter.com and learn the fast and fun way how feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

ANAK Liwayway Scholarship for Leadership Excellence 2015 ANAK is pleased to present its ninth annual “Liwayway Scholarship for Leadership Excellence” to Filipino-Canadian students in Grade 12, who demonstrate a commitment to preserving and promoting Philippine heritage.

Two (2) scholarships of $500 will be awarded in June 2015.

To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must: • Provide official school transcripts demonstrating a B (70% or 3.0) grade point average or better in three 40S courses (including English); • Complete a 500-word (2 pages double-spaced) typed essay in response to the question, “How does expression impact you?” with reference to at least one of the following videos: • eyedzproductions. (2008, October 7). Nereo II Interview & Performance Part 1 & Part 2 [Video files].

• TED. (2014, March 31). Geena Rocero: Why I must come out [Video file].

• TEDx Talks. (2011, November 3). TEDxDiliman - Lourd de Veyra - Art, Art Ka Diyan! [Video file].

Scholarship application is available at www.anak.ca Deadline for application: May 1, 2015 Successful applicants are subject to an interview process in May 2015

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

Technical Conference and Annual General Meeting The Filipino Members Chapter of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba (FMC-APEGM) will host its first Technical Conference and Annual General Meeting for 2015 on February 21st from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Sir William Stephenson

Library, 765 Keewatin Street.

The first part of this event will be the Technical Conference presented by speakers with expertise on the featured technical topics: • “Protecting Yourself as a Gravity Pipe Engineer or Inspector” by Mafe Pinzon, EIT

• “Principles of Gas Turbine Engines” by Nancy Santoyo, P. Eng. • EIT/ GIT Progress Report Writing” by Arnel Oberez, P. Eng – Civil Engineering, Elena Oberez, P. Eng – Civil Engineering, Edgar Duroni, P. Eng – Mechanical Engineering, Nonie Generoso, P. Eng – Electrical Engineering.

The Annual General Meeting will immediately follow, where

the Chapter’s Financial and Annual Activities Reports will be presented by yours truly, being the chapter’s Vice-President (Finance) and Angelito Velasco, P. Eng – Chapter President, respectively.

Members and Philippineeducated engineers are strongly encouraged to attend. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Ethel Clemente Fernandez is a registered member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGM). She currently works for a federal crown corporation and is serving on the Executive Committee of the Filipino Members Chapter (FMC) APEGM. For inquiries, please e-mail fmc_apegm@yahoo.ca.

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Happy New Year!

Predictions for the Wood Sheep Year 2015

Are you artistic, imaginative and stylish?

Are you easily overcome by emotions?

Do you consider yourself honourable and truthful?

If you nodded in agreement, then you are a typical Sheep person – that’s if you were born in any of these years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991 and 2003.

The Chinese New Year begins on February 19, 2015. It is the year of the Sheep (or Goat) according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Specifically, 2015 is the year of the Wood Sheep; the last one was in 1955. The next Sheep year is in 2027.

Those born in the Sheep year are said to have a tranquil and temperate personality, and are innovative by nature. They are amiable, timid, unwavering, compassionate, good-humoured, considerate and overflowing with a strong sense of humanity and fairness. They are honest and reliable. Most of all they never give up and persist till they accomplish their goal.

Sheep people are normally serene and sensitive. They are also health conscious. They are more likely to take care of their physical fitness and adhere to effective ways that let them maintain a healthy body, mind and disposition.

The Sheep, however, is also a worrier. This can lead to the Sheep being pessimistic and depressed but he is able to recover as soon as he finds someone to cheer him up.

People born in the year of the Sheep generally love companionship and enjoy working with other people. They are fond of children and animals.

While the Sheep is gentle and compassionate, the Sheep can be very determined, decisive and passionate when threatened. The Sheep detests fighting. Caught in

an argument, the Sheep will meet the enemy with stony silence that probably achieves better results than angry combative words.

Sheep people are generally private people and while they get along with almost everyone, they prefer to have a few intimate friends. They get along best with the Horse people (those born in 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 and 2014).

The Chinese believe that good fortune smiles on the Sheep because of his peaceful nature and kind heart. The Sheep is very generous with his time and money. He will always have the three most important things in life: food, shelter and clothing.

The Sheep knows he is lucky and he is always willing to share the good fortune with others.

The lucky numbers for Sheep are 2 and 7, individually or together, like 27 or 72. The seventh and 30th days of every lunar month is lucky for them.

Lucky colours for Sheep people are brown, red and purple. Sheep people are warned to stay away from green, blue and black.

Forecast for the year of the Wood Sheep Romance: Sheep people are diehard romantics. 2015 is a year of temperamental instability for the Sheep people and hence they may end up in failed relationships.

Communication is an essential key for lovers especially this year and avoiding break-ups is a must. While single men may find a lover and single females have a high probability of getting back with one of their ex-partners, this is not a good year to get married.

Friends: The Sheep will always have powerful allies. The Sheep’s true friends will always be ready to protect and defend him. The Sheep is very loyal to friends. The Sheep never forgets birthdays or special occasions.

But if the Sheep’s friends forget

to greet him on his special day, it will break his heart. He can easily be hurt but he will never let his friends know that he is hurting inside. The Sheep craves for love and attention from people who are close to him. But when the Sheep is fond of someone, he is very generous and will never disappoint.

Fitness and health: Keeping a healthy diet and following a strict exercise regime is also a must. Sheep born in 1943 and 1979 need to be careful while driving and playing sport, especially in June and December.

Money: While Sheep people

will always have the means or money when he needs it, he needs to be more conservative this year.

The financial status of the Sheep will remain modest and keeping a budget must be in the forefront of their resolutions for this New Year. The Sheep is generous but lending money to others is not advisable in 2015. The Sheep must also refrain from investing big money in stocks, bonds and real estate. The Sheep must postpone plans of buying a house till after the end of the year.

Children: Parents of Sheep should pay attention to their children’s behaviour and try to be attentive to their moods and needs. They may also become ill, which will affect their studies.

Sheep students may be challenged in their studies this year because of emotional unrest and family problems.

Livelihood: The Sheep worker can look forward to a promotion and a salary increase in 2015. Do not be discouraged by a few job frustrations during March, June, September and December; it gets better in February, July and August. As long as they persist at their work, like most Sheep people do, they will gain significantly in the coming year.

Some famous people born in the year of the Wood Sheep: Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Apple’s Steve Jobs, Actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg. Other popular Sheep people: former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau; journalist Barbara Walters; actors Robert De Niro, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman; rocker Mick Jagger; singer Julio Iglesias; chess champion Bobby Fischer.

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 11

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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

• Kris Aquino – Napingasan na ang karisma sa publiko • Ai Ai Delas Alas – Biktima ng pekeng producer • Heart Evangelista – Hurt na hurt si Heart • Sunshine at Cesar – Karimarimarim na akusasyon • Sharon Cuneta – Pumapayat na si Megastar • Ronnel Wolfe – Ex-That’s Entertainment member nakakulong Sa mga panahong ito ay siguradong andap (read: maingat, takot, guwardiyado) na si Kris Aquino sa pagsasalita-pagkilos dahil napatunayan niya na napingasan na ang kaniyang karisma sa publiko.

Kung dati’y kayang-kaya niyang lusutan ang kaniyang mga kalokahan, ngayon ay kailangan na niyang mag-isip nang libong beses bago siya magdesisyon, dahil nakaabang na sa kaniya ang buong bayan.

Sa isang umpukan ng mga shala, ng mga katulad niyang ipinanganak na may gintong kutsara sa bibig at bukod-napinagpala, ay mas masahol pa sa mga nababasa nating komento sa social media laban kay Kris at sa kaniyang kapatid na pangulo ang maririnig.

Doon mo mararamdaman na marami na talagang hindi nagkakagusto sa kanila.

Lumutang pa nga sa usapan ang pangalan ni Pangulong-Mayor Joseph Estrada, sana raw ay si Erap na lang ang nanalo noong nakaraang halalan at hindi si P-Noy.

Ito kasi ang matapang na nagpalutang noon ng all out war laban sa MNLF, pulbusin ang mga rebelde, dahil sobra na ang ginagawang kaguluhan ng mga ito sa ating bayan.

May isang napakasosyal pang may edad na babae na nagsabing mas gugustuhin daw nitong si Pangulong-Mayor Joseph Estrada na lang uli ang maupo sa Malacañang. Nagsisisi pa nga ang babae kung bakit ito nakiayon sa pagpapabagsak kay Erap noong 2001, “Wrong move,” sabi mismo ng milyonaryang nag-oopinyon.

Siyempre’y ayaw nila kay Kris Aquino, bigay na bigay na iyon sa kanilang mga komento.

Si Kris na ang akala raw sa kaniyang sarili ay sakdal-linis siya para pakialaman ang buhay ng may buhay sa kaniyang mga programa.

“Napahiya siya kay Judy Ann Santos, nakipagbati siya hindi dahil gusto na niyang makipagkasundo kay Juday kundi para iyon sa sarili niya.

It’s for her own good, she knows how to play her cards well, alam See CRISTY p13

Ang mga bagong kasal kasama ang mga ninang The newlyweds Heart & Chiz

Heart & Chiz with his children

Chiz & Heart kasama ang kanilang mga ninong

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

CRISTY...

From page 12

niya kung kailan siya nananalo at natatalo,� komento pa ng isang nasa umpukan.

Totoong-totoo.

Mabentang produkto sa merkado ngayon ang magkapatid na Aquino. Sa grocery, sa palengke, sa mga opisina, sa kahit saan, sila ang pinagpipistahan at ginagawang pulutan.

Matitigil lang ang ganito kapag nalinawan na ni Marya at ni Juan kung sino talaga ang dapat managot sa pagkamatay ng SAF-44. Nagsimula na ang imbestigasyon sa Senado tungkol sa Maguindanao Massacre.

Isa-isa nang titilarin ang mga senaryo. Kung sino ang totoong nagplano sa pagpasok ng mga miyembro ng PNP sa balwarte ng mga rebelde, harinawang managot ang kumabyos sa operasyong ito na kinailangang magsakripisyo nang apatnapu’t apat na buhay ng kapulisan.

Sa pamumuno ni Senador Grace Poe ay masagot sana ang mga tanong ng bayan. Hanggang hindi natutugunan ang kanilang mga tanong ay mananatiling nakataas ang banderang pula ng ating mga kababayan laban sa mga Aquino.

Harinawa. *** Magpainterbyu man nang maghapon at magdamag ngayon si Jacob Fernandez, ang prodyuser ng kinanselang preValentine concert ni Ai Ai Delas Alas, ay wala nang maniniwala See CRISTY p15

Kris Aquino

Ai Ai Delas Alas

PAGE 13

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

Ang “Poging Pulis” ang Mister International 2014/15

Ang tinaguriang Hunk Cop na si Mariano Perez Flormata Jr. a.k.a. Neil Perez ang nanalong Mister International 2014/15 na ginanap noong nakaraang Sabado (February 14) sa Ansan, South Korea.

Si PO2 Neil Perez ang kaunaunahang Pilipino na nagwagi sa paligsahan na nasa ika-siyam na taon na ngayon.

Ang layunin ng Mister International ay ma-promote at ma-empower ang mga lalaki

upang magsikap na maging role models ng magandang kalusugan at leadership.

Hindi napigilan ni PO2 Neil Perez ang mapaiyak nang siya’s maglakad sa stage bilang bagong Mister International – siya’y sumaludo, hudyat ng pagbibigay pugay niya sa Fallen SAF 44. Bago siya umalis sa Pilipinas ay sinabi niyang iaalay niya ang kaniyang tagumpay sa mga pulis na nasawi sa trahedya kapag nakuha niya ang karangalan. Pito sa Fallen44 ay ka-

batch ni Perez mula sa Mabalasik Class of 2008 sa police academy.

Naging instant favourite si Neil sa unang linggo pa lamang ng contest mula nang dumating ito sa Korea.

Kabilang sa top 15 ang mga representative ng Lebanon, Colombia, Poland, Korea, Slovenia, Mynmar, Japan, Brazil, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Mexico, Thailand at Czech Republic.

Sa question and answer portion ay gumamit ng interpreter ang binata sa tanong na: “What has been your biggest disappointment in life?”

“Unang una, ang aking

disappointment sa aking buhay ay ang hindi ko paggalang sa aking mga magulang. Kaya ko pinagsisisihan ito dahil malaking bagay ang mahalin natin ang ating magulang dahil iyan ang pangalawang utos ng Diyos,” ang kaniyang sagot.

Ang 4th runner up ay ang representative ng Slovenia; 3rd runner up ang Poland; 2nd runner up ang Czech Republic at ang Lebanon ang 1st runner up. Ang representative ng Canada ay si Dan Marana ng Toronto.

Masaya si PO2 Neil Perez sa karangalang ito. Inaasahan niyang siya’y magiging isang huwaran ng mga kagaya niyang pulis.

Ang mga kalahok sa Mister International male pageant na nagmula sa 29 na bansa

PO2 Neil Perez

Mr. Canada – Dan Marana

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

CRISTY...

From page 13 pa sa kaniya.

Naglalabasan na ang mga ebidensiya tungkol sa kaniyang kapabayaan, sa mga salita pa lang ng kampo ni Richard Yap na nag back-out sa show ay tupok na tupok na ang prodyuser. Paano pa kapag nagsalita na ang may-ari ng mga nirentahang equipment para sa concert na ni downpayment lang ay wala rin palang naibayad si Jacob?

Napakalaking kahihiyan ng nangyaring ito para kay Ai Ai. Naturingan siyang Comedy Concert Queen na nagpapaapaw sa mga venue na pinagtatanghalan niya, pagkatapos ay nakansela ang kaniyang palabas nang wala naman siyang kasalanan?

Galit na galit ang mga nakabili na ng tickets para sa concert. Tawag daw sila nang tawag sa numerong ibinigay ng produksiyon para sa refund ng kanilang pera, ring lang nang ring ang phone.

Kailangang panagutan ngayon ni Jacob at ng kaniyang partner na si Faith Cuneta ang lahat ng mga naghahabol. Nasa kanila ang pera at wala kay Ai Ai. Sila ang kailangang magbalik ng pera ng mga ticket buyers na naunsiyami sa hindi pagkakatuloy ng concert.

May mga kinausap pang kolumnista si Jacob noong mismong gabi ng kanselasyon ng show, ayon sa prodyuser ay hiyang-hiya raw ito kay Ai Ai, pero kasabay rin naman iyon ng kaniyang mga dispalinghadong katwiran. Ipinakita pa niya sa mga manunulat ang hawak niyang listahan kuno ng ticket sales para sa palabas.

Ang numerong nasa listahan niya ay 56 lang, isang malaking kalokohan, dahil sa mga kakilala at kaibigan pa lang namin ay milyunan na ang kailangang i-refund nina Jacob at Faith.

Harapin na lang kasi ang totoo na naging iresponsable siya, na nalustay niya ang benta ng concert tickets, na wala naman talaga siyang puhunan at iaasa lang niya ang pambayad sa produksiyon mula sa kaniyang hawak na benta ng tickets.

Inilublob na nga niya sa kumunoy ng kahihiyan si Ai Ai ay mas pinatitindi pa niya ang sama ng loob noong tao sa pangmemenos niya sa kapasidad ng Comedy Concert Queen.

PILIPINO EXPRESS Pinalalabas pa niya na ang totoong dahilan ng kanselasyon ay ang mabagal na bentahan ng tickets at hindi ang kaniyang kairesponsablehan.

Kuwento ng isang balikbayan naming kaibigan na mahigit na dalawandaang libong piso ang kailangang makubra mula kay Jacob dahil sa biniling tickets ng kaniyang grupo, “May ibinigay siyang number ng opisina niya for refund, pero wala namang sumasagot. Noong minsang may sumagot, ang sabi naman, e, hindi raw siya si Jacob Fernandez!”

Malinaw na pinagtataguan na ngayon ng prodyuser ang mga nagpapa-refund ng tickets, zero na ang kredibilidad ng prodyuser na ito, palagi po nating tatandaan na ang kaniyang pangalan ay Jacob Fernandez. *** Sa kabila ng napakalaking ngiti sa mga labi ni Heart Evangelista habang naglalakad patungo sa altar ay hindi maikakaila ang matinding kalungkutan ng kaniyang puso.

Iba ang sinasabi ng kaniyang puso kesa sa kilos na ibinibigay ng kaniyang bibig. Pangarap ng bawat bride ang ihatid siya sa altar ng kaniyang mga magulang, isang hiling na hindi niya naranasan nang magpakasal sila ni Senador Chiz Escudero.

Napakatindi nga siguro ng dahilan, sobrang lalim nga siguro ng rason, kung bakit natiis si Heart ng kaniyang mga magulang sa isang napakadakilang araw sa kaniyang buhay bilang babae.

Sa hinaba-haba ng pagbiyahe ni Heart sa pakikipagrelasyon ay sino nga ba ang mag-aakala na isang pulitiko pala ang kaniyang mapapangasawa? Isang mambabatas na may kambal pang anak na itinuturing na rin ngayong supling ng aktres.

Mapaglaro talaga ang kapalaran.

Si Heart man ay nagugulat pa rin hanggang ngayon sa kinauwian ng kaniyang buhay-pag-ibig.

Paboloso ang paghahanda.

Parang reyna ang aktres sa kaniyang gayak. Nakangiti siya habang naglalakad pero kung kukumustahin natin ang kaniyang puso ay siguradong nagdurugo iyon sa sobrang kalungkutan.

Hindi kinaya ng pakiusap ng kanilang mga kaibigan ang mga magulang ni Heart. Hindi pinakinggan ng mag-asawang Ongpauco ang katwiran na See CRISTY p18

NEIL...

From page 1 SAF police officers killed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25. Seven of the Fallen44 SAFs killed were his batch mates in the Mabalasik class of 2008 in the police academy.

First runner up was Rabih El Zein of Lebanon; 2nd runner up was Tomas Dumbrovsky of Czech Republic; 3rd was Rafał Maślak of Poland, and 4th was Mitja Nadizar of Slovenia. Jose Anmer Paredes of Venezuela, the outgoing Mister International, crowned Perez.

Dan Marana from Toronto was Canada’s representative to the male pageant.

Read more about Mister International Neil Perez – see p14. Photos from Facebook of Mister International 2014/15

PAGE 15

Sharon Cuneta

Cesar Montano & Sunshine Cruz

Ronnel Wolfe

PAGE 16

OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

Fallen, but not forgotten – paying respect to Fallen44

By Judianne Jayme Allow me to begin this article with some candid honesty on my part. This has been the most challenging article for me to write.

It has been a week since the event and I am only now completing this piece, still feeling that my words do not do the service justice. Even with the simplicity of the event, the reason behind the gathering and the beauty of the details continue to resonate within me as I reflect on the day’s proceedings.

While I am honoured to write this article for the Pilipino Express, I sincerely hope that events of this type, of a community mourning and paying respects to those who have sacrificed their lives, are few and far between.

It all began with a post on social media by Pilipino Express columnist Noel Lapuz, wondering if there was an event that could be planned to pay tribute to the Special Action Forces men who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Lapuz then set up a quick event along with the efforts of Marby John Aguilar Gutierrez, Ernesto Ofiaza Jr., Dennis Castaneda and Aida Champagne, using the reach of social media to spread the word.

It was a cold morning on Sunday, February 1st, but people took the effort to gather with short notice at the Filipino Seniors Hall on Euclid Avenue. The service began as a mass officiated by Father Vic Tungohl, followed by an open mic of tributes and messages of respect and thanks to our fallen brothers. Never underestimate what the power of suggestions, ideas and, most important, action, can do to make a difference.

Entering the hall, there was an aura of solemnity and reverence.

The usually festive hall was transformed into a place of both mourning and a celebration of life. There was a Filipino flag, raised at half-mast, and two tables featuring 44 unlit candles.

The morning began with a very moving speech given by Jon Reyes, a retired Canadian Armed Forces serviceman himself. I had moments in which I just closed my eyes and could hear the pain in his voice as he commended the courage of these men. The

choir comprised mostly of the Philippine Canadian Guardians Brotherhood Inc. (PCGBI), men who, like Reyes, were employed as servicemen for their countries.

It was only appropriate that these men gave powerful tributes and sang from their hearts to their fellow brothers.

It may be a little known fact that Father Vic Tongol, himself, is a former serviceman. He spoke about how, since taking their oaths, they knew every day that they were ready to put their lives on the line for their country and their countrymen. He knows of the pain, suffering, and the

feeling of loss that the families of the Fallen44 are now facing.

His sermon included a powerful idea: what is an ocean of tears compared to having eternal life with God at the end of your life? We must remember that our brothers did not die in vain. Bea Jamie gave powerful renditions of Mariah Carey’s Hero, and Sharon Cuneta’s Ikaw, both dedicated to the fallen men.

As one of the speakers, Peter Estrada of PCGBI, mentioned, we enjoy the safety and comfort of our homes because servicemen and women fight for our freedom to do so. Joselito Calunag spoke of tagaligtas, which is a word now used side-by-side with the Fallen44. He thanked the men for their dedication, that they put themselves in harm’s way so others may live without fear. There are so many physical, mental, and emotional challenges and demands, but these men overcame that with will and determination.

They are now national heroes, revered and respected, never to be

Photos by Jeprox Photography

forgotten.

One of the most moving parts of the ceremony was the lighting of the candles. Fortyfour individuals in the room, from children to adults, men and women, different ethnicities, chose to light a candle, which represented each member of the Fallen44. It is inspiring to see our community come together as one, gathering for something they value as important.

To the friends, sons, brothers, husbands and fathers that are now called the Fallen44: an endless sea of gratitude for your bravery, your courage, and your sacrifices.

Maraming salamat po sa inyo.

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 17

Winnipeg Mardi Gras at the RBC Convention Centre

PE’s Issi Bartolome & Judianne Jayme with Aida Champagne and the FSG Group

Frances Vasu, owner of DKF Fashions (left) and her models and staff Photos by Rey-Ar Reyes

Pole dancing

Mardi Gras Face Art models

Mardi Gras performers

Team Mayhem Basketball Clinic

Winnipeg Team Mayhem hosted a free basketball clinic at Valley Gardens School on January 8. The clinic was open to children aged 8 to 11 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and later for children aged 12 to 16 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Coach Alex Barra ran the clinic, which was organized and promoted by Todd and Katya Labelle of Todd Labelle Promotions.

PAGE 18

EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS

Dakila Ang mga tauhan at mga pangyayari sa kuwentong ito ay kathang-isip lamang at hindi tumutukoy sa mga tunay na tao at sitwasyon.

HINDI, hindi na siya interesado pang tanghaling dakila kahit pa bata pa siya ay nangangarap na siya niyon. Kung bakit? Ganito ang nangyari: MAY lumapit sa kaniya na isang sikat na sports columnist/ radio-TV host. Inalok siya nito na pasisikatin siya nang husto. Dadakilain siya, sabi nito. Yayaman din siya nang husto, dagdag nito. Malapit na siyang lumipad noon patungo sa United States upang maglaro sa NBA. Kinilig nang husto ang mahaba niyang katawan. Sa kaniyang isip, nakita niya ang sarili na sinasabitan ng medalya, kinakamayan ng matataas na opisyal ng pamahalaan at binibigyan ng hero’s welcome. Sa lahat ng ito, nakatutok sa kaniya ang kamera.

“Sir, kelan po ‘to tayo magsisimula?” tanong niya.

Kasama niya ang ama sa pakikipag-usap.

“Sa lalong madaling panahon.”

“Talaga po?”

“Oo.” Abot-na-abot-kamay na talaga niya ang mga pangarap, naisaloob niya. “Ano po ang kailangan nating gawin?” tanong niya.

Ipinaliwanag nito sa kaniya: SISIMULAN siyang bigyan ng malawakang publisidad.

Magiging laman siya ng balita sa TV, radyo, Web, diyaryo at paksa ng write-up sa magasin.

Sa mga interbyu, sasabihin niyang nagpapakahirap siya sa praktis at nakikipagbanggaan ng katawan sa laro alang-alang sa bayan. Sa kaniyang sarili, bale-wala sa kaniya ang salapi at katanyagan. Ang lahat ng ginagawa niya ay para sa bayan.

Palilitawin nilang binibigyan niya ng napakalaking karangalan ang mga kababayan sa pamamagitan ng paglalaro niya sa NBA. Sa ganitong paraan, ayon sa kaharap, magmumukha siyang bayani.

Susuportahan siya ng kaniyang mga kababayan. Dudumugin ng mga Pilipinong nasa US ang

CRISTY...

From page 15 minsan lang naman ikakasal ang kanilang anak, naging bingi sa mga paliwanag ang parientes ni Heart Evangelista.

Sabi ng kausap naming dumaan din sa ganoong sitwasyon, “Kapag nagkaanak na si Heart, siguradong lalambot na ang puso ng parents niya. Iba ang milagrong nagagawa ng apo,

mga laro ang team nila. Ang mga Pilipinong nasa Pilipinas naman ay manonood sa TV. “Lalong matutuwa sa iyo ang NBA dahil nakatutulong ka para lalo silang lumakas at kumita nang malaki,” sabi pa ng kaharap.

Ilalarawan siya bilang bukas ang palad sa kapuspalad.

Magiging bukambibig niya ang pagmamalasakit sa mga maralita.

Subok na subok ang ganitong publicity stunt, paliwanag ng sports columnist/radio-TV host.

Tiyak na dadakilain siya, dugtong nito. Saka ito nagtawa nang nagtawa.

Ayon pa rito, napakagandang pagkakataon ang bagyo at lindol upang lalo siyang sumikat. Kapag nasa Pilipinas siya, dadalhan niya ang mga biktima ng relief goods.

Kapag nasa US siya, sasabihin niyang kung maaari lamang ay lumipad siya para sa mga kababayan. Kung hindi talaga siya puwedeng umuwi, magpapadala siya ng tulong. Laging may media coverage ang bawat pagtulong niya.

Sasamantalahin nila ang pangyayaring may mga pulitikong mahilig sumakay sa anumang isyu na magkakaloob sa mga ito ng publisidad. Makikipagmabutihan sila sa mga ito upang bigyan siya ng mga parangal habang pumapapel ang mga ito.

Siguradong magkakaroon siya ng “hero’s welcome.” Mababalita siya sa TV, radyo, Web at diyaryo.

Magkakaroon siya ng write-up sa magasin. Hahanga sa kaniya ang buong mundo. Malay ba naman ng mga iyon na sumakay lamang sila sa takbo ng pulitika at komersiyalismo ng mass media, sabi ng kaharap.

Kapag sikat na sikat na siya, magkakaroon siya ng mga endorsement. Malamang na mas malaki pa ang kikitain niya sa mga iyon kaysa paglalaro, paliwanag pa nito.

Kapag may Pilipino na pumupuna sa kaniya, pararatangan agad nila ito na naiinggit at utaktalangka. Sa gayong paraan, sabi ng kaharap, matitigil ang mga puna laban sa kaniya. Lahat ay puro magaganda ang sasabihin sa kaniya. Malamang pa ngang magisip talaga ang mga ito na ang tagumpay niya ay tagumpay rin

ng mga ito dahil walang gustong umaming naiinggit at utaktalangka, sabi ng kaharap bago nagtawa uli nang nagtawa.

Hindi siya dapat mabahala sa itutulong nila sa mga kababayan.

“Maliit na maliit na bahagi lamang iyon ng kikitain mo,” sabi ng kaharap.

Ang gagastusan nila nang husto ay publisidad. Naroon ang buhay niya, sabi nito. Bukod sa sobreng may lamang pera na ipamumudmod nila, sagot din nila ang tutuluyang hotel, ang pagkain at inumin ng mga taga-media na karay-karay nila sa mga lugar na nilindol at binagyo. Kahit walang kalamidad, kailangang lagi siyang ibinabalita sa TV, radyo, Web at diyaryo at nagkakaroon ng writeup sa magasin upang manatili siya sa kamalayan ng publiko, sabi ng kaharap. Madali lamang iyon basta ihanda niya ang pera, dagdag nito. Binanggit din nitong kailangang pagkasunduan nila ang bayad sa serbisyo nito.

“Sulit na sulit naman ang gagastahin mo. Sisikat ka nang husto. Dadakilain ka. Napakalaki ng kikitain mo,” paniniyak nito.

GAYUNMAN, nagsimula siyang mag-isip nang nag-iisa na siya sa bahay nila.

Wala namang problema sa kaniya ang pera. Malaki ang susuwelduhin niya sa paglalaro sa NBA. Nag-aalangan siya sa gagawin nila.

Unang-una, baka magkandautal siya kapag sinabi niyang para sa bayan lahat ang ginagawa niya. Hindi siya sanay magsinungaling. Bata pa siya ay hilig na niya ang paglalaro ng basketball. Hindi para kaninuman kaya siya naglalaro nito. Kahit nga hindi kumain, basta makapaglaro ng basketball ay masaya na siya. Kaya nga siya humusay sa paglalaro ng basketball na naging

daan upang maging star player sa kolehiyo, makapaglaro sa PBL, PBA, mapabilang sa national team at ngayon ay makapaglaro sa NBA. Siya rin ang susuweldo ng dolyar. Siya ang sisikat.

Hindi niya gustong ikatuwa pa nila ang pagkakaroon ng bagyo at lindol, na maraming namamatay at napipinsala, para lamang lalo siyang sumikat.

Nag-aalangan din siyang makipagmabutihan sa mga pulitikong mahilig sumakay sa isyu kahit hindi nakabubuti sa bayan.

Hindi rin niya gusto na pararatangan agad nilang naiinggit at utak-talangka ang mga kababayan para lamang huwag magsalita o mag-isip ang mga ito nang laban sa kaniya.

Totoo, gusto niyang dakilain siya. Gayunman, nagmamalasakit din siya sa kaniyang kapuwa.

Binanggit niya sa mga magulang ang gumugulo sa isip niya. “Makikipag-usap po uli ako,” sabi niya.

“Anak, nasa iyo ‘yan. Career mo ‘yan. Narito lamang kami upang payuhan at suportahan ka,” sabi ng ama. Tatangu-tango ang ina.

“Salamat po.”

“PERO ginagawa ng mga naging sikat ang gagawin natin,” sabi ng sports columnist/radioTV host nang mag-usap uli sila. Kasama uli niya ang ama.

“May sinusunod na script ang mga iyon. Kung ano man ang tingin sa kanila ng publiko, hindi nangangahulugang ganoon nga sila sa tunay na buhay.”

Naisip niya ang mga kababayan.

Marami ay nagpapakahirap sa paghahanapbuhay pero karampot lamang ang kinikita at hindi binibigyang halaga. Mahalaga pa naman ang papel na ginagampanan ng mga ito sa takbo ng buhay ng mga tao, tulad ng pagdudulot ng

walang nagagawa ang mga lolo at lolang nagmamatigas kapag nakita na nila ang napakasarap na ngiti ng isang inosenteng sanggol na galing sa sinapupunan ng anak nila.”

Sigurado ang pagmamahal kay Heart ng kaniyang mga magulang. Pride na lang ang umiiral ngayon sa mga ito. Pero kapag nand’yan na ang kanilang apo ay siguradong buburahin na nila ang salitang pride sa kanilang

diksiyunaryo.

Sabi, ang mahalaga raw ay nagkatuluyan na sila ng lalaking pinakamamahal niya, iyon na raw ang kukumpleto sa kaligayahan ni Heart. Pero sa kasaysayan ng bawat babaeng nagpapakasal ay may malaking kulang pa rin kapag hindi kasama ng bride ang kaniyang mga magulang sa paglalakad papunta sa altar.

Hurt na hurt pa rin si Heart. ***

Sinusulat namin ang paksang ito ay gumagapang ang kilabot sa aming katawan. Imahinasyon pa lang ang gumagana sa amin, hindi pa aktuwal, pero parang gusto na naming tumakbo sa pinakamalapit na banyo para dumuwal nang dumuwal.

Nakaririmarim. Hindi para sa atin ang humusga dahil hindi naman natin nakakasama ang pamilya nang beinte kuwatro oras sa araw-araw, pero nawindang

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015 pagkain, pagtatayo ng bahay at gusali at pagtatrabaho sa mga opisina,pabrika at pataniman.

Marami lamang nanonood ng basketball kaya sikat at malaki ang kinikita ng mga manlalarong tulad niya, naisaloob niya.

Tuluyan na siyang nawalan ng interes na dakilain ng mundo.

SIYA ay dinadakila. Kung paano nangyari? Ganito: Ibinuhos niya ang lakas at panahon sa paglalaro ng basketball. Hilig naman talaga niya ito. Ipinanganak din siyang matangkad. Binigyan din siya nito at ang kanilang pamilya ng maginhawang buhay.

Binata siya, pangalawa sa apat na magkakapatid.

Kusang binabanggit sa TV, radyo, Web, diyaryo at magasin ang malalaking ambag niya upang manalo ang kanilang team.

Tumulong siya sa mga kababayan niyang nagdarahop at biktima ng mga kalamidad, tulad ng bagyo at lindol. Sumasama rin siya sa iba pang NBA players at international celebrities sa pagtulong sa mga mamamayan ng mga bansang tinatamaan ng bagyo, lindol, tsunami, taggutom at digmaan, na kasali kung minsan ang Pilipinas. Sa lahat ng ito, iniiwasan niya ang publisidad. Gusto lamang talaga niyang tumulong sa kapuwa.

Alam din niyang utang niya sa mga kababayan at mga tagaibang bansa na mahilig manood ng larong basketball ang lahat ng tinatamasa niya at ng kanilang pamilya. Sa kaniyang pagtulong, nagbabalik lamang siya.

Natagpuan niyang may ibang celebrities din na gusto rin lamang tumulong, hindi naghahangad ng publisidad. Lalong hinangaan ang pagtulong niya dahil inililihim niya. Kusa lamang talagang nabubunyag. Habang tumutulong siya sa kapuwa nang wala siyang hatak na camera man, lalo siyang sumisikat. Lalong kinikilala ang kaniyang kadakilaan. Hinahabol siya ng endorsement. Siya pa ang namimili, hindi tanggap nang tanggap.

Taos na taos sa puso niya kapag sinasabi niya: “Maraming, maraming salamat po sa mga sumusuporta sa akin. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo e wala ako sa kinalalagyan ko ngayon.”

WAKAS Si Nestor S. Barco ay tinanghal na Makata ng Taon sa Pilipinas noong 2003. Nagsusulat siya ng mga tula, kuwento, sanaysay at artikulo. Isa siyang mamamahayag.

Masusulatan siya sa nestorsbarco@yahoo. com.ph. ang publiko sa bagong kasong kailangang harapin ng actor, ayon kay Sunshine Cruz ay nagpaparaos si Cesar Montano sa harapan mismo ng kanilang mga babaeng anak.

Sa dinami-dami ng mga kontrobersiyal na isyu na kinapapalooban ng mga artistang nag-aaway ay pinakamatindi na ang isang ito. Ang lalaki, inaakusahan ng kaniyang misis See CRISTY p19

EH KASI, PINOY!

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

Kung magkakaroon ng second balloting ng mga delegado sa konbensiyon ng Manitoba NDP sa ika-8 ng Marso, alin man kay Steve Ashton at Theresa Oswald ang papalit sa upuan ni Greg Selinger. Gayunman, imposibleng mapaghilom ang malalim na sugat sa pagkakaisa ng kanilang partido. *** Ang Federal Conservatives ni PM Harper ay partido ng mayayaman at ang LP ay tagapagtanggol ng mga mahihirap at middle class, ayon kay Justin Trudeau na nasa Winnipeg noong nakaraang ika-11 ng kasalukuyang buwan. Totoo ba ‘yon? Sa darating na October 19 nakatakdang ganapin ang Federal elections. *** Isang lame duck president na raw ang turing ngayon ng mga Kano kay President Barack Obama. Nahihirapan na nga makalusot sa Republican controlled US Congress ang kaniyang mga plano. Si Obama ay humihingi ngayon ng pahintulot sa kongreso na gamitan na ng military forces sa kampanya laban sa Islamic State.

Pilipinas Sabik na sabik ang mga tao sa inaakalang magandang pamamahala ni PNoy nang mahalal na pangulo noong 2010 presidential elections. Ngayon, sila-sila rin ang inip na inip sa paglisan ni Noynoy sa Palasyo. *** May katwiran nga, pero nakapagtiis naman sila sa nakaraang mahigit apat na taon sa liderato ni PNoy. Hintayin na lang sanang matapos ang kaniyang termino sa June 2016. *** Sa totoo lang, walang makatiyak kung ano ang

PILIPINO EXPRESS

maaaring maganap sa loob ng susunod na 14 months. Nasa alanganing kalagayan ang bansa.

Ang alingasngas tungkol sa coup d’etat ay malayong mangyari sapagkat nauna ang balita. *** Ang liderato ni PNoy ay waring tinamaan ng super political typhoon sanhi ng 44 PNP -SAF trooper massacre sa Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. *** Mahirap nang mapagtakpan ang naging papel ni Noynoy at Alan Purisima sa naganap na Mamasapano, Maguindanao operations.

Seryoso ang imbestigasyon sa Senado, subalit sa kapulungan ng mga konresista at parang moro-moro. *** Patuloy na kumukulo ang demoralisasyon sa hanay ng mga kagawad at opisyal ng AFP at PNP. Gayon din ang kondinasiyon mula sa international communities.

Ang blue ribbon na nasa tapat ng puso ni PNoy ay may mga patak na ng dugo. *** Kalat na ang panawagang “Aquino Resign.” Bukod sa mga militante, nakilahok na rin ang mga estudyante at iba pang sektor ng lipunan. Mabuti kung gagayahin ni PNoy ang graceful exite ni former US president Richard Nixon noon na nagbitiw sa puwesto sanhi ng Watergate scandal. *** Masakit sa dibdib ng mga nasa PNP at AFP ang nangyari.

Ang elite forces ng PNP ay parang mga pato. Pinalipad at pinaubaya sa MILF at BIFF ang kanilang kapalaran. Hindi pala sila kakampi, bagkus ay kaaway. *** May pangakong tutulungan

HINAGAP

Bakit Kaya Ganiyan?

Ang gulo sa mundo, di mapawi-pawi, Sangkot sa hidwaan ang magkakalahi; Makabagong Cain at Abel na lipi, Angkang pinagmulan ng mga naghari! *** Mayaman ay lalong nagiging gahaman, Dukha ang palaging nagiging tuntungan; Sapagka’t madaling masilaw sa yaman, Palibhasa’y sabik sa kaginhawahan! *** Nagkakahiwalay ang magkakapatid, Mana ang dahilan ng pagkakagalit; Ang puno at dulo dahil din sa inggit, Na ayaw maglaho sa ating daigdig! *** Sana ay itakwil, tuwirang mabago, Ang ugaling pangit na iwi ng tao?

Paquito Rey Pacheco

ang mga naulila ng 44 PNP elite force. Ano naman ang gagawing tulong sa mga naulilang sibilyan na naipit sa barilan? Nagsisilisan sa kanilang lugar. Marami rin ang naulila. Nawalan ng bahay at kabuhayan dahil sa gulo na nangyayaring wala naman silang kinalaman. *** Halimbawa: Hanggang ngayon, anim na taon na ang nakararaan, wala pa rin natatanggap na hustisya ang pamilya ng mga naulila ng 57.

Kasama ang 34 journalist sa nangyaring massacre doon din sa Maguindanao ng mga Ampatuan. *** Sinuspinde ng lupon sa Senado ni Sen. Bongbong Marcos, Jr. ang pag-uusap sa panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law. Gayon din sa kapulungan ng mga kongresista. Agaw-buhay na ang kalagayan ngayon ng panukalang BBL. *** Sinasabayan pa ngayon ng Chinese bullying. Ang Aquino Administration, ayon sa Beijing ay waring sanggol na umiiyak.

Nagrereklamo sa mga pagawaing tinatayo nila sa kontrobesiyal na teritoryo. *** Kailan lang, ang bangka ng mga mangingisdang Pinoy ay itinaboy hanggang sa baybayin ng Zambales. Ipanalangin na lang na ang mga marines na nakadestino sa lugar, eh, hindi makatulad na

CRISTY...

From page 18 na gumagawa ng aktong seksuwal sa mismong harapan ng kanilang mga anak, may mas titindi pa ba naman doon?

Dapat lang sumubo ang dugo ng aktor sa pinakabagong akusasyong ibinibintang sa kaniya. Ito na kasi ang ultimo.

Wala nang mas sasahol pa sa bintang na ito. Hindi namin alam kung paano tatanggapin ni Cesar ang ginawang ito sa kaniya ni Sunshine.

Pero mas nababagabag kami para sa kanilang mga anak, puro babae pa naman ang magkakapatid na nagsisipag-aral na. Bakit kailangang makaladkad ang pangalan ng mga ito sa bangayang namamagitan sa kanilang mga magulang?

Wala man lang bang nakapagpayo kay Sunshine na sa usaping ito ay ang kanilang mga anak ang masesentro sa kontrobersiya? Iisa lang ang mukha ng tao, hindi tayo nakikipag-usap nang nakatalikod.

Wala man lang nagpayo kay Sunshine na sa kagustuhan nitong sirain ang imahe ng kaniyang nakahiwalay na mister ay ang kanilang mga anak ang malalagay sa kahiya-hiyang posisyon.

Wala kaming karapatan para humusga kung totoo ba o imbento lang ang senaryong sinasabi ni Sunshine. Sa magiging epekto lang sa kanilang mga anak ang maaari naming panghimasukan.

Hindi kami malapit kay Cesar Montano, pero sa pagkakilala

PAGE 19

parang mga sitting duck, kaparis ng 44 PNP forces sa kamay naman ngayon ng Chinese forces. *** Kampo ni VP Binay ang gainer sa mga nangyari, hindi lang sa Mindanao. Natigil ang mga iniimbestigahan sa Senado ng kaniyang mga kalaban sa politika.

Nabalitang nagkakasamaan pa ng loob sina PNoy at Mar Roxas na maaaring magresulta sa pagkasira ng LP coalition parties. *** Ang mercy and compassion na pangunahing mensaheng iniwan ng Santo Papa ay balewala sa kalagayan ngayon ni Mrs. Arroyo. Para kay PNoy guilty na si Gloria kahit ang korte ay wala pang hatol sa kaso. *** Kung matutuloy ang 2016 elections, ang former PCGG Chairman, Camilo Sabino, 78 years old ay nabalitang lalahok sa presidential derby sa ilalim ng Partidong Lakas CMD ni senador Bong Revilla. Si former senator Ping Lacson ay may plano ring lumahok sa 2016 elections.

Ang deadline sa paghahain ng kandidatura ay sa darating na October.

Katas Kapalpakan sa pamamahala ang umano’y maiiwang legacy ni PNoy. Lubos daw kasi ang paniwala sa sarili. Tama ang lahat ng kaniyang ginagawa?

1. Nang maupo sa Malacañang noong 2010, nangyari ang murder

ng walong Hong Kong tourists sa Luneta. Libu-libong OFWs sa Hong Kong ang muntik nang mapabalik sa Pilipinas. Kahit kasi paghingi ng paumanhin ay wala.

2. Ginamitan ng karneng baboy ang mga kongresista at senador para mapatalsik si former CJ Renato Corona sa Korte Suprema. Inutos kasi na isauli sa mga magsasaka ang kanilang lupa na sinakop ng Hacienda Luisita.

3. Naunahan pa ng mga dayuhan ang pagsaklolo sa mga naging biktima ng bagyong Yolanda. Mali raw ang bilang tungkol sa mga namatay.

4. Ngayon, 44 PNP elite forces ang naging biktima ng massacre kapalit ng napatay na isang wanted international terrorist.

Sinarili ni PNoy at Purisima ang Mamasapano, Maguindanao operation.

Kasabihan: Ang gahaman sa pera at kapangyarihan, humuhukay sa sariling libingan.

Paquito Rey Pacheco worked for 21 years in Philippine radio broadcasting. He is a former PRO for Radio in the Office of the Secretary of Philippine National Defense and former Chairman of the Rural Broadcasters Council of the Philippines.

He was a reporter for Bagong Buhay newspaper. In Winnipeg, he was the News Director of Good Morning Philippines for 13 years on CKJS Radio 810 AM. E-mail: kakareypacheco@ yahoo.ca.

namin sa aktor ay kumokontra ang aming isip sa ibinibintang sa kaniya ni Sunshine. Malayungmalayo ang kuwento sa nakilala naming imahe ni Cesar Montano.

Sana’y hindi maapektuhan nang todo ang mga bata, sana’y kayanin ng mga ito ang problemang pinagtatalunan ng kanilang mga magulang, pero sila ang nasasakripisyo.

Sana’y binigyan man lang ng kunsiderasyon sa senaryong ito ang mga bata na kailanman ay hindi mabibigyan ng pagkakataong makapamili ng kanilang mga magulang. *** Isang kasamahan ang nagpasilip sa amin ng mga retrato ni Sharon Cuneta sa kaniyang cellphone. Ipinadala iyon sa kaniya ng isa ring kaibigang madalas na nakakasama ngayon ni Megastar.

Totoo ang mga kuwento ng pagbagsak ng timbang ni Sharon dahil sa mga nakita naming retrato habang nakatayo siya, nakaupo, nagsusulat ng mga cards at nagtatanggal ng mga Christmas décor ay kitang-kita ang malaking ipinayat niya.

Naligaw pa nga kami sa isang retrato. Akala nami’y hindi si Sharon ang kumakaway, pero nang i-zoom-in ng aming kaibigan ang larawan ay napakalinaw ng ebidensiya na ang Megastar nga ang nangayayat!

Humpak na ang kaniyang mga pisngi, may leeg na ang Megastar, ang nagagawa nga naman ng disiplina. At maganda ang kaniyang pagpayat, hindi siya mukhang nagkasakit, blooming

na blooming ang Megastar ng bayan. *** Bago kami nagpunta sa Primos Cuisine & Lounge para panoorin sina Attorney Ferdie Topacio (na ngayon lang namin nadiskubreng mahusay rin palang jazz singer), Richard Merck, ang Inner Voices at ang idolo naming si Ms. Annie Brazil ay nanood muna kami ng Startalk.

Nainterbyu ng talk show si Ronnel Wolfe, dating miyembro ng That’s Entertainment. May kuneksiyon sa usapin ng droga ang pagkakulong niya sa Pasig City Jail noong taong 2013 pa.

Hindi naman siniraan ni Ronnel ang kaniyang pamilya pero doble ang talim ng kaniyang linyang akala raw kasi ng kaniyang magulang at mga kapatid ay hindi siya matagumpay. Sa pananaw raw ng Panginoon na nakilala na niya ngayon ay hindi siya failure.

Sabi ni Richard Merck, “Limang beses ko na siyang ipina-rehab, pero palagi niya kaming binibigo, bumabalik pa rin siya sa bisyo niya. Magkano ang pagpapa-rehab, daang libo, magastos, pero wala siyang kadala-dala.

“Mangangako siyang magpapakatino na, pero bumabalik pa rin siya sa drugs.

Nakakapagod na. Kailangan na niyang matuto ng leksiyon,” nangingilid ang luhang komento ng magaling na musikero.

Napanood ni Annie Brazil ang panayam kay Ronnel ng Startalk.

Napapailing siya sa kaniyang mga narinig, ramdam namin ang See CRISTY p20

EH KASI, PINOY!

PAGE 20

PILIPINO EXPRESS

KROSWORD

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KROSWORD NI BRO. GERRY GAMUROT Ni Bro.16Gerry No. 222 • Pebrero - 28, Gamurot 2015 1

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Taba sa ngCavite alimango 10. Tanggapan3. Supling 8. Ipagawa 29. Inaliw 4. Jose ____ Santos 7.

Lugar sa Cavite 12. Tamad 11. Istorbo 31. Tiyo 5. Lahatin 14. Lagay ng kalsada 32. Lubos 6. Ipasundo 8.

Ipagawa 13. Parte ng karera 16. Lisan 34. Hulapi 9. Chess GM 11.

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Nilitson 17. Tadyak 35. Nagalaw 10. Tanggapan 14.

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Lisan 22. Pandikit 13. Parte ng karera 21. Ay! 15. Nilitson 17.

Tadyak 24. Sanhi 23. Titulo ng banal 20. Atlas 18. Banaag 25. Kalye sa Makati 19. Di inyo 28. Pang-abay 21. Ay! 30. Rebeldeng samahan 23. Titulo ng banal 33. Pang-ukol 24. Bulati 26. Punong-lalawigan SAGOT SA NO. 221 27.KROSWORD Para NI BRO. GERRY GAMUROT No. 222 • Pebrero 16 - 28, 2015 No. 221 • Pebrero 1 - 15, 2015 29. Inaliw P A R T I S A L A S 31. Tiyo A A R N E L A 32. Lubos G R I P O D A L A W 34. Hulapi P I N A G B A B A T I 35. Nagalaw 2

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Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Ikaw ang dahilan kung bakit ka nalulungkot.

Bakit kailangang balikan mo ang nakaraan?

Oo nga’t masaya kayo noong araw, pero wala na siya sa buhay mo ngayon. Palagay mo ba’y naiisip ka pa rin niya? Malamang ay hindi na. Mabuhay ka sa ngayon.

OK ang ika-21 at 22. May tension sa ika-19, 20, 25 at 26.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) L A LWala AkangY A A M Aang Delikado problema sa iyong kalusugan A L Akalusugan G A ng S I saP panahong O Lito. katawan pero Kulang ka sa may A namumuong K S A N A tulog atY pahinga.

A problema sa Kapag mahina kalusugan ng iyong mas madali D kang I I bulsa.

T Iwasan A N angOresistensya, N G mo ang bumili ng anumang makakapitan ng sakit. Pero kahit mamahaling gamit sa buwang ito. mahina ka, maganda ang pasok 22. Pandikit gumasta pero huwag Puwedeng ng pera. Kaya lang, unahin mo 24. Sanhi kang bibili ng hindi mo kaya ang magpalakas ng katawan. OK 25. Kalye sa Makati ngayon.

Magtipid ka. OK ang ika- ang ika-16, 23 at 24. Ingat sa ika28. Pang-abay 30. Rebeldeng 16, 23 at 24. samahan Ingat sa ika-17 at 18. 19, 20, 25 at 26.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Ano ba talaga ang kailangan mo para mabuhay ka nang maginhawa?

Bawat isa sa atin ay may pamantayan kung ano ang makakapagpaligaya. Hindi sapat ang maraming pera dahil hindi mo kayang bilhin ang katahimikan ng damdamin. Mag-isip-isip ka.

Ayos ang ika-16, 23 at 24. Ingat sa ika-21, 22, 27 at 28.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Palagi na lang, mas inuuna mo ang kung ano ang para sa ibang tao bago mo paginhawahin ang sarili mo. Importante sila pero kung nagiging pahirap naman sa iyo, sino ang niloloko mo? Unahin mong mahalin ang sarili mo at makikita mong mas mamahalin ka rin ng iba. OK ang ika-17, 18, 25 at 26. Ingat sa ika19 at 20.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) Samantalahin mo ang panahon upang magsimula ng proyekto o negosyo. Buwenas ang anumang uumpisahan mo. Maraming oportunidad na naghihintay sa iyo. Walang sagabal, maayos ang takbo ng pamilya at romansa.

Maglinis ka ng bahay. OK ang ika-17, 18, 25 at 26. Ingat sa ika16, 21, 22, 27 at 28.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Narito na ang iyong pagkakataon upang simulan ang proyekto.

Kung mahina ang negosyo nitong Enero, mapapansin mong maraming oportunidad na darating bago matapos ang buwang ito.

Kung kailangan, mag-schedule ka ng appointment sa iyong doctor.

Lucky ka sa ika-17, 18, 25 at 26.

Careful sa ika-23 at 24.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) Masaya ang mga natitirang araw ng buwan para sa iyo at pamilya.

Maayos ang iyong relasyon kaya naman huwag mong pabayaan ang iyong sarili. Kung kailangan ay magbakasyon ka muna. Tuloy ang negosyo kahit wala ka. Utang mo sa sarili ang pahinga. OK mo ang ika-19, 20, 27 at 28. Ingat sa ika-17, 18, 23 at 24.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) Kung naghahanap ka ng romantic partner, ngayon na ang pagkakataon.

Magpunta ka sa mga parties o socials dahil baka doon mo makikilala ang iyong magiging kasama sa buhay. Romansa ang nakasulat sa iyong mga palad ngayon. Samantalahin mo sana ito. OK ang ika-19, 20, 27 at 28.

Ingat sa ika-25 at 26.

A L

26

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Aries (March 21 – April 19) Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) kang P A RHindiT mo I na S A Huwag L A S kailangang magpapatalo sa m a gAh a nRa p .N E A L ibang may alam A sa Kusang darating technology. Hindi ang magandang G R I P O D A paL huli A upang W pagkakataon sa pag-aralan mo pag-ibig at maging sa hanapbuhay. ito.

Kaya mo pang lumaban P I N A G B A B A T I sa Kung mapapansin mo na parang kanila dahil matalino ka at madali may gustong kontrahin ang balak kang matuto. Ang kalaban mo ay A P A T I I L A N mo, hinay-hinay lang ang gawin kung mawawalan ka ng interes mong paglaban. Pag-aralan mo magkaroon ng bagong kaalaman.

P A ika-21 N atD Mapalad E R A at 22. G ang diskarte mo. OK ang ka sa ika-21 Ingat 22. Alalay ka sa ika-16, 27 at 28. sa ika-17, 18, 23 at 24.

B

20

19

I

PABABA 1. Gustong ipahamak 2. Tuklasin 3. Supling 4. Jose ____ Santos 5. Lahatin 6. Ipasundo 9. Chess GM 10. Tanggapan 12. Tamad 13. Parte ng karera 15. Nilitson 20. Atlas

22. Pandikit 24. Sanhi 25. Kalye sa Makati 28. Pang-abay 30. Rebeldeng samahan 33. Pang-ukol

I

A

A S A P

A Y A

A G A

K I

I

S

A M A I

P O L

A S A N A

Y A

T A N O N G

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

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A N

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A S A P

33. Pang-ukol

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Kung naguguluhan ang iyong isipan, bakit hindi mo pag-aralan kung ano ang dahilan?

Kung may bumabagabag sa iyong puso, buksan mo ang iyong mga mata at tenga, nasa harapan mo mismo ang sagot. Iwasan mo ang malayong biyahe sa buwang ito. OK sa ika-19, 20, 27 at 28.

Stressful ang ika-16, 21 at 22.

YOUR lasting legacy will give Canadians more time to laugh, to love and to live.

Please remember us with a gift in your Will and help plant seeds for tomorrow, today.

204.949.2032 Toll free at 1.888.473.4636

CRISTY...

From page 19 kaniyang lungkot sa inabot ng kaniyang bunso. Pero ayon kay Ms. Brazil ay tayo ang pumipili at gumuguhit ng ating kapalaran at kinabukasan.

“It’s not true. We gave him all the chances, but he chose this kind of life. We can only give and take so much, he should help himself, it should start from him,” malungkot niyang sabi.

Naalala pa ni Richard, “Noong time na nagkahiwalay kami ni Guy (Nora Aunor), broke na broke ako noon. Umuwi ako sa bahay ng mommy ko, madalas akong paringgan ni Ronnel. Ang sakit-sakit, ‘Mommy, bakit ba hindi mo pa paalisin dito ‘yan,

wala namang ginagawa? Pabigat lang sa atin ‘yan!’

“Noong makabangon ako, wala siyang narinig sa akin, ipinarehab ko siya, kami ni Rachel, nagtulong kaming magkapatid para maisalba siya.

“Awang-awa na kami kay Mommy, nakakaawa na rin si Rachelle na padala nang padala ng panggastos sa rehab niya, but he didn’t learn,” napapailing na kuwento ni Richard.

Sa kaniyang edad ngayon na otsenta’y uno ay humahawak pa rin ng mikropono si Ms. Annie Brazil. Patuloy na nakikipaglaban sa mga paghamon ng buhay.

Idinadaan na lang siguro niya sa maemosyong pagkanta ang kabiguan niya kay Ronnel Wolfe bilang nanay. – CSF

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 21

Hindi pangkaraniwang pag-ibig Ayon sa biblia sa Roma 5:78 “Hindi pangkaraniwan na ang isang tao ay mamatay para sa isang matuwid na tao. Maaaring alang-alang sa isang mabuting tao, ang isang tao ang maglakas-loob na mamatay. Ngunit ipinakita ng Diyos ang kaniyang pag-ibig sa atin na nang tayo ay makasalanan pa, si Cristo ay namatay para sa atin.” Walang kondisyon ang Diyos Ama na hiningi mula sa atin nang inalay niya ang buhay ng kaniyang anak na si Hesus para sa ating kaligtasan dahil alam niyang wala tayong kayang gawin para makamit at maging karapat dapat tayo sa kaniyang pag-ibig. Pero sa kabila ng lahat, nagdesisyon siyang gawin ito.

Isa sa kamangha-manghang kuwento sa biblia patungkol sa pambihirang pag-ibig ng Diyos ay matatagpuan sa aklat ng Jonah. May isang siyudad na kung tawagin ay Nineveh na siyang capital city ng kaharian ng Assyria na siyang isa sa pinakamalupit na kaaway ng mga Israelita. Ang kalupitan ay naging isang sining para sa mga mamamayan ng Nineveh. Bihasa sila sa pagpapahirap ng kanilang kaaway – tulad ng pagputol

ng ilang bahagi ng katawan ng mga ito. Binabalatan nila nang buhay ang iba at ang ilan nama’y pinakukuluan nila sa langis.

Tinutusok naman nila ang iba ng mahabang kahoy na pinadadaan sa buong katawan ng mga ito at hinahayaan nilang maubusan sila ng dugo.

Laking gulat na isang Israelitang propetang si Jonah nang tinawag siya ng Diyos na pumunta sa Nineveh. Nais ng Diyos na balaan niya ang mga ito na tutupukin silang lahat ng Diyos dahil sa labis na kasamaan nila kapag hindi sila magsisi. Natural lamang na tumanggi si Jonah dahil galit na galit siya sa mga ito. Para sa kaniya, karapat-dapat lamang silang matupok dahil sa mga ginawa nilang kasamaan lalo na sa kaniyang bayan. Pero walang nagawa ang pagtakas ni Jonah sa panawagan ng Diyos. Kahit labag sa kaniyang kalooban, pumunta siya sa Nineveh at binalaan niya ang mga tao. Hindi akalain ni Jonah na tanggapin ng Nineveh ang kaniyang mensahe. Nagsisi sila, nag-ayuno at nagsimulang manalangin sa Diyos. At nang makita ng Diyos ang kanilang pagsisisi, hindi tinuloy ng Diyos

ang pagtupok sa siyudad.

Ito ang sabi ni Jonah tungkol sa Diyos “Alam kong ikaw ay Diyos na puno ng biyaya at pakikiramay, hindi madaling magalit, at mayaman sa pag-ibig, isang Diyos na nagbabago ng isip patungkol sa pagpapdala ng kalamidad.”

Maging sa Bagong Tipan ng biblia, mababasa natin ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa lahat ng tao, masama man o mabuti.

Nakikihalubilo ang Panginoong Hesus sa mga manginginom at sa mga kolektor ng buwis na tinuturing na makasalanan ng lipunan. Naggugol siya ng panahon sa isang babaeng may kalaguyo na natagpuan niyang umiigib sa isang balon para ipaliwanag ang tungkol sa tunay na paraan ng pagsamba sa Diyos. Nagpagaling siya ng may mga sakit, nangaral siya ng

salita ng Diyos. Gumawa siya ng kabutihan sa hindi mabilang na mga tao nang hindi iniisip kung nararapat ba ang mga ito na gawan niya ng kabutihan.

Ginawa niya ito para abutin ang kanilang puso at sa pag-asang sa pagpapakita niya ng pag-ibig sa mga ito ay ipagkatiwala nila nang lubusan ang kanilang buhay sa Diyos.

Tinuro rin ni Hesus sa kaniyang mga alagad na tulad niya, mahalagang ibigin nila hindi lamang ang mga taong nagmamahal sa kanila kundi pati na rin ang kanilang mga kaaway.

Dahil iyon ang tunay na diwa ng dakilang pag-ibig. Kaya nga’t buong puso siyang sumunod sa kaniyang Amang nasa langit na ialay ang kaniyang buhay para sa kaligtasan ng mundo na siyang dahilan ng kaniyang pagkamatay.

Kaibigan, kung pakiramdam

mo ay walang nagmamahal sa iyo, andiyan ang Diyos.

Pastor Junie Josue is Senior Pastor of International Worship Centre (IWC) at 1077 St. James St. (Worship Services: Sundays - 9 a.m. Tagalog, 10:45 a.m. English service). Other IWC English worship services every Sunday are also held at the following sites: Cineplex Entertainment, Kildonan Place at 1555 Regent Avenue at 10:30 a.m., Cinema City Northgate at 1399 McPhillips St. at 10:15 a.m., Calvary Chapel at 221 Hamilton St. Neepawa, MB at 1:30 p.m. & West End Community Centre at 247-23rd St., Brandon, MB at 10:30.a.m. Pastor Junie is also host of radio program Higher Life on CKJS 810 AM, Monday to Friday, 8:50 a.m. For more information, call 774-4478.

PAGE 22

PILIPINO EXPRESS

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

Cold hands, warm hearts Festival du Voyageur 2015

By Judianne Jayme Winterpeg, as Winnipeggers and non-Winnipeggers alike enjoy calling our city, is notorious for its harsh winters. It seemed only appropriate to attend the Festival du Voyageur at Voyageur Park (Fort Gibraltar) in a wind chill of -41 degrees. The team for the day consisted of Rey-Ar Reyes, Isagani Bartolome, and myself.

Between a selfie-stick and a dSLR, we set out on a mission to capture our adventure among modern ice sculptures and historical buildings.

For those who have not visited the festival, it is a celebration of Franco-Manitoban joie de vivre (joy of living) by sharing the historical culture of the voyageur era with the city of Winnipeg.

Festival du Voyageur is famous for its snow sculpture symposium, which is especially radiant in the evening when coloured spotlights cast soft glows against the glistening snow. This shows the detailed work and craftsmanship of the sculpting teams who have come from around the world including Mexico, Spain, Yukon, Estonia, France and Germany to name a few!

Within Fort Gibraltar are individual cabins that demonstrate traditional crafts and trades.

Stepping into each cabin was like

stepping into a time machine. The volunteers are knowledgeable and there is something endearing about seeing young adults using the traditional tools of their ancestors in fields such as blacksmithing and carpentry.

On February 15th and 22nd at 1:30 p.m. guests can witness the Red River Skirmish, a reenactment of military tactics, drilling with flintlock muskets and black powder. There will also be discussions about the lives of soldiers and how battles were fought in the 18th and 19th centuries.

We were unable to stay the entire evening, but for the first time since the winter festival celebrations began in 1967, Fort Gibraltar is the site of an outdoor bar from 9:30 p.m. onward with a DJ and fire jugglers. For those who visit before that time, there are various food retailers and food trucks that cater to your food cravings.

This year, the festival program hosts the world’s largest kitchen party, inviting guests to a voyageur style party in the Cabane des Hivernants in Fort Gibraltar, where you can practice your best jigging moves to traditional instruments with the voyageurs and learn a few new sing-along tunes!

Festival du Voyageur is

Photos by Rey-Ar Reyes a fun-filled, educational, and cultural experience for all ages.

Admissions are $17.00 for adults (18+), $11.00 for youths (13-17), $9.00 for children (5-12), and free for those 4 and under. Tickets and Voyageur passes can be bought online, at Safeway, the Centre culturel franco-manitobain, Club Regent Casino, and the Festival du Voyageur office. Come out and enjoy the vibrant history and heartwarming culture of the FrancoManitobans and their joie de vivre.

C’est magnifique! Or, as they like to say at the Festival, “Hé Ho!”

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

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Festival du Voyageur runs till Feb. 22, 2015. Photos by Rey-Ar Reyes

For many years, we have been serving the Filipino community with

Dedication, Commitment, Friendship & Trust

We have worked hard at this by providing a dedicated and hard working group of professional men and women offering: • full disclosure of pricing • ensuring our Lamay are professional with great service • offering two well-positioned facilities • providing the best product lines.. and the list goes on!

We are not a nameless, faceless entity in Toronto or Houston.

We live here, work here and play here. Winnipeg is our home, and we demonstrate this daily to the families we serve.

24/7 Compassion & Accessibility Phone: 204-275-5555

Two City Locations 1839 Inkster Blvd. (corner of Inkster Blvd. & Keewatin St.) 1006 Nairn Ave. (corner of Keenleyside St. & Nairn Ave.)

We are your Kababayan in the business! Feel free to call owners Darin Hoffman (Zeny Regalado), Shawn Arnason or our community representative Nap Ebora for a uniquely Filipino prerspective on prearrangements.

Phone: 204-275-5555

PAGE 24

PILIPINO EXPRESS

FEBRUARY 16 - 28, 2015