Pilipino Express • Jan 1 2015

Volume 11 • No. 1 • January 1 - 15, 2015 Publication Mailing Account #41721512

Flu patients filling Winnipeg ERs

KC Concepcion

WINNIPEG – This past holiday season has seen a rise in cases of the flu or flu-like illnesses in Winnipeg, even among Pilipino Express staff. According to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA), hospitals and emergency departments across the city are extremely busy due to significant increases in emergency department visits and hospital admissions arising from influenzalike illnesses.

On Saturday alone (December 27) Winnipeg hospitals recorded more than 900 visits to emergency rooms. On average, Winnipeg hospitals record between 700 and See UP p10

14

Hospital emergency rooms in Winnipeg are extremely busy due to the number of patients with flu or flu-like syptoms.

“Manitoba’s economy rates No.2 in Canada” – Premier Selinger

12 Dingdong Dantes & Marian Rivera

Won Jae Song of The Korea Times, Malaya Marcelino of Pilipino Express, Premier Selinger at ethnic press gathering

By Malaya Marcelino WINNIPEG – In a Year End Review with members of Manitoba’s ethnic media, Premier Greg Selinger touted Manitoba’s economic gains among notable

NOEL CADELINA Sales, 6th Consecutive SMG Gold Ring Awardee

LITO DABU

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

JOEL SIBAL Service Consultant

JUNIOR BANSAL Sales Manager

ROBERT MISA

Triple Diamond Sales Consultant Award 2013-Silver Winner

NELSON LANTIN Sales Manager

ROMMEL FAJARDO

Sales Manager

highlights of 2014 affecting multicultural communities.

According to Selinger, “Manitoba had the second strongest economy in Canada in 2014 due to our diverse economy and gains seen in every sector

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

and we’ve seen this growth due to targeted expenditures towards infrastructure and massive flood protection.”

Statistics Canada reinforce that Manitoba’s gross domestic See MANITOBA p9

ELAINE VERRI

Sales Consultant

JOELAN MENDOZA Collision Repair Advisor

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Starting the New Year with gratitude I love January even if it happens to be the coldest month of our Manitoba winter because it always signals a new beginning for everyone. I am filled with hope and optimism that the ensuing 12 months will be kinder and gentler towards us than the past year. It’s 2015 – Happy New Year!

With New Year’s resolutions still fresh in our minds, I am sure you’ll find some our articles in this issue very useful.

What happened to all those New Year’s resolutions you listed in previous years? Were you able to accomplish any of them? If you experienced some challenges, I invite you to read Cheryl DizonReynante’s Prepare for success: Fulfilling your New Years resolutions (see page 6). She offers practical strategies to make our resolutions into something more doable.

We also welcome back our HR

columnist, Michele Majul-Ibarra.

In this issue she writes about Transitioning from maternity leave to full-time work (see page 9). It’s a good guide for working mothers who are in the same situation as Michele.

In the last quarter of 2014, we introduced you to our newest columnist, Judianne Jayme. She is an educator and her article New Year, new goals (see page 8) provides sound advice to teachers and students on how to set achievable goals.

Judianne is also our resident event reporter and reviewer. In this issue, she reviews the live production of Peter Pan of the Manitoba Theatre for Young People – Second star to the right MTYP’s Peter Pan takes flight! and YES International’s Styl’d 4 Success event. If you have any upcoming event or production that you would like us to attend and

review, please contact us at info@ pilipino-express.com.

Also in this New Year issue are interesting articles with a wide array of topics. Jon Malek writes about Migrante, Jon Joaquin reviews the events in Philippines in the year that passed, Ethel Clemente reports on the growing number of immigrant engineers, Michael Scott updates us on Express Entry and the MPNP, Valen Vergara advises us on how we should spend our time and money wisely.

As always, Kaka Paquito Rey Pacheco discourses on political and social issues here in Canada and the Philippines in his Pilantik column.

We have guest writers in this issue: Regina Ramos Urbano tells us about her pilgrimage to the Holy Land; and Lorraine Ilagan of DMCI invites us to see Sisters, a production that honours the memory and deepens community concern for missing and murdered Aboriginal women. *** As we open this first issue of the Pilipino Express in 2015, we would

like to thank all our contributors who have made the past years editorial content remarkable and substantive.

We have added new names on our roster of columnists and together with the contributors who have been with us for many years, they have helped the Pilipino Express News Magazine evolve into a source – both digital and in print – that provides vital information not only to our local readers but also for many Filipinos overseas who are interested in knowing what’s going on in our corner of the world. Your feedback, as always, is very important to us because we are able to gauge if we’re doing good journalism or not. We thank you for guiding us on the right path.

As we enter our tenth year of publishing the Pilipino Express, we wish to thank you – our readers and advertisers – for your support throughout these many years. Maraming salamat po at Manigong Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat! Happy New Year!

Hopeful Yahoo Philippines gives us an insight into how 2014 went by providing us with the top 10 searches for the year: Typhoon Ruby (international name Hagupit) Paolo Bediones scandal iPhone 6 Ellen Adarna Jennifer Laude Deniece Cornejo Miss World 2014 Philippine Basketball Association Frozen Mayon Volcano I don’t know about you, but I’m actually thankful that this list contains these items. Only three of them are what can be considered major from a news writer’s point of view: typhoon Ruby, Jennifer Laude, and Mayon Volcano. Ruby was the typhoon that hit the country in early December and took almost a week to pass through because of its very slow speed of about 15 kilometres per hour. It had been dubbed a super typhoon early on and prompted people to prepare for another Haiyan, but thankfully it was not as strong as anticipated.

It also helped that the country over-prepared for it; Haiyan was a lesson well learned.

Jennifer Laude was the transgender allegedly killed by an American serviceman in Olongapo City, a case that is

straining the ties between the Philippines and the US and which has resulted in calls to review the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which heavily favours the Americans over the Filipinos — right on our own soil.

Mayon Volcano, of course, hit the news because it had shown signs of being active again, but so far it has been relatively quiet.

Let’s hope it stays that way.

All the others seem to be trivial: the Paolo Bediones scandal (a sex video that has cost the popular host and now bornagain Christian his career), iPhone 6, Ellen Adarna (a sexy starlet), Deniece Cornejo (involved in the mauling of actor/host Vhong Navarro), and so on and so forth.

Like I said, I’m actually glad that these are the top searches for the year because it means there were no major scandals, controversies, or calamities that hit the nation over the past 365 days. The previous year was much more eventful, as show by Yahoo Philippines top 10 searches for 2013: Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) Pork barrel scam 2013 Elections Visayas earthquake Manny Pacquiao Zamboanga crisis Spratlys Sabah standoff

MV Thomas Aquinas sinking Violent crime In a way, the 2013 list paved the way for a more peaceful 2014. Yolanda (Haiyan) was the strongest typhoon ever to make landfall, and it caused unprecedented devastation and deaths in many parts of the country, and it was that experience that prompted us to be more prepared when Ruby came this year. The pork barrel scam exploded last year and an angry people demanded that those involved in the P10-billion scam be made to answer for it, and this year we saw three powerful senators — Juan Ponce Enrile, Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., and Jinggoy Estrada — jailed for their alleged participation (along with alleged mastermind Janet LimNapoles). 2014 may be thought of as the follow-up to 2013, and we are making progress on some fronts.

Perhaps the biggest controversies in 2013 were those revolving around Vice President Jejomar Binay, but since this is a prelude to the presidential election, people are taking everything with a grain of salt because they know that those who are throwing mud at Binay are probably interested in the presidency themselves. His ratings have seen a slide in recent weeks, but it must be kept in mind that Binay is still the man to beat as of this moment.

On the bright side, 2014 was marked by some good news as the Philippines rose from the destruction wrought by Yolanda

and gave a strong overall economic performance — in fact continuing to outperform its regional neighbours. Government figures show that strong foreign direct investment (FDI), which surpassed government targets well before the end of 2014, drove economic growth, as well as remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), which rose 6.2 per cent to $12.7 billion US during the first half of the year.

Other economic drivers were the expansion in the real estate, business process outsourcing (BPO), and mining sectors.

For us in Mindanao, the biggest news was the signing of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last March. The decades-long rebellion had cost countless lives and millions of pesos in lost opportunities, and the peace deal was a ray of hope in an island region that has seen so much bloodshed. Congress is now deliberating on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will govern the new autonomous region that will replace the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), and many of us are hopeful that Mindanao will finally fulfill its tag of being the Land of Promise.

There is thus much to be hopeful for in 2015, and hopefully we can all rise above circumstances and continue to build on the gains of the past few years.

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

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Advocating for Canada’s Kababayan Migrante Manitoba The recent and tragic news of the car accident in Alberta that left three Filipino temporary foreign workers (TFWs) dead saddened my family and me. Such news, especially during the holiday season, always weighs heavily on the heart, and our thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends. This event gives cause to pause and reflect upon the thousands of temporary foreign workers who work in Canada, many of whom are Filipino.

TFW is a term particular to Canada; abroad, these workers are commonly referred to as Overseas Filipino Workers, or OFWs. Although they give their time and effort to our country, paying taxes from which they are ineligible to benefit, the treatment they receive in Canada is often worse than we know, and much worse than one should expect in Canada. A recent statement from Migrante Canada reminds Canadians that, despite being one of the top destinations for OFWs, “It is also one of the countries with the worst track record in labour and immigration policies.” To this day, Canada has yet to sign the UN convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of

their Families, which was adopted in December 1990. You can read the convention, and witness absence of Canada’s participation, online at http://goo.gl/sxqVQt. Migrante International is a global organization working towards improving the living standards of all OFWs worldwide, and is working towards changing the labour export situation currently operating in the Philippines. This past August, I had the opportunity to sit down with Diwa Marcelino, program coordinator of Manitoba’s regional chapter of Migrante Manitoba. In this and the next issue of my column, I will be discussing my conversation with Mr. Marcelino and talking about Migrante Manitoba, it’s mission, the global network of which it is a part, and the important, but often overlooked, segment of the Manitoba Filipino community – its temporary Filipino workers.

The following is an edited script from our interview. *** Jon: Can you explain to me what Migrante Manitoba is?

Diwa: Migrante Manitoba is an organization that is comprised of volunteers working towards

getting migrant workers – mostly those in the temporary worker program and the live-in caregiver program – and also immigrants in general or any type of migrants, not necessarily just Filipinos, their rights and welfare respected. We advocate for their full rights and welfare so that they can have the same rights as Canadian workers.

For instance, they should have the same protections and social safety nets, like employment insurance and worker’s compensation.

They should enjoy all the health and safety benefits that regular Canadians and permanent residents enjoy. Unfortunately, they do not. So, there’s a gap that exists; there are conditions of exploitation and problems that migrant workers face. We’re trying to help migrant workers because of this.

Jon: How long has Migrante Manitoba been working?

Diwa: Migrante Manitoba is fairly new. It kicked off in 2007 or 2008, I believe. Before that, the organization was under the name Damayan, which we still operate under. Our organization is registered with the Companies Office of Manitoba under Damayan Manitoba. Damayan is an incorporated, registered nonprofit organization that joined the Migrante Canada alliance, an umbrella organization that brings

together other organizations with similar interests in rights and welfare across Canada – Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa, for example. Migrante Manitoba is more commonly used now as a trade name or alternate name since we joined the Migrante Canada alliance.

They joined together around 2006 to create Migrante Canada.

So they joined all the disparate migrant worker advocacy groups and they joined under one banner, so we’re a little bit stronger now.

We each have our conferences every year, and meetings twice or thrice a year. So it’s fairly new on the scene. But there has been a history of organizations working to the same effect.

Jon: And Migrante Manitoba is part of Migrante Canada – which is part of a larger, global network as well?

Diwa: It is part of Migrante International, which has several country chapters all across the globe, in most places where Filipinos work – which is almost every major city. [Diwa later added that “each of these regional chapters usually have numerous organizations under each regional chapter.” – JM] Jon: How many people make up the core group of Migrante Manitoba?

Diwa: We have about 20

volunteers. There is a strong support base, people who come in to help. But our core is probably fewer than 10 people who are constantly working and who can have cases of migrant workers’ abuse or other similar concerns referred to them. But I would say we have a good 20 people, but this number expands and contracts depending on the type of activity.

Jon: You’ve discussed what Migrante Manitoba is; can you speak more to its core mandate?

Diwa: Migrante works to promote the rights and welfare of migrant workers. Our end goal is to live in a society where families do not need to break up in order to survive. Basically, we want peace. Migration is a horrific event. Even in the best of cases, people move – they get displaced, they lose their culture a little bit, they move to a different culture, they break away from family and especially when you deal within the structure of a nuclear family, when a husband has to leave his wife, or a mother has to leave her kids. It’s a traumatic experience and it affects the community.

We’ve seen that already; it affects the community at home, in the Philippines, and sometimes not for the better. Many times, not for the better, but it is necessary because of survival.

See KABABAYAN p10

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Express Entry and the MPNP The early news on “Express Entry” is that it appears to be a positive addition for immigration to Manitoba. The federal program, set to open on January 1, 2015, has a strong connection to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). In an article published recently in the Winnipeg Free Press, staff writer Carol Jenkins heralds the additional immigrant applicants to Manitoba who may benefit from the federal program. “Skills fast-track begins next year” is the title of the piece with the subtitle “500 more immigrants may come under the new federal program.”

Express Entry in review Express Entry is the new recruitment model promoted by federal Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander. The selection model intends to match the education and experience of people interested in immigrating with the qualifications needed by Canadian

employers. The federal minister said it is a “major step forward in the transformation of Canada’s immigration system into one that is fast, flexible and focused on meeting Canada’s economic and labour needs.” Applications will be collected in a pool and arranged according to a ranking system.

Potential applicants will be able to apply online once the system is up and running. There will be no deadlines or caps on the number of applicants. Anyone who is accepted into the pool could get an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Draws to invite the highest-ranking candidates will be made at regular intervals over the course of the year. It is important to note that selection is not based on a first-come-first-served basis but rather how well the applicant ranks in terms of points Comprehensive Ranking System The Express Entry – Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria have been released

to the public. It appears that users are awarded points based upon core/human capital factors, such as age, level of education, proficiency in English or French and Canadian work experience. There are also skill transferability factors that reward education, official language proficiency and postsecondary degree, Canadian work experience as well as foreign work experience. Arranged employment and provincial or territorial nomination can add further points.

The maximum number of points available is 1200.

Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program Manitoba will be able to process a portion of nominations through Express Entry. On December 5, 2014 the MPNP web announced, “the province of Manitoba has been allocated a maximum of 500 potential immigrants to endorse from a new national pool of international skilled workers who have expressed interest in immigrating to Canada.” This number is in addition to the yearly allotment of nominations negotiated for the province with the CIC. “Manitoba’s Express Entry allocation is separate from

and in addition to the allocation of 5,000 immigrants that Manitoba can nominate each year under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.” The reference on the provincial web site is linked with the Winnipeg Free Press article noted above.

The MPNP can be expected to set forth clearer instructions about how it connects with “Express Entry” in 2015. We have some early indications of how the system might work. The MPNP has contacted several applicants who submitted their applications to the overseas application stream before July 31, 2014 and advised them that they have “the potential to meet the eligibility criteria for processing through Express Entry,” but they have to complete an Educational Credential Assessment to verify if their foreign education is “valid and equal to credentials completed in Canada.”

The advantage of the selection is speed of processing. The MPNP encourages selected applicants to complete the Educational Credential Assessment because “in most cases, applications will be finalized in only six months, compared to current federal

processing times that have been increased to over 15 months.”

In conclusion, 2015 appears to be an interesting time with the introduction of the Express Entry and how it works in concert with the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class and provincial nomination programs.

It is one thing to be informed that the MPNP may be able to issue an additional 500 nominations for 2015 under Express Entry but another thing to understand how this approval process will take place. Make a habit out of checking new announcements on the MPNP website. The New Year is upon us and the immigration process continues to be both challenging and changeable both to Canada in general and Manitoba in specific terms.

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) 2270292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail. com

Prepare for success:

Fulfilling your New Years resolutions “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin As we ring in 2015, we look at the next twelve months that lie ahead with anticipation and hope. Perhaps there are significant events that lie ahead for you and your family, such as graduations, school accomplishments, career changes, weddings, births and anniversaries. Or maybe it will be more of a quiet year, with your routine not changing much.

Chances are, you have some plans for change in some part of your life for the upcoming year. According to Time.com, 10 common New Year resolutions are: • Lose weight and get fit • Quit smoking • Learn something new • Eat healthier and diet • Get out of debt and save money • Spend more time with family • Travel to new places

• Be less stressed • Volunteer • Drink less Do these sound familiar?

Have you made these promises to yourself in past years, but fell short of your goals? Forbes.com states that only eight per cent of people achieve their resolution goals for the new year. Setting goals are a great way of taking steps forward in our lives, but without concrete planning, they can seem vague and unreachable. To increase your chances of success, consider the following guidelines: 1. Keep your list short When we come up with a long list of dreams and hopes, we feel great and hopeful at the beginning.

But later, that same list can seem intimidating if we are not making strides at the rate we want to.

When we get discouraged, we are more likely to give up.

Start with a short list of three items. If you find that you’ve accomplished these goals, simply

add three more items. This method of breaking up goals into “chunks” makes them much more achievable.

2. Get specific A goal consisting of two or three words is too vague and does not give us the necessary guidelines that we need. For example, the resolution to “lose weight” is too generic. We must add more details to this goal, including timelines. We could try, “I will lose 10 pounds in two months. This will be done by waking up an hour earlier in the morning to run five kilometres on the treadmill. I will also eat a salad for lunch and dinner from Mondays to Fridays, and eliminate rice and bread from my diet.”

3. Get positive According to Time magazine, most people do not consider emotions when they make their plans. Studies show that being in a bad mood can increase the chances of procrastination, then failure. So if we consider how we can also stay positive, we will be more successful. In order to be more

positive, watch those thoughts that you tell yourself! Be grateful for what you have, and the successes that you have made, as little as they might seem. For example, “So I didn’t lose any weight this week, but maybe it’s because my body hit a plateau. I won’t take this too seriously, and will keep working toward my overall goal.”

Keep a daily journal of things you are grateful for, and nice things that happened through out the day. Make an effort to notice the good things. For example, we tend to remember the times that we were cut off on the road, or when traffic is slow. But we don’t notice the times when we make all the lights on the drive home, or when the other driver waves after we let them into our lane.

4. Reward yourself for small successes A great way to increase motivation is to reward ourselves after we make progress. In our weight loss example, we can give ourselves small treats after every week of sticking to our exercise and diet plan, such as buying a

favourite magazine, going out for coffee with a friend, or watching our favourite movie at home. This will keep us focussed and on track.

If you want to take it one step further, get a trusted friend involved. Give them $200 of your own money, and ask them to give you back $20 every week for ten weeks only if you stick to your planned exercise and diet routine.

Or else, they can keep it. Hello motivation!

5. Get a cheerleader or two Tell a couple of close friends about your goals and how you will get there. Check in with them every couple of days, whether you’ve been successful or not. They will remind you that you can succeed and tell you when they notice any differences. And knowing that you will have someone asking you regularly about how you are doing will make you feel accountable.

Better yet, you might motivate them in turn, and get them to think about their own goals in life.

6. Be flexible And lastly, if something See SUCCESS p7

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

SUCCESS...

From page 6

doesn’t seem to be working, try something else! It doesn’t mean that your goal is unreachable; you may just have to take a different road. For instance, if going to the gym is not a good fit for you, try joining a particular sport, or running outdoors. Different approaches work for different people. It’s just a matter of figuring out what works for you.

Wishing you a happy New Year and all the best in 2015!

Cheryl Dizon-Reynante is the founder of Nexus Counselling and a licensed therapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

She is a proud member of the Manitoba Filipino Business Council and a provider for the Blue Cross Employee Assistance Program. Cheryl has experience helping clients with issues such as grief, depression, relationship difficulties, parenting, aging and illness. She can be reached at (204) 297-6744 or info@ nexuscounselling.com.

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New year, new goals I am writing this in my pyjamas, at the halfway point of my holiday break. Let me start by saying that this break is much needed by both school staff and the students. The group I have this year has been patient and hard working, barely antsy about the break as it approached. Usually, the Friday before break is a time when teachers and students alike think to themselves “Yeah. It’s time to sleep in and not work for two weeks.”

My last article explained the importance of finding balance between professional obligations and your priorities, focusing on you and your relationships with loved ones. I sincerely hope that

you were able to spend quality time with loved ones this holiday season.

The beginning of a new year is a natural transition for all of us.

We think of new goals and new opportunities. Think to yourself: what is it that I want most to accomplish in this new year, and how will I get myself there? This also applies for students. I begin each new term with goal setting.

Their goals should be SMART goals (Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely).

Specific and measureable Goals need a target. “I will do better in math” is too vague of a goal. “I will learn how to multiply decimals” is a more

targeted focus. This goal is also measureable; data will tell us if this student can multiply decimals. I teach my students that data is just assessment. It is feedback to help point us where we will go next in instruction.

If a student gets two out of 10 questions correct, we take this information to find patterns in their errors. This leads us to what concepts that student is having difficulty with. A wise man once explained to me, “there is no such thing as failure, there is only feedback.” It’s amazing what this concept does for the confidence of students and their willingness to take risks in the classroom.

Achievable We cannot set children up to be unsuccessful. Let’s say a student’s goal is to “get all 4s on my report card,” but is currently working at 2s and 3s. Let that child know that that goal is not

impossible, but let’s focus on the smaller steps first to get us to that point. When they see their success and it’s measurable in smaller steps, they will not be disappointed.

Relevant and timely Have a framework for your goals, and, because they are specific, have a time limit for them. Vague goals like “I will do better in math” are lifetime goals.

“I will learn how to multiply decimals” can be a goal by the end of this term.

When SMART goals are in place, productivity and selfesteem skyrockets. Students often exceed their own expectations, only to set an entire new set of SMART goals for themselves.

This type of self-direction can be expected of all students, keeping in mind that much younger students will need more guidance. Do not underestimate,

though, the ability of kids to set and achieve their own goals and take ownership of their learning.

Parent tip What are your own SMART goals for 2015?

Remember: “I will lose weight” is not a SMART goal.

“I will lose 20 pounds by the end of spring through exercise and healthy eating habits” is a SMART goal.

Share your goals with your child! Be their role model. If they see you working on a goal and taking it seriously, they will most likely follow suit. You are, after all, their first and most important teacher.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Best of luck, and stay SMART! ☺ Judianne Jayme is a third year educator teaching sixth grade in the Winnipeg School Division.

Reflections on feng shui – mirror Do’s and Don’ts Few feng shui activators and cures hold as much interest as the common mirror. Mirrors are a terrific decorating resource and have the potential to inspire more prosperity — even double beautiful views and invite the accompanying chi that goes with them.

Yet, using mirrors in feng shui is often misunderstood. How does one use mirrors effectively?

Are there rules for using mirrors in feng shui? If you have had questions about using mirrors correctly, the following should help you understand when, where and where not to use them.

Mirror Do’s DO reflect beautiful views.

If your living room or dining room has a beautiful view of trees, blue skies, a garden or anything especially beautiful, a mirror is the perfect accessory.

By positioning opposite the view, you can double the beauty.

DO reflect dining and living areas. Dining rooms are the perfect location for mirrors.

Because the dining represents a family’s wealth, this in effect, magnifies this energy. Living rooms where families hold parties and gatherings are also good locations to hang a mirror and can double the number of people in the room for a more festive chi!

Do use mirrors to hide problems. Although not often

thought of as a disguise, mirrors can make problems areas like square pillars “disappear.” Many homes have pillars, such as in basements, or in offices that stand in the middle of the room. By mirroring all four sides, the pillar essentially disappears.

DO use mirrors to double your cash. Placing a mirror to reflect a cash register, your jewellery, or close to the front door of a shop will pull more money chi, customers and prosperity to you.

DO place mirrors where they can open up space. If you have a really small room or a long hallway, this is the perfect spot to hang a mirror. Lean a mirror against a wall to visually open up the room. Place a mirror along the wall of a hallway to slow down chi and add some interest.

Mirror Don’ts DON’T place a mirror opposite a front door. This pushes the energy right back out the door. Time and time again I see businesses that go out of business and they have a mirror opposite the front door. If you want a mirror to open up your foyer, adding a mirror is a great idea.

Just don’t put it opposite the front door.

DON’T reflect negative views.

Make sure mirrors aren’t placed where they’ll reflect a toilet door, a fireplace (above a fireplace is fine), a stovetop, or messy areas.

When you can see an ugly view in a mirror, this magnifies the energy. This is especially true of fire. A little fire keeps you warm; a lot of fire can quickly become excessive energy.

DON’T place a mirror where it will harm or send cutting energy. This is true of placing a mirror at the end of the hallway, which symbolically says, “stay away” and draws negative energy.

A mirror placed at the bottom of the stairs will cut off the feet or head; avoid placing here.

DON’T place a mirror in the bedroom where it can be over-stimulating. A mirror in the bedroom can create insomnia, especially if it reflects the bed.

If there is a problem in the marriage, a mirror can also bring in unwanted interference in the relationship. Better to be safe (and well-rested) than sorry.

DON’T use broken or pakua mirrors. Pakua mirrors are often hung with little regard, yet they send out the full force of chi toward that which they reflect. It amounts to sending a really nasty look toward your neighbour. Is it any wonder these cause problems with relationships with others?

These mirrors contain trigrams that are negative and are harmful to whoever they point toward and to the house where they hang.

Avoid them. Cracked mirrors are also very negative energy as are small mirror tiles or anything that distorts or breaks up an image.

Remove them.

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!

In feng shui, mirrors can direct the flow of chi. Mirrors can also both push and pull energy.

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 9

Transitioning from maternity leave to full-time work Expecting a baby is an exciting time for any parents as they are about to embrace one of the most rewarding transitions in their lives. It is also very normal to experience emotional ups and downs as new parents think about how many responsibilities they will have for a baby as well as for their home and work.

What do the statistics say?

According to a 2009 Statistics Canada study, nearly 90 per cent of new mothers took parental leave, averaging 48 weeks. By comparison, just 11 per cent of men outside of Quebec, which has its own paternity leave program, took an average of 2.4 weeks of paid time off. This number represent that traditionally, women take on full responsibility for caring of their children. On the other hand, there is a good reason as to why there is such a low number that represent men who take time off to take care of their children. According to Ankita Patnaik, a Ph.D. candidate at Cornell University’s Department of Economics who has studied parental leave, employers are

often caught off guard when male employees request leave to take care of their kids. She indicated, “If you choose to take leave then you face a situation where you’re sending a certain signal to your employer. That will set you off on a different, lower wage trajectory or perhaps you’ll be less likely to be promoted.” Jennifer Berdahl, a UBC Sauder School professor and expert in workplace gender issues says that social implications are worse for men, while social reactions for women taking leave are quite positive.

Speak with your boss As soon as you return from maternity leave, scheduling a quick meeting with your boss would be a great idea and probably the first thing that should happen.

Returning to work from a year of leave can be overwhelming.

Just to get your head wrapped up around things, it would be a good thing to talk about any changes that you need to be aware of. These changes could include reorganizations, new processes and new leaderships.

Prioritize at work

With meetings going over time, and your boss requiring something completed by the end of the day, it becomes more of a challenge for working moms to balance obligations to her kids and work. Let’s face it, work and family life cannot mix and there is no mom in her right mind who could realistically keep taking on a ridiculous amount of work knowing that it would impact her home life. Should this happen, it would help to be honest about how you feel about taking on a project. For example, you could respond to your boss’ request by saying, “Let me check my to-do list to make sure this is something I can commit to. Could I get back to you by the end of the day tomorrow?” Alternatively, you could also say, “Yes, I would be more than happy to help, however, I would have to put another project on hold in order for me to take on this new one. Would that be alright?” Being as specific as possible would help your boss to weigh the two tasks and decide which needs to be put on the back burner. At least this way, there would be no need to put in extra time to do work at home.

When my first child was

born almost three years ago, life, as I knew it, changed forever.

However, when my second child was born about a year ago, life changed even more. I thought having developed “mommy skills” with my first born would prepare me for my second one, but the new role that I had to take on as a mom of a toddler and an infant tested me mentally and physically beyond anything else I have ever done.

When the time came for me to return to work a couple of months ago, the transition was just as tough as the time I became a mom for the very first time. In fact, returning to work was not as easy as going back to work after a vacation. The first few days of my return were a mixture of excitement and challenge as I settled into yet another new routine. Like many women, the adjustment took a while for me as well. As a matter of fact, it continues to be an ongoing challenge for me to this day because being a stay-at-home mom for about a year, I took on the majority of the child care and household chores. So, when I returned to work, I was not only a mom, but also a working mom

with a full-time career. With more responsibilities added on to my mommy portfolio, it definitely helps to prioritize at work and to learn how to balance that with my home life.

The journey to parenthood is one of the biggest transitions in life. With good preparation and a proactive approach to the work/life balance, returning to work after maternity leave can be successfully accomplished.

Sources: http://www.moneysense.ca/ Are men who take parental leave treated worse than women? http://www.macleans.ca/ Is maternity leave a bad idea?

Michele Majul-Ibarra is a Human Resources Officer with Canada Post Corporation. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Human Resource Management. She has also earned the C.I.M. professional designation (Certified in Management) from the Canadian Institute of Management through the University of Manitoba. E-mail her at info@pilipino-express. com.

The 40-hour plus formula “I am glad that the eight-hour day had not been invented when I was a young man. If my life had been made up of eight-hour days, I do not believe I could have accomplished a great deal.”

– Thomas Edison.

I’m going to start off by bringing to light a very obvious concept that is hiding in plain sight. The truth is that the majority of people are working 40 hours a week, 9 to 5, full time. Unfortunately, practice does not make perfect, it makes permanent. There’s nothing

MANITOBA...

From page 1 product (GDP) in 2012 and 2013 was number two in the nation with only the province of Alberta faring better. For 2015, economic forecasters from the Conference Board of Canada predict Manitoba as being part of Canada’s “economic elite” posting the third best economic performance among provinces with real GDP growth of 2.5%.

“These are numbers we haven’t seen in about 50 years in Manitoba,” confirmed Narendra Budhia, director of economic and fiscal analysis of the Manitoba

wrong with working 9 to 5. I’m a strong advocate for professional development. The caveat here is centred on the, habits, thought processes and philosophies that most people develop throughout the 40-hour workweek.

An average day affords the time for employment (9 to 5 etc.), eating, exercising, entertainment, errands and rapid eye movement.

Therein lies the problem. When one delves deeper into the invention of the eight-hour day, one will discover that the day is actually divided into two halves.

On the one side is employment (9 to 5 etc.), and the other encompasses all the rest. The point is that when it comes to the eight-hour day most people’s thinking patterns are also separated in half. For the most part, the eight-hour day affords those work and play. Work time and spare time. Really, it’s A and B. Goal achieving versus tension relieving. This philosophy is comfortably numbing.

We’ve all heard it before, “All work and no play makes Jack/Jill a dull boy/girl.” It means that without time off from work, a person becomes both bored and boring. Better yet, “Thank God it’s Friday.” These adages have been embedded in the minds of the masses and they don’t make

Department of Finance. Budhia attributed the province’s healthy performance to steady gains in the agriculture, utilities and construction sectors.

Premier Selinger stated that the success of the Provincial Nominee Program is a main factor that explains our economic strength and that the majority of new immigrants who arrive in Manitoba each year are from the Philippines – 3,298 of the roughly 11,000 new arrivals in 2013.

“In 2014 we saw a record number since the 1960s –16,848 people immigrating or moving [back] to Manitoba and now the average age in the province is 37

years old. We need more young families because our population is getting older for a longer period of time.” Premier Selinger added, “we are committed to adding 5000 new immigrant families per year.”

The Premier discussed other 2014 highlights affecting multicultural communities including the opening of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the “forced” transfer of [new immigrant] Settlement Services responsibility to the federal government and plans towards the building of culturally sensitive personal care homes and drop-in centres for seniors.

room for excellence. Without question, this sets the stage for status-quo living. Thus, the 40hour plus formula is an idea worth spreading. The 40-hour plus formula states that every hour spent on self development outside of the 40-hour workweek moves individuals toward maximizing their success potential.

That’s why time is money.

We spend our time, so spend it wisely. How can one advance personally and professionally if there’s no continuing education or self-improvement outside

of one’s full-time career? Is it even possible to achieve an ideal lifestyle design when subscribed to the 40-years-40-hours-40k retirement plan? That answer used to be “Yes.” These days it’s an alarming “No!” Business, Success & Money message: Time waits for no one! The 40-hour workweek is to surviving as the 40-hour plus formula is to thriving!

Valen Vergara, Award Winning Social Entrepreneur, Author, Cast Member In The Movie Game Changer, Speaker & B2C Marketer.

PAGE 10

PILIPINO EXPRESS

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

Mele Kalikimaka – spreading Christmas cheer Hawaiian style The Fourth Annual Christmas Party of the FMC-APEGM held on December 20th at the Canton Food Gallery brought Hawaii’s aloha spirit to Winnipeg.

Guests came dressed in their best Hawaiian attire; and each member was welcomed with a single-colour lei representing an engineering discipline.

The incredible showmanship, infectious humour and great energy by Edwin Yazon and Nancy Santoyo as hosts, kept the party alive and going.

Annually, the announcement

and presentation of the chapter’s newly registered Engineers-InTraining (EITs) and Professional Engineers (P.Engs) with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba (APEGM) is one of the event’s highlights. This is to recognize their achievement and to provide inspiration to student members and lay associates.

The chapter also granted its first Ako ang Susunod na Pinoy Inhinyero bursary award to two deserving student members –

Robin Allan Banaag and Roy San Buenaventura who are both pursuing academic credentials recognition in Civil Engineering.

It is the chapter’s goal to continually provide financial assistance to student members through fundraising and support of its sponsors.

Great food, raffle draws, awarding of the best Hawaiian attire, games and networking infused with the Hawaiian theme made this event a hit with everyone.

Joules Masalunga, a newcomer and first-time attendee remarked, “Everyone I met was very accommodating, including the chapter president. They are

very willing to help in case I decide to pursue my academic requirements. I observed the spirit of unity, meeting and serving others while having fun.”

This was is one of the many positive examples of feedback that will further inspire the chapter to provide better services to Pinoy inhinyeros in the coming year.

The Executive Committee of the FMC-APEGM would like to thank the following bursary fund sponsors for their generosity and support: Canton Food Gallery, Cairo Engineering, Ltd., Mance Financial Services, Mr. and Mrs. Arnel and Elena Oberez, P.Eng, Edwin Yazon Financial Services,

Steinbach Prints Unlimited, Jocri Windows and Doors, Jim Gauthier, Jackie de Quiroz (Realtor), Nestor de Quiroz (Mortgage Consultant), Blue Lake Construction Corp. and Genesis Tuazon (Pinnacle Wealth Brokers).

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.

The Filipino Members Chapter – APEGM

FLU...

From page 1 750 emergency room visits a day.

Generally, only 10 to 12 per cent of the visits to an emergency room are admitted to hospital, but over the last few days the admission rate has increased the to more than 20 per cent.

“Over the last several days, demand on the health system has increased significantly,” said Ms Lori Lamont, Vice-President and Chief Nursing Officer at the WRHA. “We want to assure Winnipeggers and Manitobans those with serious injuries and

KABABAYAN...

From page 5 So we want to try to find ways where the Philippines can address the root problems that cause migration: high unemployment, the lack of basic industries in the Philippines causes migration. We want to make sure that there are reforms to the government so that they institute pro-Philippines, pro-people laws and regulations that help Filipinos find work at home instead of having to work abroad. We believe in a holistic

illnesses will continue to be seen quickly across Winnipeg’s six emergency departments. Those with minor or less severe injuries or illnesses can expect longer waits in emergency rooms as we look after an increasing number of very ill people requiring admission to hospital.”

The WRHA outlined the following steps taken to address the increase in emergency room visits and hospital admissions: • Adding medical staff to assist with increased hospital admissions; • Repatriating patients from outside Winnipeg back to their

referring health regions as soon as it is safely possible; • Temporarily transferring patients waiting in hospital for the personal care home of their choice to the first available personal care home bed that matches patients’ ongoing care needs; • Increasing homecare resources to facilitate discharge for those patients waiting in hospital or an emergency room for homebased supports; and • Increasing the hours Winnipeg’s two QuickCare Clinics are open.

Ms Lamont noted for nonemergent situations there are

primary care alternatives the public can consider other than emergency rooms including: • Family doctor’s office • QuickCare Clinics • The PanAm Clinic • Walk-in Clinics • Misericordia Urgent Care Centre • Mental Health Crisis Response Centre The public can visit www. myrightcare.ca to find the closest medical clinic available to them and the hours various medical clinics are open across Winnipeg.

“As always, if anyone feels their health situation is an

emergency, please don’t hesitate to go to the nearest emergency department,” said Ms Lamont.

Based on the most available flu surveillance data, influenza activity within the Winnipeg health region has increased significantly.

The WRHA listed these steps to protect against the flu or prevent it from spreading to others: • Wash your hands frequently; • Keep your hands away from your face; • Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand; • If you get sick, stay home; and • Get a flu shot.

approach that is grounded both in Manitoba, and Canada, as well as the Philippines. We base a lot of our advocacy on that premise. We want to make sure that Filipinos themselves are aware of why they are here, not individually – you don’t come here for individual reasons only, but because of macro-events, macro-legislation that affect the whole nation, and that is what we are trying to fix. We support our political party, the Migrante sectoral party in the Philippines, which ran for Congress. They are

asking for these reforms that try to promote ideas such as national industrialization, jobs on the home front, in the Philippines, and basically human rights and welfare for our overseas workers. *** This is just a brief introduction to Migrante Manitoba. Next month, we will talk more about how Migrante Manitoba performs its mandate, how it helps workers, and how others can become involved with the organization.

The issue of TFWs, and Canada’s ever-shifting policy towards

them, is a serious issue; people like Diwa and those who help make Migrante Manitoba – and all other similar advocacy groups – perform a vital role in Canada’s participatory democracy, standing up for those who work and contribute to Canada but are often left voiceless.

I would like to thank Frances Claudio for her skilful transcription of this interview, and for Diwa Marcelino for taking time from his schedule to speak to me, and the Pilipino Express, about Migrante Manitoba.

Jon Malek is a PhD candidate in History at Western University, and is a member of the Migration and Ethnic Relations program.

Jon’s research endeavours to document the history of the Winnipeg Filipino community through archival research and interviews. Jon is happy to hear from community members interested in sharing their experiences of life in Winnipeg.

He can be contacted at jmalek7@ uwo.ca and information on the project can be found at www. pearloftheprairies.ca.

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

PAGE 12

PILIPINO EXPRESS

Tapos na ang Pasko. Harinawa sanang maging mas mabait at masuwerte ang ating 2015 kaysa sa nakaraang taon.

At sana’y tapos na rin ang nakayayamot na trapik kahit saan, lalo na sa EDSA, na nakatulog ka na’t nagising ay nasa gitna ka pa rin ng giyera sa pagbubuhul-buhol ng mga sasakyan na kung saansaan nagsipanggaling ay tanging kalsada lang ang nakakaalam.

Ang mga malls daw sa EDSA ang dahilan.

Markado at makabuluhan ang opinyong ipinadala sa amin ni SOS, ang kaniyang sabi, “Ang sabi po sa news, eh, overmalled daw sa EDSA kaya matrapik.

Kalokohan po iyon! Ang isa po sa mga dahilan nang matinding trapik, eh, dahil nagkakatusak na ang sasakyan ngayon.

“Napakaraming nabibigyan ng car loan, sa bank na lang po kung saan ako nagwo-work, eh, ang dami-daming inire-release na car loans everyday. Sa bank pa lang po namin iyon, ha?

“Eh, ang dami-daming banks sa Pilipinas, di ba? Paano pa iyong mga bumibili ng sasakyan nang cash, kaya kalokohan ang sinasabi nila na matrapik lang dahil sa Christmas rush.

“Ang totoo, kaya po ganiyan na katindi ang trapik, eh, dahil sa napakarami na talagang private cars ngayon sa lansangan!

Napakadali kasing makakuha ng car loan!” may katwirang punto ni SOS. *** Ito na nga siguro ang pinakamaligayang Pasko ni Sarah Geronimo. Puwedeng nagmahal na rin noon ang sikat at magaling na singer-actress pero iba ang hatid na kaligayahan sa kaniya ng lantad nilang relasyon ni Matteo Guidicelli.

Ngayon lang pinayagan si Sarah ng kaniyang mga magulang na makipagrelasyon na alam ng publiko. Nakadadalaw nang malaya sa kanila ang binatang actor – kahit pa sabihin na kapag See CRISTY p15

Marian Rivera & Dingdong Dantes

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

• Bagong Taon – Sana’y masuwerte ang 2015 para sa ating lahat!

• Sarah Geronimo – OK na sa magulang ang relasyon kay Matteo • Robin Padilla – Makabuluhang pelikula ang lahok sa MMFF • Derek Ramsay – Tuwang-tuwa sa Best Actor award sa MMFF • Marian at Dingdong – Ikinasal na!

• Daniel Padilla – Pinagpapala dahil sa pagmamahal sa pamilya • Charice – Wala raw sa bokabularyo niya ang pagpapakasal • Kris Aquino – Sagad sa trabaho kaya bumibigay ang katawan • Pauleen at Bossing Vic – Ayaw tantanan ng bashers ang relasyon • Philip Salvador – Kahit sa totoong buhay ay “action star” din • Sharon Cuneta – Sana ay maka-move on na si Mega • Nakaraang Pasko – Ako’y nagbalik-tanaw sa masayang nakaraan

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JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

PILIPINO EXPRESS

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

• Mary Jane Lastimosa – Handa na sa Miss Universe pageant 2015 • KC at Paulo – “Love” ang handog sa fans sa Bagong Taon • Hot showbiz stories ng 2014 Handang-handa na ang pambato ng Pilipinas na si Mary Jane Lastimosa na lumaban sa 63rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant na gaganapin sa Doral City sa Miami, Florida ngayong January 25, 2015.

Walang pageant na naganap noong 2014 kaya bale ang reigning queen na si Gabriela Isler ng Venezuela ang may pinakamahabang term bilang Miss Universe.

Mahigit 88 kalahok mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo ang magtutunggali sa prestigious beauty contest na ito.

Samantala, ayon kay Bob Arum, isa sa magiging hurado ng Miss Universe ang Pambansang Kamao na si Congressman Manny Pacquiao. Pagkatapos ng matagumpay na laban ng boxing champ kay Chris Algieri noong nakaraang taon, at habang inaabangan pa ng marami kung

matutuloy na ang pakikipaglaban nito kay Floyd Mayweather ay pagiging judge muna ng beauty pageant ang haharapin nito ngayong early 2015.

Inaasahan ng mga supporters ni MJ na susundan nito ang mga yapak ng former beauty queens na nagkaroon ng place sa nasabing paligsahan.

Mula noong 2010 ay kabilang ang Pilipinas sa top five. Si Venus Raj ay fourth runner up noong 2010. Si Shamcey

Mary Jane Lastimosa

Paolo Avelino, Miguel Vergara & KC Concepcion

Supsup ay naging third runner up noong 2011. Muntik nang masungkit ng Pilipinas ang title noong 2012 dahil kay Janine Togonon na naging first runner up samantalang si Ariella Arida naman ay naging third runner up noong 2013.

Last year ay hindi pinalad

ang karamihan sa ating mga beuty queens na ma-achive ang goal na makuha ang mga korona sa kanilang sinalihang beauty contests.

Si Valerie Weigmann ay hindi man lang pumasok sa top ten noong nakaraang Miss World See SHOWBIZ p15

The

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JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

SHOWBIZ...

From page 14 contest. Si Mary Anne Bianca Guidotti ay hindi rin pumasok sa final ten ng Miss International.

Buti na lang at si Kris Tiffany Janson ay naging second runner up sa Miss Intercontinental at si Jamie Herrell ng Philippines ang tinanghal na Miss Earth 2014.

Humihingi ng suporta at dasal si MJ para sa haharaping laban sa Miss Universe pageant ngayong taon. *** Kung nasiyahan kayo sa napanood ninyong hit Kapamilya Christmas TV special na Give Love on Christmas – mayroon pang isa! Sa ikatlo at huling kuwento nito na pinamagatang Exchange Gift ay bibida ang award-winning actors na sina KC Concepcion at Paulo Avelino.

Sa Give Love on Christmas Presents Exchange Gift na mapapanood na sa Enero 5 (Lunes) ay bibigyang-buhay nina KC at Paulo ang mga karakter nina Anna at Christian, ang mag-asawang paghihiwalayin ng hindi pagkakaunawaan at iba’t ibang pagsubok. Ngunit sa kabila ng kanilang mga problema, mapipilitan ang dalawa na magpanggap na maging masaya para sa kapakanan ng kanilang kaisa-isang anak.

Tampok din sa Give Love on Christmas Presents Exchange Gift sina Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco, Miguel Vergara, Cheska Iñigo, Lauren Burgos, at Jim Paredes. Ito ay sa ilalim ng direksyon ni Manny Palo. *** Ang isa sa mga kuwentong gumawa ng ingay noong nakaraang taon ay ang ice bucket challenge ng mga pinoy celebrities sa pangunguna ni Kris Aquino bilang pagsuporta ng ALS campaign. Nakalikom ng malaking halaga ang ALS dahil sa ginawang ito ng mga bigating artista sa buong mundo.

Nakulong sina Sen. Bong Revilla at Sen. Jinggoy Estrada dahil sa pagkakasangkot sa pork barrel scam.

Pinagpiyestahan din ang short love romance ni Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista at Kris Aquino.

Ang pagkakabugbog-sarado sa Showtime host na si Bong Navarro ay lumikha rin ng malaking kontrobersya noong 2014. Inakusahan ni Deniece Cornejo na nirape siya ng comedian/aktor at dahil doon ay nabugbog si Bong ng grupo ng businessman na si Cedric Lee. Tinanghal na The Voice Kids Champion ang 10 years old na

PILIPINO EXPRESS

si Lyca Gairanod. Namumulot lamang ng basura ang batang ito sa Payatas na tinaguriang little superstar ng mga coaches ng nasabing talent search.

Sumakabilang buhay ang aktor na si Mark Gil dahil sa sakit na cancer. Marami ang nagulat sa biglang pagpanaw ng magaling na aktor.

Nakulong si Billy Crawford nang magwala ito sa presinto nang ma-detain doon. Humingi rin naman ng dispensa ang singer pagkatapos ng insidenteng ito.

Nagkaroon muli ng boyfriend ang Comedy Queen na si Ai ai delas Alas sa katauhan ng 20 year-old na si Gerald Sibayan. Pagkatapos ng biglaang pakikipaghiwalay nito sa asawang si Jed Salang ay muling ginulat ng aktres ang showbiz sa balitang ito.

Kahit ang nanay ng Pambansang Kamao na si Manny Pacquiao ay gumawa rin ng ingay ng aminin na may kasintahan na ito. Pinag-usapan ang lovelife ni Mommy Dionisia nang sabihing mayroon na itong boyfriend sa katauhan ni Michael Yamson. Malaki rin ang agwat ng edad ng dalawa kaya marami ang nagtataka sa balitang ito.

Nagsilang ng kaniyang unang baby ang aktres na si Ara Mina sa live-in boyfried nito na si Mayor Patrick Meneses ng Bulacan.

Umamin na rin ang kaniyang kapatid na si Cristine Reyes na buntis ito sa boyfriend niyang si Ali Khatibi.

Pinag-usapan din ang wedding proposal ni Sen. Chiz Escudero kay Heart Evangelista. Nagpropose na rin si John Pratts kay Isabel Oli at ang wedding of the year nina Dingdong Dantes at Marian Rivera.

CRISTY...

From page 12 nandoon sa kanilang bahay si Matteo ay nagpaparamdam si Mommy Divine na gabing-gabi na at kailangan nang magpahinga ang kaniyang dalaga.

Ang isang tulad ni Sarah na dakilang anak at kapatid ay kailangang pinepremyuhan ng kaligayahan. Hindi birong pumasan ng isang pamilya. Hindi madaling obligasyon ang iahon ang kaniyang mga magulang at kapatid sa kakapusan, hindi makasarili ang iniidolong actresssinger na ito.

Dahil sa kaniyang kasipagan at propesyonalismo ay naibigay na ni Sarah ang lahat ng kaginhawahan sa kaniyang pamilya. Sa London pa nag-aaral ang tinutustusan niyang kapatid.

Marami na ring negosyo ngayon

ang kaniyang ama at ina. *** Pinakyaw ng pelikulang pinagbibidahan ni Robin Padilla ang mga parangal ng MMFF. Hindi man siya ang tinanghal na pinakamahusay na aktor, para sa isang tulad niya na naglakasloob na magprodyus ng isang proyektong markado, ang mga tinanggap na awards ni Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo sa labanan ay sapat na para magpaligaya sa kaniya.

At nagpakatotoo si Robin sa kaniyang acceptance speech nang tanggapin niya ang parangal para sa pelikula, “Nakaka-ten million pa lang po kami.” Makabawi man sa kanilang puhunan o hindi ay panalung-panalo pa rin si Robin.

Kasali na siya ngayon sa listahan ng mga personalidad na nakagawa ng makabuluhang pelikula. Hindi lahat ng artista ay nabibigyan ng ganoong pagkakataong magbida sa isang proyektong markado, habambuhay na maipagmamalaki ni Robin ang kaniyang obra.

Nakapuntos si Robin Padilla sa pelikulang ito, sabi nga ni Professor Danton Remoto, ang pelikula ni Robin ay hindi lang pang-MMFF dahil puwede ring ipalabas iyon sa mga eskuwelahan bilang bahagi ng ating kasaysayan. *** Ni katiting na pag-asa ay walang-wala sa isip ni Derek Ramsay na siya ang mananalong best actor ng MMFF. Kahit minsan lang ay hindi pumasok sa kaniyang isip na siya ang tatanghaling pinakamagaling na aktor ng taunang pestibal.

Ito ang unang major award na tinanggap ni Derek. Humabol ang parangal na ito sa pagtatapos ng 2014 na ayon sa marami ay hindi niya taon dahil sa mga problemang nakaengkuwentro niya, kaya ganoon na lang ang kaniyang kaligayahan.

Pero maraming kaibigan namin ang nakapanood ng English Only, Please ang nagkuwento sa amin na feel-good ang kanilang romantic-comedy. Ang gagaling daw nina Derek at Jennylyn Mercado, wish din ng mga ito na sila ang manalo na nangyari naman. *** Dumating na ang dakilang araw para sa relasyon nina Dingdong Dantes at Marian Rivera.

Marespeto ang ipinadala nilang imbitasyon. Alam mong sina Dingdong at Marian ang pumili ng kulay, ng disenyo at ng kabuuang pakete ng paanyaya sa kanilang pag-iisang dibdib ngayong hapon.

Sa paloob na pabalat ng

PAGE 15

imbistasyon ay nakasulat, “This is a story of a girl born ni Madrid and a boy who hails from Manila.”

Dalawang taong-gulang si Marian nang maghiwalay ang kaniyang mga magulang. Purong Espanyol ang kaniyang amang si Francisco Javier Gracia at tubong-Cavite naman ang kaniyang inang si Amalia delos Santos.

Lumaki at nagkaisip si Marian sa pagkandili ng kaniyang lola sa ina. Ito na ang tumayo niyang magulang, kaya naman sa bawat pagsasalita ng aktres ay napakaespesyal ng pagbanggit niya sa kadakilaan ng kaniyang lola.

Aminado sina Dingdong at Marian na regalo sila ng Diyos sa bawat isa. Lumalim ang kanilang relasyon noong panahong kaliwa’t kanan ang mga negatibong pagpunang ibinabato laban kay Marian. Si Dingdong ang kaniyang naging sumbungan.

Ang unang ibinato noon sa dalaga ay ang kahinaan niya sa pagsasalita ng Ingles. Isang napakababaw na pamimintas kung tutuusin dahil Pilipino si Marian, may dugo lang siyang banyaga, pero lumaki siya at nagkaisip sa Pilipinas.

Tama at wasto ang kaniyang katwiran na porke ba hindi marunong magsalita ng Ingles ang isang tao ay masama na siya?

Porke ba mahinang mag-Ingles ang tao ay masama na siyang anak, apo at kaibigan?

“Mas gugustuhin ko nang maging mahina sa English kaysa naman sa magaling nga ako, pero hindi naman ako mabuting anak at kinakalimutan ko ang mga kaibigan ko. Okey na sa akin iyon! Ang mahalaga, eh, kung sino ako bilang tao,” may paninindigang diin ni Marian.

Maligayang bati sa mga bagong kasal! *** Kapag binabalikan ni Karla Estrada ang nakaraan nilang buhay na mag-iina ay parang nananaginip pa rin siya hanggang ngayon sa napakalaking pagbabago ng estado ng kanilang kabuhayan dahil sa kaniyang panganay na si Daniel Padilla.

Komedyana si Karla. Nakatira lang daw sila dati sa ilalim ng tulay. Pero nang sumikat ang kaniyang si DJ ay nakatira na sila sa isang malaking bahay.

Napakabilis ng mga pangyayari. Sumikat si Daniel at biniyayaan ng mga shows na milyon ang halaga ng talent fee. Ang unang proyektong pinagdesisyunan ng mag-ina ay ang makapagpatayo sila ng sariling bahay.

Maraming salamat dahil nagkaroon si Daniel ng nanay na hindi bulagsak sa pera, hindi mapagsamantala. Bawat sentimong kinikita ng pinakasikat na heartthrob ngayon ay napupunta sa mga makabuluhang dahilan.

Pero hindi niya pinagdadamutan si Daniel.

Sasakyan ang hilig ng batang aktor, pero hindi bilang panggranatsa kundi kumportableng sasakyan para sa kaniyang taping at shooting at malalayong biyahe.

Sabi ni Karla, “Alam ni DJ kung saan-saan napupunta ang kinikita niya. I want him to know and feel na napakalaki ng tulong na ibinibigay niya sa amin ng mga kapatid niya. Kapag sinasabi ko iyon, magko-comedy lang siya para siguro maiwasan niyang mapaluha, ‘Para sa iyo ‘yan, donya.’

“Tinatanong ko siyang madalas, ‘Mayroon ka bang gustong bilhin?’ Siya siyempre ang nagtatrabaho, kaya dapat lang niyang bigyan ng premyo ang sarili niya.

“Pero wala raw, unahin ko na raw muna ang mga needs ng family namin, saka na lang daw siya. May bagong phone lang siya, napakasaya na niya. Mababaw ang kaligayahan ng anak ko,” nagmamalaking kuwento pa ni Karla Estrada.

Harinawang magpatuloy ang magandang takbo ng career ni Daniel Padilla sa darating na 2015. Ang anak na malingap sa kaniyang magulang ay laging pinagpapala. Tulad ni Daniel Padilla. *** Dahil sa sinabi ni Charice See CRISTY p18

PAGE 16

OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

A geography of faith – pilgrimage to the Holy Land

By Regina Ramos-Urbano A pilgrimage is not a journey one does lightly, but is done on faith, with intention and purpose.

So it was that in early November, a group of 23 pilgrims from Canada set out for Israel and the Holy Land. Linda Ramos organized the trip with Fr. Rainerio Sarce of St. Edward’s Parish as the spiritual leader.

As a pilgrim on this journey, I was struck by the contrasts and contradictions of Israel. Ancient buildings and modern office towers can be found side by side.

Churches and synagogues are only steps away from tourist shops and souvenirs. While we followed the tradition of the Via Dolorosa (The Way of the Cross), the residents went about their marketing, oblivious to our prayers and intentions, focussed solely on their own intentions and the business of their everyday lives.

And amidst all of this, opportunities for prayer and contemplation were all around.

We were filled with wonder and strong emotions as we followed in the footsteps of Jesus. We visited the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Fr. Sarce was overwhelmed as he said his first mass in the Holy Land on the Mount of Beatitudes.

“I never thought I would ever in my life celebrate Mass where Jesus fed the multitudes,” he said.

For nine days, Fr. Sarce shepherded the group from Jaffa to Jericho, from Capernaum to Jerusalem, the Masada and Ceaesarea, making sure no one strayed, and always doing a head count so that no one was left behind. We swam, fished and danced in the Sea of Galilee, were refreshed in the waters of the River Jordan and were renewed while floating in the salt saturated Dead Sea. “Come and see – go and tell,” was the catch phrase of our tour guide Bishaza. We came to see the places of our faith, to experience in a small way, the life of Jesus, and to take the time to pray and reflect with gratitude on all our blessings.

“The places of pilgrimage have marked a kind of geography of faith in our country, that is, they make visible, almost tangible, how our forefathers encountered the living God... Yes, HE is there, and HE is still there today.” ― Pope Benedict XVI, Co-Workers of the Truth: Meditations for Every Day of the Year

Church of the Nativity. Front Row (l-r): Regina Ramos-Urbano, Amy Bobiles, Florinda Cielos , Lenny Legaspi, Marilou Reyes, Chita Visda, Millie and Benigno Gonzaga. Back Row (l-r): Bishaza Smeir, Josie Bonifacio, Cristita Santiago, Josefina Rana, Sonia Velasquez, Leonor Gatdula, Terry and Susan Wagner, Linda Ramos, Edna Layco, Jovita Nault, Nonoy and Emy Facto, Molet Mejos, Fr. Rainerio Sarce, Juanita Gutierrez. Photo by Nadir Abu-Dayyeh

Via Dolorosa – Photo by Nonoy Facto

Via Dolorosa – Photo by Nonoy Facto

Floating in the Dead Sea. Photo by Nonoy Facto A mosaic donated by the Philippines depicting Our Lady, at the Basilica of the Annunciation.

Photo by Regina Ramos-Urbano

Young olive tree planted by Pope Paul VI in 1964.

Garden of Gethsemane with olive trees from the Lighting candles at the 12th time of Jesus. Photos by Regina Ramos-Urbano Station – Jesus Crucified.

Our fearless leader, Father Sarce. Photo by Terry Wagner

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 17

Passion meets fashion:

Business, runways and charitable causes

By Judianne Jayme The viral sensations behind Young Entrepreneur Society International (YES Int’l) have struck again. Co-founders Gavin Cornelius and Valen Vergara, along with Vice President of Product Development and the evening`s host, Reno Johnston, have put on their fourth YES Int’l event since the summer, bringing their 2014 social event calendar to a close with a bang.

Styl’d 4 Success brought together two distinct worlds: that of entrepreneurs and the runways of the fashion world.

A quick glance to the Young Entrepreneur Society International Facebook group page leads to an extensive list of 600+ members of “young futuristic entrepreneurs looking to grow their business, profit and income.”

This organization has created quite the following, evident in how quickly their spacious venue filled up. Guests were treated to complimentary headshots by one of Winnipeg’s most sought-after photographers AJ Batac and his team. Focus Line Productions, courtesy of Manny Diolazo, set up their video gear to not miss a single beat of the event. Pixels and Giggles, owned by the Manitoba

Filipino Business Council’s young entrepreneur of the year, Rico Francisco, set up their photo booth, providing instant bookmark-style printouts for guests to take home.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and champagne also made the rounds to all guests.

Opera Ultralounge became the place to be that night where the “business savvy and the style hungry meet to play.” The evening featured performances from M. Funk Dance and opera singer Tammy Schroeder. The highlight of the event was the fashion show itself, featuring local boutiques Style Bar, Luxe and Charm, Aldo Formal Wear, Mad About Style, and NW Fashions. Models gracefully made their way down the dance floor, showcasing the varying styles from these local designers. The models featured lashes by Lasholicious’s Mary Gomez with hair and makeup by Cherry Vicente and the team behind Cherry Vicente Beauty Studio. David Horton’s Interfusion Media featured a laser display that complimented the chic, trendy, and forward-moving aura of the room. Three adjectives to sum up the event: successful, classy and glamorous.

All glitz and glamour aside, the most rewarding aspect of

this event is the fact that it has a purpose to make a difference in the world we live in, and for future generations. This event was the launching of The Worldwide Expedition of Peace and Truth Project (WEPT Project), the nonprofit division of YES Int’l. More information about this cause can be found on Facebook and on http://www.theweptproject.com Not only do these masterminds know how to throw down an ontrend event (evident from their rooftop sessions prior to this fashion show), they also know how to see the bigger picture.

Events are only truly successful when it benefits more than just those in the room – and YES Int’l has done just that by launching a charitable organization with a global reach.

Ready to make your local and global difference?

Like the Young Entrepreneur Society International page on Facebook or bookmark their website (http://www. yesinternational.ca/) to keep up to date with future events.

Gavin, Valen and Reno do not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. You’re either with them, or watching them! Join the momentum and say “yes” to success!

Onsite interview with PegTalk radio.

YES official Hair and Makeup Artist Cherry Vicente (centre) of Cherry Vicente Beauty Studio

YES co-founders Valen Vergara and Gavin Cornelius with Manitoba Filipino Street Festival 2014 Queen Julienne Reyes

YES VP of Product Development and the evening’s emcee L-r: Issi Bartolome, Valen Vergara, Rhia Alcantara, Helen Jayme, Judianne Reno Johnston of It Jayme, Rodge Lopez and Manny Diolazo. Photos by AJ Batac Just Got Reno.

YES official Lash Artist Mary Gomez of Lasholicious

L-r: John Lalota, Klein Dagohoy, Sam Raymundo, Adrian Reyes, Milee Xiu, Valen Vergara, Rhia Alcantara and Kamil Kozikowski.

AIM Christmas party

Officers and members of the Association of Ilocanos in Manitoba (AIM)

PAGE 18

EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS

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

“ME nakuha na pong ibang printing ang school.”

“Ha?” “Opo.” “Akala ko, kami pa rin ang gagawa ng mga trabaho n’yo.”

“Me iba na po.”

“Kelan pa me nakuha ang school?”

“Last month pa po.”

“Ha! Anong imprenta ‘yon?”

“Hindi ko po alam. Basta ang bilin po sa akin ni Sir Dan, pag tumawag kayo e sabihin ko sa inyong me iba nang nakuha ang school.”

“Puwede bang makausap si Sir Dan?” “Nasa labas po. Saka, pareho rin po ang isasagot n’ya sa inyo.

Ibinilin n’ya po sa akin ‘yon.”

“Sigurado ka ba talagang me iba nang mag-iimprenta ng mga ipinagagawa ninyo?”

“Opo. Iyon po ang sabi ni Sir Dan.” “Bakit daw naman kumuha kayo ng ibang imprenta?”

“Hindi ko po alam. Basta po ang bilin ni Sir Dan e sabihin sa inyo na me iba nang nakuha ang school.”

“Anong oras ba ang balik ni Sir Dan sa office?”

“Hindi ko po sigurado. Saka nagbilin na nga po sa akin ng sasabihin sa inyo.”

“Sige, salamat.”

“Salamat din po.”

“BAKIT?” tanong sa kaniya ni Cora. Kanina, habang nakikipagusap si Edmon sa landline ay pasulyap-sulyap na sa kaniya ang misis niya habang nakaharap ito sa computer. Nauulinigan nito ang pinag-uusapan nila ng secretary ng school administrator.

Nasa kanilang opisina silang mag-asawa.

“Hindi na raw sa atin magpapaimprenta ang Excellence School,” sagot niya.

“Ha! Bakit daw?”

“Hindi sinabi ni Dory.”

“Sabagay, malamang ngang

CRISTY...

From page 15 Pempengco na wala sa kaniyang bokabularyo ang pagpapakasal ay may mga hindi nakaintindi sa kaniya. Pinariringgan daw ba niya ang kaniyang kapuwa tibo na si Aiza Seguerra?

Marami agad ang nagkomento na kung ayaw raw niyang sundan ang yapak ni Aiza na nagpakasal sa Amerika sa karelasyon nitong si Liza Diño ay manahimik na lang sana siya.

Pero katwiran naman ni Charice ay tinatanong lang siya,

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

hindi alam ni Dory iyon.”

“Hindi ko naman nakausap si Sir Dan. Wala raw sa office.

Hindi pa naman nagbibigay ng cell number ‘yon.”

“Puwedeng ayaw na ring makipag-usap sa ‘yo niyon.”

“Oo nga, e. Kaya si Dory na lang ang kumausap sa akin.”

Nahalata rin niya iyon kanina sa mga sagot sa kaniya ng secretary.

Wala nang sinabi si Cora.

Ipinagpatuloy nito ang ginagawa.

Alam niya, nalungkot din ito.

Bakit nga hindi? Tumutubo sila ng humigit-kumulang tatlong daang libong piso bawat school year mula sa mga ipinaiimprenta sa kanila ng paaralang iyon. May iba pa silang mga kliyente pero nanghihinayang talaga siya sa nawala sa kanila.

Saan kaya siya nagkulang? naitanong ni Edmon sa sarili.

Tinitiyak naman niyang naaayon sa specifications at mataas ang kalidad ng mga trabaho nila.

O baka naman nasulot lamang talaga sila, naisaloob niya.

Nitong nakaraang ilang araw, naiinip na siya dahil hindi pa tumatawag sa kaniya ang paaralan. Dati, Disyembre pa lamang, hinihingan na siya ng paaralan ng quotation para sa mga ipaiimprenta nito na gagamitin sa school year na magbubukas sa Hunyo, tulad ng iba’t ibang notebook, student diary, student handbook at student handout.

Inisip niya noong nakaraang buwan na hindi lamang siya natawagan ng paaralan dahil maraming araw na walang pasok sa mga paaralan at opisina kaugnay sa pagdiriwang ng Pasko at Bagong Taon. Pero nagsimula na uli ang pasok sa mga paaralan at opisina ngayong Enero ay wala pa rin siyang natatanggap na tawag mula sa paaralan. Kaya tinawagan na niya ang paaralan.

Iyon pala, may kausap na itong ibang imprenta.

“HUWAG mo nang masyadong isipin ‘yon,” sabi ni Cora, na lumapit pa sa mesa niya.

“Nanghihinayang lang ako.”

“Nanghihinayang din ako.

Kaya lang, nawala na. Maghanap

na lang tayo ng iba.”

“Hindi ka nalulungkot?”

“Nalulungkot. Pero hindi naman puwedeng malungkot na lang tayo nang malungkot.”

“Oo nga.”

“Kaya nga, huwag mo nang masyadong isipin ‘yon. Hahanap tayo ng iba.”

“Sige.”

Alam ni Edmon, naaawa sa kaniya ang misis niya. Nakikita nitong nalulungkot siya kaya pinalalakas nito ang kaniyang loob.

Magkatulong sila ni Cora sa pagpapatakbo ng kanilang printing business.

Mahusay ang misis niya sa computer. Ito ang gumagawa ng encoding at layout kapag hindi pa naka-layout ang ipinaiimprenta sa kanila. Kapag naka-layout na, binubuksan na lamang nito ang file.

Siya ang nagkukuwenta ng quotation bagama’t ang misis niya ang nag-e-encode nito. Siya ang nakikipag-deal sa mga kliyente.

Siya ang sumusubaybay sa mga trabahador nila. Siya ang nagdedeliver. Gayunman, gumagawa rin si Cora ng quotation kapag may walk-in customer at wala siya sa opisina nila. Sumasama rin kung minsan sa kaniya ang misis niya sa pakikipag-usap sa kliyente, lalo’t may kailangang ipaliwanag tungkol sa layout.

Kapag nasa labas siya, ito ang sumusubaybay sa mga trabahador nila.

Katulad sa ibang negosyo, nagkakaroon ng problema sa printing. Laging sumusuporta sa kaniya si Cora. Halimbawa’y naghahabol na sila sa due date, tinutulungan siya nito sa

scheduling at pagsubaybay sa mga trabahador nila. Pinalalakas nito ang loob niya kapag hindi nila nakuha ang isang kliyente o nakawala pa sa kanila ang kliyente.

Kapag ang misis niya ang nagkamali o nagkulang, halimbawa’y sa layout, inaaliw naman niya ito.

Sa buong panahon ng pagtutuwang nila sa pagtataguyod sa kanilang pamilya at pagtutulungan sa pagpapatakbo ng kanilang negosyo, napatunayan ni Edmon na mahal talaga siya ng misis niya. Lagi itong nasa tabi niya.

Tulad ngayon, ramdam na ramdam niya ang pagmamahal nito sa kaniya.

Naalala niyang ang pangarap niya noong binata pa siya ay makatagpo ng babaeng mahal talaga siya. Sasamahan siya sa hirap at ginhawa. Sa isip niya noon, bale-wala ang problema basta nasa tabi niya ang babaeng minamahal niya at nagmamahal din sa kaniya.

Ang pangarap niya noon ay nagkaroon ng katuparan ngayon, naisaloob niya.

Ayaw niya sa problema.

Pero natagpuan niyang sa pamamagitan din ng problema, napatutunayan nila ni Cora na talagang mahal nila ang isa’t isa.

O baka nga, lalong tumitibay ang pagmamahalan nila habang magkasama nilang nilulutas ang mga problema. Kung puwede nga lamang, naisaloob niya, mahal na talaga nila ang isa’t isa, wala pa silang problema. Pero wala yatang tao na hindi nakararanas ng problema.

Naramdaman niya, mahal na

mahal niya ang misis niya.

“INIISIP mo pa ba ang nangyari?” tanong ni Cora habang pauwi sila. Si Edmon ang nagmamaneho ng Asian utiliy vehicle nila. Gamit na nilang pampamilya, gamit pa nilang pangnegosyo ito.

“Naiisip ko pa pero hindi na ako lambot na lambot na tulad kanina.”

“Buti naman.”

Hinimas niya ang hita ng misis niya. Sinulyapan niya ito, nakangiti, bago tumingin uli sa daan.

“Nasasabik ako sa iyo,” sabi niya.

“Biglang-bigla naman ‘ata ‘yan.”

“Alam mo, habang naguusap tayong dalawa kanina sa nangyari, naramdaman kong mahal na mahal kita.”

“Ako rin, e.”

Pinisil niya ang hita nito habang nakatingin pa rin siya sa daan. “Mamaya, ha?”

“Oo,” narinig niyang sagot ng misis niya.

Matamis na matamis ang pagtatalik nila nang gabing iyon.

NAKANGITI agad sa kaniya si Cora paglabas niya ng kuwarto kinabukasan.

Matamis ang pagkakangiti nito. Nababasa ni Edmon sa mga mata ng misis niya na nalalasap pa nito ang tamis ng pinagsaluhan nila ng nagdaang gabi.

Gising na rin ang tatlong anak nila, na tinutulungan ni Cora sa paghahanda sa pagpasok sa paaralan. Pawang nasa elementarya ang mga ito.

Tumutulong naman kay Cora sa paghahanda ng agahan ang kasambahay nila.

Maaaring may problema siya pero masaya si Edmon sa buhay niya.

“Pagdating nga pala natin sa office, maghanda tayo ng proposal. Hahanap uli tayo ng kliyente,” sabi ni Edmon sa misis niya habang papunta sila ng imprenta. Bago sila umalis ng bahay, hinintay muna nilang masundo ng school bus ang tatlong anak nila.

“Sige,” sagot ng misis niya.

Inspirado siyang maghanapbuhay.

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.

pinagkokomento sa ginawang pagpapakasal nina Aiza at Liza, kaya nagbigay siya ng kaniyang opinyon.

Sinabi niya naman na masaya siya para kina Aiza at Liza, kaya nga lang ay wala siyang planong pakasalan ang kaniyang girlfriend na si Alyssa Quijano, dahil iyon ang kaniyang pananaw sa buhay.

Tinatanong siya, nagbigay siya ng sagot. Iyon ang kaniyang paninindigan at paniniwala at para lang iyon sa kaniya at wala siyang pinipilit na kahit sino para sumang-ayon sa kaniya. ***

Iisa lang ang ating katawan.

Walang pamalit, walang mabibili sa kahit saan, kaya dapat lang nating alagaan. Matalino si Kris Aquino para hindi niya malaman ang katotohanan ng buhay.

May panahon ng paggawa at may panahon din ng paniningil.

Ganoon ang nangyayari ngayon kay Kris dahil nagiging masasakitin siya.

Laging umaatake ang kaniyang allergy, stress ang dahilan noon, masyado naman kasing masipag ang aktres-TV host na ito.

Sunud-sunod ang kaniyang trabaho kundi man sabay-sabay,

sa punto ng propesyonalismo ay walang problema kay Kris. Ang tanong nga lang ay kaya pa ba iyon ng iisa lang naman niyang katawan?

Humihina ang kaniyang naturalesa. Mabilis na siyang tinatablan ng sakit, natapos niya nga ang kaniyang mga trabaho pero ang katawan niya naman ang nagsasakripisyo.

Sabi ng isang nakausap namin, “Ano pa ba naman ang kailangan ni Kris? Nakahiga na siya sa salapi, pero parang wala pa rin siyang contentment?

Magkano ba talaga ang halagang

makapagpapaligaya sa kaniya?”

Maraming hindi nakaiintindi sa passion. Natutuhan nang mahalin ni Kris ang kaniyang trabaho. Iyon na ang kaniyang mundo, kaya kahit pagod na pagod siya ay patuloy pa rin niyang tinutupad ang kaniyang mga kompromiso.

Kung minsan nga ay hindi na ang kikitain, mas nakalalamang na ang pagmamahal sa kaniyang ginagawa. Doon maligaya si Kris Aquino kaya kailangan na lang niyang magtiis sa buwelta sa kaniya ng panahon dahil sa sobraSee CRISTY p19

EH KASI, PINOY!

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

Maligayang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat. Magpasalamat sa Diyos na Siyang nagpahiram sa atin ng buhay. *** Noong nakaraang Pasko at hanggang ngayon, karaniwan ang Merry Christmas and Happy New Year na pagbati. Sa totoo lang, maraming hindi maligaya, ang kanilang buhay. *** Ang Internet ay mahalagang daluyan ng kaalaman. My unsolicited advice, sana ang Facebook ay huwag gamitin sa pagyayabang. Hindi ‘yon pribadong daluyan ng kaalaman.

Kahit hindi kaibigan, nababasa ang hindi nila dapat malaman. *** Maaga pa para mahusgahan ang patutunguhan ng Winnipeg City administration ni Mayor Brian Bowman. Nasa kakayahan ng isang Chief Administrative Officer ang tagumpay at kabiguan ng kasalukuyang pamamahala. *** Ang Manitoba provincial elections ay maaaring maganap sa taglagas, pagkaraan ng federal election na maaaring sa darating na tagsibol. Kung paano maaagaw ng provincial PC ang kasalukuang 17-ridings na hawak ng NDP ang kanilang dilemma. Ngayon, may 19 ridings lang ang PC kumpara sa 36 ng NDP. *** Pharmaceutical companies na gumagawa ng Ebola vaccine dito sa Winnipag ang tatanggap ng malaking pabor sa negosyo.

Mahigit nang 7,500 ang biktima ng Ebola, ayon sa report.

Feedback Maraming natanggap na pampatabang-puso ang Pilantik at maligayang bati sa amin dito sa Pilipino Express. Maraming salamat po.

PILIPINO EXPRESS

Pilipinas Happy New Year. Yes, pero sadness for the commuters of Metro Manila ang balitang itataas ang singil ng MRT at LRT sa pamasahe. *** Ginagawa ng gobyernong Aquino ang lahat ng kanilang makakayanan na maibangon ang mga nalugmok sa kahirapan.

Kung sinimulan noon pang nakaraang apat na taon, hindi sana sila nagmamadali at nahihirapan ngayon. *** Malalansang isda at utaktilapia ang mga namumuno sa Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Sa kanilang Memo #20 ay inalis ang pagtuturo ng Filipino sa college. Ang pagtuturo ng Filipino ay ginagawa na sa ibang bansa, katulad sa Russia.

Ang Konstitusyon ba ng Pilipinas ay maaaring maamyendahan sa pamamagitan lang ng memorandum?

Napakalaking katangahan. *** Heto ang nakasulat sa Konstitusyon: Article XIV, Sec.6, “The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.” *** Paiiralin na raw sa taong ito ang kasunduang “tariff-free trade” amongs the Asean countries.

Malayang makakapasok at makakalabas na ang mga produkto ng mga bansa. Walang tax. No more smuggling na kaya? *** Nababahala si Philip Goldberg, US Ambassador sa Pilipinas tungkol sa pinakikita ng China sa South China Sea. “Very alarming behaviour,” sabi

HINAGAP

Kahapon at Ngayon Ang bagong pag-asa, muling inaasam, Na kaparis pa rin nang taong nagdaan; Araw man at gabi sa bukas ay laan, Kahapon at ngayon, magpakailanman! *** Handog ng tadhana sa iyo’y mapait, Subalit sa iba naman ay matamis; Ang pintig ng buhay dito sa daigdig, Tibok ay pagsubok sa laang magtiis! *** Narito na naman, isang Bagong Taon, Magkaiba kaya ang kahapo’t ngayon?

Kapalarang sadyang handog ng panahon, Laging magkaiba ang ngayon at noon! *** Sakaling maramot ang ligayang hanap, May katapusan din ang bigong pangarap!

Paquito Rey Pacheco

niya. Ano ang magagawa niya?

Wala. Kasi, mismong Washington ang ayaw makialam sa territorial dispute ng Maynila at Beijing. *** Isa pa ngang bukol ‘yan sa administrasyong Aquino.

Pinayagang magka-base ang US forces sa West Philippine Sea. Nakasaad sa Konstitsyon, Article II, State Policies, Sec. 8 – “The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.”

Sigurado ba ang Malacañang na ang US forces doon ay walang dalang nuclear weapons? *** Utang na 500 million dollars from South Korea ang pasalubong ni PNoy mula sa dinaluhang Asean meeting doon. Utang din ang binibiling mga jet fighter plane? Next administration na ang magbabayad na ang pahihirapan naman ay mga Juan at Juana Pasang-kruz. *** Ang panawagan ng Catholic Church ay “Huwag kang magnakaw.” Opo naman. Kaso, ang mga nagnanakaw sa pera ng bayan, maparusahan man ay walang pagkukulungan.

Buti kung lalagyan na lang ng mga rehas ang mga pintuan ng kongreso at Malacañang. Doon na sila ikulong. *** May lumabas na balitang ang tanong ay “What do Pinoys want for PNoy?” Naku, delikadong tanong po ‘yan? Hindi dapat.

Napakasakit kung ang majority sagot ay resign. *** Apat na taon mahigit nang secretary ng DOJ si Ms. Leila de Lima. Ang Bureau of Corrections ay nasa payong ng kaniyang departamento. Noong 2012, nagsalita doon si PNoy. Pinuri ang maayos na kalagayan ng mga preso. Totoo nga raw, pero hindi ang mga ordinaryong preso na parang mga sardinas na nasa lata. *** May leak nga bang nanggaling sa media? Nakarating umano sa DOJ na may pupuntang grupo sa Bureau of Corrections upang alamin ang tunay na nangyayari doon. Inunahan lang daw ni Sec Leila de Lima, na kasama

CRISTY...

From page 18 sobrang pagpapagod.

Mabangung-mabango naman si James Yap sa paningin ni Kris ngayon. Panay-panay ang pagmamalaki ng aktres-TV host sa kaniyang mga accounts kung gaano ka-supportive ang basketbolista sa kanilang anak na si Bimby.

Magandang balita ito kung tutuusin kumpara sa maasim na relasyon noon ng mga magulang ni Bimby, pero hinahanapan ito ng butas ng mga sumusubaybay sa kanilang relasyon, napakagaling daw talaga tumayming ni Kris.

“Si Kris, alam niya kung kailan siya magmamabait at kung kailan siya magmamaasim.

Napakahusay niyang tumayming, walang tatalo sa kaniya sa

PAGE 19

ang mga tauhan ng NBI. May naghihinalang ang imbestigasyon ngayon ay only for show. *** Tinakbuhan ni Ping Lacson ang kaniyang posisyong Rehabilitation Czar.

Hindi napigil ni PNoy sapagkat the resignation is irrevocable. Sa simula pa lang, sabi ni Ping, may mga humaharang daw sa kaniyang plano. Tumatanaw lang siya ng utang na loob kay PNoy kaya naatraso ang pagbibitiw sa puwesto. *** Pagkaraan ng holiday season at pagbisita sa Pilipinas ng Santo Papa. Unti-unti na namang iinit ang mga patutsadahan ng mga politiko. Si Sen. Grace Poe ay nililigawan ng LP para makatandem ni Mar Roxas.

Pinag-aaralan daw munang mabuti ng senadora bago magpasiya. Dapat lang. Kaya ba ng kaniyang sikmura at mukha na makasama sa kampanya ang mga taong sabi’y isang dahilan ng pagkamatay sa sama-ng-loob ng kaniyang Daddy?

Sabagay, si FPJ ay kaniya lang namang ama-amahan at ang pulitika na kaniyang pinasukan ay marumi. Si Grace, ayon sa survey ng SWS ay shoe-in for VP candidate. Hindi normal ang isip ng isang pulitiko na tumatanggi sa pag-asenso. Wala nang helehele. Malaking bentaha kung si Roxas ang kaniyang ka-tandem.

Maraming atek at iba pang resources ang LP ni PNoy para sa eleksiyon. *** Mataas ang rating ni Binay.

Baka siya na nga ang mahalal na presidente sa 2016 elections.

Magkakasama niya ang senadora sa Malacañang. “Together again” with her benefactors from UNA na mga matalik na kaibigan ng kaniyang Daddy ang kanilang theme song. *** Pero teka, may worse pang maaaring mangyari sa ambisyon ni Binay. Paano kung ang kaniyang mga kaso na nasa Ombudsman ay lumabas na may probable cause? Aarestuhin at kukulungin siya hanggang sa panahon ng eleksiyon na katulad nina senador Enrile, Estrada at Revilla? Malayo bang mangyari ‘yon?

*** Sa October pa magsisimula ang paghahain ng Certificate of Candidacy ng mga kandidato for the 2016 elections. Sana magkaroon ng third or fourth party, na ang presidenteng mahahalal ay kayahang mapakulong ang mga opisyal ng hahalinhang gobyerno, pati mga leader ng kongreso. *** Walang pag-asa sa tatlong pangunahing presidentiables na binanggit ng SWS sa kanilang survey na usigin at maparusahan ang mga umabuso sa kapangyarihan at nagpahirap sa bayan. Si Binay ay kaibigan ng mga Aquino. Si Grace Poe ay kaayado ng LP ni PNoy at Mar Roxas.

Malayo pa ang umaga ng Pilipinas kung ang aasahan ay silang tatlo.

Katas Halos 16 buwan na lang at maaaring malaman na kung sino ang hahalili kay PNoy sa gitna ng magulong sitwasyon.

1. Ang LP sa ngayon ay wala pang napipiling kandidato for president and vice president.

2. Si PNoy ay nakakabawi sa kaniyang bumagsak na popularidad. Ang kaniyang endorsement ay makakabuti kaya kay Mar Roxas?

3. Wala pa ring ka-tandem si Binay ng UNA na may mataas pa ring ratings.

4. May mga kaso si Binay sa Ombudsman na hanggang ngayon ay inuupuan.

5. Maybe, three or four political coalition parties ang makilahok sa 2016 presidential elections.

Kasabihan: “Sakit ng kalingkingan, ramdam ng buong katawan.”

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.

anggulong iyon.

“Kapag personal na niyang kapakanan ang nakataya, she can befriend even her enemies, kasi nga, kailangan niyang magkaroon ng magandang image.

“Pero pagkatapos noon, e, deadma na uli siya, wala na siyang pakialam sa taong nagamit niya, ganoon lang iyon,” pagoopinyon ng aming source.

Kung babalikan nga naman kasi ang mga naganap noon sa pagitan nila ni James Yap nang maghiwalay sila ay parang kabaligtaran iyon ng mga nangyayari ngayon, parang panaginip lang ang lahat, dahil pinupuri na ni Kris ang ama ng kaniyang anak na halos isumpasumpa na niya noon.

Pero siya na rin naman ang nagsabi, basta para sa kapakanan ng anak, kailangang kalimutan na

ng mga magulang ang nangyari sa kanila noon.

Iyon lang daw ang ginagawa niya ngayon, nila ni James Yap, para kay Baby James. *** Wala talagang patawad ang mga bashers, pati mga taong hindi naman nila kilala mula ulo hanggang paa, nakakaya nilang igawa ng istorya para palabasing nega.

Biktima ng mga taong walang magawa si Pauleen Luna.

Ang pinalalabas ng mga hindi nagkakagusto sa kaniya para kay Bossing Vic Sotto ay peperahan lang daw niya ang aktor-TV host at pagkatapos ay iiwan din niya ang kaniyang boyfriend.

May karapatan kaming ipakilala si Pauleen Luna sa kaniyang mga bashers dahil See CRISTY p20

EH KASI, PINOY

PAGE 20

PILIPINO EXPRESS

KROSWORD NO. 219 KROSWORD NI BRO. GERRY GAMUROT No. 219 • Enero 1 - 15, 2015 Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

HOROSCOPE No. 218 • Disyembre 16 (ENERO - 31, 20141 – 15, 2015) Aries (March 21 – April 19) Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) I IWalang N masama A P U R Mapalad A A ka kung ang sarili at makakaasa T A Bmong I kapakanan L T A kang S laging I Kmay ang iyong suporta ang iyong I L Apagtutuunan Y A ng A T pamilya A R at Imga pansin sa bagong kaibigan anuman taon. pagtulong K Palagi A naTlang O T saO angHiyongAbalakNgawin.ABuwenas N iba ang unuuna mo. Panahon na ang pagpasok ng bagong taon upang ikaw mapayapa M naman O ang N intindihinR sa iyo kaya N A N mong mo. Unahin mo muna ang pahinga matutupad ang iyong mga plano. nang maging mas malusog ka. Magaan ang dating ng pera sa M T I P N OK ang ika-6, 7 at 8. Alalay ka sa iyo. Mapalad ka sa ika-6, 7 at 8. ika-4, 5, 11, 12 at 13.

Stressful ang ika-14 at 15.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Ngayon ang panahon upang ayusin mo ang iyong kalusugan.

Mag-appointment ka sa doctor kahit wala kang nararamdaman. Kailan mo ba ito huling ginawa? Matagal na, di ba? Kailangan mo rin ng balance sa iyong buhay. Nasa sa iyo ang tagumpay pag malusog ka. OK ang ika-6, 7 at 8. Stress sa ika-2, 3, 9 at 10.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) B U NBuwenas G A angN G A Ang R Ahinihintay W 28 26 25 27 buwan ng Enero mo ay malapit A N Gpara A sa S iyo.

A N nang A Kdumating.

I 30 31 29 Kaya lang, may At pagdating I G Apanganib W A na B A nito, N Amagiging L magkasakit ka maligaya ka at pati 32 T sa mahina T ang A panlaban M P na ang I mgaPumaasa I sa iyo. Iwasan I dahil mo. Iwasan mo ang magpunta sa mong malango sa kaligayahan PAHALANG PABABA mga crowded na lugar. Huwag dahil pansamantala lang ito.

1. _____, Kuya Eddie 29. Asa 1. Pandagat 20. Isakatuparan kang sasabak sa maraming tao Pagkatapos ng Enero ay may mga 11. Tiyang PAHALANG 21. 'Di amo 5. Bagong Taon, ______ 31. Gumapas 2. Diumano dahil madali kang mahahawa. pagsubok na darating. Kaya mo 12. Bakal 22. Huli 1. _____, Kuya Eddie 32. Pulungin 15. Totoy3. Linlang Magpalakas ka. Lucky days mo ang mga ito. Suwerte ang ika-9 at 13. Katulong 4.

Sikmura 23.

Kabisera ng Peru 18. Aksaya 5.

Bagong Taon, ______ 14. Kudyapi 6. Ampunan 24. Talos ang ika-9 at 10. Ingat sa ika-6, 7, 10. Ingat sa ika-2 at 3.

20. Isakatuparan 12.

Bakal 16. 'Di kanila 7. Digmaan 26. Unlapi 8, 14 at 15.

17.

Daanan ng pagkain 8.

Pasalita 28.

Sabi 21. ’Di amo 13. Katulong 18. Larga!

Biyaya ng langit 30. Hulapi Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) 22. Huli 9.

14.

Kudyapi 20. Isdang pangmasa 10. Pakinabang 31. Apelyidong Tsino Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Kung kailangan 23. Kabisera ng Peru 21. Gawing prenda 11. Tiyang 16. ’Di kanila Wala pang mo ng tulong, 25. Lugod 15.

Totoy 24. Talos 17. Daanan ng pagkain 27. Sulo 18. Aksaya katahimikan ang magsabi ka.

26. Unlapi 18. Larga! iyong relasyon sa Huwag mong 28. Sabi 20. Isdang pangmasa minamahal. Mas solohin ang 30. Hulapi 21. Gawing prenda magiging matindi mabigat na 31. Apelyidong Tsino 25. Lugod ito sa mga darating responsabilidad dahil hindi mo 27. Sulo na araw. Wala sa iyo ang problema. ito makakayang mag-isa. Hindi 29. Asa Marami siyang iniisip at iyon ang nila inaasahang bubunuin mo ito 31.KROSWORD Gumapas NI BRO. GERRY GAMUROT SAGOT SA NO. 218 dahilan kung bakit mahirap siyang nang walang katulong kaya wala 219 • Enero 1 - 15, 2015 No. 218 • Disyembre 16 - 31, 2014 32.No.Pulungin pakisamahan ngayon. Habaan mo kang dapat ikahiya. May mga tao I I N A P U R A A ang iyong pasensya. OK ang ika- na tutulong sa iyo. OK ang ika-2, T A B I L T A S I K PABABA 2, 3, 11, 12 at 13. Ingat sa ika-9 3, 11, 12 at 13. Kuwidaw sa ika-4 I L A Y A A T A R I 1. Pandagat at 10. at 5.

K A T O T O H A N A N 2. Diumano M O N R N A N 3. Linlang Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) M T I P N 4. Sikmura Pera ang magiging Gamitin mo ang A K I N O H I T A 6. Ampunan dahilan ng iyong buwan ng Enero B U N G A N G A R A W 7. Digmaan stress sa buwan na upang linisin A N G A S A N A K I 8. Pasalita ito. Paka-iwasan ang iyong kalat I G A W A B A N A L 9. Biyaya ng langit mo ang magbigay sa utak. May T T A M P I P I I 10. Pakinabang ng puhunan sa gumugulo ba sa sino mang lalapit sa iyo. Kahit iyong isip? Ngayon mo linawin at gaano kaganda ang plano niya, nang matanggal na ang iyong pagmay panganib na mawawala ang aalala. Maligalig ba ang pamilya ipupundar niya, huwag ka nang mo? Alam mo kung sino at kung makisosyo pa. Masuwerte ka sa bakit, kaya mong ayusin ito. ika-4, 5, 14 at 15. Stressful ang Lucky days mo ang ika-4, 5 at 14. ika-11, 12 at 13.

Ingat sa ika-6, 7 at 8.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) May kaunting problema sa pera pagpasok ng bagong taon.

Maaayos naman ito bago matapos ang Enero. Ang mahalaga ay alam mo kung saan napupunta ang iyong kinikitang salapi. Masipag ka at hindi ka pabaya – ito ang maglalayo sa iyo sa problema.

OK ang ika-9 at 10. May tensyon sa ika-4, 5, 11, 12 at 13.

2

1

6

5

7

3

4

9

8

12

10

11

13

15

14

16

17

19

18

22

21

2

1

5

6

7

23

3

A K

I

N

O

H

I

T A

24

4

9

8

12

20

10

11

13

16

15

14

17

19

18

21

25

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Masaya at walang stress ang Enero para sa iyo. Ikaw ang nakakaalam kung ano ang gusto mo kaya huwag kang papayag na ibang tao pa ang mag-decide nito para sa iyo. Kung ayaw mo, sabihin mo.

Mahusay kang makisama, dapat lang pareho ang isukli nila. OK sa ika-2, 3, 11, 12 at 13. Careful sa ika-6, 7, 8, 14 at 15.

22

23

26

29

27

30

20

24

28

31

32

PAHALANG

1. _____, Kuya Eddie 5. Bagong Taon, ______ 12. Bakal 13. Katulong 14. Kudyapi 16. 'Di kanila 17. Daanan ng pagkain 18. Larga!

20. Isdang pangmasa 21. Gawing prenda 25. Lugod 27. Sulo

PABABA

29. Asa 31. Gumapas 32. Pulungin

1. Pandagat 2. Diumano 3. Linlang 4. Sikmura 6. Ampunan 7. Digmaan 8. Pasalita 9. Biyaya ng langit 10. Pakinabang 11. Tiyang 15. Totoy 18. Aksaya

20. Isakatuparan 21. 'Di amo 22. Huli 23. Kabisera ng Peru 24. Talos 26. Unlapi 28. Sabi 30. Hulapi 31. Apelyidong Tsino

CRISTY...

Mula sa pahina 19 maliit pa siya ay malapit na kami sa kaniyang pamilya. Ang lola niya sa ama, si Tita Lita Luna, ay kaibigang karnal namin.

Nasubaybayan namin ang kaniyang paglaki, tubongValenzuela ang pamilya ng kaniyang amang si Eugene, ipinanganak na may gintong kutsara sa bibig si Pauleen.

Matatag ang negosyo ng kaniyang pamilya, kanila ang hilera ng mga townhouses sa Tandang Sora, tumira pa nang matagal sa kanila si Rufa Mae Quinto bago ito nagkaroon ng sariling bahay.

Sa North Greenhills naninirahan ang pamilya ng kaniyang daddy, may gasolinahan

sila sa Valenzuela, malawak ang lupain ng mga Luna sa Isla at silang magkakapatid ang tagapagmana ng mga ari-ariang iyon.

Huwag naman sanang palabasin ng mga bashers ni Pauleen na giginhawa lang ang kaniyang buhay kapag napangasawa iya si Bossing Vic. Isang bangungot iyon.

At huwag sabihin ng mga naninira na winelkam agad ng pamilya ni Pauleen si Bossing Vic. Isang malaking kuwento ng hindi pagkakaunawaan muna ang namagitan sa kaniyang lola at mga magulang, kinailangan pa naming kausapin si Tita Lita para lang maintindihan nito ang damdamin ng kaniyang apo, bago malayang nakabisita sa bahay nina Pauleen si Bossing Vic.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) Kung may mga nang-api sa iyo nitong nakaraang taon, huwag kang mag-alala. Hindi mo kailangang gumanti sa kaniyang pananakit sa iyong damdamin. Siya mismo ang makakaranas ng katulad ng ginawa niya sa iyo. Ang batas ng karma ang iiral. Panoorin mo na lang. OK ang ika-4, 5, 14 at 15.

Ingat sa ika-2, 3, 9 at 10.

Ang kung anumang mga materyal na bagay na mayroon si Bossing Vic ay mayroon din ang pamilya ni Pauleen. Ang wala lang ang pamilya ni Pauleen ay ang puso ni Vic Sotto na nagbibigay sa kaniya ng pagmamahal at inspirasyon ngayon sa lahat ng pagkakataon.

Sa huli naming pag-uusap ni Tita Lita ay sinabi nito, “Ginawa na namin ang lahat para mapigilan si Pauleen sa pakikipagrelasyon kay Vic, pero wala ka pala talagang magagawa kapag puso na ang umiiral.

“Mahal niya si Vic at nakikita naman namin ang pagmamahal at pagrespeto ni Vic sa kaniya, kaya suko na kaming lahat, mahal na rin namin ang mahal niya,” sinserong pahayag ni Tita Lita See CRISTY p21

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 21

Taguig Christmas party - Dec. 20

Winnipeg families with roots in Taguig enjoy their Christmas party at the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Hall

CRISTY...

From page 20 Luna.

*** Personal naming nakakuwentuhan si Phillip Salvador sa PNP Custodial Center. Gusto sana naming kunin sa kaniya ang mga detalye ng naganap na pakikipagsagupaan niya sa isang Norwegian national pero ayaw na niyang magkuwento.

Pero may tinawagan kaming source na nandoon din sa restaurant nang komprontahin ni Kuya Ipe ang banyaga, sa mismong harapan ng table nito nangyari ang insidente, malapit lang sa food counter.

Narito ang kaniyang sinabi, “Noong pumasok si Phillip Salvador, natural, maraming kumaway agad sa kaniya.

Magkatalikuran naman kami ng table.

“Maangas kasi iyong foreigner, binastos talaga niya iyong waitress dahil nilagyan ng cheese ang inorder niyang food.

Sabi niya, ‘You’re such an idiot!

Did I tell you to put cheese in my food?’

“Natural, nagulat iyong waitress, hindi naman kasi siya sinabihan noong pagkalaki-laking foreigner na huwag lagyan ng cheese ang inorder niya, talagang may cheese kasi iyon kapag isineserve.

“Nag-sorry na lang iyong waitress para tapos na ang problema, papalitan na lang sana, pero nagsalita uli iyong foreigner, ‘All of you, you’re a bunch of idiots here!’

“Mabilis ang pangyayari, nakita na lang namin na tumayo si Phillip, hinampas niya nang malakas sa balikat ang foreigner.

Ang sabi niya, ‘You don’t do that to a woman, you have no right in any way to call her an idiot, you don’t do that in our country!’

“Malakas ang hampas niya, lalaban talaga si Phillip kahit

pa napakalaki ng katawan at napakatangkad noong lalaki. Ang sabi noong lalaki sa kaniya, ‘And who the f–k are you?’

“Ang sagot naman ni Phillip, ‘This is the f–king guy who will kick you’re a– if you don’t apologize to the woman. She’s been saying sorry to you, and yet, you still continue calling her an idiot?!’

“Lalaban din iyong lalaki, humawak ng silya, pasugod naman nang pasugod sa kaniya si Phillip. Pero ang paghawak noong lalaki sa silya, parang nagbubugaw lang siya ng kung ano palayo sa kaniya, hindi niya naman maihampas-hampas sa kalaban niya ang silya!

“Napakalaki niyang tao, pero duwag naman pala! Puro dakdak lang siya, kaya ang sabi ni Phillip sa kaniya, ‘You’re such a coward!

You can only fight with women, because you don’t bring with you your balls everytime you leave your house!’

“Nagdatingan na ang mga security ng mall, nagtanong iyong foreigner sa isang guard, sino raw ba ang kabalan niya? Sagot ng tinanong, ‘He’s a famous action star here!’

“Pinalabas siya ng guards, ‘Why me? Why me?’ Dati, paboritong action star ko lang si Phillip Salvador, pero ngayon, idol ko na rin siya bilang tao.

“Pasalamat nang pasalamat sa kaniya ang mga staff ng restaurant, pati ang mga kumakain, saludo sa ginawa niya. Talaga palang kakasa siya kapag kinakawawa na ang mga kababayan natin!

“Sabi pa nga niya noong palabas na ang foreigner, ‘We respect your country, do the same to us!’ Hindi lang pala siya matapang sa pelikula, kahit sa tunay na buhay, napakatapang din niya!” detalyadong kuwento ng aming kaibigan.

Ikaw na! Ikaw na talaga, Kuya Ipe! *** Nakakuwentuhan namin

sang isang malapit na kaibigan ni Sharon Cuneta. Kinumusta namin sa kaniya ang Megastar, unti-unti na bang nakahahakbang nang pasulong ngayon ang aktres? Natanggap na ba niya ang pinakamasarap na konsolasyon sa pagkawala ni Mommy Elaine na mas maayos na ang kalagayan ngayon ng kaniyang ina sa kabilang buhay?

“Tanggap na niyang hindi na nahihirapan si Mommy Elaine, nakita niya kasi ang mga sakripisyo ng mommy niya, pero hindi pa rin natin maiaalis kay Shawie ang malungkot dahil iyon na iyon, hindi na sila magkakasama pa uli.

“Kami, alam naming mahihirapan siya sa pagkawala ng mommy niya dahil sa mga kuwentuhan pa nga lang namin noong buhay pa si Mommy Elaine, eh, bumibigay na siya.

“Kapag may ini-interview nga lang siya, eh, apektado na siya, mas una pa siyang umiiyak sa guest niya, ito pa kayang mommy na niya ang involved sa kuwento?

“Matatagalan pa bago siya maka-move-on, expected na namin iyon, kilalang-kilala namin siya at ang pagiging emotional niya,” kuwento ng kaibigan ni Mega.

Kailangang abalahin ni Sharon Cuneta ang kaniyang sarili sa pagpasok ng 2015, kailangang linlangin niya ang kaniyang damdamin, para kahit paano’y gumaan-gaan ang pangungulilang umookupa sa kaniyang puso at isip ngayon. *** Ilang taon na kaming diretsong nagdiriwang ng Pasko sa aming munting nayon sa Nueva Ecija.

Galing kami sa isang baryo na apat na kilometro ang layo mula sa bayan.

Hindi nabubura sa aming alaala ang mabato-maputik na daang tinatalunton namin mula sa baryo hanggang bayan para lang kami makapagtapos ng high school.

Bitbit ang mumurahing sapatos para hindi maputikan, nakikihugas kami ng mga paa sa unang bahay sa kabayanan, doon na kami nagsusuot ng medyas at sapatos at nagpapahinga sandali bago pumasok sa eskuwela.

Napakasaya ng aming kabataan. Mahilig magpaaral ang mga magulang sa aming nayon, kaya para kaming nagpuprusisyon sa dami tuwing umaga at hapon.

Ang pagod ay nawawala dahil sa mga kuwentuhan naming magkakamag-aral.

Suwerte namin kapag sa aming pag-uwi ay may mga biyaherong dumadaan.

Namamakyaw ng mga gulay sa aming nayon ang mga truck, sabay-sabay kaming sisigaw ng “Paangkas po!” at pasalampak na kaming mag-uupuan sa truck, mistula kaming boteng pagulunggulong sa biyahe na punumpuno ng halakhakan.

Makulay, masaya at makabuluhan ang aming kabataan. Lahat ay nangangarap, lahat ay nakikiusap para sa isang magandang kinabukasan, at halos lahat naman ay nabiyayaan.

Sa pagdaraan ng panahon ay umunlad na ang aming nayon.

Sementado na ang dating mabatomaputik na kalsada papunta sa bayan. Pati ang mga kalye sa aming nayon ay sementado na rin at marami nang bahayan at tindahan.

Tanong ng aming anak na si Rebo, “Ito pong layo na ito, nilalakad n’yo lang noon para makapag-aral kayo?”Ayaw niyang maniwala, lalo na kapag ikinukuwento namin sa kanilang magkakapatid na ang baon lang namin sa tanghalian ay kamatis at nilagang itlog, wala kaming pambili ng meryenda kaya gutom at pagod kaming umuuwi sa baryo.

Marami kaming kamagaral na lumuwas ng Maynila para mag-aral, ang iba nama’y namalagi sa aming nayon para ipagpatuloy ang pagsasaka, may

mga nakalusot sa labanan at mayroon ding mga napag-iwanan.

Pero wala nang mas sasarap pa sa pagbabalik sa iyong pinagmulan. Sariwang hangin, amoy ng namumulaklak na palay, sariwang gatas ng kalabaw sa umaga at mga gulay na walang halong kemikal.

Numipis na ang bilang ng matatandang iniwan namin nang magkolehiyo kami sa Maynila, pero umusbong naman ang mga bagong mukha ng mga batang ipinanganak habang wala kami sa nayon. Para pa ring musika sa magkabila naming tenga ang pagtawag sa amin ng “Tenggol” ng aming mga kababaryo.

Magkakasama kaming magpipinsan kapag umuuwi kami, nagpupunta kami sa tumana (bukid), namimitas ng mga gulay at kapag nagkayayaan ay nagpupunta kami sa Dingalan at sa Baguio pa nga kapag nagkakabiglaan.

Nitong nakaraang Pasko, nagbalik-alaala sa aming kabataan na kung sino ang unang magmamano kay Inang (nanay ng aming tatay) ay bibigyan ng isang kabang palay.

At mas tumitining ang pagalala sa aming mga magulang, sina tatay at nanay na tuwing pagmamanuhan mo ay magsasabi ng “Kaawaan ka ng Diyos,” sabay yakap sa iyo nang mahigpit na parang hindi ka na planong bitiwan.

May mga apo na kami, palagi namin silang isinasama sa baryo. Gusto naming iparamdam sa kanila na ang kahirapan kailanman ay hindi makahaharang sa masarap na pangangarap.

Walang matrikula ang pagsasabi ng mga sana-sana sa buhay, libre ang pangangarap para sa lahat. Ang biyaya ay hindi lumalapit sa mga hindi naghahanap at hindi marunong magpasalamat sa kanilang ugat.

Sana po’y naging maligaya ang inyong Pasko at pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon! – CSF

PEOPLE & EVENTS

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

Second star to the right

MTYP’s Peter Pan takes flight!

By Judianne Jayme You can fly, you can fly, you can fly!

Humans have always been fascinated by the idea of flight.

The Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP) let its audience members’ imaginations soar with their live production of Peter Pan. This experience was a first for me as an official reviewer with my media pass in hand. Accustomed to concerts, my photographer and I were treated to the live theatre experience. For those who have never been to the MTYP, the stage is in the centre, with the seats raised around it. This open 360-degree experience makes for an interactive and intimate feel for the audience. We were seated in the appropriately named “Lagoon” section, referring to the different parts of Neverland, where time ceases to exist.

Playwright Gail Bowen has taken a classic, beloved children’s fairy tale and transformed it into a play that becomes meaningful and entertaining to both a child and an adult. The creative and production teams worked together to produce a magical experience.

It was certainly an eye-opening experience for my colleague and me to witness Peter Pan from the perspective of those who have essentially left Neverland and have grown up.

The play begins with a storytelling traveler, played by a man very familiar to MTYP audiences, Harry Nelken. He reminisces about the days of his youth as a former “Lost Boy,” with a warning for the audience: once you leave Neverland and grow up, the doors close for you and you can never return.

A question was placed in the script that explores an idea that I, along with others who I have

shared the story with, have never really considered: why are there only lost boys, and not lost girls?

The actors explain that young girls are almost always more willing to grow up. The talented Mallory James as Wendy executed this idea brilliantly throughout the play. We see how Wendy struggles between having fun and enjoying her youth versus the gnawing inside her for fairness, maturity, responsibility, and wisdom – all virtues that come with experience and age. Wendy essentially begins her journey of growing up while in Neverland with the Lost Boys.

A critique often heard in live theatre productions of Peter Pan is the awkwardness of having adults play roles made for children. I applaud MTYP for an incredible job of casting for this particular show. Dora Award winner, Colin Doyle, had the boundless energy that did justice to the foreveryouthful Peter Pan. The same goes for the performances of Mallory James and Tristan Carlucci, the curious and playful John Darling. The trio really captured the flying experience when they were harnessed onto lever-like machines that gracefully allowed them to soar and do flips mid-air, above the heads of their audiences, in unison, with the help of their stage crew.

An interesting idea that has been present in certain film adaptations and other theatre productions is the connection between George Darling (the father) and Captain Hook, both working against the “Lost Boys” and the idea of being carefree forever. Winnipeg legend Fred Penner did an outstanding job in both roles, even pulling up a brave young audience member to participate in a scene, completing a four-part harmony!

As someone who works with

Omar Benson children daily, I am always in awe of young talent. In the previous edition, I featured Omar Benson who plays both a Lost Boy and Peter Pan’s shadow. Omar, at 13, played one of the older Lost Boys who, like Wendy, understood the seriousness of his character’s decisions. Several of the young cast members had actually made their professional debut in this very production. These young actors and actresses did an incredible job of focusing on their characters and establishing stage presence.

They really added the heart to the production. Their dedication to their craft is impressive at their young ages!

I will leave you with a quotation directly from J.M. Barrie’s original Peter Pan text: “To live will be an awfully big adventure.”

Thank you, again, to the Benson family and MTYP for giving us the opportunity to experience and review this production of Peter Pan! Photographs courtesy of Valen Vergara Do you have an upcoming event or production that you would like us to attend and review?

Please contact us with the event details at info@pilipino-express. com or through our Facebook page! http://www.facebook.com/ PilipinoExpressNews

Omar and Judianne Jayme with Fred Penner (centre)

Omar with his parents: Contessa and Raymond Benson

Sisters a work for missing women

By Lorraine Ilagan Choreographer and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute (DMCI) Dance Teacher, Loa Olafson wanted to honour the memory and deepen community concern for missing and murdered Aboriginal women. With eight of her DMCI’s Finest Dancers, Ms Olafson choreographed Sisters, which is a contemporary dance work set to the music of the indigenous DJ collective, A Tribe Called Red. Sisters raises awareness through addressing social issues and essential discussions about the representation of Indigenous issues in Canada. Through their creative process, they’ve connected with visual artist Jaime Black whose work the REDress Project is currently installed at

the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The exhibit houses red dresses collected by community donation. These red dresses are symbolic and serve as a visual reminder of the staggering number of women who are no longer with us. Jaime hopes to draw attention to the gender and racial nature of violent crimes against Aboriginal women and to evoke a presence through the marking of absence.

Videographer Kayla Jeanson filmed the completed work of Sisters at Winnipeg’s Graffiti Art Gallery, which donated their space for the video shoot. Ms Olafson and her dancers filmed the video on December 23, 2014 and can’t wait to share the finished product with others. The dancers will also be performing their routine at DMCI’s annual Melody and Movement Recital on January 12 at the school.

DMCI’s Finest Dancers: Back row l-r: Nikki Chien, Isabel Dominguez, Sanny Guerrero, Paulo Emeterio; Front row l-r: Kim Chavez, Kathryn Carganilla, Denise Roque, Trish Alforte

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015

PILIPINO EXPRESS

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Dental mission to the Philippines WINNIPEG – Dr. Tom Colina and a team of 20 other dentists and support staff are currently wrapping up a humanitarian mission to provide dental care for the underprivileged in two locations in the Philippines.

Sent by the Kindness in Action (KIA) organization, the team, consisting of 14 members from Winnipeg, four from Vancouver, two from Edmonton and one from Calgary, are returning home on January 1.

The first work site was the Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) Kapatid Community Village in Caloocan, Metro Manila. According to Dr. Colina, the need for dental care is intense there. KIA also serviced the nearby ANCOP Village in Quezon City during a mission from December 2006 to January 2007.

The second work site was an ANCOP village in Ormoc City, Leyte, still recovering from Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which ravaged the island in November 2013 causing massive destruction and thousands of fatalities.

KIA is an initiative started in Winnipeg that sends teams to provide humanitarian dental health services in underprivileged countries, most recently in Guatemala City, Guatemala in March 2013. The organization also conducted a mission in the ANCOP Canada Village in Quezon City and in the Winnipeg-sponsored ANCOP/Gawad Kalinga Village in Marikina, Metro Manila.

KIA & ANCOP wish to thank the following donors, supporters and sponsors who have helped to make this current mission possible:

Donors: Sina Allegro-Sacco, Manny Atwal, Michael Barczak, Dr. Trisha Magsino Barnabe, Nirav Bhatt, Laslo Benga, Dr. Catalina Birek, Dr. Doug Brothwell, Gregory Campbell, Dr. David Chin, Dr. Mark Cohen, Kevin and Barbara Coombs, Dr. Tim Dumore, Brian & Patrice Gibson, Jean Guiang, Dr. Frank Hechter, John Keane, Sam Kravtsov & Orotech, Michelle & Roland Lampertz, Alison Lecuyer, Dr. Milos Lekic, Janet Lemaistre, Tracey Lord, Allison Marshall, Sean McFayden, Deborah Metcalfe, Susanne Moore, Cliff Ramcharan, Lisette Ramcharan & Sean Sunderland, Huma Rohan, Lanny Sloshower, Dr. Hans Stasiuk, Patrick Sunderland, Hymie Weinstein, Dr. Ellen Wong, Adoracion & Rolando Yorobe, Ben Yue, Dr. Chris Yue, E.J. Zebrowski Supporters: Mohamed Alli, Bob & Edna and Austman, Zev Black & Voco, Central Dental, Pat Laliberti & Custom Dental Technologies, London Life, Dr. Bruce MacFarlane, Andrea O’Connor Moore & Denstsply, Lynn Pagat & Chatters, Larry Pagdato & Pizzaland, Prairie Stained Glass, Pro-Fitness, Safeway, Henry Schein, Glenn Sutherland & Landmark Framing, University of Winnipeg Sponsors: Dr. Arnold Cohn & Sky Zone, Couples for Christ, Darrin Hoffman & Mosaic Funeral Homes, Tess Newton & Sun Life Financial, Larry Vickar & Vickar Automotive Group The Pilipino Express congratulates the KIA organization for all their worthy accomplishments and wishes them the best success for their latest mission to the Philippines.

Right: Photos of the Kindness in Action Dental Mission to the Calaocan City and Ormoc City, Philippines, December 18, 2015 to January 1, 2015.

Happy 82nd Birthday Nanay Curing Villegas

Wishing you a very happy & prosperous New Year!

From: Michele Majul Ibarra & family

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2015