Pilipino Express • Mar 1 2020

Volume 16 • No. 5 • March 1 - 15, 2020 Publication Mailing Account #41721512

Liza Soberano

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Pinay Trailblazers recognized

On March 7, 2020, Pinays MB Inc. will recognize the outstanding achievements of four very accomplished Filipino women. They will receive the Pinays Trailblazer Award 2020 during the organization’s annual Pinays Recognition Brunch to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD).

“We have an exciting year ahead of us…this year, we are recognizing four women in our community not only for their achievements but also for their tireless dedication in volunteer work and meaningful contributions in our community and in Manitoba… come and join us in this event. Let us be inspired by these four outstanding women,” said Pinays MB President Araceli Ancheta.

Now in its fifth year, Pinays MB Inc. continues to serve as an empowering group for Filipino women in Manitoba.

“We are recognizing four amazing and inspirational Filipino women… We launched a search and their names came See PINAY p4

Dr. Janilyn Arsenio

Sally Bader

Dr. Irene Mestito-Dao

Marjorie Soldevilla

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Leaving the boob tube My family and I stopped watching free television a few years ago for various reasons.

It began when cable TV arrived in Davao City in the mid-1990s and we could finally watch shows from other countries that honestly made local ones look amateurish in comparison. We were also thinking about the exposure of our then-young son to the non-stop assault from TV channels whose shows, especially the noontime ones, were deteriorating into loud and sometimes even lewd affairs.

It was actually strange for a person like me to stop watching TV. I grew up watching the tube, but I dare say it was a far different situation in my younger years with shows like Student Canteen that had educational elements like the “word for the day” and “thought for the day” as well as quiz contests like IQ7. Our heroes back then were the champions of these intellectual games, not the garish and noisy hosts of today.

I know it was called the “boob tube” because it caused people to watch mindlessly, but I think I handled the TV fairly well. In fact I practically learned English from

PINAY...

From page 1 up through submissions from the public. This just proves that our community has a rich resource of quiet, unknown, empowered Filipino women who have the potential of being recognized as future Pinay Trailblazers,” said Winnie Navarro, Pinays MB vicepresident.

This year, the Pinays Trailblazer awardees are (in alphabetical order): Dr. Janilyn Arsenio – For her outstanding achievements in science through the contribution of new knowledge in the field of immunology research. Her research tries to understand what is happening to the immune system in terms of responding to infectious and non-infectious diseases, as well as in cancer, auto-immunity, and transplantation; and how immune cells respond to infectious and chronic inflammation.

Sally Bader – For her exceptional volunteerism and outstanding contributions to the community in serving others. She has been working with tireless devotion and energy as she gives back to the community while making a difference in people’s lives. This dedicated volunteer has quietly given her priceless gift of time to those in need over the past 37 years.

Dr. Irene Mestito-Dao – For her outstanding achievement in the field of optometry and her tireless volunteer work for our community and the global community. She is the first Filipino optometrist in See PINAY page 16

television. The school I went to did not value language so much as it did math and science, so I was left to myself to learn not just from books but also from Ernie, Bert, Kermit the Frog, Big Bird, and the rest of the muppets (and humans) of Sesame Street. There were a lot of informative shows and documentaries back then, most of them black and white reruns from the 60s, and because they were used as airtime fillers I would see them a few times a week and memorized the lines of the narrators.

And then there was Cosmos, the series hosted by the astrophysicist Carl Sagan who made science exciting and understandable for even a young person like me.

From him I learned the concept of the googol (1 followed by 100 zeroes) and the googol plex (10 raised to the power of googol) — and that as impossibly large that number is, it is as far away from eternity as the number one. From him I also learned that while we cannot even conceive of a fourth dimension, we know what its shadow looks like: the three dimensions in which we exist. He

illustrated this by simply holding a cube against a light and showing its two-dimensional shadow on a table. In the same way, he said, the three dimensions are a shadow of what four dimensions are.

Such days of mind-bending TV shows are long gone, replaced by the perya-like noontime shows, telenovelas that never seem to end, and primetime dramas with themes that are not fit for children who are still awake at that time.

My family unplugged the antenna and switched to cable, but even that soon became irritatingly inane. These days we get our entertainment and information online, and we get to control what we see – a particularly high value for us as we still have one preteen in our family.

I write this in the context of the franchise renewal problem of giant network ABS-CBN. I have no comment on the legal and political aspects of this issue, but I do think ABS-CBN can take this as debacle and turn it into an opportunity to leave the airwaves and fully occupy the digital space once and for all. Studies have shown that while most Filipinos do get their entertainment and information from free TV like

ABS-CBN and GMA Network, digital is catching up and I believe will eventually take over. In other words, it’s a matter of time before Filipinos stop looking up at TV and start looking down at their phones.

It’s already happening to newspapers, which are already suffering a decline in readership because most of the content is available online. It’s nothing political; it’s simply progress, and smart newspapers owners are moving to the online platform where their materials can spread farther and wider than with traditional print. It’s not without its pitfalls – up to now few newspapers have succeeded in making money out of their websites and social media accounts. But sooner or later that sweep spot will be found, and we will all be the better for it.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the original author, and do not necessarily represent those of the Pilipino Express publishers.

Jon Joaquin is the Editor-InChief of the Davao City-based Mindanao Daily Mirror. E-mail Jon at jonjoaquin@gmail.com.

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Canada third in foreign students in 2019 The presence of foreign students in our educational institutions has become a matter of fact. Did you ever stop and wonder how Canada compares with other countries as a choice destination? Our federal department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced recently (source CIC News) that Canada’s international student population grew by 13 per cent in 2019 compared to the previous year. Double-digit increases are becoming a fact of life.

Canada’s international student population has actually grown six-fold over the past twenty years. The country now ranks third in the world in 2019 with 642,000 foreign students. It is a tribute to the quality of Canadian schools, quality of life in Canada, openness of our society to foreign students and a tribute to the recruitment efforts of the schools, immigration programs at the federal and provincial levels to attract students to Canada.

The rise in the number of foreign students throughout the world has been fuelled by the rise in middle-class populations with students seeking educational and, in some cases, immigration opportunities overseas. This is more money to spend and more students with money to spend.

UNESCO reports that there are now 5 million international students compared with around 2 million in 2000. And, yes, based on last year’s numbers, Canada is now the third destination of choice.

Canada, at both the national and provincial levels, has been actively engaged in recruiting the brightest and the best foreign students. Colleges and universities in Canada compete with both international and domestic competition to recruit more international students in order to sustain them financially.

All schools need more foreign students.

Growth among Canadian-born admissions has stagnated over the last decades due primarily to Canada’s low birth rate. International students

provide our schools with youthful enthusiasm, intelligence, potential, money and, most important, much needed human resources.

The Canadian population has grown by 11 per cent over the past decade but those between 18 and 24 years of age changed by only four per cent.

The quick answer for the country is to recruit more students from overseas. This trend can be seen graphically in the Study Permit Holders in Canada from 2000 to 2019 chart on this page.

Ontario schools have been the main destination in Canada for foreign students. The breakdown of international foreign students for 2019 shows Ontario with 48 per cent, or nearly 307,000 study permit holders. British Columbia is second with 23 per cent or 145,000, Quebec is third with 87,000 permit holders, and Alberta fourth with 33,000.

Manitoba and Nova Scotia come next with roughly 19,000 students in each province. The other charts on this page show the increase in study permits over the past ten years with dramatic increases in numbers for Canada and the provinces (compare Ontario with Manitoba) over the same period.

The majority of the foreign students, or 56 per cent come from India and China, with 219,855 and 141,400 students respectively. The numbers fall off considerably to Korea in third place with 24,180. The Philippines is a minor source country with 7,770 students in 2019. Perhaps things will pick up with growth in the Philippines economy as well as with the aid of supporters and relatives in Canada, who see the study permit route as a viable way for relatives and friends to obtain status in Canada.

The Canadian government’s active encouragement of foreign student recruitment and application options has also encouraged foreign students to come to Canada to study. If you examine any of the provincial nominee programs you will find at least one, sometimes two application streams for foreign students. Canadians as a whole

are positive about the impact of foreign students on the country.

Canada itself has a long history of being supportive of immigration and a welcoming place for newcomers. We continue to need students and others to fuel our economy and ensure economic

growth into the future. We currently rank third in attracting for students. Can second or first place be just around the corner?

Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience

with Canada Immigration and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with R.B. Global Immigration Consultants Ltd. 204-691-1166 or 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott. ici@gmail.com.

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The trap of negative thinking “I can’t stop worrying”… “My brain won’t shut off when I’m trying to go to sleep at night”…

“I’m so negative most of the time”… “It’s always my fault”…

These are some of the statements that I hear when I work with clients in therapy. A lot of the time, the problem that brings people to counselling (for example, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties), has something to do with how people think and view their world.

Have you ever thought about how you think? It might be strange to consider this, but research shows that negative thought patterns can lead to negative emotions and poor behaviour choices. For example, if Jane thinks, “I never do well in exams,” she may feel anxious or sad, and then avoid or procrastinate studying for the test.

Below are 15 negative thought patterns (or “cognitive distortions”) to watch out for.

If you are feeling upset about a situation, see if your thoughts fall into any of the following categories: 1. Filtering – Ignoring all of the positive outcomes and only focusing on the negative. For example, after a performance

review, an employee chooses to focus only on the areas his boss says needs improvement, and ignores all of the good things his boss said.

2. Polarized Thinking – All or nothing thinking, or thinking in extremes. For instance, a person with this tendency might view herself as either a successful person or a complete failure, with no grey area.

3. Overgeneralization – Assuming that all experiences and people are the same, based on one negative experience. For example, a person might assume that after an encounter with someone rude from a particular city, everyone from that city is rude.

4. Jumping to Conclusions – Being convinced of something with little or no evidence to support it. Someone who tends to do this might jump to the thought that their spouse is having an affair after they come home late one night.

5.

Catastrophizing – Assuming the worst-case scenario, magnifying the negative and minimizing the positive. If you tend to do this, you might think that something awful has happened to a family member if

they do not pick up their phone right away.

6.

Personalization – Believing that you are at least partly responsible for everything bad that happens around you. For instance, after learning that his parents got into a car accident, a child may blame himself.

7. Control Fallacies – In this type of negative thought pattern, we misjudge how much control we have in a situation. This can be distortions of having no control (e.g. “I hate my job but I have no choice but to stay here”) or that we are responsible for everything, even things we cannot control (e.g. “I should have noticed that my friend needed more help planning her wedding. Now she’s stressed and it’s my fault.”)

8. Fallacy of Fairness – Being too concerned over whether everything is fair. A good example of this is when kids are focused on having the exact same things as their siblings, when it is not always possible.

9. Blaming – Pointing at others when looking for a cause of any negative event, instead of looking at yourself. In this situation, someone might put the entire blame on their spouse for their marital difficulties.

10. Shoulds – Holding tight to your personal rules on how people should behave. For instance, a mother might make quick judgements on how another mother should be disciplining her child.

11. Emotional Reasoning – Believing that something is true just because they feel a certain way. An example of this type of thinking is, “I feel guilty, therefore my action must have been bad.”

12. Fallacy of Change – Expecting others to change to suit your needs or desires. This often happens with couples. For instance, “He should know that I like the towels folded a certain way, so he should fold them that way too.”

13.

Global Labelling/ Mislabelling – Generalizing one or two instances into an overall judgment, using exaggerated and emotionally loaded language. An example of this is thinking, “What jerks! The neighbours were mowing their lawn too early in the morning, so they don’t care about anyone else on this street!”

14. Always Being Right – Believing that it is unacceptable to be wrong. Someone who has this attitude will not accept another person’s difference of opinion, at

the expense of their relationship with others.

15. Heavens’ Reward Fallacy – Believing that any good act you do will be repaid or rewarded.

Someone with this thought pattern might think that if they endure bad treatment from their boss, they will surely be rewarded with a promotion one day.

It can be a humbling experience to recognize that your thinking sometimes falls into one or more of these categories.

But the silver lining is that these thought patterns can be changed, and will likely lead to feeling better emotionally, making healthier choices, and having stronger relationships with others.

Once you recognize a cognitive distortion, look for evidence against it. Adjust your self-talk to be kinder to yourself, more like how you would talk to your best friend. Changing the world begins with changing ourselves.

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking.

It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” - Albert Einstein Cheryl Dizon-Reynante is a licensed therapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

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Feng shui your goals: Get what you want in 4 easy steps Setting and reaching goals is a great way to create milestones in your life. It feels good to achieve something you’ve worked for and focused on. Many people think that when someone reaches a goal it’s because that person is special or has some unique talent.

Chances are, this person had a plan and a vision.

Yes, the old saying of “people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan” is tired, but alas, still true. A plan can be an idea on a cocktail napkin or an elaborate schematic of steps to reach an articular objective. It may simply be a picture. Either way, goals and objective require something concrete. The “mortar” that holds a dream together is made with only three ingredients: 1. Words. Written goals are more likely to come true than those that aren’t.

2. Pictures. Visual goals are the epitome of “seeing is believing, and believing is seeing” your objective come true.

3. Action. Love, like your desire to reach a goal is not just a feeling, it must be an action.

Do your actions equate with your goal? In other words, if your goal is to be a writer, are you, in fact, writing or just thinking about it?

You’ve got to do it to be it.

Now you may be wondering

how goal setting and goal achieving relate to feng shui. Well, your environment has a direct impact on your effectiveness and your life, so to increase your chances of success, you want to make sure your environment reflects that desire.

In other words: use symbolism in your home or office to keep the focus on your goals. Also, the Chinese hang banners with auspicious sayings in their homes and businesses to reflect their aspirations… So you see, this is perfectly feng shui.

The ideas below will help you focus your attention on your goals so that you, too, will be one of those admired people who set a goal and achieved it!

1. Symbolize your goals. What is it you want to achieve? Is it your goal to be a famous writer? If so, start an antique pen collection and place it in the south sector of fame and recognition. Add a light here and pictures of some of your favourite writers — yourself included — in red frames. Pick something to symbolize your goal, whether that is a vase, a globe, and a figurine.

Put this where you can see it frequently.

2. Picture it. Pictures are worth a thousand words. Put

pictures that symbolize your goals in the appropriate corner to inspire you! Is it health? Put up a picture of a runner if exercising or completing a marathon is your goal. Maybe you want wealth and to you living in Tahiti represents being wealthy… So, put a poster of a gorgeous Tahitian island up on the wall opposite your desk where you can see it everyday. It will make going after your goal sweeter.

3. Activate your goals by sector by creating a symbol corner. If your goal is to be a wealthy businessman, then the north and northwest sectors are all-important. They represent water that is wealth (north), and helpful people (northwest). Build a symbol corner with elements appropriate for your goal and that corner. Not sure about the sectors? Check my lo shu square that comes with every issue of the Red Lotus Letter — it tells you exactly where every sector is located.

4. Put it into words. In addition to creating your goal corner and hanging a picture of your goal, you can complete the scene by adding your goal in words. So, for example, if you’ve created a marriage goal corner with a double fish symbol, a lamp with crystals, a red candle, and a picture of two people holding hands, all you need on the wall

next to this is the word “Love” or “Forever” or “Commitment” or “Marriage.”

Or, if you’ve created a business corner, go with the word “Success” or “Prosperity.” A very wealthy businesswoman who I admire greatly had a sign made to hang above her front door that said “Abundance” and every day, it reinforced her goal to her and to her family. Way to go!

FENG SHUI Q&A Question: Is there anything I can do to feel better about myself? Lately, I have been feeling depressed and unattractive.

Answer: When you feel unattractive it colours your outlook and your disposition.

This is a good time to go through your closet and take out any old or stained clothes. Do a good purge of old shoes, handbags, and clothing that you no longer enjoy or wear. Making room for new clothes that you enjoy more and

that you feel better in can go a long way toward helping you feel better about your appearance and lift your mood.

Another thought? Take a look at your make-up. Try a few new techniques to spruce up your appearance. One of my favourite YouTube bloggers is Dominique Sachse. She does her makeup in her own bathroom, colours her hair, and styles her hair right there in the mirror in front of you. She uses everything from expensive designer make-up to drug store brands – a girl after my own heart.

Check her out and see if you don’t get a little inspired to try a new look yourself.

Kathryn Weber has over 20+ years of feng shui study, practice and professional consultation.

Her witty, no-nonsense style appeals to audiences, making her a popular speaker and radio show guest. Visit www. redlotusletter.com

Hit the ground running I am most fortunate and grateful to live here in Canada. I am able and often encouraged to get a taste of other cultures from around the world, whether that means literally tasting unfamiliar foods, learning bits of especially noteworthy foreign history, or perhaps acquiring the odd greeting or phrase in another language.

Thanks in part to its place in the world politically and its generally positive disposition, Canada is known to draw people from all around the globe to come visit and even stay within its borders. Of the positive qualities the country possesses, I often find that fellow Canadians cherish the delightfully inescapable feeling of being different – together.

Take any two people from the general population of Canada, let them talk about themselves to each other for a bit, and chances are that they will describe vastly different backgrounds and senses of identity.

Identity. What a fascinating word. Growing up Canadian gave me some experience with it. See, when you are surrounded by so

many varying stories of personal heritage it almost becomes fun to declare your own. In elementary school, if I deemed it appropriate, I would almost yell, “Well I’m Pilipino-Canadian!”

I continued doing so for a while before I actually considered what having my roots meant both in the broader historical sense and the more personal, familial one.

Perhaps I have been less lucky or failed to see certain opportunities, but I do not remember encountering a single program relating to Philippine studies in my career as a student from kindergarten to the twelfth grade. Making matters worse, to my own and more than one teacher’s dismay, I seem to have had some stubborn aversion to learning things relating to history and anthropology. So, there was a very slim chance for me to take initiative and seek out the knowledge for myself. And since I had no relatives besides my mother whom I could discuss my roots with, my idea of the family I come from is one derived mostly from stories rather than experience. Finally, as a kind of

cherry on top, I have a very limited understanding of the language; I can only just barely grasp the gist of a conversation between Pilipino speakers. With all of this in mind, it did not seem likely that I would ever get in touch with my Philippine side.

But thanks to a certain “encouraging” friend of mine, I caught wind of an organization called Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) Incorporated. ANAK was offering the chance for Pilipino-Canadian youths to earn a scholarship.

“Well I’m Pilipino-Canadian!”

I thought.

One short essay and a few emails later, and I found myself sitting in a room with a handful of other young people not so different from me. We all grew up for some length of time in Canada, all the while curious about our heritage, and conscious of the disconnect from our roots that arose from living away from the culture. We had a roughly two-hour discussion about what it means and how it feels to be Pilipino-Canadian.

And while there were definitely some differences in opinions and varying experiences among us, there was one common thread that linked all of us and made us feel at home: we all felt slightly out of place and different. It was fairly

safe to say that we all came out of that room a bit more sure of what our individual identities were, or at least hungrier for further understanding. So, while I did not end up winning the scholarship, I believe that I ended up more in touch with a side of myself that I may not have otherwise explored.

Just this summer, I volunteered to work with ANAK during Folklorama 50 at the Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion, assisting them in presenting and selling merchandise that helps to inform and enrich people’s understanding of Philippine culture. I spent five evenings at the event with ANAK and learned more about my heritage in those five nights than I had in my entire life! I learned bits and pieces of history and mythology like the Sarimanok, discussed how the languages of the Philippines convey thoughts and emotion differently from the English language, got to watch the great performers practice tinikling in between shows, and even learned how to play sungka! By the time the last night came to an end, I was beginning to regret that I didn’t book more hours of volunteering at the event with ANAK, but thankfully they assured me that they would have more opportunities for me in the future.

So while I still have much to learn about the traditions, languages, and history of my cultural heritage, I already feel as if I have come a long way since the beginning of 2019. What’s more, I am excited since I have the rest of my life to seize more opportunities like the one I took this summer.

Like many other young people, I am still not quite certain about who I am or what my identity is, but I know I am getting closer. I’ve hit the ground running, and I hope I won’t stop.

Allen Rey is in his first year of studies at university, currently working towards a degree in neuroscience. To learn more about how to get involved in ANAK programs and events, visit www.anak.ca or email info@ anak.ca

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COVID-19: Preparedness for a potential pandemic February 25, 2020 – As of today, over 80 thousand patients from 29 countries have been diagnosed with COVID-19 – short for the coronavirus disease that emerged in December 2019.

Compared to the figures reported a month ago, these numbers represent over a hundred-fold increase in patients and more than a three-fold increase in affected countries. And over 2,700 patients have lost their lives since the disease began in early December 2019.

Guarded optimism The last two weeks for this reporting period have brought forth two competing messages – guarded optimism during the early part versus the likelihood of a fullblown pandemic during the latter half. During the early part, China’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) reported on their “descriptive exploratory analysis” of 72,314 patients. Most (81 per cent) were mild. The authors of the report did acknowledge limitations to their study, for example, about 10,000 did not have laboratory-confirmed tests for the virus. They observed that the epidemic appeared to be in decline, leading to the end of their data collection. Indeed, daily tracking of reports from the CDC-USA, the CDC-China and the World Health Organization (WHO) showed a continuing decline of new patients and a rise in the number of recovery.

Even then, they added the cautionary note that “with many people returning from a long holiday, China needs to prepare for the possible rebound of the epidemic.” The global public, I thought, could justifiably see optimism on the horizon.

Potential pandemic Then came the Diamond Princess cruise ship event that showed a rapid increase of infections, followed by the surge of new patients in South Korea, Italy and Iran, accompanied by a significant number of deaths.

It appears the epidemic has now progressed to the Middle East and Europe. There are now over 2,000 patients outside China. In light of these latter observations, the

natural question that has visited the minds of the mainstream media and public health experts is: Has COVID-19 now become a full blown pandemic?

The WHO’s position At his media briefing on February 24, 2020 from Geneva, the WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros, had this to say in response to the question: “Our decision about whether to use the word “pandemic” to describe an epidemic is based on an ongoing assessment of the geographical spread of the virus, the severity of disease it causes and the impact it has on the whole of society. For the moment, we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus, and we are not witnessing large-scale severe disease or death. Does this virus have pandemic potential?

Absolutely, it has. Are we there yet? From our assessment, not yet. So how should we describe the current situation? What we see are epidemics in different parts of the world, affecting countries in different ways and requiring a tailored response. The sudden increase in new cases is certainly very concerning…Using the word pandemic now does not fit the facts, but it may certainly cause fear.”

Is Canada prepared for a pandemic?

Speaking of Canada’s preparedness for a possible pandemic, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, Theresa Tam, said yesterday as quoted in CBC News: “These signs are concerning and they mean that the window of opportunity for containment, for stopping the global spread of the virus, is closing. It also tells countries like Canada, that have been able to manage and detect cases so far, that we have to prepare across governments, across communities, and as families and individuals, in the event of more widespread transmission in our community.

As the window closes in terms of stopping the global spread, as we watch the WHO assess whether or not this is a full pandemic,

obviously our attention turns more toward our domestic preparedness and what Canada can do to make sure our system and structures are ready for a change in our own population.

“Canada developed a pandemic response plan in 2009, which would serve as the foundation for any shift in the official response to the current outbreak. The response plan includes accelerating research work here and contributing to international efforts to develop a vaccine abroad. It also could lead to expanding laboratory testing capabilities and access to diagnostic tools, and taking stock of essential supplies to make sure authorities don’t run short; that Canada’s course of action would be much the same whether the WHO declares a pandemic or

not.”

Canada’s state of preparedness and response are re-assuring, indeed!

Philippine government receives WHO support As part of its support for countries world wide to contain the spread and build preparedness for a possible COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO has provided stocks of personal protective equipment to the Philippine government for use by frontline health workers.

Along with examination gloves, respirators, isolation gowns, face masks, reagents and chemicals were delivered to the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine to enable it to perform diagnostic testing in the country instead of sending specimens to Australia.

This will reduce produce test results within two days. The WHO

also shared technical expertise on surveillance and country preparedness, and provided support to the leadership of the Health Department on messaging of risks and engaging the public about the outbreak.

Hon. Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C, O.M., LL.D., Sc.D., M.D., M.Sc., is a retired lung specialist and professor of pediatrics and child health from the Children’s Hospital of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine. As Canada’s former Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development, he made a presentation on “The Global Threat of Infectious Diseases” at the G-8 Countries’ Science Ministers and Advisors Group Meeting held on June 13-15, 2003 in Berlin, Germany. reypatakhan@mail.com

WHO Representative Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe (left) and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III (right) during the handover of personal protective equipment for the use of health workers. (Photo: WHO/F. Tanggol)

PAGE 10

PILIPINO EXPRESS

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

Aging gracefully My bathroom mirror is full of lies. Let me explain.

My hot shower has fogged up the mirror. I wipe off the condensation and continue with my daily ritual. Shave my head and face. All looks fine at a distance. It is when I get up close that all hell breaks loose.

Why is my hairline retreating as if scared by my furry eyebrows?

How is there more hair in my ears and nose than on my head? What are those horizontal lines forming on my forehead and around my eyes? I choose to ignore this on the daily, but some days, I stare at the mirror in shock. In my mind, I am still that young kid with the spikey hair who swore he’d never wear khakis and sweater vests.

Not long ago (Grade 7 to be exact), I would be shaking a bottle of Salon Selectives mousse and applying it liberally to my thick black hair. I would next take out the small bottle of Oxy 10 acne cover up and applying it to my forehead.

Next, I would trim the few hairs forming an almost-full moustache on my upper lip. “Damn I look good!” I would say to myself, as I would put on my new outfit from the Randy River clothing store.

That was almost 33 years ago, yet I remember it vividly.

Now, almost 45, I am happily married, have five kids, a house, a dog and a full time job. I’m full-on adulting! Why can’t I be that pimply kid growing up in the Maples again? If only I had a time machine.

Let’s say for the sake of this article I could travel back to 1987.

This is what I would do.

First things first, no need to watch my diet. I would eat

as many Fat Boy burgers my stomach could hold. Salad, that’s just boring filler; give me the good stuff, with a side of fries and mayo for dipping sauce. That is just for lunch. For mid-afternoon snack I would hit up the Koya Japan in the Garden City food court. Large teriyaki beef extra sauce please!

And because I’m a teenager and I am hungry every two hours, I would stop in at Bonanza and have a T-bone steak and unlimited fried shrimp.

It not just about food, I would try and get in a lot of face time (I’m talking original face time where we talk to people in person, not the Apple inspired video calling app) with my family and friends. I would ask my parents to go on a lengthy road trip to a place we’ve never been. I would ask my dad to take up golfing right away instead of waiting until I was in my twenties. I would tell my friends about a future where we wouldn’t see each other anymore and ask that we spend an extra hour playing Nintendo every night before going home.

I would also have saved the toys that would one day be hot collectibles. I would then sell them and invest in small Internet companies called Google and Amazon.

Shoulda woulda coulda…

Instead, here I am horrified that I am kalbo and looking at spending my paycheques on mortgage and car payments, taxes, bills, school fees – you get the idea. Sadly, time travel does not exist, so there is no sense reliving the past. So let us talk future, shall we?

Can’t do anything about the hairline, no sense dwelling on

something I have no control over.

What can I control? A lot, actually.

I used to suffer from what I call, “old man stick-in-the-butt syndrome.” My motto was to work hard now and play later. I would not settle in a job for very long, as there were many more opportunities for advancement out there. It seemed that I was switching jobs every two years or so. I was also very cheap. I did not like to spend money on frivolous items.

Then some big things happened in my life. I had kids and lost my dad the year I turned 30. Having kids sucked every penny I had in savings and losing my dad made me pause and think about what is most important – memories, and making lots of them.

Extended road trips to places we have never been? Sure! Taking a day off to hang with the fam?

Heck yeah! Kids want the newest pair of Air Jordans? Ask your mom!

Long story short, those lines on my face not disappearing after I smile, the never-ending ear hair, or the fact that I cannot drink cola anymore - that stuff is minor and it comes with getting older. The quicker I can get over that stuff, the sooner I can start enjoying the next part of my life. Now if you excuse me, I have to change into my khakis and sweater vest.

Dale manages the communications department for a school district in B.C.

Dale – circa 1986

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

PILIPINO EXPRESS

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

PAGE 14

PILIPINO EXPRESS

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

• Sarah at Matteo – Tuloy ang ikot ng mundo para sa newlyweds • Liza Soberano – Napakaganda na, busilak pa ang imahe • Kris Aquino – Maraming nag-aabang sa kaniyang pagbabalik • Athena – Panganay ni Bistek at Tates, enrolled sa New York University • Robin Padilla – Pati si Susan Roces idinadamay sa kaso ng ABS-CBN

Kinunan ng isang source ang bahay nina Sarah Geronimo sa St. Charbel Subdivision.

Malungkot ang bahay, pati ang malawak nilang bakuran, dahil sa biglaang pagpapakasal nina Matteo Guidicelli at Sarah.

Dahil nasa kasagsagan pa ang galit ng mga magulang ni Sarah ay nagbigay sila ng abiso sa mga guwardiya sa gate ng subdivision na banned ang mga bagong kasal sa pagpasok at dalawang iba pa.

Hindi pa handa sina Daddy Delfin at Mommy Divine na makaharap nang personal sina Matteo at Sarah, sobra silang

nasaktan sa pangyayari, na humantong pa nga sa pagsugod ni Mommy Divine sa dinner pagkatapos ng kasalan.

Literal na hindi napigilan ng ina ni Sarah ang kaniyang galit, tinangka niyang sampalin si Matteo, na hinarangan naman ni Sarah at ng kanilang relationship counselor na si Letty Fuentes.

Dahil sa pagharang ay napatumbuwang sa sahig ang dalawa, nagpagulung-gulong, habang talak nang talak si Mommy Divine.

Tahasang nagpahayag si See CRISTY p15

The newlyweds Matteo Guidicelli & Sarah Geronimo

Liza Soberano

Kris Aquino – tuloy ang spa treatment

Athena Gana & Daniel Padilla

Peace of M ind .

Pre-Arrangement relieves your family of last-minute planning and lets you choose how you’ll be remembered.

Pre-arrange with Mosaic and we’ll provide peace of mind to those involved during this emotional time.

P R O U D LY S U P P O R T I N G T H E FILIPINO COM MUNITY

Fe e l at Home .

I M M E D I AT E N E E D ? C A L L ( 2 0 4 ) 2 7 5 - 5 5 5 5 , W E ’ R E AVA I L A B L E 2 4 / 7 18 3 9 I N K S T E R B O U L E VA R D MOSAICFUNER AL S.C A INFO@MOSAICFUNER AL S.C A

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

CRISTY...

From page 14 Matteo na wala itong kahit sinong sinuntok, taliwas sa pahayag ng close-in security ni Sarah na si Jerry Tamara, binigyan daw ito ng suntok ng groom sa kaniyang leeg.

Nagsumbong pa ito kay Raffy Tulfo, pinanindigan ang kaniyang salaysay, pero kinontra iyon ng mga nasa function room ng restaurant.

Sabi nga ng isang boxing enthusiast, “Kung totoong sa leeg siya tinamaan, dapat, e, nakatulog siya! Malakas daw ang suntok ni Matteo, sabi ng security, hindi totoo iyon!

“Kahit ang mga boxers, e, iniiwasang maupakan sila sa panga at leeg, may mga ugat tayo doon, kaya kung totoong inundayan siya ng sapak ni Matteo, dapat, e, knockout siya!” sabi nito.

Samantala, tuloy ang ikot ng mundo para sa mga bagong kasal.

Tuloy ang kanilang career. Nagtaping agad si Sarah para sa The Voice Teens, Mrs. Guidicelli na ang pagpapakilala sa kaniya sa programa, si Matteo naman ay agad na ring nagtrabaho para sa bagong produktong ineendorso

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

niya.

Kuwento ng aming kaibigan na nakatrabaho ni Matteo, “Napakamarespeto ni Matteo, hindi niya kami pinahirapan, nakikinig siya sa instructions, wala siyang kaere-ere.”

Palagi namang marespeto at mapagkumbaba ang male personality kahit pa mula siya sa angkan ng mga may sinasabi sa Cebu. Kilalang-kilala ang kanilang pamilya sa South, alam ng mga tagaroon kung gaano kayaman ang kanilang angkan, kaya masama ang loob ng mga kamag-anak ng aktor sa sobrang pangmamaliit sa kaniya ng pamilya ni Sarah.

Sabi ng isang kaibigan namin na nagkataong kaibigan din ng mga tiyahin ni Matteo, “Kilala po namin si Matteo dahil apo siya ni dating Chief Justice Marcelo Fernan, very low key sila, kahit pa kilalang-kilalang buena familia sila.”

Sabi ng isang miron ay libre na raw kumain ng chocolate at ice-cream si Sarah, wala nang magbabantay sa kaniya, magkakaroon na rin daw ng pahinga ngayon si Mrs. Guidicelli.

Kalat na kalat kasi ang kuwento na bawal kumain ng mani, tsokolate at ice-cream si Sarah,

makasisira kasi iyon sa kaniyang boses, kaya batas para sa kaniya ang utos ni Mommy Divine.

Tao lang naman si Sarah, natural lang na gusto rin niyang tumikim ng mga ipinagbabawal sa kaniya ni Mommy Divine, hindi lang niya magawa iyon dahil siguradong pagagalitan siya nang wagas ng kaniyang nanay.

“Ang dami-daming maligaya para sa kanila, lalo na’t nagkontrabida pa sa Christian wedding nila ang mommy ni Sarah. Nakakahiya ang ginawa ni Mommy Divine!

“Pero wala na siyang habol, asawa na ni Matteo ang anak niya, sa ayaw niya’t sa gusto!” dagdag na komento pa ng aming source.

Matagal pa ang lalakbayin ng teleseryeng ito sa totoong buhay.

Nagsasama na ngayon sina Matteo at Sarah sa isang condo unit na matagal nang binili ng aktor.

Napakaligaya ngayon ni Sarah, kitang-kita iyon sa kaniyang mga mata, na dapat lang unawain at tanggapin na ng kaniyang mga magulang dahil trenta’y uno na ang singer-actress. ** Abalang-abala ngaoyn ang buong bayan sa pagsali sa nose See CRISTY p16

PAGE 15

Robin Padilla

Athena Gana – panganay ni Bistek at Tates

PAGE 16

OUR HEALTH PILIPINO EXPRESS

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

Panic attack isn’t life threatening, but can be frightening experience Question: After going to the emergency department for what I thought was a heart attack, the doctor told me there were no issues with my heart and that my symptoms were likely from a panic attack. How can I tell the difference, and how can I prevent future panic attacks?

Answer: While having a heart attack and experiencing a panic attack can feel similar, the symptoms differ and the two conditions are managed very differently. Although not lifethreatening like a heart attack, a panic attack can be a frightening experience. Panic attacks also can affect your quality of life, as it’s common to develop a fear of having another panic attack.

A heart attack occurs when coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood become narrowed from the build-up of fat, cholesterol and other substances. Most heart attacks involve chest discomfort, such as an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Other heart attack signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, light-headedness and discomfort in other areas of the upper body, such as the arm,

PINAY...

From page 4 Manitoba. She is not only the first female but also the first Filipino to be given the award of “Optometrist of the Year” from the Manitoba Association of Optometry in 2013.

Marjorie Soldevilla – For her outstanding contributions in social services and social justice. Marjorie’s career in the field of social services, and her passion for social justice through community volunteerism, has spanned 27 years. Her work at the International Centre of Winnipeg has allowed her to help newcomers and refugees settle in our community. Aside from meaningful contributions at work, Marjorie has various community volunteer involvements.

Previous Pinays Trailblazer honourees: 2016: The late Carolina Custodio who was not only instrumental in bringing groups of garment workers from the Philippines to Manitoba ca. 1960 but also took the lead in assisting them make a smooth transition to their new life in Canada; and Fe Ryder, now a retired nurse, who was one of the first five nurses who settled in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1959.

2017: The late Rosalinda Natividad Cantiveros, a respected community leader who made her mark in the field of journalism; Erlinda Magnaye Ramos, an entrepreneur who established Manitoba’s first Filipino-owned cake-baking business in 1971; and the Garment Workers

neck or jaw.

People commonly link chest pain and other symptoms to a heart attack and may fear the worst if the symptoms come on intensely or abruptly. But you may experience many of the same sensations with a panic attack. In addition to a sometimes-overwhelming feeling of anxiety or fear, a panic attack may also cause physical signs and symptoms, such as a pounding or racing heart; sweating or chills; trembling or shaking; and breathing problems. Dizziness or weakness, tingly or numb hands, chest or stomach pain and nausea also can occur.

Signs and symptoms of a panic attack often come on suddenly and peak within minutes. A panic attack may occur as a result of a frightening or stressful situation, or may even occur out of the blue. Attacks may even occur unexpectedly and repeatedly as a component of a panic disorder or along with another mental health condition.

There are a number of ways that the symptoms of a panic attack differ from those of a heart attack. For example, the sudden onset of symptoms during

extreme stress is more likely to be caused by a panic attack. But onset of symptoms during physical exertion or onset with rest, such as upon waking, is more often associated with a heart attack.

Sharp stabbing pain in the chest that improves over time — often within minutes — is more likely a panic attack; whereas, pain in the chest from a heart attack is often squeezing pain and pressure that worsens over time and can radiate to the arm, jaw, shoulder blades or back. Although the differences may be subtle, understanding them can help you know how best to respond when symptoms occur.

This is particularly important for older adults and people with heart disease risk factors who are also prone to panic attacks.

That said; if you’re ever uncertain about your symptoms, don’t delay in seeking medical care, particularly if you’ve never experienced such symptoms. If you have a history of heart attack, seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms that resemble a prior heart attack.

Getting early treatment for panic attacks can help prevent them from worsening or becoming

Batch 1968, a group of young and courageous Filipino women who left the Philippines in the mid-1960s to seek a better future overseas.

2018: Emmie Joaquin for her achievements in the field of radio broadcast journalism and outstanding community service; Nena Joy Lazo for her achievements in the field of performing arts and for her advocacy in volunteerism and mentorship; and Florfina Marcelino for her achievements in the field of politics and outstanding community service.

2019: Loizza Aquino for her outstanding leadership and advocacy for mental health; Melody Balane for her outstanding achievement in sports; and Ma-Anne Dionisio for her achievements in the field of performing arts.

The Pinays MB Inc. Board of Directors (2020 – 2021) President – Araceli Ancheta; Vice-President – Winnie Navarro; Secretaries – Luella Sadicon and Imelda Sangalang; Treasurer – Connie De Villa/Leah Beltran; Auditor – Trifona Bermisa; PR/ Publicity – Emmie Joaquin; and

Past President – Perla Javate.

Pinays MB Inc. four main objectives: • To recognize women who made outstanding contributions to the Philippine community and in the mainstream community through the annual recognition event that coincides with the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD); • To support Filipino women through confidence building, leadership and communication training, and participation in organized activities; • To identify and address issues of Filipino women; and • To write the history of Filipino women in Manitoba.

International Women’s Day is celebrated yearly on March 8th.

This day is marked to celebrate the social economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world and to raise awareness of the work that still needs to be done.

The Pinays Recognition Brunch, to commemorate IWD 2020 will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Ambassador Suite of the Canad Inns Destination Centre in Winnipeg.

A depiction of someone experiencing a panic attack, being reassured by another person (Wikipedia) more frequent.

Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches you different ways of thinking about — and reacting to — the feelings and symptoms that occur with a panic attack. Once you learn to react differently to the fear and physical sensations that occur, the panic attacks often begin to subside.

Antidepressant medications can reduce the signs and symptoms of panic attacks, and have a low risk of serious side effects. They may be used on their own or in combination with

CRISTY...

From page 15 challenge ni Liza Soberano. Para lang magaya ang napakatangos na ilong ng magandang young actress ay may naglalagay ng ipit sa labada sa ilong.

May nagkukulapol muna ng napakakapal na noseline bago tumingala. Mayroon pang isang naglagay ng kung anong bagay sa kaniyang ilong para lang tumangos.

Sa kahit anong gayak at ayos ay tunay namang napakaganda ni Liza Soberano. At hindi lang siya pisikal na maganda, napakaganda rin ng kaniyang kalooban, hindi niya lang binibilang ang kaniyang mga blessings kundi ibinabahagi niya iyon sa mga taong mahal niya.

Ibinili niya ng bahay sa Amerika ang kaniyang lolo at lola sa ama, matagal na panahon kasi siyang kinupkop ng mga ito nang maghiwalay ang kaniyang mga magulang, ito na nga naman ang panahon para kahit paano’y makapagbalik siya ng pagmamahal at pagtanaw ng utang na loob.

At kitang-kita sa kaniyang aura ang mabuting puso ni Liza, wala siyang anggulong hindi maganda, maaliwalas ang kaniyang itsura.

Si Liza Soberano ang crush ng buong bayan ngayon, maraming naiinggit kay Enrique Gil, ang matagal na niyang boyfriend.

Sabi ng kaibigan naming propesor, “I like Liza Soberano dahil hindi siya pabibo. Very low key siya. I can see her through.

Alam mong maganda ang ugali niya.”

Napakaganda na ni Liza

cognitive behavioural therapy or another form of therapy.

If you experience symptoms of a panic attack — particularly if they recur — talk to your health care provider. He or she can delve into your symptoms and recommend management options, as well as refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist if needed. Adapted from Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Dr. Craig Sawchuk, Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network)

Soberano, maganda at busilak pa ang kaniyang imahe, perpek na siya! ** Totoo ang pahayag ni Kris Aquino na nagkakaroon man sila ng hindi pagkakaunawaan ng kaniyang mga kapatid ay hindi na nila iyon ipinaaabot pa sa publiko.

Sila-sila lang ang umaayos ng kanilang mga problema, hindi nila ginagawang circus ang kanilang personal na buhay, may lumalabas mang mga kuwento ay hindi diretsong nagmumula sa kanila.

Alam natin na nagkaroon ng gap noon si Kris at ang kaniyang kuyang dating pangulo, pero hindi niya iyon idinedetalye, ang pinakaclue lang niya ay ilang buwan na raw silang hindi nagkakausap ni P-Noy. Pero kailan lang ay ayos na ang lahat sa kanila, hindi pa rin idinetalye ni Kris kung paano sila nagkasundo, sapat nang sabihin niya na buung-buo na silang magkakapatid.

Naturingang daldakina pero pagdating sa problema ng kanilang pamilya ay tikom ang bibig ni Kris, pakudlit-kudlit lang na impormasyon ang malalaman mula sa kaniya, nirerespeto niya ang kapribaduhan ng kanilang pamilya.

Noong nakaraang linggo ay hindi kagandahan ang itsura ni Kris nang batiin siya ng kaniyang mga anak at household staff sa kaarawan niya. Halos hindi nga niya mabuhat ang maliit lang namang cake an iniabot sa kaniya ni Bimby.

Pero ngayon ay maayos na See CRISTY p19

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 17

ABS-CBN receives 23 awards from educators and students ABS-CBN and DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 continue to have the trust and approval of the academic community after being named TV Station of the Year and Radio Station of the Year, respectively for the fourth straight year at the 2019 Guild of Educators, Mentors, and Students (GEMS) Awards.

The Kapamilya network felt the love in the awarding ceremony with a 23 award-haul, including Best TV Series (The General’s Daughter), Best TV Program-Drama/Investigative/ Reality (Maalaala Mo Kaya), and Best TV Program-Entertainment/ Variety (ASAP Natin ‘To).

Angel Locsin led the list of winners from ABS-CBN, bagging the Natatanging Hiyas ng Sining sa Telebisyon award.

Other Kapamilya stars that were recognized were Vice Ganda (Best TV Program HostEntertainment/Variety for It’s Showtime), Dimples Romana (Best Actress for a TV Series for Kadenang Ginto), Jhong Hilario (Best Actor for a Single Performance in Ipaglaban Mo), Joanna Ampil (Best Actress for a Single Performance in MMK), Kit Thompson (Best

Performance in a Supporting Role for Mea Culpa: Sino Ang May Sala), and Andrea Brillantes (Best Performance in a Supporting Role for Kadenang Ginto).

ABS-CBN was also recognized in the film categories with Star Cinema picking up the Natatanging Hiyas ng Sining sa Pelikula award. The country’s top grossing movie, Hello, Love, Goodbye, was also named Best Mainstream Film, while Cathy Garcia-Molina was hailed Best Mainstream Director.

Charo Santos-Concio was also honoured as Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the hit horror movie, Eerie.

Meanwhile, Cinema One Originals’ also bagged awards, including Natatanging Pelikulang Pangkasarian (Sila Sila), Best Indie Film (Metamorphosis), and Best Indie Film Director for Jose Enrique Tiglao (Metamorphosis). Cinema One is a cable channel under the ABS-CBN subsidiary Creative Programs Inc. Completing the list of winners for the Kapamilya network are MOR 101.9 (Best FM Radio Station), DJ Popoy (Best Male

Andrea Brillantes Radio DJ), DZMM anchor Maresciel Yao for Usapang de Campanilla (Best Female Radio Broadcaster-Public Service), and ABS-CBN News’ Gus Abelgas (Best TV Program HostDrama/Investigative/Reality).

The Guild of Educators, Mentors, and Students (GEMS) Awards is composed of teachers, academic professionals, and students from prestigious academic institutions in the Philippines. It aims to

Dimples Romana recognize excellent projects and personalities in the field of television, film, radio, literature, and theatre.

Julia Montes’ 24/7 an instant hit Julia Montes’ return to television was an instant hit among viewers nationwide as her weekly action-drama series 24/7 became the number one show on February 23.

The series’ pilot episode recorded a national TV rating of 27 per cent, compared to its rival show Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko (17.1 per cent), according to data from Kantar Media.

Praises also poured in on social media for the series’ fast pace and the cast’s impressive portrayal.

“Dreamscape (unit’s) take on sci-fi material for a series is impressive: the plot twist was

mind blowing, the timeslot was refreshing, the story was fast paced, great cinematography, powerhouse casting, and it is led by the Julia Montes. Now that is how we define a worldclass series,” said Twitter user @ maraxschnittka.

“24/7 is the show we all ever wanted. It raised a high standard at what we should expect for a Filipino show. For international (release)! Julia Montes is so good,” said fan @gilperez365.

“I love the story and what surprised me the most is the end part of this episode. It’s not just about a parasite or dengue epidemic, but it’s also about time

and a chance to change the tragic story of her mother,” YouTube user Prince Jay Amper commented.

The series’ first episode saw Mia (Julia), a security guard who died after attempting to get the vaccine that would save her dying son Xavier from the new strain of dengue.

However, a puzzling twist surprised viewers because as the all-grown up Xavier, played by Tony Labrusca, presented his invention at an event in the year 2045, time suddenly travelled back to 2020 at Mia’s home, a few days before her death.

How will Xavier’s invention help Mia fix the truth?

Hospital dedicated to OF workers soon to start construction The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently announced that the construction of the hospital catering to overseas Filipino workers will soon begin; it is expected to be completed by May of 2021.

Signatories of the deal were Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda, Department of Health (DoH) Undersecretary Dr. Lilibeth David, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) Chairperson Andrea Domingo and Atty. Ellan Mark Pailan of Bloomberry Cultural Foundation.

During his remarks, DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III stated that the hospital, which will be built in Brgy. Sindalan, in San Fernando City, Pampanga, serves

as recognition to the contribution and sacrifices of the Filipinos working overseas. “This hospital is going to be built to recognize the heroism of our OFWs who continue to power economic growth in the country,” Bello said.

“It’s a fitting tribute to Filipino workers who, through their valuable remittances, have kept the economy afloat during many challenging times,” he added.

Once the first-ever hospital dedicated to the overseas Filipino workers is completed, it will

Julia Montes render free services to overseas Filipino workers who are securing medical certificates, covering

laboratory exams and other requirements for their overseas deployment.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III leads other government agencies, the provincial government of Pampanga, and a private developer in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to construct the first state-of-the-art hospital in Barangay Sindalan, San Fernando Pampanga, to benefit the overseas Filipino workers and their families.

Held at Kingsborough International Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga, the signing ceremony was attended by, ( from L to R,) PAGCOR Chairperson, Andrea Domingo; Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia G. Pineda; Pampanga Governor Dennis G. Pineda; Secretary Bello; Dr. Lilibeth C. David of the Department of Health; OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac; and the representative of the developer, Bloomberry Cultural Foundation,Inc. on February 12,2020 (Photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS)

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

PAGE 18

PILIPINO EXPRESS

Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit Three generations of women take on a quest to pursue their dreams on GMA Network’s much-awaited TV adaptation of the 1989 blockbuster movie by Regal Films, Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit.

The drama series is topbilled by the Nora Aunor as Mercedes “Cedes” dela Cruz.

Playing equally important roles are Mylene Dizon as Magnolia “Nolie” dela Cruz and Kyline Alcantara as Maggie dela Cruz.

Nora shares her excitement to be starring in a remake of her own award-winning film, “Masaya ako na magkakaroon ng remake ‘yung aming pelikula noon. Excited din ako dahil ang gagaling ng mga artista na makakasama ko dito.”

Mylene reveals that she is honoured to be working with the legendary actress, “It’s really a dream come true. I think it’s every actress’ dream to be able to work with Ms. Nora Aunor. I feel very privileged and lucky to be working with her for this project.”

Kyline feels ecstatic to be part of such stellar cast, “Until now, hindi talaga nagsi-sink in sa akin na I’m part of this huge teleserye.

I can’t believe na makakatrabaho ko sila knowing na nagsisimula pa lang ako sa industriya. I feel really honoured and at the same time pressured.”

Nora Aunor, Mylene Dizon & Kyline Alcantara Completing the star-studded cast are: Zoren Legaspi as Anselmo, Gabby Eigenmann as Arthur, Ina Feleo as Margaux, Yasser Marta as Jun, Divina Valencia as Editha, Candy Pangilinan as Connie, and Isabel

Rivas as Martina.

Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit features the special participation of Ricky Davao as Damian and Dante Rivero as Ramon.

Director Laurice Guillen is at the helm of this drama series.

Gabbi Garcia grateful for jumpstart this 2020 One of GMA Network’s prized artists is Gabbi Garcia. With her hosting, acting and performing skills, there’s no wonder she has built a great following and fan base. At 21-years-old, Gabbi has already starred in various TV series and movies where she received notable recognition from several award-giving bodies. She is also the face of numerous brands here and abroad, which blessed her with a healthy and positive image in the industry.

Today, her influence continues to reach more. With five million followers on Instagram and more than four million on Facebook, Gabbi is considered one of the most influential social media celebrities and most trusted endorsers in the country.

Just recently, giant messaging app Rakuten Viber chose her as one of the VIP guests to watch the FC Barcelona game in Spain.

The GMA Artist Center talent is also the newest face of Belo Beauty’s Lumino Vita Glow treatment with her billboards scattered along EDSA. Aside from this, she will have a new Bench billboard for their exciting new product.

What’s more, Gabbi has been named as the first-ever Filipina Taiwan Tourism Ambassador. With her appointment, she is tasked to promote the beauty and culture of Taiwan and inspire more Filipinos to visit the country.

“It’s another milestone for my career, I’m just so honoured and happy to be the first Filipina to hold the position. I feel like it’s more of

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

Alden Richards hosts sing-off battles on Centerstage The quest to find the Bida Kid is on!

Extremely talented kids sing in pursuit of achieving their dreams on GMA Network’s newest musical competition Centerstage.

Alden Richards, takes the audience through the contestants’ tough yet fun journey in finding out who’s got both the charm and the vocal prowess to take home the title and the amazing prizes at stake.

Since it’s his first time to host a competition like this, Alden shared how thrilled he is to get up close and personal with the aspirants, “It’s something new for me, it’s going to be different, ‘yun po ang challenge sa akin dito, how to deal with kids, kung paano sila mag-isip, paano ko gagawing magaan ‘yung naging desisyon ng judges at ng mga tao.”

Co-hosted by Betong Sumaya, Centerstage will gather young aspiring performers aged 7-12 from different places in the Philippines to compete against each other through songs and by outracing opponents in a series of vocal performances until only one remains.

“Sobrang excited ako, hindi naman araw-araw makakakita ako ng ganito kagagaling na mga bata kaya I’m so thankful for this opportunity. To be able to watch these contestants showcase what they’ve got, amazing talaga,” Betong shared.

The search will be led by equally outstanding personalities in the entertainment industry here and abroad: international singerartist Aicelle Santos, musical director Mel Villena, and Pops Fernandez.

For Aicelle, she’s ready to rise up to the challenge of guiding these aspiring artists, “Lahat ng tumatayo diyan sa stage, nangangarap na makilala bilang isang mang-aawit, and for me, I’m very particular in choosing my words because you don’t want to discourage them.”

Mel expects judging to be fun yet tricky, “Kasama doon sa fun ay ‘yung some kind of technical sa pag-awit. Ako’y musical director,

hinahanap ko talaga ‘yung talent ng bata at ‘yun ay dapat solid.”

Pops, in turn, expressed her eagerness to discover each contestant’s talent, “Hindi tayo nagpapahuling mga Pilipino when it comes to talent, I’m excited to see the kids, I’m curious to see how good the turn out will be.”

Who will race to the top and claim the most coveted spot of all – the Centerstage?

Alden Richards

Betong Sumaya

Gabbi Garcia a responsibility to promote good tourism, all the positive things about Taiwan, and to be more relatable.”

After the recently concluded GMA primetime series Beautiful Justice, in which here Gabbi played one of the lead characters, she will be back on the big screen as part of the cast of an international movie to be shot in Europe.

With all these blessings and achievements, she has nothing but gratitude for those who continuously support and trust her, “I am beyond thankful for my fans and for the brands that have put me in this position. Without them, I wouldn’t be here living my dream and doing what I love most an

artist.”

Gabbi has definitely started the year with a lot of career milestones, making her busier than ever. She does not complain but treats every project with passion and the responsibility of being an inspiration to her loyal fans and supporters.

Moreover, the Kapuso star looks forward to actively interact with her followers through her work, “I choose to be relatable to people especially when it comes to social media. You would want people to actually reach out to you.

You would want them to see you behind the camera and I feel like relating to people is really important when it comes to projects.”

Aicelle Santos, Pops Fernandez & Mel Villena

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

EH KASI, PINOY! PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 19

Gayunpaman May mga kahinaan ka ba sa buhay na palaging nagdadala sa iyo sa trobol? Hindi mo mapigilan ang magsugal kahit puro utang ka na at ubos na ang kabuhayan mo.

Maaaring problema mo ang ang pagiging magagalitin at maliliit na bagay lang ay nagwawala ka na.

Naaepektuhan tuloy ang ugnayan mo sa iyong mga mahal sa buhay.

Maaaring wala kang bilib sa sarili mo kaya’t takot kang sumubok ng mga bagay-bagay at magapply ng trabaho na mas malaki ang suweldo. Patuloy ka na lang na nangangarap. Kaibigan, ano ang isang kahinaan mo at maaaring isang masamang ugali na alam mong nagdadala sa iyo sa kapahamakan pero hirap mong iwanan ito at parang wala nang paraan na makawala mula dito?

Para itong isang kuta na hindi kayang gibain.

Mababasa sa biblia ang kuwento ni David. Alam n’yo bang maging si David ay may hinarap na isang matibay na moog o kuta? Ang Jerusalem ay isang

CRISTY...

From page 16 ang kaniyang aura, mukhang nakabawi na siya, malaki talaga ang nagagawa ng katahimikan ng kalooban sa buhay natin.

Sana nga ay magtuluy-tuloy na ang pagbuti ng kaniyang katawan.

Makapagtrabaho na sana siya uli. Marami nang nag-aabang sa kaniyang pagbabalik. ** Proud na proud na mga magulang ngayon sina dating Mayor Herbert Bautista at Mayora Tates Gana dahil ang kanilang panganay na si Athena ay nagma-masteral degree na ngayon sa New York University.

Pagkatapos niyang tumanggap ng diploma sa Ateneo sa kursong Political Science at kumuha rin siya ng paralegal course sa University Of The Philippines. Noong nakaraang taon ay nasa New York na si Athena at nagsusunog ng kilay.

Ang kursong kinukuha niya para sa kaniyang masteral degree ay International Relation With Focus On International Law. Iyon ang master’s degree na kinuha ng mga nakaupo ngayon sa United Nations.

Sa isang panahon na abalangabala ang ibang mga kabataan sa kung anu-anong walang katuturang bagay ay sinikap ni Athena na magtapos ng kolehiyo.

Wasak ang puso ni Mayora Tates nang ihatid na nito ang kaniyang panganay sa New York.

Gustung-gusto nitong hilahinpahabain pa ang panahon para matagal pa silang magsamang mag-ina.

Sabi ni Mayora Tates, “First time ito na malalayo sa amin si

siyudad na tinuturing na isang moog na nakatayo sa taas ng mga burol. Sa bawat gilid nito ay may mga matatarik na bangin maliban sa bandang norte. Matataas na pader ang nakapaligid dito. Ang mga Jebusites ang nakatira dito.

Walang umiistorbo sa mga taong ito. Nakikipaglaban ang mga Filisteo sa mga Amalakita at nilalabanan ng mga Amalekita ang mga Hudyo pero walang nagtangkang makipaglaban sa Jebusites. Para silang mga makamandag na ahas sa desyerto.

Lahat ay umiiwas sa kanila. Lahat maliban kay David.

Kakaupo pa lamang ni David sa trono bilang hari ng Israel at hindi maalis ang tingin at pansin niya sa Jerusalem. Namana niya ang isang kaharian na nahati.

Alam niyang hindi lamang isang matatag na pinuno ang kailangan ng mga tao kundi ang isang matatag na headquarters din. Ang kasalukuyan niyang headquarters sa Hebron ay nasa South at hindi niya makuha ang suporta ng mga

Athena. Mula noong pagkabata niya, e, nand’yan lang kami ng papa niya sa tabi niya. Pero kailangan kong patibayin ang loob ko.

“Nangangarap ang anak ko, gusto niyang matupad ang pangarap niya, iyak ako nang iyak noong iwan ko na siyang magisa sa New York. Ang sakit-sakit, pero worth naman ang reason kung bakit kailangan niyang mag-aral at mabuhay nang mag-isa sa New York,” pag-alala ng mommy ni Athena.

Minsan nang nakatikim nang maaanghang na salita ang dalaga mula sa ilang KathNiel fans nang isipin ng mga ito na may gusto siya kay Daniel Padilla na kasabayan niyang lumaki dahil magkaibigan ang kanilang mga pamilya.

Belat ang mga taong iyon dahil napakalayo ng pangarap ni Athena, ang mag-ipon ng diploma at hindi ang mang-agaw ng boyfriend ng may boyfriend, ang mapalawak pa ang kaniyang talento na maglalagay sa kaniya sa isang mataas na posisyon isang araw.

Congratulations, Athena, at maligayang bati kina Mayor Herbert at Mayora Tates sa pagkakaroon nila ng matalino at huwarang anak! ** Takang-taka ang kampo ni Manang Inday (Susan Roces) kung bakit pati ang veteran actress ay idinamay ni Robin Padilla tungkol sa ipinipilit niyang binuhusan ng tubig ni Coco Martin sa mukha ang isang inaantok na crew.

Ayon kay Robin ay totoongtotoo raw na naganap iyon, si Manang Inday pa nga raw ang sumaway kay Coco, kasabay ang See CRISTY p20

tao sa North, Kaya’t naghahanap siya ng isang siyudad na neutral at nasa centro – ang Jerusalem.

Para sa nakararami, mahirap pabagsakin ang Jerusalem. Mula sa tuktok ng mga tore nito, kitang kita na ng mga Jebusites ang mga sumusugod na mga tao sa kanila at kaagad gad nilang maitututok ang kanilang mga pana at sandata sa mga magtatangkang umaakyat sa matataas nilang pader. Maaaring may nakapag tip sa mga Jebusite na natitipuhan ni David ang kanilang siyudad kaya’t tinuya nila si David at sinabing “Hindi ka makakapasok dito, kahit mga bulag at lumpo lamang ang magtanggol dito.”

Kaibigan, maaaring may mga nanunuyang tinig na palagi mong naririnig o naiisip, tinig na nagsasabing “Hindi mo mapagtatagumpayan ang masamang bisyo mo. “Wala ka nang pag-asa. Ganiyan ka na lamang habangbuhay.” O di kaya’y nagsasabi ng ganito: “Hindi ka na makakabangon sa pagkakadapa mo.”

Dalawang tinig ang umamagaw sa iyong pansin.Ang isa ay nagsasabing ‘“Kaya mo ito.

Tutulungan ka ng Diyos.” At ang

isa nama’y nagsasabing “Hindi mo kaya. Iiniwan ka na ng Diyos.”

Ang isang tinig ay nagpapahayag ng kalakasan ng Diyos na nagpapatatag sa iyo habang ang isang tinig ay naglilista ng iyong kapalpakan at sumisira sa iyo.

Gayahin mo si David.

Hindi niya binigyan pansin ang mapanirang tinig. Sa halip, nagtiwala siya sa Diyos na tutulungan siya gumawa ng mga imposibleng bagay. Sinugod niya ang Jerusalem at nakuha niya ang siyudad at doon siya ay nanirahan. Mataas ang mga pader na nakapaligid sa siyudad.

Nakatayo sa mataas na lugar ito.

Madaling targetin ng mga kaaway na mga palusob pa lamang.

Nakakapanghina ng loob ang mga panunuya ng kaaway gayunpaman nakuha ni David ang Jerusalem.

Gayunpaman - ang isang salita na nangangahulugan ng pagtatagumpay sa kabila ng mga hadlang at hamon. Kaibigan, nais mo bang kapag naikuwento ang buhay mo hindi ang kabiguan mo ang isasalaysay kundi ang mga gayunpaman sa buhay mo.

Hindi nakapagtapos ng kolehiyo gayunpaman naging tagumpay sa

negosyo. Nalulong sa masamang bisyo gayunpaman ay nagbago at nakakatulong sa mga kabataan na umiwas sa droga. Nabigo sa pagibig gayunpaman ay ginugol ang buhay niya sa pangangalaga ng mga batang walang magulang Kaibigan, anuman ang kalagayan mo ngayon, magtiwala ka sa Diyos na kayang gumawa ng mga imposibleng bagay.

Pastor Junie Josue is Senior Pastor of International Worship Centre (IWC) at 1077 St. James St. (Worship Services: Sundays - 9 a.m. Tagalog, 10:45 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. English services). Other IWC English worship services every Sunday are also held at the following sites: Cineplex Entertainment, Kildonan Place at 1555 Regent Avenue at 10 a.m., Cinema City Northgate at 1399 McPhillips St. at 10:15 a.m., Calvary Chapel at 221 Hamilton St. Neepawa, MB at 1:30 p.m. & West End Community Centre at 247-23rd St., Brandon, MB at 10:30. a.m.

Pastor Junie is also host of radio program Higher Life on CKJS 810 AM, Monday to Friday, 8:50 a.m. For more information, call 774-4478.

EH KASI, PINOY!

PAGE 20

PILIPINO EXPRESS

KROSWORD

HOROSCOPE

NO. 343

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

PAHALANG 1. Pinaiyak 5. Titis 8. Abot 10. Manhid 13. Galapong 14. Alipato 15. Pang-ukol 16. Wala nang magulang 17. Panawag pansin 18. Sungayang hayop 19. Una sa oras 20. Tiyo 22. Tipo ng dugo 24. Ibigay sa iba 27. Taba ng alimango 29. Tinutulungan 31. Tiya 32. Isang hayop 33. Itinakas PABABA 1. Guwapo 2. Nahita 3. Naging malubha 4. Biyak 5. Bansag sa taksil 6. Harang

7. Duyan 9. Siniyasat 11. Ipapasyal 12. Isang punungkahoy 20. Pangunahing tauhan 21. Aba 22. Laglag 23. Alak 25. Kalbo 26. Unang tao 27. Siya nawa 28. Yaon 30. Anaki

SAGOT SA NO. 342

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

MARSO 1– 15, 2020 Aries (March 21 – April 19) Isang hindi inaasahang pangyayari ang gugulat sa iyo sa mga darating na araw.

Alalayan mo ang sarili mo – maaaring ok ito o maaari ring nakakalungkot.

Ito ay resulta ng mga nakaraan mong desisyon at ikaw ang pinanggalingan nito. Sakyan mo lang. OK ang ika-6, 7, 14 at 15.

Alalay ka sa ika-4, 5, 10 at 11.

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) Pag-aralan mong mabuti ang mga papales na kaugnay ng iyong taxes. Kung iba ang gagawa nito, siguraduhin mong alam mo lahat ang gagawin lalo na kung may negosyo ka. Kung single ka pa, may makikilala ka na magugustuhan mo. Baka siya na nga. OK sa ika-6, 7, 14 at 15.

Ingat sa ika-1, 12 at 13.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Maramdamin ka. Madali kang masaktan kahit hindi mo pa alam ang puno’t dulo ng isyu. Sana ay baguhin mo ang pag-iisip mo dahil hindi lahat ng nangyayari ay tungkol sa iyo. Mas magiging magaan ang lahat kung iisipin mo ang kalagayan ng ibang tao muna.

Masaya ang ika-6, 7, 14 at 15.

Kuwidaw sa ika-5 at 6.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) M a r a m i n g sorpresa ang nakalaan para sa iyo at mahal mo sa buhay. Isang kaibigan ang lalapit sa iyo at magpapahayag ng kaniyang damdamin. Nasa sa iyo kung paano ang iyong magiging reaksyon. Maging tapat ka lang dahil iyon lang naman ang gusto niya. Lucky ang ika-1, 8 at 9.

Ingat ka sa ika-6, 7, 12 at 13.

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) May romansa sa iyong nalalapit na kinabukasan.

Mapili ka at hindi ka madaling magkagusto.

Pero, baka siya na ang hinihintay mo. Pihikan ka pero alam mo kung ano ang hinahanap mo sa makakasama habang buhay.

Mararamdaman mo kung tama o mali. Suwerte ang ika-1, 8 at 9.

Alalay ka sa ika-2, 3, 14 at 15.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Iwasan mong uminit ang iyong ulo lalo na kung alam mong madali namang lutasin ang problemang nasa harapan mo.

Walang mangyayaring mabuti kung magtataas ka agad ng boses.

Alam mo ang solusyon, gawin mo. Huwag puro bunganga ang uunahin mo. OK ang ika-1, 8 at 9.

Stressful ka sa ika-4, 5, 10 at 11.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) May isang nakatatanda sa iyo ang mangangailangan ng oras mo at atensyon. Tandaan mo na anumang pagtulong ang gagawin mo ay magiging matindi ang epekto sa kaniya at sa ibang makakaalam ng gagawin mong kabutihan. Babalik ito sa iyo nang mas malaki. OK ang ika-2, 3, 10 at 11. Ingat sa ika-8, 9, 14 at 15.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) May ugali ka na alam mong dahilan kung bakit lumalayo sa iyo ang mga tao. Sa isip mo, ganyan ka na at magiging mahirap para sa iyo ang magbago. Hindi pa huli ang lahat. Lahat ay puwedeng baguhin kung gusto mo talaga lalo na kung gusto mong maging masaya. OK ang ika-2, 3, 10 at 11. Ingat ka sa ika-4 at 5.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Maganda ang kapalaran mo sa buwan ng Marso. Maraming oportunidad upang bumuti ang iyong buhay. Huwag kang mabuhay sa nakaraan. Tapos na iyon. Pag-aralan mo kung saan ka nagkamali at mula roon ay ayusin mo ang iyong buhay. Hindi pa huli ang lahat. OK sa ika-2, 3, 10 at 11. Ingat sa ika-1, 6, 7, 12 at 13.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Ang plano mo na palaguin pa ang iyong negosyo o palakihin ang iyong responsibilidad ay nasa tamang landas para maisaayos mo ang kinabukasan ng iyong pamilya.

Wala sa kanila ang katulad mo.

Hindi mo sila maasahang maging risk-takers. Ikaw lang iyon. OK ka sa ika-4, 5, 12 at 13. Stressful ka sa ika-10 at 11.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) Iwasan mo ang makipagdebate lalo na kung tungkol sa relihiyon o politika.

Una, walang magpapatalo at hahaba lang, sayang ang oras. Kung may pamilya ka, bantayan mo ang mga bata dahil may babala ng aksidente.

Siguraduhin mong ligtas sila.

Lucky days mo ang ika-4, 5 at 12.

Bantay ka sa ika-1, 6 at 7.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) Parang ipo-ipo ang mga nangyayari sa buhay mo.

Napakabilis ng mga pangyayari, hindi ka halos makahinga sa paghabol. Umupo ka muna at huminga nang malalim. Patahimikin mo ang damdamin at nang mapag-aralan mo ang lahat ng ito. OK ang ika4, 5, 12 at 13. Ingat ka sa ika-2, 3, 8, 9, 14 at 15.

Robin ang kuwentong iyon? Kapag break na sa Ang Probinsyano, e, may kani-kaniyang place silang pinagpapahingahan.

“Nagkikita na lang sina Coco at Manang Inday kapag take na.

Hindi sila nagkukuwentuhan kapag break nila dahil pare-pareho nilang kailangan ang pahinga! Huwag na niyang idinadamay pa si Manang Inday, walang kaalam-alam iyong tao sa mga isinusumbat niya kay Coco!” madiing paglilinaw ng aming source tungkol sa ipinost na pahayag ni Robin Padilla.

Inaalala naman ng ibang personalidad si Mariel Rodriguez na literal na nakapagitna ngayon sa dalawang nagbabanggaang puwersa.

Isang source ang nagkuwento sa amin na iyak nang iyak si Mariel kapag nakakausap nito ang

kaniyang mga kasamahan sa It’s Showtime.

“Napakahirap kasi ng sitwasyon niya, asawa niya si Robin na panay-panay ang upak sa network na pinagtatrabahuhan niya! Wala siyang magawa!

“Nasaan naman ang respeto ni Robin? Alam niya naman na sa ABS-CBN nagwo-work si Mariel, ang pamangkin niyang si Daniel, ang utol niyang si Rommel, tapos, ganyan ang inaasal niya?

“Tama na lang sanang siya ang hindi tumanaw ng utang na loob sa istasyong napakalaki ng naitulong sa career niya, huwag na niyang idamay pa ang mga taong kunektado sa kaniya na nakikinabang din sa network!” napakadiing komento ng aming source.

– CSF

CRISTY...

From page 19 pagsasabing kahit minsan ay hindi iyon ginawa ng namayapang Hari Ng Aksiyon na si FPJ. Sabi ng aming source, “Kung si Coco ang gusto niyang birahin, sumentro lang siya kay Coco!

Bakit pati si Manang Inday na nananahimik at wala namang kaalam-alam tungkol sa buhusan ng tubig, e, idinadamay pa niya?

“Walang alam si Manang Inday tungkol doon! Hindi niya sinaway si Coco dahil wala naman siyang nakitang ganoong pangyayari! Lalong walang sinabi si Manang Inday na kahit minsan, e, hindi ginawa ni FPJ ang ganoon sa mga kasamahan niyang artista at crew!

“Saan naman kaya nasagap ni

OUR COMMUNITY

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

PILIPINO EXPRESS

PAGE 21

Tulong KaBayan raised $4,446.71

L- r: Perla Javate, Jong Rances, Kyleen Neis, Jeanette Perez, Orli Marcelino, Mark Delda, Seafood City Winnipeg store manager and Jp Sumbillo From news reporting to granting wishes, GMA News’ Vicky Morales has shown her versatility in public service through the years. The awardwinning broadcast journalist takes on yet another role, this time around as the “Ate ng Bayan” in the reality-drama program Ilaban Natin ‘Yan! In Ilaban Natin ‘Yan! Vicky helps parties in conflict resolve their issues by reaching out to the people in the barangays, getting to the root of their problems, and encouraging them to make positive changes in their lives.

Ilaban Natin ‘Yan! is not the viewers’ typical public affairs show as it gives new flavour to “serbisyong totoo” through a traveling confessional called Palaban Express – a modern jeep that will go around various barangays where people from all walks of life can voice their concerns.

The show then showcases the most interesting stories, which will be brought to life by various Kapuso actors. The featured individual and all the concerned parties will be given

the chance to discuss the issue at hand, right in the comfort of their own barangay. Ilaban Natin ‘Yan! will employ experts and resource persons who will help in resolving the problem.

“Ibang-iba siya sa mga ginagawa ko,” shares Vicky, who has been a broadcast journalist for three decades. “Para sa atin lahat itong show na ito. Kapupulutan natin ng aral at matutuwa pa tayo. Hindi lang namin kayo pakikinggan, ilalaban natin yan!” she adds.

Ordinary Filipinos can definitely relate to the issues that Ilaban Natin ‘Yan! will feature such as social media and gaming addiction, teen suicide, sibling rivalry, inheritance disputes, juvenile delinquency, child support and custody battles, adultery, and other problems.

In its first month, Ilaban Natin ‘Yan! tackles a wife being abused, a paranormal expert bullied online, and a woman being threatened. Some of the Kapuso actors set to be part of the episodes include Ruby Rodriguez, Anjo Yllana, Thea Tolentino, Anjo Damiles, and Jaclyn Jose.

Vicky Morales

L-r: Jeanette Perez, Jp Sumbillo, Remie Caguisana and Orli Marcelino

Vicky Morales in Ilaban Natin ‘Yan!

PEOPLE & EVENTS

PAGE 22

PILIPINO EXPRESS

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

Free To Love Sheryn Regis live in Winnipeg, Feb 14.

Sheryn Regis

Photos by Josel Media Photography

Sheryn Regis & Paul Ong

Tyna Yso

Sheryn and the Production Team

Sheryn with Sauler, Santiaguel, Ordonez, Camia and Crisostomo couples

Alek Unso

Arnold Tonggol

Mhigz Ner Tolentino & Yel Ganancila (MIMIYEL)

Sheryn with Jeff & Elaine Tumbokon

Winnipeg Sessionistas: Jaymar Tria, Donn Navidad, Jojo Yso & Gail Ignacio

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020

PILIPINO EXPRESS

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

MARCH 1 - 15, 2020