Vote for Canada! Bumoto para sa Canada!
Every vote matters – yours especially. On April 28, 2025, make your voice count. If you’re eligible, don’t waste this opportunity. Check your voter information card for advance voting dates and vote with conscience and conviction. Choose the party you believe can stand up for Canada, face tough global challenges – including dealing with Trump. We can agree to disagree, discern the truth, rise above smear campaigns, and
respect differing opinions. After the election, let’s stand united to protect Canada’s democracy, values, and sovereignty. Bumoto para sa Canada! Mahalaga ang bawat boto –lalo na ang sa iyo. Sa darating na Abril 28, 2025, ipahayag mo ang iyong saloobin. Kung ikaw ay kuwalipikado, huwag sayangin ang pagkakataon. Tingnan ang iyong voter information card para sa schedule ng advance voting at
bumoto nang may konsensya at paninindigan. Piliin ang partidong may kakayahang ipaglaban ang Canada at harapin ang hamon ng pagbabalik ni Trump sa kapangyarihan. Maaari tayong magkaiba ng pananaw pero matuto tayong magsuri ng katotohanan, iwasan ang paninira, at igalang ang kapuwa. Maaaring magkaiba tayo ng opinyon, pero magkaisa tayo pagkatapos ng halalan para sa ating bansang Canada.
Manitoba needs internationally educated nurses
by Malaya Marcelino, Minister of Labour and Immigration, MLA Notre Dame
I first came to know about the problems internationally educated nurses (IENs) face in obtaining their license to practice in Manitoba
from a constituent who lived with her young family in the West End. She was an IEN who quickly got her license in Ontario and worked part-time as a nurse in a hospital in Kenora, Ontario. She would come home to Winnipeg on weekends and would pick up shifts as a
IENs get their licenses in other provinces. Learning about my
Mark Carney, Liberal
Minister Malaya Marcelino meets with internationally educated nurses (IENs) and international medical graduates (IMGs) working toward licensure in Manitoba, April 11, 2025. L-r: Dr. Ana Angelina B. Hernandez (IMG), Myra De Guzman (IEN), Bryan Vevilla (IEN), Min. Marcelino, and Raquel Soriano (RN).
Pierre Poilievre, Conservative Jagmeet Singh, NDP
Rahul Walia Standing up for our community:
The journey to keep Winnipeg Centre strong
For the last few months, I have had the honour to meet and connect with many of you at the doorstep, in events, and out in the community. While I have had the opportunity to meet many of you, I am still a fresh face to the political sphere. So, let me introduce myself: I am Rahul Walia.
Like many of you, my story has been marked by the beauty of immigration. I am the son of two first-generation immigrants who worked tirelessly to fulfill the Canadian dream for the better of my sister and me. It was not easy; we lacked secure housing and childcare was incredibly expensive. But regardless of the adversity, the values of resilience, hard work, empathy for your neighbour, and love for our country were always present and they have been a guiding light in every role I have stepped into.
My journey started by understanding the experiences of Indigenous peoples in the office of the late Senator Murray Sinclair, where I gained insight on the importance of standing up to all forms of discrimination and fighting for social justice. This passion for supporting marginalized communities in Winnipeg guided me when working as a Constituency Assistant supporting new Canadians and seniors with Members of Parliament Terry Duguid and Kevin Lamoureux. These experiences made me understand the importance of putting community at the centre, which led me to successfully advocate for Manitobans and Winnipeggers for the expansion of the Thompson and Winnipeg Regional Airports when serving as a regional advisor to Transport
Canada. These experiences made me realize more can and should be done for our community here in Winnipeg.
I am not your traditional politician, and these are not traditional times. Winnipeg Centre needs someone willing to stand up for our community, for small and medium-sized businesses, and for pharma and dental care. I am that person. I am ready to put up a fight for the community that has given me and my family everything. I am ready to stand up to President Trump’s unjustified tariffs and mockery of our sovereignty. I am ready to be your next Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre. And, together, I will make sure we keep Canada Strong.
Tungkol kay Prime Minister Mark Carney Samantala, si Mark Carney, dating Gobernador ng Bangko Sentral ng Canada, ang nanguna sa pagtugon sa financial crisis
noong 2008. Sa panahon ng matinding pagsubok, pinatatag niya ang ekonomiya ng bansa. Noong 2020 naman, hinirang siya bilang special envoy ng UN para sa Climate Action and Finance kung saan itinaguyod niya ang sustainable finance at mga repormang pandaigdig.
Isang lider na mapagkakatiwalaan si Mark—may kakayahan siyang patatagin ang ekonomiya at pangalagaan ang kinabukasan ng bawat isa.
Si Mark lang ang may sapat na kakayahan na:
• Harapin at tutulan si Trump at ang kaniyang mga taripa habang isinusulong ang patas na kasunduan sa kalakalan.
• Talunin si Pierre Poilievre at ang mga Konserbatibo.
• Ipaglaban ang karapatan at kapakanan ng lahat, lalo na sa gitna ng patuloy na pagtaas ng gastusin sa araw-araw na pamumuhay.
Si Rahul Walia ay ipinanganak at lumaki dito mismo sa Winnipeg. Galing siya sa pamilyang mga unang henerasyong imigrante at negosyante kaya likas sa kaniya ang malasakit at koneksyon sa komunidad. May master’s degree siya sa political management at nagtrabaho na siya
Rahul with Prime Minister Mark Carney
Dealing with Trump, trade and tariffs while serving Winnipeg North
by Kevin Lamoureux, Federal Liberal candidate for Winnipeg North
For decades, Kevin Lamoureux has stood with the Filipino community and the families of Winnipeg North. As global issues like trade and inflation impact our daily lives, he continues to work hard – both at home and abroad –to build stronger connections with the Philippines and ensure that the voices of the constituents are always front and centre.
Sa loob ng maraming taon, naging kaagapay ni Kevin Lamoureux ang komunidad ng mga Pilipino at ang mga pamilya sa Winnipeg North. Sa gitna ng mga isyung pandaigdig tulad ng kalakalan at pagtaas ng presyo, patuloy siyang kumikilos – dito
man sa Canada o sa ibang bansa
upang mapatatag ang ugnayan
sa Pilipinas at masigurong laging inuuna ang boses at kapakanan ng mga constituents sa Winnipeg North.
Serving Winnipeg North with commitment and care
I’ve dedicated the last 30+ years of my career to advocating for the Filipino community, and I will continue to do so in any capacity I can – from my immigration
advocacy for reuniting loved ones with their families, to raising awareness of the huge trading potential between our countries. As the former Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, I know and understand the challenges that ordinary Canadian families are facing today – from the rising cost of groceries to concerns about health, safety, and job security. These are real, everyday struggles that I hear about from the constituents, and I want you to know that your needs will always be my top priority.
Global trade in the spotlight
Donald Trump, trade, tariffs, and the economy are dominating the current federal election. Canada is a trading nation, and we need to expand our trading opportunities.
Strengthening Canada –Philippines trade ties
Last December, I was chosen to be a part of Canada’s trade mission, when I travelled to the Philippines to participate in a wide variety of discussions related to trade and other potential opportunities between Canada and the Philippines. At the end of our trade mission, it was agreed upon by both Canada and the Philippines to begin informal discussions about a possible
trade agreement between our two countries. The actual trade mission saw hundreds of entrepreneurs coming together from both Canada and the Philippines to look at ways in which we could increase trade between our two countries. Opening new doors in agri-food trade
In March 2024, I also visited the Philippines with Canada’s Minister of Agriculture, where we opened an agri-food trade office dealing with trade opportunities for the Asia Pacific region, which comprised over 30 countries. We visited a grocery store chain that had many products produced here in Canada related to food that were being sold in the Philippines.
Why trade diversification matters now
When we think about what’s happening in the United States today, it amplifies why it is so important for Canada to look elsewhere to increase our trading opportunities. Doing so will make Canada stronger and our communities healthier. Having made over 15 trips to the Philippines throughout the years, I believe it is important that we continue to build a stronger relationship between both countries, and I am committed to working hard to do
just that. For the families of Winnipeg North Meanwhile, I remain committed to keeping our community strong, our families safe, and ensuring
will be.
Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s former Minister of Agriculture and myself at a local supermarket
My visit to the Philippines following my 1990 election as a provincial MLA
Dining at Jollibee with Ambassador Maria Austria and my colleague Marco Mendicino
Meeting the representative from HyLife Foods during our trade mission
My youngest campaign volunteer (my grandson) joined me as I was knocking on doors.
Meeting the representative from Maple Leaf Foods during our trade mission.
Team Canada trade mission with Philippine delegates
Answering a question from the crowd, Philippines, 2003
One of my immigration workshops in the Philippines in 2003
Authorized by the official agent for Kevin Lamoureux
OUR HEALTH
Mayo Clinic expert offers tips on how to keep joints healthy as you age
For joints to work well, they need cartilage, a slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones, acts like a shock absorber, and helps joints move smoothly. Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo, M.D., Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon, says many people lose cartilage as they age, but it does not mean that joint replacement is inevitable. Here are some tips for keeping joints healthy.
Causes of cartilage degeneration
Cartilage degenerates for various reasons, Dr. SanchezSotelo says. People may be born with abnormally shaped bones or a tendency toward weaker cartilage. Obesity, overuse or injuries from accidents also can damage joints and cartilage.
“When cartilage degenerates, the body forms bone spurs,” Dr. Sanchez-Sotelo says. “This is a reaction to the main underlying problem, cartilage degeneration. Bone spurs can hit each other and become painful. Many patients get obsessed with bone spurs, but just taking them out won’t cure the problem, except in very rare circumstances.”
Understanding Osteoarthritis
Loss of articular cartilage is the essence of what is called osteoarthritis, a common joint disorder. Dr. Sanchez-Sotelo says most of his osteoarthritis patients are in their 60s when they go to see a health care professional with symptoms – achy and painful joints, stiffness, and loss of movement –that developed over time.
Preventive measures for healthy joints
Dr. Sanchez-Sotelo says you can take steps when you are younger to protect your joints as you age. Having strong muscles around the joints can help take the load off the joints. However, people who exercise at high levels in sports, like football and bodybuilding, have higher risks of
developing arthritis.
“You have to exercise within reason,” Dr. Sanchez-Sotelo says. “Find that point where your muscles are healthy, flexible, strong and will protect the joints, but don’t overdo it.”
The importance of maintaining a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as obesity is hard on the joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular supplements for joint pain, but need more convincing evidence that they work, Dr. Sanchez-Sotelo says.
Suggestions for managing arthritic pain
• Modify your activities
If you have an arthritic hip or knee, instead of running – which results in the pounding of the joints – maybe you can try bicycling.
• Use gait aids to reduce joint load
Using a cane can help lighten the load on your hip, knee and ankle joints, and decrease the pain. A knee brace – worn outside the clothes – shifts the load to the healthier side of the knee joint.
• Consider medications cautiously
If the pain persists, you may want to consider over-the-counter medications, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. However, be aware of the side effects, such as ulcers, kidney or heart issues. In general, narcotics should not be used for osteoarthritis.
• Injections as a treatment option
If the pain continues, you also may consider injections with medications, such as cortisone or toradol, which, when injected into the joint, can help relieve pain. Again, these medications have side effects, so be sure to speak with your health care professional.
• Hyaluronic acid injections
This treatment uses components
The Home Care Pilot and Home Support Pilot 2025 opened with excitement for all applicants at 10:00 a.m. EDT on March 31, 2025. I was one of persons who observed the start and the outcome, and it was neither pretty nor predicable. The respondents, many of whom had been missed by previous deadlines and others who fell between the cracks, were challenged to match the technology by scanning and attaching supporting documents and completing the forms online. If you were prepared to challenge the system, or had arranged for alternate formats including paper, braille, and large print applications, great, but if not, that’s unfortunate.
The actual submissions were arduous and applicants, or alternates, were confronted by errors reported and stalling screens. The challenge was to identify “red” errors and address these. For many with limited computer literacy the challenge was not to provide evidence of compliance but rather to overcome the many obstacles that delayed the process and exasperated the applicants. If you were able to
complete the submission before the cap of 2,750 was met, I take off my hat to you. This was an accomplishment worth applauding but my concern then and now was what was accomplished by the mad race to the finish. At 2:25 p.m. (EDT) on March 31, the cap was met, and no new submissions were accepted. My concern – shared by many who responded online – is that the entire exercise seems to have missed the point.
My first question is whether persons who met the Home Care Pilot or Home Support Pilot 2025 within the times provided were measured on their fulfilling the requirements or on their computer skills. I think the point may have been lost on IRCC who organized the event. There are clearly thousands of applicants in the country who fit the criteria and are needed in the marketplace. These consist not only of foreign nationals who have been working or are working in Canada as Home Care workers or Home Support workers but also the employers and clients who require their services. We know
similar to joint lubricating fluid to try to replenish it. It has been more successful with the knee joint than hip and shoulder joints.
• Experimental treatments
Some injections, marketed as regenerative medicine, include stem cells and platelet-rich plasma. At this point, many consider their use as experimental since there is no firm evidence about their efficacy.
Staying active with healthy joints
“In the past, older people just accepted joint pain,” Dr. SanchezSotelo says. “Now people are living longer and want to remain active as they age. We are not all destined for joint replacement. There are some people in their 80s and 90s who have great joints.”
Courtesy: Rhoda Madson, Mayo Clinic News Network
Osteoarthritis most often occurs in the hands (at the ends of the fingers and thumbs), spine (neck and lower back), knees, and hips
Home Care Pilot and the race for submission
the arbitrary cap was met for each, but how many registrants were left disappointed at the end of the event? More signed on than completed the event.
The department explained that no new applications for the in-Canada and working streams would be offered this year and the pilot program is expected to reopen in 2026 or 2027. The next pilot is intended for Home Care workers and Home Support workers who are no working or have not been working with permits in Canada. This is a different category and most likely has a longer cue and a more challenging application system.
IRCC did offer a way for applicants that was advertised and open to all, but what did it accomplish? The department was clearly aware that there was a program with applicants from both streams because of the backlog of applications and the fact that the submissions were closed for new applications for months. This would have impacted foreign workers inside the country as well as family dependents who were waiting upon them to complete the process. The former system of two years of related work or 3,900 hours had served
the purpose for past submissions and favoured paper applications. It worked but it was supplanted by the computerized version of today. The former system was not a measure of computer literacy, problem resolution, nor keyboard speed. That was cast aside in favour of the modernized system. Did this serve the applicants or the system?
Respectfully, it appears to meet the requirements to be fair to applicants, but it misses the point. The intention should be to identify the best qualified foreign applicants, based on their experience and challenges such as no status, and not on their computer application submission.
I am reminded of my years in government where selection for promotion was often based on who was most competent with the selection system. The consolation of knowing you can submit again in one year or two does not really address the issue that the unsuccessful applicants were challenged by the system. Why should that change in one or two years? Is it necessary for Child Care or Home Support workers to retrain in computer inputs to meet the challenges? The need is for skilled and trained
workers to assist with the children, the elderly, or the infirmed, and not for those who can navigate through the online application. I would hope that somewhere there are government workers or politicians who realize that refinements in systems come with a human price and a cost that is more important than meeting the race deadline of time and completeness. Yes, I realize that my assurance of future submissions is small consolation for unsuccessful applicants. Your immediate concern should be to extend your status and prepare for alternatives in the future. If you are challenged by the technology, the first concern should be to explore other application options, such as paper. There are usually alternatives to panic and regret.
Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience with Immigration Canada and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with Immigration Connexion International Ltd. Contact him at 204-691-1166 or 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott.ici@ gmail.com.
Janice Palmer, Certified Health Instructor and Trainer; Jupinder Brar, Sales Associate; Felly Grieve, B. Comm., LPN, Proprietor, Certified Natural Product Advisor; Anzhelika Bashanova, Sales Associate; and Rose Bigornia, B.S.E., A.N.C., Manager, Certified Natural Product Advisor, Applied Nutrition Specialist.
Hindi kita malilimutan
Your loved ones are always in your hearts. That’s why when they pass away, you want to ensure that they feel your love and are well taken care of until the very end.
With Pre-Planning, you can prepare for this eventuality. With affordable pricing, take the opportunity today to make decisions on your own behalf, saving undue hardship for loved ones tomorrow.
Call us for a FREE Pre-Planning Kit.
John Gano, the 10th president of the Philippine Association of Manitoba (PAM), was born in Baguio on December 9, 1939. According to Florence Ticzon, John was raised in Baguio and Benguet by his parents who were from Banaue, Ifugao. He finished his primary and secondary education at St. Louis University in Baguio and his bachelor’s degree in animal science and husbandry at Benguet State University where he also taught for three years before emigrating.
John and his wife Gliceria (Gliz) née Buduhan arrived in Winnipeg on August 29, 1967. He took on the leadership role from 1993 to 1994 when Efren Villarba relinquished the chairmanship for health reasons. John was Efren’s vice-president and a board member during the presidency of Jean Guiang in 1991. Like most of the early Filipino intellectuals who arrived in Winnipeg, he worked as a technical assistant and researcher on animal science and husbandry at the University of Manitoba for 28 years.
Situation in the old country
In 1966, the year before John landed in Manitoba, “The Movement for the Advancement of Nationalism” was formed in the Philippines to advance the struggle against the neocolonial condition of the country that pushed people to look for opportunities abroad. John was no exception. He left the
old country to seek a better future for himself and his family.
Reviewing the book, The First Filipino Immigrants of Manitoba, it was mentioned that in 1989, the city of Winnipeg signalled its willingness to lease five acres of land for one dollar a year to the Filipino community. However, the development of the land was stalled.
It was during John’s election for the next term as president, together with the board members, that the feasibility of developing the available land was made. After the review and discussion, the board passed a resolution to endorse to the community the development of a new centre. This would pave the way for the realization of the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba.
1994, BIBAK founder John was also the founding president of the Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc, Apayao, Kalinga (BIBAK) Association of Winnipeg in 1994.
In my interview with John in 2016, he explained that “back in the 50s, some students from the different tribes of the Cordillera in the five colleges in Baguio came together to form BIBAK as a mechanism for building unity, thus beginning the process of bringing about a bodong or peace pact among the warring tribes.” On a lighter note, he added that the “first performance of the Cordillerans in Winnipeg happened in 1968. The event was held at the Dakota Motor Hotel
John Gano: Compassion and community activism
during the New Year’s Ball of the Filipino Canadian Association of Manitoba, the first Filipino group headed by Dr. Roland Guzman.” Knights of Rizal Pioneer Unbeknownst to a lot of Filipino Winnipeggers, John is an active member of the Knights of Rizal of Winnipeg. In January 2012, the organization gave John and four others the Lifetime Membership Award. In an article in the Pilipino Express (November 1, 2016), Felino De Jesus wrote that “under John Gano’s leadership, the Knights of Rizal, in cooperation with several communities and associations, celebrated Seniors Month in October.” During this event, the valuable contributions of seniors were recognized through cultural presentations.
Meeting John at La Merage
Back in 2016, John and his wife Gliz, frequented La Merage Restaurant for breakfast. This was where I used to hang out with the Breakfast Club to discuss issues of the day and where I had the chance to interview John. Nowadays, John, or Tito John as I call him, and Gliz are enjoying their retirement and family life with their four daughters and two grandkids. John is a warm-hearted person who never refuses anybody who wants to discuss social issues that affect Filipinos of Winnipeg and the struggles in the old country.
Sources
• Gliz Gano – messenger chat, March 31, 2025
• The PAM Today, p. 10
• Manggagawa: Noon at Ngayon, p. 71
John Gano and his wife Gliz
APRIL 16 - 30, 2025
Punzalan, the Conservative candidate for Winnipeg North, is a mother of four, lawyer, and small business owner who understands the challenges facing families and businesses. Originally from the Philippines, she built a successful legal career in Manitoba, founding Punzalan Law in 2016. Passionate about community service, she has led legal seminars and organized benefit concerts to support underprivileged students. Committed to lowering taxes, building homes, balancing the budget, and tackling crime, she pledges to be a strong voice for Winnipeg North alongside Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative team.
Rachel
NURSES...
From page A1
constituent’s bizarre circumstances was the beginning of my journey to understand the unfair barriers to accreditation that IENs face and what we could do as a government to solve this problem.
“Anywhere but Manitoba!”
For the last ten years, Manitoba was known as the worst Canadian jurisdiction to obtain your nursing license as an IEN. IENs warned each other online to obtain their license “anywhere but Manitoba!”
During this time, Manitoba yielded zero or single-digit numbers of IENs who received their license in Manitoba. This is in marked contrast to the years before 2015 when hundreds of IENs per year obtained their licenses in Manitoba.
There was a ‘perfect storm’ that created these unfavourable conditions for IENs including: increasingly strict licensure measures introduced by the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba; seven and half years of Pallister/Stefanson Conservative government’s massive cuts to health care; and the COVID pandemic.
During these years, IEN applicants were subjected to an unfair licensing process with numerous barriers including: the most stringent English language tests; a high stakes, four-day long assessment that applicants were not allowed to prepare for, which had a 90 per cent anecdotal failure rate; three-year waiting lists for IEN courses at Red River College and high financial costs. In response, most IENs left their families behind and went out of province to obtain their licenses in Nova Scotia, Alberta, Ontario or “anywhere but Manitoba!”
IENs advocated for themselves, formed support groups, approached political representatives, and even challenged the College of Registered Nurses Manitoba in legal proceedings (and won). These IEN struggles to get licensure were all happening in the midst of a nursing shortage in our health care system that persists to this day. Instead of being allowed to contribute as nurses, IENs who I met were working as housekeepers, laundry aides, dietary aides, health care aides, Tim Horton’s staff, KFC staff, and caterers.
The previous Conservative government added insult to injury to IENs by wasting several million dollars in a nurse recruitment program in the Philippines in 2023 even though there were already many IENs here in Manitoba who could not obtain their licenses. The PCs failed to understand that they had to fix the IEN accreditation process first before recruiting more IENs. The small number of IENs they recruited from the Philippines mostly ended up working in Manitoba as health care aides because they could not get licensure, like most IENs in
Manitoba. “Fix health care”
In October 2023, after winning the Manitoba election on a commitment to “Fix health care,” Premier Wab Kinew prioritized resources and specifically instructed me to “remove unfair barriers to accreditation, beginning with internationally educated health professionals,” amongst other priorities.
My very first department meeting was to see the folks at the Fair Registration Practices Office on Carlton St. who monitor the registration (accreditation) practices of 31 regulatory colleges in Manitoba, including nurses, physicians, pharmacists, engineers, and others. Staff told me I was the first elected official who had ever visited them. I asked their office to please help with recommendations to improve the licensure process for IENs.
Nurse re-entry program
The Philippine Nurses Association of Manitoba (PNAM), IEN advocates including Ronna Sigua and Raquel Magat, the Manitoba Nurses Union, the Association of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses in Ontario, the Health Committee of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Red River College, healthcare employers and countless IENs generously provided recommendations to our NDP government on many facets of this accreditation issue. Together, we came up with a Nurse Re-Entry program based on two pillars: 1. patient safety and 2. long-term success of IENs.
We did our best to remove unfair barriers to accreditation. We introduced reasonable English language testing requirements. We are addressing financial barriers by providing a $20k grant. We removed the high stakes nature of the Clinical Competence Assessment by making it optional.
The Nurse Re-Entry program is made up of curriculum, practicum, and work placement in a health facility located in the IEN’s geographic region with evaluations including the nurse board exam as part of the process. IENs from across the province are encouraged to apply. Recently, Morden identified 48 IENs and Neepawa identified 40 IENs to be considered for this pathway. IENs who have “failed” to obtain their accreditation over the last 10 years are welcome to apply as are recent arrivals to Manitoba. Endorsed nurses who need to brush up on their skills can also apply. The Nurse Re-Entry program is meant to be customizable to each IEN because everyone has different needs and strengths. Some will graduate within a few months while others will require the full year. Some will require more English training while others will not.
The Nurse Re-Entry program had its soft launch in August 2024
with its first cohort of IENs. A second cohort of IENs began in January 2025 and the third cohort will begin in May 2025. More classes will be planned to respond to continued demand. All together, we are expecting around 80 IENs to graduate this year with their full RN license with some already working as RNs as we speak.
This Nurse Re-Entry program is still in its pilot phase. It is not perfect, and we remain open to listening to IENs and other stakeholders to improve this program. Recent changes to this pilot include providing greater autonomy for IENs to choose the RN or LPN pathway, allowing endorsed nurses to participate, and improving program access to IENs in rural locations.
Filipino nurses have been providing excellent, compassionate care to Manitobans since 1959 with the arrival of the first wave of Filipino health care workers who formed the foundation of our Filipino community in Manitoba. IENs in this last decade were essentially blocked from continuing this tradition of care work. This was crushing to IENs and their families and our health
care system suffered. Together with IEN advocates and stakeholders, our government is committed to doing the hard work of rebuilding trust and fixing our health care system with IENs contributing at
their full capacity once again.
For more information on the new Nurse Re-Entry program for IENs and to be connected to a Nurse Navigator, please visit the Manitoba IEN Program website.
Constituency Office to discuss the removal
federal minister Dr. Rey
to create a better pathway for
Hernandez,
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ
Maricel Soriano – may arthritis sa spine at leeg
Marami ang nag-alala para sa kalusugan ni Maricel Soriano dahil Nakita nilang hirap ito sa paglalakad.
Kaya may mga umaakay sa kaniya nang magdiwang siya ng ika-60 na kaarawan noong Abril 8, 2025 sa New Frontier Theater, Cubao, Quezon City.
Pebrero 25 ang aktuwal na petsa ng kapanganakan ni Maricel.
Pero noong nakaraang Abril
8 lamang siya nagkaroon ng pagkakataon na makapagdiwang sa piling ng kaniyang pamilya at mga kaibigan.
Nabahala ang mga tagahanga ni Maricel sa kalagayan ng kalusugan nito at nitong nakaraang Sabado, Abril 12, sinagot niya ang mga katanungan.
Sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang YouTube Channel, ipinaliwanag ni Maricel sa publiko ang karamdaman niya.
“Yung spine ko, may arthritis, hanggang leeg ko. Tapos, yung first, na-experience ko ito, ininjectionan ako sa likod.
“Tapos yung sumunod dahil
hindi pa nawawala yung pain kasi sa side lang, e.
“So ang ginawa nila, mismong sa spine nila ako sinaksakan ng steroid, tapos matagal bago nag-effect kaya iika-ika akong maglakad.
“Tsaka yung paa ko, ang liit ng paa ko, manhid. Parang may mga karayom na tumutusok.
“On top of it, may pinched nerve ako,” ang kuwento ni Maricel.
“Kahit anong gawin ko, talagang magiging ganiyan at ganiyan. Magiging kagaya ni Mama Bec ako,” tukoy niya sa kaniyang kapatid.
“Ito namang sakit na ito, gumagaling naman ito. Actually, ang sabi nga, ‘Magpa-opera ka na para matapos na iyang sakit na yan.’
“Pupunta tayo doon, pero kasi tinitingnan namin lahat ng way kung papaano para hindi nga surgery ang mangyari sana, kasi ayoko.
“Siyempre, nakatikim na ako ng caesarian, di ba? An operation
is not a joke, di ba?
“That’s why ako, parang gusto ko rin, ma-introduce din ako dun sa ibang anggulo para gumaling ako. Saka kaya ko ito,” paniniguro ni Maricel, na sapat na dahilan para hindi na mabahala ang kaniyang mga taga-hanga.
Courtesy: Jojo Gabinete, Showbiz News
Maricel Soriano
Minister Marcelino hosted International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in November 2024 at the Notre Dame
of unfair barriers to accreditation. She also welcomed former
Pagtakhan, a member of her advisory committee on accreditation, which is working
IMGs. Pictured with Minister Marcelino and Dr. Pagtakhan are IMGs Dr. Ana
Mikhail Pador, and Alireza Ebadi.
Premier Wab Kinew meets with a representative of the IENs
Minister Marcelino meets with members from Philippine Nurses Association of MB and Association of Registered Nurses MB, PCCM, June 2024
Maricel with Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano
Re-elect Leah Gazan for Winnipeg Centre
I was first elected to represent Winnipeg Centre in 2019 when thousands of people came together around a shared vision for safe, thriving, and caring neighbourhoods. Winnipeg Centre is my home, and I have a deep love for our community. Since being elected, I’ve worked closely with advocates from across the city to address some of the biggest challenges our communities face, including the COVID-19
pandemic,
unaffordability, houselessness, and addressing the root causes of crises of violence in our neighbourhoods. There is no question that we are at a pivotal political moment.
I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I am looking ahead at the work to come. I hope to receive your vote so that I can use my experience and proven track record of working across party lines to address some of our
most urgent priorities, including:
1. Continuing to achieve record investments in Winnipeg Centre;
2. Standing up for Canadian industries against this unjust trade war;
3. Further expanding pharmacare and dental care;
4. Delivering truly affordable housing with national rent control by banning predatory landlords and building homes you can afford;
5. Working with constituents
on their immigration needs and to advocate for status for all;
6. Creating residencies for qualified, internationally trained health care professionals already living in Canada to get thousands more licensed family doctors;
7. Standing up for the rights of workers to protect them from exploitation; and
8. Protecting the human rights of all people in Canada from extremist attacks.
With deep respect, Leah Gazan
“For the past two terms, Leah Gazan has been a dedicated advocate for the constituents of Winnipeg Centre in Ottawa. She remains committed to championing affordable housing, enhancing seniors’ benefits, and securing a living wage for workers. Support Leah Gazan for Winnipeg Centre’s continued progress!” – Flor Marcelino
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ
A Million Thanks to You Pilita Corrales and her legacy that will live forever
Pilita Corrales will always be remembered for her iconic liyad (backbend) that served as the signature of her performances in the past seven decades. But beyond her glamour and sophistication that were often seen on stage, this Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon left a mark that will stay forever.
At the age of 87, she passed away as confirmed by her family, marking the end of her long thriving career.
More than half of Pilita’s life was spent putting smiles on the faces of her audiences as an allaround entertainer. She was a singer-songwriter, an actress, a comedienne, and a TV personality – all at the same time.
In her 87 years, 70 of those were dedicated to serving the people through her timeless music and bringing enormous pride and honour to her homeland.
Known as the Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita captured the hearts of her Filipino fans and supporters. Her music and influence transcended borders, earning herself international recognition.
A legacy that lives on
Throughout her career, the singer-songwriter had 135 albums under her belt, according to Billboard Philippines
Pilita had her own special way of connecting to her listeners. It has been known to many that she was multilingual, capable of using Filipino, Cebuano, English, and Spanish. She used this as her advantage in writing songs, making them more relatable to people regardless of their race or origin.
Pilita’s career boomed in Victoria, Australia after her single Come Closer to Me or Acércate Más became a big hit in 1959. Dubbed as one of the Great Dames of Victorian Radio and Television, a street in Melbourne, Australia was named after her.
She eventually became the host of a Spanish radio show La Taverna upon her return to Manila in 1963, where she was remembered for her song performances with guitar accompaniment.
Her mesmerizing stage presence characterized by her fabulous looks and gowns made her a star at the Manila Grand Opera House.
Eventually, she had her spotlight on Philippine television with her own show An Evening with Pilita
One of her biggest hits was A Million Thanks to You, which according to sources, paved the way for her signature backbend that lasted until the latter part of her career in the showbiz industry.
Pilita’s 1972 album Philippine Love Songs became a big hit as well, featuring heartfelt songs like Dahil Sa’yo Kapantay ang Langit, and Kay Hirap Umibig, among others.
She was the only Filipina who
with Paul Morrow, 1998
joined The Beatles on stage when the famous British band staged a concert in Manila in 1966.
In 2005, Pilita achieved a great milestone after receiving the FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognized her contribution to the industry.
In May 2024, Baby Ruth Villarama, an award-winning documentary maker announced that they were working on a documentary that will pay tribute to Pilita’s life story. Actress Janine Gutierrez the legend’s granddaughter played a part in the conceptualization of the documentary.
Struggle as a woman Having been raised in a very conservative time, Pilita’s journey was not without challenge.
Born on August 22, 1937, in Lahug, Cebu, to a family of Spanish descent, she was sent to Spain for her studies at Colegio Mayor de Padre Poveda, in preparation for her arranged union with a wealthy man.
But stars did not align with these plans and something else would determine her future. She later stepped into the industry that served as her home for most of her
life.
In 2017, the late icon opened up about her experience being imprisoned in an abusive relationship with Carlos Lopez (a.k.a. Amado Del Paraguay), a Paraguayan businessman, with whom she spent 16 years.
“What a big mistake that I did. That’s when the suffering started. Ang hirap to get out,” Pilita said in a 2017 interview with Boy Abunda referring to her decision to leave the country to be with her partner.
Pilita, whose real name is María del Pilar Corrales y Garrido had two children, Jackielou Blanco and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez the father of Janine. Jackielou’s father is Spanish executive businessman Gonzalo Blanco while Ramon’s is Eddie Gutierrez Lasting influence
Pilita Corrales may have departed, but the legacy she left in the country’s music landscape and her influence on the artists that came after her will always be cherished and remembered.
Courtesy: Clarence Gillego, Push Team, ABS CBN
Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales passed away on April 12, 2025. She was 87.
Pilita
Pilita with daughter Jackie Lou Blanco
Pilita with granddaughter Janine Gutierrez
Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino delight fans in Dubai
Kimpau fans in Dubai had a great time meeting their favourite love team as their latest movie, My Love Will Make You Disappear, had special screenings this April 12 and 13.
Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino said that they were very happy to meet and connect with their Filipino fans in the Middle East.
Fans were particularly delighted at the pair’s appearance at the starstudded ABS-CBN Ball 2025 at Solaire Resort North.
When asked if they have new projects together, Chiu just replied, “Abangan.”
Catch Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino at the My Love Will Make You Disappear special screenings on April 12 and 13 in Dubai.
The Manitoba Opera closes its 2024-2025 season with one of the most beloved operas of all time, Giacomo Puccini’s La Boheme based on an 1851 work by Henri Murger titled Scenes De La Vie Boheme. The opera was completed by Puccini and his librettists Luigi Illiaca and Giuseppe Giacosa in 1895 and had its world premiere in Turin, Italy in 1896. La Boheme is a timeless story of youth, friendship, love, loss, and everyday life that could well happen in the present day – and it has, as the blueprint for the 1996 Tony Award winning
Broadway musical Rent
This is the Manitoba Opera’s seventh La Boheme since its inception in 1969. This production is special as it showcases a young all-Canadian principal cast making their Manitoba Opera debuts: Soprano Suzanne Taffot from Montreal (Mimi); Zachary Rioux from Grand Falls, NB (Rodolfo); Quebec City baritone Hugo Laporte (Marcello), soprano Charlotte Siegel (Musetta) and baritone Clarence Frazer (Schaunard) both from Toronto; and bass-baritone Alex Halliday from St. John’s NL
La Boheme within the scenes
(Colline). Bass-baritone David Watson from Winnipeg plays dual supporting roles (Benoit and Alcindoro) and is one of the veterans of the cast with over 50 Manitoba Opera productions and performing in his fourth La Boheme Also included are Manitoba Opera Chorus Hall of Fame members Russ Foster (74 productions) in his fifth La Boheme and Christina Pryz-Kowall (68 productions) in her sixth La Boheme La Boheme has one of the important lyric tenor roles to master. As a tenor, I have learned that even though one has listened to it, studied it, and performed the arias, there remains something very magical about being immersed in the romantic melodies Puccini composed on his piano as they come to life with the orchestra.
The beautiful on-stage chemistry of the principal cast is palpable and delivers in every scene – the wonderful moments of youthful friendship between Marcello, Rodolfo, Schaunard and Colline; the sweet helpless poignant love between Rodolfo and Mimi in contrast to the tempestuous, fiery, and sometimes violent relationship of Marcello and Musetta; the Christmas Eve goings-on at the Café Momus and the inevitable sadness that tragically grips the story. Everything works seamlessly in contrast, as the hopeful melodies soar, so do the voices, and as the music delves into the depths of despair, so do our hearts. Just like life.
In the end, what can one say about La Boheme, one of the most performed operas in the world and
a staple in the operatic repertoire?
Nearing its 130th year, it stands as a powerful testament to the genius of Puccini and a timeless mirror to the human soul and to life itself with all its themes and aspects. We can relate, all of us, and we find ourselves, one way or another, among the characters in play in La Boheme, on the journey of life, living day to day the best we can with all its joys and sorrows. This is La Boheme
This 2025 production was directed by Toronto-based Ana Theodosakis Tadeusz Biernacki directs the Manitoba Opera Chorus, and Carolyn Boyes directs the children’s chorus. The Principal Conductor is Maestro Tyrone Paterson, and the Manitoba Opera General Director and CEO is Larry Desrochers
Manitoba Opera’s La Boheme 2025 company
Parpignol the toymaker with the Manitoba Opera Chorus
The student tenants Rodolfo, Schunard, Marcello, and Colline with Benoit the landlord (centre). Photo by R. Tinker
(L to r) Ronald Mervin Sison with director Ana Theodoskis, Zachary Rioux (Rodolfo), Suzanne Taffot (Mimi), David Watson (Benoit / Alcindoro), Alex Halliday (Colline), Hugo Laporte (Marcello), Clarence Frazer (Schaunard)
(L to r) Ronald Mervin Sison with Manitoba Opera General Director and CEO Larry Desrochers and Principal Conductor Tyrone Paterson
Zachary Rioux (Rodolfo) and Susanne Taffot (Mimi), in Manitoba Opera’s 2025 production of La Boheme. Photo by R. Tinker
Charlotte Siegel (Musetta) and Hugo Laporte (Marcello) in Manitoba Opera’s 2025 production of La Boheme. Photo by R. Tinker
EH KASI, PINOY!
LIBRA (Setyembre 23 – Oktubre 22)
ARIES (Marso 21 – Abril 19)
Mas uunahin mo ngayon ang mga bagay na kailangang gawin kaysa sa nararamdaman mo. Baka kailangan mong magtrabaho para sa ikabubuti ng iba. Hindi ibig sabihin nito na nagpapaka-martir ka – ganiyan lang talaga ang sitwasyon ngayon. OK ka sa ika-20 & 30. Mag-ingat sa ika-18 & 27.
TAURUS (Abril 20 – Mayo 20)
Romantic ang buwang ito para sa iyo. Kaya naman, hindi mo maitatago ang nararamdaman mo. Pero may kaunting pagbabago – gusto mong maging totoo sa sarili mo. Gusto mong gawin ang gusto mo. Subukan mo ang bago. Ganun lang kasimple. OK ka sa ika-18 & 20. Ingat sa ika-26 & 29.
GEMINI (Mayo 21 – Hunyo 20)
Gustung-gusto mong makawala sa usual mong routine. Gusto mong sumubok ng bago. Sige lang, tanggapin ang mga imbitasyon at makihalubilo. Magenjoy ka. Ayos na ang karelasyon mo. Don’t worry – hawak mo pa rin ang sitwas-yon. OK sa ika-19 & 23. Bantay sa ika-20 & 28.
CANCER (Hunyo 21 – Hulyo 22)
Mas ambisyoso ka ngayon pagdating sa plano mo sa paglalakbay. Medyo emosyonal ka rin. Pero okay lang iyan. Maging matapang at adventurous ka. Dati, nagdadalawang-isip ka –pero ngayon, wala nang pumipigil sa’yo. OK ka sa ika-20 & 25. Ingat sa ika-19 & 28.
LEO (Hulyo 23 – Agosto 22)
May bagong energy kang nararamdaman, lalo na sa mga plano mo sa hinaharap. Interesado kang mag-explore ng mga oportunidad sa negosyo. Baka gusto mo ring bumalik sa pag-aaral. Bakit hindi? Suportado ka ng partner mo. Suwerte sa ika-16 & 17. Mag-ingat sa ika-19 & 28.
VIRGO (Agosto 23 – Setyembre 22)
Medyo magulo ang mga relasyon mo nitong mga nakaraang linggo, lalo na kung may ex na muling nagparamdam. Pero ngayong linggo, parang fresh start! May bagong energy na puwedeng magpaayos ng relasyon. Panahon na para mag-celebrate. OK ka sa ika-17 & 25. Ingat sa ika-21 & 24.
Kailangan mo ng tahimik na panahon para makapagpahinga at maka-recharge – pisikal man o mental. Ang dami mong ginagawa dahil sa ambisyon mo. Perfect time ito para alagaan mo ang sarili mo. Hindi ka makakatakbo nang walang gasolina. OK ka sa ika-19 & 21. Ingat sa ika-23 & 30.
SCORPIO (Oktubre 23 – Nobyembre 21)
Malakas ang desire mong makipag-connect sa mga kaibigan o sumali sa mga grupo. Baka mas maging maalaga o supportive ka sa isang kaibigang may dinaramdam. Magandang panahon din ito para umupo at pagusapan ang long-term goals ninyo ng partner mo. Ok ka sa ika-23 & 24. Ingat sa ika-18 & 19.
SAGITTARIUS (Nobyembre 22 – Disyembre 21)
Ang saya ng buwan na ito para makasama ang mga kaibigan. Kung may mga events o conference, dapat ay enjoy ka talaga. Bukod diyan, mas mabilis na rin ang usad ng mga plano mo sa buhay – puwedeng negosyo o romance. OK ka sa ika-19 & 28. Ingat sa ika-21 & 22
CAPRICORN (Disyembre 22 – Enero 19)
Focus ka pa rin sa bahay, pamilya, at personal na buhay kahit na marami kang iniintindi sa hanapbuhay. Alam iyan ng pamilya mo. Alalay lang. Dapat ay mas na-aappreciate mo na ang simpleng araw-araw na walang kumplikasyon. OK sa ika-19 & 28. Ingat sa ika-24 & 26.
AQUARIUS (Enero 20 – Pebrero 18)
Mabilis ang takbo ng buwan na ito! Gusto mong matapos ang maraming bagay, makipagusap, at alagaan pa ang kalusugan mo. Pero gusto mong seryosohin ang mga usapan. Naiinis ka kung puro mababaw lang ang usapan ng tao sa paligid mo. OK ka sa ika-22 & 28. Alalay sa ika-26 & 27.
PISCES (Pebrero 19 – Marso 20)
Exciting ang Abril para sa iyo pero kailangan mo rin ng pahinga. Sakto lang kasi puwede kang mag-stay sa bahay para mag-relax at alagaan ang sarili mo. Bigyan mo ang sarili mo ng break. May mahalagang pag-uusap din na maaaring mangyari.
Winwyn Marquez beyond the crown
Teresita Ssen Lacsamana Marquez, popularly known as Winwyn Marquez, is a celebrated Filipino actress, dancer, and beauty queen. She made history in 2017 as the first Filipina and Asian candidate to be crowned Reina Hispanoamericana during the prestigious international pageant held in Santa Cruz, Bolivia on November 4, 2017. Prior to that, she earned the title of Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas at the Miss World Philippines 2017 competition.
Born to well-known showbiz personalities – actor-politician Joey Marquez and actress-politician Alma Moreno – Winwyn grew up surrounded by the glitz and challenges of the entertainment industry. She carved her own path as a versatile performer, appearing in various television dramas and variety shows in the Philippines.
Beyond her career in showbiz, Winwyn is also an academic achiever. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Marketing Management, from San Beda College Alabang, and has earned a Teacher’s Certificate from Southville International School and Colleges.
Despite her fame, she maintains a grounded and private life. She is a proud mom to her daughter, Luna Teresita, whom she shares with her non-showbiz partner.
Winwyn’s historic win in Bolivia opened doors for greater representation of Asian women in Hispanic beauty pageants and showcased the global talent and cultural richness of Filipinas. Today, she continues to be a role model for young women, balancing her responsibilities as a mother, performer, and advocate for education and women empowerment.
Credit: Winwyn’s IG