Kathryn Bernardo
Limitations on sick notes
by Malaya Marcelino, Manitoba Minister of Labour and Immigration
Editor’s Note: The Pilipino Express invited Minister Malaya Marcelino to write about the proposed sick note legislation because of its potential impact on workers and employers across Manitoba.
This spring, our NDP government will introduce legislation that will limit the use of sick notes in the workplace. Sick notes are doctor’s notes that workers are required to provide to employers to prove that they were absent from work because they experienced a short-term illness, such as flu.
For years, workers and doctors across Manitoba have advocated for the elimination of sick notes. The Doctors Manitoba organization gathered evidence
that shows 600,000 sick notes are requested each year in Manitoba.
A third of the time, patients no longer have symptoms to verify by the time they see their doctors. These unnecessary medical appointments cost taxpayers $8 million per year. Doctors Manitoba estimate that eliminating sick notes will free up doctors’ time to see the equivalent of 300,000 patient visits per year. Our government’s top priority is to fix health care, and freeing up doctors’ time to see more patients will help achieve our healthcare goals.
As labour minister, I asked employers and workers to reach a consensus on recommendations to the province regarding rules that would limit the use of sick notes. The Labour Management Review Committee (LMRC) includes over five hundred organizations representing employers and workers
including: Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Retail Council of Canada, Manitoba Federation of Labour, Manitoba Building Trades, Canadian Union of Public Employees and many more.
Together, they reached many consensus recommendations regarding sick note policy for the government to consider in drafting upcoming legislation. They recommended that sick notes should be prohibited for absences of up to seven consecutive calendar days (or less), or absences fewer than 10 cumulative workdays in a calendar year. After this, an employer should have the option to request a sick note. They also recommended that medical certificates should still be required for long term leaves (e.g. parental leave) and for medical
Left to right: Ron Gauthier, CEO, Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Manitoba; Keir Johnson, Doctors Manitoba, Director, Strategy, Advocacy and Communications; Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino; Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara; and Dr. Nichelle Desilets, president, Doctors Manitoba
Mila Mendoza Planning Specialist Arbor Memorial
People Power Revolution
Four days that changed a nation
The 1986 Snap Election is considered one of the most polarizing events in Philippine history. It was an election that was not just a contest between two names, but between two opposing beliefs: the continuation of the Marcos regime or the embrace of new leadership under Cory Aquino.
Here are some key points that led to the historic outcome of this election:
• The walkout at the PICC: On February 9, 1986, 35 COMELEC computer technicians stood up and walked out of the tabulation room at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). Their courageous act confirmed the suspicions of many that the numbers on the electronic scoreboard did not match the actual ballot counts coming from the provinces.
• NAMFREL vs. COMELEC: A “Battle of the Tallies” took place. In the official COMELEC count, Marcos was leading; however, in the NAMFREL quick count, Aquino was ahead. This caused the public to lose trust in the government and led to widespread civil disobedience.
• Two inaugurations: On February 25, 1986, an unusual scene unfolded: Cory Aquino took her oath at Club Filipino as the first female president, while Marcos was sworn in on the Malacañang Palace balcony. In the end, the loss of military support and the massive crowds at EDSA forced the Marcos family to leave the palace and fly to Hawaii.
The four days at EDSA What followed the disputed election became one of the most dramatic moments in modern Philippine history.
From February 22 to 25, 1986, hundreds of thousands, eventually swelling to as many as two million, Filipinos flooded Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) after Defence Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and General Fidel Ramos broke away from Marcos. Ordinary citizens,
priests, nuns, and families formed human barricades, offering food, prayers, and even flowers to soldiers sent to disperse them. Helicopter pilots defected.
Troops refused orders to fire on civilians. The world watched as a dictatorship that had ruled since 1965 began to crumble without a full-scale battle. By February 25, with military support collapsing
and millions demanding change, Marcos and his family boarded U.S. aircraft and fled into exile in Hawaii, ending more than two decades of rule.
The peaceful uprising, later
known as the People Power Revolution, restored democratic institutions and inspired similar movements around the world. – With files compiled by Pilipino Express
Corazon Aquino was inaugurated as the 11th president of the Philippines on February 25, 1986, at Sampaguita Hall (Now Kalayaan Hall).
President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. is sworn by Chief Justice Ramon Aquino in the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace on February 25, 1986.
A young girl hands out daisies to a group of marines.
EDSA 1986. People climb on top of the main gate of Camp Crame as the crowd along EDSA multiplies to tens of thousands. Photo: The Eggie Apostol Foundation.
Feb. 23, 1986, early afternoon: Thousands of citizens in the streets. Photo by Joey De Vera, People Power: The Philippine Revolution of 1986
Do you know that many skilled worker applicants have given up applying for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class? They believe the minimum Comparative Rating Scale (CRS) scores are too high. Think again, because the recent decrease in minimum scores mean that your chances for an invitation have improved. The CRS in recent invitations is going down considerably. For many months the minimum number remained in the range of 533 to 534. However, invitations in late 2025 and early 2026 have led to an increase in the number of invitations to apply (ITA).
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC), for example, which is comprised of many applicants who have studied or worked in Canada, has issued invitations with cut-off scores as low as 509 on January 2026. Thousands of CEC candidates, who previously scored too low for selection were issued ITAs. Some have low language scores, others no foreign work experience, and still others lower levels of education. If the cut-off scores in the CEC draws remain at this level or continue to fall, more candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply even though their CRS scores are historically lower than those in the past.
First, let us look at cut-off scores in recent CEC draws. Note the number of invitations based on the lowering of the minimum scores in the table on this page.
Hypothetical applicants
Let us examine a few hypothetical applicants based on differing qualifications. My purpose is to give potential applicants a better understanding
of who is being invited and what their qualifications are. The review can provide readers with a better chance to assess their own potential.
The first example is Ashok. He is a single 32-year-old assistant professor who lived in his native India. Ashok is highly educated in India with a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and a PhD in Business Administration. He worked in his professional field for three years but grew frustrated by limited job prospects in India and considered immigrating to Canada. He recently obtained a work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and has worked in Ontario as an executive assistant for the past year.
If we calculate his points, Ashok has points for age, education, work experience in his native India and Canada, and high language scores in both English and French make him an excellent candidate for an ITA under the Canadian Experience Class. His CRS score of 524 is higher than the minimum score in four of the five recent draws exhibited on our chart.
The second example is Danuta, a single 29-yearold woman who comes from Scotland. She completed a oneyear college certificate in her home country after finishing secondary school. She moved to Alberta on a study permit and completed a four-year bachelor’s program. Danuta obtained a postgraduate work permit and has remained working in Alberta. The subject has good language skills in English and French, completion of a BA degree from a Canadian educational institution
CRS scores decrease and ITA chances improve
and three years of Canadian work experience. Her CRS score of 511 meets or surpasses the minimum CRS scores in two of five recent draws. She has a reasonable expectation of receiving an invitation to apply.
The third example is Jiri who is a single man, 27 years of age, from Slovenia. He has three years of work experience as a web designer in his home country following completion of a three-year bachelor’s degree and a graduation from a twoyear Master of Science degree in web design. The subject has worked in Atlantic Canada on an employer-specific work permit. He has fair English skills with CLB level 7 and no French. He plans to settle in New Brunswick close his naturalized Canadian brother. Jiri’s CRS is 515, which meets or exceeds three of the five recent CEC invitations to apply noted above. The subject has an excellent chance for an ITA and the skills, education and experience in an in-demand occupation as a web designer.
Lucky Fruits to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse
Discover the traditional fruits that symbolize luck, prosperity, and happiness for the Lunar New Year
During the Lunar New Year, many Chinese families place specific fruits on their tables or altars because their names, colours, or shapes symbolize luck, wealth, and happiness. The choices are based more on symbolism than on the zodiac animal, so the same fruits are commonly used whether it is the
Year of the Horse or any other year.
Here are some of the most popular New Year fruits and their meanings
Oranges and Tangerines –These are the most common New Year fruits. Their golden colour represents wealth and prosperity.
In Cantonese, the word for
tangerine sounds like “luck,” while the word for orange sounds like “success.” They are often displayed in pairs for double good fortune.
Pomelos symbolize abundance and family unity.
The Chinese word for pomelo sounds like the word
See LUCKY FRUITS p13
The next example is a married 30-year-old woman from the Philippines with three years of food service experience in her home country. She obtained a Canadian study permit and completed a one-year food and beverage management certificate at a community college in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her husband Luis is 33. He has a two-year diploma in business, joined her in Canada on a closed work permit. Following graduation, Lourdes obtained an employer specific work permit and worked as a restaurant manager for three years. Lourdes has excellent English communication skills with CLB 11 and no French. Spouse Luis scores CLB 7 for English. Lourdes has some great potential and the added points for her accompanying spouse. The couple’s potential CRS score of 510 surpasses one of the recent draws. However, with the current trend to decrease the minimum scores, Lourdes has a reasonable chance for an invitation to apply. She may also consider the Manitoba stream of the provincial nominee program.
The four examples used above are not the only ones with a chance for an invitation. It is important for potential applicants to be aware of both the chances under Express Entry, such as CEC, but also the provincial nominee program. Manitoba, for example, has a very competitive program and is working with colleges, employers and families in the province to attract new workers to the province. It is never time to give up and stop applying. The purpose of the article is to encourage potential applicants to apply. You may discover chances you thought were closed. Good luck and do not despair.
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.
Recent draws under CEC
Strength training for a healthier heart
When people think about heart-healthy exercise, they often picture walking, jogging, or cycling. While these aerobic activities are important, strength training also plays a major role in keeping the heart strong. Research shows that regular resistance exercises can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by managing several key risk factors at once.
How strength training helps the heart
Helps lower blood pressure. Strength training keeps blood vessels flexible and efficient, allowing blood to flow more easily. This can lead to noticeable improvements in blood pressure, especially for people with hypertension.
Improves blood sugar control. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time. Building muscle helps the body use insulin more effectively, which keeps blood sugar levels more stable.
Supports healthier cholesterol levels. Regular resistance exercise can lower total cholesterol and increase “good” HDL cholesterol. This helps prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.
Reduces inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to stiff, narrowed blood vessels. People who do regular strength training tend to have lower levels of inflammation.
Improves body composition. Strength training helps build lean muscle and reduce excess body fat, especially around the midsection. Less body fat is associated with better heart health.
Boosts mental well-being. Resistance exercise is linked to better sleep, improved mood, and lower stress, anxiety, and depression. Good mental health supports healthier lifestyle choices that benefit the heart.
How to get started
You don’t need heavy weights or long gym sessions to see results. Experts recommend:
• 30 to 60 minutes of strength training per week
• Spread across two to three sessions
• Exercises using dumbbells, resistance bands, machines, or body weight
• Work all the major muscle groups
• Allow rest time between sessions
Examples of simple exercises include squats, lunges, push-ups, and resistance-band workouts. Combine with cardio for best results
Strength training should
complement, not replace, aerobic exercise. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming still play a key role in heart health. Doing both provides the greatest benefit.
The bottom line
With just a small weekly commitment, strength training can:
• Help control blood pressure
• Improve cholesterol and blood sugar
• Reduce inflammation
• Support mental well-being
• Enhance overall quality of life
It’s a simple and practical step toward a healthier, stronger heart.
Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network. Our Heath is brought to you by A1 Nutrition at Grant Park Shopping Centre in Winnipeg.
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.
For a healthier heart during strength training, focus on Omega-3s (fish oil) for triglycerides, B vitamins for artery health, and Magnesium for blood pressure, but prioritize getting nutrients from whole foods, as supplements lack the synergistic benefits and some, like excess calcium, can be risky. Editor’s note: Always consult a doctor before starting new supplements.
Local nonprofit opens second fertility grant for Manitobans
The Gift of Love & Hope Inc., Manitoba’s first nonprofit organization focused on reducing the financial barriers to fertility treatment, has opened applications for its second fertility grant for Manitobans.
The grant offers up to $5,000 per individual or couple, with $10,000 in total funding to be awarded to multiple recipients. Applications will be accepted from January 3 to February 28, 2026, with successful applicants notified by March 31, 2026.
This second grant is made possible through strong community support and grassroots fundraising initiatives, including the organization’s annual Walk for Awareness, which raises both funds and public understanding around infertility and reproductive health. In 2025, The Gift of Love & Hope Inc. also received its largest single donation to date from Qualico’s 10th Annual Ball Hockey Tournament (Team Honeywell Home), a contribution
that significantly helped bring this grant to life.
Founded and led by six Manitoban Filipinas, The Gift of Love & Hope Inc. was created to support individuals and couples navigating infertility by providing direct financial assistance, breaking stigma, and fostering open conversations about reproductive health.
“Many individuals and couples are unable to conceive on their own due to medical conditions, and fertility treatment is often their only path forward,” says Anna Almojuela, Public Relations and Spokesperson.
“Unfortunately, these treatments are costly and financially out of reach for many. That reality is exactly why this work matters; our grants help bridge the gap and offer families a chance to pursue treatment with hope.”
More information on eligibility and applications is available at: www.giftofloveandhope.ca
DOT seeks more tourists from Canada
The Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to pour in more promotions budget for several key and emerging markets in 2026, including Canada, United States, South Korea, China, India, and the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the DOT intends to fully recover the South Korean market, which slipped to 1.34 million last year from 1.45 million in 2024.
The DOT, she said, will also capitalize on the U.S., as one of the country’s “most reliable” markets to pull up the arrival numbers for 2026.
With Canada, the DOT is optimistic the new connections through Air Canada would bring in more Canadian tourists into the country.
“So generally, the Americas are very, very promising for us,” she said.
The DOT, Frasco added, will intensify promotions in China as the country opens the year with eased visa policy for Chinese, which allows them at least 14-day visa-free entry into the Philippines.
“China has been challenging, to say the least. So, for China specifically, we’re working with our Beijing and Shanghai offices plus the private sector,” she said.
“We will have a very specific targeted campaign in certain cities even as we work with the airlines to recover the pre-pandemic
flights.”
Frasco shared that as of Tuesday, flights into the Philippines from China only recovered 50 percent since the pandemic.
“Of course, the visa-free will really help us,” she said.
For the Middle East, Frasco said the Philippines sees “promising growth” from the United Arab Emirates market, whose leisure travelers coming into the country has been growing over the past year.
The UAE’s flag carrier Emirates, she said, is also requesting increased slots from the UAE to Manila as well as the retention or expansion of their Cebu and Clark flights.
“Of course, Qatar is also our partner. So, we hope to make our presence felt there. And of course, the Middle East in general,” Frasco added.
The Philippines recorded 6.4 million foreign visitors and returning overseas Filipinos in 2025, generating an estimated PHP694 billion in tourism receipts.
Of this number, South Korea remains the top market, followed by the US with 1.32 million visitors, Japan with 469,521, Australia with 359,646, and Canada with 333,136.
China ranked sixth with 237,101 while India ranked 11th with 104,994 visitors from Jan. to Dec. 2025. PNA
PH ready to help Filipinos amid US immigration crackdown
The Philippine government remains ready to extend help to Filipinos in the United States seeking assistance amid the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said Thursday.
“We’ve always advised our citizens that if you don’t have a legal path, then it will be better for you to think about leaving the United States voluntarily,” Romualdez said in an interview in Pasay City.
“But if there is a legal path for you, then by all means, and we can find ways to be able to assist,” he added.
The Philippine Embassy and Consulates in the US, he said, could assist by way of facilitating or finding an immigration officer who could assist in their case.
Meanwhile, Romualdez reiterated that the US is not specifically targeting Filipino nationals in the implementation of stricter immigration measures.
“We’ve seen that on many occasions, that there’s few
Filipinos,” he said.
“Perhaps some of them were involved in some kind of criminal activity, that is what we are being told. And so, that’s something that a country can exercise, their right to deport anyone,” he added.
Ambassador Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez has been one of the most influential Filipino diplomats in recent memory, serving as the country’s top envoy to Washington DC under both the Rodrigo Duterte and Ferdinand Marcos Jr administrations. PNA
Isabela City honours women’s choice on World Hijab Day
In Isabela City, Basilan, the hijab isn’t just a garment, it’s a statement. On World Hijab Day and the first National Hijab Awareness Day, the city celebrated the “crown of Muslimah,” honouring faith, identity, and women’s right to choose. Students, educators, and community leaders came together to explore what the hijab truly represents: pride, dignity, and empowerment.
Observed globally on February 1, World Hijab Day sparks conversations about
autonomy, faith, and respect for women’s choices. In Isabela City, the celebration, themed Hijab Talks: Voices, Choices, and Coexistence, highlighted the hijab as a personal and cultural symbol, a prayer woven into fabric and a shield for the soul.
Mayor Sitti Djalia TurabinHataman emphasized the deep connection between the hijab and cultural identity. As a key author of the law establishing the National Day of Awareness on Hijab and Traditional Garments,
and through City Ordinance No. 23-730, she ensures Muslim women in Isabela City can wear hijab, niqab, or burqa freely in all spaces. The event affirmed that inclusion begins with respect and understanding. By celebrating the “crown of Muslimah,” Isabela City continues to champion diversity, dismantle barriers, and empower women to express their faith proudly.
Source: PIA Basilan with reports from LGU Isabela City
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez.
Air Canada’s new service from Vancouver to Manila brings more balikbayans and tourists into the Philippines. Photo by AIR CANADA
Kathryn Bernardo returns to primetime TV
Asia’s Superstar Kathryn Bernardo is poised for a major television comeback as she headlines Someone, Someday with James Reid and Maja Salvador this year. The new series marks her return to longform storytelling after her last teleserye, 2 Good 2 Be True, with Daniel Padilla, aired in 2022.
Since then, she has focused on high-profile film projects like Hello, Love, Again (2024) and A Very Good Girl (2023), while also expanding her presence beyond acting through entrepreneurial ventures. She now runs her own boutique hotel and maintains a strong portfolio of lifestyle brand partnerships.
Bernardo’s return to primetime comes at a time when audiences have eagerly awaited her next TV role, and her pairing with Reid, one of Philippine showbiz’s most talked-about talents, has sparked considerable buzz across entertainment circles.
Widely regarded as one of the most bankable stars of her generation, Bernardo began her career as a child actress and rose to fame in the hit teleserye Mara Clara in 2010. Over the years, she has headlined some of the highest-grossing Filipino films of all time, including The Hows of Us (2018), Hello, Love, Goodbye (2019), and its record-breaking sequel Hello, Love, Again (2024).
Hello, Love, Goodbye became the top-grossing Filipino film upon its release, earning over ₱880 million worldwide, while The Hows of Us also crossed the ₱800-million mark at the box office. The 2024 sequel, Hello, Love, Again, went on to break records once more, surpassing ₱930 million globally within days of its release.
Her commercial success has been matched by critical recognition. Bernardo has received numerous awards, including FAMAS honours, international accolades, and multiple Box Office Entertainment Awards. In 2024, she was named Box Office Queen for her film projects, further cementing her status as
a top draw in Philippine cinema.
Beyond acting, Bernardo has evolved into a full-fledged lifestyle icon and entrepreneur. She has ventured into hospitality and business, while maintaining major endorsement deals and a strong social media presence. Her influence continues to expand across fashion, beauty, and travel, making her one of the most recognizable Filipino celebrities worldwide.
Kathryn Bernardo and James Reid track record, international recognition, and a loyal fan base that has grown with her since her teenage years, Bernardo’s return to television is expected to be one of the biggest entertainment events of the year. For many viewers, Someone, Someday is not just another teleserye, it marks the homecoming of one of Philippine showbiz’s brightest and most enduring stars.
With a proven box-office
-With files compiled by Pilipino Express
Joshua and Ivana take Morocco
ABS-CBN is taking viewers straight to the sandy horizons of Morocco in 2026 with its most ambitious romance-action drama yet, Love Is Never Gone, starring Joshua Garcia and Ivana Alawi in their first ever on-screen team-up.
In what’s being hailed as a groundbreaking project for Philippine television, Love Is Never Gone marks the first Filipino TV series ever filmed on location in Morocco, a first for Kapamilya storytelling. Director and cast embraced the country’s sweeping deserts, bustling markets, and rugged streets as the dramatic backdrop for a story of love, survival, and relentless action that pushes both characters to their limits.
Joshua Garcia, known for his versatility in drama and romance, steps into this new role with his signature blend of intensity and emotional depth, while content creator-actress Ivana Alawi, who is half-Moroccan herself, brings fresh nuance and authenticity to the series. The production hasn’t shied away from demanding scenes: the cast faced blazing desert heat and complex action sequences that tested them physically and artistically, according to early reports from
the set.
A teaser trailer released in late 2025 teased viewers with breathtaking views and the first dramatic meeting between their characters, capturing a moment that blends both romance and suspense against Morocco’s otherworldly dunes. Scenes hint at chases through narrow alleyways, powerful emotional confrontations, and a chemistry between Joshua and Ivana that’s already got fans buzzing online.
For Ivana, returning to part of her heritage to shoot this series has been both “challenging and rewarding,” as she navigated not only physically demanding conditions but also deeper emotional beats that enrich her performance. Fans are already calling this pairing a “fresh, thrilling chapter” for ABS-CBN dramas, with Love Is Never Gone expected to deliver something new to Filipino audiences, blending heart-pounding action with timeless romance.
As anticipation builds ahead of its 2026 release, viewers are eagerly watching for more teasers and behind-the-scenes insights from this international-scale Kapamilya production.
-With files compiled by Pilipino Express
Kathryn Bernardo
Ivana Alawi and Joshua Garcia
Vic and Pauleen renew vows on 10th anniversary
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Veteran TV host-comedian
Vic Sotto and actress-host Pauleen Luna marked a decade of marriage with a heartfelt renewal of vows, surrounded by family, friends, and their Eat Bulaga colleagues. The intimate
ceremony was held on January 30, 2026, at the Blackbird restaurant in the Nielsen Tower, Makati, exactly ten years after their wedding at Saint James the Great Parish Church in Ayala Alabang. See VIC p15
Vic and Pauleen with their daughters, Tali and Mochie
KAPALARAN
PEBRERO
16 - 28, 2026
Ang ikalawang kalahati ng Pebrero ay mas emosyonal at mas malinaw pagdating sa mga desisyon. Kung may alinlangan ka noong unang bahagi ng buwan, ngayon mo ito mas mauunawaan. Magandang panahon ito para tapusin ang mga sinimulan, ayusin ang relasyon, at gumawa ng praktikal na hakbang sa pera at trabaho. May kilig pa rin, pero mas may lalim at direksyon.
ARIES (Marso 21 - Abril 19)
Mas magiging focus ka sa goals lalo na sa trabaho at kita. May pagkakataong ayusin ang isang dating problema. Huwag magpadala sa init ng ulo, mas panalo ka kapag kalmado. Mas mahal ka niya kaysa sa iba. Good Days: Pebrero 18, 24. Iwasan: Pebrero 20, 27.
TAURUS (Abril 20 - Mayo 20)
Mas lumalakas ang iyong kumpiyansa sa sarili. Magandang panahon ito para ipakita ang talento o mag-share ng ideya. Sa pag-ibig, mas gusto mo ang steady at siguradong usapan. Maging tapat ka palagi. Good Days: Pebrero 17, 26. Iwasan: Pebrero 19, 28.
GEMINI (Mayo 21 - Hunyo 20)
Mas magiging mapag-isip ka. Mainam itong panahon para ayusin ang personal na isyu o magpahinga muna sa drama. Sa huli ng linggo, may magandang balitang darating. Baka may “proposal na! Good Days: Pebrero 20, 25. Iwasan: Pebrero 17, 22.
CANCER (Hunyo 21 - Hulyo 22)
Mas aktibo ang social life mo ngayon. May tsansang may kaibigang mangangailangan ng payo o tulong. Sa pag-ibig, mas mahalaga ang emotional security kaysa kilig lang. Nawawala ang gandang pisikal. Good Days: Pebrero 18, 27. Iwasan: Pebrero 21, 26.
LEO (Hulyo 23 - Agosto 22)
Tutok ka sa career at reputasyon. May makakapansin sa sipag at leadership mo. Ingatan lang ang pride, hindi lahat ng laban ay kailangang ipanalo. Iwasan ang selos, lason iyan sa relasyon ninyong dalawa. Good Days: Pebrero 19, 25. Iwasan: Pebrero 22, 28.
VIRGO (Agosto 23 - Setyembre 22)
May urge kang lumawak ang pananaw sa biyahe, pag-aaral, o bagong kaalaman. Magandang panahon para magplano ng longterm goals. Sa pag-ibig, mas open ka sa bagong karanasan. Huwag matakot. Good Days: Pebrero 20, 24. Iwasan: Pebrero 18, 27.
LIBRA (Setyembre 23 - Oktubre 22)
Focus ka sa pera ninyo ng partner mo at emosyonal na usapan. May lalim ang mga pag-uusap ninyo ngayon, posibleng mas tumibay ang isang relasyon. Huwag iwasan ang seryosong usapan. Good Days: Pebrero 21, 26. Iwasan: Pebrero 19, 28.
SCORPIO (Oktubre 23 - Nobyembre 21)
Naka-focus ang buwan sa relasyon at partnerships. Kailangang balansehin ang give and take. Kapag naging bukas ka sa kompromiso, mas magiging maayos ang samahan. Kailangan mo ring magbigay. Good Days: Pebrero 22, 27. Iwasan: Pebrero 18, 25.
SAGITTARIUS (Nobyembre 22 - Disyembre 21)
Panahon ito ng pag-aayos ng routine sa trabaho, kalusugan, at daily habits. Maliit na pagbabago ang magdadala ng malaking ginhawa. Sa pag-ibig, consistency ang susi. Iwasan mo ang palaging nagdududa. Good Days: Pebrero 19, 24. Iwasan: Pebrero 21, 28.
CAPRICORN (Disyembre 22 - Enero 19)
Mas lumalabas ang romantic at creative side mo. Kung may relasyon, mas magiging playful ang samahan. Kung single, may tsansang may magparamdam muli. Exciting ang Pebrero para sa iyo. Good Days: Pebrero 20, 26. Iwasan: Pebrero 17, 22.
AQUARIUS (Enero 20 - Pebrero 18)
Tutok ka sa bahay at pamilya. Maaaring may ayusin sa tahanan o lumang isyu na kailangang harapin. Kapag inayos mo ito, mas magiging magaan ang pakiramdam mo. Pakinggan mo ang hiling ng pamilya mo. Good Days: Pebrero 21, 25. Iwasan: Pebrero 19, 27.
PISCES (Pebrero 19 - Marso 20)
Mas malinaw ang iyong boses at intensyon. Magandang panahon para magsalita, magsulat, o magpahayag ng damdamin. Sa pag-ibig, simple ngunit totoo ang mga kilos. Walang lihim na hindi nabubunyag. Alalay lang. Good Days: Pebrero 22, 26. Iwasan: Pebrero 18, 28.
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11. Tumbasan 13. Batikusin 16. Ranggo 18. Espada 20. Tagasunod 21. Kalbo 22. Taba ng alimango 24. Isakdal 25. Bansag sa traydor 29. Ikaw 30. Sigaw ng karatista
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SAGOT SA NO. 482
16 - 28, 2026
SICK NOTES...
From page 1 reports required to inform safe work plans, disability eligibility, accommodations, etc.
Research by Doctors Manitoba, consensus recommendations made by LMRC, and more feedback from other stakeholders will be considered in preparing sick notes legislation for this spring. Once legislation is introduced, it will be debated in the legislature, and the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback during committee hearings that folks can sign up to speak at or provide submissions.
To help employers and workers transition away from sick notes, human resources professionals from CPHR Manitoba together with Doctors Manitoba are working together to prepare a toolkit to manage workers’ absences for short term illness. The free toolkit will include:
• a sick leave policy template
• a self-attestation form template for employees without a doctor’s note
• an absence management flow chart to guide decisionmaking
• guidance for employee engagement to support communication and trust
• a workplace poster to explain the new approach
• employee health and wellness tip sheet
Fixing healthcare in Manitoba
is a top “whole of government” priority. That means, even as labour and immigration minister, my focus should be here as well. That’s why I work to improve accreditation processes for health care professionals, so we have safer and qualified health care providers in the province.
Preparing sick notes legislation is one more measure our labour and immigration team will be making towards our goal to fix healthcare in Manitoba.
Year of the Fire Horse
A time for bold steps and bright beginnings
February 17, 2026 – February 5, 2027
When the Lunar New Year arrives on February 17, 2026, it will usher in the energetic and spirited Year of the Fire Horse, a zodiac sign long associated with strength, speed, and independence. Lasting until February 5, 2027, this dynamic year promises movement, optimism, and opportunities for those willing to take bold steps forward.
In the Chinese zodiac cycle, the horse is the seventh of the 12 animal signs, appearing every 12 years. The most recent Years of the Horse were 2014, 2002, 1990, and 1978, with the next one coming in 2038. But 2026 is especially notable because it is a Fire Horse year, a combination that occurs only once every 60 years. The fire element intensifies the horse’s natural energy, symbolizing passion, courage, and transformation.
Traditionally, the horse represents speed, perseverance, and high status. In ancient China, horses were essential for travel, communication, and warfare, making them symbols of progress and power. This association carries into the zodiac, where the horse is seen as lively, hardworking, and always on the move.
People born in the Year of the Horse are often described as cheerful, quick-witted, and popular. They thrive in social settings and enjoy the excitement of new experiences. However, like the animal they represent, they also value independence and
LUCKY FRUITS
...
From page 5
for “blessing” or “to have.” They are often given as gifts during the New Year.
Apples represent peace and harmony.
In Mandarin, the word for apple sounds like the word for “peace,” making it a popular fruit for New Year displays.
freedom, sometimes preferring to gallop ahead on their own path.
The fire element adds another layer of intensity to the year. While it can spark creativity, passion, and rapid growth, it can also bring impulsiveness and unpredictability. As a result, 2026 is expected to be a fastpaced year marked by change, innovation, and increased social activity. It is often considered a lucky time to start new ventures, pursue ambitions, or take calculated risks.
For many communities celebrating the Lunar New Year, the arrival of the Fire Horse is a call to embrace courage and optimism. Whether in business, relationships, or personal goals, the year encourages forward momentum and bold decisions.
As the Fire Horse charges into 2026, its message is clear: move with confidence, stay adaptable, and don’t be afraid to chase new horizons. After all, in the Year of the Horse, fortune often favours those willing to ride ahead.
-With files compiled by Pilipino Express
prosperity and growth. In some dialects, the name sounds like words meaning “to invite” or “to attract” wealth.
Pomegranate symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and many blessings because of its many seeds.
Display tradition
• Saturday - April 25, 2026 • 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Seniors Hall, 49 Euclid Ave.
Please note that eligibility to run for office, vote, and participate in discussions and decisions is limited to paid members of the FSGW. Deadline for new and renewal of memberships is on April 11, 2026.
To become a member, please contact: Angelica Ilagan 204-951-7104 Director of Memberships
Pineapples are especially popular in Southern Chinese and Southeast Asian communities.
In Hokkien, the word for pineapple sounds like “prosperity comes,” making it a strong symbol of wealth and good fortune.
Grapes symbolize abundance and good luck in the coming year. Clusters of grapes represent a household filled with blessings.
Bananas are associated with
Fruits are often arranged neatly on a tray or plate, usually in even numbers, as even numbers are considered lucky. Bright colours, especially gold, orange, and red, are favoured because they represent prosperity and happiness.
No matter the zodiac sign of the year, including the Year of the Fire Horse, these fruits serve as symbols of good fortune, health, and success for the year ahead.
–With files compiled by Pilipino Express
Left to right: Ron Gauthier, CEO, Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Manitoba; Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino; Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara; and Dr. Nichelle Desilets, president, Doctors Manitoba. December 12, 2025.
Brief history of the Ukulele Filipino Club
In the heart of Winnipeg, a small four-stringed instrument is creating a powerful resonance that transcends mere music.
The Ukulele Filipino Club began as a modest seed planted in November 2022 through the Healthy Together Now grant of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Ernesto Ofiaza Jr., president of the Filipino Music and Arts Association of Canada Inc. (FMAACI) first introduced the instrument to a group of ten seniors through a free ukulele workshop for beginners at the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba.
Inspired by his own journey under the mentorship of Canadian singer, songwriter and storyteller, Kate Ferris, and
the Ukulele Club of Winnipeg, Ofiaza envisioned a space where heritage and harmony could meet.
By the 2023 - 2024 season, that vision matured into a formal partnership between FMAACI and the Filipino Seniors Group of Winnipeg (FSGW) headed by their president Jun Isla, also treasurer of FMAACI.
The Ukulele Filipino Club was officially named by Ofiaza as a tribute to both his cultural roots and the inclusive spirit of the local community.
Today, the club has expanded to over 40 members, turning the Filipino Seniors Hall at 49 Euclid Avenue into a vibrant sanctuary of song every Wednesday.
Under the rhythmic guidance
of instructor and FMAACI
Secretary Jeanette Perez, the group’s repertoire serves as a melodic bridge across time, blending sentimental Filipino classics with English oldies from the 60s and 70s. Their influence has even reached the airwaves, with a
spirited performance of Beautiful Sunday on CBC Radio’s Weekend Morning Show capturing the city’s imagination. Yet the club’s true impact is measured in more than just notes; as Perez points out, the strumming provides vital cognitive stimulation and a surge of confidence for its senior members.
By preserving musical traditions in the diaspora and strengthening intergenerational ties, the Ukulele Filipino Club has become a vital thread in Winnipeg’s multicultural fabric, proving that community is best built one chord at a time.
The earliest recorded arrival of Filipinos in Winnipeg began in the early 60s comprised mostly physicians and nurses, followed by the successive arrivals of garment workers. In 1972, Filipinos in Winnipeg numbered 1,211 (“Phil Garment Workers celebrate 45 years in Winnipeg,” CTV News online). With this development, the Catholic Church of Winnipeg, under the auspices of the Diocese, developed a social program to gather newly arrived migrants, who were mostly Catholic, by forming the Winnipeg Filipino Project (WFP) in 1975. By the time WFP faded out organizationally in 1996, the community had reached 26,085 (“Early Filipino Organizations in Winnipeg,” Pilipino Express, January 16, 2025).
WFP’s evolution I messaged Ted Alcuitas to ask about the project, and he shared, “it was instituted by Cardinal George Bernard Flahiff CSB, who was the Archbishop of Winnipeg from 1961 to 1982, to specifically minister to what he saw as the emerging community of faith in the archdiocese,” (T. Alcuitas, January 29, 2026). Furthermore, Cardinal Flahiff assigned a French-Canadian former missionary in the Philippines, Fr. Joseph Godbout OMI, to do the work of consolidating and coordinating the Winnipeg Filipino Project. Ted Alcuitas recalls that Efren Arbilo, who received his Theology degree in Ottawa, became the initial acting coordinator (since the departure of Fr. Godbout in 1977), and elected full-time coordinator in 1979. At that time the WFP office was at Sacred Heart Church at 600 Bannatyne (now École Sacré-Coeur School) and later it moved to St. Edwards Church at 836 Arlington Street).
After a couple of years under Fr. Joseph Godbout and Msgr. Neil Parado, the leadership of WFP continued until the election of 1979, when Fr. Louis McCloskey became
VIC...
From page 11
The couple’s daughters, Tali and Mochie, served as adorable flower girls, adding a sweet family touch to the occasion. Also present were Vic’s children from his previous relationships: Vico, Oyo, Danica, and Paulina, making the celebration a true gathering of the Sotto clan.
Several stars from their long-running variety show were also in attendance, including Joey de Leon, Jose Manalo,
the Chair, Fr Sam Argenziano as Vice Chair, Nimfa Bercasio as Secretary, and Butch Hermano as Treasurer. The Silangan newspaper in the early 80s referred to Fr. Sam Argenziano as Chairman of WFP when he became the pastor of St. Peter’s Church. During this time, Ted Alcuitas became the coordinator for the WFP between 1982 and 1985. According to Nimfa Arbilo, Fr. Sam Argenziano was Chair of WFP in 1987, with Gloria Peñaflorida as Vice-Chair (FB Messenger, Feb 2, 2026).
Notable projects
Some events that the Winnipeg Filipino Project handled were basic ecclesial programs, such as baptismal preparation, marriage preparation, catechism, outreach, cursillo, Legion of Mary, and Block Rosary. In the field of culture, WFP also organized the First Santacruzan in 1975, and the Filipino Fiesta at St. Edward’s Church in the 80s. (Nimfa Arbilo, Feb. 4, 2026).
The project also campaigned for the realization of the United Housing Co-op and the campaign to provide aid for Vietnamese refugee families (Silangan, 1979).
By the 1980s, when the struggle against the Marcos dictatorship intensified, WFP, through Ted Alcuitas, organized the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) in Winnipeg to protest the assassination of Senator Benigno Aquino by the dictatorship.
Winnipeg Filipino Project also sponsored and organized the visit of Cardinal Jaime Sin in 1988, which was a big event. Ted also shared that Fr. Sam Argenziano, as Chair of Winnipeg Filipino Project, supported these solidarity, justice and peace campaigns. All these events, ranging from the ecclesial function to justice and peace campaigns, put into practice the social teachings of the Catholic Church.
Social justice advocacy
In my book Rhythms and Resistance, Ted Alcuitas (ATOM Chair 1984), who is also a pioneer community journalist and founder of Silangan newspaper, mentioned several Winnipeg Filipino Project members who were part of ATOM Winnipeg: Arturo “Art” Dizon
Wally Bayola, Paolo Ballesteros, Maine Mendoza, Allan K, Ryzza Mae Dizon, and Atasha Muhlach, among others. The couple shared a romantic dance to The Beatles’ classic I Will, drawing smiles and cheers from their guests. Vic and Pauleen first went public with their relationship in 2014, despite their 30-year age gap. Their love story, which blossomed after years of working together on television, eventually led to marriage in 2016. They welcomed their first daughter, Tali, in 2017, and their second child, Mochie, in 2024.
Winnipeg Filipino Project revisited
Heart Church c. 1910 (now École Sacré-Coeur School). Stovel Co. postcard courtesy Russ Epp (ATOM Chair 1987), Purita Dizon, Monina and Al Relano, Pablo and Rose Jalalla, Efren and Nimfa Arbilo, Bert and Gloria Peñaflorida, Dinah Peñaflorida, Cora Alcuitas, Jimmy and Luisa Pagsuyuin, and Steve and Betty Tuazon (p. 130).
Winnipeg Filipino Project, from its inception in 1975, had
Over the years, Vic has openly spoken about his desire to be a more present father to his younger children, admitting that his busy career kept him away from his older kids while they were growing up. Today, he makes it a point to spend quality time with all his children, showing that love and family remain at the centre of his life.
Ten years on, Vic and Pauleen’s renewed vows reflect a relationship that continues to grow stronger with time.
-With files compiled by Pilipino Express
embraced and served the newly arrived Filipino community up until the 90s, when churches developed their respective programs to integrate the Filipino community. Fr. Sam Argenziano realized this need when he said, “When one must leave one’s homeland, it is always difficult to adjust to a new country… Our
project has tried to help the newly arrived to adjust to both the social and religious levels, and we know how much care must be given. As in all groups, each generation will have its share of adjustment, so we must be constantly aware of the needs of our people and meet those needs with an open, loving and professional attitude.”
St. Edward’s Church
Sacred
The Sotto family with cast of Eat Bulaga
