Pilipino Express • Jan 1 2024

Volume 20 • No. 1 • January 1 - 15 , 2024

Publication Mailing Account #41721512

Sarah Lahbati

Credit: Sarah’s IG

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Christmas hampers for newcomers

PCCM Pamaskong Handog sa Bagong Dating

Xian Lim & Kim Chiu

Read story on page 5

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024

PILIPINO EXPRESS

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st. mary ’s academy

open house January 16, 2024 at 7:00 PM

St. Mary’s Academy, established in 1869, is a Catholic school in the tradition of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Our legacy of learning, faith, service and leadership defines the Academy as a distinguished girls’ school where students graduate empowered with knowledge, aware of their gifts, possess a desire for excellence in all endeavours, and embrace a sense of social responsibility to use their abilities in the service of others. new student applications due february 1, 2024

Applications accepted for all grades, with major entry points in Grades 7 & 9 Financial assistance available | All faiths welcome

St. Mary’s Academy, 550 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg, MB, R3M 0C1 | 204-477-0244 www.smamb.ca | instagram.com/smawinnipeg | facebook.com/smawinnipeg

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024

Lessons and wisdom to bring into 2024 Another year has come and gone, and what did we see in 2023? Humankind saw the end of international travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as devastating wildfires, storms, and floods across the world. There was political upheaval and ongoing war and conflict. Many famous people died including Tina Turner, Matthew Perry, Ronaldo Valdez, Bob Barker, Suzanne Somers, Lisa Marie Presley, and Lualhati Bautista.

The year 2023 also saw medical advancements in Alzheimer’s Disease, cancer, and HIV/Aids. There is also hope in global commitments to reduce climate change, including a historical referendum in Ecuador to stop oil drilling in protected areas of the Amazon rainforest.

An analysis of the Amazon rainforest in nine countries saw deforestation rates drop by over 50 per cent.

Just as we see suffering and hope in these global events, we

The coming of New Year is always a time of hope. People forget the negative events of the past year and look forward to a better one. If one was prosperous, one wished for greater prosperity or at least the same good fortune.

Over the years, certain practices have developed into New Year rituals in an effort to ensure the blessings for the coming year.

Some call this superstition, but for many Filipinos it is part of a tradition that marks the end of the present and the advent of the future.

Objectively, it is absurd to think that certain behaviour on January 1 would affect the whole year. The Chinese have a different New Year from ours because they follow the lunar and not the Gregorian calendar. So, does one have to participate in both New Year celebrations to be sure of divine blessings? At any rate, both New Year celebrations have one thing in common – merrymaking.

The Chinese invented

experience this in our personal lives as well. It is important to acknowledge the moments of stress and despair, as well as the peace and joy that is part of the human experience.

No doubt, it is easy to feel discouraged when we experience tragedy in our lives or when we learn about terrible events that happen in the world. But we must remember that there are always people who care, help, pray, and serve others. We can always count on this, and this certainly brings about hope, love, and a positive energy that we need to look for sometimes.

There are many stories out there that can uplift us when we are feeling down. They highlight the goodness in people, and mainstream media often overlooks these tales of heroism and kindness. Generosity of the human spirit is captured in smaller snippets on social media sites, in the comments section or when random acts of kindness are caught on video. These serve as evidence

gunpowder not for warfare but simply to amuse themselves and to create noise that would scare away evil spirits. While firecrackers are popping on the street, a make-believe dragon of cloth and paper winds its way around the Chinese districts. The closest Christian Filipinos can get to this would be the start of the procession of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo on January 9 after the nine-day novena.

In Minalin, Pampanga, a festival called Aguman Sanduc is held, the highlight of which is the coronation of the Reynang Sanduc.

The sanduc is the instrument used for cooking, but the contest is not an ordinary beauty contest – as the name of the festival may suggest – because the contestants are all males!

This celebration, which dates back to the pre-war era, is unique in that no transvestites and homosexuals join. Professionals and civic, religious, and town leaders participate in a bizarre

that people do live, act, and think with compassion. Showing empathy, living with kindness and mercy, and understanding differences are gestures and acts that are alive and well, even in the face of hatred and tragedy.

Peace begins at home. Let us keep this in mind as we head into 2024 and begin to dream of the year ahead. I wish for you kindness, courage, compassion, selflessness, and hope.

Remember: • Thoughts are just thoughts.

Thoughts are not always fact.

When you notice worry enter your mind, try not to judge these thoughts, and imagine them passing you by like clouds in the sky.

• You only have control over how you react to a situation. Act with kindness, integrity, and courage.

• Mistakes are gifts. Stop punishing yourself and think about what they have taught you.

• Push yourself past your comfort zone. Challenge yourself and grow. To stop learning means

to stop living.

• Say sorry when you’ve hurt someone’s feelings.

• Material things are just things; they are replaceable.

Don’t let them get in the way of relationships with loved ones, which are meaningful and can last a lifetime.

• Get enough sleep.

• Build your team. Surround yourself with supportive people who care about you and others.

• Look for the good in people.

• Live by the New Golden Rule: Treat others as they would like to be treated.

“If you don’t love yourself, you cannot love others. You will not be able to love others.

If you have no compassion for yourself then you are not capable of developing compassion for others.” – Dalai Lama Cheryl Dizon-Reynante is a licensed therapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

Men dressed as women on New Year (and other New Year rituals) gesture of machismo. The Pampanga male does not fear losing his masculinity by parading around town on a float dressed in his wife’s clothes. On the contrary, this is supposed to be proof of his masculinity. Minaleños claim that there are no homosexuals in their town.

The festival starts in the late afternoon of January 1 when the floats go around the town to give people a chance to pick their favourites. The most macholooking man who can appear “beautiful” becomes the winner.

In the evening, the Reynang Sanduc is proclaimed and he runs off with his cash prize, crown, cape, and his sceptre sanduc for which the festival is named.

The majority of Filipinos welcome the New Year on the eve of January 1 by waiting for the stroke of twelve midnight during which they light firecrackers and make noise. Manila is usually deserted since many people have gone back to their provinces.

The affluent ones spend New Year in Hong Kong or attend New Year’s Eve balls and shows in five-star hotels or membersonly clubs. Others stay home with their families, following the superstition that a family that stays together on the first day of January will stay together the

whole year round.

There is a prevailing belief that what one feels at the start of the year will be carried onto the succeeding year. Therefore, to avoid gloom and bad luck, people make merry. Parties are held to get family and friends together. Lots of food is served in Filipino homes, although there is no typical New Year’s food to speak of, unlike the Chinese who give away hopia and tikoy. However, there is New Year attire. People wear red or polkadotted clothes to ensure financial prosperity all year round. Some even put polka-dotted linens on their beds, perhaps to presage one’s lying down on a bed of riches. My mother, realizing the dwindling value of the peso, uses green polka dots because she says it will bring her dollars, not pesos.

At the stroke of twelve, the rituals start: everyone kisses one another, then makes noise by using horns, clappers, pots or pans, or by simply screaming. The Auld Lang Syne is the official hymn of New Year’s Eve parties. Children jump as church bells peal in order to grow taller. At die dinner table, people pass around a handful of coins to ensure luck in money. All lights are switched on, and all doors, windows, and gates are left open for good luck to enter the houses.

Serious people list and declare

their New Year resolutions. Even if most resolutions, like promises, are made to be broken, at least one makes an effort to see where he had gone wrong during the past year. All food supplies – rice, sugar and salt – must be filled to the brim to ensure abundance all year round. Fireworks light the sky and make noise despite perennial bans from the government and military. In some areas, there is a midnight mass, which however, is not celebrated in other Catholic countries.

All these may seem anachronistic in this a day and age, but as many people say, one just continues doing these things simply because they’re there and because one doesn’t lose anything by adhering to his beliefs. These unique superstitions and practices are what make New Year, like Christmas, fun.

Source: Mabini’s Ghost

by Ambeth R. Ocampo, Anvil Publishing.

Ambeth Ocampo is a past Chairman of the National Historical Institute of the Philippines and an associate Professor in the Department of History, Ateneo de Manila University. He writes a widely read editorial page column, Looking Back, for the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024

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Christmas hampers for newcomers PCCM Pamaskong Handog sa Bagong Dating

In the spirit of giving this Christmas season, the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM) conducted its annual Pamaskong Handog sa Bagong Dating, December 22-23, 2023, at the PCCM. The program was designed to welcome newcomers. They are the new immigrants – those with PR, working visa, or student visa – who arrived in Winnipeg between June 2023 and December 15, 2023.

Over 58 families have received their hampers with generous servings of rice, pasta, noodles, peanut butter, cereals, eggs, and other grocery items.

“This event has been done yearly since 2019 for newly arrived kababayans. This is our

way to welcome them to our community and let them know that the PCCM is their home away from home. We also want to help them experience their first Christmas in Canada through these simple gifts... I am also very grateful to all our donors who continue to support us every year,” said PCCM president Virgie Gayot.

Gayot and the PCCM board would like to thank their generous hamper sponsors: Ger Salakot, Young’s Trading, Atty. Efren Cabrera, Minda and Oscar Surla of Sarbit Travel & Insurance, Emmie Joaquin, Dancel Law Office, Gary Vincent Sanchez, Kim and Ron Padua of Pro Taekwondo, and the Filipino Seniors Group.

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

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Pinoy survivors of Hamas attack share ordeal with President Marcos Jr President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday (December 22, 2023) met with two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who survived the attack launched by the Hamas group on Israel on October 7, 2023.

In a statement, Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed that Marcos had a meeting with OFWs Jimmy Pacheco and Camille Jesalva, who recounted their ordeal in the hands of Hamas militants.

“President Marcos said he was pleased to meet Pacheco and Jesalva, and that they returned home safely,” Garafil said.

Pacheco, a caregiver in Israel who was among the hostages freed after 50 days of captivity in the hands of the militant group in Gaza, arrived in the Philippines on December18, 2023.

On the other hand, Jesalva is a 31-year-old caregiver from Nueva Ecija who became an instant hero in Israel after sharing her story about how she saved herself and her 95-year-old employer when the terrorists entered their house.

Garafil said Pacheco, who was released on November 24, 2023, on the first truce, shared with Marcos how their kibbutz was infiltrated by members of the Hamas group who shot his Israeli ward to death.

“He also told the President about his ordeal while in captivity together with other Israelis, and how they moved from one tunnel to another to avoid Israeli troops amid heavy bombardment,” she said.

According to Pacheco, he survived by eating a meager ration of dates and water in his more than 40 days of captivity.

He is one of the two known Filipinos held hostage by the Palestinian militant group during

its October 7 rampage in southern Israel that resulted in the death of more than 1,000 people on that day alone.

Noralin Babadilla, the other Filipino national taken hostage in Gaza, was freed days after Pacheco’s release.

Meanwhile, Jesalva earned public admiration because of her courage, dedication, and loyalty as she refused to leave her 95-yearold patient, Nitza Hefetz, during Hamas’ onslaught.

“Jesalva and Nitza were residing in Nirim Kibbutz on the Gaza-Israel border, which was attacked by Hamas on October 7. Several militants entered their home and robbed Jesalva of her money that she was supposed to spend for her planned vacation in the Philippines,” Garafil said.

She and her employer were rescued by responding troops from the Israel Defense Forces on the same day of the attack.

Jesalva, during the meeting at Malacañan, thanked Marcos for his guidance.

“At least nakauwi kayo, at saka Merry Christmas. Napakabigat naman nung experience ninyo.

Isulat ninyo o i-video ninyo (It’s good that you returned home.

Merry Christmas. Your experience is very difficult to bear. Write it or take a video about your story),” Marcos told the OFWs. “Dapat gawin nating lahat nung mga… lahat ng repatriate.

Ikuwento sila, para malaman ng tao kung ano ‘yung pinagdaanan nila.

‘Yung Israeli, mahal naman tayo eh (We should also do it with all repatriates. They should tell their story, so people would know what they went through. The Israelis, they love us),” he added. PNA

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (centre) meets with overseas Filipino workers Jimmy Pacheco (3rd from right) and Camille Jesalva (3rd from left) at Malacañan Palace in Manila on December 22, 2023.

The two survivors of the attack by the militant Hamas group on Israel on October 7 shared their ordeal with Marcos. Photos: Presidential Communications Office

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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

Xian Lim matagal nang hindi bet ng pamilya ni Kim Chiu?

How true kaya ang chika na hindi lang pala mga kaibigan ni Kim Chiu ang may ayaw kay Xian Lim kundi maging ang kaniyang pamilya?

Ayon sa last episode ng Cristy Ferminute nitong Lunes, December 25, naibahagi ng kolumnista na maging ang pamilya pala ng Kapamilya A-lister ay hindi bet ang Kapuso actor.

“May source akong nakausap, medyo may kalaliman ang kuwento. Matagal na palang hindi pabor ang pamilya ni Kim Chiu dito kay Xian Lim?” pagbabahagi ni Cristy Fermin.

Mayroon rin daw napanood si Romel Chika na interview sa See XIAN p11

Xian Lim & Kim Chiu

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024

Firefly wins MMFF Best Picture Gomburza takes home 7 trophies Fantasy film Firefly emerged as the Best Picture even as the historical movie Gomburza walked away with the most awards during the 49th Metro Manila Film Festival award night at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City on December 27, 2023.

Firefly, starring Alessandra de Rossi and child actor Euwenn Mikaell, earned Best Picture honors aside from Best Screenplay for Angeli Atienza and Best Child Performer for Mikaell.

In his acceptance speech, director Zig Dulay credited the success of Firefly to their entire team.

See FIREFLY p9

Cedrick Juan Best Actor

Euwenn Mikaell & Alessandra de Rossi

Vilma Santos Best Actress

JC Santos Miles Ocampo Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024

FIREFLY...

From page 8 “Binuo talaga siya mula sa puso. Salamat sa lahat ng artista, maraming salamat sa mga boss namin sa pagtitiwala sa Firefly,” he said. “Inaalay namin ang pelikula sa lahat ng taong naniniwala sa kapangyarihan ng pangarap, kapangyarihan ng pagibig, at kapangyarihan ng sining.”

Gomburza was the 2nd Best Picture and also won the Best Actor for Cedrick Juan and Best Director for Pepe Diokno. They also bagged the award for Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Sound, and the Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award.

“Maraming-maraming See FIREFLY p11

PILIPINO EXPRESS

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

Sarah Lahbati spends Christmas with sons Zion and Kai Sarah Lahbati celebrated Christmas with her parents and her two sons, Zion and Kai. On Instagram, the 30-year-old mom shared some highlights on how they celebrated Christmas at home together with her parents.

In the post’s cover, Sarah posed with Zion and Kai with their white Christmas tree as the background. The actress also shared bits and pieces of their gift unwrapping session.

Sarah simply captioned her post with prayer hands and red heart emojis.

Earlier this month, Sarah and her family got involved in a car accident on the Metro Manila Skyway with two other cars.

Fortunately, none of them were hurt.

Sarah’s marriage to Richard Gutierrez is surrounded by speculation after it was first noticed that she was absent at

the recent birthday bash of her mother-in-law, Annabelle Rama.

Last month, Sarah cut her hair short, which made netizens curious about their relationship.

She also recently changed her Instagram handle from Sarah Lahbati-Gutierrez to SLG. – Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News

Stardust

Rekindling the golden days of Manila’s nightlife Nothing has thrilled the nightlife set of Manila’s 400 more than the recent opening of Stardust on Jupiter Street in Makati, as it has inspired them to relive the golden days when party scene in the city of man revolved around the top discos and bars, eminent of which were the creations of Louie Ysmael.

Louie, the original disco king, and his cohorts like bosom

friend Manolet Dario, the acknowledged Dean of DJs in this part of the world, businessman Andre Kahn and Peter Hager, founding partner and president of Stardust, have pooled their expertise, talents and wisdom acquired from decades of partying in style to create the smashing early success that is the Stardust.

With Louie and company See STARDUST p11

Sarah Lahbati with her two sons, Zion and Kai

Winwyn Marquez ibinandera na ang fiancé sa madlang pipol Tuluyan nang ibinandera ng actress-beauty queen na si Winwyn Marquez ang kaniyang non-showbiz fiancé sa publiko.

Sa kaniyang Instagram post nitong Kapaskuhan, tuluyan na ngang ipinakilala ng Kapuso star ang kaniyang soon-to-be hubby.

“Sending you warm Christmas wishes from our family to yours!

May this season bring a renewed sense of hope, faith, and love into your lives,” pagbati ni Winwyn.

Dagdag pa niya, “Let us all pray for healing and peace for ourselves and for the world around us.”

Ngunit sa kabila ng pagpapakilala ni Winwyn sa kaniyang fiancé ay tila nais pa ring protektahan ni Winwyn ang pribadong buhay nila dahil limitado ang maaaring magcomment sa kaniyang post.

Umani naman ng samu’t See WINWYN p11

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024

Raymond Gutierrez, Georgina Wilson, Nix Alañon, Nicky Camcam and Rajo Laurel.

Stardust founders Andre Kahn and Peter Hager with marketing manager Veronica Callanta.

Winwyn Marquez with her fiancé, Rain & Baby Luna

Alden Richards thanks media friends at his thanksgiving event at Stardust.

Stardust founder Louie Ysmael, the original Manila disco king, and Janelle Barretto.

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

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XIAN...

From page 8

WINWYN...

From page 10

“With Stardust, we want to scene.

STARDUST... bring back this experience in a “What emerged was Stardust From page 10

actor-director kung saan tinanong siya kung kumusta ang relasyon niya sa pamilya ng dalaga at halata raw sa mukha nito na hindi alam kung paano sasagutin ang tanong.

Maging ang mga tagasuporta raw ni Kim ay ayaw rin kay Xian dahil nakikita ng mga ito na tila walang plano ang binata sa kanilang “future” ni Kim. Chika ni Cristy, ang mga chikang ayaw ng mga kaibigan ni Kim sa aktor ay alam na niya ngunit ngayon lang niya napagalamang maging ang pamilya ng dalaga ay tutol sa binata.

Matatandaang noong nakaraang December 23, tuluyan nang isinapubliko ni Kim na hiwalay na sila ni Xian.

Twelve years rin ang itinagal ng relasyon ng dalawa bago ito tuluyang nagtapos ngayong taon.

Wala namang binanggit na iba pang detalye sina Kim at Xian ukol sa kanilang paghihiwalay at mukhang maayos rin naman ang kanilang paghihiwalay base na rin sa naging palitan nila ng mensahe sa social media noong Sabado. – Therese Arceo/Bandera

saring komento mula sa madlang pipol ang naturang post ng actress-beauty queen.

“Merry Christmas Winwyn, Luna, and Rain,” saad ng kaniyang “Eat Bulaga” co-host na si Kimpoy Feliciano.

Comment naman ng isa, “Merry Christmas to your family!!! First time seeing your hubby. Nice family picture.”

Puring-puri rin ang anak ni Winwyn na si Baby Luna dahil sa sobrang cute nito.

“Merry Christmas parang doll ang baby n’yo ang cute,” chola ng isang netizen.

Hirit pa ng isa, “Parang manika po ang baby n’yo, Ate Winwyn! Super pretty!”

Sa hiwalay na post ay ibinandera rin niya si Baby Luna.

“A heart full of love and a bond that shines bright under the Christmas lights. Grateful for my sweetest baby, making every moment the happiest. Thank you, for filling our Christmas with endless joy,” mensahe ni Winwyn sa anak. – Therese Arceo/ Bandera

reviving those wonderful years, Manila by night has once again begun to glitter and dazzle, enhanced even more by Stardust’s curated music spanning from the 1960s to the early 2000.

Indeed, a sophisticated space that from its day one has already brought in the glamour crowd that is usually not easily impressed, Stardust has received accolades, especially for its fantastic yet classy ambience, a visual spectacle carefully conceived and executed by designer Angie GonzalezHager. And music being key to a night spot’s success, Stardust boasts the perfect system designed

by Waxefield Sound Production Corp), sound treatment by Basic Machinery and Acoustics Corporation.

According to Peter, “Stardust was born out of the nostalgia of socializing and partying in the late 70s and 80s – a time of incredible memories before the internet, mass cellphone and social media. These were the days of legendary venues like Stargazer, Louie Y’s, Kublai Rock, Roxy’s and Euphoria.

FIREFLY...

From page 9 salamat po sa inyong lahat dahil sumugal po kayo sa akin sa katulad ko na nagmamahal sa pag-arte, maraming-maraming salamat teatro,” said Juan upon receiving his trophy.

Mallari, starring Piolo Pascual, was the 3rd Best Picture and also took home the Best Supporting Actor award for JC Santos.

When I Met You In Tokyo was the 4th Best Picture while Vilma Santos earned Best Actress honors for her role in the film.

Santos could not help but become emotional after receiving her award, which she said was unexpected.

“Hindi ko po ine-expect ito.

beautifully 80s-inspired venue serving excellent food, great signature drinks, timeless classic cocktails and ice-cold beer.”

Peter is particularly proud of the “entertainment system designed to deliver crystalclear sound in a properly treated environment allowing guests to listen and appreciate curated music while still being able to talk to friends.”

On the part of partner Andre Kahn, he declared, “This is not just a restaurant or lounge; it’s an entire experience that pays homage to a golden age of entertainment, inviting patrons to let loose, celebrate life, and feel a part of something truly extraordinary.

To sum up, and I quote from the partners in their manifesto, “Stardust was conceptualized as a haven for music aficionados, with unparalleled acoustic treatment and sound systems for optimum listening experiences. As the founding group grew, the concept expanded as well, to recreate the glamor and opulence of the heyday of Manila’s nightlife

– a space that engages all senses, offering elevated visual, gustatory and tactile experiences in addition to incredible sound.”

Food, I must tell you, is superb, and among the must-try dishes are the Street Corn Ribs, Gambas y Chorizon, Aglio e Olio with Chicken Breast and US Beef Tenderloin. I enjoyed my Cesar’s Salad a lot while engaged in conversation with Manolet’s mom, Bayanihan original dancer and long-time Malacanang executive, Tita Maribel Dario, a family friend from way back.

And to those who love to drink, just ask for their list of Signature Cocktails, among them the awardwinning Silver Surfer, the ginbased Euphoria and vodka-based Midnight Moonbeam, “all crafted to literally and figuratively be ‘out of this world,’ Manolet exclaimed.

And from the legendary Louie Y himself: “We invite you all to visit us at Stardust on Jupiter.

It’s something you haven’t experienced before. Cheers!”

– Jojo G. Silvestre/Tribune.

Drop by Stardust on 58 Jupiter St., Bel Air Village, Makati City

Ang adbokasiya lang po namin talaga when we made When I Met You In Tokyo, it’s not even the Best Actress or Best Actor. We just wanted to do a simple love story,” she said.

Their ultimate goal, said Santos, was for all the movies of the MMFF to succeed in order to breathe life into the industry.

“Ang talagang adbokasiya po namin ay maging successful ang Metro Manila Film Festival, and at the same time, mabalik po sana ‘yung mga tao sa sine. ‘Yun po ang aming inasam-asam,” she said.

Santos went on to dedicate the award to her fellow nominees, including Sharon Cuneta and Marian Rivera.

– Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

BIBAK Association of Manitoba carolling at the PCCM, Dec. 22

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OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024

Bulacan Association of Winnipeg Christmas Party, Dec 16

Bulacan Association of Winnipeg officers and members

De Paula Family Christmas Party, Dec 22

Ger Salakot Restaurant Christmas Party, Dec 24

Gerome Labial (seated, middle) of Ger Salakot Restaurant with his family, staff and friends

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024

OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

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WPG – The Wealth Planning Group – Holiday party

WPG–The Wealth Planning Group’s managing partners Jason Bonneteau and Michael Silver host the company’s annual holiday dinner and gift-giving for the management team, staff, advisors and guests at the Manitoba Club, December 15, 2023.

Gumbanian Association of Manitoba Christmas Party, Dec. 16

The officers and members of Guimbanian Association of Manitoba wish everyone a Happy New Year!

EH KASI, PINOY!

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024

Hataw 2024 or kalma lang?

A year of realization and reflection on the value of life.

Ganito ko itinuring ang taong 2023.

Naging sobrang abala ako at laging naghahabol simula nang ako, kasama ang aking pamilya, ay dumating dito sa Canada noong 2009. It has been 14 years na ganito ako. May full-time job, may part-time job, at may mga businesses on the side. Kadalasan ay napakaikli lang ng oras na nailalaan ko sa aking pamilya.

Mabuti na lamang at super woman ang aking asawa na siyang 100 per cent na nakatutok sa aming mga anak. Ngayon ay binata na silang lahat. We survived.

Natural lamang na kapag

bagong dating ka sa isang lugar tulad ng Canada ay hahataw ka nang husto para sa magandang kinabukasan ng iyong pamilya.

Mararanasan mo ang mga challenges ng buhay at minsan, ang pag-iisip kung tama ba ang pagpili sa Canada bilang iyong bagong tahanan.

Dumating na ako sa punto noong bago pa kami na kinwestyon ko ang aking sarili kung tama ba ang aming naging desisyon na dito manirahan. Hindi agad ito nasagot. Dumaan ang panahon at mga pagsubok bago ko nasabi sa aking sarili na, walang tama o mali sa anuman ang aming naging desisyon. Kasi, ang mahalaga ay kung paano namin naitaguyod ang

KROSWORD NO. 432 Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

PAHALANG 1. Hawak 4. Punyagi 7. Kapaguran 8. Dumi ng katawan 11. Lutuan 14. Pinapahalagahan 16. Suweldo 17. Uga 18. Iluklok 19. Marahil 21. Bigla 23. Habag 24. Disenteriya 26. Liping minorya 27. Alam ng lahat 29. Kurap 31. Sigaw ng nagulat 32. Anak ____ 34. 3.1416 35. Pangmatagalan PABABA 1. Kasiyahan 2. Gawing debosyon 3. Bingwit 4. Bukid 5. Pakukuluan

6. Pagpapahirap 9. Singaw 10. Binigti 12. Gaganap 13. Pananong 15. Masama ang loob 20. Sigalot 22. Biskwit sa Cebu 24. Palos 25. Inog 28. Sisidlan ng sorbetes 30. Solo 33. Iyak ng bata

SAGOT SA NO. 431

aming pamilya regardless kung nasa Pilipinas man kami o kung saan man.

Ang hilig ko sa pagtatrabaho ay likas na sa akin. Noong nasa university pa lamang ako ay hindi ako nahiyang magbenta ng mga damit sa aking mga classmates.

Noon pa man ay na-develop ko na ang aking negotiating skills dahil nakipag-deal ako sa aking rich na classmate na may-ari ng RTW shop sa Guadalupe na humango sa kanila ng mga golf shirts sa murang halaga para ibenta.

Bukod dito ay may part-time job pa ako bilang isang service crew sa Cindy’s Hamburger sa Quad area sa Makati. Minsan nga, nag-overtime ako sa Cindy’s to do graveyard shift para linisin ang restaurant mula hating gabi hanggang umaga. Habang naglilinis ako ay dumaan ang isang grupo ng mga rich kids na galing sa Rumors Disco.

Pagtingin ko ay mga classmates ko pala. Nahiya ako nang husto.

Later on in my life, nasabi ko sa aking sarili na ayos din ang mga katulad nitong karanasan dahil na develop nito sa akin ang hindi ikahiya ang anuman ang iyong ginagawang trabaho basta’t ito’y marangal.

Natatandaan ko rin na minsan akong naging singing telegram.

Dahil sa may kaunti akong talent na kumanta ay na-hire ako sa isang telegram services na magdeliver ng kanta. Hindi pa uso noon ang mga mobile apps for delivery services pero may ilanilan na rin ang gumagawa nito na bitbit ang aming mobile karaoke machine para kumanta kung saan man kami ma-request.

Isang payaso rin ako o clown host. Nagsimula ang aking gigs sa Bata-Batuta Productions at Libangang Pilipino Productions, Inc., ang tahanan ng Boyoyong Clowns kung saan doon din nagsimula si Jose Manalo. Noong kalaunan ay nagtayo ako ng sarili kong party services, which

included clown hosting, balloons at table and chairs rental. Ito ang mga unang taon namin ni Misis na naging magkatuwang sa paghahanap-buhay.

Sa larangan ng party services ko nakilala si Ate Margot Esplana, na dating VIP dancer ni Vilma Santos. Doon naman ako rumaket ng hosting ng mga corporate events, debut at mga weddings.

Mayroon na akong full-time job sa city hall ng Taguig. Pero dahil bored ako sa nature ng work ay nag-decide akong mag-abroad.

I ended up working in Doha, Qatar, doing an admin job and later on as a procurement person. Taga-bili.

Lumipat ako from Qatar to Dubai doing the same profession.

Mula Dubai ay dumating na nga ang opportunity ng Canada.

Pebrero 14, 2009, nang nagsimula na nga ang buhay Canada namin.

Speaking of trabaho, wala pang isang buwan mula ng dumating ako from Pinas ay nakasungkit na ako ng trabaho sa isang call centre. NRG Research sa Notre Dame Avenue. Survival job ika nga. Makalipas ang ilang linggo ay pinalad akong ma-hire ni Councillor Mike Pagtakhan bilang kaniyang Executive Assistant. However, I still kept my call centre job. Fast forward, ay na-hire na ako sa isang mas matatag na trabaho sa Manitoba Land Titles Office at sinuwerte rin na makakuha ng part-time job sa federal government. Hanggang ngayon, awa ng Diyos, ay nandito pa rin ako sa mga trabahong ito.

On top of these regular jobs ay marami pa rin akong raket on the side tulad ng Kuya’s Foods at iba pa.

Napapagod ba ko? Oo. Pero gusto ko ang napapagod at pagiging busy. Kung hindi busy ang utak at katawan ko ay hindi normal ito para sa akin.

However, darating ang panahon na you will take a pause and think. Ganito ang nangyari sa akin in the last few months.

Sabi ko kay Aldous, ang aking kaibigan. “Pre, magbabawas ako ng gagawin.” I will take a moment to think and assess kung ano talaga ang valuable na gawin ko pa at this point in my life. Kailangan ko pa bang magmadali at humataw nang husto tulad ng dati?

Positibong karakter ang maging masikap, masipag, at madiskarte sa buhay, lalo na kung gusto mo ito sa sarili at buhay mo. You reap what you sow. Ang pag-ani (harvest time) ay hindi madaling marating pero kung magtatanim ka ng sipag at tiyaga sa maagang bahagi ng iyong buhay ay makakamtam mo ito sa tamang panahon. May bunga ang lahat ng pagsisikap.

Sa kabilang dako, may panahon din para bigyan mo ng pagkakataon ang iyong sarili na tanungin kung ano ang priyoridad mo sa ngayon depende sa katatayuan ng iyong buhay.

Sa hirap ng buhay ngayon ay marami sa atin ang todo pa rin ang paghataw, which is very good! Kailangan natin ito to survive. Pero kailangan din nating balansehin ang ating mga priorities.

Sa pagtawid natin from 2023 to 2024 ay pag-aralan natin ang ating sitwasyon. Hataw 2024 pa rin ba or kalma lang? Nasa ating mga sarili ang sagot. Walang maling sagot dahil depende ito sa ating mga estado sa buhay.

Maraming salamat sa patuloy ninyong pagsubaybay sa Batang North End column since 2009.

Labing-apat na taon na tayong nagkukwentuhan.

Ito ang isang gawain ko sa buhay na magpapatuloy hangga’t ako ay nakapag-iisip pa ng ibabahagi sa inyo.

Noel Lapuz ay dating OFW sa Middle East (Dubai at Qatar).

Nagtrabaho nang sampung taon sa City Hall ng Taguig bilang Human Resource Management Officer. Naging bahagi ng Bata-Batuta Productions bilang manunulat, entertainment host at stage actor. Nagtatag ng Kulturang Alyansa ng Taguig. Kasapi ng Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace (EMJP).

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024

PILIPINO EXPRESS

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

JANUARY 1 - 15, 2024