Pilipino Express • May 1 2024

Elle Villanueva

Basketball is the sport of choice for many Filipinos. In the Philippines, the lack of actual basketball courts was never a hindrance for the young and old players. Enthusiasts improvise on the streets and any available parking spaces.

Here in Winnipeg, where we enjoy actual hard courts and the coaching of many professionals, players have the best tools to achieve their goals.

One such player is Shawn Maranan. From playing with cousins at a young age to being a top player for the University of Winnipeg’s Wesmen, Shawn has now been drafted into the Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). He is living his childhood dream of playing pro.

On April 11th this year, the Sisler High School grad became the third Wesmen player ever to be drafted into the summer pro league.

Pilipino Express recently spoke with Maranan about being drafted and what this opportunity means for him.

See SHAWN p3

Winnipeg’s Shawn Maranan goes pro this summer PCCM elects new officers

The governing board of the PCCM. Back, l-r: Atty. Efren Cabrera, Eric Hernandez, Christopher Santos, Enrico Tiglao, Dante Aviso, Kenneth Salazar, Paul Unciano, Alvin Fernandez, and Lou Fernandez. Front, l-r: Lucille Nolasco-Garrido, Virginia Gayot, Estrelita Gacula, and Maria Harper. Story on p6.

Nanrev Daquina & Angeline Quinto 8

Photo courtesy of Maranan family

SHAWN...

From page 1

PE: Your parents told me you have been playing basketball since as young as three years old. You even have a photo holding a basketball!

Shawn: Basketball is something I always enjoyed so I’m not surprised that I have a ball in my hands (in that picture). I don’t really remember that photo, I think I was a little too young but again, I am not surprised that I have a basketball in my hands.

PE: Young Filipino kids usually play soccer or hockey or football, but you chose basketball. Was this a personal preference for you or maybe were you influenced by someone?

Shawn: Definitely a personal preference. I felt like I was surrounded by basketball. A lot of my family on my dad’s side played basketball a lot. My closer cousins played basketball and we were always watching basketball, too. So, it was always something that I fell in love with from a young age.

PE: What do you like about basketball?

Shawn: The sport itself is pretty unique. The friendships that you build with your teammates is bigger than basketball sometimes. I mean, I’ve been with the Wesmen for four years now and I’ve created a lot of friendships that will last a lifetime. So, I think the outside pieces of basketball is just as important. The discipline,

Shawn: I felt pretty good. Knowing that a lot of my hard work, a lot of the stuff that I put in behind the scenes is paying off. And again, it’s just a reminder for me to continue to push forward.

PE: Who did you tell first?

Shawn: I told my girlfriend first and my sister and then I told my mom. Then we surprised my dad who cried because of happiness.

PE: Tell us about the games…

Shawn: Our first game this season is actually on the road. We’ll be playing Saskatoon on May 22nd. But our first game (here) will be on May 24th at the Canada Life Centre.

PE: What does this opportunity mean to you, Shawn?

it teaches you a lot about life. I have been with a lot of coaches throughout my life who have taught me a lot of life lessons, a lot of different things.

PE: What do you like least about basketball? Do you have something that you don’t like about the sport?

Shawn: There’s really nothing. I mean, everything that has to do with basketball, I enjoy. Whether its practice, playing, running … I don’t really have anything against basketball. I love everything about it.

PE: So there never was a time that you thought of quitting or playing another sport?

Shawn: Never. It’s always been basketball. It’s the only thing that’s like a passion for me. And it was like an escape for me, too. Anytime that I’m like feeling down or anything, basketball was kind of a therapeutic thing for me.

PE: After joining the practice last year, you were finally drafted recently to play pro for the Winnipeg Sea Bears. What was your first reaction?

Shawn: I was shocked.

PE: You didn’t expect it?

Shawn: Well, kind of. There was a lot of talk in the air about it, after a pretty good finish with the Wesmen last season. So, it was kind of a surprise but at the same time, I’m excited.

PE: When it finally sank in that your basketball career is being taken to a higher level and to a wider audience, how did you feel?

Shawn: It means the world to me. I am fulfilling a childhood dream of mine. And to do it in Winnipeg, I don’t know if you could write it any better. Coming from a small neighbourhood, at Tyndall Park, I have big dreams growing up so it’s definitely a special feeling.

PE: Do you think more Filipino kids will be inspired or encouraged to play basketball because of you or your achievement?

Shawn: I hope so. That’s the goal. Hopefully I get to pave the way for a lot of the younger generation especially the Filipinos. We are kind of overlooked because we’re never the biggest, never the strongest, never the fastest. But hopefully

See SHAWN p13

What are the benefits of holding onto a grudge and anger?

None! There are many variations of a great quote that goes something like this, “Holding onto a grudge is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” It uses metaphor to demonstrate how staying resentful is harmful to your own self.

People are wired to live connected to others, not in isolation. We have relationships with others, within our families, friend circles, at work, and in our communities. Chances are, at some point in our lives we have grown distant from a loved one or have even ended relationships.

Perhaps you can identify with one of these situations:

• After a disagreement about how much money to send back home to the Philippines, Jane and her mother haven’t spoken in weeks.

• Miguel was frustrated with his brother Tony for constantly telling him how to live his life. Tony felt that he was only trying to help. Three major disagreements later, they stopped talking. Five years have passed by.

• Andrea was angry at her best friend Marie who did not call on her birthday, and then did not

show up at her baby’s christening. She posted this on Facebook, which caused a huge falling out between the two friends.

The reality is that conflict between two people hardly ever involves a one-way street of blame. Both parties are usually responsible to some extent. Often, long lasting disagreements can be avoided if you look at your own actions and words, rather than only focussing on the faults of the other person.

Consider your contribution to the disagreement

Did you listen and hear their side of things? Active listening means that you were paying close attention to their message and were not just busy thinking about your next point. This can be a tricky skill to master. We often get into “debate mode” rather than acknowledge the other person’s feelings.

How open were you to the concerns of the other person?

Did you have a respectful, open expression on your face and a calm voice? Or was your body language already one of defensiveness – crossed arms and an angry or hurt expression on your face? Did you yell, slam doors, or stomp your feet? Once arguments get to this point,

How will you spend your carbon tax rebate? Count yourself lucky because here in British Columbia we don’t get the rebate. Instead, we get gas prices that are amongst the highest in North America! How exciting is that?

(Insert crying face emoji here.)

British Columbia is known to be a very expensive place to live, and the Burgos clan knew that back in 2014 when we made the move from Manitoba to the West Coast. For the most part, we’ve been very happy with our decision, that is until we have to fill up our tanks at the gas station. Gas can’t be that bad, right? Well, as of today my local gas station

has regular unleaded at $2.07 per litre. (Insert puking emoji here.)

So, do I sit and wallow in sadness every time I go to the pumps? No, there’s not much I can do as I can’t control the price of gasoline – but wouldn’t that be a great superpower? I’m hearing reports that we may reach almost $3.00 per litre by the end of the summer. If that happens, I’m going to purchase a good pair of shoes and walk everywhere.

A more realistic option would be to get rid of the gas guzzler and explore electric vehicles, or at the very least, a hybrid model. I have to say, electric vehicles are quite popular here, most likely because

Mending a broken relationship; is it possible?

emotions are running high and neither person is looking at solving the problem.

Is reconciliation possible?

Both parties must want to make amends. Getting past conflict can actually strengthen the bond between two people. Ideally, the conflict is reviewed in an open way with both people taking responsibility for the hurt they caused. Talking it out can help towards avoiding future conflicts.

I want to fix things.

Where do I begin?

You must take action. It is not enough to hope and pray that the other person will come to you first. If both people take this approach, there may be weeks, months, even years of estrangement – all because neither was willing to swallow their pride and make the first move. If you are scared to act first, just consider that the worstcase scenario is that your loved one will yell at you and tell you they never want to see you again. Yes, you will be hurt, but even if this happens, you can know that you tried and can be at peace that you made an effort.

However, the likelihood that this will happen may be low. Everyone has good within them, and your loved one is not a stranger. They are someone that you have built a close relationship

with, and they are probably hurting just as much as you are. How do I approach the other person?

Call the other person to set up a meeting on neutral territory, like a coffee shop or the park. If it’s too awkward to call, send a message to them without harsh words or accusations. Simply state that you want things to get better between you both and that you’d like to meet.

Once you see each other face to face, focus on how you are feeling. E.g. “After not talking to you for a month, I missed you,” or “I felt so angry after our fight that I thought I never wanted to see you again – but I realized this is not what I want.”

Some people feel awkward with these types of statements because they feel vulnerable and weak. But you’re already in a vulnerable position if you’ve initiated the meeting. Usually, the other person will offer similar sentiments, and hopefully, an honest exchange can happen.

It can be helpful to apologize for any part of the conflict you were responsible for. E.g. “I apologize for walking away while you were talking.” At the very least, saying, “I’m sorry that we fought,” shows that you are truly sincere in wanting things to work out.

Extend an olive branch

Suggest that a truce be called and that you both start anew. If the original problem still exists, take out a piece of paper and write out the different options. Or discuss whether a third person can assist with finding alternatives. Perhaps communicating about the issue over e-mail is a better option than face-to-face. This way, people have time to think about what they want to say, rather than making a spontaneous, emotional comment that can be hurtful.

Have realistic expectations

Don’t expect that the relationship will be exactly the same as it was prior to the falling out, especially if a long time has passed since you last spoke to each other. You may not be as close as you once were. On the other hand, your relationship may grow stronger, especially if respect between you both has grown.

However the situation turns out, at the end of the day, you can be at peace knowing that you took action and tried to salvage the relationship.

“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done” – Lucille Ball

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

To EV or not to EV?

of the warmer weather as I hear batteries don’t perform well in colder climates. Is that true? I’m not a battery expert so I don’t want to spread misinformation, but it does make sense.

Tesla, Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and many other car makers are making electric vehicle (EV) models. Many carmakers even have the ambitious goal to be completely electric in the next couple decades. Sure, it is quite alluring, especially when gas prices are this high, but there is a big downside; these cars come at a premium. Is it worth forking over the extra dollars for an EV model just to save at the pumps? Well, that’s the question many people are facing these days.

In late April, Honda made an announcement that they will be investing over $15 billion to create four new manufacturing plants in Ontario with a focus on EV. This includes the construction of an electric vehicle assembly plant, new EV battery plant and more. Clearly this technology is here to stay.

This after, Tesla CEO Elon Musk reported a drop in sales when compared to the previous year. Due to the dip in revenue and preparing for the next phase of growth in the company, the

tech giant announced the layoff of 10 per cent of Tesla employees. Now back to the question: to EV or not to EV?

Last year, I looked at a number of different EV models. While the drive was zippy and I did feel like I was helping to save on greenhouse gas emissions, the cost for battery replacement is still quite high. One dealer indicated that a change in batteries would be nearly the same as the cost of the vehicle when new! To me, that isn’t a great selling point. This is when I turned to hybrid options. A hybrid has the best of both worlds. It has a gas

and electric motor that essentially translates to savings at the pump. Along with fuel efficiency, you can look forward to reduced emissions, fancy tech gadgets, a quiet vehicle and I’m told a very high resale value.

So, it doesn’t look like we’re going fully electric in the Burgos household, but we surely are looking at saving at the pump and for now the hybrid is our best option. Ask me again in 10 years, maybe we’ll be looking at flying cars.

Dale manages the corporate communications department for a municipal government in B.C.

What are the options for persons whose Express Entry profiles are expiring? The question is crucial for many and becoming more common inside Canada. There is a chance that they may still receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence but what happens if they do not? As of April 2024, there are more than 200,000 profiles in the federal Express Entry candidate pool who are facing these questions. A recent article in CIC News by Asheesh Moosapeta addresses the concerns of many and is considered in the following. It is important to know that the information on your profile is not saved after its one-year expiration date. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada may have planned on saving the information in the past but that is highly unlikely of happening today. Candidates who have not been issued an ITA have no guarantee that their submission

will be saved. It is possible that this may change in the future, and we can all hope for the better but need to face the sad reality that it probably will not happen. Rather, IRCC advises applicants with expiring profiles to create a new profile and remain inside the candidate pool. The federal department recommends that they save their profile information or screenshot to make it easier for re-entry.

The approach to creating a new profile is similar to the procedure you followed in the past but there are some changes to note. The first is that candidates cannot have multiple profiles with the Express Entry pool. Therefore, candidates with expiring profiles must first withdraw their old candidate profile, before submitting a new one.

If you are one of the applicants, IRCC advises you to take the following steps: Sign into the account; go to “View

Last March 14th and 15th, my union sent me to attend the Mel Myers Labour Conference at the Victoria Inn Hotel in Winnipeg as a rep of our Local 389 Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) under the leadership of Ambroise Sarrasin, who recently became the Regional VP for Western Canada. The Mel Myers Labour Conference was organized in 2002. It is Manitoba’s premier forum that brings together union leaders and union-side lawyers to discuss concerns and explore solutions to issues within the unionized workplace. Since its inception, proceeds generated from the conference have been donated to various Manitoba organizations. This year’s recipient was The West Central Women’s Resource Centre (https://myersfirm.com/labourconference/).

Among union brothers and compatriots

Aside from being my Union’s rep to the conference, I am also a shop steward of the local. With me at the conference was a union brother Satyam Sohi of Canad Inns (BCTGM) and Ian Matiation, Business Manager of BCTGM. Labour leaders from shop stewards to presidents were in attendance. It was also an opportunity to meet Filipino compatriots from different unions like Bro. Gaspar V. Gaspar, former VP of International Association of Machinists (IAMAW) Local

Options for expiring Express Entry profile holders

the application submitted” on the main page; then click the “Withdraw profile” link; and click the “Continue” button just below the “Warning” sign “What would you like to do today?”

Once the submission is complete, you should receive a new Express Entry profile number and a new job seeker validation code for the Job Bank. The job seeker validation code confirms that candidates remain in the pool and may apply for jobs the Job Bank. Your potential for selection is confirmed within the Express Entry system.

The first question is to remain inside the pool of potential candidates but the second question is how to increase your chance for selection. Selection is still based on your score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), so the question is how to increase your scores. This is the best way to overcome the barrier because every draw is based upon a cut-off CRS score. The options available to the applicant include the following: increase

your score in English or French by retaking IELTS, CELPIP or another acceptable language test; increase your level of education by taking an additional credential or assessing foreign credentials; secure a job offer or be nominated by the province in which you reside; increase employment points or claim spousal points. You may also be eligible for category-based selections.

The options listed are all available to the applicant and many will have checked out these options. The time-honoured way of ensuring that you remain in status inside Canada is to apply to extend your current status, such as changing from a work permit to a visitor. This allows the applicant to remain in status and respond to either the ITA for the Express Entry or a provincial nominee program.

Governments at both the federal and provincial levels should be sensitive to the dilemma many candidates find themselves in. The recent Express Entry draws shows some reason for

hope. On April 23, IRCC invited 2,095 candidates with a minimum score of 529 CRS points. This is a 20-point deduction from the 549-point minimum applied in the April 10 draw. Things are happening and hopefully you will be picked or remain eligible for selection. If you can renew your candidate profile or change your status, then consider these options while we hope for reason to prevail and the government authority to introduce new measures to keep candidates inside the country in status or amend the selection process to keep them in status in the country.

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 204-2270292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail. com.

Mel Myers: Labour, knowledge,

and empowerment

1953 and now acting as trustee of Standard Aero; Tony Galang and Nixon Laurel de Ocampo of USW 4297, Isaiah Cabrera, shop steward of Winpak; Ray Sator, my Knights of Rizal brother and member of Télécommunications Employees Association of Manitoba (TEAM-IGPTE Local 161); Aleli Sanvictores, a sister from Workers United (mentioned by Mildred Caldo); and last but not the least, Mylene Holmes, CUPE MB Secretary /Treasurer.

There was also a whole table of delegates from the workers’ association of Macdon Industries. David Gautier of AIMAW who is married to a Filipina, was also there.

Of favourite profs and New Democrat comrades

Another surprise was seeing some former legislative staff colleagues from back in 20112014 when I was working for Flor Marcelino (former MLA and Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism), Jill Stockwell, Dale Edmunds, Chris Noto, and Clair Cerilli who was part of the Mel Myers’ facilitating team.

It was also a privilege to see my favourite author and Winnipeg activist, Jim Silver (Professor Emeritus, Urban and Inner-City Studies), respected Indigenous leader Prof. Niigaan Sinclair, and Jacqueline Romanow (Assistant Professor in Indigenous Studies of the University of Winnipeg).

The three scholars led the

plenary discussion on the Union Engagement of Indigenous Peoples. “Historically, unions have not always fought for the rights of Indigenous workers.” (https://myersfirm.com/labourconference/).

Feels like law school again

The topics discussed at the conference were Unions 101, Social Media updates, Fundamentals of Discipline, Medical Issues, Strike Action: Law and Lessons Learned, Duty to Accommodate, Respectful Workplace, Workers Charged and Convicted of a Crime, Duty to Accommodate – An advanced Perspective, Organizing Do’s and Don’ts, Ask a Labour Lawyer, Workplace Privacy and Surveillance, The Duty of Fair Representation and Difficult Members, and lastly, Top Cases of 2023. All these topics are based on labour laws and government

policies. Hearing them being discussed feels like being a student in law school.

Labour and multiculturalism

One of the highlights of the conference was a reflection on the multicultural policy of Manitoba and Winnipeg, in particular. This was not surprising considering the broad representation of different communities in the conference. Attending this educational event was a learning experience. I thank my union BCTGM for the opportunity to research, touch base, and listen to the countless brothers and sisters on different issues that helped a lot in writing the history of Filipino labour leaders and activists from 1968 to the present.

Salute to Mel Myers

The number of union delegates present at the conference was overwhelming. In addition, the topics discussed were substantial

and dared one to immerse into the daily struggles of the workplace to grasp the depth of the issues. The time, effort, professionalism, and level of organization involved from the plenary to breakouts were outstanding. The barristers who facilitated the topics were eloquent in their presentations. Mel Myers empowers union members such as shop stewards, who, with the mastery of these topics, can become compared to barristers. The Mel Myers Labour Conference has been serving the labour movement for 22 years. It deserves a working-class salute! Levy Abad authored a book titled Rhythms and Resistance: Narrative of Filipino Musicians and Activists (1972-1994). Levy is also a singer-songwriter, poet, and migrant rights activist who has released four albums centred on the life and struggles of migrants.

The 21st Mel Myers Labour Conference at the Victoria Inn Hotel in Winnipeg, March 2024.

PCCM elects new officers

by Lucille Nolasco- Garrido

After the annual general meeting held on April 6, 2024, the members and officers of the Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba’s (PCCM’s) governing board elected new officers during their meeting on April 20. Elected officers are the following:

Virginia Gayot, President Serving the PCCM as President since June 13, 2019, Virgie is also an adviser of the BIBAK Asso ciation of Manitoba. She was a board member of Siloam Mis sion from 2003-2010. She gradu ated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Baguio in Baguio City. Currently, she works as Inspector Specialist at Standard Aero, Ltd.

Estrelita Gacula, Vice President Gigi is the newly Elected VP of the PCCM. She has been a member of the board of directors since 2018. She is a Building Construc tion Technician graduate of Red River College and has been working as a manager at Singh Enterprises Inc. (Tim Hortons) for over 10 years.

Kenneth Salazar, Secretary Kenneth Salazar is one of the new members of the governing board. He is actively involved as member/vol unteer in various Filipino and nonFilipino organizations, some of which are the 204 Filipino Forum and Marketplace as moderator, Caring for Environment Manitoba, as one of the charter members, Winnipeg Folk Festival, and William Whyte Neighbourhood Association as member of the housing committee. Kenneth brings to the PCCM more than 20 years of combined school, politics, professional and community organizing experiences in Canada and in the Philippines. He is a human resources practitioner both in his civilian job and in the Naval Reserve as Sailor First Class. He is married to Rosalie, proprietor of House of FeliSa and father to AJ, 22, Bachelor of Criminology student at UoM and KC, 17, G12 at the Maples Collegiate and the reigning Miss Teen Galaxy Canada 2024.

Lou Fernandez, Treasurer Lou served as PCCM president from 2014-2016. He was president of the old Philippine Association of Manitoba during the years when the PCCM’s 50-year land lease with the City of Winnipeg was under negotiation. He has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Master of Business Administration. He is now a retired accountant, program/planning analyst and paralegal. As former Senior Immigration Officer, he was a member of a team who developed the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program in the 1990s. Along with his wife Leah, Lou has been running a successful day spa for the last 13 years.

Paul Unciano, Auditor

Paul is a returning member of the governing board. He is a Certi fied Public Accountant with over 17 years of experience as financial and operational professional, inter nal auditor and financial ana lyst in the public and private sector. He is passionate about his chosen home province of Manitoba and believes in giving back to the community by serving as board member and respects the importance of member-based organizations such as the PCCM.

Members of the governing board are:

Maria Harper

Maria brings over 20 years of experience in the banking in dustry, where she worked her way up as a Branch Ad ministrator at CIBC Wood Gundy Wealth Management. Driven by her unwavering passion and commitment to empowering individuals to succeed in their careers, she pursued her Human Resources credentials at University of Winnipeg.Transitioning into an HR Professional, she has spent seven years specializing in diverse sectors, including non-profit, for profit, unionized and non-unionized environments.

Lucille Nolasco-Garrido

Lucille is a familiar voice in the community, being the host of 92.7 FM – CKJS drive-home program, Afternoon Pasada. She is a con tributing writer for Pilipino Ex press news magazine and the Win nipeg correspondent for ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC). Lucille is also a licensed Zumba® instructor. Her love for dance has helped her raise funds for different organizations such as the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, Diabetes Canada, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, and others. This is her second year serving as a member of the governing board of the PCCM.

Dante Aviso

Dante has been a School Trustee for the Winnipeg School Division since 2022. He joined the PCCM Board in 2021 and he heads the Programs and Services Com mittee. He is passionate in promot ing Philippines arts and culture in the community, organizing fundraising events and mentoring youth and students in the pursuit of their chosen interests. He is the Executive Director of Musica Singers of Manitoba, Commissionaire for Oaths in the Province of Manitoba, and a licensed realtor for Century 21 Bachman & Associates.

Christopher Santos

Chris was the PCCM President in 2018-2019. He currently serves as President of the Bulacan Associa tion of Winnipeg, Inc. (BAOWI) He has been an officer and volunteer for various community organizations such as the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba and the Filipino-Canadian Technical and Professionals Association of Manitoba. He also volunteers in many charitable works and fundraising projects, mostly in the Filipino community.

Atty. Efren Cabrera Efren arrived in Canada in 2011. PCCM appointed him as a member of the board of di rectors in 2022 and was subse quently elected as a mem ber of the governing board in 2023. Efren is a practicing lawyer at Cabrera Law Firm.

Eric Hernandez

Eric has been a PCCM volunteer for the last seven years. He heads the PCCM Building and Mainte nance committee. He currently works at Carte International where he has served as a lead hand for the past 40 years. He immigrated to Canada in 1982.

Enrico Tiglao

Enrico joined the PCCM Board of Directors in 2018. He works as a site superintendent at J5 Construction. He is an alumnus of Red River College, Robertson College, and International Worship Centre School of Leadership

Alvin Fernandez

Alvin Fernandez is a visionary CEO, dedicated financial planner, and resilient immigrant who has made it his life’s mission to empower Filipinos through financial education and opportunities. Originally from the Philippines, Alvin’s journey has inspired him to uplift his fellow Filipinos. As a financial planner, Alvin specializes in catering to the unique needs of individuals.

ALONA C. MERCADO

CST. REY OLAZO DR. REY PAGTAKHAN

OSCAR PANTALEON JR.

CHERYL DIZON REYNANTE

MICHAEL SCOTT

REGINA RAMOS URBANO

Youth Contributors Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK)

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The Pilipino Express is a Winnipeg based newsmagazine published twice a month. Its contents do not

Makiling’s final week on GMA Pinoy TV

Tensions run high as Makiling airs its explosive finale first week of May.

As Amira’s quest for vengeance intensifies, shocking twists await viewers in the finale week of the hit revenge drama Makiling.

Tensions run high as the characters are further entangled in the web of lies and retribution.

In its finale week, Magnolia (Lotlot de Leon) will stop at nothing to ensure that Amira successfully kills members of the Terra family, or else someone dear to her could pay the price.

Makiling also stars Royce Cabrera as one of the Crazy 5 and Miss Universe-Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo as Maria

Makiling. The series features some of the country’s most sought-after character actors: Mon Confiado, Bernadette Allyson-Estrada, Richard Quan, Cris Villanueva, Lui Manansala, Teejay Marquez, Claire Castro, Andrea Del Rosario, and Lotlot de Leon.

A story about resurgence and retribution, Makiling is GMA Public Affairs’ most successful afternoon prime drama series to date. It is GMA’s third highest rating 3rd-slot afternoon prime daily drama since 2017.

This revenge drama is from the original concept of Aeious Asin and the late Reign Loleng Written by Carlos Palanca Memorial Awardee Clarissa

Angeline Quinto, boyfriend Nonrev Daquina are now married

OPM sensation Angeline Quinto said “I do” to her longtime partner Nonrev Daquina in a heartfelt ceremony at Quiapo Church in Manila on Thursday. The couple, accompanied by their son Sylvio, exchanged vows in the presence of close friends and family.

The couple, who are both devotees of the Black Nazarene, exchanged their vows at Quiapo Church in Manila City, Thursday afternoon (April 25).

“Dito sa lugar na ito, simbahang ito, ako humihingi sa mahal na Mahal na Poong Nazareno na sana bigyan ako ng lalakeng makakasama ko habang buhay. After four years, nandito tayo ngayon. Hindi naging madali umpisa natin, pero hindi tayo bumitaw,” Quinto said in her vows.

(This was the place and the church I would pray to the Black Nazarene to give me a man that

The cast of Makiling

Estuar-Navarro, the series is directed by Conrado Peru Prepare to be blown away in the must-watch finale week of Makiling. Global Pinoys can catch it via GMA Pinoy TV.

Derrick Monasterio and Elle Villanueva (Amira)

Sarah Geronimo

Eric Santos

Nanrev Daquina & Angeline Quinto

Vice Ganda

Daniel Padilla celebrates 29th birthday with family, friends in Batangas

Kapamilya star Daniel Padilla celebrated his 29th birthday surrounded by his family and friends – both from within and outside the entertainment industry – in Tanauan, Batangas on Sunday, April 28.

Among Padilla’s guests are ABS-CBN executives Carlo Katigbak and Mark Lopez

“I’m very happy, actually,” said Padilla’s mother, Karla Estrada, of her son’s celebration. “Siya ang punong-abala. Siya talaga nag-decide na gawing April 28, but his birthday kasi is on April 26th.

“I’m very happy and always proud sa anak ko,” she added.

Daniel’s father, Rommel

See DANIEL p11 Daniel Padilla

SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ

One Magical Night in Winnipeg, thanks to a 22-year-old producer

by Maryrose Villena, ACC News Correspondent

In this modern era of rap, pop, and electric dance music, a 22-year-old producer from Calgary decided that it is time for a throwback. For her first solo project as a concert producer, Ruvie Ruiz (VRS Productions) brought two veteran artists from her home country the Philippines, namely, the “King of Philippine Drama” Christopher de Leon, and Tirso Cruz III also known as Pip and regarded as the “Matinee Idol.” They came to Winnipeg on April 19 to bring a night to remember for Filipinos at St. Peter’s Church, Petrus Hall.

Coming from a family of immigrants and growing up with a close relative who is also a producer, Ruvie took the chance of doing her own show as soon as the opportunity arose. Apparently for Ruiz, it is a way to give back to the hardworking Filipino community by bringing these artists and OPM singers to them. A way to acknowledge that her fellow kababayans need a piece of home every now and then.

People – and especially women – flocked to see Christopher de Leon and Tirso Cruz. Some even brought memorabilia such as photos to

ANGELINE...

From page 8

I can be with forever. After four years, we are here. It was not an easy start for us but we did not let go.)

According to Dan Concepcion, the childhood friend of the bride, the wedding is not only a dream come true for Quinto but for her adoptive mother Sylvia Quinto or “Mama Bob” as well, who passed away in 2020.

“Dream ni Mama Bob makita siya ikasal. Dumating na sa point malalagay siya sa tahimik,” Concepcion said.

(This is Mama Bob’s dream. She will be at peace now.)

“I’m so happy. Maganda chemistry and sinusuportahan isa’t isa. Lalo na kay Sylvio Talagang admirable sila,” the friend added.

(I’m so happy. They have good chemistry. They support each other. Especially Sylvio. Their relationship is admirable.

Adding star power to the occasion, Vice Ganda stood as the man of honor, while Erik Santos and Sarah Geronimo played key roles as the ring bearer and flower girl, respectively.

Erik also serenaded the bride and groom with the love song Till I Met You as they signed their marriage contract.

The star-studded guest list included luminaries, the ‘ninongs’ and ninangs,’ such as Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, Charo Santos-Concio, Boy Abunda, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez.

show their support in Canada. It is evident that these two artists have made a big impact on Philippine film and media, and they hold a special place in the hearts of Filipinos.

For the whole night, the two of them serenaded the audience with songs styles from their time

ABS-CBN TV production head Laurenti Dyogi, ABSCBN COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes, ABS-CBN Music Head Roxy Liquigan, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Dra. Vicky Belo, among others, also witnessed the union as principal sponsors.

The wedding ceremony, solemnized by Fr. Rufino “Jun” Sescon Jr., marked a significant milestone in Quinto and Daquina’s journey. Following the nuptials, the newlyweds are set to celebrate their union with a lavish reception at the Manila Hotel.

Quinto and Daquina’s love story, which blossomed into parenthood with the birth of Sylvio in April 2022, reached another pinnacle when they got engaged in September 2022.

ABS-CBN News

DANIEL...

From page 9

Padilla, also attended the birthday bash.

“I’m very thankful sa Poong Maykapal. Walang guhit ang pasasalamat sa pagiging mabuti niyang anak, mabuting kaibigan,” he said. “Ang buhay ngayon, nararamdaman natin ang ups and downs, [but] at the end of the day, ang makakasama mo talaga is pamilya mo and tunay na kaibigan.”

“Nagpapasalamat ako para sa mga taong tumindig [para] kay DJ, noong panahon na siya’y nasa baba. Doon naman sa hindi kami binigyan ng katahimikan, sana matapos na lahat ‘yun,” he added.

such as disco and cha-cha, along with dancing and tongue twister games.

Upon the success of this event, we can look forward to more shows from Ruvie to foster the sense of community and nostalgia for Filipinos here in Canada.

Other guests included recently married couple Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo, Senator Robin Padilla, and some friends from the entertainment industry.

Aside from celebrating his 29th birthday, Padilla is also marking his 15th year in the entertainment industry.

–Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News

Photos by Rollan Temporosa

Alex Canlapan and Ruvie Ruiz

OUR COMMUNITY

Sacred, soulful, spiritual and inspirational songs in concert

by Ronald Mervin Sison

This Easter season, on April 13, the West End’s First Lutheran Church was the venue for our intimate concert recital in collaboration with master musician and ReSound! choir artistic director, Julian Vanderput.

Bis Orat Qui Bene Cantat – He Who Sings Well Prays Twice –featured seven soloists of different backgrounds: ReSound! soloist Yanna Courtney, classical soprano Hannah Orr, mezzo soprano Julie Maniate; and Filipinos – musical theatre performer Tricia Magsino Barnabe, church soloist CJ Rona, Summer Santos in her debut performance with mom Vivan Armstrong Santos; and classical tenor Ronald Mervin Sison. ReSound! were also the featured guest performers.

The audience was treated to a wide repertoire that reflected the depth and talent of the performers, which included church hymns, popular standards, classical pop, original choral arrangements, sacred songs, and opera. The church echoed with songs like Amazing Grace, Hallelujah, Bridge Over Troubled Water; classical pop like Nella Fantasia, You Raise Me up, and The Prayer; sacred music like Panis Angelicus, The Lord’s Prayer, and three different Ave Marias (Caccini, Mascagni, Schubert) sung in succession; opera arias like The Flower Duet from Lakme and the tenor aria Ingemisco from Verd’s Requiem; all heightened by ReSound!’s masterful fivepiece choral performance, which included works by Vivaldi, Scarlatti and Pergolesi before intermission.

The audience was inspired and teary eyed through the afternoon, each one touched differently by this song and by that performer; and post-show comments ranged from “… intimate and stupendous performance…” to “… moving.” to “… grabe, iba talaga.”

Audience member and Filipino physician, Dr. Denise Koh, a proponent of the healing power of music, crystalized it all perfectly, “I did not know that this was what my soul needed today. I do not usually think of religious nor opera music as my first go to for mood music, so it took me-off guard when I could feel each song connecting me to something bigger; I could feel these powerful notes resonating in my chest.”

We sing because we love to, we sing the notes and melodies, we raise our voices to the heavens from the depths of our souls to touch, to connect, to inspire, to heal… and even if we only had one person in the audience, if we could inspire and touch that one person, it would be all worth it.

Bis orat qui bene cantat – he who sings well prays twice.

Photos by Nonie Manalili

Left to Right: Dr. Tricia Magsino Barnabe, Julie Maniate, CJ Rona, Hannah Orr, Ronald Mervin Sison, Summer Santos, Councillor Vivian Armstrong Santos, Yanna Courtney

Musical Director Julian Vanderput leads the ReSound! Choir which has specialized in performing classical choral pieces by composers like Bach and Vivaldi; as well as their own original pieces and pop song arrangements for the past 20 years.

Classical tenor and producer Ronald Mervin Sison with Musical Director Julian Vanderput on their third collaboration.

Classical Soprano Hannah Orr is the recent Zita Bernstein Lieder Competition champion, member of the University Singers and part of the opera studies program at the UofM.

Ronald Mervin Sison and Dr. Tricia Magsino Barnabe,

Summer Santos and Councillor Vivian Armstrong Santos

EH KASI, PINOY!

Kahapon (ika-24 ng Abril, 2024) ay maraming usisero (kasama na ako) at “Marites” sa walkway ng downtown. Mayroon kasing napakahabang marka ng dugo mula 201 Portage building hanggang sa Millenium Library. Noong una ay inakala ng mga miron na spray paint lang daw ito pero kinumpirma ng kapulisan na tunay na dugo nga. In fact, nakita ng aming security officer sa CCTV ang lalakeng duguan na naglalakad sa abalang downtown walkway.

Sa araw ding ito ay tila nagpi-piyesta ang ilan naming empleyado na panoorin ang isang lalakeng pinosasan ng mga pulis sa may parking lot malapit sa Winnipeg Square. Sa kabilang kanto naman ay kapansin-pansin ang isang madungis na lalake na sigaw nang sigaw ng mga kahalayan at pagmumura. May mga taong nag-aabang ng bus sa Graham and Fort bus station pero wala ni-isa sa kanila ang gumagamit ng bus shelter dahil mayroon lagi ditong mga tao na kung hindi natutulog ay umiinom, naninigarilyo, nag-aaway at tumatambay. Mayroon na ring mga kumot, unan, upuan at mga basura sa loob ng bus shelter na nagisisilbing “bahay” ng mga homeless sa downtown. Ang police building ay nasa mismong area kung saan masasaksihan ang mga eksenang ito.

Kaunting lakad pa patungong city hall hanggang sa makarating ka sa Higgins and Main Street ay makikita mo ang napakaraming homeless na nagkalat sa kalye.

Habang nag-aantay ako ng bus ay may isang lalake na tila wala sa sarili ang nagtanong kung anong oras daw dadaan ang bus. Sinagot ko naman nang maayos pero naging alerto ako kung sakaling gumawa siya ng hindi maganda. Just to confirm, hindi ako handang makipag-suntukan sa sinuman. Ang sinasabi kong pagiging handa ay ang pagtakbo nang matulin para iligtas ang aking sarili.

Madumi ang paligid. Nakakatakot maglakad. Hindi

SHAWN...

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I can be a good role model for them.

PE: Support of family and community is very important…

Shawn: My family definitely does a great job of supporting me. Like in the playoffs that were held here at the U of M. They occupied a whole section, and they gave me a lot of energy throughout the playoffs to help me perform in a way that was helpful to my team. So, my family’s support is definitely something that I won’t take for granted.

safe ang pakiramdam ng maraming tao sa Winnipeg lalo na sa downtown.

Sa kabila nito ay patuloy ang panghihikayat ng mga nasa gobyerno na manirahan daw sa downtown. Yung katabi naming bagong residential/commercial building ay ilan taon nang halos bakante ang mga residential suites. Bukod kasi sa mahal ay hindi ka pa makakampante kung dito ka titira dahil sa araw-araw na krimen at gulo dito. Hindi lang siguro ako masyadong sumusubaybay sa ngayon sa civic politics pero kapansin-pansin na hindi masyadong maingay ang Mayor at mga konsehal tungkol sa kung ano ang kanilang ginagawa para ma-solusyunan ang mga crime issues ng ating siyudad. Tapos na kasi ang eleksyon kaya wala na tayong marinig sa kanila. Sanay na tayo diyan dahil sa mga karanasan at frustrations natin sa mga nakaraang adminstrasyon. Ayon sa kuwento ng aking ka-opisinang matanda, noong 1970s daw ay napaka-vibrant ng downtown lalo na noong bukas pa ang Portage and Main. Napakarami daw ng mga locallyowned shops dito at dinadayo talaga ng mga tao. Subalit sa pagsasara ng Portage and Main ay unti-unti daw di-umanong tumumal ang pagdayo ng mga tao. Ang nakinabang lang daw sa Winnipeg underground concourse ay iyong mga malalaking companies.

Hindi ko alam kung may katotohanan ang tinuran niya dahil wala naman ako dito noong mga panahong iyon. Ang maibabahagi ko lang na transition ng downtown ay noong panahon bago mag-pandemic kumpara sa kasalukuyan. Mahigit isang dekada na rin akong nagtatrabaho sa downtown at nakita ko ang kaibahan nito, noon at ngayon. Hindi hamak na mas maganda noon ang downtown. Nagagamit pa namin ang mga bus shelters. Maraming nag-oopisina, maraming naglalakad, maraming kainan at masaya.

PE: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Shawn: Hopefully still healthy, still able to play basketball and maybe somewhere, again playing basketball professionally. So that’s the goal of mine and I’m just going to continue to work towards that.

PE: If not a basketball player, what do you see yourself as?

Shawn: That’s a good question… but I am in school right now to be a gym teacher so I’ll say that, a phys-ed teacher. I still have one more year, next year.

PE: What do you do in your

I love you, downtown Winnipeg

Nakita ko mismo ang pagiging tila ghost town ng downtown noong panahon ng pandemic. Halos walang tao. Napakaraming nagsarang establishments at hanggang ngayon ay kitangkita ang napakaraming paskil na “space/office for lease.” Nauso na kasi ang work from home kaya’t malaki pa ring porsyento ang nagtatrabaho sa bahay simula noong pandemic hanggang ngayon.

Kung tutuusin, kung binata ako at kung medyo bata-bata pa ay gusto kong tumira ng downtown dahil dito ako nagtatrabaho. Kung sakali ay hindi na ako bibili ng sasakyan dahil maglalakad na lang ako pagpasok. Kung may safe na bike cage ay bisikleta lamang ang aking bibilihin. Uupa lang ako ng isang maliit at mumurahing suite. Minimal lang akong mamumuhay, Hindi na ako magluluto dahil marami rin namang kainan. Hindi na ako maglalaba dahil may mga laundry shops naman. Ok na sana ang plano, kung safe lang sanang manirahan dito. Kaso mo, hindi eh.

Ganumpaman, napamahal na sa akin ang downtown Winnipeg. Hindi ko ma-explain nang maayos ngunit sa kabila ng deteriorating situation nito ay patuloy ko pa rin siyang naeenjoy. In fact, familiar na ako sa mga homeless personalities dito. Bahagi na sila ng downtown

spare time? Do you have spare time at all?

Shawn: I do. Rarely. But I play video games in my free time. I play with my friends so it’s kind of a peaceful and safe place for me. I hang out with my girlfriend a lot. That’s it. My life is pretty simple.

PE: Do you see the kind of support Winnipeggers have for Jets hockey being translated into the same kind of support for basketball as well?

Shawn: Oh yeah, 100 percent! I mean, we kind of saw a brief summary of it last year when we

na sumasalamin sa reyalidad ng buhay na nagpapaalala sa akin na hindi lahat ng tao ay may maayos na kalagayan.

Ang gulo at chaos sa downtown ay nagsisilbing pagyugyog sa aking katauhan at puso na kailangan kong maging mapagmalasakit sa kapuwa. Madalas kasi na sarili na lang natin ang iniisip natin kaya’t naiinis tayo kung mahahaluan

tayo ng pangit at mabahong personalidad sa ating komunidad. Pero ito ang reyalidad ng buhay. Maaaring mga biktima sila ng kapalaran at pagsasamantala ng malupit na lipunan. Parang true love ang relasyon ko sa downtown dahil sa kabila ng kaniyang kahinaan at kakulangan ay hindi ko pa rin siya iiwanan.

Photos from Downtown Winnipeg Biz FB page

EH KASI, PINOY!

KROSWORD NO. 440

Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

1. Sampaguita at rosas

5. Naaawat 12. Alipato 13. Tabako 14. Parukyano 16. Saway

Samyo 18. Dagdag

Hulapi

SHAWN...

From page 13

made the playoffs. We sold out the building (Canada Life Centre) for the first time. I think we sold out the arena like five times, maybe more, throughout the season. That just goes to show the strides we’re making. And how the community is really into basketball. So, I feel like the Winnipeg Sea Bears can emulate what the Jets fans bring out. You never know, right?

PE: Anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Shawn: Just want to give a shoutout to my family, the Maranan family, Panaligan family, the Fur Bear family and the Blizzard family. These are really the people in my corner. They helped me to reach my goals, so I just wanted to give them a special shoutout.

*** According to the Wesmen website, Maranan was taken 28th overall in the draft, giving him a spot on the active roster after he spent the Sea Bears’

Local writers featured in landmark Magdaragat anthology to launch book in Winnipeg

Filipino Canadian writers and storytellers from across Canada are making their words heard through the release of a new book, Magdaragat: An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing, published by Cormorant Books.

Five Manitoba-based book contributors will be reading from their pieces at a local launch, Friday, May 3, at 7 p.m. in the Atrium at McNally Robinson, Grant Park.

Local authors Jim Agapito, Jellyn Ayudan, Gemma Dalayoan, Primrose Madayag Knazan, Rafael Palma and Maribeth Manalaysay Tabanera contributed to the landmark anthology.

11. Tila

15. Estatuwa

18. Henyo

20. Palayaw ng lalaki

21. Gulok

22. Putol

23. Wasak

24. Lihis

26. Pilay

28. Alyas

30. Huni ng uwak

31. Tipo ng dugo

SAGOT SA NO. 439

inaugural 2023 season on the team’s practice squad. The CEBL draft allows U Sports players to play in the professional league without affecting their university eligibility.

In 2023-24, Maranan finished his fourth season of eligibility by elevating himself into the discussion of the top point guards in the country as he set career highs in assists per game, steals, and free throw percentage.

He was named a Canada West second-team all-star for the second time in his career and earn a tournament all-star at the Final 8 in Quebec City.

Maranan led the nation with 7.2 assists per game and made nearly 90 per cent of his free throws, which ranked third in U Sports.

You can cheer on Shawn and his Winnipeg Sea Bears teammates when they play a home game on May 24 at the Canada Life Centre, by purchasing tickets through the Winnipeg Sea Bears website or through Ticketmaster.

By Lucille

Forty-three writers both new and established collaborated to put together the book that showcases through short stories, personal essays, poems, and other genres the collective experience of the Filipino community in Canada.

Magdaragat, a Filipino word that means voyagers of the seas or seafarers, is symbolic of the immigrant community who first arrived on Canada’s shores over 150 years ago. Filipinos have contributed invaluably — though too often invisibly — to the fabric of Canadian society. This anthology of writing by members of the Filipino Canadian community explores FilipinoCanadian identities, experiences, histories, presents, and futures, and serves to reinforce their cultural contributions.

Here are the local authors featured in the book:

• Jim Agapito hosts Recovering Filipino, a podcast from CBC Manitoba featured on CBC Radio One, in which he reconnects to his Filipino heritage through selfdiscovery. Jim is a Filipino writer, producer, and filmmaker from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Jim’s passion is storytelling, and his specialties include producing, screenwriting and directing documentaries, short films, and music videos.

• Jellyn Ayudan is a recent graduate of the University of Regina with an honours degree in

English. She currently works at University of Regina Press as an editorial intern. Born in Pateros, Metro Manila, Philippines, she now resides in Treaty 4 lands in oskana kāasastēki (Regina, Saskatchewan)

• Gemma Dalayoan was a high school teacher in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada in 1976. She became a three-time president of the Manitoba Association of Filipino Teachers’ Inc. (MAFTI) of which she was one of the founders. She has received several awards for her community work and is the author of four books.

• Primrose Madayag Knazan is a Jewish Filipinx-Canadian playwright and author and has been featured at Winnipeg Jewish Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Winnipeg International Writers Festival, and the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival. Her play, Precipice, won the bi-annual Jewish Canadian Playwriting Competition, and her novel, Lessons in Fusion, won the Manitoba Book Awards for Young People.

• Rafael Palma is an English Major at Brandon University, with

a minor in Creative Writing. He was born and raised in the province of Laguna, in the Calabarzon region. He immigrated to Brandon, Manitoba, with his family when he was fifteen. He discovered Western Poetry in high school and has been writing poetry ever since.

• Maribeth Manalaysay Tabanera aka Kilusan is a Tagalog Visayan filipinx non-binary multi-hyphenate artist, educator, and community organizer. They have presented their work as an educator, dancer, and DJ at events all over North America.

Ted Alcuitas, a veteran Filipino newspaper journalist and publisher, C.E. Gatchalian, an award-winning author and a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist, and Patria Rivera whose first poetry collection, Puti/ White, was shortlisted for the 2006 Trillium Book Award for Poetry, co-edited the book.

The book was released by Cormorant Books on Feb. 26, and is available at McNally Robinson and online with the option to shop local through this link https://www. cormorantbooks.com/magdaragat.

Nolasco-Garrido

Photo courtesy of Maranan family and Lucille Nolasco-Garrido

Watch Bea Jaime at the Boom Boom Room

Young Winnipeg singer Bea Jaime will compete for the chance to receive a talent development and management contract with ABS-CBN at the Star Makers International talent search in Los Angeles, California, this July. The competition is a global search for exceptionally talented vocal artists and musical performers of Filipino heritage.

The 24-year-old Bea graduated with honours from Red River College in 2021 as an electrical engineering technologist, but she has also been involved in the Winnipeg’s music industry since the age of eight. She has joined numerous singing competitions, vocal groups, choirs, theatre productions, festivals, and front acts for big name concerts. Bea is currently working on writing and creating her own music.

Speaking of the Star Makers International talent search, Bea said, “I’m so excited to be part

of an event that embraces our culture. And just as grateful to be given this opportunity to represent Canada.”

Bea will be singing with a live band and a guest artist on Friday, May 24, at the Boom Boom Room, 1855 Pembina Hwy. The show will be a fundraiser to cover her competition expenses and there will be an after-party following the show.

• Doors open at 9:00 p.m.

• Show starts at 9:30 p.m.

• $15.00 per ticket

• 50/50 ticket draw

• Support tickets available as well

Contact via Instagram DM: @beajaimee or 204-583-7865 or Rey-Ar Reyes at 204-688-0574

The Star Makers International preliminary competition will take place on July 26, with the Grand Finals on July 27, 2024, at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, California.