Pilipino Express • Nov 1 2023

Volume 19 • No. 21 • November 1 - 15 , 2023 Publication Mailing Account #41721512

Kim Chiu

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OFWs from Israel back in Philippines

Back home. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and infants arrive from Israel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Oct. 18, 2023. Another group of 62 OFWs returned October 30, 2023. Photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler/PNA. Story on p4

Halloween fundraiser - a success!

6 Hon. Malaya Marcelino MB Minister of Labour and Immigration

Winnipeggers in full Halloween regalia enjoy the Halloween Spooky Party to raise funds for Bahay Aruga, a free halfway house for children with cancer in the Philippines. See photos p15. Photo by Nonie Manalili.

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

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

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

OFWs from Israel back in Philippines About 62 Filipinos, including two infants, from Israel were back in the Philippines, October 30, 2023, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

DMW officer in charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the returning Filipinos were the fourth batch of repatriates fleeing Israel amid its conflict with the Hamas militant group.

He added that the batch consisted of 62 OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), around 32 hotel workers and 28 caregivers plus two infants.

He also said the DMW’s repatriation efforts, in partnership with the Overseas Welfare Workers Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), would continue.

The DMW’s labor attaché and OWWA’s welfare attaché continue to monitor the “rescue zones” in Israel where evacuated OFWs were brought, Cacdac said, noting that an augmentation team would be sent to the Middle Eastern state on Nov. 2 to boost the current personnel on the ground.

“Doon sa southern part na pinakamalapit sa Gaza border, ‘yun ang declared na ‘no entry zone’ ng Israeli defense forces,

and ‘yung mga Filipino sa zone na ‘yun, nailikas sa safer ground.

Kaya’t ‘yun ang pinupuntahan ng ating labor attaché at welfare officer, ‘yung mga rescue area (The southern part closest to the Gaza border has been declared a ‘no entry zone’ by the Israeli defense forces. The Filipinos in that zone were evacuated to safer grounds. That’s where our labor attaché and welfare officer go, to the rescue areas),” he said.

“Hindi ko muna binibigay siyempre ‘yung mga tukoy na rescue area (I will not, of course, disclose yet the identified rescue areas). We also want to respect the security and the privacy of our OFWs na nadadala (that have been brought) to safer grounds.”

124 OFWs seeking repatriation from Lebanon Meanwhile, about 124 OFWs from Lebanon have sought repatriation, Cacdac said.

The Philippine Embassy in Beirut is recommending the “voluntary repatriation” of Filipinos living in Lebanon, as border tensions rise between Israel and Hezbollah in the wake of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Cacdac said the DMW is already exhausting all efforts to ensure that the OFWs would arrive in the country at the “soonest possible time.”

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Repatriation. Department of Migrant Worker officer in charge Undersecretary Hans Cacdac (2nd from right) said on October 28, 2023, that the Philippine government has crisis and contingency plans already in place for the repatriation of Filipinos trapped in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler/PNA “Hindi rin magtatagal at magkakaroon na rin tayo ng first batch na uuwi from Lebanon (We will soon repatriate the first batch from Lebanon),” he said. “Wala pa tayong (There is no) specific date (yet) but we’re looking at the possibility of this coming week na mayroon nang maililikas (that there will be repatriates) from there.”

Cacdac assured that the government is ready to provide reintegration and post-arrival assistance to repatriated OFWs. Two missing Filipinos Cacdac said the government is also coordinating with the Israeli defense forces to locate the two missing Filipinos in Israel.

“We’re hoping na mahahanap pa rin sila (that they would be found),” he said.

A Reuters report on Oct. 26 quoted the Israeli government as saying that more than half of the estimated 220 being held hostage by the Hamas in Gaza have foreign passports, including “two

ANNE CAPRICE B. CLAROS ETHEL CLEMENTE FERNANDEZ BRO. GERRY GAMUROT NORMAN ACERON GARCIA LUCILLE NOLASCO GARRIDO MICHELE MAJUL-IBARRA PERLA JAVATE JUDIANNE JAYME PASTOR JUNIE JOSUE NOEL LAPUZ JON MALEK MALAYA MARCELINO ALONA MERCADO CST. REY OLAZO PAQUITO REY PACHECO DR. REY PAGTAKHAN CHERYL DIZON REYNANTE TIM ST. VINCENT MICHAEL SCOTT

Safe now. Overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Mylene Rivera hugs her loved one upon arrival from Israel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Oct. 18, 2023. Rivera was among the repatriated OFWs escaping the Israel-Hamas conflict. Photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler/PNA from the Philippines.”

The Israeli Embassy in Manila said Friday the two remaining missing Filipinos in Israel were “likely” kidnapped by the Hamas group.

REGINA RAMOS URBANO RON URBANO KATHRYN WEBER Youth Contributors Aksyon Ng Ating Kabataan (ANAK) Philippine Correspondents: FRANCESCO BRITANICO CRISTY FERMIN JON JOAQUIN AMBETH R. OCAMPO SALES & ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT: 204-956-7845 E-Mail: info@pilipino-express.com Sales & Marketing Team: ISAGANI BARTOLOME RODGE LOPEZ RUBY PASCO NEIL SOLIVEN

Ready for ‘worst-case scenario’ Cacdac, meanwhile, assured that the government is prepared in case the Israel-Hamas conflict worsens.

The DMW is ready to help OFWs, he said, adding that crisis and contingency plans are already “in place.”

“Kung mayroong effect sa ating mga kababayan itong latest developments, rest assured, nagsagawa na ng paraan (If these latest developments will have an effect on our fellow countrymen, rest assured that we are already exhausting all efforts),” Cacdac said.

– By Ruth Abbey GitaCarlos/PNA

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NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

OUR HEALTH PILIPINO EXPRESS

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Provincial Nominee Programs move to multi-level planning CIC Immigration News recently reported that they have obtained information from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship (IRCC) outlining new guiding principles for how the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will be issued allocations by the federal government department. The provinces have limits on the number of candidates they can nominate annually.

Provincial and territorial signatories (PTs) to the Provincial Nominee Program have the authority to nominate workers who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the economy of the specific province they want to live in and become permanent residents of Canada. Each PT has its own immigration stream (programs) with certain groups and requirements. Provincial or territorial signatories may target international students, business people, skilled and semi-skilled workers.

Applications can come through non-Express Entry or through Express Entry. In the first case the applicants will apply directly to province or territory. If you are nominated, you can apply for permanent residence online and also obtain necessary medical examinations and provide evidence of police checks. The applications are longer than direct Express Entry (intention of six months of processing as a target).

Both the provincial direct way and the direct Express Entry use

the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification and are dependent upon numeric assessments. Interested parties are encouraged to check both the requirements of Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canada Experience Class) and the particular requirements of the nominee programs in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and the Yukon.

The current PNP program puts limits on the number of candidates a PT can invite each year.

The provinces and the federal authority share responsibility for immigration. Applicants who receive a provincial nomination can submit their permanent residence application to IRCC and receive an additional 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System, which will virtually guarantee that the federal authorities will issue them an Invitation to Apply in an Express Entry draw.

The federal authorities decide on who will be issued an invitation to apply based on a systematic, evidence basis framework.

IRCC uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to predict success at integration of the candidates to the Canadian work force.

The recent report to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees

and Citizenship amis to enhance their predictability to ensure that the allocations are more efficient and reduce the number of requests from the provincial and territorial counterparts for more allocations.

The federal department is seeking a more qualitative assignment of numbers to ensure that economic allocations match both the population share of the provinces and territories as well as the retention rates for each.

This approach makes more sense than just looking at quantitative measures, or numbers alone.

The suggestion for change in the report is that guidelines be developed for multi-level yearly plans for the PNP for each of the

signatories. The intention is to replicate the federal system of the Immigration Levels Plan and give the PT partners allocations for three years in advance, although allocations can change. At present allocations are only one year at a time, which creates challenges for the PT authorities in planning infrastructure such as housing or preparing healthcare and provides settlement services.

A new Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026 is expected to be released in November 2023 so all can be aware of the permanent admission targets for the next three years and start making the necessary service changes.

Immigration Minster Marc Miller

has advised all PT partners that the number of arrivals will not be going down in the next three years, so they can transition to multi-year planning to help meet the country’s targets for arrivals.

It is an exciting time, stay tuned.

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.

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

Malaya Marcelino sworn in as Manitoba Minister of Labour & Immigration Filipina Canadian Malaya Marcelino (MLA for Notre Dame) was named the new minister of labour and immigration.

“As the Minister of Labour and Immigration, I want to ensure Manitoba workers receive a fair wage and are treated with dignity and respect so that every Manitoban can feel proud. I want new Canadians who come to our province to have the support they need to find meaningful work in the careers they trained for and build a good life here in Manitoba,” said Minister Marcelino.

The 34 New Democratic candidates elected on October 3 were officially sworn in as Members of the Legislative Assembly on Monday, October 23.

“Manitobans from all walks of life came together to elect a new government in our province,

and I’m very proud of the people for embracing a message of unity, positivity for the future and rejecting division,” declared Premier Wab Kinew, Manitoba’s 25th premier and first First Nations premier of a Canadian province, during the ceremony at the Manitoba legislature attended by the families and friends.

The new cabinet also includes another Filipina Canadian, Radisson MLA Jelynn Dela Cruz, the youngest woman ever to be elected as an MLA at 23 years of age in Manitoba.

And for the first time, Manitoba’s cabinet includes First Nations women: Nahanni Fontaine, the new families minister, and Bernadette Smith, minister of housing, addictions, and homelessness.

Uzoma Asagwara is the new health minister and deputy premier of Manitoba.

Hon. Malaya Marcelino, MB Minister of Labour and Immigration. Photo by Doug Little

Pinays Manitoba at the 8th Multicultural Tea Fest On October 22, the Philippines was represented for the first time at the Annual Multicultural Tea Fest since its inception eight years ago.

Pinays Manitoba took on the lead to wave the Philippine flag at the tea fest that was also participated in by many organizations proudly representing different cultures. It was held at the Assiniboia Downs from 2 pm to 5 pm.

“Let us know each other over a cup of tea” was the tagline of the event celebrating Islamic History Month Canada.

And that was exactly what Pinays Manitoba did at the Philippine kiosk. The Pinays welcomed visitors with warm Filipino hospitality. People of all ages and different cultures flocked to sample Pinoy snacks and tea.

Ginger tea (salabat) was a big hit and garnered a lot of compliments from event guests and participants.

There was a huge line up of guests for snacks or kakanins like turon, cassava cake, maja blanca, garlic corn nuts, chili cheddar corn nuts and sunflower biscuits. Food volunteers were led by Sally Bader and Meghan Marquez.

One of the highlights of the tea fest program was a fashion show with a wedding theme and children’s wear. The Philippines’ beautiful bride model was Mimi Aiello while the groom model was

Denny Nangan. BIBAK president Marife Cadag’s kids modelled the colourful mountain province attires.

There was also a corner with game tables for various countries.

Pinays Manitoba set up two sets of sungka which was very well received. Guests enjoyed, learned and played the game with Pinays Manitoba’s volunteer sungka champions – Emmie Joaquin and Josie Concepcion.

To top this all, the Pinays Manitoba’s Philippine kiosk won the Best Kiosk Presentation award.

Pinays Manitoba president Winnie Navarro said, “What an honour for us! Now that we know what it’s about, we look forward to more members participating at next year’s event and other future community involvements.

A big heartfelt thank you to our volunteers who worked hard to make this “win” possible for us: Joanne Viviezca, Clarita Nazario, Rey-Ar Reyes, Sally Bader, Meghan Marquez, Emmie Joaquin, Josie Concepcion, Mimi Aiello and Mano Navarro. Special thank you to Pinays winning kiosk designer volunteer ReyAr Reyes of Pilipino Express, to Joanne Viviezca for connecting Pinays Manitoba with the event organizers, and to Tita Clarita Nazario and Sally Bader for the cultural exhibit materials.”

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

Concert review: Sharon-Gabby fans cry at ‘Dear Heart’ Leah C. Salterio ABS-CBN NEWS It all started with a contest back in 1981, when Sharon Cuneta was about to make her big screen debut in Danny Zialcita’s Dear Heart. The producers ran a survey on who they wanted to be paired with Cuneta. The name of Gabby Concepcion easily stood out.

Even if Concepcion already successfully appeared in many Regal Films movies then, he became Cuneta’s love team partner for Dear Heart. And that was succeeded by other box office films through the years.

The pairing went from reel to real that even led to an altar date that was one for the books, as it was a much-publicized union witnessed by millions of fans who trooped to the Manila Cathedral. Then, a baby, Kristina Cassandra, was born in April 1985.

KC became part of the Dear Heart concert as she bookended

the important highlights in the lives of the showbiz royalties, while at the same time sharing their story. The concert undeniably made many dreams come true.

Industry veterans such as Viva’s Boss Vic del Rosario, actress Helen Gamboa, Baby Gil and other co-stars of Cuneta and Concepcion like Maila Gumila and Jackielou Blanco, were on video before the start of the concert, to share their thoughts in experiencing the Sharon-Gabby love team.

“The magic of Sharon and Gabby was the only one,” said Viva executive Gil. “There will never be another Sharon-Gabby.”

True enough, after 42 years since they were paired in Dear Heart, their first film together, the magic of Cuneta and Concepcion was finally brought to life anew when they successfully shared the stage in Dear Heart the concert, Friday night (October 27) at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

The deafening shrieks and See SHARON p9

Gabby Concepcion, KC Concepcion and Sharon Cuneta

John Lloyd sa pagiging tatay: ‘Sobrang panalo, napakasuwerte ko!’

Nagpasalamat si John Lloyd Cruz sa mag-asawang Ellen Adarna at Derek Ramsay dahil palagi nilang iniisip ang kapakanan ng anak niyang Elias.

Kitang-kita sa itsura at awra ng Box-Office King at awardwinning actor ang kaligayahan nang mag-guest siya kamakailan sa Fast Talk with Boy Abunda ng GMA 7.

Sa pagbubukas ng programa, tinanong agad siya ni Tito Boy ng, “Are you happy?” Na sinagot niya ng, “Sobra! Lalo na today ang dami kong nakitang mga tao.

Wow! Talagang naks! Alam ko, paghiga ko mamaya, maganda itong araw na ito.”

Mas lalo pang na-excite si Lloydie nang mapadako ang usapan tungkol sa anak nila ni Ellen Adarna na si Elias. Aniya sa pagiging tatay ng super cute na bagets, “Sobrang panalo.

Napakasuwerte ko.

“Yun ang naging pinaka-role niya sa buhay ko, nung dumating na siya. Yun talaga yung wow!

Siguro yung pinakasimpleng maipapaliwanag ko is, si Elias, parang iniligtas niya yung buhay ko.

“Hindi ko ma-imagine yung buhay ko kung paano magtutuloy kung hindi dumating si Elias.

Ang dami niyang ibinigay na bago. Bagong kahulugan, bagong duties, all of sudden, iba na yung tingin mo sa lahat,” sey ng aktor Sa tanong ni Tito Boy tungkol sa co-parenting agreement nila ni

Ellen kay Elias, nagpakatotoo sa kaniyang sagot si Lloydie, “It’s a little bit of a challenge. Ayokong i-sugarcoat kasi ayokong magpretend.

“We’re co-parenting, but depende sa definition ng coparenting. Ako, from my end, to simplify, paano ko ba siya pinapalaki? Siguro yung to live without imposing.

“Gusto ko siyang tanungin and gusto ko siyang mag-develop See JOHN p11

John Lloyd Cruz and Elias

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

SHARON...

From page 8 screams of the fans filled the arena when Cuneta and Concepcion emerged onstage. She started with the ballad, I Don’t Want You To Go and he followed with Kumusta Ka, the Gil composition used as the jingle of their McDonald’s TV commercial in 2018.

The fans were undoubtedly thrilled, excited, nostalgic, sentimental, happy and overwhelmed when they saw their idols reunite even onstage.

KC, who sat in the front row with her boyfriend, was visibly thrilled.

“There is no one happier with this concert than I, their only child,” KC earlier said.

The no-seeing each other prior to the concert did not actually happen for Cuneta and Concepcion for their Dear Heart concert. Last September, they saw each other briefly during the media conference for the concert.

A few days before the concert, they saw each other longer for the rehearsals of the songs they will render in their repertoire.

“After 42 million years, ngayon lang tayo ulit nagkita,” Concepcion told Cuneta. The exact timeline, though, was 31 years when the couple was last paired together on the big screen in Laurice Guillen’s Tayong Dalawa in 1992.

In 2009, though, Concepcion had a special appearance in the ending of Wenn Deramas’ comedy flick, BFF: Best Friends Forever, with Cuneta and Ai-Ai de las Alas.

Sadly, that did not lead to any big screen reunion, much to the consistent disappointment of the fans.

Concepcion, who is admittedly not a singer, generously rendered the themes of his films with Cuneta, like Eddie Garcia’s P.S. I Love You (1981), their second film together.

“I’m more of an actor than a singer,” the still visibly handsome Concepcion honestly told the audience. “Lahat ng kanta ko, ina-arte ko lang. Napakahirap kumanta.”

But rehearsing with the help of his vocal coach Sushi Reyes made Concepcion pull through every song in his set list.

Cuneta and Concepcion also carried out Emmanuel Borlaza’s Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin. “KC, I want you to know this was the movie that caused your birth,” Cuneta told KC. Then, Cuneta dished out Nonoy Zuñiga’s Never Ever Say Goodbye, the piece she sang to Concepcion during their wedding reception. The proposal happened in Cuneta’s Araneta Coliseum concert, Sharon Solo With the Boys, in July 1984.

Two special guests – showbiz couple Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid – joined Concepcion and Cuneta onstage to relive the latter’s romance and share with the audience how they fell in love, got married and separated.

“The best part of being married was there was no dull moment,” Concepcion shared.

See SHARON p11

PILIPINO EXPRESS

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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

Finale of GMA Network’s Maging Sino Ka Man on Nov. 3 “No one can hurt you more than someone you love, so you just have to ask yourself if it’s worth the risk.”

GMA Network’s highrating special limited series Maging Sino Ka Man promises a captivating finale full of twists and revelations this November 3.

Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza and Pambansang Ginoo David Licauco will bring exciting action, heartfelt tears, and irresistible kilig to viewers up to the very end.

In the finale week, Monique (Barbie) and Carding (David) face another challenge in their love story. Carding finds out

that Monique’s mother is the mastermind behind his brother’s death. But is it true that Belinda (Jean Garcia) ordered the killing of Chad (Wendell Ramos)? Does Monique have anything to do with it?

Meanwhile, Gilbert (Juancho Triviño) will do everything to steal the money and power of the Salazars. Until when will his evilness prevail?

But the audience has one common question in mind: is there still a chance for a happily ever after between Monique and Carding? Will they fight for love despite their painful past?

Netizens are already feeling emotional as they prepare to bid

goodbye to this thrilling series.

Based on some comments on GMA Network’s YouTube channel, “Gabi-gabi namin ‘tong pinapanood. Parang bumabalik ako sa pagkabata, napakaeffortless nilang magpakilig.

Nakakalungkot lang matatapos na. BarDa forever! Sana may next project agad sila. This is my type of teleserye. Hindi siya stressful panoorin. Instead, it brings good vibes and positivity.

Full of love!”

Don’t miss the finale week of Maging Sino Ka Man, Monday to Friday on GMA Pinoy TV. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.

GMANetwork.com.

Barbie Forteza and David Licauco

Kim Chiu extols Maricel Soriano’s generosity and talent in Linlang Kim Chiu is full of admiration for Maricel Soriano as they collaborate on the drama series Linlang, produced by Dreamscape and ABS-CBN, currently available for streaming on Prime Video.

Kim expresses her appreciation for Maricel, also known as “Inay,” and praises her for her generosity and kind-hearted nature.

“She’s very generous. She gives us a lot of things, especially me because we have the same shoe size. I’ve received a number of expensive shoes from her. She also has lots of food in her room which she shares with us. We would just go there to have a chitchat, and that’s it,” she says.

When it comes to their work together, Kim acknowledges Maricel’s seriousness and brilliance as an actress. She admits to feeling nervous when filming scenes with the esteemed Diamond Star, given her extensive experience in the

industry.

“Whenever we have scenes together, I feel nervous.

Considering her stature in the industry, she has done a lot of acting vehicles over the years.”

Kim is particularly excited about one of her dream scenes with Maricel that has already taken place.

“We just shot a scene in which she slapped me! That’s part of my bucket list, and I’m glad it already happened. Better watch out for that explosive scene.”

Kim expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to work with Maricel, highlighting her as a brilliant actress who remains down-to-earth and generous with her talent, especially to younger stars like Kim. “She’s a brilliant actress, and yet, she’s very down-to-earth.

She’s generous in sharing her talent, especially with stars like us whose stay in the industry is not

Maricel Soriano and Kim Chiu even half of hers. I’m simply hatsoff to her!”

In addition to Maricel, Kim shares the screen with Paulo Avelino and JM De Guzman in the series. She offers insights into her experiences working with these two actors.

“JM is not really the talkative type. He’s into gaming and hooked on Mobile Legends. But whenever I invite him to eat, he stops playing, and it’s then that See LINLANG p13

JM De Guzman, Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino

Maricel Soriano, Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu and JM De Guzman

Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Andrea Brillantes turn heads at Opulence Ball Halloween parties are back, and party organizer and host Mond Gutierrez came back with a bang bringing the biggest artists to his annual Opulence Halloween ball.

The stars went all out Tuesday night, dressed as gods and goddesses at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The whole Gutierrez family showed support for Mond, from Richard to Ruffa to Eddie Gutierrez who dressed up as Elvis Presley and Annabelle Rama

who was celebrating her birthday.

Kapamilya stars brought their A-game.

Anne Curtis stunned everyone at the black carpet as what she described herself as “herself” or “Dyosa”.

For tonight, Andrea Brillantes is Lilith - a she-demon who was said to have been banished from the Garden of Eden.

Meanwhile, in the usual Vice Ganda fashion, the unkabogable star arrived as Psyche, the Greek goddess of soul.

With black and white butterflies from head to toe, Vice said she had to think of a character that nobody would usually choose as a costume for a Halloween ball.

Piolo Pascual, who rarely attends parties and socials like this one, came to support Mond.

Other celebrities who dressed up were Chie Filomeno, Kylie Verzosa, James Reid, Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho, Kiana Valenciano, Mikki of BGYO, Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero among others.

– MJ Felipe, ABS-CBN News

Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis and Andrea Brillantes

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

SHARON...

From page 9 “Everything was a thrill every minute.”

Alcasid and Velasquez were obviously thrilled with everything that they were hearing, Velasquez threw her chair onstage because she couldn’t contain her excitement with everything she was hearing. The revelations: Cuneta cooked for Concepcion, from chicken curry and arroz a la cubana. “My greatest regret is that walang kasing lambing ko kung hindi si Gabby,” Cuneta offered.

When they were still starting out as a love team, Cuneta remembered Concepcion as someone who was really “malambing.” That was what they had in common.

Alcasid and Velasquez later joined Cuneta and Concepcion when the latter rendered Nandito Ako. Concepcion sang Mula sa Puso and Isa Pa Lamang. Then regaled the audience with the story of how he survived his 13 years in the US. He later rendered Manila and danced with female dancers, as well as Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko. With guest performers Alcasid, Erik Santos and The Voice Teens contestant Jeremy Glinoga (who joined Team Sharon), Cuneta sang more of her movie hits – Maging Sino Ka Man, Kahit Konting Pagtingin, Pangako sa ‘Yo, Bituing Walang Ningning, Pangarap na Bituin, Ngayon at Kailanman and Sana’y Wala ng Wakas.

She gave the audience more of her signature songs from her memorable films with Concepcion – Pati Pintig ng Puso, Sa Hirap at Ginhawa and Bakit Ikaw Pa Rin. Then, Cuneta and Concepcion rendered Dear Heart together, the title of their concert.

When the couple’s only daughter, KC, joined them onstage, that was another emotional moment not just for the family, but also for the audience.

“Para naman akong nasa panaginip,” KC said. “Yung past, past na ‘yun. What matters is both of you are here with me today. Pareho ko kayong mahal na mahal na mahal na mahal. You both are my Dear Heart.”

There was hardly a dry eye in the audience when Cuneta and daughter carried out Ikaw, while Concepcion performed You Are the Sunshine of My Life with KC. Two more songs – Tayong Dalawa from the ex-couple’s last film of the same title (1992) and Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko which showed them dancing lovingly onstage.

The concert ended with their signature duet Come What May. Mounted by Nancy Yang’s NSY Shows, Dear Heart had Louie Ocampo as musical director and Paolo Valenciano as stage director.

In the audience that night were the ex-couple’s friends in the industry, who witnessed their “reunion” onstage. There were Senator Ramon “Bong”

OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

Revilla and wife Lani Mercado, John Estrada and wife Priscilla Mereilles, Zsa Zsa Padilla and Conrad Onglao, Coco Martin and Julia Montes, Lorna Tolentino, Precy Florentino, Cherry Pie Picache, Angel Aquino, and Shaina Magdayao.

The concert undoubtedly brought the audience to tears, not just once but many times.

Cuneta and Concepcion gave the audience what they wanted and were expecting for – and more.

Two more shows are slated for Cuneta and Concepcion’s reunion onstage – Dear Heart VIP night on October 30 at Okada Hotel Ballroom and InLife’s Dear Heart in Cebu at NuStar Convention Center on November 17.

This early, there is already a clamor already to bring the Dear Heart concert to the US, Canada, and Europe.

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kaniya-kaniya naman ang bawat relationships.

“Ako, when I appreciate it, I tell him, ‘Anak, ha, thank you.

Thank you for today, anak.’

At night, when we say our last words for the day, laging kasama yon. We thank each other,” pagbabahagi pa ni John Lloyd Cruz.

- Ervin Santiago, Bandera

JOHN...

From page 8 ng sarili niyang capacity to decide on certain things. Siyempre yung mga bagay na hindi pa niya kayang desisyunan, yun ang role namin,” pagbabahagi pa ni John Lloyd.

Saad pa niya, “Sa nakikita ko naman, napakasuwerte ko.

Marami diyan, yung similar cases kagaya sa akin, much, much lesser yung time with the child or have a small time sa call.

“Kaya napakasuwerte ko, kaya ako ay nagpapasalamat kay Ellen, kay Derek dahil iniisip nila yung kapakanan ng bata,” sabi pa ng aktor.

Dagdag pa niya, “Lahat ginagawa namin. Lahat pinaguusapan namin. We’d like to talk about animals. We’d like to talk about the universe, we talk about the planets.

“Ayoko ring tanungin, medyo malupit na. Sabi niya, ‘Saan tayo nagdarasal? Who do we pray to?’

Sabi ko, ‘God.’ Sabi niya, ‘E, si God, kanino nagdadasal?’ Naihi yata ako, umalis ako!” ang sey pa ni John Lloyd sabay laugh!

“Ang dami kong learnings din kay maliit (Elias). Ang dami niyang itinuturo sa akin na bago at makabuluhan at elemental sa edad ko ngayon. Napakapowerful nila,” lahad ni Lloydie.

At sa tanong kung dumating na yung panahong magkaroon din ng interes si Elias sa showbiz, “Like I said, live without imposing. Ang mas nakikita ko is yung elemental, yung time, yung timing.

“Kung ngayon, kung may makita ka, hindi ako sure pero mas gusto kong sundan kung ano yung… kung mahilig siya sa sports. Kung anuman yung kakahiligan nung bata.

“Ang pinakawindang talaga ako is nu’ng dumating siya, ang daming sagot na nag-surface. Na, bago yung wala pa siya, yun ang hinahanap ko.

“And then, ibibigay siya sa yo na napakasimple lang.

Ganoon lang pala yon. Ang dami kong dinaanan. I always tell him, ‘I think okay yon.’ Ayoko kasing mag-encourage, siyempre

John Lloyd Cruz and Elias

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OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy

Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy - US Diamond Nationals and World Karate Championships in Minneapolis. There were 32 young martial arts athletes of the Winnipeg Sikaran Arnis Academy, brought home 42 golds, 32 silvers and 30 bronze trophies/medals making their school as the 2nd Top Martial Arts School in the over-all medal count. The school is headed by 7th Degree Black Belt and Chief Instructor, Master Redentor Igne.

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

PILIPINO EXPRESS

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St. Paul’s College Rector joins Canadian Educational Delegation on Mission to the Philippines St. Paul's College Rector Joins Canadian Educational Delegation on Mission to the Philippines On November 4, 2023, Christopher Adams, Rector of St. Paul's College at the University of Manitoba, will embark on a journey to the Philippines as part of the Universities Canada Mission, which will occur in Manila from November 6-8, 2023. The objective of this mission is to foster collaboration and strengthen ties between educational institutions in Canada and the Philippines.

Distinguished by the presence of prominent leaders, the

LINLANG...

From page 10 we’re able to have a conversation.

As for Paulo, I haven’t worked with him yet, so I didn’t have any idea at first. Then, I discovered that he also doesn’t talk that much. I was initially scared, but as it turned out, he’s very nice. He opens up when you talk to him,” Kim concludes.

Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu, JM De Guzman, highly acclaimed actress Ruby Ruiz, and Diamond Star Maricel Soriano top-bill ABS-CBN’s exciting teleserye under Dreamscape Entertainment,

gathering will bring together university and college presidents from Canada and the Philippines, high-ranking government officials, including David Hartman, the Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines, and senior directors of Universities Canada.

Rector Christopher Adams emphasized the significance of this mission, stating, "The Filipino community holds a significant place within St. Paul's College, and it is vital that we continue to nurture connections, both locally and globally, with this important demographic. I eagerly anticipate Linlang.

The star-studded cast is composed of veteran actors Jaime Fabregas and Raymond Bagatsing, young stars Vance Larena, Heaven Peralejo, Adrian Lindayag, and Race Matias, with PBB Kumunity Season 10 big winner Anji Salvacion, and Idol Philippines’ 2nd runner-up Kice.

Now streaming on Amazon Prim, Linlang is directed by Jojo Saguin and Manny Palo. Direk Jojo said this is a one-of-a-kind series, “Heavily researched. First time sa lahat ng TV series sa buong Pilipinas.”

my meetings in Manila and the opportunity to forge new partnerships."

In preparation for this important event, Dr. Adams and his fellow university presidents met in Ottawa on October 25 with the Philippines Ambassador to Canada, Ms. Maria Andrelita S. Austria. The Ambassador expressed her deep appreciation for this upcoming mission and the active involvement of numerous distinguished Canadian educational leaders.

About St. Paul's College, a Jesuit-endorsed College at the University of Manitoba Established in 1926, St. Paul's College is an affiliated institution of the University of Manitoba, serving as a home to nearly 1,000 students enrolled at the university. As Manitoba's sole Catholic post-secondary institution, it enjoys the endorsement of the Jesuit community. St. Paul's College is home to remarkable academic units such as the Jesuit Centre for Catholic Studies, the Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice, and the Near Eastern Biblical Archaeology Laboratory.

Philippines Ambassador to Canada, Ms. Maria Andrelita S. Austria with St. Paul’s College Rector Christopher Adams

EH KASI, PINOY!

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

KROSWORD NO. 428 Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot

PAHALANG 1. Maawain 8. Igawi 11. Una sa tanghali 14. Pakikilusin 16. Dulot ay liwanag 17. Kaloob ng yumao 18. Pang-ukol 19. Sawata 20. Simbolo ng pilak 21. Kanta 23. Partido 25. Nauusog 28. Nakamit 29. Ibintang 30. Huling paalam PABABA 2. Ampon 3. Uga 4. Bughaw 5. Iyari 6. Bubulagin 7. Mangarap

9. Bisitahin 10. Magnanakaw 12. Matunghayan 13. Inani 15. Tulong 22. Hinamak 24. Malaking ibon 26. Inakay 27. Uri ng isda

SAGOT SA NO. 427

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023

PEOPLE & EVENTS PILIPINO EXPRESS

Halloween Spooky Party - a success!

Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba (PCCM), October 27, 2023. Photos by Nonie Manalili and Elaine Sauler-Tumbokon

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PILIPINO EXPRESS

NOVEMBER 1 - 15, 2023