Volume 22 • No. 19 • October 1 - 15, 2026 Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Credit: Sara’s IG
Sarah Geronimo
Is a baby on the way for Sarah and Matteo? See story on page 10
ALAMIN ANG INYONG KAPALARAN Basahin sa pahina 12
Filipino folklore goes Hollywood Filipino folklore meets Hollywood animation in a new adventure featuring some of the biggest names in Filipino entertainment. What do you get when you put Lea Salonga, Liza Soberano, H.E.R., Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, BINI and SB19 into a DreamWorks animated film? A magical Filipino adventure called Forgotten Island. Set in the Philippines in the 1990s, the film follows best friends Jo and Raissa, whose lives take an unexpected turn when a mysterious sand dollar opens a portal to Nakali, a forgotten magical island. There, the two encounter creatures drawn from Philippine mythology, including the Manananggal, Batibat, Tiyanak, Duwende, Kapre and Kataw. But beneath the fantasy and adventure is a very human story about friendship, growing up, memories and the fear of being left behind. Leading the impressive Filipino cast is international theatre and recording star Lea Salonga, who voices Manang, the formidable Manananggal. Liza Soberano voices Raissa, while FilipinoAmerican Grammy winner H.E.R. See ISLAND p10
Theatrical poster for Forgotten Island, now playing in theatres. Photo: Universal Pictures / DreamWorks Animation.
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
OCTOBER 1 - 15, 2026
OCTOBER 1 - 15, 2026
PILIPINO EXPRESS
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
OCTOBER 1 - 15, 2026
The bright side and the dark side of permanent daylight time in Manitoba Since I was a kid, “falling back” an hour in the autumn and “springing forward” an hour in the spring were normal parts of the year. As the winter months approached and the days had less sunlight, it felt like a treat to have another hour of sleep! And by the time we got to spring and lost an hour of sleep, I felt that the sunnier mornings made it easier anyway. In more recent years, I would feel more tired for a few days after the clocks changed. It was more difficult for me to adjust physically and mentally. But at the same time, I also appreciated the benefits of sunnier mornings and longer evenings. So, when the government announced that Manitoba is officially ending the twice-ayear clock change and transition to permanent Central Daylight Time, I had mixed thoughts and feelings. The decision came after an overwhelming 92 per cent of surveyed Manitobans voiced their desire to scrap the seasonal time shifts. This has become a hot topic in news and social media platforms with differing opinions from the public and various experts. Here is what you need to know about how this change could impact your daily life.
The bright side: the benefits of permanent daylight time The most obvious positive impact is that we will finally eliminate the disruptive “clock shock.” No more resetting the wall clocks, no more confused pets wondering why dinner is late, and no more overtired kids struggling to adjust to a new routine. Beyond convenience, stopping the clock changes could be a major win for health and safety. Studies have consistently shown that the days immediately following a time change see a spike in workplace injuries, traffic accidents, and even heart attacks due to sudden sleep deprivation. Permanent time creates stability. Additionally, keeping daylight time through the winter means we get brighter afternoons and evenings. Instead of the sun setting painfully early in December, we will enjoy an extra hour of late-day light. This boost in evening brightness makes the drive home from work safer, gives kids a bit more daylight for outdoor play after school, and provides a welcome psychological lift during our long winter months. The dark side: the challenges to consider While brighter winter
evenings sound ideal, they come at a steep cost: much darker winter mornings. Because we are staying on daylight time, the sun will rise an hour later during the deepest part of winter. For many Manitobans, this means commuting to work and sending children off to school in pitch darkness. This shift also goes against what many sleep experts recommend. While the public overwhelmingly prefers daylight time for the evening light, biological scientists argue that morning sunlight is actually better for our health. Our internal body clocks rely on those first rays of light to wake up and feel alert. Without it, we may find ourselves struggling to get out of bed, which can impact productivity and longterm sleep quality, especially for teenagers, whose natural sleep cycles already run late. Tips and strategies: optimizing your health when daylight is short To counteract the lack of morning sun and to keep your circadian rhythm on track, health and sleep experts recommend adopting a few simple routines: • Invest in a wake-up light: A sunrise simulation alarm clock gradually brightens your bedroom before you wake up. This mimics
a natural sunrise, signalling your brain to stop producing melatonin and helping you wake up feeling less groggy. • Seek out early artificial light: As soon as you get out of bed, turn on bright overhead lights. If you struggle with winter blues or severe morning sluggishness, sitting in front of a seasonal affective disorder (SAD) light therapy box for 20 to 30 minutes each morning can do wonders for your mood and energy. • Keep a strict sleep schedule: With brighter winter evenings, it might be tempting to stay up later. Resist the urge. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, keeps your internal biological clock stable. • Block evening light: Because
daylight will last longer into the afternoon, use dim lighting in your home during the evening and turn off digital screens an hour before bed to help your body wind down naturally. A new routine for Manitoba While Manitobans will have to adjust to some very dark winter mornings, taking active control of our indoor lighting can bridge the gap. Many will find this transition a small price to pay to never have to lose an hour of sleep on a Sunday in March ever again. As we move into the fall season, let’s look at the bright side and look forward to a more consistent, predictable, and brighter future. Cheryl Dizon-Reynante is a licensed therapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
500 Filipino Passivhaus Challenge A newly launched educational initiative aims to transform the future of sustainable building in the Philippines. The 500 Filipino Passivhaus Challenge, recently highlighted on the Marketing Passivhaus podcast, sets an ambitious goal to train 500 Philippine construction professionals in highperformance building science by the year 2040. The campaign is designed to build specialized local capability among Filipino architects, engineers, builders, and energy modellers. By equipping these professionals with certified training, the initiative will create a connected workforce capable of adapting international Passive House (Passivhaus) principles to the country’s unique tropical environment. Drawing on insights from extreme climates, the initiative operates on the principle that the core physics of high-performance buildings remain the same, even
when regional applications differ. To establish this framework locally, the campaign centres on sharing knowledge through academia, local governments, professional associations, and hands-on project teams. For Philippine infrastructure, Passive House strategies offer critical solutions to modern climate challenges. Key benefits include minimizing solar heat gain, controlling severe humidity, lowering energy-intensive cooling loads, and drastically improving indoor air quality by sealing out urban pollution and traffic noise. The campaign highlights that traditional tropical strategies, such as cross-ventilation, often fall short when outdoor air is excessively hot, humid, or polluted. In contrast, a continuous, airtight building envelope paired with proper mechanical ventilation provides a highly resilient and comfortable indoor environment.
To support this shift in the industry, the initiative is already advancing airtightness testing practices across the Philippines, supported by ongoing technical guidance from building science consultants at AllClimate Passivhaus. Through long-term collaboration with the Philippine green-building community,
the 500 Filipino Passivhaus Challenge aims to translate technical building science into practical, climate-specific solutions, ultimately making high-performance building more achievable and accessible across the country. To learn more about the 500 Filipino Passivhaus Challenge, explore upcoming training
courses, or listen to the full podcast feature, visit allclimateph.com. Norman Garcia is an accredited Passive House Course Provider with AllClimate Passivhaus and the founder of Passivhaus Philippines. He is on a mission to train 500 Filipino building professionals in building science and Passive House principles by 2040.
OCTOBER 1 - 15, 2026
PILIPINO EXPRESS
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Canada visitor visa screening tightens with 40+ criteria now in play Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is taking another major step to reduce the number of temporary residents entering Canada. The department has announced multilevel screening to address abuse of the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) program. India and China are the leading source countries for these applications, followed by the Philippines, but IRCC has not specified which countries or applicants will face enhanced scrutiny. Canada is trying to attract skilled workers, support family reunification, and protect refugees while limiting admissions that strain public systems. Canada remains a leading destination for foreign investment, international students, and workers. However, immigration levels must align with economic needs and the capacity of housing, infrastructure, and health care. Visitors must also remain a positive part of the immigration system rather than become an unmanaged burden. The new screening approach reflects public demand for greater control over arrivals from visa-required
countries. Section 179 of the Regulations governs admission from visarequired countries: “An officer shall issue a temporary resident visa to a foreign national if, following examination, it is established that the foreign national (a) has applied in accordance with these Regulations for a temporary resident visa as a member of the visitor, worker or student class; (b) will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for their stay.” Applicants must also hold valid travel documents and be admissible to Canada. The enhanced process is intended to address broader country-specific risks while preserving ordinary assessment requirements. A central question is whether applicants have stronger ties to their home country than to Canada and are likely to leave when authorized. Officers examine family, property, employment, and travel history, as well as the purpose of the visit. Applicants must show sufficient funds and pass biometric, criminal, medical, and security checks. Higher-risk files may be referred to the Canada Border Services
Agency or the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. IRCC also uses analytical tools, including the Global Risk Framework, to identify fraud and integrity trends. Although rising refusal rates and concerns about automated screening have weakened public confidence, complete and wellsupported applications remain the best response. A transition binder released by the deputy minister on September 4, 2026, outlined IRCC’s plan to use multilevel screening for applicants from visa-required countries. The change forms part of a broader visitor-integrity strategy to reduce fraud and tighten screening. Some travellers from the Philippines may still qualify for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying to Canada if they hold a U.S. visa or have visited Canada within the past 10 years. Visitor arrivals are projected to reach about 5.8 million in 2026, up from 5.6 million in 2025. IRCC has not identified the countries or detailed measures involved, so applicants may learn the basis for an adverse decision only through a refusal letter.
Paul Ong shares time and talent to create miracles at annual gala Victoria Hospital Foundation’s 11th Annual Miracle Gala on September 17 saw our community rally their support behind Victoria Hospital. Thanks to their generosity, over $238,000 was raised. The net proceeds will be invested in patient care initiatives at Victoria Hospital. The evening featured live entertainment from DJ Steven Stothers, violinist Allan Palmer, as well as a headline performance from local singer Paul Ong. Paul is an educator by day who generously donates his time and talent to raise funds for various charities. He has raised over $300,000 for local non-profits and has been honoured with the AFP Manitoba Philanthropy Award for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser. At last month’s Miracle Gala, Paul impressed the crowd with his renditions of Bridge Over
Troubled Water and The Way You Look Tonight. “There is always a special kind of energy when our community comes together for a shared purpose,” said Paul. “To be able to perform and use my gifts for a room full of people dedicated to making a real difference is such a privilege, and that is where we truly witness the power of music and community.” After Paul’s performance, the power of community came into full effect as guests pledged their support for new minimally invasive surgical suite upgrades. With a matching donation from supporter Will Tishinski, almost $60,000 was raised in support of new equipment that is anticipated to shorten wait times. The upgrades are also expected to improve outcomes for patients, resulting in less pain, lower risk of
complications, and faster recovery times. One surgical suite was upgraded this summer, and thanks to the generosity of Miracle Gala supporters, a second suite is now within reach. To learn more about the Miracle Gala or minimally invasive surgical suite upgrades, visit TheVicFoundation.ca.
The 40-plus criteria are not a checklist for individual applicants. Instead, they form an enhanced framework that may impose additional scrutiny on applications from particular countries. IRCC maintains that most applications will continue through normal review. For every visitor visa application, IRCC considers travel and employment history, family ties, marital status, education, purpose of travel, supporting documents, financial capacity, intention to leave, and health, security, and criminal admissibility. Applicants are assessed individually; the department has disclosed no minimum bank balance, fixed financial threshold, or scoring system. Limited travel history or a particular employment situation does not automatically lead to refusal. The phrase “may be referred” also indicates that enhanced security screening is not routine for every file. We can expect the tighter increased scrutiny of visitor visa screening to result in a higher number of refusals. It is surprising that the deputy minister has been
as forthcoming in warning the user community. The issuance of TRVs and other entry documents are not a right but a privilege and travel history, employment, personal circumstances, and ties outside Canada all factor into the assessment. The process is case by case so there is no single formula that guarantees approval or triggers refusal. All applicants benefit from submitting truthful, complete, and internally consistent applications that clearly demonstrate temporary intention and ability to support themselves during their visit. Applicants should be better prepared for the challenges of multilevel screening because it is a fact of application life. Good luck with your invitations. Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience with Immigration Canada and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with Immigration Connexion International Ltd. Contact him at 204-691-1166 or 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott.ici@gmail.com.
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
OCTOBER 1 - 15, 2026
Manitoba Opera to present a reimagined masterpiece and an enduring favourite this season
The Western Canadian premiere of Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha (pronounced TREEmuh-NEESH-uh): A Musical Reimagining will open Manitoba Opera’s 2026/27 season with three performances November 21, 25, and 27. One of opera’s most powerful and unforgettable stories, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, will close the season April 17, 21, and 23. All performances will take place at the Centennial Concert Hall. Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha: A Musical Reimagining 2023 Toronto world premiere received rave reviews. “Joplin’s long-forgotten masterpiece has been ravishingly reborn for the 21st century in a triumphant production.” – Toronto Star Legendary ragtime composer Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha was published in 1911. This opera about a young woman was revolutionary for its time. Fusing Western classical music with
popular Black music from the era: blues, barbershop (before it was called that), gospel, and ragtime, unfortunately, Treemonisha was never produced in Joplin’s lifetime. Forward to the 21st century and an international team of leading Black women artists reimagined the piece, preserving its setting and characters, but crafting a new story and a richly hybrid orchestration that expands on Joplin’s original. The story is framed around two communities: the Freedmen and the Maroons, and places a young woman named Treemonisha into the centre of their long-standing conflict. The production features an all-Black artistic team, cast, and 10-piece orchestra who will be appearing alongside the cast onstage. It will be performed in English with English translations projected above the stage. The intensely moving Madama Butterfly tells the story of an American officer who marries
Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha - A Musical Reimagining at the Luminato Festival in Toronto, 2023. Photo by D. Katz a young geisha who gives up everything for love. Puccini’s soaring music follows her as she waits three long years, dreaming of the day her American husband will meet their child. But his return to Japan brings a devastating twist
in this story of love, betrayal, and strength. The composer’s sumptuously lyrical score embodies all the passion and heartbreak of this timeless story. Set in Japan at the dawn of the 20th century, East
meets West in this clash of values and tradition. Madama Butterfly will be sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage. Tickets: Call 204-944-8824 or go to mbopera.ca
2026/27 SeaSon preSenTeD By
CheCk out PiCs and Video!
April 17, 21, 23 2027
November 21, 25, 27 2026 A Triumphant Adaptation of a Groundbreaking Opera
A Beloved Story. Unforgettable Music.
CheCk out PiCs and Video! Sung in Italian with projected English titles.
Sung in English with projected English titles.
TREEMONISHA
MONISHA
ZODZERICk
NANA
CIO-CIO-SAN
B.F. PINkERTON
SHARPLESS
SUZUkI
Neema Bickersteth
Alicia Hall Moran
Cedric Berry
SATE
Karah Son
Dominick Valdés Chenes
James Westman
Nina Yoshida Nelsen
STORY & LIBRETTO LEAH-SIMONE BOWEN CO-LIBRETTIST CHERYL L. DAVIS ORCHESTRATION & ARRANGEMENT JESSIE MONTGOMERY AND JANNINA NORPOTH
ALL PERFoRMANCES AT THE CENTENNIAL CoNCERT HALL
STAGE DIRECTOR WEYNI MENGESHA CONDUCTOR JERI LYNNE JOHNSON CHOREOGRAPHER ESIE MENSAH Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha: A Musical Reimagining premiered in Toronto on June 10, 2023, as part of Luminato Festival Toronto. Co-presented with T.o. Live.
A TOURING PRODUCTION OF
Co-commissioned by amplified opera; apollo Theater, Harlem; BaM (Brooklyn academy of Music); Banff Centre of arts and Creativity; Luminato Festival Toronto; Minnesota opera; the national arts Centre, Canada, through the Southbank Centre, London; Stanford Live, California; To Live, Toronto; Washington performing arts in Washington, DC.
SUBSCRIBE & SEE BoTH SHoWS FoR oNLY $91!* 2026/27 SeaSon SponSor:
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OCTOBER 1 - 15, 2026
PILIPINO EXPRESS
By Edmond Rostand Adapted by Jessy Ardern “An amazing adaptation of a beloved play… fresh and witty, bouncy and lively, and most importantly fun.” — EDMONTON JOU R NAL
Showcasing swashbuckling duels, witty repartee and a love triangle for the ages, this contemporary adaptation will have us rooting once again for the noble Cyrano.
TICKETS START AT $30
RoyalMTC.ca
Stephanie Sy as Roxane in Citadel Theatre’s production of Cyrano de Bergerac. Photo by Nanc Price.
PAGE 7
OUR HEALTH
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
OCTOBER 1 - 15, 2026
Menopause and stronger bones
Why strength training matters for bone health Menopause affects more than hormones and hot flashes. It can also affect bone health, making the perimenopausal and postmenopausal years an important time to focus on keeping bones strong, says May Al-Araji, MBChB, a women’s health and family medicine expert at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London. One of the best ways to support bone health is through strength and resistance training, including weightlifting. “Menopause has a multisystem effect. It can affect you literally from top to bottom,” Dr. Al-Araji says, including the skeletal system. Putting healthy stress on bones through resistance exercise can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. And you don’t have to become a bodybuilder to benefit. “It’s all about resistance,” she says. “You build it up gradually.” If you are new to strength training, start with resistance bands or exercises that use your own body weight. As you become stronger, you can gradually add free weights or weight machines. Nutrition matters, too Women approaching or going through menopause can also
support their bones by eating a healthy diet and getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D can be found in fortified milk and cereals, as well as fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, almonds, broccoli, kale, salmon, sardines and soy products. If you are not getting enough vitamin D from food, talk with your healthcare provider about whether a supplement is appropriate. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important, but Dr. Al-Araji cautions against rapid weight loss. “Try to avoid rapid weight loss. The bones don’t like it,” she says, noting that gradual weight loss is better for bone health. If you need to lose weight quickly, work with your healthcare team on a plan to help minimize bone loss. Hormone replacement therapy and other medications may also be considered for women diagnosed with osteoporosis during perimenopause or menopause. Know the warning signs Talk to your healthcare provider if you: • Experience burning or aching bone pain.
• Break a bone after a simple fall from your own height, known as a fragility fracture. • Take corticosteroids or medications that suppress the immune system. • Have a family history of osteoporosis. • Have an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. • Have been told an X-ray shows bone thinning, or osteopenia. Most important, concerns about bone health should not be a reason to avoid exercise. Dr. AlAraji encourages women to stay active with an activity they are comfortable doing.
Resistance band exercise at home Even walking helps. Brisk walking that gets your heart pumping and makes you a little sweaty is beneficial. The general recommendation is about 30 minutes of walking at least five
times a week, if possible. Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network. Our Health is brought to you by A1 Nutrition at Grant Mall Shopping Centre in Winnipeg.
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PAGE 10
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
OCTOBER 1 - 15, 2026
Is a baby on the way for Sarah and Matteo?
Fans of Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli have plenty to smile about as fresh photos of the celebrity couple have once again fuelled pregnancy rumours. The latest buzz began after photos from the gender reveal celebration of Matteo’s sister, Giorgia Guidicelli, were shared on Instagram by Matteo’s mother, Glenna. In one of the photos, Sarah looked radiant in a flowing white dress that many fans thought resembled maternity wear. The photo quickly sent Sarah and Matteo’s followers into a frenzy, with fans happily speculating that the couple could soon be welcoming their first baby. The pregnancy rumours had already been making rounds a month earlier after a friend of Matteo shared a now-deleted social media post about an unexpected meeting with the actor. What caught everyone’s attention was the friend’s congratulatory message: “He is soon to be a daddy.” The post was later discussed by netizens, further adding fuel to the speculation. This is not the first time Sarah and Matteo have been at the centre of baby rumours. Matteo previously posted a sonogram image, only to reveal that it was a prank and that he was the one who underwent the ultrasound. For now, however, there has been no official confirmation from Sarah or Matteo that they are expecting. The couple, who married in an intimate ceremony on February 20, 2020, have continued to share sweet moments together. If the latest rumours turn out to be true, their fans will undoubtedly be among the happiest to celebrate the arrival of a new Guidicelli-Geronimo family member. – Pilipino Express
ISLAND... From page 1 voices Jo. The cast also includes Filipino-American actor Manny Jacinto, acclaimed actress Dolly de Leon and comedian Jo Koy. The Filipino connection doesn’t stop with the voice cast. Filipino-American animator Januel Mercado co-directed the film with Joel Crawford, while Filipino artists played a significant role in bringing the magical world of Nakali to life. Quezon Citybased Snipple Animation Studios also contributed hand-drawn 2D animation to the production. And Filipino music lovers have even more reason to watch. The soundtrack features an impressive lineup of homegrown and Filipino talent, including BINI, SB19, Sophia Laforteza
of KATSEYE, Ruby Ibarra and Carl Angelo. BINI performs the original song A Parallel World, while SB19 takes on a new version of Francis M.’s beloved Mga Kababayan. For Filipino audiences, Forgotten Island offers something special: familiar mythical creatures and Filipino traditions presented on a global animated stage, backed by an extraordinary lineup of Filipino talent. It is fantasy, friendship and Filipino folklore rolled into one colourful Hollywood adventure and one that Filipino audiences can proudly call their own. Forgotten Island is now showing in Winnipeg movie theatres. – Pilipino Express. Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures / DreamWorks Animation.
Sarah and Matteo with Matteo Guidicelli’s family.
H.E.R., Liza Soberano and Dave Franco (Screen Grab)
Jo Koy (Screen Grab)
Joel Crawford and Jenuel P. Mercado (Screen Grab)
Lea Salonga as “Manang” (Screen Grab)
Dolly de Leon (Screen Grab)
OCTOBER 1 - 15, 2026
PILIPINO EXPRESS
PAGE 11
Tindahan Food Mart celebrates 38 years by Lucille Nolasco Ted and Del Mendoza arrived in Manitoba in August 1988 from the Philippines. By December of that year, they had already launched a Filipino store in the Tyndall Park area of Winnipeg. They called it Tindahan Food Mart. Tindahan, literally means “store” in English. “We thought, what do we really want as a business to start with; a Canadian convenience store or Filipino store?” shared Del. “We decided on a Filipino store that would offer new and popular products from the Philippines. Before immigrating to Canada, the Mendoza couple tried different businesses such as buying and selling cars, hollow block manufacturing, tocino making, as well as a video store, piggery, chicken farm, and others.
Drawing on these experiences helped them successfully launch their new business in Winnipeg. Through the years, Tindahan Food Mart became known in the community for providing novel products from the Philippines and for the couple’s commitment to exceptional service to their customers. “It was just my husband and me at first, so we really had a direct relationship with customers,” Del said. “We both speak Tagalog, so customers feel at home, and many of them became our friends and loyal patrons.” Just like in every endeavour, Ted and Del had their share of challenges in running the business, from availability of Filipino products to looking for consistent suppliers and supplies. “With dedication and commitment to service, as well
as customer loyalty, Tindahan Food Mart has been able to thrive all these years,” Del said. Tindahan is celebrating its 38th anniversary this year, and they are full of gratitude to all their customers who have patronized their business all these years, from their original store in Tyndall to their current location at 906 Sargent Avenue. “We love our customers! Our gratitude to all our kababayans, especially those who were there from our original small store in Tyndall. I still see them from time to time at our Sargent location.” Tindahan Food Mart is a 5,000-square-foot specialty grocery store along Sargent Avenue in the West End. It has a fresh meat counter, fruits and vegetables section, Philippine and Asian products in their grocery aisles, as well as hot and delicious takeout food.
EH KASI, PINOY!
PAGE 12
PILIPINO EXPRESS
KAPALARAN
OCTOBER 1 - 15, 2026
KROSWORD NO. 498
OKTUBRE 1-15 2026
Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot
Huwag matakot sa mga pagbabago. May pintong nagsasara dahil may ibang pintong naghihintay na mabuksan. Sa unang kalahati ng Oktubre, maging alerto ka. Baka ang pinakamagandang surprise ay hindi bago, kundi ang bagay na matagal nang nasa harapan mo at ngayon mo lamang napansin. Minsan, ang pagbabago ay hindi kumakatok, bigla na lang itong pumapasok. Aries (Marso 21–Abril 19) Mapapatunayan mong hindi lahat ng bagay ay kailangang gawin agad. Isang desisyon ang maaaring magmukhang urgent, pero mas makabubuting pag-aralan mo muna bago magsabi ng yes. Sa pag- ibig, iwasan ang mainis dahil sa maliit na misunderstanding. Ang taong mahal mo ay hindi kalaban. Huwag gawing competition ang isang simpleng usapan.
Libra (Setyembre 23–Oktubre 22) Birthday season mo, kaya natural lamang na isipin kung ano ang gusto mong baguhin sa susunod na chapter ng iyong buhay. May opportunity na maaaring dumating na nangangailangan ng kaunting tapang. pagibig, huwag matakot humingi ng clarity kung may bagay na hindi malinaw. Ang tamang tao ay hindi matatakot sa isang honest question.
Taurus (Abril 20–Mayo 20) Maaaring gumaan ang isang financial concern na matagal nang nasa isip mo. May sagot sa pamamagitan ng isang simpleng conversation o connection na hindi mo gaanong binibigyang-pansin. Sa romansa, may pagkakataong maging mas sweet ang isang taong akala mo ay sanay nang maging tahimik. Minsan, hindi nawawala ang lambing, natatabunan lang ng routine.
Scorpio (Oktubre 23–Nobyembre 21) May lihim kang kutob tungkol sa isang sitwasyon, at maaaring may dahilan kung bakit hindi ka mapalagay. Huwag agad maghinala, pero huwag ding balewalain ang iyong instincts. Sa romance, maaaring maging sensitibo ka sa isang bagay na sinabi o ginawa ng partner. Bago gumawa ng konklusyon, alamin muna ang buong kuwento.
Gemini (Mayo 21–Hunyo 20) May bagong idea na magsisimula bilang simpleng usapan at mauuwi sa isang interesting opportunity Huwag agad isipin na “hindi para sa akin” dahil baka mas malaki ang potential nito kaysa nakikita mo ngayon. Sa pag-ibig, isang innocent friendship ang maaaring maging dahilan ng selos. Be friendly, but be clear, lalo na kung committed ka na.
Sagittarius (Nobyembre 22–Disyembre 21) May pagbabago ng plano na magdadala sa iyo sa isang sitwasyon. Maaari itong maging simula ng isang magandang connection. Sa pagibig, huwag hayaang ang trabaho ang maging dahilan para mawala ang closeness. Kahit isang maikling date o tawag ay sapat para maibalik ang spark.
Cancer (Hunyo 21–Hulyo 22) Isang family matter ang mangangailangan ng iyong attention, ngunit hindi ibig sabihin ikaw ang dapat umayos ng lahat. Matutong tumulong nang hindi kinakalimutan ang sarili. Sa love life, may bagay kang matagal nang gustong sabihin. Sabihin ito habang malambing pa ang pagkakataon, kaysa hintaying lumabas bilang sama ng loob.
Capricorn (Disyembre 22–Enero 19) Warning: huwag gawing badge of honour ang pagiging sobrang busy. Maaaring sanay kang kayanin ang l ahat, pero hindi ibig sabihin na kailangan mong gawin ito palagi. Sa pag-ibig, may gusto kang makasama ngunit palagi mong inuuna ang trabaho. Ang overtime ay maaaring ipagpaliban; ang isang mahalagang sandali kasama ang taong mahal mo, baka hindi na maulit.
Leo (Hulyo 23–Agosto 22) Mapapansin ang iyong effort sa trabaho o isang personal project. Pero bago tanggapin ang dagdag na responsibility, tanungin ang sarili kung may sapat ka pang oras at energy. Sa pag-ibig, maaaring may taong nagbibigay sa iyo ng extra attention. Masarap ang kilig, pero kung may commitment ka na, huwag hayaang maging mitsa ito ng problema.
Aquarius (Enero 20–Pebrero 18) May opportunity na maaaring magsimula sa isang taong hindi mo karaniwang kausap. Makinig sa mga ideya ng iba, baka may mapulot kang bagay na makatutulong sa iyong career o personal plans. Sa pagibig, muling magparamdam ang isang taong matagal nang nawala. Bago buksan ang lumang pinto, tanungin muna kung bakit mo ito isinara noon.
Virgo (Agosto 23–Setyembre 22) May isang bagay na matagal mong pinag-iisipan na kailangan na ng desisyon. Hindi kailangang perfect ang choice, dapat lang ay tama ito para sa iyo ngayon. Sa relasyon, huwag kang masyadong nakatuon sa mga pagkukulang ng partner. Subukan mong bilangin muna ang mga bagay na ginagawa niyang tama. Baka mas marami pala.
Pisces (Pebrero 19–Marso 20) Mas malakas ang iyong kutob ngayon, lalo na tungkol sa mga taong malalapit sa iyo. May isang simpleng gesture mula sa pamilya na magpaalala kung gaano ka kasuwerte. Sa pag-ibig, huwag masyadong magbasa ng kahulugan sa bawat maliit na bagay. Minsan, ang tahimik na pagmamahal ang pinakamatibay, hindi kailangang laging maingay.
PAHALANG 1. Matatakot 5. Makakaharap 12. Ibalik 13. Dalhin sa gilid 14. Lubid 16. Lisan 17. Tatangayin 18. Ano 19. General Motors 21. Iparamdam 25. Mataas na pinuno 27. Tangis 29. Ihanda 31. Ipinid 32. Ikalat
11. Bantay 15. Babad sa yelo 18. Simoy 20. Uri ng bigas 21. Tupad 22. Luray 23. Pagsamba 24. Uri ng sitaw 26. Alyas 28. Propyedad 30. Simbolo ng pilak 31. Hulapi
SAGOT SA NO. 497
PABABA 1. Kuha 2. Sukat 3. Husay 4. Panghalip 6. Kabiyak ng dibdib 7. Pandikit 8. Lugod 9. Mabutong prutas 10. Puksa
Paalala: Ang horoscope ay gabay lamang at para sa kasiyahan ng ating mga mambabasa.
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OCTOBER 1 - 15, 2026
OUR COMMUNITY PILIPINO EXPRESS
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UPAA-MB invites alumni to 2026 Annual General Meeting The University of the Philippines Alumni and Associates in Manitoba (UPAAMB) invites UP alumni to its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, October 4, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Utmost Financial, 970 Sargent Ave. The AGM is an opportunity for members to come together, look back on UPAA-MB’s activities, discuss the organization’s continuing work, and help shape its future. The meeting will include a potluck and the election of the 2027–2028 board of directors. Over the past several months, UPAA-MB members have kept busy with activities that brought together fellowship, community service, Filipino culture, and a little adventure. In May, members gathered at Kildonan Park for a swap meet, with surplus items later donated to MCC Thrift Shop. The group also joined Doors Open Winnipeg, taking a tour of the Winnipeg Law Courts. Environmental stewardship was another highlight. Last June, UPAA-MB collaborated with Caring for our Environment Manitoba, led by former UPAAMB chairperson Jun Sales, for Arbour Day at Bruce Park. Members joined other volunteers in planting bare-root native plants along the banks of Truro Creek. Summer brought opportunities for tambayan, a Filipino-style gathering and fellowship. The first Tambayan, held in July at the Manalang residence, featured a beautiful garden filled with flowers, fruits and vegetables. Ruby Manalang used fresh garden produce to prepare dishes for the gathering. Manny Araullo led a sing-along with his guitar. In August, UPAA-MB formed a team supporting the donor drive for ANCOP Walk 2026 and celebrated the Filipino spirit of bayanihan at the Winnipeg Filipino Fiesta. The group’s booth featured a small bahay kubo replica built by Vitalii Cherevko, while members joined the parade and took turns staffing the booth.
New UPAA-MB T-shirt and polo shirt designs were also introduced. Shirts are still available by contacting Jake Vergara at fundraising@upmb.net. The second Tambayan, held last month, provided another memorable gathering, complete with a karaoke marathon around a bonfire and an overnight stay at the Gabriel property in St.
Eustache. As UPAA-MB looks ahead, all members are encouraged to attend the October 4 AGM, renew or activate their 2026 membership on or before the AGM, and take part in the election of the next board of directors. For membership information, contact Blyke Dimatulac at membership@upmb.net.
From garden to table: UPAA-MB members get together at the Manalang residence, where their lush garden supplied the freshest ingredients for the Tambayan feast. (Photo by Emmanuel Dimatulac.) UPAA-MB joined the Winnipeg Filipino Fiesta parade carrying the spirit of communal unity behind the bahay kubo replica built by Vitalii Cherevko. (Photo by Pongzkie Delgado.)
UPAA-MB teamed up with CEM to plant hundreds of bare-root native plants along Truro Creek to help expand Bruce Park’s wooded area. (Photo by Mario Muan.)
Giving surplus a second life, UPAA-MB members gather at Kildonan Park for a swap meet, collecting gently used items to donate to MCC Thrift House. (Photo by Mario Muan.)
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Victoria Exconde: Dancing, creating, and opening doors Victoria Exconde has lived in so many different spaces as a performer, moving between dance floors, theatre stages, television studios, sports arenas, classrooms and, occasionally, a giant Backyardigans costume. A dancer, choreographer, performer, and teacher, Victoria trained at The School of Contemporary Dancers under its senior professional program, then later earned a BA Honours in Theatre & Drama with a concentration in Dance from the University of Winnipeg. She has worked with organizations including Nafro Dance Productions, Winnipeg Studio Theatre, and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, while also developing her skills in choreography and producing through formal mentorships. As an educator, she has held classes at the LA Dance Academy, Rainbow Stage, University of Winnipeg, and University of Manitoba. From dance to theatre For Victoria, the roots of her performing career go back much further. “My first dance teacher was my Ate Hope,” she recalls. Her older cousin would teach their cousins dances that were performed at gatherings. “Those performances with my family sparked my love for performing.” Her formal path began in Grade 9 at Sisler High School. Then, a scholarship to the School of Contemporary Dancers opened doors to professional opportunities and connections within Winnipeg’s dance community. Theatre came later. About six years ago, Victoria watched early workshops of Joseph Sevillo’s Ma-Buhay! and remembers thinking, “I could do that!” Joseph invited her to participate in a workshop and, eventually, in the Canadian premiere. “That was the moment I started building myself
Victoria Exconde prepares for the hockey sequences in Glory.
as a theatre artist,” she says. Leading with kindness Victoria grew up watching her cousins dance with Magdaragat at Folklorama, unaware of the general Winnipeg art scene. As a child, she attended picnics at Kildonan Park without realizing that Rainbow Stage was nearby. “Now I feel like a veteran there!” she laughs. Along the way, lessons have been learned. Her mother taught her to “lead with kindness,” while her husband, Robin Jordan Quintana, urged her to “approach everything with passion.” Joseph showed her “what it means to live fiercely.” Balancing performing, teaching, and choreography requires, in her words, “a full brain and an even fuller heart.” Operating in the performing arts circles, Victoria soon realized how broad Winnipeg’s art community is. “There are countless possibilities for Filipino artists to explore,” she reveals. To her fellow Filipino Canadian artists, she shares, “There is space for us on these stages, and we can pursue the things we’re passionate about.” Choreographing hockey Now, Victoria is taking on a new challenge as choreographer for Glory at Prairie Theatre Exchange. She shared this with me after Filipino Canadian theatre maven Joy Lazo introduced us last May in the RMTC lobby where we watched Stephanie Sy and Ma-Anne Dionisio’s concert. This project grew from an earlier collaboration with Ann Hodges, PTE artistic director, on Waitress at RMTC, and a subsequent work for Rise Musical Theatre’s The Remix at PTE. “I’m grateful that Ann saw potential in my work,” she says. Ann is enthusiastic about what Victoria brings to the production. “I’ve seen her choreography on a few projects and her work is truly next level. She’s so smart and creative, and loved by everyone who works with her. Even in early
Victoria Exconde is a dancer, choreographer, performer, and teacher whose work has taken her across Winnipeg’s diverse performing arts community. (Photo by Victoria Exconde.) rehearsals I can see that Victoria’s choreography is exciting and super-fun,” says Ann. Making art accessible Driven by a desire to make the arts more accessible, Victoria has returned to school to pursue a degree in education. She hopes to bring together her years of artistic experience and her passion for teaching to create meaningful learning environments where young people can discover their own potential. “I’ve found that one of the most effective ways to make an impact is through students, by helping them see possibilities they may not have considered for themselves,” she says. And so goes the heart of Victoria’s work: using creativity not only as a form of expression, but as a pathway to inspiration, opportunity, and transformation for the next generation. Watch Victoria Exconde’s choreographic work in Glory from October 13 to 25 at Prairie Theatre Exchange. Details at www.pte.mb.ca.
Telling the story through dance set to 1930s swing music, Victoria Exconde rehearses the cast of Glory at Prairie Theatre Exchange. (From L to R: Emily Meadows, Victoria Exconde, Jada Rifkin & Katie Welham. Photo by Madeline Sweetland.)
Victoria Exconde’s theatre work grew from her experience as a dancer, eventually leading her to opportunities as performer and choreographer. (Rock of Ages, 2025, Rainbow Stage. Photo by Robert Tinker.)
Victoria Exconde has worked across a range of performing styles, from contemporary and modern dance to commercial dance and musical theatre. (Left: Ryan Brown. Elf, 2025, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. Photo by Leif Norman.)
“I feel like I’ve lived so many different lives as a performer,” says Victoria Exconde. (Fame, 2023, Winnipeg Studio Theatre. Photo by Leif Norman.)
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Jesus, compassion and activism During my days off, I spend my time at the Garden City Food Court and listen to the conversations of my friends. People like to talk about the hope for change in the old country because of the rampant corruption, and sometimes, Jesus Christ is mentioned in the conversation. It makes me wonder if there is still hope for the motherland to break free from bondage - the bondage of ideology/religion of empire that lives off the blood and suffering of our people? Too often, when Jesus becomes the topic, people construe Him and His teachings as just being prayerful. They behave in the passive sense and leave the struggle for social transformation to different sorts of reactionary ideology. Some blame the church for being political, forgetting that silence in the midst of injustice is also political. Usually, they equate faith with heavenly matters, meaning “out of this world,” like a “pie in the sky in the great by and by.” This thinking reminds me of the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus said, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” Heaven in this sense is just the sky that envelopes the world. As far as the first-century understanding of this is concerned, this means that the kingdom will reign in this world -a kingdom of compassion, mercy and justice. If Jesus came down to tabernacle in this world, He is like a seed sown, and His kingdom will grow in this
world as the divine milieu of his praxis. The “new earth and new heaven” will come down, as the prophet Isaiah said in 65:17-25. Looking closely at the activities of Jesus, He frequently pronounces “The Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15) every time He does acts of mercy or miracles, like feeding the multitude, curing the leper, giving sight to the blind or raising the dead (Luke 4:18-19). He also told his disciples, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). In Capernaum, Jesus read from the scroll His social agenda and historical mission: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners…” (Isaiah 61:1). This was announced by Jesus in the context of the Roman Empire’s oppressive rule. Without the darkness of Empire, what would it mean? When we look back, Jesus recruited disciples and taught them to “Love God and love your neighbour as yourself,” as contrasted with the values of the Empire, “worship mammon and dominate the weak.” That is why most of his disciples were persecuted, and Jesus himself was crucified. It is worth noting that crucifixion was a punishment
meted out to subversives in firstcentury Judea. In the present time, some so-called church leaders wallow in wealth and power and preach theological/ philosophical systems that never take the mission statement of Jesus as a point of departure for praxis. People nowadays are so confused and deceived. Most think that the otherworldly ideas were what Jesus taught us - that the Kingdom of God will be somewhere out there according to Platonic understanding or philosophy- instead of bringing the light of Jesus’ teaching to break the darkness of empire and greed. In the old country, a lot of priests and pastors who took after the activist praxis of Jesus were vilified, demonized, and worse, tortured and murdered by corrupt regimes with their armed minions, while others were rewarded with wealth and reactionary peace and
fame for conformity. Jesus’ activism takes Luke 4:18-19 as a point of departure, with the will of the Father in mind as expressed in Love God above all and love thy neighbour as thyself. In addition, He announced His perspective of the new heaven and new earth or the coming of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-
5). Hence, Jesus’ activism poses the challenge today: whether we help usher in the Kingdom of God in a liberative and redemptive manner in fulfillment of the phrase, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Lord’s Prayer), or be in cahoots with Empire and spiritual darkness? What do you think?
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