It's time to look on the bright side

This is a “feel-good” issue.

This time around, Pilipino Express focuses on the good news. After being inundated with bad news about the super typhoons that ravaged the Philippines, we are now given a chance to smile and feel good about ourselves.

Let’s start with the outstanding support given by our community and the friends of our community to the fund-raising campaign conducted in the past few weeks to help victims of the super typhoons. The Fil-Can Disaster Relief Committee raised over $82,000 in cash donations and turned it over to the Canadian Red Cross to be sent to their counterpart in the Philippines. There are many other groups that raised funds on their own and sent the money through their churches or regional associations. In addition to the cash donations, hundreds of boxes of relief goods are also now in transit going to the Philippines and are expected to bring Christmas cheer to the flood victims.

Here in Manitoba, one of our own has set a precedent by being the first Filipino-Canadian woman in Canada to be appointed to a cabinet post. The Hon. Flor Marcelino is our new culture minister – Manitoba’s first visible minority cabinet minister.

And let us not forget the reason why Manila streets became traffic-free last weekend – and why Filipinos in Winnipeg and around the world became united in a spirit and jubilation. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao answered our longing and pining for a true hero – devoid of corruption and ill will – he accomplished what no other prize-fighter has ever done before, claiming seven world titles in seven weight divisions after his victory over Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in their title fight in Las Vegas last Saturday. Pacquiao, to us Filipinos, is not just a boxer anymore; he has become our hero, an inspiration and a reason to be proud as Filipinos.

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And here’s another reason to feel good – the search for local Filipino-Canadian singing talents is back. In this issue of Pilipino Express, we are officially launching Pinoy Pop Star 2010.

If you can sing and you are at least 18 years old, you may be the singing sensation we are looking for. We have great cash prizes at stake and of course, the opportunity to express your musical talent.

The Pilipino Express wishes to acknowledge and thank our friends at the McPhillips Station Casino and Club Regent Casino who are co-sponsoring this quest for singing talents with us.

If you watched the Semi-Finals and the Grand finals of Pinoy Pop Star 2009, you know this is something you won’t want to miss. The talents that were showcased in our first Pinoy Pop Star were outstanding – proof that we, Filipinos, have music in our soul.

Please see page 24 of this issue for contest mechanics. Watch for more contest information in the upcoming issues of Pilipino Express.

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November is soon coming to an end. That means that the holiday season will soon be upon us. Have you thought of how you could help the less privileged people around us?

The Winnipeg Christmas Cheer Board is a charitable organization that has traditionally brought cheer to many families during the holiday season. There are several ways to make donations to the Christmas Cheer Board, monetary or in-kind.

On the other hand, if you know of any new immigrant families or seniors who are in need of Christmas cheer, send them to the Philippine Centre (PCCM) at 737 Keewatin to fill out application forms for Christmas hampers from now until December 18 – weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The officers of the Philippine Association of Manitoba (PAM) offer assistance to our fellow Filipinos in filling out Christmas Cheer Board application forms. Remind them to bring an ID (MB Health card will do) that shows their address.

Happiness shared is happiness multiplied. Let’s help make others feel good and it’s guaranteed that we will feel good as well.

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