Lapu-Lapu Festivity Turns Into a Horror on the eve of Vancouver Election

 

Credit to original owner
(grabbed from screen)

Hugs to all the Filipino families that were caught victims and casualties of what was a happy and festive occasion last Saturday  at Vancouver, Canada that turned into a horror on the eve of Vancouver election. 

News reports said a black SUV car with a speed of 100 km/hr speed ran over a Filipino event passing to the group of people and stalls in celebration of Lapu-Lapu Festival around 8pm, April 26 (Vancouver time) that killed 11 people on the spot.

The Vancouver Police who have expressed sympathies to all the Filipino families affected, have arrested the suspect Kai-Ji Adam Lo, 30, for eight counts of second degree murder following the rampage of his SUV car at Lapu-Lapu Day Festival at 43rd Avenue and Fraser Streets. The Casualties range from five to 60 years old, while some casualties are still unidentified. Filipino families in search of their members that have not gone home are encouraged to coordinate with the Vancouver Police Department’s Homicide Unit. 

Again, prayers and sympathies to all our KABABAYANS who were affected by the recent tragedy. Also, I appeal for help and ask the Canadian government and Filipino communities to extend assistance to Filipinos who are still at the hospital due to that car rampage as some of them are calling for medical assistance and financial support.  

 

Presidential Merit to Philippine Iconic Women

Photo credit to original owner

I commend the national government for its effort to also recognize the great Filipino talents that the Philippines has consecutively lost this year, particularly this month of April. 

Amongst these include the most recent, the National Artist Nora Aunor, the Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales (Nora and Pilita were once co-parent-in-law to Monching and Lotlot), and  of course Ms. Gloria Romero who was regarded as the First Lady of Philippine Cinema, as well as the renowned Chef Margarita Fores who was once recognized as Asia's Best Female Chef in 2016.

Yes, these women vary in generations but they all made the country and the Filipinos proud one way or the other. So it is proper now that the national government should give them corresponding honor to recognize their effort that brought pride, honor and distinction to our nation and to fellow Filipinos here and abroad.

Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro has said that the Presidential Medal of Merit would be posthumously confer to Aunor, Corrales, Romero and Fores on May 4, following the issuance of Executive Order 236 which was stated in the Administrative Code of 1997, Book III, Chapter 2, Section 2.

I am no Marcos supporter nor fan, in fact I am a pro-Robredo but I commend the effort and the rational approach made by President Bongbong or whoever may have advised him on this matter, because they set aside the partisan color and leanings but focus on the moment and to mourn with the people.

    I also thank the government station and the mainstream media for not having to put too much coverage on the visit of the First Couple in paying respect to the departed icons in the entertainment industry. Because for me that was a sincere show of sympathy and respect to the bereaved families, friends and supporters.

VILLAR seen on possible violation of Comelec’s Kontra Bigay

 

Photos credit to original owners

Bent on pursuing a CLEAN and PEACEFUL MIDTERM ELECTION this May 2025, the Commission on Election has been issuing left and right show cause orders against local and national candidates liable on possible election offense. 

The recent issue is now pointed to  administration senatorial aspirant Camille Villar after an anonymous complaint was allegedly filed against the congresswoman as her presence was seen in a cash raffle event on February 16 in Imus, Cavite.

Comelec Executive Dir. Teopisto Elnas Jr. of the Committee on Kontra Bigay said they are now investigating the video submitted to them that purportedly documented the supposed irregularity committed by Villar.

Among those who were previously ordered to respond to Comelec show cause orders include Pasig City Congressional candidate Atty. Ian Sia, incumbent Misamis Oriental gubernatorial candidate Peter Unabia, incumbent MataasnaKahoy Vice Mayor Jay Ilagan and Davao de Oro gubernatorial bet Ruwel Peter Gonzaga for lewd campaign remarks. The four candidates complained for alleged violations of Comelec Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines.

Also, the Comelec likewise made to explain six senatorial candidates and more than 34 part-list groups for alleged illegal campaign materials. While Pasay mayoralty candidate Editha “Wowee”  Manguera was also called to explain for her racist remark against an Indian national.

Obviously, these candidates that are made to answer to the Comelec were so confident that they forgot they are  candidates wooing the public trusts and opinions. 

As for my two-cents, these personalities should never be entrusted with position nor power because THEY WILL ALWAYS FORGET THAT THEY HAVE TO BE FAIR AND JUST AT ALL TIMES TO THEIR OPPONENTS AND MUCH TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS.

HAJJI ALEJANDRO: ANOTHER PINOY ICON DIES

THE ORIGINAL KILABOT NG MGA KOLEHIYALA and  OPM ICON ALSO DIES

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It is the summer season, yet it looks as if we are in the season of fall, as the Filipinos are losing in a matter of days icons in the entertainment industry much in the field of music.

Today, as I browsed my social media account I chanced upon a message expressing the loss of OPM legend Hajji Alejandro at the age of 70. Immediately, I verified, sadly, I saw a confirmation that Angelito Toledo born December 26, 1954, also known to the public as Hajji Alejandro, had passed away at the age of 70.

The Superstar Nora Aunor has just settled to her final resting place as the program for the National Artist for Film and Broadcast took some time to carry out at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. While Asia's Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales was only days after she was laid to her final place. Now, as Filipino fans continue to grieve ,(not to mention the Holy Father, Pope Francis also bid adieu to his priestly vocation on Easter Monday) , another “great” in the Philippine entertainment also bid his final goodbye to everyone. Following Hajji’s battle with stage 4 colon cancer that was made public in March 2025, he eventually succumbed to death. Alynna Velasquez, the OPM icon’s common law wife for 27 years was said to be the source of his condition. 

Among Hajji’s greatest hits include Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, May Minamahal, Tag-Ulan, Tag-Araw, Panakip Butas and Nakapagtataka. Incidentally because of the popularity of Panakip Butas it was made into a movie with Hajji opposite the National Artist Nora Aunor  and it was a success. The original “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala” was initially part of one of the popular music bands in the ‘70s the Circus Band. However in 1980’s Hajji went to Los Angeles, America with then wife actress-beauty queen Rio Diaz who died of colorectal cancer in October 2004. Hajji and Rio were blessed with a son Ali Alejandro, also a singer. Hajji was the first winner of Metro Manila Popular Music Festival.

HOLY FATHER: POPE FRANCIS BIDS ADIEU ON EASTER MONDAY

It is with sadness that following the celebration of Easter Sunday wherein Catholics globally rejoice as God has risen from the dead, our dear Pope Francis died today, Easter Monday.

Pope Francis participated in as much as could during the Easter Sunday celebration in the Vatican. He likewise greeted the crowd from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica in appreciation of the Catholic devotees participation in the Holy Week tradition. The Pope’s appearance was considered a high-profile appearance as Pope Francis gave his specialaostolic blessing “urbi et orbi” [To the city (Rome) and the world) that was delivered by Archbishop Diego Ravelli. Archbishop Ravelli is the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations. After the Easter blessing at the Balcony of St Francis Square, the Pope received briefly US Vice President JD Vance.

Pope Francis, 88, was the first non-European head of the Roman Catholic Church. He served the Vatican for 12 years following his election on March 13, 2013. He was considered by Filipinos as the “Pope of the People” being named after St. Francis of Assisi. The untimely demise of Pope Francis was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrel, a top Vatican official from the Casa Sta. Marta at 7:35am, Vatican time on Easter Monday.

Mamita bids goodbye during the Lenten Season

Photo credit to Inquirer.Net

It is no surprise that God is truly calling everyone to pause, take time with Him and reflect as the Catholics observe the Lenten Season. 

In the Philippines alone so much is happening, in the sport’s front there was the PBA 50 Greatest Players Alive, the PVL-All Filipino Conference Finals wherein the Akari Chargers swept the three straight sets against Choco Mucho Titans ending the season at 24-26 scores in the final set, as well as the UAAP Season 87 Finals. As for the political arena, there’s the left and right issue of political harassment as the midterm election nears. Also, the Comelec has been issuing a series of show cause orders to different candidates in the local level for violation of election procedures. While, in the efforts to sustain peace and order there is the continuing campaign against POGO operators involving Chinese nationals and Filipinos, ongoing haunt against kidnap for ransom groups, as well as the rampant criminalities associated with minor students.

Meanwhile, on the entertainment side there’s the controversy involving Dennis Padilla claiming he has done reaching out to his children with Marjorie Barretto, after he was seated with the guest at the church in what was supposedly an intimate wedding of daughter Claudia Barretto to longtime boyfriend Basti Lorenzo. 

And today, the news of the untimely passing of Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales, also known as Maria del Pilar Garrido Corrales was announced via social media post of one of “Mamitas” granddaughters’ actress Janine Gutierrez. The Filipinos mourn the passing of Mamita as she was fondly called because Pilita was not only known for her vocal style and backbend but also for her kindness and sweetness, not to mention her excellent performance as a pop singer, songwriter, actress, comedian and television presenter. Mamita was a native of Lahug, Cebu. She recorded 135 albums in her six decade career. Pilita left her two beloved children Jackielou and Ramon Christopher, who are both good actors from various genres and generations.

Such incidents are painful for any family who have lost a loved one---but at the same time it is also a reminder to us.

 

Let us not wait to be called by God through trials before we take time and welcome Him in our daily lives.

 So as the culmination of   the lenten season nears please take advantage of that moment you have        to reflect and talk to Him, better to at least spare some time to visit the church and connect with the Lord.

NATIONAL ARTIST NORA AUNOR BIDS FINAL GOODBYE

Bye Ate Guy—National Artist Nora Aunor bids “last goodbye

Credit to original owner

Indeed, Holy Week is truly a sacrifice for the offsprings of “mag-balae” Pilita Corrales and Nora Aunor

As everyone prepares for Holy Thursday and Black Friday for the traditional “Pabasa” and “Visita” where Catholics traditionally flock the churches to observe Lenten tradition, another sad news came—Nora Cabaltera Villamayor a.k.a Nora Aunor passes away at 71.

Nora, who was first recognized by Filipinos for her voice for championing in “The Tawag ng Tanghalan” passed on April 16, 2025 while in the hospital. Ate Guy, whom she was fondly called, hailed from Iriga City and survived by children who are also from the entertainment industry Lotlot, Kristoffer Ian and Matet De Leon. In 1975, Nora was married to veteran actor Christopher “Boyet” De Leon but was annulled in 1996 . 

Nora Aunor also tagged as the “Superstar”  had five decades of career as an actress, film producer, recording artist, and stage actress and singer conferred her the “The Order of National Artist of the Philippines” in 2022 by the Philippine President. Among her other recognitions include:

• The Outstanding Women in Nation's Service (TOWNS) in the Field of Art, 1999
• The only Filipino film actress included in the lists of awardees by the Green Planet Movie Awards as one of the“10 Asian Best Actresses of the Decade”, 2010
• Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honor) from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, 2013, 2014, 2016
• The Light of Culture Awards from the Philippine Centre of the Int’l Theatre Institute and ITI-Earthsavers UNESCO Dream Center for pioneering in the integration of theater, television, and film, 2014.

The Hollywood Reporter also labeled Ate Guy as The Grand Dame of the Philippine Cinema for her stint in the films TAKLUB (Trap) and HUSTIYA (Justice). 

Among her classic movies Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1977), Ina Ka ng Anak Mo (1980), Bulaklak ng City Jail (1985), Bilangin Ang Mga Bituin Sa Langit (1990), The Flor Contemplacion Story (1996), and Pieta (2024). 

Pilita Corrales the Asia’s Queen of Songs and Nora Aunor were co-parents-in-law to then couple Ramon Christopher Gutierrez and Lotlot De Leon (also known as Charlotte Jennifer Rodriguez Olson in real life) from 1989 to 2010, the two died four days apart. Thus, making it extremely painful to Monching and Lotlot children actress Janine, Jessica, Diego and Maxine Gutierrez.

PETRO GAZZ ANGELS ‘ TAKES HOME 1ST ALL FILIPINO CROWN IN PVL

 

Photo credit to the original owner

The Petro Gazz Angels have written a new history at the PVL-All Filipino Conference after taking down the crowd favorite Creamline Cool Smashers in the 4th set.

With excellent digs, sharp crosscourt hits, and closing the net to Creamline offense, no wonder Petro Angels emerged supreme in the race to two extended finals of the All Filipino Championship games witnessed by 11,000 live crowds at the PhilSports Arena on Saturday, April 12.

Joy Dacoron, who did not play in game number one of the PVL finals, has played a significant game for the Angels in the finals match. Jema Galanza on the other hand stepped up for the Creamline in the absence of Alyssa Valdez at the court in the 1st set with the support of veteran Michelle Gumabao. Personally, I commend the six consecutive blocks of the Angels against the Creamline that made the matchup extra-exciting because the game tied at 15 a piece in the 1st set. 

Photo credit to original owner

Meanwhile, to temper the adrenalin of Petro Gazz, Alyssa was pulled in at 16-19 in favor of the Angels and immediately delivered a point. However, as both teams ran out of timeouts, the Cool Smashers failed to stop the coming from behind of Petro Gazz, finishing the 1st set at 25-21. 

MJ Phillips also contributed to Angel’s effort not only on the net but also on the offense during the second set. While Jonah Sabete also showed consistency in the net, service and offense to add to the campaign of the Angels, as Chie Saet’s long years as a veteran player paid off and could be seen in her sets, thus dictating the tempo in favor of Petro Gazz as Creamline’s defense crumbled ending the 2nd set at 16-25 favoring the Angels.

In the 3rd set, Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses called an early time out at 1-4 to pep talk his teams and prevent the lead of Petro Gazz. Kyle Negrito who was having a hard time setting up for Creamline likewise stepped up in the net defense earning a couple of points for Creamline. The table turned with a seven to zero run of Creamline that gave a 17 to 19 lead to CCS. However, Brooke Van Sickle could not agree more as she took care of the digs and offense consecutively that tied the game at 21 a piece.  But Creamline did not succumb to the pressure and took the point one at a time again, ending the 3rd set at 23-25 to favor the Smashers. 

Photo credit to original owner

Petro Gazz took the early lead in the 4th set at 2-5 forcing an early challenge from the CCS. Bernadette Pons delivered for the Creamline at 5-7 as she blocked Phillips. Lorie Bernardo sustained the magic for the Creamline from  3rd to 4th set and managed to steal a game play and score for the Cool Smashers everytime Petro Gazz attempted to inch away. 

Pressure was sinking in both teams at 15-15 which later pave the way for the Angels to advance the lead at 16-15. However, Pons continued to resist and tied the ball at 16. 

Creamline even goes all offense as they pulled out Negrito at 17-18. But Brooke managed to keep the torch for the Petro Gazz, sustaining a two  point lead 18-20, followed by another offense from Aiza Maiso-Pontillas at 18-21. Dacuron also showed consisyency in her game as she adds to the scoring---followed by Van Sickle who brought the Angels to match point at 19-24. But it was the attack punctuated by the cramping Sabete that ended the All Filipino season at 19-25 score thus writing a new history for the PVL-AFC in favor of Petro Gazz Angels.

Meanwhile, the Akari Chargers in an earlier game at the PhilSports Arena had swept the three sets against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans that earned them the Bronze Medalist title. While the Creamline took home the Silver Medal Awards.

Holy Week not only for staycation, relaxation or free from work but also a time for God

 

Photo credit to National Shrine 
of Our Lady of the Abandoned
Sta Ana, Manila

This coming  Holy Week, I hope Catholics will not only look after the days off, and the chance to go out of town but also observe the religious practice.

This Palm Sunday is the prelude to Holy Week, the culmination of the Lenten Season. And for the last 30 days the Catholic church and the priests are encouraging the members of the community and the religious to exercise abstinence, fasting, make sacrifices, reach out to the poor, help the Church and if possible conform with the preaching.

Photo credit to National Shrine 
of Our Lady of the Abandoned
Sta Ana, Manila

The lent started on Ash Wednesday last March 5 where we are reminded that we came from dust and to dust we shall return. I know it is never easy to conform but we can always try to abide at least during this Holy Week as a way to honor God. 

My life’s version of penitence, an early Holy Week trial (today, Friday, April 11)

Indeed, God has His way of calling our attention and testing us how well we have learned, willing to follow, and how to forgive and understand in the midst of man-made disaster. And to this writing, I am still displeased from the incident.

It was almost lunch time, my partner was wrapping up her online-meeting since she was working from home, when I heard an overflowing water but could not identify where it was coming from, our faucet was off, no one was using the water. 

By the way, I am living in a bachelor-size ground floor room with my partner. It is an old semi-wooden apartment compound. On top of us there are two other units.  Anyway, soon enough my partner hang-up and did the same. She was searching where the huge sound of water was coming until it one-by-one created its entry and dug holes from various parts of our ceiling that we two could no longer contain and attend to. Instinct dictates, my partner went up and asked the unit directly on top of us and checked if they were using the water and explained it's leaking to us, and the guy replied, no. 

So, my partner called on the other unit, it appeared it was from them since they were having their aircon cleaning service. But it wasn’t an easy admission that the cleaning process they did was all wrong and affected us due to the huge water leak. We went through an exchange of words and had the housewife of the other unit enter our room to see the damage they have caused us. After a while she called on us and said sorry. My partner also apologized not for her behaviour but for the anger it brought to her, to us, because of the effect of their actions, as she had to stop working and attend to everything—cleaning the mess, shutting down the electricity, saving whatever could be saved from possible damage, and look for our flashlights and a lot other things. For those who still don’t know me, movement is part of my lifetime challenge being a stroke survivor myself.

Dennis Padilla over daughter Claudia's wedding

Have you heard the recent buzz where apparently Dennis Padilla was invited to her daughter Claudia Barretto’s wedding? 

I heard and read about it earlier today but did not pay much attention because for me, it was just a “knee-jerk reaction”, but then now, for almost the whole day as I first chance upon the story at about 5am this Thursday, every time I scroll my social media account there was so much of Padilla’s reaction over being seated as a guest to his daughter’s wedding, and that he was being “budol” by his children.

In a previous interview with Dennis some years back, he shared his hope that when someday his daughters (Julia or Claudia) would be married he wanted at least to see them and be part of the ceremony. Then, that one day came, Claudia Barretto finally decided to tie the knot with her longtime boyfriend Sebastian Lorenzo. No one knew the event was forthcoming, perhaps it was just the family circle and really close allies of the couple as I learned that the Lorenzos were from a “buena familia” noting that Sebastian is a brother of Erich Gonzales’ husband Mateo Lorenzo. And like the Gonzales-Sebastian nuptials the ceremony was kept very private, but the supposed intimate ceremony of "Claudia and Basti" was now a social media slur where unsolicited opinions of the public were thrown out to them.

I would not dare say or comment about whether what happened right or wrong but it may help us understand to know where the camp of the Barretto’s are coming from: 

How is Dennis Padilla’s relation to his children? 

Did Dennis provide for them (Julia, Claudia and Leon) when he and Marjorie separated?

Is he visible to his children’s lives, at least when they were growing up and the presence of the father was a must in schools? 

How about on Christmas, birthdays, and graduations? 

Has he always been a supportive father? 

Or is it just in recent years that Dennis wanted to be part of his children's lives again? 

AKARI CHARGERS TAKES GAME1 OF BATTLE FOR BRONZE

 

Despite the series of errors the Akari Chargers managed to sustain the lead in the final stretch for the battle for bronze against Choco Mucho Flying Titans during the first meeting at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Flying Titans were in fact in charge of the game during the first-two sets with 24-26 and 21-25 all in favor of the Titans. However, the narratives flipped in the 3rd set as Justine Jazareno showed strong signs of business as usual. While the floor defense was taken care of by the Akari squad, guarding the net was a concerted effort of the Chargers’ Faith Nisperos, Ivy Lacsina, Ely Soyud, as well as Gretchel Soltones.  Akari also limited the Choco Mucho into a low scoring game and forced them to commit errors which sustained their run until the 4th sets ending the games at 25-15 and 25-18, forcing the race for bronze into the deciding 5th set with a final score of 15-11 registering a three sets win for the Chargers.

Soyud who carried the torch for the Chargers with 34 points. However, the big win of Akari will not be equally possible without the assistance and effort of the libero Jazareno who poured in 29 excellent digs, 1 excellent reception, for a total of 60 percent dig efficiency.

HOLY WEEK A GOOD TIME TO REFLECT

Photo credit to Minor Basilica of Black Nazarene

          As the lenten week nears, let us also take at least a MOMENT either before we sleep, or before you get up to prepare for another busy day, before starting your work, after office, while caught up in a traffic, or whatever time is available---make use of that alone time to reflect.

Who will reign supreme: CREAMELINE vs PETRO GAZZ

Will Creamline bag its 11th Championship crown or the 2nd finals appearance of Petro Gazz Angeles make history?

Who will reign supreme as the veteran teams–Petro Gazz Angels and Creamline Cool Smashers entered the finals in the 2024-2025 PVL-All Filipino Conference last Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Petro Gazz swept the three sets outing versus Akari Chargers in the first game of the semifinals at 22-25, 20-25, and 18-25 all in favor of the Angels. While the Cool Smashers not only swept the three sets but also limited the scoring of its Rebisco sister Choco Mucho Flying Titans to less than 20 points per meeting, after it registered a 19-25 , 15-25 and 15-25 win in the main game at Smart Araneta on April 3.

So, the question is, will the Creamline clinch this year’s All Filipino Conference  title to add to the three of 10 Cool Smasher’s championship crowns, or the equally veteran team Petro Gazz Angels write a new volleyball narrative with the lead of Myla Pablo as the “Player of the Game” against Akari Chargers. On Thursday, Pablo has outnumbered the output of Brooke Van Sickle who has 15 points and nine digs.l, as Pablo contributed a total of 16 pts, 11 attacks, 4 blocks, 1 ace, 3 excellent digs, and 5 excellent receptions. However,  Creamline’s Kyle Negrito produced 17 excellent sets, 3 points, 3 attacks, and 5 excellent digs making her the “Player of the Game” against the Flying Titans.

This year’s final series’ race to two will start on Tuesday, April 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The opening game would be supplemented by Akari Chargers and Choco Mucho Flying Titans to determine the third spot of the conference. (photo credit to InquirerSports, PVLPH, OnePh)