March 16, 2026 – There are many reasons why Filipinos are ashamed of their government these days.  Currently headed by a dictator’s son and known generally by his nickname, President Bongbong Marcos is supported by 24 senators and 318 congressmen, many of them former movie stars or TV personalities, elected for their looks rather than brains, through vote buying and dynastic family support.

March 16, 2026 — In 2014, a government report warned that because of low births and aging, Canada's population growth could be “close to zero within 20 years” without immigration. 

[Editor’s Note: Dr. Pagtakhan is a retired Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine (1971-1988) and the first Canadian Filipino MP (1988-2004), Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Federal Minister. Widely published and lectured in medicine, politics and community advocacy, his Medisina at Politika commentary is published in Canadian Filipino Net and Pilipino Express.] 

March 16, 2026 —  Food has always played a huge part in Filipino culture. Filipinos share food generously with family and neighbours. We offer food to new friends. When there are disagreements, food can bridge our differences. To many Filipino families, the kitchen is the heart of the home, where dishes are lovingly prepared, to sustain us through our day, and to give comfort at the end of it. And when language fails, food speaks.

March 1, 2026 — A petition has been filed before the House of Commons for a review of a military agreement between the Philippines and Canada.

March 1, 2026 – At the World Economic Forum in Davos PM Mark Carney delivered on January 20, an extraordinary 16-minute speech defining a new world order led by middle power countries. The speech that shook the world and earned a rare standing ovation from the world’s most powerful political and business leaders at the WEF soon changed the global trade and economy landscape. 

March 1, 2026 — Every Filipino community has a “Marites”—a popular social media slang term for a neighborhood gossip, someone who seems to know everything and always has something to say.

[Editor’s Note: Dr. Pagtakhan is a retired Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine (1971-1988) and the first Canadian Filipino MP (1988-2004), Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister,  and Federal Minister. Widely published and lectured in medicine, politics and community advocacy, his Medisina at Politika commentary is published in Canadian Filipino Net and Pilipino Express.] 

March 1, 2026 — What started as a group of strangers finding community in a non-paying  arts workshop turned into a refuge for some still reeling from the tragedy that was the Lapu-Lapu festival in April of 2025.

February 16, 2026 – RJ Aquino, chair of Filipino BC, announced on  Global News TV on February 9  that FBC is partnering with Hungerford Properties to build a Filipino Community and Cultural Center (FCCC) in South Vancouver.

February 15, 2026 – On Valentine’s Day, Torontonians showed their love and compassion for the thousands of Iranians who have been jailed or killed for demonstrating against Iran's repressive Islamic theocracy and calling for  the return of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as the leader of their  democratic transition after anti-government protests  started erupting in Iran at the end of last year.

February 16, 2026 — With hard work and education, Filipinos are doing well in Canada.

February 16, 2026 — Less than two weeks before the scheduled hearings for the confirmation of charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court, his lawyer is still trying to stop them from going forward.

February 16, 2026 — The Philippines has arrived on the global culinary stage, joining Canada on a list of top dining destinations in the world this year.

February 16, 2026 — When I was asked to deliver a land acknowledgement at an EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Committee meeting, I thought it would be simple — just name the traditional territories where my office sits. But how do I truly acknowledge the land that generously received me 18 years ago?

[Ed’s Note: Dr. Rey Pagtakhan’s tribute to his younger brother. Dr. Rey is a regular contributor to CFNet.]

February 16, 2026 — It was to be the highlight of Jay Legaspi’s weekend. He was to attend the 2025 Lapu-Lapu Day Festival and watch Filipino-American hip-hop musician apl.de.ap. Going to the festival was a reward waiting for him later that day. At the last minute, he skipped it. 

February 1, 2026 — Canada has joined calls for the protection of press freedom in the Philippines after a court sentenced a journalist to imprisonment of 12 years to 18 years.