Cultural Exchange in Japan + Miss Universe Philippines

  Inside this New West Spotlight Newsletter…

 🌥️ New West Weather - Sunny and Cold 🥶 

 Rain Riddle - ⚡️ How do lighting bolts flirt? ⚡️ 

 (Answer at the bottom of the newsletter)

 💝 You’re So Sweet - Thank you, Rajan S.!

 🎀 Announcing Milestone Celebrations 🎁🎀 - New Feature Added - 😯 

  🗓️ New West Events - Busy Weekend!

🕵️‍♂️ New West Local News - Cultural Exchange in Japan + Miss Universe Philippines

 😀 Viral Meme

 📰 Advertise with New West Spotlight - Buy One, Get One Free

Read New West Spotlight Online

Celebrate Life's Big Moments in the New West Spotlight!

Do you know a New Westminster resident (or a former long-time New West resident) celebrating an incredible milestone? Whether it’s a 90th (or more!) birthday or a 60th (or more!) anniversary, let’s honor them in style!

Nominate your loved ones or friends to be featured in our daily digital newsletter, the New West Spotlight, and share their joy with the entire community. It’s a wonderful way to make their milestone moment even more special!

Submit the details through our quick Google Form here, and we’ll include their celebration on their big day.

Let’s come together to celebrate the amazing people who make New West such a vibrant and cherished community. Start sharing those milestone stories today!

January 28, 2025

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – Tuesday Mornings – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

🍺 🎲 Beer and Board Games – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

❓️ Trivia Tuesdays at Howe Sound New West – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭️ Trivia Tuesdays at Notorious Grey Fox – 7:00 PM

🎻 Brad Turner Quartet – 7:00 PM

🎲 Family Literacy Week Bingo (all ages) – All Day

📖 Storytime (3-5 years) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – Tuesday Afternoons – 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

 🍻 Rotary Bevies & Bites - Early bird pricing ends January 31st

January 29, 2025

🏛️ PMI-ACP 3 Days Classroom Certification Training – 9:00 AM to January 31, 5PM

💰️ Financial Aid (Welfare) Worker at NWPL – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

👶 Babytime (0-23 months) – 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM

🎒 After-School Drop-In (5-12 years) – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM 

📚️ Reading Buddies (6-9 years) – 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM 

📖 Pyjama Storytime (all ages) – 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM

❓️ Trivia Night at Georgie's Local  – 7:00 PM

🏃 Run Club  – 7:00 PM

👦👧 Connect Youth (13+) – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

🎤 Open Mic Jam at Bully’s Studio – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎸 Rockers, Revellers n’ Riders!!! – The Heritage Grill

🎲 Family Literacy Week Bingo (all ages) – All Day

January 30, 2025

👶 Babytime (0-12 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

💑 City LOVE Scavenger Hunt Date Night For Couples - New Westminster Area – 1:00 PM

🧘 Yoga and Entrepreneurship - Mindful Entrepreneur – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🎙️ Karaoke Night at Georgie's – 7:00 PM

☕️ Councillor Cafe - Downtown Edition – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎙️ Colossal Thursdays Karaoke at The Terminal Pub – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎤 Open Mic Jam at Notorious Grey Fox – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎲 Family Literacy Week Bingo (all ages) – All Day

🎙️ Karaoke Dates at the 2 – New Westminster Legion Branch 2

 🎶 New Westminster Choir and Band Set for Cultural Exchange in Japan

This March, 89 students from New Westminster Secondary School’s choir and band programs will travel to Moriguchi City, Japan, as part of a cultural exchange program. The trip, taking place from March 12 to 21, highlights the enduring sister-city relationship between New Westminster and Moriguchi, which began in 1963.

This marks the first visit by New Westminster students to Moriguchi since the 1980s. The journey will offer students a unique opportunity to explore Japanese culture and forge connections through music. The itinerary includes collaborative rehearsals, social events with local youth musicians, and a group concert where the students will perform a mix of Japanese pieces and Canadian folk songs.

Beyond their musical engagements, the students will immerse themselves in Japanese culture and history by visiting iconic sites such as Osaka Castle, Kyoto, Hiroshima Peace Park, and the UNESCO-listed Miyajima Island. They’ll also enjoy modern attractions like Universal Studios Japan, the Ramen Museum, and the bustling neighborhoods of Dotonbori and Kuromon.

This cultural exchange is seen as an enriching experience that strengthens bonds among students while broadening their global perspectives.

You can still donate to the cause via the School Board

 💎 Kristel David Crowned Miss Universe Philippines - Canada, Ready to Shine on Global Stage

Kristel David has been crowned one of the first-ever Miss Universe Philippines - Canada, marking a historic moment in her pageant journey. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Kristel expressed her appreciation for the immense support from her family, friends, mentors, and pageant community, all of whom played a vital role in her success.

Her siblings made a heartfelt gesture by flying to Vancouver to cheer her on, while her father and family in Dubai provided unwavering encouragement from afar. She also acknowledged her mentors, glam team, and the Miss Universe Philippines Canada organization for their guidance and belief in her throughout this transformative experience.

Kristel’s win was further elevated by receiving the Arctic Diamond Award from Fame Diamonds, a testament to her grace and determination. She dedicated her victory to her late mother, vowing to carry her crown with pride and use her platform to make a meaningful impact.

As part of this monumental achievement, Kristel will represent Canada in the Philippines alongside fellow queen Jessica Cianchino. Together, they will bring beauty, talent, and cultural pride to the Miss Universe Philippines stage.

This announcement follows the recent Miss Filipinas Worldwide 2025 event at the Anvil Theatre, where 20 exceptional Filipina-Canadian candidates competed for titles celebrating heritage and excellence. The results included:

• Miss Filipinas Worldwide 2025: Kristel David

• Miss Filipinas Global 2025: Jessica Cianchino

• 1st Runner-Up: Stephanie Artuz

• 2nd Runner-Up: Rochelle Kristen Canlas

Kristel now looks ahead with excitement and anticipation as she prepares to represent Canada in the Philippines, honoring her heritage and her supporters every step of the way.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

⚡️ How do lighting bolts flirt? ⚡️ 

💗 They electrocute each other. 💘 

Meme of the Day

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