ABSOLUTELY FILIPINO MAGAZINE FALL 2015

Issue No. 6 Fall 2015

uplifting pinoy

Zest and flavour

A unique take on the adobo-pandesal filipino culture

Laking pinoy: The Filipinos’ Code of Respect inspirational

“tell me, joey”

travelogue A road trip to okanagan valley and banff national park nurses’ corner

Preparing for the nclex-rn filipino art

“Pagtitipon” (A Gathering)

soar Limuel Hayag Vilela Mr. Philippines Canada 2015

PUBLISHER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jinkee Porta-Mercurio CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dwight Simon Niña Angela Cabasco Joandrea Santiago Kurt Zubieta COPY EDITOR Joandrea Santiago

EDITOR’S NOTE

T

ime flies so fast. Summer has ended right before our very eyes. The warmest season of the year had been definitely fun and full of adventures, as we all must have another meaningful addition to our library of memories.

And yet time waits for no one, so I urge you to welcome autumn with open arms. Autumn reminds me of the great and wonderful works of our God. Looking upon the ubiquitous autumn leaves that accompany me in my days and hearing the rustling sound of the wind that enlivens the trees and the atmosphere, I feel immensely grateful that God brought us here in beautiful British Columbia.

In this issue, we feature Filipinos who are making a huge difference in their respective fields. We also want to welcome Ms. Joey Albert as a part of our team, who will join us in helping inspire the Filipino community. You will also notice that we have updated our magazine design to make it more creative looking and eye catching. Again, our magazine remains committed to bringing you inspirational and lifestyle content that we continuously try to improve and expand.

We appreciate every feedback, and we are trying our best to accommodate all your requests. I apologize for not being able to get back to you right away. Nevertheless, know that I did not forget about you, and I have read and saved your letters.

I would like to commend all my staff for all their hard work. To all the supporters of Absolutely Filipino Magazine, thank you very much for fuelling us with the inspiration to continue this endeavour. To God be all the glory! #Upliftingpinoy

FIELD REPORTER social media manager Dwight Simon LAYOUT AND DESIGN EDITOR John Paulo Fernandez PHOTOGRAPHY Dwight Simon Jinkee Mercurio Marlon Mercurio Kiko Celis DREAMSTIME.COM (as specified) FLICKR.COM (as specified) CIRCULATION Marlon Mercurio FOR SALES AND ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: jinkee.mercurio@outlook.com 778-792-0071 • 778-792-0049 ANTONIO TAMPUS tonton_gem@yahoo.com 604-3568714

Jinkee Porta-Mercurio PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

WEBSITE: jmpublishing.weebly.com Disclaimer: Absolutely Filipino Magazine is an inspirational and lifestyle magazine. The articles written in Absolutely Filipino do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of the publisher. All articles are designed for educational and informational purposes only, and no one should use it as a replacement for any expert's advice. Sponsors and advertisers are solely responsible for the content and legitimacy of information published within their ads and are not necessarily supported and recommended by the publisher. All material submitted for publication is considered to be the property of the advertiser. Advertisers who doesn't have their own art and asked Absolutely Filipino Magazine to aid in making the art or advertorial/write-up are responsible for its content.

All contents © copyright 2015; No part of this magazine maybe reproduced in whole or in part without express permission.

LUKE 1:37 “FOR NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD.”

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what’s inside?

5

filipino culture

4

filipino art

by Kurt Zubieta

by Joandrea Santiago Reported by Dwight Simon

Laking pinoy: The Filipinos’ Code of Respect

12

7

on centre stage

nurses’ corner

Limuel Hayag vilela: A Story of Strength and Hope

Preparing for the nclex-rn

by Niña Angela P. Cabasco

by Joandrea Santiago

14

inspirational

“tell me, joey”

by Ms. Joey Albert

17 travelogue

A road trip to okanagan valley AND BANFF NATIONAL PARK

“Pagtitipon” (A Gathering)

Texts by Jinkee Porta-Mercurio Photos by Jinkee Mercurio & Marlon Mercurio

15

Zest and flavour

A unique take on the adobo-pandesal Photos and texts by Dwight Simon

Filipino Culture

Laking Pinoy: The Filipino’s Code of Respect

By Kurt Zubieta

f

ilipinos share a code of respect that we take pride on and continue to cultivate in our younger generations. Our way of respectful communication to all the people we meet and relate to makes our communities strong, our families more resilient, and our identity stand out.

Po, Opo and Ways of Speech The words “po” and “opo” are a part or the first words added to a Filipino child’s vocabulary once they learn how to speak. Po, is a term inserted to a dialogue that signals politeness, while Opo is a respectable way of saying ‘oo,’ which means ‘yes.’ Similar honorific ways of speech can be found in Asian countries that share our culture of giving high regard to elders.

Ways of speech is also a code that is noticeable to us Filipinos.

Unlike westerners who are used to addressing each other in a first name basis, we are accustomed to using sir and ma’am, tito and tita, ate and kuya, mom and dad, nanay and tatay, uncle and auntie.

It is also perceptible that our tone is always polite, and as much as possible, we try not to raise our voice or speak rudely to others.

image source: http://junimpas.com/gallery/albums/userpics/ 10001/normal_DSC_0779.JPG

Mano po “Mano po” is a term expressed to older family members and relatives such as your parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties, and could be extended to any elderly person you wish to show a gesture of respect to. “Mano” is a Spanish word that means hand. Essentially mano po or in other places replaced with pa-bless-po, means a bowing of the head and asking for the person’s hand as a sign of a request to give you his blessing. Mano po is usually done upon seeing an elderly or before we leave their company. However, in some instances, this act of revered respect is being replaced by the more western “beso,” or a kiss on the cheek.

Keeping Traditions Tradition, like all things in life, is not immune to change.

Like kissing on the cheek instead of the mano and doing away with po and opo (how are we supposed to insert these terms in a foreign language anyway?), because of the westernization of people brought up with eastern values, our use of these terms and the way we express our respect transforms too. However, regardless of how they take form, this characteristic trait is all the more prominent and telling when we are among people with different cultures. Our identity as Filipinos is identifiable by the way we communicate, by our tone of politeness, and our choice of words. This is true when we hear a stranger speak and know he is from our motherland regardless of his adapted accent. It is common to hear a fellow Filipino comment that this person is “Laking Pinoy,” which means the person was brought up and was able to keep traditional Filipino values.

Practicing and keeping these values is something we should be proud of. Let us seek to preserve this treasure that is our continuing secret to having stronger family ties and a harmonious community. Let us all seek to be called, laking Pinoy.

ISAIAH 40:31

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Filipino Art Edgardo Lantin

Esmie Gayo McLaren

Tessie Dichupa

Danvic Briones

“Pagtitipon” (A Gathering) was held last August 10-14 at the Round House Arts & Community Centre in Vancouver, BC. The Filipino Music and Art Foundation in BC (FMAFBC) featured ten esteemed and global Filipino artists and their unique creations.

The Artists

By Joandrea Santiago

Lenore RS Lim

Photos & Reported by Dwight Simon

Jose Trinidad, Edgardo Lantin, and Esmie Gayo McLaren are artists who delve in the genre of realism. Their canvases portray seemingly alive images of gardens, fishermen at work, and children at play.

Bert Monterona

Tessie Dichupa, Art Zamora, Danvic Briones create interpretative art. Their work represents the transcendence from or a new exploration of the conventional meaning of their inspired art.

Imelda Cajipe Endaya and Bert Monterona are artists who portray social realism. Their art speaks a message of their concern, whether it is women’s rights, socio-political, or environmental issues.

Imelda Cajipe Endaya

Carlos Esguerra and Lenore RS Lim are masters of print. The former is a minimalist photographer with a touch of Zen, while the latter is a mixed-media artist who uses various techniques for her works.

FMAFBC is committed promote and enhance the public exposure of Filipino artists. Pagtitipon was a successful event that stimulated both artists and audiences alike.

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Note: Photos of JOSE TRINIDAD, ART ZAMORA, and CARLOS ESGUERRA are NOT AVAILABLE. MAGAZINE

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ROMANS 8:31

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On Centre Stage

Limuel Hayag Vilela: A Story of Strength and Hop e

By Joandrea Santiago

Photos Courtesy of Limuel Hayag Vilela Absolutely Filipino

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GLOBAL ADVOCATE OF HOPE

i

t’s a little after midnight in Alberta, Canada when I found myself in a phone conversation with Limuel over the internet. His busy schedule does not permit him the certainty of another opportunity for us to talk. Hence, we went ahead with the interview despite the lateness of the hour. Hopefully, I will be able to do his story justice and bring hope and strength to the hearts and minds of our readers.

Limuel Vilela’s story is not unique in its origin of hardship and poverty. At the young age of 6, he and his three siblings had been totally abandoned by their parents. Imagine the fear and confusion of a child left without an adult, alone, begging for food and without a home.

“Yuon na ang pinaka-mababang punto sa buhay ko,” he tells me in a voice that remembers his pain. Circumstance made it clear to him that education was his only way out. For Limuel, it meant going into different homes as a katulong, a child laborer, anything that would get him fed and sent to school. “Nung highschool at college, hindi ko na iniisip yung hirap na dinaranas ko, I didn’t mind being treated unfairly as long as I could study.”

This attitude and strength of character is what set him apart from the rest.

“Ako ang uukit sa buhay ko.” Hard work, determination, and an engaging personality helped Limuel get good marks, join different organisations, obtain a scholarship in his university, and eventually, graduate as a magna cum laude. He then joined the fast food business where he held different managerial positions in KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) in the Philippines, United Kingdom and Canada. He too excelled in this field and was able to obtain these distinguished awards: 1. Impossible Is Nothing Award – Given by the President of Yum International Canada 2. Top 1 Restaurant General Manager Across Canada 3. World Class Business Operator of the Year Sources: 4. Business Excellence Award • Pagaling, Abel, From an Abandoned Child, to an Angel in 5. Mr. Philippines Canada 2015 (He also bagged the major awards such as the Sky - The Limuel Hayag Vilela Story, Best in Talent, Best in Swimwear, and Best in Formal Wear in the said http://thefilipinochampionsofcanada.blogspot.ca/2015/07/ competition held on September 12, 2015 at Al Green Theatre in Toronto, from-abandoned-child-to-angel-in-sky.html Ontario Canada) • B.A. Productions, Limuel Hayag Vilela’s Story, https://vimeo. com/134337357 HEBREWS 10:19-23

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“ Hindi man ako billionaire ngayon, hindi man ako “

sikat, pero mayaman ako sa hope.

LIMUEL (MR. PHILIPPINES CANADA) WITH THE OTHER PAGEANT WINNERS

“I have a bucket full of KFC.”

Limuel’s dreams didn’t stop there. As a child, he dreamt of being able to fly: to achieve all his dreams, and literally, to become a flight attendant. He tells me that there are no less than 20,000 applicants who strive to become a steward of the sky. Among his lot, Limuel was one of the few Asian hopefuls to qualify for an interview. At the interview, he was asked, “What do you have that the others don’t? Why should we hire you?” He answered, “I have a bucket full of KFC.” Intrigued, the interviewer pressed on, “What do you mean ‘a bucket full of KFC?’” Limuel smiled and said, “I have a bucket full of K-nowledge, F-aith and C-onfidence.” He then impressed the interviewers with his achievements and awards in the fast food industry, which incidentally, or perhaps by fate, had given him just the right tools to qualify for the prestigious job of becoming a flight attendant at WestJet Encore*.

“I will not be where I am today if my parents had not abandoned me.”

I asked Limuel whether there was a person who was the source of his inspiration. He said that there were always the few select people: teachers, relatives, and schoolmates who were essential to his finishing his studies and exposing him

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to experiences that nurtured his growth. He also noted the kontrabidas (antagonists): people who put him down and told him that he could never be successful. He tells me, “Ako ay nagpapasalamat at walang tinatanim na hinanakit sa mga taong ito. The only way to fly higher and greater is if you leave behind unnecessary baggage.”

Nevertheless, Limuel identified that his biggest influence was life itself. The extraordinary hardship that he had to endure was his most brutal and effective teacher. He realised that had he not been abandoned by his parents, he would not be where he is today. And to be able to see the blessing from a curse shows not only the strength of his will and character but also the depth of his faith. “Magtiwala ka lang.”

“I am rich in hope,” Limuel’s message for OFWs and TFWs. A big part of Limuel’s life was working as a temporary foreign worker, and discrimination was one of the many things he had to endure. He had to work twice as hard as everyone else.

In the workplace, he needed to prove himself equal if not better than his Caucasian contemporaries. This, of course, earned the many awards he received, and eventually, a permanent residence in Canada. “Hindi man ako billionaire ngayon, hindi man ako sikat, pero mayaman ako sa hope. Kung nagagawa ko lahat ng ito given my circumstance, what more yung iba na lumaking may suporta ng mga magulang?”

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JAMES 1:2-4

“The more I gave back, the more doors opened up for me.” Limuel despite being a permanent resident of Alberta still flies home to give back and fulfill his advocacy. He is an honoured speaker and guest in schools, and is also active in school programs and fundraisers especially for his high school alma mater, Talipan National High School in Pagbilao, Quezon.

Limuel’s achievements and compelling life story did not go unnoticed. Jerry Caingcoy, the founder of The Filipino Champions of Canada (TFCC), an advocacy group that seeks to inspire and connect Filipinos in Canada, saw that Limuel’s story is a strong source of inspiration for his countrymen now facing the TFW crisis. Limuel’s story was then featured in the organisation, and as news spread quickly in social media, has also been quick to be nominated in the following: 1. The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines TOYM 2015 (nominated by Junior Chamber International) 2. Appointed as Mr Philippines Alberta Canada 3. Nominee Natatanging Anak ng Pagbilao 2015 (Quezon Province Philippines) Despite all these distinctions, Limuel tells me, that his greatest personal achievement is when he brought honour back to his family’s name.

Limuel was only able to catch his father for a few days early this March from his flight back to the Philippines. His father, who had suffered from stage four colon cancer said, “I will die in admiration of you because you chose to be better, brave, and gave honour to your family.” Truly this is something we too must value—giving back to our roots.

We’ve seen merely a glimpse of what this man is about, and have yet to see what other achievements he will garner as he continues his journey. It is my hope that his story has touched you and will inspire you to create the life you want for yourself, and have the belief that you too can do it just as Limuel did.

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Nurses’ Corner

Photo Courtesy of Desi Anne V. Villalobos

Preparing for the NCLEX-RN

By NiĂąa Angela P. Cabasco

E

arly this year, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) replaced the Canadian Registered Nursing Examination (CRNE) as the licensure exam for nurses in Canada (except for Quebec). The National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCSBN) developed the new system in the United States. The examination encompasses eight steps: 1. Apply for licensure with one regulatory body.

2. Register and pay the exam fee to Pearson VUE via the Internet or telephone.

3. Receive Acknowledgement of Receipt of Registration from Pearson VUE by email.

4. The Regulatory body makes you eligible in the Pearson VUE system.

5. Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) email from Pearson VUE. 6. Schedule your exam appointment via the Internet or by telephone.

7. Arrive for the exam appointment and present your acceptable identification.

8. Receive your official results from your regulatory body.

available year-round, unlike with the CRNE which was offered only thrice a year and took 4-6 weeks for candidates to receive their results.

This new format also uses alternate question types besides multiple choice such as hot spots (identifying area on a graphic), fill in the blank, drag and drop (ranking), audio, chart/exhibit, and multiple response. Candidates cannot skip or go back to previous questions.

There are also differences between the question categories and subcategories of the CRNE and NCLEX-RN as shown on the table below.

Under CRNE, tests were done in pen and paper, while NCLEX-RN conducts a computerized examination. The latter makes use of Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) wherein candidates receive questions from a test bank. In this system, questions are generated based on how well the candidate answered preceding questions. Basically, every time a candidate gets an item right, he will get a succeeding question from a higher level. When he gets an item wrong, he will get a question that the computer thinks he will 50% be able to answer correctly.

The candidates answer a minimum of 75 and a maximum of 265 questions. They have up to 6 hours until the computer can determine with 95% confidence that the candidate has passed.

Using the CAT has its advantages such as the exam being

ISAIAH 43:2

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Tips Here are some studying tips and pre-exam advice from passers of the NCLEX: • Take the exam straightway after graduation so that the topics still remain fresh in your memory.

• Use NCLEX practice material or consider purchasing review books to help you prepare.

• Set up a daily schedule and goals for reading a certain amount of pages, or do a certain number of practice questions. This will help you stay focused and on track.

• Try to get some reading done before going to bed, your subconscious can get to work while you are sleeping.

• Instead of an all-out marathon session, staggered, regular study periods are more effective in retaining what you’ve studied.

• Find out your weakest point, and put more attention and time in practicing those.

• Familiarize yourself with the test format so that it will not be so intimidating. Learn as much as you can about NCLEX-RN and what you are to expect.

• Utilize resources from the NCSBN website, they have a video on CAT, sample test questions, and the test plan.

• Familiarize yourself with the test location and your means of traveling there at least a day or two beforehand. It is good to have a prepared schedule so you will not have to stress about it on the day of your test.

Resources ncsbn.org Contains more information on the NCLEX as well as answers to FAQs. The Test Plan and Candidate Bulletin are available for download in both English and French. You can also find out more about CAT here. The NCSBN offers paid review courses at learningext.com. allnurses.com Think of it as a support group. Allnurses is a “socialnetworking site for nurses and nursing students” with articles and forum topics not only about the NCLEX but also about nursing in general. studyguidezone.com The website offers free sets of practice questions and a study guide.

Hurst Review Services You can choose between an online review and a live review in the location of your choice. Hurst also provides a free trial demo.

Kaplan Nursing Like Hurst, Kaplan offers online and live reviews as well as self-paced and the ‘qbank’ wherein you can access an online question bank with comprehensive explanation for every answer.

Canadian NCLEX RN 2015 Mastery This app contains over 1800 practice questions, quizzes, mnemonics and strategies. It also shows you your strengths and weaknesses and has a built-in timer. It's available on iTunes and Google Play.

References: CNSA. “Tips for Nursing Students Preparing to Write the NCLEX-RN.” Canadian Nursing Students’ Association. 2015. Web. Krischke, Megan. “NCLEX to Become Canada’s New Nursing Exam Standard.”

Nursezone. 2012. Web. NCLEX Guide. “25 Nurses Share Their #1 Most Helpful NCLEX Study Tip.” NCLEX Canada Guide. 7 Oct. 2014. Web. NCLEX Guides. “How to Pass the NCLEX.” NCLEX Guides. Web. NCSBN. “2015 NCLEX® Examination Candidate Bulletin.” ncsbn.org. 2015. Web. NCSBN. “NCLEX-RN® Examination Detailed Test Plan for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses Candidate Version.” ncsbn.org. 2012. Web. Nelson, Sioban, Judith McFetridge-Durdle, and Pat Bradley. “CRNE to NCLEX-RN© CASN’s role on the road to 2015.” Nov. 2012.

PowerPoint presentation.

Nevins, Jill. ““Must Have” Tips for Preparing NCLEX-RN Practice Test Questions.” STUDY Magazine. 14 May 2013. Web. Nursity. “5 tips for high-performance NCLEX© preparation.” Nursity. Web.

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Inspirational

rt

by Ms. Joey Albe

“

Joey

“ Tell Me, Dear Readers,

through cancer, after three journeys d an s r th on m w fe e things that matte n the last ink about life... th th to e .. it. tim do of e ty w en I had pl we do and why I don’t... the things ouldn’t... the things and the things that the people that sh d an ... r te on at w m no at m th the people d I won’t do fro things I’ve decide want to do and the ill ral. es in life. Some w and just life in gene about our challeng ns tio s es It’ qu . ve em th ha l We al ays to deal with d but we can find w e and tread forwar never be answered how we get up, ris s it’ y, sa ey th ll, not the fa z celebrity... alive that defines us. teacher and showbi n io h lig re a en be I have e richest of the ric ve mingled with th ha I n .. h. ow at y m de ar ve ne poor. I ha and was the poorest of the ith w d d an se y er pp m ha im and been oments... both ith y own defining m own, sometimes w ups and downs... m challenges of my ed d iv se rv es su bl I . en es be on I have difficult tethered to faith. gin str m e gl fro h sin a uc t m nothing bu ve learned so experiences and ha ore I can share. with so many rich there is so much m at th el fe st ju I ng out to those life... And my way of reachi is * ” ey Jo e, M l “Tel talk to. Sharing ed of someone to ne in be ay m ho beginning of the of you w challenging is the e ar at th es nc rie them. Sometimes life expe and transcending g in m co er ov ds ar to do is talk about steps tow n all we really need he w ve g bi so ok lo s u who feel you ha problem ne. For those of yo eo m e so m e ith rit w w it . e e.. ar m tell it and sh here to listen, just am I , to lk ta to se no one el ail.com. at joeytellme@gm Love always, Joey

i

*patented

ROMANS 15:13

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Photo C ourtesy

of Ms. J

oey Alb

ert

Zest and Flavour

Uniquetake on the Adobo-Pandesal a

Photos and texts by Dwight Simon

a

dobo with pandesal is not your typical comfort food combination. Most people like to have their adobo--preferably with a little bit of sauce--together with a steaming cup of rice. But for me, pandesal with adobo has always been the match made in heaven. In recent years, many Filipino bakeries have caught on with my all-time favorite as well. And I am here to give you a unique take on the adobo-on-pandesal experience that will hopefully make you a convert.

Most people make their adobo with either chicken or pork, or a combination of both. Of course recipes will vary with the region it comes from, but seldom do you hear making adobo from beef. People whom I’ve told that I use beef for my adobo have given me many dirty looks. But this is no doubt before they’ve tasted my delicious recipe.

I ngre d ients Your favourite pandesal!

Adobo - one beef shank, bone in - splash dark mushroom soy sauce - splash vinegar - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 6 cloves of garlic - 1 teaspoon peppercorns - 4 bay leaves Pesto - leaves from 3-4 branches of lemon balm - 1 handful Ilocos chichacorn mix - 1 clove garlic - splash olive oil Egg Absolutely Filipino

Beef Shank Adobo and Poached Egg on Pandesal MAGAZINE

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JEREMIAH 29:11

Step 1: Cook the beef Since beef, our main ingredient, takes the longest to cook we must start with it first. We shall be using a French technique where flavor is built in layers.

First, take some kitchen paper and pat your shank dry.

Heat a big, heavy bottomed pot with a splash of olive oil. When the oil is already hot, set your meat down the pot and turn your heat to above medium. Cook the beef until you see a dark caramelized brown colour, afterwards flip it over to do the other side. When cooked, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.

“Fond” (pronounced as “fahn”) is the French word for “bottom,” and are those brown sticky and tasty bits that are left on the bottom of your pot. This is where the juices of the beef have accumulated and is where we will sauté the onions in low heat until they have caramelized. Follow with your garlic and sauté until you can smell its rich aroma. Then add the bay leaves and sauté as well.

Afterwards, add your soy sauce and reduce by half. Then add the vinegar together with the beef shank you set aside earlier (add the drippings). Finally, add enough water to cover the meat and boil for about three hours or until the meat becomes tender and can be easily detached from the bone.

Take the shank out of the pot and leave on a plate to cool. Take the meat off the bone using your hands, making sure to keep them in big chucks. Push the marrow out of the bone, chop it roughly and add it to the leftover stew. Reduce the stew until it becomes a thick, saucy consistency. Add your deboned meat to the sauce, mix it gently and heat it through. Afterwards, leave the pot on the warm burner while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the pesto Lemon balm is an herb in the mint family that tastes like a combination of lemon zest and mint. It will cut through the rich, fatty saltiness of the adobo. Mix together and grind in a mortar and pestle the lemon balm, Ilocos chichacorn, and garlic. Add a splash of olive oil to loosen it up and work it until you get a smooth paste.

Season the mix with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Poach the egg Poaching an egg takes patience and timing. Have your raw egg (yolk intact) ready in a bowl. Heat up a pot of water until you see small bubbles rising from the bottom. Take a wooden spoon and gently stir the water along the perimeter of the pot.

While the water is moving in a whirlpool motion, pour your egg carefully into the middle. The moving water will shape the outside of the yoke. Leave it as is for 4 to 5 minutes until softly poached.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the egg from the water and make sure to drain the egg well.

about the author Dwight Simon is a food enthusiast and a blogger. He is also a photographer in Vancouver and a nurse by profession. You can reach him at 604-781-5483 or through his email:dwightsimon@gmail.com. You can also visit his blog: dwightsimon. blogspot.ca

Step 4: Stacking your tasty pande-adobo The pandesal will serve as the base, followed by a good helping of adobo, topped with the poached egg and seasoned with your pesto mix. Voila! Bon appétit!

ROMANS 8:38-39

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Travelogue

A Road Trip to

OKANAGAN VALLEY and

Why do Canadians travel for pleasure?

• Rest and Relaxation • Relieve stress • Family and friendship ties • Learning-and-discovery

banff national

park

Texts by Jinkee Porta-Mercurio Photos by Jinkee Mercurio & Marlon Mercurio

Source: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/11-008-x/2009001/article/10850-eng.htm

How to prepare for a long road trip?

• Make a concrete plan for the road trip.

• Have your car checked by your car service provider before going on a trip.

• Research about the places and roads that you are going to visit.

• Make your GPS or maps handy.

• Make sure you have a cash money with you.

• Book hotels or place of stay before the trip.

• Have some food and drinks available all throughout the trip.

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JOSHUA 1:9

Before reaching Kelowna BC, we stopped by at Merrit, BC Visitor Centre.

Ballet performers at the Fat Cat Children’s Festival 2015 in Kelowna BC

Passing by Armstrong, BC

At Kelowna City Park Beach

Park adventure for the kids

At the city of Kelowna.

Beach activity in Kelowna, BC

Leaving Kelowna, BC

Tourists at Lake Louise

Passing by Glacier National Park at Revelstoke, BC

Emerald lake at Yoho National Park near Field, BC

Chilling at Golden, BC

Takakkaw Falls at Yoho National Park near Field, BC

Inside Banff, Alberta

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

PSALM 90:17

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