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LEARNING NEW KNOWLEDGE IS AN ADVANTAGE!
Jean De Jesus Edgar Gutierrez
Kaya Ko; Kaya Mo! SPORTS
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AUGUST 2019 • Volume 12, Number 08
AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
A Pride who Edmontonians can forever be proud of! P31 ►
JOLLIBEE OPENS IN ALBERTA.
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IT’S OUR TURN! Pinoys Mastering Sports COMMUNITY
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Jollibee North America President Ms. Maribeth Dela Cruz presents the One Year of Joy Certificate to Jordan Hayworth who is the 1st person in line. Hayworth set a new record of staying in line for 72 hours waiting for a New Jollibee South Edmonton store to open. Photo by: Nicky Gocuan, PMAA
All Smiles and Laughter at Quality Care Group’s `Summer Saya’ ENTERTAINMENT
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By Nicky Gocuan & Hermo Pagtakhan
Jollibee, the Number 1 fast food chain in the Philippines, opened its first Alberta location last Friday, August 16 at 3803 Calgary Trail in Edmonton. P9, 15 ►
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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AFJ Staff | Editor's Corner | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
LEADERS PRODUCING LEADERS EDITOR’S CORNER Lito Mendoza Velasco
Published by Angeles Publishing Company Inc. 246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2T2 Jose L. Angeles Publisher / Chief Operating Officer Sales & Advertising CP: 780-916-7677 Landline: 780-988-8889 Fax: 780-988-2221 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com Lito Mendoza Velasco Editor-in-Chief / Associate Publisher 780-655-5126 editor@albertafilipinojournal.com Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles Administrator / Office Manager Sales & Advertising 780-993-5503 albertafilipinojournal79@gmail.com Lianne Angeles Proofreader l Contributing Writer Melanie C. Gomez Website / Graphic Designer Photographers/Videographer: Moses Billacura, Noli Granado, Dario Juanillo Angeline Escano Columnists: Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Tito S. Venida Ida Beltran-Lucila, Katrina Marielle U. Cereno Kristian Cereno, Marco Luciano, Moses Billacura Mervin Mendoza Cereno, Nicky Gocuan Giselle General, Riana Torrejon, Hermo Pagtakhan Januel Cedrick Ibasco, Fr. Jhack Diaz Bing J. Jaleco The Alberta Filipino Journal is dedicated in memory of Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros of Winnipeg as she engaged her entire life in service to the Filipino Community. We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.
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anada is a home for people from all over the world. We will find out when and why people chose Canada as their new home. We can conspicuously see how Canada has grown and constantly changed, and how Canadians have reacted to change. We will begin to understand how Canadians have met the challenge of venturing forth and working together. We will also find that Canadians have not always respected the rights of their fellow Canadians. Its history contains examples of control and tolerance, of successes as well as of failures to live up to the ideal of treating each other equally and justly. As we go along, we will notice that our Canadian leaders have always been trying to explain and emphasize diversity and inclusion. As we learn about Canadians’ attitudes and behaviour in the past, we will reflect on their actions. Did they treat others fairly or poorly? Although it is difficult to change what has already happened, it is not too late to learn from the past. Through our Canadian leaders, we have been introduced to the ideas, policies, and points of view about diversity and co-equality as well. Canadian leaders are admirable. Their views can always be reviewed. Their opinions are coupled with options. PROCESS OF FITTING-IN: Adaptation “Nothing fits together without substantial effort.” With our Canadian leaders, we are motivated to examine the ways in which diversity and multiculturalism have been included in policy-making, and how immigration and language
policies have influenced the Canadian way of life and soul. Choosing our Leaders As adopted sons and daughters of Canada, we immigrants must be aware of and understand our rights, privileges, and duties as naturalized citizens. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to live in this beautiful country and be able to call it our own. That is why, we have to dedicate our lives to giving back to the country that has given us so much. When choosing a servant-leader, we have to make sure that he or she is committed to upholding equal rights and privileges afforded to all Canadians, including the right to live in a society that is inclusive. Learn to believe that service to others is our life’s purpose, and that is what should be expected of a servant-leader. He or she should go above and beyond duty to serve the constituents, championing positive politics for positive change. We face many challenges in this day and age, but I firmly believe that no challenge is insurmountable if we charge ahead united and resolute. To lead is to follow, and to be good leaders, we must be good servants. This is what a leader has to offer to his or her constituents. Some Leadership Guidelines: Get the constituents involved in social planning by exercising and promoting the following:
1. Community Consultations. To facilitate series of Community Consultations and listen to your concerns and relentlessly fight for you and your family. Relevant policies, the implementation of programs and initiatives should be born directly out of these consultations. 2. Co-Equality. To protect the rights and privileges of the constituents. This includes working in harmony with Indigenous people and ethnic communities in the riding by cultivating positive and constructive co-existence.
3. Multiculturalism. To consistently preserve the multicultural heritage in his/her riding and provide resources for communities to create new initiatives that celebrate diversity and foster greater inclusiveness. 4. Basic Needs, Jobs, and Sources of Livelihood. To deliver services in accordance with what the constituency needs; fight for a well-paying and sustainable jobs: For instance, farming, tourism, and other sources of economic growth and industry. 5. Family Reunification. To further strengthen the family reunification program. 6. Youth Empowerment. To create career and personal development training initiatives for young people. 7. Health Care and Home Care Facilities. To deliver socializedquality health care for the elderly and building a home for abandoned children, where they will be treated fairly. continued on page 14 ►
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Table of Contents | Opinion | Business
AUGUST 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
What's inside: A reader's guide Editor’s Corner Just Listen Artospective Sports Journal From Migration to Immigration Hindi Dapat Pagtakhan Kaya Ko; Kaya Mo! Jan The Man’s Note Radyo Sa Dyaryo Filipinavigation
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Migrant's Voices From A Vantage Point General Point of View Through a Teenager’s Eyes Community Resource Article Byahe ni Kat Engineer In Action Traveler's Note Make Our Daily Gospel Reading Trending Viewpoint
Give the Premiers their Right to Vote! NICKY GOCUAN, PMAA ngocuan@yahoo.com
As a journalist with over 14 years of experience, I have covered different events from rallies on the street, entertainment and international sports events like the Asian Games. My favorite pastime is singing. I have always believed that life would be boring without music.
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anada, a country with a vast land area and rich diversity has been through many ups and downs. This is a country that has given many immigrants a chance to call it home. As an immigrant in this country we
now call home, we have a responsibility to contribute to its society. Thus, this month’s column will talk about why Canada should consider changing its electoral process. How the Federal Electoral process works is that the Governor
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General summons and appoints 105 Senators on the advice of the Prime Minister. 338 Members of the House of Commons called the Members of Parliament (MPs) are each elected by their electoral district. My column is open to your constructive views so please feel free to send an email to the address noted below. We know this is going to be a sensitive topic so let us dive into how we can help improve this system. As we all know, there are those in Alberta who have been clamouring to separate from Canada. And honestly, why do you think this idea would even make its way into mainstream media? For the simple reason that the people of the province think their voices are not heard by the Federal Government. Why would they even think that way? The reason for this thinking is simple, the Prime Minister of the Country is elected by the winning Party who holds the most number of seats in the House of Commons. Makes sense, right? It does make sense until we try to dissect it. If the Prime Minister is elected by the Party
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who won the Majority of the Seats in the House of Commons, how many of these seats are in one Province? Let us be honest, Canada has a huge land area but a large concentration of the population is in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia then Alberta with Nunavut at number 13. Based on the 2019 Quarter 2 statistics, Ontario currently has 121 Seats in the House of Commons, while Quebec has 48. British Columbia has 42, Alberta has 34 and there is only 1 seat for the 13th province, Nunavut. There is a very clear imbalance. Look at how both Ontario and Quebec are in Eastern Canada. If you add their seats up, 121 plus 48 gives them 169 seats in the House of Commons. In Western Canada, if you combine
the seats for British Columbia and Alberta there are only 76. So what is my point? It is very clear that even if you combine the Biggest Provinces of Western Canada to push forward legislation, they have no chance or at least very little chance to win the votes in the House of Commons against their eastern counterparts. So what do I propose changing in the Federal Electoral System? First let us talk about the Provinces. In each Province there is a Premier, so if there are 13 provinces there are 13 Premiers. If there are 13 then what I would do instead of getting the House of Commons to vote on who will be the Prime Minister? I continued on page 16 ►
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Arts and Culture | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
GT Leo Gaje Jr: Pekiti-Tirsia’s Law of Self-Protection Artospective - an artist’s point of view IDA BELTRAN-LUCILA ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com
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ast month, I wrote about my encounter with celebrity Yeng Constantino. This time around, I had the chance to meet another superstar, Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr. during an intensive camp workshop in Edmonton in the system of Pekiti-Tirsia, last July. Pekiti Tirsia Kali is a style of Filipino martial arts system founded in 1897 by the Tortal family, whose sole heir and guardian is Leo T. Gaje Jr.. As a combat-oriented system, it is the preferred training program by military and law enforcement units, and for Hollywood movies. GT Leo Gaje Jr. instituted this fighting system at the United States upon his move to New York City in 1972. Since then, he has been at the forefront of promoting Filipino martial arts globally. At 81 years old, GT Leo Gaje Jr. is an unassuming man, candid in his conversations. He was even singing karaoke over dinner. But behind that modest demeanour is a formidable spirit, still quick in his footwork and steadfast in his determination. The list of his achievements is mind blowing. He has been conferred: the United
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States Martial Arts Hall of Fame; the Presidential Exemplary Meritorious Award, presented by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; United States Police Association Edgar Hoover Meritorious Award; was named Man of the Year by Black Belt Magazine; and the Martial Arts Super Show First Filipino Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been featured on BBC, Discovery Channel, the History Channel, Game Plan, Comparative Style, Surviving Edge Weapon and other broadcasting and multimedia platform. GT Gaje introduced Filipino martial arts to the New York Police Department and developed a training program on “Safety Baton and Edged Weapon Awareness/Strategic Knife Defense programs – the FIRST Defensive Tactics system based on safety and liability reduction at a time when the accepted methods targeted the vital areas of the body resulting in substantial liability to police officers and departments”. He was subsequently appointed as the National Training Director for the Justice System Training Association and the Technical Advisor for the U.S.
Police Defensive Tactics Association. He is also Senior Advisor to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. It was notable that the participants I encountered in the training camp last July were in majority, consisted of non-Filipinos, who came from different provinces in Canada, and even from the US. Why there are less Filipinos engaged in this indigenous Filipino martial arts form was a bit puzzling. Kudos to Tuhon Herald Casaña who has been tireless in promoting this system. It was admirable on how the participants entrusted themselves to the training - not knowing the schedule as everything was spontaneously dictated by GT Gaje. They found themselves training for hours on end without meal breaks, and early morning wake up calls for another round of intense training. Tim Mercer of Edmonton: “Despite the bruises, blisters, sore muscles, pain and early morning wake up calls I learned valuable skills that will help future my martial arts career. Quite an enjoyable experience and something I look forward to all year.” Mandala Bryan Stoops of New York: “The training was intense and demanding, but only because GT truly wants all participants to develop at peak capacity.
Not only did I train, but because we were in a small group, I had conversations and meals with GT as well. GT wants Kali to flourish and his means to that end is Pekiti Tirsia. He is passionate about helping people develop themselves within PTK. I traveled all the way to Alberta from NYC for my training experience, and it was more than worth it!” Guro Quent Ferdie Roxas of Calgary: “Wilderness training camp with Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje. J.R was everything I expected and more. I was filled with anticipation and nervousness as I have never embarked on an adventure like this on my own before. It was continued on page 15 ►
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Sports | Business
AUGUST 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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CJ Liwanag under coach Jolas, Whitecourt Filipino sportsfest, Crosstown Auto Centre-PSABasketball Camp, 116 players join 3rd Corpus Christi golfest, Co-Ed volleyball in Morinville SPORTS JOURNAL MOSES BILLACURA mo.sports@gmail.com
Moses Billacura was a sports correspondent for national newspapers in the Philippines since 1992 and served as sports editor and columnist for a community paper before moving to Canada in 2010. He loves photography, manages pinoyedmontonnews.com and cheers for the Edmonton Oilers.
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’m really glad to know that CJ Liwanag, our local star in the Philippine Sports Association (PSA) Leagues, got a spot in the Far Eastern University basketball team in the Philippines. His father Francis, a PSA official, said that he is currently trained by the famous Jojo “Jolas” Lastimosa, his strength and conditioning coach. Lastimosa, known as the PBA Jordan in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), now serves as assistant coach at FEU with other famous former PBA players-turned coaches Olsen Racela, Vic Pablo and Johnny Abarrientos. This is a very exciting development. We hope that CJ will grow as a player and adapt the Philippine brand of basketball. He is still very young at 18 and keep praying guys that he will stay healthy and strong because he will see action for the FEU
in the UAAP when the time comes. I mentioned this because another PSA Leaguer, Virlou Orquez was actually the first to go to the Philippines and even suited up for the Adamson University last year, however, he unfortunately suffered an ACL tear. He is well recuperating and we hope we will see him in action soon! Back to CJ. When CJ does very well in the UAAP, he will be an attraction to the PBA team owners. That is the ultimate goal, to play for a professional league in the Philippines. We wish you all the best CJ and the Liwanag family! *** My congratulations to organizers Johnley Camposano and Ken Bardilas for the success of the 2019 Whitecourt Filipino Sportsfest which was supported by Fountain tire, Eagle river Casino,
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Mountain PIzza and Chef Ryan Palisoc. Teams from Spruce Grove, Peace River, Edson, Fox Creek and host Whitecourt took part in the sportsfest organized to promote camaraderie in the Filipino community. The visiting Edson squad played an exhibition game against host Whitecourt in the Under-15 basketball and individual awards were given to Charl Andre Gatchalian, Elriel Andrei Roman, John Charles Quilongquilong, Lexuz Morana and Ethan Gornal as members of the Mythical Five. The Atomic Ravens of Spruce Grove ruled the volleyball event, besting the efforts of the Edson Spikers. The Whitecourt Blue Eagles placed third. Most valuable player honors went to Ivy Severa and the other awardees were Briane Maribbay (best setter), Edelyn Sangalang (best spiker), Erich Cartagena Francisco (best blocker), Jana Bardilas (best scorer) and Rochelle Rendole (best receiver). Host Whitecourt Crusaders topped the men’s basketball event over the Celebrity Knights. Edson Honda landed at third. Whitecourt’s Ralph Anthony Tutaan emerged as MVP. Selected to the Mythical Five were Vince Elcid Cababat (Whitecourt), Justine Loberiza (Celebrity Knights), John Gaces (Edson Honda), J-son Locquiao Elefante (Whitecourt) and Glen Sunga (Edson Honda).
Congratulations mga Kababayan ko and we are looking forward to another successful Filipino sportsfest! ***
The Philippine Sports Association (PSA) in partnership with Crosstown Auto Centre successfully organized continued on page 13 ►
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Immigration Consultancy Services | Opinion
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
Can an Employer apply for LMIA with the recent changes in the Caregiver Program?
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kababayan approached me regarding his sister’s case. She has a valid child caregiver work permit that was obtained with the support of an LMIA. The sister was terminated by the Employer and she found a new Employer who is willing to apply for LMIA. With the recent changes in the new Caregiver Pilot programs, the question is can the Employer apply for LMIA so that the caregiver can extend her status and change her work permit? ESDC’s new guidelines instruct officers to refuse to process certain LMIA applications for caregivers if certain conditions are met. Let us review the new instructions here: Officers MUST NOT process applications for new LMIA-required work permits made by foreign nationals under subparagraph 200 (1) (c) (iii) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) if all of the following criteria apply: - The intended occupation is in National
- The accompanying LMIA application has been received by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) on or after June 18, 2019.
From Migration to Immigration MARJORIE CARMONA NEWMAN info@mcncanadaimmigration.com 780-758-2045
Marjorie Carmona Newman is a REGULATED CANADIAN IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT based in Edmonton, Alberta. She is currently the Prairie Rep in the Lobbying and Governance Committee and previously served as Prairie Chapter representative for the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education committee. A recipient of CAPIC's Service Award for three consecutive years (2015-2018), Marjorie has also been nominated for the 2019 ATB Women Entrepreneurs Award. She is a recipient of the Excellence in Community Service for Edmonton, which was awarded by the Filipino Champions of Canada for her contribution and service to the Filipino community last December 2018.
Occupational Classification (NOC) 4411 (excluding foster parents) or 4412 (excluding housekeepers). - The applicant is outside Canada. - The applicant is making an initial
work permit application (that is, they do not currently hold a valid work permit). - The applicant is destined for a job location outside Quebec.
Based on the above, the caregiver does not meet all of the above criteria as is she applying from within Canada and she currently holds a valid work permit. The Employer is exempt from the refusal to process instructions and therefore, the caregiver can apply for a work permit with a new LMIA under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. I forgot to ask though how many months of Canadian work experience the caregiver has completed. I wanted to assess if she meets the eligibility requirements under the Interim Pathway for Caregivers. The Interim Pathway which was opened for a second time last month will remain open until October 8, 2019. If the caregiver completed 12 months of work experience as a caregiver under the LMIA work permit and meets all
TODAY’S TOPIC: ”BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE” (Seeing God's Blessings even in your perceived Shortcomings, Limitations and Weaknesses.)
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here is a story of a farmer who used an old horse to till his fields. One day, the horse escaped into the hills. When the farmer’s neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” A week later, the horse returned with a herd of horses from the hills. This time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was “Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?” Then when the farmer’s son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone thought this was very bad luck. The farmer’s reaction: “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” Some weeks later, the army marched into the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer’s son with his broken leg, they let him off. Was that Good luck or Bad luck? Who knows? Have you ever felt as though the world was conspiring against you? Have you ever wondered why you have such rotten luck, why nothing you do ever works out, or why you just can’t catch a break? If you feel this way, then you certainly aren’t alone. In fact, there are many people out there who feel exactly as you do. They feel as though the world is out to get them — unable to break the cycle of bad luck that seems to be shadowing them everywhere they go. But what is bad luck really? And is it really as bad as it seems? Bad luck, good luck or anything in between is nothing more than a situation we find ourselves in. This situation is actually neutral by nature. It doesn’t have any bad or good luck associated with it. We instead give each situation meaning as a result of how we interpret the events and circumstances. The meaning you assign to a situation depends on your perspective of that situation and on the short and long-term view you take of that situation. And this of course will vary from person to person. There is nothing good or inherently www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
“I aspire to inspire before I expire! My Talent is God’s Gift to me. What I do with it is my Gift back to God. Yes, I know I am not Perfect. I also know I am a persistent Sinner who is struggling every day to find my Way to Holiness. I VOW to USE my TALENT to be a WITNESS for HIM & to USE IT for HIS GLORY! God bless all!”
HINDI DAPAT PAGTAKHAN
(Unquestionable)
HERMO TORIBIO REYES PAGTAKHAN hermopagtakhanlaw@hotmail.com Cell: (780) 905-9288 Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan of Edmonton, Alberta is a Lawyer who practised for more than 25 years in the Philippines and in Alberta and an Index Options Trader in Wall Street. He is currently a Family Counselor with Arbor Memorial Gardens whom he joined in 2013. In 2005 He had his Epiphany and metamorphosed into a Servant Leader and has since been sharing his Insights and Experiences for the Benefit of those who may need it and whomever may find it useful).
bad about anything that happens to us, we just make it one way or another based on the questions we ask ourselves when we get caught up in that moment. The questions you ask yourself can either lead to self-pity and selfloathing, or they can lead to confidence, excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. It just all depends on the mental attitude you bring to every situation you find yourself in. Steve Jobs once said that: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma,
whatever. Because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart even when it leads you off the well worn path; and that will make all the difference.” In other words, what Steve Jobs means is that you can’t pre-judge events or circumstances because in that moment you have a very limited perspective of what this situation might lead to in the future. What might seem as bad luck right now, may actually turn out to be a blessing in disguise. However, you’re unable to see that at this moment because it’s impossible to connect all the dots looking forward. All the adversity, problems and setbacks you face might not seem
pleasant or fair, but in the long-term — in the bigger scheme of things — isn’t it safe to say that it’s way too early to make that judgment call? Unless you have prophetic powers, then you don’t really know whether or not your circumstances are due to bad luck. Maybe it’s good luck, but you won’t know until days, weeks, months or even years into the future when you look back and connect all the dots. And for that reason it’s important not to jump to quick conclusions about how things are and how they ought to be. And since you don’t know the long-term effects of these situations, it’s therefore important to keep an open mind. In fact, what might appear to be good luck today might turn south very quickly and ruin your life in a few years’ time.You just never know. Have a think about all the seemingly bad things that have happened to you over the years. Looking back at them today, has anything good eventually come from these situations? Also consider all the seemingly good things that happened over the years. Did any of them lead to unfortunate circumstances weeks, months or even years into the future? The lesson in this is to refrain from judging something as being good or bad, because you just never know the chain reaction of events this situation has triggered. Your bad luck may turn good just as easily as your good luck may turn bad. Who really knows? Life is a lot like that. Sometimes it seems like things are going well, and at other times, things seem to be going badly. And we let those things dictate our feelings and our outlook in life. When things are going well, we’re happy and we think God is with us. If they are going badly, we get discouraged and think that God must have abandoned us. We end up being tossed around by our circumstances. But the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4 that he had learned to be content, even happy, in all circumstances. He was happy when things were bad (he was in jail at the time), and he was also happy when things were going well. That’s the great thing about being part of God’s family. We really don’t have to worry about our circumstances, because no matter what, we have hope
the requirements, she may be able to apply under this interim program. If you have questions regarding the above article you may contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com Source: Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulation (IRPR) A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of ICCRC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCICs. in Christ. “We know that in everything, God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). Please don’t forget that whatever trials or suffering we go through should bring us closer to God, make us more compassionate to others, and transform us into better persons. Yes, in everything that happens, there is a reason, there is a mission.
God did not promise us a troublefree journey, but a beautiful destination, and His constant and unfailing presence with us every step of the way." (Fr. Jerry Orbos) Always Remember this: An Obedient Faith in Jesus Christ does not guarantee us a Good Life but rather a PERFECT ETERNITY!"
‘Bad Luck’ may initially seem horrendous, unfair and unbearable but try to look a little deeper, a hidden message may be revealed, you may be saved from something far worse, this bad luck might even be a ‘blessing in disguise’. Trust in God and trust in that orchestrated plan that is already in place for each and every one of us. Trust is a Must! So very true! I am a Living Witness to this! Try looking back at your own life. Look back at the Past Events in your life and "Connect the Dots" so to speak and you will discover that "the bad times in your life put you on a direct path to the very best times in your life". God bless, Folks! (Credits: https://iqdoodle.com/goodbad-luck/; https://www.lifehack.org/ articles/featured/do-you-suffer-frombad-luck.html;
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Community | Business
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Edmonton Breaks All Canadian Records
JOLLIBEE OPENS IN ALBERTA. IT’S OUR TURN! Jordan Haworth was first in line and waited 72 hours to be the first client to be handed the Joy for a Year Certificate. The Certificate was awarded to the first 50 in line. Recipients are entitled to a bucket of Jolly Crispy Chicken per month for a year and Haworth received his award from Jollibee North America’s President, Maribeth De La Cruz. Haworth sets a new record for the longest time a person has waited in line for a Jollibee to open. Not only did Haworth break a record, the 5thJollibee Store to open in Canada also set a new record for successfully serving about 8,000 happy clients on opening day, thus showing that Edmonton welcomed Jollibee with a big bang. One of the clients who lined up on the first day came from as far a Nova Scotia, which is 9 hours by plane. They flew in just to taste the world-famous Chicken Joy and Sweet Spaghetti on opening day which the person dearly missed. If you think it is just hype, then you are wrong. On the second and third day, people continued to line up. Why? There is food that
tastes good and food that inspires obsession. Jollibee is simply a fast food company that has food with both those qualities. Jollibee has a vision to become one of the top 5 largest restaurant chains in the world. This is a feat that cannot be achieved without a very dedicated and hardworking team, led by its Founder and Chairman Tony Tan Caktiong, and De la Cruz who is President of Jollibee North America. “Our Founder has always said Dream Big, [and] that has been his mindset since day one that he opened Jollibee” says Luis Velasco III, VP International Marketing. As the chain progresses in Canada, its goal is to open 100 branches in the country over the next 5 years. For fans who did not find their favorite Jolly Hotdog or Halo Halo on the menu, do not lose hope. “We continue to review our Menu daily,” says Velasco III. Jollibee is more than just a Filipino restaurant. It symbolizes and represents the Philippines and
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continued on page 15 ►
Hermo Omreh Pagtakhan and Nicky Gocuan both of “NOTIFY App” by ProXSmart and of ALBERTA Filipino Journal reporting live on location at Jollibee Edmonton’s Grand Opening pictured here with Ms. Mary Beth Dela Cruz, President Jollibee North America.
Photos by: Nicky Gocuan, Hermo Pagtakhan and Katrina Cereno
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Business
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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Business
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Inspiration | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
Filipinos Success' Stories:
Kaya Ko; Kaya Mo! If I can; You surely can!
Edgar Gutierrez Interviewed by Marianne Rosal Marianne Rosal graduated from the Faculty of Engineering from the University of Alberta. She appreciates a good cup of coffee, and enjoys books, music and traveling in her spare time.
F
ood has always been center-stage in Filipino culture. For Edgar Gutierrez, one of the most celebrated chefs in Edmonton, cooking and food have always been his passion. Having started the popular Mexican eat-out Tres Carnales, he also recently opened the sophisticated Mexican dining restaurant, Rostizado. Edgar, born in the Philippines, went back to his roots when he opened a tambayan-style kainan called Kanto 98 St. Kanto serves a modern twist on Pinoy street food classics like pork barbecue, liempo, as well as Filipino-favorite ulams such as adobo and spaghetti and chicken combo. From balancing three different kitchens, Edgar’s love for cooking can be tasted in every dish he’s created. For a chef, he says, “So many different emotions go through a person when cooking in a restaurant setting. You really have to be in the moment to execute a perfect dish. Team work, adrenaline rush, and of course technique and plating.” This love of food, of course, started at home. “The catalyst I would say was my mom. I was exposed to hotel kitchens at a young age (15) where my mom worked as a banquet captain and learnt from great chefs.” His family’s influence was the starting point of his passion for food. He recalls that, “I’ve always liked food. For as long as I can remember. I always looked forward to eating…but the time I fell in love with cooking was when my grandmother deglazed a pan while making Pata Tim. She
seared the Pata and deglazed with water vinegar and soy sauce. I was blown away for some reason. Been cooking ever since.” Since then, he pursued his passion by taking an apprenticeship program in NAIT’s program for culinary arts. From there on, he ventured into opening his own business, Tres Carnales. To Edgar, the hardships of opening the first restaurant involved logistics, “I would say I struggled with designing the kitchen as I didn’t expect the amount of food I was going to have to cook. Also, learning
the Mexican cooking was very tough.” While Mexican and Filipino cuisine are both influenced by Spanish cuisine, Mexican food uses a lot of sili more so than in Filipino cuisine. Edgar says that, “I can see where we got some of our techniques, like tamales, guisados or cocidos. We use a lot of fermentation, they use a lot of ingredients. We are simpler yet complex. Mexicans can go super complex.” Edgar reconnected with Filipino roots when he started doing arnis. Having to balance three businesses, Edgar uses
exercise, specifically the Filipino martial arts style, arnis, or kali, to work through the stress. When asked if he intends to start a Filipino restaurant eventually, Edgar mentions that he initially had no intention of doing so. “I was a fan of my mom’s cooking, but I was pursuing other cooking techniques. It wasn’t until I started arnis, where I reconnected with Filipino ways of cooking. That’s when I had an idea.” Edgar Gutierrez, the man in three (3) of the most famous kitchens in Edmonton, started his passion for cooking in the kitchen of his Filipino home. He is a model for young kababayans who want to pursue their creative passions, and more than that, he’s putting the Filipino plate in mainstream Edmonton cuisine. While not an easy feat, and definitely a highpressure industry, Edgar gives the following advice to young entrepreneurs on how to deal with failure: I would tell them to get a second job but never ever give up on the passion. Always focus on what got you started in the first place. The second job is to get you out of the hole. Hustle even harder when facing failure. He says that he has no advice to give to his 18 year old self, as he never would have listened. And asked if he had one last meal, that it would have to be, “sinigang na baboy, steamed rice.”
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Opinion | Sports | Business
AUGUST 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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from page 7
JAN THE MAN’S NOTE JANUEL CEDRICK IBASCO Januel Cedrick Ibasco is a proud Filipino-Canadian and is currently a student at the University of Alberta studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Sportsmanship is a big slice of his cake. He is highly-spirited when playing golf, volleyball, and basketball and loves reading, writing and volunteering at church. Jan looks forward to taking up law after his undergraduate degree.
Grocery Stores Slowly Going Bagless
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t was announced earlier this month that Sobeys has a plan in place to remove plastic bags from all their grocery stores in Canada by January 2020. This move will help make a huge difference to our environment not only in terms of reducing waste but also moving towards a greener lifestyle of sustainability. It is important to note that the company will still be providing paper bags but will be pushing for people to bring reusable bags and embrace the movement away from plastic. Moreover, Sobeys will be acquiring other ways to help get rid of plastic in their stores. For example, Sobeys will begin using mesh produce bags in the near future made from recycled water bottles that could be used towards bagging fruits and vegetables. Many people have already been using their reusable bags when grocery shopping for years now, but this move will be towards those who still insist on grabbing a couple
plastic bags at the store only to throw them in the garbage later. (CBC, August, 2019). Little movements like this one made by Sobeys can help many people start to think about their daily habits and make little changes. Examples of these habits include bringing around a metal straw to use for drinks purchased at fast food places or restaurants, turning lights off when not occupying a room/area, walking/biking to our destinations, and reusing water bottles instead of purchasing plastic ones. In doing this, I believe we will help improve the environment around us for many more generations to come.
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SPORTS JOURNAL the two-day Under 15 Basketball Camp, August 17 to 18, at the Saville Centre. PSA president Gary Perpetua was very delighted of turnout and thanked the parents for supporting their event. The PSA has been an awesome partner of Crosstown Auto Centre in the conduct of basketball tournaments for the Filipino community for years now. I was really impressed when Gary said that they now have 60 plus teams joining every year. Crosstown Auto’s entry to the Filipino basketball scene would never be possible without the help, of course, of its dealerprincipal Joe Medina. Kuya Joe, when he has the time, plays in the PSA League too. Congratulations PSA and Crosstown Auto! *** Another successful sports event that happened was the 3rd Corpus Christi Parish Golf Tournament, August 17, at the Leduc Golf Club. Tournament chairman Kuya Joseph Duenas they attracted 116 players this year. The team of Kit Abuan, Jay Abuan, Ferdie Maingat and Fr.Paul Moret emerged as this year’s team champion. Crosstown Auto’s Joe Medina, Avelino Madlangsacay, Amando de Guzman and Rudy Zalazar placed second. The team of Manny Aviles, Dindo Tipon, Zozimo Gabriel and Gerry Sulit landed at third place.
Kuya Joseph thanked the sponsors and players for supporting their tournament that has raised money for the Parish’ Building Fund. Deacon Gem Mella served as this year’s co-chairman. Crissy Ong, who I noticed has been using the social media to keep on promoting the golfest, Joan Kabotoff, Marie Mudry, Gene Mudry, Randy Phililips, Alfred De Sousa, Ardie Korte, Giselle Horne and other volunteers made the tournament very successful because of their help. Kevin Korte won the 50/50 draw and donated the $460 win to the Corpus Christi Parish Building Fund. Thanks Kevin! We are now looking forward
to the 4th edition of the tournament next year! *** On August 25, a Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament is set at the Morinville Leisure Center. Filipino volleyball leagues are usually organized with two divisions, men’s and women’s, but this one-day league would probably be easier to organize because it's Co-Ed. So If you love to play the sport, tell your friends, men and women to form a team and call the organizers. Registration fee is $150 per team and you can contact Dale at (780) 915-3082. *** We are again calling our Kababayans to let us know of your sports events in Alberta so we can include it in our Sports Journal. Email us at mocolumnist@ albertafilipinojournal.com.
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Media Partners
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
RADYO SA DYARYO: Magkatulong Sa Pamamahayag At Pag-Aliw Sa Lipunang Pilipino
Samantala, naabot na rin ng Alberta Filipino Journal ang 94.7 FM-Tala luv’z Radio sa Calgary upang makatuwang na rin sa magkaparehong adhikain. Mapapakinggan tuwing Huwebes sa ganap na ikapito hanggang ika-walo ng gabi.
Sinasaliwan ng musikang sariling atin ang pagtatagni-tagni ng mga Bukas-palad ang Alberta Filipino Journal sa pagtataguyod balitang pang-masa, pagbalangkas sa mga makabuluhang dagdag ng panlipunang pagtututungan upang isaayos ang kaalaman, at makatarungang pagpuna sa mga kamalian. relasyon ng bawat-isa dito sa bansang ating dinayuhan. Ang Tahanan ng OPM-Himig Pinoy-101.7 World FM ay masusubaybayan mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes, 5-6 PM.
Hermo Pagtakhan and Nicky Gocuan of ProXsmart Global Technologies, Inc., DJ Rolan Latorre
DJ Jo-Ann Aguilar, Erin and her father Jess De Leon, DJ Rolan
from page 4
Leaders Producing Leaders 8. Businesses. To strengthen the sustainability of businesses both big and small. 9. Peace and Order. To conduct
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ongoing consultations with various stakeholders in coordination with the law enforcement agencies so as to ensure the safety and security of constituents. 10. Education. To advocate to the provincial government the fast-tracking of the process of accreditation for professionally trained immigrants.
DJ Rolan, Bayani Alcantara of Panciteria De Manila, DJ Jo-Ann
11. Politics. To enhance the level of people’s awareness on political sentiments in his/her jurisdiction. 12. Sports. To create and promote a positive outlook about sportsmanship and co-operation by means of competition. The community that plays together, stays together. 13. Affordable Housing. A family
is the basic unit or institution of society and one of its basic needs. Also important is food, clothing and shelter. We can never make a home without affordable housing. 14. Natural Resources and Environment. We do not inherit this nature or environment from our ancestors; we just borrow it
from our children. This has to be taken care of. More can still be added to these guidelines but that can be done through community consultations. NOTHING FITS TOGETHER WITHOUT SUBSTANTIAL EFFORT.
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Opinion | Business
AUGUST 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Filipinavigation RIANA TORREJON torrejonriana@gmail.com Riana Torrejon is an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta who is a passionate advocate for human rights. In her spare time, she loves to write and sing. She is also the Fundraising and Events Director for the Child Advocacy Society of University of Alberta and a writer for Happy Columns. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of her greatest inspirations.
The Same Night Sky
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want to keep my Filipino language, but it seems to really anger people when I speak it. Earlier this summer, a woman at the train station yelled at me and started to speak Spanish to check if I was Filipino. Upon seeing my confused face, she confirmed the truth and began to scream derogatory remarks. It was nothing I had not heard before as I heard the same selection of phrases like “Go back to your country,” “You don’t belong here,” and “You’ve ruined my day.” Nonetheless, it makes me feel like crying when this happens. I was filled with confusion and frustration as I walked away from the train and decided to take an Uber home. A recurring thought played through my head, “No matter how long I’ve lived in Canada, will I always be the ‘other’?” Most of the time, I forget that I’m Asian. The colour of my skin does not cross my mind and I forget that my hair is jet black. However, experiences like these abruptly take me out of my bubble and remind me that my Filipino heritage stands out to others. It is different from their definition of what a “Canadian” looks like. I am proud to identify as a Canadian and a Filipino immigrant. However, this label is but a part of my identity, a facet to the numerous sides. I wish to put these parts together to become a Filipino-Canadian
immigrant. We each have the responsibility of making this place a home for one another. When my mom first started working in Canada, I was five years old. I used to look up at the night sky, and I became obsessed with astronomy because I realized that my mother could observe the same constellations when she looked skyward. When I look up at the night sky, I am reminded of how small the world we belong in is and I know we are connected. We share so much more than just the night sky. We’re not that far from each other if we choose not to be. Don’t let borders keep you from connecting with those on the other side or to those who have entered yours. I urge and ask us all to share the spaces we’ve been given. I know that a dark history of pain and trauma can lead us to hurt one another, but a wise man named Martin Luther King Jr. once said “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” There are things beyond our control, but please make your next step forward something that spreads light. We often ask for more sunny days in the midst of Edmonton’s rainy weather. With that, let us also ask for more light in the midst of our darker times.
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from page 6
GT Leo Gaje Jr: Pekiti-Tirsia’s... almost like entering or enlisting in the military and getting sent off to boot camp for preparation...Promptly at 6am training started with calisthenic training. I was tired as hell but motivation was all around. 2 hrs would pass till breakfast break. At that time already drenched in sweat. Breakfast was a short hour where we would pick up with Doble Dagga, single stick and firearm retention techniques, all before lunch. I ate and passed out for 20 minutes before the next stage of the day. Double stick and single knife finished off the day shortly after 6. Oh man I was tired. The next day would follow the same routine. This training session was by far an experience that I'll remember. GT even with his hardcore demeanour is a caring man that just wants the very best for his pupils. He wants the torch carriers to be well versed and prepared with his art of Pekiti Tirsia. Perfection is what he demands and for good reason as he is the sole Master carrier of his family's art. I left tired, bruised, fulfilled and grateful to be part of such a great brotherhood of warriors. GT is a great teacher, a legend, and his instructors underneath him are just as passionate. Great leaders produce great leaders and that's why I am a PTK practitioner. Will I do this again? Hell yes!!!” Pekiti Tirsia Kali is a Filipino martial art and self-defense system known for its methodology in the use of and protection against weapons, grounded in the philosophy: We believe in success, not failure. We believe in health, not in sickness. We believe in life, not in death. This is the major artery in the Pekiti Tirsia Kali culture, embedded in the doctrines of survival, discipline, and perfection - values that are not just solely for this martial arts system, but for living a life well-lived. For more information on the Pekiti Tirsia Kali, contact Tuhon Herald Casaña at 780-717-9164, ptkab@telus.net , and https://ptkalberta.webs.com.
from page 9
Jollibee Opens In Alberta... for Filipinos living abroad, it gives one a true taste of home. Jollibee is a national treasure, a source of national pride, very much like Filipino World Boxing Champion Manny Pacquiao. The Filipino fast food chain has been in the Philippines for over 40 years, successfully offering customers great food and service at a great value. After the Jollibee team achieved its dream of becoming the number one fast food chain
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in the Philippines, Chairman Tan Caktiong encouraged his team to dream big and aim to be number one in Asia, which the company has successfully achieved. What makes Jollibee so successful is its hardworking team that strives to go above and beyond expectations. They also follow proven practices and methods that have made them a Fab 50 Company in Asia. “As a way of giving back to the community in North America, we have tied up with the National Boys & Girls Club in US and Canada. It’s a partnership we started two years ago to help give back to the community who has supported us,” says Velasco III. JFC is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant companies with more than 4,500 store in 21 Countries.
To comment on this article, go to https://www.philippineartscouncil. com/blog .
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Community | Philippine Government
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
Kwento’t Litrato – Stories of Filipino Migrant Life in Alberta
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ugust 17 and August 31 marks the official launch of the Kwento’t Litrato - Stories of Filipino Migrant Life in Alberta photo exhibit in Calgary and Edmonton respectively. These events are the culmination of a series of photo workshops that were held in both cities. Jay Zapata, the Vice Chairperson of Migrante and a participating artist, said that “This project aims to extend the organization’s reach and community involvement through more engaging and accessible activities.” In this age of social media, digital photography has become one of the most powerful tools which individuals use to express themselves and keep up with the society they live in. The availability of both these platforms and the presence of the already visually creative minds within the Filipino community gives artists an opportunity to do more in a field that they are interested in. “We are securing another avenue that could bring in more active participation as well as visual materials that could be used to raise the general public's awareness on migrant and social issues,” Zapate says. He adds, “This ultimately helps the organization in gaining the public support it needs to accomplish its goal of enriching migrant lives in Alberta and to contribute to that rich history of migration in the province.” Migrante has a higher capacity to engage in this project. The organization has experience in producing and disseminating different publications which include "Bridging the Gap: The History of Migration in Canada" published last year. That project was supported by the Province of Alberta through the Canada 150 grant.
Likewise, Migrante has the great ability to move this project forward. In Alberta, the organization has chapters in Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary, with over 90 members across Alberta. Imanwel Saturay, a professional photographer and well-rounded artist, is the mentor and facilitator of the workshops. He is also a refugee in the Netherlands. His family was a victim of former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s counterInsurgency program. Arroyo has now been appointed speaker by current president Rodrigo Duterte. “Photography by itself is already one of the most accessible forms of media among the masses in both the online and offline world. Visual storytelling breaks many challenges brought about by language barriers and other time-demanding art forms. Our daily consumption of visual imagery shows undeniable interest in photography and propelled the successes of many image-sharing social media platforms such as Instagram and Flickr. The tools are no longer as restricting as they used to be,” Saturay said. “To great extent, most already own a photography device that we carry around daily - from smartphones, to entry level cameras to more advanced photography equipment”. He added. Saturay does not focus on equipment but rather, on composition and story telling. In his workshops, he talks about how your pictures connect with the people looking at it. He also connected with many migrants and immigrants in the province. “While photography is one of the most accessible mediums of expression,” Saturay
comments, “those who are interested in pursuing a more socially relevant use of the camera and bringing their work to wider audiences are faced with prohibitingly expensive personal cost. As a result, the accessibility is quickly reduced to those with established names, and to those with the luxury of time, network and resources at their disposal: an exclusive and elite club that many struggling migrant and youth workers cannot afford.” There are 175,000 Filipinos residing Alberta, which makes up to 4.3% the province's population (source: Statistics Canada). Many of these are workers of different backgrounds and stories and they have faced challenges, exploitation and injustices similar to many marginalized groups across the globe. By identifying the creatives among this community and giving
them the training, context and tools to use digital photography as a medium of expression, we are giving a voice to a large group of migrant workers not only limited to the Filipino community but to other faces and stories behind the statistics. There are many social, legal and cultural issues that migrant workers experience on a daily basis that need to be discussed and addressed. Building a strong community that encourages participation in tackling these issues can be extremely challenging, especially when there is lack of awareness of such issues that has a direct impact in their lives, and understanding what they can do as a community to address it. In the meantime, inviting and fun projects that explore common interests such as photography is an effective way to jump start participation while these
workshops and exhibitions about migrant life in Alberta are excellent venues for the community to meet. The project is funded and supported by the Province of Alberta’s Community Initiatives Program (CIP). “We can make photography accessible for everyone by providing free and accessible venues for these creatives to meet, learn and work with each other. Migrants, who are often the voiceless, will have a space to tell their stories,” said Jay Zapata. Participants will also acquire invaluable experience of being directly involved in a book publication that will be published in the spring. The Edmonton launch is on the 31st of August and the exhibit will last until September 7 at the Edmonton City Hall.
from page 5
The Provinces are what make up Canada as a whole. Due to the big difference in the number of seats in the House, how does the smaller province put forward legislation with one seat in the House? Definitely a long shot right? With 13 seats, at least the Premier of that Province has an equal fighting chance. What about the House of Commons? I believe that to be fair to the House,
they get 1 voting seat while another voting seat goes to the Senate. So how does that work? The House will vote on who will represent them and the Senate, which will bring it to 15 seats. This way, all the Provinces, along with the House and the Senate get a fair chance. I know there are a lot of better ideas out there so please let me know what you think.
Just Listen propose getting all 13 Premiers, the Leader of the House of Commons and the Senate to cast their votes for who the Prime Minister should be. It might sound odd, but remember, the Premiers are elected by the people of each Province so they clearly can represent them.
Sen. Bong Go checks on SEAG hosting preps
Committee on Sports Chairman and Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go, August 6, at the Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. (pr)
“Magkaisa na tayo bilang bansa at bilang Pilipino,” declared Committee on Sports Chairman and Sen. Christopher ‘Bong’ Go as he led the organizational meeting and briefing for the county’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, August 6, at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City. With the games nearing its opening on November 30, the senate hearing was called to provide updates on the construction and testing of sports facilities, the current sports program and legislative agenda and support provided by the Philippine Sports Commission and the hosting management of the games by the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee. “We are gathered here as one to know where are we now in our preparations. www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
Team Philippines Chef de Mission and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William 'Butch' Ramirez gives his report, August 6, at the Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. (pr)
I believe that our successful hosting will usher in a progressive and new chapter in Philippine sports,” said Sen. Go in his opening speech. Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sen. Francis Tolentino and Sen. Imee Marcos were also present together with Team Philippines Chef de Mission and PSC Chairman William Ramirez, newlyelected Philippine Olympic Committee President Cong. Bambol Tolentino, PHISGOC COO Ramon Suzara and Bases Conversion and Development Authority President Vince Dizon. Ramirez assured the Senate that by the orders of the President, the PSC will be safeguarding the release of funds for the games. “I want to thank the President for all his efforts in this endeavor. The Commission will continue to assist in the country’s hosting of the games by ensuring the
proper and timely processing of funds.” “Our facilities are almost ready. The athletic and aquatic centers, as well as the athlete’s village located at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac are nearing its completion and will be available for usage for our athletes ahead of schedule,” reported Dizon. Meanwhile, Sen. Go is set to have another sit down with Ramirez and Dizon concerning Senate Bill No. 397, seeking to create a ‘National Academy of Sports for High School’ intended to “serve as the premier training center to develop the athletic skills and talents of high school students.” More than 500 events in 56 sports will be played during the biennial meet on November 30 to December 11. (pr)
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Entertainment | Community | Business
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From left: Jojo Lucila of Philippine Arts Council, Manny Arban, Jason Zamora, Ida Lucila of Philippine Arts Council, Editor Lito Velasco, Joshua Zamora and wife Jopay.
2019 Reggaeton co-organizer Manny Arban, the King of Zumba, with visitors from Manila, Jason abd Joshua Zamora, formerly with Manoeuvres, and ex-Sexbomb Dancer Jopay, August 9, at the Max's Restaurant.
Meet and Greet with the Reggaeton’s Organizers and Special Guests at Max’s Resto: The Zamora Brothers and Jopay 2018 Miss Earth Philippines (Fire) Jean de Jesus with Aris Bravo of Bravo Studio, editor Lito Velasco and local crooner Dodo de Guzman at the 2019 Reggaeton Meet and Greet, August 9, at the Max's Restaurant.
Manny Arban awards the Plaques of appreciation to the publisher Mr. Jun Angeles and editor-in-chief Lito Mendoza Velasco of Alberta Filipino Journal as well as to DJ Rolan Latorre of 101.7 World FM - Himig Pinoy.
2018 Miss Earth Philippines (Fire) Jean de Jesus with local Dodo de Guzman at the 2019 Reggaeton Meet and Greet, August 9, at the Max's Restaurant. Photos by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal
Potato Corner will be at the center: A Simple Glimpse
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n the year 1992, the first Potato Corner outlet opened its first location at the SM Megamall in the Philippines. The market response and acceptance were beyond what the founders expected! The amount of reception it got enabled the first store to pay back its capital in just a month. After a year in the business, the first franchise store was opened. Back then, only three of its iconic flavors were served to its customerscheese, barbecue, and chili barbecue, and in 1995, the new Sour Cream and Onion flavor was introduced to the market. Two years later, Potato Corner reached the peak of its sales since its launch date. Five years into the operations,
it opened its 100th store, and its first commissary in the southern region outside of Metro Manila. This signaled Potato Corner’s unstoppable growth. Potato Corner soon expanded its first international operations in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2007 with the mindset of helping out more people to become entrepreneurs. This has grown to more than a hundred stores. In 2010, the company braved the competitive first world markets when it opened its flagship stores in Sta. Anita, Los Angeles and Australia. It was in its 20th year in the operation when Potato Corner experienced store development hypergrowth, more countries now
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offer the World’s Best Flavored Fries. These namely are Panama, Thailand, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Singapore. The brand successfully penetrated
most of the ASEAN market in the past three years. Potato Corner also gained numerous recognitions over the years. It holds the Hall of Fame for the Franchise Excellence Award given by the
Philippine Franchise Association and Department of Trade and Industry. It also won Best Franchise of the Year for three consecutive years, and most recently, bagged the PFA President’s Award, the highest distinction given by the Franchise Excellence body. Potato Corner is truly an iconic brand for kids and kids-at-heart. From a humble goal of the owners to earn money for a mobile phone, now, with an entrepreneurial spirit, we take pride in supporting the local labour markets of numerous countries. We continue to develop and provide jobs to thousands of people worldwide. We are more than excited to bring and serve this new snacking craze to Canadians!
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Community
Drag Show judges Wilma Payne, Marjorie Newman, Jun Angeles, Joanne Aguilar, Faye Sales, Edge Grabador and the crowd enjoy the dance performance.
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
All smiles, laughter at Quality Care Group’s 'Summer Saya' By Moses Billacura
I Quality Care Group's Kris Salumbides enjoy the music with some of the guests and event volunteers.
Donna Mejia, after the hosting role, performs with the band.
DJ Rommel Duco with the PhilippineCanadian Guardian Brothers.
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t was a fun-filled day last August 10 as the Quality Care Group of Companies and its supporters successfully organized “Summer Saya 2019” in Edmonton. Filipino-Albertans from Edmonton and neighboring towns came to join the one-day event that kicked off with Bingo games, followed by the much-awaited Drag Show and a lively performance by the Jess Valdez Switch Band to wind up the night. Quality Care Group in coordination with Benjie Lindo Live Updates came up with a very festive atmosphere for the Filipino community as food were served courtesy of restaurant owners including the famous lechon. The fiesta-like event was graced by MP Kelly McCauley and Filipino community organization leaders from Wetaskiwin, Leduc and Fort Saskatchewan who were welcomed by Quality Care
Group HR manager Wilma Payne. Pinoy Roots Rondalla played the national anthems of the Philippines and Canada. Quality Care Group co-owners and directors Kris Salumbides, Jesse Tallon and Jacob Christian, who surprised and wowed the crowd when they participated in the Drag Show, were very thankful for the support of the community who made the event a huge success. Benjie Lindo, on the other hand, was grateful to all the sponsors, specially the volunteers who helped in the preparation, days before the event. “We are glad that everyone had a great time,” said the Quality Care Group owners who also successfully organized a Family Day last year for the community.
Photos by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal
Bong Novals Group
Benjie Lindo of Benjie Lindo Live Updates with friends from Wetaskiwin.
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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Business
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Business
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
AUGUST 2019 • Volume 12, Number 08
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he recently concluded Edmonton Heritage Festival held over the long weekend of August 3-5, 2019 with more than a hundred countries represented, ranked the Philippine Pavilion in the top five in food sales featuring authentic Filipino dishes. Among the top sellers were the Philippine barbecue on a stick, halo-halo, pancit with a bun and adobo with rice and popular fare for all ages included the Pinoy hot dog and the refreshing gulaman and melon drinks. One of the attractions of the Philippino Pavilion was the cultural presentation of world renowned Karilagan
Philippine Heritage Pavilion in the top Five Among Nations Congratulations COPAA for the well deserved hosting of the Philippine Pavilion that brought numerous accolades from all corners of the world famous Edmonton Heritage Festival 2019 were "Adventures Await."
Dance Society and the Saranay Dance Group with special participation of Saranay Rondalla. Overall, Chairman Jun Angeles and President of the Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta (COPAA) credited the weather as one of the factors that contributed to the success of the Pavilion, not to mention the volunteers that participated in running the three day event. Memen Cochingco chaired the Entertainment, Josie Pallard chaired the Culture and Crafts, Letty Tria chaired the Food Pavilion with Melanie Angeles managing the volunteers.
Group of Physical Therapists from Calgary paid Philippine Pavilion a visit and enjoyed not only the foods but the hospitality of its volunteers. All photos and articles available online. Follow us
Photos by Dario Juanillo and Lito Velasco | Alberta Filipino Journal
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Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
Making it Easy with SPAM
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hen school is back in session, convenient dinners and satisfying snacks are essential for keeping you and your kids happy. SPAM® makes it easy with these yummy recipes to get your family through the week! For full list of recipe ideas visit www. SPAMcanada.com SPAM® Street Taco with Pickled Red Onion and Cabbage Slaw Even the pickiest children will love these fun snacks! They are surprisingly easy to whip up and will keep your kid’s hunger at bay. Cook Time: 30 min
Serving: 4
SPAM® Street Taco with Pickled Red Onion and Cabbage Slaw
For more recipes visit: SPAMcanada.com/Filipino
© 2019 Hormel Foods Corporation
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Ingredients • 8 Flour Tortillas • 2 cans of SPAM® Classic, cut into thin strips • 1/4 cup Pickled Red Onion, prepared • 2 cups Green Cabbage, shredded • 2 cups Red Cabbage, shredded • 2 Tbsp Jalapeno, minced • 1/4 cup Cilantro, minced • 1/3 cup Sour Cream • 1/3 cup Buttermilk • 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar • 3 Tbsp Sugar • 3 Tbsp Lime Juice • 1/2 tsp ground Cumin • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper • 1 clove Garlic, minced • 1/2 tsp Ginger, minced • 2 Tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce • Salt to taste Directions 1. Prepare cabbage slaw by adding green cabbage, red cabbage, cilantro and jalapeño into a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the cilantro, sour cream, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, lime juice, and sugar. Toss the dressing over the cabbage mixture, until all the slaw is evenly coated. Chill until ready to serve on top of tacos. 2. Preheat wok, or griddle over medium high heat, until water tossed onto the pan or griddle sizzles and evaporates. 3. In a bowl, combine the SPAM® Classic strips, seasoning with black pepper, garlic, ginger, and sweet chili sauce. Sauté the seasoned SPAM® on the wok or griddle until the edges have become crispy and is cooked through. 4. Remove and divide amongst tortillas. Top with prepared cabbage slaw, and with a few pickled red onions. Top with additional cilantro for garnish if desired.
SPAM® Spaghetti This is the perfect weeknight dinner for the entire family. This fast and easy meal will spark joy and have everyone asking for seconds! Cook Time: 35 min
Serving: 4
Ingredients • 2 cans of SPAM® Classic, diced • 100 grams Raw Spaghetti • 2 medium Onions, diced • 4 cloves Garlic, minced • 500 grams Tomato Sauce • Parmesan Cheese as needed • Basil leaves as garnish • Garlic bread (optional) Directions 1. Boil spaghetti noodles in salted water and cook according to package directions. 2. In a medium size saucepan, sauté onions and garlic. Add diced SPAM® Classic. Cook for about 10 min. Then add 500 grams of tomato sauce. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Season to taste. 3. Divide cooked pasta into 4 bowls, top with SPAM® tomato sauce mixture. 4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, garnish with basil leaves and serve with garlic bread if desired. About SPAM® One product, endless combinations. For over 80 years, SPAM® has been serving the needs of people who seek quick, delicious meals in more than 40 countries, thanks to its quality, affordability and accessibility. Made of 100 percent pork and ham, SPAM® helps you make flavourful, easy meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
SPAM® Spaghetti
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Religion | Business
AUGUST 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
A Matter of Choice
Part I OUR TEXT "His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew 25:23 INTRODUCTION The term "Hobson's Choice" crept into the English language in the late seventeenth century. Thomas Hobson was then a liveryman in Cambridge, England. And, according to his established policy, every customer who came to his stables to rent a horse was required to take the horse that stood nearest the door. The customer had no option. It was the horse nearest the door or no horse at all. The "Parable of the Talents" in today's text gives us a "Hobson's Choice." If we want to experience the abundant life that the Lord Jesus Christ offers us and if we want to grow into the uniquely beautiful person God created us to be, we must accept the Cross the Lord Jesus Christ offers us. It's a "Hobson's Choice" in that there is no alternative. If we want to enter into the joy of the Lord, we have no options. "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:27). In the matter of crosses, the
From a Vantage Point TITO S.VENIDA
Tito S. Venida is a product of the University of the Philippines. He used to be a student-leader during his college days and became one of the founders of the Tau Gamna Phi, one of the world leading Philippine-produced fraternities. His immensurable love for the human race has brought him to the conviction of translating his mission from fraternity into Divinity--from a mere brotherhood into sainthood. Tito authored a book entitled Quocunque Jeceris Stabit, which means, wherever you throw, it will stand.
Lord Jesus Christ deals with us individually. When you come to Him in search of the peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27) "that your joy may be full" (1 John 1:4), you will discover, "standing next to the door," so to speak, the cross that has been fashioned for your life and no one else's. If you want to experience the abundant life that is available to you, then you must take up that cross. That means you must be willing to take your whole life--your individual and unique life--and invest it in the Lord's service. In today's Lesson, the Lord Jesus
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Christ tells the story of a man who entrusts various sums of money to his servants before going on a journey. When he returns from his trip, he asks the servants to give an accounting of how they invested the money so that he can reward them according to their earnings. The first servant invested all he had been given and so he was able to return double the amount of his master. The master says, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the lord."
Part II DEVELOPING A SERVANT'S HEART IS A MATTER OF CHOICE Matthew 25:23 If you are truly striving to serve God you must choose to develop a servant's heart. I think, as a Christian, we all want to be faithful servants. Remember what our text says: "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the lord." How do we develop a servant’s heart? In Joshua 24:15 it is written: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." But, we will not concentrate on Joshua in today's Lesson because I would like to share with you a comparatively unknown servant of the Lord. Let's look at 2 Chronicles 17:16: "And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself unto the Lord, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor." Why is one’s service that which often “makes” his/her reputation?
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What is there about the way we serve that opens up our hearts and allows others to look inside of us? Is “service” REALLY an important litmus test of one’s Christianity? In 2 Chronicles 17:16 we are introduced to a man whose work has “made” him beloved and known by all who study the Scriptures. The context of our study is in discussing the reign of king Jehoshaphat of Judah, who was very religious (2 Chronicles 17:3,4). The blemish in Jehoshaphat’s tenure as king was his continued fellowship with those brethren who had forsaken God’s commands (cf. 1 Kings 22). He instituted a system of public instruction of the Law so that all would know, understand, and obey God’s commands. The King established courts of justice throughout Judah. During Jehoshaphat’s reign a vast army was maintained to defend the nation. In Jehoshaphat’s army there was a soldier who was distinctive; he stood out. His name was “Amasiah.” This is the only time in Scripture that he is mentioned. We know nothing further concerning him, his family, or his future. However he leaves a lasting memory of one who was willing to offer himself to the Lord’s service. We do not know what he did to be remembered with such a striking epitaph, but what a marvellous compliment! To be continued…
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Points of View | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
The Ethics of our Shopping Decisions GENERAL POINT OF VIEW GISELLE GENERAL
gqgeneral@gmail.com
Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region on the Benguet province, and immigrated to Canada as a teenager in 2007. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, she now dedicates her business training to the nonprofit sector, both in employed and volunteer capacities. She works at the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, which provides free legal help to low-income Edmontonians. She channels her creativity by writing in her personal blog, General Point of View, and has recently published a book of her poems and artwork titled The Humanity of Me.
F
or quite a long time, my impression is that buying the items we need is influenced by what is available and convenient. In a small village or town, this is relatively easy: go to the market to buy food, to the one-and-only dry goods store for various items, and borrowing larger tools and equipment from neighbours and family members is more common. Now, the world has become more interconnected and a wider range of products and services are readily available. There is more information about who, where, and how these products are made. This simultaneously gives a sense of empowerment, being overwhelmed, as well as entitlement for us, the consumers.
The first time I heard a piece of advice that dictated shopping decisions, I was in elementary school in the Philippines. “Tangkilikin natin ang sariling atin” (let’s patronize our own products). It was an attempt to not be too enamoured by so-called “Stateside” products and to instead take pride in what is locally made. As a migrant though, this complicates things a little bit. I was Grade 12 in Ontario, where in our Religion Class, we watched a few documentaries about abusive practices of large companies and manufacturers. We learned how cosmetics and fashion products, made in sweatshops and inhumane environments cause employees to fall ill, or kill themselves because the mental toll is too much. My
young mind grappled with the horror I felt at realizing that many farmers who produce the ingredients of the food we eat get paid very little, and I tried to understand the definition of ‘ethical purchases’ in my first-ever research report. As an adult with my own income, and a better sense of my wants, needs, and preferences, I am faced with being empowered, and I am also a bit overwhelmed, on where and how to allocate my spending dollars. Is it better to buy a product imported from the Philippines, or buy a product made by a local businessowner in the city who may not necessarily be Filipino, in order to help the local economy? Or should I buy a local product from a fellow Filipino, even if it costs a bit more and the location is not convenient from where I live? Is it better to save money by going to wholesale stores like Costco, or add a fitness routine in our lives by taking a 15 minute walk every week to go to the farmers’ market? There is the appeal of buying things in bulk to save trips, and at the same time,
using up all of these items before its expiration date is also important. Is buying or re-using the better way to go? For a while, I got really into buying multiple sets of beddings, such as pillowcases, duvet covers,
and bedskirts, simply because I knew someone who worked in a bedding store. A few years ago, ever since I moved in with my partner, we have two bedsheets that we alternate
every time we wash the other one. But every single pillowcase, throw blanket and the master bedroom blanket are all made from old pieces of clothing patched together. These do-it-yourself quilts and pillows are all over our house. It saved us hundreds of dollars. I felt good about saving the environment by not buying anything new, and we have items with a design that can’t be bought from a store. Back in university, I learned about social enterprises. These are businesses that aim to hit two birds with one stone, to both make a profit, and to incorporate a social cause to make a difference in the community. A simple example would be a shoe company that said ‘for every pair of shoes you buy, another goes to a child in need.’ These extended my range of companies to buy from. Is supporting them better compared to just straight up making a charitable donation? How, where and what we buy impacts so many people, places and communities in ways that we can’t even completely comprehend. I hope that we all take the time to understand this, so that we can make a positive difference, or at least cause less harm.
Through a Teenager’s Eyes KRISTIAN CERENO Kristian Cereno is a Grade 9 Student of St. Mark’s Catholic School in Edmonton. His hobbies include writing poems, composing songs, and playing volleyball. In the long run, he hopes to learn to play hockey the Canadian way.
Malamig ang Gabi Malamig ang gabi kapag wala ka sa aking tabi. Sinlamig din ng pusong wala ng pag-ibig. Isa na ring damdaming kulang sa kilig. Ikaw pa naman sana ang kumot at unan ko pati na rin banig.
Malamig ang hangin. Tila nagbabadya na kailangan kang talaga. Subalit aking sinisinta, nasaan ka na nga ba? Ewan ko ba, mata ko’y pikit ngunit sa isip ko’y laging nakadikit, mga ngiti at mata mong ubod ng rikit.
Ako’y nanlalata kapag di ka makita. Patuloy kang hahanapin kahit paa ko’y tila baga may tanikala. Ngiti mo na lamang ang tangi kong paglaya.
Malamig ang gabi. Kelan ba iinit? Kelan ka babalik upang muling maging buo at ganap ang puso kong nabiyak? Wala na bang silbi mga pangarap nating binuo o hinabi? Magkaganun pa man, uunawain ko, na ang kabiguan ay isang baytang upang tunay mong kapalit ay aking makamit.
Binihag nga yata ako ng damdaming salat sa pang-unawa. Kung kaya naman utak ko’y manhid kapag di ka nakikita. Okay lang naman sana na puso ko’y siyang nagdurusa; ipipinid ko na lamang ang luha ko sa aking unan, kumot, at kama. Ang di ko lang maatim, ang makitang mata mo’y makulimlim; sa kadahilang pagmamahal mo’y sinlamig ng gabi at puno ng nyibe. Dama ko ang hapdi gayundin ang kirot, malamig na hangin sa laman ko’y nanunuot.
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Malamig ang gabi. Hindi ko naman ito isinasaisantabi. Subalit alam ko rin naman na mayaroong bukas upang init ng araw ay siya ring mangibabaw. Mulat ang isip ko na ang mabuhay sa mundo g ibabaw, ay batbat ng suliranin at solusyon din naman. Bubuksan ko ang bukas at sarahan ang lumipas. Lalo na kung ito’y batbat ng lambong sa isip at mga pasakit. Ang init ng paninindigan at desisyon lang pala ang tunay na pambawi. Taglay ko na ngayon ang bagong kumot at unan ko. Tunay na papawi sa malamig na gabi.
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Points of View | Travel | Business
AUGUST 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Resources on Gardening and Nature By Giselle General
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e now live in a location with four distinct seasons, where the natural environment changes drastically and it is evident in the temperature as well as the plants and animals around us. Celebrating the warmer weather and making the most of the limited gardening season is a passion for many. It is valuable to be knowledgeable about best practices to make sure that we contribute positively in the care of the natural environment in our area, whether right in our front or backyard, or in public spaces. Here are some resources or programs on gardening and nature in our city, On Learning about Natural Areas in The City 1. North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society: The North
Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society is the voice of Edmonton’s river valley and those seeking to preserve it for future generations. They have volunteer opportunities and projects where they help advocate for the preservation of the River Valley, and they have a newsletter
lists all the different shrubs, flowers and trees that you can see in the natural areas of the city, complete with the scientific name, descriptive details of the plant parts, and measurements. You can get one as a thank you gift for volunteering for events hosted by Root for Trees.
that anyone can subscribe to. Their Facebook page is: www.facebook. com/NSRVCS/ and the website is www.edmontonrivervalley.org. 2. A Pocket Naturalist Guide: Edmonton Trees, Shrubs, and Wildflowers: This multi-panel, durable, colorful brochure
On Weeds, Invasive Plants, and Plant Alternatives 1. Invasive Species, A Guide for Alberta: This website contains a comprehensive list of different species of plants and fungi to watch out for. When these plants or fungi grow in large numbers, they can cause harm towards the native plants in our area. The weblink is: www.abinvasives.ca 2. Noxious Weeds, City of Edmonton Resource: This dedicated webpage has resources that explain why managing and limiting weeds is important. There are mechanisms to report the infestation of weeds in both private and public
Byahe ni Kat KATRINA MARIELLE U. CERENO
Katrina is a senior high student at St. Francis Xavier High School. She enjoys the beauty of art and creativity. At her young age, she wants to share her travel experiences with others.
Bohol: A Place of Hope
B
ohol, Philippines is an island province in the Central Visayan region. Aside from the significant island itself, it is surrounded by 75 minor islands. Every discovered island possesses its unique beauty of nature as well as the locals. Bohol is exceptionally popular because it is where the infamous Chocolate Hills are located. But by the time that you will be able to explore the province, it is not just the hills, not just the tarsiers but also the hope and the earnest desire of the local people to preserve and save our humble home, the Earth. You will be able to witness that despite the endangered tarsiers are in Bohol, the locals try eagerly seek their own creative and optimistic ways to properly take care of them. Not just the tarsiers but also the other living things out there. In Bohol, you will feel very welcomed and belonged because the people are very accommodating and fun to be with – shout out to our kuya tourist guide. The beaches are very
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initiative believes that those who make their yards beautiful at any time of the year deserves recognition, and there are special categories for other spaces like apartment balconies. The website is https://www.edmonton. ca/programs_services/landscaping_ gardening/front-yards-in-bloom.aspx 2. Root for Trees: Root for Trees is an initiative by the city that helps facilitate tree planting activities. Group tree planting can serve as an incredible team building activity for any group, and businesses, community organizations and individual residents can ask for help to set up a session. The annual target of this initiative is to plant an additional 45,000 trees. The website for more information is www.rootfortrees.ca. While this is no way an exhaustive list, the goal is to encourage seeking information and assistance for any type of challenge, no matter how big or small, whether common or not. For any readers who are not directly served by the area where the outlined programs are listed, it is likely that equivalents are available by searching the topic and adding the name of your location.
property, as well as tips on making sure that you don’t unintentionally spread seeds from weeds while enjoying the outdoors. The weblink is: www. Edmonton.ca/weeds 3. Edmonton Native Plant Society: This group is passionate about identifying different plant species spotted all over the city. They have a webpage as well as a very active Facebook page where enthusiastic members post photos and have meaningful discussions. The weblink is: www. edmontonnaturalizationgroup.org. On Encouraging Gardening and Beautification 1. Front Yards in Bloom: Front Yards in Bloom has a nomination process for the summer season, and also during the winter season. Any home that gets nominated as having an attractive front yard will receive a bright yellow outdoor sign that indicates that the home is nominated by someone. This
wonderful and well maintained. There is one remarkable thing that amazed me the most, the man made forest on our way to our hotel. I appreciate it because it allows you a very comforting feeling. You will see how they put their hearts and cooperative efforts to make an admirable man made forest. It seems absolutely natural to me, you won't even think it was just artificially produced! This work made me realize everyone could make a step to save our dying planet, no matter who you are as long as you put your heart thereon. That is what I felt when I saw the forest. Bohol is one of the place to witness the natural beauty of the country. I chose to write an article about this place because this could inspire us that we still have hope to save our planet. Bohol inspired me so much. I am hoping that by the time you will read this article and by the time that you will get the opportunity to explore the lovely island, the local people in Bohol will inspire you their inner desires to a greener planet and a hopeful home.
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Education | Philippine News
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
The APEGA 22 Key Competency & Indicators for CBA Applications – Part 4 ENGINEER IN ACTION MERVIN MENDOZA CERENO mmcereno@gmail.com
Mervin Cereno is a Filipino Engineer, Academician and Entrepreneur who chose to migrate to Canada. He is working on his research to complete his Master’s Degree from the University of Alberta. Presently, he is working on his Canadian Professional Experience to eventually earn his Professional Engineering Status in the Province of Alberta soon. For more advice on a specific case in pursuing your application – please contact me at cereno@ ualberta.ca or mmcereno@gmail.com.
T
his is the fourth of several in a series of writing that provides examples on how to complete your experience requirements in applying for your APEGA licensure requirement. The examples presented here are based on my personal experience and are not necessarily the same as yours. This will serve only as guide and is not to be taken as a “copy and paste” approach. For those who will write their Experience Records, I recommend that you start and follow the examples below. The previous competencies examples can be found on the Alberta Filipino Journal website under the Education Section: (http://www. albertafilipinojournal.com/category/ living/education/). This will complete the 22 Key Competencies in the succeeding issues of the Alberta Filipino Journal. The complete competency category
can be found on the APEGA website.
understand the impact of missed details after Issue for Tender Drawings are sent to client. I have experienced that a change in the Mechanical Equipment will impact the design of supporting structure because of the variance in weights and dimensions. During the shop drawing reviews – these items must be highlighted and provided a win-win solution between my department and the Mechanical Department that would not affect the cost of the structure. Any change will have a domino effect, and this must be considered with due diligence in resolving the issue. If the change is inevitable, then the most cost-effective approach must be done. In this case, the mechanical equipment used was changed to fit the structure but it was still a more cost effective solution rather than changing the supporting structures. I recorded the situation as a lesson learned and a reminder to have consistent coordination with other disciplines so that this situation would not happen again in the future.
Competency Category 3 – Project and Financial Management 3.1 Project Management Principles • Awareness of resource planning, budgeting, change management, scope management, scheduling, and unforeseen issues in managing a project from start to end • Understand the impacts that benefits and risks of various design solutions have on a project • Understand the needs and expectations of internal and external clients
3.2 Finances & Budget Understand financial aspects of work • Demonstrate cognizance of project budget during design and construction • Provide technical and financial reporting and compare the options • Demonstrate the understanding of the place of finance in business decisions • Understand principles of budgeting and financing • Understand the relevant business processes • Demonstrate an understanding of working with and developing contracts
Example: During the implementation of the projects that I designed, Requests for Information (RFIs) were sent by either the contractor or the client. Additional information is required on some items that are not captured in detail in the construction drawings. I personally
Example: In the design process, I make sure that the total man-hours allotted for myself during the actual design analysis and the man-hours allotted for the structural designer must be followed. Awareness of the budgeted man-hours for each task
Here is a comment from a Psychologist regarding the State of Philippines The difference between the poor and rich nations is not the age of the nation. This can be demonstrated by countries like India and Egypt, which are more than 2000 years old and are still poor countries. On the other hand, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, which 150 years back were insignificant, are developed and rich countries today. The difference between a poor and rich nation does not also depend on the available natural resources. Japan has limited territory, is
80% mountainous and unsuitable for agriculture or farming, but comes second in the world’s economy. The country is like an immense floating factory, importing raw material from the whole world and exporting manufactured products. The second example is Switzerland; it does not grow cocoa but produces the best chocolates in the world. In her small territory, she rears animals and cultivates the land for only four months in a year and nevertheless manufactures the best milk products. It is a small country with
and the delivery of agreed deliverables must be near to reality during project design implementations. I made sure that the team is aware of the man-hours and budget. However, my experience in most cases is that possible design revisions are inevitable – during these instances, I have to raise the concern to my superior and record a justification for a possible change order request. In my actual design, I have to understand the technical feasibility of choosing a screw pile foundation vs a concrete pile foundation. In one of our projects where the supply of concrete mix is challenging due to its location and access, I came to the conclusion that the use of a screw pile is a better option. Though, the cost of money sometimes can be a trade-off with time. My understanding of this situation will demonstrate my knowledge of this competency.
Competency Category 4 – Team Effectiveness 4.1 Resolve Differences Work to resolve differences • Demonstrate leadership in achieving team goals and resolving conflict • Work to facilitate beneficial conflict resolution • Exposure to training in conflict resolution Example: In a Consulting Firm environment, I am dealing with different disciplines. As structural engineer in training, I have to fully coordinate with Electrical, Mechanical and Civil during the design phase. Conflicts between schedules, deliverable commitments and some personal matters are threats to our effectiveness as a team. I experienced a situation in which a miscommunicated location of a manhole for an underground cistern was not reflected properly in the construction drawings. The item was missed
Competency Category 5 – Professionalism 5.1 Professional Accountability Demonstrate awareness of professional accountability • Apply professional ethics in meeting corporate directives • Awareness of limitations by asking for help as appropriate • Awareness of situations that could be a conflict of interest and to manage such situations appropriately • Awareness of the potential professional liability involved in all aspects of the design, construction, and inspection process • Understanding and awareness of appropriate use of stamp and seal • Understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses and know how they apply to one's position Example: I am not yet a Professional Engineer, so I do not have the stamp and seal that comes with the title. But being an Engineer-in-Training, I know the responsibility of a Professional Engineer. I am fully aware that the use of Title by a Professional Engineer works side by side with professional liability. As an Engineer-in-Training, my work is being checked, corrected and commented on by my P. Eng. and I take full responsibility for all the mistakes I commit. I am aware that mistakes can be avoided if I continually practice due diligence in my work. To be Continued
Quezon LGUs urged to help lower dengue cases
an image of security, renowned for the world’s most secure bank. Executives from rich countries who interact with their counterparts from poor countries show no significant intellectual differences. The racial or colour factors also do not evince importance: migrants heavy in laziness in their country of origin are forcefully productive in rich European countries. What then is the difference? continued on page 31 ►
LUCENA CITY, Quezon -- Quezon Governor Danilo Suarez on Thursday rallied the support of the mayors of 39 towns and two cities to address the rising dengue incidence, stressing the need to strengthen the health sector in the province. “This concern is rather serious, so kung maaari lang sa ating mga minamahal na punong-bayan (to our dear mayors), I’ll ask my Office of the Governor to coordinate the issue, cases in your respective municipality and city and I want a drastic reduction. Sana bumaba tayo (I hope it will decline) from this www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
by a person who previously resigned from the company. The situation was resolved through proper documentation and coordination among team members. I personally value the initiative between team members of not letting issues sit without somebody trying to resolve it.
month up to the end of December,” he said. According to Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), Quezon province recorded 3,623 dengue cases with 12 deaths from Jan. 1 to Aug. 6 this year, up by 19.63 percent during the same period last year. Suarez tasked concerned provincial government offices to intensify the Department of Health’s (DOH) enhanced 4S strategy involving Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites; Self-protection measures; Seek early consultation; and Support fogging/spraying. (PNA)
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Preserve Your Glamour With Skin Lueur
W COPAA Volunteers
Appreciation Picnic After the success of the Philippine Heritage Pavillion and blockbuster participation at the Edmonton Heritage Days Festival, President of COPAA Jun Angeles invited all volunteers and participants to a picnic at the Emily Murphy Park on Friday, August 9, 2019 for a get together and fanfare. Music and food were provided to the delight of the crowd.
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hy choose Skin Lueur? We are a local business that prides itself on delivering the best services using the best equipment and professionals for our clients. Coming to us for your skincare needs is an investment, but a worthwhile investment with noticeable results. Before we decide to invest in a machine, we do meticulous and detailed research in order to determine that it delivers the results it promises. Our medicated products are locally-made and Health Canada approved to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our clients.We strive to provide the best treatments and products tailored to each of our individual clients. We don’t blindly prescribe treatments and products to our clients but we take the time to properly asses their skin. We at Skin Lueur also value the saying that “Beautiful skin comes from trained professionals,” because it’s true. Not only do we have top-of-the-line machines, but we also have trained professionals operating them. Our many services are conducted by professionals with years of experience as well
as proper training. Dra. Chum is a certified Medical doctor in the Philippines and has acquired and continues to acquire knowledge of the latest skincare needs. She is also certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Our micro blading artist also comes with years of experience, starting out as a tattoo artist in the 70s, so we are confident in satisfying our customers with beautiful results. The same goes for our licensed massage therapist and aesthetician; both have years of experience in their respective areas so our clients are in good hands. Finally, both of our secretaries are university graduates, certified and trained by professionals to operate our machines properly and professionally to ensure our clients’ trust. Here at Skin Lueur, we have many loyal clients who trust us to deliver results. Why waste money on gimmicky products and cheap services when you have professionals confident in delivering results? With our logo comes the saying: “Professional Skincare solutions with proven results.”
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Traveler's Note | Religion | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
Diary of a Filipino kid in Germany visiting Alberta
Make Our Daily Gospel Reading Trending
By Janka Beltran Nicolas
Tuesday, August 13, 2019 I flew with my mother from our hometown Erlangen, Germany to Edmonton, Canada to visit my aunt, uncle, and cousins since we don’t get to see each other often. It is my second time in Canada but the first time was three years ago and we were only there for ten days. This time, I am staying one week longer, and it is my first time here as a teenager. I was excited. My aunt and cousins had made plans, and I was simply looking forward to many surprises. I’ve been here for almost two weeks and the experience and what I’ve learned have been more than what I had expected. Not only did I go around the city, but we also saw magnificent mountains and lakes. We also went to the Heritage Festival and was amazed at how big it was, and by the large number of countries represented in the community. I noticed that people here are quite open to various cultures, are very, very friendly, and are not afraid to reveal their own personalities. Through all this, I got to know more about my family, my own Filipino heritage, and also about myself. More importantly, as a “foreigner” or migrant growing up in Germany, I learned to accept and be proud of my own uniqueness. I am flying back to Germany this Saturday with brand new experiences and realizations that I will never forget. For this, I am more than grateful to my aunt, uncle, cousins, and also to other people I have met or encountered. This short trip has been a one-of-a-kind experience. I definitely look forward to coming back. About Janka: Janka Beltran Nicolas is 13 years old and was born to Filipino parents in the US. The family moved to Germany when she was only ten months old and she has grown up there since. She dances ballet and loves hiking, climbing, skating, and dancing.
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Like it and share it! FR. JHACK DIAZ Rev. Fr. Raldy "jhack" Diaz is the first Filipino priest ordained in the Diocese of St. Paul Alberta. He is currently the Pastor of St. Jean de Brebeuf Parish, Mallaig, Alberta.
The Miracle of Generosity
T
Matthew 14:13-21
he small offering of food fed the crowd. This is a miracle of generosity. “Give them some food yourselves.” Friends, we can meet the needs of the hungry by sharing with them what we have. There is so much hunger and poverty around us, not because of scarcity but due to lack of generosity. Our compassion to the needy must be shown through our acts of mercy. Compassion without action is like a body without a soul. Today’s gospel is reminding us that where there is love there is always a miracle. Folks, if you want to see a miracle, BE THE MIRACLE. We have a God who always provides more than what we need. God always satiates and satisfies us. Folks, God will not be outdone in His generosity. He is always trying to give the best to us but sometimes our hands are too full to receive them. By the way, we do not have to be rich to be generous. No one has ever become poor by giving. Be altruistic. Stop being egotistic! Blessings Fr. Jhack
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Inspiration | Politics | Business
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JEAN DE JESUS:
A Pride who Edmontonians can forever be proud of! At the Fund Raising Event at Manila Grill on August 11, 2019 for Jean de Jesus to represent Edmonton in the upcoming competition in her quest for the Crown as Miss Universe Canada in Toronto.
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ever stop getting to know Jean and that would surely make her a winner—a real time and life’s winner. A winner, in reality, can’t take all. There’s just a time—a perfect time to claim the gain. Continue to discover where she came from and what she still deserves to gain in the future. Pageant is just a means to an end. It is not the end itself. There is still life, a better life for Jean after that pageant. Continue to read her qualifications, stories, and visions.
L-R DJ Rolan of Himig Pinoy , AFJ Editor Lito Velasco, Miss Jean de Jesus, DJ Jo-Ann Aguilar, and AFJ Publisher Jun Angeles.
from page 26
Here is a comment from a Psychologist... The difference is the attitude of the people, moulded for many years by education and culture. When we analyse the conduct of the people from rich and developed countries, it is observed that a majority abide by the following principles of life: 1. Ethics, as basic principles. 2. Integrity. 3. Responsibility. 4. The respect for Laws and Regulations. 5. The respect from a majority of citizens by right. 6. The love for work. 7. The effort to save and invest. 8. The will to be productive. 9. Punctuality. In the poor countries, a small minority follow these basic principles in their daily life. We are not poor because we lack natural resources or because nature was cruel towards us. We are poor because we lack attitude. We lack the will to follow and teach these principles of working practiced by rich and developed societies. WE ARE IN THIS STATE BECAUSE WE WANT TO HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OVER EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE. WE ARE IN THIS STATE BECAUSE WE SEE SOMETHING DONE WRONG AND SAY - “LET IT BE”. WE SHOULD HAVE A SPIRITED MEMORY AND ATTITUDE. ONLY THEN WILL WE BE ABLE TO CHANGE OUR PRESENT STATE. If you do not pay attention to this message, nothing is going to happen to you. Your prized animal is not going to die, you won’t be sacked from your job, you won’t be have luck for seven years, nor are you going to get sick. But, if you love your COUNTRY, try and disseminate this message so that many people can reflect on this. All photos and articles available online. Follow us
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Greetings | Astrology
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2019
The Woman Behind the SoundCheck Production: Celebrating birthday
Roldan's Birthday
Melanie Mapa-Oclares of SoundCheck Production celebrates birthday on August 18, 2019 with her husband Carl and two cute babies Cayle and Caiden. Happy birthday!
Roldan Tañada celebrates his birthday with Palabok House’s Lydia Jimenez and her staff, August 13, 2019. (Photo by Moses Billacura)
Happy Birthday Tiya Sedes!
Make a wish!
Helen D. Cue Regier, a Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Client Advisor was showered with birthday wishes from some of her friends at Palabok House. There to wish her well were: Brenda, Ami, DJ Jo-ann, Lydia, DJ Rolan, Moses, Jun, and Lito. More birthday celebrations to come, Helen!
Maria Nieves “Sedes” Mendoza-Cereno (wearing orange shirt at the center) celebrated her birthday last August 5, 2019 with her loving children and grandchildren at The Minano’s residence in Rosenthal, Edmonton, Alberta.
Cuts the Big Slice of Her Blessed Cake!
ASTROLOGER, PSYCHIC & SPIRITUALIST
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Alexis Agasino receives manifold blessings as she was gifted with 18 pairs of shoes, assurance of camaraderie from her friends; the gift of reasonable independence from her parents; the gift of close affinity and consanguinity from her brother, sister, and cousins; the gift of support and guidance from her godparents or sponsors; and most of all, the gifts of unconditional love and life itself from the Lord. Held at the Radisson Hotel in Edmonton last July 11, 2019 Happy 18th Birthday and Blissful Dedication!
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Community | Viewpoint | Business
Restructuring the Edmonton Philippine International Centre (EPIC)
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VIEWPOINT
Edmonton - Concerned Filipinos were gathered for a follow up meeting on the establishment of a Philippine Centre on August 19, Monday, 6pm at the Boardroom of Crosstown Auto Centre, 15520 123 Ave NW, Edmonton. Discussed during this meeting were the development of a business plan, information dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising. Everyone’s voice was heard on this initiative.
BING J. JALECO bingjaleco@yahoo.com
Raleigh “Bing” Jaleco was a veteran journalist and public relations consultant in the Philippines. He started out as a correspondent for Ang Pahayagang Malaya and then moved on to be a reporter, and then an editor, of The Manila Chronicle. He also served as news editor of The Manila Standard, business editor of The Manila Times, and sub-editor at the Manila Bulletin. He landed as a permanent resident in Canada in 2016.
T Feast Day of Sta. Martha Celebrated Despite the torrential rain, Devotees of Sta. Martha proceeded with the traditional dancing procession as the expression of a festively meritorious celebration. This was held at the Emily Murphy Park last July 27, 2019. Saint Martha is known as the patron saint of servants and cooks.There is not much in the Bible about Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus, who was raised from the dead. The last thing that is mentioned about Martha in the Bible is, “Martha served.”
he Edmonton Journal recently reported that the Alberta economy shed 14,000 fulltime jobs in July, the second straight month that employment fell. It was “the largest decline in the country,” the Journal said. But Statistics Canada was quick to add that while the decrease indicated that the country’s labour force was “losing some steam,” the data should be “taken in context of Canada’s phenomenal labour market performance over the past 7 months.” What do these numbers mean for Alberta’s labour market and what do these tell us about the province’s economy? Taking the red numbers “in context” is a fair premise, considering that since July 2018, employment in the country had risen by 1.9%. However, for those who lost their jobs, and for those who still struggle to find work, context offers very little consolation. It is always a struggle to cope with things like unemployment. The struggle is all too real when one considers that life is structured so differently here compared to back home. We deal with the issues according to the norms of our adopted country, but we also recall lessons learned from our previous lives. In the end, we Filipinos fall back on our resilience and our capacity to bear hardship with a smile on our face and a deep faith. Alberta is sailing through some rough seas at the moment. But if we are to believe the words of Premier Jason Kenney, then we should be hitting dry land sooner than later. Meanwhile, we just have to keep our heads down and plod through the muck, so to speak. Filipinos are known to grin and bear it all, and
perhaps this is the best thing to do while the Alberta economy remains sluggish. ***** In Manila, President Duterte’s national security adviser, Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., has sounded the alarm on renewed terrorist activities in the Philippines. He told the Philippine Senate at a hearing that “further intelligence sources have reported that due to the collapse of the Daesh in Syria and Iraq, terrorist fighters have been returning to their countries of origin to continue their reign of terror.” Esperon pointed to supposed loopholes in the Human Security Act (HSA) which he said have held back Philippine security forces from fighting terrorism. He named six vulnerable sectors—social media, schools and madrasahs, religious leaders and scholars, overseas Filipino workers, persons in jails and prisons, and the communities—as sources of future terrorists. Terrorism is indeed a serious problem that needs to be dealt with. And there is good reason to believe that a resurgence in extremist terrorism, which is what Esperon was talking about, is a very likely possibility. But we must also point out that ignoring legal procedures and, more importantly, moral boundaries, in the pursuit of a comprehensive anti-terrorism program would only produce results as disastrous as the tokhang controversy. Then again, anti-terrorism has always been a problem not only for the Philippines but for other countries as well (including Canada and the US). The first question for governments is always the hardest to answer: Where do we draw the line between security and public safety?
JIL Sherwood Park’s 4th Anniversary
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