Alberta Filipino Journal - April 2017 issue

Celebrate this Easter with a Heart filled with Peace, Joy and Hope! Have a blessed Easter to All!

Bethany Briones: an Exemplar in Education

Successful Camrose League

Crosstown Auto Centre won its first game by beating the Hoopers, 85-75 in the opening day of the Pilipino Resident Sports Athletic Association - Leduc basketball tournament, April 9, at the Ecole Leduc Junior High School gym.

P14►

P6►

APRIL 2017 • Volume 9, Number 4

AlbertaFilipinoJournal

The Voice of a Leader is a Follower's Command

Karilagan Dance Society 46th Anniversary

Support a just and lasting peace in the Philippines

P8►

P10►

Philippine congressman Karlos Zarate signs a book about the Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines for AFJ editor Lito Velasco with indigenous people's community leader Nenita Condez after the dialogue last March 18 in Edmonton on the issues of Canadian mining operations in the Philippines that has affected Indigenous People's communities.

Forum: On the Revival of the Philippine Community Centre of Edmonton

P14► Members of the Congress of Philippine Associations in Alberta (COPA) exchange ideas and form committees for the Filipino Community Centre project during a meeting, April 9, hosted by Migrante Alberta in Edmonton.

Once again, the office of the Philippine Consul General for Alberta and Saskatchewan had proven its leadership capability by calling its fourth meeting in relation to the planned Philippine Independence Day Picnic to be held in Wetaskiwin on the 17th of June 2017.

Reverend Father Nilo Macapinlac had opened the doors of the Sacred Heart Church, 5113 49 Avenue, Wetaskiwin, AB, T9A 0P4 as the venue for the said meeting.

Luckily, this was attended not only by the Filipino leaders from Wetaskiwin, Saskatchewan, Camrose, Red Deer, and Edmonton, but by the City Council of Wetaskiwin, headed by Hon. Bill Elliot, a very accommodating Mayor and some of his Councilmen. The meeting was quite commendable. continued on page 10 ►

2

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

BUSINESS

APRIL 2017

APRIL 2017

BUSINESS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

3

4

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

RELIGION/COMMUNITY St. Flavia Iulia Helena Augusta was born in Depranum (Helenopolis) on Bythinia, Asia Manor which is now quite vanished, in Turkey on the middle of the third century. She was of humble parentage.

Constantine the Great became the ruler and an emperor of the Western Roman Empire in 312 after the victory at Milvian Bridge. He issued the Edict of Milan in 313 which guaranteed religious tolerance for Christians. After 300 years of persecution, Christians had their faith without fear.

INNER-GETIC LITO MENDOZA VELASCO litovelasco65@yahoo.ca 780-655-5126

PLAN OF ACTION PROJECT NAME: Flores De Mayo PROPONENTS/CORE GROUP: Saint Helena the Empress’ Devotees RESPONDENTS/ PARTICIPANTS: Open to all.

TARGET PLACE: To be discussed TARGET DATE: May 2018 TARGET BUDGET: To be thoroughly discussed.

INTRODUCTION: Filipinos are known to their religiosity. No parts of the world is not being supported by the Filipino Work Force. And, while working away from their homeland, they have never failed or neglected to praise God despite trials, hardships, and tribulations.

Most of them chose to seek for their favorite Saint's intervention. Some, as being

Katrina Cereno is a junior high student. She spent her efforts in writing and interested to drawings and photography. She's looking forward to be a future architect. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her family.

St Helena's task is not an easy one because of the history that tells us that every attempt was made by Emperor Hadrian to destroy all the artifacts and evidences in Jesus' crucifixion and where He was buried.

St. Helena began to have an exhaustive investigation with the help of a local Jewish man who acted as her guide. The site of the tomb was found and discovered. First, they had found the tomb and the three crosses were also uncovered which had been hidden for so long near Lord's tomb along with the other objects.

She became a lawful wife of a Roman Emperor Constantius I Chlorus and had their first and only son, Constantine the Great, the first Roman Emperor to become a Christian. Constantine the Great was born in 274. Emperor Constantius divorced St. Helena for political issues by marrying Theodora, the step daughter of Emperor Maximianus Herculius.

The emperor was honored to the victory-showing Sign of the Cross of the Lord. Constantine showed great respect and honor to his mother giving her an imperial title "Augusta". Constantine wanted to find the true cross of Jesus Christ which had disappeared after the crucifixion so he sent his mother to Jerusalem-the holy land in 326 AD to recover the artifacts of Jesus and His apostles particularly with Christ's death and resurrection.

APRIL 2017

St. Helena was not sure which cross is Jesus' Cross. With the help of Macarius, bishop of Jerusalem, the true cross was identified. He took the crosses to a sick nearly to die lady in Jerusalem and one by one, the crosses were laid to the lady and came out that the third cross healed her.

The lady opened her eyes, got up and restored her strength.

After that Jesus' cross had been identified, St. Helena built a church over the place where she had discovered the cross. Part of the cross was sent back to Rome and can be seen in her private chapel which id the Church of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. She also left a part in the church in Jerusalem on the site of her discovery, the church of the Holy Sepulcher.

noticed here in Edmonton have still been affectionately devoted to their own town's Patrons and Patroness; and for that reason, have decided to bring the replica of their Patron Saints abroad, specifically in Edmonton. Yearly celebrations have been held to venerate the Saints.

Very awesome. As this kind of religious practice serves as the binding factor as well as a family reunion. Of course, not everybody responds to this calling in spite of a massive campaign the organizers have been exerting. As the saying goes: "Not everything counts can be counted; and not everything that can be counted counts."

I. THE NATURE AND OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT Quid quid movetur ab allo movetur (Whatever is moved is moved by another). Human beings, regardless of their ethnic

origins are not born alone.

Their lives have not merely sprouted from nothing, as it is conspicuously evident that human species and any other creatures have gone through evolutions: from parents, grand parents, grand-grand parents as their proximate causes, and from the Ultimate Creator.

No question at all. Not everybody needs everybody in order to exist; yet, nobody lives fully and fruitfully depart from the Source of LIFE. Quid quid agit agit propter finem (Whatever exist exists with a purpose). This proposal is mainly focused on gathering all Sta. Elena devotees in order to facilitate a quite noble project that will enhance the camaraderie and harmonious familial relationship.

Flores de Mayo (May flower), of course, will be done in the month of May. The

traditional novena prayers, retreats or recollections will be started and/or culminated through the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Followed by the actual-traditional procession of the saint’s statue as well as the parading of beautiful Filipina ladies to replicate the Saint.

A three or four feet tall statue of St. Helena the Empress from Paete, Laguna will be brought here in Edmonton prior to the celebration. As per the sculptor, that size costs 42,000.00 Php plus the shipping. Anyways, if you know a cheaper amount aside from this quotation, then, you are free to bring it to our knowledge to be considered as a better option.

Its blessing will be set wherever parish church it will be housed or depending upon the approval of the parish priest and eventually, the archbishop. continued on page 5 ►

APRIL 2017

OPINION/EDUCATION

FROM A TEENAGE EYES KRISTIAN CERENO Kristian Cereno is a Grade 8 Student of St. Mark’s Catholic School in Edmonton. His hobbies include writing poem, composing songs, playing volleyball and in the long run, hoping to learn hockey the Canadian way….

A

love that is not worth anything but you. A love that will never be bought by any riches in the world, just give your heart’s romance, that’s enough. A love that will do anything and everything just to get your one true heart. Lastly, a love that will give one’s whole self just to hear the word, “I do”.

Who are you in these kinds of situations? The person who gives one self and heart, or the one who receives them? Love is

like a vice, if you don’t gamble or bet on it, nothing will happen, you’re just going to watch your loved one be taken by another lover. You need to fight for it, so at the end, you will not have regrets than say to oneself, “Why didn’t I fight for it?” To love is like the feeling of the birds flying at the peak of the mountain and the prepossessing skies above.

Time can be relinquished just for a lover’s, “special person”. That is why, we should love whole

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

5

heartedly, without the mind’s dubiety and hesitation.

Loving someone can be expressed in different ways. Loving is not just heart and mind, it’s about what they follow. It’s like walking through the field that are full of the flower’s blossom. Birds that are singing in triumph and delight. Trees that are dancing in great pleasure – but are you ready to be in pain if you ever lose the fight between you and your fears?

Are you still going to hold on, in each other’s hands and presence? Tomorrow, a day from the present. Thoughts will come to my head about you and me saying, “Will you still love me? ”After this day, are we still together?

Can I still say the word, “us”, between you and me? “Are you still going to lean on my shoulder? Will you still say the, “I love you”? However, we still need to brace ourselves for the trials that will block our path because God will not let this problem go through us if we cannot overcome it.

What are the Fundamentals of Engineering Exams?

FROM DREAM INTO BEAM MERVIN MENDOZA CERENO mmcereno@gmail.com

Mervin Cereno is a Filipino Engineer, Academician and Entrepreneur who choose to migrate in Canada. He got his Provisional License* as Professional Engineer from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientist of Alberta (APEGA) only after 8 months from the time he landed to Canada in March 2016. Presently, he is pursuing Master’s Degree at the University of Alberta. For pieces of advice and queries on licensing procedure in Alberta you can contact him through email at cereno@ualberta.ca. *Provisional License are granted after satisfying all the requirements of the APEGA Board of Directors except the One Year Canadian Experience in the field of engineering.

Internationally Educated Engineer (IEE) who intends to practice engineering in Canada must be registered in the governing professional association in the province he planned to exercise his profession. The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exams form

part of the credential evaluation and recognition. In the past, I explained the difference between credential evaluation and credential recognition.

The Fundamentals of Engineering Exams confirm the technical knowledge of the applicants who wish to practice

◄ from page 4

2. Ways and Means Fundraiser/Budget 3. Venue Hunting (Church coordinator) 4. Liaison Officers (Visitor's Guides and itineraries) 5. Choreography 6. Media and Communication 7. Foods and Beverages 8. Sounds and Lights 9. Program and Entertainments 10. Eucharistic Coordinators

PLAN OF ACTION II. THE PROPONENTS OR CORE GROUP The main roles will be played by Sta. Elena devotees and their families. Duties and responsibilities will be thoroughly discussed and Steering Committees will be formed. To wit: 1. Secretariat - paper works

III. PARTICIPANTS AND RESPONDENTS Open to All!

their engineering profession in Alberta. The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) may assign the applicant to take and pass the exam or assign several technical exams which depend on the Board’s decision.

The FE Exam is a US based exams administer by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). In the US, the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam is the first step in the process to become Professional Licensed Engineer (PE). In Alberta, the exam is administered by NCEES – approved Pearson Vue Test Centers either in Edmonton or Calgary.

The FE Exam is Computer Based Test (CBT) comprising 110 questions. The exam is 6 hours long which include a non-disclosure agreement,

tutorial, the actual exam and a scheduled break. The FE is offered in seven disciplines as follows: FE Chemical; FE Civil; FE Electrical and Computer; FE Environmental; FE Industrial and Systems; FE Mechanical and FE other Discipline.

The objective of the exam is to establish the basic technical knowledge which covers specific topics in Algebra, Trigonometry, Analytic Geometry, Calculus, Differential Equations, Vector Mechanics, Probability and Statistics, Engineering Economics, Ethics and Professional Practice.

Specific by-discipline topic is also covered.

Starting July 1, 2017, the CBT FE Exam includes an Alternative Item Type (AITs) in the questionnaires. These are questions that are not the traditional multiple choice questions. The AITs can be a

multiple correct answer in the choices, a point and click in the graphic to answer specific question, a drag and drop to match, sort, rank or label the correct answer and it can be filled in the blank by providing answer in the space provided for. [NCEES.org] There is a cost in taking the FE Exam to be paid to APEGA and NCEES. The application to take the exam in online through the APEGA website. It is advisable to advance the review before a decision from APEGA instructed the applicant to take the FE Exam. This will save time and will give the applicant a higher chance of passing the exam.

For more informations and detailed steps in moving forward to gain your Canadian License to Practice as Engineer, you can contact the below for pieces advice.

IV. TARGET DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION Any events in life should be done along with its corresponding meanings and purposes. And they are always remembered by the time they were experienced. Calendar is useless without activities. That is why, prior to the celebration, the calendar of activities shall be at hand.

Since the target date is on May 2018; then, no single month from this moment should be allowed to pass by without

good ideas that are worth to be brought to this group.

Time is the measurement of motion.

part and issue in the planning, implementing, and evaluating processes.

All eyes must be focused on this. No amount of money can be raised without hardships or labour; and therefore, must be spent wisely.

V. TARGET VENUES To be discussed.

VI. TARGET BUDGET My favourite line says: “As a car cannot run without a gasoline, so as the plans cannot be implemented without the budget.”

Budget forecasting is one of the tedious and delicate

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Everyone is encouraged to write a concluding part and recommendations.

God bless us all!

ADVERTISE WITH US! 780-916-7677 albertafilipinojournal2016@gmail.com

6

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

SPORTS/RELIGION/GREETINGS

APRIL 2017

Successful Camrose League; upcoming The Good Fight of Faith "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, Grace Point, Leduc basketbolan whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed 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 is an Edmonton Oilers fan.

T

eam ReMax/ELJ Filipino Store topped this year’s Camrose Filipino basketball league at the expense of Team Canada led by Jay Mendenilla.

Team ReMax/ELJ’s Harold Arreza said they are lucky this year with the players 100% healthy despite having a hectic work schedule.

“Na swerte lang this year,” he told Alberta Filipino Journal in a phone interview last March 28.

Jeff Micabalo of Remax and Rommel Mamuad of Team Boston Pizza initially discussed organizing a league two years ago and with the help of their friends they were able to push it through despite limited funds.

“Nag tulong tulongan lang talaga. Masaya kasi kapag me basketbolan.

Naging maganda ang samahan ng mga Pinoy dito sa Camrose,” said Micabalo, a registered nurse in the Philippines who moved

to Canada to seek for better opportunities for his wife Nina and young son Jacob.

They were able to attract a total of six teams and hope they will have more participants in the coming years. This year’s participants were Team DQ Camrose of Carbonel, Team Elite of Fritz Punay, Team Subway of Louie Narciso, Team Boston Pizza of Mamuad, Team Canada of Mendenilla and Team Remax/ ELJ Filipino Store headed by Micabalo.

Ian James Ferguson was voted most valuable player while the three-point shootout champion was Tata Dayen, 2nd placer was Kobe Borowetz and Harold Arreza settled for the third place honors. *** The Pilipino Resident Sports Athletic Association - Leduc Spring League gets going on April 9 and will hold their games

every Sunday starting at 9 a.m. at the Ecole Leduc Junior High School.

This was jointly announced by organizers Sherwin Robledo, Robin Roxas and Tony Villanueva.

Teams to watch are El Matador, Warriors, Goon Squad, Jammers and Spartans . Skills challenge and threepoint shooting contest will also highlight the league.

Go Nissan is also forming a team with players mostly coming from Edmonton like Sarce Garcia, Oliver Branzuela and Warren Guillen. Looks like this is going to be very exciting! *** Starting also in April is the Grace Point League at the Grace Point Church gym on Ellerslie Road for those 38 years old and above every Mondays at 6 p.m. and the open division every Saturday at 6:30 a.m., according to Paul Briones.

What is quite unique with their league is that they have included prayers and Bible sharing to the players which is actually great as this will remind us to be not only good Christians but good citizens of this great country.

Edmonton and Area is growing and with more Filipino basketball leagues being organized, this is going to be a happy month of April.

Enjoy and stay safe basketeers!

PRSAA-Leduc president Tony Villanueva (4th from left) with members of the organizing committee and referees during the opening of the Pilipino Resident Sports Athletic Association basketball tournament, April 9, at the Ecole Leduc Junior High School gym.

Photo by Moses Billacura

Couples For Christ Bowling Tournament

a good profession before many witnesses."

1 Timothy 6:12, KJV

From a Vantage Point TITO S.VENIDA

Tito S. Venida is a product of the University of the Philippines. He used to be a studentleader during his college days. Became one of the founders of the Tau Gamna Phi, one of the world leading Philippine-produced Fraternities. His immensurable love to human race has brought him to the conviction of translating his mission from fraternity into Divinity--from a mere brotherhood into a sainthood. Authored a book entitled Quocunque Jeceris Stabit, which means, wherever you throw, it will stand.

M

y friends, we can take hold of eternal life (the divine nature) only as we fight the good fight of faith. And if we want to fight that good fight, then we must do all we can to avoid fighting other fights that are not good fights. We are reminded in Ephesians 6:12 KJV that "we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

If we want to fight against Satan and his hosts of wickedness, then we must decide never to fight with flesh and blood.

A lot of our spiritual energy is drained away when we fight with our fellowmen. Our calling is to fight Satan - not flesh and blood.

Satan has his agents within our flesh - our lusts. And these lusts are always seeking to divert our attention towards people and away from the real enemy Satan.

So much of unrest in the hearts of Christians is caused by struggling with flesh and blood.

You may not struggle with people with words. The person you have a problem with may even be a

thousand miles away. But you can have an inward struggle with him in your thoughts and thus come to unrest and be weakened in your fight against Satan.

If you wake up in the middle of the night, then keep a watch on your thoughts. Perhaps the best thing to do at such times is to pray or to praise God. Otherwise you can give room to Satan by thinking of others with whom you don't have a good relationship and very soon your thoughts can become bad ones. Then you will begin to battle flesh and blood in your thoughts and be incapacitated for the real spiritual warfare.

Therefore, make a firm decision in your life that you will never ever enter into a controversy or an argument with anyone, not even in your own thoughts - no matter how great the provocation.

We must always bear in mind that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood." There may be times when we have to disagree with our fellow believers. That may be necessary at times in order to stand for God's truth. But if it leads to controversy and strife, then Satan will certainly get an advantage over us.

Nanay Meding Paz 90th Birthday

Nanay Meding Paz received a scroll from Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta and a letter from the Lieutenant Governor of Canada for her 90th birthday.

With her is her daughter Thelma Cerhit.

Congratulations to Team CFC #3: The 2016-2017 Nazareno Bowling League Champion!

APRIL 2017

COMMUNITY/ANNOUNCEMENT

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

7

8

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

COMMUNITY/BUSINESS

APRIL 2017

Support a just and lasting peace in the Philippines

Migrante Alberta hosted the Edmonton leg of the Canada-wide tour of the Philippine delegation led by Congressman Karlos Zarate last March 26. The delegates included indigenous people's community leader Nenita Condez whose community has been affected by the presence of Canadian mining corporations as they call for responsible and sustainable mining operations in the Philippines.

Philippine congressman Karlos Zarate informs the Filipino community about Bayan Muna's work in Congress that included the Peoples' Mining Bill that calls for responsible and sustainable mining.. The event was hosted by the Duterte Migrante Alberta representative Marco Luciano talks about Volunteers Alberta Canada led by Benjie Lindo(extreme right) at the services being done by the non-profit organization to the Filipino community last March 26 at Emilio's Inasal.

Emilio's Inasal last March 26 in Edmonton.

Philippine congressman Karlos Zarate(4th from left, standing) with volunteer leader Benjie Lindo, Journal editor Lito Velasco, Paul Briones, Marj Newman, Abel Cereno, Cielito Lindo, Mark Destacamento and guests in an event welcoming the Filipino legislator at Emilio's Inasal last March 26.

Members of the Duterte Volunteers Alberta Canada reiterate their support to ongoing reforms being done by Philippine president Rodrigo R. Duterte in a gathering that welcomed Congressman Karlos Zarate in Edmonton last March 26.

Photos by Moses Billacura/AFJ

COMMUNITY/EDUCATION

APRIL 2017

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

9

More than 300 volunteers call for renewed support for Philippine President

By Moses Billacura

M

ore than 300 Albertans attended the first Duterte VolunteersAlberta Canada’s “Reunion” last March 18, with a renewed call to support the programs of Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Duterte’s “War on Drugs” has drawn criticisms from rival political parties and other sectors but volunteer leader Benjie Lindo believed that the Philippine government’s efforts to eradicate illegal drugs is just one way of keeping good Filipinos away from harm.

Lindo cited that President Duterte has also launched valuable programs for the Filipinos and it is too early to even judge and criticize him with only nine months in office after a rousing victory in last year’s elections. Among the priorities of the president are attaining genuine peace with the Moro and communist rebels as peace panels were created to continue with the negotiations and working on achieving food security for the more than 100 million Filipinos.

“Pagkatapos ng inauguration ni President

Duterte, puro trabaho na ang inatupag,” said Lindo pointing out that the new leader has campaigned very hard too in bringing foreign investors to propel the economy.

He kept on thanking the volunteers for taking the time to show their support to Duterte despite travelling for hours and meet with fellow supporters at the PCA of Edmonton.

Video messages were delivered by various Malacanang officials like presidential legal counsel Sal Panelo, Senators Miguel Zubiri and JV Ejercito with Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa receiving a rousing cheers from the volunteers.

In a special mass officiated

by Father Jack Diaz called upon the volunteers to be patient and place Jesus Christ at the center of the lives of fellow Albertans.

“Huwag po tayong reklamo ng reklamo. We have to be patient, pray and continue to help our kababayan,” he said.

Donations were also collected for the "Duterte Kitchen" project in the Philippines that provides free meals for the poor.

Alberta Filipino Journal editor-in-chief Lito M. Velasco (4th from right) joined with Duterte Volunteers leader Benjie Lindo (2nd from left), AFJ contributing writer Marjorie Newman and other supporters during the "Reunion" last March 18 at the PCA of Edmonton.

Volunteers from Calgary drove three hours to Edmonton to join the "Reunion".

More than 300 volunteers joined the special mass by Father Jack Diaz during the first Duterte Volunteers Alberta Canada's "Reunion", last March 18, at the PCA of Edmonton.

Father Jack Diaz (extreme left) officiated the special mass and joined AFJ editor-in-chief Lito M. Velasco and other Duterte supporters.

Photos by Moses Billacura

Newly opened Filipino Store

Tambayan ni Kabayan newly opened Filipino Coonvenience Store located at 8246 175 Street, NW, Edmonton, Alberta.

Register Now!

EDMONTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Filipino Language and Culture Sister Annata Brockman Elementary/Junior High School

355 Hemingway Rd. • 780 444-0250 • www.sisterannatabrockman.ecsd.net

St. Richard Elementary School

5704 Mill Woods Rd. S. • 780 463-5976 • www.strichard.ecsd.net

St. Clement Elementary/Junior High School

7620 Mill Woods Rd. S. • 780 462-3806 • www.stclement.ecsd.net

Blessed Oscar Romero High School

17760-69 Avenue • 780 428-2705 • www.archbishoposcarromero.ecsd.net

Holy Trinity High School

7007-28 Avenue • 780 462-5777 • www.holytrinity.ecsd.net

Photo by Dario Juanillo

10

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

COMMUNITY/ACHIEVEMENTS

APRIL 2017

The Voice of a Leader is a Follower's Command!

The Filipino Community in Wetaskiwin is quite blessed for also having Mr. Noli Calina as its President as well as Fr. Nilo Macapinlac as the Parish Priest. Truly, the entire Wetaskiwin County is luckier for having Mayor Bill Elliot for treating you all fairly.

We, Filipinos in Alberta and Saskatchewan, are more than fortunate for also having Hon. Julius Torres, the Consul General and Hon. Eric Aquino, the Deputy Consul, for having been very instrumental to rendering the untiring services to the Filipino Community.

Karilagan Dance Society Celebrates 46th Anniversary and Announces 2017 20th HIYAS (GEM) Recipients

By Jun Angeles

A

lmost half a century, the Karilagan Dance Society (KDS) ​ continues to evolve spreading the rich culture of the Philippines in the form of dance and music . This year is no exception with its presentation of "Pinagmulan" the Origin. The dances portray eras in different stages the Tribal, the Spanish ,the Rural and the Muslim.

The intricate moves of the dances were captured with grace with dexterity by the members of KDS. The presentation was dedicated as a tribute to Wilf Ladores who passed away last December 2016.

Ladores , an avid fan and supporter of KDS and considered as a good friend of Memen Cochingco.

Recipients for 2017 HIYAS (GEM) Awards were also announced.

They were chosen, reviewed and assessed by the board of judges.

Myrne Quaale and Alison Bluski of Servus Credit Union. The awardees In Academic Category (High School) - Mariejoe Andres, Business- Loida Lumanlan, Josie Yee, Ariel del Rosario and Roel Canafranca, Performing Arts - Jojo and Ida Lucila, Performing Arts (Youth) Keoni Malbog Tan, Community Service (Youth) - Mariejoe Andres, community Service (Adult) - Ferdie Mendita and Community Service (Senior Citizen) -Josie Pallard. The Hiyans (GEM) presentation was

Photos by Dario Juanillo

chaired by Lulu Bernal. Amarjeet Sohi MP, Honorary Consul- General Esmerlda Agbulos and Jun Angeles, President of the Congress of Philippine Associations of Alberta (COPA) graced the occasion.

Letty Tria and Ryan Ladores Handing Trophy to Mariejoe Andres (Academic High School) & Community Service (Youth).

Deacon Gem Mella and Cecille Ira Trophy to Ariel Del Rosario & Roel Canafranca.

Memen Cochingco handing trophy to Josie Pallard recipient Community Service (Senior Citizen).

Ida Lucila, recipient Performing Arts, trophy handed by Jovit Andres & Marilda Kan with Lulu Bernal (Chair of Hiyas Awards).

Jun Angeles handing trophy to Loida Lumanlan Recipient Business.

Keoni Malbog-Tan and Ida Lucila, Performing Arts Awardees.

Dolores Sorensen handing trophy to Ferdie Mendita Recipient Community Service (Adult) Category.

Josie Yee Recipient Business Category with Honorary Consul General Esmeralda Agbulos.

APRIL 2017

BUSINESS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

11

12

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

COUNSELLING/ACHIEVEMENTS/ARTS

APRIL 2017

Artospective - an artist’s point of view IDA BELTRAN-LUCILA ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com

Bethany Briones:

an Exemplar in Education

T

he Edwin Parr Teacher Award was established in 1964 by the Alberta School Trustees’ Association. This award is presented annually to a first-year teacher who exemplifies dedication to students, as exemplified by Edwin Parr, an educator and community leader. Each education zone in Alberta brings forward their own representative, and for this year, Edmonton Public Schools (EPSB) has selected, out of four first year EPSB teacher finalists, Bethany Briones.

Paul and Allen Briones, the proud parents of the awardee.

Bethany is a Grade 1 teacher at Ormsby School. She is cited by senior administration as a teacher who strives to provide the best possible learning environment and experience for their students, developing strategies that can be adapted to meet all of the learning levels and styles in the classroom. What is distinct with Bethany is her use of art and music when adapting to students’ learning styles - the use of visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning. She

From left to right: Michelle Draper (Board Chair), Colleen Marshall (Ormsby Principal), Bethany Briones (Grade 1 Teacher), and Darrel Robertson (Superintendent of Schools).

incorporates music i nto her classroom routines & leads the class in a morning song which offers a special time to showcase each student and their gifts. She took a leadership role with the school’s music program - organizing the handbell choir and leading them in performances. She has also accompanied the choir on the piano, inspiring students to learn the piano, and eventually offering free after-school piano lessons to disadvantaged students.

Bethany is the daughter of Paul and Maria Allen Briones. We have known this family since our first year in Canada more than a decade ago. When we established our dance company, Chameleon Dance Edmonton, Bethany was one of our original dancers. She was the youngest and probably the gutsiest. She had no qualms and no inhibitions traversing unknown territory and the discipline we demanded on our dancers.

As I got to know her, I realize that this is her pattern and approach to all her challenges and adventures.

Bethany is a dutiful daughter. It was due to her parents’ prodding that she studied piano at the age of 5, and later on, guitar lessons and dance classes with Chameleon. She was also active in school sports, leadership activities, volunteer work and church activities. In all these endeavours, she would throw herself 100%, challenged into overcoming difficulties, and recognizing that one can achieve anything with determination and hard work. She was awarded the Superintendent’s Award in Gr. 9 and a Rotary scholarship in Gr. 12.

Bethany’s servant leadership revolves around education and the church. Even as a young girl, she had always wanted to be a teacher, working with children and being instrumental in providing them a better life

and opportunities for growth. She recognizes the importance of a good foundation brought about by a strong family unit and faith in God, as exemplified by her own family. She also acknowledges that not everyone is fortunate enough to have this. It is interesting to note that, even though Bethany dabbled into the arts as a form of recreation, and she does not consider herself first and foremost an artist, her distinct mode of service and giving back is music and dance. As she had found enjoyment and life lessons on discipline with piano and dance, she shared these when she assisted school and church choir and band performances, and choreographed the school musical as a student. Now as a teacher, she is providing students who would have no way of affording piano lessons, a safe space, an alternative form of expression and recreation, and inspiration and motivation to achieve more.

She has shown leadership and initiative by partnering with Alberta Music Education Foundation in providing keyboards to her students.

Bethany is just on her first-year of teaching and has shown compassionate and enthusiastic leadership. One that is honed by strong family love and support, divine faith and a quest to make life better for herself and for others. Whether or not she is handed the Edwin Parr Award later this year, she is an exemplar as a daughter, a student and a teacher. Ever heard the phrase that one lives up to the meaning of one’s name? I looked up the meaning of Bethany and came up with “house of song” and “daughter of the Lord”.

To comment on this article, go to http:// thelucilaproject.blogspot.ca .

BUSINESS/CAREER

APRIL 2017

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

13

Filipinos Success' Stories:

Kaya Ko, Kaya Mo

By Marjorie Carmona Newman

KRIS ALBERT SALUMBIDES, 35 Co-Founder and Marketing Director of Quality Sleep Care Group of Company Kris was born and raised in the Philippines, a middle child and first born son in the family. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy in the Philippines, year 2002. He worked in a children’s hospital in Manila Philippines for two (2) years before he decided to move to Saudi Arabia at the age of 22 to gain more work experience and to better hone his practice in Respiratory therapy.

Having experienced being away from his family at an early age, he was able to fight the loneliness and home sickness that he experienced living abroad.

Instead, he channelled his efforts in developing independence and maturity to concentrate on growing professionally. After he completed his work contract in Saudi Arabia, he went home to get married and decided to work as a medical training instructor to impart what he had learned to his fellow medical professionals, including registered nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and medical students, to name a few.

His career took a turn when his wife went to work in Canada.

Valuing family and wishing to reunite the family, Kris decided, despite his on-going teaching career in the Philippines, to follow his wife in Canada. It was the toughest decision he had made in his career. He arrived in Canada in December 2008, where the economy was riding in the midst of a recession and job opportunities were limited. While this affected his fervour, it didn't keep him from trying. Kris landed to all sorts of work he can find to earn decent money. He became a signage installer and experienced working outside in the Albertan winter in putting up signage. He also tried the buy and sell of cars business.

He even became a hospital porter in the operating room of one of the hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta.

Subsequently, he then applied as a Respiratory assistant in Lung Centre for the seniors. Throughout his struggles, Kris never stopped seeking opportunities of jobs in his field because he believes that he can be successful.

In the year 2010, Kris started working for Sleep industry. An avid learner, he also took short course on Sleep and passed the exam, becoming now a Registered Sleep Technologist, showing his drive to become successful on his own right.

His philosophy in life, he shares, is, "I always surround myself with the right people", and additionally he continues, "I am open minded, willing to learn and I am the kind of person I will listen to your advices but will think what is right for me".

Quality Sleep Care started mid 2014 after a year of business planning with his partners. When they started this, Kris remembered saying to himself " that I can grow

this company with the help of my partners and no turning back".

Working night shift at the hospital and acting as a Marketing Director of the company is no easy task but what keeps him going and motivated is always reminding himself that this is the key to success and to have a better life for me and my family.

As of now, Quality Sleep Care has 3 main locations in Alberta (2 in Edmonton and 1 in Calgary) with 35 staffs and continuously

growing. Kris also started venturing to different medical businesses including medical real estate, medical equipment and supplies, and pharmacy.

Kris does a lot of pro bono work in business consulting to young entrepreneurs and people who wanted to start business and involve in the community and conducting medical missions and promoting awareness in health and well-being. Kris helps new

immigrants by educating them on how to access the benefits of healthcare in Canada.

With dedication, hard work, passionate and unselfish love to what you love to do and having a supportive family, Kris attained the keys to success.

He was recently nominated for the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Awards of 2017. He is currently short listed as a Top 75 finalist. This will be the 9th annual

RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards program, which is presented by Canadian Immigrant magazine, and sponsored by RBC. These prestigious awards are about shining a light on inspirational stories of immigrants in pursuit of their dreams(permanent residents and/or naturalized citizens) in Canada.

According to Kris, being nominated is already an accomplishment.

14

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

COMMUNITY/ENTERTAINMENT/ARTS

APRIL 2017

Forum: On the Revival of the Philippine Community Centre of Edmonton

COPA press relations officer and Alberta Filipino Journal editor Lito Velasco explains the need for unity to fulfill the building of a Filipino Community Centre in Edmonton during a meeting hosted by Migrante Alberta, April 9.

Members of the Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta (COPA) pose for posterity, April 9, after a successful meeting of minds in the pursuit of building a Filipino Community Centre in Edmonton. The meeting, moderated by Marco Luciano of Migrante Alberta, was initiated by COPA President and Journal publisher Jun Angeles and editor Lito Velasco.

Filipino Canadian Saranay Association Announced Its Second Play "EMMA - The Musical."

By Marjorie Carmona Newman

Saranay is a Filipino maxim, which means " to help and to serve others". The FilipinoCanadian Saranay Association is a non profit association founded 38 years ago. It has proven its ability to build capacity and sustainability in the areas of volunteerism, education, music and performing arts through youth and adult programs. Over the course of Saranays history, the association has provided outstanding entertainment to many audiences locally and internationally. For almost four decades Saranay has committed not only to preserving the Filipino culture but also to educating the public about Philippine history through music and arts; and contributing to Canada’s natural longing for cultural evidence locally and internationally.

The Filipino-Canadian Saranay Association is pleased to announce its second musical play after 13 years with an ambitious new performance project for the 2017-2018 year. In a nutshell Emma – The Musical is set in a rural town near Baguio City, on the cusp of the Japanese occupation of 1942.

The story focuses on the endearing character of an elementary school teacher – Emma, who must make a series of difficult choices between the peaceful life that she struggles

to live and the war that rages around her; between the love of her newly devoted husband and the protective advances of a Japanese official; and between risking her own personal safety to protect her fellow countrymen or hiding in the shadows to safeguard her own fleeting security.

These choices ultimately lead to a powerful climax that demonstrates the perseverance, faith and resilience of the Filipino spirit, in peace or in war, and regardless of any sacrifice.

The first successful Saranay musical play Dula at Kwerdas was staged in Edmonton's Citadel theatre and the University of Sacramento theatre, playwright ChieFloresca (ABS-CBN writer) and composer Erica Cawagas (ABS-CBN music scorer) collaborated on another musical play and began developing

Emma – The Musical in 2014.

This historic Filipino musical will bring tears and laughter to uplift all hearts, whether previously touched or untouched by war.

Currently, performances are scheduled in Edmonton for the 2018-year, with the possibility of additional tours across Canada and North America.

Saranay continues to offer the Filipino community numerous art forms to enrich Edmonton's artistic and creative life. Saranay’s performing arts programs have been an effective tool for promoting international awareness and exhibiting leadership in the preservation and retention of heritage and culture.

Auditions will be conducted on April 29 and 30 at Saranay Main office located at #202 10010 - 105 St Edmonton.

Over the past 38 years,

COPA President and Alberta Filipino Journal publisher Jun Angeles calls for 100 percent commitment for the Filipino Community Centre project in Edmonton during a meeting hosted by Migrante Alberta, April 9. Beside him is COPA secretary Lulu Bernal.

Photos by Moses Billacura

Saranay has brought benefits to Filipinos and their families, including youth, adult, and senior population through the following activities/events: ■ Saranay Scholarship on the Studies of Southeast Asia at the University of Alberta ■ Philippine Educational Endowment with Grant MacEwan University ■ Filipino Language and Culture School of Edmonton - Filipino Language & Culture from Grades 4 to 12, accredited by Alberta Education ■ Youth and Senior's Sports Tournament ■ Saranay Performing Arts Group - Rondalla (indigenous string ensemble) and Choral for the youths, adults, and seniors ■ Casino Fund Raising

■ Provincial, National, International Musical and Educational Tour and Ambassadorship Trips to the Philippines, USA, and Europe ■ Professional and Educational Development for Teachers ■ Edmonton Heritage Festival ■ Member of CEFA, Congress of the Philippine-Associations of Alberta, Changing Together, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, and International & Heritage Languages Association ■ Youth/Adult/Seniors Workshops on Conflict Resolution ■ Relief Program for victims of natural disasters ■ Educational/Computer/ Medical equipments Contributions to the Philippines continued on page 16 ►

APRIL 2017

FINANCIAL EDUCATION/COMMUNITY/GREETINGS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

15

Hot housing market of debt Don’t jump into the housing market without a plan

The Debt Files of Hope NATASHA CARR ncarr@consolidatedcredit.ca

Natasha Carr is the Manager of Community and Public Relations at Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada.

TORONTO, ONTARIO, March XX, 2017 –The housing market in Canada is hot! The average price of a Canadian home jumped more than 16 per cent year-over-year from last February. Now the average home in Canada will run you $503,057 according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.

The cost of homeownership is out of grasp for many; as not many Canadians are walking around with half of a million dollars in their bank accounts – the reality is Canadians are struggling to save all together.

According to the Canadian Payroll Association, twenty-four per cent

of Canadians would not be able to come up with $2,000 if an emergency arose in a month’s time.

Throw in the fact 48 per cent of Canadians would have a hard time to handle their financial obligations if their pay cheque was delayed by only one week. The story? Canadians are plagued by record levels of debt.

How much debt are Canadians shouldering? The average Canadian carries $4,094 of credit card debt (Q4 2016) and most Canadians are carrying on average $22,081 of debt (Q3 2016) as a whole.

Maybe it is a wake up call for Canadians to live within their means until homeownership is feasible.

Location Fraser Valley Greater Vancouver Victoria & Vancouver Island, Greater Toronto, Oakville-Milton and Guelph Regina Ottawa Greater Montreal Greater Moncton Calgary Saskatoon

Average price increases / decreases y-o-y +21.4 per cent +14 per cent Prices increased 18 to 30 per cent +3.5 per cent +3.8 per cent +3.3 per cent +1.2 per cent -1.9 per cent -1.2 per cent

“If homeownership is out of grasp for you, you may have to consider other options to call home. Maybe this means staying in a rental longer or considering purchasing a condo instead,” says Jeffrey Schwartz, executive director, Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada.

So with rising house prices across Canada, many Canadians are feeling the pinch of not being able to enter the housing market. The Canadian Real Estate Association discovered the average prices of homes increased by the following percentages with the only decreases in Calgary and Saskatoon: “If homeownership is on your mind, create a plan to achieve it with the understanding you may have to save for a down payment longer before you can find and move into a home you can honestly afford,” says Schwartz.

If Canadians still want to break into the housing market and they’re strapped for cash, consider the following tips by Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada: It’s time to get serious Plan big and make it happen!

Create a budget to see where you are financially and where you would like to be. This means you have to spend within your means and create a strategic savings plan. Don’t leave anything to chance. Start your budget today to set your path to homeownership in motion.

However it is important to not use your down payment as a means to increase your spending budget. So keep your eyes on the prize and keep saving towards your down payment.

Saving for tomorrow It makes sense to direct as much money as you can towards your down payment however if you do that, you are setting yourself up for failure. How? When you buy a home, you need to have some money set aside for emergencies, home maintenance etc. When you don’t have a savings account and a financial emergency arises – you are putting yourself at risk to turn to debt to bail you out of trouble.

Think with your head Many potential homeowners are jumping into the housing market and buying homes beyond their financial means. Although it is easy to get caught up in the moment and buy a home for emotional reasons for fear of missing out – that’s a quick way into the house of debt. Start your

journey towards homeownership on the right foot by spending within your means and avoiding what you cannot afford. Remember homeownership is more than a down payment and a mortgage – it takes time and money to maintain a home.

About Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada, Inc.: Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada is a national nonprofit credit counselling organization that teaches consumers about personal finance.

For more information or to request an interview with Jeffrey Schwartz, please contact: Natasha Carr, Community and Public Relations Manager, Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada, Inc., T: 416-915-7283 ext.1041, C: 416-830-4720, F: 416-915-5200, E: ncarr@consolidatedcredit.ca

Nanay Lucy Sagun's 99th Birthday Everybody is given the inalienable right to exist but not everyone is privileged to still be completely alive at almost 10th Decade.

Nanay Lucy's condition is testimonial for such a gift of life from the Above. If you wish to be knowledgeable, ask her. She's a Google of her generations. She's a woman of wisdom.

Your down payment plan The housing market is heating up in most areas of the country. The more you put down, the less your overall debt will be (e.g. less interest charges, mortgage insurance etc.).

Wetaskiwin Celebrates Filipino Barrio Fiesta The Catholic Social Services hosted a traditional Filipino Barrio Fiesta last March 24, 2017 at Moose Hall in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. The occassion was blended with fashion shows highlighting Barong Tagalog and other native artistry of the Philippines. Both Mayor Bill Elliot as well as MLA Bruce Hinkley, as Honor Guests, had not only inspired the attendees by their speeches.

They had also been inspired and entertained by the artistic numbers being presented by the Filipinos during the event.

Standing left to right: Emy Zarate, her daughter, Flora Banhag, Joyce Dizon, Fanny Castillo. Sitting left to right: Adeline Delacruz, Lucy Sagun (birthday girl) Meding Paz and Nita Salvador.

ERRATA: To our Valued Readers, The editor wants to apologize for the errors being committed on the AFJ's March 2017 issue; Volume 9, Number 3; Page 9; Column Title "Kaya Ko, Kaya Mo." Which says: "Ms. Juanillo arrived in Canada in March 1922 instead of 1992 Page 8; Column Title "Editorial, that says: "a cannot be and not be at the same time and at the same respect" Corrected: "a thing cannot be..."

Page 14; Column Title: "Artospective - An Artist's point of Views: Proud Luisa: Love's Got Everything to Do With It" Published: "Tickets are available online through Eventbrite."

Corrected: "Tickets for Luisa Marshall Show are available through Brenda Kaminsky Entertainment Productions at 780-964-2513"

16

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

COMMUNITY/ANNOUNCEMENTS

APRIL 2017

Diwa ng Komunikasyon at Pagtutulungan: Napabilis ang Pagpapauwi ng Labi ni Elmer Yamuta sa Davao, Pilipinas.

By Lito Mendoza Velasco

T

hanks to TAO CANADA, especially to Sis Melba and Chairwoman Lucy Staples of Toronto, letting me know that on the 10th of March 2017, there was a Triskelion brother who died here in Red Deer and for connecting me to Shelbeth Yamuta, the wife of Elmer, who, during that time was in Ottawa, Ontario.

Thanks to Brod Al San Pedro and Sis MJ Hermosado, TAO Canada Members; Abel Cereno, Inay Cora Velasco, Triskelion's Friends from Edmonton, for untiringly accompanying me while I was settling all the necessary documents and driving to and from Red Deer to Edmonton.

EDITORIAL

Yes, I never stopped communicating with Shelbeth until everything about sending the remains of her husband to Davao was settled.

Take every chance to serve my dear brothers and sisters!

Hindi po ito popularity contest para magpasikat; kundi, isang pananagutan sa kapwa, lalo na sa mga hindi naman mga kilala sa ating lugar.

Kumilos po ako dahil iyon ay dikta ng pagmamahal at malasakit sa kapwa-tao, natutunan ko yan sa mga magulang ko; Pangalawa, iyon ang katuruan ng Kapatiran na aking sinapian, ang Tau Gamma Phi, Sta. Elena Chapter, nasasakupan ng Camarines Norte Provincial Council

(also known as Mabini Colleges or Pili Chapter); pangatlo, ng Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta na kung saan ay ako ang PRO; at pang-apat, sa ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL kung saan ay kinatawan ako ni Kuya Jun Angeles, ang aming Head Publisher. Lastly, thanks to PARKLAND FUNERAL HOME in Red Deer, Alberta, for taking care of actually sending Elmer's remains to Davao, Philippines.

Pasasalamat din po sa Kagalang-galang na Esmeralda Agbulos, ang Honorary Consul sa Edmonton at sa kanyang mga kasamahan sa opisina, na di nagaksaya ng oras upang makatulong ng lubos.

By Lito Mendoza Velasco

Friends and allies, not enemies and adversaries, are great inheritance.

C

onsidering your friend’s friends as yours is virtuous. Never own your friend’s adversaries. If you do, that is similar to pouring more fuel on the fire; you would surely be perpetuating the numbers of wars rather than harmony and peace.

Building walls rather than bridges.

Extinguishing the zeal of love rather than hatred. Blaming and cursing rather than praising. Rejecting rather than accepting. Dividing rather than extending.

Obviously, these phenomenal situations are not new to us. They’re co-existent with human being’s existence. For the very simple reason that all of us were not born on the same day, era, and place. We have different parents and ancestors.

From our home, we’ve already got either the feelings of appreciation or humiliation. Parents or grandparents covertly exercise favouritism and forming their allies. In the last analysis, the atmosphere of unjust society has already been observed and learned by every individual from his/her past experiences.

Now, what do we expect from the

products of split generations? How can a humiliated man appreciate and respect his neighbour? How can we repair the bad habits and attitudes that have been programmed in his soul? Who will suffer from the effects of those silly orientations?

Ah, the moment they multiply on the streets, they would precisely be the eye sore of the society. The society will be stricken with the so called social neurosis. Again, for the reason that every one is just looking on his own mirror, and eventually, extremely focused on the self and to his allies alone. Kampihan ang labanan. Look around, and you will definitely see numerous organizations, groups, associations, Business Establishments (e.g., Insurance Companies, Real Estate Brokers, Car Dealerships, etc.), clubs, congregations, fraternities and sororities, and even religions, that are not only competing but unreasonably fighting. Rampant rumour mongering, gossips and character assassination, trial by publicity, oral defamation, slander, libel, and so many false accusations are hovering around to ruin one’s reputation.

Follow my command: Right Face! Left Face! About Face!

Forward March! Backward March!

Sideward March! How do you feel?

What did you see? Precisely, you will see different colours or races, clans, and those just recently mentioned associations. It’s so hard to choose and decide where to join! Because, the moment you join, you will certainly be having an instant and immediate ally and on the contrary, an opponent or enemy.

In Edmonton alone, how many organizations does a Filipino Community have? Count them, and that would testify how many personalities an individual has to have. The result, you have the tendency to suffer from MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder). Huh, fellow Filipinos, let’s all wake up!

Let’s serve as bridges rather than walls; Repay hatred with kindness; Accept rather than reject; Praise rather than curse and disgrace; extend rather than divide; and defend your friend rather than offend!!

from page 14

"EMMA - The Musical."

In 2012, the association has launched a fundraising campaign soliciting support from individuals, public, and private business donors and corporations through the Power of Dance (a dance competition event) under the sponsorship of 3J Variety Store (Lixmila Serrano). The goal is to raise $25,000 to send books, clothes, computers, medical supplies to indigenous families in La Union and Baguio City.

In addition, Saranay has sponsored a Karaoke Fundraising Event hosted by K-soda Dance Crew to support the flood victims of Brgy. Caingin, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Fundraising is on going for the sustainability of the above activities.

Saranay's mission is to help and to serve Filipinos in Edmonton and surrounding communities to reach their potential in order to become better citizens of Canada.

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 Email: albertafilipinojournal2016@gmail.com Lito Mendoza Velasco Associate Publisher / Editor-in-Chief Sales & Advertising Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles Administrator/ Office Manager Sales & Advertising Melanie Gomez Dionzon Layout Artist Photographers/Videographer Noli Granado, Dario Juanillo Regular Columnists: Rod Cantiveros, Erlinda Dolly Tan Rosalyn Estoque, Lito Mendoza Velasco, Perry Diaz Contributing Writers: Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Tito S. Venida Ida Beltran-Lucila, Natasha Carr, Aurora Bernal Born Katrina Marielle U. Cereno, Kristian Cereno Marco Luciano, Mervin Mendoza Cereno, Moses Billacura The Alberta Filipino Journal is dedicated in memory of Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros of Winnipeg as she engaged her entire life servicing 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.

APRIL 2017

BUSINESS/TOURISM

Winter Escapade on its Fourth Year

By Marjorie Carmona Newman

Filipinos abroad and visitors from different parts of the world are experiencing why it's more fun in the Philippines through the fourth season of the winter escapade.

The winter escapade is the annual tour initiated by the Office of the Philippines Ambassador to Canada, Consul Generals of Canada and the US and the Department of Tourism. It takes visitors to main attractions spots in the Philippines that exhibits the rich culture and tradition of Filipinos. This trip includes participants of Filipinos and visitors coming from different parts of Canada and the United States.

In an interview with John Homes( From the Office of Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines),he said that he heard of this before he came and that everybody was talking about the winter escapade. "I think it’s a wonderful thing , I can’t blame people who are wanting to get out of Canada in the middle of winter .... so the poor people from Ottawa they’re missing the winter loop. Anyway I think any initiatives that help promote people to people contact helps both countries and its good for everybody and Im very excited about it."

While Philippines has hundreds of gorgeous sites, this year’s itinerary takes the participants around the vibrant and fast-paced capital of the Philippines, Manila, to the centre of heritage and cuisine in Laoag, to the heart of Philippine history in Vigan, the beautiful sandy shores of Pagudpud, and finally, the breathtaking beaches of Coron, Palawan.

Fr. Nilo Macapinlac from Wetaskiwin Alberta described the experience...."there is nothing more

beautiful place than our homeland the Philippines...of course my most favourite spot of this is almost every place we go to Ilocandia, Vigan, Coron has a very special part for me....but above all here in the Philippines you can see our bonding our fellowship and the beautiful ambiance that set the tone of all of this which is our communion of God so for me that is the best experience and I am looking forward to coming back, just like what McArthur said “I shall return” especially for me born in this country I'm a Filipino and will always be a Filipino."

While most Filipino tours revolve around taking pictures at Philippines’ movie spots, the heart of the winter escapade tour is for participants to experience the roots of Filipino history. This tour pays homage to iconic sites such as Rizal Park, Intramuros, and Fort Ilocandia , to name a few. In addition, the Filipino culture is exhibited through the cuisine, the arts and crafts, and the well-known Filipino hospitality guests experience throughout their trip.

Wherever the participants go they were greeted with warmth, love and utmost hospitality by kababayans. The group had a chance to meet the lovely Governor of Ilocos Norte, the Hon. Aimee Marcos. She hosted a dinner for the tour participants serving authentic Ilocano cuisine.

Manny Yero of Calgary Alberta has this to say...I was invited here for the winter escapade from a friend of mine from Edmonton and I'm so grateful because I liked what I’ve seen in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

Ilocos has a lot of history compared to where I came from."

Tourism contributes largely to the Philippine economy. Travels from Canada alone has attributed to 12.5% increase in tourism during the months of January to September, according to the Dept of Tourism.

Jubal Aguilar of Edmonton Alberta was impressed of the location, sa choice to visit the Philippines is very nice,Coron and the Ilocos region, the weather has been fantastic. They did a really good job.

Edna Oblepias from Torrance, California USA said this experience has given her a real opportunity to visit other places in her home country that she's never been, like Coron ,Ilocos region.. "I haven’t been there, mostly the thing I have enjoyed most is the warm welcome of the people that we encountered. They are so nice they really appreciate our presence in their province. I also enjoyed the natural beauty of our country. I have been to other countries but Philippines still has the most natural beauty."

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL The 2017 winter escapade is the fourth successful run of the it’s more fun in the Philippines tours.

It attracts not only visitors of other nations, but also Filipinos abroad who gain insight to the diversity, heritage and rich culture of the Philippines through the scenic

The sandy shores of Pagudpud

The famous Paoay Church

The Zumba Class of Edmonton

17

tours, the cuisine, and cultural productions. In this trip, escapade participants rediscover the diversity, the culture, and the heritage of the Philippines, making their experience there more fun than traveling anywhere else.

18

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

ENTERTAINMENT/BUSINESS

APRIL 2017

Bureaucracy in the Alberta Health Services LET PEACE TALK MARCO LUCIANO mluciano2@gmail.com

Marco Luciano is the Global Council Representative of Philippine based Migrante International. He is also the current Secretary General of its chapter Migrante Canada.

EDMONTON - On Monday, April 3 Edmonton-Ellerslie MLA Rod Loyola asked the question at the Legislature: Mr. Speaker, this

government has shown a strong commitment to protecting the rights of all Albertans regardless of where they come from. However,

MLA Rod Loyola during the question period at the Legislature on the rights of Canadian-born children of undocumented migrants

residents in my constituency of Edmonton-Ellerslie have raised concerns for the health and wellness of Canadian-born children of migrant undocumented parents.

Given that access to health care is a fundamental human right, to the Minister of Health: what coverage is available for these Canadian-born children? He is talking about the rights of Canadian-born children of undocumented mothers. In the province of Alberta, children born in Canada, they take on the status of their mother who has been without status. Thus, these children cannot get access to basic health services, except for free flu vaccines in order to protect her and those around her, in case she contracts seasonal influenza.

Minister of Health Sarah Hoffman responded to MLA Loyola: “Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and to the member for the very important question. As of January 2016 our government extended full Alberta health insurance coverage to include Canadian-born children of migrant workers. We understand Alberta residency guidelines, and we want to make sure that these young Albertans, who were born in the province, are properly insured and that their parents don’t have to worry about their health care.

It’s important to us that we make their lives better”.After over 40 years of the PC government, policy on these children were changed on January of last year. For the whole year undocumented mothers were made to pay for check ups for their

children and refused by AHS if they do not pay. When advocacy group Migrante wrote a letter to AHS on June 2016 and asked, they were told to return if the mother gets her valid work permit.

Why did it take over a year and a question from an MLA at the Legislature for the issue to be addressed? Your guess is as good as mine. What’s clear is the bureaucratic gap between the Minister’s office and service delivery of AHS. Nobody seems to know about this change in the law including settlement service providers. While this is a fresh news especially for mothers, this will still take a while for implementation including changes in the AHS website that still says “Babies born in Alberta to a non-resident of Alberta are not considered residents of Alberta and are therefore not eligible for coverage with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan”.

Mr Loyola continues the question: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Given that the minister has confirmed that these children are covered by Alberta health care, what steps can be taken to ensure that migrant undocumented workers are aware of this coverage? The Minister replied: “Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and to the member for his advocacy on this matter and his engagement with those who share those very concerns. Recognizing that language and cultural barriers can be a significant issue, we continue to

develop information in multiple languages and support translation services throughout the Alberta health care system. Some people call these important services in the public service bureaucrats. We call them important service providers, and we’re going to make sure that we continue to provide supports for Alberta families who speak a variety of languages because it’s important to us that they have access to the services that they deserve”.

In practical terms, it is still not clear on what the undocumented mothers will do in order to access Medicare for their children. “We will continue to campaign and advocate for the rights of these Canadian born children until they can actually get their health cards” said Dhon Mojica, the Chairperson of Migrante Alberta.

“These children are Canadians, period. We will devalue Canadian citizenship if Albertans treat these children second class citizens. They should have access to basic services such as health care” he added.

Anyone can contact Migrante’s Rights and Welfare Action Committee at 1-888-366-0194 if there are children in similar situation that urgently needed health services.

APRIL 2017

BUSINESS

hgacayan@sterlingedmonton.com

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

19

20

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

APRIL 2017