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SHYANE: Our Modern Filipina Diwata
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APRIL 2022 • Volume 15, Number 04
AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
Julia Chua Wins Gold
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SILIPIN NATIN: P8► Ang Anggulo ng Gulo
Opportunities to Volunteer P9►
Covid Monument Is a Waste of Money P8►
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Election fever in Alberta P10► and the Philippines
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Business
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Community | Business
APRIL 2022 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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POTATO CORNER SETTLES IN THE CORNER
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ot only did Nelson and Estrella “Bing” Rodriguez open their 8th Branch of Potato Corner at the Millwoods Town Center in Edmonton last April 1, 2022, but they also gave new job opportunities for those who have been waiting for employment during this COVID-19 pandemic. The first wave of customers included AFJ publisher Jose “Jun” Angeles, editor Lito Velasco, and Abel Cereno, who were greeted to milk teas and other products, complimenting their servings of uniquely-flavoured fries.
Nelson Rodriguez gives AFJ publisher, Abel Cereno and some visitors a tour around the kitchen, showing them how the cooking is done using innovative equipment, as well as how they maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the workplace.
Photos by Lito Velasco
L - R: AFJ Publisher Jun Angeles, Potato Corner owner Nelson Mr. and Mrs. Nelson and Bing Rodriguez with grandchildren Rodriguez, Abel Cereno
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The MTC-PC TEAM: (L-R) Vincent Partoza, Yasha Lavilla, John Carlo Cartagena, Rainiel Dela Cruz, Micah Cariazo
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AFJ Family | Editor's Corner | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
SALVIFIC MISSION: Should you preserve another’s dignity by putting your own in jeopardy?
EDITOR’S CORNER
Published by Angeles Publishing Company Inc. 246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2T2 Jose L. Angeles Publisher / Chief Operating Officer Sales and 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 and Advertising, 780-993-5503 albertafilipinojournal79@gmail.com Moses Billacura Sports Editor / Photographer / Videographer Lianne Angeles Associate Editor Mark Angeles, Mike Angeles Distribution Managers - Edmonton Andy Chua Marketing Manager - Edmonton +1 (780) 965-3549, fcchua@hotmail.com Maria Visconde Advertising, Sales and Marketing Manager - Calgary 403-891-9328 or 403-608-8817 Stephen Burry Distribution Manager - Calgary 1 (587) 938-3100, Freedommigrate@gmail.com Rolan Latorre Marketing Manager Melanie C. Gomez Website and Graphic Designer Columnists: Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Tito S. Venida, Ida Beltran-Lucila, Kristian Cereno, Marco Luciano, Mervin Mendoza Cereno, Nicky Gocuan, Giselle General, Hermo Pagtakhan, Januel Cedrick Ibasco, Fr. Jhack Diaz, Bing J. Jaleco, Jon Perez (Saskatoon, SK) Contributing Writers: Katrina Marielle U. Cereno, Leonila Samarita, Raquel Getigan, Jasmine-Grace Nacu 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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Lito Mendoza Velasco
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fter a thorough evaluation of the succession of intentional incidents that occurred in the last few days, weeks, and months, especially during the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Karilagan Dance Society last March 19, 2022 at the Royal Palace Banquet Hall in Edmonton, I came to realize that the Filipino community is still needing a leader whose voice has an impact or can be heard by fellow Filipinos. A community needs not the kind of person who can loudly scream words that has a negative impact and can harm one’s dignity and reputation. A community doesn’t need a person who cannot manage anger and has the tendency to hurl accusations at someone without a clear basis of truth and who easily jumps to conclusions, leading to physical assault and harm. I also came to ponder the thought that patience has its boundaries and evil deeds should not be tolerated
What should we do to protect our asses? Well, if you’re unable to comport yourself in a respectable manner, perhaps it is better stay in the silence of your home after work, after attending Church services, after buying food for a week‘s consumption, or after visiting relatives and close friends. Perhaps it would be better to stay away from social gatherings and better to not assume any positions in any organizations. If you can’t accept what I just mentioned above, then, be well-equipped with a heart filled with courage, or at the very least, hold yourself accountable for all your actions. Always keep these in mind: • “Treat others as you would have them treat you.” • “An eye for an eye.” • “Do unto others what you want others do unto you.”
at all times. Hence, I would like to let the public know that during that awarding night, we were not there for nothing or for no reason at all. We were there to honour many Filipinos and naturalized Canadians who were nominated and chosen to receive awards that. It is also for this reason that I believe another fellow-Filipino couple were there, paranoia-stricken as they were, and blinded by delusions. We were all there to recognize our worth as serviceoriented individuals and professionals in the society. Thus, the assault, threats, insults, embarrassment, mischief and harm they caused should not have been tolerated that night. False beliefs and accusations are never a valid reason to hurt someone at any time, especially here in Canada, where we assume the belief that we will always be protected by the law.
Simply put, all actions have consequences, so be prepared for those consequences as this is not a lawless place, and you are not above the law. oooOOOooo In similar manner, election time in the Philippines is just around the corner, so as the PC performance review or evaluation here in Alberta. May the politicians never-ever plan to win the elections by fraudulent means and killing their political opponents. Remember that votes can be bagged by coersion and deception or be bought; but not of a peaceful country.
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Sports
APRIL 2022 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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Garcia's six triples help SkinLueur Laser Centre beat R&M, 103-90
By Moses Billacura Julia Chua of Edmonton (center) wins a gold medal in the Star 9 category of the 2022 United Sport Sunsational Invitational, April 16 at the Ice Palace.(Photo courtesy of Andy Chua)
Sarce Garcia buried six three-point shots out of his 20-point production to lead SkinLueur Aesthetics and Laser Centre to another victory in the 2022 Maharlika Basketball Association, April 16, at the Abbottsfield Recreation Centre. SkinLueur defeated R&M Paint and Reno, 103-90 to improve its chances of placing in a better position
with two more games left before the quarterfinals. SkinLueur will face Halabirada on April 23 and Kingsmen A on May 1. The quarterfinals will start on May 14, according to tournament commissioner Jonas Iral. The scores: SkinLueur Laser Centre (103) -
Garcia 20, Eyao 20, Mariano 16, Orquez 16, Briones 11, Pangilinan 8, Cabalquinto 6, Mapa 2, Pomariga 2, No.23 2. R&M Paint and Reno (90) - Fernandez 26, Juayong 19, Nidoy 14, E. Corpuz 10, Garlet 8, Campos 5, Agbang 4, Mercado 4.(with reports from Jhel Iral)
Crosstown Auto cools down Captain's Boil, 80-72; Coach Ches dedicates victory to team captain Dodo By Moses Billacura Isla Diesmos of Calgary (extreme left) wins a silver medal in the 2022 Pacific International Judo Competition U18-52-kgs., April 16, in Steveston, BC. (Photo courtesy of Kris Diesmos)
DT Elite Red Deer Spring Basketball League Results, April 17: COMPETITIVE DIVISION DC Canada Education (80) vs Savage Squad (32) Christ is King (56) vs Navarro (48) Sugar City (47) vs Untamed (49) Dimagiba (58) vs Forest Hill (44) Crowd Makers (49) vs Impulse Machine (60)
ALL FILIPINO SENIOR DIVISION RD Buckets (26) vs Banaue Auto (46) Solid North (66) vs Shippers (22) RD Warriors (18) vs Gammans (62) RD squad (62) vs Hoopsters (39)*** Olds (49) vs Central Ballers (41) Assassins (52) vs Lower Fairview (58).
DT Elite Red Deer kicked off its tournament, April 17.(DT Elite FB Screengrab) All photos and articles available online. Follow us
Carlo Chengco topscored for Crosstown Auto Centre with 17 points as he led his squad to their first win at the expense of Captain's Boil, 80-72 in the 2022 Gathering Friendly Basketball Association tournament, April 2, at The Gathering Church gym. Crosstown Auto slowed down in the second quarter but regained its composure at the start of the third canto with Mark Dorado and Floyd Eyao leading the charge as they outscored Captain's Boil by 12 points to regain the lead by five points, 52-47. Captain's Boil tried to charge back in the last quarter with Melchor Sales and Eric Sangalang rallying their teammates but Crosstown Auto kept them at bay to secure an eight-point win. Sales led the losing side with 20 points. "The win is for Dodo," said coach Chester Tiongson. Dodo De Guzman was a mainstay of the Crosstown Auto Centre team, even serving as team captain for Crosstown Auto's master's division squad. While suiting up for Crosstown's open division team, Dodo was not a high scorer but was relied upon by his teammates for his tough defense and ability to always find an open man. He lost his battle to the Big C last year. The scores: Crosstown Auto Centre (80) - Chengco 17, Eyao 13, M.Dorado 12, Orquez 11, Mananggit 11, De Leon 8, Arciaga , Garcia 3, Castillo 2.
Captain's Boil (72) - Sales 20, Sangalang 15, Castillo 11, Perpetua 10, Marchand 6, Corpuz 4, Yeo 2, Becayagen 2, Yola 1, Cuenco 1.
Crosstown Auto's Mark Dorado has both eyes on the basket against a defending Melchor Sales of Captain's Boil as Benjie Orquez (No.24) looks on in the 2022 Gathering Friendly Basketball Association tournament, April 2, at The Gathering Church gym.(Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)
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Sports
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
WeFix Auto to host motorcycle meet April 30
The Academy of Health Care Services is among the teams seeing action in the ongoing 2022 PBAC Spring Basketball League at the Dr. Lila Fahlman School. Donning the colors for AHCS are Ed Ancheta, Jonathan Bernil, Alex Gonzales, Blis Bravo, Henry Amir, Cesar Paglinawan, Nelson Quinto, Wayit Castin, Ralito Resngit and Brian Pera. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)
WeFix Auto is hosting a gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts on April 30. Organized by the "No Invite" group and Totoy Duque, the event is at WeFix's open parking lot on 9944 67 Avenue NW, where a display of various types of motorbikes will be open for all to see and enjoy. Duque said that their aim is to gather those who love motorbike racing including those who want to know more about their sport. (Moses Billacura)
Photo courtesy of Totoy Duque
An alternative basketball tournament run by volunteers in Edmonton – Pinasaya Basketball Association By Lou Tabanao
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hat is a regular basketball tournament in Edmonton? You pay $150 tournament fee and play for 7-8 games and maybe up to 10 games if your team reaches the finals. Games are officiated or managed by EBOA referees and tournament officials. It is played by division or category and any teams can submit any lineup of players. A player comes, plays and goes home every game schedule which are normally held in school gyms or recreation centres. On February 27, the Pinasaya Basketball Association (PBA) opens a different kind of tournament, an alternative model, run by volunteers from table crew to refereeing including tournament administration. The 1st PBA season is composed of four teams: Coyotes, Legends,
Hotshots and Hornets. Four games (or 2 games per team) are played every Sunday 6:30-10:00AM at the McCauley school gym. The tournament is just entering the 2nd round with the Legends leading the standing 6-1. As Commissioner Froilan Fabella would always remind the group why we are vastly different than the other leagues. He happily enumerates the following reasons to anyone who might ask: 1. 5in-5out which ensures each player plays a minimum of 15 minute per game, 2. Balanced teams where we distribute equally the MVPcaliber, young legs and top players to give each team a championship chance, 3. 30+ games that span for 6 months or more including bestof-three playoffs and finals, and one special Sunday for 3pt, skills master
and 3on3 contests. People may ask how you can afford 30+ games, he proudly claims it is because we work like a true association where efforts and dividends are shared among shareholders, and we even regularly report our cash flow to be transparent to everyone. On April 3, we are entering Round 3 and games are still competitive with the Legends expected to still lead while the Hornets, Hotshots and Coyotes fight it our for 2nd and 3rd place and avoid the Legends in the playoffs. The originals of the group (OGs) will also agree that since doing this kind of tournament, more players are socially engaged with regular potlucks almost every other Sunday. I think everyone would agree that for $80 fee with 30+ games
and the chance to strengthen the core volunteerism values is the best tournament in Edmonton for Pinoys. In a sense, PBA is impacting humanity thru this alternative model of basketball tournament where
we are not just after winning but more on how to be a better person that will impact our families and communities, of course, the exercise is a de facto aim.
Santos shines in U13 hockey tourneys
Silas Santos is a member of the NW508 Outlaws Whitemud West Hockey Team that won gold medals in the U13 Quikcard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week and U13 City Champions. Silas scored 20 goals, issued 11 assists and garnered 31 points for the season and in the playoffs registered three goals and two assists for a fivepoint production. (Moses Billacura with reports and photos from A.Santos) www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
APRIL 2022 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Educational | Opinion | Filipino Proverbs
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DO NOT FALL VICTIM TO FAKE CANADA JOB POSTING FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS ENGINEER IN ACTION
Mervin Cereno, P. Eng. mmcereno@gmail.com Mervin Cereno is a Filipino immigrant in Canada. A FilipinoCanadian Engineer license to practice Engineering in Alberta and British Columbia. He is a Volunteer and Advocates to help Filipino-Canadian Engineers to pursue their Professional Engineering licenses in Canada. For advice on a specific case in pursuing your application whether in ASET or APEGA, please email me at mmcereno@gmail.com.
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his article is similar to one I wrote last year regarding a job posting for Engineering Professionals that encouraged you to apply as an Engineer in Canada. This is again a reminder to our readers to validate any information regarding these Job Postings. Note that you cannot practice Engineering in Canada if you do not go into the process of our application as an Engineer in the Province of your destination. During this pandemic, many people use social media to post job opportunities in Canada with promising salaries and offers of employment. A typical posting that flooded social media recently is similar to the picture below. The usual victims are those who are struggling and are perhaps more vulnerable due to their present situations. Filipino Engineers are among them. Many Filipino Engineers who work as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in the Middle East and lost their jobs because of the pandemic are the target of this “Job Posting”. Facts before you can be employed as an Engineer in Canada. 1. The practice of Engineering in Canada is a Regulated Profession,
similar to the licensing process in the Philippines where your education and experience have to be assessed 2. You cannot call yourself an Engineer and work as one in Canada without undergoing the Licensing Process for each Province of your intended workplace. 3. You cannot have a Professional Engineering License in Canada without undergoing a Professional Experience in Canada under the supervision of a Professional Engineer. 4. You cannot have an Offer Letter from a Canadian Employer if you are not a Professional Engineer in Canada. 5. Obtaining a work visa for any Profession in Canada is a lengthy process. The Employer/Sponsor needs to prove that there is no available Permanent Resident or Citizen that is in Canada for that particular position. This is impossible since the unemployment rate in Canada is still high. 6. Do not come to Canada as a Temporary Resident (Tourist), hoping to land an Engineering Job. That will never be the case. Go with the right process. 7. Even if you have a Ph.D. and more than 15 years of experience
with a large company, if you try to apply for a job online, the chances of being accepted are very, very low. You have to be in Canada as a legal resident to be considered for a position. 8. If have a Professional Engineering License from any State of the US (PE) – you can be employed as an Engineer in Canada, but you still have to be registered as an Engineer in the Province of your destination. 9. If you have Chartered Engineering status from the UK, New Zealand, or Australia – you can be employed as Engineer in Canada, but again, you still have to be registered as an Engineer in the Province of your destination. 10. If you are recognized as an
The Philippine Election In spite of Pandemic LEGAL CHIKA
Raquel P. Getigan Earned Bachelor of Laws degree at Manila Law College and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Philippine Normal University. She’s an educator by profession and Apprentice at Atty. Romeo Sese Law office.
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ark the day May 9, 2022 (Monday), as this is when the anticipated National Election takes place in the Philippines. Henceforth, the right to suffrage of each Filipino citizen should be duly exercise without prejudice. Is the Commission on Election (Comelec) equipped enough for this event? This coming National Election projected a lot of challenges due to the Health phenomena/condition in our nation. This is a glance to gain a better understanding on the Philippine Comelec preparation for the National election. The Republic of the Philippines Commission in Election-Comelec issued Resolution 10727 promulgated on November 10, 2021, The General Instructions on May 9, 2022 National and Local Election specifically mentioning the following significant provisions related to safety and health protocols:
Article VI-Voting Sec. 67. Preparations of Ballots for Illiterate, Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and Senior Citizen (Sc) by an Assistor. Sec. 69. Express Lane for Person with Disability, Senior Citizens, Heavily Pregnant Women, Escorted PDL voters and Indigenous People. Article XI-Isolation Polling Place Sec. 80. Establishing of an Isolation Polling Place (IPP) There shall be an Isolation Polling Place (IPP) in every voting center, which shall be set up, as far as practicable, in one of the class rooms that is in a building separate from the other buildings of the voting center, preferably near the entrance, and the health personnel station. If no such room is available, a makeshift/temporary IPP shall be set up outside the voting center, which shall be strategically located near its entrance and the Medical Personnel Stationed. The IPP must have a sample space capable of accommodation, at least five(5) voters, the IPP Support Staff and watchers, observing one (1) meter physical distancing, at any given time. a. Waiting Area. Voters who are waiting for their turn to vote in the IPP shall be allowed to stay in a waiting area, situated preferably next to it, which can comfortably accommodate at least ten (10) voters, including their assistor, if any observing the one (1) meter physical distancing. b. Who may Vote at the IPP. Voters who, upon temperature check at the entrance of the voting center, and who registers a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher may vote at the IPP. Article XIII-COVID 19 Preventive
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Measures, Health and Safety Protocols During the Conduct of Final Testing and Sealing of VCM, Voting, Counting and Transmission of Election Results Sec. 90. Steps to be followed before entry the Voting Center (VC): All persons entering the VC shall: 1. Be subject to temperature checking. If a voter registers a temperature
of 37.5 Celsius or higher, said voter shall not be allowed to enter but shall be made rest for five (5) minutes before retaking the temperature. If on the second checking, the body temperature is still at 37.5 Celsius or higher, said person shall be escorted to IPP to cast his/her vote. This section shall also apply to those
Engineer in the Middle East or an ASEAN Engineer, there is still no equivalency that is in place for any of the Provinces of Canada at this time. So you have to apply using the usual process. In summary, do not be a victim of the promise of a better job in Canada without knowing the facts. Yes, Canada indeed needs Engineers. Use the internet to research facts about the licensing process for each province. My articles in the Alberta Filipino Journal serve only as additional information based on my personal experiences and knowledge. For specific advice regarding your circumstances, you can email me and I am happy to answer all your concerns.
voters who are manifesting other COVID-19 symptoms. 2. Observe one-meter physical distancing and. 3. The DESO shall strictly ensure that the number of persons inside the VC does not exceed the allowed maximum capacity in accordance with prevailing IATF and LGU Rules and Guidelines on election day. Sec. 91. Persons Not Allowed to Enter VC 1. Refuses to wear facemask and face shield; 2. Refuses to have his/her temperature taken or evaluated by the Medical Personnel to be suffering from a fever of 37.5 degrees Celsius or Higher; and 3. Refuses to strictly obse4rve any of the protocols set forth herein or any of the guidelines set by the government authorities and enumerated above. The Republic of the Philippines Commission on Election meticulously contemplates the safety of the entire Election procedure. Finally, do not fear and vote wisely. Mabuhay Pilipinas!
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Opinion
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JUST LISTEN
Nicky Gocuan, PMAA ngocuan@yahoo.com Nicky Gocuan has been a Columnist/ Photojournalist for over 15 years. He finished his Degree in Communication Arts at De La Salle University in 1990. After obtaining his University degree, Gocuan joined the Print Media and has contributed for The Philippine Star, Pilipino Star and later moved to Bagong Pinoy, where he wrote a regular opinion column. He also went on to write a showbiz column for The Tribune and Remate. Gocuan has experience in covering the Police beat, Political beat, and Entertainment beat before landing in the Sports beat. He later wrote a regular sports column for Remate Tonight. During this time, he was elected President of the Philippine Basketball Association Press Photographers Club (PBAPPC) for Two Terms and helped uplift the status of the group to become a part of the 5 Man Mythical Committee in the PBA. He is currently the President of The Philippine Media Association of Alberta (PMAA) and Host of a weekly radio program ‘The Fourth Estate” on Tala Luvz Radio in Calgary.
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hile the situation in Alberta has improved from Bad to Better, I hate to be the one saying we are not yet out of the woods and must continue our due diligence in keeping ourselves safe by practicing good hygiene, avoid very crowded space and practice social distancing. In Edmonton, there are still quite a number of people who wear the mask, and we must respect that. After all, it is their health, and everyone should decide on what is best for them. We do not need the Government to tell us what to do.
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
Covid Monument Is a Waste of Money Recently, our attention shifted to when Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi announced that there are plans to commission a COVID-19 Public Monument to Commemorate those who died from the virus, and the challenges the pandemic has presented. This project will be under the Edmonton Arts Council. COVID is still here, and this is an event that we do not want to remember. No one wants to remember that during the pandemic we all lost our freedom. Government Officials implemented overreaching measures. Businesses had to temporarily shut down and some did not even survive and went bankrupt. Employees lost their jobs, and this is not a memorable event in the history of humankind. And now a COVID-19 Monument? There are more important things that the city can do but please not a monument for COVID-19. Have we run out of ideas that will help our city? I hope not. With due respect to the Edmonton Art Council, I know they can produce better ideas. Instead of wasting money on this silly idea, the city should look at helping Small Local Businesses who are still struggling to survive after the lockdowns. Let us remember that these small businesses employ people in their own community and collectively they help the local economy. While other people might talk and not present examples and workable solutions, such is not the case with this writer. When the lockdowns were implemented, there were businesses that just started, and they have not even started to recover the initial investment they have put in such as the equipment cost to start the business, rent, business permit, renovation, and employee wages. Before they know it, they could not do continue to do normal business. They were hoping that they could apply for relief measures that the Federal and Provincial Governments
presented but to their surprise, new businesses did not qualify for any of those programs. So why am I talking about this? It is simple. This is one aspect that the City of Edmonton could focus on: helping new Local Business thrive. In the last Edmonton Mayoral Forum Organized by the Philippine Media Association of Alberta (PMAA), we did focus on some pain points that our local businessmen are experiencing in terms of making processes simpler, like obtaining a business permit. By improving timelines in obtaining permits and inspections, this will signal to the world that Edmonton is open for business and they are welcome to do business here which, in return, will help employ more people. We have a lot of Commercial Office spaces available in the City. While I do not have the exact numbers, I am pretty sure it would be better to see them filled rather than vacant. This is just a very simple way to encourage investment in our City. Another important factor will be access, which means focusing on our road network. While the City continues to address our roadworks, timelines for completing a road construction should be on the priority list during warmer months. This should be expedited due to factors such as the importance of access, our weather, and cost of labor. It takes forever for our Road Constructions to be completed. There is a need for a Citizen Oversight Committee to look into Major Infrastructure Projects. Delays are costly and should be charged back to the Contractor for delays which I know is already stipulated in the current contracts. Mass transit is another factor. Any developing country has Rapid Mass Transit in place and that is why they continue to expand the Light Rail Transit. While the LRT project cost so much to build, it will help cut down pollution and traffic.
Our bus network exists but needs improvement because it affected a lot of people when the City decided to change the regular routes. It was good to hear that the Government of Alberta has stepped up to help Alberta Municipal transit which was hit hard by the pandemic. The Provincial Government committed $79.5 Million which is being matched by the Federal Government to support 26 Alberta Municipalities called Relief For Shortfalls of Transit Operators (RESTOR). This will provide a topup to help the municipalities feeling the pinch of low ridership over the last two years. I know everyone wishes for COVID to be gone so that we will start seeing people get back to their normal life and buses can be full again. Right now, they are half full because people are still worried about the virus. So let us stay away from wasting money on building a COVID Monument which will definitely be a waste of money and focus on other more important measures to improve this City. ***** While the City of Edmonton continues to grow, there are a lot of communities that have been developed and in any development, road access to the new community is vital. In expanding communities in the West, we have seen single lane roads to access communities that have already been developed, like Rosenthal and Secord and Webber Greens. We recently called the attention of Councillor Andrew Knack because we noticed that the traffic from the bridge from Stony Plain Road to Winterburn Road is getting bad and we noticed that there were a lot of vehicles turning right into the Secord Community as well as the Rosenthal Community. These two communities have grown so much and it is high time
SILIPIN NATIN: Ang Anggulo ng Gulo Edmonton - Marso 19, 2022, habang ipinagdiriwang ang ika-50 Anibersaryo ng Karilagan Dance Society at ika-24 na Hiyas (Gem) Award Night o Gabi ng Parangal na ipinagkakaloob ng ng nasabing organisasyon sa mga hinirang mula sa mga nominadong nagmula sa ibat-ibang organisayon ng Filipino dito sa Edmonton. Mga kababayan nating Filipino at napatunayang naglingkod ng buong-puso at walang pag-iimbot para sa kapakanan ng lipunang Filipino dito sa Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Ang insidenteng naganap ay nagbigay ng isang hudyat na hindi lamang malinaw na pananaw; kundi ng isang katotohanan para sa magiging kinabukasan ng ating lipi o lahi dito sa Edmonton. Isang kultura ng walang katiyakan na magiging batayan ng isang lipunang walang kaginhawahan, kapayapaan, pagtutulungan, pagkakampihan, at ng pagkakaisang inaasam. Masarap-napakasarap mangarap
lalo na kung sama-sama nating ihahakbang at isasakilos ang nagkakaisang layunin. Dahil sa pagkilos lamang na ito natin makakamtam ang respeto ng ibang lahi para sa ating lahi. Sino nga ba naman ang gagalang sa’yo kung mismong kababayan o kapatid mo ay hindi ka inirespeto. Na, sa halip na magsamasama, mas pinili at ninais pa ng iba nating kababayan na tayo ay maging masama sa paningin ng iba. Ating silipin at mainam na usisain ang ating lipi o lahi Samantalang totoo na ang layunin ng okasyon ay ang kilalanin at bigyang parangal ang mga nominado o hinirang upang tumanggap ng nasabing parangal dahil sa kanilang kasipagan, malasakit, at bukal sa loob na paglilingkod sa lipunan o volunterismo; totoo rin naman na kabaliktaran ang naging introduksyon ng programa ng ang isang magasawang Filipino mula sa Omni TV ay biglang lumusob at pinagsusuntok,
pinagsisipa, at pinagsalitaan ng mga akusasyong walang katotohanan ang isa rin namang medyo nakikilala na rin sa lipunan dahil siya ay punong patnugot o editor-in-chief ng isang Filipinong Pahayagan dito sa Alberta. Nasilip at saksi dito ang humigit kumulang 300 tao na dumalo sa okasyon. Pangunahing layunin ng grupong kultural na ito na tipunin, pagkaisahin, at pagtagpuin ang magkakaibang layunin at magkakaibang hakbangin ng ating mag kababayang Filipino dito sa ibayong dagat sa pamamagitan ng pagsayaw. Kaalinsabay nito ay ang pagkasunduin ang magkakaibang pananaw upang magkaroon ng pwersang magbibigkis sa ating wastong pagkilos (code of ethics). Ang pagkilos na may karangalan na siyang magiging diwa ng tunay na kultura—isang kultura ng katiyakan upang ang lipunan ay magkaroon ng patutunguhan. At iyon ay ang kaginhawahan.
Subalit, binasag nga ito ng dalawa nating kababayan na magasawa pa naman. Gumawa sila ng eksena sa harap ng mga bisita na nagmula sa ibat-ibang lahi. Ayon sa nabanggit na nga, sumugod at nagsisisigaw ang mag-asawang Filipino Omni producers na ito: “Hayop ka! Nandito ka palang gago ka!” Kasunod ang panununtok ngunit nabigong tamaan sa mukha ang sinuntok na kababayan. Tumama ang mga tadyak o sipa sa hita at napasaan ang sinagupa. Habang ang asawa naman ng aroganteng Filipino ay nagsisisigaw ng: “Hayop ka, hindi ako kaladkarin!” Napakatindi ng eksenang iyon. Para bang nominado at nanalo din sa FAMAS AWARD. Matindi ang epekto sa kanila ng pandemya. Gumawa sila ng sarili nilang multo. Hindi nagtapos doon ang pagtatangkang pananakit ng magasawang ito sa punong patnugot. Noong ika-25 ng Marso, sa harap
that they expand the lanes to allow both communities to have a lane where they can turn right so they do not hold up the traffic heading east on Winterburn road. There is room to expand the lanes as there is enough land to do that. I do not understand why this was not made a priority by the YEG City Council when in fact they should have a report on how many houses were built in the said communities in the area. The same problem exists along Webber Greens drive from Lewis farm, turning right on 206 street. There is also room to open up the road for a right turn lane to improve traffic flow. When a community is developed, we want to make sure that we also expand access. This is especially important if there is an emergency. Where will the ambulance, fire truck or police car pass if traffic is so heavy on one lane? Unless you want them to fly, it is plain and simple and not rocket science to understand this problem. The city should make this a priority project. ***** In just a few months, The Bank of Canada has raised interest rates to 1%. It is the biggest one-time increase in 20 years. This increase will affect a lot of businesses and consumers by influencing the rates they pay on mortgage, GICs and savings accounts. In our article last month, we already talked about how Canadians are getting poorer everyday because of the rising cost of primary commodities. It is high time that Canadians watch their borrowing because this is the first back-to-back rate hike since 2017. With the hike, it will affect your cash flow meaning lesser money to spend for leisure, eating out and entertainment. For comments, email us at ngocuan@yahoo.com.
ng napakaraming tao at habang kasama ng biktima ang pamilya ng kanyang mga kaibigan sa Food Court ng West Edmonton Mall, biglaan na namang lumitaw ang producers ng Filipino Show na ito at sinagupa sa pangalawang pagkakataon ang punong patnugot. Buti na lamang at naharangan kaagad ng magasawang kaibigan ng biktima ang agresibong taga-media. Nagsisisigaw doon: “Hayop kang gago ka! May atraso ka pa sa akin! Magbabayad ka!” Niyaya pa niya sa labas ng Mall ang punong patnugot para makipag-away sa kanya. Huh! Ano sa palagay ninyo ang magiging kinabukasan ng lipunang Filipino dito sa Edmonton kung mayroong mga ganyang tao at kababayan pa natin ang walang takot kung manakit sa kapwa. Samantalang wala namang matibay na rason o dahilan? Buti na lamang, napakahinahon ng punong patnugot na ito. Sa halip na lumaban ay umunawa, nagpasenya at hinayaang ang batas ang humusga.
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Politics | Community | Business
APRIL 2022 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
From Mayor Sohi’s Desk By Mayor Amarjeet Sohi
How to create Edmonton’s first National Urban Park.
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hat is a National Urban Park and how will it make Edmonton even more awesome? And no, you will never need to pay to access it. Take one part urban greenspace, one part federal funding, and a big helping of Indigenous collaboration and what do you get? In March, I joined Minister Randy Boissanault, Chief Tony
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi
Alexis of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, President Audrey Poitras of the Metis Nation and Parks Canada for an announcement that I have been anticipating for a long time. We know that preserving our green spaces is an essential part of committing to sustainability, reconciliation, economic development, and city vibrancy. I am so happy that we are taking the first steps towards establishing a National Urban Park in our city, and know the impact
this will have on the wellbeing of all Edmontonians. National Urban Park funding would allow us to upgrade seating, pathways, and public facilities. Many of you have reached out to me with questions like What is a National Urban Park? How is it different than a National Park? and What does this mean for Edmonton? So let me provide some clarity here as we explore this concept together. A National Urban Park in Edmonton would mean that we call the shots and the space would always remain free and accessible to all visitors. This would allow Edmonton to access federal funds to improve and upgrade the designated green space. We could tackle erosion in the river valley, upgrade public facilities and even create educational programs with the dollars. I understand that there has been some confusion which has led folks to feel concerned that this designation would mean we give up our green spaces to the Federal Government. I can promise that is not the case.
We are grateful that the Federal Government is supportive of this project and will provide support, but this space will remain unapologetically Edmontonian, like me! The most important aspect of this initiative is how we engage and collaborate with Indigenous communities and leaders in the spirit of reconciliation. During the announcement, Chief Tony Alexis said “Indigenous Peoples have a deep connection to the land so I am grateful for this development. Having a National Urban Park in Treaty 6 Territory would not only provide space for connecting to the Land, but would also provide opportunities for healing and cultural celebration for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. This is a step in the right direction towards Reconciliation.” Our goal is to honour the traditional keepers of this land, and to acknowledge our roles as Treaty people along the way. Respecting, preserving and celebrating the Earth is an act of kinship, and we will work
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with culturally-experienced climate change experts to ensure that this space is available for generations to come. That is also why a specific space has not been announced yet. We are working collaboratively with Indigenous partners to identify what the National Urban Park will include. That decision-making process brings Indigenous voices to the table on day one rather than having the government make all the decisions and only involve Indigenous folks at the very end. We will all be equal partners in this new project. The conversations around establishing a National Urban Park in Edmonton have been happening for years, and I am so pleased that this is coming to fruition now, with Edmonton City Council forging the way forward. We must protect our green spaces, we must make them accessible and inclusive, and we must address climate change while forgoing this project. Together, we will build an Edmonton for us all, and it starts right here, on Treaty Six land.
Opportunities to Volunteer By: Giselle General
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n honour of National Volunteer Week which is on April 24, I would like to share some opportunities and resources when it comes to volunteering. A short definition of volunteering is that it is doing a task where you are unpaid, or paid a very small amount that it wouldn’t fit the minimum wage requirements, that supports a charitable or community-oriented objective. This is a very small list of the thousands of opportunities available, but the ones I’d like for our readers to consider. Right In The Neighbourhood and the City of Edmonton 1. Community League of your Neighbourhood: “Bayanihan para sa kapitbahay” is my simplified description of community leagues. Being helpful toward our neighbours, is the spirit of the neighbourhood Community League. Much like a people-run barangay association, your community league is a volunteerbased organization in the neighbourhood that helps plan social events, help advocate for issues in your neighbourhood, and at times they might have a hall where they maintain some local amenities. To know where you community league is, go to the website of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues: www.efcl.org 2. City of Edmonton Volunteer Catalogue: The City of Edmonton, as in the actual municipal government, offers many services to everyday Edmontonians. For some of these event or programs, there are ways to volunteer and help! I personally have been a greeter for the city’s Free Admission Day in a local tourist attraction, and I have helped plant trees in a large park one summer. The link to set up your account and apply is: https:// app.betterimpact.com/PublicEnterprise/9e275823-c9e5-46dfa092-b2c5b18d2526
in the group. Both organizations are searchable on Facebook. Interest-Oriented Opportunities 1. Next Gen Men: Their mission is to have “a future were boys and men feel less pain and cause less harm”. If you are a parent, a community member or someone keen on ensuring men and boys are supported in their development as physically and emotionally healthy individuals, getting involved with them might be a good idea. https://www. nextgenmen.ca/ 2. Political Parties and the Provincial Elections: The provincial election is next year, and volunteer opportunities are available to those who want to either support a candidate running under a political party name, or a political party overall. If you do an online search for your location and for a political party you are interested in, there will be
opportunities to be hands on in making the change you want to see and that’s on the ground level of election season. 3. Big Brothers Big Sisters: For those who enjoy working with kids and helping them, this organization can be a great way to volunteer. There are different programs, from one-on-one mentorship, after school programs, and even virtual mentoring. https:// bgcbigs.ca/
There are numerous ways to volunteer and the benefits are mutual, not just for the people or organizations being helped, but also for the person volunteering. Volunteering helps someone gain new skills, maintain positive mental health through socialization and positively impacting another person’s life, and can also lead to other career and learning opportunities.
Volunteer in the Filipino Community 1. Edmonton Philippine International Centre: The goal of this organization is for the Filipino community to have our own building as a gathering place, event space and place we can go for support and connection. This is a remarkable and ambitious goal and help is needed from as many people as possible. The website to learn about them is https://www.epicalberta.com/ 2. Migrante Alberta: This is an organization that does advocacy work to help better the lives of migrants in our province. Helping hands and attendance is always appreciated in many of their activities, whether it is to lobby the government to address certain policies, events to help educate the community, or providing direct assistance to our fellow migrants in crisis. https://www. migrantealberta.ca/ 3. Organizations under COPA and CEFA: Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta (COPA) and CEFA (Council of Edmonton Filipino Associations) can be an opportunity to be more connected with the Filipino community, whether it is by helping these organizational bodies, or finding an affiliate association
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Immigration Updates | Opinion
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
Changes to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program to address labour shortage!
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overnment of Canada, through the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion,
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 a member of CAPIC’s Policy 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. Marjorie was a recipient of CAPIC's Members Service Award for four consecutive years (2015-2019).
Hon. Carla Qualtrough announced the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Workforce Solutions Road Map. This is the government’s response to the increasing labour shortage nationwide, to enhance worker protections and to build a stronger workforce including pathways to permanent residency. They identified five key policy changes to be implemented in the coming weeks as part of the TFW program Workforce Solutions Road Map to address the current labour and skills shortage. Effective immediately: -There will be no limit to the number of low-wage positions that employers in seasonal industries, such as fish and seafood processing, can fill through the TFW Program. The maximum duration of these positions will be increased from 180 days to 270 days per year. -Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) will be valid for 18 months, an increase from 9 months. (Prior to COVID-19, LMIA’s were valid for 6 months). -The maximum duration of employment for High Wage and Global Talent Streams workers will be extended from two years to three years. This extension will help workers access pathways to qualify for permanent residency, enabling them to contribute to the workforce for the long-term.
Effective April 30: -For seven sectors with demonstrated labour shortages, employers from the Accommodation and Food Services will be allowed to hire up to 30% of their workforce through the TFW program for low-wage positions for one year. All other employers will be allowed to hire up to 20% of their workforce through the TFW Program for low-wage positions until further notice, an increase from the former 10% cap for many employers. -The Government will end the current
policy that automatically refuses LMIA applications for low-wage occupations in the Accommodation and Food Services and Retail Trade sectors in regions with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. According to Statistics Canada, in 2020, temporary foreign workers made up less than 0.4% of the Canadian workforce and will continue to make up a small percentage of our workforce despite these changes. The Government of Canada will continue to carefully monitor the implementation and review the
policies to ensure it addresses the labour shortage and that Canadian workers will not be displaced. Service Canada encourages employers to submit LMIA applications online.
If you have questions regarding the above article, you may contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com Source: Employment and Social Development Canada A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not a legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain, or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of CICC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.
Election fever in Alberta and the Philippines VIEWPOINT
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.
POLITICS is a funny game of addition and subtraction. To get elected—which is to say to win the game—you must have the numbers on election day. And to get those numbers require a process of making and breaking alliances, building armies of volunteers, and even creating special units of political operatives who try to ensure that www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
votes will be delivered on election day. This is the norm in democratic countries, although one can add one more stage in the process when you consider elections in the Philippines: ensuring that the votes will be counted correctly after election day. The stakes are high for two places close to my heart: the Philippines and Alberta. On May 9th, an estimated 40 million out of 65 million or so registered Filipino voters, 1.5 million of them classified as overseas voters, will cast their votes for local and national officials including the president and vice president. If you believe all the conversations on social media these days, this election will be the “turning point” in the history of the motherland. To be honest, this is a line that is repeated every six years, or since 1986 when a peaceful revolt brought down the Marcos regime and installed Corazon Aquino as president. One can argue that Filipinos traded one regime for another (the rise of the so-called yellow regime) when they converged on EDSA and changed the course of history. But it can also be argued that given the shift in global political ideology, manifested by the rise to power of right-wing populists like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and our very own Rodrigo Duterte, 2022 could very well be the turning point for the Philippines. Perhaps the same can be said of the future of Alberta: the provincial elections will be held in the spring of 2023. Whether it will be Jason Kenney running against the
NDP’s Rachel Notley will not be known until next month. Kenney is facing a leadership review within his party that began this month, and UCP members will have until May 11 to cast their vote on whether to keep the premier or look for a new standard bearer for next year’s polls. Albertans will have their say on how their future will be shaped next year. They will face a critical crossroad that will determine the course to be taken on healthcare, the environment, and the economy. Kenney is facing an uphill battle, forced to meet the challenge of Notley and of many members of his own party. And Filipinos will have their say as well on where they want to take their country. While Duterte is no longer running, his daughter Sara is, as the running mate of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. They are running against Leni Robredo and Francis Pangilinan. It’s an election painted by colors—pink, yellow, red, and green—but it also reflects how Filipinos have defined themselves, and how they try to define the issues that matter in this year’s elections. And what are these issues? Corruption, China and the West Philippine Sea, and Duterte’s drug war, among others. “Hotly contested” does not even begin to accurately describe how Philippine elections will turn out next month. But then, the same can be said about Alberta’s politics. So given all these development, I don’t feel so homesick anymore. THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
YEG Pinay Entrepreneur Society organizes first event for 2022 YEG Pinay Entrepreneur Society members kicked off 2022 with an Easter Egg Hunt and other activities on April 17, at Jackie Parker Park in Edmonton. The Sunday afternoon turned
out to be one fun activity for the kids, parents and other guests as they were entertained with face painting, balloon animal making, danceable music, and a lot of snacks courtesy of the organizers.
Raffle prizes were also given to the participants and Shay Bawalan Asa, one of the organizers, said they are very grateful to the various sponsors who supported their first activity of the year. (Moses Billacura)
Happy Anniversary, A4! A4 Oriental Store and Bake Shop turned four years old on April 8 with owners Beng and Lito Agasino expressing their thanks to patrons who kept supporting their store, especially during the pandemic. Happy anniversary, A4! (Moses Billacura)
(Photo courtesy of YPES)
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SkinLueur's Francheska to feature designs at Miss Universe Universe Canada pageant By Moses Billacura
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ourage. That’s the word that would best describe Francheska Esguerra, one of SkinLueur's "babies", who took the courage of presenting to organizers her willingness to be part of the Miss Universe Canada pageant on May 12 at the Lyric Theatre of the Meridian Arts Centre in Toronto. Yes, SkinLueur Aesthetics and Laser Centre in Edmonton is taking
Francheska shows off some of her designs with SkinLueur CEO Doc Chum. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)
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care of her, but she won't be there to compete. Instead, she is this year's fashion designer for the 70 candidates, including 2021 Miss Universe Canada Tamara Jemuovic, who will crown the new winner on May 14. After receiving the official designation as a fashion designer, she broke the good news to her family and to Doc Chum, SkinLueur's CEO, who then relayed the good news to the Alberta Filipino Journal.
Francheska said she was inspired to write an email to the Miss Universe Canada organizers after watching the 2021 Miss Universe competition. After a presentation of her work and emails back and forth last year, a contract was finally signed in January this year. Then, the heavy work started. "It's a big opportunity for me to showcase my designs on a national stage," she said. “It's a dream come true.”
With her experience in the Philippines and her Canadian education in fashion design, all the dresses are ready with the help of her mom and sister. That includes the dresses for the opening of the pageant, swimsuits for the 70 candidates, plus the gown for Miss Jemuovic. "We are very proud of Francheska and we wish her all the best," said Doc Chum.
Edmonton fashion designer Francheska Esguerra with her models and the dresses she designed. (Photos courtesy of Francheska Studio Thirteen)
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Opinion | Community
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
Rough Times for Overseas Voting MIGRANTS' VOICES
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.
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pril 10 is the official start of Overseas Voting, the right of Filipinos that live and work overseas to exercise their right to suffrage. Registered voters expect to receive their election packets in the mail. They will cast their votes and mail their ballots back or drop them off at the Embassy and consulates before the end of the voting period on May 9, 2022, at 7 PM Philippine time (or 5 AM Alberta time). A couple of days before the supposed start of the election, on April 8, COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez announced through Twitter that ballots will only be arriving only after April 10 to foreign posts. This is after concerned registered voters in the US complained that they have not received their ballots. The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa and consulate in Calgary have not announced if they have received the ballots from the Philippines. Even then,
it is only after these consulates have prepared the election packets that all registered voters in British Columbia, Yukon, and Northwest Territories, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Western Ontario and Manitoba may expect to receive their ballots next week. This is a week later than the declared start of the OV. The Filipino community in Canada has repeatedly raised the alarm on potential voter disenfranchisement in this election due to the lack of systematic coordination. During the press conference of Migrante International, a global alliance of Filipino organizations raised the urgent concern of disenfranchisement as many of their members have not received their election packets. Migrante’s members based in Hong Kong, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and the United States said in a press conference that there has been lack of outreach from the Philippine posts to inform them about electoral processes. Speakers at the said media event were frustrated. They talked about putting so much effort into complying with the requirements and yet they felt that they were ignored. “In Canada, representatives said issues began with the short two-week extension they were given when migrants were attempting to register for the upcoming elections” said Earl Dacara, arepresentative from Kabayan for Leni-Kiko. “Many registered voters have yet to receive their ballots and accreditation for poll watchers remains slow. Talagang kulang sa information dissemination dito sa overseas voting,” he added. “With the slashing of OAV funds by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), many have anticipated this to take place,” said Danilo De Leon, the Chairperson of MigranteCanada. Danilo was talking about the 2022 national expenditure plan submitted to Congress last year. The Department of Budget
and Management has recommended ₱26.498 billion for Comelec’s new appropriations. However, the budget has been slashed by ₱15.5 billion from the poll body’s ₱41.993-billion proposal. With the expected high voter turnout, Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said that “The DBM's deep cut into the Comelec’s proposed budget will significantly impact how the Comelec will conduct the 2022 national and local elections.” In a press interview, Jimenez also noted that various electoral boards will be among the most affected units by the budget reduction. As kababayans in Alberta that were registered to vote prepare to exercise their right to do so, there are still challenges. Many were caught in an address change mess. For example, a migrant worker that was registered to vote in Abu Dhabi during the 2016 elections were told by the Calgary office to vote in Abu Dhabi. Taking off
work to go to the consulate in Calgary is also one of the many challenges that kababayans need to deal with. A caregiver who works and lives in Fort McMurray asks,“If I’m registered to vote and I did not get my election packets in the mail, how do I go to Calgary and get my packet there? It will be hard, if not impossible for me to take off work.” As De Leon talked about the frustrations of kababayans and members that are coming to Migrante to air their grievances, he said that he also is affected personally. He cannot find his name in the list of registered voters. “Naka rehistro ako nung 2016 and sabi ng Vice Congen sa Calgary na registered pa daw ako pero di ko na makita pangalan ko. Papano ako boboto?” he lamented. Over 1.6 million Filipinos overseas are set to cast their votes in the 2022 elections. Approximately 16,148 are in the province.
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WEDNESDAY APRIL 27
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CLICK TO REGISTER! Or go to www.tinyurl.com/pbsa-cra-seminar For inquiries, email info@pbsalberta.com www.pbsalberta.com www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
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400 plus supporters rally to support BBM-Sara in Edmonton; Leni-Kiko rally on May 1
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ore than 400 supporters of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio (BBM-Sara) joined the UniTeam Rally, April 16, at the Wilfrid Laurier Park in Edmonton, according to co-organizer Benjie Lindo. Filipino-Albertans from various towns, with the majority of the attendees from Edmonton, called for support of Bongbong
Marcos, a former senator, who is running for president in the May 9 polls in the Philippines with Davao City mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio as his vice-president. Meanwhile, supporters of vice-president Leni Robredo and her running mate former senator Kiko Pangilinan will also hold a rally on May 1 at Hawrelak Park. Aside from Marcos and Robredo, also
gunning for the presidency are Manila mayor Isko Moreno, senator Manny Pacquiao, former senator Ping Lacson and Leody de Guzman. The vice-presidency is also being contested by Lito Atienza, Willie Ong, Tito Sotto and Walden Bello. (Moses Billacura, photos screen grabbed from Benjie Lindo FB)
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Arts and Culture | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
June Sari-Sari Sunday by Kith + Kin, Calgary ARTOSPECTIVE - an artist’s point of view
Ida Beltran-Lucila ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com
K
ith + Kin in Calgary is presenting Sari-Sari Sunday on June 12, 2022, at High Line Brewing to celebrate Philippine Independence Day. Kith + Kin is comprised of artists
Sam Mendoza and Kelly Johnsgaard, who coalesced in creating spaces and opportunities that bring people together, and promote art in its various forms. Thus, the nom de guerre Kith (one's friends, acquaintances, and relations ) + Kin (one’s family). Sari Sari Sunday is a fundraiser dinner and art show engaging the five senses. It aims to elicit nostalgia and recreate, or create, memories. Do you remember that art piece on your grandmother’s wall? Do you remember what you were feeling at a family gathering? What was the smell? How was the camaraderie and collaboration among family members and friends, like cooking in the kitchen, or preparing for the gathering? These were the impetus and ideas for Sari Sari Sunday. Sam and Kelly believe in creating a community through connection and collaborative exploration. And for this event, they have gathered a variety of Filipino creatives: Jason
Sari-Sari-Event
Del Corro, Chef & Owner of Eats of Asia (@eatsofasia); Momma Sonia Mendoza (Home Chef); Kaitlyn Alonday (@kaitlynalonday), mixologist of High Line Brewing and Finalist in the 2021 Made with Love Cocktail Competition, will do the cocktail pairings; and music artists Mark Cruz aka DJ Fatrok (@fatrok) and Bad Bodies (@bad.bodies), whose lead singer, Tomi Nu, is Filipino. Along with Sam, other Filipino visual artists include: Moey Blanco (@moeyblanco), Harvey Nichol (@harveynichol.ca), Tomi Nu (@nu.tomi/@nu.ceramics/@ bad.bodies), Jasmine Atay (@jasmine. atay.designs). This listing makes the event a virtual who’s who of Filipino artists in Calgary. Sari Sari Sunday is the 3rd Kith + Kin offering. The 1st one, billed Kith + Kin Volume 1, in February 2020 at The Eden, and featured Chef Rogelio of Alloy, Chef Carl Warren of The Eden, visual artist Tara Victoria and DJ Fatrok, was built around the theme of nostalgic childhood meals. Kith + Kin Volume 2 in June 2020 was a People.Paint.Eat stay at home celebration with a picnic basket containing a selection of canapes and grazing items, a custom Kith + Kin art package of paint brushes, acrylic paints, canvases, and a DIY game, that can be played with friends and families. Kith + Kin is a creative outlet for Sam and Kelly outside of their own practices, to be able to give back to the people they love & care about, and also, the organizations they feel need that support. Every Kith + Kin event has a charitable component. This was the idea initially hatched with scribblings on a napkin. They knew that friends and family would always be involved, and what that would feel like, in creating an environment where there’s nostalgia around it - whether it’s a smell that may be from the food that they remember, or something that can enlighten their moment. It will also need to involve music, that creates a soundtrack to the experience. This was the all and be all. A 2nd generation Filipino, Sam Mendoza (@d.i.t.r.o) is a graphic artist and life-long mental health advocate, owing to the fact that her parents were both psychiatric nurses at the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury in Ponoka. “I always knew my purpose was to do right by my community through connection and collaborative exploration. My passion for philanthropy motivated me to create my moniker Diamonds In The Rough Originals (D.I.T.R.O), a platform to give back by using my artistic talent + curation skills.” Kelly Johnsgaard (@kellyo83j) is the co-founder of Nvrland, “an artist-run foundation that transforms abandoned buildings into artist studios and community event spaces''. He specializes in custom fabrication, art/ event curation and photography. “I derive great joy from helping people realize their own potential in their own time and space. I can’t help but feel overwhelmed at times at what a privilege it has been to be able to create this space for them, a chance to work with some amazing board members and serve the community of Calgary.” continued on page 19►
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Arts and Culture | Business
APRIL 2022 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
CULINARY-+-MIXOLOGIST
Kith + Kin set out to create an experience stimulating the senses. They have also managed to inculcate a spirit of generosity - through their fundraisers and individual philanthropies. Sam has had collaborations with A Better Life Foundation, Brown Bagging For Calgary’s Kids, The Calgary DropIn & Rehabilitation Centre, among others. Mark Cruz aka DJ Fatrok is an Instructor for the Beat Drop DJ Mentorship Program. For Sari Sari Sunday, proceeds of drink sales will be donated to the Sunshine Club in Pasay, Philippines, an outreach program serving lunch meals every school day to selected indigent children from Kalayaan Elementary School. Proceeds of artwork sales will be
Visual-Artists
donated to Philippine Arts Council, a nonprofit organization whose main objective is the promotion and development of Philippine art and culture, and the Filipino artists. What better way to spend the day that marks Philippine Independence in the month that celebrates Philippine Heritage in Canada. Because this is, after all, what Filipinos, especially in Canada, do - help one another in any way, at any time. Sam and Kelly are passionate individuals, who recognize the importance of bringing the true sense of community to life. They follow their gut, move organically, continue to be excited and inspired by the connections and camaraderie
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Musical-Artists
that evolve, and at the same time create an impact to those within and outside of their circles. I can’t wait to see what they come up with for the next Kith + Kin iterations. Limited tickets (80) for the Sari Sari Sunday event, which runs from 4-9pm on June 12, are on sale for $90, which includes a welcome drink, pulutan platter, kamayan platter, and entertainment. Tickets can be purchased via DM/Email: kithandkinyyc@gmail.com, inperson at High Line Brewing, and Eats of Asia. To comment on this article, go to https:// www.philippineartscouncil.com/blog.
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Culture | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
Ang Diwata: Noon at Ngayon
I
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n Philippine mythology, a Diwata (origin Sanskrit Devata), also known as Encantada, is a dryad and are benevolent or neutral and invoked ritually for positive crop growth, health, and fortune; they may also incur illness or misfortune if not given proper respect. They are said to reside in large trees, such as acacia and balete and are the guardian spirits of nature, casting blessings or curses upon those who bring benefits or harm to the forests and mountains. They have their origin in the Devata beings included in Hinduism and Buddhism. The Laguna Copperplate dated 900 AD also makes mention of a Chief of Medang in Java, Indonesia referred as representative of the Chief of Diwata in Butuan, Mindanao island. The term "diwata" has taken on various levels of meaning since
its concept's assimilation into the mythology of the pre-colonial Filipinos. It is sometimes loosely used to refer to a generic type of mythical being much like an "elf" or "fairy," or very specific ones as mentioned above. It has been noted that the term "diwata" is synonymous to "anito", and that the usage of the word "diwata" is more prevalent in the Southern Philippines, while "anito" takes its place in the Northern areas Characteristics and Description Although there are numerous and varied accounts as to what they should look like, a general trend may be observed in that they are normally human in appearance—beautiful and seemingly ageless at that—save for some distinct characteristics. This may take the form of not having a philtrum or having continuously smooth and supple skin that somehow resemble fingernails, without any wrinkled parts as in the elbows and knees. They also tend to be fairer than average, as pale skin has been associated with the supernatural even during pre-colonial times (for example, the "white lady" belief is prevalent in the East and Southeast Asian regions), though the characteristics of having nose bridges and blonde hair are suspiciously colonial in nature. Etymology Diwata comes from the Indonesian Dewata which originates from the Hindu Devata. A male diwata is called engkanto (sometimes spelled as Encanto, Encantado, or Encantada) and resides primarily in the sea. Behavior Diwata are said to reside in large trees, such as acacia and balete. They are the guardian spirits of nature, bringing blessing or curses upon those who bring benefits or harm to the forests and mountains. One such famous Diwata is Maria Makiling, guardian of Mount Makiling in Laguna province. Types A male diwata is also called enkanto, and it resides primarily in the sea. It is customary for Filipino fishermen to offer meat and other delicacies to the enkanto by throwing them into the sea, after a day's bountiful catch. Some prominent diwatas include: • Maria Makiling, guardian of Mount Makiling in Laguna province • Maria Sinukuan, guardian of Mount Arayat in Pampanga province Maria Cacao, guardian of Mount Lantoy in Argao, Cebu • Maria Magayon, guardian of Mount Mayon in Albay In other parts of the Philippines, the diwata is analogous to the Greek gods and goddesses. Some of the famous Diwata are: • Apolake (or Adlaw), god of the sun • Amanikable, the ruler of the seas • Anitan, the guardian of lightning. • Bathala (also known as Kabunian, Malayari, Apo, and Lumawig) the ruler of the heavens • Dian Masalanta the goddess of love, • Mayari (or Bulan in other areas), the goddess of the moon, • Tala, goddess of the stars
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
APRIL 2022 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Culture | Business
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SHYANE: Our Modern Filipina Diwata Shyane Ann Asa Mckay is a healthcare worker by profession and a small business owner and the President of the YEG Pinay Entrepreneur Society. A native of Cavite City, Philippines, she loves hiking, swimming, paddle boating, working out, and listening to music. She is a self-proclaimed homebody, whose gustatory sense functions well and thus cannot resist fancy but healthy foods. She believes that falling is an opportunity to become stronger. “It is better to try and fail than fail to try.” To her, success is being able to do the best thing possible in every role she is playing in life. Without asking, she is good at multi-tasking: playing the primordial roles as a mother, daughter, sister, girlfriend, a friend, or an employee. She values her body and loves her skin’s softness, the way her hair looks, and her legs’ shape. Despite being engrossed in attending to her full time job at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton and being crazy-busy working as an entrepreneur, she still manages to spend quality time socializing.
“It is better to try and fail than fail to try.” Shyane’s maintenance of Diwata-like or Lakambini appearance Shyane makes sure that she preserves her looks. For instance, she goes to her fave hair dresser every 2-3 months. “I believe your hair is your crown!” her coiffeur said. Having heard such a compliment, Shyane has been inspired to start her own Skin Care and Permanent Make Up clinic. That clinic helps maintain her beauty and at the same time, can supplement her monthly income. “I just love good skin!” Shayne said. She is blessed with wonderful kids who have also been serving as her inspiration and can gain strength from as well. “I want to give my boys a strong, healthy, happy, and a gorgeous mom that they need. ♥ I am happy when I feel beautiful. I am doing all of these in order to promote our businesses, and finally, I would simply like to encourage other moms to value the beauty God has given us,” she added. Shayne is a Proud Pinay! Shyane takes the Filipino culture with indelible character in her soul. This character is not easily defeated by trials and tribulations as she possesses the courage of a real Diwata, or a lady who squarely faces all the challenges of life with calmness in order to survive and succeed. Shayne’s determination is born out of her family’s support and compassion. All photos and articles available online. Follow us
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Entertainment | Immigration Update
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
Lea Salonga Takes her Dream Again Tour to Edmonton by Lianne Angeles
T
he winds were strong in Edmonton the evening of April 10 so as soon as I got out of the vehicle and onto the gravelly parking lot of River Cree Resort and Casino, it almost felt like I was being purposefully shoved from there and through the doors of the casino itself. We joined the crowd and filed
Photo Credit: @msleasalonga on Instagram
into The Venue, and took our seats. The excitement inside the building was palpable, and it was good to see everyone enjoying themselves. And for good reason! Lea Salonga’s Dream Again concert tour had blown into Edmonton. Now, before I dive into all the positives, I’d like to get a small bit of constructive criticism out of
the way. I believe that it would have been a better viewing experience for the audience, especially those in the back rows, if The Venue had theatre seating—much like the other venues that have hosted Lea’s concerts so far during this tour. And that’s it. All good things from here on out. Yes, the show started about twenty minutes late, but once Lea got onto the stage, she was welcomed by thunderous applause. She’s well worth the wait. “So this is what a sold out concert at The Venue looks like,” she remarked as she took it all in. Lea’s set list for this show was varied, and was a good mix with pieces from theatre such as “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret and “For Forever” from Dear Evan Hansen, to more current songs like Shawn Mendes’ “Stitches” and Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph”. And I do have to put in a special mention of her version of Britney’s “Toxic”. It was perfection. She also paid tribute to the late, great Stephen Sondheim, and only Lea can make Sweeney Todd’s “Not While I’m Around” sound not at all murder-y. If you know, you know. At one point, she asked frontline healthcare
workers to turn the lights of their cellphones on and raise them up to be recognized. The room practically glowed, with a sizeable number of the audience raising their phones. After thanking them for all their hard work during this pandemic, she proceeded to sing “Bring Him Home”, from Les Misérables. Despite proclaiming herself a diva, Lea is a consummate professional. She also has the innate ability to make a roomful of concert-goers feel like they’re just hanging out at a friend’s house. “You’re at my concert,” she reassured the crowd, who had let out a collective groan of disappointment once told we had hit the halfway mark. “I’ll take care of you.” Of course, it wouldn’t be a Lea concert without her singing the songs she’s known for. “I’d Give My Life for You” from Miss Saigon, “A Whole New World” from Aladdin, “Reflection” from Mulan, and ”On My Own” and “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miz, were bundled up into a neat little medley to the delight of the crowd. We weren’t just treated to her vocals. A friend of mine also attended the concert and she had nothing but positive things to say. “Her voice is so clear and beautiful, and her warm smile is awesome,” she said. And that’s exactly it! With a voice like hers, we can always rely on Lea to put on a great show, but it was also fun because of her warm and playful personality. Lea exudes such a welcoming warmth. This was evident in her jovial “Salamat po” in response to every single “I love you, Lea” shouted from the crowd, to “Sige nga, wala pang umuuwi…”
Photo Credit: leasalonga.com
[Fine, since no one has gone home yet...], said in mock exasperation as she stepped back onto the stage for her second encore performance, where she sang “How Far I’ll Go”, popularized by Disney’s animated feature, Moana. Lea received two standing ovations that evening and she absolutely deserved each one. If the audience had the power to keep her coming back by remaining on its feet, clapping and hollering, we would have been there all night. As it was, Lea reminded us that all good things must come to an end, with a cheeky parting remark of “I still need to get to bed.” I’m sure everyone came there expecting to be blown away by her performance and boy, did she deliver. This was my first time seeing her live and I, being such a huge fan of hers since childhood, may or may not have teared up when she first stepped onto the stage. Her stage presence is simply stunning and she has complete mastery of her vocal range. All in all, it was a flawless performance. The little girl in me was absolutely giddy the entire time, and I do look forward to the chance of seeing her perform once again.
The Immigration Guy Q&A with an Immigration Professional Support for Ukrainians – how is immigration helping?
Andrew in Calgary, AB: I read your article every month and am curious if you could talk about
THE IMMIGRATION GUY
Stephen Burry Stephen Burry is the Lead Consultant and owner of Freedom Migrate Immigration Solutions Limited, an immigration consultancy firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Stephen is licensed with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). He can be reached at 403-520-2277 or call/ text at 587-938-3100. Email: freedommigrate@gmail.com Website: www.freedommigrate.ca ASK AN IMMIGRATION PROFESSIONAL **All names and details have been changed to protect identity*
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what the Canadian government is doing to help Ukrainians come to Canada? Answer: Good question Andrew and good timing! There are a few programs that have been announced over the last month by the Canadian government to support Ukrainians and others affected by the war in Ukraine. Firstly, for Ukrainian foreign nationals who want to come to Canada, the Canadian government has created the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program that will allow Ukrainian nationals and their direct families to apply for a special travel authorization to come to Canada as a temporary resident. This program will issue visas for temporary stay for up to 10 years and will be fee exempt. The applicant can also apply for a work permit at the same time so they can be authorized to work while in Canada. In addition, if you are a Ukrainian national already inside Canada, you can extend your continued on page 23►
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Points of View | Religion | Business
APRIL 2022 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
23
My Fury Over Filipino Time GENERAL POINT OF VIEW
Giselle General gqgeneral@gmail.com Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region of the Benguet province, and immigrated to Canada as a teenager in 2007. She completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, and has a career in the nonprofit sector. 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, FilipinaYEG, and self-published a book called The Humanity of Me, and is active in numerous volunteer-based initiatives.
from page 22
stay for up to 3 years and you will be eligible for fee exemption. Secondly, if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible to sponsor Ukrainian family members for permanent residence in Canada. Immigration will access those applications for priority processing if the family member is a spouse, common-law or conjugal partner, or a dependent child (including adopted children). Of course, the third option for any Ukrainian who lands in Canada is to apply to be recognized as a refugee and seek protection within Canada for themselves and their accompanying family members. The situation in Ukraine is changing daily and new measures are likely to
G
rowing up in the Philippines, there seemed to be two very contradictory mindsets about time management. On one hand, there’s the carefree mindset of “Filipino Time”, that for everything, from community meetings to family gatherings, everyone will be late by at least 30 minutes if not more. It’s definitely a common joke, when you arrive at a location and after 15 minutes, half of the people you are waiting for haven’t arrived yet. Oftentimes as a result, a domino effect of lateness happens, where some people purposely arrive late as they expect others will be late anyways. On the other hand, I also learned that being on time in professional settings is important and being late can have severe consequences. Being on time with no excuses was drilled into my mind as a child. From elementary to high school, I have memories of the loud school bells announcing that there are 15 minutes left before the morning flag ceremonies, and then the second school bell when students are expected to be lined up in front of their classrooms or school grounds. Less than five minutes after that final morning bell, if as a student, you are still outside the school gates,
you will likely be locked out while everyone else is doing the morning prayers and singing the national anthem. When the gates are opened again when the students are walking to the classrooms, you would do the walk of shame, catching up with your classmates before the first class. In high school, it was even stricter. If your school then had the Citizenship Army Training program and you were late, your officer would punish you, military-style for being late. This is not good, as it can draw the ire of the rest of your homeroom classmates if all of them have to do push-ups or sit-ups due to one person’s fault. For myself this was difficult to navigate. As someone who is diligent, who wants consistency, and aims to be thoughtful, I strongly believe that time is precious and acting accordingly is a sign of respect and care. In the end, what resonated with me is that being on time for everything is a priority for me. As a result, when someone is late, I get furious. I have enough self-control to not lash out and yell at the latecomer,
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alone, as this is a very common issue. So common in fact that the Canadian government has introduced special changes to make bridging open work permits more accessible for permanent residence applicants. Starting from last fall, you can now restore to a bridging open work permit, provided you are within the regulated 90-day window to restore your status. There are also some other important changes that people may not be aware of. You no longer have to wait until you are within 4 months of the expiry of your current work permit (if you have one) and you can apply for a bridging open work permit if you have successfully obtained a provincial nomination, you are an Agri-Food Pilot Program applicant, or a Quebec Skilled Worker Program applicant (provided you have submitted a full application). You have hope! The light is shining ahead of you! You can restore your status to a bridging open work permit that will allow you to work for any employer as long as you keep to the conditions listed on the permit. Rest easy knowing Freedom Migrate offers full representation for the entire process. We help you build your case and prepare you for the permanent resident application to follow. Our prices are very reasonable, and we work hard to build a competitive application for you!
Immigration barriers to finding a job!
Question from Alfonso from Edmonton, Alberta: My restricted work permit expired last month and I had to stop working. I know I am within the 90day restoration window to restore my status, but I do not have another employer! I applied for permanent residence, but I fear I can not get my bridging open work permit because of my status issues. I do not have a job offer to restore my work permit. Is there any way you can help? Answer: Hi Alfonso, you are not
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especially if they are our elders. But for quite some time, the visceral anger inside of me was really palpable, just bubbling underneath. It took me some time to mellow down and be a bit more understanding. Luckily, I still haven’t yelled at anyone who is very late. Living in Canada, I observed that most of the time, people seem to value being on time. Most people are also diligent with letting others know if they are unexpectedly running late and being apologetic when it does happen. I’m still in the process of managing fluid norms and processes about time management. I have to remind myself that the only person I can control is myself. That if I have done everything I can to respect other people’s time, that is a good reason to have peace of mind and remind myself “I’ve done
THEY WILL SEE ME Matthew 28:8-15
M
oney talks. This is the name of the game in today’s gospel. “The chief priests assembled together with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him while we were asleep.” My dear friends, I don’t know if you noticed this too but when money rules us, the truth is silent. When money talks nobody notices what grammar it uses. Hey, if money talks, that talk is very cheap. Money can jeopardize the truth but it can’t hide it. Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time but it ain’t going away. Never trade your dignity, your integrity and your morals for money. If you have much money never use it to spread fake news. Use whatever you have to circulate the truth. One author says: “I love listening to lies when I know the truth.” Friends, keep watch because there are so many “users” around us with this kind of behaviour—keep talking and I’ll keep counting. Don’t give money the chance and power to hide the truth. Rather than money give me the truth. People need the truth and nothing but the truth. Friends, the truth may hurt a little while but a lie hurts forever. Truth will always be the truth even if nobody believes it. Finally, the truth will lead us to
what I could” and that everything else is out of my hands. Thankfully we have smartphones now to kill time while waiting for someone. I’ve also set boundaries for myself. My cut off for “ghosting” is half an hour. If I am an early arrival at an event or workshop, I would greet the event organizers and offer to help in simple ways that a guest could. As an introvert, arriving early also helps with easing myself in the crowd, especially in events where I attend alone. This also gives me the confidence to leave the event early if I feel that I have adequately participated in the activities and festivities. Am I still furious about the careless lateness encouraged by “Filipino Time”? Yes. But I’m confident in my personal strategies to relieve myself of unnecessary stress and conflicts.
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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 place where Jesus wants to meet us. “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” Brethren, where is your Galilee?What is your Galilee? Find it because the instruction of Jesus to meet His disciples in Galilee is an assurance of finding the truth. What kind of truth? The truth that He is alive! My dear kababayans, the only vehicle that will transport us to Galillee is riding and following the route of truth. That truth is no other than Jesus himself. Blessings, Fr. Jhack www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
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Poetry | Horoscope | Mind Twister
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
The Philippines is the only country that has "the rule of love" included in its constitution. - Former Chief Justice Sereno
C R O S S W O RD
RESIBO by Mila Bongco-Philipzig
Gagawa at gagawa ako ng resibo At hindi hihinto sa Mayo. Lampas na ang panahon ng pananahimik Ng panonood o paghihintay lamang Ngayon ay panahon ng aksyon Panahon ng pagkilos sa mahahalagang desisyon Bawat galaw at bawat pasya Sana'y resibo ang ibunga. Tara, magtulungan tayong gumawa ng mga resibo At huwag tayong huminto sa Mayo. Magkakasama Natutunan nating muling umasa At naaatasan tayong Magmahal Makinig sa isa't isa Magpakita ng respeto Maging mahinahon kahit anong hirap ng laban Magsilbi Magbibigay ng ayuda sa nangangailangan.
Ang mga hangaring ito ay hindi pang-minsanan Hindi pang eleksyon lamang Kundi pang matagalan Ang pumanig sa liwanag at kabutihab At piliing magmahal Ay hindi lamang para makakamit ng mga boto O laan lamang para sa mga kakampi Kung kalagitnaan at katuturan mismo ng ating pagkatao. Kaya sadyain nating lahat gumalaw Nang may tamang hangarin at puso Para palaguin ang ating mga resibo Hindi lang hanggang Mayo Gawi at paraan na ng pamumuhay ito Ang paggawa at pagpakita ng resibo. Copyright @ www.boatloadpuzzles.com
ACROSS
About the author: Mila Bongco-Philipzig was born in Manila, Philippines and moved to Edmonton in 1984 to pursue her PhD from the Department of Comparative Studies and Modern Languages at the University of Alberta. Her doctoral thesis is entitled “Reading Comics: Analysing Language, Culture and the Concept of Superheroes in Comicbooks.” She relocated to Munich, Germany where she did additional graduate studies and also started a family. She has since moved back to Edmonton, Alberta. She is also an advocate for inclusion and diversity. Bongco-Philipzig is also a published children’s author. She wrote the following poem after hearing former Justice CJ Sereno talk about elections and the role of history.
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HO ROSC O P E Prioritizing yourself this month should be, well, a priority! With the sun traveling through your sign, you should be looking for ways to push your agenda because the universe is in the mood to lend a helping hand. Follow your intuition whenever it speaks to you, dear Aries, especially if it pertains to your personal life or public image.
You might feel a little more irritable this month, dear Taurus, because the Aries sun brings its fiery and primal energy to the sector of your chart that rules the subconscious. These vibes can be particularly troublesome if you don’t get enough alone time, so make sure you’re taking plenty of breaks from socializing in order to recharge between work and personal engagements.
You’ll be jumping from one social engagement to another this month, dear Gemini, as Aries season lights a fire in your solar eleventh house. These vibes could also inspire you to pick up a new extracurricular activity, especially if it involves taking a class at a local studio or community college.
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April kicks off with Aries season in full swing, dear Libra, bringing a serious dose of heat to your romantic life as the sun travels through your solar seventh house. If you’re in a committed relationship and the vibe has cooled a bit since you first met, now would be the time to ramp up the heat once more. Trying new things with your significant other can work wonders for your bond, helping you rediscover what you love about one another and rekindling your mutual passion.
Strange things could happen to your energy level this month, dear Scorpio, because the Aries sun is traveling through the sector of your chart that governs health and wellness. There will be many times when you feel energized, motivated, and ready to take on the day. However, this boost to your vigor could be fleeting if you don’t pace yourself, making it important that you maintain a healthy balance between movement and rest.
When it comes to organizing get-togethers with your friends, you might need to take the reins this month, dear Sagittarius, because the Aries sun illuminates the sector of your chart that rules creativity, self-expression, and fun. Blowing off steam feels essential to your mental health right now, prompting you to rally your nearest and dearest for an adventure or two.
This month, you could find yourself on the receiving end of more leadership opportunities at work as the Aries sun lights up the sector of your chart that governs career. Taking the reins when no one else wants to can help you gain the support and trust of your supervisors, though you might need to touch base with your assertive side.
Get ready for a busy month at home, dear Capricorn. The Aries sun breathes life into your solar fourth house, inspiring you to take on all the domestic projects you’ve been putting off until spring’s arrival.
Sparks of inspiration will light a fire within you this month as the Aries sun burns brightly in your solar ninth house. These vibes are poised to take you on a few journeys of the mind, though you might feel prompted to pack for some physical exploration as well. Whether you’re daydreaming at your desk or embarking on an adventure, give yourself permission to let go of what’s expected of you. Just don’t allow this sentiment to go too far, dear Leo. You still need to take care of your work and responsibilities.
Your mind will be eager for new knowledge this month, dear Aquarius, as the sun and Mercury make their way through Aries and the sector of your chart that governs learning and curiosity. However, don’t feel like you have to focus all your brainpower in one area, this energy should be used to explore a broad range of topics, or you could get bored attempting to master one specific subject. Have fun with your thoughts and play with new ideas, but don’t commit to any of them unless you’re called to do so at a deep level.
April will act as a breath of fresh air for you, dear Virgo, because the Aries sun burns brightly in the sector of your chart that governs personal transformation. These vibes are perfect for starting over and eliciting change as the universe encourages you to leave behind any situations, habits, or people you’ve outgrown. Luckily, this solar placement also gives you the motivation and bravery you need to upend your life a bit, especially if it’s in the name of your soul’s evolution.
Avoid spending recklessly this month, dear Pisces, or you could end up blowing your budget before you even have a chance to assess it. With Aries traveling through the sector of your chart that governs money, it would be easy for your bank account to hit an uncomfortable low, especially if you don’t remain centered and practical. Even tiny impulse purchases while waiting in line at the grocery store can begin to add up, making it important that you use financial discernment at all times.
March 2022 Crossword's Solution
1. Look at 4. Donkey 7. Type of poplar 12. _____ and gown 13. Parking area 14. Weighing device 15. Pilot 17. Racetrack animal 18. Paraphrased 20. Marsh plant 21. Above, poetically 22. Use a paper towel 24. Help 26. Tell 30. Athen's country 34. Defeats 35. Opposite of western 37. Flying mammal 38. Present! 39. Golf prop 41. Surrealist painter Salvador _____ 44. Emphasized 48. Boot out 50. Breakfast appliance 51. TV Host _____ O'Brien 52. Overhead railways 53. Madrid cheer 54. Prepared to propose 55. Fourth letter 56. Wind dir.
DOWN
1. Old wound 2. Roof projection 3. Incidents 4. Church table 5. Chimney grime 6. Scattered 7. Fire remains 8. Point winners 9. Peel 10. Other 11. Destitution 16. Had a meal 19. Radio tuner 23. Ace 24. Become old 25. Retiree's acct. 27. Fireproof material 28. Earl Grey, e.g. 29. NJ time zone 31. Moral 32. Third letter 33. Goofs 36. Caught 39. Poke fun at 40. Curvy letter 41. Adorn 42. Bard of _____ 43. Draw the _____ 45. Actor's desire 46. Long fishes 47. Depicted 49. Blasting letters
Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience. The rules are simple, fill in the blanks so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain one instance of each of the numbers 1 through 9.
Here is the puzzle. Good luck!
March 2022 Issue Sudoku's Solution
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Community | Opinion | Business
APRIL 2022 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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History of the Filipino Senior Citizens Association (FSCA)
T
he Filipino Senior Citizens Association was founded by the late Tekla Beltran, Annie Dioquino, Maxima Corpus and Emy Angeles. Their prime objectives were to encourage Filipino Seniors to help one another, maintain goodwill enjoy each other’s company, amongst co Filipino seniors. With the assistance of Jose “Jun” Angeles and the late Wilf Ladores, FSCA was registered with the Alberta Consumer and Corporate Affairs in Edmonton Alberta on February 19, 1982. The associations with its many dedicated officers worked together in managing, implementing its guidelines, planning and conducting various activities, in order to meet its goals and objectives.
2011 – 2012 2013 – 2016 2017 – Present
Ofelia Agbulos Joyce Dizon Lucy Manuntag
Fostering Active, Healthy and Responsible Seniors Apart from its regular Sunday socials, singing groups and dancing groups have been organized. The FSCA Golden Voice Choir was formed and is headed by Amanda (Inday) Toledo. The Cultural Dance group is headed by the loving, patient and talented Sollie Lampa while the Line Dancers group is headed by Nida Juanillo and Danny Garcia who demonstrate great patience in teaching. These groups perform when needed by the greater Edmonton senior community. As part of the continuing care programs and entertainment, the newest addition to FSCA is the formation of Past FSCA Presidents: the “FSCA Golden Lolo’s Band” with 1983 Late Annie Dioquino Fune August Sune, Tito Lopez, Gaab Banaag 1984 Late Remedios Borromeo and Cesar Manuntag. The crooners 1985 Late Prisco Ballesteros are Rod Acuna, Pablo Lampa, Vic 1986 Late Annie Dioquino Torralba and Pol DeJesus. The band 1987 Benny Marasigan faithfully practices every Thursday at 1988 – Late Nita Salvador Korean Centre. 1989 – 1990 Late Ching Aranas The birth of FSCA yielded yearly 1991 – 1992 Late Flora Cruz celebrations: Mrs. FSCA Valentine 1993 – 2002 Late Dolly O. Yra Queen of Hearts, Little King and Little 2003 – 2004 Late Ed Castillo Queen, Lenten Pabasa (Chanting) and 2005 – 2010 Late Fanny Castillo Flores the Mayo. Member birthdays are
celebrated each month with attendance, when possible, by MP Kelly McCauley who very generously presents scrolls for the birthday milestones. The association’s anniversary is celebrated each year with a big party event that showcase the Queen of FSCA and its Royal Court. Filipinos love to celebrate, and this is another way of fund raising and parading the FSCA beauties. FSCA implemented the “no Styro” rule to assist in helping the environment with responsible sustainability. No Styrofoam products are used in Sunday gatherings. Members bring their own plates, cups and cutlery. Continuous learning is valuable to FSCA. Educational trips are taken when possible. Technology courses are held in-house, such as Zoom to assist seniors with ever evolving technology. Through the years FSCA has moved to various locations for its meetings and social activities. Now we are proud to have a permanent home and an office at the Edmonton Korean Community Center, the biggest endeavor of the association Accomplishments and Contributions to the Greater Edmonton Seniors Community Through the years the association
had embarked on many projects and programs, all for the betterment of its members and the greater Edmonton Seniors community. In the first years of the association where it was struggling for funding to sustain the group, it was still able to donate to various government agencies such as the Diabetes and Heart and Stroke Foundations, to Breast and Cancer Research, and to the Yolanda Calamity relief in the Philippines. Ongoing activities include entertaining at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Hospital and performing at various Senior homes, Continuing care lodges, hospitals and at funeral services. Past community service accomplishments include; hosting a Special Citizenship Court at the provincial museum resulting in FSCA receiving a citation for outstanding community service, and dance performances in Wetaskiwin during the Edmonton Fiesta in the Park, Philippine Heritage Month, organized by Ida Lucila. The Choir was a participant of the Lingap Canada, for the televised International Day of Peace. The Choir also sang Christmas Carol in that event. The Pandemic and FSCA Loyal Supporters
The past 2 years of Covid 19 pandemic and its restrictions brought much stress for FSCA and its members. However, FSCA had been lucky to have supporters that helped in keeping members healthy by assisting in keeping communication lines open. The Mennonite Association, with the help of Nicole Nebril by their group TAYO, distributed 5 IPads to seniors. The Heart Of Yeg headed by April dela Paz delivered Christmas hampers to seniors that lived alone. Sage is another group that gave FSCA seniors 100 plus Pandemic Kits. The FSCA ZOOM prayer group, currently with 19 members was formed with members praying every night. This was made possible through a grant from the New Horizons for Seniors programs. Another Pandemic project was the purchase of 57 iPads for FSCA members. The grant was possible through the Government CIP program and included eligibility criteria of seniors having current active Social media platforms to foster communication during the pandemic. With the Covid protocols being lifted Seniors will be resuming their Sunday gathering March 13 at the Korean community Centre.
This Month’s Feature: “ONE STORY, TWO PERSPECTIVES”
A
famous book writer sat in his study. He took his pen and began to write: "Last year...I had surgery to remove gallstones. I had to be bedridden for a long time. In the same year, I was 60 years old and entering retirement age,
HUWAG PAGTAKHAN! (“DON’T MARVEL at MR. MARVEL”)
Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan hermopagtakhanlaw@ hotmail.com Cell: (780) 905-9288 Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan of Edmonton, Alberta is a Lawyer who had practised for more than 25 years in the Philippines and in Alberta and thereafter, was an Index Options Trader in Wall Street. He is currently a Family Counselor with Arbor Memorial Gardens whom he joined in 2013. Hermo is also President of PROXSMART GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES and of NOTIFY GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES which develop Mobile Apps for Digital Marketing and Contactless Technologies which enable Businesses to operate their businesses and at the same time keep their Employees and Clients safe from Covid19 Contamination.
quitting a job in a company that I loved so much. I had to leave the job I've been doing for 35 years. That same year I was abandoned by my beloved mother. Then, still in the same year, my son failed his final medical exam because of a car accident. Repair costs due to car damage were the peak of bad luck last year." At the end he wrote: "What...what a bad year!" The writer's wife entered the room and found her husband who was sad and pensive. From behind, the wife saw the husband's writing. Slowly she backed away and out of the room. 15 minutes later, she came back in and put down a piece of paper with the following inscription: "Last year, my husband finally managed to get rid of his gallbladder which had been making his stomach hurt for years. That same year, I was grateful that my husband could retire in a healthy and happy condition. I thank God, he was given the opportunity to work and earn for 35 years to support our family. Now, my husband can spend more of his time writing, which has always been his hobby. In the same year, my 95 year old mother-in-law, without any pain, has returned to God in peace and happiness. And still in the same year, God protected my son from a terrible accident. Our car was seriously damaged by the accident but my son survived without any defects." In the last sentence his wife wrote: "Last year was a year full of extraordinary blessings from God, and we spent it full of wonder and gratitude."
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The writer smiled “We can complain because rose with emotion, and warm bushes have thorns, or rejoice because tears flowed down his cheeks. He was grateful thorn bushes have roses.” for a different point of — Abraham Lincoln view for every event he had gone through last year. A different perspective had made him happy. Friends, in this life we must understand that it is not happiness that makes us grateful. But it is gratitude that will make us happy. Let's practice seeing an event from a positive point of view and keep envy in our hearts.
The Saskatoon Triskelion Regional Council held its first bloodletting activity after the pandemic last March 19, Saturday, with several members volunteering to donate blood at the Canadian Blood Services in Saskatoon. Their community service started in 2019 as a way to honour one of their brothers who passed away in 2018. They haven't done the bloodletting since the Coronavirus outbreak. www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
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Heroism | Religion | Opinion
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
The Girl Who Stood Under the Cherry Blossoms THROUGH A TEENAGER’S EYES
Kristian Cereno Kristian is a First-Year Student at the University of Alberta. He is working towards his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics. His hobbies include writing poems, composing songs and playing the piano. He also likes doing Musical Theatre because it fits his personality pretty well. Kristian likes the warm weather, so hockey? Leave it to the Canadians.
D
id you ever meet someone and think, “Wow, her fashion sense is phenomenal?” Did you ever meet someone and when looking at her, you saw a girl with a beautiful smile? Did you ever meet someone and think, “Wow, she looks gorgeous?”
I’m talking about a girl whose fashion sense is so phenomenal that she could rock any type of clothing, from crop tops to pyjamas. She goes to campus in the most casual wear then switches it up when she goes to dinner in more formal attire,
then when she gets home, she goes to bed in the most comfortable clothes. You think to yourself, “How does she do that?” Who knows, she could probably rock neon-colored fashion – and no one likes neon fashion, at least I think so. She could glow in daylight and in moonlight, but even if she didn't, she's the only one you would probably notice. Who knows, she could probably rock summer dresses. As she frolics around in a dress on a sunny day, her shadow is as happy as she is. And then, when she asks you to take an Instagram photo of her, you catch yourself smiling, and you forget to press the "capture" button. Who knows, she could probably rock winter clothing, and well, nobody likes wearing heavy jackets. You see her from afar and think that the jacket is closer to her than you ever were and probably will be. Have you met someone like that? This is a girl whose smile fills the empty space of every particle and atom surrounding her. According to science, "matter" is something that occupies space and has mass. Matter is everywhere. But even so, when you look at her, she's the only one that really matters. Then she smiles. Stephen Hawking studied the formation of black holes, and well. No one knows what happens when you go into one, but when she smiles, you get sucked into a void that leaves you paralyzed for a second and think, well,
you guess that's the difference between her and a black hole – she smiles, and then you are certain she's the one. The smile occupies space, and well, it did leave a "mass-ive" smile on your face. Have you met someone like that? This girl is so beautiful that the cherry blossoms of spring are second to her beauty. Cherry blossoms are a symbolic flower of spring. It symbolizes new beginnings. Imagine a scenario of you walking under the cherry blossoms. The moon is so beautiful, giving light to the sky, but it is not too bright. It is just enough to see the girl who has caught your attention. Your phone died, so you could not take a picture of her. Instead, you pull out your lined sticky note that you bought from your local school supply store and draw her, as you do not want that moment to pass. You add every detail, every shadow. You stop for a second and catch yourself looking at her instead of the beautiful cherry blossoms falling. A breeze comes to lift her hair so you see her face. Her eyes are so luminous, and her smile so breathtaking. That's when you know that the beauteous girl in front of you, so exquisite and radiant, is the one you have been looking for all this time. You remember that night…because she was the girl who stood under the cherry blossoms. Have you met someone like that? Well, I did.
FRONTLINER GOD MOST HIGH ISA KANG BAYANI (YOU’RE A HERO)
This column aims to recognize and appreciate everyone’s heroism when facing the challenges of life with courage and equanimity. Our society truly needs virtuous people like you. Indeed, we can speak of the truth, though, it may be hard; but we can soften it with kindness. A grand salute to our heroes!
FROM A VANTAGE POINT
Tito S.Venida FOUNDING FATHER
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.
Lemuel Vergado, Operations Manager at the Great Smile Family Dental Clinic in Edmonton
"That men may know that Thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:18 Hearing of the Lord's marvelous deeds in defeating such a numerous confederacy, the very heathen would be compelled to acknowledge the greatness of the Lord. We read in 2 Chronicles 20:30, that the fear
of God was on all the neighboring kingdoms when they heard that Jehovah fought against the enemies of Israel. Jehovah is essentially the Most High. He who is self-existent is infinitely above all creatures and all the earth is but His footstool. The godless race of man disregards this, and yet at times the wonderful works of the Lord compel the most unwilling to adore His majesty when they hear this proclamation: That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the Most High over all the earth Early English History informs us, that some bloodthirsty persecutors were marching on a band of Christians. The Christians, seeing them approaching, marched out towards them, and at the top of their voices, shouted, "Hallelujah, hallelujah!" As the Name of the Lord is being presented, the rage of the persecutors abated. Josephus says, that the Great Alexander, when on his triumphal march, being met near Jerusalem by the Jewish high priest, on whose miter was engraved the name of Jehovah, "approached by himself and adored that name," and was disarmed of his hostile intent. There was significance and power in the glorious old name as written by the Jews. But the name of Jesus is now far mightier in the world than was the name Jehovah in these earlier ages.
JEHOVAH is one of the incommunicable names of God, which signifies His eternal essence. The Jews observe that in God's name Jehovah the Trinity is implied. Je signifies the present tense, ho the preterperfect tense, vah, the future. The Jews also observe that in His name Jehovah all the Hebrew letters are literae quiescentes that denotes rest implying that in God and from God is all our rest. Every gracious soul is like Noah's dove, he can find neither rest nor satisfaction but in God. God alone is the godly man's ark of rest and safety. Jehovah is the incommunicable name of God, and is never attributed to any but God: Thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH. The Most High. His being the High and lofty One, notes forth the Transcendence and super Excellency of His divine being in Himself, and that it is utterly of another kind from creatures, and indeed that it only is truly being. When the Psalmist says, That men may know that thou, whose name alone in JEHOVAH, art the MOST HIGH over all the earth, he thereby argues His height from His name, that His name is alone Jehovah, and therefore He is Most High, and in that very respect. Jehovah is the name of His essence, "I AM," and He is MOST HIGH in respect of such a glorious being as is proper alone unto Him.
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APRIL 2022 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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Philippine Politics
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Community | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
The Filipino Language and Culture School staff and students won awards from the HIYAS (Gem) Awards International and Heritage Languages Association The IHLA Newsletter Volume 19 Issue 3 | Editor: Marina Castro | April 4, 2022
T
he Hiyas (Gem) Award was established (1996) by the Karilagan Dancec Society to recognize deserving Filipino Canadians for their achievements and contributions to the Filipino community in Edmonton (and Alberta). During the 25th Hiyas (Gem) Awards on March 19, 2022, the Filipino Language and Culture Staff and students (under the umbrella of the Filipino Canadian Saranay Association of Alberta) were selected and received awards in the following categories: Excellence in Education - Grace Alarcon-Isla (Elementary Teacher/ program manager)
Excellence in Fine Arts – Zaidrian Isla ( Junior High student) Excellence in Community Service for Youth – Gemikalyn Isla (Senior High student) Excellence in Community Service for Senior Citizen – Thelma Araja (Saranay/School Music Director) Excellence in Community Service for Adults – Cecilia Macalintal (Youth Music Director) Excellence in Communication Arts – Lito Velasco (High school teacher) The Filipino Language and Culture School of Edmonton congratulate our staff and student awardees.
L-R: Lito Velasco, Grace Alarcon-Isla, Gemikalyn Isla, Cecilia Macalintal, Zaidrian Isla; Missing: Thelma Araja
AFJ Publisher at the Academy of Health Care Services support concert in May Kusina Filipino
AFJ Publisher Jose “Jun” Angeles pays Kusina Filipino a visit.
Academy of Health Care Services' Linny and Malot are supporting the Sam Milby-Catriona Gray concert ( see advertisement for full details) organized by Palabok of Lydia. Joining them are AFJ's publisher Jun and editor Lito.(Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)
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Entertainment
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Greetings | Community
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL APRIL 2022
CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE: Moving Forward
Birthdays are everyone’s most cherished moment as this is when we celebrate the covenant between life and its Giver. Nobody is born alone. There are two causes of life that we have to acknowledge, appreciate, and recognize. The first is the Ultimate Cause or Giver, our God and the second are the proximate causes, our parents. Now, He who doesn’t acknowledge, appreciate, and recognize his or her life is also rejecting its Causes. Lucky are these individuals who truly celebrate life with significant people around them. May you all continue to share the gift of life with others. Active co-existence follows essence.
Lianne Angeles, AFJ’s Associate Editor turned 36 on April 14. Wishing you good health and many more years to come! Thank you for everything you do!
Japhet Calderon Rodrigo- April 16
Ina Lucila - April 18
Angela Garcia-Gamutan - April 13
EASTER SUNDAY’S CELEBRATION
Angeles family and friends celebrates the Easter Sunday and commemorated ate Hermie Angeles’ birthday at the Angeles’ residence in Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton
The Cereno, Minano, and Velasco Families celebrated the Easter Sunday at the Minano’s Residence in Rosenthal, Edmonton Jeremelle Calderon-Votary, a young lady celebrating her entrance into adulthood at the Hilton Garden Inn, West Edmonton last April 1, 2022
Nicolette Abong - April 30
BABY GABRIEL ZAPANTA-CAHILIG’s Christening officiated at the Annunciation Church followed by his first birthday celebration held at the Belmead Community Hall in West Edmonton
The Family of Mike and Katie Angeles
Baby Gabriel is clothed with love by Mom Grace and Dad Christian
Dad Christian, Fr. Francis Mariappa SAC holding Gabriel, and Mom Mary Grace
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L-R: Danny Dolores, Abel Cereno, Orly Carlos, Louie Dolores, Arthur Santos, Fely Santos, Jun Angeles, Clarence Cayabyab and Puring Carlos Missing: Melanie Angeles, Christine Cayabyab Sam Porter & Blessie Caraang.
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