Jerry Caingcoy: The Immigrant Leader That Inspires

Written by: Venice Camson

with the late great Ms. Maya Angelu’s words: “I come as one, but stand for Ten Thousand''. Well, of course, except that the community that Jerry actually represents is nearly 1 million-strong.

big enough to selflessly share knowledge and skill, and recognize other members of the Filipino and multicultural communities who are doing great as well. In the process, this opens new and better opportunities for them in Canada.

The far-reaching The Filipino Champions of Canada (TFCC) and the different Filipino communities are celebrating TFCC Founder & President Mr. Jerry Caingcoy yet again. His most recent recognition as Immigrant Champions of Canada in Inclusive Leadership is another reason to be proud as part of the Filipino–Canadian family.

The grandiose awards ceremony was held at the posh Calgary Petroleum Club on February 24, 2023. Along with other outstanding awardees, our very own Jerry was beaming happily but humbly. After all, he has consistently pushed for inclusive leadership and a welcoming environment from Day 1. Jerry believes in the proverbial ‘round table’ where everyone is equal, where every voice matters. Still, his light shines so bright, we can’t help but be drawn to it.

On the 15th June 2021, the City of Calgary announced Jerry as its new Finance Leader, after the position was left open with the retirement of its former Leader. Jerry’s promotion came through after passing the selection process with flying colors. Philippine Consul General to Calgary, Mr. Zaldy Patron, in his letter of endorsement, describes Jerry as a “well-loved and inspiring community leader”, “a strong community advocate and ally of the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary”. Mr. Bruce Randall, former Executive Director of Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Center (CRIEC), of which Jerry is a member of the Board of Directors, commends Jerry’s “dedication to his craft, sense of professionalism, offering life-long learnings and skills to provide direction, motivation, and professional development”. We are proud to be counted among Jerry’s peers, knowing how he identifies

Jerry’s career and list of accomplishments show us that there are no shortcuts in life, that cutting corners won’t do. With “Galing, Sipag, at Tiyaga”, he was heard from and seen, loudly and clearly, from a small island in the Biliran Province, Philippines. Long before migrating to Canada, he charmingly and smartly conquered the Corporate world at the Makati Business District. His continuing pursuit for personal and professional growth pushed him to put up and run his own business successfully. While consistently modeling “Galing, sipag at tiyaga”, he did not stop there, and eventually uprooted his young family and migrated to Canada in the early 2000s. Henceforth, Jerry found his way into Community leadership and found his passion for community service. Back home in Davao City, Philippines, he and his wife founded a private school, Lifeword Montessori School, Inc. in 2003. To date, the school is still up and running, fully committed to its mission of molding young minds into becoming responsible adults, future leaders, and kind citizens.

In 2015, Jerry founded The Filipino Champions of Canada (TFCC). Their vision was clear and it said it all: “Connect. Share. Inspire''. TFCC, a non-profit organization, provided a platform for Filipino champions to share their story, because Jerry has always believed that personal stories are powerful, that they can change lives, and thereby change the world. Their advocacy expanded to medical and health missions, special assistance and outreach activities during calamities, and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Community engagements were not confined to Calgary alone, but extended to Filipino communities outside Calgary. Among the highly anticipated regular TFCC events are Filipino Champions Talk, Café Talk, The Filipino Champions of the Year Award, Championing Communities Workshops, Pinoy Breakthrough Conference, and Business-wise Conference. All these events bring together great minds, men and women whose hearts are

In early 2021, Jerry was inducted as Founding Director of the Filipino-Canadian National Congress (FCNC), a non-profit organization mandated to represent the close to 1 Million Filipinos across Canada. This is testament that his positive influence in the Filipino and multicultural communities is sought after, and is in fact highly desired in and outside Calgary. It may even be safe to say that soon we might see a Filipino-Canadian fellow holding an elected office in Canadian government. Jerry has touched the lives of countless immigrant Filipino families who were just starting to find their way into Canadian life, as Board at the Calgary Region Immigrant Center. CRIEC advocates matching newcomer professionals with Calgary Corporate professionals, leading up to structured occupation and specific professional partnerships. Consistently, what is being promoted are the inherent Filipino values of dedication to work, mastery of craft and dependability. continued on

Fil-Can plays for Polish Hockey League champs

GKS Katowice

Brandon Legaspi Magee of the GKS Katowice and his teammates emerged champion in the 2022-23 season of the Polish Hockey League.

The 29-year-old hockey professional is the son of Nenette Legaspi Magee and Scott Magee of Edmonton.

Brandon suited up for the SSAC Lions U15 AAA, the Lacombe Generals in the Allan Cup, University of Alberta in the University Cup and Fife Flyers in the EIHL Cup before signing up for the Tauron KH GKS Katowice. (Moses Billacura)

Edmonton Warriors rule Premier Tournament

Congratulations to the 2010 Edmonton Warriors Girls Tier 1 in capturing Gold in the Premier Spring Showcase Tournament in Surrey, B.C . The team went undefeated vs top teams in British Columbia.

Kingston Quinto Ireland, Ruxleigh Bayasen shine in tennis tourneys

From March 24,2023 to April 1, 2023, Osten & Victor Tennis Centre in Calgary played host to the U12 Fischer Indoor National Tennis Tournament. Forty of the best boys and 40 of the best girls in Canada attended the event, with 11 kids in total representing the province of Alberta, two of which were of Filipino descent. Elevenyear-old Kingston Ireland, son of Cecille Quinto and Brad Ireland from Edmonton and 12-year-old Ruxleigh Bayasen, daughter of Thelma and Mark Bayasen from Calgary competed in the big event. These two bright tennis stars qualified by ranking in the top five in Alberta in the U12 age category. Kingston finished 3rd overall in the U12 Provincial Tournament in March, while Ruxleigh finished 6th in the

U12 Provincials but qualified after a strong performance in the U14 Provincial Tournament.

The week-long event tested their physical endurance and demanded mental strength. It was a great experience where they met like-minded tennis players from across the country and forged lasting friendships. Kingston finished 24th overall and Ruxleigh 33rd overall. The future is bright for these young tennis players who have been playing since age 5. Kingston trains at Saville Community Sports Centre in Edmonton and Ruxleigh trains at Osten & Victor in Calgary. Up next, they will be attending a friendly competition between Tennis BC vs Tennis Alberta taking place in Kamloops, BC on the April 21 weekend. Good luck to them both.

SkinLueur tallies 3rd straight win in MBA Alberta

SkinLueur Aesthetics and Laser Centre remained on top in the ongoing 2023 Maharlika Basketball Association (MBA) Alberta Tournament.

SkinLueur, relying on the leadership of the quick AJ Mapa, trounced the visiting Grande Prairie

Gilas, 90-64 to tally its third straight victory, April 16 at the Ecole MauriceLavallee in Edmonton.

SkinLueur will play Dalluyon on April 22, 10:30 a.m., at the East Glen High School gym.(Moses Billacura)