Alberta Filipino Journal - August 2021 Issue

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Better profess a mission rather than a mansion.

Patrick Alcedo - the Dancer, Teacher, and Filmmaker

AUGUST 2021 • Volume 14, Number 08

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AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

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LINGAP-Canada’s “Living Book” for August

EDMONTON MAYORAL CANDIDATES’ FORUM: A Resounding Success!

Bayanihan at its best during PMAA Forum

By Moses Billacura

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Edmonton’s mayoral bets unveil platforms

By Bing J. Jaleco

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PMAA 2021 Edmonton Mayoral Candidates Forum, A Very Resounding Success!

Hosts Rachelle Elsiufi and Hermo Pagtakhan with event director Jojo Lucila along with the candidates.

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Business

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Community | Business | City Government Update - Calgary

Edmonton’s Heritage Festival JAN THE MAN’S NOTE

Januel Cedrick Ibasco Januel Ibasco is a proud FilipinoCanadian who is a current law student at the Thompson Rivers University’s Faculty of Law and a graduate of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Januel enjoys giving back to his community through volunteering for multiple not-for-profit organizations. In his free time, he also enjoys the outdoors as he is an avid golfer and hiker. He is a huge Oilers fan and loves to talk about anything sports!

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arlier this month, the annual Heritage Festival returned to Edmonton after nearly a two-year hiatus. The last time the festival was held was back in August of 2019.

This time around, the festival looked a little different. First, instead of the usual tickets that visitors could purchase, in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to limit touch points as much as possible, the Heritage Festival made it mandatory for customers to purchase food items via debit or credit. This was a much more efficient alternative in terms of keeping lines short and for limiting touch points between workers and customers. Second, visitors needed to register for time slots to enter Hawrelak Park. Each visitor needed to arrive at the park within the two-hour window they signed up for. Further, this initiative helped many of the staff and volunteers of the Heritage Festival determine how much foot-traffic there would be throughout the day and what to expect. With hand-sanitizing stations spread throughout the park and masks being offered for patrons at entry, this year’s Heritage Festival was a great success. Many people came out to the festival this year to try new food, experience different cultures, and socialize with friends – something that has been a long-time coming.

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Rediscover downtown It’s been a difficult year and a half, but now downtown Calgary is open and ready to be rediscovered.

Familiar stores, restaurants, patios and walks along vibrant streets and river pathways are waiting.

Downtown Calgary is ready to safely welcome you back. This week, make plans to visit the heart of the city. And rediscover everything downtown has to offer.

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AFJ Family | Editor's Corner | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

PROFESSION: Profess a Mission Rather Than A Mansion 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 Lianne Angeles Associate Editor Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles Administrator / Office Manager Sales and Advertising, 780-993-5503 albertafilipinojournal79@gmail.com Mark Angeles, Mike Angeles Distribution Managers - Edmonton Andy Chua Marketing Manager - Edmonton +1 (780) 965-3549, fcchua@hotmail.com Stephen Burry Distribution Manager - Calgary 1 (587) 938-3100, Freedommigrate@gmail.com Rodel Paguirigan Advertising, Sales and Marketing Manager - Calgary 1 (403) 921-0148, rodelpaguirigan@gmail.com Rolan Latorre Marketing Manager Melanie C. Gomez Website / Graphic Designer Moses Billacura, Noli Granado, Dario Juanillo Photographers/Videographers Columnists: Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Tito S. Venida, Ida Beltran-Lucila, Kristian Cereno, Marco Luciano, Moses Billacura, 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.

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

Lito Mendoza Velasco

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famous fine artist joined a competition. Inside an art gallery, he exhibited his work of art, an oil painting on a canvass of a castle. Almost all who saw his oil painting were completely amazed by his creativity. It was almost perfect, they said. Suddenly, one of the spectators approached the artist and aired his comment about his work. “Sir, your obra maestra (work of art) is almost perfect, but can you tell me why there is no exterior doorknob or handle? How can we get into that castle then?” The artist humbly responded, “It was my intention not to put a handle outside the door of the castle as it can only be opened from within, but I really admire how keen an observer you are, mister. Other people have been deprived of the capability to see what is truly essential and you saw it.”

That is the vital component of life: to see what others can’t see. That is why we need a leader to show us the right way; a leader who can definitely demonstrate that the genuine love of service should come from within.

Everyone is similar to a castle that possesses a door that can only be opened from within. Being influenced is not so bad for as long as the decision to be made is derived from a clean and critical mind. Just open the castle’s door to those who are in dire need and learn to decide after having exercised sound judgment. One must not extend help for earthly recognition; he must intrinsically be motivated and willing to promote altruism. Structuring a strong foundation upon love and passion rather than vested interest and extreme personal ambition is heading up towards the right direction.

Professing a mission rather than a mansion is the mark of an authentic catalyst for change. Promoting whatever is in conformity with the demands of time and necessity is a sign

of maturity. Putting a vision into action is what we call a mission.

Elections are once again around the corner. What should voters do? Here’s what I suggest: • Never vote for a candidate who you do not know. Vote for a candidate after reading and scrutinizing his or her accomplishments. Know their background.

• Never vote for a candidate whose platform has already been molded by the party. Vote for a candidate who has been conducting research and community consultations.

• Never vote for a candidate because of their looks. Good servants cannot be measured by appearances. Vote for

a candidate who is not superficial.

• Never vote for a talkative candidate.

Vote for a candidate who listens and acts in accordance to what the community needs.

• Never vote for a candidate who buys votes and is proud of their mansions. Vote for a candidate whose vision is aligned with their family and constituents’ vision.

Empowerment must always be derived from a unified vision and mission.

• Never vote for the sake of voting.

Vote for society and your children’s sake.

• Never vote for great individuals with small visions. Vote a small individual with a great vision.

• Never vote for a candidate who refuses to build a community apart from the Almighty. Vote for someone who adheres in faithfulness to God as the foundation of their sublime political privilege and dignity.

• Never vote for a candidate who is being used by money and illicitly influenced by the rich. Vote for a candidate who knows how to spend money as well as society’s resources and economy wisely. Economy is the backbone of society.

Feel free to add more to these paradigms. By doing so, you are putting things in the right place and perspective.

The real beauty of the castle cannot be determined by its structural design and artistry. It all depends on how you open it from within, to welcome someone who truly deserves to get in. Right volition is the the right path to achieve an ambition.

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Business | Provincial Government Update - Alberta

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TAKING ACTION AGAINST RACISM OUR WORDS “Alberta’s government stands shoulder to shoulder with our racial and religious minority communities and is proud to deliver on our election commitment to help keep them safe.”

Hon. Jason Kenney,

Leader of the United Conservative Caucus

“Hate-motivated crimes and racism are unacceptable – full stop. We’re taking action to help support and empower the communities and groups most affected by this deplorable behaviour.”

Hon. Kaycee Madu, MLA, Edmonton-South West

ACTIONS TAKEN

Alberta Security Infrastructure Program Protecting religious and multicultural organizations from targeted, hate-motivated crimes and overt racist attacks.

The Community Liaison on Hate Crimes and Hate Crimes Coordination Unit Alberta’s government is deploying resources to protect all Albertans from hate-motivated crimes.

Bill 63 - Banning Carding Randomly stopping people and collecting personal information is unacceptable, which is why we have banned carding outright.

For more information on efforts against racism, please visit:

unitedconservativecaucus.ca/antiracism

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Sports

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

Joey Barba makes some waves in MTB circuit

Message of ConGen Patron to PH Olympians

SPORTS JOURNAL

"The Philippine Consulate General in Calgary joins our nation and our overseas Filipino community in congratulating and thanking our Tokyo 2020 Olympics Philippine Team for delivering a historic performance that gave our county four Olympic medals, including our first gold medal in 97 years.

With the gold medal of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, two silver medals of boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, and one bronze medal of boxer Eumir Marcial, this has been the most productive campaign of the Philippines in the Olympics since 1924. At the Tokyo Olympics, the Philippines also emerged as the top-performing country in Southeast Asia.

I hope that this extraordinary achievement of our Filipino athletes in Tokyo will inspire Filipino-Canadian athletes to consider playing for the Philippine flag in international sports competitions."

Moses Billacura

Zaldy B. Patron Consul General Philippine Consulate General in Calgary Suite 100, 1001 1st St. SE Calgary AB T2G 5G3 www.philcongencalgary.org Facebook: PHinCalgary

mocolumnist @albertafilipinojournal.com Moses Billacura was a sports correspondent for national newspapers in the Philippines since 1992 and served as sports editor and columnist for a community paper before moving to Canada in 2010. He loves photography, manages pinoyedmontonnews.com and strongly believes that sports development is for all.

T

The Suguitan and Barba families in a get-tog ether following Joey’s victories in the MTB circuits in BC. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ )

hanks to Mary Ann and Ronald Suguitan of Flip MTB, I had the opportunity to interview Joey Barba, who won 2nd place in the open master’s division clocking 4:49.74, behind champion David Harder of BC who finished first with a time of 4:32.06 in the Canadian DownHill Championships, July 25, at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

When Mary Ann mentioned Joey’s name, I just could not believe that the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) gold medalist, best remembered for giving the Philippines its first gold in the 2007 SEAG in Nakhon Ratchasima, is already based in Alberta Province.

It is inspiring to know that there is a former Philippine Team member, who despite the “retirement”, was able to find the time to do some training, compete in mountain bike events here in Canada and even win some medals!

I mean, they don’t do this thing for a living these days, unlike in the Philippines where, if you are a member of the national team, you are on the payroll of the Philippine Sports Commission. These days, it’s

more of a “volunteer” thing, you do it simply for the love of sports.

That’s why I could not blame Joey’s loving wife Jeannelyn for being hesitant of her husband’s going back into action because those activities don't bring food to the family’s table anymore. Filipinos who migrate to Canada, including sports stars like Joey, must start from scratch, make a living, and make sure that their kids have a bright future in this country of opportunities.

Despite the challenges, Joey has sparked some inspiration to us Filipinos who come to Canada to seek better opportunities. I know that Joey prefers to remain low-key, but hey Kabayan, your victories in the DH events have served as an inspiration to others, showing us that we can still shine in the field that we truly love. You see, there are those who have devoted much of their lives to sports, in whatever capacity and their vast experience in the development of the sport is valuable.

Joey was a mechanic at Cranky’s Bike Shop in St. Albert, where he was “discovered” by a fan, Johnley Camposano of Whitecourt, who came to see him. And from there, Joey, Johnley and Ronald started to get things going for the SEAG champion. Joey has been repairing bikes for the last 24 years in his land of birth and so Cranky’s was one

lucky shop to have him on board.

Then came the idea of competing again, and boom! Mark Angelo Ugay lent his competition bike to Joey and now, he is starting to make his mark in the MTB circuit.

For now, Joey is backed by Groundzero Apparel, Panawan Outdoor and Sore Muscles Solutions.

I have a very good feeling though, that when he gets back to his biking form, he won’t just place second but finishing first is very much possible.

This is still your fourth year in Canada, but it looks like you have created a strong base of fans from various mountain bike groups like Flip MTB, Chibog MTB, Rat Rat, Hoi Hoi MTB here Joey and God-willing, you’ll be able to shine in Canada just like you brought honor and glory to the Philippine MTB Team.

I won’t be surprised if there will be a Joey Barba MTB School in the works where mountain bike enthusiasts can be properly taught, in order for them to enjoy the sport and compete safely. I’m just thinking wildly Joey, that’s all. Congratulations!

And we wish you all the best in your next competitions! *** Dear member of the sports community, if you have sports news to share, please let us know by sending an email to mocolumnist@ albertafilipinojournal.com.

Maraming salamat po!

MLA Jordan Walker congratulates Olympic gold medalist Kelsey Mitchell I want to give a huge congratulations to Sherwood Park’s own Olympic champion, Kelsey Mitchell. As everyone knows, Kelsey won the gold medal for in the women’s sprint cycling event. She was dominant jumping out in front and never surrendering the lead. The residents of Sherwood Park and all Albertans are so proud of Kelsey!

Thank you, Kelsey, for inspiring Sherwood Park residents, Albertans, and Canadians!

Jordan Walker, MLA for Sherwood Park

PSC chief 'speechless' after historic PH Olympic stint MANILA – Two days after the conclusion of the Tokyo Olympics, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez remains in awe of what the Philippine team has done in the athletic meet.

The Nationals won four medals this year, including the country's first-ever gold medal courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, the most a Philippine team has ever amassed in a single Olympic.

The Philippines also finished as the top-performing Southeast Asian nation, thanks to silvers from boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam with fellow pug Eumir Marcial completing the job with his bronze medal.

Diaz, who had to leave Tokyo quickly due to the coronavirus disease 2019 protocols set for the games, reunited with her fellow medalists on Tuesday with Ramirez and Philippine Olympic Committee president continued on page 7►

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez with Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz (Photo from Hidilyn Diaz Facebook page)

Photo source: https://kelseymitchell.ca/

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA

Sports

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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Pacquiao to face Ugas after Spence pulls out of fight MANILA – Manny Pacquiao will now take on Yordenis Ugas of Cuba on Aug. 22 (Philippine Time) after his original opponent, American Errol Spence, begged off.

Early Wednesday, Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), which is promoting the fight, announced that Spence will undergo surgery in his left eye following the discovery of a retinal tear during his pre-fight medical examination in Las Vegas.

"I'm very disappointed that I won't be able to fight Manny Pacquiao on August 21 (Aug. 22, Philippine Time)," Spence rued in a statement also released by PBC. "I was excited about the fight and the event. Unfortunately, the doctors found a tear in my left eye and said I needed to get surgery on it ASAP and that there was no way I could

fight with my eye in that condition."

Spence was supposed to defend both his World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation welterweight titles against Pacquiao, who said later Wednesday that he "will pray for a full and complete recovery of Errol Spence."

Stepping in for Spence is Ugas, the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) super champ.

Like Pacquiao, Ugas had his own bout scheduled on Aug. 22 called off, prompting PBC to have both pugs slug it out instead.

Ugas was supposed to face Fabian Maidana for the WBA belt in an undercard to the Pacquiao-Spence fight, but Maidana also had an eye injury, particularly a cut below his left eye.

The new main event of the Aug.

22 card has some pre-bout drama involved regarding how Ugas got his title.

Last January, the WBA stripped Pacquiao of the super title due to inactivity amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and gave it to Ugas, the regular champ then, as part of the organization's unique title hierarchy system.

Pacquiao appealed the decision but to no avail, but with the new headliner set, he gets a chance to reclaim what he lost due to technicality.

Ugas, on the other hand, has expressed openness to fighting Pacquiao for the WBA belt after he was promoted to the super champ status, and his wish has finally been granted.

Meanwhile, he hopes that Spence would bounce back in a mighty way

Filipino boxing superstar and Senator Manny Pacquiao (Pacquiao’s FB page photo)

from his eye surgery just like he came back from a life-threatening car accident to become a unified champ.

"Just two years ago I and many of us were here praying for your life, and you came back from the dead to

Go-Duterte tandem still ‘indefinite’: Palace exec MANILA – It remains to be seen whether the tandem of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and President Rodrigo Duterte for the 2022 national elections will unfold, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Tuesday.

During the Pandesal Forum, Nograles said Go and Duterte still have indefinite decisions on calls for them to seek the presidency and vice presidency, respectively, in 2022.

Nograles said the ruling party, the Partido Demokratiko PilipinoLakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), is “still concentrating” on who will be its final presidential and vice presidential candidates next year.

“Hanggang ngayon, wala pang definite decision si Pangulo kung tatakbo pa siya (Until now, the President has no definite decision yet as to whether he will run [for vice president]) and because of that, wala pang definite decision si Senator Bong Go kung tatakbo rin ba siya (Senator Bong Go has no definite decision yet on whether he will also run [for president]),” he said.

PDP-Laban Secretary General

Melvin Matibag earlier said the party’s national executive council has already endorsed the Go-Duterte tandem as it is a “logical and popular” choice for administration allies.

The PDP-Laban is set to hold its national assembly in Bulacan on Sept. 8.

Matibag said other tandems may still be nominated since the possible pairing of Go and Duterte is still up for discussion.

‘Very hardworking individuals’ While the possible Go-Duterte tandem is not yet final, Nograles vouched for the competence of the two high-ranking officials.

Nograles praised Go and Duterte for being “hardworking individuals.”

“He (Go) is always working, he sleeps late because the President also sleeps late,” he said. “He is also very meticulous, putting attention to detail even when President Duterte was still a mayor. Kumbaga lahat ng detalye, siya yung nag-aasikaso (It seems that he gives his attention to all the details), all the details, all the attention to the details, it's him.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go and President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential photo)

Nograles said it is evident that Go, who was once Duterte’s long-time aide before being elected as senator, is “trying to emulate or copy” the President’s leadership qualities.

He said Duterte’s “consistency” in fulfilling his promises and exemplifying “tapang and malasakit” (courage and concern) for all inspire others like Go to be a good leader.

“Ang pinaka-original talaga si President Duterte (President Duterte is the original one), who from the start, noong mayor pa siya (when he was still a mayor) who is not that popular, gains people's respect, very charming and very down to earth and he really speaks the language of the people,” Nograles said.

Go earlier said he would only gun for the presidency if Duterte will be his running mate in the 2022 national elections.

Duterte, on the other hand, has repeatedly expressed willingness to run for vice president. (PNA)

remain a champion. I'm sure you're going to come back from this injury too," said Ugas, who also said that he wants to fight Spence in the future before he retires. (PNA)

from page 6

PSC chief 'speechless'...

Bambol Tolentino virtually during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

"I'm speechless except we have to celebrate the successful campaign in Tokyo," said Ramirez, who was also in the Japanese capital during the first few days but had to fly back to the Philippines before the closing ceremonies to attend to his agency's matters.

He lauded the four Olympic medalists for becoming sources of good news amid the pandemic, which has set many Filipinos in a state of sadness and even fear.

"I felt that these athletes inspire the country and our youth to become better students and athletes for the whole country," he said.

Following this historic run, Ramirez said it would not anymore be hard to fund the national athletes in their quest to rack up more medals for the country.

"With our success in the Tokyo Olympics, hindi na mahirap kumbinsihin ang ating mga congressmen at senador (it would not be hard anymore to convince the congressmen and the senators) to sustain our momentum after the Tokyo Olympics," he said.

A PHP2 billion budget had been set for the Tokyo Olympians, and with the huge medal haul, it was all worth every peso. (PNA)

PSC hikes allowances of Paralympic team to Tokyo by P100-K each MANILA – Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez on Thursday said each member of the Philippine team to the Tokyo Paralympics will be receiving an additional USD2,000 (PHP100,000) allowance.

"We make a quick referendum that we will be adding an additional USD2,000 for all the delegates-athletes, coaches, and officials," Ramirez said in the PSC's People Sports Conversations podcast.

This means the Tokyo Paralympic delegation would have USD3,000 (around PHP150,000) per member in Tokyo as the team now looks to give the Philippines its first Paralympic gold and second overall in an Olympiad since Hidilyn Diaz's historic weightlifting gold in the Summer Olympics on July 26.

Ramirez said the increase in allowances is one way for the PSC to show "the spirit of attention we have to give to the [para] athletes."

"Madalas itong nakakalimutan. Sa mga buildings, wala silang hagdanan.

Palagi silang late at nakakalimutan (They always been forgotten. They have no special staircases in buildings.

They are always late and being overlooked)," he added.

Ramirez said aside from meeting the cost of living in Tokyo, the allowance increase is done to boost the confidence of the Paralympians.

"Importante na maintindihan ng mga bata na (It is important for them to understand that) they go there not as differently-abled. They go there as Paralympians, kasi kung wala kang confidence sa sarili, pagpunta mo pa lang, talo ka na. So, sa Philippine Sports

Commission, suporta lang kami. Kung yung (because if you don't have selfconfidence, the moment you arrive there, you already lose. So here at the Philippine Sports Commission, we're just supporting. If) USD3,000 could motivate the Paralympic athletes, we will do that," he said.

Wheelchair athlete Jerrold Mangliwan and discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda, powerlifter Achelle Guion, swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino, and taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin will represent the Philippines in the Tokyo Paralympics from Aug. 24-Sept. 5.

Mangliwan was designated to carry the country’s colors in the opening ceremony while Gawilan will have the same responsibility in the closing ceremony.

The para athletes thanked Ramirez

MORE ALLOWANCE. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez (right, upper level) meets members of the Philippine Team to the Tokyo Paralympics via PSC's People Sports Conversations podcast on Thursday (Aug. 12, 2021).

Ramirez announced that the PSC board has increased the allowance of each member of the team from USD1,000 to USD3,000 (PHP150,000). (Screengrab)

and the commissioners, saying they are “happily overwhelmed with the love and care the sports agency has been giving them.”

They also vowed to bring their best game, enjoy the experience, and continue to aim for a podium finish.

Philippine Paralympic Committee

president Michael Barredo also thanked the PSC board for increasing the allowances of the country’s Tokyo Paralympics team members.

“Our Paralympians are further motivated by your message chairman,” Barredo said. (PNA)

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Para-legal Services | Educational | Immigration Update

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

Do Not Fall Victim to Fake Canada Jobs Postings 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. He is a practicing Structural Engineer in Alberta and British Columbia.

He is a Volunteer and Advocates to help Filipino-Canadian Engineers to pursue their Professional Engineering licenses in Canada.

I

n this time of 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 people who are desperate in their present situations.

Filipino Engineers are among those, as many Filipino Engineers who work as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in the Middle East have lost their jobs because of the pandemic.

They are now 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 wherein your education and experience have to be assessed 2. You cannot call yourself an Engineer, nor work as an Engineer in Canada without undergoing the Licensing Process for each Province of your intended work place.

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 that will be able to fill 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), then hope to land an Engineering Job. That will never be the case. Go with the right process.

7. If you have a Ph.D. and more than 15 years of experience from a Big Company, and you try to apply for a job online, if you live overseas, 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 you have a Professional Engineering License from any State of the US (PE), you can be employed as an Engineer in Canada, but still, you have to be registered as an Engineer in the Province of your destination.

9. You have a Chartered Engineering status from the UK, New Zealand, or Australia – 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.

10. If you are recognized as an Engineer in the Middle East or as 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 in 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 for the licensing process for each province.

The articles I am writing 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.

Canada to accept 30,000 applications under the 2021 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 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 Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education Committee. A recipient of CAPIC's Members Service Award for four consecutive years (2015-2019).

F

inally, after several months of waiting, Canada announced the details of the Parents and Grandparents Program for 2021.

As it was in previous years, the Parents and the Grandparents Program or PGP will feature a lottery.

IRCC will accept up to 30,000 additional applications to give Canadians and permanent residents the opportunity to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada.

However, contrary to the random selection process used in the previous years, IRCC will send invitations to potential sponsors WHO HAVE ALREADY SUBMITTED an interest to sponsor form in 2020. This means that if you did not submit the interest to sponsor form in 2020, then you won’t have the chance to get an invitation from IRCC. The lottery will take place the week of September 20, 2021, after which invitations will be sent over the course of two weeks. Those who receive the invitation will have sixty (60) days to submit their sponsorship applications to IRCC. If you submitted an interest to sponsor under the PGP last year, I strongly suggest that you check your email (the email address you provided when you submitted the

Interest to Sponsor) starting the week of September 20, 2021.

Receiving the invitation does not guarantee the approval of your application. Both the sponsor and the principal applicant must meet the program’s eligibility criteria. To be a sponsor, you must be 18 years of age or older, a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident or with First Nations status and have the financial ability to support the family member that you are trying to sponsor.

Sponsors must demonstrate and prove that they have sufficient income to support all family members for whom they will be financially responsible, including themselves.

All applicants are strongly advised to check how much money they will need to support the number of people for whom they will be responsible before submitting an application to the PGP. Please note that the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is a critical eligibility factor under PGP. IRCC will assess the sponsor’s MNI for the three- year period namely 2020, 2019 and 2018 tax years. Applicants who are selected and invited to apply but do not meet the MNI requirement will expect a refusal of their application from IRCC.

Due to COVID-19, IRCC will assess the MNI only for the 2020 tax year, but it will not assess the usual MNI plus 30%. Applicants may include Employment Benefits (EI) and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) towards their MNI for the 2020 tax year.

The length of undertaking for parents and grandparents is 20 years except for those who live in Quebec.

During the announcement, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said that “The importance of family has never been clearer than during the pandemic.

That is why we are delivering on our commitment to help more families reunite in Canada. By strengthening the Parents and Grandparents Program, inviting a

record number of sponsors to apply, and by adjusting our requirements to adapt to the current times, we are once again proving our commitment to helping Canadian families stay together, and thrive together.”

If you have questions regarding the above article, you may contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not legal advice.

To ensure your interests are protected, retain or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of ICCRC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCICs.

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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA

Points of View | Legal Tips | Book Reviews

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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.

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.

S

ome individuals are currently experiencing financial uncertainty due to the pandemic. Because of financial issues, difficulty finding work, and even sickness, people are turning to finding solutions through loans, credit, pawning, and other means.

Hero worship and Tokyo Olympiad’s Pinoy champs

T

he 2020 Tokyo Olympics produced a gold, two silvers, and a bronze for the Philippines.

Amid a raging pandemic, when the nation was reeling from Covid-19, four courageous men and women made history when they bagged those coveted Olympic medals in weightlifting and boxing. And then there were the other Filipino athletes who gave their all for God and country.

Their names are now etched in the records of Olympic sports as medalists—Hidilyn Diaz, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial. And they, along with other heroes like EJ Obiena, Carlos Yulo, and Margielyn Didal, have certainly earned their places in the annals of Philippine sports. These names will be remembered as the champions who battled in Tokyo amid the Covid-19

pandemic, with meager resources for training, and practically armed with nothing but a prayer and a fierce determination.

Much has already been said and written about these men and women. Their stories have enthralled and fascinated us to no end. Their humble beginnings, their trials and challenges, and finally their victories have given Filipinos something they can truly be proud of. In this day and age of political division and partisanship, when a gaping divide continues to weigh down on the nation, these Olympic heroes gave us a reason to unite and celebrate.

Sports has always been a unifying force in Philippine society after all.

One need not look any further than the former dominance of Philippine basketball in Asia during the 1970s and 1980s, or the victories of boxers

Credit Transactions - Loans Let us have a basic understanding of credit transactions focusing only on the Civil Code of the Philippines Article 1933.

"Credit" refers to belief or trust by a person in another’s ability to comply with an obligation; and "credit transactions" refers to contracts or agreements based on said trust or credit. (PARAS, Civil Code of the Philippines Annotated,2013) The Civil Code of the Philippines TITLE XI-LOAN, General ProvisionsArticle 1933- By the contract of loan, one of the parties delivers to another, either something not consumable so that the latter may use the same for a certain time and return it, in which case the contract is called a commodatum; or money or other consumable thing, upon the condition that the same amount of the same kind and quality shall be paid, in which case the contract is simply called a loan or mutuum.

Commodatum is essentially gratuitous.

Simple loan may be gratuitous or with a stipulation to pay interest.

In commodatum the bailor retains the ownership of the thing loaned, while in simple loan, ownership passes to the borrower. (1740a) Henceforth, Article 1933 of the Civil Code distinguished two kinds of loans: 1. Mutuum (or simple loan) 2. Commodatum The two kinds of loans are distinguished as follows: (RABUYA, Civil Law Reviewer Volume 2) Furthermore, Commodatum and Mutuum are real contracts. They are perfected by the delivery of the object loaned. On the other hand, consensual contracts are perfected by mere consent. (PARAS, Civil Code of the Philippines Annotated, 2013) At this point, the obligations to comply is mere juridical necessity to avoid some dispute in any credit transaction.

The faith, the belief and the trust to deliver the contracts are the

Maligayang Buwan ng Wika Steeped in Stories: Ulat Aklat

Jasmine-Grace Nacu nacu.jgcn@gmail.com Jasmine-Grace Nacu, originally from Las Piñas, Metro Manila, is a former bookseller, current library assistant, and all around professional book lover based in Edmonton, Alberta. When she's not helping you find your next must read at your local library, she's spreading kindness by snail mail and writing reviews on @ steepedinstories on Instagram.

9

I

t is once again Buwan ng Wika or National Language Month. Held every August, it aims to celebrate the value of the Philippines’ large treasury of languages as instruments to communicate, understand, and unify Filipinos everywhere. What was a week-long celebration called Linggo ng Wika, started by former President Sergio Osmeña in 1946, was eventually expanded to a full month by former President Fidel V. Ramos in 1997. The Philippines boasts approximately 150 spoken languages, a clear reflection of the rich tapestry of life and culture within the 7,000 island archipelago.

This year’s theme for Buwan ng Wika is Filipino at mga Wikang Katutubo sa Dekolonisasyon ng Pag-iisip ng mga Pilipino, or Filipino and Other Native Languages in the Decolonization of the Filipino Mind. This year’s theme echoes the resounding call for decolonization that has gained traction in many countries, including the Philippines, in the recent decades.

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Having been occupied by different forces, facets of Filipino culture, including our languages, have been heavily influenced by colonizing powers. Though most of the languages spoken in the Philippines are of Malayo-Polynesian origin, some have strong roots in the Spanish language, a clear result of our colonial history with Spain. Bids in decolonizing our languages may be inferred in the resurgence of the pre-colonial Filipino writing system known as baybayin. Beyond influencing our spoken languages, the Spaniards also introduced the latin script to the Philippines, which virtually completely replaced the existing indigenous scripts in the islands.

Baybayin, consisting of seventeen symbols, is one of the few indigenous scripts to have survived. Though the script’s use is mostly historic, there has been renewed interest in it both in the Philippines and the diaspora.

Baybayin has gained a lot of popularity in the tattoo scene and in the world

like Flash Elorde, Luisito Espinosa, Nonito Donaire, and of course Manny Pacquiao, to see how sports shapes the Filipino psyche. A popular joke is that criminality goes down to zero in most parts of the Philippines during a Pacquiao fight.

It has been said that a characteristic of Philippine culture is our penchant for hero worship. If that is so, then sports provides us with the “heroes” we are willing to worship. Robert Jaworski is an excellent example.

And if there is some truth to this adage, then we should consider ourselves lucky to have watched as those new “heroes” emerged from the Tokyo Olympics.

Although Hidilyn Diaz is neither a Jaworksi nor a Pacquiao, she has nevertheless proven herself worthy of all the accolades that came with her gold medal achievement. She

also struck me as a Filipino who knows right from wrong, and who has enough moral strength to lead by example without being preachy or political.

Diaz and the batch of Filipino athletes from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games should realize that fate has made them heroes in the eyes of most Filipinos. They competed—and some won medals—in what could be the strangest Olympic Games in history.

I pray that this batch of athletes continues to strive for excellence and be role models to future generations of Filipino athletes. But I also hope that this batch of athletes realizes how powerful their voices can be in shaping not only the destiny of Philippine sports but of the country itself. May they find the courage to lend their voices to a just and urgent cause.

Distinctions

Commodatum

Mutuum (or simple loan)

As to compensation:

essentially gratuitous

it may be gratuitous or with a stipulation to pay interest

As to nature of subject matter:

is ordinarily non-consumable

either money or consumables

As to the right in subject matter:

no transmission of the ownership of the thing loaned takes place because the borrower is bound to return the same thing that he borrowed

borrower acquires ownership of the money, goods or personal property borrowed

As to the duty of borrower:

the specific thing loaned is to be returned

the thing loaned may be consumed, and the borrower discharges himself, not by returning the identical thing loaned, but by paying its equivalent in kind, quality, and quantity

ethics that are guaranteed by the parties in this transaction.

Always remember the following quote from William Shakespeare: “Neither a borrower nor a lender be, for a loan often loses both itself and friends, and borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.”

of arts and literature. Efforts in reclaiming this ancient writing system and promoting it as part of our national pride, have even been made in the form of legislative bills such as the National Writing System Act. Baybayin is currently used on currency, passports, and government insignias in the Philippines.

There are many ways to celebrate Buwan ng Wika, such as attending in-person or virtual events hosted by different organizations, reading a book by a Filipino author, learning a few words in one of our many languages, or maybe even learning baybayin. For those keen to learn baybayin there are free resources online dedicated to teaching it. There are also books you can purchase such as the recently published Baybayin: Panimula sa Pagbasa at Pagsulat by Jeff Quintano. Quintano, who originally hails from Bicol, is a tattoo artist currently based in the Bay Area in California. His work features tribal, Filipiniana, and baybayin themes.

Photo credit arkipelagobooks.com

Baybayin: Panimula sa Pagbasa at Pagsulat is a fun Tagalog-English bilingual beginner’s workbook containing vocabulary and baybayin worksheets along with colouring pages featuring Quintano’s tattoo designs. Let us take pride in the beauty of our many languages and work hard in preserving them and keeping them alive for generations to come! www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

10

Community

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

LINGAP-Canada and Community Pantries in the Philippines

O

ver the past 2 years, LINGAPCanada members have cooperatedto help in ameliorating the most urgent needs of Filipinos affected by typhoons, flooding, and the threat of starvation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, LINGAP-Canada has sent some funds to Caritas Manila to assist communities severely affected by the floods caused by Typhoon Ulysses in late 2020. This year, millions of Filipinos have suffered unemployment and financial hardships from the COVID-19 lockdowns. One response of concerned Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad has been the establishment of “community pantries” throughout the country where families in need have obtained food and other essentials contributed by fellow citizens moved by their plight.

In June, LINGAP-Canada was able to raise funds from among its members and friends to send to two community pantries in Mindanao located in Cotabato City and Pagadian and coordinatedby the active peacebuilding NGO, Mindanao Peoples’ Movement for Peace (MPPM).

Here is a report from the KUSINA BAYANIHAN, a project operating under the MPPM. In Cotabato City: https://www. facebook.com/101249338223604/ posts/332853758396493/

“Come on! Let's TRAVEL! The Free Market is now Mobile Through the contribution of our countrymen in LINGAP-Canada and in collaboration with members of the Mindanao Peoples ' Peace Movement (MPPM)- MagCot Cluster, the Kitchen Unity will be TRAVELING this Month of June 2021.

KUSINA BAYANIHAN will travel to some communities of Cotabato City and Maguindanao. Just continue to contribute! *KUSINA BAYANIHAN started as a Community Kitchen initiative in April 2020 (organized as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown). The concept is to contribute and share with neighbours whatever they have in their homes.

These ingredients will be preparef by the Kitchen Volunteers and open to all cooking for lunch. It started in RH IV, Cotabato City until it was adopted by the neighbours in Iligan City, Bacolod City and the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and

Lanao del Norte.

After cooking, neighbors can take portions of leftovers home, whether they contributed or not. This communityled Solidarity Kitchen spread as the nationwide lockdown intensified due to the Covid-19 pandemic that greatly affected the daily income of workers.

There are KUSINA BAYANIHAN initiatives in Cotabato City, Iligan City and Bacolod City and the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte and Agusan del Sur. Why should KUSINA BAYANIHAN be supported?

Its aim is to serve at least one dish a day to neighbours and countrymen affected by poverty and unemployment, to share vegetables, rice and other goods with our countrymen in need, foster solidarity among its volunteers and further efforts in community service. It also aids in developing its volunteers' leadership skills, as well as governing and decisionmaking abilities. KUSINA BAYANIHAN

was able to serve those greatly affected by the Covid-19 crisis, such as single parents, senior citizens, urban poor, construction workers, the homeless, informal and transport workers and daily wage earners.”

According to officers and the youth workers of KUSINA BAYANIHAN, this is how you can support the movement:

1. Set up a Kitchen Solidarity Collective in your community 2. Contribute to Kitchens Solidarity Stations 3. Encourage Friends Who Support KB Stations 4. Get Active in Movements that promote Safe and Healthy Food, Community and Nature 5. Share the Spirit of the Solidarity and Solidarity of the Citizen

LIVING BOOK is a webinar series featuring stories and conversations on aspects of the lives of Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians. For this month of August, we feature an academic, a social justice activist, and for the first time, a senior citizen from Dumaguete, the capital City of Negros Oriental.

August 27, 2021, 5:30 pm, Edmonton MST Zoom Webinar To register to attend the Zoom event, please go to the www.lingapcanada.com or https://www.lingapcanada.com/ events/living-book-gerardo-maxino About the Event Gerardo Maxino will unfold a fascinating journey intertwining the academe and the challenging work for social justice. Gerardo went to high school in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, where he received a grade of 100% in Grammar and Composition. He became convinced that the lack of resources, that poverty, is not the absence of everything. For nine years since he started schooling, he went shoeless to elementary school and high school, graduating Valedictorian from each. Hungry for knowledge in a locality without a library, Gerardo, during his elementary grades, voraciously read any material he could get hold of, like even wrappers for dried fish. He would go from house to house to read pages of magazines and newspapers pasted on the bamboo walls of houses built after the Second World War. After successfully finishing university education, he realized that his journey had just begun, that he had not come to an end, that he must continue on a pilgrimage, that having learned, he must now serve. www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

Gerardo C. Maxino: Academic and Social Justice

LINGAP-Canada’s “Living Book” for August

Gerardo’s Bio Gerardo C. Maxino graduated with the degree of Master of Science in Physics, Magna Cum Laude. Beyond two master's degrees and two doctorate degrees, Gerardo has pursued to age 80, doctorate studies leading to a PhD in Anthropology.

In 1968, when Gerardo finished his first graduate degree, the years surrounding it were a time of turmoil, where youth questioned the values and circumstances surrounding them and marginalized sectors began to realize that they deserved better lives. The country was at a crossroad of ideologies and movements. Gerardo was drawn to the Cebu Archdiocesan Social Action Center (CASAC) where he became the Chairman of its Volunteer Group, the Kalihukan Alang sa Katarungan (KASK) or Solidarity for Justice and Reforms. CASAC and KASK were involved in the problems, struggles, and dreams of farmers, workers, informal settlers, fisherfolk, youth, and other marginalized sectors of society. In 1972, Martial Law overtook the development work of CASAC and KASK.

Members were often suspected of being subversives/rebels, and in some cases, were arrested and incarcerated.

In 1974, Gerardo organized the Physics teachers into a learning, cooperating, and serving society that would work for the improvement of physics teaching and research in the Philippines. Thus, the Philippine Physics Society (PPS) was born in poverty in 1974. It holds an annual national seminarconvention and publishes the only Physics journal in the country, the Philippine Physics Journal. ​Retiring in 2006 as a Professor of Physics of Silliman University, where he had also served as Chairman of the Physics Department and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Gerardo resisted the suggestion of friends to go on a world tour. Instead he used all his retirement proceeds to set up a high-standard college, Maxino College, for children of financially challenged families. Maxino College is one of less than ten higher institutions of learning in the Philippines offering the Bachelor of Science in Physics degree. It has extensively conducted community-based research, especially in climate change.

Students engage in voluntary community work beyond subject or course requirement. To date, the college has turned out 300 graduates, many of whom would not have entered college due to their financial backgrounds.

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA

City Government Update - Calgary

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

11

Make the right moves

Know what goes in your blue and green carts foam cushion

garden hose

diapers food in packaging

batteries

Help keep everyone safe – do not put these items in your blue or green carts.

No chemicals or propane tanks

No batteries

No garbage

No clothing, fabrics or shoes

No household items, electronics or furniture

No tanglers like hoses, rope or electrical cords

Learn more at calgary.ca/recycleright 21-0013570 | ADV-10003

21-0013570 WRS cart contamination_Filipino Journal.indd 2

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2021-07-29 7:52 AM www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

12

Community | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

www.ancopcanada.org 1-877-MY ANCOP (692-6267) sponsor@ancopcanada.org

About ANCOP Canada ANCOP Canada is a registered Canadian non-profit charitable organization established in 2001. It is the social ministry of Couples for Christ, a global lay organization present in over 100 countries. ANCOP is an acronym for Answering the Cry of the Poor. The vision of ANCOP is to bring Christ’s transforming love to the poor. When you sponsor and/or donate to ANCOP Canada, you help fund materials to build low cost modest houses, common facilities for poor families, and provide financial support for the education, afterschool and values formation programs for children in the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Jamaica, and Canada.

Recognition Most Influential Community Organization, Golden Balangay Awards, 2018

Certificate of Appreciation, Canadian House of Commons, 2017

Canada 150 Medal, Senate of Canada, 2017

Child Sponsorship Program (CSP)

Community Development Program (CDP)

ANCOP believes education of children is the key to bringing families out of poverty.

ANCOP builds communities through the construction of houses for homeless families.

The CSP funds the education of elementary, high-school, and college or university scholars. Through this program, scholars and their families participate in values formation activities which promote healthy social development.

This program allows families to live in decent homes which strengthen their sense of stability and restore dignity. These homes and communities bring hope to families for a brighter future.

Your support provides tuition fees, school supplies, uniform, daily allowance, and medical/dental care.

Your contribution helps build homes and neighbourhoods complete with water and drainage system, community centres, and livelihood programs.

Humanitarian Relief ANCOP responds on the ground when natural disaster strikes. Our volunteers quickly organize themselves to help bring people to safety, to distribute relief goods, and provide immediate medical support.

Local communities are restored, hope is renewed, and lives are transformed through cooperation between ANCOP volunteers, local residents, and partners.

Your donation helps support the long-term effort of ANCOP to rehabilitate and rebuild communities.

ANCOP Canada: Answering the Cry of the Poor ANCOP Canada is a registered Canadian non-profit charitable organization established in 2001. It is the social ministry of Couples for Christ, a global lay organization present in over 100 countries.

ANCOP is an acronym for Answering the Cry of the Poor. The vision of ANCOP is to bring Christ’s transforming love to the poor.

When you sponsor and/or donate to ANCOP Canada, you help fund materials to build low cost modest houses, common facilities for poor families, and provide financial support for the education, after-school and values formation programs for children in the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, Jamaica, and Canada.

Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) ANCOP believes that the education of children is the key to bringing families out of poverty. The CSP funds the education of elementary, high-school, and college or university scholars. Through this program, scholars and their families participate in values formation activities which promote healthy social development.

Your support provides tuition fees, school supplies, uniform, daily allowance, and medical/dental care.

Community Development Program (CDP) ANCOP builds communities through the construction of houses for homeless families.This program allows families to live in decent homes which strengthen their sense of stability and restore dignity. These homes and communities bring hope to families for a brighter future.

Put your love into action today!

ANCOP International Canada Inc. www.ancopcanada.org Charity Number: 87935 0312 RR0001

Sunfreight is thanking our loyal customers since the day 1 of our operations.

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA

Community | Business

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

13

Migrante Canada Congress: Celebrating 10 Years of Service and Struggle for Filipino Migrants 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.

M

igrante Canada is an alliance of different Filipino migrants’ advocacy organizations across the country. It is a chapter of Philippine based Migrante International.

The organization held its 5th Congress in Edmonton on the sunny and warm weekend of July. Below is the statement that they sent after the event: Migrante Canada successfully held its 5th Congress on July 30-31 at the Providence Renewal Center in Edmonton, Alberta. Migrante Canada has 13 chapters and member organizations with over 400 individual

Ida Lucila, Executive Director of the Philippines shared her solidarity messages

Mila Bongco-Philipzig, poet and author hosted the cultural evening.

members in British Columbia, Alberta, Western Ontario, Eastern Ontario, and Quebec.

At least 60 delegates, members, and observers took advantage of the recent easing of restrictions under the COVID-19 pandemic to see each other at the Congress. Migrante Canada combined the in-person gathering with the online participation of delegates and observers via Zoom.

Sol Pajadura, outgoing Chairperson, said “MigranteCanada has survived the three years since the Fourth Migrante Congress in 2018, two years of those under the continuing COVID-19 pandemic… [the pandemic] has not stopped us from making our presence felt in our communities.” She described the work of MigranteCanada in political campaigns and activities for migrants’ rights, welfare, and justice. She cited Sagip Migrante,

disaster relief arm for the victims of disasters in the Philippines, and the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa COVID-19, the mutual aid network for Filipino workers and our communities in Canada. Migrante Canada not only

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continued on page 26 ►

The newly elected Migrante Canada Executive Committee. From the left: Danilo Deleon, Chairperson (Edmonton); Clarizze Truscott, Vice Chairperson (Fort Saskatchewan); Erie Maestro, Campaign Officer (Vancouver), Stef Martin, Secretary General (Toronto), and Jane Ordinario, Finance Officer (Vancouver).

Edmonton-Strathcona MP Heather McPherson came by and shared a message of solidarity

Alberta Filipino Journal was present at the event

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

14

Community | Politics

mêskanâhkêsiw

(mes-kanah-kay-seeyo):

She Builds a Path

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

Treaty Introduction Tansi Nitotemtik. (Hello my friends.)

Welcome to Treaty Six Territory. There are 3 territories in Alberta.

Joyce P. Ward joyce.p.ward@EnochNation.ca Tansi (Hello) My name is Joyce P. Ward. I am a member of Enoch Cree Nation.

My father is Plains Cree and my mother is Caucasian. Growing up with the indigenous heritage and looking Caucasian has had its challenges but I’ve learned to discover the perspective from both sides and building harmony from within.

From about Red Deer and south is Treaty 7 territory and Slave Lake and north is Treaty 8 territory.

We are divided into Treaty areas that were formed when the Indigenous population signed agreements with settlers coming to Canada.

These are sovereign agreements that recognized indigenous people and settlers as separate nations. The treaties were also meant as protection by the Queen of England and were designed to protect the indigenous population and the land.

The ancestors signed the treaties in good faith and did not expect that harm would be brought upon their people.

As indigenous people were nomadic in nature and followed the

buffalo, they would recognize the territories of other tribes.

Today when the land acknowledgement is made, it brings back the awareness that the people who were stewards of the land are still here, and still hold that responsibility to take care of the land.

This link from Amnesty International Canada provides information on how to write a land acknowledgement. https://www.amnesty.ca/blog/ activism-skills-land-and-territoryacknowledgement Because of these treaties, as the Canadian government was developing, it realized that they could not settle across the land without having to uphold these agreements and did not want to acknowledge the indigenous population as having sovereignty over the land.

You will hear the term stolen land when you engage with a person of indigenous heritage because the treaties were not upheld. There are many pending land claims to uphold these treaties and calls for the government to be held accountable

for the land they built on illegally.

Land is a vital component of indigenous heritage. We recognize the spirit of Mother Earth. Nature is very soothing because of the energy that Mother Earth provides for us.

It was quite strange for the indigenous when settlers felt that they could own land when the indigenous had the connection to be with the land and animals. Everything was held sacred and built in relation to land and living upon it.

The Plains Cree word for land is askiy (as-kee). The Cree language is categorized by animate and inanimate as our traditional language is used to describe the world we live in and our relationship with it.

In efforts to colonize the land and build the country, it was determined that there was an “Indian problem”, which meant finding a way to eradicate them so that they would not uphold the treaties. At first, they tried to kill off the buffalo to starve them. Since that did not work, colonizers then began to consider ways to assimilate continued on page 15 ►

It’s time to have elected representatives and servant leaders who fight for the everyday Edmontonian!

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Community | Business

15

Encounter with the MTC (Millwoods Town Center) Ladies

H

appiness is contagious and definitely within arm’s reach. AFJ publisher and his friend Abel Cereno, while walking inside the Mall, were approached by fellow kababayans requesting to pose for a post. Never let the day go by without touching someone else’s heart. Your acts of kindness and your approachability can always bring forth happiness.

from page 14

the indigenous population. This is when they decided to “kill the Indian in the child”. This was the beginning of Canada’s genocide. These were advertised as boarding schools and, in the beginning, tried to encourage the parents to send them to school willingly. When that did not work, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and missionaries would forcibly remove the children whenever they could locate and get their hands on them. It became illegal to keep the children with their family.

Today, the truth about this is becoming mainstream and trying to find an answer to what do we do now,

and understanding the brutal truth of how Canada came to be is tough on all of us. As a person who is of indigenous heritage and the child of a residential school survivor, there is a desire to face the truth with compassion and understanding.

There is a negative perspective on the First Nations people here about their addictions and the way they live and this is why. I hope that you continue to learn more about the rich history of the people upon whose territory you reside and that we build a relationship that is welcoming and be able to work together to live life in a good way.

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Business

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

City Government Update - Edmonton

17

40 km/h is Edmonton’s new default speed limit.

Drive 40 km/h when you don’t see a speed limit sign. edmonton.ca/SafeSpeeds

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18

News Update | Community

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

Bayanihan at its best during PMAA Forum

By Moses Billacura

“Bayanihan” was at its best on August 14 when the Philippine Media Association of Alberta (PMAA) successfully hosted with co-presenter Sky Dental Clinic, the first PMAA Edmonton Mayoral Candidates’ Forum.

Filipino organizers leaders came to listen to the candidates for Edmonton mayor who presented their platform of government and answered questions on various issues affecting the city.

Not only did they attend, but some of their members, the young and the not-so-young anymore, also volunteered in the preparations, working behind the scenes including the setting up of the venue at the Manila Grill Restaurant West.

PMAA president Nicky Gocuan, a veteran newspaperman in the Philippines before moving to Canada, who now writes a column for a community paper and co-hosts a weekly radio show, said that concerned Filipino community members in Edmonton have been raising some questions and the PMAA took the step to organize a Forum.

The Filipino community has grown significantly over the years, he said, and the PMAA was formed not just to be an organization to

foster camaraderie among Filipino media practitioners but to serve as an “enabler by creating awareness as well as inspiring the electorate to participate in the important democratic process”.

Edmontonians will select their new mayor on October 18.

“The Forum was an outstanding display of our distinct Filipino culture, Bayanihan, and we are very grateful to our Kababayans for helping us succeed in our first major activity,” said Gocuan, who sought the help of various Edmonton-based companies to pitch in for the logistics needed, mainly, Lexus of Edmonton and Karatula Signs.

Gocuan said he could not thank the sponsors and community leaders enough for helping the PMAA. He is also very grateful that the eight candidates gave the PMAA the opportunity to be part of their campaign activities as Filipino community members were able to personally listen to their platform of government and even had the chance to chat with them.

“The PMAA intends to continue its goal to conduct a fair Forum that is informative in order to promote diversity and inclusivity,” Gocuan said.

Congress of Philippine Associations of Alberta officials join the PMAA Forum.

Photo by Neil Young

PMAA VP Lito Velasco leads the opening prayer.

PMAA president Nicky Gocuan delivers the opening remarks.

Riana Torrejon sings the Canadian and Philippine national anthems.

Kim Krushell

Michael Oshry

Rick Comrie

Diana Steele

Abdul Malik Chukwudi

Amarjeet Sohi

Rachelle Elsiufi of City News Edmonton and Hermo Pagtakhan of Alberta Filipino Journal serve as hosts of the PMAA Forum.

CBC TV Edmonton interviews Jose Angeles, publisher of the Alberta Filipino Journal.

Cheryll Watson

Brian Gregg

CBC TV Edmonton interviews Nicky Gocuan, president of the Philippine Philippine Business Society of Alberta officials in attendance at the PMAA Forum.

Media Association of Alberta.

Photos by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal

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News Update | Community | Business

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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Edmonton’s mayoral bets unveil platforms

By Bing J. Jaleco

Post-pandemic economic recovery and social concerns were top-of-mind issues for eight men and women vying for the mayoralty of Alberta’s capital city as they unveiled their platforms and positions before the province’s Filipino community.

At the Edmonton Mayoral Candidates Forum held at Manila Grill Restaurant, Cheryll Watson, Abdul Malik Chukwudi, Kim Krushell, Diana Steele, Michael Oshry, Amarjeet Sohi, Rick Comrie, and Brian “Breezy” Gregg presented their vision for Edmonton.

Augustine Marah and Mike Nickel did not attend the forum, which was presented by the Philippine Media

Association of Alberta (PMAA) in cooperation with Sky Dental Clinic.

Watson (cheryllwatson.ca), founder of Innovate Edmonton and co-founder of the Alberta Innovation Corridor, said she wants an independent accountability officer, a rejuvenated downtown, and a safe city for women and girls.

Chukwudi (malikformayor.ca), an ex-military serviceman who served in Afghanistan, is pushing for a more diversified economy and wants to fight homelessness. He had worked in the oil and gas sector and was “the country manager of the third largest oil and gas drilling company in the world for 7 years in the Middle East,” according to his website.

Krushell (krushellformayor. com) was a three-term councillor

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who says “the next mayor should know how the city works.” She put up two tech firms “from the ground up,” and vows to advance the city on three fronts: economic recovery, core services and maintenance, and support for vulnerable residents.

Steele (dianasteele.ca) is the first Metis woman running for mayor of Edmonton. Describing herself as a “servant leader,” Steele will fight homelessness, backs a property tax review, and improve family access to amenities. She is a small business owner, and she taught business courses at NorQuest College.

Oshry (michaeloshry.ca), another former councillor, is a venture capitalist (Blue Pen Capital) and founder of Remedy Café. He is advocating an economic recovery program anchored

on “bringing downtown back,” and vows to lower the property tax as part of a fiscal management policy.

Comrie (comrieformayor.ca) wants to fight “uncontrollable debt and excessive taxation,” and laments how federal policies “are being forced” on Edmontonians. He supports small business, is calling for a plebiscite on the LRT, wants a project oversight department at city hall, and directs his messaging to the “forgotten taxpayers.”

Sohi (sohi.ca), a former city councillor and member of parliament who served as a federal minister, calls the upcoming polls as a “pivotal moment for the city.” He is pushing an inclusive economic recovery, investments in green jobs, confront systemic inequity, and address social

challenges. He says “true success will only be felt when we address the deep-seated issues of racial pain and trauma.”

Gregg (briangregg.com), obviously the unconventional candidate in the race, is a self-styled businessman who manages a rock band (The Big Dreamer Band). He wants to develop a repair industry in Edmonton as a way to promote recycling, a greenhouse district around Edmonton, and protect people against bad businesses.

The election will be held on October 18, and Edmontonians will also elect one councillor for each of the 12 city wards, one Edmonton Catholic Schools trustee for each of the seven wards or one Edmonton Public Schools trustee for each of the nine wards.

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News Update | Community | Education

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

PMAA 2021 Edmonton Mayoral Candidates Forum, A Very Resounding Success!

By Hermo Pagtakhan

T

he Edmonton Filipino Community in particular and Edmontonians in general, watched and listened as the Candidates delivered their respective Campaign Platforms and Advocacies at the PMAA 2021 Mayoral Candidates Forum organized by the PMAA in cooperation with Title Sponsor SKY DENTAL CLINIC. The Sold-out Forum held at the Manila Grill West Restaurant was broadcasted worldwide via Livestream at the PMAA Facebook Page.

City News Video Journalist RACHELLE ELSIUFI and PMAA Director and Alberta Filipino Journal Columnist HERMO PAGTAKHAN were the Co-Hosts of the Forum which was directed by Director Extraordinaire Jojo Lucila with wife Ida Lucila of THE LUCILA Project. Earlier, Posters for the Forum were designed by Dario Juanillo and Ludy Juanillo of JProd Photography & Videography.

The Candidates Forum was PMAA’s Community Service Project this year under the leadership of PMAA President Nicky Gocuan who was ably assisted by his better half the hard working Maria Lunha Gocuan.

The PMAA through the Forum intended to provide the 2021 Edmonton Mayoral Candidates with a Vehicle and Venue to Express their Platforms and Advocacies to the Edmonton Community and at the same for the People of Edmonton to get to know the Candidates, as well as, their Platforms and Advocacies. 8 out of 10 Candidates showed up and participated at the Forum namely, (in alphabetical order) Malik Chukwudi, Rick Comrie, Brian Breezy Gregg, Kim Krushell, Michael Oshry, Amarjeet Sohi, Diana Steele and Cheryll Watson.

The Public Forum which is the first of its kind, hopefully will help Edmontonians to CHOOSE WISELY the Best Candidate to LEAD Edmonton, our City of Champions, to Greatness!!!

The Candidates were warmly welcomed and briefed of the Rules of the Forum by PMAA Director Marjorie Newman and Jun Angeles

PMAA President Nicky Gocuan opening remarks.

Hermo & Rachelle forum hosts.

(PMAA Adviser). The Forum began with a Parade of Flags led by PMAA President Nicky Gocuan and Vice President Lito Velasco who, thereafter, presided the Invocation. Riana Torrejon led the singing of the Canadian and Philippine National Anthems. PMAA President Nicky Gocuan delivered the Opening Remarks.

The Forum consisted of three segments: Part 1 (Candidate's delivery of their respective Campaign Platforms and Advocacies), Part 2 (Question to & Answer by each Candidate) and Part 3 (Common Question addressed to and to be answered by ALL Candidates, respectively).

PMAA Treasurer Rolan Latorre acted as the Timekeeper during the Forum.

Mainstream Media including the CBC and the Edmonton Journal attended the Forum who were earlier invited to the Event by the hardworking Secretary of PMAA Moses Billacura who is also the PMAA’s Media Relations Officer. The Edmonton Journal carried a thorough News Article coverage of the Forum in its News Edition the following day Overall, the Philippine Media Association of Alberta was able successfully fulfill its Mission and the Objectives of the PMAA 2021 EDMONTON MAYORAL CANDIDATES FORUM which were: 1. To provide the 2021 Edmonton Mayoralty Candidates with a Vehicle and Venue to Express their Platforms and Advocacies to the Edmonton Community and at the same for the People of Edmonton to get to know the

Candidates, as well as, their Platforms and Advocacies; 2. To encourage and promote diversity and inclusivity through the initiative of the concerned Filipino community members in Edmonton; 3. To allow the Philippine Media Association of Alberta to serve as enabler in creating greater awareness and inspiring the electorate to participate in this all-important democratic process.

Rachelle Hermo & Jojo with candidates.

The Candidates and Guests were treated to a Buffet Lunch served by the Restaurant.

Other notable Sponsors of the Forum were: *Ian Fernandez of LEXUS EDMONTON *KARATULA *ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL *ANGELES & ASSOCIATES FINANCIAL SERVICES *Congress of Philippine Associations in Alberta (COPAA) *WESTLAWN MEMORIAL GARDENS & FUNERAL HOMES *EVERGREEN MEMORIAL GARDENS & FUNERAL HOMES *INVIS *MCN CANADA IMMIGRATION CONSULTING *THE FILIPINO CHANNEL *ROCKY PAGALAN Realtor *LOIDA LUMANLAN Realtor *FERDIE MENDITA Realtor *THE LUCILA PROJECT *PHOENIX HORIZON INVESTMENTS * DARIO JUANILLO & LUDY JUANILLO. JPROD PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY *ALARM MONITORING CENTER *NOTIFY TECHNOLOGIES by ProXSmart *HERMO T. PAGTAKHAN, Family Counselor, ARBOR MEMORIAL GARDENS

Jezza Carter & volunteers with candidates.

Parade of flags

3. Neil Young Baler (Photographer) 4. Alyanna Castro (Reception) 5. Andrew Gocuan (Asst. to the Program Chairman) 6. Jezza Pagtakhan (Stage Manager) 7. Carter An (Stage Manager) 8. Alyanna Castro (Reception)

9. Kristian Gabriel Cereno (Usher) 10. Kaye Cereno (Usherette) 2. Security for the Event was provided

by JEREMIAH JAMES and TRINA VANDERMEER.

The Forum was ably supported by its Volunteers, namely: 1. Mark Caputolan (Program IT) 2 Jomari Denuro (Videographer)

Edmonton Journal Aug 14, 2021

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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

ARTOSPECTIVE - an artist’s point of view

Arts and Culture | City Government Update - Calgary

21

Patrick Alcedo - the Dancer, Teacher, and Filmmaker

Ida Beltran-Lucila ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com

F

or the past months, FilipinoCanadian Patrick Alcedo from Toronto has been making waves in the international film festival circuit with his documentaries: They Call Me Dax, A Will to Dream, and Am I Being Selfish?.

They Call Me Dax tells the story of a 15-year-old girl trying to survive as a high school student and ballet dancer.

It is a 10-minute documentary which sheds light on the ability of dance to empower the marginalized. To date, it has won Best Short Documentary at the Cannes Indies Cinema Awards 2021; Best Dance Short Documentary, Silk Road Film Festival Awards in Cannes, France; Nominee, Best Short Documentary, Phoenix Shorts; Official Selection, New York Independent Cinema Awards, and International Short Films Festival.

A Will to Dream is a featurelength documentary on a Philippine ballet star who gave up his US green card, to teach dance to underprivileged children In the Philippines. It has won Best Dance Feature Documentary, Silk Road Film Festival Awards in Cannes, France; Award Winner, Hong Kong Indie Film Festival; and an Official Selection at the Cannes International Film Festival, Chicago Indie Film Awards, the New York Independent Cinema Awards and Toronto Film Magazine Fest.

Am I Being Selfish? focuses on the life of a male dancer who, despite financial obstacles, teaches ballet

to disadvantaged children, while supporting his wife and children.

This documentary has won Best Short Inspirational Documentary at Silk Road Film Festival Awards in Cannes, France; and Official Selection at International Shorts, and Lift-Off Online Sessions.

Patrick Alcedo, writer, director and producer of these documentaries, is the Chair of the Department of Dance, and Associate Professor of the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design, at York University. He is a dance ethnographer and a specialist on Philippine traditional dances, whose work “focuses on performance

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of gender, folklorization of religion, and world dance in the diaspora”.

Patrick hails from Aklan. He danced with the Filipiniana Dance Group, earned his BA at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, PhD in Dance History and Theory, and a postdoctoral fellowship in Southeast Asian Studies, both from the University of California, Riverside. He was a

Rockefeller Humanities Fellow in Theorizing Cultural Heritage at the Smithsonian Institution.

Patrick’s earlier film works include: Ati-Atihan Lives; A Piece of Paradise, about the everyday and extraordinary lives of Filipina caregivers in Toronto; Boxing in the Shadow of Pacquiao, a video project continued on page 23 ►

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Community | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

COPAA’s Annual Picnic at the Park

T

his fun-filled day was celebrated last August 7, 2021 at Borden Park in Edmonton. It was attended by different groups and individuals, including some of the political aspirants.

Traditional Filipino Foods and delicacies were served. Silence had no room in the space as almost all were able to crack funny jokes and share good stories. Creativity and resourcefulness form part of the core of Filipino characters and values and these were present when the parlour games and other entertainment like singing and dancing started to kick in. OMG! It is especially great to be a Filipino when surrounded by these entertaining individuals.

Looking forward to the 2022 Picnic at the park.

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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA

Points of View

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

GENERAL POINT OF VIEW

Giselle General gqgeneral@gmail.com Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region on the Benguet province, and immigrated to Canada as a teenager in 2007. 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.

Career Mentorship Resources

I

t is an all-too-common reality for many immigrants, particularly those who have started their careers before coming to Canada, that it can be a difficult journey to being employed again in one’s previous profession. The good news is that there are several programs organized by various organizations that provide support for this. These organization and programs believe that everyone should achieve their full potential in their careers. There are a lot of positives to also being re-certified and being able to work in one’s previous profession. It usually means better employment opportunities, better pay and a better chance of building a prosperous life.

Mentorship programs usually provide several things: an opportunity to learn about how different professional fields might work differently in Canada, an opportunity to be inspired by spending time with people in the same profession and with trained staff, and providing connections in the professional community which can improve one’s ability to secure a job.

Here is a short list of some of these mentorship resources. Some are specific to a location, but I suggest contacting them to see if they offer programs for those living in smaller regions in the province. Many have

from page 21

Patrick Alcedo - the Dancer, Teacher, and Filmmaker produced with The New York Times; Dancing Manilenyos - comparing the lives of a poor male dancer to that of a rich, privileged female dancer who are members of Ballet Philippines.

Ati-Atihan Lives was a nominee at the Gawad Urian (Manila Film Critics Circle). A Piece of Paradise won the top prizes National Bank Best Feature Film Award, and Centennial Best Canadian Film Award, at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. An opening film at the 2019 Cinemalaya Film Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, his Dancing Manilenyos was an official selection at the 2019 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, received an Award of Merit at Global Shorts in Los Angeles, California, and an Award of Recognition from the Hollywood International Independent Documentary Award.

Patrick’s portfolio however, is not just confined to films. He’s had publications in: the Journal of Southeast Asian Studies; an anthology in Dance Ethnography and Global Perspectives; and with Playwrights Canada Press. He has also facilitated joint projects between York University and Philippine institutions.

With such a prodigious output, it is not surprising that Patrick has been conferred numerous awards and recognition: Quincentennial Award 2021, Philippine Consulate General Toronto; York Research Leader, 2019; President’s University-Wide Teaching Award 2019, which put his name on York University’s Hall of Fame; Golden Balangay Award for Pinoy of the Year, 2017; Early Researcher Award 2014 by the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation; Selma Jeanne Cohen Award for International Dance Scholarship by the Fulbright

Association of America, 2014; and the Young Professional Award 2012 by the Filipino Centre Toronto, among others.

Although armed with experience and academic achievements earned in the Philippines and the US, Patrick still lived through the difficulties of adjusting to life in Canada like any other immigrant, i.e. cold winters, homesickness, and the desire for family reunification in Canada.

In his film A Piece of Paradise, he says in a media release “I hope that you will find their stories and their journeys not only moving, but also gentle reminders that no matter how challenging a situation may be, how far we are from our homes and loved ones, and how foreign Canada may be at times, we have resources within and around us to find our own small-or even large pieces of paradise.”

For Patrick, filmmaking serves as a platform in expressing his experiences, in disseminating his research on dance and culture, and his “teaching and promotion of Filipino expressive culture within the Philippines and in the diaspora”. In another interview, Patrick expressed “As to my goals for the Filipino community in Canada, I dream that it will continue to prosper in terms of the roles Filipinos will play in various industries and professions... that we become major movers and shakers in other fields, such as business, media, law, governance, research, education, and the arts.”

Patrick Alcedo had this dream, and the will to pursue it. He has indeed become a major mover and shaker.

And more laurels are anticipated to come his way.

Remember his name, Patrick Alcedo - the dancer, teacher, filmmaker, Filipino. In his journey, he has evidently found his paradise. And with that, he makes us proud. Bravo Patrick!

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adapted their programs to be virtual due to COVID-19.

1. Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council: According to their program description: “When anyone moves to a new country, it can be challenging to find work and build a new professional network.

Our mentorship program is focused specifically on new immigrants and providing them with support. Mentors help guide mentees during their job search and help them understand the Canadian work culture so they are better prepared to work in Edmonton.” The link with details can be found at: https://www.eriec. ca/career-mentorship-program/ 2. Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council: This is the Calgary equivalent of the ERIEC program. The incredible thing about these two programs is a positive cycle of continuity, where former mentees end up returning as mentors. The link with details can be found at: https://www.criec.ca/criecs-work/ champions/national-mentoringpartnership/ 3. Bredin Centre for Career Advancement: This organization offers a wide range of programs in addition to their program called BredinWorks for Internationally

Educated Professionals. They also have language and other informational courses, jobs database and microloans for prospective entrepreneurs. The link with details can be found at: https://www.bredin.ca/unemployedalbertans/employment-services/ bredinworks/ 4. Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers: Job Ready Program: This comprehensive program helps clients from start to finish, from making a career plan, connecting with opportunities to boost one’s credentials, training to understand cultural aspects in the Canadian workplace customs and employment law, and

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many more. The link with details can be found at: https://emcn.ab.ca/ corporate/programs/employment/ employment_preparation_services. html 5. Alberta Mentorship Program: This program is more on the bigpicture level, providing supports to organizations that want to develop a career mentorship program with newcomers to ensure its success both for the organization/ company, as well as the participants. The link with details can be found at: https:// albertamentorship.ca/find-mentor/ It is advisable to evaluate different resources as some might be a better fit than others, depending on your availability and your profession.

Filipinos Need Representation

T

he Federal Election has been called on September 20. It is no surprise that the Liberals called for an early election instead of holding it on the originally scheduled October 2023. So why would Prime Minister

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.

Justin Trudeau call for an early election? Canada is still fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

It’s still fresh in the minds of people what support they got from the Trudeau-led Liberal Government.

What Canadians must not forget is that it does not matter who the Prime Minister is, the people will still get some sort of Emergency Covid Benefit.

It is important also to note that there were a lot of alleged scandals involving the Trudeau Government. Thus they made sure that when they called the election, the timing was perfect.

Recent polls show the Liberal are ahead.

Surprised? I am not. The amount of social funding and support given in the last few months makes you wonder why they are giving away so much money when our economy is in a deficit. Then they call an early election. Can you now connect the dots?

Some of the things to bear in mind apart from the scandals is how this Government was not able to defend its number one Natural Resource product, which is oil. Instead, we got penalized with a carbon tax.

Why penalize us when you do not have a viable alternative?

You might think I do not support alternative energy (green energy) but you are wrong. I have worked in the Battery

industry before for many years and I am familiar with solar and wind energy and even familiar with a solar community using borehole thermal energy storage. While they have greatly improved in cost to run them they are nowhere close to replacing oil. So we should use them as an alternative and phase these in slowly. Remember the storm in Texas where these alternative energy systems failed and people were freezing in their homes?

Iit is time for us to wake up and elect a leader that has a greater vision. A leader that is in tune with the times. A leader who really cares about diversity. Equal opportunity must also play a role in Government.

As a multi-cultural nation, I would like to see more immigrants given the opportunity to serve in Government and that includes Filipinos. The Liberals says they care about Filipinos but I have not heard of them helping a Filipino seriously get elected into office. Why is this important? Because there are a lot of Filipino immigrants and they are not represented properly.

An Election is a beautiful democratic process and gives us the right to choose who will lead our Country in the next four years. It is important for us, the Citizens of this great Country called Canada to make sure we make the right choice on who is fit to lead our Country in the next four years, so do not waste your vote. Exercise your rights properly.

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24

Religion | Philanthropy

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.

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

The Attitude of a Soul-Searching Spirit OUR TEXT “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

MATTHEW 5:6 1. THEY THAT HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS. a) What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?

- Some understand this as a further instance of our outward poverty and a low state in this world. This state of mind not only exposes men to injury and injustice, but makes it futile for them to seek to have justice done to them.

- People hunger and thirst after justice.

But, such is the power on the side of their oppressors that they cannot have it.

- They desire only that which is just and equitable but is denied them by those that neither fear God nor regard men.

- This is a melancholy case! Yet, blessed are they, if they suffer these hardships for and with a good conscience.

- Let them hope in God, who will see

justice done, right takes place, and will deliver the poor from their oppressors (Psalm 103:6). b) What is the meaning of righteousness?

- Righteousness is defined in Greek as dikaiosune which means the character or quality of being right or just. It was formerly spelled rightwiseness which clearly expresses the meaning.

- It is used to denote an attribute of God, e.g., Romans 3:5, the context of which shows that the “righteousness of God” means essentially the same as His faithfulness or His truthfulness—that which is consistent with His own nature and promises (cf. Hebrews 6:18).

- Romans 3:25, 26 speaks of the righteousness of God as exhibited in the Death of Christ, which is sufficient to show men that God is neither indifferent to sin nor regards the same lightly. On the contrary, it demonstrates that quality of holiness in Him which must find expression in His condemnation of sin. c) What is dikaiosune?

- Dikaiosune is: 1) Whatever is right or just in itself.

2) Whatever conforms to the revealed will of God (v. 6; cf. John 16:8, 10).

3) Whatever has been appointed by God to be acknowledged and obeyed by men (Matthew 3:15; 21:32).

4) The sum total of the requirements of God (Matthew 6:33).

5) To be right with God by obeying His Will, His Word, His Directions, and His Designs.

2. THE PROMISED BLESSING. They shall be filled.

- God will give them what they desire to complete their satisfaction.

It is God only who can fill a soul, whose grace and favor are adequate to its just desires.

- It is God who will fill those with grace for grace, who, in a sense of their own emptiness, have recourse to His fullness. God fills the hungry (Luke 1:53).

- God satisfies the weary soul and replenishes the sorrowful soul (Jeremiah 31:25). The happiness of heaven will certainly fill the hungry and thirsty soul. The righteousness which they seek shall be complete—the favor of God and His image, both in their full perfection.

Never Quit Matthew 15: 21-28

D

on’t be discouraged. Be persistent! This, I believe, is the message of today’s gospel. Friends, if you’re dreaming of something that is impossible to attain, this message is perfect for you. If you find life burdensome and you’re close to quitting, today’s gospel is suited for you. Keep trying! Never give up. Find a way to make it happen. Always live for your dreams.

Don’t give up because of one bad page in the story of your life.

Your story does not end there, you know. If your plan doesn’t work, change it, but never change your goal. You had purpose before anyone had an opinion. Keep going.

Don’t give up just because of what other people are saying.

Use that as motivation to push harder. Stars can’t shine without darkness. The darkest nights produce the brightest stars. There

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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.

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are always different forms and faces of problems but if you are persistent, God will surprise you with a great prize.

Never be discouraged by what you are going through. Your time is coming. The longer it takes you, the stronger it makes you. Friends, I know it is difficult to wait but I think it is more painful to regret giving up after. My dear kababayans, keep your eyes on the prize, not on the problems. “Let it be done for you as you wish.” No matter how impossible your heart’s desire is, if you load your life with persistence, I am sure God will grant you what you have prayed for. Never give up. You will surely smile someday as long as you never quit.

Blessings, Fr. Jhack

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AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

HUWAG PAGTAKHAN! (“DON’T MARVEL at MR. MARVEL”)

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.

his is a story of a visiting priest who attended a men's breakfast in the middle of a rural farming area of the country.

The group had asked an older farmer, decked out in bib overalls, to say grace for the morning breakfast.

"Lord, I hate buttermilk", the farmer began. The visiting priest opened one eye to glance at the farmer and wonder where this was going.

The farmer loudly proclaimed, "Lord, I hate lard." Now the priest was growing concerned.

Without missing a beat, the farmer continued, "And Lord, you know I don't much care for raw white flour". The priest once again opened an eye to glance around the room and saw that he wasn't the only one feeling uncomfortable.

Then the farmer added, "But Lord, when you mix them all together and bake them, I do love warm fresh biscuits.

So Lord, when things come up that we don't like, when life gets

hard, when we don't understand what you're saying to us, help us to just relax and wait until you are done mixing. It will probably be even better than biscuits. Amen."

Within that prayer there is great wisdom for all when it comes to complicated situations like we are experiencing in the world today.

Stay strong, my friends, because our LORD is mixing several things that we don't really care for, but something even better is going to come when HE is done with it.

Have a lovely day. God bless all!

Berry Exciting Blueberries!

KUSINA DIARIES

Leonila Samarita samleonila@gmail.com Leonila learned to take life in stride after realizing that life truly is what we make it. She believes that life, in every moment, brings opportunities for us to be better or do better. She is grateful. Finds joy in everything she does. She loves her life.

I

have two favorite fruits that I look forward to seeing and eating during the summer months. One is watermelon, which I’ve written about in this column before, and

25

Trust God Even When You Don’t Understand What’s Happening

T Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan

Opinion | Kitchen Tips | Philanthrophy

blueberries. They are available all year-long but fruits in season are special. They ripened naturally under the sun and so are usually fresher, tastier, and more nutritious.

Blueberries are tiny but they are one of the healthiest fruits. They are considered a superfood for some good reasons.

According to Healthline.com, blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of all the popular fruits and vegetables. It gives 24% vitamin C and 36% vitamin K of the Recommended Daily Intake. It also provides various other essential nutrients.

Numerous studies suggest that blueberries boast several health benefits.

• Antioxidants in blueberries may help reduce inflammation throughout your body and can inhibit the growth of cancerous cells • Flavonoids in blueberries may help regulate blood sugar levels • Antioxidants in blueberries may lower blood pressure and protect against heart disease

• Compounds found in blueberries’ blue and purple colorant may help maintain brain function and improve memory.

• Blueberries can help manage your weight. One cup contains 84 calories and 4g fiber. With about 85% water, it can help you feel full longer.

There are many ways to enjoy blueberries. Eat them raw at any time of day. Add them to pancakes and waffles or toss them into cereals, yogurt, or oatmeal. You can put also put it in a blender with milk or apple juice, banana, strawberries, and yogurt, for a refreshing smoothie or shake.

You can even add it to your salads.

Bake with it. I love it in my scones. The best cupcake I’ve ever had is a blueberry cupcake. And I’m sharing the recipe with you here.

It is light and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness to it. The original, found online, was modified, and tested based on my preferences.

Less sugar, more blueberries. I didn’t use vanilla flavor but added grated lemon rind instead. Lemon juice was also added to the milk to resemble buttermilk.

Best Blueberry Cupcake Recipe Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter 2/3 cup sugar (reserve 1 full tbsp for dusting cupcake tops) 2 eggs 1 tsp lemon rinds (can use 1 tsp of vanilla instead) 2 cups flour (reserve 2 tbsp for dusting blueberries) ½ tsp salt 2 tsp baking powder ½ cup milk (add 1 ½ tsp lemon juice) 2 ½ cups blueberries (Wash and drain. Crush ¾ cup)

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A Long-Term Philanthropist Not only did Loida Lumanlan of RE/MAX show up during the PMAA’s event, the Mayoral Candidates’ Forum held at the Manila Grill Restaurant in Edmonton, but she also handed a cheque over to the President of the Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta, Mr. Jun Angeles, as an extension of her generosity and support for the Pantawid Calamity Trust Fund. Take her as one of our role models.

What to do: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F 2. Cream butter and sugar until light.

Add egg one at a time, beat well after each addition.

3. Sift flour, salt, and baking powder.

Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Add lemon rind and crushed blueberries.

4. Dust rest of blueberries with 2

tbsp flour. Add to batter. Mix well.

5. Line a 12 cup standard muffin pan with cupcake liners. Fill with batter.

Sprinkle top with sugar. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or test with a toothpick, which must come out clean after inserting near the center of muffin.

6. Remove from the pan to cool down.

7. Enjoy.

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Community | Horoscope | Mind Twisters

from page 13

Migrante Canada Congress... led campaigns to oppose Philippine state exactions like the mandatory PhilHealth contributions and the Anti-terror Law but also led local campaigns like the Health Care for All and the Justice for the Mushroom Four.

Migrante International Chair Joanna Concepcion, in her Keynote Speech via Zoom from the Philippines, stressed the importance of advancing the struggle to protect the rights and welfare of workers, especially the “undocumented workers”, more so when overall situation of overseas Filipino workers has not seen any real positive changes since Duterte assumed power in 2016.

Other speakers included Connie Monana, Chairperson of Migrante Alberta and Marco Luciano, member of the International Coordinating Body, International Migrants Alliance.

As well, Merryn Edwards of Women for Rights and Empowerment, Karen Kuprys, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alberta Federation of Labour, Peggy Morton of CPC, Fatima Barron of Anak Bayan Canada, and MP Heather McPherson of Edmonton Strathcona delivered their messages in person.

Congressman Ferdinand Gaite, Bayan Muna Representative in the Philippine House of Representatives, Dolores Balladares of the United Filipinos

in Hong Kong, and Mel Baltazar of MigranteAustralia, greeted the delegates and guests of MigranteCongress via Zoom.

The Congress also elected the new set of officers for 2021-2024 to continue advancing the good work of Migrante Canada: Chairperson Danilo De Leon(Edmonton), Vice Chairperson Clarizze Truscott (Fort Saskatchewan), SecretaryGeneral Stef Martin (Toronto), Campaigns/Communications Officer Erie Maestro(Vancouver), and Treasurer Jane Ordinario (Vancouver).

When Danilo De Leon accepted his duties and responsibilities as Chairperson, he addressed the Congress and declared, “I am Danilo. I will openly say that I am undocumented.

We need to be represented.” He inspired other members and migrant workers when he thanked well-wishers with these words: “Hindi dapatmatakot na lumantad dahil mas nakakatakot na lumabanmag-isa. Walang organisasyon

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

na kakalinga at magbibigay malasakit sa mga undokumentong katulad ko. Sa Migrante may pag-asa, ang Migrante, para sa masa!” His words not only illustrate the face of non-status migrant workers in Canada but also highlight Migrante Canada’s important role as a mass-based organization that works for and with the most precarious and vulnerable Filipino migrant workers.

In celebration of the ten years of Migrante Canada, an evening of songs and solidarity rounded off the 5th Migrante Congress. Migrante members and friends who shared their gifts of music and words included Merryn Edwards, Lyla Luciano, Mubarik Adams, Himig Masa, Mila Bongco, Patria Rivera, Ruben Acosta, Clarizze Truscott, Lui Queano and McKenna Rose, the five-year-old daughter of a non-status foreign worker, whose rights as a Canadian-born child was successfully campaigned by MigranteCanada.

Copyright @ www.horoscope.com

Feel the surge of energy in your heart, Aries. As the sun and new moon meet in your solar fifth house of love and passion on August 8, you’re ready to move into fresh territory. This is the most auspicious new moon of the year for single Aries to begin dating, put themselves out there, or pursue a connection with a soul mate.

With Mars firing up your solar twelfth house this month, Libra, you’re likely working on projects behind-the-scenes. This might have you working in solitude on a major endeavor, such as writing a book, developing an app, or mapping out your year ahead. Mars will join you in September, so lie low and use this energy to plot your way to victory.

August brings attention to your domestic life, Taurus. With a new moon in your solar fourth house of home and family taking place on August 8, you could see a shift in one of these areas. Some Taurus could decide it’s time to move, renovate, or fix up their living space. A family member—particularly a parent—could also be especially important now and may require your assistance. With Mercury in this same sphere until the eleventh, you could make a lot of progress.

Prepare for fun, passion, and excitement, Scorpio. As your co-ruler Mars soars through your solar eleventh house of friendship, you’re likely seeing many events filling up your calendar. Many acquaintances could be reaching out to you because you’re quite popular. Whether you’d like to expand your personal or professional network, take advantage of this greater magnetism!

Powerhouse Mars is blazing a trail through your solar third house of communication this month, Cancer. This means that you’ll be especially fired up about your ideas and could be hard at work on a writing, speaking, advertising, or marketing initiative. Launch the project soon and you’ll have quite the audience ready to hear what you have to say.

Mighty Mars is heating up your solar second house of finance all month, Leo. This could increase your expenses more than in any other time within two years.

You could be spending money much more quickly than you’re making it, so do your best to control your finances.

You are on fire, Virgo! With mighty Mars igniting your zodiac sign all month, you are unstoppable. Use this energy to assert your dominance over your entire life.

Launch important initiatives, show the world your star power, and don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Having Mars in your zodiac sign can make you hypnotic and magnetic, as well as amp up your sex life. If you’re looking to energize yourself to tackle new fitness goals, get moving now. This is the most vital period in two years for you to make things happen and set up patterns for what you’d like to see manifest.

July 2021 Crossword's Solution

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ACROSS

H O RO S C O P E

With mighty Mars firing up your domestic sector all month, you could be very focused on a home or family situation, Gemini. This could be due to a large move, renovation, or major refresh of your living space. Conflict with a roommate or landlord could also be indicated during this time, so if this is the case, do your best to handle it with compassion and grace.

CR OSSWOR D

Prepare to see your name in lights, Sagittarius. Mighty Mars has just begun a biannual transit through your solar tenth house of achievement and will continue to power up here until mid-September. This means that you could see significant progress and momentum in your professional life and career. Some of you could be stepping into a promotion, launching a major initiative, or finally seeing the breakthrough you’ve long hoped for. Time is of the essence, though. You must not waste this energy. Hustle as hard as possible and you could ascend higher than ever before.

1. Woman's title 6. Sheep's sound 9. Wane 12. Residence 13. Terminate 14. Bombshell___ West 15. Get even 17. A Gershwin 18. Flower Support 19. Dance move 20. Diamond, e.g.

21. Sports VIP (hyph.)

23. Person on a pension 27. Flunk 30. Incidents 31. Spiritualist meeting 33. Air duct 34. Commenced 35. Bagel warmer 38. I see!

40. Marsh 41. California wine valley 45. Min. part 46. Unchanged 48. Snakelike fish 49. Physics, e.g. (abbr.)

50. Modify 51. Malt beverage 52. Twilight, to a poet 53. Streets

With mighty Mars sizzling in your solar ninth house of expansion all month, you could be hard at work on an academic, media, or traveling endeavor. If you’ve wanted to plan international business travel or immigration, now could bring the breakthrough you’ve been looking for. If you’re ready to pursue that book you’ve always wanted to write, don’t miss this opportunity to get busy!

With Mars igniting your solar eighth house of debt and investments, you could be spending quite a bit of money this month, Aquarius. This could be propelling you to pay off everything you can or else creating a waterfall of wealth cascading down upon you! All of this will be determined by how hard you’ve been working up until this point in time.

Prepare for a huge focus on relationships, Pisces. Powerhouse Mars will be blazing a trail across the sky from you all month until mid-September. This could make you feel an incredible need to work with the right partner, teammate, or collaborator now. Going solo won’t serve you well, so it’s key that you find someone who can aid you in your endeavors.

DOWN

1. Blemishes 2. Aid in crime 3. Love to excess 4. Eden resident 5. Producer ____ Brooks 6. George Harrison, e.g.

7. Poker stakes 8. Proficient 9. One who leaves a country 10. Unclothed 11. Ray 16. Small landmasses 21. Skill 22. Distant 23. Gun an engine 24. New Year's ____ 25. Suckered limb 26. Absorbed by 28. Frozen water 29. Showed the way 31. Hard metal 32. Corn serving 34. Stress 36. Entertain 37. From that time 38. Adrift 39. Foot part 41. "Finding ____" 42. Length times width 43. Await judgment 44. Find a sum 47. Pitch

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!

July 2021 Issue Sudoku's Solution

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Business | Legal Services | Sports

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

27

Proudly serving the Filipino Canadian Community Cemetery & Funeral arrangements specialist.

Languages spoken: Ilocano, Ibanag, Gaddang, Itawit

Get started now!

Call for a FREE planning kit!

780-851-4112

Hermo T. Pagtakhan

HPagtakhan@arbormemorial.com Evergreen Funeral Home & Cemetery 16102 Fort Road R.R. #6, Site 2, Box 20, North Edmonton, AB evergreenmemorial.com Westlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery 10132 163rd Street, Edmonton, AB westlawnmemorial.com Arbor Memorial Inc.

SEMI-FINALS SET

Edmonton Stingers take on Ottawa Blackjack on Aug. 20

CLIENT:

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BLEED:

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DOCKET:

D019751

TYPE SAFETY:

0.3125” all around

NAME:

Co-Branded Ad Hermo T. Pagtakhan Ad

COLOUR:

CMYK

AD SIZE:

10” W x 5” H

I

t's official Stingers fans! The Edmonton Stingers will be taking on the Ottawa BlackJacks this Friday August 20 at 7:30 pm at the Expo Centre. After a quarter-final bye, the Stingers will look to defend home court in their first post-season matchup. Ottawa bested the heavily favorited Hamilton Honey Badgers 96-94 on Saturday to punch their ticket to Championship Weekend and now have their shot at the top seeded Stingers.

Ottawa handed Edmonton their sole loss of the season back on July 17 and scored a gutsy win against the Honey Badgers behind the dominating performance of Chad Posthumus, who finished with 23 points to go along with 20 rebounds- a new CEBL postseason record. Kadre Grey led all scorers with 32 points in a thrilling night for Ottawa.

As much firepower the Black Jacks bring, the Stingers bring as much and then some. Led by Player of the Year nominee Xavier Moon, the Stingers were the CEBL's most potent offense, racking up 91.4 points, 22.4 assists, and 38.5 rebounds a game- marks all good for first in the league. Moon led the league in scoring with 22.9 points per game, but the Stingers shine when they play as a team, and that's exactly what they'll need to do this Friday to earn their way to the 2021 Championship Game.

Fans, we will need every one of you in the stands on Friday to cheer on your defending champs! Friday night promises to be a matchup for the ages as the Stingers hope to cement their status as top dogs and the Black Jacks try and make a run at history. Your support in the stands this year has been unbelievable, and you won't want to miss the biggest basketball event of the summer! (PR) All photos and articles available online. Follow us

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Community | Media Partner

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

Filipino Music and Food Street Festival Delights Community in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Jon Perez jonperez13@gmail.com Jon Perez was a former sports and news reporter with the Saipan Tribune in the CNMI, one of three U.S. territories in the Pacific. He moved to Saskatchewan with his family in 2019.

SASKATOON—Festivals and other outdoor events are back in Saskatchewan after the provincial government rescinded the health restrictions that were put in place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. And last August 7 and 8, the inaugural Filipino Music and Food Street Festival was held in downtown Saskatoon where the local Filipino community came out and celebrated the weekend.

Even non-Pinoys joined the festivities and could be seen falling in line at a number of food vendors to sample our local dishes. Food items such as lechon (roasted pig), pancit (noodles), grilled pork belly, crispy fried chicken skin, Filipino style dumplings, lumpia (spring rolls), taho (soy milk with caramelized sugar), and banana cue (sweetened fried bananas) were some of those sold.

There were also booths to

entertain the kids with balloon animal-making and face painting while a Filipino dance group under the Filipino-Canadian Association of Saskatchewan performed Philippine folk dances and another group showed off their Zumba fitness moves to the delight of the crowd.

Chris Rodriguez, known in the local Filipino community as Chris Rod, said he and his business partner Ferdinand Mendoza organized the event in three weeks since they were waiting for the provincial government’s announcement on its plans to slowly ease the COVID-19 restrictions and reopen Saskatchewan. Reopening the province means the return of all outdoor events and large gatherings “When the provincial government announced that restrictions will be lifted, my partner [Mendoza] and I talked it over. We said let’s do a festival since we want everybody to come out and have fun. That’s what happened, but there’s some uncertainty after the restrictions were lifted,” said Rodriguez.

“We applied for a permit and the other festivals also announced they are going to do outdoor events, so we decided to do it. This is just three weeks of planning and we only got a few supporters from the private sector, but the turnout was overwhelming for us.”

Even Philippine Consul General Zaldy Patron made the trip from Calgary to join in the festivities.

He said that it was surprising to see that not only Filipinos showed their support. “I’m happy that this event took place since this showed to the people of Saskatoon our culture through our music and food.”

“I have seen a large turnout of people watching the event and I'm very happy to see even the nonFilipinos lining up to taste and try our Filipino food and other dishes. We also saw a lot of Filipino performers so it's surprising that even here in Saskatoon, we have a lot of talented Filipinos. I hope that this becomes an annual event because we can see that this is well supported by the community.”

There is a significant number of Filipinos in the province. Based on the 2016 Canadian census, an estimated 32,000 Filipinos are currently living in Saskatchewan with more than 12,000 in Saskatoon and another 9,000 in Regina.

Expect the food and music festival to be an annual thing that will feature tasty Filipino dishes. The Filipino community also celebrates the Filipino-Canadian Heritage Month every June 12 and have been joining a heritage festival that features the various communities—Ukrainian, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Chinese, etc.—that make Saskatoon a melting pot of cultures.

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Heroism | Business

AUGUST 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

FRONTLINER ISA KANG BAYANI (YOU’RE A HERO)

Philip of Tapsilog Restaurant

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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!

Tammy Coleen Labro, Licensed Practical Nurse University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton

Jojo and Ida Lucila, Directors and Choreographers - the Lucila Project

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Greetings | Community

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL AUGUST 2021

CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE: Moving Forward

Birthday is 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 the significant people around. May you all continue to share the gift of life to others. Active co-existence follows essence.

Beauty and Brains: Andrea Gail Candava Celebrates her 17th Birthday

The Little Man’s First Birthday August 15, 2021

Andrea celebrated her 17th birthday surrounded by her classmates, close friends and relatives. Andrea is the president of the student council at Holy Trinity High School and academically, she is the top of her class.

Amit Dalvi, Lylanie Pagaling-Dalvi, Shanthal Acosta (Calix’s Mom), Angela San Pedro (Calix’s Grandma), Calix San Pedro (the little man), Ace San Pedro (Calix’s Dad), Alyanna San Pedro, and Al San Pedro (Calix’s grandpa).

Happy 28th Birthday Rona Gallardo Calix San Pedro, the birthday boy.

The loving parents of Calix, Ace and Shanthal San Pedro

Helen Cue Regier Birthday Bash

Happy Birthday Helen on your special day. It was a fun evening with your special friends at Palabok Restaurant!

PHILIPPINE BUSINESS SOCIETY OF ALBERTA

FIESTA AT VICTORIA Kick-off the end of summer with PBSA! This event includes: - Networking with fellow entrepreneurs - Games for all ages - Mental health for business owners

AUG 21, 2021 12-4PM VICTORIA PARK PICNIC SITE #2 @PBSA_EDMONTON

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Business

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Business

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