Alberta Filipino Journal - December 2017 issue

FilipinoJournal.com DECEMBER 2017 ‡ 9ROXPH 1XPEHU

Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men!

Christ-Like: Be A Reason For The Season!

Lydia Jimenez (managing partner), Eddie Gonzales (partner) and Tina Toulvay (partner)

P12

Palabok House Chosen as Gold Winner in 2017

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

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Senator Enverga:

Leaves His Heart In Our Hearts!

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Isla Diesmos:

Wins in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

P3

Francis Marte:

Creating a World in Watercolour

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

BUSINESS

DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER 2017

ARTS | CULTURE | BUSINESS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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Francis Marte: Creating a World in Watercolour Artospective - an artist’s point of view IDA BELTRAN-LUCILA ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com

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magine seeing a picture frame and remarking to yourself, “What a beautiful photo.” Then you take a step closer and realize that you’re actually looking at a painting and not a photo, which makes it all the more remarkable! This is the kind of reaction that Francis Marte’s artworks elicit.

Francis Marte is a professional watercolourist and charcoal artist, specializing in realistic landscape, cityscape, still life, figurative, and portrait paintings. Francis, during his preschool years, already showed promise as a visual artist and was strongly supported by his family.

He took some formal art lessons at age 12 but was generally self-taught. He dabbled in figurative and landscape drawing in pencil and ink, and painting using poster colours and pastels.

For post secondary, he studied interior design and did designs for commercial and residential sites in

Boracay, Greenbelt, among others, which were featured in Philippine design magazines. His time at the Philippine School of Interior Design enabled him to explore art history, architecture, mechanical and freehand drawing, and colour rendering for perspectives work for

architects and proved to be really good at it. It was in this work that he discovered his natural talent in watercolour.

Hailing from Marikina, Francis moved to Jasper, AB in 2007, working in the hotel industry, then to Edmonton where his extended family resides, in 2010. In the midst of his studies for a career move in Edmonton, he enrolled in classes at the City Arts Centre under Edmonton artist Frank Haddock to reacquaint himself with his art. Discovering that he still had the skills, finding some fulfillment in the process and enjoying the feedback from other artists, Francis involved himself into the local arts community and

network. This participation provided opportunities to exhibit his works at the Lotus Gallery, Harcourt House, and the Art Gallery of Alberta, and a teaching stint at the Artelier Studios by The Paint Spot. He also provides private lessons.

Although Francis works with charcoal, he specializes in watercolour.

Initially the decision to go with watercolour was dictated by economic reasons, i.e. the materials were cheaper, setup did not require as big a space. But he eventually thrived in the challenges that watercolour presents. Watercolour dries quicker, so one has to work faster. He is also fascinated with the transparency of watercolours and the challenge of achieving the cloudy but soft effect, vs oil and acrylic, which are more opaque.

Francis works mostly from photographs and tends to gravitate towards portraits, architecture, landscapes, and high contrast scenes. He spends an average of 16 hours per artwork and finds fulfillment that in every artwork he is able to stretch the boundaries of his skills and provide joy to other people with his works. These same clients have provided good references to other people who became clients as well.

Albeit still young in the arts scene (he has been doing this professionally for only 2 years now), Francis dreams

of being able to devote full time to painting. He currently balances his commitments to teaching, fulfilling painting commissions and his day job with Alberta Education, where incidentally, his works have not gone unnoticed and are actually utilized in ministry resources. He is cognizant about the financial risks of going full time into his painting as he is still supporting his parents back in Manila.

Francis’ art journey is one that starts with what is obviously a God-given talent, and one that continually makes its presence felt in the various endeavours of his life.

It is a story where his circumstances always lead him to his art, which in turn provides him a deeper appreciation of the world, through what he terms as his process of immersion involving contemplation, exhilaration, frustration, deliberation and spontaneity. The greatest lesson he has derived from his journey is to not live in fear, and to go pursue your passion.

Experience life through Francis’ perspectives. Check out his Facebook page and Instagram - whether to enrol in his classes, contact him for a commission, or just view his various works. For his works evoke something in a person, may it be vitality, serenity or wistfulness.

But why take my word for it? Go check it out, and I’m pretty sure you won’t regret it. Francis Marte can be reached through his Facebook page, Instagram and email fjdmartedesign@hotmail.com

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

EDUCATION | BUSINESS

DECEMBER 2017

The National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE) FROM DREAM INTO BEAM MERVIN MENDOZA CERENO mmcereno@gmail.com

Mervin Cereno is a Filipino Engineer, Academician and Entrepreneur who choose to migrate in Canada. He got his Provisional License* as Professional Engineer from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientist of Alberta (APEGA) only after 8 months from the time he landed to Canada in March 2016. Presently, he is pursuing Master’s Degree at the University of Alberta. For pieces of advice and queries on licensing procedure in Alberta you can contact him through email at cereno@ualberta.ca. *Provisional License are granted after satisfying all the requirements of the APEGA Board of 'LUHFWRUV H[FHSW WKH 2QH <HDU &DQDGLDQ ([SHULHQFH LQ WKH ÀHOG RI HQJLQHHULQJ

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he NPPE validates the knowledge of the individual on his knowledge of professionalism and ethics. All applicants, including those applying for Licensees and Professional Licensees, must pass the NPPE before they can be licensed to practise. It is one of the requirements to become a Professional Member.

Practice of Engineering in Canada is self-regulated which refers to the professional the authority to govern himself. By doing so, the knowledge of ethical standards and law is very essential to a professional to practice his profession.

The exam is offered in January, March, June, September, and November.

Each session for that month offers the exam five times: one morning and one afternoon slot over three days.

The exam has 110 multiplechoice questions based on 7 subject areas as summarized below with its

corresponding weights. The exams lasted for 2.5 hours to complete.

The National Professional Practice Exam has 7 syllabus subject areas.

The questions are distributed on the exam according to the percentages shown below.(https://www.apega.ca/ apply/exams/national-professionalpractice-exam-nppe/syllabus/) A. Professionalism (10%) A.1 Definition and Interpretation of Professionalism and Professional Status A.2 The Roles and Responsibilities of Professionals in Society A.3. Engineering and Geoscience Professions in Canada; Definitions and Scopes of Practice A.4 The Value of Engineering and Geoscience Professions to Society A.5 The Roles and Responsibilities of Professionals to Management

B. Ethics (20%) B.1 The Role of Ethics in Society; Cultures and Customs B.2 Classical and Modern Ethical theories and Principles B.3 Codes of Ethics of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists in Canada B.4 Ethical Standards and Codes and Their Relationship to the Conduct of a Professional B.5 Common Ethical Issues and Dilemmas; Making Ethical Decisions C. Professional Practice (27%) C.1 Professional Accountability for Work, Workplace Issues, Job Responsibilities, and Standards of Practice C.2 Relations with Other Professionals and Non-Professionals; Business Practices C.3 Statutory and Non-Statutory Standards and Codes of Practice C.4 Insurance, Risk Management, and Quality Management; Due Diligence C.5 Environmental Responsibilities and Sustainable Development C.6 Use of Software, Computers and Internet-based Tools; Liability for Software Errors C.7 Documentation Authentication and Control C.8 Duty to Inform; Whistleblowing D. Communication (1%) D.1 Legal, Ethical, and Practical Aspects of Communication D.2 The Professional Relationship D.3 Communication Skills

E. Law for Professional Practice (23%) E.1 The Canadian Legal System E.2 Contract Law - Elements, Principles, and Applications E.3 Tort Law – Elements, Principles, and Applications E.4 Civil Code in Quebec and Common Law in Rest of Canada E.5 Business, Employment, and Labour Law E.6 Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution E.7 Intellectual Property – Patents, Trademarks, Trade Secrets, Software Issues, Copyright E.8 Expert Witness E.9 Construction Liens E.10 International Law E.11 Environmental Law E.12 Workers Compensation and Occupational Health & Safety E.13 Human Rights and Privacy Legislation F. Professional Law (8%) F.1 The Acts, Regulations, and Bylaws of Provincial and Territorial Acts F.2 Codes of Ethics; Conflicts of Interest F.3 Admission to the Professions F.4 Illegal Practice, Enforcement Against Unlicensed Practice, and Misuse of Title F.5 Professional and Technical Societies G. Regulation & Discipline Processes (11%) G.1 Discipline and Enforcement Procedures

G.2 Professional Inspection; Practice Reviews of Individuals G.3 Response to Complaints G.4 Licensing Corporations and Practice Review of Firms G.5 Response to Unethical or Incompetent Practice; Consequences of Unethical Practice G.6 Canadian and International Mobility G.7 Continuing Professional Development G.8 Use of Seals and Stamps To pass the exam, an equated score of 65 or greater is needed.

APEGA applicants are allowed to take the exam four (4) times. If the applicant is still not successful on the fourth attempt, his application will be withdrawn and need to re-apply again and pay necessary fees after 2 years from his last unsuccessful attempt.

The NPPE is required to all applicant to be register as member of APEGA whether you are Internationally Educated Engineer or hold a Canadian degree.

DECEMBER 2017

A MEMORY AND TRIBUTE TO A GOOD LEADER

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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SEN. TOBIAS â&#x20AC;&#x153;Junâ&#x20AC;? ENVERGA Leaves His Heart In Our Hearts!

By Moses Billacura

EDMONTON - Filipino-Edmontonians here have gathered for a Memorial Service for the late Filipino-Canadian Senator Tobias "Jun" Enverga Jr., November 26, 2017, at the St. Andrew Catholic Parish.

Leaders and representatives from the organizing Quezonian Edmonton Club, Duterte Volunteers Alberta Canada, Couples of Christ Edmonton, Dabawenyos Cultural Assistance Society, Alberta Filipino Journal, Triskelion Alumni Canada, Congress of Philippine Associations in Alberta, Council of Edmonton Filipino Associations, Filipino Senior Citizens Association and newly-formed Philippine Business Society of Alberta attended the mass to also honor the memory and remember the valuable contributions of the late Senator to Canada and the Filipino community.

Eloisa Lau of the Filipino Senior Citizens Association remembered they had a lively conversation with Senator Enverga and his wife Rosemer during their visit here last October 21 to attend the seniors' event. "We are saddened by his sudden passing and we are expressing our condolences to his wife Rosemer, the children and relatives," she said.

Senator Enverga, the first Senator of Filipino descent, died last November 16 while on a parliamentary visit to Colombia.

"We are conveying our deepest sympathies to the Enverga family," said Jose "Jun" Angeles Jr., publisher of the Journal, a Filipino newspaper based here.

Angeles thanked the St. Andrew Parish staff and the Filipino community for attending the memorial service.

Businessman Payman Parseyan, a staunch supporter of Filipino community events, also attended the special mass and expressed deepest condolences to the Enverga family.

"Nakikiramay po kami sa buong pamilya," said Kris Salumbides, who represented Quality Sleep Care, Alberta Medical Supplies and Medicus Family Clinic.

The Quezonian Club of Edmonton led by Journal publisher Jun Angeles with other members of the Filipino community after the memorial service for the late Filipino-Canadian senator Jun Enverga, November 26, 2017.

Journal publisher Jun Angeles and wife Hermie at the memorial service for the late Senator Jun Enverga, Nov. 26, at the St. Andrew Catholic Church.

Lawyer Joseph Angeles and Bayani Alcantara of the Philippine Business Society of Alberta also joined the event. Businessman Payman Parseyan, Duterte Volunteers Alberta Canada Atty. Angeles said he hopes that one day there will be chairman Benjie Lindo, marketing director Kris Salumbides of Quality Care/Alberta Medical Supplies, Robert Torrejon and Flong another member of the Senate of Canada from the Filipino Sleep Astillo of the Dabawenyo Association were among those who attended community. the memorial service.

Enverga was a project manager for the Bank of Montreal, established the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation "We will miss him," said Benjie Lindo, chair of the Inc., elected to the Toronto Catholic District School Board Duterte Volunteers Alberta Canada. before appointed to the Senate in 2012.

Photos by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

PARA-LEGAL SERVICES | IMMIGRATION | MEMOIR

DECEMBER 2017

Canadian Government Announced to Eliminate Live in Caregiver Program Backlog by End of 2018 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 currently serves as Prairie Chapter representative for Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education Director for CAPIC Prairie last year.

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n line with the Government of Canada's goal to reunite families, Minister of Immigration Ahmed Hussen announced recently that Live In Caregiver Program applications for Permanent Residence will be largely eliminated by the end of 2018.

Minister Hussen reported that there has been great progress on the backlog in recent years. As of October 1, 2017, there was a 63% reduction in the number of caregivers and their family members waiting for their permanent residence applications to be finalized since reaching its highest level in May 2014.

Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) increased its resources to process Live In Caregiver applications (LCP) and required caregivers to submit required documents in order to finalize their applications. IRCC aims to finalize 5,000 more applications than originally planned by the end of 2017. If this number will be achieved IRCC will welcome

Jocelyn Amba Caregiver

Minister Ahmed Hussein

20,000 new permanent residents in the caregiver category by the end of the year thereby reaching the end of the target range as set out in the 2017 levels plan.

IRCC commits to: -Finalize a minimum of 80% of the

cases that were in the LCP inventory as of October 1, 2017 by the end of 2018; -Process 80% of new, complete LCP applications submitted on or after October 1, 2017 within 12 months; and -Admit high numbers of LCP caregivers and their family members as permanent residents until the remaining cases are processed.

We may recall that earlier this year,

the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration recommended that the Government deliver a plan to end the backlog of Live In Caregiver Program applications. With this in place, caregivers waiting for their Live In Caregiver Program applications to be finalized should get decisions on their cases and be reunited with their families soon.

In a round table in Edmonton last Saturday Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi joined by Member of Parliament Randy Boissonault, announced these important changes and acknowledged and thanked the hard work and dedication of all the caregivers. continued on page 15

DECEMBER 2017

POINT OF VIEW | HEALTH | BUSINESS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

On Giving Financial Helpâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Giselle General GENERAL POINT OF VIEW GISELLE GENERAL gqgeneral@gmail.com

Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region on the Benguet province, and immigrated to Canada as a teenager in 2007. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, she now dedicates KHU EXVLQHVV WUDLQLQJ WR WKH QRQSURĂ&#x20AC;W VHFWRU ERWK LQ HPSOR\HG DQG YROXQWHHU capacities. She works at the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, which provides free legal help to low-income Edmontonians. She channels her creativity by writing in her personal blog, General Point of View, and has recently published a book of her poems and artwork titled The Humanity of Me.

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t is the season of giving, where the motivation to purchase presents and make plans for gatherings occupies everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minds. The need to give and help though, for many of us, is not limited to special occasions such as Christmas or birthdays. For many, having to give, especially financially, is a matter of necessity.

For those with their families and love ones overseas, the call for help has no schedule and can come unexpected. This year has been one of those times when it happened

many times in a row to several of my relatives in the Philippines.

My paternal grandmother had numerous medical issues, with her eyesight, heart, and liver. A few months ago, she was unexpectedly hospitalized, and the bill is sizeable, reaching up to $10,000 even after the Seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Discount and one of the doctors waiving their professional fees. I cringed when they sent me a photo of the bill, and I was able to provide a limited amount. And unfortunately, the medical procedure did not resolve the matter and she

Kick The Gout Out YOUR DOCTOR IS IN JOEL VENTURA SAN AGUSTIN Medical Director/Family Physician Medicus Family Health Clinic Tel no. 780-757-7713

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ave you ever experienced waking up in the morning with your great toe swollen and sore? and you're unable to recall

stubbing or tripping your foot. Its likely that you've developed Gout.

We often hear about Gout and how serious it is but most of us are unsure

passed away. Now there was also a need to pay for funeral expenses, and I was able to send a little bit after my paycheque for the end of the month arrived.

Around the same time, a cousin of mine reached out to me, asking to borrow anywhere between $25,000 - $50,000. The reason has something to do with their business that they are trying to get off the ground.

A client who was supposed to pay a large invoice ran away from their commitment and cannot be located. The payment is needed to fulfill their bank loan installment.

Having that amount lying around is something I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have as a young professional just starting out my career. I profusely apologized that I cannot help at all, and wished her the best.

Just a few weeks ago, another relative was in need. My maternal uncle had survived multiple strokes, and unfortunately had one again.

It was so sudden, that all I was able to do for a while was to offer what little comfort I can through corresponding on Facebook. After paying for bills midway through the month, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any to send at

all. And unfortunately, the medical procedure did not resolve the matter and he passed away. Now there is also to need to pay for funeral expenses. This time, I had to wait until this specific payday at the end of the month to give help.

of how it actually starts. Gout is a type of arthritis that happens when there's a build up of uric acid in your blood. The uric acids will then crystallize and gets deposited in your joints causing the inflammation & swelling. Although Gout can happen at any joint, your great toe is usually the most commonly affected. A 'gout attack' is quite disabling for those who has experienced it & may take days to weeks to resolve.

The build up of uric acid may arise from your kidney's reduced ability to clear the uric acid or it may be from an overproduction of purines- which we get from our diet!

If you read my previous article about Filipinos unhealthy diet- this is where we get Gout. There's a few other things that we can do to minimize your risk of gout- maintain a healthy weight, & reduce alcohol, (most specially beer-it contains high levels of purines).

Reduce your purine intake

The dilemma of how to respond in each call for help can be agonizing.

The pressure to give can lead to exhaustion and guilt. In our culture it is challenging to say words such as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;noâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;not todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enoughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I need to know before I decideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

There is an incredible fear of the repercussions on relationships. I hope they know that agreeing to help â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or not â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is not necessarily a measure of how much I care.

When I was growing up, there were many significant instances where I felt I should have been

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able to say no, but was unable too.

Afraid of the very real consequences or sometimes feeling helpless that saying no will fall in deaf ears. I hope that they understand that there is a difference between saying no, not at all, not right away, and never again.

Setting personal boundaries and self-care are concepts that I have recently learned here, and there is so much about these words that appeal to me, both personally and in a broader context. Boundaries provide certainly. I am starting to remind myself that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay to feel sorry for not being able to give money sometimes, but not overly burdened with guilt for an excessive amount of time.

We deserve it for ourselves, and we need to be understanding when others do the same.

The gift of financial help, as well as emotional support towards others is something our love ones certainly deserve. At the same time, the gift of caring for ourselves so we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get really hurt in the long term, as well as the gift of kindness towards our very human limitations is something we deserve as well.

There are always future instances of crisis and emergencies, and all that anyone they can do is to do their best. (purines when broken down produces uric acid)- reduce red meat (beef & pork) & seafood! Anchovies, mackerel, trout, sardines shrimps, crabs and herring has high levels of purines.

Limit sugary and sweetened foods which can eventually lead to obesity & weight gain. A healthy & balanced diet is the key. Make sure you have enough fruits & vegetables in your daily regime.

If you do experience an attack its better to consult your doctor as there are tablets which can help with the swelling and lower down your uric acid. Still, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

EDITORIAL | CHRISTMAS GREETINGS | COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 2017

Filipino Business Entrepreneurs: Alberta Filipino Journal Re-Invigorating the Spirit of Oneness finds its new sanctuary at the Misericordia Hospital

By Bayani Alcantara

Submitted By Paul Briones

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o bad weather can hinder a good intention.

On the 15th of November 2017, almost 70 well-known Filipino Business owners and entrepreneurs were gathered at Emilio’s Inasal, South of Edmonton to attend the meeting and discuss new proposals and a positive

direction towards the establishment of the newly organized group. As per agreement made by the majority of attendees, the application to the Corporate Registry as a non-profit organization be immediately filed. A start up membership fee was collected prior to the meeting.

Prior to this meeting, an initial orientation was held last October 21, 2017 at Panciteria De Manila, also in Edmonton. The topic about small business taxation was clearly discussed by the Member of Parliament-Edmonton West, Kelly McCauley and the late Senator Tobias Enverga. In attendance was the our Consul General of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Honourable Julius Torres.

This meeting was initiated by the following: Resty Reyes of Fly Friendly Travel and Tours, Allan Zoleta of Pacific Welder and Motive Power Services Ltd., Aurelio Sumalinog of Ellwood Daycare and Out of School Care, Oscar Dela Paz of Midwest Heating, Celso Andrade of Sunfreigt Cargo, Bayani Alcantara of Panciteria de Manila, Marjorie Bacol Carmona Newman of MCN Canada Immigration Consulting, and Atty. Joseph S. Angeles Legal Adviser from Angeles Law Office.

This group is looking forward to see and encourage all Filipino business entrepreneurs to join.

Special thanks to Benjie Lindo of the Duterte Volunteers of Alberta for indefatigably disseminating informations regarding this event. Also, Sharina Tan and Emilio’s Inasal Staff for the accommodation.

Reading maketh a full man says Bacon; Everyone must Read well in order to lead on... Wherever Paul Briones goes, he develops the habit of bringing good informations via Alberta Filipino Journal. He was able to bring some copies to the Misericordia Hospital and convince employees read this vernacular paper while they were taking coffee break. What a wise use of time!

DECEMBER 2017

SOCIALS | BUSINESS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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Quality Sleep Care, Alberta Medical Supplies thank partners with enjoyable Christmas Party

By Moses Billacura

Directors of Quality Sleep Care Group of Companies and their staff threw an enjoyable Christmas Party

to around 200 guests, December 1, 2017 at the Mirage Banquet as a big "Thank You" for their support

to the three-year-old health care service companies.

"We have been able to serve Albertans this year and in fact, served them well with care. We would like to thank our partners this way with a party," said marketing director Kris Salumbides, who three years ago personally manned in talking to family doctors and specialists about the services offered by Quality Sleep Care and Alberta Medical Supplies.

Salumbides, a native of Quezon Province, was overwhelmed with joy seeing the guests from various medical clinics and medical supply companies with his fellow directors Jesse Tallon, Jacob Christian and Arvin Esponilla.

The directors' efforts resulted to the growth of the company with QSC/AMS offices at The Mira, north of Edmonton, and at Mill Woods, south of Edmonton. The third office is in Calgary.

"It was a struggle from the start and we came through," said an emotional Salumbides, recalling the year when they first started.

Guests danced the night away and were treated to door prizes and one lucky winner was Alberta Filipino Journal publisher Jun Angeles.

Photos by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal

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RELIGION | ANNOUNCEMENTS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

DECEMBER 2017

Why Do People Miss The Reason For Christmas?

Luke 2:15-18

From a Vantage Point TITO S.VENIDA

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

OUR TEXT Luke 2:15-18 15 â&#x20AC;&#x153;And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.â&#x20AC;?

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN!

Is it Christmas or itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just another holiday?

The weather outside is frightful and the fire inside is delightful; As long as we care to know. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Chestnuts may be roasting on an open fire; Jack Frost nipping at your nose; And so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been said, many times, many ways: Merry Christmas to you!

To the atheists, Christmas is a religious sham! They argue that, if God does not exist, then, obviously Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; birth cannot represent the Incarnation of God in human history, which Christians, all over the world, celebrate at this time of the year.

Most who profess Christianity, as well as many who do not, in this age of political correctness, the name of the game is COMPROMISE. For

fear of offending their â&#x20AC;&#x153;so-calledâ&#x20AC;? friends, they would rather bend the TRUTH than tell the TRUTH and nothing but the TRUTH! They have no â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fear of Godâ&#x20AC;? in their hearts. They would rather obey men than God. For they are ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: though they know it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Romans 1:16).

Who changed the TRUTH of GOD into a lie?

The early Catholics did not celebrate Christmas. Tertullian (one of its leading 2nd/3rd century writers, whom it sometimes refers to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the father of Latin Christianityâ&#x20AC;?) warned that to participate in the winter celebrations make one beholding to pagan gods. There was one such celebration known as Saturnalia that was celebrated by the heathen in late December.

Then there is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;commercializationâ&#x20AC;? of Christmas.

In the Philippines, Christmas is celebrated for the longest time in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;beginning on the 1st day of September and to end on the 6th day of January of the New Year.

And because of this, we see people buying gifts with money that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have, to give to people that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love, and expecting to receive the gifts that they like.

But, the truth remains, most people miss the reason for Christmas!

Why? Because, they are: I. LOST IN THEIR PROFESSION Luke 2:7 â&#x20AC;&#x153;And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger: for there was no room for them in the inn.â&#x20AC;?

On that first Christmas morn, little did that innkeeper know he had just turned away Jesus, the Christâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the Son of God and Creator of the entire Universe, saying that there was no room in his inn for Him? In turning Jesus away, the Son of God had nowhere to lay His head except for a manger in a stable.

Jesus, the King of Glory, was born in a stable so that He could redeem all of humankind from sins. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I, if I be lifted up from the

&RPH DQG &HOHEUDWH :LWK 8V ÂŤ 1RYHQD 0DVVHV DQG )HDVW RI -HVXV WKH %ODFN 1D]DUHQH Novena masses to be held at St. Anthony Church R R R R R

R R R R

December 29, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PM (Friday) December 30, 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PM (Saturday) January 1, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PM (Monday) January 2, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PM (Tuesday) January 3, 3018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PM (Wednesday) January 4, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PM (Thursday) January 5, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PM (Friday) January 6, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PM (Saturday) January 8, 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PM (Monday)

Feast day Tuesday , January 9, 2018 St. Agnes Church & Hall , â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Avenue Edmonton R R R

Mass at 6:30 PM * Free Dinner with Tickets only.

Only 200 Free Tickets available on ³First Come, First Served´ basis.

Attend Novena Masses @ St. Anthony Church to get Free Tickets.

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Nazareno Council No 12904

earth, will draw all men unto me.â&#x20AC;?

John 12:32 The late H.G. Wells, British author, once said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am an historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history.â&#x20AC;? How true! Jesus Christ is indeed the pivotal point in our history. And He will be the pivotal point for all eternity.

The all important issue for you and for me is this: Will we tell Jesus there is no room for Him in the inn of our hearts?

How we answer that question will determine where we will spend eternity. If you have never invited Jesus into your heart, why not do it NOW! Tomorrow may be too late. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today if ye will hear his voiceâ&#x20AC;? (Psalm 95:7). For only Jesus, and Jesus alone, can forgive your sins and give you the gift of eternal life. Because: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.â&#x20AC;?

1 John 1:9 Because they are: II. LOST IN THEIR PERCEPTION Matthew 2:1-3 1 â&#x20AC;&#x153;NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.â&#x20AC;?

It was a mark of humiliation put upon the Lord Jesus that, though He was the Desire of all Nations, yet His coming into the world was little observed and taken notice of.

His birth was obscure and unregarded: Herein, He emptied Himself, and made Himself of no reputation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.â&#x20AC;?

Philippians 2:6-7 Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the King of the Jews?

The wise men from the east asked Herod the king where the King of the Jews was to be born.

Herod was deeply disturbed because he had earned the title, king of the Jews from the Romans, and he was planning that one of his sons would inherit the title from him. Equally disturbing was the news that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, the site of Herodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer palace.

Summoning the wise men to determine when the star that guided them had first appeared, Herod was able to calculate the infantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approximate age. With the request that they let him know when they found the child so that he too could come and worship Him, Herod sent the strangers on their way to Bethlehem. But after presenting their gifts, the wise men returned home without notifying Herod, for they had been warned in

a dream to avoid him..

Fearful of any rival, instead of coming to worship the child, Herod ordered the slaughter of all boys under the age of two years in Bethlehem.

Jesus escaped the massacre because Joseph, also warned in a dream, had fled with Mary and her child to Egypt.

Because they are: III. LOST IN THEIR INTERPRETATION Matthew 2:4-6 4 â&#x20AC;&#x153;And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.â&#x20AC;?

Nobody can pretend to tell where the King of the Jews is, but Herod enquires where it was expected He should be born.

The chief priests and scribes need not take any long time to give an answer to this query; nor do they differ in their interpretations, but all agree that the Messiah must be born in Bethlehem. The proof they produced is taken from Micah 5:2.

LISTEN! Christ will be a Savior to those only who are willing to take Him for their Governor. But why did the chief priests and scribes stumble on the truth about Jesus?

They were self-righteous and over-zealous who held to the letter of their erroneous interpretation of the Scriptures regardless of whether they nullified the Word of God or not. Take heed! The Truth is hatred to those who hate the Truth! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.â&#x20AC;?

John 14:6 Because they are: IIII. LOST IN THEIR TRADITION Matthew 15:1-3 1 â&#x20AC;&#x153;THEN came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?â&#x20AC;?

The thing laid to the disciplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; charge is nonconformity to the teachings of their church (v. 2). What was the tradition of the elders? That people should wash their hands before they eat. Actually, the charge was directed to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the reason why the Lord replied with a counter charge: Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

NOTE: That which men say, even great men, and learned men, and men of authority, must be examined by that which God saith; and if it be found either contrary or inconsistent, it continued on page 20 Ĺš

COMMUNITY | BUSINESS

DECEMBER 2017

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

11

Good enough to work but not good enough to stay.

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.

O

n the 18th of this month is the International Migrants Day (IMD). On 4 December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly, proclaimed December 18 as the International Migrants Day. The year before that, in 1990, the Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. There has been a massive increase of international migrants from an estimated 175 million in 2000 to 244 million persons in 2015.

They are situated in different parts of the world mainly in Europe and in Asia. According to the UN statistics, one of every ten migrants is under the age of 15.

Prior to the commemoration of IMD, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Ahmed Hussen made an announcement.

He said “After diligently providing care for Canadians, they may soon be in the company of their own loved ones, together in Canada.” Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says it will have the backlog of permanent residence applications through the old Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) largely cleared by the end of 2018.

“The commitments the government has made today will mean that many Live-in Caregiver Program applicants who have faced long delays and family separation may soon reach their goal of permanent residence,” Minister Hussen said.

Many applicants from the old Live-in Caregiver Program were stuck of waiting for their permanent residency for year. Lydia a nanny and a former live-in caregiver said, “I’m still waiting for my PR status. It has been seven years since I applied”. Many like Lydia have been waiting to be reunited

with their families. “I haven’t seen my family for so long. It has been 10 years in total. I was a caregiver under the LCP program for 3 years and then the wait of more than 7 years. My daughter that I left when she was 10 years old is an adult now” she added. The new announcement is a breath of fresh air for those that are waiting.

The old LCP was now replaced with the Caregiver program. There were three fundamental differences from the old in applying for permanent residency. First is the removal of the queue. In the old program, once you finished the 2-year work or 3900 hours you can immediately apply for PR and get an open work permit. Now there are many requirements that an applicant needed to complete. Second is the imposition of a cap of 5,500 that will be given PR. These are divided into 2 streams” Care for children (2,750) and High medical needs (2750). This means that many that will apply will be refused once it’s over the cap. It is similar to a lottery system. It will make caregivers compete amongst each other. And the last is the “live out” option. In the new program, caregivers will be made to choose to live out. While this sounds good and progressive, many employers do not hire a live out nanny. They wanted to access care for their children or high medical needs relatives 24/7. This force the nanny to live in, as that’s the only work being made available to them.

The announcement by the Canada Immigration Minister was made because of the massive pressure from advocates for years. However it still fall short of providing permanent residency to the workers that are needed in the country.

In the Province of Alberta, there

too have made important immigration announcement. On October 20. The Minister of Labour Hon. Christina Gray announced the changes to the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). The changes will take effect on January 2018. The changes include the consolidation of all categories in a single stream with one set of standardized eligibility criteria. According to Hon. Gray, the new AINP will become “simpler for applicants, more efficient for government and more responsive to Alberta’s emerging labour-market demands”. She said “These changes will simplify processes, reduce wait times and make it more fair for applicants across all sectors to apply for permanent residency in Alberta”. In a statement made by Migrante Alberta, under the renewed AINP, many migrants that are already here will not be able to meet the eligibility requirements. The changes unfortunately shadows the discriminatory federal immigration program, where the government cherry picks “good migrants” from “bad migrants”, from those who are highly skilled and can afford to stay and those who are low skilled and are meant to be temporary. They criticize the NDP government of not following through their commitment to migrant’s rights. “The current changes do not reflect the values and attitude that the New Democratic Party has promoted in the past,” Migrante said. “This change is a two step back in addressing the issues of migrants that are already here in Alberta.

We are hoping the Minister of Labour, Hon. Christina Gray will have a second look into the changes and see that migrants who are already here, regardless of their skill levels, have contributed and will continue to contribute to the economy of Alberta.

They will be part of building the province towards a better place to live,” they added.

Looking at the bigger picture, Labour mobility is very much at the core of industrialization with continuing internal migration from countryside to city and from one region to another. Internationally, the industrialized countries of the world thrive on the backs of migrant labour. According to Sonny Africa, director of research at the Philippine economic think-tank, IBON, “One of the main thrusts of globalization since the 1980s has been to expand the global stock of cheap labour.”

Migrante International (MI), a grassroots organization of migrants from the Philippines, takes a dual approach to its work with migrant workers. “On one hand, we defend the rights and welfare of our Filipino migrant brothers and sisters,” said Tess Agustin, a spokesperson for Migrante Canada, the Canadian chapter of MI. “On the other hand, we also see ourselves as part of the struggle to change the situation in the Philippines, so that forced migration will no longer be a dominant feature in our society. The key is genuine land reform, national industrialization and development for and by the people that creates real jobs

and true democracy at home. Only then can migration be a choice, rather than the only way to a decent life for working Filipinos.”

On the 17th anniversary of the declaration of the International Migrants Day, Do we and most Canadians want a two-tiered society, one made up of citizens with full rights and another under class of temporary who do not enjoy even basic rights? All of this while Canadian society benefits from their labour and indeed from their payments into a social service system that they will never benefit from. I’m sure that most if not all freedom loving Canadian will say “NO!”

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INSPIRATION | BUSINESS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

DECEMBER 2017

Palabok House Chosen as Gold Winner in 2017 Readers Choice Awards for Best Filipino Restaurant in Edmonton Filipinos Success' Stories:

Kaya Ko, Kaya Mo! If I can, You surely can!

By Marjorie Carmona Newman

P

roud owners of Palabok House Lydia Jimenez (Managing Partner), Eddie Gonzales (Partner) and Tina Toulvay (Partner) are ecstatic having been named by Edmonton Journal’s 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards as Best Filipino Restaurant in Edmonton. The partners said the hard work and the effort has paid off.

Each year, the Edmonton Journal asks their readers to vote for their favourites in a range of categories to determine their Readers’ Choice Award winners.

If you ask Lydia Jimenez and Eddie Gonzales what sets Palabok House apart from the competition, they unanimously discuss customer service, creativity, food presentation and generosity. If you talk with Ms. Lydia Jimenez for 15 minutes, you’ll realize that Palabok House actually has a secret weapon.. and her name is Lydia. According to her partner, Eddie, she is the heart and soul of Palabok. Before becoming the Managing Partner, she worked as a Server, Kitchen Helper, Cook and Manager of Palabok House.

Lydia is camera shy, humble, patient and a very generous person. When I first asked her for this interview she was hesitant. I have to explain several times that her story will inspire kababayans in Alberta. So she agreed but there is a condition that we will focus on Palabok House story rather than her personal life.

Palabok House was established in 1994 but the partners took over the business in 2004.

It specializes in Filipino and Chinese cuisines.

They also cater to various special occasions.

Lydia said it has always been her dream to own a restaurant, she loves cooking and managing the restaurant is her passion. She loves

what she does and she puts all her time, her heart and her mind into it.

Eddie is proud of the Restaurant’s accomplishments namely it helps people by providing them steady income, they have hired Filipino temporary workers and helped them obtain permanent residence status and bring their families to Canada and Palabok serves the community.

Lydia said that one may have the greatest concept, menus, and talent but if your restaurant cant deliver a quality guest experience consistently, customers won’t come back. She added that “ we treat our staff like family”. The employees are their most important asset because it takes happy employees to create happy customers.

Her advise to those who want to open a restaurant.. ”To study well how to run the business, its not enough knowing how to cook you must know how to manage the business. Know where they are going, ask themselves if this is their passion,find the best location, serve the community and be patient.”

After 12 years of restaurant business ownership experience, Eddie said that their current challenge is becoming number 1. For these restaurant owners, success is measured only by honing skills, experience and talent in continuous striving for the best.

If you have questions regarding the above article you may contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com

ADVERTISE WITH US 780-916-7677 SXEOLVKHU#DOEHUWDĸOLSLQRMRXUQDO FRP

DECEMBER 2017

RELIGION | BUSINESS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

13

Faith Shared Is Fate Paired

St. Nicholas was a Bishop who lived in the fourth century in a place called Myra in Asia Minor (now called Turkey). He was a very rich man because his parents died when he was young and left him a lot of money. He was also a very kind man and had a reputation for helping the poor and giving secret gifts to people who needed it. There are several legends about St. Nicholas, although we don't know if any of them are true!

Katrina Cereno is a senior high students at St. Francis Xavier. She spent her efforts in writing and interested to arts, photography and music. She’s looking forward to be a future engineer. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta with her family.

There was a poor man who had three daughters. He was so poor, he did not have enough money for a dowry, so his daughters couldn't get married. (A dowry is a sum of money paid to the bridegroom by the brides parents on the wedding day. This still happens in some countries, even today.) One night, Nicholas secretly dropped a bag of gold down the chimney and into the house (This meant that the oldest daughter was then able to be married.). The bag fell into a stocking that had been hung by the fire to dry! This was repeated later with the second daughter. Finally, determined to discover the person who had given him the money, the father secretly hid by the fire every evening until he caught Nicholas dropping in a bag of gold.

Nicholas begged the man to not tell anyone what he had done, because he did not want to bring attention to himself. But soon the news got out and when anyone received a secret gift, it was thought that maybe it was from Nicholas.

St. Nicholas was exiled from Myra and later put in prison during the persecution by the Emperor Diocletian. No one is really knows when he died, but it was on 6th December in either 345 or 352. In 1087, his bones were stolen from Turkey by some Italian merchant sailors.

The bones are now kept in the Church named after him in the Italian port of Bari. On St. Nicholas feast day (6th December), the sailors of Bari still carry his statue from the Cathedral out to sea, so that he can bless the waters and so give them safe voyages throughout the year.

Because of his kindness Nicholas was made a Saint. St. Nicholas is not only the saint of children but also of sailors! One story tells of him helping some sailors that were caught in a dreadful storm off the coast of Turkey. The storm was raging around them and all the men were terrified that their ship would sink beneath the giant waves. They prayed to St. Nicholas to help them. Suddenly, he was standing on the deck before them. He ordered the sea to be calm, the storm died away, and they were able to sail their ship safely to port.

In 1066, before he set sail to England, William the Conqueror prayed to St. Nicholas asking that his conquest would go well. https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/fatherchristmas.shtml

87

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14

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

SPORTS | PHILANTHROPY | BUSINESS

10-year-old Albertan on winning streak in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Canada, US SPORTS JOURNAL

"In this sport, I feel that I can be everything that I want to be. I appreciate my strengths and became confident. I wanted to promote this sport to young people like me because it builds character and a good way of life," said the young athlete.

Since training under sensei Alex Roque at the age of seven, Diesmos has worked hard and does not mind the training. This type of focus encouraged her parents Jeff and Kristela to support their daughter.

"Isla loves to compete and we work hard to keep her in the sport and to continue

MOSES BILLACURA mo.sports@gmail.com

Moses Billacura was a sports correspondent for national newspapers in the Philippines since 1992 and served as sports editor and columnist for a community paper before moving to Canada in 2010. He is an Edmonton Oilers fan.

A

ten-year-old girl from the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Fight Club Calgary is making waves in Canada and in the States.

Isla Diesmos, born in the Las Pinas City, Philippines and raised in Calgary, continued her winning ways by winning the Gi gold medal in the Jiu Jitsu World League last November 18 in Las Vegas to follow up her No

competing as long as we can," said Kristela Diesmos, who runs a Day Care facility.

Isla's bright future started when she won the gold in Gi Jiu Jitsu in April 2015 organized by the Canadian Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation.

And in 2016, she clinched five gold medals and a silver, kicking off with a Gi gold in the Alberta Provincial Championship in Calgary and gold in the NAGA Pacific Grappling Championship in Honolulu last April, goldds in both Gi and No Gi in the Seattle Grappling Championship in

DECEMBER 2017

Everette last September, a silver win in the Aloha State Championship last November in Honolulu and golds in Gi and No Gi in the Submission Series last December 10 in Edmonton.

This year's campaign kicked off in Vancouver with a Gi Jiu Jitsu gold medal win last February 11 at the Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Canada event, Gi and No Gi gold medals in the Alberta Provincial Championship last April 1, Gi gold in the Nextgen BJJ Invitational last August 19 in Calgary, Gi gold in the Fall Classic last September 23 in Blackfalds,and a No Gi gold and a Gi silver in the Rocky Mountain Classic last October 14 in Edmonton.

This young girl deserves the support of all sports-loving Albertans!

Gi gold medal victory in the World Championship on October 28 in Long Beach, California.

Now, she is preparing for the 2018 Pan Kids IBJFF Jiu Jitsu Championship set February 18 in Long Beach and Philippine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi and No Gi, Kids and Masters Open on March 17 in Manila.

The Leduc Warriors led by Alexis Dimaculangan (4th from left, front row) emerge as the 2017 Pilipino Resident Athletic Association basketball open champion after defeating the Hoopers, 103-68, recently in Leduc. Joining them are PRSAA president Tony Villanueva (3rd from left, standing). The other members of the team champion are Carl, Ian and Ron Gonzales, Nakkie Cuenco, Atan Roguel, John Israel, Eric Gramlich, Jason Uno, Darrel Paredes and Daniel Garcia.

10-year-old Isla Diesmos (center) has become an inspiration to the youth by training hard and staying focused as she prepares for next year's tournaments.

The Master Jeep team led by Sherwin Robledo and Jojo Palomo placed second in the 2017 Pilipino Resident Athletic Association basketball master's division in Leduc. The league was organized by PRSAA president Tony Villanueva.

Photo by Kris Diesmos

Photos by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal

You can make the holiday happen for an Edmontonian in need.

You know them, but not what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dealing with.

Donate today at ChristmasBureau.ca

FRIEND

EDITORIAL | BUSINESS | CONTINUATION

DECEMBER 2017

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Ang Diwa ng Pasko: Doon at Dito EDITOR’S CORNER

by Lito Mendoza Velasco

S

a aming mga ginigiliw na mambabasa at kababayan,, ilalarawan ko sa isang himig pamasko ang aking pagbabahagi.

At nawa’y kapulutan ng munting paala-ala at aral sa kung ano nga ba ang diwa ng Pasko at sino nga ba ang bida sa okasyong ito. Atin pong awitin…

“Natanaw na sa Silangan Ang Talang Patnubay Ang Sanggol sa lupa'yisilang Ng Birheng matimtiman, Sa hamak na sabsaban.”

Naging sanggol ang Panginoong Hesukristo sa dalawang perspektibo ngunit iisa ang kadahilanan: Pang-unang from Page 6

From Migration to Immigration Minister Sohi said " Through your hard work and dedication, you help to care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society. As a result of your efforts, the elderly are able to stay in the comforts of their own homes.

You are also helping to raise our next generation, by helping to care for our children while their parents go to work or school. All caregivers deserve a big “thank you” for your dedication, your commitment and compassion. So thank you very much for all that you do. " " I want to thank all caregivers for all of their hard work. You help the grow the Canadian economy by supporting Canadian families we are very grateful for your contributions to Canada. I would like everyone to know that reuniting families faster is a priority for this government and this includes your families. We know many of you have been waiting and we are committed to eliminating this backlog" according to Member of Parliament Randy Boissonault .

MP Boissonault announced the elimination of $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment Fee for most Canadian families who need a caregiver. " As proposed in Budget 2017, this fee will be eliminated for all families in need of a caregiver for a person with high medical needs. It will also be eliminated for families who need a caregiver for children, with a household income of less than $150,000.00."

Some caregivers attended the round table and one of them was Jocelyn Amba who was happy of the changes however for her there are still some issues that need to be addressed. Amba said " Napakangandang balita para na sa matagal ng naghihintay sa kanilang application under the old rule at sa mga mag apply pa lang na one year na lang ang processing time. I'm still hoping in the coming announcements they will cover issues like the English test, medical inadmissibility and increasing the age for dependent children. Just like me when I apply for permanent residence I want to include all my children but I can't because my children are 20, 22 and 27 years old respectively. Your children doesnt stop being your family. So I'm hoping for more good news" If you have questions regarding the above article you may contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

perspektibo – Upang ipahayag sa atin ang pagmamahal sa pamamagitan ng pagtubos (Salvific Mission); Pangalawang perspektibo - pagpapahayag ng kababaang-loob (Virtue of Humility).

Na, ang sanhi o ugat ng lahat ay ang PAGMAMAHAL! Ito ang Diwa ng Pasko sa Teyolohikal na aspeto.

Sa mga OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) o TFW (Temporary Foreign Workers), hindi lang nila sa silangan natatanaw ang tala ng patnubay; dumadako din sila sa timog, hilaga, at kanluran para hanapin ang Tala na nagtuturo upang tahakin ang bagong landas patungo sa pagpapaunlad ng kabuhayan. Umaalis ang isang tao sa ating sariling bansa at pumupunta sa ibayong-dagat sa layunin nilang

tubusin sa kahirapan ang kanilang mga minamahal sa buhay.

Masakit sa kalooban ang mapahiwalay sa pamilya. Subalit, kailangang isakripisyo ang sariling buhay at kaligayahan para sa kapakanan ng mga minamahal. Kailangan nilang magpakumbaba upang tanggapin na sila ay magiging utusan lamang ng kanilang mga amo sa bansang kanilang pinuntahan.

Para naman sa pamilyang iniwanan nilang pansamantala sa

Pilipinas, nadarama nila ang pasko sa tuwinang matatanggap nila ang ipinadadalang pera mula sa kanilang tatay, nanay, ate, kuya, at anak.

Tila baga, araw-araw ay nagiging Paskong lagi. Hindi naman lahat, ang pagtanggap ng padala ang Diwang Pasko para sa kanila!

Kagaya ng ating Panginoong Hesukristo, ang mga manggagawa sa ibayong dagat ay tumutubos sa pamamagitan ng paghabanap-buhay at nagpapahayag din naman ng

15

kababaang-loob sa pamamagitan ng pag papaalila sa ibang tao habang malayo pa sa mga minamahal. Iisa lamang ang kadahilanan—at iyon ay ang PAGMAMAHAL. Doon at dito, ito ang DIWA NG PASKO! MASAGANANG PAG SASALUSALO PARA SA DIWA NG PASKO! —————000—————To our English Readers, I don’t want you to be deprived of your right to understand what I’ve written above. That is why, a portion, yet a better implication for your satisfaction, I will provide concerning THE CHRISTMAS ESSENCE: Here, There, and Everywhere.

First Message: “Whatever you do to the least of your brother, you do it to me.” (Matthew 25:40) Second Message: “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) Third Message: “Unless you acquire the heart of a child, you cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.”

(Matthew 18:3) May the comforting love of the Child Jesus bring you more blessings and inner peace during the Season and throughout the New Year!

16

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

INSPIRATION | OPINION | IMMIGRATION | ANNOUNCEMENT

FROM A TEENAGE EYES KRISTIAN CERENO Kristian Cereno is a Grade 9 Student of St. Mark’s Catholic School in Edmonton. His hobbies include writing poem, composing songs, playing volleyball and in the long run, hoping to learn hockey the Canadian way….

Regrets

L

ove versus Regrets. As what they say, “Never regret loving someone.” What they said is true because we should never regret loving someone – but why does your name the first thing that comes up into my mind when I hear the word “regrets?”

Other people regret loving someone while others regret letting them go. But I regret on loving and picking someone else before you that is always by my side in every problems that I have been through. However, so much questions come up into my mind when I hear the word, “regrets.”

I loved you more than my life. I loved you out of all things. From billions of people in the whole world, I chose you--I chose you to be part of my life. I chose you because my heart shouts your name every day and every night. I did not listen to the cry of the world because I only listened to your heart. Did I choose the right person over you? Or is it another mistake I made? Am I right to love her than loving you? Or should I let her go?

Why is it so hard to love a person that would not let you go? Why is it easy to make mistakes yet hard to regret doing it. A regret caused by two reasons but I do not what is right or wrong: True Love yet Foolish Time or Foolish Love yet True Time.Should I use my heart or should I use my mind? Love, I am sorry. Sorry for all the things I have done.

Sorry because I hurt you so much. Love, I am sorry because I did not mind you through all this time. I am sorry because I only call you when I only need you. Love, I am sorry because I only loved you when you were gone. When you were not by my side anymore. When you were not by my presence anymore. Love, I am sorry because I only treated you as a friend.

I regret all of those. I regret all the mistakes I made. I regret all my stupidity. But Love, forgive me because I made the biggest mistake on my life… that I chose someone before you.

DECEMBER 2017

Federal government continues to make family reunification a priority From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Processing surge puts Government on track to largely eliminate Live-in Caregiver Program backlog by end of 2018 December 3, 2017— Toronto, ON – Caregivers and their families will be reunited and the inventory of Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) applications will be largely eliminated by the end of 2018, thanks to the commitments made today by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

Great progress has been made on the backlog in recent years. As of October 1, 2017, there was a 63% reduction in the number of caregivers and their family members waiting for their permanent residence applications to be finalized since reaching its highest level in May 2014.

This fall, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) dedicated additional resources to process LCP applications and encourage caregivers and their family members to submit any documents that were missing from their applications. With this focus, IRCC is on track to finalize 5,000 more cases than originally planned by the end of 2017. This surge will allow IRCC to welcome 20,000 new permanent residents in the caregiver category in total this year, reaching the high end of the target range as set out in the 2017 levels plan.

Having taken these steps, IRCC is committing to: Finalizing a minimum of 80% of the cases that were in the LCP inventory as of October 1, 2017 by the end of 2018; Processing 80% of new, complete LCP applications submitted on or after October 1, 2017 within 12 months; and Admitting high numbers of LCP caregivers and their family members as permanent residents until the remaining cases are processed.

The multi-year levels plan for 2018-2020 set out targets for the number of permanent resident admissions in the caregiver category that will allow IRCC to meet these commitments.

Earlier this year, the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration recommended that the Government deliver a plan to end the backlog of Live-in Caregiver Program applications. With this plan in place, caregivers waiting for their Live-in Caregiver Program applications to be finalized should get decisions on their cases and be reunited with their families soon.

Quotes The commitments the Government has made today will mean that many Live-in Caregiver Program applicants who have faced long delays and family separation may soon reach their goal of permanent residence. After diligently providing care for Canadians, they may soon be in the company of their own loved ones, together in Canada.

– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Quick Facts The Live-in Caregiver Program was a program that offered a direct path from temporary status to permanent residence for caregivers. It closed to new applicants in 2014 but grand fathering provisions meant that thousands of caregivers who were already part of the temporary portion of the LCP but who hadn’t yet applied for permanent residence would still have the opportunity to do so. This means that up to 6,000 more applications for permanent residence under the LCP could still be submitted to IRCC. continued on page 20 Ź

DECEMBER 2017

Jencet Montano Surprise Party

Dr. Rod Montano of Family Dental Clinic surprised his better- half Jencet with a dinner party at Palabok House Restaurant .

Relatives and friends were around to grace this special occasion.

GREETINGS | BUSINESS

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A Loving Wife Deserves a Happy Life Aurora Villagraciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life is truly blessed not only because she is celebrating her natal day every 19th of December; but because she has been celebrating life itself with the guys whom he most loved: First, of course, is her very loving husband Armando; second are her two sons Matt and Mark.

Happy Birthday Aurora!

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GREETINGS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

DECEMBER 2017

December 8, 2017: A Decade in Aaron Velasco’s Life This little boy has substantiated his mom, sister, grandparents, relatives, and his dad’s lives as he hasn’t only reached a childhood years without interruption; but, because his happy life truly affects anybody else, around him.

To you my precious son, a blessed birthday!

December 8, 2017 JASMINE: You are Lucky—You are Seven! Edward Marquicias Jasmine is A perfect seven. Answer this Biblical question: How many time will you be forgiving? Her age is more than the answer: Seventy times seven times!

You are lucky, because you are most clothed with everybody and your parent’s love! That, they’d provided you with abundant banquet and surprised you with your favorite

cartoon characters: Aurora, Elsa, and Jasmine. You are lucky, because you’re visitors are 70X7X!

Happy 7th Birthday Lovely Jasmine!

EBCA Christmas Party

Photo by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal (GPRQWRQ %RKRODQR &XOWXUDO $VVRFLDWLRQ SUHVLGHQW 'DYLG )DELRVD WK IURP OHIW ZLWK %HUQDUG 5DQDULR DQG WKH RWKHU RIÀFHUV receive a Plaque of Recognition for their contribution to the Filipino community from the retiring honorary consul Esmeralda Agbulos during the EBCA Christmas Party, December 2, 2017, at the Blue Quill Community Hall in Edmonton.

Turns Four What a party you have with all the toys and games and candies and all the kids around. Your dad Will Marquicias poured in all the love in your party with beautiful sound of music and a laureate of food. Congratulations!

DECEMBER 2017

PHILIPPINE UPDATES | POLITICS | BUSINESS

DTI-CALABARZON goes to Canada and the US for Outbound Business Mission (OBM) Department of Trade and Industry Release Date: 9 November 2017

A Calabarzon delegation will embark on a trade and business mission from 12 November 12 to December 02, 2017 to explore joint ventures and market arrangements. It will also seek to strengthen business tie-ups and linkages towards business opportunities for Calabarzon enterprises.

Regional Director Marilou Q. Toledo of the Department of Trade and Industry in Calabarzon will lead the 20-day business mission.

The delegation is composed of selected micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSME) along with officials and representatives of the municipal government of Alabat, Quezon, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and DTI’s Provincial Office in Laguna The group will actively engage in exploratory networking activities for possible future joint ventures and market arrangements and in strengthening business tie-ups/ network linkages towards business opportunities through the B2B meetings, market outlet visits and business matching sessions.

On top of the networking activities, the mission hopes to participate in learning sessions.

"I am hopeful that this mission will equip our MSMEs at the same time provide better opportunities for market linkages, business networking and know market trends and innovative product developments in these lucrative markets", Toledo said.

During the 20-day mission, a mini-exhibit featuring CALABARZON's banner products will be mounted at the Philippine Consulate in Toronto.

At the same time, a business forum will be held to be attended by about 80 members of the Canada-Philippines Chamber of Commerce.

The Canadian leg coincides with CESO’s invitation for Toledo to grace its 50th anniversary celebration as a distinguished institutional partner in strengthening MSMSEs in the region.

“This trip to Canada is built on the long-held strategic partnership with the Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), one of Canada's leading volunteer-based development organizations”, Toledo said.

At the CESO anniversary event, Toledo will deliver her speech that will highlight the strong, over-adecade partnership to help in the coaching, mentoring and consultancy assistances for MSMEs through the institutionalization of the BEAMS: Building Entrepreneurs through Advisory and Mentoring Services.

The BEAMS program will tap local or home-grown experts, coaches, and mentors to assist in the shared service facilities (SSF) project and its co-operators as its initial focus.

Toledo will be joined by Alabat, Quezon Mayor Fernando Mesa who will also deliver a message at the event.

As a strategic partner, the DTI Calabarzon has forged collaboration with CESO to continuously capacitate and equip the Calabarzon MSMEs in their respective business operations.

DTI Calabarzon has been one of CESO's strongest and most successful partners that produced very positive results in strengthening MSMEs in the Philippines", RD Toledo emphasized.

"I am deeply privileged and honoured to participate in CESO's 50th anniversary celebration in Toronto", RD Toledo added.

To pave the way for the mission, DTI last month initiated a workshop to prime up prospective participants on their readiness to export and penetrate the Canadian market.

The government side of the mission will be composed of DTI Regional Director Marilou Toledo, head of delegation; Director Susan Palo and Laura Jaraplasan DTI’s Laguna Provincial Office; Regional Director Alex R. Madrigal and Assistant Regional Director Lydia S. Manguiat of DOST; and Vermielyn Ortiz of the Philippine Coconut Research and Development Foundation (PCRDF).

Representatives of Amstature Foods (noodle products), Terra Vida Agri-Ventures (turmeric products), and Escaba Food Products (tropical fruit preserves) form part of the entrepreneurs that will for the Canadian Leg while the USA East Coast Leg will be composed of Escaba Food Products, BlueMacay Food Manufacturing Inc. (food ingredients), and Terra Vida Agri-Ventures.

Enterprises were selected based on their exhibited capabilities and potentials to expand operations beyond the domestic market and have undergone the branding and brand development seminar.

Joined by DOST, the delegation will also explore on the marketability of macapuno-derived products, e.g., macapuno powder, as food ingredient.

Business meetings and other exploratory activities are coordinated with the CESO officials, both Canada and Philippine-based, between the Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTICs) through Senior Trade Commissioner Ma. Roseni Alvero (DTI Foreign Trade Service Corps, PTIC-Canada), Nicanor Bautista, Commercial Counselor of PTIC-New York, and the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, led by Consul General Rosalita Prospero.

Toledo emphasized that DTI has consistently faced challenges to develop stronger MSMEs in CALABARZON, along with the constant push on them to go beyond the local market.

"Bringing our entrepreneurs to an outbound trade and business mission is not new to our region. Venturing out into the global arena through innovative and globally-competitive goods and services, we in Calabarzon will now pave further market inroads to Canada and the US", RD Toledo persistently declared.

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Looking back at 2017 T he holiday season is a time to celebrate with family and friends. It is also an opportunity to look back at the past year and take stock. Just over two years ago, the people of Mill Woods elected me to represent them in Ottawa. Now, halfway through my four-year term, I’m reflecting on some of what has been accomplished to date, and the work still ahead of us.

When we first came into office, the Canadian economy was stagnant and, especially here in Alberta, far too many of our friends and neighbours were struggling to find work. During the campaign we promised to make smart, strategic investments to get our economy growing and now, two years later, those investments are paying off.

Canada now has the fastest growing economy in the G7 and unemployment is at its lowest point since February of 2008. Since our government was elected, Canadians have created more than 600,000 new jobs – and 80,000 of those were created last month alone.

Our province is also getting back on track. By early next year, Alberta will regain its standing as the fastest growing provincial economy in the country. There is still more to do, and we will continue working with our provincial partners to keep the momentum going, but our plan is working and is making a real difference for Albertans and all Canadians.

Last month, Minister Sohi travelled to the Northwest 7HUULWRULHV WR RIÀFLDOO\ RSHQ the new Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway with the Governor General, MP Michael McLeod and Minister Carolyn Bennett.

We also promised to support our natural resource sector and help grow it responsibly and sustainably.

Our government has approved more major oil and gas pipelines in two years than the previous government did in a decade. One of my proudest moments was being on hand to celebrate the ground-breaking for the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline. This is a major project that will create over 9000 jobs in our province and will help transport Alberta’s oil cleanly and safely. By working with communities, industry, and the other orders of government, we will continue to stand up for the energy sector and help ensure our resources have access to markets today and into the future.

I’m very proud of the work my office staff does to help constituents resolve

issues with the federal government. This year alone, we have helped over 750 families bring their loved ones to visit Canada. We have also managed more than 1300 files related to immigration, CRA, passports and social benefits like EI and CPP, as well as benefits for seniors. Our efforts have assisted many, who have been struggling with the bureaucratic requirements for social benefits, in recovering payments which they were entitled to receive.

I wish you all the very best for the holidays and hope you enjoy time with family and friends. Thank you for another wonderful year serving as your representative and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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POLITICS | ANNOUNCEMENT |CONTINUATION

Jason Kenney Gratifies His Supporters PAUL-LINES PAUL BRIONES pribriones@yahoo.com 780.993.8632

Paul Briones, is a Project Management Coordinator for Alberta Health Services. He is an active member of various Filipino organizations and communities. He supports the Restoration of Alberta Advantage

Last November 30, 2017 at the Palm Room of the Radisson Hotel South in Edmonton Jason Kenney showed his Appreciation to everyone who supported his campaign in the last 18 months. Among those present were volunteers who put in hours and days of work promoting the programs being upheld by Kenney.

Kenney voiced out his extreme recognition to all his volunteers many of whom are from various demographics and without which his campaign would not have been as successful. As part of his acknowledgment speech Kenney articulated the phrase “thank you” into various languages such as “merci” (French), “salamat” (Tagalog), etc.

Jason Kenney will be seeking a seat in the Alberta Legislature

in the riding of Calgary-Lougheed and the Election will be held on December 14 this year. Kenney is encouraging his constituents to come out and support his goal of promoting the Alberta Advantages.

From Page 10

must be rejected (Acts 4:19; 5:29).

child. The angel’s announcement of “a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” is spread throughout the area, resulting in amazement in the hearers.

“But Peter and John answered and saith unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.”

Acts 4:19 “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Acts 5:29

4. THEY GLORIFIED AND PRAISED GOD. - The final scene in this passage is the shepherds climbing back up the hill where their flocks lie.

- The angel had told them what to expect and that’s just the way they found it.

- We leave them glorifying and praising GOD!

V. OUR RESPONSE TO THE MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS Luke 2:15-18 Our response to the message of Christmas should be like the shepherds’ response. NOW, the shepherds had a choice—to obey or to disobey. They chose to obey!

Likewise, we should obey!

VI. THE LESSON FOR US TO LEARN

From a Vantage Point

Observe: 1. THEY OBEYED GOD. - When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

- So, they hurried off and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

2. THEY WERE EXCITED ABOUT THE GOOD NEWS. - They hurry to Bethlehem.

Where do you find a manger?

In a stable, of course! So, they checked out the stables in this village and came across one with a babe sleeping in it.

- They meet the Holy Family and share with them their story of the angelic visitation.

3. THEY SHARED THE GOOD NEWS TO OTHERS. - Then they go and tell other what the angels have told them, just like the villagers did after the remarkable birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:65-66).

- They made known what had been told them about this

What are we supposed to get out of this telling of the story of Jesus’ birth? Several things: 1. God brings Good News to the poor and humble.

- The shepherds, sometimes despised by their countrymen, were the first recipients of the Good News of Jesus’ birth.

- Since God is no respecter of persons, we are not supposed to show favoritism either.

2. The Glory of the Lord is powerful and huge.

- Just because we don’t see it visibly doesn’t mean that God is not active.

- He often works in quiet ways.

Only occasionally does He confirm His presence in miraculous ways.

3. Jesus is the Son of David. The expected Savior, Messiah, Master, Lord, God in our midst.

4. The Good News is for all people, Jew or Gentile.

5. Not all people, however, receive God’s peace.

- Only those whom Jesus has sovereignly chosen receive God’s peace.

Don’t let suggestions of predestination trouble you.

- Be humble enough to allow God to be sovereign beyond your own meager understanding of these things. Deal with it!

DECEMBER 2017

great joy, which shall be to all people.”

2. Praise (Luke 2:13-14, 20).

13 “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

20 And when the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

3. Curiosity to confirm its truth (Luke 2:15-16).

15 “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

4. Telling others (Luke 2:17).

17 “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”

5. Amazement (Luke 2:18).

18 “And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.”

6. Thoughtful meditation (Luke 2:19).

19 “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”

No where do we see unbelief!

PRAYER Almighty Father, what an amazing night the shepherds had!

To have a glimpse of your heavenly glory, To hear a mighty army of praise, To see the Messiah-Child, To listen to the angel recite His glorious title—Savior, Messiah— Lord.

Thank you for letting us hear the story again.

Write it large and indelibly in our hearts that we might be fervent Good News tellers, too.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen!

From Page 16

APPROPRIATE RESPONSES TO THIS GOOD NEWS INCLUDE: 1. Great Joy (Luke 2:10).

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of

Federal government continues...

Further developments are expected soon on the Budget 2017 proposal to eliminate the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment fee for Canadian families seeking to hire a foreign caregiver to provide care to a person with high medical needs and for Canadian families with an income less than $150,000 seeking to hire a foreign caregiver to provide childcare. Waiving this fee will help support Canadian families meet their caregiving needs.

Associated Links Applying for Permanent Residence as a Caregiver Contacts For media only Hursh Jaswal Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-954-1064 Media Relations Communications Branch Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 IRCC.COMMMediaRelationsRelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@ cic.gc.ca

DECEMBER 2017

COMMUNITY | BUSINESS | LEISURE

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VISMIN Association of Edmonton will celebrate the biggest Fiesta celebration in Edmonton: The Sinulog Fiesta celebration in honour of Sto Nino.

This will be the 29th Sinulog celebration since it started on January 14, 1989.

This celebration coincides with the same fiesta celebration in Cebu, Philippines.

The Holy Mass will be celebrated

by Fr NiloMacapinlac on Jan 19, 2018 at 7 pm at St Joseph's Basilica at Jasper Ave. 113 St. The Sinulog Festivities will be held at The Royal Palace Banquet and Conference Centre 4960-93

Av NW Edmonton at 6 pm on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 Entrance ticket is $30 which will cover the cost of the food.

Please purchase your tickets from VISMIN Officers: Dennis Florentino â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7808846783, Rubi Elegino - 7807825920 and LolitAbellon - 7809380307 Enjoy the biggest fiesta celebration in Edmonton!

ONE BEAT, ONE DANCE, ONE VISION! VIVA SR. STO NINO!

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BUSINESS | HEALTH

DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER 2017

BUSINESS | HEALTH

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BUSINESS | FOODS

DECEMBER 2017