Alberta Filipino Journal - February 2018 Issue

Wherever your Homeland is; there your Heart is!

Baisas Brothers:

Filipinos Success' Stories:

Kaya Ko, Kaya Mo!

A Story of Fire and Ice

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Promoting Philippine Tourism

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Alberta Filipino Journal meets Jordan Walker P13

Successful Sinulog 2018 P19

PM Trudeau Town Hall meeting

(Photo by Moses Billacura)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gives a thumbs up sign to Alberta 0HGLFDO 6XSSOLHV $06 Ă&#x20AC;QDQFH director Jacob Christian as AMS manager Mia Mulingtapang waits for her turn to greet the PM, Feb.1, after the Town Hall Meeting at the MacEwan University in Edmonton.

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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FEBRUARY 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

EDITOR’S CORNER

EDITORIAL | SPORTS | BUSINESS the franchisee of this latest concept. Since it is hearts month, Edo Japan in North Town Branch offers a family deal meal up to $24.00 which includes two Teppan Meals by just presenting this Alberta Filipino Journal’s editorial upon ordering.

by Lito Mendoza Velasco

SICK ARE SEEKERS: Touch their hearts Nobody is exempt from sickness.

It comes like thieves. We don’t really know when it will come into our homes to ransack our valuable belongings. Sickness is revealed by different symptoms. We are scarcely able to find a cure if our minds refuse to accept that the body is vulnerable. No, not even the latest MRI, X-Ray or ultrasound machines can detect those bodily malfunctions if the problems are intrinsically in the mind. In these cases, the patients would only be overdosed by the prescribed drugs with the tendency to remain uncured.

Simply because, what they really need is our affection and attention rather than those prescribed drugs and other medications. If viruses are infectious; our love is precious and contagious. Sick people truly need our presence in order to be completely healed. To serve them without hurting our pockets; then, pay them your attention. That’s what they’ve been seeking for.

Remember, no exemption, we will all get sick—seekers. oooOooo

A heart filled with love ennobles the mind Abundant blessings can only be obtained by those who put their hearts in anything they aim to achieve. The business operators of the newly opened Filipino Business Establishments here in Edmonton and Area are living testimonies and are privileged to speak about what difficulties they have encountered before getting the desired results for their perseverance and efforts.

Their proven love and devotion to create an atmosphere of qualitative change and difference and the love and determination to earn better income and create impact by adding value to others too.

They deserve to be acknowledged and promoted. To name a few: 1. EDO JAPAN in North Town Centre 8322 – 137 Avenue, NW, Edmonton,, Alberta, T5V 1V2 Nelson Rodriguez, the owner, says: “ It’s the new looks and concept of Edo Japan…the first and biggest one in the Country. We were blessed and honoured to have been chosen as

2. SOLUTIONS MASSAGE THERAPHY 13127 156 Street, NW, Edmonton, AB, T5V 1V2 3. TFC – THE FILIPINO CENTER: LAS BATANGUENAS CUISINE 7451 Roper Road, NW, Edmonton, AB, T6B 3K9 Note to other Filipino businessmen: At AFJ, it is our ardent desire to support and promote you all. If you feel the same, then, please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can further discuss how to help advertise your business ventures.

A heart filled with love truly serves A Grand Salute and Congratulations to the Office of Consul General Julius Torres for devotedly bringing government services to the Filipino People through the outreach programs being assisted primarily by the Duterte Volunteers of Alberta, headed by Benjie Lindo and secondarily, by various Filipino groups and sectors. oooOooo “We can serve without loving; but we cannot love without serving!”

Happy Lovers’ Day to All!

FEBRUARY 2018

Canlubang seniors eye redemption in PAL golf Nine-time champion Canlubang is looking for redemption when it renews its storied rivalry with Luisita in the 32nd Philippine Airlines (PAL) Senior Interclub golf team championships next month in Bacolod, Negros Occidental.

Denied a third straight championship by Luisita in Davao last year, the Sugar Barons are extra motivated to return the favor.

“We are going to do this for Mike,” said veteran Rolly Viray, referring to Spanish champion Mike Preysler who passed away last December.

Preysler, who took the spot of Tommy Manotoc in the lineup, had a disappointing showing last year in Davao where Canlubang slumped to its worst start ever.

The Sugar Barons struggled with just 124 points at Apo Golf and Country Club and found themselves trailing their rivals by 21 points.

Still down by 22 going into the final round, Canlubang managed to trim the deficit to 11 at the close of the fourto-play, three-to-count event.

This year, Viray said they hope to lift the trophy again, noting that Marapara (now known as Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club) and Binitin (Bacolod Golf Club) do not give long hitters much advantage.

For the second straight year, Manotoc is not playing, but Canlubang has tapped the services of a United Statesbased player who just turned 55 years old.

“Pem is coming to play for us,” said Viray, referring to Abe Rosal’s younger brother. “Sabi ni Abe, mas magaling daw kesa sa kanya.”

Abe Rosal won the individual title in his senior debut last year.

Aside from Viray and the Rosal brothers, the other members of the squad are Damasus Wong, Dave Hernandez, Mari Hechanova, Zaldy Villa and Abe Avena.

The seniors’ event, which serves as a prelude to the PAL Men’s Interclub, will be on March 1-4.

FEBRUARY 2018

EDUCATION | IMMIGRATION | BUSINESS

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More than 150 participants join Quality Sleep Care’s `Business Start-Ups Road Map To Success” Conference; Consul Bailon hopes more will become economic agents

By Moses Billacura

EDMONTON --- More than 150 participants took part in the 2018 “Business Start-Ups Road Map To Success” Conference, Feb.3, at the Leefield Community Hall, here.

Kris Salumbides, co-founder of Quality Sleep Care and Alberta Medical Supplies, shared their humble story when they decided to plan and start the business in 2014, growing the business from three staff to around 50 employees.

“It takes a lot of hard work and determination. Getting help from other individuals, learning from them and taking action, make sure you take action,” he encouraged the participants.

QSC and AMS started in Edmonton with two branches and have expanded to Calgary with plans to open new branches in Manitoba and British Columbia.

Salumbides said that his business partners have highly contributed to the growth of the company by taking care of the important functions as he handles the marketing department himself. The other directors of the company like Jesse Tallon handle the daily operations, Jacob Christian takes care of the finance department and Arvin Esponilla is the sales director.

Christian discussed with the participants the basics of starting

a small business with emphasis on the structure of the business plan.

“Business is not easy,” he told the participants, "yet it can be done successfully with the right plan."

“Learn and don’t make mistakes,” said Christian pointing out that one should learn every aspect of running a small business and avoid the costly pitfalls.

Atty. Joseph Angeles of the Philippine Business Society of Alberta spoke on sole proprietorship, corporation, shareholder agreement and other legal areas of running a business while author Jeff Grandfield talked about negotiating commercial leases and renewals.

Tallon discussed how he handles the daily business operations, making sure tasks are completed with awareness on legislation that will affect the operations of the business and closely coordinating with the other departments.

Marvin Padernal talked about the basics of accounting and small business tax while business banking advisor Brian Bradshaw discussed the importance of business planning, small business and CSBF loans.

Philippine Consul Pamela Bailon, who spoke on behalf of Consul General Julius Torres, congratulated the organizers for the success of the event and praised

Quality Sleep Care co-founder and marketing director Kris Salumbides encourages participants to become business owners as he shares how QSC, Alberta Medical Supplies, CanPay Medical and Medicus Family Clinic and Pharmacy were established during the 2018 “Business Start-Ups Road Map To Success” Conference, Feb.3, at the /HHÀHOG &RPPXQLW\ +DOO LQ (GPRQWRQ

the participants for taking the time to listen and learn from the various resource speakers.

She said more Filipinos in Canada are cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit and hopes that they will serve as economic agents to help improve the economic ties between the Philippines and Canada.

The event was organized by the Quality Care Group of Companies, composed Quality Sleep Care, Alberta Medical Supplies, CanPay Medical Inc. and Medicus Family Health Clinic and Pharmacy, in cooperation with the newly-formed Philippine Business Society of Alberta.

Salumbides hopes that the

Philippine Consul Pamela Durian-Bailon commends the organizers on the success of the 2018 “Business Start-Ups Road Map To Success” Conference, Feb.3, at WKH /HHÀHOG &RPPXQLW\ +DOO

Atty. Joseph Angeles of the Philippine Business Society of Alberta discusses sole proprietorship, corporation, shareholder agreement.

46& ÀQDQFH GLUHFWRU -DFRE &KULVWLDQ points out the need to avoid mistakes that would cost unnecessary expenses in running a company.

QSC operations director Jesse A. Tallon guides participants how to handle the daily operations of a company.

information sessions will become valuable to the participants and that they action in helping build the economy of the province and of the country by becoming business owners themselves.

IT professional and podcaster

Kirk Lim lauded the organizers for putting together the event that would guide them to become entrepreneurs themselves.

“We learned a lot,” said Mayflor Cortado, who took a lot of notes during the one-day event.

Photo by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal

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ARTS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

FEBRUARY 2018

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

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here is a team of Filipinos firing up the international ice carving circuit. They are the Baisas Brothers, specifically Ross and Antonio Baisas, representing both the Philippines and Canada. They are international ice carving champions, having won more than two dozen awards, the most recent of which was 1st place for both Ice on Whyte in Edmonton and at the Winterlude in Ottawa.

Currently based in Montreal (Ross) and Ottawa (Antonio), the Baisas Brothers hail from the Philippines’ wood carving capital, Paete, Laguna. In this town, carving is something passed on from one generation to the next, a milestone of childhood, and possibly a rite of passage where everyone whiles away the time whittling wood. The name Paete has as its root word “paet”, which means chisel. Surrounded with this way of life and the fact that carving is the town’s main source of income, it is not uncommon for people of Paete to find themselves working in hotels and cruise ships as carvers of ice, fruit, vegetables and pastries. This was the ticket that led Ross and Antonio to Quebec to work for casinos under Loto-Quebec.

Competing as ice sculptors is no walk in the park. First of all, the main ice carving competitions are prestigious, and competitors are screened and selected. The rules of a competition are stringent.

There are thematic and technical conditions to follow. Designs are submitted way in advance.

So to be in the roster of competitors is already a feat by itself, and winning takes it to a level of incredible recognition and accolade. An ice sculptor has to have the artistic eye, the skills, the technical know-how, the instinct to adjust to the dictates of uncontrollable variables like weather, temperature, sunlight, and imposed time constraints. As if these are not intimidating enough, one has to be physically fit and must have endurance. One is expected to haul on average 10-15 blocks of ice, hauling and stacking about 135 kg, working in frigid temperatures for 34 hours, and working with power tools, i.e. chainsaw, grinder, gas cylinder, chisels, among others. On top of these, there are competition requirements on safety and environment care that need to be met while working.

The Baisas Brothers have been competing for 15 years now, travelling around the world and garnering recognition in Canada, the United States, and Europe. They compete in 3-4 international competitions a year, on average.

They are not only judges’ choices but are more often than not, media and public favorites. Ice is their favorite medium because of its translucency and crystalline quality, and the challenges it presents with its solidity and unpredictability.

Yet they have created stunning works with pasta, chocolate, sugar, grease, fruit and vegetables, snow and sand. No medium is spared, and they seem to get fired up with the challenges of working with each medium, in unraveling the secrets, and gaining mastery in its manipulation, and eventually, stretching the boundaries.

Artists find their way to ice sculpting through different ways. Some are formally schooled or mentored. The Baisas Brothers are self taught but their training and learning is endless. Despite all their accolades, up close the brothers are unassuming, friendly and have a wicked sense of humour. In outlook, they are positive and adaptable. At work, they are exacting, perhaps their own worst critic, analyzing their own

Baisas Brothers:

A Story of Fire and Ice flaws but taking it as a lesson to further their art. As partners, one complements and supports the other. Ross is adept at shaping and Antonio’s forte is the finishing and detailing. They are able to sense each other’s moods, and anticipate needs without verbal communication. They claim that they will keep on going as long as there is something they can conjure which they have not tackled yet. The possibilities are endless, limited only by the imagination.

Ice carving is not only about art and engineering but also requires skill and heart.

The Baisas Brothers execute this through their burning passion, combined with cold grit. Amidst the cold environment they’ve chosen as their arena, is the fire to achieve greater heights, stoke their passion and enjoy the ride. My impression is that ice sculpting competitions allow a sense of

super-humanness, an adrenaline rush - brought about by using power tools in unbearable conditions. Ice sculptors, having challenged themselves with their designs, work with full concentration, grit and determination, with all senses heightened since a small error, or mindless slip, could be fatal. They are a rare breed and it is stirring that blazing through this international circuit is a team of Filipino artists. Amidst the snow and ice, the Baisas Brothers, Ross and Antonio, are on fire!

To comment on this article, go to http:// thelucilaproject.blogspot.ca -------------------------------------------Ice carving is art and engineering; burning passion and cold grit; fire and ice

As of press time, the Baisas Brothers has once again won 1st place Judges’ Choice and Public Choice Awards at La Fete d’hiver Saint-Jean-PortJoli International Competition at Quebec, snow carving competition.

Photos courtesy of Ross Baisas

It is not just the skill for their carving but their eye in design, the attention to detail and the philosophy of the design as it matches and creates an imagery on the competition’s theme.

Fire to achieve more; break records. Learn from each step then improve. Ice sculpting provides power, a sense of super humanness, adrenaline rush, what with dealing with power tools and impossible conditions. Because one simple mistake can be fatal involves full concentration, grit and determination. All senses are heightened. All this in the creation of a work of art.

Be careful and Always respect your environment.

Presence under pressure.

Ability to pace. Find ways to hasten work when time is short - improvise.

Amidst the ice and snow, the Baisas Brothers are on fire!

Still dream of competing in Alaska which was unfortunately cancelled for this year - carving large blocks of ice, working with almost 3500 kg of ice Earlier, was not sure which direction they would take in life Could not believe they have stayed in this profession.

Ross even as a young boy was fond of drawing Won back to back 1st place winners in Poland Some competitions: requires to submit a proposed design; reproduce a presented image with limited tools; always there’s a time constraint Loves the challenges; strives to do best; overcome most recent achievement; challenge yourselves; challenge your previous carving.

So no favourite creation - because the most recent one would always Top honours for Ice carving, snow sculpture Built reputation in the competition circle in the last few years Ice, snow, pumpkin, chocolate and even pasta sculpting – an art passed down from father to sons – no longer holds any secrets for these two highly-talented brothers who are making their mark all over the world.

Engages in 3-4 competitions a year, all over the world. The season competition see competitors moving from 1 competition to another - creating camaraderie, ribbing. In one competition they have teamed up with another Filipino from the US. Part of competition: safety issues, clean working area They are analytical - they could be their worst critic in evaluating their own work - which propels them to compensate and add another dimension, critical element in their next design A lot of spur of the moment decisions - what with so many variable factors Advice to aspiring carvers: look into your heart - commitment, passion. It is not easy.

Start small, ie clay, vegetables, fruits.. Then if you really want it, or serious about it, invest in tools.

FEBRUARY 2018

IMMIGRATION | BUSINESS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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Canada to Close Permanent Resident Application Program for Foreign Caregivers in November 29, 2019

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Foreign caregiver who has not obtained two years of employment by November 29, 2019 WILL NOT be eligible for permanent residence. Is this true?

Yes according to a Notice posted by the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada website.

The Canadian government is currently reviewing Canada's two programs for foreign caregivers particularly the Caring for Children Pathway and Caring for High Medical Needs Pathway and will decide based on the results from their review a pathway for permanent residence for caregivers.

Kababayans, particularly Pinoy Caregivers, were surprised by the announcement posted online this week which resulted in fear and apprehension of the Caregiver Program in Canada.

It is believed that Canada's program is the only one in the world that is unique as it provides access to permanent status for foreign caregivers after obtaining two years of authorized, paid and full-time work experience as caregivers. The access to permanent residency is an incentive to make up for the job's relatively low pay and in some cases, unpleasant work conditions.

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 the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education Director for CAPIC Prairie last year. Marjorie is a three-year recipient of CAPIC's Service Award.

In response to my email inquiry, Special Assistant Hursh Jaswal of the Office of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada advised on Feb 9, 2018 and I quote: "Our government is fully committed to family reunification.

We recognize the role caregivers have played is an important one in supporting our loved ones and helping grow Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy. We are thankful for all that caregivers have done and we understand the difficulty they have had to endure with the long processing times.

We have made a commitment to eliminate at least 80% of the backlog of Live-in Caregiver Program cases by

the end of 2018 and continuing to keep processing times low for the Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs. Our government will continue to ensure caregivers and their families are reunited in Canada faster.

Recently an update was posted on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website regarding the Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs pilot projects which were introduced in 2014 and set to expire in 2019. This update was about the expiry of these pilot projects but not the end to a pathway to permanent residency for caregivers.

With Special Assistant Hursh Jaswal (In glasses and purple shirt) and Zubair Patel (looking down) Director of Operations and Outreach DW WKH 2IĂ&#x20AC;FH RI WKH 0LQLVWHU RI ,PPLJUDWLRQ 5HIXJHHV DQG &LWL]HQVKLS &DQDGD 7DNHQ GXULQJ D PHHWLQJ DW WKH 0LQLVWHU V 5HJLRQDO 2IĂ&#x20AC;FH LQ &DQDGD 3ODFH (GPRQWRQ

These pilot projects are currently under review which is a standard process for all pilot projects.

Let us be clear. There is and always will be a pathway to permanent residency for caregivers under our government.

Our government will not be shutting down any pathways for permanent residency. We will use the results from the review to determine improvements to allow better access to a pathway for permanent residence for caregivers. " Thanks, Hursh Jaswal Special Assistant, Office of the Minister Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada / Government of Canada In an interview with Sally Leyson, a caregiver in Edmonton who becomes a Permanent Resident next week said "Nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon dahil next week mag land na ako..alam mo ba na pinapangarap namin makapunta ng Canada tapos bigla na lang binago. Siyempre gusto rin namin makasama ang pamilya namin.

Malaki din naman ang naitutulong ng mga caregivers dito sa Canada.

Another Caregiver who will submit her application for permanent

Sally Leyson with the author

residence next week commented about the closure of the permanent resident application. "This news is so sad for us caregivers because eto na lang yong pag asa sana namin to build a life here in Canada. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m lucky enough that hindi ko naabutan yong sa news. I'm hoping na sana ma change yong news and hopefully they will hear us caregivers.

In 2014, the Caregiver Program was overhauled by capping the number of caregivers who can access permanent residency at 5,500 a year and imposing new requirements for language and post-secondary education.

Under the new program, only 1,955 caregivers and their dependants received permanent residency in the three years after the changes were made. An average of 10,740 peoplecaregivers and their families were granted permanent status annually between 2006 and 2014 under the previous live-in caregiver program as per IRCC Statistics.

If you have questions regarding the above article you may contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Joan Daculiat

RELIGION | ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL STAFF

LOVE WORTH GIVING The Measure of Our Walk 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

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.

not quick to take offence. Love keeps no score of wrongs" (NEB);

OUR TEXT 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 "This love of which I speak is slow to lose patience—it looks for a way of being constructive" (Phillips).

"Is never rude (Moffat), it does not insist on its rights (Goodspeed), it is

"Love is never glad when others go wrong (Moffat), but always glad when truth prevails" (Williams). Does not gloat over other men’s sins (NEB); but always glad when truth prevails" (Williams).

Published by Angeles Publishing Company Inc. 246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2T2 Jose L. Angeles 3XEOLVKHU &KLHI 2SHUDWLQJ 2IÀFHU Sales & Advertising CP: 780-916-7677 Landline: 780-988-8889 Fax: 780-988-2221 (PDLO SXEOLVKHU#DOEHUWDÀOLSLQRMRXUQDO FRP Lito Mendoza Velasco (GLWRU LQ &KLHI $VVRFLDWH 3XEOLVKHU 780-655-5126 HGLWRU#DOEHUWDÀOLSLQRMRXUQDO FRP Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles $GPLQLVWUDWRU 2IÀFH 0DQDJHU Sales & Advertising Lianne Angeles Proofreader Melanie Gomez Dionzon Web + Print Designer Photographers/Videographer Noli Granado, Dario Juanillo Columnists: Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Tito S. Venida Ida Beltran-Lucila, Katrina Marielle U. Cereno Kristian Cereno, Marco Luciano, Moses Billacura Mervin Mendoza Cereno, Giselle General, Rosalyn Estoque, Perry Diaz Contributing Writers: Paul Briones, Joel Ventura San Agustin Erlinda Dolly Tan, Dario Juanillo, Julia Isabel San Agustin The Alberta Filipino Journal is dedicated in memory of Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros of Winnipeg as she engaged her entire life servicing the Filipino Community.

We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and UHDGHUV GR QRW LQ DQ\ ZD\ UHÀHFW WKRVH RI WKH 3XEOLVKHU (GLWRU

"Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust (Phillips); always hopeful (Moffat); hopes under all circumstances" (NBV).

"Love will never come to an end (NEB): the time will come when we outgrow prophecy (Knox); if now exist ecstatic speakings, they will cease (Williams); whether gaining of knowledge, it shall be done away" (Rotherham).

INTRODUCTION What is meant by "love?"

The study and understanding of love is complicated by the fact that there are so many ways in which the word “love” is used in conversation and writing today. We can read in the Bible that God expects us to love Him, each other, our enemies and then assure ourselves and others that we are doing exactly that.

But, do we actually love as the New Testament describes it? If the love of which we feel assured is not the love of which God speaks, then we are not fulfilling His expectations.

Then, how can we know what the inspired writers of the Bible mean by love? We must keep in mind two very important things as we study our text for today.

First, remember that Scripture was not written in a vacuum.

We find this great chapter on love included in a serious letter by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth—a church with very serious problems.

We see here how the Apostle Paul painted for the Corinthians a picture of themselves…in their factions, their jealousies, their vanity, their carnality, their misuse of Christian liberty, and their bragging about their spiritual gifts. We can also see how the Apostle Paul momentarily turned aside from his direct counsel and rebukes to show the Corinthians an ideal Christian life.

Second, we must remember that, unlike our language, the Greeks have several words for love.

The word "eros" was used to refer to love of deep desire, passionate and sensuous longing. It had a physical and sexual connotation and is nowhere used in the New Testament. The word "storge" referred to the kind of affection found in a family. The word "philia" was used to refer to the brotherly love.

Finally, the word "agape" was used to express the unconditional kind of love that God expressed toward us through the Lord Jesus Christ. It implies loving when there is nothing to evoke love.

This is the word the Apostle Paul used in this chapter.

A LOVE THAT IS CONSTRUCTIVE 1 Corinthians 13:4(a) "This love of which I speak is slow to lose patience—it looks for a way of being constructive." (Phillips) What kind of love do you have in your heart? Is it slow to lose patience? Does it look for a way of being constructive?

Love is always constructive and kind, always fostering others and contributing well. Love does not boil with jealousy or stew with envy; never leaning to suspicion or lusting for control. Love is not anxious to impress, never bragging or exaggerating its status. Love does not suffer from an inflated ego, never cherishing exalted ideas of its own importance.

Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind just as Christ is kind. How was our Lord kind? That’s our challenge!

When I read these things, kindness took on a new meaning. In Greek,

kindness refers to "divesting your life."

It is contrary to the idea of investing.

When you invest in something, you expect something in return. However, when you “divest,” you don’t expect anything in return. Our Lord Jesus Christ sacrificed and divested His life for us. He was useful and constructive in His acts of love for us.

"The constructive power of an image is not measured in terms of its truth, but of the love it inspires."

Sarah Patton Boyle, U.S. civil rights activist and author.

A LOVE THAT IS COURTEOUS 1 Corinthians 13:5 "Is never rude (Moffat), it does not insist on its rights (Goodspeed), it is not quick to take offence. Love keeps no score of wrongs" (NEB).

One of the most important characteristics of love is "generosity," which is the opposite of selfishness.

Love seeks the well-being of others, and this involves the giving of self for the sake of others.

The Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7) precisely because He wants to see us love others just as He has loved us.

When God loved us, He did so by giving—offering up His only begotten Son for the sake of our salvation (John 3:16). Part and parcel of selflessness is courtesy.

Verse 5 informs us that love is not rude. It does not insist on its rights; rather, it is manifested when we are polite and respectful to others.

When we truly care about others we will not be rude to them but instead go out of our way to be courteous. If we are disrespectful or demeaning towards other people with our thoughts, words or time, we do not love others as we ought.

Moreover, in addition to being courteous and generous, "agape" love is not easily angered. For love "is not irritable or resentful." This does not mean love never gets angry, for God, who is Himself love, is angered by sin.

Love that is not irritable or resentful is a love not easily provoked.

The Word of God calls us to have self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When we get angry at every circumstance we are not controlling our emotions.

To love others means we work hard to avoid getting angry over petty things. It also means we learn not to get upset over situations which we have little or no control of.

We should be concerned about understanding our own idiosyncrasies and frustrations. That way, we can rightly assess our situation, maintaining self-control and responding appropriately to the different circumstances we face.

Love does not explode in anger every time something goes wrong.

The hardest people to be courteous to are the people who know us the best. How often are we rude and irritable with our spouses and children even as we exercise a great deal of self-control with those who are only barely acquaintances? How have you treated your family and close friends today? Have you blown up in anger or been rude to them? If so, go and apologize to them and endeavor to love them selflessly at all times.

A LOVE THAT IS CONSIDERATE 1 Corinthians 13:6(a) "Love is never glad when others go wrong (Moffat), but always glad when truth prevails." (Williams) Love does not applaud injustice or imperfection, never gloating when someone is wronged or flawed.

FEBRUARY 2018

Be aware that what you do will affect the people around you.

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12).

None but he whose heart is filled with love for God and all mankind can keep this precept, either in its spirit or letter. Self-love will feel itself sadly cramped when brought within the limits of this precept—"but God has spoken it!"

It is the spirit and design of the law and the prophets—the sum of all that is laid down in the Scriptures, relative to men’s conduct toward each other. It seems as if God had written it upon the hearts of all men, for sayings of this kind may be found among all nations, Jewish, Christians and Heathen.

Let us tolerate the differences of the people around us.

Let us use the basic standards of etiquette by thanking people who do things for us.

Let us be punctual for all of our appointments.

Let us have empathy.

Let us anticipate the needs of others.

"When we ask for love, we don’t ask others to be fair to us—but rather to care for us, to be considerate of us. There is a world of difference here between demanding justice…and begging or pleading for love." Mortimer Adler A LOVE THAT COVERS THE WRONGS OF OTHERS 1 Corinthians 13:6(b) "Does not gloat over other men’s sins (NEB); but always glad when truth prevails" (Williams).

Love cheers alongside Truth— they share in the joy of each other’s triumphs. In 1 Peter 4:8, it is written, "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." This truth is so important that it is taught in the Old Testament in Proverbs 10:12: "Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins."

The very thing that makes loving others challenging is the fact that they have weaknesses. The Bible tells us that we need to overlook some sins, cover those sins—not in the sense of pretending that they don't exist or condoning them, but as seen in the context—you have to love others in spite of their faults and failures.

We need to love others and not be judgmental nor turn our backs on them just because they do or say stupid things or because they don’t always act the way we want them to. The Lord Jesus commanded us to love one another—so we have to find a way, His way, of accomplishing that love for each other. The Lord Jesus also commanded us to love others as He loved us, and He certainly loved us in spite of our defects and messups—God loves us unconditionally.

The church, the body of Christ, is the proper place for all of us to experience unconditional love. This is the place for us to pass on God’s unconditional love to others. The church is the place where people are to be loved so that they could feel safe in spite of their imperfections. The church is the place where people gather to worship the True and Living God. In order for that to happen, we need: To look beyond the faults and mistakes of others.

To learn and practice behavior that pleases God. To work on the areas in which we must grow spiritually and at the same continued on page 22 Ź

FEBRUARY 2018

POINT OF VIEW | CLASSIFIED ADS | EDUCATION

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

9

The Concerns I Have on Body Image and Judging Appearances GENERAL POINT OF VIEW

O

ver the holiday season, I was feeling unwell, and it got to the point that my spouse insisted that I go see a doctor. There was one thing I noticed as I was restlessly waiting in the examination room. I noticed this both during the first appointment where the doctor determined the tests that I would undergo, and then the follow-up the appointment when we discussed the results. There were the typical signs such as not to use your cellphone, not be aggressive towards staff, and about medical procedures not covered by our health care coverage. But there was another type of poster that occupied those walls. They were talking about cosmetic surgery. I find it strange that in a facility where you seek help to improve your well-being, they also recommend procedures that focus on improving your appearance.

It is quite evident what these procedures are trying to promote, based on the row of three images left to right, where the abdominal area looks slimmer and less visible.

My cousin recently had a baby, about 3 months ago. She is the type who loves taking selfies and posting them online. She went to Baguio to visit our grandmother, and she posted a photo of them sitting on the couch on Facebook.

The first comment on the photo â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why does it look like you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit on the chair anymore? Looks like you got a lot bigger!â&#x20AC;?

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.

I personally question if there is a positive outcome with greeting someone with a comment about their appearance. I think about my late mother, who, after bearing three children, had grown larger in size. This much I remember because my grandmother kept all my motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothes. I even found her wedding gown. It surely didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit my 16-year-old body, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m

sure it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit me even now. Was she compared repeatedly with her two sisters who would be labelled as skinny?

When someone makes a criticizing remark on their own appearance, I feel unsure about how to respond.

Perhaps what they are saying is not even a lie. For instance, they have gray hair now, or that their skin became darker after being

atthe beach for a few days. What gives me pause is the tone, the hint of disgust and displeasure. Should I flatter them or dismiss their self-criticizing remarks? Should I respond by sharing the things I find ugly about my own body?

A half a decade gap between visits to the Philippines is a sizeable one. In this period of time, babies grow into children, teens grow into adults. It is a long enough time to notice changes in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appearance that may have occurred gradually.

I wonder how I would respond to all these comments that I should anticipate when I visit later this year. The two most common ones I surely will hear are â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your skin is so much lighter, so beautiful!â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;OMG you gained so much weight!

What in the world happened!?â&#x20AC;?

Is this something worth looking into? I personally feel more inclined to see if there is a sparkle in their eyes, from feeling content with all the changes in their lives. I prefer to listen to their voice, to decipher if someone feels worn out with lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges.

As it turns out, this was a topic I have written about in the form of a poem four years ago. The last stanza sums up my sentiments and has not changed since then.

Please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t greet me with my weight, and wrinkles, zits or cellulite Rather ask how much more I have gained in life Experience and learning, discoveries and philosophies with new memories to treasure As the soul, kind acts and goodness, goes beyond the physical form

10

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

TALE | HEALTH | BUSINESS | CONSULAR UPDATES

The Camping Adventure

Julia Isabel San Agustin 9 years old Avid and dedicated writer Proud parents - Dr & Mrs San Agustin

D

o you think camping is boring?

I sure do. Well, at least I used to. I experienced something that rarely happens to an ordinary person. Here's my story. You’ll get me when you read it but you really need to prepare yourselves, because this REALLY did happen tome! So, if you don’t believe me, you might want to run away screaming in fear.

Please, just let me tell you the story.

"Wake up! Wake up!” shouted my little sister, Lily. She has bushy blonde pigtails and a jumpy personality.

You're expecting me to find her annoying, right? NOT! I love Lily and she loves me too.

“The camping trip is today!”Lily urged, shaking me while I moaned unhappily in my cozy bed.

"Fine," I grumbled. "Listen, Lily, big sissy doesn't like camping trips.

But I’ll go if it makes you happy!”

I grinned, tickling her under her armpits.

Lily laughed uncontrollably.

“Stop!” she squealed. I stopped tickling her and told her that I would be downstairs after I got dressed. Lily nodded and joyfully skipped down the stairs. She waited obediently for me before eating her cereal.

I got out of bed, stretching like a lazy bear. I made my bed, then got dressed into clothes fit for adventuring!

I put on a soldier-related shirt that

would help me blend into the wild and light pink,spotted jeans that would keep me warm. I ran downstairs, hoping that I didn't keep Lily too long from eating her Frosted Flakes.

"Let's eat!” I announced, nodding at Lily who was already gobbling down her cereal.

Lily and I munched our breakfast down, then we helped Mum and Dad out with the bags. We both hopped into the car and buckled up just as soon as Mum and Dad were finished loading the car.

"Let’s go!" exclaimed Dad. Dad drove past grassy plains that stretched as far as the eye could see. Clumsy cows and hungry horses grazed on the fresh grass that went on and on and on. My little sister was playing on my phone, while I stared at the beauty of nature through the window. I knew that the woods would be even MORE beautiful than this, making me more eager than before.

"Hey, Lily, look at the strong horses and large cows in the plains.

They're beautiful!”I told Lily.

Lily glanced away from my phone and looked at the animals.

Suddenly, she put down my phone.

"Sissy, you’re right! Mum, Dad! Look at the horses and cows outside!”she giggled, realizing that she should have seen this sooner.

“Hey there, sleepy head. We’ve arrived at the jungle!”Dad joked,trying to wake me up.

“Huh? Already?” I moaned as if I was still in my bed back home.

“DUH! Look! Daddy made the tents and the campfire while you were sleeping!”Lily rolled her eyes at me.

“Oh, sorry,” I apologized, feeling like Lily was the grown up here. I got up from my seat, then stretched like a grumpy bear, like always. I walked over to one of the logs, sat down and held my hands over the warm fire. “Nice! Makes me feel like I'm at home.”

“Hey everyone,look at the calm river,”said Mum. She pointed over to a blue flowing river over in her direction. “Let's go on a camping adventure! Or in other words, a walk,”she explained.

We all walked towards the river then followed a gravel path.

"This is fun!" Lily said as she skipped along.

“Refreshing too! Makes me feel like an athlete!”I added.

“Watch out!”screamed Mum as I suddenly slipped and fell into the flowing river, which carried me away from my precious family.

I paddled like a dog for my life! Everything seemed like it was going in slow motion. Then,I sank to the bottom.

"Is she ok?" inquired a voice.

"Yeah. Just resting,”answered another.

I got up, wobbling, to take a better look at the people who saved my life. Instead of ordinary people, they were short, talking gummy bears! l screamed, covering my face as I cowardly shook in great fear.

"Don’t, worry. We won't hurt you”said a blue gummy bear.

“Yeah! If we were evil, we would have eaten you by now!" laughed a pink gummy bear.

I opened my eyes,realizing that they were friendly.

"Listen, I really need to get back home. What is this place anyway?"

I asked, looking around the room.

“Currently,you are in Gummy World. Everything is made out of gummies. Not all citizens are gummy bears though!”answered the blue gummy bear wisely. “I am Blue, and this is Pink! I know,we don’t have interesting names," Blue laughed, looking down at the floor.

“Nice to meet you!”greeted Pink.

"How did I get here?" I asked again, still confused.

“The secret entrance to Gummy

World is the river that you accidentally fell into. You can visit anytime you want now!" Blue said welcomingly.

"If you want to know more, follow me and Pink, please.”

I followed Pink and Blue out of the room and found that just as Blue said,not all citizens of Gummy World were gummy bears.

Pink and Blue led me to a grand gummy palace where gummy citizens were waltzing around in the ballroom. Soon, we were in a fancy room with a high ceiling.

Pink pressed a button and told me,"This is the way back home. We accept any human visitors, so please visit us again WITH your family! I’m sure the citizens of Gummy World would be entertained by the looks of humans,”giggled Pink.

I thanked Pink and Blue and stared in disbelief of what was hovering right in front of me. There was a blue and pink swirly portal!

“Goodbye!” I called to Pink and Blue.

FEBRUARY 2018

"Goodbye! Don't forget to visit again!”said Blue and Pink at the same time. I hopped into the portal, but I was prepared for what was coming my way.

“Goodness gracious! Is Julia ok?” sobbed Mum. “Mum? Dad? Lily? Is that you?" I asked, trying to look around AGAIN. Everything was blurry but after a little while, I could see my family looking at me with worried faces.

“Sis, I’m so glad you’re ok!" huffed Lily, looking happy that I was alive.

“Of course I am. I would never leave MY family," I smiled smugly,knowing that Mum was going to give me all types of love and treats for my little accident. But, I decided that I would give some sweets to my little sister too.

Mum assured me the entire way back to the campsite that I was going to be alright, and,just as I suspected,she gave me all the love and treats.

Oops! Don’t forget! I gave some sweets to Lily too.

FEBRUARY 2018

EDUCATION | BUSINESS

Your Guide to Your Professional Engineering Status in Alberta (For International Educated Engineers) 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 Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Ă&#x20AC;HOG RI HQJLQHHULQJ

F

or the past one year, the Alberta Filipino Journal through this column featured articles that will help Filipino Engineers learn how to be recognized as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Engineersâ&#x20AC;? in Canada. To summarize the entire procedure, the steps below and the chart will simplify all these requirements.

1. Register at APEGAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Website (www.apega.ca) and obtain the APEGA Member ID Number.

2. Have your University or College

gained Bachelor Degree and/or Masters Degree transcript of Records and Diploma sent directly in a sealed envelope to World Education Services (WES). You must obtain the International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) Course-by-Course Evaluation. Take note of the specific instructions given by WES. See their website at www.wes.org.

3. Complete your online Work Experience Record (WER). Instructions and online forms are available at the APEGAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website.

4. Submit your Citizenship or Permanent Residency Documents.

5. Submit your English Language Competency Requirement. You can show your skill in English in either two ways: A score of 100 or more on TOEFL Exam or Send APEGA a signed and dated Handwritten Letter showing your English Competency. Instructions are on the APEGA Website.

6. In the online application system of APEGA, complete the Character Declaration Form.

7. After the Board of Examiner (BOE) review, you might be assigned to take and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exams or one or more Technical Exams.

8. After passing the FE or Technical Exams, take and pass the National Professional Practice Exam (NPPE).

9. Gain at least one-year of engineering Canadian Working Experience under the supervision of a Professional Engineer.

10. After completing all the requirements, wait for the BOE final decision on your Professional Engineering Status.

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

11

Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Youth Council: Inviting the Youths to apply and participate in shaping a better educational system in the province. ѧ "SF ZPV JO KVOJPS PS TFOJPS IJHI and between the ages of 13 and 19 (as of September 1, 2018)? ѧ 8F BSF MPPLJOH GPS TUVEFOUT with diverse interests, identities, backgrounds and perspectives from all across Alberta to participate as partners in contributing to our education system ѧ "SF ZPV BCMF UP DPNNJU UISFF weekends during the school year?

Meetings will be held in Edmonton in September, February and May (dates are subject to change). ѧ 8F XJMM SFDSVJU B NJOJNVN PG 24 new council members and maximum of 8 returning council members from the 2017/18 council.

The deadline for applications is March 30, 2018. ѧ 4UVEFOUT PO UIF .JOJTUFS T :PVUI Council share their diverse student perspectives and provide input on education topics. They bring a broad range of life experiences, knowledge and skills from all types of schools across Alberta. ѧ ҲF BQQMJDBUJPO QBDLBHF SFRVJSFT consent from your parent/guardian.

ѧ "QQMZ POMJOF UPEBZ IUUQT education.alberta.ca/studentengagement/online-applicationform/?searchMode=3 to be a part of the Ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Youth Council! ѧ 1MFBTF OPUF ZPV XJMM CF QSPNQUFE to sign-in using your email address. ѧ 5P BQQMZ POMJOF ZPV NBZ DPNQMFUF the application in more than one online session. Click the â&#x20AC;&#x153;saveâ&#x20AC;? button to save your responses.Please save your work every 15 minutes as the system will timeout after 20 minutes. Once you complete the application, click the â&#x20AC;&#x153;submitâ&#x20AC;? button to ensure that your application will be received and reviewed by Alberta Education. ѧ "QQMJDBUJPOT UIBU IBWF CFFO saved but not submitted will not be accepted for consideration.

JotiButtar Ethnic Media Advisor Communications & Public Engagement Tel 780.643.9340 Mobile 780.918.8725 Joti.Buttar@gov.ab.ca

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

12

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

COMMUNITY | CONSULAR UPDATE | BUSINESS

FEBRUARY 2018

Who Cares for the Caregivers February 19 is Family Day in the Province of Alberta. It is a public holiday. Since it is the first holiday in the middle of the cold, winter months, many Canadian families use this opportunity to bond, get away to a warmer location or just hang out in the house and watch a couple of movies. For many migrant caregivers, not only is this holiday a chance for them to be with their families physically, it also gives them a longer time to be with their families virtually. Skype, Viber, Facebook, Messenger and many more social media platforms are being used by migrant moms to communicate with their own families that live thousands of miles away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I take care for other families and other children but I cannot take care of my own family. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take care of my own children,â&#x20AC;? laments Cecile. A live-in nanny, Cecile have been separated from her family for six years. She worked in Hong Kong for four years prior to coming to Canada. She has been waiting for the time that she can be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Like many caregivers, Cecile has been patiently collecting all the documents needed so that she can be reunited with her own family.

Processing times for permanent residency means that some caregivers are separated from their families for up to ten years. There are caregivers who find themselves missing their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire childhood. We know the irony of caregivers helping Canadian families while their own families are breaking apart because of the problems in the program.

Faster processing promised by the government has not solved the backlog problem.

Family reunification in Canada has always been a dream for migrant workers. That has been the case for Filipinos since the 1980s. Before the Live-in Caregiver Program, there was the FDM or the Foreign Domestic Movement, which recruited women to work as domestic helpers

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.

in upper middle class families. There were a few Filipinas who were part of that program at that time but it predominantly drew in women from the Caribbean. In 1992, Citizenship and Immigration Canada changed the program into the LCP or the Livein Caregiver Program, which was more restrictive. Three of the major restrictions were: mandatory living in an employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, caregivers needing to complete 24 months in the program before being able to apply for permanent residency and only being allowed to stay with one employer at a time. Changing employers meant that a new LMO or Labour Market Opinion (a government document that an employer needs in order to hire a nanny) would be required.

As we all know, the program has once again gone through major changes. In 2014, then immigration minister Chris Alexander, and Minister of Employment and Social Development Jason Kenney started restricting the applicants of the then Live-in Caregiver Program.

They accused the caregivers of using the program as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;family reunificationâ&#x20AC;? program. They imposed new restrictive language and postsecondary education requirements.

The former conservative government also made changes to the cap on how many caregivers would be allowed to come to Canada to 5,500. They also raised the LMIA fees to $1,000.

Alexander and Kenneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy significantly reduced the successful

applicants. According to the Toronto Star, 20 per cent, or 555 caregivers out of 2,730 applicants, were granted permanent residency in the country in the last three years. In 2016, the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), formerly known as Citizenship and Immigration Canada scrapped the Live-in Caregiver Program and changed it to a newly repackaged Caregiver Program. The live-in requirement was removed.

However, it has had very little effect on the caregivers because many employers are looking for live-in nannies. Other than recently removing the $1,000 LMIA fees, not much has changed.

The future of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign caregivers is gloomy. IRCC is currently reviewing its Caregiver Program.

In the meantime, their website indicates that they will stop accepting applications for the permanent resident program by November 29, 2019. This created panic among caregivers.

Many caregivers dream to be reunited with their families, hoping that the long separation, long working hours and hardship will be worth the wait. This Family Day, while they continue to care for their employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children and be a large part of their lives, they are limited to being a virtual figure to their own children on the other side of the world. Who will take care of our caregivers if this government wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t?

From Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Protect yourself

R

emember, legitima te telemarketers have nothing to hide ѧ )PXFWFS DSJNJOBMT XJMM TBZ BOZUIJOH to part you from your hard-earned money. ѧ #F DBVUJPVT :PV IBWF UIF SJHIU UP check out any caller by requesting written information, a call back number, references and time to think over the offer.

Legitimate business people will be happy to provide you with that information. After all, they want the "bad guys" out of business too.

Always be careful about providing confidential personal information, especially banking or credit card details, unless you are certain the company is legitimate. And, if you have doubts about a caller, your best defence is to simply hang up.

It's not rude â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it's smart.

If you're in doubt, it's wise to

ask the advice of a close friend or relative, or even your banker. Rely on people you can trust. Remember, you can Stop Phone Fraud - Just Hang Up! It sounds too good to be true You've won a big prize in a contest that you don't recall entering.

You're offered a once-in-a-lifetime investment that offers a huge return.

You're told that you can buy into a lottery ticket pool that cannot lose.

You must pay or you can't play The caller asks for all your confidential banking and/or credit card information. Honest businesses do not require these details unless you are using that specific method of payment.

You must give them your private financial information "You're a winner!" but you must agree to send money to the caller in order to pay for delivery,

processing, taxes, duties or some other fee in order to receive your prize. Sometimes the caller will even send a courier to pick up your money.

Will that be cash... or cash?

The caller asks for all your confidential banking and/or credit card information. Honest businesses do not require these details unless you are using that specific method of payment.

The manager is calling Often criminal telemarketers ask you to send cash or a money order, rather than a cheque or credit card. Cash is untraceable and can't be cancelled. And, crooks also have difficulty in establishing themselves as merchants with legitimate credit card companies.

The caller is more excited than you are The person calling claims to be

53 &RQVXODWH *HQHUDO¡V 2IĂ&#x20AC;FH warns of `No Consulate of Philippines in Saskatoonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;; Urges Pinoys to be vigilant

By Moses Billacura

Philippine Consulate General for Alberta and Saskatchewan Provinces, Julius Torres (4th from left) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Filipino-owned Quality Sleep Care (QSC) clinic, January 20, in Calgary. Joining him are (left-right) local Brazilian jiu jitsu champion Isla Diesmos, QSC's Kris Salumbides, Christian Jacob, Jesse Tallon, Arvin Esponilla, Wilma Payne, and Consul Pam Bailon.(Photo by Moses Billacura)

T

he Philippine Consulate Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office in Calgary has issued a warning to the Filipino community that there is no â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consulate of the Philippines in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canadaâ&#x20AC;?. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The public is advised that there is no Philippine Consulate in Saskatchewan at this time,â&#x20AC;? said the advisory emailed to the media, January 23. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Filipinos and FilipinoCanadians are urged to be vigilant against spurios claims or misinformation posted on the Internet, and to report questionable

or suspicious claims relating to Philippine missions in Canada to the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa or to the Philippine Consulates General in Calgary, Toronto, or Vancouver and additionally to Philippine Honorary Consulates in Halifax, St.Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Winnipeg,â&#x20AC;? the advisory added.

The Consulate Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office received information that there is an alleged Consulate office in Saskatoon and posted online was the address â&#x20AC;&#x153;1304 Est Centre, Saskatoon, SK S7J 3A9, telephone number (306)3747645, email cmaning@sasktel.netâ&#x20AC;?.

a government official, tax officer, banking official, lawyer or some other person in authority. The person calls you by your first name and asks you a lot of personal or lifestyle questions (like how often do your grown children visit you).

The stranger calling wants to become your best friend Criminals love finding out if you're lonely and willing to talk.

Once they know that, they'll try to convince you that they are your friend â&#x20AC;&#x201C; after all, we don't normally suspect our friends of being crooks.

It's a limited opportunity and you're going to miss out If you are pressured to make a big purchase decision immediately, it's probably not a legitimate deal.

Real businesses or charities will give you a chance to check them out or think about it.

I suspect that a relative or friend is being targeted by unscrupulous telemarketers. What can I do?

Watch for any of these warning signs ѧ " NBSLFE JODSFBTF JO UIF BNPVOU of mail with too-good-to-be-true offers.

ѧ 'SFRVFOU DBMMT PGGFSJOH HFU SJDI quick schemes or valuable awards, or numerous calls for donations to unfamiliar charities. ѧ " TVEEFO JOBCJMJUZ UP QBZ OPSNBM bills. ѧ 3FRVFTUT GPS MPBOT PS DBTI ѧ #BOLJOH SFDPSET UIBU TIPX DIFRVFT or withdrawals made to unfamiliar companies. ѧ 4FDSFUJWF CFIBWJPVS SFHBSEJOH phone calls.

If you suspect that someone you know has fallen prey to a deceptive telemarketer, don't criticize them for being naĂŻve. Encourage that person to share their concerns with you about unsolicited calls or any new business or charitable dealings.

Assure them that it is not rude to hang up on suspicious calls. Keep in mind that criminal telemarketers are relentless in hounding people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; some victims report receiving 5 or more calls a day, wearing down their resistance. And, once a person has succumbed to this ruthless fraud, their name and number will likely go on a "sucker list", which is sold from one crook to another.

SPORTS | COMMUNITY | BUSINESS

FEBRUARY 2018

Spread love through sports; Support 10-year-old Isla Diesmos

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

13

Alberta Filipino Journal meets Jordan Walker

By Moses Billacura

I

t’s wonderful to see our Canadian athletes in action at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games via live broadcast

by CBC. Four years of hard training and their test and quest for glory has finally come, not just for themselves but for the 36.6 million Canadians cheering for them this month. In the Sochi Games, Canada won 25 medals and Canada this year, sent a delegation of 225 athletes, including Filipino-Canadian speed skater Gilmore Junio of Calgary and we hope Team Canada will exceed their medal harvest of four years ago.

Junio is best remembered for giving up his spot to teammate Denny Morrison, who won a silver in the 1,000-meter event in 2014. Oh, that was unforgettable.

It is also good to note that the Philippines has two athletes in the Olympics, figure skater Michael Christian Martinez and Asa Miller, competing in Alpine skiing and we wish them well.

What interests me the most is the Unified Team of South and North Korea. Watching them

SPORTS JOURNAL MOSES BILLACURA mo.sports@gmail.com

Moses Billacura was a sports correspondent for national newspapers in the Philippines since 1992 and served as sports editor and columnist for a community paper before moving to Canada in 2010. He loves photography, manages pinoyedmontonnews.com and cheers for the Edmonton Oilers.

enter under one flag that shows the Korean Peninsula, brought both joy and sadness to me.

Sports, to me, means peace and harmony. It means friendship. It

means love for one another. Only in sports can we compete hard and valiantly against our rivals yet even if we lose, after the game, we extend our hands to congratulate

87

the victors and even embrace them for a job well done.

That, we only do in sports.

You see, dear readers, I’ve been involved in sports development in the Philippines for more than two decades and have been very vocal and in writing, tha t sports development should be treated as basic as food, clothing, shelter and health care in order to have a strong and vibrant nation.

Yet, alleged corruption in sports has made this impossible with Philippine sports leaders sticking like leeches to their posts for decades. Yet, I still hope continued on page 15 Ź

Foreign Qualification Recognition (FQR) and immigration professional Jordan Walker, whose passion is International Relations, met with Journal editor Lito Velasco for a night of talk on various topics involving the Filipino community at Emilio's Inasal, Feb.11.

Jordan strongly believes that "a focused and fair foreign qualification recognition (FQR) component"

should be a policy agenda as "part of a broader skills agenda for our labour force" in Alberta. Newcomers have kept coming in the province like Jun Calixihan, an engineer by profession and wife Nieves, an IT professional from the Philippines.

He is also a member of the United Conservative Party of Alberta and is active in southwest Edmonton.

He plans to hold a "Politics 101" workshop, an information session for the Filipino community about the political system in Alberta.

"It is good to know that he has shown interest of the Filipino community and he has, in fact, served our community as a foreign qualification recognition and immigration professional for years," said Velasco.

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14

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

COMMUNITY | POLITICS | ANNOUNCEMENT

Photo potpourri by the Journal

FEBRUARY 2018

Photos by Moses Billacura

1HZFRPHUV Ã&#x20AC;WWLQJ LQWR WKHLU QHZ KRPH &DQDGD

Organizer Caterina Rylance(3rd from left) with fellow organizers and some of the Editor Lito Velasco with newcomers Jun Calixihan, an engineer participants, that include editor Lito Velasco of the Journal(extreme right) during the from the Philippines and wife Nieves, an IT professional during the Community Support Night for Newcomers, Jan.29, at the St.Theresa School.

Community Support Night for Newcomers, Jan.29, at St.Theresa School.

PM Trudeau Town Hall meeting

Organizer Caterina Rylance(extreme left) with fellow organizers and participants, that include Pinoy Edmonton News Service founder, Journal columnist and photographer Moses Billacura of the Journal(extreme right) during the Community Support Night, Jan.29, at the St.Theresa School. (Photo by Lito Velasco)

Las Batanguenas Cuisine, Consular Outreach

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau answers questions during a Town Hall Meeting, Feb.1, at the MacEwan University in Edmonton, explaining the federal government's position on various issues from oil pipelines to veterans affairs.

Journal editor Lito Velasco (extreme right) with Cebuchon chef Jony Ontog (standing) and guests Danny Sabejon and wife Rose during the soft opening of the Las Batanguenas Cuisine at the Filipino Centre, Jan.28, in Edmonton.The grand opening is set for this month, announces owner, Remelie Serrano.

Filipino citizens wait for their turn to be served by the Philippine Consul*HQHUDO V 2IÃ&#x20AC;FH &DOJDU\ VWDII )HE DW D &RQVXODU 2XWUHDFK HYHQW LQ (GPRQWRQ ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR WKH UHJXODU ZHHNGD\ VFKHGXOH WKH FRQVXODU RIÃ&#x20AC;FH will open every second Saturday in Calgary and consular services are also scheduled in other towns this year. For updated information, visit their website at www.calgarypcg.org.

1HZ %RKRODQR DVVRFLDWLRQ RIÃ&#x20AC;FHUV VZRUQ LQ $OEHUWD 0HGLFDO 6XSSOLHV $06 Ã&#x20AC;QDQFH GLUHFWRU -DFRE &KULVWLDQ JHWV WKH FKDQFH WR DVN Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a Town Hall Meeting, Feb.1, as AMS manager Mia Mulingtapang video records the moment.

Federal Minister Amarjeet Sohi (extreme left) and MP Randy Boissonnault (2nd IURP ULJKW ZLWK $OEHUWD 0HGLFDO 6XSSOLHV $06 Ã&#x20AC;QDQFH GLUHFWRU -DFRE &KULVWLDQ DQG Edmonton branch manager Mia Mulingtapang (extreme right) after attending the Town Hall Meeting by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Feb.1, at the MacEwan University.

0HPEHU RI 3DUOLDPHQW .HOO\ 0F&DXOH\ WK IURP OHIW ZLWK WKH QHZO\ HOHFWHG RIÃ&#x20AC;FHUV RI WKH (GPRQWRQ %RKRODQR &XOWXUDO Association(EBCA) headed by President Bernard Ranario (3rd from right), Feb.10, at the Blue Quill Community Hall. McCauley SUHVLGHG RYHU WKH VZHDULQJ LQ FHUHPRQ\ 7KH RWKHU RIÃ&#x20AC;FHUV VHUYLQJ IRU WKH WHUP DUH $O 3HSLQR 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW 6KHOD (VWRUHRQ 6HFUHWDU\ $OHMDQGUR $XUHVWLOD 7UHDVXUHU 9HURQ 0DQLQDQWDQ $XGLWRU :HQGHO 5HFHPLOO &DQGDFH $OODQ -HVVLH 0DUN /DJXLWDR 3DWULFLD /RJURQR 352V $QG\ $\DGH 5D\PRQG *DPDG -HU\O 0DQLQDQWDQ -RYHQ %DOGR 6HUJHDQWV DW $UPV 'DYLG )DELRVD Edward Lacerna, Aries Polinar, Conrado Fulguerinas, Dedeth Amores and Benjie Pepino formed the committee of advisers.

2018 Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada Scholarship Program Consolidated Credit is proud to be offering a 2018 Scholarship Program to help students struggling with debt! This is a great opportunity for students to pay off some of their student loan debt and cover the costs of higher education like tuition and books.

The 2018 Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada Scholarship Program will award $1000 to the student with the best essay. Below are the rules for submission and entering: Rules: 1. Participating students should meet one of the following criteria:

ѧ #F DVSSFOUMZ FOSPMMFE JO B $BOBEJBO College or University ѧ )BWF HSBEVBUFE GSPN B $BOBEJBO College or University within the past one year ѧ )BWF CFFO BDDFQUFE GPS BENJTTJPO into a Canadian College or University for a program starting in 2018 2. One entry per student only by submitting one essay 3. Must be original content only.

No plagiarism.

4. The essay must be atleast 500 words 5. The essay should reach us before the deadline of April 9th, 2018 6. Participant must be able and willing to provide proof of admission

if selected as the winner.

7. The participant may not be a relative of any of Consolidated Creditâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employees or a winner of any of Consolidated Creditâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s previous giveaways.

Topic of Submission: The essay must be on any one of the following topics: 1. Creative Money Saving Tips for Students 2. How To Use Student Loans Wisely 3. How I Plan to Pay Off my Student Loan How to Apply: Step 1: Write an essay on any one of

the above topics thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a minimum of 500 words.

Step 2: Post the essay on your blog as a blog post. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a blog, you can create a free one using any one of the following free blogging platforms: WordPress.org Blogger.com Weebly.com Step 3: Insert the following text into the blog post containing your essay at the bottom: This essay has been written as an entry for the 2018 Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of

Canada Scholarship Program. For more information, visit: http:// www.consolidatedcredit.ca Step 4: Email us the link to your essay blog post at pr@consolidatedcredit.ca along with the following information: Full Name College or University youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re attending, attended or plan on attending The deadline for submission is April 9th, 2018 5 PM EST. The scholarship recipient will be announced on April 12th, 2018 through our blog as well as on our social media.

Good luck to all the participants!

Consolidated Credit team

FEBRUARY 2018

BUSINESS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

15

RP ConGen lauds Quality Sleep Care for opening new door of opportunities in Calgary

By Moses Billacura

CALGARY --- Philippine Consul General Julius Torres lauded Quality Sleep Care management and staff for expanding to Calgary and opening a new door of opportunities to the community, both in health care service and job opportunities.

“We are delighted that Quality Sleep Care has continued to expand,” said Torres. The consul general added that the company has been supporting various Filipino community events in the province specially backing the various Consular Outreach services.

QSC had its Grand Opening, January 20, at 107-12 Avenue NW (formerly #1, 1217 Centre Street NW), here, with Father Arjay Abanto blessing the new clinic that helps Albertans with sleeping disorders.

Gracing the event were consul Pam Bailon, local Brazilian jiu jitsu champion Isla Diesmos, Filipino community event supporters from nearby towns and cities including ABSCBN’s The Filipino Channel, doctors and other health care practitioners who received a tour at the clinic

by QSC co-founder and marketing director Kris Salumbides. from page 13

Spread love through sports; Support 10-yearold Isla Diesmos that the Filipino athletes back in the land of our birth will be united to fight and not be afraid of losing their spots in the national teams and stand up against so-called sports leaders despite threats to be removed from the national line-up and as a consequence will lose their source of income for their families.

Back to the Winter Games, I hope that negotiations between North and South Korean officials will be fruitful and that peace and harmony will reign over Korea.

And in the Philippines, I hope that the ongoing sports movement to fight alleged corruption and improve the condition of sports development will be a reality.

Let us continue to spread love through sports. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. *** Talking about sports reminds me of grade 5 student Isla Diesmos, a bemedalled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete in Calgary.

Isla is an anti-bullying advocate who is preparing for the Pan Kids IBJFF Jiu-Jitsu Championship this month in Long Beach and the Philippine BJJ International Gi and No Gi Open in March in Manila.

We can show her our love too by supporting her Competition Fund through https://www.gofundme. com/isladiesmos.

Thank you Albertans!

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On hand to personally welcome the visitors and guests were QSC co-owners Christian Jacob, finance director, Jesse Tallon, operations director and Arvin Esponilla, sales director who thanked everyone for coming and supporting them.

Quality Sleep Care has been providing sleep apnea solutions for all ages under the care of a team of registered polysomnographic technologists, respiratory therapists and doctors that includes the Sleep Assure Program, a cloud-based technology that continuously monitor patients via remote wireless modems.

QSC has two branches in Edmonton and will be opening clinics in British Columbia and Manitoba this year.

“We are passionate in helping others rediscover the power of sleep,” said Salumbides.

Philippine Consulate General for Alberta and Saskatchewan Provinces, Julius Torres (4th from left) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Filipino-owned Quality Sleep Care (QSC) clinic, January 20, in Calgary. Joining him are (left-right) local Brazilian jiu jitsu champion Isla Diesmos, QSC's Kris Salumbides, Christian Jacob, Jesse Tallon, Arvin Esponilla, Wilma Payne, and Consul Pam Bailon.

(Photo by Moses Billacura)

16

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

ARTS | ENTERTAINMENT | GREETINGS

FEBRUARY 2018

Empowering Girls Behind the Masks of the Girls

By Riana Torrejon

67% of girls that are uneducated believe that domestic violence is justified. One of the most powerful weapons to combat this issue is education. With education comes empowerment for girls to stand on their own. Education changes minds.

Plan International works with girls in communities of impoverished countries to help empower them.

The concert fundraiser “For Girls” is a cause raising money for Plan International’s Because I Am a Girl movement. It will be held on April 7, Saturday, 7 PM, at Sejong Multicultural Centre featuring the “Skyfall Code Band” playing songs to dance the night to. The event not only aims to raise money, but to also raise awareness of the stories that occur everyday around the world which we need to be reminded of. One story can ignite others to

strive for change and inspire efforts towards helping one another.

One of the stories which I can never erase from my memory and from my heart is what happened to a young girl who was my nanny in the Philippines. Her father tried to arrange a marriage for her in exchange for a sack of rice, but she had lived in the city with us and understood she had options, so she refused and fled to freedom.

However, her father and brother were murdered as a result. Stories like these are all too common, but outside the realm of the Canadian experience, and I aim to share them.

Nothing truly separated me from her except the circumstances in which we were born.

Please, join us in working to end gender inequality and promote girls’ rights. With Valentine’s Day in mind, love shines hope in the darkest of times, so let us give that to our girls in need, starting with your ticket to this event.

of the Crazy Sexy Cool (GCSC)

By Ida Beltran-Lucila

The photos from last issue's Artospective article on Behind the Masks of The Girls of Crazy Sexy Cool was inadvertently omitted. Photos reprinted here.

For the full article, check out the January issue or go to www.philippineartscouncil.com and www. albertafilipinojournal.com

About the Author: Riana Torrejon is a twelfth-grade student at Archbishop MacDonald High School who is passionate about human rights. Her future hope is to see a world in which all are provided wth welfare and feel safe enough to pursue their dreams. To purchase tickets, contact her at (587) 990-7818 or email torrejonriana@gmail.com

One of the greatest gifts God can give to human race is the sanctity of marriage. The couple is endowed with the privilege to build a miniature church called home, where they would participate in the Divine Mission: to pro-create and sanctify Obviously, this couple’s life serves as a living testimony.

HAPPY 26th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Dr. Rod and Mrs. Jencet Montano!

Happy Birthday Benjie Lindo!

Man’s impish smile is the mirror of his inner joy. Nobody can be intrinsically happy when he celebrates birthday alone. With friends, family members, especially the wife around; there’s no reason to frown. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO. DARIO JUANILLO!

FEBRUARY 2018

POINT OF VIEW | BUSINESS

Through a Teenager’s 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….

I wrote this letter because…

M

y love, I hope that you are reading this. I may not be able express my feelings face-to-face but at least I can write it using a pen and my heart. “Hey, I have something to tell you...”, “What is it?”, “Oh never mind”. It would just be a typical conversation when I am talking to you. Sometimes, thoughts cross my mind, of reasons why I can't tell you that I love you. It might become awkward between us two. Maybe you love someone else. Maybe you will stay away from me… or reject me and get mad at me. I keep assuming and dwelling in these, “maybes”, but how will I know if I do not try to tell you? But I know one thing for sure, that I love you and I wish I could tell you I love you.

Why am I so stupid and continue to wait this long to tell you what my heart says? You treat me like a friend but I treat you like someone who is more than friend - the one who I love. If I told you I love you, would you love me back? I am so glad to be your friend. I am so glad

that we are really close to each other.

I am happy because my friend is happy. The friend I've fallen in love with. Is a friend all I will be to you?

They say that I should tell you I love you already, before someone gets ahead of me. It's like being in a parking lot, you need to immediately find a parking space before someone parks in that area.

Same with love, tell your loved one how you feel, before it’s too late.

Every night, I pray for courage so that I can express how I feel for you. So that I can tell you the three words I have been longing to tell you. My life will be filled with love and light if I can be with you. We talk frequently but why can’t I tell you the phrase, “I love you”.

That is why this time, there is no turning back. This time, I’ve focused myself on you. I've been waiting for this for so long. The time where I express my feelings for you with no doubt and by not being a coward. Now, I can finally speak the words I have always wanted to say to you, that I love you.

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

17

Community Resource Article: Key 3Digit Numbers to Remember for Help

By Giselle General

T

here are many contact numbers that are useful to remember, as they can provide information and support not only for yourself, but also for situations where you see someone in need. This is a handy list of 3-digit phone numbers and when is it the best time to call.

1. 211 - When you see someone in distress, you can provide help by calling 211 and pressing 3. Doing so will dispatch what is called the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Team which is supported by an organization called REACH Edmonton. This can be particularly useful in the winter if you see a person in the streets that may be hurt or freezing but you are not 100% sure. Calling 211 first before 911 can help prevent the unnecessary use of emergency services. When in doubt, call 211 first. If more immediate help is needed you will be directed to call 911. Examples of situations where you can call 211 are when a person is dressed inappropriately for the weather, a person is intoxicated or impaired, or a person in sleeping in a stairwell or unsafe place. The following link can provide more information.

https://reachedmonton.ca/public/ Just-Call-211 2. 311 - This provides citizens with access to City of Edmonton information and services. You can do things such as ask for information on things such as transit, libraries or recreation facilities, for a program or service that the city provides, or registering a complaint under the city’s bylaws. Non-English-speaking callers may request the assistance of an interpreter. The 311 agent will connect with an external interpretive service to assist with the call. The interpretive service offers assistance

in more than 150 languages. Visit the following link for more information or to access the service online: https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_ services/service-311-contact-centre. aspx 3. 377 – This is the Edmonton Police Non-Emergency Line. It is best to use this number to make a report on crimes such as thefts/mischief, assaults, break and enters, sexual assault, fraud, suspicious persons or vehicles and complainst about weapons and guns. Mobile access is also available by texting #377. The continued on page 22 Ź

18

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

INSPIRATION | ANNOUNCEMENT | GREETINGS

FEBRUARY 2018

Filipinos Success' Stories:

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

By Marianne Yvonne Rosal and Marjorie Carmona Newman

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life is full of surprises, but you have to open them hoping for the very best.â&#x20AC;?

Bayani and Lorena Alacantara Owners of Panciteria de Manila

T

he phrase â&#x20AC;&#x153;life is full of surprisesâ&#x20AC;? rings most definitely true for the owners of the beloved local pinoy restaurant in Edmonton. Bayani and Lorena Alcantara did not expect to be owners of Panciteria when they first moved to Canada. But life has a way of turning lemons into pancit.

Bayani Amir Alcantara, from Cainta, Rizal was born on Jan. 25, 1968 to the late Dr. Jesus Alcantara and Paz Alcantara. He finished elementary and high school at the University of the Philippines Diliman Q.C. He graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology.

He met his wife, Lorena Alcantara, while in college at Trinity University (formerly known as Trinity College) in Quezon City.

The college sweethearts got married and became parents at the young

age of 20. They are blessed with 4 beautiful daughters who are now all grown up, Lormirra, Lorraine, Loren and Lois.

Bayani did not start out in the restaurant industry. He worked at St Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Center for 9 years and at The Medical City for 2 years as a cardiovascular technologist.

However, in 2002, the couple made a decision in order to obtain a better future for their children and decided to immigrate to Canada.

Bayaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first job in Canada was as a janitor at Weber Centre 101. From there, he was able to get a job at Dynacare Kasper (now Dynalife Dx) as a laboratory assistant. To make ends meet for his growing family, he decided to switch careers and get a job in Fort McMurray when the economy there was booming.

However, while there were a lot of opportunities for his career, he found being away from his family difficult, especially having four teenage girls. He then made the decision to go back to Edmonton to join an insurance company.

2012 was the year that Bayani and Lorena decided to open a

restaurant business. It all started when his mother-in-law became a permanent resident and had nothing to do at home. To keep her busy at first, the couple looked for opportunities for her to babysit.

At that time, Bayaniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girlfriend had been working at a daycare and suggested that the couple open one.

They initially decided to pursue this venture but the defining twist occurred when, in opening the daycare centre, the location they found available at that time was open for restaurant opportunities.

Turning their lemons into lemonade, they decided to go for the restaurant business, seeing as their mother-inlaw had restaurant experience in the Philippines for 15 years.

The struggle didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t end there.

They encountered the obstacles of starting a business in Edmonton, for instance, financing the restaurant business as first-time entrepreneurs.

As luck would have it, they found a downtown location in Chinatown that was suitable for the restaurant that had a retiring owner who was willing to give counsel. This owner became their mentor in their first business venture, asking him for advice from building maintenance to running a restaurant.

Despite all the struggles, the

Bayani and Lorenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eldest daughter Jezelle and husband Jarett, Bayani , third daughter Janina, youngest daughter Jamie and her boyfriend Tyrone, wife Lorena, second daughter Jaira and her boyfriend Jimmy.

Atty Katrina Angeles, Ally Angeles, Bayani Alcantara, Milly Angeles, and Atty. Joseph Angeles.

continued on page 19 Ĺš

Kelly Mac Cauley, MP Edmonton West, Benjie Lindo of Duterte Volunteers - Alberta, Bayani Alcantara of Panciteria De Manila (birthday celebrant), Doctor Rod Montano of *UHDW 6PLOH 'HQWDO &OLQLF DQG $WW\ -RVHSK $QJHOHV RI $QJHOHV /DZ 2IĂ&#x20AC;FH

Benjie Lindo, Lito Velasco, Bayani Alcantara, and Rolan La Torre of Tahanan ng OPM 101.7 FM.

Dianne Sinday,Francis Sinday, Dr. Chum Gabriel of Skin Lueur Laser Centre, Lito Velasco of Alberta Filipino Journal, Jeffrey Gabriel (Dr. Chumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s husband), Dr. Rod and wife Jencet MontaĂąo, Ed Gonzales of Palabok House, Bayani Alcantara (behind him is his wife) Lorena Alcantara, Yolanda Pilon, and Lydia Jimenez of Palabok House.

FEBRUARY 2018

COMMUNITY | RELIGION | BUSINESS

19

SUCCESSFUL SINULOG 2018

from page 18

Kaya Ko, Kaya Mo! restaurant finally opened in August 2012 as a fast-food place serving breakfast and pancit. The word spread and soon kababayans in Edmonton were demanding that they expand the menu. From then on, Panciteria has grown into a full-size restaurant with karaoke nights as well as live bands playing every Friday and Saturday nights.

From being a breakfast chain, the restaurant not only caters wellloved filipino traditional cuisine now, but also showcases local talent and appeals to pinoys of all ages, especially the young generation.

The restaurant has since moved to a downtown location at 15326 Stony Plain Road. While the business has certainly expanded, the couple maintains it as a family business.

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

To kababayans who want to startup their own restaurant ventures, the Alcantaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice can be summed up as: 1. Pray and ask for guidance from the Lord.

2. Involve your family.

3. Know your whys and why are you doing it?

4. Confront your fear, stay away from negative people.

5. Trust your capabilities, know your strength.

6. Think big and start small.

7. Find a good mentor.

And finally, to serve up their last food for thought: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Success is not defined by having nice cars, a big house or lots of money.

Success is a journey with your family and having a good life.â&#x20AC;?

By: Rubie Elegino and Lolit Abellon

VISMIN Association of Edmonton once again hosted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sinulogâ&#x20AC;? a famous Filipino festival in Cebu City, Philippines in honour of Senior Sto. Nino de Cebu. It was held last January 20, 2018, at Royal Palace and it marks the 24th Sinulog celebration hosted by VISMIN

Association in Edmonton. It is one of the most attended Filipino events in the city in which different dance groups sharing one faith offer prayers through dance for our beloved Sr. Sto. Nino. Thanks to the sponsors for their gracious donations, the VISMIN officers and advisors,

9LVPLQ 2IĂ&#x20AC;FHUV

Alcantara Family: The Family that celebrates New Year together stays together.

0DUMRULH DQG 7HUU\ 1HZPDQ RI 0&1 ,PPLJUDWLRQ &RQVXOWDQF\ 2IĂ&#x20AC;FH 9LUJLQLD DQG Aurelio Sumalinog of Vizmin Association of Edmonton, Dick Victor B. Carmona (Vice Mayor of Nasipit, Agusan Del Norte), Benjie Lindo of Alberta Duterte Volunteers, and Edge Grabador, an Interior Designer and Fashion Model.

volunteers and the participating dancers, and of course all of the beloved devotees and attendants.

This event would not have happened without you all. It is believed that throughout Sinulog, prayers are answered. VIVA PIT SENYOR!

20

LEISURE AND FUN

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

FEBRUARY 2018

Alberta Filipino Journal: Promoting Philippine Tourism.

PHILIPPINES: Where the Filipino Hearts Belong.

Lito Velasco and Moses Billacura listen to abel Cereno’s Stories after his three month visit to the Philippines

W

herever he goes, no matter what, the Filipino’s heart will remain faithful to the Philippines. From the rising of the sun to its setting, his famous battlecry is “I love my own Native Land.”

In reality, no person, regardless of nationalities, has the desire to leave his own homeland; especially his or her own family. Stepping away from his loved ones is always matched with the pound of tears falling.

Behind the tears is the conviction that one day, he would be bringing back the glory to his hometown.

After the earning seasons or years of hardwork and industry as an OFW; here he is, booking a flight to either pay a visit or go back home for good in the Philippines.

Michael V of Bubble Gang poses with Baida and Hermo Pagtakhan

Why? Simply because he loves his own native land: The richness of culture, the songs of the birds, the smell of the farmlands, and most of all, the lovely people—his nuclear or extended family.

For those who became citizens of other countries like Canada; they always have good stories to tell every after paying a vacation in the Philippines. Many a few had visited for a noble purpose. Some had just gone home as cure for homesickness; others had been doing so for different reasons. Mostly, just for fun and leisure. IBA TALAGA ANG PINAS! The Joy of Homecoming: Meeting and connecting with old and new friends during their recent visit to the Philippines.

GMA7 Show Director Caesar Cosme in between by Hermo poses with Bubble Gang’s sexy actress Kim the Pagtakhan couple Domingo

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

JayTee Balmores Philippine trip

Jun & Hermie Angeles celebrated their 42nd Wedding Anniversary

At Regina Rosarii Church, Tanay Rizal

The Pinto Arts Museum

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FEBRUARY 2018

GREETINGS | BUSINESS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Gina Mendoza's 50th Birthday Gina Mendoza celebrated her 50th Birthday on Dec. 16, 2017 with her close friends and family. She was born in Navotas City, Manila. Her Parents were Soledad & Leopoldo Navarro and has two siblings Irene Naca and Cherry Navarro. She graduated at St. Jude's College in 1988 of Bachelor of Science in nursing. She arrived in Canada in 1993 and married her husband Tommy Mendoza in 2015.

Melanie Angeles, Gina Mendoza (Celebrant) Liezel Candava, Christine Cayabyab.

The emcee's of the night.

First cousins of the celebrant

21

22

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

from page 8

LOVE WORTH GIVING... time work on loving others while they grow spiritually, too.

"Our righteousness is in Him, and our hope depends, not upon the exercise of grace in us, but upon the fullness of grace and love in Him, and upon His obedience unto death." John Newton A LOVE THAT CAN ENDURE 1 Corinthians 13:7(a) "Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust." (Phillips) This verse reads like a 4 point list of emphasis in the description of what "agape" love is designed to be.

"Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

Now, let’s consider the last phrase, "endureth all things." I compared some of these words in relation to patience that are in the passage.

In verse 4 there is the expression "Charity suffereth long." While these phrases have similarities, there is an interesting contrast in the meanings of the words that were translated. The word we find in verse 4 is "makrothumeo."

This word means being slow to anger, exercising self-restraint in the face of provocation. It is typically used in reference to patience toward people.

Here in verse 7, the word is "hupomeno." While there are similarities and overlap in the meanings, this word was usually used in reference to patience in the face of circumstances, rather than confrontations with people.

Think about what this is telling us about love. This kind of love will not just survive circumstances, but thrive through them.

Circumstances, no matter how extreme,

are irrelevant to this "agape" love.

Remember that this "agape" love is that same kind of love that the Lord Jesus Christ possesses. I am reminded of a passage about God’s love: "Deus nobiscum, quis contra."

"If God be for us, who can be against us." Romans 8:31(b) What does that tell us about God’s love? Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. No circumstance that happens around me can obliterate God’s love for me. I can walk away from Him, but even that will not make Him love me less. Consider this passage in Scripture: "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 Now, let’s bring this back to our passage in 1 Corinthians 13:7 and the discussion on love. When I learn this kind of love, it will not be affected by circumstances. This kind of love is truly special! So, let’s put this into practice.

Love…endures all things… in my relationship with ______________________.

Put a person’s name in the blank and spend some time thinking about this in your relationship with them.

This could be a spouse, son, daughter, parent, friend, pastor, or other person with whom you have contact. How would this improve your relationship?

A LOVE THAT CONQUERS THE CIRCUMSTANCES 1 Corinthians 13 7(b) "…always hopeful (Moffat); hopes under all circumstances" (NBV).

THERE IS NOTHING LOVE CANNOT FACE.

RELIGION | BUSINESS There is no limit to its faith.

It hopes under all circumstances.

It gives us power to endure everything.

THIS CAN BE EXPRESSED BY: Choosing our battles wisely.

Becoming aware of our moods and not allowing ourselves to be fooled by the low ones.

Looking beyond behavior.

Seeing innocence.

Making service an integral part of our lives.

This love that is worth giving is capable of overcoming all obstacles or any other contradicting emotion.

Amor vincit omnia—love conquers all!

A LOVE THAT CANNOT FAIL 1 Corinthians 13:8 "Love will never come to an end (NEB): the time will come when we outgrow prophecy (Knox); if now exist ecstatic speakings, they will cease (Williams); whether gaining of knowledge, it shall be done away" (Rotherham).

Can we measure something that is immeasurable? To quote Horace Greely, "Fame is a vapor, popularity is an accident, and riches take wings. Only one thing endures and that is character."

CONCLUSION WE MUST WALK OUR TALK. a. Talk is cheap! We can be sympathetic to people all we want and it does not change their situation. b. The ultimate expression of LOVE is ACTION. Those who truly love us will help us do something about the problem. c. Agapic lovers are forgiving. d. Agapic lovers never "fall in love."

Their love for others is always available. e. Agapic lovers are patient with the behaviors of the objects of their love. f. Agapic lovers are always supportive of their partners.

THIS CAN BE EXPRESSED BY: Being relaxed.

Doing one thing at a time.

Practicing being in the eye of the storm.

Being flexible with changes in our plans.

Thinking of what we have instead of what we want.

Being willing to learn from friends and family.

Being happy where we are.

Remembering that we become what we practice the most.

Filling our lives with love.

WE CAN SHOW THIS BY: a. Redefining what meaningful accomplishments should be. b. If being peaceful and loving are among our priorities, then why not redefine our most meaningful accomplishments as being those that support and measure qualities such as kindness and contentment. c. Rather than being consumed exclusively with external successes, let’s try putting more emphasis on what’s really important.

LET US LIVE THIS DAY AS IF IT WERE OUR LAST. IT MIGHT WELL BE! Lord, help us to measure up with these standards that we may make our love worth giving so that we may give glory to your Name.

Amen.

from page 17

Community Resource Article: Key 3- Digit...

LOVE THAT WILL NEVER COME TO AN END. Steadfast, never fails (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

FEBRUARY 2018

following link can provide more detailed information. www.edmontonpolice.ca/ContactEPS/ EPSComplaintLine.aspx 4. 811 – If you have any medical concerns or need access to handy medical information, this is the number for Health Link. Callers have 24-7 access and advice from a nurse. If you are unsure about whether you should go to a medical clinic or the emergency room, this is a good resource to access. Additional information can also be provided such as finding the nearest clinic or program, advice on dementia-related issues, as well as where to access health care

providers. More information is on their website:www.albertahealthservices. ca/info/page12630.aspx 5. 911 – Police encourage people to call 911 when someone is in a life-threatening situation or if they witness a crime in progress. It is valuable to remember when to call 911 so that help can be provided immediately, keeping in mind that not all situations constitute an emergency.

This is by no means a complete list, but it is a starting point. It’s great that certain social agencies or government departments are tasked to help us meet a specific need and that they are only a 3-digit phone call or a website away.

FEBRUARY 2018

BUSINESS | HEALTH

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

23

24

BUSINESS | FOODS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

everyone is welcome to shop at

co-op POLLY MANGO DRINK 2L

SALE 99

1

EACH

CO-OP LUCKY DRAGON RICE 18.1KG

SALE

24 9 9 EACH

Limit of 6

L i mi t o f 6

UFC SPAGHETTI SAUCE SWEET FILIPINO STYLE

BOY BAWANG

Co-op @ Millwoods Town Centre

2331 66th Street | Open 7 Days A Week, 7AM - 11PM

NorthCentralCoop.ca | #CoopFood

ATTA CHAKKI FLOUR 10KG

SUPER Q GOLDEN BIHON CORNSTARCH STICKS

SALE 00

9

EACH

Lim it o f 6

SALE 59

1

EAC H

L im it of 2

NI MANG JUAN

1KG

LIGO SARDINES IN TOMATO SAUCE 155G

SALE 99

2

FEBRUARY 2018

SALE ¢

79

EACH

EACH

SALE 19

1

SALE 19

1

EACH

EAC H

Limit of 6

L i mi t o f 6

Lim it o f 2

L im it of 6

FILIPINO STYLE MEATY JUICY HOTDOG

PATU PUTI SOY SAUCE

UFC SPICED VINEGAR

UFC BANANA SAUCE

SALE 99

SALE 69

925G

750mL

550G

1L

SALE

15 99 EACH

Limit of 6

SALE 79

2

EACH

Li mi t o f 6

EACH

Lim it o f 6

LITTLE TUNA INDIAN MACKEREL

2

680G

5

EACH

EAC H

L im it of 6

SCAD

GOLD THAI FROZEN SHRIMP

450G

450G

600G

SALE 99

1

SALE 99

6

EACH

Li mi t o f 6

SALE 99

4

EACH

Lim it o f 6

SALE 99

9

EAC H

L im it of 6

Limit of 6

Did you know...

North Central Co-op locations are in Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Legal, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove & Stony Plain.

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