Alberta Filipino Journal - June 2019 Issue

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Serve What Our People Deserve!

The President speaks

JUNE 2019 • Volume 12, Number 06

AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

The Philippine Heritage Month in Alberta 2019:

A FULL BLAST

COPAA President Jun Angeles, Mrs. Hermie Angeles, Mrs. Rosalie Asuque, and Philippine Consul General Gilberto Asuque P14, P23 ►

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BUSINESS

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

JUNE 2019

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

INSPIRATION | TABLE OF CONTENTS | BUSINESS

Filipinos Success' Stories: If I can; You surely can!

Protect More. Save More.

Ellen Galupo: A Filipina from the Hills!

and SAVE* + Protect More. Save More.

Insure your

Interviewed by Marianne Rosal

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I'm writing on behalf of the Alberta Filipino Journal regarding a monthly column "Kaya Ko, Kaya Mo." This column features our fellow Filipinos (kababayans) who strive to reach their goals in Canada and have made an impact in the Filipino community.

This month, we would like to feature you for the column. If you are willing to be featured, I would like to ask you a few questions below: What was your dream job as a child?

As a child, I wanted to be what a lot of Filipino parents wanted their children to be – a nurse or a doctor.

I was an obedient child, so I studied hard to pursue that dream. I was the valedictorian in junior high and in high school, I was one of only 6 in my graduating class with the highest honours distinction.

What is your career path like? Did you have a goal in mind, or did things fall into place? Where there struggles you have to overcome?

Barriers in culture or language? Was there schooling you had to take? Etc?

Still unsure of what I would like to be at the end of high school, I decided to take a general health science program at the University of Ottawa. In order to discover what I was really passionate about, I volunteered diligently in different places – in different hospitals and clinics that cater from paediatrics to palliative care and at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health. I was also a research assistant at the Bruyère Research Institute. In second year, I took a class called socioeconomic and political determinants of health and I was struck by its content that politics and government policies have such a huge and direct impact on the lives of people. Conscious yet inspired by my new found knowledge, I went back home to Moosonee in Northern Ontario where my family settled and the population is about 90% Indigenous. I started a blog called Humans of Moose River and documented the lives of people there. Since I had a health science background, my initial aim was to explore the impact of poor healthcare in the area. However, I discovered a lot more issues that exist as a result

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Kaya Ko; Kaya Mo!

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WHAT's Inside: A reader's guide

of government policies, especially as I have interviewed residential school survivors. I was amazed by the resilience of Indigenous people, but I also started to think about my own Filipino people and how

Kaya Ko; Kaya Mo! Editor’s Corner Sports Journal Just Listen Hindi Dapat Pagtakhan Jan The Man’s Note From Migration to Immigration Make Our Daily Gospel Reading Trending Migrant's Voices Radyo Sa Dyaryo From A Vantage Point Filipinavigation Through a Teenager’s Eyes Engineer In Action General Point of View

3 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 20 23 23 24 24 25

continued on page 9 ►

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NORA G. RAGADIO, Realtor®

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AFJ STAFF | EDITOR'S CORNER | BUSINESS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

EDITOR’S CORNER Lito Mendoza Velasco

Published by Angeles Publishing Company Inc. 246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2T2 Jose L. Angeles Publisher / Chief Operating Officer Sales & Advertising CP: 780-916-7677 Landline: 780-988-8889 Fax: 780-988-2221 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com Lito Mendoza Velasco Editor-in-Chief / Associate Publisher 780-655-5126 editor@albertafilipinojournal.com Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles Administrator / Office Manager Sales & Advertising 780-993-5503 albertafilipinojournal79@gmail.com Lianne Angeles Proofreader l Contributing Writer Melanie C. Gomez Website / Graphic Designer Photographers/Videographer: Moses Billacura, Noli Granado, Dario Juanillo Angeline Escano Columnists: Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Tito S. Venida Ida Beltran-Lucila, Katrina Marielle U. Cereno Kristian Cereno, Marco Luciano, Moses Billacura Mervin Mendoza Cereno, Nicky Gocuan Giselle General, Perry Diaz, Hermo Pagtakhan Januel Cedrick Ibasco, Fr. Jhack Diaz

EXCELLENCE-DRIVEN

W

hile it is true that everybody has the story to tell; it is also true that every story bears witness to its unicity, authenticity, resilience, and uniqueness.

The Filipino story is one of the vivid proofs or examples that

JUNE 2019

would surely gain respect from our fellowmen around the globe.

Featuring our kababayan in our regular Column Kaya Ko; Kaya Mo! (If I can; you surely can!), have made them more committed to their aspirations.

For instance, this month, the focal point of our search light is focused to Ellen Galupo who has proven her worth of becoming a legendary figure that would testify how she’d found the missing links in order for the Filipinos to become part of the significant majority here in Canada. Through her and the other personalities who have previously been excelling in their careers; we could have testified now to our community that we have the world-class qualities due to our determination, perseverance, industry, and capability.

Our love of country is the key!

Welcome Back to Your Homeland No conflict has been ended by another conflict. No war has been terminated by shooting or continuously inflicting harm against each other; but rather, by mutual agreement and communication.

Honourable Sathiyasangaree "Gary" Anandasangaree MP, a Tamil Canadian lawyer, human rights activist and politician representing Scarborough—Rouge Park as a Liberal member in the House of Commons and Honourable Randy Boissonnault MP is a Canadian politician representing the riding of Edmonton Centre as a Liberal member of the House of Commons of Canada made it clear to Alberta Filipino Journal that the garbage being dumped in the Philippines is coming back here in Canada. In unison, Gary and Randy told the AFJ that it was done by a private contractor and the government is finding ways to have this thoroughly investigated and deserves a due process. Thanks guys for realizing that

our country, the Philippines, is not a dump site.

A Grand Salute to the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for his decisiveness and resistance against this long overdue issue. Very true and I agree, that sometimes, we need to be harsh in order to rectify the issue. But, of course, communication has long been universally accepted and effective way of achieving a mutual understanding or agreement.

Contributing Writers: Fr. Nilo Belvis Macapinlac, Riana Torrejon The Alberta Filipino Journal is dedicated in memory of Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros of Winnipeg as she engaged her entire life in service to the Filipino Community.

We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.

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

JUNE 2019

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

PARA-LEGAL SERVICES | SPORTS | BUSINESS

NORA G. RAGADIO, Realtor®

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Edson volleyball, Alexis Dimaculangan and his gang, Cold Lake basketball keeps going on, JIL sportsfest 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.

I

t’s all systems go for the 3rd Edson Filipino Men’s and Women’s Volleyball League on June 8-9, according to lead organizer Rodel Gravides.

Chris Ayson and Laarni Lising of Wefix Auto are helping as one of the major backers.

Host Edson plays the Ravens in the opening game at 9:30 a.m. followed by Hinson against G-Peks in the women's class while Warriors take on host Edson and Alpha Q against Hinton in the men's division.

Two more women's games will follow featuring the Warriors against GG Hawks and Crosstown Auto Centre against AMD while Super Friends battle Crosstown Auto and Edson against Hinton in the men's class.

Kudos to the organizers and team representatives Cito, Marpril, Arjay, Imee, Marilou, Oliver, Louie, Abby, Bernard, Patricia, Louella, Nold, Dana, Francis, Doll, Kharen, Princess, Aireen, Jers, Arcilla, Manolito, Johnley,

KN, Anne, Jayar, Jimmy, Regine, Joel, Monty, Briane, Rudy, Danica, Marie, Renz, Lourdes, Kaye, Jesus and Ronelo for working hand in hand to ensure the friendly competition pushes through in Edson.

Mabuhay ang mga balebolistang Pinoy at Pinay! *** Congratulations to the team of Alexis Dimaculangan for winning the 2019 Leduc Pilipino Ballers Association.

Dimaculangan and his Renerey Mart Leduc defeated Leduc Goon Squad last May 12 at the Leduc Composite High School.

"Nagpapasalamat po ang buong pamunoan ng LPBA sa lahat ng teams na nakilahok ngayong season at sa aming mga sponsors at mga taong tumulong at sumusuporta upang mapaganda at maging maayos ang ating liga," said LPBA president Sherwin Robledo.

To LPBA president Sherwin Robledo and his team members, Jojo Palomo, Robin Roxas, photographer

Jesus Is Lord members pose for posterity during their sportsfest, May 25, in Sherwood Park. A bigger tournament is scheduled in September.

EJ Palamine at iba pa, congratulations for the successful tournament. *** Organizer Rey Nodado said the Cold Lake Filipino Basketball League gets going on June 22 to 23 with eight teams joining.

He said Filipino squads from Lac La Biche, Red Deer, Regina, Lloydminster, three teams from Edmonton and host Cold Lake are entered.

The league is just an ongoing competition of the year-round sports activity by the Filipino community in Cold Lake. Aside from basketball, Nodado and his team of volunteers are also organizing volleyball tournaments for the Filipinas.

“Basketball sa mga kalalakihan natin, volleyball naman sa mga kababaihan natin, para masaya,” said Nodado.

*** A prelude to a bigger sportsfest was organized by the Jesus Is Lord ( JIL) in Sherwood Park last May 25.

Beng and Lito Agasino of A4 Oriental Store and Bake Shop invited us to witness the event and it was really fun to see that sports activities are organized for church members from all ages and we also had the chance to hear to “word of God”.

Hope to see you again for the next sports coverage in September! *** Again, we are encouraging members of the Filipino sports community by keeping us posted of your events. Kindly email mocolumnist@albertafilipinojournal. com.

Salamat po!

Photo by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal

Congratulations Totonto Raptors

By Nicky Gocuan

Congratulation to the Toronto Raptors. 2019 NBA Champions. Special mention to Kawhi Leonard, 2019 NBA Finals MVP. Honestly, they have a great team who played beautifully defensively and offensively and to be able to beat a team like the Golden State Warriors is a huge feat. Yes, they Warriors were not complete and it is sad to see players getting injured but it is part of the game. Because of injuries, Warriors Coach Steve Kerr did everything he could with the help of Stephen Curry but they fell short. And don’t get me wrong, I admire the Warriors for what they have achieved but this was the year of the raptors making NBA history and Canada , you showed the World how we party. A sea of people in the streets of Toronto. It was beautiful to watch how cool Canadians are in this process. What would be interesting is what will happen next. Talk is out if Leonard will be staying with the Raptors...I do hope so because they will be even stronger next year.

With Pascal Siakam getting more experience and Danny green slowly getting back into his old form. The ever consistent Kyle Lowry and Dominant centers in Serge Ibaka and Mark Gasol and cool Fred Vanvleet. Who knows what kind of surprises Coach Nick Nurse can pull remains to be seen. The Magic of teamwork helped the Raptors. Kudos again to the Toronto Raptors. You made Canada proud Again!

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NORA G. RAGADIO, Realtor®

OPINION | BUSINESS

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Lower Prices On Organic Food Needed!

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or the past few years my family has been fighting health issues and I was surprised to find that there are a lot of people getting sick and it even includes newborn babies and I saw that if this continues on its path, we will have a problem in our Healthcare System. Because of this, I did some research and found out that there is a need to change things and that we can do this better in the Province of Alberta.

According to an article written

by Kristin Lawless of Vice.com “ Did you know there are nearly 1,000 Chemicals in food that has never been tested for safety? It states roughly 9,000 environmental chemicals on the market end up in our foods, including food additives, coloring, flavourings, pesticides and food packaging chemicals.

In July 2017, The New York Times ran a story titled ‘The Chemicals in Your Mac & Cheese” Researchers, the article explained has found plasticizers known as phthalates in the popular kids food. Two weeks later the Times ran another articles that found traces of herbicide glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, has been found in Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. If all these reports are true, then as a regular consumer we should be alarmed.

In the US, the two main agencies responsible for regulating all environmental chemicals in the food is the Food and drug Administration (FDA) which overseas all food and food ingredients in the market. Except for meat, Poultry and certain process egg products which are overseen by the US Department of Agriculture.

Most of you would know that these chemicals have been tested. “ The Food Manufacturers are responsible

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NICKY GOCUAN, PMAA ngocuan@yahoo.com

As a journalist with over 14 years of experience, I have covered different events from rallies on the street, entertainment and international sports events like the Asian Games. My favorite pastime is singing. I have always believed that life would be boring without music.

for their own safety testing “says Lawless on her article.

Mr. Bruce Blumberg, a professor of the University of Califonia, Irvine say the only entity testing the safety of the components is the companyand they have no incentive to show that their products are dangerous.

Blumberg is a professor who studies endocrine-disrupting chemicals adds “it’s a conflict of interest. And they are not protecting public health” that is

the bottom line.

So how does this relate to us in our daily living. Canada is known for its Public Healthcare System.

We are definitely proud to have one and we should all share interest in protecting its existence.

In the old days people age and live longer. Their food like Chicken or

Meat and even fruits like Banana were not as huge as what it is today.

The process to make them bigger and growing them faster involves either Chemicals or growth hormones. So is this bad or good? Obviously, if you look at the producers end, by spraying chemicals it prevents their crop from getting wiped out from infestations but by doing this process does it affect are health? On a short term I would say No but how about long term?

While we understand they look at the dose but the contention is that there is a need to further study the effect of small doses or exposures to the chemical on human health.

So what is my point, I know Canada has always been different in our approach but having said all these facts that have come out about the food chain, there is a need to encourage the Alberta Government to look at ways to provide incentives to Organic producers and make the prices more competitive against non organic produce. Why should the Government do this? This will

allow consumers the choice to choose between organic and non organic and encourage more organic products in

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the groceries at competitive prices.

The bottom line is that Organic food exist for a reason and that the bottom line is if we do not take care of our food, our Public Healthcare System will be too stressed out and that is not good for our province or our Country as a whole. Remember Good Health is Wealth. ***** Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has fulfilled his promise to get rid of Carbon Tax and he did. This is the reason why we see Pump prices just a little above the 90 cents mark which we have not seen for quite some time. A lot of people are happy with this move That has affected every household in Alberta especially when the local economy is slow.

But as Albertans are enjoying this move, Environment And Climate Change Minister Catherine Mckenna wasted no time to write the Province to inform Alberta that it will be charging a federal carbon tax effective January1.

It is very obvious that she is detached of the sentiments of Albertans.

There should be a referendum. Every Canadian should have the right to Vote if they want carbon tax or it and not just impose it. I just hope that in the coming Federal Elections that our fellow Canadians in the East will keep this in mind. You do not kill or penalize a province who was bringing in money for the country. Oil is still the number Natural Resource product that Canada has been exporting.

Without oil, where are we going to get funding for Major Infrastructure Projects or support provinces like Quebec? Let us build the pipelines and export our product Globally so Quebec can continue to get the equalization payments. If not then it is time to stop equalization payments.

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

OPINION | COMMUNITY

TODAY’S TOPIC: “THE SECRET: PART 2: THE SECRET FORMULA FOR SUCCESS!”

HINDI DAPAT PAGTAKHAN

“I aspire to inspire before I expire!

My Talent is God’s Gift to me. What I do with it is my Gift back to God. God bless all!”

"The world tells us to seek success, power and money; God tells us to SEEK HUMILITY, SERVICE and LOVE" (Pope Francis) "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

(Mark 8:36) All too often, we get caught up so many times because of our desire for instant gratification.

But scripture teaches us that true success is not marked by how many followers we have on social media, our performance, our social status, or our ability to complete a goal.

Godly prosperity goes hand-in-hand with obedience, our commitment to abide in Jesus Christ. After all, what’s the point of gaining the whole world if you lose your soul?

(Matt 16:26) “No one can serve two masters.

For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew‬ JESUS defines GREATNESS in terms of SERVICE (SERVANT LEADERSHIP): "And whoever wants to be FIRST MUST be your Slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to SERVE and to GIVE HIS LIFE as a Ransom for many" (Matthew 20: 27-28) "Greatness for me is doing something Positive; USING one's God-given Talents and DOING your share and helping to make the world a better place and BRINGING HOPE to Everyone who NEEDS It! That's Greatness! The Good News is We ALL HAVE that QUALITY. Everyone has Greatness! And you know what? We just have to DO it on

NORA G. RAGADIO, Realtor®

to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” ~ Psalm 34:18 I now ask you the Question: ""Why don't you just trust in God?" God can use anything, even our biggest messes, for good.

SECOND: "DREAM & PASSIONATELY PURSUE It!" When you have a dream to Chase Nothing can Stop You!

(Unquestionable)

HERMO TORIBIO REYES PAGTAKHAN hermopagtakhanlaw@hotmail.com Cell: (780) 905-9288

THIRD: "I DEFINE "SUCCESS" based on God's Standards.

"BEING SUCCESSFUL", as (Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan of Edmonton, Alberta is a lawyer who practised for more than 25 years in the Philippines and in Alberta and was an Index Options Trader well as, "BEING THE BEST & THE on Wall Street. He is currently a Family Counselor with Arbor Memorial Gardens BRIGHTEST" is a RELATIVE Term. whom he joined in 2013. In 2005, he had his Epiphany and metamorphosed into God’s Standards vs Man’s a Servant Leader and has since been sharing his insight and experience for the benefit of those who may need it and whomever may find it useful).

Standards In the world's system we are taught all about the world's lust, a CONSISTENT Basis! Now, let's is His work, not ours.”

START a RIPPLE. TOGETHER Considering the foregoing, here the world's greed, and the world's we can bring about a TSUNAMI is what is, in my humble opinion, THE covetousness. As a result, we get caught of POSITIVE CHANGE and SECRET FORMULA FOR SUCCESS: up in a system, which eventually make our World a BETTER Place PREPARATION Plus DIVINE causes us to fall down and hurt for ourselves and for our future PROVIDENCE = SUCCESS (God's ourselves.

When you start thinking and GENERATIONS." Definition) acting like the world, you begin Being a SERVANT LEADER means Taking the Initiative by FIRST and foremost: "Above all, PUT trying to accumulate all the things the world accumulates. Then you Faith, SEEKING the Guidance GOD FIRST in whatever You do!" of the Holy Spirit along the way, "GOD BLESSES ONLY THOSE WHO start measuring whether you are SERVING others for and in HELP THEMSELVES! God PROVIDES a success by the world's standards instead of God's standard. the name of CHRIST, in a way when Man STRIVES!" You see, God's standard is in which you GIVE your ALL "With God ALL Things are for HIM, and NO MATTER POSSIBLE! I can DO ALL Things not based on success in this world, WHAT THE SITUATION is, you THROUGH CHRIST Who whether you have three cars, or live THANK HIM for the ABILITY & STRENGTHENS Me! (Philippians 4:13) in a mansion in the suburbs, or have OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE IN "No matter how successful someone a college degree, or see your name HIS NAME. It means GIVING may seem from the outside, we all have printed often in the newspaper.

ALL THE GLORY to GOD, NO our own internal struggles. But it’s With God, none of these things MATTER the OUTCOME, and in our weakest moments that God’s equals success.

When you get wrapped up in leaving the Results to God because strength works best! “The Lord is close you TRUST in HIS PLAN for your LIFE!" Think about this: When we are engaged in God’s work, and we encounter setbacks, we can carry on calmly because “we are the servants of the God of heaven and earth” (Ezra 5, 11). Obstacles and delays may discourage us, but it is God’s power that enables us and let us remember that it

St. Michael Assembly’s Celebration of 16 Years JAN THE MAN’S NOTE JANUEL CEDRICK IBASCO Januel Cedrick Ibasco is a proud Filipino-Canadian and is currently a student at the University of Alberta studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Sportsmanship is a big slice of his cake. He is highly-spirited when playing golf, volleyball, and basketball and loves reading, writing and volunteering at church. Jan looks forward to taking up law after his undergraduate degree.

Saturday, May. 25th, 2019, is the day that St. Michael Assembly held a monumental celebration of the Assembly’s 16 years of existence at JR Golf Course. There were 28 participants that came out to participate in this fun golf tournament with the first tee time going out at 10am.

We were blessed with wonderful, sunny weather that allowed us to keep the ball in play and soak in the beautiful atmosphere. We hope that as an assembly we will continue to celebrate the little milestones each year to consistently maintain the camaraderie that comes with

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the world's system and the world's covetousness, then instead of acting upon God's promises to you, you begin to think the world's way. What happens when you do that? You start putting pressure on yourself to obtain the things of this world.

At the End of our Lives when We Meet our Creator, He is not going to ask for our School Report Cards; nor ask if we are Summa Cum Laudes or Honours Students; nor inquire if we are Lawyers or Doctors or Engineers; nor interrogate us if we are Billionaires or CEOs or Prime Ministers. He will be interested more in asking us: "What have you done with your Life when you were on Earth? What Good Deeds have you done to improve the lives of your Fellow Human Beings?". What most people forget is that we are all just transients/ travellers here on Earth.

"The Last will be First, and the First will be Last.” (Mt. 20, 1-16a) “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” How sweet it would be to hear these words from God when we finally come face to face with Him! There are many beautiful things deep inside us that this world will never know, acknowledge, or understand. It is so consoling to know that the Lord knows and sees everything. People can malign, hurt, judge, and condemn us, but again, how consoling it is that God knows each one of us and sees what is in our hearts. ****************************** In our next Issue, we will dealing with the Topic: “GOD’S VIEWPOINT ABOUT MONEY”

being a member of the St. Michael Assembly.

Th ​ is celebration would not have been possible without the committee members of PFN Joseph Duenas, FC/Chairman Resty Cabalo, and FN Manuel Ibasco. Without their efforts in organizing this event, this celebration would not have happened at all.

L​ astly, with every golf tournament St. Michael Assembly holds, there is always a team of champions.

The golf tournament was played in a best ball format in which each team would play the best shot among the individuals that make up their group. With that being said, I would like to congratulate the team of Bro. Orland Veloria, Bro. Vix Valencia, and Bro. Chito Nicolas for winning St. Michael Assembly’s celebration of 16 years golf tournament with a score of -4.

W ​ e hope that our assembly will continue to attract new members to join and create everlasting memories like this one. God Bless!

Participants of the 16 year celebration for St. Michael Assembly at JR golf course.

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IMMIGRATION | GOVERNMENT | COMMUNITY

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

In-Canada spousal sponsorship in process, sponsor and applicant wants to travel

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hile I was enjoying my café Mocha at Tim Horton’s Westmount, a kababayan approached me and asked if she and her common-law partner are free to travel while their In-Canada spousal sponsorship application is in process.

Let us examine Section 124 of the Immigration, Refugee and Protection Regulation (IRPR): A foreign national is a member of the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class if they (a) are the spouse or common-law partner of a sponsor and cohabit with the sponsor in Canada.

Pls pay attention to the last paragraph that states “cohabit with the sponsor in Canada”. In-Canada spousal sponsorship requires that not only must an applicant be a spouse or common-law partner, but they must cohabit with the sponsor.

What does cohabitation mean in the context of Canadian immigration?

Cohabitation means living together.

Two people who are cohabiting have combined their affairs and set up their household together in one dwelling. To be considered common-law partners, they must have cohabited for at least

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

one year (one year of cohabitation is not a requirement in case of spouses).

This is the standard definition used across the federal government. It means continuous cohabitation for one year, not intermittent cohabitation adding up to one year.

The fact that the spouses are cohabiting together can be proven by providing evidence at the time the application is submitted. This can include proof of what they own jointly, for instance, bank or credit

card statements, property, or other investments etc.

Persons who are not cohabiting with their sponsor at the time IRCC seeks to grant permanent residence for instance, persons who have been removed or who have left Canada voluntarily are not eligible under the Spouse or common-law partner class. They may, however, seek to apply in the family class (overseas), which would require them to submit a new application.

Philippine Heritage Month: Minister Aheer June 01, 2019 Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women Leela Aheer issued the following statement to recognize Philippine Heritage Month in Alberta: “Our government is honoured to recognize Philippine Heritage Month and the contributions of Filipino Albertans to our province. June 12 marks the day when their nation of islands declared independence from Spain and the Republic of the Philippines was born.

“Our province is blessed to have the second largest Filipino population in Canada. The dedication and hard work of Filipinos in Alberta have played an important role in Alberta's economy and in our communities for generations.

“No earthquake, volcanic eruption, typhoon or tsunami can wash away the resilient spirit and generosity of the Filipino people. We can all admire the strong value Filipinos place on family and community.

“I encourage everyone to learn more about our Filipino neighbours as we celebrate their heritage this month. Together, we look forward to a future in which Filipino Albertans continue to be part of the vibrant culture of our province.”

Philippine Heritage Month: Ministro Aheer Hunyo 01, 2019 Si Leela Aheer, ang Ministro ng Kultura, Multiculturalismo, at Kalagayan ng Kababaihan, ay nag-isyu ng mga sumusunod na pahayag upang kilalanin dito sa Alberta ang buwan ng Hunyo bilang Philippine Heritage Month.

Ikinararangal ng ating gobyerno na kilalanin ang Philippine Heritage Month at ang mga naiambag ng mga Filipino-Albertan sa ating probinsiya. Ang ika-12 ng Hunyo ay palatandaan kung kailan ang kanilang bansa ay nagdeklara ng kalayaan mula sa kamay ng mga Espanyol.

Although it can’t be avoided that one or the other partner may have left the home for work or business, family visit, etc. the separation must be temporary and brief.

The law has not defined what period of absence would constitute a break in continuous cohabitation, I strongly recommend for the couple to keep periods of absence to an absolute minimum. It is better to be safe than sorry.

So, my answer to the question above? Personally, I am against traveling frequently because if the foreign national is denied entry to Canada, the couple would then not be able to continue cohabitating in Canada and therefore would not meet the requirements of R124 (a).

Applicants who leave Canada before a final decision is made on their application for permanent residence as per the Manual: There is no guarantee that foreign nationals who have left Canada after submitting an application under the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada class will be allowed to return

JUNE 2019

to or re-enter Canada. If they are not allowed to enter, their application for permanent residence will be refused because they are not cohabiting with their spouse or common-law partner at the time the case is finalized [R72(1) (d) and R124(a)]. The only way to remain risk-free is to not travel while the application is in process.

If you have questions regarding the above article you may contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com Source: Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulation (IRPR) A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not a legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of ICCRC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.

Resources for the LGBT Community and Topics

By Giselle General

W

hile June was declared Philippine Heritage Month, it is also Pride Month! The goal of this article is to provide resources for support and help to those who identify as LGBTQ2+. Health issues, discrimination, increased likelihood of abuse and suicide, poor treatment in the workplace or schools, are things that should be addressed. Further, there are times that being part of the LGBTQ2+ community means that additional context is necessary to get the help needed, which can be better met by specific agencies or initiatives. Here is an introduction to resources that can be helpful.

Resources for Community and Support 1. Pride Centre of Edmonton: The Pride Centre offers a library, peer counselling, community groups, advocacy and resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning individuals.

The website is: www.pridecentreofedmonton.ca/ 2. Queer YEG: Provides a directory of businesses in Edmonton that welcome people of all sexual orientations. It is an active directory where you can check out all the businesses and have your business added to the list as well. It offers a wide range of services from lawyers, communications, pet care, real estate, restaurants, and more. The website is: www.www.queeryeg.ca/ 3. LGBT Centres in Post-Secondary Institutions:

Many post-secondary institutions, like NAIT and University of Alberta, not only have student clubs, but also actual departments that aim to provide help and support to the LGBT community.

By going directly to the main website, it is easy to find information about online resources and locations of offices for support. As an example, NAIT has a page for LGBTQ Community Resources and they celebrate Pride Week. The University of Alberta has a group called OUTreach.

Religious Institutions that are LGBT Friendly 1. Anglican Churches: A number of Anglican churches in Alberta are welcoming towards LGBT individuals.

Someone searching for a church can go to the website http://www. proudanglicans.ca/, go to the submenu Inclusive Anglican Churches in Canada and then narrow down by province.

2. Affirming United Church Congregations: The United Church is a Christian denomination that is fairly widespread in Canada. Someone searching for a church can go to the continued on page 9►

Noon nga ay sumilang ang Republika ng Pilipinas.

Pinagpala ang ating probinsiya sa pagkakaroon ng Filipino bilang ikalawa sa pinaka-malaking populasyon sa Canada. Ang dedikasyon at ang kasipagan ng mga Filipino sa Alberta ay tunay na nakapag-ambag na ng importanteng papel para sa ekonomiya ng Alberta at sa kapakanan ng darating pang mga henerasyon.

Walang lindol, pagsabog ng bulkan, bagyo o tsunami ang makakawasak sa katatagan ng espiritu at kabutihang-loob ng mga Filipino. Hinahangaan natin ang matatag na pagpapahalagang inilalaan ng mga Filipino sa kanilang mga pamilya at komunidad.

Kung kaya, hinihikayat ko ang bawat-isa na pag-aralang mabuti ang tungkol sa ating mga kapitbahay na Filipino habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang kanilang minana sa buwang ito.

Kapit-bisig, tanawin natin ang kinabukasan kung saan ang Filipino sa Alberta ay magpapatuloy na maging bahagi ng “masiglang kultura para sa ating minamahal sa probinsiya.” www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

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policies have impacted them. Due to government policies, Filipinos and other racialized communities have also faced barriers, discrimination and disadvantage. Studies show that Filipino youth are underrepresented in post-secondary education. So in, 2017 I started the Filipino Student Association of the University of Ottawa to mobilize the Filipino university students and to reach out to others who are not as privilege to be in post-secondary education. I also joined the board of the Philippine Centre Canada, Tinig Pinoy Radio and with a group of community leaders, started Bayanihan Ottawa which aims to serve the young people through mentorship, scholarship and to bridge the intergenerational gap that exist in our community. There was an apparent momentum in the Filipino movement in Ottawa.

However, one of the problems that we noted is that we don’t have a voice in Parliament. At that time when there was a movement, Senator Enverga passed away. I was discouraged that our voices and the momentum would die down. And so one day, with this passion in my heart for my Filipino community, I applied to the prestigious Summer Leadership Program to work in Parliament as an intern. I was surprised when I got a call for an interview, and the next thing I know, I was already seeing and meeting with MPs who I have just previously seen on TV. Being a Filipina in a space that had very few people of Filipino descent felt isolating and surreal. There was a feeling that I did not belong.

FR. JHACK DIAZ Rev. Fr. Raldy "jhack" Diaz is the first Filipino priest ordained in the Diocese of St. Paul Alberta. He is currently the Pastor of St. Jean de Brebeuf Parish, Mallaig, Alberta.

LOVE IS POWER John 13:31-33a,34-35

from page 8

Resources for the LGBT Community... website http://affirmunited.ause.ca/ alberta/ and search for a church that is within their geographic area.

Resources for Employers, Teachers, and Authority Figures

away.” Folks, love makes the world a happy and perfect place to live in. Today and forever, love without conditions. If we really love others, then let us love them without terms and conditions because it is love, not a business contract. Friends, love without limits for the limit of love is limitless. Love has no expiration date.

Finally, when we love, expect some troubles and persecutions.

“It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” But do not be afraid, for love is the greatest of conquerors. Love is power.

Thus, the more we love, the more powerful we become. It conquers all obstacles and defies all storms.

Friends, the beauty of love will lead us to our salvation and to the salvation of others. Sometimes it may seem boring to love God but you know what? SALVATION IS ALL ABOUT BORING THINGS. Friends, start to love the way God loves.

Blessings, Fr. Jhack 1. Freedom to Be: A Teachers' Guide to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Human Rights: As a figure of authority, especially in schools, it is very valuable to be informed, compassionate and conscious of the laws involved in supporting LGTBQ2+ youth. An online copy of this resource can be found here: https://aclrc.squarespace. com/new-page-40 2. Employer’s Guide: Trans-Identified

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from page 3

Gospel Reading

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In today's gospel we hear Jesus's commandment: “Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” Friends, LOVE is our unique mark and identity.“ By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Do we really demonstrate the love of God to others? You know what? Today, we are reminded that we have a responsibility to show to the world who we are by loving one another. Friends, learn to love well!

Why do we need to love? For three reasons: First, love is the weakness of the enemy. When we love, the devil trembles. When we love, we can transform our enemies. When we love, we can change the world. The devil is afraid of love because love is the name of God. No one can beat someone who is in love.

Second, we need to love because love can make all things beautiful.

Love is the force that makes Earth a heavenly paradise. “There shall be no more death or mourning, crying out of pain, for the world that was, has passed

RELIGION | BUSINESS

People in the Workplace: This resource tackles topics that are important in order to provide adequate support to employees such as bathroom, privacy, the education of other employees and handling an employee’s recovery from surgery. An online copy of this resource can be found by going to http://www. aclrc.com/lgbt and clicking the title.

3. Gay-Straight Alliances in Schools: Parents of children who want to learn

Guards would always flag me down walking down the corridors of Centre Block – the center of power in Canada.

Nevertheless, I felt extremely privileged and I want to speak up about the issues and concerns of the Filipinos in Canada, but at the same time, I was absolutely terrified to speak up lest I say the wrong things and I lose my internship. I was timid and rarely spoke up during meetings as good Filipinas should be, but I slowly realized that I am not doing anyone any favour if I remained quiet or shy.

I admired my friends who were born in Canada who are outspoken and could formulate clever responses at a drop of a hat. I did not have that innate ability. But I realized, it was a blessing being born in the Philippines because I was able to understand the perspective of the many young people who came to Canada as 1.5 generation Filipino-Canadians who have been educated and raised in a totally different curriculum, beliefs and values. This way, I was able to relate to different generations which has given me a deeper insight into the intergenerational lived experience of the Filipino-Canadians.

When I graduated in October of 2018, I was offered a job at the office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism as the Parliamentary Secretary Assistant. Although there are no MPs or senators of Philippine heritage, there are relentless and strong champions on Parliament for Filipinos, such as my boss, MP Gary Anandasangaree, MP Salma Zahid who used her private motion bill to make June the Filipino Heritage Month in Canada, and MP Kevin Lamoureux, to name a few. I was fortunate that my boss recognized that Filipino voices more about Gay-Straight Alliances can find out more information straight from the Government of Alberta website, and the link is www.alberta. ca/gay-straight-alliances.aspx. The webpage covers key topics about what GSAs do and their importance, how students can set up such an alliance in their schools, and information for school administration members such as principals.

are seriously lacking, so he graciously opened the door for myself and other young Filipinos who have worked with him. Recently, 12 interns from all over Canada made their way to Parliament. My heart was overjoyed seeing more Filipinos like myself. I do believe this is the beginning of something truly magnificent – a breakthrough for Filipinos to have a strong voice in Parliament. I am unsure of what the future holds. There is a saying on the Hill that politics is not a career. Perhaps one day, when I leave politics, I’ll find a calling that I am passionate about and then come back on the Hill to be an advocate for that cause. For now, I am satisfied to know that I am contributing in my own little way.

How did you decide to come to Canada?

My mom came to Canada through the live-in caregiver program. She left a few days after I turned 6 and I did not see her again until I was almost 11 (5 years).

What advice would you give to your younger self?

The advice I’d give to my younger self is to not feel too pressured with what you’d would like to be in the future and to allow yourself to explore, make mistakes, and be open to change. You don’t have to be a nurse, doctor or lawyer to make an impact – indeed, a young person with passion and care for her community could make a huge difference. Don’t be afraid of speaking up especially if you know you are speaking the truth. Your voice is just as important as anyone else.

Thank you very much! Maraming salamat!

While this is no way an exhaustive list, the goal is to encourage seeking information and assistance for any type of challenge, no matter how big or small, whether common or not.

For any readers who are not directly served by the area where the outlined organizations are listed, it is likely that equivalents are available by searching the topic and adding the name of your location.

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Open Work Permit for Exploited Migrant Workers

O

n May 31st Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen announced that migrant workers could apply for an open work permit if they suffer from violence, harassment, are in abusive situations or at risk of abuse. The proposal to change the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations that took effect on Tuesday June 4th is welcome news. This means that migrant workers in abusive situations or those who are at risk of abuse can obtain an open work permit so that they may leave the abusive situation and find another employer. This change is an effective extension of the worker protection model that started in British Columbia in 2015. It is now in effect in the rest of Canada.

The legislation in British Columbia had positive provisions such as: mandatory registration of agencies and employers who recruit and hire temporary foreign workers; establishing criteria for issuing, refusing, suspending or cancelling a licence or registration; imposing tougher penalties for recruiters and employers who violate the legislation; allowing the government to recover, and return to workers, any fees charged illegally by recruiters; creating registries for foreign worker recruiters and for employers, to hold both accountable for their actions and to improve government response.

When the immigration ministry explained the proposed changes, it

said that “the power imbalance created by work permits tied to one employer favours the employer and can result in a migrant worker enduring situations of misconduct, abuse or other forms of employer retribution”. It also said that “this is compounded by other factors including language barriers and the costs involved in navigating the complex legal recourse mechanisms available to them”. This pronouncement finally aligned with the message of migrants and their advocates for a long time.

It seemed that a new common understanding is emerging between the government, migrant workers and advocacy organizations about the way migrant worker vulnerability is seen and constructed. This is promising news and can be a basis for moving forward together.

On the other hand, the proposed change does not address the root causes of migrant worker vulnerabilities.

The lack of mobility impedes the rights of migrants and the open work

permits are required to truly allow labour mobility so that workers can leave situations of abuse. This measure will – as it has done in British Columbia – permit some workers to escape abusive situations, which is a step in the right direction. In particular, the measure may help migrant workers in situations of labour exploitation that do not meet the threshold of trafficking under Canada’s current legislation.

The current policy adjusted the holes of the BC pilot program.

For example, in the BC worker protection model, it requires a migrant worker to have the support of a Settlement agency in order to apply for the open work permit, or to submit a complaint to an enforcement body or human rights commission in advance. The proposed Federal changes do not need these requirements. The absence of these requirements reduces barriers and thus makes the process more

Canada caring for caregivers Launching 2 new pilots: Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker June 15, 2019 – Toronto – Canada is caring for its caregivers by launching 2 new pilots that will help caregivers who come to this country make it their permanent home.

The Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots will open for applications on June 18, 2019, replacing the expiring Caring for Children and Caring for People

with High Medical Needs pilots.

Caregivers will now only receive a work permit if they have a job offer in Canada and meet standard criteria for economic immigration programs.

Once working in Canada, caregivers will be able to begin gaining the required 2 years of Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence.

Through these new pilots, caregivers will also benefit from: •occupation-specific work permits, rather than employer-specific, to allow for a fast change of employers when necessary •open work permits and/or study permits for the caregivers’ immediate family, to help families come to Canada together •a clear transition from temporary to permanent status, to ensure that once caregivers have met the work experience requirement, they will be able to become permanent residents quickly These new pilots provide caregivers from abroad and their families with a clear, direct pathway to permanent residence.

Canada is committed to improving life for immigrants and supporting jobs for the middle-class.

accessible to migrant workers.

However, the open work permit for abused migrant workers must also be available to workers in all streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Workers in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program are excluded from this initiative. They are among the most vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

There are many barriers that prevent migrants from being informed about their labour rights in Canada such as linguistic, technological and bureaucratic barriers. These migrants also face isolation and lack of access to funded support services. It would be important to have a proactive information dissemination effort to ensure that all migrant workers coming to Canada are aware of the open work permit program in case of abuse. These information sessions would ideally happen pre-arrival or upon arrival to Canada. It would also be ideal if it were supplemented by labour rights and access to services training. The federal government must take this on as part of its responsibility for managing the Program. However, there is little information about how “reasonable grounds to believe a migrant worker is experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing abuse” will be defined, and whether decision-making will be at the discretion of the officer.

With the Temporary Residence Permit for victims of human trafficking, it shows that the discretionary decision-making has led to significant

regional variations and under use of this protection tool. Many advocates urged the federal government to address these gaps in order to ensure clear, transparent and consistent application of these rules. It is also important that IRCC work with legal and community organizations to develop effective strategies to guide and monitor decision-making by officers. One big gap is that the proposed regulations don’t specify the length of the open work permits that will be granted to migrant workers in situations of abuse.

Canada Gazette published that the process of finding a new employer can be lengthy and costly, so an open permit with a short duration is unlikely to realize the objective of the policy changes. In addition, in many provinces, migrant workers are only eligible for provincial health coverage with a work permit of one year or more. IRCC should have a standard minimum length for work permits of at least one year.

The proposed regulatory changes are a positive measure that can help protect some migrant workers. The government’s immediate response to the problems with the TFWP is promising. This provides a basis for future collaboration of all stakeholders to make immigration in Canada more equitable and fair.

with these new pilots, we are doing exactly that”.

– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

•The new pilots, Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker, will each have a maximum of 2,750 principal applicants, for a total of 5,500 principal applicants per year, plus their immediate family.

•Initial applications to the new pilots will have a 12-month processing service standard. A 6-month processing standard will apply for finalizing an application after the caregiver submits proof that they have met the work experience requirement.

•With the move to occupation-specific work permits under the Home Child Care and Home Support Worker pilots, employers will no longer need a Labour Market Impact Assessment before hiring a caregiver from overseas.

Quick facts: •The expiring pilots will close to new applications on June 18, 2019.

Caregivers who have applied before this date will continue to have their applications processed through to a final decision.

•Caregivers who have been working towards applying to the soon-tobe-expired pilots can now apply through either the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or the Home Support Worker Pilot.

•The Interim Pathway for Caregivers, the short-term pathway for caregivers who came to Canada as temporary foreign workers since 2014 but were unable to qualify for permanent residence through an existing program, will be extended. It will re-open on July 8, 2019 and accept applications for 3 months.

To learn more about this new policy, go to https://tinyurl.com/ open-workpermit

Related link: •Infographic: How do the new caregiver programs work?

Follow us: •facebook.com/CitCanada •twitter.com/CitImmCanada •instagram.com/CitImmCanada

Quote “Canada is caring for our caregivers.

We made a commitment to improve the lives of caregivers and their families who come from around the world to care for our loved ones and www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

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PROPERTY OWNERS: Your Property Tax is due June 28 Ang Servus Credit Union ay maunlad dahil ang aming mga sanga ay may malalim na kaugnayan sa mga kababayang pinaglilingkuran.

Kami ay namumuhunan ng panahon, lakas at yaman sa kaunlaran ng kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan.

Friday, June 28 is the final day to pay your 2019 property tax bill to avoid a 7% late payment penalty.

The deadline does not apply to property owners who pay monthly through The City’s Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP).

To join TIPP or for other ways to pay: Visit calgary.ca/propertytax or Contact 311 19-00416243

servus.ca

ADVERTISE WITH US! 780-916-7677 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com

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2019-05-24 9:56 AM

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The History Worth-Repeated Edmonton, June 8, 2019 - The Couples For Christ has once again facilitated a Fundraising Project: A Huge Yard Sale right in front of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Millwoods. Proceeds of this project will be contributed and spent for the maintenance of the church building. Reverend Father Joseph Vadassery has been very thankful to his parishioners, visitors, Filipino community, the Couples For Christ in particular for continuously spearheading this noble project and supporting the Church. (Photos by LMV)

Quickly Callingwood-Fly Friendly Travel bow down to Genesis in PSA Spring League finals

By Moses Billacura

Quickly Premium Bubble Tea Callingwood-Fly Friendly Travel Tours lost its steam in the final quarter and bowed down to Genesis, 80-97 in the Open 2A Division of the 2019 Philippine Sports AssociationCrosstown Auto Centre Spring Basketball League finals, May 19, at the Archbishop Romero gym.

Quickly Callingwood-Fly Friendly Travel took a slim lead, 57-55 off a jumper by Sarce Garcia, 6:56 left in the third quarter but Genesis quickly responded with Samson King, Lem Baui and Don Tagufa taking charge of the scoring chores, 71-65, 56 seconds remaining. Erdz Orquez cut the lead to just four points with a jump shot from the paint, 67-71 at the end of the third quarter.

Quickly-Fly Friendly could not find the momentum at the start of the final quarter and Genesis started piling up the lead, 82-72, 4:54 left and extended it to 88-77, 3:25 remaining.

King topscored for Genesis with 25 points, Tagufa added 23 points and Baui helped with 22. Harold

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Team Genesis lift their championship trophy after winning over Quickly Premium Bubble Tea-Fly Friendly Travel and Tours, 97-80. (Photo by Moses Billacura)

del Leon led the losing cause with 21 baskets, AJ Mapa contributed 18 and Floyd Eyao scored 13.

“Masaya kami dahil after five years, nag champion kami,” said Genesis coach Francisco de Leon.

In the other final games, SBP beat Sabado Nights, 77-73 and Pinoy Auto Loans shaded Sunlife, 71-64 in the master’s divisions; CFH Elite

stopped Rapbeh Boys, 79-71 in the open Division C; Crosstown Auto trounced Duke, 99-71 in the master’s C and Porkchop bested Barako, 9887 in the Open 2B Division.

The league was organized by the PSA led by Gary Perpetua and backed by Crosstown Auto Centre through dealer-principal Joe Medina.

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Philippine Heritage Month’s Kickoff

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Kingsway Mall, Edmonton, June 1, 2019 - A well-attended celebration is the replica of a well-organized Plan of Action.

The Philippine Arts Council has taken the initiative paint the town red.

Various arts have been presented and performed by different ethic groups and deeply rooted cultural orientation from the Philippines. Government leaders, businessmen, and volunteers had truly appreciated the welcoming attitude of the Filipinos.

Cedric Jan Perez, Hermo Pagtakhan, Hon. Amarjeet Sohi Canada’s Federal Minister of Natural Resources and Nicky Gocuan promote NOTIFY App by ProXSmart at the Philippine Cultural Month Kickoff at Kingsway Mall.

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The COPAA President Rolls The Red Carpet Over (Mr. Jose “Jun” Angeles, the president of the Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta, as he welcomes all the attendees during the Gala Night in lieu with the celebration of the 121st Philippine Independence Day).

Good Evening and Welcome to 121st Philippine Independence Day Celebration.

We are truly excited tonight because we are celebrating the month of June for the first time Philippine Heritage month proclaimed not only in Alberta but all over Canada for perpetuity.

We, at the Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta are proud to celebrate this occasion and share this wonderful news to our Filipino Community and to everyone in whatever race and color, affiliations otherwise this wonderful event. This is also a day to remember and to honor the heroes and martyrs, the unknown men and women who fought against tyranny and injustice depriving the Filipinos of Freedom for over 300 years. As president of COPAA, I salute the Officers and Members of the Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta for taking the initiative, commitment and leadership role in celebrating this annual anniversary of freedom, for nothing surpasses of love of country in renewing and strengthening the bond of brotherhood and citizenship. One Nation One Spirit …that is what we continue to pledge ourselves every year we celebrate the anniversary and independence. When we share our rich cultural heritage, we exposed our fellow Albertans to the traditions and spirit of the Filipinos who contributed to the development of this rich and beautiful Province.

We need to continue the same sense of unity and purpose that our Filipino heroes and forefathers demonstrated during our national revolution of 1896. Keeping our faith with our forefathers can open the doors of our young and future generations to add to this legacy.

Tonight, lets celebrate and enjoy the festivities.

Let me first welcome our government officials who took the time and effort to celebrate with us.

• Honorable Amarjeet Sohi, MP of Edmonton Millwoods and the Minister of Natural Resources and his wife.

• Our Consul General of Philippine Consulate in Calgary Honorable Gilberto Asuque and his wife Rosalie.

• Kelly McCauley, Member of the Parliament from Edmonton West • Honorable Kaycee Madu, the newly elected MLA of Edmonton Southwest and the Minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs GRAND PRIZE WINNER

We also have with is from our greater community the presence of • Jim Gibbon, Executive Director of Servus Edmonton Heritage Festival, the biggest event happening this year at Hawrelark Park August 3, 4 and 5.

• Celso Andrade, the President of the Philippine Business Society of Alberta (PBSA) and his officers • Among us are the presence of Jun Aller and his wife Jean the Vice President of Philippine Radio Amateur (FREEDX) and their treasurer Jess Bilo and his wife Josie • Totie Mendoza and his wife Estrel of the Quezonian Club of Edmonton • Gaudy Gonzales, and his wife president of the Association of Batanguenos of Alberta • Ida Beltran Lucila and Jojo Lucila of the Philippine Arts Society, Ida being the columnist of the Alberta Filipino Journal • Rolan Latorre and Jo-Ann Aguilar DJs of Himig Pinoy FM101.7 • Payman Parseyan, Press Secretary of the Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women Leela Aheer. Payman being the honorary member of the Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta.

• Lito Velasco, the Alberta Filipino Journal editor; columnists and writers.

• We have also the President and founder of Saranay Association Dr Josie Pallard and husband Rey recipient of 2019 Enverga Excellence Award for her Community Service • Memen Cochingco of Karilagan Dance Society President and Directress • Attorneys Joseph and Katrina Angeles of Angeles Law Firm • And of course, our advertisers, donors and supporters and friends which will be acknowledge later.

Thanks, and once again my sincerest welcome to each and everyone of you.

Enjoy the rest of the evening.

50-50 WINNNER

RAFFLE DRAW WINNERS

Photos by Dario Juanillo |Alberta Filipino Journal

Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta (COPAA), Philippine Food Pavillion at the Servus Edmonton Heritage Festival, August 3, 4 and 5, are accepting volunteers . Contact Jun Angeles 780-916-7677 or Melanie at 780-993-5503. Also if you or any organization would like to participate at the entertainment, please let us know or call chairperson of entertainment, Memen Cochingco 780-709-2832. Please note entertainment is of cultural in nature. www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

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Happy Philippine Heritage Month!

ROD LOYOLA

JASVIR DEOL

LORNE DACH

CHRISTINA GRAY

JON CARSON

MLA Edmonton-Ellerslie MLA Edmonton-Meadows MLA Edmonton-McClung MLA Edmonton-Millwoods MLA Edmonton-West Henday 780.414.2000 780.466.3737 780.408.1860 780.414.1000 780.414.0711 All photos and articles available online. Follow us

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BUSINESS

JUNE 2019

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

JUNE 2019

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

LIFESTYLE | BUSINESS

NORA G. RAGADIO, Realtor®

780-246-7708

19

Ms. NOBLE CANADA

Best in Swim Wear 2019

FAYE SALES, the CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF LA BELLO Aesthetics, has been representing the Filipino Community as she joined numerous pageantry here and outside Canada for quite a while.

At this juncture, she would like to extend her heartfelt gratitude to all her supporters and most of all, the Almighty Father for bestowing upon her the gift of a corporeal goodness and beauty. For bringing her thus far and giving her the strength, courage, faith, and determination to succeed.

She also wants to dedicate her crown to the special person who encouraged and motivated her to work harder. He’s no other than Justyn Sales, her son. She said: “Everything I do; I do it for your brighter future... also, to my honey, who unconditionally loves and supports whatever I need... you all know that you will remain in my heart now and forever.”

Faye Sales truly wants her voice heard and her beauty be recognized as an ambassador of love and compassion. She told the AFJ: “I am proud to be your: Ms. Philippine Ambassador Best in PHOTOGENIC 2018 Best in Production wear 2018 Ambassador of love 2018 Ms. Noble Canada 2019 & Best in Swimwear 2019...”

“I am very proud to represent Philippines.

Throughout my reign, I intend to represent well in various platforms to include charitable organizations in order to give something meaningful back to our community: feed the hunger and destitute orphans in manila.”

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NORA G. RAGADIO, Realtor®

780-246-7708

MEDIA PARTNERSHIP | ENTERTAINMENT

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

JUNE 2019

R ADY O S A D YAR Y O:

Grease Summer Nights Gig

Magkatulong Sa Pamamahayag At Pag-Aliw Sa Lipunang Pilipino

Edmonton, June 15, 2019 – Another crowd-impacting event has given a shining night among the attendees of this well-organized mini-concert being performed by the Sky Fall Code Band as entitled GREASE SUMMER NIGHTS held at the Manila Grill Restaurant in Edmonton.

Few of the head organizers like Nico De Jesus and Dudu De Guzman told the AFJ and the Himig Pinoy that they just wished, regardless of colors and races, to gather our kababayans and their friends into one venue and occasion because they truly believe that “where a happy place is, there our heart is.” continued on page 21 ►

Ang Pagtatagni-tagni ng mga balitang pang-masa sa saliw ng mga awiting Pinoy sa pamamagitan ng Tahanan ng OPM-Himig Pinoy-101.7 World FM. Kakambal nito ang isa sa pangunahing dyaryo sa Alberta-ang Pulso ng Lipunang Filipino sa Alberta – Alberta Filipino Journal!

DJ Rolan, Josephine Loesel (Lead Vocalist of Sky Fall Code Band), Susan (Vocalist of Sky Fall Code Band) and her husband Clark Wagar.

AFJ Editor Lito Velasco and his kids Arielle and Aaron, Bob Castillo (Sky Fall Code Band’s Drummer), Josephine Loesel, Susan Bartolome-Wagar, and DJ Rolan Latorre.

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

JUNE 2019

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

COMMUNITY | PHILANTHROPY | BUSINESS

NORA G. RAGADIO, Realtor®

780-246-7708

21

Doctor Rod Montano: Returning his Blessings to the Community!

The President-Founder of Great Smile Family Dental Clinics had happily opted to share the blessing to our destitute fellows by serving foods as he called it “A Thanksgiving Birthday Celebration Through Street Feeding Program.”

With great astonishment, He quoted: • “Together for one purpose-To Serve!”

-Pearl S. Buck • “Truly I tell you, Whatever you did to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did to me.” -Matthew 25:40 • “To Serve is a beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart and a free mind.”

- pearl S. Buck

The Street Feeding Organizers and Volunteers from page 20

DJ Rolan, Doc Rod, Noli Granado, and Aries Bravo

Grease Summer Nights Gig

GREASE SUMMER NIGHT GIG’S Organizers and Volunteers

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The Sky Fall Code Band Members

Doctor Rod Montano would like to thank the following for supporting and making this Banquet on the Street—Street Feeding a success!

1. Lito and Mary Grace Quijano of Coco’s Nest Catering 2. Lito Mendoza Velasco and kuya Jun Angeles of Alberta Filipino Journal 3. Rolan Latorre and Jo-Ann Aguilar of Himig Pinoy Edmonton 4. Aris Bravo of Bravo Studio 5. Noel Granado of Granado’s Photography 6. Members of Edmonton Filipino SDA Church 7. Gregorio Jun Herrera Paz Adante and Jocelyn Adante 8. Staff of Great Smile Family Dental Clinics: Thorncliffe Family Dental Clinic and Bright Smile 9. Family Dental Clinic Eduardo, Editha, Minerva and Daryl Emmanuel Family 10. My Family: My wife Jencet Tupas Montano and JR., Nerisa and Jose Positos, and My Tatay Daniel.

My sister and brother-in-law, my niece, Dennis and Dr. Queenie Badelles, and Den Joy Badelles “It was truly a very rewarding day to me and I believe this is just the beginning. I will be trying to make this as my yearly mission… Thank you so much for the expression of your love! God bless us all!” -Doc. Rod Montano told the Alberta Filipino Journal.

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NORA G. RAGADIO, Realtor®

780-246-7708

COMMUNITY | BUSINESS | INSPIRATIONS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

JUNE 2019

The 12 national awardees flanked by TFCC Founder & President, Jerry Caingcoy (far left), Philippine Consulate General - Calgary, Hon. Gilberto Asuque and TFCC Communications Director, Abel Pagaling (far right). - Photo by: Armand Flores

TFCC Awarded 12 National Awardees as The Filipino Champions of The Year

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arlier this year, The Filipino Champions of Canada conducteda nationwide search across Canada to select the most deserving Filipino Canadians as this year’s recipients of The Filipino Champions of the Year Awards in celebration of the Philippine Heritage Month as declared by the Province of Alberta followed by the House of Commons unanimous declaration of M-155 which designated the month of June of each year as Filipino Heritage Month across the country to recognize the invaluable contributions of the 935,000 Filipinos in terms of civic, social, economic, cultural including faith and language skills that helped enriched the great Canadian society.

On June 14, 2019, 6PM at Max’s Restaurant Calgary, TFCC awarded the 12 national awardees

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from Toronto, Surrey, Winnipeg and Calgary respectively at the The TFCC of the Year Awards & Heritage Gala.

The event was very well-attended by community organizations, business sector, media, influential personalities and government representatives headed by the Minister of Community and Social Services, Rajan Sawhney,on behalf of Alberta’s Premier, Jason Kenney, and the Philippine Consulate General, Gilberto Asuque.

“What makes this award unique and meaningful is that it focuses on the champion stories of our people and our community through these men and women who exemplify the values and traits of being a part of Filipino culture. As we celebrate The Filipino Heritage Month, it is important that we recognize and honour them for their hardwork and dedication to their

respective careers; their unparalleled service to the Filipino community and their important contribution in building this great Canadian society.

As awardees, they will serve as our shining examples to inspire of all us and celebrate the champion in each and everyone of us!” Jerry Caingcoy, TFCC Founder and President.

The 12 National Awardees as The Filipino Champions of the Year (in alphabetical order).

Marites (Tes) Aiello is a certified recruiter and coach with the largest Financial Institution in Canada, The Royal Bank of Canada. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, she is a

first generation Filipino Canadian as her mother, Teresita (Lozano) Ramos made Canada her home in the 1960’s as one of 9 Filipino nurses who were hired at the Winnipeg General Hospital (now known as Heath Sciences Centre).

Tes has been working in the financial industry for 13 years and currently specializes in HR, recruitment. She has received several community awards at RBC. Tes has been volunteering actively in the Filipino community since 1983 and is a large part of the vibrant and large Filipino community in Manitoba of over 65,000. She began her journey as a performer for the Magdaragat Philippines Dance Troupe.

She returned as a teacher in 2008, a volunteer backstage, the pavilion ambassador in 2012, the pavilion co- coordinator in 2014 -2015 and is currently a proud parent of two

performers for the Pearl of the Orient Philippine Pavilion, the only Filipino Pavilion in the largest and longest Cultural Festival, Folklorama. She is also a current director on the Folklorama Board of Directors. Folklorama is celebrating its 50th year of promoting diversity and cultural understanding here in Winnipeg and is only the third Filipino to have the honour of being on the Board of Directors. Tes has also been instrumental in prospering and preserving culture for board of directors in Winnipeg including the Philippine Heritage Council of Manitoba (recently stepped down as Vice President, Community and Sponsorship), The Manitoba Filipino Business Council (original board member), and the Pinays of Manitoba (Filipino Women’s group). continued on page 26►

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

JUNE 2019

RELIGION | OPINION | BUSINESS

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Confronting Our Sinfulness Part 5 OUR TEXT "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 7:24-25 KJV THE CONCLUSION I want to bring this discourse to a point. Remember, my dear brethren, what we need is to come to a decision and action. There are in Scripture two very different sorts of Christians.

The Scripture speaks in Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians about the yielding to the flesh and that is the life of tens of thousands of believers. All their lack of joy in the Holy Spirit and their lack of the liberty He gives are just owing to the flesh.

The spirit is within them, but the flesh rules the life.

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 and became one of the founders of the Tau Gamna Phi, one of the world leading Philippine-produced fraternities. His immensurable love for the human race has brought him to the conviction of translating his mission from fraternity into Divinity-from a mere brotherhood into sainthood. Tito authored a book entitled Quocunque Jeceris Stabit, which means, wherever you throw, it will stand.

To be led by the Spirit of God is what they need. Would God that I could make every child of His realize what it means that the Everlasting

Filipinavigation RIANA TORREJON torrejonriana@gmail.com Riana Torrejon is an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta who is a passionate advocate for human rights. In her spare time, she loves to write and sing. She is also the Fundraising and Events Director for the Child Advocacy Society of University of Alberta and a writer for Happy Columns. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of her greatest inspirations.

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Struggles

God has given His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus, to watch over you every day, and that what you have to do is to trust, and that the I am just as valuable when I show what I originally perceived as signs of weakness.

Prudence is wise because we do have to establish boundaries in order to uphold what we value, however, walls are the extremity of mistrust. We must also learn to trust in what is good. God always reminds us that we are valuable whether we're perfect or broken, so we don't have to worry because we're already so, so loved.

We may have our struggles, but we also have our abilities. We have the ability to reach out to others and pray when we are in need. As well, we have the ability to extend a hand to others when they are facing their own battles.

There are many resources available for all of us such as those provided on the Mental Health Commission of Canada website and the 24-hour distress line which is 780-482-435.

I wish you all well in every battle you face.

NORA G. RAGADIO, Realtor®

780-246-7708

work of the Holy Spirit is to enable you, every moment to remember the Lord Jesus, and to trust in Him? We are accustomed to think of the Holy Spirit as a luxury for special occasions, or for special ministers and men. But the Holy Spirit is vital to every believer every moment of the day.

Praise God! You have Him and that He gives you the full experience of the deliverance in Christ Jesus, as He makes you free from the power of sin. What good does it do that we go to church or attend conferences and conventions that we study our Bibles and pray, unless our lives are filled with the Holy Spirit?

That is what God wants and nothing else will enable us to live a life of power and peace. You know that when a minister or a parent is using the Scripture, when a question is asked an answer is expected?

But, how many Christians are content with the question presented here:

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"O wretched man that I am!

Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?"

But never give an answer.

Instead of answering, they are silent. Instead of saying: “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord,” they are forever repeating the question without answering.

If you want the path to complete deliverance of Christ and the liberty of the Spirit, the glorious liberty of the children of God, take it through the 7th chapter of Romans; and then say: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Be not content to remain ever groaning, but say: "I, a wretched man, thank God, through Jesus Christ.

Even though I do not see it all, I am going to praise God!" There is the deliverance; there is the liberty of the Holy Spirit.

The Kingdom of God is "joy in the Holy Ghost."

Amen.

from page 14

The Congress of The Philippine Associations of Alberta Leading The Community

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he COPAA’S Internal Vice President, Lito Mendoza Velasco would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all, who, despite their busy schedules, still chose to be present during Gala Night’s celebration last 8th of June 2019 at the Rivercree Resort in Edmonton.

With special thanks to the guest speakers, visitors, entertainers, volunteers, and the following sponsors who never hesitated to support and make this noble occasion as their calling or vocation: List of Sponsors, Donors & Supporters Go Honda, Alberta Honda, Kia North, Alberta Medical Supplies and Quality Sleep Care, Servus Credit Union, Great Smile Family Dental, Loida Lumanlan Remax River City, Alberta Filipino Journal, Himig Pinoy FM 101.7 DJ Rolan Latorre & DJ Jo-Anne, Angeles Law Firm, Palabok House Restaurant, Crosstown Motors c/o Joe Medina, Servus Edmonton Heritage Festival c/o Jim Gibbon, Quickly Bubble Tea c/o Chester Tiongson, Liberal Party of Edmonton Millwoods, Rivercree Resort and Casino, Resty Reyes of Fly Friendly Travel, La Bello Aesthetics c/o Faye Sales, Philippine Business Society of Alberta (PBSA)

Soren Kierkegaard once said: “It is better to be a participator rather than spectator.”

Meaning, our availability makes us a community. Our Presence truly contributes to enhance and regain the confidence of our clan. Sometimes, I would like to believe that ‘availability is better than ability!’ That, our mere presence is enough to build the community.

That, our mere presence can even heal the broken-hearted. That, Our mere presence is touching each one’s heart and soul. In this connection, Let’s choose to be felt rather than being left! Live and let live!

Not everything that counts can be counted; and not everything that can be counted counts!

Our community needs us! We don’t have to be doing amazing things in order to be counted. I, you, we are all important! Please do participate in our upcoming events: The Filipino Fiesta, The Edmonton Heritage Festival, etc.

e all struggle with something. For some, they struggle with their body, for others it can be their relationship status, and there are so many more. For me, as cliche as it sounds, I struggle with letting my defenses down. I keep my walls up in anticipation of an attack. I lay awake at night sometimes, imagining the worst-case scenarios and creating their respective emergency action plans for Remember, It’s I, It’s you, it’s us, who myself. I want to believe that there is a solution for everything, and that build community!

I will have prepared myself enough for those scenarios so that I won’t Thanks for being counted! be faced with too many problems, should they occur. These walls are my second line of defense.

My first and foremost line of defense is not admitting when something has upset me. My version of a poker face or a smile, is what I often greet people with, no matter my current state. On the 9513 41 Ave Nw, Edmonton, AB, T6E 5X7 days where a smile is hard to muster, I hide in the crevices available around the university, tucking myself away from the crowd and attempting to look absorbed in my schoolwork.

It is very easy to lie to yourself when you are isolated. Many negative thoughts can appear in may qualify for the following products funded by the Alberta government? your head, and these thoughts insidiously gain power as they multiply and accumulate. I imagine the leaves which fall in autumn; one or two leaves on C U S T O M O R T H O T I C S | L I F T C H A I R | M AT T R E S S the ground may seem harmless, but the decision to leave those alone for a long period of time results in a pile forming, and the job of cleaning it up becomes a more difficult task. You will require the proper tools, such as a wheelbarrow and rake, to aid you.

Without these things, the trees will continue to scatter their leaves onto your lawn, easily undoing Maximum 2 pairs of Many choices of Mattresses Lift Chair Comes with any progress you may make with your bare hands.

Orthotics for a eligible with different sizes where Heat, Recline and We need others and we need the proper tools senior are covered by the most of the amount is Massage Function. to help us. Don’t live in isolation and don’t allow Alberta Government. covered by the Government. others to settle into isolation as well. It’s okay not to feel okay, but it will be okay in the end if we let others help us, see us at both our highs and lows, Alberta Seniors can purchase all these items for $0 if they qualify! and love us.

Please Come in to Apply today You have an inherent value which does not change whether you are perfect or broken. I thought that or you can email us for further information! exhibiting a poker face would establish my facade Tel: 587-499-4010 Fax: 587-400-9367 Email: Curehealthcl@gmail.com of a stable and “strong” individual, but I realize that

Cure Health Supplies 587-499-4010

Did you know that seniors above 65 living in Alberta

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NORA G. RAGADIO, Realtor®

780-246-7708

OPINION | EDUCATION

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 poems, composing songs, and playing volleyball. In the long run, he hopes to learn to play hockey the Canadian way.

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Story of a Friend

ife is like a game, every time you level up, it becomes harder and more challenging. Those things teach us to be more independent and wakes us up towards the bites of reality. That is why you need to think of a strategy, so you will win fair and square. Even though you might lose, you should not give up and just go on.

A friend, we happen to meet them since our early ages. You will

know who is real, true and who is not. You will know if they are always by your side and they always talk to you. They would give advices mostly on love if you have a problem with your “love life”. They would give you “hugots” that will leave you thoughts and will stay in your mind. They are the type of friends that makes crazy and insane things with you. They are the ones that you are together with in the Principal’s office. They are like

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your brothers and sisters that loves you. They will be with you until the end – but something has changed…

I fell in love with my best friend. I do not know how it happened that is why my mind got confused. Every smile and laugh of yours meant a lot to me. Every message of yours completes and fills my day that are full of sadness and loneliness. I do not know if this is right, but one thing I know is I fell in love with my best friend.

Love is so unpredictable.

I continued how I feel because that is what my heart says, but one day, I confessed and that was the happiest day of my life because you feel the same way.

Days passed, I stopped the whole Universe just to heart our hearts beating. I sacrificed my time just to give it to you.

You had all my attention, but one day when I woke up, why are you not by my side anymore. I hold onto you and hoped that it would be forever but

why was I still a failure? It seemed that the stars disappeared that were visible to my eyes. It seemed like the heartbeats disappeared that my ears used to hear. It seemed like the promises that

are made by you and me was blown away by the wind. What happened?

What really happened? Did I do something wrong? Are you tired of

The APEGA 22 Key Competency & Indicators for CBA Applications – Part 2 ENGINEER IN ACTION

mmcereno@gmail.com

Competency Category 1 – Technical Competence 1.5 Solution Techniques Understand solution techniques and independently verify the results •Demonstrate an understanding of the engineering principles used in the application of computer design programs and show/describe how the results were verified as correct •Participate in an independent review and verification of solution techniques or analysis methods

I totally understand that these softwares are just a tool for streamlining of the process of analysis, but I made sure that the input values are verified and checks by my superior. The output values were obviously dependent on the input values.

Example: I designed several 2-storey to 10- storey buildings using STAAD www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

Example: In the detailed design analysis of buildings that I performed it defines the components of the entire structure and validates the reliability of the design softwares used to withstand design forces. The input values I put in the software will have a biggest impact on the output and eventually it will be a part of the structural drawings that will be implemented for constructions.

In concrete foundation design, it is essential to accurately analyze the geotechnical report to better use experimental values and its applicability to the system so that foundation will function as per design.

Synthesis after each design were done by comparing all design output from previous projects. I consulted other member of the team regarding the output of the design.

We call this as inter-discipline checks.

If some dubious output were noticed, discussions and deliberation of the design data will be identified.

1.6 Safety Awareness Be aware of safety risks inherent in the design, and demonstrate safety awareness; on-site and has potential safety authorization/certificate as appropriate •Identify, incorporate, and/or participate in review of safety considerations, procedures, and

Example: During my role as site structural engineer, I always participated in daily safety talk before the work day starts. In all coordination meetings, I always participated in a short safety moment introduction to have all the participants aware of the safety procedures of the site.

1.7 Systems and Their Components Demonstrate understanding of systems and components of systems •Demonstrate an understanding of each element in a process •Demonstrate an understanding of the interactions and constraints in the behaviour of the overall system •Manage processes within the overall system (monitor and, where needed, modify processes to achieve optimum outcomes)

For more advice on a specific case in pursuing your application – please contact me at cereno@ ualberta.ca or mmcereno@gmail.com.

T

•Understand and account for safety risks associated with processes. Identify relevant protection equipment and process modifications to mitigate safety risks

As site engineer, the role of safety of work is everyone’s concern not only the Safety Officer on Duty. The Company I work with has the strike one policy regarding the noncompliance of Safety Procedures. Everybody has the authority to stop the work if we feel and understand that the work to be done is potential for violation of safety.

Mervin Cereno is a Filipino Engineer, Academician and Entrepreneur who chose to migrate to Canada. He is working on his research to complete his Master’s Degree from the University of Alberta. Presently, he is working on his Canadian Professional Experience to eventually earn his Professional Engineering Status in the Province of Alberta soon.

Pro and ETABS Structural Softwares).

The input locations of columns, stairs, openings, occupancy type and clearances are all come from the design Architect. I performed the design modeling, loadings and results interpretation. Random manual checks using the basic principle of Engineering Mechanics were done for further verification of results.

me? Are you not happy anymore? So many questions just went and flew into my mind on why did we separate.

I was confused on the events. I could not sleep for some reason. I cried over and over again because I feel like you are forever gone from me.

It felt like a perfume that you can just smell it at first but when time passes, it will slowly disappear.

You are my kind of friend that I used to tell my problems with. My friend that I am always with, in good times and in bad times. My friend that I was always with in crazy things. You are one of a kind – But it seems like everything has changed. There’s a major question that left me in thoughts,” Was I not enough?”

One day, I texted you, pretended nothing happened. I asked how you were doing, you told me you were “ok”, and you called me your “best friend” again. You left me a smile on my lips but you also left me a single thought that I should realize that this is how far we can get – that I will always be your friend and just your Best Friend.

Coordinate issues and concerns to the Safety officer incharge and aware of all risk especially work at confine space, work at height and work in hazardous environment.

Protective equipment is a must – and it has no exemptions.

MERVIN MENDOZA CERENO

his is the second of several series of writing an example on how to complete your experience requirements in applying for your APEGA licensure requirement. The examples presented here are based on my personal experience and does not necessarily the same as yours. This will serve only as guide and not on a “copy and paste” approach.

I suggest for those who will write their Experience Records to start and follow the examples below. This will complete the 22 Key Competencies in the succeeding issues of the Alberta Filipino Journal. The complete competency category can be found from the APEGA website.

JUNE 2019

With regards to my analysis and design for communication towers, the values of the wind forces and proper interpretation of the wind rose diagram as identified on the project location is very critical in the design. This wind rose diagrams can be consider as a major component of the detailed design analysis of the tower. Member forces to size the members are the components of the systems that need to be determine accurately from the correct interpretation of data. equipment as they apply to system operations and/or maintenance programs •Demonstrate specific knowledge of safety regulations •Incorporate explicit human and public safety considerations in design and all other professional activities

In the tower base foundation and deadman anchors design, it is essential to accurately analyze the geotechnical report to better use experimental values and its applicability to the system so that foundation will function as design. …….to be Continue….

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

JUNE 2019

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

POINTS OF VIEW | EVENTS

NORA G. RAGADIO, Realtor®

780-246-7708

25

On Disease, Recovery and Support

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ast fall, two of my relatives in the Philippines got sick with Dengue. This spring, another two needed invasive surgeries for serious conditions, one for kidney stones, and one for gallbladder stones.

In each instance, they approached me for financial support, which I was able to provide.

I felt empowered about being able to help, which is a new feeling to me, and I have to say that it’s pretty great. Growing up an orphan, the feeling of shame and guilt never left me because of the awareness that someone else had to be financially responsible for my needs. Adults indeed, are supposed to provide for children, but knowing that brought no relief at all. As a teenager, the first paycheque I had in the summer of 2008 working in retail was momentous. The first time I sent money via Western Union to my brother prior to him coming to Canada, was just as great.

I felt sympathetic to the suffering that was caused. I also learned to hold my thoughts in whenever people shifted to judging and victim blaming. In many ways, diet plays a significant role in many health issues. Diabetes, kidney troubles, hypertension and liver diseases usually correlate with our fellowmen’s typical diet. A major thing that

GENERAL POINT OF VIEW GISELLE GENERAL

gqgeneral@gmail.com

Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region on the Benguet province, and immigrated to Canada as a teenager in 2007. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, she now dedicates her business training to the nonprofit sector, both in employed and volunteer 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 realized, is that in homes here in Canada, kitchen stoves come with ovens, which provides the option for a much healthier way of cooking: baking. My cousin who had gallbladder surgery said that the doctor told her to hold off on eating fatty foods moving forward. A common way that food is prepared is frying, so this would be a challenge. Convenient and cheap fast food options is everywhere and can be tempting, because finding the time to plan meals and cook food also takes time. I’m just content that they know what changes they need to implement.

As for dengue, here in Alberta we do get overwhelmed with swarms of mosquitoes when outdoors during the summer. We’re pretty lucky that for the most part, the bites are just annoying and itchy. When I was chatting with my colleagues at lunch, none of whom are Filipinos, I told them about all the different diseases, from mosquitoes and other factors, that we had to deal with in the Philippines during typhoon season. Those diseases include dengue, malaria, leptospirosis, Japanese encephalitis, to name a few. My coworker, who grew up in rural eastern Canada, simply exclaimed

“oh my god, that’s terrible”.

A very useful tool these days is that when sending money via Western Union or e-transfers through online banking, with the touch of a button, a transaction history pops up, which is convenient and easy to read. With the objective information handy, whenever I get to say ‘no, not today’ to helping, I can back that up with saying “over the past number of months, I have already sent a few thousand dollars, so I’m maxed out.” This part is what is difficult for many migrants. This is where I appreciate that the requests that I received are more optional, since they are from extended family. I think because the relationship is a bit more distant, they are more courteous when making a request, and even more expressive of their gratitude. I wonder, and really hope,

that immediate family members are sensitive to making requests and are expressive with appreciation.

I feel empowered to set boundaries, to say “no, not today” because I now sincerely believe the saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. It can be difficult, but important, to establish a set of financial priorities: pay for all needs and expenses here, pay off any debt here, have a bit of savings if possible, and be aware of the total amount of money being sent so far and the different requests received.

The requests for aid from my relatives had come so close to each other, that given my budget this year, I won’t be able to help out for the rest of the year. I’m hoping that they will find other means of support, just until I have my new budget for next year.

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26

NORA G. RAGADIO, Realtor®

780-246-7708

INSPIRATIONS | COMMUNITY

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

JUNE 2019

from page 22

TFCC Awarded 12 National Awardees...

Born in the province of Quezon, Jose, better known as Jun Angeles, migrated to Canada on June 1, 1969 and recently celebrated his 50 years in Canada. As one of the Filipino pioneers in Alberta, he encountered so many challenges in life. As a young man who had just graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Service (Cum Laude) and with no working experience, he challenged all the hurdles that came his way. He worked all sorts of job, travelled the world and discovered what life has to offer. But after all the searching, he settled back in Edmonton to raise a family with his wife and three children. His story is common, nothing extraordinary but how he became successful is a story in and of itself.

His passion to succeed in his chosen profession as a Financial Adviser, his passion to help other aspiring business colleagues, his passion to contribute to the community and promote his native land, its culture and traditions are imminent in his life story. He became a publisher of the widely read Alberta Filipino Journal, garnered educational courses and degrees in business, achieving the titles of Chartered Financial Consultant (CHFC), Chartered Financial Planner (CFC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). But he takes the most pride in giving back to the community as a leader and founder of different Filipino organizations. Presently, he is the president of the Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta (COPAA). His life revolves around his love for his family, countrymen and Canada that adopted him and where his dream came true.

Ramon Cairo is an internationally educated & trained Structural Engineer, studied engineering at Divine Word University of Tacloban and University of Manitoba as well as Project Management at Red River College. Licensed Professional Engineer in five (5) Canadian Provinces since 2008.

Currently works as Director of Engineering at Paterson GlobalFoods Inc. since 2007. Owner & President of Cairo Engineering Ltd, a structural engineering firm based in Winnipeg.

One of the founders and 1st President of Filipino Members Chapter of Engineers Geoscientist Manitoba, an engineering association chapter of EGM to help and encourage fellow Filipino internationally educated and trained engineers get Canadian engineering license. President of Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba Inc. Helped more than 30 friends and relatives immigrate to Canada.

Prior to his move to Winnipeg in July 2004, worked and lived in Saipan, USA for 10 years and 3 years in Saudi Arabia.

Mark Calvelo is the President & CEO – Complete Real Estate Group and Director of Calvelo Holdings & Investment Corporation Mark Calvelo is a serial entrepreneur. A 25+ year seasoned business development and awardwww.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

winning real estate professional with a proven track record of assisting clients with their real estate transactions – from single-family homes to multiunit real estate developments, and helping local companies improve their gross profit 10x within a five-year period. As a true-Calgarian, Mark’s up-to-date knowledge of current market trends, pricing fluctuations and inventory is supplemented by his historical information about his hometown Calgary and area. Mark’s commitment to his clients is the keystone to his success. He is passionate about bringing a positive impact to anyone and everyone that he meets. Along with his philanthrop-spirit, this has led him to partner with the Calgary Health Trust (CHT). Mark provides services to Calgary’s Alberta Health Services (AHS) health care professionals to ensure that they save time, money and stress while at the same time giving money back to the CHT so they can continue to transform health care in Alberta. With an approachable demeanor, caring attitude and keen sense of humour, Mark Calvelo is well respected amongst his peers, clients and friends. He is described as an exceptional leader, educator, mentor and friend.

Narima Dela Cruz is the first Filipino woman in Canada, and the first Filipino in B.C. to be recognized with a Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award in 2012. She is the Founder of SPIDS, the Filipino organization in Surrey for the past 11 years. She has been involved in various mainstream volunteer-based and service-oriented groups in Metro Vancouver.

Narima is a Licensed Realtor by profession and was given a ‘Realtors Care Award’ by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver for her extensive works in the community.

She also works as a Court & Medical Interpreter.

Narima was a Councillor candidate for Surrey First in the 2018 Civic Election and even if not elected, garnered 23, 790 votes.

Her most recent accomplishment was having direct involvement in the petition signing for the Filipino Heritage Month, and this was acknowledged

by MP Salma Zahid on her Opening Debate speech.

“In 2011, I finished Practical Nursing, I worked at the Foothills Hospital ( Cardiac Unit) soon after. I worked at a number of retirement facilities as well. I went back to school to advance my skills and adding ( advance footcare). I started my private practice doing footcare for retirement residences. Grew my clientle from 2 people to 400+ by 2015. I felt I needed help, a strategic partner to help me with operations. I entered an event called “Tiger Cage”. It was a 2 day event in Calgary and Edmonton. You get to pitch your business in front of investors and you’ll have a chance to get a strategic partner. They will only pick 1 Entrepreneur. On August 15, 2017,they made me an offer I cannot refuse. 2019,we now have 4 Locations in Calgary and 1 in Cochrane and 70 employees strong.”

At the age of 32, Pilar Kowalchuk left her administration job at an insurance company in Makati, traveled alone to Hong Kong to work as a nanny for 2 years. In 2008 She landed in Canada where she was a nanny for a family living in the NW of Calgary. In the spring of 2016, Pinky decided she would like to become a personal trainer. While she was going to school to be a personal trainer, she was also very active in the gym. One day one of the trainers told Pinky if she started prepping for a competition she would win. This planted a seed.

For the next 12 months she was studying everything she could about personal training and competitive bodybuilding. In March of 2017 she took the plunge. She started prepping for her first competition, and in May 2017 came in 2nd place in INBF natural Bodybuilding Bikini. Since then she has completed her personal training certification, and currently works as a trainer at World Health downtown Calgary. Since her first competition she has risen to the top of the podium and recently placed 1st in both Bikini A and Masters, securing her position to compete at the national level.

She is currently launching her own personal training business, focusing on mom’s who want to get their ‘sexy’ back, as well as training for her next competition in July 2019.

Flora Kupsch, Business owner/General manager of Wild West Shooting Centre in Edmonton Alberta for nineteen years.

Flora Kupsch, Winners of the Canadian National Cowboy action shooting Championship Top lady champion between 2001-2004 and 2010 Western Cowboy action shooting sports received numerous award.

Flora Kupsch winner for Montana USA State Championship Cowboy action shooting year 2002 and 2004 number one Top Lady and received numerous trophy awards. She is the winner and hold the number one Top Lady Coeur d’Alene Idaho USA Cowboy Action shooting State Championship Year 2004 and received a Trophy.

Flora Kupsch Won the Top Lady for Alberta Provincial Championship for International Practical Confederation Shooting competition (IPSC) 2011 and won Gemma Award Filipino Karilagan Dance Society Edmonton in 2004.

Flora Kupsch 4th place Lady winner for World cowboy action shooting Championship 2004. She appeared in Televisions, CTV Alberta Extreme, Global TV CFRN Chatelaine magazine, Edmonton Sun, Edmonton Journal Globe and Mail 630 chef radio Flora Kupsch winner documentary film received grant amount of $20,000 from the Government and films four times nominees Gemma Award and received numerous Trophy awards.

Beverly, or Smile to her family, is a Lawyer in the Wills & Estate Group at McLeod Law. Beverly is an internationally trained lawyer. She graduated from the Ateneo De Manila School of Law in 2015. Prior to moving to Canada she practiced corporate and tax law

for seven years in the Philippines. She was a Senior Tax Consultant at one of the ‘Big Four’ global accounting firms. She also worked as a Court Attorney and Chief of Staff in the Philippine Court of Tax Appeals. While Beverly was taking her Certificate of Qualification to practice law in Canada through the National Committee on Accreditation of The Federation of Law Societies of Canada, she worked as Paralegal in the Foreclosure Group of McLeod Law.Beverly was called to the Bar and became a full-fledged Canadian Lawyer in 2017.

Rosanna PenillaBharucha is an award-winning serial entrepreneur whose wealth of experience includes child and elder care services, event management, strategic marketing, and business development coaching for startups.

Rosanna has been living with her family in Mississauga since 1996. She has built a diverse community by connecting people and by bringing them together through her annual events. As an entrepreneur, she gained experience, learned from challenges, and became well-connected in the multicultural communities with diverse businesses.

Rosanna’s most recent accomplishment of 2019 include being one of the 8 entrepreneurship speakers at the IEP 2019 Conference and the Men of Honour Awards Gala, where 100 men were honoured and recognized for their contribution to York Region.

Rosanna has landed coverage in print and broadcast outlets within Canada and Overseas for advocacy in Senior Care and Baby Boomers and interviews on Entrepreneurship and Women Empowerment. As the Founder of the Boomerpreneurs Network, Absolutely Fabulous Women Awards and Men of Honour Awards, her efforts and initiatives were recognized by various government officials. She is a recipient of the Women of Courage Award, Rise to Radiate Award, and Brilliant Minded Women Award. Rosanna is an official speaker of Passages Canada and her immigration story was featured by Regional Diversity Roundtable in celebration of Canada 150. Rosanna holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce in Marketing from Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines.

Dr. Rey Rosales is an award-winning professor and chair of the Department of Communication at MacEwan University in Edmonton. He served as the associate dean for the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications from 2009-2017.

Dr. Rosales holds a PhD in Journalism from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a master’s in radiotelevision from Arkansas State. He was a Fulbright scholar and a visiting fellow at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Rosales completed a management program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Prior to coming to Canada, he taught for a decade at a Catholic university in Chicago where he won prestigious international awards. Dr. Rosales held a number of prestigious fellowships including the American Press Institute Fellowship, the Hollywood Fellowship (Emmy’s), International Radio-TV Society Fellowship, American Society of

Newspaper Editors, among others.

He graduated magna cum laude from Divine Word University of Tacloban majoring in mass communication.

Desiree Tan is a Team Lead and Senior Defence Lawyer at the Legal Aid Alberta Youth Office. She defends young persons charged with offences under the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Criminal Code of Canada. Originally from Winnipeg, she obtained her law degree from the University of Manitoba in 2011. Desiree was first exposed to criminal law when she volunteered with the legal aid clinic at the University. She articled with a well-known criminal defence firm in Winnipeg, and later worked there as an associate lawyer. In 2013, she joined the Youth Criminal Defence Office, a branch of Legal Aid, in Edmonton before moving to their Calgary office in 2014, the office that she now manages. She has successfully argued cases up to the Supreme Court of Canada and she is passionate about Human Rights, Constitutional and Criminal Law, as well as advocating for youths. She goes back to Winnipeg to visit her family often and travels to the Philippines or other tropical destinations when she able to get away from her work for longer than a week. She always makes sure she never forgets her Filipino roots and where she came from.

About TFCC of The Year Awards Objectives: To recognize the importance of the Filipino-Canadian Professionals and their contribution to Canada’s economic development and image as a free and welcoming country.

To celebrate the accomplishments of our fellow countrymen by recognizing their hard work and dedication to their respective careers.

To bring the community together by inspiring them through the recognition of our outstanding professionals.

To carry out TFCC’s Core mission – Connect, Share, Inspire.

To live TFCC’s values – RICE- Respect, Integrity, Community, Excellence Why is this important?

TFCC has been a platform for outstanding Filipinos in Canada who have achieved great achievements for themselves and for their community.

June is Canada’s Philippine Heritage Month. Part of our heritage is hard work, dedication to our careers, and providing excellent value to the organizations we work for. This is part of our culture.

This is part of our heritage that we want to celebrate and focus on.

Filipinos are more than just the different cultures from different islands, or the unique foods we prepare, or the dances that we perform. Our culture is that of progress, contribution, industry, hard work, and leadership.

The Filipinos are one of the biggest sources of labor force for Canada. It is the fastest growing ethnic group. From the fast food restaurants, hospitality industries, medical, engineering to telecommunications, Filipinos are present.

It is time that we celebrate the men and women who get up each working day to represent themselves and their community. This is what the TFCC of the Year Award is about.

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

JUNE 2019

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Golden Wedding Anniversary of Art Renewed Vows: Starring Mo and Madie Billacura and Fely Santos Congratulations for reaching the milestone of Art & Fely Santos 50th Golden Wedding. They renewed their wedding vows at St Joseph Basilica with family, relatives and friends.

M & M: Mahal na Mahal ang Isa’t-isa (They love each other very much!)

The secret of a long-lasting marriage cannot and should not be revealed to anyone; otherwise, it’s no longer a secret. However, no wedding day is strictly confidential. Especially to this kind of matrimonial ceremony where almost all the renowned people and personalities had flown over to witness its meritocracy and blissfullness.

To both of you M & M (Mo and Madie): Your book of revelation has gone wildly concealed as nobody from your media friends and associates here in Edmonton could have known your genesis prior to your departure to the Philippines.

Nevertheless, HAPPY RENEWAL OF VOWS OUR DEAR FRIENDS!

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Nanay Cora Velasco: The Queen of Suman Celebrates Life in Edmonton The Good Buddy Restaurant is filled with Nanay Cora Velasco’s visitors as she celebrated her birthday last June 12, 2019. She’s very thankful for having a small but quite generous, thoughtful, and loving son, grandchildren, family members and friends here in Edmonton.

Her FB Messenger was also flooded with enormous greetings from her brothers, sisters, relatives, and children outside Canada.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANAY CORA!

BIRTHDAY: Life is longer when candles are blown over Being crowded with people during birthday parties would make you politically inclined. While being surrounded by few friends would make you who you are and well-defined!

MORE BIRTHDAYS TO EXPECT LIZ JACKSON!

Graduated:

A New Catalyst of Change

ASTROLOGER, PSYCHIC & SPIRITUALIST

PANDIT RAJA RAM JI

Micah Leonida is a Filipino version of Kamala Khan, who is a fictional Muslim-American superhero that’s part of the Marvel Comics franchise. She basically kicks super villain butt while promoting diversity, and empowering women of colour. She’s a super feminist. She wants to be a super feminist with super powers. That’s what she actually wants to be when she grows up. Now is the perfect time Micah - you may now use your superpowers!

Congratulations for being an achiever! Just continue to be thirsting for knowledge and be brave in defense of women.

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