AS this issue hits the stands, the G7 Summit in Kananaskis would be over. This year’s gathering of world leaders will be remembered not so much for what was discussed but for what were left out of the discussions. And, of course, Donald Trump’s rant about Russia’s expulsion from the group before Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to abruptly cut Mr. Trump’s press conference.
The gathering will also be remembered for the issues that it did not tackle, specifically the Russia-Ukraine war. No joint communique was issued on the war upon the insistence of Mr. Trump, which was widely seen as clear evidence that the US president wants Vladimir Putin back in the gathering. He even agreed to China joining G7.
Bing J. Jaleco bingjaleco@yahoo.com
Raleigh “Bing” Jaleco was a veteran journalist and public relations consultant in the Philippines. He started out as a correspondent for Ang Pahayagang Malaya and then moved on to be a reporter, and then an editor, of The Manila Chronicle. He also served as news editor of The Manila Standard, business editor of The Manila Times, and sub-editor at the Manila Bulletin. He landed as a permanent resident in Canada in 2016.
Which begs the question: without US leadership, and with its backing for the return of Russia and the inclusion of China, how will the G7 member-nations position the group as a relevant and effective global congregation?
Relevance was top-of-mind at Kananaskis as leaders of the most powerful economies in the world tried to address global issues, identify the strategies needed, and how these can all be possible with Donald Trump sitting as the US president. Like it or not, the US has been the lynchpin of G7—formally organized in 1975 under the auspices of Washington—a fact derived from its erstwhile role of the “leader of the free world.”
It should be clear by now that the US under Mr. Trump no longer holds that mantle. And without US leadership to push the G7 agenda, and without Washington’s influence to hold the forum together, what becomes of G7?
The Trump presidency has brought the group to a crossroad where it must decide how to navigate this new world order. And the first order of the day is form a consensus on the matter of leadership. It should realize by now that the US cannot—and should not—exercise its influence on G7 that was bestowed, acknowledged, and validated by the members over decades of real leadership.
I believe it is high time for Canada to take a more proactive and visible role in G7 affairs. That it hosted this year’s gathering seems portentous, coming at a very tumultuous time in history where war is being waged in Europe, another one threatening to erupt in the Middle East, and economic uncertainty in the wake of this tariff madness prevalent.
In a way, even Prime Minister Carney’s emergence seemed providential. And frankly, it is also fortuitous as he understands the economic issues confronting Canada and the world as a result of Mr. Trump’s new world order. So I believe Canada is equipped with the tools needed not just to address these issues but, in fact, to play a more visible role in G7.
This is an opportunity for PM Carney to position Canada as a global leader and finally step out of the shadows of the once-great United States of America.
By Ann Agbulos
The Calgary International Badminton Association (CIBA), a Non-Profit Organization, hosted the first grand tournament June 14 at the Sunridge Badminton Centre.
A total of 84 players from Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer, and Edmonton showcased their talents and expertise in their respective categories and skill levels.
Organizers thank their supporters, Alex Tumang of Re/Max Realty Group, Earl Masanque of The Duct Stories, Cindee Martinez of Toyota, Joel Pagalan of Canada Appliances Restoration and Services, Chung Wai Tak, CIBA Angels, and Sunridge Badminton Centre.
THE TOURNAMENT RESULTS:
Level B Winners: Goldy and Kumar (1st), Ram and Flash (2nd), and Paul and Armand (3rd)
Level C Winners: Ragul and Sandeep (1st), Ishant and Chaitra (2nd), and Jun P. and Raul S. (3rd)
Level D Winners: Arvin and Yesha (1st), Darell and Jerome (2nd), and Lux and Maybelle (3rd)
Mixed Doubles: Shekar and Pooja (1st), Nick and Kat (2nd), and Uno and Elloise (3rd)
Age Category (Combined Ages 40s and 50s): Lux and Rhon (1st), Carlo and Dos (2nd), and Shekar and Raul D. (3rd)
Together with its tournament fee, a dinner was provided after the games at Anh Tu’s Kitchen located on 31st Street SE of Calgary. The officers were also inducted in the said venue as follows:
President: Joel Pagalan, Vice President: Fernando Laguindam, Executive Secretary: Ann Agbulos, Treasurer: Richard Panes, Business Manager: Joel Aurellano, Director of Finance and Audit: Ulysses Masas, Director of Creative and Technical: Jester Dela Cruz, Creative and Technical Officer: Ejohn Ramos, Director of Player Relations Affairs: CJ Bautista, Player Relations Officers:
Joshua Ramirez, Mark Angelo Viernes, and AC Agliam, Director of Event and Social Affairs: Darell Dipasupil, Event and Social Officers: Randel Maraon and Gerald Mangorong.
CIBA will have a Summer Camping event in July and will be hosting another tournament.
CIBA will have weekly friendly games every Wednesday at Sunridge Badminton Centre, from 7 to 10 pm.
246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton,
Jose L. Angeles
Publisher / Chief Operating Officer
Sales and Advertising
CP: 780-916-7677, Landline: 780-988-8889 Fax: 780-988-2221
albertafilipinojournal2016@gmail.com
Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles Administrator / Office Manager Sales and Advertising 780-993-5503
albertafilipinojournal79@gmail.com
Moses Billacura
Sports Editor / Photographer / Videographer mocolumnist@albertafilipinojournal.com
April “Lianne” Angeles
Associate Editor
Melanie C. Gomez
Website and Graphic Designer
Dario Juanillo
Contributor / Photographer / Videographer
Mark Angeles, Mike Angeles, Jorge Polecina, Christine Cayabyab, Marie Gordon Distribution Managers - Edmonton
Maria Vizconde
Distribution Manager - Calgary
Michael Moya Comic Artist
Columnists:
Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Giselle General, Bing J. Jaleco, Fr. Jhack Diaz, Julia Magsombol, Oliver R. Rabara
Contributing Writers: Andy Chua, Romeo Honorio, Leonila Samarita, Adam Mella, Erica Olavario, Ryan Lacanilao
Outgoing Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has been attending Philippine Independence Day celebrations for the last 18 years and expressed his gratefulness to the Filipino community for the support when he ran for Edmonton Councillor, Member of Parliament and Edmonton Mayor.
“My journey would not have been possible without the support, generosity and the care and the compassion that you have shown,” Sohi told the members of COPAA and attendees to the 127th Philippine Independence Celebration at the Wyndham Edmonton Hotel and Conference Centre, June 14.
Sohi took an unpaid leave as Edmonton City Mayor to run as Liberal MP for Edmonton Southeast but lost to Conservative candidate Jagsharan Singh Mahal.
We
However, Sohi said he is hoping to come back every year to celebrate Philippine events with members of the community. (Moses Billacura)
By: April “Lianne” Angeles | Photos courtesy of In Your Blood
[The interview has been edited for
length and clarity.]
In Your Blood (IYB) is a four-man metal band from Toronto, with Jericho and BJ on guitars, Jet on bass and lead vocals, and the aptly named Boom on drums.
Jericho explains that the project started right before the pandemic, when he used to take his car to Angel’s shop. Angel was IYB’s former drummer, and vocalist of Torquedown and Crimson. While Jericho waited for his car, Angel introduced him to Integrity, a hardcore punk band. After that, Jericho started writing riffs with the idea of creating a crossover project. Those riffs were stuck on his phone for two years until things started opening up again in 2021.
Their initial lineup had Dennis (Noizytoys / Crimson / 16G) on bass, Angel on drums, and Jet on vocals. Unfortunately, due to other commitments, Angel and Dennis couldn’t continue with In Your Blood. Somewhere along the way, BJ was added to the lineup to bring in more chugs and leads. After Angel left, Boom quickly stepped in to fill the spot on drums.
How the name “In Your Blood” came to be
Jericho: After one of our practices, someone asked, “Why are we doing this? Why do we keep insisting on playing music and devoting time and energy to this? We don’t have to—we’re older, it’s a lot of work, there’s no money in it, etc.” I’m not sure who said it, but someone responded, “Because it’s in your blood.”
That conversation happened in Tagalog, and we initially wanted to name the band Sa Dugo (which means “In the Blood”). We eventually settled on In Your Blood since it’s more accessible to our audience. But we still have logos of Sa Dugo—if you call us that, you get brownie points from me.
Influences
Jericho: I’ve always been in a band(s) in one way or another. Jet and I have been playing together since 1985. As for what influenced the creation of In Your Blood, pandemic stagnation was a huge driving force. Jet and I played in Necrodios since the early 2000s, then took a bit of a hiatus during the late 2010s. Thinking that Necrodios will never play again, I committed to writing a whole album for IYB. The pandemic really made me reflect on what’s important -playing music is high up on that list.
In Your Band’s Music Genre
Jericho: Broadly speaking, we’re a thrash metal band. Sure, we could nitpick every sound and influence to add more prefixes and sub-genres, but at the end of the day—it’s thrash metal.
Inspiration
Jet: Mostly good music and social issues.
The Creative Process
Jericho: My process usually starts with a riff I hum in my head or a drum pattern that I like. Then I transcribe it into Guitar Pro and build a full song from there. We each write individually and then bring complete songs to the band. From there, we tweak and refine them based on everyone’s input.
Favourite IYB Song
Jericho: Out of the three or four officially released tracks, my favorite is “Storm Delay”—mainly because the title has a really great backstory.
Toronto Metal Scene
Jericho: I’m not super familiar with the broader rock scene in Toronto, but the metal scene has definitely improved compared to the early 2000s. There are more venues and promoters willing to give bands a chance, and more importantly, attendance and support have been stronger since the pandemic.
The Band’s Goals
Jericho: The immediate goal is to release our album and then tour in support of it. After that, we want to start writing and recording for the next release.
In Your Blood’s newest single, “The Gift”, is streaming on all music platforms, and their self-titled album is set for release this July through underground German label, Witches Brew.
We hosted 17 teams 3 categories this year; Open Division, 30 up and 13 under.
The Champion in Open Division is Skyline Ballers led by Rex Terania beat Heat Check in the Finals bouncing back from their loss against them in the elimination round. Ang nagpahirap sa kanila Paul Redondo ay ang 6'9 Center na si Carson Fisher of Golden Bears Basketball duo with the newly arrived point guard from ILOILO Christian Sison. Paul Redondo, Renzo Sibug, Harry Manigos and Andrei De Jesus combined 93 points and De Jesus wins the Finals Mvp
Championship Game of 30up naman is super intense and dramatic at the same time Elises Design Solution setting a boxed one play on Eder Saldua kasi halos sya gumagawa sa team nya kasi ang lube city alvarez kakabalik lang from 8 year hiatus. In the End lumamang na ang Elises Design Solution dahil sa sunod sunod na 3 point ng Finals Mvp nila na si Paul Morada and sa help din ni Arvin Paquibot and El-john Limpin na mga active pa sa paglalaro until now.
The 13 under brought the
to
from
team together. This team was led by Ermon Morada, they faced Team Naya in the finals super intense ng game dahil dikitan lang ang laban nung una and fun at the same time kasi ang kukulit at ang gagaling nila at the same time. In the end the MVP is NOAH DIU
Edmonton, AB — Four Filipino-Canadian athletes from Alberta are among 18 paddlers from Edmonton selected to represent Canada at the largest-ever International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Championships, happening July 14-20 in Brandenburg, Germany.
All 18 Edmonton athletes train with the Edmonton Dragon Boat Racing Club (EDBRC) and are part of the 400+ Canadian national team delegation heading to the sport’s biggest global competition, featuring over 4,000 athletes from 35 countries.
The presence of Team Philippines at the championships adds special meaning for the Filipino-Canadian paddlers.
“This is more than just about paddling— as a Filipino immigrant, this is my way of bringing honor to Canada, the country that has been so welcoming and good to us," said one of the Alberta-based paddlers. "To represent Canada while seeing the Philippines on the same global stage is truly an honor."
Their selection highlights both athletic excellence and Canada’s vibrant multiculturalism. With years of training behind them, the athletes are ready to chase gold.
Watch the live stream at https://www. dragonboat.sport/news/17th-idbf-wdbrcbrandenburg-live-streaming/
The Association of Batangueños in Alberta hold their Flora de Mayo celebration at Corpus Christi Church Hall, May 24, 2025.
The Mabuhay Park Technical Working Group kicked off the Philippine Heritage Month celebration, June 7, at Mabuhay Park in Edmonton.
Various Filipino organization leaders joined the Philippine Flag Raising Ceremony, June 14, in Edmonton in celebration of the 127th Philippine Independence Day.
Isat down with Keren at Ritchie Market, and we started catching up between sips of chai latte and iced tea. Keren and I go way back—we met ten years ago when we both worked at Alberta Health. Even though our paths diverged when she became an Edmonton city councillor and I started writing, we still see each other at a lot of events. I realized I didn’t know anything about her life before our Alberta Health days.
“Let’s rewind,” I said. “Where did you grow up?”
“I grew up all over the place,” she answered. Following the cultural revolution in China in the 80s, her mother was one of the first women in the country to graduate with a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry. “She had to leave her hometown, leaving me, to pursue that in the capital, and then she also later worked abroad,” she says. With Keren’s father out of her life since she was very young, she lived with her grandparents in Chengdu, China in her toddler
years and into grade school.
Keren’s grandparents worked and were often busy, so it was hard to find a relative to attend parent-teacher conferences. “That was such a stigma, that you have no parents. I felt really ashamed of it,” she says. I told her about how it’s common in the Filipino community for parents to work abroad, leaving their children behind. “I understand that pain, that separation,” she said.
When Keren was 11, her whole world changed when she moved to the US to reunify with her mother. “My family situation was a bit awkward at the time, I was learning English, adjusting to a new culture,” she said. She was in ESL full time in grade 5, but she learned English by watching TV shows like Family Matters and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Like her, Will Smith’s character was also off to a new place with a lot to learn, including new family dynamics. By grade 8, she was out of ESL. She had learned the full song to
Fresh Prince, and she thought, “I understand all the words in this song, and I can rap it too—okay, I think I graduated from ESL.”
I told her I would title this article “Keren: The Fresh Prince of Edmonton City Council,” and she said, “No, no, no!” We laughed, and the ice in her drink clinked as she mixed it with her straw.
“I’m very good at adjusting for change, because that has been the constant thing in my life,” Keren said.
When Keren was 20, her mom passed away. Keren had already moved away for university, so she only got to live with her mom for eight years. “I didn’t really have any family expectations, which is why I became a teacher in rural New Mexico,” Keren said. She taught on Navajo Nation reservation, where she witnessed first-hand how colonialism, intergenerational trauma, and institutionalized racism affected her students and the community. She then moved back to Montreal, where she worked with urban Indigenous youth. There was a common thread with her work: “How do I as a coordinator—similarly as a teacher—how do I create a safe haven in my classroom, in this youth centre, so that people can feel fulfilled, connected while they’re here—a space for people to be themselves, to know that they’re worthy of community, that they have skills and talents, and we’re there to help people fulfil their full potential,” she said.
In Montreal, she also worked with the South Asian Women’s
Community Centre. When she was getting interviewed, the matriarch of the organization saw another common thread in her work: “In all these jobs you’ve done, you’re always the outsider,” she said. Keren isn’t South Asian, so she was an outsider in that role as well. “You’re not Indigenous, you’re not from the Navajo Nation. How do you navigate that?”
Keren’s answer is humility “Knowing that I don’t know a lot and that I’m here as a facilitator. I facilitate conversations in the community and transfer that into action. And to me, that’s the same principle I take in my day-to-day work now as a councillor.”
Keren’s experiences with Navajo Nation, the Native Friendship Centre, and the South Asian Women’s Community Centre prompted her next step: moving to Edmonton to pursue a Master of Public Health. For her master’s project, she worked with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation to better understand their experiences with physical activity and wellbeing. She explored beyond Health Canada’s physical activity guidelines and listened to what really matters to the community, such as traditional activities, being together as a community, and the importance of land. “We have to listen to people very carefully. This is a form of ground up policy decision-making,” she said. This is a lesson she still carries with her today as a City Councillor in Edmonton and hopes to continue next term.
Edmonton has dealt with
ryan.lacanilao@gmail.com @ooakosiryan @whatsthetsismis
Hungry Zine, Writerly Magazine, Instant Noodles, and Book of Matches. He also co-produces and co-hosts What’s the Tsismis?
a lot of challenges in the last four years. “The biggest pressure coming out of a global pandemic has been growth—the number of people coming here, settling down, how fast our city is changing. We’re now well over 1 million, and we have big city problems,” Keren said. Her ability to adjust to changes and her passion to build thriving communities has served her well in her role as a city councillor. While city council can be reactionary and top-down, she has championed bottom-up approaches centred around what really matters to people like Community-Based Budgeting that empowered residents and youth to take actions to improve their neighbourhoods. “We have to listen to people very carefully. This is a form of ground up policy decision-making,” she said. If you also are interested in what Keren might accomplish in the next term or how she'll continue building on these lessons towards a better Ward Karhiio, check out her website www.kerentang.ca.
By: April “Lianne” Angeles
Saturday, May 17, 2025 saw the launch of the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club’s book Edmonton Heritage Stories: A Collection of Stories on Crossings, Courage, Community. The event was held from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Edmonton City Hall on 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton.
Consisting of 22 stories and art from 10 artists, Edmonton Heritage Stories: A Collection of Stories on Crossings, Courage, Community is an anthology containing heritage stories about Edmonton from the perspectives of the people who live in it. Various heritage groups participated in this project, with contributors from Chinese, German, Japanese, Nepalese, Filipino, Polish, and Ukrainian backgrounds. It also contains artworks from various artists from The Nina Haggerty Centre.
Contributing Writers: Candice Joy Oliva, Cynthia Palmaria, Dan Li, Emily Tworek, Goldwin McEwen, Jesus Tigulo, Khrystyna Zalutska, LaunaRae Linaker, Manna Liu, Marvin Cao, Mila Bongco-Philipzig, Oliver Rossier, Paul Fujishige, Pravatika Rai, Rong Guo, Roxanne Riemer, Ryan Lacanilao, Ting Pimentel-Elger. Wai-Ling Lennon, William Wang, Yanjian Luo, Ying Shi, Yuzhen Li.
Book Project And Editorial Team: Ying Shi, Roxanne Riemer, Mila BongcoPhilipzig, Ting Pimentel-Elger, Goldwin McEwen, Rong Guo Cover and Section Art: Eoshanelle Francisco
For information on purchasing the book, please contact the Edmonton Chinese Writing Club at ecwc.ab@yahoo.com
Source: https://about.ecwc-ab.com/ upcoming-events/stories-of-edmontona-book-launch-celebration/
The Annual Feast of Infant Jesus was held on May 24, 2025 @2PM at Mount Carmel Spirituality Centre in Parkland County, Alberta
The mass was presided over by
By Cholomeley Ardaniel, AAAM Diplomate | CEO, Skinlueur Aesthetics & Laser Centre
Edited by Zabrina Sace | Exclusive to the Alberta Filipino Journal
In today's fast-paced world, especially for us hardworking kababayans juggling family, career, and community life, skincare often takes a backseat. But glowing, healthy skin doesn't have to be complicated - or time-consuming. Sometimes, less truly is more.
The secret lies in a simple yet effective 3-step routine that anyone can follow.
Step 1: Cleanse - Gently, but Thoroughly
Start and end your day by cleansing your face to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Choose a gentle cleanser that maintains your skin's natural moistureespecially important in Alberta's dry climate.
For Filipino skin, which often tends to be combination or oily, a gel or foam-based cleanser with calming ingredients like niacinamide or oatmeal is most ideal.
That's why at Skinlueur, we proudly partner with Canadianbased Monter Skin Care Inc. - a brand that understands our local climate and Filipino skin needs. With over 10 targeted cleansers and treatments available, there's something for every skin type.
Tip: Never sleep with makeup on. It clogs pores and accelerates aging.
Step 2: Treat - Nourish with the Right Serum
This is where you tailor your skincare routine to your personal concerns - whether it's
acne, dullness, dark spots, or aging
In the morning, apply a vitamin C serum to brighten and protect your skin against environmental stressors. At night, use a hyaluronic acid or retinol-based serum to hydrate and renew.
Tip: Serums are concentrated - 2 to 3 drops is all you need.
Step 3: Protect - SPF is NonNegotiable
Whether it's sunny, cloudy, or even indoors, daily sunscreen is essential. Filipino skin is naturally more prone to hyperpigmentation, so sun protection isn't optional - it's a must.
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ that uses physical sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
At Skinlueur, we highly recommend Pigment Barrier or Active UV Tint
Yes - wear SPF even during
Keep It Simple. Stay Consistent. Glow Naturally.
By Riza Galang
Pro Coro Canada, Edmonton’s professional chamber choir, closed its 24/25 season with a striking and memorable concert titled Furiouser and Spuriouser, leaving audiences inspired, curious, and exploring the – digital –rabbit hole. The concert not only celebrated choral music in its innovative and dramatic form, but it also showcased emerging Filipino-Canadian conductor Kitbielle Pasagui and FilipinoCanadian composer noel fanaeian, both based in Edmonton.
Pasagui led the choir through The Stolen Child by Grammy Award-winning composer Eric Whitacre, and Bakunawa, a riveting Hiligaynon-language piece by Filipino composer Ily Matthew Maniano. Based on the ancient Philippine myth of a moon-eating dragon driven away by the people's cries and drums, Bakunawa pulsed with fiery rhythms and vivid storytelling. Sung in Hiligaynon, the piece brought folklore to life with rhythmic intensity, showcasing Pasagui’s expressive and dynamic conducting style.
This season finale concert with Pro Coro Canada under the direction of Artistic Director & Principal Conductor Michael
Zaugg, also featured Pro Coro Canada’s Emerging artists and singers, #connect. #connect is a group of rising professional singers who train and perform under the mentorship of Zaugg, who has helmed Pro Coro Canada for over a decade. Maestro Zaugg conducted several works in the program, including Canadian composer Jason Noble’s Furiouser and Spuriouser, a vibrant, genre-bending piece that pushed the singers and audience beyond traditional choral music boundaries.
Another standout of the evening were selections from Conversations with your 90-year-old self, an introspective and poignant composition by Filipino Canadian composer noel fanaeian. The piece unraveled themes of memory, time, and self-reflection, offering a meditative pause amid the dramatic works of the evening.
Adding a unique layer to the experience, the concert included a Q&A session featuring conductor Kitbielle Pasagui, composer noel fanaeian, and two graphic design students from the University of Alberta. The students, under the mentorship of Professor Judy Armstrong, shared insights into the visual concepts they developed for
the concert, blending design thinking with the sounds of technological disruptions.
The audience was well attended by Pro Coro Canada's supporters— donors, design artists, students, local singers, choir directors, and longtime choral enthusiasts, Furiouser and Spuriouser was more than a concert. It was a union of stories, cultures, and technology. For the Filipino community in Alberta, seeing emerging talents like Pasagui and fanaeian step into the spotlight is inspiring and historic.
As Pro Coro Canada prepares for its next season, this powerful finale reminds us that the future of Canadian choral music is not only bright, but is brilliantly inclusive and diverse. Pro Coro Canada is Edmonton’s sole professional choir and opens its regular season every September and closes in June. To learn more about its programs and concerts, visit www.procoro.ca.
Contact: Riza Galang, Marketing & Communications Lead Pro Coro Canada marketing@procoro.ca 587-594-6929
Mga Pagbabago sa Pisikal na Kalusugan
• Mga Pagbabago sa Cardiovascular:
o Ang mga daluyan ng dugo ay nagiging hindi gaanong nababanat, na nagpapataas ng panganib para sa hypertension at sakit sa puso.
o Ang mga antas ng kolesterol at arterial plaque accumulation ay tumataas, na ginagawang mas malamang ang mga atake sa puso at mga stroke.
o Maaaring manatiling stable ang resting heart rate, ngunit bumababa ang pinakamataas na heart rate sa edad, na nakakaapekto sa aerobic performance.
• Mga Pagbabago sa Musculoskeletal:
o Ang mass at lakas ng kalamnan ay unti-unting bumababa pagkatapos ng edad na 40, isang proseso na kilala bilang sarcopenia.
o Bumababa din ang density ng mineral ng buto, lalo na sa mga babaeng postmenopausal, na nagdaragdag ng panganib ng osteoporosis.
o Ang magkasanib na flexibility at integridad ng cartilage ay bumababa, na nag-aambag sa paninigas at osteoarthritis.
• Mga Pagbabago sa Metabolic:
o Ang basal metabolic rate ay bumabagal, na ginagawang mas mahirap ang pagpapanatili ng timbang.
o Ang pamamahagi ng taba ay nagbabago, kadalasang nagdaragdag ng taba ng tiyan.
o Maaaring bumaba ang sensitivity ng insulin, na nagpapataas ng panganib ng type 2 diabetes at metabolic syndrome.
• Pagkagambala sa Pagtulog at Paghina ng Pandama:
o Maraming mga nasa hustong gulang ang nag-uulat ng mas magaan, mas pira-pirasong tulog, na may mas kaunting oras ng restorative deep sleep.
o Ang mga pagbabago sa ritmo ng circadian ay maaaring maging sanhi ng mas maagang paggising at kahirapan sa pagtulog.
o Pananaw: Kabilang sa mga karaniwang isyu ang presbyopia (kahirapan na makakita ng malapitan), katarata, at macular degeneration na nauugnay sa edad.
o Pagdinig: Ang pagkawala ng pandinig na nauugnay sa edad (presbycusis) ay nakakaapekto sa mga tunog na may mataas na dalas at maaaring hadlangan ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa lipunan.
Utak at Cognition
• Normal na Pagbagal ng Cognitive:
o Ang bilis ng pagpoproseso, tagal ng atensyon, at memorya sa pagtatrabaho ay maaaring bahagyang bumaba sa edad.
o Ang mga gawaing nangangailangan ng multitasking o mabilis na pagpapasya ay maaaring maging mas masipag.
o Gayunpaman, ang crystallized intelligence (kaalaman mula sa mga nakaraang karanasan) ay nananatiling malakas at kadalasang bumubuti.
• Neuroplasticity at Cognitive Reserve:
o Ang utak ay nagpapanatili ng kakayahang bumuo ng mga bagong koneksyon at muling ayusin ang sarili bilang tugon sa karanasan.
o Ang cognitive reserve, na binuo sa pamamagitan ng edukasyon, mental stimulation, at isang aktibong pamumuhay, ay buffer laban sa paghina na nauugnay sa edad.
o Mga aktibidad na bumubuo ng reserba: pag-aaral ng mga bagong kasanayan, pagbabasa, pakikipagugnayan sa lipunan, at paglutas ng problema.
o Ang mga emosyonal na sumusuporta sa kapaligiran at patuloy na pag-usisa ay nakakatulong din na mapanatili ang kakayahang umangkop sa nagbibigay-malay.
Mga Pagbabagong Sikolohikal at Emosyonal Emosyonal na Kagalingan sa Midlife
• Ang konsepto ng isang "krisis sa kalagitnaan ng buhay" ay higit na mitolohiya sa kultura kaysa sa klinikal na katotohanan; habang ang ilan ay nakakaranas ng matinding pagkabalisa, karamihan ay nagna-navigate sa midlife transition nang walang krisis.
• Ang mga emosyonal na pagbabago ay maaaring lumitaw mula sa pag-angat ng karera, stress sa pag-aalaga, mga pagbabago sa pisikal na kalusugan, o umiiral na mga alalahanin (hal., mortalidad, layunin sa buhay).
• Maraming indibidwal ang nag-uulat ng tumaas na emosyonal na katatagan at kapanahunan sa kanilang 40s at 50s kumpara sa mga naunang yugto ng buhay.
Mga Karaniwang Isyu sa Kalusugan ng Pag-iisip o Depresyon: Maaaring magpakita ng pagkapagod, mababang motibasyon, pagkamayamutin, o pisikal na mga reklamo; maaaring maiugnay sa mga pagbabago sa hormonal, mga isyu sa relasyon, o mga hamon sa pagkakakilanlan.
o Pagkabalisa: Kadalasang nauugnay sa mga pagbabago sa buhay, kawalan ng kapanatagan sa trabaho, mga alalahanin sa kalusugan, o mga responsibilidad sa pangangalaga.
o Pighati at Pagkawala: Ang kalagitnaan ng buhay ay kadalasang nagdudulot ng mas mataas na pagkakalantad sa kamatayan o sakit ng mga magulang at kaibigan.
o Pagkawala ng Tungkulin: Ang mga batang umaalis sa bahay, mga pagbabago sa karera, o pagkasira ng relasyon ay maaaring lumikha ng walang bisa sa pagkakakilanlan at layunin.
Erikson's Generativity vs. Stagnation o Ang psychosocial stage na ito, na kadalasang nararanasan sa midlife, ay nagsasangkot ng pag-aambag sa lipunan at paggabay sa susunod na henerasyon.
o Generativity : Nakamit sa pamamagitan ng pagiging magulang, mentorship, pagkamalikhain, o pakikilahok sa komunidad. Humahantong sa isang pakiramdam ng pagiging kapakipakinabang at tagumpay.
o Pagwawalang-kilos : Nangyayari kapag ang mga indibidwal ay nakakaramdam ng pagkadiskonekta, walang kinalaman, o nanghihinayang. Maaari itong magresulta sa pag-alis, sama ng loob, o kawalan ng pag-asa.
o Ang matagumpay na pag-navigate sa yugtong ito ay kritikal para sa isang pakiramdam ng legacy at sikolohikal na katuparan.
Mga Isyu sa Sikolohikal na Partikular sa Kasarian
• Larawan ng Katawan:
o Ang mga kababaihan ay madalas na nahaharap sa mas mataas na presyon upang sumunod sa mga pamantayan ng kagandahan ng kabataan, na humahantong sa hindi kasiyahan sa mga natural na pagbabago sa pagtanda tulad ng mga wrinkles, uban ang buhok, at pagtaas ng timbang.
o Ang mga lalaki ay maaaring makaranas ng mga alalahanin sa imahe ng katawan na nauugnay sa pagkawala ng mass ng kalamnan, pagkawala ng buhok, o sekswal na pagganap.
o Ang pagpapakita ng pagtanda sa media ay nakakaimpluwensya sa pagpapahalaga sa sarili at nagaambag sa ageism at internalized na kahihiyan.
• Pagkakakilanlan:
o Para sa mga kababaihan, ang pagkakakilanlan ay maaaring maglipat pagkatapos ng panganganak o pagkatapos
ng menopause, na nag-uudyok sa muling pagsusuri ng mga tungkulin, layunin, at pagkababae.
o Kadalasang itinatali ng mga lalaki ang pagkakakilanlan sa katayuan sa karera at pagiging produktibo, kaya ang pagreretiro o naramdamang pagwawalang-kilos ay maaaring humantong sa kawalan ng kapanatagan at pagkawala ng layunin.
o Ang parehong kasarian ay maaaring magsimulang unahin ang pagiging tunay, awtonomiya, at panloob na pagpapatunay kaysa sa panlabas na pag-apruba.
• Mga Paglipat ng Tungkulin:
o Ang mga kababaihan ay maaaring lumipat mula sa mga tungkulin ng tagapag-alaga/ina tungo sa walang laman o muling natuklasang indibidwal na pagkakakilanlan, na maaaring makapagpapalaya o nakakapagpapahina.
o Maaaring lumipat ang mga lalaki mula sa mga tungkulin ng tagapagkaloob o pinuno patungo sa mga tungkuling mentor o retiree, na nangangailangan ng mga bagong balangkas para sa kontribusyon at pagpapahalaga sa sarili.
o Ang matagumpay na pag-navigate ay nangangailangan ng sikolohikal na kakayahang umangkop at suporta mula sa mga kasosyo, mga kapantay, o mga propesyonal.
Pagkakakilanlan at Pagpapahalaga sa Sarili
• Karera:
o Ang midlife ay maaaring magdala ng career reevaluation o plateauing, na humahantong sa mga tanong tungkol sa epekto, ambisyon, o legacy.
o Ang ilang mga indibidwal ay naghahangad ng mga bagong tungkulin, entrepreneurship, o edukasyon upang muling pasiglahin ang propesyonal na pagkakakilanlan.
• Pagiging Magulang:
o Ang paglipat mula sa aktibong pagiging magulang patungo sa mga relasyon ng may sapat na gulang at bata ay maaaring hamunin ang pagkakakilanlan, lalo na para sa mga taong nakakuha ng pagpapahalaga sa sarili mula sa tungkulin bilang pagiging magulang.
o Ang pagiging lolo at lola ay maaaring lumitaw bilang isang bagong tungkulin ng pagkakakilanlan, na nag-aalok ng mga pagkakataon para sa generativity.
• Pagtanda na Hitsura:
o Ang mga nakikitang palatandaan ng pagtanda ay maaaring makaimpluwensya sa pagpapahalaga sa sarili at pagtitiwala sa lipunan.
o Ang mga pagpipilian sa kosmetiko, mga uso sa kalusugan, at mga diskarte na nakabatay sa pagtanggap ay nagpapakita ng magkakaibang mga tugon sa pagtanda.
o Ang pagpapahalaga sa sarili ay lalong nakadepende sa mga panloob na halaga, relasyon, at layunin kaysa sa hitsura lamang.
Positibong Pagtanda at Katatagan
Psychological Resilience
• Social Support:
o Ang makabuluhang koneksyon sa pamilya, mga kaibigan, at komunidad ay nagsisilbing proteksiyon na mga salik laban sa stress, depresyon, at kalungkutan.
o Ang emosyonal na pagbabahagi at pagtanggap ng pagpapatunay mula sa pinagkakatiwalaang iba ay maaaring mapalakas ang mood at self-efficacy.
• Mindset:
o Ang pag-iisip ng paglago—ang paniniwala na maaaring mabuo ang mga kakayahan—ay na-link sa katatagan at adaptive coping sa susunod na buhay.
o Ang optimismo at emosyonal na kakayahang umangkop ay mga pangunahing katangian na nagpapatibay
ng pagbawi mula sa mga pag-urong.
• Espirituwalidad:
o Ang mga espirituwal at eksistensyal na balangkas ay nag-aalok ng kahulugan, pagpapatuloy, at kapayapaan.
o Ang pakikilahok sa relihiyoso o espirituwal na mga kasanayan ay maaaring magbigay ng emosyonal na saligan, panlipunang koneksyon, at pag-asa.
Adaptive Coping Strategies
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
o Tumutulong sa mga indibidwal na tukuyin at i-reframe ang hindi nakakatulong na mga pattern ng pag-iisip at palitan ang mga ito ng balanse, makatotohanang pag-iisip.
o Karaniwang ginagamit upang gamutin ang midlife depression, pagkabalisa, at mga isyung nauugnay sa stress.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
o Hinihikayat ang sikolohikal na kakayahang umangkop sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatibay ng pagtanggap sa mga hindi kasiya-siyang karanasan habang nagsasagawa ng pagkilos na batay sa mga halaga.
o Kapaki-pakinabang para sa mga indibidwal na nahaharap sa mga talamak na stressor o mga transition ng pagkakakilanlan.
• Pag-iisip:
o Pinahuhusay ang kamalayan sa kasalukuyang sandali at binabawasan ang emosyonal na reaktibiti.
o Nakakatulong ang mindfulness meditation, breathing techniques, at body scan sa pag-regulate ng stress at pagpapabuti ng mental clarity.
• Pisikal na Aktibidad:
o Ang regular na ehersisyo ay nagpapabuti sa mood, pagtulog, pagandar ng pag-iisip, at pagpapahalaga sa sarili.
o Ang mga aktibidad tulad ng paglalakad, yoga, o pagsasanay sa lakas ay proteksiyon laban sa parehong mental at pisikal na pagbaba ng kalusugan. Pagpapanatili ng Cognitive Health
• Intelektwal na Pakikipag-ugnayan:
o Ang patuloy na pag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng pagbabasa, pagkuha ng mga klase, paglutas ng mga puzzle, o pag-aaral ng mga bagong kasanayan ay nagpapahusay sa plasticity ng utak.
o Ang mga aktibidad na nakapagpapasigla sa pag-iisip ay nakakatulong sa pagbuo at pagpapanatili ng cognitive reserve.
• Mga Tip sa Neuroprotection:
o Panatilihin ang isang balanseng diyeta na mayaman sa mga antioxidant (hal., madahong mga gulay, berry, omega-3 fatty acid).
o Unahin ang kalinisan sa pagtulog at pamamahala ng stress.
o Iwasan ang paninigarilyo at labis na alkohol, na parehong nagpapabilis sa pagtanda ng utak.
o Ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa lipunan ay higit pang sumusuporta sa pangmatagalang cognitive vitality.
Mga Rekomendasyon sa Malusog na Pamumuhay
• Diyeta:
o Ang isang nutrient-dense diet ay sumusuporta sa parehong pisikal at nagbibigay-malay na kalusugan.
Tumutok sa mga buong pagkain tulad ng mga gulay, prutas, buong butil, walang taba na protina, at malusog na taba.
o Ang mga diyeta tulad ng Mediterranean
o DASH na diyeta ay na-link sa mas mababang rate ng cardiovascular disease, diabetes, at cognitive decline.
o Ang hydration at moderation sa caffeine, asukal, at alkohol ay mga pangunahing salik din sa pagpapanatili ng enerhiya at katatagan ng mood.
• Kalinisan sa pagtulog:
o Ang kalidad ng pagtulog ay kritikal para
adamvm912@yahoo.com
Adam Mella is currently a Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing at Grant MacEwan University. He has more than 15 years of RN experience in Edmonton, Alberta. He graduated with a master of nursing from the University of Alberta and a doctorate in Healthcare Administration from the USA. He is a proud Filipino who advocates for holistic health and well-being. His other advocacies are the integration of IEN (internationally educated nurses) into Alberta, relational leadership, and student-centred education.
sa regulasyon ng mood, pagpapatatag ng memorya, paggana ng immune, at kalusugan ng metabolic.
o Kasama sa mga diskarte ang pagpapanatili ng pare-parehong oras ng pagtulog, paglilimita sa oras ng screen bago matulog, paglikha ng kalmadong kapaligiran sa pagtulog, at pag-iwas sa mga stimulant sa hapon.
o Ang mga talamak na abala sa pagtulog sa midlife ay maaaring maiugnay sa pagkabalisa, depresyon, at mga pisikal na sakit.
• Paggalaw:
o Ang regular na pisikal na aktibidad ay nagpapahusay sa kalusugan ng cardiovascular, lakas ng kalamnan, density ng buto, at emosyonal na kagalingan.
o Pinasisigla din ng ehersisyo ang brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), na sumusuporta sa pagaaral at memorya.
o Kasama sa mga mainam na gawain ang mga aerobic exercise (hal., paglalakad, paglangoy), pagsasanay sa lakas, at mga kasanayan sa kakayahang umangkop tulad ng yoga o tai chi. Paglikha ng Layunin sa Later Life
• Pagboluntaryo:
o Nag-aalok ng panlipunang koneksyon, istraktura, at isang panibagong pakiramdam ng pagiging kapakipakinabang.
o Ang pagboluntaryo ay nauugnay sa pinahusay na kalusugan ng isip, kasiyahan sa buhay, at kahit na kahabaan ng buhay.
• Mentoring:
o Ang pagbabahagi ng kadalubhasaan at mga karanasan sa buhay ay nagtataguyod ng intergenerational na koneksyon at personal na pamana.
o Ang mga mentor ay madalas na nakakakuha ng panibagong layunin at pagpapatunay ng kanilang panghabambuhay na kontribusyon.
• Legacy na Trabaho:
o Ang pagninilay-nilay sa kwento ng buhay ng isang tao at pagpasa ng mga halaga o kaalaman ay lumilikha ng isang pakiramdam ng pagkakaugnay at kahulugan.
o Maaaring kabilang sa mga aktibidad ang pagsusulat ng mga memoir, paggawa ng mga etikal na kalooban, pakikibahagi sa pagkukuwento ng pamilya, o pagtatatag ng mga layuning pangkawanggawa.
o Ang paglinang ng legacy ay nagtataguyod ng pagpapahalaga sa sarili at tumutulong sa mga indibidwal na tingnan ang pagtanda bilang isang yugto ng patuloy na kontribusyon sa halip na bumaba.
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By: Erica Olavario
On June 7, 2025, Migrante Alberta hosted the launch of Hands to Table — a cookbook and photobook capturing the migration stories of five women through the language of food. Held at the Queen Elizabeth II Building on the Alberta Legislature Grounds in Edmonton, the event brought together artists, activists, and community members to reflect on our shared histories of migration and the ways food becomes a gathering point for collective storytelling.
Marco Luciano, director of Migrante Alberta and founder of The Hungry Crew — a film collective composed of Lyla Luciano, Harnoor Dhaliwal, and Erica Olavario — shared the story behind the group’s formation and their journey in creating the book. The highlight of the afternoon was hearing the powerful stories of the five migrant women at the heart of Hands to Table: Ihsan, Niru, Yazmeen, Rocio, and Clarizze. Their experiences bring forward the resilience, complexity, and strength of immigrant communities.
Messages from Edmonton City Councillor Keren Tang, and Philippine Arts Council Executive Director Ida Lucila showed support for the community’s artistry, and to the organization’s effort to advocate for the rights of migrants — not only in Alberta, but around the world. The event was also graced by performances from Farah, Mila Bongco-Philipzig, and Ryan Lacanilao. The film collective also surprised the audience with the release of the trailer for their upcoming docufilm — a continuation of the book’s themes — set to premiere in 2026.
Hands to Table is funded by the Government of Alberta through Migrante Alberta and is now available for purchase at Audreys Books (10702 Jasper Ave, Edmonton) or by emailing migrantealberta@gmail. com to place an order.
Stay connected with The Hungry Crew (@hungrycrewcollective) and Migrante Alberta (@migrantealberta) for upcoming events, stories, and community gatherings.
The Congress of the Philippine Association of Alberta hosted a grand gala on June 14th, 2025, in commemoration of Philippine Independence and Heritage Month at the Wyndham Edmonton Hotel. The event attracted over 300 esteemed guests, associations, dignitaries, family members, and friends. Newly president, Melanie Angeles and the rest of the executives delivered an unforgettable evening.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, vendors, and all the associations who attended the gala. This event would not have been successful without their continued support. Their contributions have greatly helped in uniting the community.
Sponsors & Vendors
3Jay Variety Store, Alberta Filipino Journal, Angeles & Associates, Bread & Butter Bakeshop, Edmonton Riverhawks, James H Brown & Associates, Great Smile Family Dental, Knights of Columbus,
Lexus of Edmonton, MCN Canada
Immigration Consulting Inc., Remax River City, River Cree Resort & Casino, Skin Lueur Aesthetics and Laser Centre, Ritello, EeZee Events, Dr. Omar Mohammad, April (Lianne) Angeles, Tameta Designs, Eoshanelle Francisco, Khin Ohiman (Wild Jasmine Studio), Palette de Perles, Frozen Deluxe
Assocations
Alberta Batanguenos Association, Camiling Society of Edmonton, Cebu Sinulog Cultural Society of Edmonton, DJ Kwake Entertainment, Filipino Canadian Saranay Association of Alberta, Filipino Senior Citizens Association, Humanitarians of Edmonton Association
Rendering True Service, Knights of Columbus, Philippine Bayanihan Association in Alberta, Philippine Business Society of Alberta, Philippine Students Association (University of Alberta), River Cree Seniors, Team Saya Saya, Quzonian Club of Edmonton
By: Sandy Castillo Lubuguin
Members of the Edmonton Philippine Artists League (EPAL) joined the Philippine Arts Council and various branches of the community for the launch of Cultural Map, Echoes Of Identity: Tracking Filipino Cultural Landscapes in Edmonton. The successful launch was held last June 1, 2025 at the Mill Woods Senior and Multicultural Centre.
EPAL members showed their respective talents in visual arts and music. A variety of different artistic styles and mediums were on display from talented artists like Noel “Peps” Balbin, Jonathan Gutierrez, Janvic Victorio, Gemikalyn Isla, Eoshanelle Francisco, Ting Pimentel-Elger, Katherine Gerola, April Angeles, and Sandy Lubuguin.
Ryan Lacanilao, Eoshanelle Francisco and Chemarie Sia of The Calamansi Club shared an acoustic performance of their original songs “I’m Steady” and “Starting a Band”, which are available on all streaming platforms.
Let’s be honest - apple cider vinegar (ACV) isn’t winning any taste contests. It's sharp, sour, and will probably make your face do funny things each time you take it on its own. But let’s face it - this humble kitchen staple is actually a health hero in disguise. While scientific evidence is still evolving, many benefits are supported by both traditional use and emerging studies. Let’s dig in.
Cider Vinegar
• Supports Blood Sugar Control: ACV has a knack for keeping those sugar spikes in check - especially after carb-heavy meals. It helps your body use insulin more efficiently, and so it is particularly beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Aids Digestion: The acetic acid in ACV can promote the production of stomach acid, which improves digestion, especially of proteins. It may relieve bloating or indigestion when taken before meals.
• Cravings Crusher: ACV might help you feel full longer, reducing overall calorie intake. Some studies suggest modest weight loss with daily use over time.
• Body Balancer: Its acidic nature makes it sour on the tongue, but once it’s inside, it helps support the body’s natural pH balance. Think of it as your internal harmony helper.
• Antimicrobial Properties: ACV has natural antibacterial and antifungal powers, which can be beneficial for oral hygiene, skin care, and even food preservation.
• Supports Heart Health: Some studies say ACV may help lower cholesterol and support heart health.
Practical Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar
1. Morning Detox Drink
♦ Mix 1 tbsp ACV + 1 cup warm water + optional squeeze of lemon + pinch of cayenne + 1 tsp honey.
♦ Drink on an empty stomach.
2. Before Meals
♦ Mix 1 tsp ACV in a glass of water and drink 15 minutes before eating to aid digestion and regulate blood sugar.
3. Salad Dressing
♦ Combine ACV with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and herbs for a gut-friendly vinaigrette.
4. ACV Tea
♦ Mix 1 tbsp ACV with warm water, a dash of cinnamon, and honey for a soothing tonic.
5. Pickling
♦ Use ACV as a base to pickle
vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and onions.
6. ACV Tonic Shot (For the Brave!)
♦ Mix 1 tbsp ACV with 1 tbsp water and drink as a quick shot
- only if your stomach tolerates it and not daily.
Cautions & Considerations
• Do not drink undiluted ACV - it can erode teeth enamel and cause throat irritation.
• People with ulcers, acid reflux,
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or kidney issues should consult a health practitioner first.
• ACV may interact with diuretics, insulin, and certain heart medications.
•Go easy: 1–2 tablespoons a day is enough.
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By: Joshua Querijero @poemsbypogi @han.nahbenitez
I apologize to my dear Philippines.
For only now I have fallen to her feet. Begging to return into her arms.
Now I am learning the beauty of her language and accepting Filipino blood courses through me same as martyred heroes of days long gone. Fighting a cause greater than any man.
Yet I scorned her.
Flying away from the nest Plucking away at my feathers thinking I was never to return to her embrace. Feathers that were bright and beautiful. Hiding any trace of “Filipino” left in me.
Despite all that.
I once again heard that voice that soft, whispered noise, of her calling to me. And I listened wholeheartedly.
Only in her national tongue did I realize like roots of a tree it connected me to my family and ancestors who have long passed.
Through times of joy or sadness.
Bloodshed or peace.
There the Philippines and her people stand, Unwavering and steadfast. Unwilling to lose heart despite the strongest storms and looming political upheaval.
Smiling through it all with a toothy grin or a full set of teeth.
Whatever it may be.
There stands my beloved Philippines. Hoisting her flag proudly for all to see.
By: Hannah Benitez
ilang taon na pala nang iwanan ka may pagkubli nang nararamdaman may mga pagkukunwari may pagkupkop ng hiwaga sa lamig
iilang taon na akong kumakatha sa tuwing sasapit ang Disyembre may arko nang lumanay at mayroon ding bakas ng kahapon
sa pagdilat anong larawan ang laman sa isipan, napapanaginipan kita
sa pagsapit ng hating-gabi anong hikbi hinukay ko sa pagitan ng kandungan at panahon
sa pamamaalam may kawalan sa kalawakan na kahit pa balikan ka ay wala na akong espasyo pa masisilayan ka man, may pahimakas na pagbati na talinhaga na lamang ang hiwaga
sigaw ka pa rin ng puso ko sa tuwina, Pilipinas kong mahal.
By: Ting Pimentel-Elger
Voted the best beach in the world
White, pure sand
Pristine beach
Cloudless, blue skies
Perfectly tanned bikini clad bodies
Instagram worthy Sergio is a boatman and lives on this island.
He showed me the back of the island
The “Other side” of perfection Beach is littered with broken bottles, Plastic bags, and millions of candy, gum, wrappers,
Empty cans of imported beer
Malnourished dogs, struggling to walk a little skinny child that seems to be pooping on the beach
I am beyond shocked!
“Typhoon Odette and COVID left us
With NO hope—NO FOOD Fresh drinking water is scarce,”
Sergio says. I have 11 siblings, no dad, I am the third, but I help…
My 16-year-old sister is pregnant
We rely on tourists for our daily food.
But to clean this place?
Maybe the next election….. Let’s go back to the Front— The other side!
Rhecy Liwanag Reyes is a dedicated Business Administration –Accounting student whose journey is marked by resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to service. Originally from the Philippines, she made the bold decision to
Red Cross and the Edmonton Food Bank. Balancing school, part-time work, volunteering, and motherhood, Rhecy leads with compassion, integrity, and purpose. She looks forward to
building a meaningful career in accounting while continuing her work in mentorship and community service—creating space for others to thrive, just as she has.
which increases shelter access for seniors in rural and Indigenous communities by repurposing vacant rooms in seniors’ lodges.
“Raising awareness about elder abuse is essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of older adults. Our partnership with the Government of Alberta has strengthened community responses across the province, helping to prevent abuse, support those affected, and build a future where all seniors are treated with dignity and respect.”
Joanne Blinco, Executive Director, Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council
Each year on June 15, communities worldwide observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Many seniors who experience abuse feel ashamed, afraid, or unsure of where to turn to help, and this day serves as a critical opportunity to raise public awareness and encourage open conversations about elder abuse to break the silence.
On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Alberta’s government will launch a province-wide campaign to raise awareness and connect Albertans to available resources. As part of this initiative, survivors of elder abuse have courageously shared their stories to help others know they are not alone, and that help is available. To ensure broad accessibility, campaign
materials will be translated into 14 languages.
All Albertans can become advocates for the safety and wellbeing of seniors by learning the signs of elder abuse and spreading the
word. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #EndElderAbuse. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For information and support, the 24-hour Family Violence
Info Line is available by phone or text at 310-1818. A full list of help lines, services and resources can be found at Elder abuse – Get help | Alberta.ca.
What can you do about it?
Recognize the signs. Reduce the risk.
Learn more. Alberta.ca/EndElderAbuse
It’s a month for making bold decisions that nourish your long-term stability, Aries! You’re setting a new standard for how you want to live, work, and feel. On June 5, Venus slips into Taurus, gilding your money and self-worth sector with confidence. Finances and value systems evolve not through hustle but through harmony.
June arrives with transformation, Taurus. You’re fully inhabiting your next level with a presence that speaks before you do! Venus enters your sign on June 5, reawakening your connection to self-worth, sensuality, and embodiment. She invites you to become exquisitely intentional with what you allow into your orbit.
This month invites you to choose what feels good behind the scenes, not just what looks good in the light, Gemini. You’re tending to your internal world now as something sacred takes shape behind the scenes. Whether you’re grieving an old dream, recalibrating heartbreak, or shedding a pattern that once protected you, this is sacred ground.
June is full of power and growth, Cancer. There’s a slowblooming magic here, and you’re letting it meet you on your terms. Venus enters Taurus and lights up your realm of progress on June 5, making your future feel more expansive and intentional.
You’re entering a private chapter this month, Leo, but it isn’t a quiet one. June invites you to re?ne your vision before the world sees it. This is a month of elegant preparation. Venus enters Taurus on June 5, lighting up your realm of legacy and long-term ambition.
June brings aligned, embodied, and expansive growth, Virgo. This is a month to embrace your passions with wild abandon. When Venus enters Taurus on June 5, your ninth house of perspective and publishing is awakened with possibility.
This is a month to rise on your terms, Libra. June invites you to reclaim your power in love, career, and the quiet spaces in between. You’re no longer bending to ?t the story because you’re now the one who writes it. The version of you that stays small to keep the peace has evolved.
This month is about rewriting the rules around connection, truth, and what you’re willing to believe in again, Scorpio. June brings clarity, and you’re ready to see things for what they are without losing yourself in the process.
It’s a revealing and re-empowering month, Sagittarius. June brings both a mirror and a microphone to reconnect you with your magic and truth. This is about devotion to what sustains you, not just physically but also energetically. Let your body become a space of self-respect and reverence.
It’s a heart-forward month, Capricorn. June arrives to soften your edges while deepening your devotion to what truly brings you happiness. Venus enters Taurus on June 5, activating your realm of romance, creativity, and pleasure, and love becomes more sensual and self-possessed.
June invites you to root down, retreat, and remember what truly stabilizes you, Aquarius. This month’s miracles are hiding in the mystery, waiting to be found. Venus enters Taurus on June 5, casting a glow over the foundations of your life: your home, family, and the emotions you return to when no one’s watching.
June invites you to ?nd pleasure in the everyday, Pisces. This is your month to enjoy creature comforts and your peace. Venus moves into Taurus on June 5, casting a glow on your daily thoughts, spoken words, and community.
1. Chef’s measures (abbr.)
5. Bath bar 9. Winter malady 12. Ruckus 13. Dad 14. Atop, poetically 15. Aggravates 17. Dashed 18. ______system 19. Brews 21. Producer ____ Brooks 23. Select 24. Glitch 28. Most jolly 32. Skilled 33. Grow old
1. In good shape 2. Royal address 3. Harbor 4. Commotion 5. Astronaut 6. Cereal grass 7. Mimics 8. Preacher 9. Predict 10. Bound 11. Coffepots 16. Actor ____ Allen 20. Sagas 22. Lawful 24. Yosemite ____ 25. Knicks’ league (abbr.)
34. Tip
35. Motherly
37. Snow coaster
38. Compass direction (abbr.)
39. Batch
41. Menace
44. ______ Salad
49. Color
50. Large dog (2 wds.)
52. Quiche ingredient
53. Isn’t, incorrectly
54. Supplements
55. “The Matrix” hero
56. Facial feature
57. Politician____ Gingrich
26. Second self (2 wds.)
27. Migratory birds
29. Move
30. Take to court
31. Danson or Koppel
36. President Ronald ____
40. Tit for ____
41. Now and ____
42. Immense
43. Three musicians
45. Genesis site
46. Behalf
47. Alfresh
48. Pause
51. Naval off.
MICHAEL MOYA is a first generation Filipino-Canadian born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. He is a self-taught artist who works in both traditional and digital art. Michael is an aspiring komik artist and author, and his current running series are “Monkey and Turtle”, “Maliit! Eiji-Chan!” and “Bawang the Aswang.” He has an avid interest in Filipino folklore and mythology, and hopes to promote Filipino culture through his works to a broader audience.
Email: mmoyaart@gmail.com
Instagram: michaelmoyaillustrations
Facebook: michaelmoyaillustrations
Twitch: moyaart
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”
My dear kababayans, as we celebrate our 127th Philippine Independence Day, we do more than just remember a historical moment—we honor the deep faith, courage, and hope that live in the heart of every Filipino. Our ancestors fought not only for freedom from foreign rule, but also for the dignity of every Filipino soul. Their struggle echoes something far greater: the call to live fully in the freedom that comes from God. Today, allow me to share three fundamental reflections on the nature and meaning of genuine independence—each one touching not only on political freedom, but on the deeper theological and moral dimensions of what it means to be truly free.
First, freedom is a Gift from God! True freedom does not begin with politics—it begins with God’s love. From the time God led His people out of slavery in Egypt to Christ’s victory over sin and death, Scripture reveals a God who desires His children to be free. Not just free to do what we want, but free to become who we were created to be: His image-bearers, redeemed and renewed in Christ. As Filipinos, our independence reminds us that God values human dignity, and that every person has the right to live in justice, peace, and truth.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
Second, we are called to use our freedom for good. Freedom is not just a privilege—it is a responsibility. St. Paul reminds us: “Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.” – Galatians 5:13
As Filipino Christians, we are called to use our freedom to serve, to uplift, to heal, and to unite. Whether we live in the Philippines or abroad, we carry a mission: to be a light in our communities and to live out the Gospel in word and action.
Finally, hope for the Nation and the Filipino People. The road to a better nation is not easy. We still face injustice, poverty, division, and moral challenges. But our faith teaches us: God is not finished with us yet. We believe in a God who turns brokenness into blessing, and exile into homecoming. Like our heroes of old, we too must stand up—with prayer in our hearts and courage in our hands—trusting that God is at work in the soul of our nation.
Let us continue to build a Philippines that reflects the
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values of the Kingdom of God: Truth, Justice, Compassion, and Faith. On this Independence Day, let us thank God not only for our political freedom but also for the spiritual freedom we have in Christ. Ang tunay na kalayaan ay ang pagtakas sa kasalanan. Let us celebrate not just as citizens of a nation, but as children of God—free, redeemed, and sent forth to be salt and light in the world.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Mabuhay ang bawat Pilipinong may pananampalataya, pag-asa, at pag-ibig.
Bessings, Fr. Jhack
ROMEO HONORIO
Author, Speaker, Advisor, Peer 403 816 7983 | romyhonorio@gmail.com www.romeohonorio.com
Books available at: Amazon.ca (Paper and E-book) Indigo (Chinook Mall Calgary) Calgary Public Library (Main) Signed copy (Contact Romy)
Planting …
Ymor H.
Our calendar is marked with lots of events (pageantries, seminars, symposiums, concerts, festivals, art exhibits and all kinds of celebrations) and invitations. My shoes, knees and tummy are begging to slow down. My wife concurred, too.
9000 years ago, along the Yangtze River in China
Domesticated leafy grass, named Oryza Sativa Dominant crop planted in the farmlands of Asia
Staple food from Batanes, Manila to Zamboanga
Carefully planted in levelled and flooded paddy
Back, arms, knees - movement in great harmony Roots must be mud-covered, so strong and free Elements of pure art, depicting nature’s mystery When grains turned golden, comes harvesting Same back, arms, knees – in different rhythm
Bone-dry paddy echoes harvesters’ humming Whistles and melodies in harmony so untiring End products are unique, enticing and many Sweet scented cake, star menu of the party Seaweed-encased, portioned, sticky sushi Then a sip of that clear and silk-smooth sake Filipinos also roast, brew to a great tasting coffee Noodle, comfort-food ingredient and allergen free Pop wheat, corn and Oryza we stack in the pantry To a plant-based milk formula, amazingly so tasty Have more of it, though, will surely attract Ms. Diabetes, her cousins, clan and pack Moderation is key, keeping health on track A reliable food, energy giving wonder crop … Rice
By RomY Honorio
Many weeks ago, we attended the celebration of Human Rights Day held at the Polish Canadian Hall in Calgary. The mayor was invited to speak. Her greetings and message lifted the spirit of the gathering. No more than five minutes were spent on platitudes - how great the group hosting the event is, how the participants “are the forces of change” and how wonderful it is to be loved and highly regarded by the audience.
Minutes later, the mayor and her staff stood up and stepped out of the room. As if her time for other gatherings outside this one was more important.
Last month we witnessed the same. At the Jose Rizal Hall, Philippine Consulate General Office over 30 Fil-Canadian artists, writers and guests waited for her arrival. The event was a celebration of Salingpusa artists’ paintings and writers’ prose and poetry.
The same routine – smile here and there, chit chat with the big guys in the room, shake hands with the nearest person around, selfie here and there—a demeanour worthy of respect.
Her talks of how great the event, artwork exhibits, people in the room, and how she was loved and highly regarded, were precise and well said. Minutes later, her troop exited the hall in a hurry. I wondered then; was her short time presence a true reflection of her genuine and authentic engagement with and appreciation of our community and cultural celebration?
We left the building with a question in mind: why bother to invite political leaders if they appear, more often late, to talk then walk out right away? Are we adding value and credibility to the very spirit of the celebration, to ourselves as organizers and/ or to the invited guests? Or, implicitly, we are just providing a platform to enlarge and enhance their political stature?
I thought they are (our) public servants!
What’s the point of inviting these folks if only a dime of their time is spent with a community’s cherished moments?
Just saying.
#fightingback Journal 5: I’ll follow
His lead
I am cheap...I prefer my simple ways... Socials are at the bottom of my list, I’d rather sip my coffee in the garden, while playing my music... I guess I am an introvert, well, most like it...perhaps that’s how my brain was wired... But after my diagnosis, I got reminded that “Life is not just me” “Life is also me”
No matter how we spend our days, or what lifestyles we have, There is life...
We “Should” have life... and if cancer is the Lord’s way of calling my attention, to view life in a new perspective, then I take it, I have no complains... I’ll follow His lead...
#fightingback Journal 6: Into the rabbit hole...
My oncologist determined that my cancer is “aggressive “; so,he put me on a “fast track” treatment program. We were in hyperdrive in the midst of the Christmas holidays, shuttling from one facility to another for my tests and checkups.
I underwent my first chemo session on Jan 1st. What a way to welcome the new year.
I think that most of my fellow cancer sufferers agree if I highlight that:
The days after chemo are rough, and the side effects are brutal. So, friends, if you can help it, you may want to avoid visiting someone after his/her chemo treatments. Those are not our best days.
We lose our hair, but it’s not an indication that we are already “dying”.
Chemo drugs are designed to attack rapidly growing cancer cells, but these damage the fast-growing hair follicles as well.
Most of us are not comfortable with our new looks, so please understand if we refuse to meet up, and if we do, we appreciate if you don’t give us the “shocked” stare, and not to mention it.
We thank you for your kind words and prayers; we needed those to uplift us.
But, we ask that you please avoid comparing us to other patients, with tatements like “kaya mo yan, si ano nga e, ganito ganun”.
Our bodies respond to treatments according to our own unique health conditions; no two patients are the same, and unwelcome remarks may bring our frustrations further down.
We also prefer to get medical information from our oncologists, and other specialists.
We don’t appreciate comments obtained from google, or from second-hand stories.
And please, don’t ask if how we got it. We ourselves are puzzled.
Of course, we’d love if you can drop by or call for a chat. We can always talk about the latest on Sharon and Gabby, or Captain Ri and Ms. Seri.
Just don’t mention that guy named Trump!
AI tool scans face to predict biological age and cancer survival
May 12, 2025 Melissa Rudy Fox News
A simple selfie could hold hidden clues to one’s biological age — and even how long they’ll live.
That’s according to researchers from Mass General Brigham, who developed a deeplearning algorithm called FaceAge.
Using a photo of someone’s face, the artificial intelligence tool generates predictions of the subject’s biological age, which is the rate at which they are aging as opposed to their chronological age.
FaceAge also predicts survival outcomes for people with cancer, according to a press release from MGB.
New AI tool analyzes face photos to predict health outcomes | Fox News
Every time I look at the mirror my AI registers “Ay! Inang…”
What are the four main types of artificial intelligence? Find out how future AI programs can change the world
May 12, 2023 Phillip Nieto Fox News
Self-awareness is the final stage of artificial intelligence development
Over the last few years, the rapid development of artificial intelligence has taken the world by storm as many experts believe machine learning technology will fundamentally alter the way of life for all humans.
The general idea of artificial intelligence is that it represents the ability to mimic human consciousness and therefore can complete
tasks that only humans can do. Artificial intelligence has various uses, such as making the most optimal decisions in a chess match, driving a family of four across the United States, or writing a 3,000-word essay for a college student.
What are the four main types of artificial intelligence? Find out how future AI programs can change the world | Fox News
1. Fake 2. Bogus 3. Synthetic 4. Plastic
All identical to human expressions of intelligence – all artificial!
Peek-a-boo, Big Tech sees you: Expert warns just 20 cloud images can make an AI deepfake video of your child
May 20, 2025Jasmine Baehr Fox News
Study finds 48% of parents don’t realize companies like Google and Apple analyze their children’s images for data collection
Parents love capturing their kids’ big moments, from first steps to birthday candles. But a new study out of the U.K. shows many of those treasured images may be scanned, analyzed and turned into data by cloud storage services, and nearly half of parents don’t even realize it.
A survey of 2,019 U.K. parents, conducted by PerspectusGlobal and commissioned by Swiss privacy tech company Proton, found that 48% of parents were unaware providers like Google Photos, Apple iCloud, Amazon Photos and Dropbox can access and analyze the photos they upload.
Your child’s photos could be training AI without your knowledge | Fox News Kids will grow and mature eventually. In the future I hope parents will be ready to explain to and face the consequence of posting their kids to social media.
Hello “kababayans”, if you know any entrepreneurs or sales professionals interested in distributing high-quality aromatherapy essential oils and personal care products, please send them my way! I would love to connect and explore opportunities together. You can email us at info@novalifedistribution.com or call us at this number: (403) 475-3378. Thanks for your support!
Edmonton, June 6th, 2025 — Sister Annata Brockman Catholic Elementary/Junior High School proudly celebrated its 7th Annual Filipino Day, a vibrant event honoring the richness of Filipino culture through music, dance, food, and community.
The celebration opened with a
joint rendition of “Lupang Hinirang” and “O Canada”, led by Grade 4 students and joined by the school community. The program featured a wide range of performances, including both traditional and modern pieces such as “Pamela One,” “Buwan,” “Ako’y Isang Pinoy,” “Dahil Sa’yo,” and the energetic
“Tinikling.” Junior high students also performed cultural dances like Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Pamaypay de Maynila, and Sinulog, with the event concluding in a heartfelt finale of “Pilipinas Kong Mahal.”
In addition to the performances, families and guests enjoyed a selection of Filipino dishes, including
lumpia, pancit, leche flan, and adobo. Cultural exhibits throughout the school featured traditional clothing, student artwork, and meaningful artifacts, offering a glimpse into the Philippines’ heritage.
Filipino Day continues to be a meaningful tradition here at Sister Annata Brockman, bringing together
students, staff, and families in a celebration of culture, community, and shared values. The event was a reminder of the power of cultural expression in building unity and understanding within our school community. Maraming salamat po at hanggang sa muli! Nawa’y pagpalain kayo ng Maykapal.
Birthdays are everyone’s most cherished moment as this is when we
alone. There are two causes of life that we have to acknowledge, appreciate, and recognize. The first is the
and
Giver. Nobody is
or Giver, our God and the second are the proximate causes, our parents. Now, He who doesn’t acknowledge, appreciate, and recognize his or her life is also rejecting its Causes. Lucky are these individuals who truly celebrate life with significant people around them. May you all continue to share the gift of life with others. Active co-existence follows essence.
By: DK and Jeeva
Edmonton, AB —What started as a casual conversation at a friend’s birthday party has grown into one of Edmonton’s most heartfelt and intentional community spaces: a gathering space for queer, People of Colour (POC), founded by DK and Jeeva.
As Pride Month unfolds across Canada, MascSunday is preparing to host its next community event — a POC Clothing Swap on June 29, 2025, at Afrodisiac Natural Shop. But behind the upcoming swap is a much larger story about representation, belonging, and the power of building spaces where marginalized voices can thrive.
The Birth of MascSunday
DK, one of the co-founders, shares how MascSunday came to life:
“It was at our friend’s birthday party, and afterward, we casually mentioned that we were thinking about organizing something centered on the queer community. Pride Month came to mind, along with the deep queer history rooted in this city and on this land — and the ways our rights have been violated through harmful policies. There are so many BIPOC queer people who exist and thrive, yet when we find ourselves in spaces dominated by white queer folks, our queerness is often overlooked or dismissed.”
That reflection sparked the creation of MascSunday — a name that plays off the concept but reshapes it to celebrate queerness through a POC and queer lens.
“I thought about how cool it would be to create a space for queer presenting peoples of colour to connect together to laugh, entertain, and share stories of our lived experiences in the context of our identity,” says DK.
MascSunday was born not just as an event but as an intentional community — a sanctuary for queer POC to gather, share, create, and be seen fully in their identities.
The People Behind the Movement MascSunday is co-led by DK and Jeeva, two creative souls driven by a deep commitment to representation and community care.
DK hopes that through the creation of MascSunday, she can actively contribute to building community and cultivating a sense of belonging within a space that deeply resonates with her personal identity. MascSunday is a milestone of a greater commitment to building safety for POC folks in the city, for the city.
Jeeva, originally from the Mindanao region and now based in Edmonton, is a poet, photographer, chef, and dedicated community organizer. Through their work with MascSunday and Kilusang Kabataan — a grassroots Filipino youth movement — Jeeva channels their creativity into building justice-centered spaces for migrants, queer and trans folks, and communities pushed to the margins.
For Jeeva, creativity isn’t just about expression; it’s about
resistance, healing, and imagining better futures together.
Together, DK and Jeeva have shaped MascSunday into more than a social event — it’s a vision for what queer POC community can look like when built with care, joy, and intentionality.
Mascsunday is expanding its offerings with the upcoming POC Clothing Swap: Pride Month Edition, happening on June 29, 2025. The swap invites queer POC community members to bring gently used clothing and accessories to share, fostering not only sustainability but also mutual care.
Date: June 29, 2025
Location: Afrodisiac Natural Shop, Edmonton Time: 5 PM
Events like these continue the mission of making space for art, culture, connection, and community resilience — all while celebrating the vibrancy of queer POC identities during Pride.
As they continue to grow, MascSunday stands as a reminder that joy, culture, and resistance can — and should — coexist. And in a city like Edmonton, with its deep-rooted queer histories and ongoing struggles, this work remains both urgent and inspiring.
For more information about MascSunday and upcoming events, follow their Instagram
@masc_sunday or check out the Eventbrite page link in their bio for more information.
Introduction: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently updated the instructions regarding "maintained status" for temporary residents. Previously referred to as "implied status", the concept of maintained status has been clarified with respect to when an applicant can benefit from this status, especially in cases where multiple applications are submitted.
These changes, which came into effect on May 28, 2025, provide clearer guidance on how maintained status works when a temporary resident submits more than one application for extension, or other permits during the processing of their status.
Background: Temporary Resident Status and Application Process
According to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), all foreign nationals who are authorized to enter Canada are granted temporary resident status under subsection A22(1). Temporary residents are those who come to Canada for a limited period of time for purposes such as visiting, studying, or working.
• Temporary residents may be granted a work permit or study permit, or they may be authorized to work or study without a permit under certain conditions.
• All temporary residents are subject to an automatic condition that they must leave Canada by the end of their authorized stay unless they take steps to extend their stay before the authorization period expires.
Temporary residents have the right to apply to extend their stay before their authorization expires, as outlined under section R181. If the application to extend their stay is submitted before the current period of stay ends, their status as a temporary resident is maintained until a decision is made on their application, as long as they remain in Canada.
This status is critical for those who wish to remain legally in Canada while their application for an extension, work permit, or
study permit is being processed.
Maintained status allows a foreign national to remain in Canada legally while their application is being processed. This includes the ability to continue working or continue studying under the same conditions as their previous work or study permit, provided they submitted their extension application on time before their original permit expired. However, there are nuances regarding which activities are allowed while someone is under maintained status:
• Work Permits: If a foreign national has applied to extend their work permit before it expires, they may continue working under the same conditions until the decision is made. If they applied to extend their status as a visitor or student, they must stop working when their current work permit expires.
• Study Permits: Similarly, if a person has applied to extend their study permit before it expires, they can continue studying under the same conditions. However, if the person has applied to extend their status as a worker or visitor, they must stop studying once their current study permit expires.
Under the updated rules, IRCC now requires more clarity regarding the situation where an individual submits subsequent applications while they are on maintained status. Previously, a foreign national who submitted a new application while on maintained status—after the refusal of their initial application—would have their authorized stay extended, even if the subsequent application did not automatically authorize them to work or study. However, this is no longer the case.
• If an individual submits a subsequent application for extension while on maintained status, and the initial application
is refused, the applicant will not automatically be granted an extension of stay based on the subsequent application.
• The subsequent application will be refused and returned to the applicant, and the applicant’s authorized period of stay in Canada will not be extended solely because the subsequent application is pending.
This means that applicants must now be more cautious when submitting multiple applications while on maintained status. If a person’s first application is refused, their stay will not be extended while the subsequent application is processed. This change makes it clear that a refused application does not automatically extend a foreign national’s stay in Canada.
In addition to the changes to maintained status, IRCC has also updated its guidelines regarding work permits and study permits. These changes make it clear that applicants cannot apply for a work permit or study permit at the port of entry (often referred to as flagpoling). This is particularly relevant given the recent prohibition on flagpoling.
Flagpoling refers to a practice where foreign nationals leave Canada, travel to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon, and then re-enter Canada for the purpose of obtaining immigration services at a port of entry, such as work or study permits. As of December 24, 2024, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will no longer accept applications for work permits or study permits from foreign nationals who engage in flagpoling.
Who
The updated regulations also specify that certain individuals cannot apply for work or study permits at the port of entry, including:
1. Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applicants.
2. Individuals who are not exempt from the Temporary Resident
Visa (TRV) requirement.
3. Foreign nationals who require an Immigration Medical Exam (IME), whether TRV-required or visa-exempt, unless valid IME results are available at the time of entry.
4. International youth exchange program participants, other than U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
5. Seasonal agricultural workers.
6. Foreign nationals who are citizens of countries listed under section R7.01(1), as they are not TRV-exempt under section R190.
Note: These changes align with the general direction of Canada’s immigration policy, where flagpoling is being phased out due to concerns regarding the practice of obtaining immigration services at the port of entry in a way that circumvents established procedures.
What Should Applicants Do?
• Those who wish to apply for work permits or study permits while they are in Canada should do so within Canada. This means applications for extensions, renewals, or changes to work or study permits should be submitted before the expiration of the current permit, and applicants must remain in Canada while the application is processed.
• If a person holds a valid work permit or study permit and needs to change conditions or extend their permit, they must follow the application process outlined in section R199.
Conclusion
The recent updates to the rules regarding maintained status, work, and study permits, as well as the ban on flagpoling, significantly impact how foreign nationals manage their temporary resident status in Canada. The changes aim to clarify the procedures and ensure that applicants understand their rights and responsibilities while awaiting decisions on their applications.
Marjorie Carmona Newman is a REGULATED CANADIAN IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT based in Edmonton, Alberta. She is currently a Board of Director of the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC), and was a recipient of CAPIC’s Members Service Award for seven consecutive years. Marjorie was also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in Dec 2022 and the Golden Balangay Awards Winner for Excellence in Community Service in July 2023. In Oct 2024, she was the winner in the Newcomer Champion Category of the Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards.
Applicants should ensure they submit their applications on time, stay in Canada, and comply with the conditions of their temporary resident status. Failure to follow the updated rules could result in a refusal of subsequent applications and an end to their stay in Canada. It is essential to stay informed about these changes to avoid any disruptions in status and to ensure compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Contact Marjorie at info@ mcncanadaimmigration.com
A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain, or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of CICC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.
In 2018, my workplace moved to a much bigger office building downtown that had multiple tenants, including some big companies. On the door of the women’s washroom, I noticed a sign: This is a scent-free workplace. Please use your sense and be mindful of scents.
At first, I was puzzled. Then I remembered how strong perfumes can bother some people. I have had my fair share of fragrant perfumes in the past that were amoy na amoy and could even make someone feel nahihilo. It reminded me of my teenage phase when I would spray on so much cologne before going
Tto school or hanging out with friends. Looking back, it was just too much.
Then came the pandemic, and after recovering from COVID, I lost my sense of smell for a while. When it finally returned, something had changed. Strong chemical scents were no longer just a mild inconvenience. For me, they could trigger headaches and even cause migraines.
Because of this, I started paying closer attention to the products I use. The hand cream we have at home, thankfully, is already scent-free. It uses oat as the main ingredient. But when I visit other people’s homes and
use their hand lotion, even if it is a mild scent like lemon, shea butter, or lavender, I find it too strong.
In public washrooms, even the soap can leave me with a headache.
I remembered learning about chemical sensitivities years ago. For some people, ordinary products like cleaning wipes, air fresheners, or all-purpose cleaners can cause rashes, hives, or even blisters. Inhaling certain chemicals can also cause reactions.
And it is not just the “nice” smells that are a problem. I once rode a bus on a hot day and shared the space with someone who smelled like they may have not bathed in days and might have soiled themselves. The combination of body odour, heat, dry poo and stale air was so strong that it even seeped through my KN95 mask. I had a migraine for the rest of the day.
These are the kinds of situations people rarely complain about openly, but the discomfort is real. For people with sensitivities, they may just avoid certain places and events altogether, and they should not have to do that.
Last year, I came across Dr. Ally Louks, a PhD candidate from the UK, who went viral for her thesis Olfactory Ethics: The Politics of Smell. It was the
first time I saw someone talk about how smells are not just a personal matter. They can have social and political impacts too. It is not just about adding pleasant scents. It is also about eliminating smells when possible. This also brings up the issue of hygiene. It can feel awkward or even rude to tell someone to take a shower or freshen up. In large venues, the mix of scents from products sold by vendors, food from caterers, body odours, and perfumes can become too much, especially if there is not enough airflow.
That is why I am grateful to see more workplaces adopting scent-free policies. I think it is a step toward making spaces more comfortable for everyone.
There are also cultural considerations as well. Take for example smudging, a common Indigenous practice. Given the centuries of oppression in Canada, smudging, which can involve burning sage and having the smoke spread around a space, is practiced more often at the beginning of events. Some have claimed that it triggers their scent and smoke sensitivities. Instead of opposing this outright, be mindful that this practice is important.
For those who plan events, design public spaces, or host
gqgeneral@gmail.com
Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region of the Benguet province, and immigrated to Canada as a teenager in 2007. She completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, and has a career in the nonprofit sector. She works at the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, which provides free legal help to low-income Edmontonians. She channels her creativity by writing in her personal blog, FilipinaYEG, and self-published a book called The Humanity of Me, and is active in numerous volunteer-based initiatives.
community gatherings, I hope scent awareness becomes part of the conversation. Being mindful of scents and odours, whether from perfumes, food, or cleaning products, is not just about personal preference. It is part of creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces for all.
By Carlos Tria Marquises
o set the record straight, let us examine the eligibility requirements for presidential candidates in the Philippines. Under the Constitution, a candidate for president or vice president must be at least 40 years old on election day.
Vico Sotto, born on June 17, 1989, will be 39 years old in May 2028 presidential election. However, he will be eligible to run for these positions in the next national election in 2034. Notably, he can run for senator in 2028, as the age requirement for this position is 35, which he has already met.
Vico Sotto's rise to prominence in Pasig City has been seen as a breath of fresh air in a country long dominated by political dynasties. As a young, data-driven, and transparent leader, he has become a symbol of hope for a new generation of Filipinos seeking clean governance and real change. His calm demeanor, firm values, and consistent action have earned him the public's admiration.
Here are some key facts about Vico Sotto:
Full Name: Victor Ma. Regis Nubla Sotto
Date of Birth: June 17, 1989
Age: 35 (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Quezon City, Philippines
Nationality: Filipino
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Public Management, Ateneo de Manila University
Political Affiliation: Independent (formerly Aksyon Demokratiko)
Current Position: Mayor of Pasig City (since June 30, 2019)
Parents: Vic Sotto (father), Coney Reyes (mother)
In conclusion, while Vico Sotto may not be eligible to run for president or vice president in 2028, he remains a prominent figure in Philippine politics. So if you're dreaming of a President Vico, chill lang muna. Keep your hopes, but keep your facts too.
Community Resource Article
By Giselle General
With measles cases on the rise in Canada, it’s important to make sure our families are protected, especially children, elders, and those who may not have full vaccination records. Measles is a serious and contagious disease, but the good news is, it’s preventable and help is available.
Many immigrants and newcomers might not know if they’re fully protected or how to access vaccines here in Alberta. This guide will help you understand what measles is, how to stay protected, and what to do if you have no records or health insurance.
1. Understanding Measles and Why It Matters Measles spreads through the air by coughing or sneezing and can live on surfaces for hours. It starts like a cold—fever, runny
nose, red eyes, and a cough—but quickly leads to a red rash and, in serious cases, complications like pneumonia, seizures, or brain swelling.
The best protection is the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella), which is free through Alberta Health Services.
• Visit www.alberta.ca/measles for general information.
• If you see symptoms or think someone has been exposed, call 811 right away for guidance.
2. How and Where to Get Vaccinated In Alberta, measles vaccinations are part of routine public health care, and support is available for everyone—children, adults, and newcomers.
• For children, the first MMR dose is given at 12 months, and a second dose at 18 months.
• For adults born after 1970, you may need two documented doses. If you’re unsure, a public health nurse can help check or recommend a booster.
• If you were born before 1970, you might be considered immune, but a blood test can help confirm this.
• If you don’t have your vaccination records with you, a serology test can show if you're already protected.
• If you are traveling, babies as young as 6 months may get vaccinated early if going to countries with outbreaks.
To book an appointment or ask questions, call Health Link at 811, or visit www.albertahealthservices.ca and search for “Public Health Centre.”
3. No Health Card or Immunization Records? You Still Have Options
If you don’t have Alberta Health Care coverage or if your vaccine history is missing, don’t worry as help is still available.
• Public Health Clinics often provide free MMR vaccines even without insurance.
• Newcomer clinics and community health centres can also help, regardless of your immigration status.
• Health Link (811) can refer you to the nearest clinic or explain what to do based on your situation.
Schools may ask for vaccination records, especially if your child is enrolling for the first time. You can get these updated through public health offices.
4. Language Help and Community Support
Healthcare systems can feel overwhelming, especially in a new country, but support is out there and in the language you’re most comfortable with.
• Health Link (811) provides interpretation in Tagalog and many other languages. Just make the request once connected.
• Community organizations can also assist you:
o Multicultural Health Brokers Co-op: Culturally sensitive health support www. mchb.org
o Catholic Social Services – Immigration & Settlement Services: Help navigating healthcare www. cssalberta.ca
o Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA): Newcomer support and referrals www. eisa-edmonton.org
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Getting vaccinated protects not just your own family, but the whole community, most especially babies, seniors, and those with weak immune systems. I personally used these services earlier this month as I didn’t have my vaccination records. Getting information from 811 on my options as an adult and booking the appointment to get the vaccine was a smooth experience.
Whether you’ve lived here for years or have just arrived, you can access measles protection and support.
If you’re unsure about where to start, just call 811. Help is free, and interpretation is available.
