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Beware and be aware!
Women Leaders: the Philippine National Artists
MARCH 2021 • Volume 14, Number 03
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Pope Francis: Worth a read regardless of your faith
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Commodification of women: The Philippine experience
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PSC gives tribute to women for National Women’s Month
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Women Standing against the Catastrophe of Gender Issues P8 ►
O Woman, Great Is Thy Faith! A Godly Mother's Undying Love For Her Daughter
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Community | Business
MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Commodification of women: The Philippine experience MIGRANTS' VOICES
Marco Luciano mluciano2@gmail.com Marco Luciano is the Global Council Representative of Philippine based Migrante International. He is also the current Secretary General of its chapter Migrante Canada.
F
or many places around the world, March is “women’s month”. The historical roots of women’s month were borne out of the experiences of working-class women. Filipino migrant workers are predominantly women. In statistics provided by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), between 1981 and 2018 an annual average of 64,000 women left the Philippines to work abroad for every 38,000 men. The phenomenon of what some academic calls the “feminization of
migration” is pegged to the changing nature of labour. There is a growing demand for migrant women’s labor in destination countries like Canada, especially in the care work, domestic labour, and service and food industries. Millions of women from the Global South are migrating to do “women’s work” that women in the Global North are no longer able or willing to do. Women have become primary breadwinners. In an article “Global Women: Nannies, Maids, and Sex Workers in the New Economy” authors Barbara Ehrenreich and Arlie Russell Hochschild said “Women from poor, developing countries are migrating to developed nations to work as maids and nannies to raise other people’s children but are not able to raise their own children back in their home countries. Poverty pushes these women to leave their home countries. These women can either live in their home country and raise their children in very difficult conditions or live in a wealthy country and make money to provide for their own children but not get to raise them—a disheartening choice for poor women of developing countries”. This is true for thousands of Filipino caregivers that came to Canada under the Live-in Caregiver Program. Many, if not all kababayans will say the same: “…nag sakripisyo ako umalis ng
bansa para bigyan ang pamilya ko ng magandang buhay”. Another important aspect of this shift is that women move as much money as men if not more. A statement from Western Union says “Women set to move US$ 300.6 Billion”; that is half the billions of dollars of global remittance. Their remittances are more resilient and reliable and, thus, potentially useful to poverty reduction in countries like the Philippines. There are several research papers and articles that show the correlation of gender to remittances which includes the strength of their ties to relatives at home. Stereotypes make women “ideal candidates” for migrant labour. Women are believed to be compliant, hardworking, and docile; women are assumed not to organize unions; and women are a replaceable commodity. Consequently, there is a high demand for migrant women’s labor. In sending countries, gender inequalities and discrimination are also important aspects of women’s migration. Female family members leave due to the idealized conception of women as more likely to sacrifice their own well-being for that of their family. In some countries, like the Philippines, special agencies were
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created to actively promote the migration of women. The Philippine government has signed bilateral agreements to export health care providers. In Canada, these agreements are with the Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Manitoba. Two weeks ago, the Philippines traded its health care workers, mostly women nurses for corona vaccine donations to UK and Germany. This proved how rampant and systemic the commodification of women in the Philippines is. While International Women’s
Day/month is being celebrated by women, men and non-binary individuals all over the world, we must not only recognize the cultural importance of the day/month but the significant contribution of women migrants to societies. Canada’s child and elderly care are dependent on this so-called “disposable workforce. These caregivers in Canada deserve better. Caregiving is not temporary job. These jobs are permanent jobs. As such, caregivers must be given permanent status upon arriving and working in Canada. Happy International Women’s Day!
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AFJ Staff | Editor’s Corner | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
BEWARE AND BE AWARE: Stop seeking help from the Loan Sharks EDITOR’S CORNER
Published by Angeles Publishing Company Inc. 246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2T2 Jose L. Angeles Publisher / Chief Operating Officer Sales and Advertising CP: 780-916-7677, Landline: 780-988-8889 Fax: 780-988-2221 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com Lito Mendoza Velasco Editor-in-Chief / Associate Publisher 780-655-5126 editor@albertafilipinojournal.com Lianne Angeles Associate Editor Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles Administrator / Office Manager Sales and Advertising, 780-993-5503 albertafilipinojournal79@gmail.com Mark Angeles, Mike Angeles Distribution Managers - Edmonton Andy Chua Marketing Manager - Edmonton +1 (780) 965-3549, fcchua@hotmail.com Stephen Burry Distribution Manager - Calgary 1 (587) 938-3100, Freedommigrate@gmail.com Manny Bautista Advertising, Sales and Marketing Manager 780-802-0848, canadianasset@gmail.com Rodel Paguirigan Advertising, Sales and Marketing Manager - Calgary 1 (403) 921-0148, rodelpaguirigan@gmail.com Melanie C. Gomez Website / Graphic Designer Photographers/Videographer: Moses Billacura, Noli Granado, Dario Juanillo Columnists: Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Tito S. Venida, Ida Beltran-Lucila, Kristian Cereno, Marco Luciano, Moses Billacura, Mervin Mendoza Cereno, Nicky Gocuan, Giselle General, Hermo Pagtakhan, Januel Cedrick Ibasco, Fr. Jhack Diaz, Bing J. Jaleco Contributing Writers: Katrina Marielle U. Cereno, Raquel Getigan, Jasmine-Grace Nacu The Alberta Filipino Journal is dedicated in memory of Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros of Winnipeg as she engaged her entire life in service to the Filipino Community. We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.
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Lito Mendoza Velasco
W
hile it is true that we need money to survive, it is also true that we need to survive in order to enjoy money that we earned. But, how can we do this? How can we survive and enjoy life after succumbing to debt? Giant loan sharks are in the City, taking advantage of the weak and disadvantageous. Look at the example in the box. There is a person who truly ran out of budget or suffered from extreme impecuniosity and trapped himself in debt after overindulging in the use of credit cards. He went to a known money lending agency and availed a loan of $2,500.00 with a quite unreasonable interest rate on top. How long does it take him to pay the outstanding loan if the interest rate is higher the principal? Never loan money to pay another loan. While it is true that we realistically need money, it is also true that loan sharks should be avoided. Stay away from them if you hate being doomed and trapped at the end of the tunnel. As financial advisors have always been telling us: “Never spend beyond your means. Never be enticed with luxurious cars and huge houses.” Necessity vs Luxury Never-ever forget to ask yourself this question when you’re planning to acquire something: “Why do I have to have this? Do I really need it or do I just like it?
Not every legal is moral While it is true that every business must meet the legal requirements and permits; it is also true that some businessmen are engaging into business malpractices. Hence, not every legalized is morally upright. These pieces of advice are clear to a grade 3 student. Why can’t it be the same with you? What can the government of Alberta or Canada do to castigate these lawn sharks or minimize this business malpractice? Hello BBB! Hello Alberta Business Regulatory Board!
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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Sports
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SPORTS JOURNAL
Moses Billacura mocolumnist @albertafilipinojournal.com Moses Billacura was a sports correspondent for national newspapers in the Philippines since 1992 and served as sports editor and columnist for a community paper before moving to Canada in 2010. He loves photography, manages pinoyedmontonnews.com and strongly believes that sports development is for all.
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
I just remember three mothers in sports.
S
eeing the great Wayne Gretzky on TV getting emotional during the eulogy for his dad, Walter, has made me ponder a lot of things. For one, I was reminded to be grateful to our elders for always being there when it comes to supporting us in sports. I may say, I was one lucky kid with elders (God bless their souls) who were into sports when I was growing up. No wonder I got into sports media after university and eventually went into sports management. If not for this damn pandemic, parents would still be very busy with all the preparations for their children who are involved in sports. I noticed some of my friends have already started taking their kids back to training these days, which is really good. And that reminded me of three
mothers in sports whom I met. Two of them were in hockey and one in jiu jitsu and judo. Probably about 10 years ago, at a friendly gathering I attended, the first mom I talked to was sharing her story about getting her son into hockey and boy, it was not cheap! She was talking about a four-figure amount just for the equipment alone. When I was still working as a medical office assistant for a familyowned clinic, the doctor I was closely working with, an ENT Specialist, knowing that I was a sportswriter in the Philippines, introduced me to a sweet lady, whose son used to play in the NHL. For sure you too know some stories of the sacrifices made by hockey mothers or hockey fathers for their sons or daughters who would like to one day play in the
professional leagues or represent their cities, provinces or this great country on the international stage. Not just in hockey, but in other sports disciplines too. There is one mother I know in Calgary, whose daughter is very much into combat sports, first taking up jiu jitsu, then judo. She must really work hard to support her daughter in order for her to excel in the sport. She would even show to in some events just to give some pitch on how people can help in the development of a local athlete. It’s not easy, you know, but mothers will always do what is necessary for their children in sports. From the stories of those mothers that I had a privilege of speaking to, I can say that those children were just so lucky to have them. And that is why I salute mothers in sports, who may not be former
athletes themselves but are the most caring and efficient sports managers for their kids. No wonder their kids succeed in the sport or even in life. They learn valuable lessons during their sporting life. So, I salute all mothers in sports including the dads, of course, for getting their children into sports activities. God bless you all! And as an added bonus, I wish that when they become professionals, the mothers will say something like, “the money is really good” which I heard from that mom whose son played in the NHL, LoL. Stay safe everyone! *** To members of the sports community, if you know of any news and information for our sports section, please email mocolumnist@albertafilipinojournal. com. Maraming salamat po!
Edmonton Stingers Sign Jones Kyle Lowry Rewriting The Record Books Again T he Edmonton Stingers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday that they have signed point guard, Jahmal Jones, for the 2021 season. The Mississauga, Ont., native brings an impressive amount of international experience to the Stingers roster. Jones had an outstanding career with the Ryerson University Rams where he earned numerous awards and accolades. Jones was named an OUA All-Star in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. He was also named Ryerson Male Athlete of the Year in 2011, 2014, and 2015 and Team MVP in both 2014 and 2015. Jones finished his career as Ryerson’s alltime leader in assists and steals, and second leading scorer. Jones became one of the first Ryerson Rams to play professional basketball, playing in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia and Slovakia. “I have known Jahmal Jones for a while now and know exactly what he brings to the table,” said Head Coach and General Manager Jermaine Small. “His experience and familiarity with our guys will make for a seamless transition. I have no doubt that he will help us win another championship.” Jones’ professional career began when he was selected to the 2011 Canadian Pan-American Games men’s basketball team. That same year Jones won a silver medal at the
Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, China as a member of Canada’s FISU Games team. Following his graduation from Ryerson, Jones signed with Turi Svitavy of the Czech National Basketball League where he averaged 14.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 39 games. The following season Jones signed with Tallinna Ulikool/Kalev of the Estonian KML where he averaged 10.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in nine contests, earning nine starting assignments. In 2017, Jones signed with DEAC of the Hungarian NBIA where he averaged 12.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 30 contests. The following season Jones signed with BC Prievidza of the Slovakian Extraliga where he averaged 12.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 4.0 assists in 45 games, earning 38 starting assignments. In 2019, Jones signed with Team FOG Naestved of the Danish Basketligaen where he averaged 10.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. In 2020, Jones re-signed with Team FOG Naestved where he is averaging 10.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 19 games, earning 17 starting assignments. The CEBL is preparing for its third season in 2021, following the success of the 2020 CEBL Summer Series in St. Catharines, Ont., which saw a record 1.2 million viewers across Canada tune in to four days of live programming on CBC.(PR)
Though the Raptors didn’t get the result they were looking for on Thursday night (March 11), the game marked another milestone for Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry. A threepointer from Atlanta guard Tony Snell as time expired gave the Hawks a 121-120 victory, but along the way, Lowry earned yet another place in the Raptors history books, passing Chris Bosh (10,275 points) to move into second place on the franchise’s all-time scoring list. Lowry (10,288 points) now trails only DeMar DeRozan (13,296 points). “I think it's amazing,” Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said. “I don't think he was ever billed as the guy, when he came here, eight years ago, that he was going to score in historical proportions like he’s done. Credit to him for his determination, how he’s built his game, his shooting, his longevity. He’s out there every night, throwing his body around, finding ways to get the ball in the basket, night after night, for a lot of years now. That’s quite an accomplishment for him.” On Thursday, it was a three-pointer in the second quarter that pushed Lowry past Bosh, but the usual assists and defence were also on display, along with a band-aid high on his cheekbone after another fearless defensive stand, stepping in and taking contact to prevent an easy bucket. None of this is new for Raptors fans who fell in love with Lowry’s game from the jump when he first arrived in Toronto in 2012, but each new Lowry accomplishment has only served as another reminder. In a
season marked by its unfamiliarity, with players and coaches moving in and out of action around the league because of health and safety protocols and with the Raptors spending their season in Tampa Bay, the Raptors show up expecting to win each night because this is the mindset that Lowry has always had. Regardless of the situation he is staring down, he simply wouldn’t have it any other way. Though Thursday’s loss stung, as all buzzer-beating losses do, Lowry allowed a rare moment of reflection during his postgame availability, even if, in typical Lowry fashion, the moment was as much about giving appreciation to the man he passed to move into second place as it was about his own accomplishment. “Passing a guy that’s a Hallof-fame finalist, shout out to Chris Bosh, what he did for this franchise, just carrying it for a while, to pass him is an honour,” Lowry said. “It’s something I never shot for, or tried to do. It’s just amazing that I was able to do something like that and pass a great player like Chris.” In addition to moving into second place on the team’s all-time scoring list, Lowry, a six-time All-Star with the Raptors, already owns the franchise records for assists, steals, three-point field goals and triple-doubles. (PR)
PSC gives tribute to women for National Women’s Month
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special tribute to the achievements a nd contributions of all the great women leaders, athletes, coaches, employees, and mothers is the core of the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) virtual programs for March in line with the National Women’s Month celebration. PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez stresses the extraordinary roles of women in creating social change and development in the country. “To all women, grandmothers, and mothers, you deserve equal www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
rights, equal treatment, and equal opportunity. In war, in calamities, in a pandemic, even in sports competitions, women play very important roles,” explained Ramirez. In a statement on the celebration of International Women's Month, the sport's chief gave a toast to the strength and resilience of women, saying that "today is an opportunity to reflect and admire women for their constant strength and resilience. Their help shapes us as persons and as a nation. For all the things you do, thank you and I wish you all a happy women’s day.”
PSC has been very active and consistent in its programs for Women in Sports even during COVID-19 health crisis. A series of free online seminars have been conducted to push its drive for gender equality and women empowerment. “This is our holistic approach to reach out to all the women in the country to be active in our leadership programs and encourage them to live a healthier lifestyle,” said PSC oversight Commissioner for Women in Sports Celia Kiram. The PSC’s Rise up Shape up (RUSU) – a weekly web series that
streams every Saturday on Facebook and Youtube, features different women experts and personalities aimed to inspire and empower ladies in different fields. In its previous episode last March 6, RUSU featured the country's prized women boxers led by 2012 AIBA Women’s world boxing champion and five-time gold medalist in Southeast Asian Games Josie Gabuco, 2019 SEA Games silver medalist Riza Pasuit and bronze medalist Aira Villegas, who paid tribute to their moms for its support and guidance in their
careers so they end up triumphant in the sport and in life. Commissioner Kiram also shared that they will be holding a webinar from March 10 to 12, for PSC staff entitled, “Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in the Philippine Sports Commission System.” “This is important for the agency so everyone could be gender-sensitive and effective in making responsive programs, plans and policies. The learnings in this webinar will not be limited to their work in the office, they could also apply it in their own homes,” said Kiram.(PR)
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Opinion | Sports
MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Business Interest Takes Centerstage In a Pandemic JUST LISTEN
Nicky Gocuan, PMAA ngocuan@yahoo.com Nicky Gocuan has been a Columnist/ Photojournalist for over 15 years. He finished his Degree in Communication Arts at De La Salle University in 1990. After obtaining his University degree, Gocuan joined the Print Media and has contributed for The Philippine Star, Pilipino Star and later moved to Bagong Pinoy, where he wrote a regular opinion column. He also went on to write a showbiz column for The Tribune and Remate. Gocuan has experience in covering the Police beat, Political beat, and Entertainment beat before landing in the Sports beat. He later wrote a regular sports column for Remate Tonight. During this time, he was elected President of the Philippine Basketball Association Press Photographers Club (PBAPPC) for Two Terms and helped uplift the status of the group to become a part of the 5 Man Mythical Committee in the PBA. He is currently the President of The Philippine Media Association of Alberta (PMAA) and Host of a weekly radio program ‘The Fourth Estate” on Tala Luvz Radio in Calgary.
HUWAG PAGTAKHAN!
T
he battle against the global pandemic is not yet over. Governments all over the world are adjusting to the new normal. We have seen many changes happen during the pandemic. The general consensus is to try to get everyone vaccinated as soon as possible. No one is sure as to how effective the vaccine will be to protect them from the new variant. But one thing is for sure, the more people the Government vaccinates, the higher the chance that we stop the further spread of the virus that has taken so many lives and continues to hurt the World Economy. So what has changed since the start of the pandemic? On the business side, many have adopted technology to keep their businesses afloat. While on the consumer side, a lot of people have used an App on their phone to order what they need online to avoid the touchpoints that can further spread the disease. In the restaurant industry, the businesses have shifted their focus to Online Ordering & Deliveries, while closing their dining room. Here in Alberta, the Provincial Government has eased up on some of the restrictions including dining in a restaurant as long as the restaurant does not exceed 15% of its actual capacity. A lot of restaurants are happy with the gradual re-opening of the economy. Like I said in my previous Column, no business will survive if we keep the economy closed. What is important is to keep the necessary measures in place. If the Federal Government was able to act sooner by closing the airports as soon as they heard of the outbreak in Wuhan, China, then we would have been in a different situation today. So what has the pandemic taught us? Rich, middle class or poor, we are all in this together. We are all equal in this world. No matter how much money you have, everyone is trying to stay safe at home. No one is
travelling because of the restrictions and quarantine regulations which make it hard for anyone to travel. And for those who want to go back to the Philippines for a visit, there are regulations in place that require a visitor to have at least 6 nights booked in a hotel accredited by the Tourism and Health Agency while they wait for their test and scheduled results. You are encouraged to book in Metro Manila so it would be faster to administer and process your test. What is even worse is that Philippine regulations only allow one person per room except for families with minor children below 18 years old. If a travelling family has two or more adult members, only one adult can stay with the minor children. If I am understanding this right, a family of four (three adults and one minor) needs 3 rooms each with 6 nights of accommodation. Wow! What I don’t understand is why the family can’t stay together in one room. Obviously, business interest takes center-stage in this situation. Instead of protecting the family, regulations like this will discourage balikbayans from visiting their parents and relatives. I am not even talking about the expenses that you are going to incur to hire a cab and your PCR testing. The regulations are not only costprohibitive but also time-prohibitive since Canada also requires anyone who took an overseas flight to quarantine for 14 days. By the time all is said and done, the parents of the family who travelled will definitely be fired from their place of work. While regular local businesses are suffering because of the downturn in the economy, the people who are selling masks, Covid Test Kits, sanitizers, and sanitizing wipes are thriving. It would be interesting to know if there are safety nets in place to control the price of these goods that are necessary to protect the people.
Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan hermopagtakhanlaw@ hotmail.com Cell: (780) 905-9288 Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan of Edmonton, Alberta is a Lawyer who had practised for more than 25 years in the Philippines and in Alberta and thereafter, was an Index Options Trader in Wall Street. He is currently a Family Counselor with Arbor Memorial Gardens whom he joined in 2013. Hermo is also President of PROXSMART GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES and of NOTIFY GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES which develop Mobile Apps for Digital Marketing and Contactless Technologies which enable Businesses to operate their businesses and at the same time keep their Employees and Clients safe from Covid19 Contamination.
FC Edmonton signs German striker Tobias Warschewski FC Edmonton announced it has signed former German youth international forward Tobias Warschewski for the 2021 Canadian Premier League season Warschewski, 23, made his professional debut at age 18 with German 3. Liga side Preußen Münster where he emerged as a starter, scoring four goals in 27 matches. His form at Preußen Münsterd rew interest from German Bundesliga clubs RB Leipzig, FC Schalke 04, VfL Bochum and VfB Stuttgart and the German under-19 national team program. He was called up to the German side for the 2017 U19 European Championships and scored against England in the group stage. Warschewski went on to make over 40 appearances for Münster’s first team. The Dortmund-born attacker was last with German fourth-tier club Phönix Lübeck where he played alongside current York United FC signee Julian Ulbricht. There, Warschewski scored once in five games before COVID-19 delays and stoppages ended his solid run. “Tobias will bring us another attacking option and we look forward to integrating him into our team,” FC Edmonton coach Alan Koch said. “He has had some excellent experiences already in his young career, and we hope to get him back into top shape and scoring goals for the Eddies. He is a versatile forward who is incredibly motivated to make an impact in the CPL.” Giraldo is the 18th player (and fifth international) confirmed for FC Edmonton’s 2021 roster, a list that includes starting goalkeeper Connor James, and fellow newcomers Fraser Aird, Kyle Porter, and Shamit Shome. FCE also selected a pair of young prospects at the recent CPL-U SPORTS Draft, with UBC’s Thomas Gardner and Jackson Farmer earning invites to pre-season training camp.(PR)
“THE ESSENCE of TEACHING”
(“DON’T MARVEL at MR. MARVEL”)
A
n old man meets a young man who asks: “Do you remember me?” And the old man says no. Then the young man tells him he was his student, And the teacher asks: “What do you do? What do you do in life?” The young man answers: “Well, I became a teacher.” “Ah, how good. Like me?” asks the old man. “Well, yes. In fact, I became a teacher because you inspired me to be like you.” Curious, the old man asks the young man at what time he decided to become a teacher. The young man
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tells him the following story: “One day, a friend of mine, also a student, came in with a nice new watch, and I decided I wanted it and I stole it. I took it out of his pocket. Shortly after, my friend noticed the theft and immediately complained to our teacher, who was you. Then you addressed the class, saying: ‘This student's watch was stolen during class today. Whoever stole it, please return it.’ I didn't give it back because I didn't want to. Then you closed the door and told us all to get up and you were going to search our pockets one by one until the watch was found. But you told us to close
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our eyes, because you would only look for his watch if we all had our eyes closed. So we did, and you went from pocket to pocket, and when you went through my pocket, you found the watch and took it. You kept searching everyone's pockets, and when you were done you said ‘open your eyes, we have the watch.’ You didn't tell on me and you never mentioned the episode. You never said who stole the watch either. That day, you saved my dignity forever. It was the most shameful day of my life. But this is also the day my dignity was saved and I decided not to become a thief, a bad person, etc. You never said anything, nor even scold me or took me aside to give me a moral lesson, I received your message clearly.
And thanks to you, I understood what a real educator needs to do. Do you remember this episode, professor?” And the professor answers: “I remember the situation, the stolen watch, which I was looking for in everyone’s pocket, but I didn't remember you, because I also closed my eyes while looking.” This is the essence of teaching: “If to correct, you must humiliate, you don't know how to teach.” In Life, we need wisdom in everything we do. As a Parent, Teacher, Leader, etc. we should be able to close our eyes to some things. Not all behaviour dseserves punishment. In some situations, Guidance Counseling, Mentoring and Monitoring may be all that’s required. Be a Leader who inspires, not one who degrades.
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Community | Activism | Religion
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
WOMEN: Standing Against the Catastrophe of Gender Issues “#WomenEquality” is a battle cry. How do women stand with liberalism and fortitude during different epochs in history? In appreciation of International Women’s Month, let us unite to celebrate women’s power in order to be heard. This is an opportunity to know all the platforms inside and out. All women should be inspired and stand their grounds as they continue to struggle for real equality in society. The decrees categorically mandated for women 45 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted, and eight years after the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the International Bill of Rights for Women by United Nation in 1993 had crossed the threshold into force, and the UN World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna declared the Human Rights for women. It stated that women’s status as human beings granted
LEGAL CHIKA
Raquel P. Getigan Earned Bachelor of Laws degree at Manila Law College and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Philippine Normal University. She’s an educator by profession and Apprentice at Atty. Romeo Sese Law office.
them rights that should have never been in doubt nor compromised. This led towards recognizing that the neglect of women’s rights is a human rights violation. Section 3 of the Philippine decree of the Women’s Republic Act 9262, also known as (VAWC) Violence Against Women and their Children
Act of 2004, states that “Violence against women and their children” refers to any act or a series of acts committed by any person against a woman who is his wife, former wife, or against a woman with whom the person has or had a sexual or dating relationship, or with whom he has a common child, or against her child whether legitimate or illegitimate, within or without the family abode, which results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological harm or suffering, or economic abuse including threats of such acts, battery, assault, coercion, harassment or arbitrary deprivation of liberty”. Henceforth, as per the declaration of the policy “the State values the dignity of women and children and guarantees full respect for human rights”. The laws are eloquent in strengthening women’s status quo. Similarly, it is responsive to the catastrophe of gender issues concerning women, especially with regard to safety, protection, and equitable living. A woman’s
fearlessness in reinforcing her voice gives people a better understanding of women’s needs and concerns. A woman’s faculty of mind contributes to the nation’s social, political, and economic status. During this time of pandemic, according to a report from the United Nations, 76% of health workers are women. Women’s
O Woman, Great Is Thy Faith! A Godly Mother's Undying Love For Her Daughter Matthew 15:21-28 INTRODUCTION The first words of this narrative (cf. Mark 7:24) show that the event followed, in point of time, immediately on what precedes it. "And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon"— The two great Phoenician seaports, but here denoting the territory generally, to the frontiers of which Jesus now came. But the question is, Did Jesus actually enter this heathen territory? The whole narrative, we think, proceeds upon the supposition that He did. His immediate object seems to have been to avoid the wrath of the Pharisees at the withering exposure He had made of their traditional religion. "...and entered into a house, and would have no man know it"— Because Jesus had not come there to minister to heathens. Yet, "though not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24) He hindered not the lost sheep of the vast Gentile world from coming to Him, nor put them away when they did come--as this event was designed to show. "But he could not be hid"— Christ's fame had already spread from Galilee to this very region (Mark 3:8; Luke 6:17). THE PROPOSITION Love is the light that illuminates our faith to let it shine before men that they may see our good works
FROM A VANTAGE POINT
Tito S.Venida FOUNDING FATHER
Tito S. Venida is a product of the University of the Philippines. He used to be a student-leader during his college days and became one of the founders of the Tau Gamna Phi, one of the world leading Philippine-produced fraternities. His immensurable love for the human race has brought him to the conviction of translating his mission from fraternity into Divinity-from a mere brotherhood into sainthood. Tito authored a book entitled Quocunque Jeceris Stabit, which means, wherever you throw, it will stand.
and glorify our Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 THE LORD SEARCHETH FOR FAITH The Bible tells us that the Lord Jesus searcheth for faith as a gem collector searches for fine jewels, and when He found it He was filled with great joy. He didn't always find it in His disciples.
However, He found it in the most unusual and unexpected places: ▫▫ Jesus found it in a Roman Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). ▫▫ Jesus found it in a woman of the city, which was a sinner (Luke 7:36-50). ▫▫ Jesus found it in the Samaritan leper (Luke 17:11-19). ▫▫Jesus found it in a blind man named Bartimaeus of Jericho (Mark 10:46-52). And now, when He was about to spend some quiet time, He finds something of great value in a SyroPhoenician woman from Canaan that He was willing to be interrupted from His rest. Now, what is so extraordinary in this Syro-Phoenician woman from Canaan that caught the eye of Jesus? SHE HAS A LOVE THAT CAN CONQUER HER CIRCUMSTANCES Because of her undying love for her daughter who was grievously vexed with a devil (v. 24) she has
to conquer three great barriers, neither of which was a fault of her own: 1)She was a woman; 2) She was a Gentile; and 3) She was a Syro-Phoenician from Canaan. Here was a mother who, in her time of need, was prepared to conquer any obstacle to turn to Jesus for help. Note: Faith still requires that we make the effort to conquer whatever circumstances may stand in our way to get to Jesus. What circumstances you say? ▫▫ Time: We're always too busy with things of earth to pay attention to the spiritual things. Then there's the issue of trusting the One who lived more than 2,000 years ago--the time gap. ▫▫ Culture: This is the age of the technocrat. Does God really understand the problems I face in this modern world? And what about this politically correct society? Christians are often accused of being too conservative. A 2016 presidential candidate just
enthusiasm and liberalism stand strong in the face of any country’s challenges, calamities and endeavours. The unity and involvement of women in society place a huge spotlight on their role in nation building. Let us all continue to empower women for them to build their executive presence.
declared, "Christians should change their views on abortion!"Sadly, some Christians will vote for this candidate. ▫▫ Pride: The greatest obstacle of all! Many people today are like a person who is drowning but refuses help---even fights the rescuer. ▫▫ Science: If you can't see it, does it really exists? What exactly was it that drove this mother to conquer her circumstances and get to Jesus? I believe there were three things: ▫▫ Desperation: She was at her rope's end. She knew she wasn't doing well by herself. She had tried other ways and they had all failed. Now, she would seek help from Jesus, regardless of the cost. ▫▫ Love: Love for her daughter. Love made her accept Jesus' silence and yet still appeal to Him. Love made her suffer apparent rebukes from His disciples. ▫▫ Vision: She saw in Jesus a compassion like no other that would not turn her away. She believe, without any doubt, in His ability and willingness to help. ▫▫ Note: The measure of our faith is conditioned in what we see in Jesus. ▫▫ The second thing that was extraordinary in this Syro-Phoenician woman from Canaan that caught the eye of Jesus was: SHE HAS A LOVE THAT CAN ENDURE ALL THINGS This was a mother who refused to be put off and intimidated. She was not going to take criticism or silence for an answer to her need. There were at least three excuses and intimidating factors that could have kept her from enduring: continued on page 9 ►
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MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Editor's Note | Open Letter | Religion | Forum
Letter to the Editor and Publisher:
BABAE KA; HINDI BABAE LANG! By Lito Mendoza Velasco
Dear Kuya Lito and Tito Jun,
A
ng maginoong lalaki ang siyang dahilan kung bakit ang babae ay naging isang Binibini. Ibinibigay ang Titulo bilang Ginang at Binibini na may kalakip na pagmamahal at paggalang. Katunayan, ipinapagamit ng isang lalaking Maginoo ang kanyang pangalan o apeyido sa isang Binibini upang maging isang Ginang.
Halimbawa, Ginang Angeles, Ginang Latorre, Ginang Cereno, Ginang Billacura, Ginang Chua, Ginang Jimenez, Ginang Gocuan, Ginang Agasino, at Ginang Pagtakhan. Hindi ibig sabihin ng paggamit ng babae ng apelyido ng lalaki ay nagpapaalipin na siya. Kundi, siya lamang ay nagpapasakop sa liderato ng isang lalaki-lalaking maginoo, magalang, mapagkalinga, at mapagmahal. Sa paggkakataong hindi na maginoo ang lalaki, minamarapat ng babae na ibalik ang kanyang pagka-Binibini o pagiging dalaga. Babawiin niya at muling gagamitin ang sarili niyang apelyido (family name). Hindi niya pinapahintulutan na tampalasanin o bastos-bastusin ninuman. Babae ka. Hindi babae lang! Minsan nga ay may biruan. Nagyabang ang isang ama ng tahanan at pasigaw na sinabi sa harap ng mga kaibigan: “Ako ang Leon sa bahay na ito!” Di umano,
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tinanong siya ng isa niyang kaharap: “Eh, sino naman iyong babaeng dumaan? (Referring to his wife). Malumanay siyang sumagot: “Ah, Iyon ang trainor ko.” May kayabangan pa ang isang ama ng tananan at sinambit sa wikang Ingles: “I am the head of this family!” Sabay turo sa dumarating na asawa: “But, She is the neck!” Nakakaaliw ang kulturang Filipino. Kahit batbat ng suliranin ay nagagawa pa ring maging maligaya. Mas masaya kapag ang asawang babae ay masaya (A happy wife means a happy life). Sa katunayan, wala naman dapat nakabababa o nakatataas ang kalagayan o antas sa lipunan sa pagitan ng babae at lalaki. Mas mainam pa rin na ang magkasintahan, magkabiyak o mag-asawa ay gumagalang sa karapatan ng bawat-isa. Mas mainam na sabay nilang niyayakap ang hamon ng buhay na magkasangga. Dahil iyon ang kanilang magiging
gintong pamana sa bunga ng kanilang pagmamahalan—sa kanilang mga anak. Kung ang babae ay hindi babae lang; ganundin naman ang lalaki. Sila ay hindi lalaki lang! Walang menosan; walang tawaran ng kakayahan at walang sumbatan ng naiambag. Walang magsasabi na “kung di dahil sa akin ay hindi ka magmumukhang tao o kung di dahil sa akin ay wala ka dito sa Canada.” Walang bilangan ng kakulangan. Dahil ang bawat-isa ay kaganapan. Dahil ang bawat-isa ay may responsibilidad na dapat gampanan! Ganunpaman, babae kang talaga! Kung kaya nga, dito sa Canada, ay tunay na protektado ka!
It was really an honour being featured in February 2021st issue of the Alberta Filipino Journal. You truly are promoting the Filipino Community. In fact, I am from Grande Praire and yet, I was able to find copies of your prominent newspaper in our place. You are affecting our kababayans here. Your pool of writers and their articles have truly been influencing our lifestyles. Please continue to be the pulse of the Filipino Community not only in Alberta but of the entire Canada. Once again, maraming-maraming salamat po sa pagkilala sa aking kakayahan upang maging inspirasyon din naman ng kapwa natin Filipino. Especially, the youth or young professionals. I’ve just proven that age doesn’t really matter when you are guided by your dreams! Respectfully yours, Azelle Cristalline Morales Young Entrepreneur Owner of Quen’s Tea and Juice Grande Prairie, Alberta
from page 8
▫▫The Silence of Jesus (v. 23). She didn't perceive it as a cold indifference. She reached behind it and spoke to the great heart of God. ▫▫The Rebukes of the Disciples (v.23). She went over their heads to the Lord Himself. ▫▫The Behavior of Jesus (v. 24). What He said in effect was, "Sorry, Madam, but you don't belong to the right group; You have no claim on Me." 1. She didn't try to analyze His response. She simply refused to be put off by it. 2. She let her great and pressing need speak for itself. 3. She fell at His feet and worshiped Him saying, "Lord, help me." 4. That's the essence of all great faith---to stretch out your hand to Jesus in desperation. Washington Irving writes: "The love of a mother is never exhausted. It never changes---it never tires---it endures through all; in good repute; in bad repute; in the face of the world's condemnation, a mother's love still lives on." Endurance, then, is the hallmark of godly-motherhood. The third thing that was extraordinary in this Syro-Phoenician woman from Canaan that caught the eye of Jesus was: SHE HAS A LOVE THAT SEEKS NOT HER OWN
She knew exactly where she stood when: 1) She made no claim by relying solely on the grace of Jesus (v. 27). When our Lord told her that it didn't seem right to take bread from the children of Israel and throw it to the little dogs of the Gentiles, she didn't burst into tears and walk away. 2) She gave Jesus an answer that might have excited Him.She said, "Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master's table." In plain words, she laid no claim on Jesus but, in her heart, there must be some extra grace---some grace that she doesn't deserve, and she is appealing to the Lord for that.No wonder, Jesus replied, " O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt." From that moment her daughter was made whole. CONCLUSION This mother possessed great faith because she won over her great difficulties and over the devil. Every obstacle and opposition may be conquered by faith through prayer. So don't despair when you are faced with a problem. Conquer the barriers to reach Jesus. Endure in your faith. Receive His grace which He offers freely to all who will approach His Throne of Grace in true humility. Amen!
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Education | Immigration Consultancy Services
ENGINEER IN ACTION
Mervin Cereno, P. Eng. mmcereno@gmail.com Mervin Cereno is a Filipino immigrant in Canada. A FilipinoCanadian Engineer license to practice Engineering in Alberta. He is employed in one of the most sought Engineering Consulting Firm based in Edmonton as a Structural Engineer that designs small to medium-rise commercial and multi-family buildings. He is a Volunteer and Advocates to help Filipino-Canadian Engineers to pursue their Professional Engineering License in Canada. For advice on a specific case in pursuing your application whether in ASET or APEGA, please email me at mmcereno@gmail.com.
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
Canadian Education for Internationally Educated Engineers, Is it Worth it?
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Filipino Engineer with a Professional License in the Philippines, 5 years of industry experience, and another 5 years of work experience in the Middle East as an Engineer wishes to migrate and eventually practice Engineering in Canada. There are many such engineers who save money for their plans to start the immigration process. Many of these engineers plan to initiate their licensing process in the Province they wish to migrate to. Some of them already applied through immigration agencies in the Philippines or some apply through ones that are based in the Middle East. Many of these internationallyeducated engineers applied to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry System, where gaining high points to obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is somewhat near to impossible. Some of them will
re-take the IELTS to obtain a higher Language score for them to improve their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. They may also try to apply at a Canadian company while they are outside of Canada, hoping to obtain an offer of employment for them to use in their immigration application. Some will try the Provincial Nominee pathway per the advice of their immigration consultant. Anything is possible as we always say, but sometimes, the reality does not result in a positive outcome. Migrating to Canada is not that easy for some of us. We have to know all the facts and the resources we have. For engineers that have education gained outside of Canada, the challenge begins. Having a Canadian Education will put you at the front of the line, whether for immigration purposes or job placement. You have to place yourself in the front row and not
the typical “row 5” of our elementary days' classroom. Life is different now. You should always be in the front to catch the “big fish” of opportunity and not see yourself behind others and hoping that somebody will give you a nice “fish” at the end. After careful assessment of your credentials for migrating to Canada, you have to be open to other options rather than waiting for the next round of draws to be lowered so that you can have the ITA. Check the possibility of enrolling in a University in Canada either for your self-development or having a better additional point with this Canadian Education. You have to research for yourself how the process will be in obtaining a student visa by studying in Canada and supporting yourself while studying. This is a win-win approach by equipping yourself with the Canadian Engineering environment and a better credential for you to see if
MARCH IS FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH FROM MIGRATION TO IMMIGRATION
Marjorie Carmona Newman info@ mcncanadaimmigration.com 780-758-2045 Marjorie Carmona Newman is a REGULATED CANADIAN IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT based in Edmonton, Alberta. She is currently a member of CAPIC’s Policy and Lobbying Committee and previously served as Prairie Chapter representative for Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education Committee. A recipient of CAPIC's Members Service Award for four consecutive years (2015-2019).
Canadian government declares March as Fraud Prevention Month. As you have heard or read, fraud comes in many different forms: fraud from the internet, email and phone scams, money, savings, identity theft, document, marriage fraud and most of all immigration fraud. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is the agency that collects information on fraud and identity theft. They provide information on past and current scams affecting Canadians. As follows is the report
on the impact of fraud so far this year, as of January 31, 2021: Canadian reports of fraud: 4,833; Canadian victims of fraud: 3,313 Lost to fraud: $10.1 M. The impact of COVID-19 fraud between March 6, 2020 and February 28, 2021: Canadian reports of COVID-19 fraud: 13,553 Canadian victims of COVID-19 fraud: 11,789 Lost to COVID-19 fraud: $7.2 M. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre partners with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police and Competition Bureau Canada. The same office received reports on scams and fraud linked to COVID-19 vaccines. To combat or fight fraud, aside from creating a special office or agency (the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre), the Canadian government provides online resources to warn people against fraud namely: Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation, Cyber Safe Guide for Small and Medium Business, Get Cyber Safe, Office of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Measures Committee, Office of the Privacy Commissioner Canada, Financial Consumer Agency of Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. In this article, I will focus on immigration fraud. Each year, Canada accepts hundreds of thousands of immigrants, visitors, and international students. There are people out there taking advantage of those who want to come to Canada either to visit, work, study or immigrate. Some rely on information from social media or suspicious websites or unknown sources. The Government of Canada
continues to address immigration fraud to protect those who wish to come to Canada. As reported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or IRCC, the Government has allocated nearly $50 Million to fight fraud over the next few years and created a new college to improve oversight of immigration consultants and crack down on criminals. What kind of fraud should newcomers or new immigrants to Canada watch out for? - Phone calls from people posing as a staff member/employee of the Government of Canada. Please remember that IRCC will never contact you over the phone to collect fees or fines, to deport you, to threaten or harm you, ask for your financial information (most especially credit card information) or send police to arrest you for unpaid processing fees. If you receive this suspicious call, ask for the name of the person calling and then hang up and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. - Phone calls asking you to pay your taxes or asking you to pay for taxes that you owe the Canada Revenue Agency or CRA. If you
want to confirm the call, you can call 1-800-959-8281. If the call is fraudulent, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and if you have lost money to a scam artist, report it to your local police. - Fake emails asking for your credit card information or banking information or those that try to convince you to invest money. Watch out for emails from people you don’t know and direct you to a website that is unsecured or ask for your personal information. Check the identity of the sender. - Fake prizes. If you did not enter a contest and you receive a text, call or email claiming you won a prize, it probably is a scam. IMMIGRATION FRAUD APPLICANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HIRE IMMIGRATION REPRESENTATIVES. IF YOU CHOOSE TO HIRE A THIRDPARTY REPRESENTATIVE IN YOUR APPLICATION, IRCC RECOGNIZES ONLY AUTHORIZED IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP CONSULTANTS, LAWYERS OR QUEBEC NOTARIES. Some Tips from Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (IRCC):
Canada is the place for you. All the information is on the internet. Taking a Master’s Degree program from a Canadian University is the best option. A Diploma Program can also be an option as long as it will qualify you for a student visa. The cost of education may be too high if you will compare it to the Philippines, but this can be a better and faster option for some who want to immigrate to Canada. And for all of this, you have to be ready – check your resources and the application process. I neither encourage nor discourage you to move to Canada. My articles in the Alberta Filipino Journal serve only as additional information based on my personal experiences and knowledge. For specific advice regarding your circumstances, you can email me and I am happy to answer all your concerns.
- Beware if you are given guarantees on processing time regarding an immigration application. - No one can guarantee an application approval. - Beware if the person you are considering hiring for immigration services mentions that they know someone in the Immigration Department that can help with your immigration application. - Always check to make sure your Immigration Consultant is in good standing on ICCRC’s online public register. - Beware if the person you are considering hiring for immigration services demonstrates an apparent lack of knowledge when you ask specific questions about immigration or ICCRC’s Code of Professional Ethics. - Beware if you are encouraged to lie on your immigration application. - Do not sign blank forms or forms containing false information. - Beware if you are not asked to sign a Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476) or if the person you hired for immigration services signs it declaring they are a friend or family member when they are not. - Beware if you are not asked to sign a retainer agreement. If you have questions regarding the above article you may contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), ICCRC, The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not a legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of ICCRC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.
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Para-legal Services | News | Business
MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
TRIWAY MEDIA: The Three Marketeers! By Moses Billacura
Adrian Agasino, Jery Bilgera and Michael Alojado. Who are they? Adrian and Jery are 24 and Michael just turned 25. They are young, driven and they don't get paid until they deliver. What? You read it right, they don't get paid until they deliver. Here's exactly what they do these days: "We use the power of digital advertising to generate leads on a monthly basis. We qualify the leads to ensure that you talk to ready prospects. We nurture those leads using a full back-end system which includes tracking, follow-up emails, follow-up text messaging, and more so that you can focus on sales while we funnel qualified appointments to you. Our goal as a Marketing Agency specializing in Real Estate is to help agents, realtors, team leaders, and brokers create strategies that produce effective results by bringing them buyers and sellers to expand their business." So whether or not you are new
in the real estate industry, these young entrepreneurs are eager to let their expertise bring you to a new level digitally. And here's their golden pitch of services: - Performance-Based - Pre-Qualified Live Transfers and Booked Appointments - No Retainer Fee - We don’t get paid until we deliver - Lead Generation - Lead Qualification - Nurture Sequences - Pre-Vetting + Appointment Setting - Facebook Ads - Instagram Ads - Qualifying Funnels - 180-Day Email Nurturing Sequences - Text Follow-Up - 6-Month Phone Follow-Up And for anyone in the real estate industry, this will change the ball game, so to speak. The "Three Marketeers" have been friends since Junior High. "Fast forward to fall in 2020, Adrian and I were going back to school at NAIT. Jervy was working a full-time job.
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Triway Media's Adrian Agasino, Michael Alojado and Jery Bilgera.(Contributed photo)
However, I still felt we could do more with our lives. And I just randomly had an idea," said Michael. "So I pitched it to them and said, ‘Why don’t we start a digital marketing
agency together? If we do it right, it’s a very scalable business model. We could even automate a lot of it and delegate a lot of the work. It’ll take a lot of effort at the start, but once
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it gets going it’ll be a business that will be working for us.’ "And the idea came from something I read somewhere that said most entrepreneurs work IN their business. But those that are able to work ON their business are able to scale, make a lot of money, and have time for freedom. So, I literally drew out the plan of my idea and showed it to my friends. I told them that if we were able to build a team, and put the right people in the right places, we could run a marketing agency that we could be working ON rather than IN. My friends were open to the idea and they decided they wanted to do it as well," added Michael, who leads Triway Media as CEO. And they intend to focus on one area, the real estate industry. Michael added that "after taking on some coaching from an expert marketer running a 7-figure agency and doing some research, we decided to focus on one industry. We did some more research and basically had to choose between a few different industries, and we all decided to start with real estate." So, if you are a real estate agent, team leader or broker in the residential market, working with Triway Media could be the best thing for you.
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Community | Legal Matters | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
Resources on Hate-Based Violence and Crime By: Giselle General
H
ate-Based Violence and Crime is an act committed against a person which is motivated, by the person’s hate, bias, or prejudice based on identifiable category such as race, ethnic origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, disability and others. Given the rise of incidents like this, it seems appropriate to have this as a focus for this month’s resource article. This is a range of resources that can serve as a starting point when faced with this situation. 1. Information and Marketing Materials from the Edmonton Police Service: The Edmonton Police Service has a section that talks about Hate and Bias Crime, on what actions fall under the category, as well as resources in different languages that can be printed or disseminated. https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/ CommunityPolicing/OrganizedCrime/HateBiasCrime 2. Centre for Race and Culture: This is a great organization that focuses on education-based and organization-level initiatives. They host numerous workshops that help organizations, and schools learn key concepts that can influence hate-based violence and crime. Some of the topics include Introduction to Unconscious Bias, Effective Intercultural Communication,
Developing Inclusive Agencies, and more. They also host activities that help migrants be more aware of Indigenous culture, such as Cree language lessons. Finally, they also have projects where they conduct research on how racism affects people until this day. https://cfrac.com/ 3. Support for those Victimized by a Hate Crime or Incident: Being attacked, either physically, verbally, personally or on your property, can be a terrifying experience.
When subjected to these horrible actions, victims deserve emotional support in order to overcome the incident and feel safe and brave to carry on with life. The Evolve Program is one of the options you have in order to get that support. https://preventviolence.ca/evolveprogram/ 4. Stop The Hate Alberta: This initiative and website is focused on reporting and raising awareness. While you might feel uncomfortable reporting your experience of being attacked to the authorities, it might be helpful to report it to this initiative, so that they can compile better statistics and information about the different types of hate incidents and hate crimes that people experience. https://stophateab.ca/ 5. REACH Edmonton: REACH Edmonton is a locally launched organization that does a wide range of activities that focus on crime prevention, from the individual level to policy level. They host education workshops for individuals and organizations, provide recommendations to government on policy changes, have programs to educate and engage youth, and many more. https:// reachedmonton.ca/about-reach/
Bill 213 would improve the commutes of Albertans March 11, 2021 (SPRUCE GROVE, AB): On Wednesday, Spruce Grove-Stony Plain MLA Searle Turton introduced Bill 213, the Traffic Safety (Maximum Speed Limit for Provincial Freeways) Amendment Act, which, if passed, would set the maximum speed limit for many provincial freeways at 120 kilometres per hour. Turton introduced the bill after conducting extensive research that showed increasing speed limits would better synchronize driving speeds between posted limits without leading to safety concerns for drivers. "Bill 213 would allow motorists to use our freeways at the speeds they were designed and engineered for, and match posted speed limits with the realistic speeds commuters follow. Evidence shows this would make our freeways safer," Turton said. "This bill, if passed, would keep people moving in a safe and thoughtful way." Bill 213 would not affect freeways within urban areas, only stretches of freeway that the Ministry of Transportation deems safe. www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
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MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Provincial Government's Update
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With you every step of the way The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge all Albertans, and Alberta’s government is with you every step of the way. From grants for small businesses and cash benefits for frontline workers and working parents, to income support and free hotel rooms for people needing to self-isolate. Because protecting lives and livelihoods goes hand in hand. Find COVID-19 support
alberta.ca/LivesAndLivelihoods
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Arts & Culture | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
Women Leaders: the Philippine National Artists
I
n this month that celebrates International Women’s Day, we focus on the female National Artists of the Philippines. The Order of the National Artists is bestowed on individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts. Originally instituted as an award in 1972, it was elevated to the status of an Order in 2003. There are currently 73 National Artists of the Philippines, and 11 are women - about 15%. The field of Dance has the most number, four - i.e. Francisca Reyes Aquino (1973), Leonor Orosa Goquingco (1976), Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula (1988) and Alice Reyes (2014); for Music - Jovita Fuentes (1976), Lucrecia Kasilag (1989) and Andrea Veneracion (1999; for Theatre and Music - Honorata “Atang” de la Rama (1987); for Theatre - Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana (1999), Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio (2018); and for
ARTOSPECTIVE - an artist’s point of view
Ida Beltran-Lucila ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com
Literature - Edith L. Tiempo (1999). I was fortunate to have worked with, or have been in the same productions, with five of them during my days with Ballet Philippines. They are Alice Reyes, Leonor Orosa
Goquingco, Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula, Lucrecia Kasilag, and Andrea Veneracion. I have experienced first hand their passion and dedication to their respective fields, and was certainly inspired.
Alice Reyes, through Ballet Philippines of which she was the co-Founder and Artistic Director in 1969, established a path for a professional career in dance. She was a dancer, teacher, choreographer, director, and producer, in the span of her career. With her wide ranging choreographic repertoire, she established a distinctly Filipino modern dance idiom that put the Filipino dancer on the global dance stage.
Leonor Orosa Goquingco was dubbed as the Mother of Philippine Theater Dance, a pioneer Filipino choreographer in ballet folkloric and Asian styles. Producing for 50 years highly original productions with her legendary Filipinescas dance group, she stylized Philippine dance patterns, introducing storylines and psychological themes to create drama, and brought traditional dance to international attention. I also recall her relating the story of how she performed Tinikling, a virtuosic dance by itself, en pointes - the first dancer to do so! Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula is the dance director of the multiawarded Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, which was named in 1998 by Congress as the Philippine National Folk Dance Company, in appreciation and recognition of their pioneering efforts and international success. Her research on Philippine dance and the presentation of these dances led to a creative direction that earned critical acclaim and rave reviews from audiences in their world tours, instilling renewed pride among Filipinos of their cultural heritage and has cultivated international goodwill. The foundation for the accomplishments of the first three mentioned National Artists were laid down by Francisca Reyes Aquino , the first woman to be conferred the National Artist Award, and the first in Dance. Acknowledged as the Folk Dance Pioneer, her work as folk dancer and cultural researcher preserved www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
Filipino cultural traditions, which would otherwise have been lost. She was honoured with a Doodle by Google for her 120th birthday on March 9, 2019 which depicted various Philippine traditional dances. Lucrecia Kasilag , known as Tita King, is regarded as the First Lady of Philippine Music. She is an educator, composer of numerous orchestral and chamber music, performing artist, musical director for the Bayanihan Dance Company and arts
administrator (former President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines). Her music is distinct with her pioneering work of fusing ethnic music and indigenous Filipino instruments, with Western influences and orchestral productions. Andrea Veneracion is highly esteemed for founding the awardwinning and world famous Philippine Madrigal Singers group in 1963, and her achievements as choirmaster and choral arranger. A little bit of trivia for Edmontonians: she, along with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, performed in the Klondike Days in Edmonton in 2002.
Long before Lea Salonga made waves at the West End and Broadway, Jovita Fuentes was portraying lead roles in many famous operas like Cio-cio San in Giacomo Puccini's Madama Butterfly in 1925, Pietro
Mascagni's Iris and Richard Strauss’ Salome in Europe. Her performance as Cio-cio San garnered rave reviews as “the most sublime interpretation of the part”, at a time when Filipino artists were scarcely visible in Europe. Honorata “Atang” de la Rama was the undisputed “Queen of the Kundiman” and was the first actress in the very first Tagalog film when she essayed the same role in the sarsuela Dalagang Bukid’s film version. She believed that the sarsuela and kundiman best express the Filipino soul. Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana elevated legitimate theatre and dramatic arts with breakthrough productions of classic Filipino and foreign plays. Hailed as the “First Lady of Philippine Theater”, she portrayed the role of Candida Marasigan in the stage adaptation of Nick Joaquin’s Portrait of
the Artist as Filipino for decades. She, along with husband Lamberto Avellana who is also a National Artist, founded the Barangay Theater Guild by encouraging the establishment of performing groups and the professionalization of Filipino theater. Edith L. Tiempo was a poet, fictionist, and critic, with timeless novels such as A Blade of Fern and The Builder. She also established the Silliman National Writers Workshop with husband Edilberto Tiempo. The Grand Dame of Southeast Asian Children’s Theater, Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio is the founder and playwright-director of the Teatrong Mulat ng Pilipinas. She was also involved in the production and design of an indigenous fusion of puppetry, children’s literature, folklore and theater. Philippine art and culture as we know it today is largely due to the works of the National Artists. Whether you are an artist, a supporter of the arts, or just curious about Filipino achievements, their lives and work speak of exceptional talent, discipline, dignity, authenticity in spirit, and innovation. These are the distinct attributes of trailblazers. We honour their legacies to the Filipino. To comment on this article, go to https:// www.philippineartscouncil.com/blog .
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MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
City Government's Update
MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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When you need to connect to Edmonton’s transit network, you will be able to book rides to and from a transit hub to get to where you need to be. Visit edmonton.ca/OnDemandTransit to learn more about how this service works and where it’s being offered.
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Points of View | Business
MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
The Price of Poverty
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eing poor is expensive. It sounds contradictory but if you look at further details especially when it comes to daily things you need to do to survive, the signs are there. Not having a sense of stability when it comes to managing finances, the weight of uncertainty bearing down your shoulders, unending worry on where your next paycheck is coming, and being pushed to pick up debt to address emergency life and financial situations, these are all signs that poverty can cost more when it comes to money. Take housing for example. Fortunately, when I lived in Edmonton, either I was living with family members or my spouse. I never rented an apartment on my own, so I have never spent money on damage deposits to secure a place. I spent only money once for moving expenses after buying a home. Compare the situation to a renter, who cannot afford a mortgage, cannot call a house their own and is stuck on a lease in an apartment. If they have to move to different homes or apartment rentals every year, that means that they have to spend money time and effort to move from one place to another. Moving boxes and trucks are not cheap. If a renter needs to
GENERAL POINT OF VIEW
Giselle General gqgeneral@gmail.com Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region on the Benguet province, and immigrated to Canada as a teenager in 2007. She completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, and has a career in the nonprofit sector. She works at the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, which provides free legal help to low-income Edmontonians. She channels her creativity by writing in her personal blog, FilipinaYEG, and self-published a book called The Humanity of Me, and is active in numerous volunteer-based initiatives.
also spend money on materials and services to clean their rental before they leave, or if the landlord docks
money off the security deposit, that is also money lost. Another example is home furnishings and personal products. Expensive, higher quality items that last longer are cost-effective in the long run, rather than buying cheaper versions that break after a few uses. I learned this the hard way when it comes to winter footwear. As a working student during my university years, I bought footwear from cheap mainstream clothing stores like Payless and Urban Planet. They lasted only year, and my feet froze anytime it was colder than -20 degrees. But the challenge I had was that for a long time, I didn’t have the wiggle room to drop a few hundred dollars on something of good quality. Now that I am financially stable, I've finally bought $400 industrial-grade winter boots that have extra thermal layers, steel toes, thick rubber tread and retractable metal spikes to help with walking on slippery surfaces. I'm sure these shoes will last me a decade. The power of buying wholesale and in bulk is another benefit that eludes people in poverty, living paycheck to paycheck. Just this weekend, we ran out of toilet paper too soon so I went to the convenience store to buy an emergency supply. The pack of toilet paper was $14 for an 8-pack. Then I remembered that at Costco, for just over $20 I’d have a 20-pack! The price difference per
roll is significant. As someone who used to run a sari-sari store growing up, I, out of everyone, would know how much it costs in the long run to buy mini packets or sachets of items because that is all someone can pay for at the time. My final example is financial services. Payday loans and credit card interest add up, and those who usually take up debt are those who don’t have the financial means to pay for items upfront. The city has an initiative called End Poverty Edmonton. It has quite an ambitious goal, which is to end poverty within a generation. From
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my experience, this is the first time that I have heard in greater detail of the entrapment and the cycle of poverty. I personally have to learn so much more on how government structures and systems affect people in more ways than we realize. The main takeaway I’d like to share about the topic of poverty is to be thoughtful about what big picture, the policy-level actions that our governments can do, and at the same time, be kind, understanding and supportive of those who are experiencing the financial, social, and emotional cost of poverty in their daily lives.
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
LEARNING FOR INTERDEPENDENCE & GLOBAL AWARENESS OF THE PHILIPPINES & CANADA
LINGAP Canada is commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Sunday, March 21, 2021, 4 pm - 6 pm (Edmonton, MST) with a VIRTUAL FORUM on the theme: Understanding Racial Discrimination, Promoting Anti-Racism: Reflections on Experiences in Canada, USA, the Philippines, & United Nations’ measures
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he Virtual Forum is cosponsored by: UP Alumni Association of Edmonton (UPAAE), Filipino-Canadian Saranay Association, Changing Together, and Global Action to Prevent War and Armed Conflict (GAPW). Vision & Rationale: In 1979, March 21st was declared by the UN General Assembly as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to recognize the day when a peaceful demonstration against the then racist apartheid system in South Africa was violently repressed, killing 69 protesters. Affirming the 1969 International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, this International Day commences a week of solidarity with all peoples who are struggling against racism and racial discrimination. On March 21st annually, millions of peoples and many Governments, agencies and institutions conduct activities reiterating that all human beings are equal and dignity and rights and that seek to dismantle doctrines and policies of discrimination based on false beliefs of “racial superiority”. As member states of the UN, Canada, Philippines, and the USA
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have ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. However, the problem of “racial” and/or “ethnic” discrimination has continued over the decades in these three countries and many other countries as well. In this regard, the recent campaigns and protests against systemic racism that were catalyzed by the “Black Lives Movement have also emerged around the world. While strongly supporting the campaign of #BLM advocates to eliminate systemic racism against people who identify as blacks or people of African descent, Canadians, Filipinos and Americans of many other cultural and “racialized” identities, including indigenous peoples, Asians, and Latinos have also raised their voices against all forms of racial and ethnic discrimination. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has also disproportionately impacted on “racialized” or ethnic communities in North America and Europe. On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, it is relevant therefore for LINGAPCanada to provide a virtual Forum for sharing ideas and experiences of “racial” and “ethnic” discrimination” in Canada, Philippines and the
USA, as well as programs and activities seeking to dismantle such discrimination (e.g., anti-racism, intercultural/multicultural education and solidarity, etc). The Virtual Forum will initially present the views of five panelists on the theme of “Understanding Racial Discrimination, Promoting AntiRacism: Reflections on Experiences in Canada and the Philippines”.
Bernadette Iahtail is cofounder and executive director of Creating Hope Society, a society founded for the survivors of the “The Sixties and Seventies Scoop of Aboriginal Children in Care”. Bernadette is an active member of Edmonton Coalition for Human Rights, Aboriginal coalitions, the Edmonton Aboriginal Leadership Team and Stony Plain Wapekin Leadership Team. She is a recipient of numerous awards, including the 2015 John Humphrey Centre Gerald L. Gall Award for Peace and Human Rights, the 2018 Diversity Award “Friends of Diversity” and the 2018 Star Blanket Award from Stony Plain Child and Family Services. Bernadette’s 60’s child welfare scoop life documentary is in the Canadian Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Bernadette holds a social work diploma from UNBC as well as many certificates including Indigenous Leadership certificates from the Banff Centre. A member of the Anti-Racism Advisory Council of Alberta, she will be reflecting on the impact of racism on Indigenous peoples in Canada and ways to overcome such discrimination. Funke Olokude is an Intercultural relationship facilitator and educator working to highlight the complex intersecting realities of vulnerable and marginalized individuals and families. Over the past fifteen years, she has continuously promoted equity in policy and practice that led to transformational relationships
between individuals and within systems. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, a Masters degree in Education and she is a registered social worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers. In 2020, Funke was named Top 40 for her continued work in influencing policy and practice across various sectors in Alberta. She currently serves on the board of the Edmonton Logos Society and the convener of a Community Leadership Circle for cultural minority and racialized groups. Funke will share experiences and concerns of racial discrimination faced by Black Canadians.
Dr. Glenda Tibe Bonifacio is a full professor at the University of Lethbridge. She is the chair of the Department of Women and Gender Studies, co-founder of the Support Network for Academics of Colour Plus (SNAC+) in Lethbridge, and co-founder of the Filipino Academics Network Canada (FAN-C). Glenda is the author of Pinay on the Prairies: Filipino Women and Transnational Identities (UBC Press), editor of 4 books, and co-editor of 5 books related to gender, migration, religion, and feminism. Glenda will discuss issues of racial and ethnic discrimination experienced by Filipino-Canadians Lynn Deutscher Kobayashi is President of the Greater Toronto
Chapter of the National Association of Japanese Canadians (NAJC) whose objectives include “to strive for equal rights and liberties for all persons in Canada, irrespective of and not limited to race, colour, creed, national origin or sex” and “to promote and encourage Japanese Canadians to work together on matters of concern to all Canadians and undertake collective action for a better Canada and a world free from racism, poverty, inequality and war”. She has a broad base of experience in diverse non-profit settings including education, healthcare, community services, and social justice. She is the founder of the gala that raised funds for AIDS-orphans in Ethiopia, was team leader for a group sponsoring Syrian refugees and spent 12 years chairing school parent councils to ensure the majority, Asian students, were represented. Lynn will reflect on how racial and ethnic discrimination has affected the lives of Japanese Canadians from their arrival in Canada in 1877 and how historical racism is relevant and connected to the current moment and what can be done now to address racism and discrimination.
Dr. Robert Zuber is Director of UN-based Global Action to Prevent War and Armed Conflict where he directs a team of researchers, advocates and interns monitoring all facets of the UN's work on peace and continued on page 21 ►
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MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL security. He also serves as consultant, adviser or board member to nonprofit and educational organizations including Green Map System, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Cameroon, Global Connections Television, and the New York and California chapters of Women in International Security. He holds degrees in philosophy, theology, psychology and education from Yale and Columbia Universities and formerly worked with Human Rights Watch. Based in Harlem and long-active in promoting culturally diverse communities, he will reflect on current challenges associated with identifying and combatting racial and ethnic discrimination in the United States. He will also assess UN measures to address such discrimination.
Dr. Virginia ( Jean) Cawagas is Adjunct Professor in Educational Policy Studies, University of Alberta. She has a Doctorate in Peace and Development Education, MS in Educational Management and BS in Education. She has extensive teaching and research experiences in peace and development education, curriculum development, education for sustainable development, global education, and multicultural education. She has taught courses, lectured, and conducted workshops in these fields for graduate students, teachers, academics, school administrators, community leaders, soldiers, and civil servants in various North and South countries including Canada
and the Philippines, where she was also formerly Executive Secretary of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines. She is a founding member of LINGAP Institute and LINGAP-Canada. Virginia will present an overview of racial and ethnic discrimination in the Philippines and explore strategies to overcome such discrimination.
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SPRING FORWARD INTO MARCH AT SKIN LUEUR!
D The Forum will be moderated by: Dr. Lucenia Ortiz who currently works as a planner with the City of Edmonton’s Community Services department. She has extensive experience in the non-profit sector in the Philippines and Edmonton where she served as Co-Executive Director of the Multicultural Health Brokers Co-op. Lucenia is also a founding member of the Edmonton Multicultural Coalition in 2004, President of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Edmonton and a member of LINGAPCanada. Her degrees include a BSc and MA (Philippines) and a PhD (Alberta). An active advocate for the health and well-being of migrants, she was appointed Co-Chair of the first Anti-Racism Council of Alberta. Following the panelists’ presentations (10 mins each), Forum participants will be invited to share their comments, ideas, and questions on the issues raised by the panelists. REGISTER to ATTEND THIS FORUM at LINGAP-Canada’s website at: https://www.lingapcanada. com/events/international-dayfor-the-elimination-of-racialdiscrimination
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on’t let anything stop you from having the skin you’ve always wanted. Skin Lueur is here for you. We create customized and personalized services in order to give you the best experience with the best results. The Winter is Gone It’s been a long and dreary winter but the snow is melting and the temperature is rising. It’s time to welcome the spring season with fresh and glowing skin at Skin Lueur! Looking for a warm and sunny getaway? Experience our many treatments for varying skin types and unveil smooth skin in time for bikini season! Don’t know how to get to your appointment? Skin Lueur is here for you! We can get you to and from your home starting at $10 depending on where you are located within the Edmonton area with our Skin Lueur Shuttle Service! You no longer have to worry about getting a ride to our new location! Don’t let anything stop you from getting the skincare you deserve.
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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
The Need for More Philippine Lawyers in Canada JAN THE MAN’S NOTE
Januel Cedrick Ibasco Januel Cedrick Ibasco is a proud Filipino-Canadian who is currently a student at the University of Alberta and is studying to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Sportsmanship is a big slice of his cake. He is highly-spirited when playing golf, volleyball, and basketball and loves reading, writing and volunteering at church. Jan looks forward to taking up law after his undergraduate degree.
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iversity in the legal profession here in Canada is an area that will need constant growth in order to have more individuals that are representative of the different demographics that embody Canada. Being able to have lawyers that can truly empathize with
a client’s culture, language, traditions, upbringing, and overall situation is crucial if the legal profession is wanting to be viewed as a positive solution that unites rather than divides. Growing up, I did not see many lawyers of Philippine descent, let alone lawyers of colour which begs the question: Why is this? Our parents or grandparents leave their homeland of thee Philippines and journey to Canada in order to give their children the best chance of succeeding in their education, professional career, and to improve their quality of life. The sacrifices that are made to get to Canada can be tough to overcome, such as realizing one’s foreign education is almost meaningless, adapting to the culture, navigating one’s way to
permanent residency and citizenship, and taking on multiple low-paying jobs to support a family. To put into perspective the shortage of legal representation of Philippine lawyers in Canada I would like to offer statistics from the province of Ontario regarding the general and attorney Filipino population as it is one of the most populated provinces in the entire country. First, with the Filipino population continuing to be one of the fastest growing minority populations in all of Canada it is no surprise that the Filipino population in Canada is represented in the top five in terms of the largest visible minority groups in Canada. Secondly, from a report titled ‘Racialization and Gender of Lawyers in Ontario’ by
Michael Ornstein (2010), it is stated that there were only 11.5% of visible minority lawyers in Ontario (2006). However, of the 11.5%, only 0.2% were of Philippine descent. According to Ornstein (2010) this means that during 2006 there was “…just 1 Filipino lawyer for every 2730 members” of the Filipino community. This is a staggering statistic considering the growing population of the Philippine community year after year. Thirdly, after reviewing just a few of these statistics, I hope I have bolstered some insight into the growing need for lawyers of Philippine descent in the legal profession. I emphasize this because we do not want the future generation of Filipinos in Canada to be limited to certain professions, but instead be embodied in a multitude of different careers that have a shortage of Filipino
representation, such as the legal field. Individuals of Philippine descent continue to give rise to the diversity of Canada, however, without people that resemble our appearance, our community will continue to be underserved and underrepresented. Ultimately, only time will allow us to see the growth of diversity in the legal profession. However, I hope that there will be more Filipinos involved in this field as it will harness mentorship, guidance, and growth for the next generation to make meaningful change. Despite the countless sacrifices that our grandparents and parents made to get here, it will all be worth it if we are able to open more doors and pave the path for a plethora of continuous possibilities.
Pope Francis: Worth a read regardless of your faith *You can have flaws, be anxious, and even be angry, but do not forget that your life is the greatest enterprise in the world. Only you can stop it from going bust. Many appreciate you, admire you and love you. Remember that to be happy is not to have a sky without a storm, a road without accidents, work without fatigue, relationships without disappointments. To be happy is to find strength in forgiveness, hope in battles, security in the stage of fear, love in discord. It is not only to enjoy the smile, but also to reflect on the sadness. It is not only to celebrate the successes, but to learn lessons from the failures. It is not only to feel happy with the applause, but to be happy in anonymity. Being happy is not a fatality of destiny, but an achievement for those who can travel within themselves. To be happy is to stop feeling like a victim and become your destiny's author. It is to cross deserts, yet to be able to find an oasis in the depths of our soul. It is to thank God for every morning, for the miracle of life. Being happy is not being afraid of your own feelings. It's to be able to talk about you. It is having the courage to hear a "no". It is confidence in the face of criticism, even when www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
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unjustified. It is to kiss your children, pamper your parents, to live poetic moments with friends, even when they hurt us. To be happy is to let live the creature that lives in each of us, free, joyful and simple. It is to have maturity to be able to say: "I made mistakes". It is to have the courage to say "I am sorry". It is to have the sensitivity to say, "I need you". It is to have the ability to say "I love you". May your life become a garden of opportunities for happiness... That in spring may it be a lover
of joy. In winter a lover of wisdom. And when you make a mistake, start all over again. For only then will you be in love with life. You will find that to be happy is not to have a perfect life. But use the tears to irrigate tolerance. Use your losses to train patience. Use your mistakes to sculptor serenity. Use pain to plaster pleasure. Use obstacles to open windows of intelligence. Never give up.... Never give up on people who love you. Never give up on happiness, for life is an incredible show.* THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
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MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
A REASON TO WRITE KUSINA DIARIES
Leonila Samarita samleonila@gmail.com Leonila learned to take life in stride after realizing that life truly is what we make it. She believes that life, in every moment, brings opportunities for us to be better or do better. She is grateful. Finds joy in everything she does. She loves her life.
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Fr. Jhack Diaz Rev. Fr. Raldy "jhack" Diaz is the first Filipino priest ordained in the Diocese of St. Paul Alberta. He is currently the Pastor of St. Jean de Brebeuf Parish, Mallaig, Alberta.
“Why do you need to do that?” asked my better half when I told him that I will be submitting my first article for the next issue of the Alberta Filipino Journal. He had a hint of worry in his eyes. “Because I want to,” I replied, trying to assure him that I am not forcing myself to write, and that I simply want to do it. He just does not want me to create more work for myself as he knows I am already busy with other things. So why do I want to do this? I have this ongoing love affair with written words. I loooove reading. I have been reading a lot all my life. The learnings I gain from it is immeasurable. And writing? I have been longing to do that too, and to do it well. I did some writing in the past for my previous jobs, for businesses I got involved with. It was mostly for technical and business matters. Each piece, whether short or long,
written for whatever purpose – even to persuade a supplier or a bank to give us the money we need for a business, has power. I know what it can do. But I have never written creatively before, and for this kind of venue, to be read by anyone or everyone. So, I am a bit nervous here, but truly excited. As the name of this space implies, I will be sharing with you my kitchen diary. Cooking tips, food preps and yes, some of my favorite recipes, enjoyed not just by my family and friends, but also by those who came to eat at my places of business. From a small cafeteria beside Batangas State University in Batangas City, a long time ago, to the recently closed Casa Laurel Kitchen here in Edmonton. To start, here are a few tips on one very important cooking ingredient: salt. If used properly, salt not only enhances taste but also helps bring out, develop, and balance the natural flavors of your ingredients. Even in rich and sweet
Desire for Less Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
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oday’s Gospel focuses on the parable of the wicked tenants. We are like the tenants in the parable. We are stewards, but sometimes, we can be wicked. God provides everything we need to make our vineyard prosper. However, we abuse His generosity with our greed. I remember last year, there was an incident where individuals were fighting because the production of toilet paper was too slow and the supply was running out in the market. Others lost their Christian values by
taking too many masks, sanitizers and alcohol. Right? We always want for more! The season of Lent is calling us to aspire to want less and decrease the dosage of our desire for more. Friends, as long as greed is stronger than compassion, there will always be suffering. Remember that, folks! The message of today’s gospel is very clear: we cannot stop God’s mercy from reaching us. Amidst our wickedness, He will always give us chances to prove that we could be better even after we fall. God will keep
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desserts, it is a must ingredient. But it needs to be used in the right amount. A lot of it is not only bad for your health but will also ruin the taste of food. If you add too little, well, you can always add more. Here is a useful guide to help you know the amount of salt to add to your food: • For all types of meats, poultry, and seafood: use 2 teaspoons salt per kg or ¾ to 1 teaspoon per pound. • For soups and sauces: 1 ½ teaspoons salt per liter
• For pasta water: 1 teaspoon salt per liter of water (the rule of thumb is 4 liters of water to 1 pound of pasta) Note: The quantity of salt should be adjusted when pre-prepared ingredients are used like bouillons and seasoning mixes, patis or bagoong. My goal here is to impart something of value to everyone. And to do it in a way that is enjoyable not just for me but for you all as well.
sending someone to remind you to change. He will not be frustrated to keep on reminding us to change for the better. Friends, our second chance may not result in a happy ending, but it is a wonderful chance to end things right. God is very patient with our failures. He will keep sending messengers bringing an invitation of love and mercy. Even if we hurt Him, He will continue to love us. Like Jesus continues to love those who hurt you. Like Joseph, who never held grudges for those who fooled him. Are there members of your family that betrayed you? Be willing to forgive them. Are there siblings of yours who hurt you so much? Forgive them! Never stop being
merciful. Our conversion is the joy of the master. Our transformation is the exuberance of Jesus. He wants us to return to Him and He is willing to forgive us when we do. This is what the season of Lent is all about. Finally, when you are hurt by others, never take revenge. Violence can be destroyed by mercy, not by vengeance. Mercy is our power. Love is our weapon. Even if others fools you, keep loving them. Even if others mistreat you, never tire of loving them. Even if your family members betray you, be generous in giving mercy and love. Like Jesus and Joseph, destroy the dominance of violence with the power of love. Always wish well of others.
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FRONTLINER ISA KANG BAYANI (YOU’RE A HERO)
This column aims to recognize and appreciate everyone’s heroism when facing the challenges of life with courage and equanimity. Our society truly needs virtuous people like you. Indeed, we can speak of the truth, though, it may be hard; but we can soften it with kindness.”A grand salute to our heroes!
MARY ANN DAROY Patient Food Server University of Alberta Hospital All photos and articles available online. Follow us
MARY JOY DAR Patient Food Server University of Alberta Hospital www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
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Opinion | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
Surviving the challenges of progress
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he South Pacific reminds of the movie “South Pacific,” a musical story released in 1958 about a US Navy nurse who falls for a middle-aged French plantation owner. The movie is set on a volcanic island Bali Hai, which is based on the real island Ambae. It is located in what is now the Republic of Vanuatu (the former French colony of New Hebrides). South Pacific is divided into three regions: Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. The most popular are the islands of Tahiti and Fiji. Tahiti is part of Polynesia, which belongs to France, while Fiji is a republic that formerly belonged to the British Empire and is part of Micronesia, and the Republic of Vanuatu in Melanesia. As you can see the South Pacific is vast in an area that covers 11 million square miles in three regions with their distinct languages and cultures, stretching from the top of Australia to the Hawaiian Islands. They're all part of the Malayo-Polynesian expansion (a subfamily of the Austronesians) that migrated from Taiwan 5,500 years ago. They spread from Madagascar to the Hawaiian Islands, 11,000 miles away from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and down to the South Pacific Ocean. Nobody was paying attention to the South Pacific Islands until now with China leading the way by enticing them with development loans for infrastructure. Some of them have fallen into China’s debt-trap diplomacy like Vanuatu, Micronesia, and Tonga. In particular, Vanuatu – an idyllic country consisting of a group of small islands -- is now negotiating the establishment of a Djibouti-like “logistical supply center.” In China’s playbook, this logistical supply center would eventually be expanded to accommodate troops, aircraft, warships, and missiles that can reach Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Many believe that China’s military ambitions in Vanuatu would come
PEREZCOPE
Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com I am a writer/columnist/journalist. I have two weekly columns -- "PerryScope" and "Balitang Kutsero." They're published in more than a dozen Filipino newspapers in five countries.
about just like in Djibouti – step by step, until ultimately it would become a fully armed air, naval, and missile base with the ability to provide logistical support as well. Another country that China is eyeing is Papua New Guinea (PNG), which is just north of Australia. The two countries are currently negotiating the possibility of a military base in PNG. It’s interesting to note that during the early years of the Obama administration, PNG offered to host US naval and air bases for free! The US declined the offer. And now comes China. Over the past three years, China’s footprint in the South Pacific has become so large while its behavior in other parts of the world has become more assertive. It has a cumulative population of 13 million people under 14 sovereign countries and seven territories that span over 15% of the world’s surface. China’s attempt to project power in the South Pacific is making Australia, United Kingdom, the US, and France nervous. The UK and France still have some possessions in the South Pacific while the US has treaty obligations with several
countries. And now China is attempting to gain foothold in Paradise. Too close for comfort Some of the Pacific Islands are very close to Australia, which is separated by a mere 6 kilometers from Papua-New Guinea, and only 2,000 kilometers separate Australia and Vanuatu. Palau is only 1,300 kilometers from Guam, a US territory. China has also dramatically increased its aid activities. Between 2006 and 2017 China provided almost $1.5 billion in foreign aid to the Pacific Islands region through a mixture of grants and development loans. And this made US planners nervous. The Americans finally realized that they had neglected the Pacific Island countries for so long -- to China’s delight. The Pacific Island countries gravitated toward China simply because of a lack of engagement by the US. In trying to catch up, the US military is seeking $27 billion through 2027 to support the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI). It was established last year to bolster military presence in the region west of the First Island Chain – countries with millions of square miles of ocean space with pretty small populations – that are referred to as “critical geostrategic ground.” Militarily, the US IndoPacific Command is responsible for the region’s Freely Associated States (FAS) – Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands – that allow them to conduct activity there in exchange for defending them. The First Island Chain runs through Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. They are America’s first line of defense against Chinese adventurism. They offer the capacity to “support crisis and contingency operations” by hosting command-and-control nodes, dispersal locations, and fuel and munitions storage,” which are critically necessary to maintaining American power in the Pacific region. But China has been seeking to gain foothold economically in these little island republics with a big footprint
for over a decade now. Surmise it to say; what follows would be the introduction of Chinese military forces in the region. It’s the “economy first, military next” playbook, a strategy that is known as charm offensive or “soft power.” And it is working. But there is a caveat to the Chinese strategy: the economic beneficiary usually ends up indebted to China beyond its means. And that’s when the Chinese military comes in taking over some infrastructures and converting them into military bases just like it did in Djibouti. It’s called debt-trap diplomacy. And now, with Chinese economic grants and aids given to Pacific Island countries, China has been focusing its engagement in the Pacific islands like Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Tonga, and Vanuatu. A recent news report said that China’s about to build a major fishing port in Daru, PNG. But there is hardly any fish to catch, not big enough for a commercial fishery site. So what is it for? Sounds like another Djibouti-type project. But once the Chinese comes, what’s next? Using the Djibouti playbook, it would seem that China would eventually build a naval base. It would sit on top of the narrow – but strategically located – Torres Strait, which is only six kilometers away from Australia, and poses a threat to Australia. Indeed, a strong Chinese presence in PNG is a major concern to Australia and her Western allies. Just imagine Chinese warships and submarines docked at Daru? That’s too close for comfort. US vs China In the Pacific Islands region, rivalry began to unravel between the US and its allies and partners on one side and China on the other over influence in the Pacific Islands. The US has formal treaty obligation with the FAS of Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia that permits the US unrestricted military access in exchange for visa-free entry to the US and generous financial contributions.
Meanwhile, most Pacific Islanders are concerned about China’s coercive economic behavior, debt-trap diplomacy, and heavy-handed interference in internal affairs. China has been accused of illegal fishing by Palau, which is of great concern to the Pacific Islanders who are protective of their fishing rights in the vast and resource-rich South Pacific. Given these potential flashpoints, the US, Australia, and New Zealand strive to develop good relationship with the Pacific Island countries who have formed a collective grouping known as the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the premier regional political organization in the Pacific Islands that bounds the 18 nations in the region, including Australia and New Zealand, of which 12 are members of the United Nations. So far, they have been able to raise their collective voice on international issues, from climate change to illegal fishing to transnational crime. In particular, climate change is very important to PIF due to the rising seas that are the result of climate change and global warming, which causes many small islands to sink under rising seas. It also causes the migration of Pacific Islanders to sparsely populated Australia who welcomes them with open arms. At the end of the day, the Biden administration has a lot of work to do to catch up to China in influencing the Pacific Islands, politically, economically, culturally, and militarily. And from the idyllic paradise in South Pacific would emerge a vibrant and progressive society of diverse people who all originated from the Malayo-Polynesian expansion that began in Northern Philippines 5,500 years ago. But progress could create problems. Can the South Pacific Islanders survive the challenges of progress? Perhaps it’s better to leave them alone to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands. Like their forebearers, the Malayo-Polynesians, they too would have to deal with their problems in their own ways and traditions.
We are excited to announce that OUR OPENING WILL BE ON THURSDAY, MARCH 18th, 2021. Our 'Opening Day Promo' will run from:
• March 18th - March 20th for takeout/pick-up orders. • Buy any item and enjoy a free 13", two regular topping pizza! • You do not need to show the coupon when ordering, just mention it over the phone or in person. We cannot wait to see you all, and FINALLY share our menu with everyone! It's been a long wait and we are so appreciative of all the continued support you've shown us.
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Points of View | Provincial Government's Update
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Government must push its immigration agenda forward VIEWPOINT
Bing J. Jaleco bingjaleco@yahoo.com Raleigh “Bing” Jaleco was a veteran journalist and public relations consultant in the Philippines. He started out as a correspondent for Ang Pahayagang Malaya and then moved on to be a reporter, and then an editor, of The Manila Chronicle. He also served as news editor of The Manila Standard, business editor of The Manila Times, and sub-editor at the Manila Bulletin. He landed as a permanent resident in Canada in 2016.
T
HE country’s largest bank says Canada will most likely miss its immigration targets this year for a second straight year,
largely a result of Covid-19. And this does not bode well for the government’s economic recovery program because of a lower growth rate for Canada’s population. Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) said the country is likely to miss its target of 401,000 permanent residents this year. A report prepared by the bank pointed to travel restrictions, visa processing delays, and fewer residency applications as reasons for the dour projections for immigration. It is critical for the government to immediately address this situation, if only for the fact that it must ensure a level of growth in the country’s population. Population is one of the pillars of economic growth of any country, but the pandemic is giving this more urgency as the government prepares for a rebound from the damage to the economy caused by Covid-19. While some key economic sectors—retail, for instance—have taken a hit from the pandemic, other sectors like housing continues to register brisk growth. But analysts have begun to air concern that Canada’s housing market could be headed for rough waters. The housing continues to be “red hot,”
but that may soon change, bank analysts warn. A large part of the housing boom appears rooted in speculation. High demand and low mortgage rates are often a dangerous combination when it comes to home buying. The “bandwagon mentality” of buyers wanting to get in on the action and making sure they don’t get left out of the boom can very easily push prices up too fast. It often leads the market to enter a boom-bust cycle that can create all kinds of problems for buyers and lenders. Population growth generates a more predictable and sustainable growth across most economic sectors. It is this predictability that will make banks more at ease in fueling and sustaining economic growth. The government is placing its bet on immigration as a lynchpin for economic growth, and is targeting 401,000 immigrants this year, 411,000 next year, and 421,000 in 2023. Covid-19 continues to threaten these targets, and for this year at least, the pandemic will score one over the government. The Liberals must treat the immigration issue with utmost urgency. The government wants to
fast-track permanent residency for temporary workers and international students as a key measure in meeting its immigration targets. In fact, education is now the hottest pathway to permanent residency, and immigration consultants are focused on facilitating the entry of more international students. But without a sense of urgency, these measures could fall by the wayside. It might do well for the
federal government to be more proactive in pushing its immigration agenda. Urgency as a national policy for immigration must be adopted and pushed. And it could start with frontline agencies like the IRCC which is reeling from bottlenecks in processing of visa applications. It is time for the Liberals to crack the whip on immigration and get the paperwork moving.
Budget 2021: Mas maraming pondo upang mabawasan ang mga oras ng paghihintay sa operasyon Ang sistemang pangkalusugan ng Alberta ay magsasagawa ng libu-libo pang mga operasyon upang maalis ang kasalukuyang backlog na dulot ng COVID-19 pandemya at mabawasan ang mga oras ng paghihintay
A
ng gobyerno ng Alberta at mga kasosyo sa pangkalusugan ay naglunsad ng isang agresibong plano sa pagpapalawak upang magbigay ng 55,000 pang mga naka-iskedyul na operasyon sa darating na taon ng pananalapi simula sa Abril 1, sa ibabaw ng normal na dami ng pre-pandemikong 290,000 na mga operasyon. Ito’y mag-aalis ng backlog sa operasyon na ipinagpaliban dahil sa pandemiko, at gumawa ng unang hakbang patungo sa layunin ng gobyerno na gamutin ang bawat pasyente sa loob ng klinikal na katanggap-tanggap na oras. Sinimulan na ang mga chartered na pasilidad sa pag-opera na palawakin ang kanilang aktibidad sa pagopera noong Disyembre, lalo na ang mga operasyon sa cataract na may pinakamahabang listahan ng mga naghihintay. Habang ang mga bago at kasalukuyang mga chartered na pasilidad sa pag-opera ay nagsisimulang magtrabaho sa ilalim ng kontrata sa AHS ngayong tagsibol at sa buong taon, makukumpleto nila ang halos 90,000 na operasyon bawat taon pagdating ng 2023, mas higit sa 40,000 na mga operasyon na kasalukuyang ginagawa nila sa isang taon. Ang AHS ay maglalabas ng mga kahilingan para sa mga panukala sa karagdagang kapasidad sa ophthalmology at orthopedic surgical services sa Marso at Mayo. Ang mga chartered na pasilidad sa pag-opera ay nag-alok ng ligtas, hindi gaanong kumplikado, pinopondohan ng publiko na operasyon sa mga Albertans mula pa noong dekada 1990,
upang mapagaan ang trabaho nila at mapahintulutan silang magtuon sa mas kumplikado at emerhensiyang operasyon ng pasyente. Ginagawa rin ang higit pang mga operasyon sa limang mga kinatatayuan ng ospital na natatangi sa mga pasyente sa pag-opera upang ang mga tao ay hindi na haharap sa pagpapaliban dahil ang puwang at mga mapagkukunan ay nakalaan para sa mga pasyente ng COVID-19. Ang mga ospital ng AHS at Covenant Health sa Edson, Innisfail, Peace River at Banff, at ang Royal Alexandra Hospital sa Edmonton ay nadagdagan ang kanilang kapasidad sa pag-opera sa pamamagitan ng pagpapanatiling bukas ang kanilang operating rooms hanggang sa gabi at sa katapusan ng linggo habang nagbibigay pa rin ng kalidad, ligtas na pangangalaga para sa iba pang mga pasyente, kabilang ang mga mayroong COVID-19. Sa kabuuan, binawasan ng probinsya ang listahan ng paghihintay sa operasyon ng halos 3,000 mga pasyente mula sa halos 77,000 noong tagsibol 2020 hanggang sa halos 74,200 na mga pasyente sa kasalukuyan, na may isang malinaw na plano pasulong sa ilalim ng Alberta Surgical Initiative. Itong pagkukusa ay mapapatibay ang buong sistema ng pag-opera, mula sa oras na humingi ang pasyente ng payo sa kanilang doktor ng pamilya hanggang sa sila ay itutukoy sa isang espesyalista at sa pamamagitan ng kanilang operasyon at rehabilitasyon. Pinoprotektahan ng Budget 2021
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ang mga buhay at kabuhayan na may makasaysayang pamumuhunan sa pangangalagang pangkalusugan habang inilalagay ang pundasyon para sa paglago ng ekonomiya. Mabilis na katotohanan • Kasama sa Budget 2021 ang: o $120 milyon na pondo sa pagpapatakbo para sa Alberta Surgical Initiative (ASI) noong 2021-22 upang madagdagan ang paggamit sa at ang bilang ng mga pamamaraang pag-opera sa buong lalawigan. o Ang karagdagang pondo mula sa $1.25-bilyong COVID Contingency ay magagamit din upang tugunan ang mga backlog
na operasyong dulot ng pandemya, dahil ipinagpaliban ang mga operasyon upang magkaroon ng espasyo ang mga ospital na mapangalagaan ang pagdagsa ng mga pasyente ng COVID-19. o $120 milyon sa pondo ng kapital sa loob ng tatlong taon upang mapalawak ang kakayahan sa pag-opera sa mga pasilidad na pagmamay-ari ng AHS sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng mga umiiral nang silid ng pagpapatakbo nang mas mahusay, binabago ang mayroon o nagtatayo ng mga bagong operating room sa buong lalawigan at nagpapalawak ng matinding pangangalaga sa mga pasilidad ng AHS.
o Ang mga proyekto ay isinasagawa o pinaplano sa Calgary, Edmonton, Edson, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat at Rocky Mountain House. • Sa pagitan ng Abril at Disyembre 2020, nagtakda ang Alberta ng higit sa 178,000 na operasyon, o 86 porsyento ng bilang ng mga operasyon na isinagawa nito sa parehong panahon noong nakaraang taon, bago ang pandemya. • Ang pag-backlog ng operasyon dahil sa epekto ng COVID-19 ay inaasahang magiging 36,000 na operasyon sa pagtatapos ng Marso, at inaasahang ito ay matatapos na hindi lalampas sa katapusan ng 2021 sa dakong huli.
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26
Opinion | Mind Twister
THROUGH A TEENAGER’S EYES
Kristian Cereno Kristian Gabrielle Cereno is a Grade 11 Student of Archbishop MacDonald Senior High School. His hobbies include writing poems, composing songs, acting and drama and a love of music. He plays piano and guitar and will soon learn to play the violin. Hockey? – Leave it to the Canadians.
Butterflies
A
monarch butterfly has a lifespan of two to six weeks. A caterpillar goes through a process called “metamorphosis” then becomes a cocoon that will soon turn into a butterfly. A monarch butterfly’s cocoon stage lasts about 8-12 days. We are like butterflies. We all have our stages in life. We
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
have our childhood, our teenage days, and adulthood. Like butterflies, our life is also fairly short. Short but beautiful. Short but worth it. Butterflies are one of the most beautiful creatures in the world. Have you ever heard of the phrase, “You Only Live Once”? We all do only live once, therefore we have to cherish and make the best of it - do not take life too seriously, no one makes it out alive. Like butterflies, live your life to the fullest. Like butterflies, we are all beautiful. We may have obstacles in life, just like butterflies do. But, as we spread our wings to fly and yearn for the sky, we will live a beautiful life. Butterflies probably do not know that they only live for a couple of months, yet, they are living their life. Like butterflies, we should not worry about the bad things, but live and experience the good. We all have our “metamorphosis” in life, a change that changes our life forever. We slowly change from being a child into an adult. A life where bigger and harder responsibilities await us. But like butterflies, we have to live our lives. Like a monarch butterfly, we need to stay positive. A human’s “metamorphosis” may be harsh compared to that of butterflies - we have more things to worry about.
HOROSCOPE Welcome to March, Aries! As you conclude the zodiac year, you will feel the need to rest and recharge. This time of year helps you to reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go in the year ahead, especially once the sun soars toward the spring equinox to enter your zodiac sign and usher in your birthday season.
Utilize the power of Mars in your zodiac sign for three final days as March arrives, Taurus. You have harbored this mighty fuel for nearly two months now and likely have seen more courage and determination to reach your personal and professional goals. Don’t miss this final chance to take the lead.
Get ready to feel firepower and adrenaline, Gemini! Mighty Mars ignites your zodiac sign for the weeks ahead, starting on March 3. You haven’t felt this much energy and enthusiasm for nearly two years. You have a rare chance to move all matters in your favor as long as you’re willing to dominate and take the initiative. Personally, you could also appear more sexual and magnetic, so you can harness this within your relationships too.
As soon as mighty Mars charges into your solar twelfth house, beginning on March 3, you’ll likely be very busy working behind the scenes on some projects for weeks to come. On the one hand, you may be eager to develop something of great importance that will take some time to get right and that you’ll likely launch later in the year. You could also feel a bit tired and worn down because of this energy, Cancer, so above all, don’t forget to listen to your body or you could burn out.
CR OSSWOR D
But like butterflies that fly over the sky and also perch onto a branch, we have to look at life at a different angle sometimes. We may have our highs and lows, but we have to look over and under. We all have our ups and downs. We all have an event in life where we experience our “metamorphosis” due to negative circumstances. But do not forget that those moments will pass. Those moments are just temporary. It may affect us in the future, but sometimes, we just have to look at it from a different angle - from a different height. Like butterflies, maybe we just have to fly and soar high. Or maybe we have to perch on something and stand our ground to figure it out. And as we live our lives, we should not forget that life is such a precious gift, that we should not waste it and live our lives to the greatest extent by spreading our wings and riding the wind in the sky.
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On March 3, as mighty Mars darts into your solar ninth house for the weeks to come, you’ll be eager to soar to new horizons, Libra. This may indicate a major focus on academics, media-related projects, immigration goals, or travel. No matter how it manifests, you’ll be eager to make progress now rather than sit back and stagnate. You appear to be quite busy this month as well, as the sun glides through your solar sixth house of productivity. As mighty Mars roars into your solar eighth house of intimacy, beginning March 3, you could become extremely focused on your needs in a relationship. For the weeks ahead, Scorpio, you could grow much closer to your significant other, exploring your deepest emotional and sexual rapport. However, if you have recently separated from a partner, you could be fighting to finalize the dissolution of your union, even going to bat over a divorce settlement.
A powerful turning point in your relationship has come, Sagittarius. When mighty Mars soars across the sky into your solar seventh house of partnerships, beginning on March 3, you will have a major impetus to work with someone at your side. Union will become of the utmost importance to you now. Committed Archers could find that they are especially busy with their significant other in business or love.
ACROSS
1. Wild hog 5. Englishman, informally 9. Pretend 12. Norway's capital 13. Alleviate 14. Wish undone 15. Boric ___ 16. Nabbed 18. Cul-de- ____ 19. Cooked with vapor 20. Literary exposition 22. Duration 25. Baby's toy 27. Business VIP 28. Hard metal 31. ____ Island 33. Roadster 34. Defeated ones 38. Inspiration 40. Most distant 44. More transparent 46. Grant's opponent 47. Aardvark 49. Uncivil 50. Buzzing insect 51. Ditty 52. Biblical garden 53. Massachusetts cape 54. Family chart 55. Extremely
Grab your calendar, Capricorn, because your schedule is about to fill up with many priorities. Beginning on March 3, mighty Mars ignites your solar sector of productivity, indicating that you are juggling many daily responsibilities on and off the job. For Capricorns who are currently employed, get ready for new projects to cross your desk.
Prepare for plenty of fun, adventure, and excitement as soon as mighty Mars ignites your solar eleventh house for the weeks to come, beginning on March 3. This will likely see you being very social and hearing from many lively and vivacious friends. You might even see that a heartfelt goal is now within reach if you sprint to the finish line!
Mars, planet of passion, sex, and drive, parades into your solar fifth house on March 3, Aquarius. This promises plenty of sugar, spice, and everything nice! Now and in the weeks ahead, make romance, creativity, and pleasure your top priorities. Single Water Bearers have an exceptional opportunity to find new love, while committed ones could use this zest to bring the butterflies back to their relationship. Creative types will enjoy this energy greatly because you can now harness your muse.
Prepare for major professional momentum, Virgo. Starting on March 3, mighty Mars will be electrifying your solar tenth house of career for the weeks ahead. This will give you the major power and drive to tackle all your ambitious projects and work-related endeavors. Use this time to smash your goals. However, if you’re unemployed, this is an excellent moment to hustle to find the right job for you.
Mighty Mars trades signs this month, and as soon as March 3, you’ll feel the new burst of energy. That’s when the red planet soars into your solar fourth house of domesticity, bringing you a great deal of enthusiasm for home or family matters. Some Pisces could begin or complete a renovation at this time, decide to move, or even find they have to step in aggressively to handle some family affairs. This could begin now and continue for the weeks ahead.
February 2021 Crossword's Solution
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DOWN
1. Brag 2. Movie award 3. Rocker ____ Cooper 4. Fisherman's pole 5. Get lost! (2 wds.) 6. Most scarce 7. Tel Aviv's country 8. Abound 9. 1930s design style (2 wds.) 10. Hint 11. Danson or Koppel 17. Fixed 19. Horse's chamber 21. How ___ you? 23. Maroon 24. A Stooge 26. Baseball blunder 28. Chem., e.g. 29. Tiny bit 30. Built 32. FDR's successor 35. Speaker 36. Unruffled 37. Become visible 39. Malt beverage 41. Escape 42. Jewish feast 43. Quite little 45. Toward the sunrise 47. NBC's rival 48. "The Matrix" hero 49. Race an engine
Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience. The rules are simple, fill in the blanks so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain one instance of each of the numbers 1 through 9.
Here is the puzzle. Good luck!
February 2021 Issue Sudoku's Solution
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THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Immigration Tips | Business
MARCH 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
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Immigration & Coronavirus: The Great Draw of 2021 THE IMMIGRATION GUY
Stephen Burry Stephen Burry is the Lead Consultant and owner of Freedom Migrate Immigration Solutions Limited, an immigration consultancy firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Stephen is licensed with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). He can be reached at 403-520-2277 or call/ text at 587-938-3100. Email: freedommigrate@gmail.com Website: www.freedommigrate.ca
babies to fill the void. Our birth rate has been steadily declining since the baby boomer birth age ended in the mid 60s. We now see a consistent decline in our birth rate that hovers around one percent year over year. We need new Canadians who pay taxes, buy goods and services, start businesses, and create more Canadians. We cannot let COVID-19 deter us from rejuvenating our economy and our society. We must think about immigration in the context of our greater economic survival. We have the highest foreignborn population among the G7 nations. Our very survival relies on our ability to attract highly qualified like-minded people who share our
principles and values as a society. Our competitiveness in the global marketplace depends on how many buyers and sellers we have in our local economy to produce exports and absorb imports. Simply put: We need qualified and contributing temporary foreign workers to become permanent residents! Our COVID recovery must include a strong immigration policy. It appears that the new spearhead of this strategy is to focus on migrants who already have valuable Canadian work and life experience. We need to use this pandemic as our springboard to rejuvenate and expand the Canadian family and prepare us for the next decade and beyond.
The Great Draw of 2021 February 13, 2021 marked a historic day in Canadian immigration and in the lives of thousands of temporary residents working and living among us. The federal Canadian Experience Class program invited 27,332 temporary residents of Canada to apply for permanent residency. That number helps Canada push forward to meet its goal of 1 million permanent residents in the next three years, 390,000 for 2021 alone. This draw was the largest single invitation in one day ever in the history of Canada’s immigration program. Mirroring the spirit of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s reforms in the early 90’s in his great expansion bid to fill the coming void of Canadian workers and consumers, the government’s new immigration targets - along with bold moves to attract economic migrants already inside the Country - represents a pivot point in immigration policy during and post-COVID. Likely, this draw, along with others in the future will mark the point where Canada begins the great push to catch up and meet its ambitious immigration targets. A Post-COVID Strategy This draw is not just a one-off – it signals a major shift in thinking post-COVID on how Canada attracts qualified migrants. Simply put, COVID closed the border, but it did not change the facts on the ground in Canada. There are hundreds of thousands of temporary residents currently living and working inside Canada. Most of them with valuable work and education experience that would be sorely missed if they were to leave. They are filling turnover positions, replacing retired baby boomers, filling roles that require skilled education and training that otherwise would be hard to fill. Canada simply shifted the focus on the people who are already here inside Canada, paying taxes, having babies, and building their resumes. Many expect this trend to continue – at least for the near future while border restrictions stay in place and international migration remains difficult. Many hope this becomes a permanent strategy. The Bigger Picture The frightening reality is that born Canadians are not having enough All photos and articles available online. Follow us
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28
Community | Philanthropy
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MARCH 2021
FILIPINO-CANADIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS IS BORN: Leading the Leaders
FCNC- Filipino Canadian National Congress is a duly registered national not for profit organization affiliated with the Canadian Philippine Parliamentary Friendship Group in Ottawa. It is mandated to represent the strong Filipino presence in Canada before the people and Government of Canada. It is governed by its Founding Directors ( The Founding Directors are leaders from the eight (8) provinces and three (3) Territories in Canada. It has MP Kevin Lamoreaux, Alice Wong, and Narima Dela Cruz as its lead organizers. The official launching was held online last February 18, 2021. One thing that makes me attracted to join in this group is that, It is not purely partisan and politicallymotivated. In fact the launching was attended by political leaders coming from different political parties. The FCNC Leaders The Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Advisory Council: EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Narima Dela Cruz (British Columbia) President Ronnie Dela Gana (Ontario) 1st Vice President Genalyn Aseron Tan (Manitoba) 2nd Vice President Virginia Sumalinog (Alberta) Secretary Mary Jane Napolitano (Manitoba) Treasurer Jake Salcedo (Nova Scotia) Treasurer
ADVISORY COUNCIL Mr. Kevin Lamoureux, MP Chair, Canada Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group
By: Virginia Sumalinog
The Honourable Alice Wong, MP 1st Vice Chair, Canada Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group The Honourable Marilou McPhedran, Senator Vice Chair, Canada Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group Ms. Leah Gazan, MP Vice Chair, Canada Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group
The men and women behind the foundation of FCNC [Photos taken during the Online Inaugural Event of FCNC on February 18, 2021]
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ALBERTA (AB) Jerry Caingcoy President & Founder, TFCC - The Filipino Champions of Canada Virginia Sumalinog Vice President, Philippine Business Society of Alberta - PBSA BRITISH COLUMBIA (BC) Narima Dela Cruz President & Founder, Surrey Filipino Canadians SPIDS Surrey Philippine Independence Day Society
Treenee Lopez Chair & Founder, Global Pinoy Diaspora Canada Event Page NOVA SCOTIA (NS) Jake Salcedo - President, Filipino Association of Nova Scotia ONTARIO (ON) Eddie Villarta I.T. Advisor & former Executive Director, Philippine Centre Canada - Ottawa Ronnie Dela Gana Co-Founder, Golden Balangay Awards Publisher, Kubo Magazine Canada
PHILANTHROPY IN BUSINESS Lexus of Edmonton West, through Ian Fernandez, has initially donated $300.00 for a whole-year-round Pantawid Calamity Fundraiser.
QUEBEC (QC) Mary Grace De Ocampo Goldenberg President, Filipino Nurses Association of Quebec Inc SASKATCHEWAN (SK) Chris Rodriguez Director, Filipino Canadian Association of Saskatchewan (FilCAS), Host/ Producer - The Chris Rod Show YUKON (YT) Aurora Viernes President, Canadian Filipino Association of the Yukon (CFAY)
The Launching and Oath Taking was held via Zoom last February 18, 2021 and attended by (MPs) Members of the Parliament and media throughout Canada. Its Inducting Officer was MP Kevin Lamoureaux- Chair, Canada Phil. Parliamentary Friendship Group. There were nine (9) selected significant individuals who virtually graced the occasion. Several politicians and media men were also across the line to witness this noble event. Elected l officers had their own invited representatives from their own province/ territory. FCNC’s main goal is to represent the strong one million Filipinos in Canada before the people and Government of Canada.
Congratulations! We are proud of you!
MR. GERRY CAINGCOY A representative to the FilipinoCanadian National Congress (From Calgary) Responsibilities: - Board Member - Chairman , Committee on Jobs, Employment and Skills Training MRS. VIRGINIA SUMALINOG A representative to the FilipinoCanadian National Congress. (From Edmonton) Responsibilities: - Board Member - Secretary - Chairman, Committee on Education and Professional Trainings
MR. CELSO ANDRADE Newly appointed member of the Alberta Anti-Racism Council (From Edmonton)
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CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE: Moving Ahead Birthdays are everyone’s most cherished moment as this is when we celebrate the covenant between life and its Giver. Nobody is born alone. There are two causes of life that we have to acknowledge, appreciate, and recognize. The first is the Ultimate Cause or Giver, our God and the second are the proximate causes, our parents. Now, He who doesn’t acknowledge, appreciate, and recognize his or her life is also rejecting its Causes. Lucky are these individuals who truly celebrate life with the significant people around. May you all continue to share the gift of life to others. Active co-existence follows essence.
L-R: Andy Chua, Rolan Latorre, Jun Angeles, Lito Velasco, and Rolan Latorre
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