Alberta Filipino Journal - May 2021 Issue

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Nothing fits together without collaborative effort.

The Twist: Migration means adaptation P9

MAY 2021 • Volume 14, Number 05

AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

Pinay Candidate for Edmonton City

P15

ONE GREAT INITIATIVE: Amicus - COPAA’S Partnership in Service

Amarjeet Sohi, Running For Mayor P13 ►

McDavid 100th point achiever

P5 ► P29 ►

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2021

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

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MAY 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

The new interim immigration pathway excludes thousands

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Jerwin Pagdonsolan Jerwin Pagdonsolan Edmonton North Agency Edmonton North Agency

15949-97 Street NW 15949 97 Street (780) 456-6138 ext. 5023 587-401-3956

Marco Luciano mluciano2@gmail.com Marco Luciano is the Global Council Representative of Philippine based Migrante International. He is also the current Secretary General of its chapter Migrante Canada.

O

n April 14, a new immigration pathway was announced creating an opportunity for over 90,000 migrants in the country to apply for permanent residency.

This happened after over a year of almost monthly actions across Canada led by migrants and their allies, calling for full and permanent immigration status for all. They were calling on the federal government to ensure that all migrant and undocumented people in Canada are granted permanent resident

(780)-716-4897 jpagdonsolan@allstate.ca “I also speak Tagalog. ”

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status without exception. Along with that they were also calling for all migrants to arrive in the future with permanent resident status.

The announcement opens up a short-term window for thousands of migrants who are able to meet restrictive criteria. These are for workers in jobs deemed “low-skilled”.

This is an important development. In February an announcement on the Express Entry program, to opened up allowing 27,000 to apply for permanent residency.

Undocumented people, and other migrants realized that the new program excludes them. The caps in each stream mean that very few will be able to get their applications in before spots fill up. Even before

the program opened, already there were chaos as migrants scramble to book language tests and gather the documents required in the hopes of getting a spot in this first-come first-served program.

According to Migrants Rights Network, a national migrants coalition of migrant justice advocates, over 650,000 temporary work and study permits were issued in 2020, and there are over 1.6 million migrant and undocumented people in Canada.

Temporary status means not having equal access to rights and services.

Some temporary work programs tie workers to employers, creating a massive power imbalance that makes it impossible for workers to assert basic workplace rights. The abuse faced by

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farm workers and caregivers during COVID-19 pandemic provides well documented proof. Study and work permit holders are often unable to access basic healthcare or income supports in times of emergency, and face labour exploitation because of limits on where and how much they can work.

An undocumented member of Migrante Canada, Marisol agreed.

"For us undocumented migrant workers, we know that our work is truly essential.

So it is disappointing to see that in this announcement we are excluded. When the government does not address the temporary migrant workers program's fundamental

issue, these changes, although welcomed, indeed fall short of the aspirations of ALL migrant workers and advocates. It simply reinforces the existing neoliberal agenda within the Canadian immigration system.”

Each year, the number of people on temporary permits continue to grow. The number of undocumented migrants with expired work permits also continues to grow more, and the lack of permanent resident status means that migrants do not have equal rights to decent work, healthcare, and education, and have limited power to assert the minimal rights they do have. continued on page 11 ►

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2021

EDITOR’S CORNER Lito Mendoza Velasco Published by Angeles Publishing Company Inc. 246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2T2 Jose L. Angeles Publisher / Chief Operating Officer Sales 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 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 Jonathan Perez (Saskatoon, SK) Contributing Writers: Katrina Marielle U. Cereno, Leonila Samarita, 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.

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

Why, Oh why?

Come to rescue our workplace from the culture of insecurity There’s a funny situation. Let’s begin in the workplace while a worker is holding a casual position. One of the most commonly considered paradigms is: “Availability is better than ability.” He even tends to perform duties outside his job descriptions and tries to work unpaid extra hours. Devotion over obligation. Playing heroism in the workplace. Everything is well organized under his care and he believes that “Retailing is detailing.”

But, the moment one becomes a regular employee, such a paradigm will gradually change into “Ability is better than availability.”

A temporary position holds a temporary devotion. After the probationary period, devotion would have been translated into an obligation wherein the full time or permanently hired employee plays hide-and-seek and consumes the rest of the hours by hovering around the work place and pretending to be the busy bee.

Similarly, new department supervisors or managers are not exempted from this management style and malpractice.

They have the tendency to wear such deceiving characters or personalities.

Freshly hired bosses are usually charming and sympathetic. Yet, their attitude would, most probably, be changing after several months in their chairs: Micro-managing and becoming authoritative, resulting in unhealthy labour relationships and loss of harmony. Why, oh why?

Come to save the world from tyranny and an unpredictable enemy We haven’t even ended the war against the Covid-19 pandemic and here it is again, the conflicts between and among powerful countries have started to ruin and devastate others. It is so frustrating that most of the countries have been trying to protect the

lives of the people by rushing to discover and formulate the anti-virus vaccines, when all of a sudden, people, especially children, are perishing, not from the virus but as a result of the Israeli-Palentinian conflict. I hope a potential war between China and the Philippines will not be triggered.

Do we really need to prove our worth by forcing and using power to gain power? Who are affected? Who are the helpless victims? Are the powerful truly exempted? Why, oh why?

Come to re-educate our neighbours about the meaning and essence of collaboration Let’s work together! Support each other! Love one another! With an open arms: Unity, Harmony, and Peace are at hand.

Remember, when we encounter opposition, overcome it by reasoning and not by authority or the use of absolute power. If we can’t...Why, oh why?

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

MAY 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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HELP FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH COVID-19

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sk Novie Sambat with Catholic Social Services (CSS) or Gonzalito Javier with Edmonton Immigration Services Association (EISA) what they like about being part of the Edmonton Covid-19 Rapid Response Collaborative (ECRRC) and they’ll say they enjoy having an opportunity to help members of their Filipino community navigate some of the devastation caused by Covid.

Both CSS and EISA are part of a new and unique collaboration that began in February of this year, which is made up of a total of thirteen support agencies. These agencies are working together for the first time, to directly support people across Edmonton who have tested positive for Covid-19, or who have been directed to isolate due to possible exposure.

And they are not alone. With a staff of over 17, and additional support from other agencies around the city, the ECRRC supports individuals in three defined categories: Food Support, Income Support, and Mental Health Support.

The “rapid” portion of the initiatives comes from the speed in which they are able to offer these supports: food supports are aimed to be provided within 48 hours, there is an emergency income support fund, that can pay bills up to $1000.00 directly to landlords or mortgage companies, pharmacies, utility companies, and transportation can be paid within a week, and there is also support offered for mental health that ranges from cultural supports to direct access to counsellors, which can be provided in under 72 hours

The organization can also provide support in the client’s own language. From Tagalog to Arabic, and French to Spanish, in total, there are over 31 languages supported, thanks to dedicated Community Outreach Workers like Novie and Gonzalito. To date, they have worked to offer assistance to 19 Filipino families in the community. A majority of this support has been offered in the last month alone, despite the Call Centre being open since March 1st. This is in direct relation with the rise of Covid-19 cases in the city, and outbreaks in the food service industry.

“This last month has been very busy for the 21 Community Outreach Workers who are working with the intiative,” says Gail Kesslar, ECRRC Project Manager. “But it is a dedicated group of professionals who are determined to make sure that the people they are speaking with are looked after. Some of the stories they have shared would just break your heart, but we’re hoping that we are easing the worries of those who call in by making sure they have a roof over their head, ensuring that culturally appropriate food is on their table, and providing counsellors who they can talk to, [and] that we’re helping them to feel a little bit better as they navigate the uncertainty that is Covid-19.”

To date, the ECRRC Call Centre has helped over 190 families, with a total of 661 household members from across the City. If you or someone you know has been affected

by Covid and need support, please contact the Call Centre at 1-833-738-7727. http://www.ecrrc.ca/

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2021

Oilers in the Playoffs; Domz, Rey, Gary on resumption of Pinoy basketball leagues 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.

The good news first!

Connor McDavid, now a threetime Art Ross title winner, and the Oilers are in the Playoffs! So, mark your calendars when they meet the Winnipeg Jets on May 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28 and 30 for the seven-game schedule.

The bad news is that there will still be no big gatherings in the Rogers Arena, at the regular watering holes, and at restaurants like Palabok House Restaurant that displays 3 TV sets and offers an unlimited supply of coffee and tea (but you have to pay for the San Miguel Beer and pulutan, of course, hahaha, support naman kayo kay Mommy Lydz).

Fast-track this Covid-19 vaccination like the way McDavid skates! And we will all soon be back to “normal”!!!! Unless, of course, you don’t want to be vaccinated. What can we do, eh? *** I requested some reactions from three Filipino basketball leaders in our beloved province if they will resume their leagues if all players have been vaccinated.

Dominic “Domz” Narbonita of the Servus-St.Albert Ballers Club, Rey Nodado of the Cold Lake Filipino Basketball Association and Gary Perpetua of the Philippine Sports Association-Edmonton all agreed that they have to first wait for the official announcement from the government if sports gatherings are to be allowed.

Since March 2020, all leagues have been stopped because of this pandemic and for basketball-crazy Filipinos who have not seen action for a year, we have all missed it. You see, a basketball league organized by the Pinoy community is not just about playing. There’s more to it. It’s the weekend fellowships that have made us feel alive. If you noticed their previous posts on FB, there’s #ballislife. For more than a year now, it is now #ballisdead, LoL. Crosstown Auto’s Chester Tiongson once invited me to play in the “masters” division, which is for the not so young basketeers but I told him that as my age increases, I have decided to settle for the smaller balls. If you noticed, when we were

McDavid scores 100th point of season for Oilers in 53rd game Connor McDavid scored his 100th point of the season for the Edmonton Oilers on May 8 in his 53rd game.

McDavid scored four points (one goal, three assists) in a 4-3 win against the Vancouver Canucks to become the first player in 25 years, and ninth in NHL history, to score at

least 100 points through his first 53 games of a season. Mario Lemieux (126) and Jaromir Jagr (101) of the Pittsburgh Penguins each did it in 1995-96, the 24th and 25th time it was accomplished.

McDavid has 32 goals and 68 assists.

"I was trying not to think about it," he said. "I was trying to get myself ready to go in the playoffs and keep my game where it needs to be. Obviously when you're sitting around 96, 97, 98 points and you get to 99, it's obviously in the back of your mind, and thankfully I didn't have to wait too long to get there."

McDavid scored 45 seconds into the first period, then had an assist on a second-period goal by Jesse Puljujarvi and on two by Leon Draisaitl.

"Four-point nights aren't something that come regularly," McDavid said.

"I was just trying to come in and play a good game, play like I can. My legs

teenagers, we played basketball all the time, even if it was at 12 noon and 30 degrees outside in an open court. Then gradually, we shifted to the smaller balls, like tennis or table tennis or golf, hehehehe.

I don’t play anymore because I don’t want to hurt my fingers again and agonize over using computer keyboards, but I love to attend those leagues even if I have to drive to St. Albert or Leduc or even Edson, because of the great fellowship.

So, what if all players have been vaccinated? Rey Nodado of Cold Lake suggested the idea that if all players have already been vaccinated, then they should be allowed to resume their leagues. He even thinks (just an idea) that a petition be started by all Filipino basketball league organizers for their events to resume after all have been fully vaccinated.

Personally, I agree with that.

Sure, we can do other activities but without basketball, oh boy, it will drive us nuts.

Narbonita said they have already prepared uniforms and a limited number of teams participating this

felt pretty good. I was able to get on the board on the first shift, that always helps. I think after the first one, it kind of crosses your mind, and I was fortunate to feel pretty good throughout the night, and a couple of great shots from my teammates."

It is the fourth time McDavid scored 100 points in a season. It took him 66 games during the 2018-19 season (34 goals, 66 assists), when he finished with his NHL career-high 116 (41 goals, 75 assists) in 78 games played.

It took him 77 games in 2017-18, when he scored 108 (41 goals, 67 assists) in 82 games; and took him 82 games in 2016-17 (30 goals, 70 assists).

This NHL season was reduced to 56 games and began in January continued on page 7 ►

year, and they are just waiting for the gyms to officially open. I like this S-SABC team attitude! Laging positive and looking forward to the “light at the end of the tunnel”, so to speak.

Perpetua, who manages up to 60 teams in the PSA League, said he himself has dearly missed the work. Gary not just makes sure that the PSA tournaments are smoothly organized but he also makes himself physically fit by serving as a referee.

I know that the government is doing its best to make the supplies available as soon as possible to all Albertans and Canadians. I could not imagine the stress and the pressure they are dealing with every day in dealing with this pandemic. What’s more, it’s just scary because this is a kind of “enemy” you cannot see.

I’ve seen some postings of my basketball friends that they have received the first dosage and hopefully the booster will come soon, then, we can have the revival of #ballislife. *** For any sports information you would like to share in our sports section, email mocolumnist@ albertafililpinojournal.com.

Maraming salamat po!

Stay safe sports-loving Albertans!

Valerie Jimenez of Palabok House Restaurant had the chance for a photo opportunity with Connor McDavid in 2019 at the Edmonton Airport. (Contributed photo)

Dirtbike Enthusiasts Club members led by Chris Ayson of Wefix Auto have find joy in motorcycling at various trails in Alberta. New members have also received lessons from pioneering members. To join, reach out to the AFJ Sports Section by emailing mocolumnist@albertafilipinojournal.com. (Contributed photos)

The Angeles family with Connor. (Contributed Photo)

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

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MAY 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

from page 3

McDavid scores 100th point of season... because the 2020 Stanley Cup Final ended Sept. 28 after last season was paused due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

McDavid's scoring rate of 1.88 points per game this season would generate 154 points in a traditional 82-game schedule.

"Honestly, it's just impressive," Draisaitl said. "I don't think my English is good enough to find another word for it right now. It's incredible. We've played 50-some games, he's at 100 points. It's just very impressive and fun to be a part of."

McDavid leads the NHL by 21 points ahead of Draisaitl, who scored his 30th goal of the season and 500th NHL point.

"It's so special to share it with them," McDavid said. "To see how excited they were, obviously, for 'Leo' to score, and for 'Nursey' [Darnell Nurse] to have an assist on it too, I mean those are two guys that I've come in with, and have a great bond with, and the whole group, like I said, it's a fun group to be a part of right now and we're excited where we're headed."

McDavid has scored at least two points in five straight games and in 10 of his past 11. He has scored 31 points in his past 11 games and 60 in his past 28.

"We were just talking about it in there with the coaches, we're talking about the last month he's had and how many points he's had," Edmonton coach Dave Tippett said.

"Then somebody said, "You've got to remember this is the NHL and it's the best league in the world.' And this is a player that gets checked harder than any other player in the League.

I guarantee every team comes in here and talks about how they want to check him and how they want to keep him off the board and he still does what he does, which is … it's an amazing, amazing feat, what he's doing."

The Oilers captain scored 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) against the Canucks in nine games this season.

"It's special. It's a very special night, mostly for him of course, but for us, as his teammates to be a part of it," Draisaitl said. "I think you can

sense early on that he had his legs.

He obviously wanted to do it on Saturday night, 'Hockey Night in Canada.' … I don't know what else to say. It's impressive. I think he's the best player in the world. It's fun to be a part of."

Other than his rookie season of 2015-16, when McDavid scored 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists) in 45 games, he has never scored fewer than 97 points in a season.

He scored 97 points (34 goals, 63 assists) in 64 games last season, 13 behind Draisaitl for the NHL lead.

Draisaitl played seven more games.

Lemieux reached 100 points in 38 games, and Jagr did so in 52 games in 1995-96.

"He's right up there with all of them," Draisaitl said. "It's hard to compare eras, it's hard to compare generations. The game has changed.

Whatever those guys did in the past is impressive. What Connor's doing is impressive. He's right up there with those guys."

McDavid, who was chosen with the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, has scored 569 points (194 goals, 375 assists) in 404 regularseason games. The 24-year-old has scored at least 30 goals in each of his past five NHL seasons and has finished first or second in scoring every season since 2016-17.

"It solidifies that he is one of the top players to ever play the game," Tippett said. "The level that he's played at this year, just what he's accomplished is one of those years, when you look at Wayne [Gretzky] or you look at Mario, it's one of those years where he's taken his talents to another level that is just elite for the League."

The Oilers (33-18-2) have clinched a berth in the playoffs and will finish second in the seven-team Scotia North Division, behind the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"As for my game, I've just been focusing on trying to be prepared each and every night, and I think obviously team success comes first and our team's been able to play some good hockey most of the season with the exception of probably the first month there," McDavid said.

"So when the team is playing well, that's when individuals are having success, and you're seeing lots of guys on our team have some really good seasons." (NHL.COM)

PSC backs boxing nationals’ participation in Dubai tiff MANILA --- The Philippine Sports Commission confirmed that the PSC board approved the request of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, Inc. (ABAP) for financial assistance for their ASBC Asian Boxing Championships participation to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from May 21 to June 1.

The competition was originally set in New Delhi where an overwhelming surge of COVID-19 cases forced Asian Boxing Confederation to shift

Mga nakatarget na panrehiyong hakbang upang mabaluktot ang kurba Ang mga bagong sapilitan na hakbang ay tutugunan ang lumalaking mga kaso ng COVID-19 sa mga hot spots sa buong Alberta.

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ng mga nakatarget na paghihigpit ay mailalapat sa mga munisipalidad o rehiyon kung saan mayroong hindi bababa sa 350 na mga kaso bawat 100,000 katao at 250 na kasalukuyang mga aktibong kaso.

Malalapat ang mga bagong hakbang sa junior at senior high school, at mga aktibidad sa palakasan at fitness sa mga pamayanang ito.

Ang mga nakatarget na paghihigpit na ito ay mananatili nang hindi bababa sa dalawang linggo para sa anumang komunidad o lugar na umabot sa pagkasanhi nito. Pagkalipas ng 14 na araw, ang mga pinahusay na panukala ay maiangat sa sandaling ang mga kaso sa munisipalidad ay bababa sa naturing hangganan.

Pinalawak na mga hakbang sa pampublikong kalusugan Ang mga sumusunod na ipinaguutos na hakbang sa kalusugan ng publiko ay magkakabisa para sa mga hot spot na munisipalidad at rehiyon: Mga Paaralan - Simula sa Mayo 3 • Habang ang mga paaralan ay mananatiling ligtas na lugar at hindi isang pangunahing tagagudyok ng pagkalat sa pamayanan, upang malimitahan ang mga pakikipagugnayan sa personal, lahat ng mga mag-aaral sa junior at senior high school (Baitang 7 pataas) ay lilipat sa pag-aaral sa online.

• Ang mga mag-aaral ng K-6 ay magpapatuloy sa pag-aaral sa loob ng silid-aralan maliban kung naaprubahan ng Alberta Education na lumipat sa online na pag-aaral.

Panloob na fitness - epektibo Abril 30 • Lahat ng mga aktibidad sa fitness sa panloob ay ipinagbabawal.

Kasama rito: o lahat ng mga pisikal na aktibidad sa pangkat, tulad ng mga palakasan ng koponan, mga klase sa fitness at sesyon ng pagsasanay o lahat ng isa-sa-isang aralin at mga aktibidad sa pagsasanay o lahat ng mga kasanayan, pagsasanay at laro • Ang mga aktibidad sa fitness sa labas ay maaaring magpatuloy sa ilalim ng mga paghihigpit sa probinsya na kasalukuyang nakalaan, kasama na ang indibidwal o sambahayan na

pagsasanay nang isa-sa-isang kasama ng isang tagapagsanay.

Panloob na isport at libangan - epektibo Abril 30 • Lahat ng panloob na mga pisikal na aktibidad para sa kabataan at nasa hustong gulang, kabilang ang mga palakasan ng koponan at mga sesyon ng pagsasanay na isa-sa-isa, ay ipinagbabawal.

Classification: Public • Ang mga aktibidad sa panlabas na isport at libangan ay maaaring magpatuloy sa ilalim ng mga paghihigpit sa probinsya na kasalukuyang nakalaan: o Panlabas na palakasan ng koponan kung saan ang dalawang-metro na distansya ay hindi mapapanatili sa lahat ng oras (tulad ng basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, slo-pitch at road hockey) ay mananatiling ipinagbabawal. o Pinapayagan ang pagsasanay sa fitness sa labas, pati na ang may pisikal na distansya na mga klase sa fitness sa pangkat na may maximum na 10 mga kalahok. o Ang pisikal na aktibidad ng panlabas na pangkat na may iba't ibang mga sambahayan ay dapat na limitado sa 10 katao o mas kaunti at ang dalawang-metro na distansya ay dapat mapanatili sa lahat ng oras.

• Lahat ng pasilidad ng panloob na libangan ay dapat na magsara. Ang mga panlabas na amenities sa libangan ay maaaring buksan sa paggamit sa publiko maliban kung partikular na sarado sa kaayusan sa kalusugan ng publiko.

Curfew Ang gobyerno ay magpapatupad ng isang curfew kung saan ang mga rate ng kaso ay malaki ang taas, partikular ang mga rate ng kasong mataas sa 1,000 bawat 100,000, at kung ang isang munisipyo o rehiyon ay humiling nito.

Ang mga detalye ay ibabalita bago ang anumang ipinatupad na curfew.

Lahat ng iba pang kasalukuyang mga paghihigpit sa kalusugan ng publiko, kabilang ang masking, paglayo ng pisikal, pagbabawal sa mga pagtitipon sa lipunan at pagtatrabaho mula sa mga kinakailangan sa bahay ay mananatiling nakahanda sa buong lalawigan.

Ang gobyerno ng Alberta ay tumutugon sa pandemya ng COVID-19 sa pamamagitan ng pagprotekta sa

buhay at kabuhayan na may tumpak na mga hakbang upang mabaluktot ang kurba, mapanatili ang maliliit na negosyo at protektahan ang sistema ng pangangalaga ng kalusugan ng Alberta.

Mabilis na katotohanan • Mga kasalukuyang pamayanan na may bilang ng kasong mataas sa 350 bawat 100,000 katao at hindi bababa sa 250 aktibong kaso: o Fort McMurray o Lungsod ng Red Deer o Lungsod ng Grande Prairie o Lungsod ng Calgary o Lungsod ng Airdrie o Lalawigan ng Strathcona o Lungsod ng Lethbridge o Lungsod ng Edmonton • Mga pag-update sa hinaharap na mga bilang ng aktibong kaso para sa mga munisipalidad at isang mapa ng mga nasa ilalim ng pinahusay na mga paghihigpit ay mahahanap sa alberta.ca.

• Sa pagsulong, ang mga nakatarget na paghihigpit ay mailalapat sa anumang mga pamayanan o rehiyon na may bilang ng kaso na higit sa 350 bawat 100,000 katao at 250 na aktibong kaso, at mananatiling nakalaan ng dalawang linggo.

• Kung, pagkalipas ng dalawang linggo, ang bilang ng kaso ay bumaba sa 350 kaso bawat 100,000 katao, aalisin ang mga naka-target na hakbang na ito at ang kasalukuyang mga paghihigpit lamang sa buong lalawigan ang nalalapat.

• Kung ang isang munisipalidad ay bumaba sa 350 kaso bawat 100,000 katao bago matapos ang dalawang linggo, ang mga pinahusay na paghihigpit ay mailalapat pa rin hanggang sa matapos ang dalawang linggo.

• Upang mapigilan ang mga lugar sa kanayunan na may maliliit na populasyon na hindi makatarungang maapektuhan, ang mga munisipalidad na may mas mababa sa 250 mga aktibong kaso ay maibubukod sa simula.

Classification: Public • Patuloy na susubaybayan ng mga opisyal ng kalusugan ang pagkalat ng COVID-19 upang masuri kung kailangan ang karagdagang aksyon upang mabawasan ang pagkalat at kung hindi na kinakailangan ang mga paghihigpit na ito.

the competition to Dubai.

The 2-million-peso funding covers expenses for airfare, accommodation, allowance, visa fee, and insurance.

Additional funding of P714,750 was also approved to cover their quarantine expenses.

Josie Gabuco, Maricel dela Torre, Mark Lester Durens, Marvin Tabamo, Jummilardo Ogayre, Jere dela Cruz, John Paul Panauayan, and Eumir Marcial will be accompanied by three coaches, a physiotherapist, masseur and team official.(PR)

All photos and articles available online. Follow us

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8

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2021

Truth & Lies

H

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.

umans were born to be smarter. Our brains are better so we get to make decisions that we believe are correct.

In this ongoing pandemic, more and more doctors, nurses and researchers are speaking their mind on what they truly believe is happening.

Are the facts correct? Is it based on scientific evidence or just hearsay?

It’s up to us humans to decide.

But what bothers the people of the world most is believing they live in a Free World but when someone expresses an opinion and shares a different narrative from theirs, they censor it and shut it down. Why? What are they afraid of?

Freedom of Speech is part of our Charter of Rights. But the truth will set you free.

Even before the start of the pandemic all sorts of fake news was allowed to proliferate in social media and other platforms. They were never censored.

People always talk about scientific evidence because this is how we always base our judgment on diseases like the SARS and Covid.

If so, let us then talk about SARS and the medicines they used to successfully treat SARS. They used hydroxychloroquine plus Azithromycin with Zinc and was successful, so why did we rush the COVID-19 vaccine then?

What we know is that the best way to fight this Covid pandemic is through social distancing, wearing of mask as per Ken Frazier, Merc CEO. Merc is the leading manufacturer of vaccines in the world in fact they have manufactured 5 of the 7 vaccines available.

Due to the urgency, the vaccines were produced to help stop the spread of the virus but no one knows how safe and effective they are. Recent reports stated that the most vaccinated country in the world, Seychelles, has a renewed virus surge. If the vaccines are effective, why the surge?

We all want this pandemic to end soon so we also hope that the vaccines produced will be effective and safe, and not something that might affect or harm us in the future.

The truth is people around the world are getting tired of the lockdowns that have affected the global economy. The Freedom and Rights of people have been violated, and our mental health has been greatly affected. We all know that there is a virus out there and no one has questioned this, but who let it out?

We know there was an investigation but did we really find out the truth? Were the people unmasked? Your guess is as good as mine. The world needs answers now!

Not Tomorrow and not Next Year.

Bagong suporta sa mga Albertans para sa pag-upa habang wala silang trabaho Ang gobyerno ng Alberta ay maglulunsad ng bagong Pansamantalang Pakinabang sa Tulong sa Pag-upa para sa mga karapat-dapat na Albertans sa Mayo 1.

S

a ilalim ng muling idinisenyong Suplemento sa Programang Pag-upa, ang Pansamantalang Pakinabang sa Tulong sa Pag-upa ay nagbibigay ng tulong para sa mga nagtatrabahong sambahayan na may mababang kita o sa mga nawalan ng trabaho. Ang suporta ay magagamit hanggang sa dalawang taon upang matulungan ang mga nangungupahan na kayang bayaran ang kanilang upa habang pinapatatag o pinapapabuti nila ang kanilang sitwasyon.

"Ang mga panlalawigang programa sa paninirahan ay hindi napansin ang mga nagtatrabahong sambahayan o ang mga nawalan ng trabaho sa nakaraan, ngunit salamat sa muling pagdisenyo ng aming programa hindi na ganon ang kalagayan. Ang bagong benepisyo na ito ay makakatulong sa tiyak na pagtugon ng Suplemento sa Programang Pag-upa sa Alberta sa mga pangangailangan ng Albertans sa ganitong napakahirap na panahon. " Josephine Pon, Ministro ng mga Nakatatanda at Pabahay "Ang bagong daloy ng pagpopondong ito ay pumupuno ng isang puwang para sa mga Albertans na nangangailangan ng pansamantalang tulong sa kanilang upa hanggang sila ay muling makabangon.

Ang pagbibigay ng makabagong programa sa benepisyo ng tulong sa pag-upa katulad nito ay nangangahulugan na maaring matulungan ang mga pamilya www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

ng Edmonton na manatili sa kanilang mga tahanan, kahit sa mga panahong ito sa kahirapan ng ekonomiya. " Greg Dewling, CEO, Civida "Ang Lethbridge Housing Authority ay nalulugod na pangasiwaan ang bagong Pansamantalang Pakinabang sa Tulong sa Pag-upa sa mga residente ng Lethbridge na nakakaranas ng mga panandaliang hamon sa pagpapanatili ng abot-kayang tirahan. Tatalakayin ng makabagong TRAB ang agwat sa abotkayang pabahay sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga maaaring nakaranas ng pagkawala ng trabaho o sa mga may katamtamang kita sa pagtatrabaho. " Robin James, CAO, Lethbridge Awtoridad ng Pabahay Ang Pansamantalang Pakinabang sa Tulong sa Pag-upa ay babayaran nang direkta sa mga nangungupahan at makukuha sa pitong pangunahing mga sentro ng Alberta, kung saan ang upa ang pinakamataas at kayang bayaran ang pinakamababa. Ang laki at lokasyon ng sambahayan ang batayan ng halaga ng benepisyo.

Ang mga sambahayan ay maaaring maging karapat-dapat kung mas mababa sila sa local income thresholds at kasalukuyang nagtatrabaho o nagtrabaho sa huling 24 na buwan at hindi nakakatanggap ng tulong panlipunan.

Ang Benepisyong Tulong sa

Pagrenta, dating Direkta sa Suplemento sa Pag-upa ng Nangungupahan, ay muling binuksan noong Abril 1. Ang pangmatagalang benepisyo na ito ay nagbibigay ng matatag na suporta sa mga Albertans na may pinakamababang kita sa buong lalawigan.

Ang mga detalye sa parehong benepisyo ay mahahanap online.

Mabilis na Katotohanan • Ang mga aplikante na interesado sa alinmang benepisyo ay hinihikayat na makipag-ugnay sa kanilang lokal na operator ng pabahay para sa mga detalye sa kung paano mag-apply.

• Ang Budget 2021 ay nagdagdag ng $ 16 milyon sa Suplemento sa Programang Pag-upa.

• Matapos ang isang pagsusuri, muling idinisenyo ng gobyerno ng Alberta ang Suplemento sa Programang Pag-upa upang magbigay ng higit na kakayahang umangkop sa pagpili ng pabahay at matiyak ang kritikal na suporta sa pabahay para sa mas maraming kabahayan.

• Ang Ulat ng Panel ng Pagsusuri sa Abotkayang Pabahay ay nakilala ang malinaw na pangangailangang muling tukuyin ang papel ng gobyerno, gamitin ang kadalubhasaan ng pamayanan, palawakin ang pakikipagsosyo, gantimpalaan ang makabago at gawing simple ang sistema.

Ang mga pag-update sa Suplemento sa Programang Pag-upa ay tumutugon sa dalawang mga rekomendasyon ng panel.

Tinatapos ang Phase 2 ng paglulunsad ng bakuna Mahigit 650,000 mga Albertans na karapat-dapat sa natitirang bahagi ng paglulunsad ng bakuna sa Phase 2C at 2D ay maaaring mag-book ng mga appointment simula Abril 30.

A

ng pagbabakuna sa huling dalawang pangkat ng Phase 2 ay mapoprotektahan ang mga mahihinang Albertans at mga sumusuporta sa kanila, mga manggagawa sa mga lokasyon na may potensyal para sa malalaking pagsiklab, lahat ng mga Albertans na may edad na 50 pataas, at lahat ng mga First Nations, Métis at Inuit (FNMI) na may edad na 35 pataas .

Sa pagpapalawak na ito, higit sa 2.8 milyong mga Albertans ang magiging karapat-dapat para sa bakunang COVID-19.

"Sa pamamagitan ng pagbubukas ng natitirang bahagi ng Phase 2C, pati na rin ang Phase 2D, nagagawa naming mag-alok ng mga bakuna sa isa pang kalahating milyong mga Albertans. Araw-araw, pinoprotektahan namin ang mga mas mahinang mga Albertans. Sa madaling panahon, makakapagpatuloy kaming maprotektahan ang lahat ng nasa hustong gulang na mga Albertans sa Phase 3, hangga't natatanggap namin ang suplay ng bakuna na ipinangako sa atin. Kami ay magpapatuloy na magtrabaho upang mabigyan ang lahat ng nais magpabakuna na mga Albertans " Jason Kenney, Premier "Ang pagkikilos upang maprotektahan ang higit sa kalahating milyong higit pang mga Albertans ay nangangahulugang malapit na tayo sa ating layunin na maalok ang bakuna sa lahat ng nasa hustong gulang na Albertans, at mapanatiling ligtas ang mas higit pa sa atin."

Tyler Shandro, Ministro ng Pangkalusugan Simula Abril 30, ang mga sumusunod na pangkat ay maaaring magsimulang mag-book ng mga appointment sa mga kalahok na parmasya o Alberta Health Services (AHS) na mga klinika: • Ang mga tauhan at residente na nagbibigay ng pangangalaga o suporta sa mga Albertans sa mga pasilidad na dati ay hindi inalok ng pagbabakuna, kabilang ang mga front-line na mga manggagawa sa kapansanan at mga manggagawa sa mga pangkalahatang bahay, paggamot sa kalusugan ng isip o pagkagumon, pangangalaga ng mga bata at pangkat ng kabataan, at pangangalaga na nakabatay sa campus tulad ng mga ligtas na serbisyo at iba pang mga uri ng lisensyado at suportadong pamumuhay: • Mga tagapag-alaga ng mga Albertans na pinaka-panganib sa pagkaroon ng malubhang kinalabasan, kabilang ang: o Ang itinalagang pamilya na sumusuporta sa mga indibidwal na nasa pangmatagalang pangangalaga, itinalagang sumusuporta sa pamumuhay at lisensyado at suportadong mga pasilidad sa

pamumuhay. o Mga contact sa bahay at tagapagalaga sa mga taong may malalim na immunocompromised kondisyon. o Ang mga magulang o tagapagalaga ng mga batang wala pang 12 taong gulang na may karapat-dapat na malalang kondisyon (Phase 2B) ngunit hindi makatanggap ng bakuna dahil sa edad.

• Mga front-line na pulisya at mga sheriff ng probinsya na nakikipagugnay sa mga residente sa mga kanlungan, pasilidad sa pagwawasto at mga sentro ng remand, kawani ng Canada Border Security Agency at mga bumbero.

• Ang mga Albertans sa pagitan ng edad na 50 at 64.

• Mga First Nations, Métis at Inuit sa pagitan ng edad na 35 at 49.

Ang mga Albertans na ito ay makakapag-book ng mga appointment sa pamamagitan ng tool sa pag-book ng online sa AHS, 811 o mga kasali na parmasya sa buong lalawigan.

Makikipag-ugnay ang AHS sa mga karapat-dapat na indibidwal sa pangangalaga sa bahay para sa kanilang pagbabakuna, o ang mga indibidwal ay maaaring tumawag sa 811 upang talakayin ang mga pagpipilian.

Kinakailangan ang katibayan ng pagiging karapat-dapat para sa pagbabakuna ng mga kawani ng mga karapat-dapat na pasilidad at itinalagang mga taong sumusuporta.

Kabilang dito ang: • Para sa mga kawani ng mga pasilidad na magtipun-tipon, patunay sa pagtatrabaho (tulad ng isang liham mula sa kanilang tagapag-emplyo • Para sa mga itinalagang tao na sumusuporta sa pamilya, isang liham mula sa congregate living facility (hal., group home, mga specialty school, atbp.) ay kinakailangan.

• Ang diskarte sa sistema ng karangalan ay ang gagamitin para sa mga contact ng sambahayan ng mga malalim na immunocompromised na indibidwal at bata na wala pang 12 taong na may mataas na peligro na kondisyong medikal.

Lahat ng Albertans na karapatdapat sa Phase 1, 2A, 2B o ang unang bahagi ng 2C ay hinihikayat na i-book ang kanilang mga appointment sa pagbabakuna, dahil karapat-dapat silang magpabakuna.

Ang mga detalye tungkol sa paglulunsad ng Phase 3 ay ilalabas sa mga darating na linggo. Ang karagdagang pagpapalawak ng programa ng pagbabakuna ng Alberta ay nakasalalay sa suplay ng bakuna mula sa pamahalaang federal.

Ang gobyerno ng Alberta ay tumutugon sa COVID-19 pandemya sa pamamagitan ng pagprotekta sa mga buhay at kabuhayan na may tumpak na mga hakbang upang mabaluktot ang kurba, mapanatili ang maliliit na negosyo at protektahan ang sistema ng pangangalaga ng kalusugan ng Alberta.

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

9

MAY 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

The Vloggers’ Conjugal Earnings 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.

Couple Vlogger Publicly shows and create funny videos, sweetie stuff videos, prank videos and other types of content. Several videos concept posted to catch eyes of the viewers to subscribe their channel. What if these couple broke-up and tired of singing the honey-bunch Sugarplum Pumpy-umpy-umpkin?

How do couple divide the property acquired?

We currently hear break ups in some popular couple vlogger. The dilemma is that how they could split their property assimilated. Have you known some person close or related to you in the same situation?

Let us look how this couple earned from vlogging. Conferring to socialblade.com the daily averages earnings of the YouTube creator in every +13 subscriber with+1,614 video

The Twist: Migration means adaptation

M

Jonathan Perez jonperez13@gmail.com Jon Perez was a former sports and news reporter with the Saipan Tribune in the CNMI, one of three U.S. territories in the Pacific. He moved to Saskatchewan with his family in 2019.

On behalf of the AFJ Family, I would like to welcome Jonathan Perez of Saskatoon. His background truly speaks who he is and what he can offer to the FilipinoCanadian community as a writer. Come aboard and bring along all your expertise, hopes, and dreams for the betterment of life here in Canada, Brother!

- Lito Velasco

y current employment here is no way near from what I have been doing in the media industry in the past 20 years.

I am currently working, part time, as a program leader with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Saskatoon while also as a substitute educational assistant under the city’s public school system.

In both jobs, I deal with school kids from Mondays to Fridays, from 7am to 3:30pm.

Being the responsible adult, in a way, could be the best job description on what I do with the BGCS where I come up with programs and other activities for the kids that go to program. I get to supervise children during the before and after school programs. I get to play games with them—like grounders, everybody it, octopus, Jenga, Uno, Snakes & Ladders, etc.—or we do arts and crafts, and other activities that would challenge them and aid in their development.

At the same time, being a program leader, you need to communicate with their parents and their teachers to let them know how the kids are doing while they are with you in program.

You get to talk to them about their behaviour, like how would they treat you as their adult friend and also how would they interact with their peers.

As the proverb states: it takes a village to raise a child.

BGCS also partners with Reebok and the Toronto Blue Jays in promoting being active through its BOKS (Building Our Kids’ Success) and Jays Care programs. Both involves various activities to get the kids being active in a fun environment, with the latter

views is $0.40 -$ 6. Nevertheless, for weekly, averages earnings in every +91 subscribers with +11,298 video views is $3-$45. Similarly, for the last 30 days, averages earnings in evry+381 subscribers with +48,392 video view is $12- $194. Assuming these earnings, let us accumulate the income of one of famous vloggers with1.01 Million subscribers and have had 332,993 video views for 11 months in YouTube, Wow! interesting profit right? Hence, with this lucrative earning famous vlogger couple commonly have monetary issues and the separation of property gained.

In complex legal perspective, stated In the Family Code of the Philippines Property Relations or also referred to as Property Regimes are divided into four types: 1. Complete Separation of Property.

also introducing the game of baseball to the younger generation.

Being a substitute EA, meanwhile, is a bit different since you would assist the lead teacher with the day’s lesson—be it in writing, mathematics, reading, language arts, spelling or social studies. I try, as much as possible, to help the kids learn and understand their lesson for the day.

You need a ton of patience in both jobs, especially being an EA where you are helping kids improve their reading and language arts skills, solve math equations and problems or in coming up with answers to questions in social studies like: why was the Trans-Canada Highway built along towns and cities?

Coming from being a journalist— reporter and editor, it was not that easy for me. I struggled most of the time, but it was a fun and learning experience for me. You are going to deal with a lot of different kids, who came from diverse different family backgrounds and whose parents have different approaches in raising their child.

In both jobs, I would always encourage the kids to read books. I would tell them that English is not my first language and reading a lot of different books while growing up helped me widen my vocabulary by learning new words, their meaning, and how to use them properly in a sentence. Hopefully, I could have convinced a couple of them.

I am not sure if I would still get the chance to work as a journalist here in Saskatoon or do anything that is related to the media industry.

My writing career has an uncertain future. For now, I would do everything that I can to help encourage these kids in growing up to become responsible adults and productive citizens of this country.

The spouses owns his or her exclusive properties, from both present and future property, including the ones they already own prior to getting married.

2. Property Regime of Unions Without Marriage. It denotes to the property regime of bigamous marriages, adulterous relationships in state of concubinage, relationships where both man and woman are married to other persons. Wages and salaries earned by each party belong to him or her exclusively.

3. Conjugal Partnership of Gains.

The husband and wife place in a shared fund the fruits of their separate property and the income from their work or industry, and divide equally, upon the dissolution of the marriage or of the partnership, the net gains or benefits obtained indiscriminately by either.

4. System of Absolute Community.

A system of property relation that

treats properties acquired by the spouses during their marriage as jointly-owned. Consequently, property is considered as the default property regime of the spouses.

With this basic understanding on property relationship, we can foresee the division of property based on the relations status the couple has.

It seems the break-ups of some vloggers with money and property issues uncovered the same scenario that the common couple may have.

People in this dilemma has a difficulty in deciding if they will continue the relationship because they are frightened of losing the gained properties due to the absence of knowledge on what to do lawfully.

Be wise enough to secure your hard-earned investments whatever manner you gain or acquire it.

“All shall be well” John 16:16-20

MAKE OUR DAILY GOSPEL READING TRENDING Like it and share it!

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.

“You will weep and mourn while the world rejoices, you will grieve but your grief will turn into joy.”

Today, our Gospel reading is reminding us that all sufferings are only temporary-“just a while”.

There is always joy after pain. After the darkness comes the sun. After the storms come calm. Failure is not final. Our God cares for our sorrows. He will surely turn our grief into rejoicing. Our mourning will be transformed into dancing.

Pains and struggles of whatever form are just passing. Problems have an

expiration date. Friends, whatever causes you pain, it will subside. There is a comfort in knowing that all our difficulties are temporary. All shall be well. Bad days do not mean a bad life. We have been through a lot and I am certain that better days are coming. Life must go on and great blessings are ahead of us. To be the best, we must learn how to handle the worst. Go up and never stop for your best days are yet to come.

Friends, today allow God to turn your grief into joy. Surrender to Him your worries. There is comfort in knowing that everything is temporary.

So if things are going well, enjoy it because it won't last forever. And if things are going bad, don’t worry about it. This won’t last forever either. Everything is bound to end but God’s love will never end. Don’t stress yourself too much because no matter how bad the situation is, it will change. Embrace your struggles and let them make you stronger.

Your pain is only temporary. This pandemic will go on for just a “little while.” Your financial struggle is just for a moment. Your emotional distress is soon to end. Your healing and recovery are on the way because your pain is temporary. It will be okay. Maybe not today, but it will. It is going to turn out better than okay.

Friends, “You will grieve, but your grief will become joy.” Let me end by quoting St. Julian of Norwich: “All shall be well, all shall be well, and the manner of thing shall be well.”

Blessings Fr. Jhack

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2021

Canada opens a one-time temporary pathway to allow 90,000 foreign workers and international graduates to obtain permanent residency 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 Committee and previously served as Prairie Chapter representative for the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education Committee. Marjorie has been a recipient of CAPIC's Members Service Award for four consecutive years (2015-2019).

Last month, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Hon. Marco E. L. Mendecino announced a new temporary pathway allowing 90,000 foreign workers and international graduates of a Canadian institution to obtain permanent residence.

On its opening day, May 6, 2021 IRCC received more than 37,000 online applications which caused IRCC’s online payment site to crash.

Applicants must meet all the eligibility conditions to submit an online application starting May 6, 2021 until Nov. 5, 2021. To qualify, foreign workers must have at least 12 months of Canadian work experience in a health care profession or another pre-approved essential occupation.

International graduates must have completed an eligible post-secondary program in Canada within the last 4 years, and no earlier than January 2017.

IRCC’s online portal will accept applications until November 5, 2021 or until the cap has been reached for each stream namely: -20,000 applications for foreign workers in health care -30,000 applications for temporary

workers in other selected essential occupations -40,000 applications for international students who have graduated from an eligible Canadian institution.

Unfortunately, one day after opening, IRCC has received the maximum number of applications under the International graduates stream.

As of this writing, IRCC has received: Workers in Canada: health care 1,101 applications out of 20,000 applications to be accepted Workers in Canada: essential, non-health care 7,200 applications out of 30,000 applications to be accepted Three additional streams with similar eligibility criteria have also been launched for French-speaking and bilingual candidates, but there is no maximum number of applications.

Applicants must intend to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec to qualify all streams of this temporary pathway.

This new pathway to permanent residence aims to recognize Canada’s need for educated and experienced workers while working towards economic recovery. It also acknowledges the extraordinary service of so many essential workers during the pandemic, many of whom are newcomers to our country and have played critical roles in Canada as we fight COVID-19.

This is part of Canada’s plan to accept 401,000 new permanent residents for 2021.

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

Hon. Marco E. L. Mendecino Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of ICCRC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.

People Will Always Remember How You Made Them Feel HUWAG PAGTAKHAN! (“DON’T MARVEL at MR. MARVEL”)

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.

I

arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes, I honked again. Since this was going to be the last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned to it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, nor any knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said.

I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing,’ I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'

'Oh, you're such a good boy,’ she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.’

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice. ‘The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city.

She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds and

she had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow down in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was cresting on the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'.

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said 'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a chapter of life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift.

I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient

to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware- beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL. Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance.

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

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from page 3

The new interim immigration pathway...

The current restrictive requirements for this new PR program, the short timeframe, and the arbitrary caps ensure that only those in the best situations will be able to apply. This means that many of the same people the government has celebrated as essential, working in healthcare, farms, grocery stores, delivery, warehouses, cleaning and construction, will continue to be excluded. Nearly half a million will compete for a chance to be in one of 90,000 spots. This is cruel and unnecessary.

The only path for permanent resident status for undocumented people is the Humanitarian and Compassionate application, but in 2020, the acceptance rate for these applications dropped to 37% from

65% in 2019, MRN reported that Canada deported more people in 2020 than in any year since 2015 despite the federal government assurances that it was unsafe and inhumane to deport people during a global pandemic.

Prime Minister Trudeau has the opportunity change the course of Canada’s economy. It is not possible to have effective labour laws when 1 in 23 people can be exploited more than other workers. It is not possible to ensure public health when 1in 23 people have to pay high fees for or simply have no access to basic healthcare. If it’s possible for the Federal government to create this pathway, it is definitely possible for them to provide permanent residency to all undocumented migrants.

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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.

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2021

THE ATTITUDE OF BEING POOR IN SPIRIT

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:3 THE POOR IN SPIRIT OR THE POVERTY OF SPIRIT. There is a poor-spiritedness that is so far from making men blessed that it is a sin and a snare—cowardice and base fear, and a willing subjection to the lusts of men. But this poverty of spirit which is being taught us by our Lord is a gracious disposition of soul, by which we are emptied of self in order for us to be filled with the Lord Jesus Christ.

To be poor in spirit is: 1) To be contentedly poor, willing to be emptied of worldly wealth. Our Lord Jesus Christ ordered it to the pauper prince. That he must sell all that he has and distribute to the poor the proceeds and come and follow Him. Yes, we must be willing to let go of our attachment to material

wealth if we truly desire the true blessings from God. 2) To be humble and lowly in our own eyes. To be poor in spirit is to think meanly of ourselves of what we are and have and do. It is chiefly an awareness of sin that makes us despicable, which in turn drives us to God. 3) To have a conviction in our innermost self to acknowledge that God is great and we are mean. That He is holy and we are sinful. That he is all and we are nothing—less than nothing, worse than nothing, and we need to humble ourselves before Him and under His mighty hand.

4) To come off from all confidence in our own righteousness and strength so that we may depend solely upon the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for our justification, and His Spirit and Grace for our sanctification.

5) To declare ourselves poor because we are always in want of God’s grace and mercy, always begging at God’s door and always hanging in His house.

THE PROMISED BLESSING. a) Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

- The kingdom of grace is composed of such who have the attitude of being poor in spirit. They are the only ones fit to be members of Christ’s Church, which is called the congregation of the poor (Psalm 74:19). b) The kingdom of glory is prepared for them.

- Those who thus humble themselves and comply with God when He humbles them shall be thus exalted. c) The great and high spirits go away with the glory of the kingdoms of the earth.

- But the humble, the mild, and the yielding souls obtain the glory of the kingdom of heaven. www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

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MAY 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

AMARJEET SOHI, FORMER CITY COUNCILLOR AND FEDERAL MINISTER, RUNNING FOR MAYOR CAMPAIGN TO FOCUS ON ECONOMIC RECOVERY, CLIMATE AMBITION, THRIVING COMMUNITIES AND ADVANCING EQUITY Amarjeet Sohi announced his intentions to run for Mayor of the City of Edmonton from his Southeast Edmonton home this morning.

“Edmonton holds a special place in my heart. It is my home. It has given me so much and now I want to give back to Edmontonians.

I know how much the residents of this city care about each other and when we work together, we accomplish great things. As your Mayor, I will ensure we deliver the services that Edmontonians need, while building a city that attracts and retains families, businesses, and individuals. I am invested in this city. I love this city. I raised my family here, and I want to see it move forward.”

Sohi worked for the Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) driving buses for many years, and during that time, he worked to organize his colleagues to fight for fair wages, sick pay and paid overtime.

He held a seat on City Council from 2007 until 2015, representing Ward 12, now known as Ssopmitapi (spoh-MEE’-tah-pee). During his time on Council, he fought to expand the LRT to all corners of the city. He played a prominent

CONTACT Noni Abao +63 947 975 8692 ilon.abao@gmail.com Alyssa Suico +63 917 543 1022 alyssa.suico@gmail.com

role in downtown revitalization. He helped to build recreational facilities, libraries, a senior centre, and a multicultural centre in his ward.

He also represented EdmontonMill Woods in Ottawa as a Member of Parliament from 2015 to 2019. He served as Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of Natural Resources during that time. During this time, he implemented Canada’s first-ever 10-year infrastructure plan with a total value of over $180 Billion. He also led the approach on Indigenous consultations that led to the approval and construction of the Trans Mountain Pipeline Project.

Sohi has extensive experience working with big-city mayors, the Canadian Urban Transit Association and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, helping them all to design and implement a long-term public transit infrastructure funding program. He knows how to build a city for the future.

Sohi has lived in Edmonton for more

than 40 years and he knows what it means to be an Edmontonian.

“I immigrated to this city with nothing but the love of my brother and sister-in-law. I learned to speak English in our public libraries.

I found a community of friends playing soccer in our public parks. At community centres, I found a love for theatre and performing. I used public transit to discover Edmonton and everything it has to offer.”

Sohi will support business to ensure that no one is left behind after the difficult year this sector has experienced.

He will work hard so that Edmonton’s economy bounces back by helping Edmontonians get back to work. He will make sure no one is left behind and that the city is a welcoming place for all.

“I know that this past year has not been easy on any of us but I believe we have an opportunity coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic to build a city that is more fair, equitable and just.

I love this city and it would be the honour of my lifetime to work together with all of you to make it an even better place to live.”

The municipal election will be held on October 18, 2021.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: If you would like to set up an interview with Amarjeet, or would like access to photos or the campaign video, please request it through: media@sohi.ca

TECHNICAL DETAILS Documentary Duration: 15 mins, 55 secs Country of Production: Philippines Language: English, Filipino, Ilocano, Twali-Ifugao

Shooting Format: HD, 1080P Screening Format: 1080P, DCP Sound: Stereo Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Subtitles: English

festivals, awards, and screenings -8th Liberation Docfest Bangladesh, Cinema of the World Section -Yale Environment 360! Video Contest, 2nd Place -32nd Gawad CCP Para sa Alternatibong Pelikula at Vidyo, Best Documentary -4th SeaShorts Film Festival, In Competition- Official Selection -12th DMZ International Documentary Film Festival, In Competition - International Shorts -Active Vista International Film Festival -Gawad Urian 2020, Nominee for Best Documentary -Mindanao Film Festival, Non-Mindanao Short Exhibition

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2021

Manila Grey: Filipino Canadian Breakthrough Group ARTOSPECTIVE - an artist’s point of view

Ida Beltran-Lucila ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com

T

he Juno Awards is the Canadian counterpart of the Grammys for Canadian artists. And in the upcoming 50th Juno Awards this May, a Vancouver-based Filipino Canadian R&B duo has been nominated for the Breakthrough Group of the Year Award.

Manila Grey is the FilipinoCanadian duo of Ghostride Neeko and Blame Soliven, friends since they were 13, living in Richmond. They were individually making music and decided to partner up, along with Azel North, their in-house producer in 2016. First generation Filipino Canadians, the name Manila Grey represents the place where they “create music and express what they’ve learned growing up in a different country”, i.e. Vancouver, for Grey; and Manila, as a sign of love to their roots.

In an interview with Hypebeast, they revealed that they “lean towards elements of what it means to be a Filipino because deep inside they still want to be in touch with their roots, even as they represent the Filipino Canadian diaspora”. They inject Filipino elements like Baybayin

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in their visuals and brand identity, recognizing the importance of cultural representation and reshaping the viewpoints of succeeding generations of Asian-Canadians.

“It’s always been about creating the best music we can for everyone, but growing up barely having any Asian-American or Asian-Canadian influences to look up and relate to is also a big driving force on why we do this,” Neeko explains. “Y’all should see all the hard-working people behind the scenes, too,” Soliven adds.

“We didn’t even realize how many Asian artists, graphic designers, art directors, stylists, managers, video directors, curators, etc. who are so essential in driving the business and creative process of the music industry. That makes us so happy.”

“As we got older and the music started progressing, there’s always been a duality between the stories of our past life in the East, and our current life in Vancouver, that we just had the constant urge to tell – but couldn’t tell until now,” says Neeko.

Soliven adds, “We realized that this is a big opportunity and outlet to introduce the people to something very unique.”

Their music has been described by one writer as “some of Canada’s most polished and confident in current hip-hop, at times reminiscent of The Weeknd and Majid Jordan”. Manila Grey released their debut EP No Saints Under Palm Shade in 2017, followed by the full-length album No Saints Loading in 2019, and another album No Saints on Knight Street in 2020. Their streams have a reach of over 50 million streams on Spotify and YouTube.

Hits like Timezones, Youth Water and Silver Skies have highlighted them as notable names in the hiphop and R&B acts, garnering support from music tastemakers Complex, Hypebeast, RESPECT Mag, Lyrical

Lemonade and Hot 97. They also have been named as ‘2020 Ones to Watch’ by Complex. They have had several packed shows in clubs and sold-out tours in Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Asked in an interview with Hypebeast on their successful Philippine show at the Black Market Manila in 2018, “The crowd reception was insane. We were so grateful for all the love! We set out to expand our culture, we really wanted to add to it, you know? But we were trying to do it from thousands of miles away in Vancouver.

Then coming home and seeing so many people support that and ride with us, we just couldn’t believe it. This is one of the biggest reasons we consistently try to push our limitations as artists.”

The Juno nomination is one validation of their successful direction in music. Incidentally, other FilipinoCanadian artists who were nominated for the Juno awards were Elise Estrada, who was nominated in 2009 for ”Best R&B/Soul Recording of the Year’ award , and Warren Dean Flandez, who was nominated twice, in 2017 and 2019 for “Contemporary Christian/Gospel”.

Sources: complex.ca; Hypebeast; Words and Music, SOCAN Magazine; Manila Grey Facebook To comment on this article, go to https://www.philippineartscouncil. com/blog.

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MAY 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Pinay Candidate for Edmonton City Council Election – Let us All Participate!

A

very important election is happening this year, the municipal elections! On October 18, 2021 we will vote for councillors, mayor and school board trustees to make important decisions that affect our lives. I am excited to let you know that I am running for the upcoming municipal election in Edmonton!

Edmonton has 13 members of council, one mayor and 12 councillors for each electoral ward. Please check the City of Edmonton website and learn the new name of your ward. They are beautiful and meaningful and only takes a little practice to learn. I’m running to represent west Edmonton which is now called ward sipiwiyiniwak (pronounced as see-pee-wee-nee-wak, silent “yi), 33 neighbourhoods ranging from Meadowlark, neighbourhoods by the mall, all the way to Lessard, The Hamptons down to Riverview Area. You can check the information here: https://www.edmonton.ca/ city_government/municipal_elections/civic-electionmaps.aspx

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By: Giselle General

I felt motivated to run because I want the experiences of regular people be reflected in our government. I was 16 years old when I immigrated Canada as an orphan, graduated from university, got a job, got married and became very involved in the community while building a life in Edmonton. There is so much more our city government can do to help us recover and thrive from the difficult year we just had.

I encourage everyone to get involved in the election and they are many ways to do so. Both citizens and not yet citizens, can donate small amounts like $10 or $20 to help print brochures, volunteer a few hours to deliver flyers, join online events and share your ideas on how to make the city better. I hope that you join me in my campaign that is of the people, by the people.

And who knows, we might be able to make history by electing the first Filipina-Canadian city councillor that Edmonton has ever had!

Please consider volunteering, supporting and researching other candidates as well.

For more information about the campaign, our website is www.gisellegeneral.ca and follows us on social media. I look forward to engaging with you during this elections season!

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2021

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Adjusting to the New Transit System 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.

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few years ago, consultations took place to review the citywide network of bus routes, a task that hasn’t been done since the late 90s. After a slight delay due to the pandemic, the new bus routes launched on Sunday, April 25, 2021. Many residents expressed their opposition to the changes proposed. I was worried about it also, because spending extra time walking or being stressed about catching a connecting bus can be difficult, especially in winter.

Now that the new bus routes have been implemented, it is pointless to get angry at the city’s decision, even if it affects you negatively. Instead, I encourage you to respond to these changes in a way that is meaningful and constructive, both short term and long term, for your family and for the city.

I suggest installing both apps on your phone: an app to plan for regular transit service (like Google Maps or the Transit app) and the City of Edmonton On-Demand Transit app. You never know when you need the second one to make a trip from or to one of the designated areas that have on-demand service only. It is a good idea, on a day off or a sunny day, to take a trip using the on-demand bus service

and learn how to use it. It is free.

You only need to pay a fare once you are at the destination that will connect you to regular bus services like a transit station or a mall, or a seniors residence. For those that don’t have a smartphone, you can use the phone to book a trip for the on-demand service.

There are new letters and numbers to remember as well, and they have a particular purpose, like a coding system. Bus numbers 1-9 are frequent buses. Two-digit bus numbers are bus routes that go across the city (ex. Southgate to West Edmonton Mall), and three-digit numbers are for community focused bus routes and the numbers depend on the area of the city, the pattern following a clock.

Platforms to take various buses now have letters in them. For instance, at West Edmonton Mall, I need to take Platform M to take the bus 904 to arrive in our area. This will help with taking buses and transferring so you won’t have to run across the terminal to catch the bus. Learning earlier is better so you are better prepared when winter comes.

I implore everyone to be kind to the bus drivers. On Sunday, April 25, I took several buses to learn the routes before the work week.

Transit operators are patiently and swiftly helping people learn the new bus routes. If you ended up being confused or overwhelmed, that is totally okay. We just need to make sure we don’t take our anger out on the ones operating the buses. It is also a good idea to send feedback to Edmonton 311 or your current elected representative via email.

Details are valuable, such as the address, and time of day or day of the week where the bus service is significantly worse. Knowing the specific pinch points can help address issues in a targeted way.

Finally, I encourage everyone to make this an election issue since we have a municipal election coming

up, and public transit is under the jurisdiction of the city. As an immigrant, frankly I was impressed by the way transit works in Edmonton. From 2008 – 2014 I witnessed regular and ongoing expansion and benefitted from – Lewis Farms Transit Centre, the bus routes 133, 119, 117 and 136, LRT expansion from University to Century Park and then the NAIT line. But I realize that those who have lived in Edmonton longer may have a different view, and the city has continued to grow in the past few years. There are different election candidates and advocacy groups you can collaborate with, in order to bring meaningful discussion and change on this important municipal issue.

Affordable Housing Supports By: Giselle General

H

aving a safe, stable and affordable home is such a fundamental need for us to have a good life. Unfortunately, the ability to have a stable home can be out of reach.

These are some community resources that help address the issue of lack of housing for those who are vulnerable that can either help you, or someone else in need.

Permanent Affordable Housing 1. Boyle Street Community Services Inner City Youth Housing Project: Youth who are struggling to find stable housing. A program was created In Partnership with E4C and the Bissell Centre. Accessible through coordinated access – Homeward Trust. Phone: 780.424.4106 Email: info@boylestreet.org 2. Capital Region Housing Community Housing Program: Housing programs for individuals who require low-income stable housing. Phone: 780.420.6161 Email: inquiries@crhc.ca

a disability that are over 55 years of age. Phone: 1-877-458-8684 Email: info@metishousing.ca Emergency Housing For People Fleeing Violence 1. WINHouse: Provides a safe place for women and children of all ages and cultures to flee. WINHouse offers various programs to women seeking support in times of crisis.

For further referral support clients can connect with the line directly.

Crisis Line: 780.479.0058 Maine Line: 780.471.6709 Email: info@ winhouse.org 2. Lurena Shelter: Emergency shelter and support proved through a 24-hour crisis line. There is also a continuum of holistic services in a safe, supportive environment. Programs are available to women with or without children fleeing domestic violence and abuse.

Crisis Line: 780.424.5875, Main Line: 780.422.7263, Email: info@ luranashelter.com

Homeless Shelters 1. Hope Mission Emergency Shelter: For all individuals seeking a safe place to sleep. During COVID-19, Commonwealth Stadium has also turned into an emergency shelter run

by Hope Mission – intake for this resource is completed at the Hope Mission Office. Phone: 780.422.2018 Email: we.care@hopemission.com 2. Tipinawaw 24/7 Emergency Shelter: This is the shelter currently open at the Edmonton Convention Centre in downtown Edmonton for anyone experiencing homelessness.

Sign in and screening is completed upon arrival.

This is not a comprehensive list, but can be a good starting point to let you know that there are resources that are available in time of need.

It can be helpful to access services that have more comprehensive directories like 211 to learn about all the services available.

Seniors Housing 1. Operation Friendship Housing Facilities: Several housing programs for seniors. A Housing Worker staff person helps with assessment to determine the most appropriate housing. https://www.ofss.org/ programs/housing-facilities/ 2. Greater Edmonton Foundation Seniors Housing: They are the largest housing provider of subsidized seniors housing in Alberta. https:// www.gef.org/ 3. Metis Urban Housing Corporation, Nighi Seniors Lodge: Housing units for Indigenous elders, NonIndigenous seniors and persons with All photos and articles available online. Follow us

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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 RegulatoryCouncil (ICCRC). He can be reached at 403-520-2277 or call/text at 587938-3100.Email: freedommigrate@gmail.comWebsite: www.freedommigrate.ca

This month, amidst the many questions and comments we receive from readers, I have decided to post our top two most frequently asked questions in a series called Questions for an Immigration Professional. **All names and details have been changed to protect identity**

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2021 extension just got refused! I read that you can still sponsor someone even if they do not have status. What should we do?

Answer: Hi Ana, thank you for the question.

First, congratulations on your wedding!

Second, this is a quite common situation. The short answer is Jose should do everything he can to ensure he doesn’t run afoul of Canadian immigration laws. Even though it is possible for Jose to become a permanent resident through a sponsorship inside Canada without status, he will be scrutinized closer by an immigration officer and will need to explain his status issues and why he is still inside the country. Here are the options: First step we would take is to restore his status! Before the COVID pandemic, foreign nationals in Canada with expired status documents could restore within a 90-day window to their previous status conditions. In Jose’s case, if his visitor status expired within 90 days of applying, he would be eligible for restoration. Since the COVID pandemic, many temporary visitors could not leave because of international travel

restrictions. As a result, the Canadian government introduced a temporary policy to allow foreign nationals like Jose to restore his status outside of the 90day window, provided he had status on January 30, 2020 and applies to restore before August 2021. This allows him more time and more options. In a restoration application, Jose should make sure to explain his current situation and why he wants to restore his status.

When applying for a spousal sponsorship application, be sure to include an explanation letter explaining Jose’s status and what he is doing to resolve his status. This is particularly important as an immigration officer will look much closer at Jose’s status situation to determine his eligibility. Remember, sponsorship applications take time! Likely Jose will have to reapply several times to renew his status in Canada. It might be a struggle, but he needs to make every effort to stay inside the boundaries of Canadian immigration law!

Also of note, there are two types of spousal sponsorship applications. The most

desirable for you and Jose is of course the in-Canada class application. This application allows Jose to apply for an open work permit as part of the application so that he could qualify later to work while you wait for the decision. The second is the family class application where Jose could be sponsored from outside Canada. This means that Jose could return to the Philippines and wait a decision and then come back to Canada. We all know which one you and Jose would prefer!

Rest easy knowing Freedom Migrate offers full representation for the entire process. We help you build your provincial nomination file and prepare you for the permanent resident application to follow. Our prices are very reasonable, and we work hard to build a competitive application for you!

Have a question? Send us your submission to freedommigrate@gmail.com or call/text 587-938-3100 from anywhere in Alberta!

Don’t miss your chance!

Question from Liza in Sherwood Park, AB: I am a caregiver working in Edmonton and I have one year’s worth of work experience! I want to apply for the new TR to PR pathway, but I don’t know what I need. Can you help?

Answer: Liza, we can help! The good news is that your occupation and work experience (provided it is full time and equal to or more than 1560 hours) qualify! However, there are a few more steps before you can apply. The new TR to PR pathway is an extremely popular stream and we get hundreds of calls and messages asking to be assessed – CALL 587-938-3100 for a FREE assessment.

Here are some of the things you need to know: 1) To qualify for the new program, you need to have a valid police clearance for any country you have lived in for 6 months of more since the age of 18 or the last 10 years – even though there are COVID delays in getting police clearances from other countries, we recommend you wait if you are waiting on this document.

2) You must obtain and submit a recent (dated less than 2 years ago) language assessment result (IELTS or CELPIP) showing a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least a CLB 4 in all four competencies. This is also a document that must be submitted to be eligible.

If you are waiting for results, we encourage you to wait before applying.

3) Be sure to prove your experience! You need a recent paystub, your employment reference letter, the job offer, and tax documents to show you have the 1560 hours needed to qualify.

4) IME – Immigration Medical Exam – provide proof that you have at least booked an IME exam for you and your family. This is also a mandatory requirement and must be completed before applying.

5) Other documents – there are also other documents required, however given the limited time frame, be sure to work on the documents that will take time for you to receive. Other documents include but are not limited to, passport documents, current work permit and status, proof that you are currently employed, paystubs, completed information documents, detailed family history, and photos.

Love blossoms in the spring Question from Ana in Edmonton, AB: I recently got married to my long-time boyfriend Jose!

I am a Canadian citizen, and he is a citizen of and lives in the Philippines. However, he was able to come visit me just before the COVID restrictions came into place and he was able to renew his visitor status and stay with me for the last year and a half. We are about to apply for a spousal sponsorship, but his visitor record www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

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MAY 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

FRONTLINER ISA KANG BAYANI (YOU’RE A HERO)

Rosalinda Magayones Equipment Cleaner, Environmental Services University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton

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!

From left: Lowelyn Villavert, Buddy, Dionisio “Jun” Libunao Shippers and Receivers at the iFurniture, Edmonton

AFJ paid Cô Dô Hue Dine in & Take Out a visit and met its dedicated employee Nana Nguyen, a Frontliner.

Nana Nguyen Casher and Server Cô Dô Hue Dine in & Take Out, Edmonton

Lexus of Edmonton West shared its blessings through the Director of Filipino Sales Mr. Ian Fernandez and Lexus brand Ambassador Mr. Jaytee Balmores. Naneth Tabiolo Tan and Roxy Urbano were also among the good hearted donors of the essentials/goods.

Alan Cruz (Standing/proctoring) Alberta firearm licensing instructor and examiner at the Shooting Edge in Calgary.

Romelyn Tuscano Medical Equipment Cleaner University of Alberta Hospital

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2021

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2021 JAN THE MAN’S NOTE

Homemade Spanish-style Sardines Pink Salmon

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.

O

ver the course of the ongoing pandemic surrounding COVID-19, students from all around the globe have had to endure the stress and difficulties that come with online schooling.

For example, the lack of face-to-face socialization with friends, classmates, and colleagues have robbed this

Photo credits from ‘Stock Images’ on Microsoft word

year’s graduating students of a sense of normalcy before heading off into the real world. In addition, the Zoom fatigue of looking at screens all day has resulted in an increase in tiredness, sluggishness, and even signs of burnout. Moreover, being limited to spending much of your day in your own home over the course of several months can most definitely take a toll on one’s mental health.

Despite the numerous ongoing obstacles of pursuing an education in the middle of a pandemic, whether it be finishing high school, postsecondary, or grad school – I believe that those who have graduated in 2020 and will be graduating this spring in 2021 will be some of the most resilient individuals the world will ever see. Being able to embrace

setbacks and continue to pursue and prioritize a formal education will be seen as an asset in our world of endless possibilities and opportunities.

To those graduating in 2021, know that your hard work does not go unnoticed, and you will be rewarded!

Know that though COVID-19 has tested you to your limits and has caused experiences to be taken from you - the knowledge you have learned over the last few years and the diploma/degree conferred on you cannot be taken away because you have earned it. Lastly, to the graduands of 2021, your resilience and dedication you have accumulated in your studies and overall journey will serve you well in your future academic and/or professional endeavours!

ConGRADulations!

Hindi ka ba makapagtrabaho dahil sa COVID-19?

Ang Canada Recovery Benefit ay nagbibigay ng $ 500 bawat linggo hanggang sa 26 na linggo sa mga manggagawa na tumigil sa pagtatrabaho o nabawasan ang kanilang kita ng hindi bababa sa 50% dahil sa COVID-19, at hindi karapatdapat para sa Insurance sa Pagtrabaho.

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Dagdagan ang kaalaman: https://www.canada.ca/.../dep.../economic-responseplan.html Pahina ng naisalin na mga mapagkukunan sa Alberta: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-translated-resources.aspx

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.

I

chanced upon a bounty of wild pink salmon at the supermarket a few days ago. At a price of around $1.50 per pound, I thought it would be good for paksiw so I said “Why not!” and grabbed a big one.

During our early days here in Canada, I used to ignore wild pink salmon just because they don’t look as good as its other cousins. The firmer meat and brighter orange colour, plus those omega-3 rich fat marbling we see on fillets of other varieties, make pink salmon less attractive.

But since I’ve started learning more about the pros and cons between the farm-raised and the wild caught fish, I now tend to buy more of the wild caught ones than the farmed. Both are good by the way, no alarm here, as each one was said to have an advantage over the other in different ways. It is just good that we have choices, right?

Back to my salmon. When it was time to prepare it for cooking, I felt regret. I wished I bought more because by that time, I wanted to cook it a la Spanish style sardines.

I got excited at the thought. “Why didn’t I think of it before?” I could have gotten more fish for sure if I did.

I love sardines. Canned or home cooked, it doesn’t matter. My older brother cooks very good homemade sardines. It is his specialty. And I learned to do it too. I tried to cook a few versions of my own, using herring fish. This was the first time I used pink salmon.

And it turned out to be good.

The fish was flavorful and tender to the bone. I put two finger chilis but the heat I was expecting was not there, so I sprinkled it with chili flakes, added a bit more water and boiled it again for a few minutes. Some heat with a hint of sweetness…it was perfect.

To cook it, here’s what you need: You can adjust the amounts based on your taste preference and the size of fish.

• 2 big pink salmons. We buy salmon already headless and gutted so just cut it to 1 to 1.5 inches thick.

• Kosher salt • 1 head of garlic • 1 or 2 carrots, peeled and sliced • 6 to 10 bay leaves • 1/3 cup pitted green olives • ¼ cup sliced sweet pickles • 1 tbsp peppercorns • Red chilis • 1.5 to 2 cups of olive oil (you can also use vegetable oil) • Water What to do: 1. Create a brine solution by combining 1.5L cold water and ¾ cup kosher salt in a large bowl.

Stir to dissolve salt.

2. Soak fish in the brine for 1 hour to improve flavor and retain moisture.

3. Put garlic, bay leaves and carrots at the bottom of the pressure cooker.

4. Arrange fish in layers making sure not to over pack so it will be easier to take them out once cooked.

5. Add olives, pickles, peppercorns, and chilies on top. Sprinkle with kosher salt.

6. Pour in olive oil. Add water to cover the fish.

7. Cook fish for about 1 hour and 10 minutes from the time pressure cooker starts whistling.

8. Make sure to wait for the pressure cooker to cool downuntil it is safe to open the lid.

9. Serve with hot rice or bread, even with puto, any time of the day. Enjoy!

Try to cook and then share this homemade Spanish-style sardines pink salmon with your friends and families. Everyone will enjoy it for sure and the compliments you will get will encourage you to cook more. Have fun!

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

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MAY 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Right-wing extremism fuels COVID spread 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 cat is out of the bag, finally.

Anti-maskers and COVID 19 conspiracy theorists are with part of the ultra-rightist movement, which espouses racism and bigotry.

Extremists must always be called out, no matter where they are or who they are. Extremism must always be condemned because it is a dark wave that tears at the very fabric of a decent and civil society. Extremism comes in many forms, and goes by many names. But at the end of the day, it is nothing more than moral—or political—cowardice.

The Canadian Anti-Hate Network (www.antihate.ca) is a non-profit that “counters, monitors, and exposes hate promoting movements, groups, and individuals in Canada using every reasonable, legal, and ethical tool at our disposal.”

"We have two pandemics: We have the actual pandemic and then we have this pandemic of hate," the group’s executive director, Evan Balgord, said in a media report. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh pointed out that protests against COVID restrictions are something seen with extreme right-wing ideology.

In previous columns, we pointed out how the provincial government’s policy to address the pandemic had been lacking and short on enforcement.

The restrictions recently put in place

by Premier Jason Kenney were “too little, too late,” as Alberta’s healthcare professionals put it. And all these must be mentioned against the backdrop of the province now having the highest number of COVID cases per capita in North America.

Alberta Justice Minister Kaycee Madu recently accused UCP’s opponents of wanting the province’s healthcare system to collapse, insinuating that these opponents want all the blame to fall on UCP’s shoulders. And he names these opponents: the media, the NDP, and the federal Liberals. Might as well throw in those healthcare professionals and those educators who have done nothing but blame Premier Kenney and the UCP for the pandemic.

Mr. Madu has since walked back on his tirade and apologized. Well and good. But his Facebook rant only shows how politicized Alberta’s COVID response has been, and therefore how ineffective the government has been in addressing the pandemic.

It is important to point out two things: one, that there is indeed a link between protests against COVID restrictions and extreme right-wing ideology, and two, that Alberta’s leadership is making an effort to keep those right-wingers within its political sphere. They are the UCP’s base, plain and simple, and the party cannot afford to lose them by taking a more centrist political stance on COVID 19.

This is a familiar story. It is disconcerting, and the very thought of political leaders coddling these extremists for political gain is disgusting. There may be no vaccine for stupidity but there is certainly a vaccine for booting out leaders who support extremism, tacitly or otherwise. It’s called the ballot.

An Anonymous Article For You THROUGH A TEENAGER’S EYES

Kristian Cereno Kristian Gabrielle Cereno is a Grade 11 student at Archbishop MacDonald Senior High School.

His hobbies include writing poems, composing songs, acting and drama. He also has a love of music and plays piano and guitar and will soon learn to play the violin. Hockey? – Leave it to the Canadians.

P

eople around the world struggle with the conflicts within their mind. An internal conflict where people feel that they have no one. In a world where people feel alone even though they are not. Our mental health - not just our own, but also the people around us - is a serious topic which we should put attention on. Every time we go out, we ask people, “How are you?” and we respond with a “Thank You”.

But when did you last ask yourself, “How am I?”, “Am I doing well?”, “Is there something going on?” How many times have you taken care of yourself instead of taking care of others? How many times have you read a “bedtime story” to yourself? How many times did you treat yourself and “hang out” with yourself?

The environment around us

affects the way we act. One’s mental health can be defined by the people surrounding him/her. The joy that we see from the man who makes everyone happy can have a different face when he is alone in his room. That silent girl in the corner who you think is “weird” could have a reason for why she is silent.

Our speech makes a great impact on people. Simple small talk can have a different and positive meaning to the people around us. A simple phrase of “How was your day?” can brighten up one’s mood. We live in a society where people are so different, and where people are filled with positivity and negativity. But despite the “negative”, we know that there will always be a bright side.

I, myself have struggled dealing with my mental health. Having my friends and my family around me helped a lot in overcoming the fight within myself. Just by talking to them gave me an overwhelming feeling which helped me work my way through the maze of depression. Once, my mom told me that, “Sitting in a room alone is not a good thing because it makes you overthink.” That was an eye opener for me. And because of that, I started to become more engaged with the things happening around me, which helped me turn those problems into happiness. I started caring for myself more, and I started to think of what makes me happy. And lastly, I started to become more engaged with God. A prayer is the greatest weapon against the swords of sadness. The first bible verse I have learned from my mom is from the book of Jeremiah, “Call unto me and I will answer thee.”(Jeremiah 33:3). If you just ask for help from God, He will help you. God will never reject you even if you are a sinner. God welcomes everyone in His kingdom as long as you accept Him. God is always up there, watching over you even if

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you turned Him away, or even if you choose someone or something over Him. God will always be there for you.

Our mental health is very important.

Our minds also need rest after a long day of stress. Having an “unrested brain” can lead to depression and anxiety which can lead to a conundrum between life and death. Finding someone to talk to is very important because this helps us recover while having a “shoulder to cry on”. Also, being the one who listens to someone’s problem can be a huge help for that person because this lets him/her know that someone cares. A simple “How are you?” can lead to a person’s turning point in life.

From this, we can help build a world close to utopia where people are filled with positivity.

Lahat ng Albertans na 12 gulang pataas karapat-dapat para sa COVID-19 bakuna Lahat ng mga Albertans na higit 12 taong gulang ay malapit nang maging karapatdapat sa COVID-19 bakuna upang maprotektahan ang kanilang sarili at itigil ang pagdami ng maapektuhan.

M

a tapos mag-alok ng bakuna sa mga Albertans na pinaka-panganib na lubhang maapektuhan, ang Alberta ay umusad na ngayon sa Phase 3, kung saan ang lahat ng higit na 12 gulang ay maaaring gumawa ng appointment upang makatanggap ng kanilang unang dosis.

Sa pagpapalawak na ito, 3.8 milyong mga Albertans ay magiging karapat-dapat para sa COVID-19 bakuna.

Upang maiwasan ang pagkagulo sa sistema ng pag-book, ang mga tipanan ay papulong-pulong sa dalawang pangkat ng edad.

• Simula sa Mayo 6, bawat Albertan na 30 taong gulang at pataas (ipinanganak noong 1991 o mas maaga), ay maaaring mag-book ng appointment sa pamamagitan ng Alberta Health Services o isang nakikilahok na parmasya.

• Sa Mayo 10, lalawak ang mga booking ng appointment upang isama ang mga Albertans na may 12 taong gulang hanggang 29 (ipinanganak noong 2009 hanggang 1992).

Mahigit sa 1.66 milyong dosis ng bakuna ang naibigay na sa buong lalawigan. Ang lahat ng mga tipanan sa bakuna ay magpapatuloy

Ang lahat ng karapat-dapat na Albertans ay makakapag-book ng mga tipanan upang makatanggap ng isang bakunang mRNA sa AHS online o sa 811.

Maaari ring mag-book ng appointment ang mga Albertans para sa mga bakunang ito sa pamamagitan ng mga kalahok na parmasya. Upang mahanap ang pinakamalapit na lokasyon sa iyo na may isang pinakamaagang magagamit na petsa ng pag-book, suriin ang listahan sa Alberta Blue Cross.

Ang gobyerno ng Alberta ay tumutugon sa COVID-19 pandemya sa pamamagitan ng pagprotekta sa mga buhay at kabuhayan na may tumpak na mga hakbang upang mabaluktot ang kurba, mapanatili ang maliliit na negosyo at protektahan ang sistema ng pangangalaga ng kalusugan ni Alberta.

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24

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2021

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES: Your City’s Future Depends Upon Them

Cheryll Watson Cheryll Watson was the first person to announce her run for mayor in the upcoming civic election this fall.

Even though Watson has no political experience, she said the council is ready for some external perspective.

Watson has worked more than 20 years with mostly technology and innovation organizations, including four years as vice-president of Innovate Edmonton, a division of the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.

She co-founded the Alberta Innovation Corridor partnership and was a member of the Business Council of Alberta's advisory board for the tech, innovation and telecom sector, providing policy recommendations to the premier's office.

Mike Nickel Current Edmonton city councillor Mike Nickel has once again thrown his hat in the rink for the mayoral race.

He said Edmontonians have been asking him to run for the past year-and-a-half. After talking to his wife, he decided to do so.

Nickel has been a councillor three times. He was first elected in 2004 in Ward 5 but lost the councillor's seat in 2007 to Don Iveson. In 2013, Nickel was elected as the councillor for Ward 11, where he was re-elected in 2017.

Nickel has also run for mayor twice before, in 1998 and 2001, defeated both times by Bill Smith.

At city council, Nickel has developed a reputation for opposing tax increases and any regulation that he believes opposes businesses.

Michael Oshry

Kim Krushell

Augustine Marah

Michael Oshry represented Ward 5 on city council from 2013 until 2017. An entrepreneur, he founded FIRMA Foreign Exchange and more recently Blue Pen Capital, which finances small and medium-sized builders, mostly with infill projects.

In a statement on social media Feb. 11, Oshry said he had filed his paperwork. The official launch to his campaign was on May 12.

"My experience first in small business, and then founding a big business, coupled with my experience on council, gives me a great perspective on how to nurture without stifling, and ultimately how to unleash the potential for the people here to build prosperity and a future that all our kids will want to stay for," Oshry said in a news release. "That's why I'm doing this."

Former Edmonton city councillor Kim Krushell announced her decision to run for mayor on Jan. 27 in front of Edmonton City Hall.

Krushell was a councillor for Ward 2 for three consecutive terms before stepping down in 2013 to spend more time with her family.

Krushell was involved in the decision to shut down the Edmonton City Centre airport, now the community of Blatchford, in 2010.

She also created Edmonton's NextGen, a task force created to conduct public consultations on arts and culture, business opportunities, sports and education in the city. The task force is still active today, led by Coun. Andrew Knack.

Marah's website describes him as a long-term community activist involved in politics since 1984. He says he is an entepreneur who opened an operated an accredited private college in Edmonton for 20 years.

"I am running to become the mayor of Edmonton to contribute to the city that has made the most significant impact in my life," Marah says on the site. "Among other things, I am very concerned about the quality of life for Edmontonians, which begins with people's health and their environment."

He said he wants to improve and diversify job creation and to continue Mayor Don Iveson's work in reducing homelessness.

Brian (Breezy) Gregg

Diana Steele

Edmonton musician Brian Gregg is seeking the mayor's chair for a second time. Gregg first campaigned for the city's top job in 1998.

On his campaign website, Gregg lists his platform priorities. A partial list: getting big money out of politics, affordable housing, free transit, free Wi-Fi, promoting "unionization of all essential workers" and strengthening library services.

Gregg also advocates freezing the police budget and investing in alternative strategies to reduce crime and deal with problems arising from addictions and mental health.

Diana Steele is president of the Crestwood Community League. She has been a community volunteer since her teen years, she says on her website.

Steele says she has run three small businesses and has taught business courses at NorQuest College.

Her platform priorities include a review of the property tax system "to determine if it is transparent, structured properly, and fair." She also advocates supporting local business, working to end homelessness, and stronger partnerships with community leagues.

Rick Comrie and Abdul Malik Chukwudi have also filed nomination papers.

Source: City of Edmonton Website abd CBC News

ALBERTA RECEIVES SIXTH CREDIT DOWNGRADE UNDER UCP EDMONTON - Alberta has received its sixth credit downgrade under the UCP government after S&P Global Ratings cut Alberta’s credit rating from A+ to A. As part of their rationale for the rating decision, S&P notes that Alberta’s economy performed the worst in the country in 2020 and is expected to lag the national average growth rate in 2021. It continues that, “Improving oil prices notwithstanding, we believe that Alberta's fiscal recovery will still be incomplete by the end of the 2023-2024 fiscal year.”

“The UCP have completely mismanaged the pandemic and failed to protect public health or our economy,” said NDP Finance Critic Shannon Phillips. “But even before the pandemic, the UCP failed to create jobs or grow the

economy while nearly doubling the deficit. Now they’ve made a bad situation worse with no plan for an economic recovery.”

The first credit downgrade under the UCP came in December 2019 from Moody’s Investors Service, following the introduction of the UCP’s first budget that increased Alberta’s deficit from $6.7 billion to $12.1 billion. The downgrade also came just months after the UCP began cutting the province’s corporate tax rate from 12 per cent to 8 per cent over the course of their term.

During the pandemic, the UCP have accelerated the corporate tax cut and lost $1.5 billion on Keystone XL after the project was halted by President Joe Biden.

According to recently released data from Statistics Canada, Alberta had the worst performing economy

in the country in 2020, with an 8.2 per cent drop in gross domestic product, and currently has the second highest unemployment rate in the country. This comes after Alberta’s economy grew by just 0.1 per cent in 2019 and 50,000 full-time jobs were lost under the UCP before the pandemic hit the province.

“In the middle of an economic crisis, the UCP have doubled down on their failed strategy to hand billions of dollars over to already profitable corporations,” said Phillips. “Instead, we need to focus on supporting Albertans and small businesses to get through this pandemic, as well as a plan that takes aggressive steps to diversify our economy so we can build a stable and long-lasting recovery.”

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MAY 2021 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

ENGINEER IN ACTION

Does my Professional Engineering License in Canada qualify me to Practice Professional Engineering in the US?

I 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.

n my previous Articles, I mentioned the International Mobility of Professional Engineering License in Canada.

“Engineers Canada is the Canadian signatory to several professional engineering agreements which facilitate mobility by enhancing Canadian engineers’ ability to work abroad and international engineers’ licensure in Canada. These agreements are designed to protect the public and maintain the good reputation of the engineering profession through effective regulation and expeditious licensure between participating countries.” This is an excerpt from the Engineers Canada’s statement on Canadian Engineers Mobility in International Practice of Engineering.

In the United States of America, there is a Mutual Recognition Agreement in place between Engineers Canada and The Nevada State Board of Professional Engineers and The

Texas State Board of Professional Engineers.

The MRAs are intended to provide licensed engineers from these bodies with an equivalent level of licensure in Canada and in the US to the these two states.

If you are currently a licensed engineer in good standing in Canada and wish to receive a temporary license in the State of Texas and in the state of Nevada, the application is not complicated and registration is straightforward. Your temporary Professional Engineering (PE) license can be obtained from these two states and will be valid for one year and can be extended to a maximum of an additional two years. For any other states, you need to apply with their usual procedure.

As a Professional Engineer in Canada, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created special economic and trade relationships

Republican Party in turmoil 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.

E

lizabeth “Liz” Lynne Cheney was born on July 28, 1966 in Madison, Wisconsin, the elder of two daughters of former Vice President Dick Cheney and former Second Lady Lynne Cheney. She is an attorney and politician serving the House of Representatives as the congresswoman from Wyoming’s at-large congressional district since 2017.

Cheney like her father is neoconservative, known for her focus on national security, her support for the U.S. military, a pro-business stance, foreign policy views, and for being fiscally and socially conservative.

Cheney supported Trump's position in 92.9% of House votes.

On November 14, 2018, Cheney’s party mates elected her chair of the House Republican Conference, the third-ranking Republican in the chamber, behind Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Minority Whip Steve Scalise. She was the highest-ranking Republican woman in Congress.

Cheney is considered one of the leaders of the neoconservative wing of the Republican Party and she was critical of the foreign policy of the Donald Trump administration. She supported the second impeachment of Trump for his role in the 2021 storming of the U.S. Capitol.

Because of her vote and Trump’s stolen election narrative – known as the “Big Lie” – pro-Trump Freedom Caucus members of the House tried to remove her from party leadership in February 2021. They failed to remove her at that time. They tried again on May 12, 2021, when she was removed from the position by voice vote of the House Republican Conference.

Fiery last stand On the eve of her removal, Cheney took a fiery last stand on the House floor, warning that Trump had created a threat that the country had never seen before: he had “provoked a violent attack” on the U.S. Capitol “in an effort to steal the election.”

She said she wouldn’t sit quietly by as Republicans abandoned the rule of law.

“Remaining silent and ignoring the lie emboldens the liar,” Cheney said. “I will not participate in that.

I will not sit back and watch in silence while others lead our party down a path that abandons the rule of law and joins the former president’s crusade to undermine our democracy.”

To the very end, she remained defiant, underscoring her determination to fight the powerful Republican cliché that kowtows to Trump.

Yes, she embraced her downfall rather than fight it, offering herself as the sacrificial lamb to save the

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Republican Party or what’s left in its destructive path.

Speaking during the closed-door meeting with House Republicans, Cheney said: “If you want leaders who will enable and spread his destructive lies, I’m not your person, you have plenty of others to choose from. That will be their legacy.” She added: “We cannot let the former president drag us backward and make us complicit in his efforts to unravel our democracy. Down that path lies our destruction, and potentially the destruction of our country.”

After the meeting, Cheney told the reporters that she did not feel betrayed by her ouster. “I am going to keep on fighting to prevent Mr. Trump from ever making his way back to the White House,” she said.

“We cannot both embrace the big lie and embrace the constitution ... I will do everything I can to ensure that the former president never again gets anywhere near the Oval Office.” It’s her opening salvo in her declaration of war against Trump and his minions. Cheney’s campaign for the 2024 election has just begun.

National figure Cheney’s removal makes her a national figure with a huge platform from which to voice her opinion with the authority of someone who chose country over party, which reminds me of the late President of the Philippines Manuel L. Quezon, from 1935 to 1944, who once said, “My loyalty to my party ends where my loyalty to my country begins.” It was true then, it’s true now.

By severing her ties to Trump, Cheney is now the only openly antiTrump Republican in Congress. She has done something that nobody

for the United States, Canada and Mexico. The TN nonimmigrant classification permits qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in business activities at a professional level.

Among the types of professionals who are eligible to seek admission as TN nonimmigrants are accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers. A Canadian Professional Engineer can be eligible for TN nonimmigrant status, if he/she is a citizen of Canada. The profession qualifies under the regulations. The

position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional and that you have a prearranged full-time or part-time job with a U.S. employer.

This system works both ways ways, in that a US Citizen can also practice Engineering and gain employment in Canada.

The Articles I am writing 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.

would dare do in the open for fear of antagonizing Trump, who many believe they could lose in the primary because of Trump’s strong support from his base of voters. But is that the truth or it’s just a myth?

But how can Trump claim his primacy when he lost the 2020 election by eight million votes to Joe Biden? Do you think that he can improve his numbers in 2024 when he runs for president against Biden or Kamala Harris if Biden wouldn’t run for reelection in 2024? Or can he beat Cheney in a Republican primary who by the looks of it is tailor-made to lead the Republican Party or a third party in the 2024 election?

However, she described the grip Trump had on the Republican Party as “dangerous” and “a cult of personality.” She said it was a “betrayal” to see him try to burn down the party and American democracy in an attempt to regain power. “It’s a real betrayal. He’s going to unravel the democracy to come back into power,” Cheney said.

the Republican Party amid growing extremism in the country. It calls for strengthening the rule of law and increasing government ethics.

The manifesto was released one day after the ousting of Cheney as chair of the House Republican Conference, and was largely seen as a reaction against the influence of Trumpism within the Republican Party.

While the GOP leadership marginalizes Cheney and other members for simple acts of truth-telling and conscience, founding signatories are mobilizing disaffected voters “to impact competitive elections around the country and shape the future of the nation.” This “common-sense coalition” seeks to catalyze the reform of the Republican Party and its recommitment to truth, founding ideals, and decency or, if unsuccessful, lay the foundation for an alternative – possibly a third party.

Among the signers are four former governors, including Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford; 27 former members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Barbara Comstock, Charlie Dent and Paul Mitchell; and one former Senator David Durenberger. Other prominent names include attorney George Conway, husband of senior Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway;

Anti-Trump coalition Meanwhile, on May 13, a coalition of 150 prominent Republican and independent leaders released “A Call for American Renewal,” a principle-based vision for American leadership, as an alternative to the current direction of

continued on page 27►

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2021

CR OSSWOR D

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ACROSS

HOROSCOPE You get a boost of self-esteem this week when the sun in Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn on Monday, encouraging you to put yourself out there when it comes to your career. This is a great time to start investing in yourself and your career goals. It could lead to more money in the long run.

Start your week with some self-discovery when the sun in your sign trines Pluto in Capricorn on Monday. You’ll get a better understanding of who you are through travel or higher education, as well as reconnecting with your cultural roots and where you came from. Reflect and learn now, Taurus.

This is a big week for you, Gemini. First, Venus in your sign trines Saturn in Aquarius on Wednesday, encouraging your heart to go on an adventure. This aspect might help you discover new passions or learn more about the people you love. Play with your personal style, do some learning, and just have fun!

Teamwork makes the dream work when the sun in Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn on Monday, making it a great day to work with friends on a project or business or toward a common cause. You can achieve great things if everyone works together.

If you want to achieve more in your career, you’re going to have to improve your reputation and public image when the sun in Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn on Monday. That means you’ll have to settle down and actually get to work. You can make a good impression and achieve more when you practice a little discipline.

Creativity and discovery go hand in hand when the sun in Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn on Monday, encouraging you to expand your mind and find new forms of self-expression. Learning something new can be very entertaining if you’re willing to put in the work.

April 2021 Crossword's Solution

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Start the week by changing your personal style when Venus in Gemini trines Saturn in Aquarius on Wednesday. This aspect encourages you to play with your style by turning to your cultural roots. It’s also a great day to expand your taste by decorating your home, watching foreign films, or reading different genres of books.

Start the week by doing some networking when the sun in Taurus trines Pluto in Capricorn on Monday, encouraging you to use your charms to get what you want. People will want to meet you, and it will be easy to share your great ideas with others. Work it, Scorpio!

Communication is the key to a happy relationship when Venus in Gemini trines Saturn in Aquarius on Wednesday. By building stronger communication habits, you can work out problems logically and reach a common goal together. Just use your words, Sagittarius!

DOWN

1. Intense rage 1. Tax agcy.

4. Mule's kin 2. Groove 7. Midwest airport 3. Very scrawny 12. Pirate's drink 4. Range 13. Stool pigeon 5. Pepper's partner 14. Worth 6. Pigpen 15. Majestic 7. Supervisor 17. Comic _____ 8. Angels' headgear DeGeneres 9. Entire 18. Informal talk 10. Regret 19. Sis's counterpart 11. Still, poetically 20. India's locale 16. Asian language 22. Cap ornaments 19. Sew temporarily 26. Story connector 20. Fall bloom 29. Lick up 21. Fixed gaze 30. Create lace 22. Contaminate 31. Upper class 23. Rich in detail 32. Lemon drink 24. Large spoon 33. Before, in poems 25. Swiftness 34. Commanding respect 27. About-face 36. Mutton, e.g. (2 wds.)

28. Shoe spike 38. Serving both sexes 35. Fighter pilots 39. Museum offering 37. Excessive excitement 40. Level 40. Young adult 42. Religious images 41. ____ of Capri 45. E-mail item 42. Rascal 48. Newspapers and TV, e.g.43.Third letter 49. Snaky fish 44. Weird 50. Pekoe, e.g.

45. Gents 51. Bicycle part 46. Golly!

52. Vane dir.

47. Pitcher handle 53. Always, in poems

Success can be yours for the taking, Capricorn. You just have to keep moving in the right direction. The sun in Taurus trines Pluto in your sign on Monday, giving you reassurance that you can do anything you put your mind to. This aspect encourages you to use your talents and abilities to succeed. You have everything to need to reach your goals.

Your week begins on a romantic note when Venus in Gemini trines Saturn in your sign on Wednesday. A love affair could be helping you grow and develop as a person. This might be the start of a new chapter for you, Aquarius. Just make sure you create healthy boundaries in your relationship.

Major self-care is required to get through this week, so get out your fluffy bathrobe and scented candles now. The sun shines its light in Gemini and your family zone on Thursday. Focus on nurturing your inner child and spending time at home for the next four weeks. This is an ideal time to chat with loved ones and learn about your family history.

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!

April 2021 Issue Sudoku's Solution

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Food to Go's Ron Aragon wins 3rd place in 2021 Winterscapes garden competition

By Moses Billacura

Ron Aragon's intention was just to brighten up his neighbourhood but the City of Edmonton recognized his efforts by awarding him 3rd place in the 2021 Winterscapes Winter Garden competition.

The award stated that "As an excellent example of winterscaping, this yard was selected as a 2021 Winter Garden finalist for its contribution to Edmonton's winter livability, beauty and spirit".

"What I did was just submit an entry. It was my first time. The intention was for me to brighten up things around here in our neighbourhood," said Aragon, whose family runs Food To Go restaurant. He started working on his garden in October and finished it in early November.

A neighbour across the street appreciated his work and even gave him a dessert as a treat. "Sabi kasi niya, masaya siya kapag nakikita niya ang mga lights from his balcony," Aragon said.

Aragon said he plans to compete in the summer garden competition organized by the City of Edmonton.

Edmonton Defeat Depression 2021 Virtual Walk & Talk Fundraiser (Contributed photos)

from page 25

Republican Party in turmoil former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci; former Department of Homeland Security official Elizabeth Neumann; and former DHS general counsel John Mitnick.

In my column, “Quo vadis, Republican Party?” (April 9, 2021), I wrote: “Leaderless and rudderless, the Republican Party seems like it is about to implode. A lot of Republicans are disillusioned. Many have changed their party affiliations. They believe that the Grand Old Party of Abraham Lincoln has lost its vision and moral compass.

The party needs an extreme makeover to survive and remain a viable political party. Quo vadis, Republican Party?”

In the short time since then, the world of Republicanism has turned upside down. A political civil war broke out on May 12, pitting a lone Republican congresswoman – Liz Cheney – and her supporters against the powerful clique of Republican leaders led by Senate Minority Floor Leader Mitch McConnell and House of Representatives Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who are promoting former president Donald Trump’s “Big Lie” that the 2020 election was stolen. The following day, the manifesto called “A Call to American Renewal” was released.

Now, the shooting starts! As they say: In politics, there is never a dull moment.

@ TOGETHER WE CAN #DEFEATDEPRESSION!

Scan to Register

REGISTER to join us on Saturday, May 29, 2021 Participate from Home This year’s participants are encouraged to PARTICIPATE VIRTUALLY. Walk, run, ride, or you choose your own activity.

Help us support mental health and de-stigmatize mental illness.

Register Here:

@Edmonton.DefeatDepression

Edmonton.DefeatDepression.ca

@edmontondefeatdepression

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Proceeds of this event support: 10455 - 172 Street Northwest Edmonton, Alberta T5S 1K9 P: (780) 426-7861

*Further details at defeatdepression.ca

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ONE GREAT INITIATIVE:

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Amicus Community and Mobile Pantry By: Jomari Echano and Charles Cahilig

A

micus Community and Mobile Pantry started with a small cart of vegetables, snacks and canned goods and was initiated by Ana Patricia Non along Maginhawa St. in Quezon City. It attracted the public because of the signage on the cart, which said: “Kumuha ayon sa pangangailangan, Magnigay ayon sa kakayahan.”[Take according to your needs, Give according to your capacity.]

It was a simple gesture to help those who have been severely economically affected by the pandemic. The surge of COVID 19 cases has all the more added to the helplessness and hunger of many urban dwellers who have lost their jobs or who cannot continue with their usual day after day search for food.

But the name AMICUS, which means friends, was coined by Jose Mari Chris Echano, Charles Jason Cahilig, and James Bryan Degollado.

From the cart pantry effort of Ms. Non, the group of friends created the Amicus Community and began the Amicus Community Pantry and Amicus Community Mobile Pantry last April 24, 2021. They started the project with an initial budget of PHP 24,000 through the generous donations of Lexus Edmonton together with Ian Fernandez and

Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta (COPPA). Other friends of the proponents also shared their resources for the project. The Kamuning and Paltok communities in Quezon City, with an estimated 500 individuals, received goods from Amicus.

With the success of its initial community and mobile pantries, Amicus aims to continue its project with the hope of reaching the most

needy areas in the Metro. The aim of the project is to initiate a community pantry in a particular area that does not have any yet. It aims to coordinate with the concerned barangays to ensure that proper measures and health protocols are in place and strictly observed. The organizers pray for more donations so that they can sustain the project until August.

Ian Fernandez handing a $500.00 cheque over to Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta Internal VP, Lito Velasco as his regular commitment to ONE GREAT INITIATIVE: Pantawid Calamity Fund.

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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.

FreeDX May Birthday Celebrants Held at Lions Red Deer Campground , May 15,2021.

Happy Birthday (May 15) Rosemer Enverga, the wife of the late Senator, Tobias “Jun” Enverga.

L-R Minda Restauro, Jean Aller, Edith Granado and Alex Cruz.

FREEDX Camping

Carmel Restauro (Birthday celebrant), Nonong Granado (Birthday celebrant), and Jun Angeles

FreeDX President Carmel Restauro (Birthday celebrant), Jun Aller, and Jun Angeles

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