Alberta Filipino Journal - May 2023 Issue

Alberta polls to influence Filipino migration wave

ALBERTA is getting ready for elections. The preparations, though a far cry from what many Filipinos have grown accustomed to, are nevertheless underway. The stakes are high not just for Alberta but for Canada as well. This is, after all, the nation’s oil and gas capital. It is also a hotbed of anti-liberalism where a big slice of the population hates Justin Trudeau and his party.

But I look forward to the elections because of the opportunities that the polls present to the growing Filipino population in the province. Aside from the fact that there are three Filipinos running for MLA seats, the

outcome of the elections will dictate the directions that the province will take in the coming years.

Issues in sectors such as healthcare and immigration are top-of-mind for many Filipinos. How these issues are dealt with, and how policies will be drawn up and implemented, will influence the Filipino migration to Alberta.

The fact that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently opened a new application processing centre in Manila reflects the focus of the federal government on the Philippines as a source of

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.

immigrants and contract workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy. The federal government’s “Indo-Pacific Strategy,” a diplomatic and economic pivot towards one of the fastest growing regions in the world, gives the Philippines a big boost and allows for a more streamlined processing of immigration applications.

So where does this policy fit into Alberta’s own growth strategy, and how will Filipinos fit into this picture?

Simply put, Filipinos can collectively be a driving force in Alberta’s push for economic development. Our technical skills born out of a relatively high literacy level, our communication

proficiency, and our sense of purpose to be part of Canadian society, make us very good candidates for workforce warriors.

Which leads us back to the Alberta elections this month. Who we support, and who we elect into office will have a direct bearing on where we will find ourselves in the next few years. If we cannot yet vote because of our status here in Canada, then at the very least we can choose to support our candidates—the men and women who we believe can best serve our interests.

Investing in the future is the underlying incentive behind every free elections. Unfortunately, it is a concept that has been corrupted back in the motherland which, in turn, has left many of us disillusioned and frustrated. As Filipinos in Alberta, the biggest challenge now is how to disabuse our minds of Pinoy politics and put our faith back in the electoral process. The good thing about immigrating to Canada is that we see how political institutions are actually working.

If we find ourselves pushed to the political fringes or somehow feel that we are left out, it is not because we are discriminated against. It is more likely because we continue to sit on the fences and adopt a wait-and-see attitude so reminiscent of home. Let’s forget this nonsense and get involved.

A Clear Choice. Malinaw na ang Pipiliin.

Danielle Smith, UCP

K Will take seniors out of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

Aalisin ang mga seniors sa Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

K Plans to make you pay to see a doctor

Planong pagbayarin ka para magpatingin sa doktor

K Keeps extremists as political allies

Kaalyado sa pulitika ang mga ekstremista (extemists)

K No action to control insurance, tuition and electricity costs

Walang ginawa para kontrolin ang presyo ng insurance, tuition at kuryente

K Ignores the need for new schools and more teachers

Binalewala ang pangangailangan para sa mga bagong paaralan at karagdagang guro

K No action on racism and human rights protection.

Walang aksyon tungkol sa racism, at proteksyon sa karapatang pantao.

Rachel Notley, NDP

L Protect seniors by keeping the CPP Poprotektahan ang mga seniors na manatili sa CPP

L Improve public health care; cut wait lists; no fees for doctor visits

Papalakasin ang public health care, papaikliin ang wait list; walang bayad sa pagbisita sa doktor

L Strengthen human rights and fight racism

Papalakasin ang karapatang pantao at lalabanan ang racism

L Freeze income tax and tuition; cap insurance and electricity rates

Ipi-freeze ang income tax at tuition, maglalagay ng cap sa presyo ng insurance at kuryente

L Build new schools and hire more teachers.

Magpapatayo ng mga bagong paaralan at maghahire ng mas maraming guro

Authorized by Alberta NDP • albertandp.ca

Rachel Notley and the Alberta NDP: A better

future

for you and your family.

Rachel Notley at Alberta NDP: Mas magandang bukas para sa iyo at sa iyong pamilya.

Kyle Kasawski Sherwood Park

Nicole Goehring Edmonton-Castle Downs

Jasvir Deol Edmonton-Meadows

Bill Tonita Strathcona–Sherwood Park

David Shepherd Edmonton-City Centre

Christina Gray Edmonton-Mill Woods

Marie Renaud St Albert

Rod Loyola Edmonton-Ellerslie

David Eggen Edmonton-North West

Rhiannon Hoyle Edmonton-South Nathan Ip Edmonton-South West Brooks Arcand-Paul Edmonton-West Henday

Cam Heenan Leduc–Beaumont

Sarah Hoffman Edmonton-Glenora

Lori Sigurdson Edmonton-Riverview

Peggy Wright Edmonton-BeverlyClareview

Lorne Dach Edmonton-McClung

Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse Edmonton-Rutherford

Authorized by Alberta NDP • albertandp.ca

780-916-7677, Landline: 780-988-8889

780-988-2221

Lito Mendoza Velasco

Editor-in-Chief / Associate Publisher 780-655-5126 editor@albertafilipinojournal.com

Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles

Administrator / Office Manager Sales and Advertising, 780-993-5503 albertafilipinojournal79@gmail.com

Moses Billacura

Sports Editor / Photographer

Videographer

Lianne Angeles

Associate Editor

Mark Angeles, Mike Angeles, Jorge Polecina

Distribution Managers - Edmonton

Stephen Burry,

Lito Mendoza Velasco

Paradoxes of life: The Secrecy of Secrets; Political Irony or Ironic Politics

Problems arise in so many circumstances involving revelation of secrets and invasion of privacy. Another perfect instance is concealing emotional distress and sinfulness. The question is: Can we really hide a secret? Have you heard a person telling you that you’re the only person who he confided his problem to? Asking you to observe the seal of confession and that what has been revealed to a close friend shall remain confidential between you and him?

Well, you can probably find the closest or truest friend who truly knows the essence of secrecy or confidentiality. You’re the luckiest person on earth for having them in your life.

The unsecured assurance: A waiver. Some businessmen, especially those who have secured the name of his future planned business, have to go to the registry or online for a NUANS search, which will give at least 3 or more potential business names to choose from as alternatives, pay and get the receipt as well as the certificate of registration so others can no longer take such a name for their own personal gain. Afterwards, the original idea or formula must also be brought to the intellectual property office to also obtain the intellectual property right of one’s invention. Coming next is the business operation that would entail workers for its propagation and implementation, and to ensure that no amount of information is going to leak in the public about the product’s exact formulation, a waiver must be prepared and signed as a secure legal

protection. Well, in my previous editorial, I said that not everything legal is moral. It only means that not everybody who signed a sworn statement, a pledge of allegiance, and a waiver can always be trusted. There will always be a Judas who, in the long run, will betray you.

Some examples of a secret’s revelation are so funny. Look at the example above. It’s self-explanatory, right? This only means that the secret is conspicuously and evidently revealing. A saying goes: “You can run but you cannot hide forever.” Why? The objective truth cannot be hidden, not even in a split second. continued on page 7 ►

How does APEGA Evaluate your Engineering Work Experience?

of your employment positions, your responsibilities and experience. For each WRVL you will include in your application, the name of the employer, the position you held, and the country the work was performed must be clearly indicated. The start and end date of each of your experiences is also important because this will form part of the minimum 48 months of engineering experience.

Each Experience you list must be supported by a Validator and a Reference. Writing your Engineering Experience must address the 22 competencies and examples must be specific and gain scores to which competency it applies. Avoid using routine/daily job descriptions of what you do in your work. The example must be very technical in nature.

Your work experience history must be verified in two ways: References confirm that you were employed for a given period and position, and validators review and score the competencies that you have claimed for that position.

validators for your application. You must provide at least three validators who can rate and validate the indicators that you provide for each of the 22 key competencies.

Colleagues or mentors that you did not directly work with do not qualify to be validators, because validators need to have taken technical responsibility for your work.

If your validator is not registered with an engineering regulatory body in another Canadian jurisdiction, please identify the following their Professional designation and the Country of Registration.

You need at least one reference for each employer you have worked for. A reference can also be a validator.

There are many APEGA Applicant who have refused or deferred their Professional Registration because of inaccurate and vague description of their work experience. As I always mentioned in my past articles, the correct examples and accurate description of your job with regard to which among the 22 Competencies it addresses must be very clearly justified.

Below is an exact outline and procedure of how APEGA will evaluate your Engineering Experience. Take note, that this process will start only once you’ve submitted your Work Experience Record in the procedure as outlined in the Competency Base Assessment Tool. You must complete your Work Record Validator List (WRVL) in a chronological overview of your experience which includes the details

Paradox, by the way, is a statement that seems to contradict itself, or seems to go against itself, but may contain a basic or underlying truth when examined more closely. A paradox may be thought of as working against common sense but seems to be true or state a truth. (Oxford Dictionary)

Politics and political irony: Uniting or Dividing?

Political Parties’ hidden agenda are coated with their propaganda. They have already exposed their supposed platform through campaign paraphernalia filled with heavenly promises making people believe each of them has the capability to face and solve unique problems and circumstances.

*Any validator who is not a P.Eng. should explain how they are a senior practitioner in engineering. This may include providing their engineering qualification (engineering degree and professional designation).

Failure to provide an appropriate validator could result in your application being deferred or refused.

**Lifted from: https://www.apega.ca/apply/membership/licensee/ work-experience/engineers/competency-based-assessment-tool/workrecord-validator-list

A validator is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) who took technical responsibility for your work. Validators will be asked to review your selfassessment and provide a score and commentary for each competency that was assigned. Validators will also be asked to provide overall feedback about your suitability and readiness for registration.

A validator must have first-hand knowledge of the examples you provide and be able to comment on the quality and competency of your work. Supervisors, mentors, managers, colleagues, or clients are all possible

Well, voters like some religious men, keep on going to the church and pray with the hope that their Lord will rise from the dead to save them from all personal and social catastrophic phenomena like poverty, debt, sickness, homelessness, economic slavery, domestic violence, harassment and discrimination, etc.

The sad thing is the fact that they are believing devoid of or even without understanding. They are disorientated. Voters go to the polling places to cast their votes devoid of the knowledge and understanding about the political party’s philosophy, ideals and ideology. Without even the knowledge of who to elect. So, why are they there? I know that you know the reason why, and that is, to merely exercise the freedom of suffrage and some are perhaps just being influenced by their friends to vote. They were maybe told to just go out and vote!

This is my wish: May this May 29, 2023 provincial election be the start of a new era. Voters have to be well-informed, orientated, and educated about the whats, whys,

and hows of politics and good governance. It is only then that the quality of life in the society will be enhanced. As Dr. Jose Rizal, one of the Philippines’ National heroes said, “Por la educacion recibe lustre la patria.” Which means, “Through education the country receives light.” Moreover, Soren Kierkegaard also once said, “ It is better to be a participator rather than spectator.”

By ignoring all the golden maxims, words of wisdom, tenets, and codes of conduct being mentioned, our dreams, aspirations, and expectations will never go in the right direction. They will remain as they were. They will just be similar to a situation where one just keeps yelling and complaining that there is a dirty glass in the kitchen sink yet showing no initiative, willingness, nor action to wash it.

By taking all those for granted, people or the society will just be living in desire. Ambition will remain ambition—an ambition without action is like a boat on dry land.

A reference is a person who can confirm your position and the duration of your experience with a company. This person can be your manager, a colleague, or a human resources staff member. Your reference does not need to have technical knowledge of your work and does not need to have been your direct supervisor.

Do not submit your Work Record Validator List without writing your work experience in the CompetencyBased Assessment Tool (CBAT). You must first complete the Competency Based Self Assessment and rate yourself. This will improve your writing of Experiences and will gain a favorable result when you eventually submit your WRVL.

The full infographic of the Process is outlined below as lifted from the APEGA Website.

Mervin Cereno is a Filipino immigrant in Canada. A FilipinoCanadian Engineer licensed to practice Engineering in Alberta, he is a practicing Structural Engineer in Alberta and in British Columbia. He is a Volunteer and Advocates to help Filipino-Canadian Engineers pursue their Professional Engineering License in Canada.

Mervin Cereno, P. Eng. mmcereno@gmail.com

Kindness Rocks! Small Arts of Kindness project

by Lianne Angeles

(with

from Mila Bongco-Philipzig and Sandy Castillo Lubuguin)

I was honoured to be invited by Mila Bongco-Philipzig to take part in the Kindness Rocks workshop, which was held in the Edmonton Philippine International Centre (EPIC) on April 22.

The intent of the project is to spread messages of kindness and encouragement across the city through cultural art and multilingual motivational messages on painted rocks. These workshops will be conducted in schools, libraries, and parks for wide-public participation. The rocks will then be used to create Kindness Inspiration Gardens. I was part of a group of other amazing artists, consisting of Oliver Rabara (FB: The ArtCamp), Antonio “Val” Ludovico (Instagram: @tludovico1458), Sandy Castillo Lubuguin (Instagram: @art.of.sandy), Michael Moya (Instagram @michaelmoyaillustrations), and E-Man Moya (Instagram: @zwayzak)

This is part of the City of Edmonton Community Safety and WellBeing overall strategy. The Philippine Edmonton Events and Arts Society (PHIDEAS) is 1 of only 25 grant recipients of this inaugural programme where the city funds relevant community groups to carry out projects in the areas of Anti-Racism, Crime Prevention and Crisis Intervention, Equitable Policies, Pathways In and Out of Poverty, Reconciliation, Safe and Inclusive Spaces and Well-Being. There were 265 applications to this grant. PHIDEAS received a grant under the Well-Being category.

The fruits of our labour:

Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Grant

To encourage community leaders and organizations to be involved in this strategy, the City of Edmonton offered a one-time grant program available only in 2022 - the Community Safety and Well-being (CSWB) Grant Program. These grants are one way to empower communities to be involved and, in this case, advance community safety and well-being.

A total of $1,581,157 was allocated to advance community safety and well-being through initiatives that address emergent community needs or opportunities, and that can be completed within the next 24 months. Community leaders and organizations with initiatives or projects that address emergent community needs that make Edmonton a more inclusive city and improve community safety and well-being, and align with CSWB Strategy outcomes, were eligible. (https://www.edmonton.ca/programs_services/funding_grants/ community-safety-and-well-being-cswb-grant)

contributions

Front Row, L-R: Organizer Mila Bongco-Philipzig, Michael Moya; Back Row, L-R: E-Man Moya, Antonio “Val” Ludovico, Lianne Angeles, Sandy Castillo Lubuguin, Oliver Rabara (Photo Credit: Ida Beltran-Lucila)

Hard at work. (Photo Credit: Sandy Castillo Lubuguin)

(Photo Credit: Sandy Castillo Lubuguin)

(Photo Credit: Sandy Castillo Lubuguin)

(Photo Credit: Sandy Castillo Lubuguin)

On the CSWB Grant.

“The school of fish and fish in school”

GAZING BEYOND

has a broad interest in the arts as a powerful tool for development.

The school playground is incomplete without the swing.

It gets you reminiscing on the fun of moving back and forth, and in going up and down from our suspension. Playing in school as a kid, it was an adventure full of adrenaline. We have a wealth of time, and are free of worries. We just play.

As we grow older, the adrenaline comes in the many forms of daily battles in life and work. We often bow to the ground when we fail, or look to the sky when we dream, celebrate and give thanks. There

are schools of fishes within the nature of the sky and the ground. The scaly cirrocumulus clouds signal the fisherman of abundant harvest, while footprint on the snowy ground represent teamwork and social interactions like fish swimming against the tide and catch.

At the end of the day, conscious gazing on nature and the people surrounding us offer more meaningful encounters.

LESSONS: Choose at least 5 questions to answer

1. Name the two “schools” referred to in the picture.

2. Name one or two experiences you had in the playground that relates to your adrenaline adventure and how did you cope with it.

3. What could be the meaning of the “swing” as expressed in the essay?

4. Name some circumstances in adulthood where your adrenaline at work and life were tested.

5. Why do we associate dreaming, celebrating or giving thanks with the sky?

6. What could be the cultural significance of the of the cirrocumulus clouds?

7. Why do you think the footsteps in the snow represent a school of fish?

8. What associations could you make with the ground and the footsteps in the snow?

9. How does conscious gazing contribute to meaningful encounters?

10. Rate the photograph from 1-10,

with 10 as the highest score and 1, the least. What are the positive or negative aspects of the picture that relates to your scoring?

Email your reactions and answers to docorabara@gmail.com by December 2023 for a chance to win an original painting.

BARLAAN, NOEL - Borlly, as he is called, is a professional engineer who has dabbled in wedding photography since the 1980s. He values creating unforgettable images that his felicitous clients can cherish forever. He captures the emotions of those tender moments and freezes them in time with the photos he takes. Borlly is also inspired by night photography because he finds this challenging to his creativitv. Borlly brings boring scenes to life like his works here. Expect to feel a burst of energy from the portraits he created masterfully with his lens and light.

email: njpbarlaan@yahoo.com, mobile: (647) 988-6572

IRCC UPDATED PROOF OF FUNDS FOR SKILLED IMMIGRANTS UNDER EXPRESS ENTRY AND PROOF OF FUNDS FOR TRV/SUPERVISA

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently updated the proof of funds for skilled immigrants under Express Entry. IRCC updated the table that shows how much money you will need to settle in Canada every year, based on 50% of the low-income cut-off totals. To stay eligible, you may need to update your settlement fund numbers in your Express Entry profile. The deadline to update your proof of funds was no later than April 25, 2023. When you update your profile, it will not affect the date and time that IRCC received your profile, so it means that you will keep your rank if you’re in a tie-breaker situation.

Please note that if you have already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or if your permanent residence application is in process, you don’t need to meet the updated proof of funds requirement.

How much money you need?

The amount of money you will need to support your family is based on the size of your family. To calculate the size of your family include:

-yourself

-your spouse or common-law partner

-your dependent children and

-your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children

Your proof of funds must be available to the applicant:

-upon submitting the application

-when IRCC issues the permanent resident visa (if your application is approved).

You must demonstrate to IRCC that you can legally access the funds upon arrival in Canada.

For example, you can’t use equity on real property as proof of settlement funds or you can’t borrow your proof of funds from another person.

FROM MIGRATION TO IMMIGRATION

under your spouse’s name only. You must prove you have access to the money.

To prove your proof of funds, you must obtain official letters from any banks or financial institutions where you have an existing account. The letter must be printed on the financial institution’s letterhead and include the bank or institution’s contact information (address, telephone number and email address), the applicant’s name (account holder), the outstanding debts (such as credit card debts and loans), these details for each current banking and investment account you have with the institution namely: account numbers, date each account was opened, current account balances and average balance for the past 6 months. ========================

Regulation 76(1) (b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations provides that:

For the purpose of determining whether a skilled worker, as a member of the federal skilled worker class, will be able to become economically established in Canada, they must be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

(b) the skilled worker must

(i) have in the form of transferable and available funds, unencumbered by debts or other obligations, an amount equal to one half of the minimum necessary income applicable in respect of the group of persons consisting of the skilled worker and their family members.

Applicants are not required to have settlement funds if the applicant is authorized to work in Canada and has been awarded points for a qualifying offer of arranged employment under Express Entry or for arranged employment in Canada.

The proof of funds must be:

-unencumbered by debts and other obligations; and -sufficient to support initial establishment in Canada

Opinion Alberta Election. Just saying!

By Romeo Honorio

The Alberta Election is on May 29, 2023, and the tempo of political campaigns is high and flooding the province. Both parties are actively fielding their operatives to engage and connect with all the ethnic groups in the province.

As expected, one party will be talking about its accomplishments, promises and vision. The opposing one will be spewing all the reasons for their opponents’ demise.

As a concerned citizen, I’d like to share several quotes you may want to digest. You may find it truthful, comical, and insightful.

In every election, your vote counts. Let’s vote with our conscience.

Our vote should reflect our values, beliefs, and character. Just saying. Enjoy!

1) One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. Plato Those ethically and morally corrupt participants and political operatives are worst. Ymor

2) Politics have no relation to morals.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Immoral is a person who compromises the decency and pride of a community. Ymor

Your proof of funds is intended for your family’s costs of living (even if family members are not accompanying). If your spouse is coming with you, you can count money you have together in a joint account. You may be able to count money in an account under your spouse’s name only, but you must be able to count money in an account

PROOF OF FUNDS FOR TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA APPLICATION

UNDER SUPERVISA

The child or grandchild who invites the applicant must prove that their household meets the minimum necessary income. Your child or grandchild may use the following table below (updated) to assess their ability to meet the income requirements.

Marjorie Carmona Newman is a REGULATED CANADIAN IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT based in Edmonton, Alberta. She is a 2022 Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, and was a recipient of CAPIC's Members Service Award for four consecutive years (2015-2019). She is currently a member of CAPIC’s Policy Committee and previously served as Prairie Chapter representative for Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education Committee.

If you have questions regarding the above article, you may contact Marjorie at info@ mcncanadaimmigration.com

Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

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

Under every politician lurks a sucker. Ymor

4) A politician thinks of the next election. A statesman, of the next generation. James F. Clarke An opportunist thinks of the next politician. A visionary, of the next generation. Ymor

5) Win or lose, we go shopping after

the election. Imelda Marcos Win or lose, she goes shopping with the collection. Ymor

Romy Honorio (a.k.a. Ymor) Calgary based Author (Open Visa and Covid-19 Fundemic) Chair, Diaryo Alberta Society Community Resource Person Avid Gardener

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

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL MAY 2023 10

Neophyte concert organizers Oliver, Tina, successfully host Nina, Luke concert

By Moses Billacura

Oliver Dela Paz said he is grateful that his first concert venture, Nina with Luke Mejares, last April 23 in Edmonton was luckily a huge success.

Oliver and his wife Tina have established 805 Productions and originally set the concert for February but singers Nina and Luke encountered visa problems that affected the scheduling of the event.

"Malaking pasasalamat namin sa mga bumili ng tickets at nag hintay kahit na reschedule," said Oliver.

With concerts in the Filipino community coming in and out of Edmonton, Oliver and Tina are just thankful that they were able to successfully organize the concert.

The Alberta Filipino Journal was invited to cover the concert.

Attorney Joseph Angeles introduces himself to concert goers, April 23, in Edmonton. In the photo is concert host Ode Mangune.

Fans of Luke Mejares take a selfie, April 23.

Lawyers Joseph and Katrina enjoy the concert.

Nina.

Crishia Dela Paz. Coy Ilaga. Jo Loesel

The Dela Paz family thanks the sponsors.

Fans enjoying the concert.

Fans are pumped up.AFJ)

Luke Mejares.

Fans' laughing time.

Photos by Moses Billacura/AFJ

Pinoys and the Provincial Elections in Alberta

MIGRANTS' VOICES

Marco Luciano

The Alberta elections, which take place every four years, are being held on May 29th. It gives Filipinos and other minority communities in Alberta a pivotal opportunity to engage with the democratic process and make their voices heard.

Filipinos in Alberta are a growing community, with a rich culture and a strong sense of community spirit. However, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that arise from being part of a minority community in a foreign country.

One way to overcome these challenges is through civic engagement. Civic engagement includes actively participating in the democratic

process, participating in community organizations, and advocating for issues affecting one's community. As Filipinos living in Alberta, getting involved in civic engagement is important. Research has shown that civic engagement can bring about numerous benefits for individuals, institutions, and communities. For individuals, civic engagement can lead to personal growth and development. It can also provide opportunities to build connections, strengthen networks, and develop leadership skills. Moreover, when parents are civically engaged, this can directly impact their families and their children's future civic activities.

Migrants and newly arrived Filipinos in Alberta are not often active in the civic engagement process, which can lead to their exclusion from community activities and lack of representation in decision-making processes. They are very much consumed by individual struggles like work, family, and settlement. It is understandable but it is crucial to realize that by not engaging in civic activities, the Filipino community could miss out on the benefits of their active participation and potential impact on policy decisions.

We must therefore engage in civic activities and become active participants in the democratic process. Involvement can take on many forms. One could start by attending city council meetings, volunteering for local organizations that enrich

Open Visa: Overview Will you...? (S2)

“So, what part of Mindanao are you going to, Nora?” Lily’s dad asked as all their eyes shifted to the other graduate. Lily was very much aware that this was just her Tatay’s way of changing the subject.

“Cagayan de Oro, po,” she replied.

The spaghetti was salty and not particularly good, but the thin-sliced sausages and clumsy red beans were delicious. The place was packed with hungry people of all sizes, shapes, and smells.

It was just about 2:30 in the afternoon when the tip was handed to the server and the group headed out to the graduates’ dormitory. A regular thirty-minute walk turned into a forty-minute ride on a tricycle, due to heavy traffic. Their bags were packed, their bills were paid, and the place was relatively clean for the next year’s students.

For years, through thick and thin, Lily and Nora had established a sense of unique identity in the building. At their age, it was uncommon to still be serious, courageous, and dedicated to something they were passionate about. Being away from home had molded and developed their characters. Now, they resolved to prove themselves in the real world.

Their focus to survive, strength to succeed, and hope to live at peace with the community was evident in the way they dealt with others. Their

the community and advocating for issues important to Filipinos.

Another way to get involved is by joining established Filipino organizations that promote civic engagement, such as the FilipinoCanadian Association of Calgary or any Filipino cultural association. These organizations offer opportunities to engage in cultural events, volunteer work and community-building activities, which can create a strong sense of belonging for members and promote active participation in the civic affairs of Alberta. Civic engagement is not only essential for individuals but also critical for the well-being of communities and institutions.

It is important to note that political parties in Alberta and across Canada typically choose their candidates through an internal nomination process, and the selection of candidates varies by party and riding. Thus, there may be FilipinoCanadian candidates running in the next provincial election in Alberta, but this would depend on various factors such as the decisions of political parties and individual candidates. Engaging in civic activities is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity for Filipinos to have a say and make a difference in their community. Research shows that civic engagement promotes a sense of citizenship, awareness, and participation among individuals and communities. Moreover, by engaging in civic activities, Filipinos

can help ensure that the voices and needs of their community are heard and represented in decision-making processes. Filipinos in Alberta must recognize their role and become active participants in the democratic process.

Filipinos generally are engaged in politics in their homeland and often bring their civic-mindedness and political acumen to the countries where they live. They continue to be engaged in politics in the Philippines. This was very evident during the last Philippine elections, where overseas Filipino voters played a significant role in electing national leaders. The two last elections in the Philippines

polarized the Filipino diaspora. A large number of Filipinos abroad shows that our community can make a difference in the political arena both in the Philippines and in the country where they now reside. Therefore, it is time for Filipinos in Alberta to demonstrate their potential and become more involved in the civic affairs of their community. It is our responsibility as members of a democratic society to promote civic engagement and ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to participate in democratic processes. Lumabas tayo at bumoto, let's get out and vote.

wishing to congratulate Lily.”

It was unusual for this kind of gathering to have anyone speak who was outside the family circle.

From behind the Acacia tree fifteen meters away, a man came out in a Ray Ban ball cap. He was heavily bearded and almost unrecognizable. It took about ten seconds before Lily’s heart pumped to its fullest throttle.

It was Mike!

Romeo Honorio romyhonorio@gmail.com

Romeo is the author of two books (Open Visa and Covid-19 Fundemic) His third book, Fundemic Moments, is due before the end of the year.

His is the Chair of Diaryo Alberta Society based in Calgary, AB, Canada

Many regarded him as Community Resource Person

He is an avid gardener.

education had been just a tool to fully understand and appreciate life in its reality and entirety.

Now that they were on their own—both showing a degree of excitement, and sometimes anxiety—

Nora’s trip to Mindanao would be like an experiment in osmosis, a salt particle plunging into a tub of uncertainty. This was the vision Lily had of her friend’s upcoming trip to head south the following month.

Lily’s own planned trip to return home consisted of a threehour drive from Cabanatuan City

to Cuyapo. Ford Fiera jeeps had been servicing the outlying towns of the province for more than ten years and there had been no sign of any improvement in the quality of the ride; the drivers were more concerned with squeezing in as many passengers as possible than making the ride a comfortable one.

They stepped off the jeep to the sight of a hundred pairs of eyes excitedly awaiting their arrival. They were treated like movie stars. It was a village-wide celebration.

The lechon (roasted pig) was crispy outside and tender inside. The day was set aside to celebrate Lily’s graduation with her relatives, friends, neighbours, and bystanders.

Puto (rice cakes) were really tasty both with sopas (congee) and dinuguan (chocolate pork stew).

People had to wait and stand

behind the group feasting on the food at the table. It took almost three hours for every soul present to feel good, thankful, and expectant of the next celebration in the village.

As they settled in for a coffee, Ka Oscar, Lily’s dad, a well-known and respected elder, stood up before the crowd. Out of respect, and most likely due to the calming effect of the food consumed, all ears were tuned to him as he spoke.

“For your support and prayers for my family, and for my daughter in particular, I would like to thank you all. Also, thank you for coming and sharing with us this joyous day.” This was the only audible sentence to those listening.

Black coffee kept the people’s minds alert but unready to hear more. Nonetheless, he continued, “Now I would like to call on a friend

The blood rushed to her head and her heart thumped as if she was experiencing indigestion. “Siya ba and boyfriend ni Lily?” was the question floating through the crowd as Mike and Lily shared a kiss. People were astounded by the sweetness of their kiss and the joy in their teary eyes.

“You surprised me,” she whispered to Mike. “You didn’t mention you were coming home the last time we talked.”

“I just wanted to make sure you had the most unforgettable celebration of your life,” he said, his fingers combing the back of Lily’s hair.

Everybody stood still and waited for another scoop. The spark of their meeting was so intense that they forgot people were watching them. It took a while before Mike composed himself.

“There are three things I would like to say to Lily,” he said loudly enough for everyone to hear. “First, congratulations. Second, I wish you the best tomorrow. Third, I love you. Will you marry me?”

Sa dami ng bisita ni Lily, pikit lang ang pahinga ko!

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

mluciano2@gmail.com

International Diving Competion

Edmonton Diving sent a group of talented girls to compete in the AAU RWB Blue South Qualifier in Orlando Florida. There was tough competition from Athletes from Eastern United States. The team got to experience an international meet in which the competed well. It was about gaining experience and building memories. Thank you Coach Steve and Family's for making this experience happen.

The next Diving meet will be in Edmonton May 19-22nd for the Provincial Championships.

4 athletes will be representing in Filipino decent. Syla Celeste, Jolene Mills, Aylah Angeles and Mark Rico -Lam

1st Worshipful Master's Cup raises funds for Children's Hospital

The Mt. Lebanon Lodge No. 54 in cooperation with the FilipinoCanadian Competitive Shooters successfully organized the First Worshipful Master's Cup with 120 shooters competing, April 23, at the Brooks Pistol Club.

Proceeds of the shootfest will benefit the Children's Hospital and Kids to School organization. (Moses Billacura with reports from Ralph Agir, photos by Mark Coloma)

Photo credit: Mark Coloma

Reed Clarke, president of the Edmonton Stingers (extreme left), joins members of the Compound Cut Club (Crooks Team) who ruled the 2023 Pinoy Basketball Association in Canada (PBAC) finals after beating the Ilonggo Brothers, 99-92, April 22, at the Legacy Athletics in Edmonton. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Paul Bryan Marqueses, the most valuable player, sweetly embraces the champion's trophy after his team, Compound Cut Club (Crooks Team), won the 2023 Pinoy Basketball Association in Canada (PBAC) finals, April 22, at the Legacy Athletics in Edmonton. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

THE REDESIGNED 2023 LEXUS RX IS HERE

An embodiment in the transformation of the Lexus brand, the 2023 Lexus RX 350 More than 20 years ago the RX was launched to the Lexus lineup, and now we are excited to reveal the newest chapter. This 5th generation RX is a complete redesign from the wheels up Featuring FOUR redesigned Powertrains; three electrified, Lexus Safety System+ 3 0 and Lexus Interface Multimedia System with available 14-inch touchscreen, two NEW grades:

Premium+ and F Sport Performance with DIRECT4 All-Wheel Drive Technology, and the RX-First Available Advanced Park

Ian Fernandez Director of Filipino Sales

Filipino community's ‘best and brightest’ appeals for support to be the next MLA

By Moses Billacura

&  AFFORDABLE Alberta

There is only one candidate of Filipino-descent for MLA in the City of Edmonton for the May 29 provincial elections and he is seeking a united Filipino community’s support for his candidacy.

Attorney Joseph Angeles has been door knocking at the Edmonton South riding non-stop, appealing to residents to give him the needed chance to prove that he can serve them in the Legislative Assembly.

"Sana man lang pagbibigyan tayong makapag serbisyo publiko bilang Filipino-Albertan," said Angeles, a native of Bataan, who with wife and fellow lawyer Katrina, and their two young daughters Ally and Milly have solidly supported the head of their family's goal to be the next public servant.

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Morinville-St. Albert MLA Dale McNally (center) lends his support to Attorney Joseph Angeles, who is running for MLA in Edmonton South, during the fund-raising event for Joseph Angeles, April 29, at the Jagare Golf Clubhouse in Edmonton. At the back is Press Secretary Nicky Gocuan of the Ministry of Skilled Trades and Professions. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Attorney Joseph Angeles reviews his notes before speaking to a group of supporters at a fund-raising event, April 29, at the Jagare Golf Club. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Attorney Joseph Angeles appeals for his support as he seeks to become the next MLA in the Edmonton South riding during a fund-raising event, April 29, at the Jagare Golf Club. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

from page 18

Angeles' father Denis also came to visit from the Philippines to show his huge support for his youngest son. Tatang Denis has been very proud of his son's achievements even in the Philippines. Joseph is a product of the Philippine Science

High School, University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University School of Law.

Joseph migrated to Canada in 2010 to join his wife and started working in the legal field and was called to the bar in 2014. But it is not

just all legal work for him as he has been serving in various capacities in the church and civic organizations. Statistics Canada showed that there are more than 60,000 Filipinos in Edmonton, who are recognized for their hard work and contributions

to the growing society.

And Joseph has so far emerged as the best contribution from the Filipino community, if given the chance, to be a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

"Hindi po tayo mapapahiya,"

said wife Katrina, who has served as campaign manager with the help of other ethnic groups in Edmonton South.

The Filipino community's "best and brightest" definitely deserve a seat in the Legislative Assembly.

Premier Danielle Smith joins supporters of Attorney Joseph Angeles at a fund-raising event, April 29. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Premier Danielle Smith attends the fund-raising event for Attorney Joseph Angeles, who is running for MLA in the Edmonton South riding, April 29, at the Jagare Golf Club. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Great Smile Dental Group to organize ‘night of fun and laughter’ concert

By Moses Billacura

Great Smile Family Dental Group is on high gear preparing for its 25th anniversary celebration with a concert, guaranteed to have a "night of fun and laughter".

Set on June 24 at the Italian Cultural Centre in Edmonton, it will feature Kuya Jobert (KuyaJobertTV) and Ate Gay with

Renz Fernando and Pepita Curtis.

Kuya Jobert used to be a mainstay of ABS-CBN's weekend comedy show, Banana Sundae, and is now based in Calgary, where he has been doing comedy shows for his fellow Kababayans. Ate Gay is an actor, singer and comedian who is best known for his "Ako Naman...Ate

Gay sa Arena" concert at the SM Mall of Asia.

Renz Fernando represented the Philippines at the 2017 World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Long Beach where he won four medals in the singing event. Pepita Curtis, on the other hand, is also expected to rock the Great Smile Family Dental Group concert as he brings his brilliance as a comedian that spiced up GMA Network's "The Boobay And Tekla Show".

Dr. Rod Montano said the concert is a way of "pasasalamat" to those who supported Great Smile Family Dental, Thorncliffe Dental Clinic and Bright Smile Dental Clinic.

For tickets, call Jo-Ann at (780) 293-4322, Bethel at (780) 7101249 or Thorncliffe Dental Clinic at (780) 487-1010.

Filipino Features for May Asian Heritage Month

ARTOSPECTIVE - an artist’s point of view

As the month of May rolls around, we embrace the opportunity to celebrate Asian Heritage Month, a time to honour and recognize the rich

cultural contributions of Asian communities worldwide. Canada's Filipino community is vibrant and growing. But tends to focus more on June Philippine Heritage Month.

This year, however, has brought about truly significant Filipinothemed offerings in May.

Pro Coro Canada, widely recognized as one of Canada’s

finest, presented a Filipino-themed concert, Missae IX, with MISA by Ryan Cayabyab, and a world premiere of Missa Brevis, a composition written and arranged by FilipinoCanadian Pro Coro Singer Oliver Munar. They also brought in Jonathan Velasco as guest conductor. He is one of the sought-after conductors and adjudicators in the Philippines who also conducted the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra, among other prestigious choral groups.

Members of the Filipino community had the opportunity to attend an Open Rehearsal and observe the process and nuances of choral conducting and singing. Maestro Velasco also had the chance to meet with Edmonton-based choral group Koro Filipino and do an impromptu mini workshop.

Another exciting offering is Citadel Theatre’s presentation of Prison Dancer, by Romeo Candido and Carmen De Jesus.

Prison Dancer is inspired by the video of 1500 inmates in the Philippines dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, one of the internet’s first viral videos. The musical has gone through many iterations, from a simple workshop, a run at the New York Musical Festival, and an interactive web series. And now it is making its world premiere in Edmonton.

Prison Dancer explores the stories of each individual, not justifying their actions, but portraying them with empathy. That one is not defined by the mistakes but by the way you recover from them. It also shows how music and dance can be saving

factors in the most dire situations. Romeo describes it as a Filipinofocused musical centred on themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of community.

The significance of this production with an all Filipino creative team, and a Filipino story and context cannot be understated. And the Edmonton Filipino community should rally behind this production and be proud that the journey of this musical to Broadway has started here. Don’t miss this production which runs until May 28!

On May 25 & 26, Philippine Arts Council will be participating in On the Move, an online presentation by the CanAsian Arts Network showcasing artists from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal. Now in its third edition, this pan-Canadian and bilingual celebration provides national visibility for a number of Asian Canadian artists.

Philippine Arts Council will be presenting Refuge of Love, a dance piece set to the Filipino lullaby “Ugoy ng Duyan” (In the Rocking of the Cradle) by Philippine National Artist Lucio San Pedro, conveying the warmth and security of a mother’s embrace. The piece evokes the soothing comfort of maternal love, inviting one to bask in the nostalgia of one’s own memories. It is a celebration of the power of love and the enduring connection between mother and child, offering a moment of respite from the chaos of the world and a reminder of the solace that can be found in the refuge of love. The creative team for this project consists of Ida Beltran Lucila (director), Jojo Lucila (choreographer), Keoni Tan (dancer), Beaulah Mae Uy (singer), Gerald Penaco (editor) and Jordan Tate (camera work). Artworks by Jayson Palolan, Ma. Elizabeth Arroyo, April Angeles and Jasmine Atay are also featured. Watch the programming free at canasianarts.com

Let’s celebrate these two months

of Asian Heritage Month in May and Philippine Heritage Month in June!

To comment on this article, go to https:// www.philippineartscouncil.com/blog.

Philippine Students’ Association presents, Bayanihan: It Takes a Village Fundraising Gala

Bayanihan is a Filipino custom that embodies the spirit of communal unity, cooperation, and helpfulness. The term originates from the Filipino word "bayani," which means hero or someone who performs an extraordinary act for the benefit of others.

Traditionally, the bayanihan spirit was exemplified through a communal effort to move a house or a barn from one place to another. In this practice, members of the community would gather together to help lift and carry the house or barn to its new location.

continued on page 25 ►

PhilSA Co-President Alcyrra Gomez (left) and Marklyn Wong (middle). PhilSA Gala Chairperson Rycon Blaire Balagot (right).

After a 2-year hiatus, the Philippine Students’ Association (PhilSA) brought back its annual Fundraising Gala in April 2023. The success of the fundraising event was celebrated with a full-course buffet, a photobooth, a 360-degree film, a red carpet entrance, a silent auction, a 50-50 raffle, a raffle draw, a cash bar, a dance floor, and live performances from various artists.

On April 29th, the Philippine Students’ Association of the University of Alberta held a fundraising gala themed "Bayanihan: It Takes a Village" in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital and Pusong Pinoy. The Stollery Children’s Hospital aims to advocate for and improve children's healthcare to provide them with the best chance for a long and healthy life.

Headquartered in California, USA, Pusong Pinoy (Heart of a Filipino) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to helping underprivileged children in the Philippines. Pusong Pinoy's mission is to provide assistance to various public schools and organizations with effective programs designed to advance the well-being of disadvantaged children in the areas of education, healthcare, and social services.

The successful fundraising event was celebrated with a lineup of showcasing talents and inspiring guest speakers, including local artists Himalaya and Cataleya, PhilSA

alumni Nicole de Grano and Rupert Gomez, and the Filipino-Canadian Saranay Association of Alberta's “LuzViMinda” Medley, along with performances of the Canadian and Philippine National anthems. PhilSA members also performed the famous traditional Filipino folk dances called Tinikling and Sayaw sa Bangko.

An influential group of speakers also attended the event, including Edmonton Elks CEO Victor Cui, Amazing Race Canada Season 8 Filipina sisters Franca and Nella Brodett, PhilSA’s past presidents and alumni Beatriz Rubio, Maissie Hillman and Kevin Chavez Laxamana, and a virtual remark from the Minister of Tourism of Canada, Randy Boissonnault (PC MP).

The gala's success was a result of the Bayanihan movement that showcased the achievements and vision of cooperation and mutual support, which symbolizes the Filipino resilience and community spirit. The event was made possible with the help of sponsors and the efforts of PhilSA’s executives and committee.

The Philippine Students’ Association, or PhilSA, is a nonpartisan and not-for-profit organization that was established in March 2011 at the University of Alberta. PhilSA allows students, alumni, and staff of the University of Alberta to celebrate Philippine heritage both on and off campus.

By

Filipino-Canadaiam Saranay Association of Alberta performing the “LuzViMinda” medley.

Guests at the Bayanihan Fundraising Gala from left to right, Bayanihan guest, Ida Lucila, Jose “Jun” Angeles, Victor Cui and Joselito Velasco.

PhilSA Alumni and awardees of the Kevin Chavez Laxamana Volunteer of the Year award.

PhilSA Gala Committee 2023

PhilSA Alumni throughout the years together with the current PhilSA Executive.

Katrina Marielle Cereno

Katrina is a 4th year Civil Engineering co-op student at the University of Alberta. She currently works at the City of Edmonton as a Safe Mobility Engineering student and is also an executive director for the Philippine Students’ Association at the University of Alberta. In her free time, she loves to jam and sing with her family and loves to go on hikes with friends and family.

Copyright @ www.boatloadpuzzles.com

HOROSCOPE

Taurus season is in full swing, dear Aries, so you should be moving slowly, embracing luxury, and reaping the rewards of your labors to this point.

However, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your budget. Mercury’s retrograde journey through the sector of your chart that governs money could bring a financial snafu or two.

There will be plenty to see and do this month, dear Taurus, as your birthday season continues to light up our skies and your popularity!

However, with Mercury traveling retrograde through your sign, you’ll be in the mood to edit your friendship circle, making room for the people who truly value you while taking steps away from any people who continuously bring you drama or grief. A desire to update your look could also come into play, though you might want to hold back on any dramatic hairstyle changes or large wardrobe investments until Mercury heads direct on May 14.

You might feel as though your head is underwater this month, dear Gemini, as three celestial bodies move through your solar twelfth house. Meanwhile, your planetary ruler Mercury is deep in its retrograde, pushing you to take stock of your life as you review both happy and painful memories. Though there might be a few dark moments ahead, the Universe will ultimately illuminate higher paths moving forward.

You’ll feel inspired to make the world a better place, dear Cancer, as Taurus season lights up the sector of your chart that governs community. However, issues could arise if you bombard yourself with tragic news stories and disappointing information, making it important that you instead focus on small and constructive ways you can make a difference.

Your friends might accuse you of being more serious or stoic than usual, dear Leo, as Taurus season galvanizes the sector of your chart that governs success. You’ll feel less inspired to spend nights out with your buddies and more invested in carving out a name for yourself. However, you should take care to check in with your emotions during the Scorpio lunar eclipse on May 5, or the feelings you’ve been pushing down could bubble up to the surface.

Though you’re typically one of the more reserved and responsible members of the zodiac, dear Virgo, give yourself permission to expand your horizons and enjoy yourself while Taurus season activates your solar ninth house. These vibes are all about elevating your mind, body, and soul, so be sure to hunt for new experiences and ways of thinking.

April 2023 Crossword's Solution

Your world will revolve around change and transformation this month, dear Libra, because Taurus season activates your solar eighth house. This cosmic climate can give you the strength and motivation to turn away from people or situations that are holding you back from your highest potential, helping you move away from that which no longer serves you. The Scorpio full moon eclipse on May 5 will be particularly powerful for you, helping you understand that sometimes one must embrace destruction to make way for new growth.

May will be a romantic month for you, dear Scorpio, as Taurus season lights up the sector of your chart that governs love. Expect to feel butterflies in your stomach as you kiss longer and embrace harder, nurturing the connections that matter most. If you’re currently looking for love, now would be a good time to fire up your dating apps or ask to be set up, though happily single Scorpios can relish these vibes by investing more time in self-care and embracing decadence.

Taurus season wants you to tidy up your life a bit, dear Sagittarius, motivating you to take stock of your daily habits and how they influence your productivity. Though you’re one of the more exuberant and fast-moving members of the zodiac, this cosmic climate will encourage you to move more slowly so you can make fewer, smarter, and more efficient decisions. Getting plenty of rest and eating well should also be prioritized. You understand that maintaining a happy body is the best way to stay energized as you chip away at your vast list of goals.

It’s okay to puff out your chest a bit this month, dear Capricorn, because three planets are moving through Taurus and the sector of your chart that governs ego. Luckily, these vibes will also bring some extra sparkle to your aura, which means people won’t mind so much if there’s a smug smile on your face. However, with Mercury still stuck in retrograde purgatory, remember to measure your words and actions before following through, or you could end up in a rut that’s fueled by miscommunication and error.

It’s okay for your lazy side to win every now and again, dear Aquarius, and with Taurus season active in your solar fourth house, the time for rest is now. These vibes are all about checking in with your needs while also considering ways in which you can strengthen your family and domestic life. Meanwhile, with Mercury deep in its retrograde journey, random upsets in the home could have you working on projects you weren’t anticipating. Luckily, investing in your space can bring emotional and mental rewards, though you might want to hold off on any major renovations until Mercury stations direct on May 14.

You’ll feel stable and calm in your mind this month, dear Pisces, thanks to Taurus season and its grounding presence. However, you’ll find that your thoughts are best directed inward, because Mercury’s retrograde motion could lead to miscommunication or stubborn arguments.

April 2023 Issue Sudoku's Solution

ACROSS

1. Yule drink

4. Oversupply

8. Border on

12. ____ wing and a prayer (2 wds.)

13. Bound

14. Singer Johnny ___

15. French writer

17. Accurate

18. Fiery felony

19. Lamb's father

20. Nelson ____ of South Africa

23. Dickens title beginning (2 wds.)

25. Hullabaloo

26. Language of Syria

28. Phonograph inventor

DOWN

1. It follows Oct.

2. Lennon's spouse

3. Lass

4. Blinding light

5. Superman's gal (2wds.)

6. Hubbud

7. Youth

8. Deed

9. Fierce fish

10. Normal 11. Essay topic 16. Tiny amount 20. Actress ____ West

Tack on

Silent

Presidential nickname

Soft metal

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!

Solidifying our region’s position as global leaders in clean energy transition.

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi

From Mayor Sohi’s Desk

By Mayor Amarjeet Sohi

The City of Edmonton is committed to transitioning to a low-carbon future, and hydrogen is a key component of achieving this goal. So what is hydrogen energy? Hydrogen is a clean fuel that, when consumed in

a fuel cell or combusted, emits only water. It can be created from natural resources abundant in Alberta, like natural gas and renewable power like solar and wind. The Edmonton region’s active leadership in the global hydrogen economy is essential in achieving our climate resilience and sustainability goals; the industry creates jobs, stimulates innovation, and helps our region unlock its potential. The hydrogen industry presents an $11+ trillion global opportunity. I proclaimed April 25–29, 2023 “Hydrogen Week” in Edmonton, and for good reason!

Edmonton hosted the Canadian Hydrogen Convention in April which saw 8000 delegates from over 70 countries in attendance. This was the first convention in North America to be fueled by a hydrogen blending process, powered by ATCO. This year’s Hydrogen Convention doubled in size from last year, had over 100 exhibits and included a street party that saw more than 2000 people — what an achievement!

Thanks to ATCO’s expertise and capacity for hydrogen blending,

libel, is defamatory, shared with a third party, and directly names the victim(s). Cyberlibel poses a complex problem because cyberspace breeds libel without limit. When proven, the consequences in a court of law can be severe depending on the country.

there is potential for more hydrogenpowered, low carbon events to take place in the future, and the Convention saved over one tonne of carbon thanks to hydrogen blending this week! This is just one example of the many ways that the hydrogen economy can spark innovation and transform the way we envision events and daily operations.

With government officials, industry leaders and international delegates in attendance, Edmonton was put on a world stage as a lucrative region for investment, trade, collaboration, and relationship building with our many stakeholders.

After delivering opening remarks to kick off the conference, I had the opportunity to learn more about hydrogen infrastructure needs, and some of the advantages and challenges that industry stakeholders are facing when working towards their energy transition goals. We know that regional and industry collaboration is the strongest way forward to build infrastructure, increase demand and raise awareness about the benefits of hydrogen, and the success of

the Convention demonstrated this sentiment.

At the Convention, I joined Edmonton Global, the Alberta Motor Transport Association and City of Edmonton representatives for two very promising announcements:

That the City of Edmonton is requesting proposals from the private sector to build a hydrogen fuelling station in southwest Edmonton. This hydrogen fuelling station will supply fuel for the City’s hydrogen transit buses and for the private sector’s heavy-duty trucks as the transportation industry transitions to hydrogen.

That the City of Edmonton’s first Edmonton Transit hydrogen bus (reducing emissions and improving quality of life) will be in service this summer! The City of Edmonton is the first Canadian city to have both battery and hydrogen powered buses in service.

Amidst all of the excitement at the Convention and these important announcements, one thing is for certain: the Edmonton region may just be the best place in the world

a third person. The victim must be identifiable, either named or for his/her work.

• The imputation must tend to cause the dishonor, discredit, or contempt of the person defamed. The victim should have been negatively affected by the post.

CYBERLibel

Browsing, scrolling, updating and posting in Social Media or Socmed is now part of people’s everyday routine.

More often than not, we come across comments, posts or articles that we feel are offensive to one’s personality. Words or statements used can be considered personally unacceptable, unjust and dishonourable. Could these be subject to a Cyber libel case? Let us delve into this a little bit in order to gain a basic understanding of Cyber libel legal parameters.

Cyberlibel definition

This is the act of spreading false information about another person, group, or organization through a computer network. Libel is the act of publicly and maliciously ascribing a crime, vice, or defect (actual or fictional) to a person or disrespecting the memory of someone who is dead. Cyberlibel, like common law

By definition Cyber-libel is a term used when someone has posted or emailed something that is untrue and damaging about someone else on the Internet, including in message boards, bulletin boards, blogs, chat rooms, personal websites, social media, social networking sites, or other published articles. If you are suing because your reputation was damaged due to a libelous statement, you do not have to prove that it caused you financial loss because the law presumes that you suffered a financial loss as a result of the loss of your reputation. (Legal.line.ca)

Consequently, a person that can be charged with committing cyberlibel must satisfy the following elements: (Techslang.com)

• There must be an imputation of a crime, vice, or defect (real or imaginary) or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance. In simpler terms, the person should have committed a crime.

• The imputation must be made in public, which requires that at least one other person must have seen the defamatory post, in addition to the author and the person defamed or alluded to in the material. This element simply requires a witness to the crime committed.

• The imputation must be malicious, which means that the author of the defamatory post made it with the knowledge that it was false. Or he or she acted with reckless disregard as to the truth or falsity of the post. This element presupposes that the person intended to cause the victim harm.

• The imputation must be directed at a natural or juridical person or someone dead, which requires that the post must identify the person defamed or, at the very least, the person defamed is identifiable by

• The imputation was done using a computer system or any other similar means that may be devised in the future. Other devices, in this case, include smartphones, tablets, or any other digital means of publication

One of the first laws in the Philippines which specifically penalized computer crime, is the Cybercrime Prevention Act 2012.

Accordingly, Cyber Crime Offenses Section 4(c)(4). Libel- The unlawful or prohibited acts of libel as defined in Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, committed through a computer system or any other similar means which may be devised in future.

Moreover, In the Revised Penal Code Book II (RPC), the Crime Against Honor consequently: (Article .353)-A libel is a public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status,or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a natural or judicial person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead.

However, Article 355 states that Libel means by writings or similar means. — A libel committed by means of writing, printing, lithography, engraving, radio, phonograph, painting, theatrical exhibition, cinematographic exhibition, or any similar means, shall be punished by prisioncorreccional in its minimum and medium periods or a fine ranging from 200 to 6,000 pesos, or both, in addition to the civil action which may be brought by the offended party.

As I mentioned in my July 2021 article “Remormoger”, “if the story is intriguing against the honor of the person it will lead to legal impediments.”

Be mindful of and be kind with your words.

to invest in hydrogen.

We are already the world’s second lowest-cost producer of hydrogen, with Alberta producing over 60% of Canada’s hydrogen — most of that being in the Edmonton region. The Edmonton region can already make enough decarbonized hydrogen in Canada today to meet the country’s expected 2050 demand, which could make us the leading hydrogen exporter. Thanks to our skilled workforce, our extensive infrastructure and our innovative community, Edmonton is well on its way to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The future of Edmonton’s economy is thrilling, and climate action remains on the forefront of our green energy endeavours. I am proud of Edmonton’s growth and leadership in the hydrogen industry, and I know that together, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all of us.

To learn more about Edmonton’s hydrogen efforts, visit https://erh2. ca/ today.

MY ROCK AND MY SALVATION

FROM A VANTAGE POINT

HE IS MY DEFENCE. Not my defender only, but my actual protection. I am secure, because God is faithful.

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.

OUR TEXT

"He only is my Rock and my Salvation: He is my Defence; I shall not be moved." Psalm 62:6, KJV.

HE ONLY IS MY ROCK AND MY SALVATION.

Alone, and without other help, God is the foundation and completion of my safety. We cannot too often hear the toll of that great bell only; let it ring the death knell of all carnal reliances, and lead us to cast ourselves on the bare arm of God.

I SHALL NOT BE MOVED. Not even in the least degree! See how David's confidence grows. In the second verse an adverb qualified his silence; here, however, it is absolute; he altogether defies the rage of his adversaries, he will not stir an inch, nor be made to fear even in the smallest degree.

A living faith grows; experience develops the spiritual muscles of the believer, and gives a manly force which our spiritual infancy has not yet reached.

Twice in this Psalm hath he repeated this, in the second and in the sixth verses, He is my Rock and my Salvation, and my Defence, and (as it is enlarged in the seventh verse) my Refuge and my Glory.

If my Defence, what temptation shall wound me? If my Rock, what storm shall shake me?

If my Salvation, what melancholy shall defeat me? If my Glory, what calumny shall defame me?

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

by profession and Apprentice at Atty. Romeo Sese Law office.

Anxiety o Pagkabalisa

• Kawalan ng kakayahang pigilan ang mga nakakatakot na kaisipan.

• Pag-iwas sa mga kinatatakutan na bagay o sitwasyon.

o sobrang takot sa mga aso, Acrophobia sa taas, at Aerophobia ay sa paglipad.

ka ng mga Psychologist at iba pang tagapayo na malampasan ang iyong mga isyu sa pamamagitan ng talk therapy; habang ang mga Psychiatrist ay maaari ding magreseta ng gamot.

adamvm912@yahoo.com

Adam Mella is currently a Nurse educator at Grant MacEwan University. He has more than 14 years of experience as a RN and educator in Alberta. He graduated with a master of nursing from the University of Alberta and a doctorate in Healthcare Administration from the USA. He is a proud Filipino who advocates for holistic health and well-being. His other advocacies are the integration of IEN (internationally educated nurses) into Alberta, relational leadership, and student-centred education.

Ang pagkabalisa ay isang pakiramdam ng pagkabalisa, pag-aalala, o takot tungkol sa isang sitwasyon o kaganapan na may hindi tiyak na resulta. Ito ay isang natural na tugon sa stress at isang normal na bahagi ng buhay.

Maaaring makatulong ang pagkabalisa sa ilang partikular na sitwasyon sa pamamagitan ng pag-aalerto sa atin sa potensyal na panganib at pagtulong sa atin na gumawa ng naaangkop na pagkilos. Gayunpaman, kapag ang pagkabalisa ay naging labis, nagpapatuloy, at hindi napigilan, maaari itong makagambala sa mga pang-araw-araw na gawain at maging isang anxiety disorder.

Ang iba't ibang indibidwal ay maaaring magpakita ng iba't ibang sintomas kapag nahaharap sa isang anxiety disorder. Ang iba't ibang mga karamdaman sa pagkabalisa ay maaaring magdulot ng iba't ibang sintomas tulad ng

• Labis na pag-aalala at takot, pagkamayamutin

• Labis na pagkabalisa, na nagiging sanhi ng kawalan ng kakayahang mag-relax o manatiling kalmado.

• Nahihirapang mahulog o manatiling tulog

• Kawalan ng kakayahang magconcentrate o huminga nang normal.

• Panic o pakiramdam ng panganib o kapahamakan na parang isang bagay na lubhang kalunos-lunos at masakit na malapit nang mangyari, patuloy na pagkabalisa.

• Karera ng puso at hingal (Ang paghinga ay nagiging masyadong mabilis at mababaw na tinatawag na hyperventilation), presyon sa dibdib, pakiramdam ng posibleng atake sa puso.

• Tuyong bibig, pagduduwal at pananakit ng ulo

• Pagkahilo, pagpapawis at mga hot flashes.

• Pag-igting ng mga kalamnan, panginginig o pagkibot, pangingilig sa mga kamay at paa

• Madalas na pag-ihi

• Bukol sa lalamunan

• Pagkapagod at patuloy na pakiramdam ng pagiging sobra.

• Ang pagiging madaling magulat

Mga Uri ng Pagkabalisa Kasama sa mga karaniwang uri ng anxiety disorder ang Generalized Anxiety Disorder na labis, paulit-ulit, at hindi makatotohanang pag-aalala tungkol sa mga pang-araw-araw na isyu at sitwasyon. Ang Panic Disorder ay isang uri ng anxiety disorder kung saan ang isang tao ay nakakaranas ng paulit-ulit at hindi inaasahang panic attack. Ang mga panic attack ay mga biglaan, matinding episode ng takot o kakulangan sa ginhawa na umaabot sa pinakamataas sa loob ng ilang minuto at may kasamang mga sintomas tulad ng palpitations ng puso, pagpapawis, nanginginig, igsi sa paghinga, at pakiramdam ng nalalapit na kapahamakan o pagkawala ng kontrol.

Ang Social Anxiety Disorder/ Social Phobia ay higit pa sa pagiging mahiyain. Ang ibig sabihin nito ay ang tao ay nakakaramdam ng pagkabalisa at takot na bantayan, husgahan, ipahiya, at itakwil ng iba o masakit sa sarili sa pang-araw-araw na sitwasyong panlipunan tulad ng pakikipag-usap sa mga tao sa trabaho, paaralan, pagtitipon sa lipunan, mga kaibigan, at mga kapitbahay. Ang mga taong nababalisa sa lipunan ay maaaring hindi komportable sa mga pang-araw-araw na sitwasyon tulad ng pakikipag-usap sa salesperson o cashier sa isang tindahan, pag-order ng pagkain sa mga restaurant, pagkain o pag-inom sa isang grupo, gamit ang mga pampublikong banyo.

Ang obsessive-compulsive disorder ay humahantong sa mga paulitulit na pag-uugali. Halimbawa, kung natatakot ka sa mikrobyo, patuloy kang naghuhugas ng iyong mga kamay. Kung hihinto ka sa paghuhugas, tataas ang iyong stress at pagkabalisa. Ang Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ay isang kondisyon sa kalusugan ng isip na maaaring umunlad pagkatapos maranasan o masaksihan ang isang traumatikong kaganapan, tulad ng digmaan, natural na sakuna, aksidente, o pisikal na karahasan. Normal na matakot sa panahon at pagkatapos ng mga ganitong pangyayari. Gayunpaman, kung ang mga sintomas ng trauma ay nagpapatuloy nang matagal at nagsimulang makagambala sa pangaraw-araw na buhay, ang isang tao ay maaaring masuri na may PTSD.

Ang Phobia ay isang matinding, hindi makatwiran, labis, hindi makontrol at pangmatagalang takot sa halos anumang bagay tulad ng mga hayop (ahas, gagamba, aso), natural na kapaligiran (taas, tubig, madilim), mga espasyo (tunnel, elevator, tulay, saradong espasyo), mga sitwasyon (paglipad, pagmamaneho, paglangoy), at iba pa. Ang Agoraphobia ay isang takot na mapunta sa isang lugar o sitwasyon kung saan tila mahirap tumakas sakaling magkaroon ng emergency tulad ng LRT o eroplano, mga mataong lugar, at mga kulong silid. Ang Claustrophobia ay isang takot na nasa isang masikip, nakapaloob na lugar tulad ng mababang basement, elevator, tunnel kung saan tila mahirap tumakas sa isang emergency. Ang Cynophobia ay isang hindi makatwiran

Mga Dahilan ng Pagkabalisa Ang ilang pananaliksik ay nagpapakita ng mga karamdaman sa pagkabalisa bilang isang 3067% na minanang kondisyon, na nangangahulugang maaari silang tumakbo sa pamilya. Ipinapahiwatig din ng pananaliksik ang koneksyon sa pagitan ng mga imbalance ng kemikal at mga kondisyon sa kalusugan ng isip. Ang karaniwang paniniwala ay ang kawalan ng balanse ng "serotonin" at "dopamine," na kadalasang tinatawag na "happy hormones," ay maaaring humantong sa pagkabalisa at depresyon habang kinokontrol nila ang mga emosyon at mood.

Ang mga negatibong karanasan sa buhay ay maaaring magdulot ng mga karamdaman sa pagkabalisa. Ang pagabuso sa alkohol at droga ay konektado sa mga sakit sa pagkabalisa. Sa ilang mga kaso, ang mga palatandaan at sintomas ng pagkabalisa ay maaaring magpahiwatig ng pinagbabatayan na karamdaman tulad ng sakit sa puso, hyperthyroidism o hika. Ang ilang mga gamot ay maaaring magpalala ng pagkabalisa.

Mga Paraan Upang Harapin ang Pagkabalisa

Kung ikaw o ang iyong mahal sa buhay ay nakararanas ng mga sintomas na ito, dapat kang makipagugnayan sa iyong GP na maaaring magsuri sa iyo at magpatakbo ng mga kinakailangang pagsusuri upang masuri ang iyong katayuan sa kalusugan. Maaari rin silang magbigay ng mga questionnaire sa pagkabalisa at i-refer ka sa isang therapist o iba pang mga espesyalista. Tinutulungan

Pamamahala ng Pagkabalisa Kadalasan, masyado tayong abala sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay kaya't nakakalimutan nating bigyang pansin ang ating kalusugan hanggang sa dumating tayo sa punto ng ganap na pagkasira. Bigyang-pansin ang iyong kalusugang pangkaisipan. Tandaan na ang isang kondisyon sa kalusugang pangkaisipan ay maaaring makabawas nang husto sa iyong kalidad ng buhay. Hindi na kailangang magdusa kapag may makukuhang tulong.

Ang diyeta at ehersisyo ay may malaking papel na ginagampanan sa ating pisikal at mental na kalusugan. Malaki ang maitutulong ng pageehersisyo sa pamamahala ng stress at depresyon at pagpapanatili ng pangkalahatang mabuting kalusugan. Ito ay nakadagdag ng mga happy hormones. Kumain ng masusustansyang pagkain. Iwasan ang pag-abuso sa sangkap o mga inuming may caffeine dahil pinalala nila ang mga sakit sa pagkabalisa.

Ang stress ngayon ay pinaniniwalaan na ang pangunahing sanhi ng maraming sakit at karamdaman. Mahalagang magpahinga. Gumugol ng oras sa mga kaibigan at pamilya. Yoga, meditation, breathing techniques, work-life balance or integration, koneksyon sa kalikasan, disiplinadong buhay, libangan (e.g., pag-awit, pagsasayaw, pagpipinta, crafting) - lahat ay makakatulong sa pamamahala ng stress. Malamang na ang pagtulog ang nag-iisang pinakamahalagang aktibidad sa araw kung saan niresolba ng iyong katawan at isipan ang mga isyu, bumabawi,

at muling nabubuo. Hindi sapat ang pagtulog ng 6 -8 na oras. Subukang makakuha ng magandang kalidad ng pagtulog. Ang pakiramdam ng pagod o inaantok pagkatapos magising ay nangangahulugang hindi ka pa nagkakaroon ng magandang kalidad ng pagtulog. Kung mayroon kang mga karamdaman sa pagtulog tulad ng sleep apnea, magtrabaho sa pamamahala nito.

Ang mga kondisyon sa kalusugan ng isip ay maaaring kumplikado. Ang gamot at psychotherapy ay tumatagal mga maraming araw upang ipakita ang kanilang mga epekto. Ang isang plano sa paggamot na sinusuportahan ng diyeta, ehersisyo, pahinga, pagtulog, paglilibang, pagpapahinga ay tiyak na makakatulong sa paggamot sa mga kondisyon ng kalusugan.

Ang isang magandang buhay kung saan masisiyahan ka sa iyong trabaho, ang iyong oras kasama ang iyong mga mahal sa buhay, at makamit ang iyong mga pangarap at layunin, ay sulit sa mga pagsisikap na ito!

Ang nilalamang ito ay inihanda nina Kavita at Dr. Polly Chawla. Ito ay isinalin ni Dr. Adam Mella sa Tagalog. Ang program na ito ay inihahatid ng United Cultures of Canada Association (UCCA) na may suporta sa pagpopondo ng FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) of Alberta.

Maaari kang makatanggap ng libreng pagpapayo sa kalusugan ng isip mula sa UCCA. Maraming dalubhasang therapist ang nag-aalok ng serbisyong ito upang suportahan ang mga bagong dating. Mangyaring suriin ang website para sa karagdagang impormasyon: https://ucca.ca/ourparticipating-therapists/ Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa freepsychologicalcounselling@ ucca.ca o ucca@shaw.ca.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

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.

Iam excited to be back here again after my absence in recent issues.

Life sometimes throws challenges our way, which often can disrupt our life. I just went through one of those recently.

It is said that life happens for a reason. What reason? With each challenge that we encounter in life comes a lesson. So yes, the reason is about learning that lesson. I

recently spent some time looking after the needs of a loved one who developed some physical and mental health issues. Most of those issues, according to a lot of recent studies, were caused by the kind life he lived, his lifestyle and so were preventable.

The difficulties and pain that we experience in trying to help him lead me to the realization that we need to prioritize our physical, mental, and emotional health more than ever before.

So, living a balanced and healthy lifestyle is crucial. Eating a well-balanced diet to keep your body in good shape is great but it doesn’t end there. We also need to take care of our mental and emotional well-being. Be happy no matter what. I know it’s easier said than done, but we can accept that to be happy is a choice available to us.

Having harmonious relationships with people around us is also key to living a good life. Having a good support system and being open to learning new and different things will help us tremendously.

So, what does it mean for this kitchen corner now? I have decided to shift the focus of my future content a bit to include healthy living practices. I will continue to share delicious and nutritious recipes but will also give tips on cultivating a positive mindset and ways to stay engaged and focus on living a healthy life.

It is a bit of a broad topic, but I will try to gather the talk around the ‘kitchen area.’ Again, I’ll try.D046B04C-5AA0-4496-B167A588E2CF3DCD.png I just feel the need to share my learnings not just with family and friends but to you as well.

Because it is time to take control of our health. That’s our responsibility to ourselves. Yes, I know that changing habits can be difficult, but it is not about being perfect and it does not mean we need to change a lot of things right away. That’s not possible. I know that for myself. But making small but consistent changes can make a world of difference in our health and well-being over time. Having a healthy mind and body means a good life, right? And a good life also means a happy and fulfilling one. So, take care of yourself!

Let us get started on this journey. And let us start now.

Usapang Pederal

Message

of the Month:

Celebrating Canada's diversity

May is Asian Heritage Month. It is a time to recognize the immense contributions that Asian Canadians have made and continue to make as we work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all. It is also a time to celebrate the rich diverse cultures and history in Asian communities across the country while recognizing the work there is to do in order to combat hate and discrimination that Asian Canadians still face today.

Canada is a diverse country with people of many different backgrounds. For the last two centuries, immigrants have come to Canada from all parts of Asia, bringing with them a rich heritage representing many languages, ethnicities and religions.

This year’s theme Stories of Determination represents the strides made and the challenges overcome by Asian communities to thrive in Canada over the last two centuries and beyond. It is a history filled with hardship and setbacks, but ultimately, it is a story of triumph over adversity.

Within our vibrant Filipino community, May also marks Flores de Mayo. It is a popular festival dedicated to honour the Virgin Mary in the Philippines, which is also known as "Santacruzan" or "Sagalahan". Flores de Mayo is a cultural celebration that showcases the beauty and richness of Filipino traditions and customs, including

music, dance, and clothing. It is a colorful and joyful festival that brings together communities and families, and it is an important part of the Philippine cultural heritage. Across Alberta, Filipino communities celebrate Flores de Mayo through community gatherings, processions, and masses in honor of the Virgin Mary. Flores de Mayo in Canada is an opportunity for Filipino Canadians to come together to celebrate our cultural heritage and for Canadians to learn about Filipino culture and traditions.

Canada's diversity is one of our country’s greatest strengths and our government continues to support our diverse communities through investments in cultural organisations and community events. Liberal MP’s understand the importance these events and organisations have in fostering a cohesive and inclusive community.

That is why Liberal MP’s in Alberta and across Canada make it a priority to participate and support community-level cultural events and organisations.

These events and groups are not only an excellent way to celebrate our cultural history and heritage, but an opportunity to provide cross-culture learning. Participation in various cultural events help build respect, break down barriers, and provide a better appreciation for different ways of living. We believe that creating more of these opportunities and

initiatives we will build a more diverse, more inclusive, and more welcoming Canada for future generations.

Our Liberal team knows that there is always more work to do. We want to hear from you directly on how we can work together to deliver results for Albertans and build a stronger, fairer, more competitive, more affordable, more inclusive, and more sustainable economy. We look forward to hearing from all of you, contact our offices directly and share your ideas with us.

Happy Asian Heritage Month!

We would also like to acknowledge the

impact of the current wildfire crisis in Alberta. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has received Premier Danielle Smith’s request for federal assistance and our government will be responding by working with the Canadian Red Cross to set up a matching fund to help Albertans who have been impacted alongside other resources in the form of emergency services, additional firefighters and airlift assistance. We want to thank all the first responders for helping community members affected by this emergency.

Sulong Alberta!

Gumagalang,

George, Randy, and Rechie

Hon. Randy Boissonnault is the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre. He has been Canada’s Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance since October 2021.

George Chahal is the Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview. He was formerly the Calgary City Councillor for Ward 5.

Rechie Valdez is the Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Streetsville. She is Canada’s first Filipina Member of Parliament. She is the current Chair of the Canada Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group.

CONTACT INFORMATIONS

The Hon. Randy Boissonnault

MP for Edmonton Centre

Minister of Tourism and Associate

Minister of Finance

Main office – Edmonton #202, 10235 124 St

Edmonton, Alberta

T5N 1P9

Telephone:780-442-1888

Email: Randy.Boissonnault@parl.gc.ca

George Chahal

MP for Calgary Skyview

Main office – Calgary 101-7 Westwinds Crescent NE

Calgary, AB

T3J 5H2

Telephone: 403-291-0018

Email: George.Chahal@parl.gc.ca

Website: GeorgeChahalMP.ca

Rechie Valdez

MP for Mississauga–Streetsville

Telephone: 905-812-1811

Email: Rechie.valdez@parl.gc.ca

Resources on Pet Care

By Giselle General

Many of us get immense satisfaction from having a pet, or two in our homes. These members of our household, whether four-legged, with feathers, or scales, come with needs and responsibilities to keep them safe and healthy. There are also other rules and regulations that are involved, as well as resources so that we, as a community, can care for our own pets and the pets of others around us. Here are some resources or programs that can be useful to everyone.

On Adopting and Registering Pets

1. Bylaws on Registering and Limits: For Edmonton, the easiest way to get an appointment and the information for pet license is by calling 311. The key online resource is at: https:// www.edmonton.ca/pets

2. Adoption Agencies “Adopt, don’t shop” is a piece of advice that is being advocated these days, as there are many animals that are hurt or abandoned and need homes. Some agencies that are worth contacting are Second Change Animal Rescue Society, Zoe’s Animal Rescue, and the Edmonton Humane Society.

3. Social Enterprises that Support Animals. Entrepreneurs who want

to make a difference but also have a successful business are becoming more popular. Cat Café on Whyte, located at 10111 82 Ave NW is a café where you can get drinks and treats, spend time in a cozy lounge and hang out with dozens of cats. These cats are from a local shelter and are eligible for adoption.

On Responsible Pet Ownership

1. Information about Dogs in Public Places: Walking a dog or taking them to a park is quite common, and there are laws in place to ensure the safety of everyone. Violating these can hurt someone and can cause penalties towards both the owner and the pet. For more information check out https://www.edmonton. ca/residential_neighbourhoods/ pets_wildlife/owning-a-pet-inedmonton.aspx

2. Report Inappropriate treatment: There is a way to report pets that are hurt, whether it is not being fed properly, no proper shelter, or someone who has too many pets that can lead to the animals not being cared for properly. Call 311 if within Edmonton or 780-442-5311 if outside of Edmonton.

3. Reporting a Misbehaving or

Halina sa Fiesta!

by Mila Bongco-Philipzig

6th Annual Edmonton

June 17-18, 2023

Borden Park

The annual Edmonton Filipino Fiesta (EFF) celebrates its 6th year in 2023. This festival is a family-oriented celebration that

Nuisance Dog: Dogs that bark too loudly and too frequently can be reported. Other misbehaviours that can be reported are being unable to control the dog or keep the dog on a leash while outside the owner’s home, or excessive pooping in inappropriate places. The owner can be charged with fines up to $250. Information on how to report can be found at https://www.edmonton. ca/residential_neighbourhoods/ pets_wildlife/nuisance-dogs.aspx

Caring for Pets during Unexpected Personal Emergencies

1. Safe House for Pets when Escaping Domestic Violence: Sometimes, when someone who is abused by their spouse wants to leave, what prevents them from doing so is the fear that their pets will be harmed when they go away. There is a Pet Safekeeping Program run by the Alberta SPCA, where the victim’s pets can be cared for, while getting supports from domestic violence. For more information, go to: www. albertaspca.org and search for “Pet Safekeeping.”

2. Food Bank for Pet Food: When times are tough financially, many are still dedicated in caring for their

Filipino Fiesta

provides an opportunity to showcase the depth and richness of Philippine culture through arts, entertainment, celebration of traditional and ethnic foods.

This is the only major event in

Edmonton to-date that provides wide access to Filipino culture, arts, and food for multiple days, while providing opportunities for local businesses, local performers, artists, and artisans to get promoted and

pets. There is a “food bank” for pet food available in the city through Boyle Street Community Services. For information you can go to http:// old.boylestreet.org/we-can-help/ adult-services/pet-food-bank/

While this is no way an exhaustive list, the goal is to encourage seeking out information and assistance for

connected with the community. This is a community-based, non-profit event promoting Philippine culture and local talents and businesses, serving Edmonton and surrounding areas. Each and every year, the number and variety of vendors, performers, attendees, exhibits, and cultural activities continue to grow.

There is a myriad of things to see and experience for the whole family in the following areas: a) Food: Filipino meals and snacks offered in kiosks and food trucks, b) Marketplace: local products and services increasingly being customized to the Filipino community, c) Main Stage hosts the Fiesta programs from Saturday morning all the way to closing time on Sunday and features performances by singers, bands, dancers, and choral groups; d) Fiesta Parade on Saturday at 2PM which reflects the creativity and vivacity of group and individual participants; e) Heritage Zone provides information and workshops on Philippine culture and tradition, as well as displays from various visual artists; f) Family Zone consists of a play area with bouncy castles, and crafts and heritage books, face painting, and a sari-sari store with trademark goodies straight from the Philippines. There is also a

any type of challenge, no matter how big or small, whether common or not. For any readers who are not directly served by the area where the outlined programs are listed, it is likely that equivalents are available by searching the topic and adding the name of your location.

Community Hub where non-profits and community organizations can promote their services and connect with the community, and a Tiendacitas area which allows artisans and crafters, especially the young ones, to display, promote, and sell their wares. Starting this year, we will also feature a different Guest Culture every year to raise awareness about other cultures, heritage, and traditions and to foster closer relationships with our neighbours in Edmonton.

The Edmonton Filipino Fiesta is organized and executed by PHIDEAS (Philippine Edmonton Events and Arts Society) in partnership with the City of Edmonton. We rely on volunteers to organize prior to the event, as well as many more volunteers during the event itself for the smooth running of the various areas outlined above. We encourage you to join us.

If you are interested in participating in the Fiesta as a vendor, performer, artisan, or volunteer, and for more general information, please visit the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta website at https://www. edmontonfilipinofiesta.com and check us out on Facebook and Instagram. You can also write to us at: yegphilippinefiesta@gmail.com.

CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE: Moving Forward

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 significant people around them. May you all continue to share the gift of life with others. Active co-existence follows essence.

Bam Esteofa’s 50th birthday - April 22

SkinLueur CEO turns another leaf

“There is no better gift than another birthday.” Blessed to be celebrating another year with good friends. Thankful for my staff for my birthday surprise this year and to my supportive clients who came to visit and greet me this year. --- Doc Chum.

Jhong & Chandra

With family and guests coming from the Philippines, US, The Caribbeans, and all over Canada - George "Jhong" Jocson - one of Alberta's Basketball Icon and Chandra Mendis - one of Edmonton's finest RCIC, are tying the knot on the 23rd of May 2023 in Spruce Grove, AB. 11 years of togetherness on their exact wedding day, Jhong & Chandra never thought they could ever reach this far along. A celebration of true love brought together by their faith and belief that no matter what the circumstance, God and His angels are behind all these.

Happy 21st birthday Katrina Cereno! - May 8

Happy 41st birthday Melanie Gomez! - May 14

Bam was serenaded by NDP candidate for MLA in Edmonton-South West, Nathan Ip Bam’s well-wishers

Bam’s guests and visitors

Manny Arban and his Zumba Team

Behind the Bar’s owners, staff, and friends

The party was ornamented by the fifty shades of grey.

Happy 50th birthday Moses “Mo” Billacura, AFJ’s Sports Editor, News writer, and photographer. April 27