FREE COPY
FORGETTING IS REMEMBERING.
Lyrique:
a Filipino Artist in the Flow P11 ► of Words & Beats
NOVEMBER 2019 • Volume 12, Number 11
Quality Care Group of Companies-backed Mindanao
Earthquakes fund-raising donation total $3,700 P6 ►
AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
Jesus, The Black Nazarene Celebrates His 5th Year in Edmonton in 2020 P27 ►
Alberta and Trudeau’s minority government
UPAA Edmonton wins prestigious UP Distinguished Service Award P21 ►
T Undas 2019 A Huge Success!
he results of the recent federal elections revealed some surprising stats. From a newcomer’s perspective, and from one who is no stranger to politics, the losses that the Liberals suffered and the rise of the Conservatives is a clear signal that Canada may be reaching a political crossroad.
P22 ►
more on Page 10 ► TOP PHOTO: In this file photo, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a press conference following a cabinet swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on July 18, 2018. Trudeau’s cabinet choices have domino effect on House of Commons work. - Justin Tang / The Canadian Press LEFT PHOTO: In this file photo, Alberta Premier-Designate Jason Kenney arrives outside the Alberta Legislature building in Edmonton on Wednesday April 17, 2019 for a news conference, the day after his United Conservative Party was elected to govern the province. Larry Wong / Postmedia Network
We’ve got the right mortgage for you Contact me:
Belle De Castro Manager, Mobile Mortgage Specialist Tel: 780 231 3126 E: belle.decastro@td.com
2
Business
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
Business
3
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
4
AFJ Staff | Editor's Corner | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
EDITOR’S CORNER Lito Mendoza Velasco
Published by Angeles Publishing Company Inc. 246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2T2
The very act of forgetting is remembering
Jose L. Angeles Publisher / Chief Operating Officer Sales & Advertising CP: 780-916-7677 Landline: 780-988-8889 Fax: 780-988-2221 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com Lito Mendoza Velasco Editor-in-Chief / Associate Publisher 780-655-5126 editor@albertafilipinojournal.com Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles Administrator / Office Manager Sales & Advertising 780-993-5503 albertafilipinojournal79@gmail.com Lianne Angeles Proofreader l Contributing Writer Melanie C. Gomez Website / Graphic Designer Photographers/Videographer: Moses Billacura, Noli Granado, Dario Juanillo Angeline Escano Columnists: Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Tito S. Venida Ida Beltran-Lucila, Katrina Marielle U. Cereno Kristian Cereno, Marco Luciano, Moses Billacura Mervin Mendoza Cereno, Nicky Gocuan Giselle General, Riana Torrejon, Hermo Pagtakhan Januel Cedrick Ibasco, Fr. Jhack Diaz Bing J. Jaleco The Alberta Filipino Journal is dedicated in memory of Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros of Winnipeg as she engaged her entire life in service to the Filipino Community. We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
instances into oblivion. But how? The moment I intend to forget such things, the more it rings in my ears. Can a traitor be forgotten? A mentally challenged person can always be tamed and a drug addict can always be rehabilitated; but none of the best medicine can cure a traitor. Who could ever forget a person you have treated not merely as a friend but a real brother, yet you find out that he opted to backbite rather than fight for you. I personally had a closest friend who I admired most because of his unfailing love for others. To my surprise, this friend of mine managed to ruin my reputation by scattering false information against me. On federal election day, he sent a message to their messenger group saying that I was campaigning for a certain candidate during work hours. While in fact, I was on vacation that time. He even continued to imply that a government employee like me is not worthy of receiving his tax money. As if he was quite sure that I had stolen hours by escaping from work. How I wish I could bury such
Can a hero be forgotten? A beggar on the street or a scavenger at a dumpsite can be a well-known leader. Most of the time, a street-made person is the one who becomes a prominent leader. Simply because he knows how to confidently guide the troupe in the right direction. He doesn’t need to be trained because of his years of integration. He cannot easily be trapped as he knows the vicinity by heart. He cannot easily be fooled and set up for betrayal as he has been acquainted with people’s attitudes and characters in his neighbourhood. He doesn’t have to be loved because he has been loved. He doesn’t have to be remembered because he has been remembered. A leader who has served the society well is never forgotten. Try to forget and he will certainly be remembered. For the reason that the act of forgetting is remembering itself. Even lovers cannot just set aside a beloved who has gone away
by burying them into oblivion. No matter how much bitterness one has created in another’s life; he will always be remembered. How much more would this be for those soldiers who have offered their lives for the country? They are buried in their graves but will always be remembered. They will be honoured in so many ways: one of those is by selling poppies. I said, that is one but not the only gesture of paying tribute to their heroism. Some may sell candles and light them to remember those heroes. Others may just say a prayer and most of us donate money, foods, and do more to support the advocacy. That is why, it is not right to say that when an immigrant did not buy and wear poppies during Remembrance Day, then, he is ungrateful to the country where he lives in right now. If someone says that, he will surely be remembered. Not as a hero, but a racist. Can a politician be forgotten? The best propaganda and all campaign paraphernalia during the election period does not make a good politician. His performances can always be measured by the result. Broken promises are heart-breaking. Well, we are in a free country where the “Return and Exchange” as well as “Recall” policy is standing. The moment we realize that we are not satisfied with the product we bought or the politician we voted for, then, let’s return, exchange, and recall to look for a better one. Can departed loved ones be forgotten? How can we forget those who have contributed a lot to our lives? How can we forget if we always remember them during All Souls’ Days? They became part of us. An act of forgetting them is tantamount to remembering them. What about you? What do you aim to do or want to be in order to be remembered?
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Sports | Business
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
5
Mixed reactions from Pinoy sports community on Don Cherry’s comments on immigrants and poppies 'I don't regret a thing': Don Cherry speaks out on his firing and Ron MacLean I could not help but solicit reactions from our Filipino hockey fans after popular hockey commentator Don Cherry made comments about immigrants and poppies that drew mixed reactions. I’m giving the space to our Pinoy hockey fans and here’s what they said: Elmer Catalan It is good they let him go and it will be better for him to retire and enjoy his life. Wearing a poppy is a not a measurement how Canadian we are as immigrant. Kate Ksl Masyado syang nag aassume na hindi nirerespeto ng mga immigrant ang
araw ng remembrance dahil lamang sa hindi pag suot ng poppie, very inappropriate, heart tearing at nakakainsulto ang kanya mensahe
Jun Belle Naah, not an ounce of offence taken. My opinion, he has every right to say that. He is not wrong. But speaking of veterans, I would rathher get offended by one person who paid $10.5Million to a terrorist that killed a US soldier and told veterans they are asking too much. Lito Mendoza Velasco Canada is a free country and most of all, a land for immigrants. It doesn’t intend to impose on its residents as well as citizens an absolute obedience or duty to comply with any cultural and even political practices. If buying and pinning poppies is an obligation; then, everybody has to obey—no exemption! What about casting votes during the election? Is there a law or ordinance that urges every
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
continued on page 6►
SPORTS JOURNAL
Leduc Alberta Sunday Ballers Association has started its league with seven teams entered in its inaugural season. Veteran referee Rolan Latorre is with Lasba officials headed by Steph Fernandez, Nov.17. (contributed photo)
MOSES BILLACURA mo.sports@gmail.com Moses Billacura was a sports correspondent for national newspapers in the Philippines since 1992 and served as sports editor and columnist for a community paper before moving to Canada in 2010. He loves photography, manages pinoyedmontonnews.com and cheers for the Edmonton Oilers.
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
6
Community | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
Quality Care Group of Companies-backed Mindanao
Earthquakes fund-raising donation total $3,700
Some of the friends of Benjie Lindo gather on Nov.6 in Edmonton, Canada for the fundraising event for victims of the Mindanao earthquakes. (Photo by Moses Billacura) By Moses Billacura
Quality Care Group of Companies have chipped in its support to the Mindanao Earthquakes Victims Fund-Raising event, November 6, in Edmonton.
Facilitated by the Benjie Lindo Live Updates at the “Barangay Hall ng Masang Pilipino”, the Quality Care Group of Companies-backed event has raised a total of $3,700. Organizer Benjie Lindo has
sent the donation to Department of Agriculture Region 12 assistant regional director Romirose Boloron Padin. Quality Care Group, co-founded by Filipino-Canadian businessman
Kris Salumbides with business partners Jesse Tallon and Jacob Christian, runs the Medicus Family Health Clinic and Pharmacy and is also into medical equipment supplies and sleep medicine. Lindo, whose roots are originally from Batangas and settled in Agusan in Mindanao, cooked his favorite “Gotong Batangas” which he shared to his friends and those who came in enjoyed the warm soup on a cold Edmonton weather. “Target ko talaga mga at least 100,000 pesos. Sumobra pa. Salamat sa mga donors,” said Lindo. Friends from Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan and Edmonton including some members of the Philippine Media Association of Alberta led by Nicky Gocuan of the Alberta Filipino Journal also came
to witness the fund-raising event. Mindanao, one of the three major islands in the Philippines, was hit with an earthquake last October 16 with a magnitude of 6.3 that killed seven and injured 215. The second earthquake followed on October 29 with a magnitude of 6.6 and the third on October 31 with a magnitude of 6.5. Twenty-one people have died and 424 injured. Various local government units and non-government organizations in the Philippines have mobilized its resources to answer to the needs of the victims. from page 5
SPORTS JOURNAL citizen to vote? And refusing to vote will be penalized or reprimanded. Love of country and its heroes cannot be solely determined by the numbers of poppies being sold folks. Marvin Sam Uy I do not disagree with him but as a celebrity or a sports personality, he has a responsibility to make sure his comments or opinion that he broadcast does not promote division or prejudice. I get his point. Babam Maturan He has Freedom of Speech. .. Im not offended nor hurt. When I migrated in Canada in 2002 I embraced the milk & honey as well the culture and respect the land and its people. He said "The people". Even he had given me hard time on his AR in 2008- 2010 (re Don cherry's restaurant account) I still like the guy! how can I ever forget this guy! Don Cherry is an Hockey icon and will remain. Lito Mendoza Velasco When we’re alone; watch our thoughts. When we’re in the public; watch our words! There’s nothing wrong with loving and respecting our heroes. They, ideally, must be remembered in any forms and gestures we know are due them. Pinning poppies is just one among them. Well, Don is entitled to his own opinion. But, whatever is true to him may not also be true to all. (Non sequitur). Remember, when emotion is on the throne, the reason is overthrown. Marco Luciano I think the actual quote was "You people … you love our way of life, you love our milk and honey, at least you can pay a couple bucks for a poppy or something like that,” That statement is not for everyone. Its targeted to a certain group which makes it problematic and xenophobic. On the other hand he's been doing his racist rants for a very long time even before Hockey Night moved from CBC to SportsNet. He called immigrants stealing jobs. He said women do not belong in locker rooms. Ron McLean and CBC/SportsNet knew that a long time ago and they did not do anything about it then... It was when the people started speaking out against it that cost him his job. Anna Cyril Cualing Sumalinog His choice of words was harsh, he could have filtered but his logic makes a lot of sense. We too, are guilty of that. Ana Felicia My partner is a Vietnam vet, so I know where my sentiments lie. I have yet to see an Asian wear a poppy here or donate to the cause. Pero pag climbs #katkat, abah, number one.
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Points of View | Community | Business
7
Today’s Topic: “Move Closer!” HINDI DAPAT PAGTAKHAN
(Unquestionable)
HERMO TORIBIO REYES PAGTAKHAN hermopagtakhanlaw@hotmail.com Cell: (780) 905-9288 (Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan of Edmonton, Alberta is a Lawyer who practised for more than 25 years in the Philippines and in Alberta and an Index Options Trader in Wall Street. He is currently a Family Counselor with Arbor Memorial Gardens whom he joined in 2013. In 2005 He had his Epiphany and metamorphosed into a Servant Leader and has since been sharing his Insights and Experiences for the Benefit of those who may need it and whomever may find it useful). “I aspire to inspire before I expire! My Talent is God’s Gift to me. What I do with it is my Gift back to God. Yes, I know I am not Perfect. I also know I am a persistent Sinner who is struggling every day to find my Way to Holiness. I VOW to USE my TALENT to be a WITNESS for HIM and to USE IT for HIS GLORY! God bless all!”
“MOVE CLOSER”
Not long ago I heard a story about a young man and an old preacher. The young man had lost his job and didn't know which way to turn.
So he went to see the old preacher. Pacing about the preacher's study, the young man ranted about his problem. Finally he clenched his fist and shouted, "I've begged God to say something to help me, preacher, why doesn't God answer?" The old preacher, who sat across the room, spoke something in reply, something so hushed it was indistinguishable. The young man stepped across the room. "What did you say?" he asked. The preacher repeated himself,
but again in a tone as soft as a whisper. So the young man moved closer until he was leaning on the preacher's chair. "Sorry," he said. "I still didn't hear you." With their heads bent together, the old preacher spoke once more. "God sometimes whispers," he said, "So we will move closer to hear him." This time the young man heard and he understood.
Broken Promises: Government Officials Should Be Held Accountable For Their Actions
NICKY GOCUAN, PMAA ngocuan@yahoo.com
As a journalist with over 14 years of experience, I have covered different events from rallies on the street, entertainment and international sports events like the Asian Games. My favorite pastime is singing. I have always believed that life would be boring without music.
I
n the last Provincial election, Alberta Conservative Leader Jason Kenney promised on record to maintain Healthcare spending. This was definitely big news to everyone in the Health care industry and it obviously helped him win the elections.
We all know that healthcare is a big thing because it affects every one of us. Who wants a bad healthcare system? Definitely not me! One of the biggest assets that Canada has is our Public Healthcare System. The United States does not even have a health care system like ours. So
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
we should all protect what we have and help make it a better system. Fast forward to the aftermath of the provincial elections where the Kenney government postponed the announcement of their 2019 Alberta Budget. You now probably understand why they did it. If the budget was announced before the Federal Elections, do you think Alberta would have voted Conservative? You tell me. Going back to Jason Kenney’s campaign promise, I had a chance to interview Kenney because there were unverified reports that he will cut healthcare spending. So we had to do our due diligence and go directly to the source. Kenney says it is not true that he will cut healthcare spending, saying that he will maintain or increase it. Fast track to the Kenney government finally announcing the
Alberta Budget and here we are today seeing cuts to the salaries of Public Workers in the Health Sector from 2% to 5%. Is this what Premier Kenney calls maintaining spending? Why the cuts in salary? I understand that Alberta has a deficit. Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews says we do not have a revenue problem but a spending problem. However, when asked about who started this problem, Toews admitted that it did not start with the NDP government. This started way before Rachel Notley was even elected. The Kenney Government did not only cut the wages of healthcare professionals, he also cut education spending and lifted Tuition Freeze. Now students with student loans have to pay more. So why would you promise to maintain spending when your budget says otherwise?
We all want God's voice to thunder through the air with the answer to our problem. But God's is the still, small voice... the gentle whisper. Perhaps there's a reason. Nothing draws human focus quite like a whisper. God's whisper means I must stop my ranting and move close to Him, until my head is bent together with His. And then, as I listen, I will find my answer. Better still, I find myself closer to God.
Let us turn the tables around. What if I was the Government official and I did promise something and did not fulfill it. How would you feel if I cut your wage from 2% to 5%? What makes these broken promises worse is that recently, the Government spent over $16,000 to charter a plane from Calgary to Saskatoon. I thought the Alberta Government does not have money, so why are they spending so much? Kenney’s Principal Adviser David Knight Legg billed the Alberta Government $45,000 for his London travel. How can someone spend so much on travel when Public Sector workers are getting a wage cut? This is outrageous spending when the Province does not have the resources. Essential services are slowly going to suffer. Should we allow this to happen? You tell me! It is high time that we make our public officials accountable for every dollar they spend from the Government coffers, which all comes from taxpayers like you and me.
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
8
Immigration Consultancy Services | Politics | Points of View ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
What is a Permanent Resident Resources on Pet Care Travel Document (PRTD)? By: Giselle General
I
Let us examine the Basic Eligibility Criteria for PRTD under Subsection 31 (3) of the Immigration, Refugees and Protection Act . IRPA outlines three (3) situations to be eligible for the PRTD: - The PR complies with the residency obligation in section 28; - The officer has made a determination under paragraph 28 (2) (c) that there are sufficient humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) considerations to justify allowing the PR to retain their status; or - The PR was physically present in Canada at least once within the last 365 days before the examination and the person (a) has filed an appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division under section 63 (4) of the IRPA or (b) the time to file said appeal has not expired. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made changes to the entry requirement for permanent residents. Permanent
From Migration to Immigration MARJORIE CARMONA NEWMAN info@mcncanadaimmigration.com 780-758-2045
Marjorie Carmona Newman is a REGULATED CANADIAN IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT based in Edmonton, Alberta. She is currently the Prairie Rep in the Lobbying and Governance Committee and previously served as Prairie Chapter representative for the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education committee. Marjorie is a recipient of CAPIC's Service Award for three consecutive years (2015-2018) and has been nominated for the 2019 ATB Women Entrepreneurs Award. In December 2018, she received the Excellence in Community Service for Edmonton given by the Filipino Champions of Canada for her contribution and service to the Filipino community.
residents need a valid permanent resident card to return to Canada. Please don’t confuse PRTD with “travel document” which is your passport or other international document required for commercial traveler. We are talking about a permanent resident travel document that allows a PR to enter Canada as a returning PR. Some kababayans get confused with the permanent resident card and its validity with the validity of permanent resident status itself. The permanent resident card is a document that proves someone is a permanent resident and allows them entry to Canada. The PRC is
Gamboa doing good as PNP-OIC: Palace spox
MANILA (Phililppines News Agency) -- President Rodrigo Duterte is taking his time in selecting who he will appoint as the next Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Malacañang said recently. Lt. Gen. Archie Franciso Gamboa was designated as PNP officer-incharge after PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde resigned from his post amid allegations on his involvement in the recycling of illegal drugs. However, PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said Gamboa’s powers are limited since he could
M
any of us get
received a call from a client who is a Permanent Resident and whose permanent resident card is expired. She left Canada due to a sudden death in the family. I told her to submit an application for a permanent resident travel document. She never heard of a permanent resident travel document or PRTD. She then asked me if she is qualified to apply for PRTD.
not approve the disbursement of funds for projects and procurement of equipment. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the President should not be rushed into choosing a new PNP chief because it is his job to review the selection thoroughly. “Ganyan talaga. Ang isang Pangulo bago mag-appoint, pinag-iisipan maigi (That’s really how it is. A President, before he appoints someone, has to think it over thoroughly),” Panelo said in an interview over dzIQ.
usually issued for a period of 5 years, after which it must be renewed. If you have questions regarding the above article you may contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com Source: Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulation (IRPR) A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of the ICCRC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCICs.
Panelo, meanwhile, praised Gamboa for doing a good job as PNP officer-in-charge. “Kahit wala pang permanente meron namang OIC at magaling yung OIC (Even if there is no permanent PNP chief, there is an OIC and the OIC who is doing good),” Panelo said. He said the PNP should allow the President to decide on who will take over the leadership of national police. “Hayaan natin si Presidente, wag natin pangunahan ang kaniyang desisyon (Let’s let the President decide, let’s not preempt his decision),” he added. Currently, Gamboa is one of the top candidates to replace Albayalde as PNP chief. The others are Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, deputy chief for operations and Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, former Metro Manila police director and now heads the directorial staff. Late last month, Duterte admitted that he is having difficulty in selecting an “appropriate guy” who will take over as new PNP chief. “It’s kind of a -- hindi naman (not really) messy, but it’s very hard to -- at this time to choose a candidate na who would really… The appropriate guy. Mahirap eh (It’s difficult),” Duterte said in a media interview in Malacañang. Duterte said he wanted his next PNP chief to be both competent and honest. (PNA)
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 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 and are not being care for properly. Call the 311 if within Edmonton or 780continued on page 10►
ADVISORY Notice is hereby given to the public to transact only with DTIFTEB accredited sea freight forwarders and their foreign agents in sending balikbayan boxes to the Philippines. The public is hereby advised to exercise discretion and take the necessary precaution in dealing with sea freight forwarders and their agents not accredited by DTI. For updates, please visit www.dti.gov.ph/consumers/accreditedseafreight-forwarders or email to toronto@dti.gov.ph
ADVERTISE WITH US 780-916-7677 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Community | Business
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
9
Post Election and the Prospects of Immigration
T
he Federal election circus has come and gone, with the Liberals winning a minority government. They lost major areas in Quebec and got swept out in Saskatchewan and Alberta. But what will happen with immigration now that they only have a minority government? Let's go back to the promises made by different party leaders during the election campaign. When The Green Party leader Elizabeth May unveiled her Party’s platform, it may have been one of the most progressive and promising with regard to immigration. She spoke about revising the definition of refugees to include “environmental refugees”. Her Party also promised to allocate funding for ESL programs and process family reunification faster. She talked about the elimination of the TFW Program and the Safe Country Agreement with the US. Bloc Québecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet surprisingly made immigration promises to address issues on immigration including eliminations of long delays in processing the TFW applicants by hiring more immigration staff. He promised to give incentives for new immigrants and graduates to stay in the Quebec by giving the tax credits. Like the Greens, The BQ also promised to suspend the Safe
Third Country Agreement with the United States. The Progressive Conservative (PC) Party however, made less commitments to immigration and seemed to be focused on restricting entries of both economic immigrants and refugees. The PC promised to improve language training, hiring more border guards and judges in Cities close to where “illegal border crossers” pass. Their leader Andrew Scheer does not seem to see the problem with the Safe Country
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
Agreement with the US. However, he said that he would “close the loophole”. The NDP leader, Jagmeet Singh, had also promised to suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement with the US along the promise to remove the cap for sponsoring parents and grandparents. In Quebec where the NDP lost seats, he cautiously promised to provide resources to expand the French language program. So, what did the Liberals promise this time around? Justin Trudeau
promised to extend a refugee stream to human rights advocates, journalists and humanitarian workers whose lives are being threatened. He also promised to remove the Citizenship fee that is currently $630. The creation of the Municipal Nominee Program is something interesting. Promised by the Liberal Party, it is a new immigration stream that will hopefully add 5,000 applicants per City per year. Mr. Trudeau also talked about making the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Project a permanent stream of immigration. Those are very ambitious promises while there are still huge gaps in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. What was clear though was that the couple of very important policies that was implemented by the Liberals this year prior to the election will stay. These include the “Open Work for Vulnerable Sector” and the two new caregiver pilot programs, The Home Childcare Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. The “Open Work for Vulnerable Sector” would allow migrant workers in Canada on employer-specific work permits who are experiencing abuse, or who are at risk of abuse, in the context of their employment in Canada become eligible to receive an open work permit that is exempt from the LMIA. The definition of abuse in these cases are also broad.
If the workers experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse and financial abuse, they may be able to apply. While the “new” caregiver program might not sound new, there are key changes for the caregiver program. They are: 1. Occupation-specific work permits instead of employer-specific work permits. This change will allow caregivers to change employers; 2. Caregiver’s immediate family will also be entitled to open work permits and/or study permits. Essentially successful caregiver applicants can bring their family with them; and 3. Employers will no longer need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before hiring a caregiver from overseas. The changes look positive and promising. However, the challenges of applicants are still the language assessment: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 5 in English and the recruitment cap of 5500 per year. This will continue to generate backlog because of the volume of applicants. This new minority government will allow more debates and the possibility of some parties working with the Liberals to make the refugee and immigration program more humane and pro people. We will be watching the next four years.
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
10
Points of View | Education
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
Alberta and Trudeau’s minority government from Page 1
Although Justin Trudeau is keeping his job, the Liberals lost 27 seats. They failed to win a single seat in Alberta or Saskatchewan, a testament to the western provinces’ disdain for the Liberals. Even Edmonton’s own Amarjeet Sohi lost his seat. On the contrary, the Conservatives gained 26 more seats even though Andrew Scheer lost to Trudeau. They now hold 121 seats in Parliament. Bloc Québécois, which had been relegated to a minor player on the national stage just a few years ago, is back: it won 32 seats last October and has dislodged the NDP as the third biggest party in Parliament. Trudeau and the Liberals will be running a minority government this time since no party got 170 seats for a majority government. With the Conservatives ready to shift to high
VIEWPOINT BING J. JALECO bingjaleco@yahoo.com
Raleigh “Bing” Jaleco was a veteran journalist and public relations consultant in the Philippines. He started out as a correspondent for Ang Pahayagang Malaya and then moved on to be a reporter, and then an editor, of The Manila Chronicle. He also served as news editor of The Manila Standard, business editor of The Manila Times, and sub-editor at the Manila Bulletin. He landed as a permanent resident in Canada in 2016.
gear, the Liberals are looking to establish working relationships in Parliament in a bid to stay in control and push its agenda of expanding the middle class and protecting the environment, among others. For Alberta and the rest of the
western region, the stakes just go higher. There is now more pressure on Jason Kenney to find more ways deliver on his promises to Albertans. Clearly, he will get very little support, if any, from Ottawa. The single biggest issue on the
table—the pipeline—is nowhere near green light status. And as British Columbia continues to fight Alberta over the project, and as Bloc Québécois starts to flex its muscles (it has vowed to continue resisting the pipeline), Kenney will have to find a way to steer through the political maze in Ottawa to actually get things moving at home. On one hand, Kenney is right to say Trudeau and Ottawa have ignored many of Alberta’s pleas. The sentiment among many Albertans is that Ottawa has always been, and continues to be, indifferent to Alberta. There is much truth there, so much so that all this talk of separatism or secession (Wexit or Albexit or whatever word their proponents fancy) are once again eliciting national commentary and discussion.
The Competency-Based Application Process of APEGA for Engineers and Geoscientists
T
his article will focus on the Experience Requirement for the APEGA application. This is what most of the Applicants are not able to complete because of lack of understanding of the entire procedure. It must be clear that those who wish to apply for Professional Engineer or Professional Geoscientist status from APEGA must first complete the Competency SelfAssessment Worksheet found on the APEGA website to verify if you meet all of their competency requirements. By doing this, you can save time and money with starting your application process whereas if you don't, it could end up with you missing of each of the Competency requirements. The 22 Key Competencies were discussed in the previous issues of the Alberta Filipino Journal with examples for the reader to understand more about the requirements. These 22 Competencies can also be found onthe APEGA website. Take note that completing the Competency Self Assessment Worksheet (CSAW) is free and it can also be downloaded from the APEGA website in PDF format. But is it recommended that you complete this form online so that CSAW’s results can be generated. This will help you to make a decision of whether to continue further or defer until you have substantial engineering experience. After you find out that your selfassessment has resulted in a favorable conclusion, in that your experience from what you have “self- assessed” meets the APEGA requirement, you can continue by completing the Work Record Validator List (WRVL) and Competency-Based Assessment Too (CBAT). The Work Record Validator List (WRVL) is a high-level, chronological overview of your experience. It includes brief details of your employment positions, responsibilities, and experience. Each WRVL page must include: • The name of the employer you worked for and the position you held there • The country the work was performed in • Your start date, your end date, and the total months you worked for the company You must provide at least 48 months of engineering experience supported by validators and references. However, www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
knowledge, in response to different employment situations.
ENGINEER IN ACTION MERVIN MENDOZA CERENO mmcereno@gmail.com
Mervin Cereno is a Filipino Engineer, Academician and Entrepreneur who chose to migrate to Canada. He is working on his research to complete his Master’s Degree from the University of Alberta. Presently, he is working on his Canadian Professional Experience to eventually earn his Professional Engineering Status in the Province of Alberta soon. For more advice on a specific case in pursuing your application – please contact me at cereno@ualberta.ca or mmcereno@gmail.com.
you are encouraged to provide all your relevant experience. 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. Work Record Validators A validator must have firsthand 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 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: • Professional designation • Registration country Work Record References 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. You need at least one reference for each employer you have worked for. A reference can also be a validator. The complete forms for the Work Record Validator List will be completed online and need to be submitted online through the Applicant portal. The Competency-Based Assessment Tool (CBAT) is an electronic form designed to capture your understanding and achievement of the 22 key competencies required for registration as a Professional Engineer or Licensee. When completing each page of the form, you will provide: • at least one situation in which you proved competency • several actions you took within the situation that support your competency • the outcome of your actions. This should include a basic summary of the solution, product, process, or other outcome of the situation and your actions APEGA's Board of Examiners will assess your competence on the information you and your validators provide—and nothing else. Be sure to focus on your personal contributions to a situation and provide details about the decisions you made. You should write in first person ("I" statements instead of "we") to show ownership. Competencies are skills or knowledge that APEGA has identified as crucial to the professional practice of engineering. They are based on your decisions, behaviours, or applications of skill or
Each competency is evaluated against a score from 0 to 5. • 0 demonstrates no awareness for the competency • 5 shows a mature level of practice You will assess yourself on each key competency. You must meet a minimum score of 1 on each key competency while also meeting the minimum overall average level for each competency category. Indicators are generalized examples of skills or behaviours that illustrate how you may have achieved a given competency. The indicators provided by APEGA serve as a framework for you to determine which aspects of your work experience apply for each key competency. They can also highlight deficiencies you may have. Include specific details of your personal work experience for every competency. Do not copy and paste the generic indicators provided. Once you have approved and
from page 8
On the other hand, Kenney and Alberta’s leaders must show vision and foresight and not succumb to populist sentiment. If there was ever a time to show restraint and reason, this should be one of those. Kenney is an astute political veteran. He can be forgiven for rising in indignation against Trudeau and the Liberals for their indifference to Alberta’s woes. But the Liberals will be running a minority government, and Trudeau will be hard-pressed to form his Cabinet. Kenney, a conservative, is no doubt reading the political landscape intently. He can make Alberta a valuable chip on the table for Scheer and the Conservatives. The premier, if he plays his hand well, could still come out on top and deliver the goods for Alberta.
submitted your CBAT, your validators will be contacted to complete a Validator Response Form (VRF) for each key competency validation you have assigned to them. They will provide their own ratings of your competencies on the same five-point scale you have used. They will also add comments they feel are necessary. The information above about the WRVL and CBAT are lifted directly from the APEGA website so that the information here is as accurate as possible at the time of writing. After completing these online forms – you need to pay the necessary processing fees and will continue to the next stage of the assessment. For more information, visit the APEGA website at www. apega.ca or email the writer for more detailed advice.
Resources on Pet Care
442-5311 if outside of Edmonton. 3. Reporting a Misbehaving or 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. The information on how to report can be found on 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 is the fear that their pets will be harmed when they go away. There is a Pet Safekeeping Program ran 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 pets. There is a “food bank” for pet food available in the city by 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 any type of challenge, not matter how big or small, how 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.
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Arts | Business
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
11
Lyrique: a Filipino Artist in the Flow of Words & Beats
F
ilipino-Canadian rapper Lyrique (Edward Que) from Calgary has released the video for his latest song Ivory off his EP Saints of the Summer. With four EPs and a few singles to his credit, Lyrique is hard at work on his first full length album, Lust, Art, Liquor. But who is Lyrique (pronounced Ly-ric)? Lyrique, Edward Que in real life, is from Baguio City, a nursing student and call center agent, who moved to Canada in 2014 under the Temporary Foreign Workers program. Battling with homesickness and a loss of family and emotional support, he turned to music as a form of therapy and an outlet for his feelings of isolation. His initial foray into music was learning to play different kinds of instruments. He always loved writing and composing music, and being a fan of hip hop, eventually found himself into rap. Using the moniker Lyrique, his music has a strong focus on lyricism, cadence and flow. “I really put effort into wordplay. I may not be the
Artospective - an artist’s point of view IDA BELTRAN-LUCILA ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com
deepest writer/rapper when it comes to metaphors but I always make sure the songs I write have a story. I try to make sure the punchlines work to the listeners’ appeal. As for the spelling of Lyrique, I added the Que as a reminder of who I am at the end of the day, as Que is my last name.” In Calgary, he started with open mics at Cafe Koi every Friday. These hip hop open mics were performing and learning opportunities where he studied and learned how to rev up a crowd, do breath control, and make sure words are pronounced correctly. “I always loved performing,
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
as well that he received permanent resident status in Canada, which allowed him to focus more on his music, i.e. how to be a better rapper/artist, increase his social media presence, and be a part of Canadian guilds for music artists. “I enjoy the hustle and I find every day is an opportunity for growth. I have people who help me out in amplifying my craft such
as videographers, producers, sound engineers and other artists as well. I keep my unit small but tight, but most of the time I do things myself. I book shows myself, do the graphic continued on page 23►
and performing your own songs just make it better. I always get this rush when it comes to performances. I also noticed that there weren’t many Filipino rappers in the scene, so I want to be one of those representing my culture, and to establish my own identity in hip hop culture as well.” Lyrique’s turning point came when he performed at the 10 at 10 stage in Calgary, a platform that promotes Canadian artists and hip hop culture - whether it be in music, dance and art. It was around this time
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
12
Arts | Fashion | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
Filipino Models and Photographers Volunteer Time and Talent at First Annual Poppies with a Purpose Fashion Gala 2019 By Angeli Sta. Maria-Escano
O
n Remembrance Day, the whole of Canada looks back and give thanks to the veterans who gave their all for the freedoms we enjoy, or even take for granted today. On Saturday, November the 9th of 2019, a fashion show was held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Stony Plain Road, Edmonton. The event aimed to raise funds for soldiers and veterans suffering from PTSD. The Poppies with Purpose Fashion Gala 2019 was the first of an annual series of shows to support troops in need of aid for their much-needed therapies and treatments after suffering as part of their service to the country. The show was conceptualized, organized and brought to life by Antonia Mohamed, chef and founder of Hummingbird Bakery and owner of Hummingbird Events Edmonton. A Red Seal pastry chef by trade, Ms. Mohamed has also been a fashion model for three years. She has been volunteering for quite some time and working with the Southern Alberta Lighthorse Regimental Association (SALHRA), to which 100% of proceeds from ticket sales, vendor sales and donations will be given. The event featured nine local designers, showcasing 11 select outfits each. These distinguished designers included KNOW Mexico
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
Ella Trowsdale for EAV Boutique
Psalm Doyaoen for Peach Blue
Kim Anacleto for Drakin Designz
Canada, EAV Boutique, LUX Mrkt Menswear, Esperanza by Doris Hans, Drakon designz, Olinchi Nayaa, KYN Appearal, Ephram De Medici, Peach Blue and Shkatell. These designers volunteered their time and designs for the show. Among the numerous talents wearing the gorgeous apparel and accessories were four Filipina models. Blogger and Model Ms. Ella Trowsdale, Model Ms. Kaye Dalalo, Model Ms. Psalm Doyaoen, and Model Ms. Kim Anacleto all wowed the crowd in the various designs they walked out in. Four independent Filipino photographers were to be found in the Photographer’s pit of the event. Grin Cadorna of Image Art Galore (Instagram: @image_art_galore_78), Jonathan Mamaril of JCM Images
(Instagram: @_jcmimages_), Angeli Sta. Maria of Angeli Sta. MariaEscano Photography (Instagram: @ angelise_photography), and Ariane Hazel Latade of Creative Captures by Ariane (Instagram: @creativecapturesbyariane) were 4 out of the 7 shooters at the end of the runway ready to capture the amazing images. All these Filipino volunteers are immigrants or products of immigration, and they donated their time and talent for those who gave life and limb for the freedoms Canada—the country they now call home—enjoys today. The event still has a page on Facebook where you can contact the organizer if you would like to send after-event donations for the SALHRA and view the images from the show.
Kaye Dalalo for KNOW Mexico
From the photographer’s pit: Back Row L-R: Jonathan Mamaril, Emily Zhang, Alex Frost and Grin Cadorna. Front Row L-R: Ariane Latade and Angeli Sta. Maria-Escano. Not in photo: Cesar Cebreros Angeli is a graduate of the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center and has been a lifelong writer and storyteller. She has recently taken up photography as her latest medium to convey her stories, with the hopes of specializing in fine art portraiture photography. She and her husband moved to Canada in 2018.
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Points of View | Business
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
13
Baranggay-Style Neighbourhood Connectivity Through Community Leagues GENERAL POINT OF VIEW GISELLE GENERAL
gqgeneral@gmail.com
Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region on the Benguet province, and immigrated to Canada as a teenager in 2007. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, she now dedicates her business training to the nonprofit sector, both in employed and volunteer capacities. She works at the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, which provides free legal help to low-income Edmontonians. She channels her creativity by writing in her personal blog, General Point of View, and has recently published a book of her poems and artwork titled The Humanity of Me.
O
ver dinner, I talked to my spouse, who is bornand-raised in Edmonton, and asked him ‘how can I describe Community Leagues to fellow Filipinos?’. And he said “It’s basically your baranggay!” I exclaimed, ‘my goodness, you are right!’. He has visited the Philippines a few times, including where I grew up and where my relatives live. He knows I’m from barangay Camp 3, Philex Mines. My mother’s side relatives are from barangay Cablong in Pangasinan, and my father’s side relatives are either from barangay Merville or Palanan in Metro Manila. One thing we Filipinos are known for, is we take a lot of pride and love in our location-based affiliations, whether it is the village, province, or region. Right here in Edmonton, there is an opportunity to capture that again, right in our neighbourhoods. Community Leagues is a oneof-a-kind in Canada and even North America. Since my involvement in my own Community League here in Rio Terrace, I have learned so much more about this neighbourhood I now call home. There is so much potential here when it comes to making newcomers to the city feel integrated and welcomed. Community Leagues are not 100% like our Baranggays or Sitios but it is a relatable analogy. These community-based associations are the best equivalent we have, as far as entities that provide a sense of affiliation we have from the ‘baranggay’ or the village. It’s like a barangay association, a registered nonprofit organization, and neighbourly helpfulness combined. If your neighbourhood was built from the 80s or older, you are likely to know of a community hall in your neighbourhood that you can rent for cheap, or that hosts neighbourhoodwide events throughout the year. By getting a membership fee which is fairly affordable, you get access to the sports facilities such as a tennis court or ice rinks that is within walking distance, and discounts to some services offered by our municipality. The community leagues conduct fundraising for things like playgrounds, spray parks or a community hall retrofitted with solar panels. They can be a powerful
means to be political, if there is a bylaw change or a development in the neighbourhood happening, and you want to voice your concerns. There is value from having pride and affiliation based on the
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
location we live. For myself I have certainly embraced the identity of being an Edmontonian, being an Albertan, and now, through the community league of Rio Terrace. I miss saying with pride “I’m from Philex Mines!” and now I do say with pride “I’m from Rio Terrace!” Over the years, I volunteer to get a local newspaper published on a regular basis, with a Canada 150 project painting murals on an outdoor wall, tidy up the building, host events, sit through meetings and read legal
and financial documents. The value of being connected to your neighbours is really important for one’s health, well-being and thriving in this new country we call home. Yes, there is value in connecting with other people based on hobbies (like a basketball group), based on faith (like a Christian church), or culture (like the local Filipino cultural group). However, there’s another one we need to embrace, positive relationships with people living literally next to
us, who share most of the letters of our postal code. There is government support and involvement in this setup. The city provided the land where the community league halls are built, and they provide funding grants for various objectives that the community league does. There are bylaws and agreements as well. But this entire system is volunteer-run, and just like any similar initiative, the labour of love that comes from sharing one’s talents is what keeps it going. What I encourage you to do is to learn about your community league and work on being a more active neighbour. Follow them online, drop by the local community league, participate or volunteer for any activities that suites you. The organization that oversees and support these 160 community leagues is called Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, and the website is www.efcl.org.
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
14
Philippine News | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
SEAG athletes and officials now covered by insurance MANILA (Philippines News Agency) -- Over 25,000 athletes, team officials, games workforce and volunteers of the 30th Southeast Asian Games will now be covered by insurance following the partnership inked between the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Standard Insurance Company Inc. on Nov.5. PSC Chairman and Team Philippines Chef de Mission William Ramirez signed the memorandum of agreement with Standard Insurance Group Chairman Ernesto Echauz, in coordination with the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc). “The successful hosting of the SEA Games also involves the security of our athletes and officials, in and out of the games. We thank Standard Insurance for offering their service not only to Team Philippines, but also to all the other delegates in
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
this SEAG,” Ramirez said during the signing rites. According to the agreement, coverage is from October 13 until December 15, 2019 to include players of the football and water polo events scheduled ahead of the official opening ceremonies on Nov. 30. “Each covered person will have PHP300,000 insurance coverage. The declaration of covered persons shall come from Phisgoc,” said Echauz, who is also the president of the Philippine Sailing Association. Standard Insurance will cover death or any accident related injuries, which is also extended to any sport related injuries such as training or in-game injuries. Sports
LEFT PHOTO: INSURED. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman and Team Philippines Chef de Mission William Ramirez and Standard Insurance Group chairman Ernesto Echauz shake hands after signing a memorandum of agreement at the PSC administrative building in Manila on Nov. 5. Over 25,000 athletes, team officials, games workforce and volunteers of the 30th Southeast Asian Games will be covered by the insurance deal. (Photo courtesy of PSC)
injuries coming from sabotage and acts of terrorism is included in the policy coverage. "This is one benefit we wish no one needs to claim," Ramirez said. The insurance firm tied-up with EMA-Global as its medical
service provider. The Philippines will host the SEA Games for the fourth time from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 this year. The country hosted the regional sports meet in 1981, 1991 and 2005. (PR) Go said the Senate bill
institutionalizing the Malasakit center has been approved on second reading on Tuesday. He hopes that it will be approved for the third and final reading next week, noting that a counterpart bill at the House of Representatives is on the second reading. “Hopefully, this will be passed before the end of the year so that the center will be fully operationalized with continuity. The bill will provide for the criteria that need to be established before it will be opened in a local government unit-run hospital. For DOH-run, it will be automatic,” Go said. The bill, when made into law, will practically protect the operation of the 50 Malasakit centers in the country. He said he discussed with Benguet governor Melchor Diclas, a surgeon, the process of setting up a facility for the Malasakit center at Benguet General Hospital. “Sa Benguet malapit na rin matapos, siguro nakita nila governor na nakakatulong sa Pilipino. Isa lang aming layunin- mapabilis ang serbisyo medikal sa pasyente (The Benguet center is almost complete which they probably saw helps the Filipinos. This center has only one goal and that is to fast-track medical services for the patients),” Go said. Meanwhile, Dr. Ricardo Runez, medical center chief of BGHMC, said the hospital receives about 1,500 outpatients daily and an average of 40,000 in-patients annually. The BGHMC is an 800-bed capacity tertiary hospital that caters to patients from the Cordillera Administrative Region and Regions 1 (Ilocos), 2 (Cagayan Valley) and 3 (Central Luzon). The services of the Malasakit center will be received by any indigent patient regardless of whether they are from Baguio or any region in the country. Runez said around 90 percent of BGHMC patients are indigents, who will benefit from the services of the Malasakit center. “Di na sila mag-iisp ng panggastos sa hospital, di na nila problema (They will no longer be concerned with the cost of hospitalization. It would no longer be their problem),” he said. He, however, said the patient will be evaluated by a social worker to ensure that indigent patients are the ones who will benefit. Runez said before, patients lose hope due to lack of money to cashout for hospital bills, which will be addressed by the Malasakit center. “Basta indigent, kung ano ang hospital bill binabayaran ng Malasakit center (As long as they are indigents, their hospital bills will be settled by the Malasakit center),” Runez said. (PNA)
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
Business
15
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
16
Business
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
Business
17
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
18
Business
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Health | Sports | Business
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Free flu shot at Medicus Family Clinic & Pharmacy
19
Filipino amputee plays wheelchair basketball in Edmonton
T
hirteen-year-old Bernard Rosello of Winnipeg has seen action in a wheelchair basketball competition recently in Edmonton, Rolan Latorre of World FM 101.7 had the chance to meet and chat with the amputee who dreams one day of playing in the World Paralympic. "Na impress talaga ako. He is young and plays competitively," said Latorre, who is also a veteran basketball referee.
By Moses Billacura
Medicus Family Health Clinic and Pharmacy have started its campaign in encouraging Albertans to get a flu shot at its clinic along 91st Street in Edmonton. Medicus Family Clinic and Pharmacy’s Joyce Samonte said that parents of children age five years old and below, who are their patients, are requested to give them a call at the clinic to book an appointment with the family doctors. “That way, we will be ready to serve them,” said Samonte. Some Filipino-Albertans have also walked in at the clinic and if pharmacists are not busy, they were readily served. Medicus is located at 1536 91 Street SW and can be reached at telephone number (780) 757-7713.
The Alberta Health Services (AHS) website announced that the vaccine will be offered, free of charge, to all Albertans six months of age and older. "Influenza is serious. Prevention is your protection," AHS said.
ADVERTISE WITH US 780-916-7677 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
20
Community | Business
Caught in the Act at AFJ’s New Sanctuary
Christmas Bureau Breakfast
T
he Caguioa family, newcomers from the Philippines and Mai Sun Dimatulac of SMDC were caught by the AFJ team while they
Presented by: Dentons Canada LLP
December 17, 2019 7am to 8:30am Goal: To raise money to bring joy this Christmas to Edmonton families, seniors and individuals in need. Location: The Westin Edmonton 2nd Floor Ballroom 10135 100 St NW Tickets: $100 for individual tickets $1,000 for a table of 10 Buy your tickets through Eventbrite If you would prefer to be invoiced and pay by cheque, please contact our office at 780-414-7681 or campaign@christmasbureau.ca Questions: Email campaign@christmasbureau. ca Call us at (780) 414-7681 Can't Make It to the Breakfast? You can donate to help Edmonton families in need and bring joy to their tables.
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy some holiday cheer and bring joy to Edmonton families, seniors and individuals in need by supporting this year's Christmas Bureau Breakfast. Since 1940, the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton has had one mission - to provide a festive meal to Edmontonians in need. Over 40,000 Edmontonians will turn to the Christmas Bureau for help in 2019. When you buy a table to the Christmas Bureau Breakfast, you bring joy and help make the holiday happen for the people in your community. Please help us bring joy to Edmonton families, seniors and individuals by buying a table or making any donation to the Christmas Bureau. Get in the giving spirit; every nickel counts. Always a fun time and we get you back to work by 9 am! There will be a silent and live auction, raffle prizes and a special visitor from the North Pole! 'It is greater than one meal. One act of kindness can impact someone for a lifetime.'
You can make the holiday happen for an Edmontonian in need. You know them, but not what they’re dealing with.
enjoyed different sets of free food being served to them by the Angel Belle’s Restaurant in St. Albert. Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Jun and Mabel Yudelmo, owners of Angel Belle’s for the culture of generosity and kindness they’ve
shown to the newcomers. Freshly arrived in Edmonton and want to avail a discounted or even Free Welcome Meal? Please contact angelbellecatering@ gmail.comor 780-972-8780.
Quickly Is Not Just Bubble Tea
Y
ES! Quickly has discovered chef Alex Galang and his wife in order to meet and satisfy your tastebuds. Ches and May Tiongson, the owners of Bubble Tea invited Jun Angeles, the Alberta Filipino Journal publisher; Lito Velasco, AFJ editor; and 101.7 World FM - Himig Pinoy DJ Rolan Latorre for foodtasting. After eating, they had one comment: “Kakaibang sarap! Lasap na lasap ang kakaibang sangkap! Sugod na!”
FRIEND
Donate today at ChristmasBureau.ca
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Community | Business
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
UPAA Edmonton wins prestigious UP Distinguished Service Award concerning the chapter and the community, as well as network for future partnerships to widen its scope in the next years.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The University of the Philippines Alumni Association Edmonton (UPAAE) stood alongside distinguished alumni in their respective fields at this year’s UPAA Awards held on August 24, 2019 at the UP Bahay ng Alumni in Diliman, Quezon City. The event was held during the University's Grand Alumni Homecoming. Among this year’s awardees were Ambassador Edgardo Espiritu (Most Distinguished Alumnus) and Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña (Lifetime Achievement Awardee). The UPAA Edmonton was recognized for its meritorious and exceptional activities that did not only benefit its chapter members, but also the University, the UPAA, and the alumni in general. The award puts the organization
UPAA Edmonton Secretary Kehrl Reyes (second from left) with (left to right) UPAA First Vice President Luis Rey I. Velasco, UP President Danilo L. Concepcion, and UPAA President Reynaldo C. Laserna (Photo by Misael Bacani, UP MPRO; retrieved from UP website, Sept 29, 2019)
The Formative Years 2013 – 2017 The organization was founded in 2013 after a challenging process of formation. The founding officers and members strove to connect and bring together UP Alumni and general members who share its vision of promoting Philippine culture and heritage, supporting education and skills training, and fostering a welcoming community for UP Alumni and all Filipinos alike in Edmonton and area. As the years passed, the organization reached UPAAE members photo op at the Alberta Legislature out to over a hundred UP Alumni and made and the community on the map, lasting relations with government exemplifying honor and excellence offices, other organizations and in raising the Filipino spirit despite notable individuals in its events and being miles away from home. In the projects launched. Most notable of activities and meetings leading to these projects are the fundraising the ceremony, the UPAA Edmonton for Haiyan victims in 2013, and was able to bring forward matters becoming one of the prime-movers
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
of the annual Edmonton Filipino Fiesta, handling the Fiesta Family Zone. The organization’s vision for 2018 – 2020: A well-organized group representing UP’s virtues, Honor and Excellence, with a strong, wellengaged, and satisfied membership supportive of a visible and active leadership in the Filipino community in Edmonton and Canada. Promoting Culture and Heritage In 2018, the organization spearheaded HISTORYA: Walking Through the Story of the Filipino People, one of the official event pop-ups for the Alberta Culture Days. HISTORYA gathered 180 participants to learn about the country’s history and witness a showcase of experiences – our dances, our Baybayin script, storytelling in Filipino, national attires, among others. September 2018 also marked the start of UPAAE’s Bahay Kubo
Bahay Kubo Series
Series, a 10-month crafts program where kids 6 to 14 years old got to learn more about indigenous life in the Philippines while making fun dioramas of bahay kubo, rice terraces, flora and fauna, and the coastal environment. It is one of UPAA Edmonton’s objectives to be able to deliver more about Philippine heritage to kids and young adults who don’t get a chance to learn it in school.
One with the Community The organization dares to participate. It was one of the organizations who pushed for the proclamation of Philippine Heritage Month in June of each year. It engages its members to take part in events that cater to different interests such as the theatre, marathons, arts and crafts, and knowledge seminars. The membership allows individual members to be subject matter experts for those who may need guidance in various concerns. UPAA Edmonton is home to outstanding community leaders such as Lucenia Ortiz of Alberta's first Anti-Racism Advisory Council, Ida Lucilla of the Philippine Arts Council, Tony Santiago of the Philippine Edmonton Events and Arts Society, and recognized author and artist Mila Philipzig who also served as the UPAAE’s founding president.
21
Giving Back UPAA Edmonton started the UPAAE Professional, Leadership, and Continuing Education (UPAAEPLACE) in 2018. In its first run, it awarded grants to support a scholarship, book donation drives, library reconstruction, and an information-dissemination drive to promote caring for the environment. In 2019 and moving forward, the organization continued UPAAE Place by pledging to UP's Adopt-a-Scholar program. UPAAE plans to extend the support to those in Edmonton by assisting new immigrants and international Filipino students. Getting Involved with UPAAE Even as a young organization, the UPAA promises an active involvement in the Edmonton Filipino community. It welcomes general members who may not be UP Alumni but would like to join UPAAE's cause. For more information about the organization and becoming a member, please visit the UPAAE website at upaaedmonton.com or email upaa.edmonton@gmail.com.
Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, MP with UPAAE and partner orgs at Historya Event 2018
UPAAE won the Best Parade Contingent Award at the Edmonton Filipino Fiesta 2019.
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
22
Community | Greetings | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
Undas 2019 A Huge Success!
EDMONTON -Dubbed as “UNDAS 2019 Sa EVERGREEN” the Edmonton Filipino Community celebrated UNDAS (TODOS LOS SANTOS or ALL SAINTS/ALL-SOULS DAY) for the 4th year last November 2, 2019. More than 200 Edmonton Filipino Community members and friends attended at Edmonton’s Evergreen Cemetery and Funeral Home Centre and witnessed Filipino Priest Rev. Fr. JOSELITO “JOJO” CANTAL preside over the Liturgical and Memorial Services and the traditional Blessing of the FILIPINO GARDEN (HIMLAYANG FILIPINO), the MEMORIAL BOOK OF THE DEARLY DEPARTED and the “EXPRESSION OF THOUGHTS & LOVE for our Dearly Departed (a novel concept started in 2014). When interviewed and asked what prompted him to revive the UNDAS Tradition in Edmonton, Event Organizer HERMO T. PAGTAKHAN, Family Services Director with ARBOR MEMORIAL at EVERGREEN, explained: “UNDAS (or TODOS LOS SANTOS or ALL SAINTS DAY) is the Third biggest and most celebrated Philippine national holiday after Christmas and Holy Week/Easter. Christian Filipinos customarily
remember, honor, and pay respect to the dearly departed on All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2). The grave sites are cleaned, visited, and adorned by family members, relatives and friends on the eve of November 1, to stay at the cemetery, to light candles, to pray, to lay flowers, and bring food for the consumption of the attendees. The UNDAS Tradition is one of the cultural anchors helping the Filipinos define their national character. It is a durable venue for Filipino cultures and expressions and is a symbol of Filipino sense of community. No matter in what corner of the world we may be, we remain truly Filipino” “Let’s face it, as much as we would want to, most of us Filipinos residing or working overseas (including those in Canada) are unable to go
back to the Philippines every year to honour our Dearly Departed. A lot of our Filipino "Kababayans" here in Edmonton have been asking me through the years WHY We as a Community DO NOT Celebrate here in Edmonton a very important and significant Philippine National and Religious Holiday. So I thought our Community should revive our own UNDAS celebration this year in Edmonton. In short, I thought of reviving the UNDAS Tradition to afford our Kababayans the opportunity to celebrate All Saints Day in remembrance of our Dearly Departed whether buried in Edmonton or elsewhere.” I also wish to mention and announce again at this juncture that EVERGREEN MEMORIAL GARDEN was generous enough to donate and dedicate a Spot and erected a Rock Memorial Shrine in honour of the Filipino Community in Edmonton which we named “HIMLAYANG FILIPINO” (Filipino Garden). NOW, The Edmonton Filipino Community has a FOCAL POINT ("HIMLAYANG FILIPINO/FILIPINO GARDEN) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where they can VISIT, OFFER FLOWERS, PAY RESPECT, PRAY and REMEMBER their Dearly Departed irrespective of where they are buried and lay continued on page 24►
CONGRATULATIONS DJ ENTERTAINMENT for the success of the Hale Concert held last 9th of November 2019 at the Sejong Hall. Visible during the event were Mai Sun Dimatulac of SMDC; Lito and Beng Agasino of A4 Oriental Store in Edmonton.
Happy Birthday Arnel! Arnel Serrano, a Custom Home Designer at Home Planning Centre, held his birthday celebration last November 1, 2019 in his house. He was joined by his beloved wife, two kids, relatives and fiends.
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Points of View | Business
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
The Importance of MOvember JAN THE MAN’S NOTE JANUEL CEDRICK IBASCO Januel Cedrick Ibasco is a proud Filipino-Canadian and is currently a student at the University of Alberta studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Sportsmanship is a big slice of his cake. He is highly-spirited when playing golf, volleyball, and basketball and loves reading, writing and volunteering at church. Jan looks forward to taking up law after his undergraduate degree.
A
s many of you know, every November there is an initiative put forth by an organization called ‘The Movember Foundation’ that focuses on raising awareness in men’s health. Throughout the world, many individuals decide to grow their own creative forms of facial hair as advocates for preventing suicide in men, improving men’s quality of life, and helping men worldwide take action to continually spread awareness to help men stop dying young. Moreover, if you do not want to grow a beard or moustache, there are many other ways to promote this foundation, such as donating money to the foundation, as well as sharing information regarding ‘Movbember’ on all your social media
accounts. Every dollar counts to help get men the physical and emotional support they need to improve their quality of life and continue to make many more memories with their loved ones. O ther causes that the ‘Movember Foundation’ place an emphasis on include prostate cancer and testicular cancer. On their website they state the fact that 1 in 7 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. All the donations that are accumulated
within this organization support continuous research on prostate and testicular cancer as Movember’s aim is to “halve the number of men dying from prostate cancer, and halve the number of men facing serious ongoing side effects from treatment” (Movember, 2019) by 2030. https://fitforwork.org/blog/ movember-will-you-be-a-mo-brothis-year-to-raise-awareness-ofmens-health/ I can go on about the various initiatives Movember participates in but the main takeaway is Movember’s encompassing theme of men’s health and continued awareness and support to provide resources for men worldwide to not only live a longer life, but an uplifting one. J oin me today and help support Movember by growing some facial hair and feel free to be creative with your moustache and beard. If facial hair isn’t really your thing, please visit Movember’s website at https:// ca.movember.com/ and donate what you can to support this great cause. This Movember, you and I could help stop men from dying too young. Lastly, “Grow a MO, Save a BRO” (Movember, 2019). A ll the information above was taken from Movember’s website at https://ca.movember.com/ which I hope you visit now.
An Anonymous Article For You
P
eople around the world struggle with the conflicts within their mind. These include internal conflicts that make people feel like they have no one. We live in a world where there are people feel alone even though they are not. Our mental health - not just our own, but also of the people around us - is a serious topic which we should focus our attention on. Every time we go out, we ask people, “How are you?” and we respond with a “Thank you.” But when did you last ask yourself, “How am I?”, “Am I doing well?” or “Is there something going on?” How many times have you taken care of yourself instead of taking care of others? How many times have you read a “bedtime story” to yourself? How many times did you treat yourself and “hang out” with yourself? The environment around us affects the way we act. One’s mental health can be defined by the people surrounding him/her. The joy that we see from the man who makes everyone happy can have a different face when he is alone in his room. That silent girl in the corner who you think is “weird” has a reason why she is silent. Our speech has a great impact towards people. Simple small talk can have a different and positive meaning for the people around us. A simple phrase of “How was your day?” can brighten up one’s mood. We live in a society where people are so different. Where people are filled with positivity and negativity. But despite the “negative”, we know that
Through a Teenager’s Eyes KRISTIAN CERENO Kristian Cereno is a Grade 9 Student of St. Mark’s Catholic School in Edmonton. His hobbies include writing poems, composing songs, and playing volleyball. In the long run, he hopes to learn to play hockey the Canadian way.
there will always be a bright side. I myself have struggled while dealing with my mental health. Having my friends and family around me helped a lot in overcoming the fight within myself. Just by talking to them gave me an overwhelming feeling which helped me work my way through the maze of depression. Once, my mom told me that, “Sitting in a room alone is not a good thing because it makes you overthink.” That was an eye
from page 11
Lyrique: a Filipino Artist in the Flow... art and press releases myself. All in all, it’s still an unending process. Art is beautiful but inevitable, just like growth.” Lyrique has become a staple in the Calgary hip hop scene. He performs solo, in acoustic duets and trios, with a DJ or together with a band. He is a member of the Alberta music collective/label, The Honor Roll Music Collective, along with named artists K-riz, Karimah, Rebecca Janz and Josh Sahunta to name a few. Lyrique’s latest EP is Saints of Summer. When asked why Saints of Summer, “The title had a nice ring to it but in reality what is a saint? A saint is someone holy and free. In the summer we feel a certain melancholy where we all feel a certain cleanse from the cold. But that being said, we all let loose in our own havens in the summer - be it in parties, festivals or out of town trips.” “The other songs on the EP touch different vibes. On GOD is me rapping about how I will make an impact this summer on God. There are tracks like R.O.Y and Pulp Fiction which are just easy going tracks on living your dreams and at the same time being a product of your environment and having fun with it.” Another single is Marathon. “Marathon is a confidence song. I’m still the shy type, a socially awkward person. Marathon made
book of Jeremiah. “Call unto me and I will answer thee.” (Jeremiah 33:3) If you just ask for help from God, he will help you. God will never reject you even if you are a sinner. God welcomes everyone in His kingdom as long as you accept Him. God is always up there, looking at you even if you turned Him away, even if you choose someone or something over Him. God will always be there for you. Our mental health is very important. Our mind also needs a rest after a long day of stress. Having an “unrested brain” can lead
23
me confident in who I am. I’ve gone this far so why not take ownership of it.” The track was produced and engineered by DJ Rocswell. Ivory, with its recent video release, is also from the same EP. The afrobeats inspired track is produced by Niko and LCS, mixed and mastered by AMAURHI and features backup vocals from K-Riz and Oozela. The video was created and filmed by Oliver Banyard. “Ivory is basically a love song. My girlfriend is a huge fan of afro beats so I gave this vibe a shot. The hook I have for the song is a line I wrote two years ago which I never really used. It just so happened that the hook fit this beat perfect and that set the whole idea of the song. The title came with the beat and it just had a nice ring to it. Ivory, which is a representation of love, is a material on the strongest emotion in the world.” The video has guest appearances by his girlfriend Kirstin Wilson, and some of his close friends DJ C-Sik, Mayowa/ Mo’, Amaurhi and Jared Daniel. Lyrique is now working on a full length album, Lust, Art, Liqour. To know more about Lyrique and his music, check out Instagram and Facebook: iamlyrique, YouTube: Lyrique Music, stream “Ivory” on Spotify and Apple Music, or purchase the EP Saints in the Summer on https://fanlink.to/ saintsinthesummer . Photo credits: Val Parenas (@vparenas), Esther Cho (@ estherchophotography), Oliver Banyard (@oliverbanyard) To comment on this article, go to https:// www.philippineartscouncil.com/blog.
to depression and anxiety which can lead to a conundrum between life and death. Finding someone to talk to is very important because this helps us recover while having a “shoulder to cry on”. Also, being the one who listens to someone’s problem can be a huge help to that person because this lets him/her know that someone cares. A simple “How are you?” can lead to a person’s turning point in life. From this, we can help build a world close to utopia where people are filled with positivity.
opener for me. And because of that, I started to become more engaged with the things happening around me which helped me turn those problems into happiness. I started caring for myself more, and I started to think of what makes me happy. And lastly, I started to become more engaged with God. A prayer is the greatest weapon against the swords of sadness. The first bible verse I learned from my mom is from the
ADVERTISE WITH US 780-916-7677 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com All photos and articles available online. Follow us
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
24
Religion | Business
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
A Man To Stand In The Gap EZEKIEL 22:23-30
From a Vantage Point
Key verse: 30, “And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.” INTRODUCTION The Lord said this about Israel, His own people. Matthew Henry said, “All orders and degrees of men had helped to fill the measure of the nation’s guilt. The people that had any power abused it and even the buyers and sellers find some way to oppress one another. It bodes [to be an omen of] ill to a people when judgments are breaking in upon them, and the spirit of prayer is restrained. Let all who fear God, unite to promote His truth and righteousness; as wicked men of every rank and profession plot together to run them down.” I. SOUGHT FOR A MAN AMONG THEM,” v. 30. A. A MAN, a male, John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” B. A SERVANT, a dedicated servant of God, Isaiah 42:1: “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.” C. A GREAT MAN, an uncommon man,
TITO S.VENIDA
FOUNDING FATHER
Tito S. Venida is a product of the University of the Philippines. He used to be a student-leader during his college days and became one of the founders of the Tau Gamna Phi, one of the world leading Philippine-produced fraternities. His immensurable love for the human race has brought him to the conviction of translating his mission from fraternity into Divinity--from a mere brotherhood into sainthood. Tito authored a book entitled Quocunque Jeceris Stabit, which means, wherever you throw, it will stand.
Isaiah 42:6-7, “I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and ‘will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; 7 To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.” D. A CHAMPION, One that is clearly superior or has the attributes of a winner. Note this list of men of ability and courage. 1. Noah, a man who walked with God, Genesis 6. 2. Abraham, a man of faith, Genesis 15. 3. David, a man after God’s own heart,
Make Our Daily Gospel Reading Trending
Like it and share it! FR. JHACK DIAZ Rev. Fr. Raldy "jhack" Diaz is the first Filipino priest ordained in the Diocese of St. Paul Alberta. He is currently the Pastor of St. Jean de Brebeuf Parish, Mallaig, Alberta.
Greediness: A Hindrance To Holiness Luke 12:13-21 “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Friends, our gospel reading for today reminds us to shun greed in all its forms. Jesus is warning us that our lives are not made secure by what we own. “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” You know what? When we die, our wealth, our possessions, and our status will not matter. Stay away from greed for it is so destructive. It destroys everything. Pope Francis once said: “When one lives attached to money and power, it is impossible to be happy.” He who is greedy is always in want. “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” 1Timothy 6:9 My dear kababayans, life is not about having things. Life is about knowing God. Building bigger barns to store wealth that we acquire may make us feel secure, but it is a false sense of security. Some say: "If I only had a little more money, I’d be www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
happier.” Let us not be obsessed with getting more of it because: Money can buy happiness but not joy; Money can buy food but not appetite; Money can buy companions but not friends; Money can buy a house but not a home; Money can buy medicine but not health; Money can buy pleasure but not joy; Money can buy style but not beauty; Money can buy books but not wisdom; Money can buy contracts but not trustworthiness; Money can buy weapons but not peace; Money can buy votes but not a peaceful country; Money can buy a Bible but not faith; Money can buy a beautiful grave but not eternal life. Money can’t save us; God does. Believing in material salvation is foolishness. Store up treasures in heaven. Blessings Fr. Jhack
Acts 13:22. 4. The Apostles of Jesus Christ, Luke 6:12-16. 5. The Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:8-10. 6. Jesus Christ, The Champion! Matthew 3:17, “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” II. A MAN TO CLOSE THE GAP A. A worker. 1. A builder, (Jesus was a carpenter, he knew the discipline of work) someone who knows how to work. 2. Someone trained for the work to be done.
from page 22
Undas 2019 A Huge Success!!! in rest. For this I would like to thank KEN STRATTON Manager of EVERGREEN MEMORIAL GARDENS, STEPHEN WIEBE, Manager of EVERGREEN FUNERAL HOMES and MR. RICHARD ERDMAN OF EVERGREEN PROPERTY for their Valuable Support and making My Dream of having a FOCAL POINT for the FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN EDMONTON a REALITY! MY DEAR KABABAYANS, the HIMLAYANG FILIPINO (FILIPINO GARDEN) Memorial Marker is NOT meant just for Families who have their Dearly Departed at EVERGREEN. The HIMLAYANG FILIPINO Memorial was put up in Honour of the EDMONTON FILIPINO COMMUNITY and to provide Us with a Solemn FOCAL POINT for our Dearly Departed to honour them and celebrate All Saints Day and Special Occasions such as MOTHER'S DAY, FATHER'S DAY, REMEMBRANCE DAY etc. NOW, The Edmonton Filipino Community has a FOCAL POINT where WE can VISIT, LIGHT A CANDLE, OFFER FLOWERS, PAY RESPECT, PRAY and REMEMBER OUR Dearly Departed irrespective of where they are buried and lay in rest. True to my initial Concept, we made sure the whole Edmonton Filipino community including the various community organizations
3. Someone willing to labor and finish the job, John 6:38, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” B. A Contractor. One who will take the responsibility. Matthew 16:18, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” III. A MAN TO STAND IN THE BREACH A. The Man of Courage and Faith. 1. This man did not come from the outside, John 1:11, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not,” 2. Jesus was born a Jew and a part of Israel. B. The Servant of God, Isaiah 42:1, “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.” C. God’s chosen man to stand in the breach. 1. The Spirit of God is upon Him. 2. God’s will was His will, Hebrews 10:7, “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.” D. A Great Man, Isaiah 52:13-14, “Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. 14 As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:” E. The Alpha and Omega, Revelation 1:10-11, 17-18, “I was in
were involved in the Celebration. We at EVERGREEN Memorial Gardens just provided the Place (Our Chapel and Reception Centre) to hold the Event, as well as, a Focal Point in the HIMLAYANG .” The UNDAS Event started with Mrs. LILIA BONIFACIO leading the Traditional Prayers for our Dearly Departed. This was immediately followed by the Celebration of the Liturgical and Memorial Services officiated by Fr.JOJO CANTAL which included Holy Scripture Readings by Ms. FLORENCE ADAMS and Mrs. VIRGINIA ALARCON, Prayers of the Faithful led by MR. LITO VELASCO, Ceremonial Lighting of the Three Memorial Candles by MS. THELMA ARAJA, Mrs. MARJORIE NEWMAN and Mrs. ELOISA LAU, respectively then the Blessing of the MEMORIAL BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE DEARLY DEPARTED and the SPECIAL THOUGHTS & EXPRESSION OF LOVE FOR OUR DEARLY DEPARTED.
the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last:… 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” F. He is the author and finisher of our faith, Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” CONCLUSION The Lord did not find a man in Israel during that time that could stand in the gap. But in time Jesus Christ was born exactly as God had planned, Galatians 4:4, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, The Man to stand in the gap.
The FANTASTIC COUPLES IN HARMONY CHOIR led the Singing at the Chapel. THE AMAZING KORO FILIPINO provided the very lively Entertainment during the Reception. The Highlight of the Celebration was the Blessing by Fr. CANTAL of the FILIPINO GARDEN HIMLAYANG FILIPINO and the interment of the Special Container of the SPECIAL THOUGHTS & EXPRESSION OF LOVE for the DEARLY DEPARTED. The attendees were thereafter treated to a sumptuous Luncheon of Filipino food and delicacies complete with Lots of Pancit and Barbeque Chicken and of course, the Traditional Lechon. Because of the Tremendous Success of this year’s UNDAS everybody is already looking forward this early to a much bigger UNDAS Celebration in 2020. HERMO PAGTAKHAN, Organizer of the ANNUAL FILIPINO COMMUNITY UNDAS CELEBRATION announced plans for a much Bigger UNDAS 2020 is in the works.
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Opinion | Politics | Business
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Duterte appoints Leni anti-drug czarina
W
hatever got into President Rodrigo Duterte’s head when he appointed Vice President Leni Robredo co-chair of the Inter-agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drug (ICAD) is anybody’s guess. First of all, Duterte knows that Leni is against the killing of drug pushers and users. So why did Duterte put her in charge of enforcing the government’s anti-narcotics policy without “senseless killings” that has so far eliminated some 30,000 drug pushers and users? Has he gone loco? Or did he appoint her to keep her mouth shut from criticizing Duterte’s extra-judicial killings of those involved in drugs? And why did Leni accept the position when she knows that she has to play ball with her new partner, Duterte himself, in the anti-drug war? So how does Leni start in her new job as the anti-drug czar, or should I say czarina? This makes me wonder. Does Leni have the cojones to do a cunning and ruthless czarina’s job? This also reminds me of the Russian Czarina Catherine the Great who ruled the Russian Empire for 34 years. Her husband of six months, Emperor Peter III, died in 1762. He was deposed in a palace coup orchestrated by Catherine, who relied on a loyal
Perezcope PERRY DIAZ PerryDiaz@gmail.com retinue of generals. She’s known as an “enlightened despot.” Czarina Leni, whose late husband Secretary of Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo died in a plane crash in 2012 ran for vice president in 2016 and won by a slim margin. Being single and inexperienced in the war on drugs, Leni has to work with the male-dominated inner circle of Duterte, but she took the job anyway, perhaps thinking that it’s a piece of cake running an operation that is infested with corrupt police officers coddled by corrupt politicians, drug smugglers, and drug lords. But it would be naïve to think that she doesn’t know the dangerous waters she’s treading. She knows it. Yet… she took the challenge of the most dangerous and thankless job in the government.
Heck, Leni could have declined the job offer. She’s sitting pretty as vice-president doing nothing and safely tucked in a palatial office with all the help of a staff that virtually does nothing. She can go on a speaking tour around the country preparing for the upcoming presidential election. She could charm the people with her smiling demeanor that would make Bongbong Marcos look like a boy playing marbles, counting them for votes. He still couldn’t believe he lost to Leni. But Leni is taking it easy. Just let Bongbong figure out how to collect more marbles and beat Leni in the vote recount, which could go on until the next president is elected. And if Leni survives the hazards of the anti-drug war, she could win handily in the 2022 presidential election. But how is she going to win
25
But there are an estimated four million drug users today. To resettle this huge number of people would take a miracle. Duterte admitted that he can’t do it. The problem with Duterte is that he failed to stop drug smuggling, the root of the problem. Drug lords were not prosecuted. They conduct their business unhampered by the police. Entry of illegal drugs into the country goes unabetted. If Czarina Leni stops drug smuggling, then the anti-drug program is half won. But with the intervention of corrupt politicians, drug smuggling is thriving. Czarina Leni has to be forceful in making decisions. She’d be stepping on a lot of toes and attempts will be made to remove her from her job. But she shouldn’t waver no matter who gets hurt. And if she’s removed from her job because of palace intrigues, so be it. Let Duterte remove her. It’s not going to hurt her for standing up to her principles. At the end of the day, winning the hearts of people through social justice is a lot easier than fighting them with guns. I wish vice president Leni Robredo the best. When Magsaysay ran for president in 1953, a year after he defeated the Huks, he won by more than 65% of the vote. Leni has two years to make a difference. If she has the will then she can do it.
the anti-drug war? So far, no drug czar has succeeded before. Perhaps a different approach has to be taken in fighting the drug war, which brings to mind the late president Ramon Magsaysay. When he took over as Defense Secretary under then president Elpidio Quirino, the Hukbalahaps or Huks were amassing in Bulacan, ready to enter Manila. But Magsaysay knew that to beat the Huks, he had to play their game. The Huks waged war against the government using the slogan, “Land for the Landless.” They were fighting to get land from the government. So, what Magsaysay did was use the Huks’ slogan and promised to give land, a plow, and a carabao in exchange for their weapons. Hundreds of Huk rebels surrendered their arms and were resettled to Mindanao, ready to go into farming. Magsaysay’s campaign worked and it broke the back of the Huk movement. Within two years, the Huk rebellion was defeated, not with guns but with land. Czarina Leni could use Magsaysay’s playbook and fight drugs with something that would give meaning to their problems, which is inadequate social programs, and to give the drug users an opportunity to live a meaningful and productive life. Give them jobs.
UCP Budget Breaks Promises to Calgarians
C
ALGARY – Calgarians will pay more and receive less after Jason Kenney and the UCP broke a series of key promises in their first budget, said Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley. Budget 2019, tabled in the Alberta Legislature on Thursday, hikes income and property taxes, cuts education funding, raises tuition, eliminates tax credits for entrepreneurs, and slashes funding for major infrastructure projects such as the Green Line C-Train and much-needed upgrades to Deerfoot Trail. “Jason Kenney and the UCP have betrayed the people of Calgary by presenting a bait-and-switch budget that breaks key promises to this city,” said Notley. “We knew we were going to see big cuts but what Mr. Kenney didn’t say was that Calgarians would be forced to bear the brunt of his bad decisions.” While the UCP promised lower taxes, Albertans will have to pay $600 million more in personal income tax over the next four years as the UCP stops indexing tax brackets for the first time since 2001. The UCP’s Education Tax hike will also force the City of Calgary to raise property taxes, said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. In addition, delays and cuts to capital funding mean the Deerfoot Trail expansion is cut in half and the Green Line C-Train may be cancelled altogether, and by removing $300 million from the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, that project will likely be delayed. These decisions endanger more than 20,000 construction jobs in the city, hurt the city’s economy and fail to address population growth. “The UCP promised Calgarians that they would lower taxes and continue building for the future. Instead, this Premier slashed dedicated funding to major projects, hiked property taxes and killed muchneeded jobs in the city. It’s a betrayal of everything Jason Kenney promised the people of Calgary,” said Notley. In addition, the UCP have frozen education funding, prompting exploding class sizes for kids and higher school and transportation fees – some as high as $360 – for working parents. School boards will receive $200 less per student; the equivalent of a two per cent cut. Students at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal will face massive tuition hikes and higher interest rates on student loans. The budget also nickel-anddimes Calgarians by hiking fees for vehicle registration, land titles and even museum entry. Broken Promises to Calgary: • Education Property Tax: Early estimates from the City of Calgary show the UCP is withholding $15.5 All photos and articles available online. Follow us
million in Education Property Tax revenues collected by the province. Mayor Naheed Nenshi estimated this will mean property tax increases of more than 1 per cent next year. • Deerfoot Trail Expansion Cut: The UCP cut $268 million from the Deerfoot Trail expansion, endangering over 2,000 jobs, and failing to address traffic congestion and commute times. Additional lanes at Memorial Drive, 17 Avenue, Glenmore Trail, Southland Drive and Anderson/Bow Bottom Trail will not be completed. • Green Line Betrayal: The UCP cut $480 million in promised funding for the Green Line C-Train over the next four years. The project, estimated to create more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, is guaranteed to face significant delays and is “in jeopardy” of being built at all, said Mayor Nenshi. • City Charter Cut: While the UCP voted in favour of the City Charter agreements and promised to “respect”
the agreement in their platform, the UCP budget cuts $45 million in capital from Calgary, forcing the City of Calgary to either hike taxes or cut investments in fixing potholes, building bridges, upgrading public parks, and completing community recreation centres. • New Transit Buses Cancelled: The UCP killed the Alberta Community Transit Fund, cancelling over $100 million in funding to the Calgary Metropolitan Region for 15 new light-rail vehicles and 52 Compressed Natural Gas buses. • Tech and Innovation Tax Credits Cancelled: While Calgary’s downtown office district stood the most to gain
from new tax credits to entrepreneurs and startups, the UCP cancelled all tax credits. The Investor Tax Credit in particular — leveraged $94 million in investment for small and mid-sized businesses — and supported new investments in Calgary’s business community. • Calgary Cancer Centre: The UCP budget pushes back funding to build the Calgary Cancer Centre. Proponents say the delay signals a high likelihood the hospital will open short-staffed and under-funded. Media Inquiries Leah Ward 780-903-3024
Cure Health Supplies 9513 41 Ave Nw, Edmonton, AB, T6E 5X7
587-499-4010 Did you know that seniors above 65 living in Alberta
may qualify for the following products funded by the Alberta government?
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS
Maximum 2 pairs of Orthotics for a eligible senior are covered by the Alberta Government.
|
LIFT CHAIR
Lift Chair Comes with Heat, Recline and Massage Function.
|
M AT T R E S S
Many choices of Mattresses with different sizes where most of the amount is covered by the Government.
Alberta Seniors can purchase all these items for $0 if they qualify! Please Come in to Apply today or you can email us for further information! Tel: 587-499-4010 Fax: 587-400-9367 Email: Curehealthcl@gmail.com www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
26
Travel | Brain Twisters | Classified Ad
Byahe ni Kat KATRINA MARIELLE U. CERENO Katrina is a senior high student at St. Francis Xavier High School. She is fond of the beauty found in art and creativity. At her young age, she wants to influence the people around her with her experience in travelling.
Pearl of the Orient
M
anila (officially, the City of Manila), is the capital of the Philippines and is a highly urbanized city. After all, life in Manila, the country’s
culture and business hub, is as diverse as it is exciting. Manila is rich in history and culture and is home to many sights. The sparkling
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
Philippine epicenter has been discussed in various books, from topics focusing on its success after years of struggle, to historical events including World War II. Even today, the transformation process is still visible at the fabulous ruins and historical sites of Manila. For insurance, walking in the walled district of Intramuros pushes you back in time. You re-imagine Manila in its glory days. Part of any experience in Manila should also include watching the gorgeous sunset in Manila Bay, which is world-famous for its harbor view. Manila offers Filipinos many opportunities through education and business. The University Belt is where almost all the well-known universities of the Philippines are located. Here, you see students from various universities casually interacting with each other and competing professionally through modern sports like UAAP. Driving past the skyscrapers surprises you because of the architectural designs and structures. The best time to typically visit Manila? During the holiday season. For the past years that I have been celebrating Christmas in the Philippines, Manila has never failed to amaze me with its Christmas tree lighting presentations, nightly caroling and holiday programs to satisfy your eyes and your heart. Even along the highway famed for its horrific traffic, you will be able to witness how Manila has become a mixture of old and new, how it values its sense of history but at the same time continues to evolve as a modern urban hub. Manila is a social world of its own. You just have to go out and explore it and enthusiastically embrace this marvelous chaos. We all want a little thrill once in a while, so the next time you're planning a vacation, plan a trip to Manila.
CR OSSWOR D
Copyright @ www.boatloadpuzzles.com
ACROSS
1. Golf stroke 5. Watering place 8. Row 12. Operator 13. Make a doily 14. Jobless 15. Scenic view 17. Coffeehouse 18. Mink wrap 19. Masculine pronoun 20. Baseball stat 22. Alexander Graham Bell's invention 26. Emotional state 28. Scientist _____ Curie 29. Beethoven work 31. Brokers 35. Jotted down 37. Platter 38. TV and radio (2 wds.) 42. Orangutan, e.g. 43. Forest animal 44. Cake covering 46. Roasting rod 48. Milan natives 51. Met's bygone home 52. Polka ____ 53. Paid athletes 54. Cloth measure 55. Unrefined metal 56. Wise man
DOWN
1. Baby dog 2. UN member 3. Emotional stress 4. Horse's gait 5. Deadlock 6. ____ Anderson of "Baywatch" 7. ____ glance (2 wds.) 8. Nervous twitch 9. Potato state 10. Like Santa's helpers 11. ____ Witherspoon of "Sweet Home Alabama" 16. Disintegrate 20. Hotel units (abbr.) 21. Ghost's cry 23. Wipe out 24. Boar or sow 25. Mind 27. Rather and Quayle 30. Actor ___ Cruise 32. ____ Falls 33. Chef's unit (abbr.) 34. That gal 36. Reporter's boss 38. Disordered 39. Greek vowel 40. Aspen visitor 41. Feel sick 45. Puppy bites 47. Little bit 48. Wedding vow (2 wds.) 49. Egg drink 50. Wind dir.
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!
Copyright @ www.puzzles.ca/sudoku.html
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Religion | Media Partners
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
Jesus, The Black Nazarene Celebrates His 5th Year in Edmonton in 2020 Submitted by: Bro. Julito R. Reyes, PSD, FMFD, & Nazareno Council Adviser
Thursday, January 9th, 2020 is the Fiesta day of our Lord Jesus, the Black Nazarene. He is the titular Patron of Nazareno Knights of Columbus Council No. 12904 and his statue has been housed in the chapel of St. Anthony Catholic Church, at 10661 – 82 avenue, Edmonton, Alberta since the last Friday of September of 2016. His statue arrived in Edmonton under the careful guidance and supervision of then Nazareno Council Grand Knight Robert Croteau and wife, Tess, in August 15th, 2016. The statue was commissioned by the Edmonton 2001 charitable society in the first week of February of 2016 to a veteran sculptor/wood carver, Mr. Benjamin Bagalso of Paete, Laguna, Philippines. This statue is the exact replica of the original statue @ Church of Quiapo. The statue was blessed by most reverend Richard W. Smith, Archbishop of Edmonton on November 10, 2016 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 9830 – 148 Street, Edmonton under the sponsorship of Nazareno knights of Columbus Council No. 12904. He was assisted by three priests and two deacons. The church was standing room only during the mass. After the mass, a solemn and prayerful procession around the church neighborhood took place under the supervision of Edmonton’s finest, the Edmonton Police Service.
When Fr. Joby Augustin, CFIC, pastor of the twin parishes of St. Anthony and St. Agnes found out that we were looking for a church home for the statue of Jesus, the Black Nazarene, he gave his approval to Sr. Jane Alindajao, pastoral assistant who later informed me that a new home was waiting for the statue of Jesus, the Black Nazarene. We brought the statue to St. Anthony Church on the last Friday of September 2016 in the company of brother Knights and their wives. We were welcomed with open arms by Sr. Jane Alindajao. That week, Fr. Joby Augustin was attending a priests’ conference in Kananaskis and was due to come home that Friday. A special mass and dinner in honor of our Lord, Jesus, the Black Nazarene, commemorating his first blessing anniversary and introducing him to the parishioners of the twin parishes of St. Anthony and St. Agnes took place on Thursday, November 19, 2016 at St. Agnes Catholic Church and merchant hall. The mass and dinner were well attended by around 220 parishioners and Nazareno families. A Novena for his first feast day and a fiesta in Edmonton started in December 2016 and January 2017 at St. John the evangelist and was followed in the succeeding years at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Catholic churches. From December 29th 2019 to
January 9th, 2020, masses, novena prayers, and hospitalities in honor of Jesus, the Black Nazarene will be held at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Churches. On his fiesta day on January 9th, 2020, mass will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 10826 – 62nd avenue, Edmonton at 6 pm and dinner will follow immediately after the mass at Merchant Hall, St. Agnes Church. A schedule of novena masses, church and time and other information are itemized below for your information: December 29th – St. Anthony @10:30 am December 30, January 02, 03 – St. Anthony @ 7:00 pm January 04 (Sat.) – St. Anthony @ 7:30 pm January 05 (Sun.) – St. Anthony @ 10:30 am January 06 – St. Agnes @ 7:00 pm January 07 – St. Anthony @ 7:00 pm January 08 – St. Anthony @ 6:15 pm January 09 (Fiesta day) – St. Agnes @ 6:00 pm. Dinner to follow immediately in the Merchant Hall. We invite the public to join us and become novena patrons during novena masses. A novena patron would be big part of an evening mass. We request a donation of $70 per couple (with 2 free dinner tickets). We also invite Filipino organizations to become sponsor patrons during novena masses. We request a donation of $200 with 2 free dinner tickets. They will also
be involved in the celebration of the assigned mass. Only 220 dinner tickets at $10 per person with children 6 years old and under - free, will be sold from January 05 to January 08 only (while quantities last) because of fire regulations in Merchant Hall. Proceeds from dinner ticket sales will be donated to Marian Centre. No dinner tickets will be sold at the door on Fiesta Night! Dinner will be compliments of
27
Nazareno council and Edmonton 2001 charitable society. We encourage each attendee for the novena and fiesta masses to bring food bank items before each mass. They will be donated to the twin parishes of St. Anthony and St. Agnes food bank for their weekly distribution. Last but not the least, you are allowed to bring your cameras and take pictures with the statue of Jesus, the black Nazarene at the conclusion of each novena prayer. For more information, please contact: Bro. Claude De Joya, Grand Knight – 780- 292 -5519; and Bro. Babes Gonzales, Novena 2019 – 2020 Chairman - 780 – 239 – 1960.
RADYO SA DYARYO: Magkatulong Sa Pamamahayag At Pag-Aliw Sa Lipunang Pilipino Sinasaliwan ng musikang sariling atin ang pagtatagni-tagni ng mga balitang pang-masa, pagbalangkas sa mga makabuluhang dagdag kaalaman, at makatarungang pagpuna sa mga kamalian. Ang Tahanan ng OPM-Himig Pinoy-101.7 World FM ay masusubaybayan mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes, 5-6 PM.
Wowie De Guzman and DJ Rolan during the Zumba
Manny Arban and DJ Rolan during the Zumba
Samantala, naabot na rin ng Alberta Filipino Journal ang 94.7 FM-Tala luv’z Radio sa Calgary upang makatuwang na rin sa magkaparehong adhikain. Mapapakinggan tuwing Huwebes sa ganap na ika-pito hanggang ika-walo ng gabi. Bukas-palad ang Alberta Filipino Journal sa pagtataguyod ng panlipunang pagtututungan upang isaayos ang relasyon ng bawat-isa dito sa bansang ating dinayuhan.
In between the famous DJs is the well-known coach, speaker, trainer, and writer Angie Barbero Ostojic, enhancing people’s lives.
DJs Rolan Latorre and Jo-Ann Aguilar enjoying their Halloween Costumes
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
28
Greetings | Business
Quality Care Group co-founder celebrates birthday at `Brgy. Hall’ By Moses Billacura
Quality Care Group of Companies co-founder Jacob Christian turned another leaf, November 16, and expressed his gratefulness to his family, business partners, employees and friends who came to celebrate with him. “Thank you very much,” Christian told the crowd at the “Barangay Hall ng Masang Pilipino” in Edmonton.
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
Leo de Leon Birthday & Retirement Party Congratulations Leo on your 65th Birthday and Retirement Party attended by family, relatives and friends. Celebration was held at Manila Grill Restaurant last October 26, 2019. Here comes your happy days spending your time with your beautiful 'apo', unlimited cruising, vacationing and holidays.
Quality Care Group of Companies co-founder Jacob Christian (center) celebrates his birthday, Nov.16, with business partners Jesse Tallon (left) and Kris Salumbides. (Photo by Moses Billacura)
Christian is the “numbers guy” of Quality Care Group in his capacity as director of finance, making sure that the companies they operate are all financially healthy. Quality Care Group runs a medical clinic and pharmacy, sleep medicine and medical supplies companies in Edmonton and Calgary.
The companies have been supporting Filipino activities in the province for the last five years including the recent “Mindanao Earthquakes Fund-Raising” that raised $3,700 through the Benjie Lindo Live Updates, Nov.6, at the “Barangay Hall”. Among those who came to greet him were Homer Lising of Umac Cargo Edmonton, Chris Ayson of Wefix Auto, Laarni Lising of Toyota Mayfield, Rolan Latorre of World FM 101.7, Robert and Mila Torrejon of the Dabawenyos Cultural Assistance Society, Joefrey Hijara of Arcxend IT Solutions.
Kerry Lee, Rod Harvey finally tie the knot
By Moses Billacura
K
erry Lee Aragon and Rod Ha rvey Enca rnacion exchanged "I do's" on November 8 in the presence of their proud and happy parents, Edmonton-based Marsha and Ron Aragon and Philippines-based Ligaya and Rodolfo Encarnacion, relatives and friends. Kerry Lee's grandmother Leticia also flew from the U.S. to witness the ceremony officiated by Alberta Province marriage commissioner Alex Donado. It was an intimate gathering of family and friends at the Summerside Beach Club and reception followed at the Sawmill. Kerry Lee and Rod Harvey thanked their parents, godparents, relatives and friends for all the help in preparing for their intimate and successful wedding in Edmonton. The Aragons are known in the Filipino community in Edmonton as owners of "Food To Go by Marsha" along 66th Street.
Photos by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal
ADVERTISE WITH US 780-916-7677 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
Community | Greetings | Business
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
29
Quezonian Club Hawaiian Party Gathered together in one purpose. Anniversary Congratulations to the Quezonian Club of Edmonton for a successful 28-Year Anniversary celebration held last October at Palabok House Restaurant.
T
hat is, to celebrate the 61st birthday of a beloved wife of Hermo Pagtakhan and a mother to their kids and a loving friend to everyone. Her life became and still becoming more blessed when surrounded by faithful friends. Her strength
is truly measured by the numbers of trials she has gone through. During her birthday, she has no other choice than to choose to live longer in order to serve as a binding factor to her family, relatives, and friends. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAIDA!
Hermo & Baida with guests Totie Mendoza, President of Quezonian Club of Edmonton
Hermo & Baida with Jon & Co
Photos by Dario Juanillo | Alberta Filipino Journal
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
Hermo and Baida with Guests.
Hermo & Baida with Hermie Angeles & Hermo & Baida with Family Guests Photos by Dario Juanillo | Alberta Filipino Journal
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
30
Business
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA
NOVEMBER 2019 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL
All photos and articles available online. Follow us
Business
31
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
32
Business
www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com
ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2019
THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA