Alberta Filipino Journal - November 2020 Issue

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Rice is worthless in the world of emptiness!

Jerry Caingcoy, founder of TFCC

NOVEMBER 2020 • Volume 13, Number 11

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AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

"Living Book" Jon Jon Rivero

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What Could Your Hearts and Hands Do in Times of Calamity?

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Filipino-Calgarian develops computer game, Stingers Academy

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Alberta shutdown hiring of temporary foreign workers to save jobs for Albertans

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Business

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

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

News | Business

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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LATE BREAKING NEWS! NOTE TO READERS: As Journalists it is our Solemn Duty and Mandate to OBJECTIVELY REPORT and INFORM our Readers of Events of particular interest and Happenings in our Community and in and around the World that are newsworthy.

We are NOT supporting any particular candidate in this 2020 U. S. Presidential Election. Everyone is ENTITLED to their own opinion. We respect your opinion.

We are reporting this News “in aid of our COMMON SEARCH for the TRUTH”.

Trump could receive second term from U.S. House of Representatives in 'contingent election' "It will be the thing, I believe, that will formally elect Donald Trump to be the next president of the United States," said Steve Bannon.

(Reprinted from Just The News and other Sources).

T

hough chances are slim and the final electoral count is still pending, a little-known provision of the U.S. Constitution provides an opening for President Trump to possibly salvage victory through what's known as a "contingent election."

Under the 12th Amendment, in a contingent election one person does not win a majority of Electoral College votes, and the election is thrown to the U.S. House of Representatives. There, each state's delegation has one vote, and a candidate must receive the votes of a majority of state delegations to win. Because of the timing, the new Congress is the one that decides, not the outgoing one.

Though final makeup of the incoming House is still in flux due to ongoing ballot counting, the gap is wide enough to know there definitely will be more Democrats overall, but there will also definitely be more state delegations with a majority of delegates who are Republican. For example, although population-heavy California and New York have large, predominantly Democratic representation in the House, each state would receive just the same, single vote assigned to lower-populated Republicanled states like Wyoming or South Dakota. This would likely ensure a Republican majority vote in the House for Trump over rival Joe Biden.

"It will be the thing, I believe, that will formally elect Donald Trump to be the next president of the United States," political strategist and 2016 Trump campaign CEO

Steve Bannon said on Real America's Voice digital television network last week.

Lisa Dixon, executive director of the Lawyers Democracy Fund, told Just the News she thinks that a contingent election is "extremely

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unlikely," though there were several in the 19th century, including in 1825 and 1837, although the most famous contingent election was that fought between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr in 1801. That epic episode was key to the plot for the

smash Broadway musical "Hamilton."

"One reason is that it requires a majority of electoral votes cast, not possible electoral votes, to win the Electoral College," Dixon said. "If a state is not able to certify their electors by the deadline, that

state's electors are taken out of the total. The number of electoral votes required to win then becomes not 270 but a lower number: a majority of the total electors certified to the Electoral College." continued on page 6►

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Editor’s Corner | AFJ Staff | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

IT AIN’T OVER UNTIL IT’S OVER! EDITOR’S CORNER

Published by Angeles Publishing Company Inc. 246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2T2 Jose L. Angeles Publisher / Chief Operating Officer Sales and Advertising CP: 780-916-7677 Landline: 780-988-8889 Fax: 780-988-2221 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com

Lito Mendoza Velasco

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Lito Mendoza Velasco Editor-in-Chief / Associate Publisher 780-655-5126 editor@albertafilipinojournal.com Lianne Angeles Associate Editor Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles Administrator / Office Manager Sales and Advertising 780-993-5503 albertafilipinojournal79@gmail.com Manny Bautista Advertising, Sales and Marketing Manager 780-802-0848, canadianasset@gmail.com Stephen Burry Distribution Manager - Calgary 1 (587) 938-3100, Freedommigrate@gmail.com Rodel Paguirigan Advertising, Sales and Marketing Manager - Calgary 1 (403) 921-0148, rodelpaguirigan@gmail.com Melanie C. Gomez Website / Graphic Designer Photographers/Videographer: Moses Billacura, Noli Granado, Dario Juanillo Columnists: Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Tito S. Venida Ida Beltran-Lucila, 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, Aubrey Reyes, Jonabel Cabasal, Jasmine-Grace Nacu The Alberta Filipino Journal is dedicated in memory of Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros of Winnipeg as she engaged her entire life in service to the Filipino Community.

We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher.

Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.

am, of course, referring to the 2020 U.S. Presidential Elections.

True, Joe Biden was declared the “winner” but that was only by the media and that does not constitute an official declaration.

The winner of the 2020 US Presidential Election can only be declared after counting the Electoral College's votes.

Once voting concludes, state law determines the deadlines for the counting and certification of results for all contests. Most states will have fully certified results within a few weeks of Election Day. The Electoral College is a body of electors that is guided by federal law and was first established by the United States Constitution.

The electors chosen during the November 3rd popular vote will meet on Monday, December 14th in each state’s capital to cast the state’s electoral votes for president and vice president. Those votes are then transmitted to Washington, DC for tabulation.

On January 6, 2021, Congress will meet to count the states’ electoral votes and declare the winner of the presidential election.

The Constitution sets January 20, 2021 as Inauguration Day. On this date the president and vice president who Congress declares as the winners will be sworn into office.

Though chances are slim and the final electoral count is still pending, a little-known provision of the U.S. Constitution provides an opening for President Trump to possibly salvage victory through what's known as a "contingent election."

As mentioned in Brother Hermo Pagtakhan’s article: “under the 12th Amendment, in a contingent election one person does not win a majority of Electoral College votes,

and the election is thrown to the U.S. House of Representatives.”

There, each state's delegation has one vote, and a candidate must receive the votes of a majority of state delegations to win. Because of the timing, the new Congress is the one that decides, not the outgoing one.

Though final makeup of the incoming House is still in flux due to ongoing ballot counting, the gap is wide enough to know there definitely will be more Democrats overall, but there will also definitely be more state delegations with a majority of delegates who are Republican. For example, although population-heavy California and New York have large, predominantly Democratic representation in the House, each state would receive just the same, single vote assigned to lower-populated Republicanled states like Wyoming or South Dakota. This would likely ensure a Republican majority vote in the House for Trump over rival Joe Biden.

"It will be the thing, I believe, that will formally elect Donald Trump to be the next president of the United States," said one political analyst last week.

"One reason is that it requires a majority of electoral votes cast, not possible electoral votes, to win the Electoral College," Dixon said. "If a state is not able to certify their electors by the deadline, that

state's electors are taken out of the total. The number of electoral votes required to win then becomes not 270 but a lower number: a majority of the total electors certified to the Electoral College."

If a contingent election occurs, House members are constrained to choose only from among the top three finishers in the electoral college vote. No other candidate besides Trump or Biden has thus far earned an electoral vote this year.

Under the 12th Amendment, besides the House deciding the presidency, the Senate selects a vice president. These elections are required to be finished by 12 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2021 for the next president and vice president to be sworn into office. If that fails to take place, the Speaker of the House would serve as president until Congress certifies a winner of the 2020 presidential election. continued on page 10►

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

Opinion | Business

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

What Could Your Hearts and Hands Do in Times of Calamity?

By : Jonabel Z. Cabasal

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he Philippines has been known to be affected annually by storms and typhoons or “ bagyo� as we call it in Filipino, mostly during the “ber months� of September, October, November and December. It’s just so heartbreaking to think that we’re still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and our very own Motherland Philippines has recently experienced a couple

of devastating storms that left communities flooded and completely ruined. The story doesn’t end there, as there are forecasts of more ruinous weather patterns that will continue to ravage some regions within the next couple of days. This comes on the heels of the uncertainty caused by the global pandemic, that has already left societies around the world in troubling economic and social difficulty.

The traditional sentiment of Filipinos is to always assist family in any way possible. Be it with balikbayan boxes or funds remitted to family or communites back home. It is just our nature to always remember our Christian duty to not only give during the Holidays but to be there for our people always. Saranay doesn’t have a season. It’s a word to describe an action. Help while you can in any way.

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Sports | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

Filipino-Calgarian develops computer game; Stingers Academy SPORTS JOURNAL

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.

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find this exciting knowing that this computer game is being developed by a Filipino based in Calgary.

According to his FB page, Kalasag-Shield of Faith is a solo indie game developed by KickOff Creative using Unreal Engine 4.

The goal is to showcase the rich pre-colonial Philippine Mythology while entertaining players via a third-person semi-open world action adventure role-playing game.

In a latest post on YouTube titled “Magic Combat Demo vs Mangmangkik”, Amaya, the lead

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character, is confronted by mythical creatures. She has the ability to be invisible and to defeat them, she has to throw fireballs at them. But the mythical creatures have combat abilities too. They can throw toxin balls, can teleport, heal themselves and can cast a ground trap against Amaya. Pretty neat!

I can see that this game is still being further developed but I believe this is going to be one very exciting computer game. It has a story to tell and I love the sound effects.

The game developer is Randi Laureano, who is an engineer by profession in the Philippines, specializing in IT. When he moved to Alberta, he built his own company called KickOff Creative and has been building beautiful websites for business owners, organizations and churches in Calgary.

So, let us support this Pinoy game publisher by subscribing to his YouTube channel, Kalasag Shield of Faith, follow him on Facebook, Kalasag – Shield of Faith, or email him at kalasaggame@gmail.com if you have ideas on how to improve this upstart computer game developed by a Filipino.

*** Edmonton Stingers Basketball Club president Brett Fraser has announced the appointment of Steve Sir as Director of Basketball Development.

Fraser, in a statement posted on thestingers.ca, said they needed a home-grown perspective on how to bridge their basketball operations and the deep roots of the basketball community as the Stingers grow globally as a Club and a League.

Sir will also be actively involved in community development and oversee the creation of a Stingers Academy to improve regional talent on and off the court.

The creation of a Stingers Academy interests me more.

Why? Because we have a very active basketball community in Edmonton. In the Philippine Sports Association-Edmonton leagues alone, there are about 60 teams in a regular tournament prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For sure, there are future Stingers in Edmonton and the Stingers Academy is the best way of discovering future professional basketeers. This is really good news!

Just a little background, Sir is the current captain of the 3x3 Canadian National Team seeing action in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics qualifying tournament in Graz, Austria and hopefully that team will qualify to the Olympics next summer.

We wish Steve Sir all the best and we look forward to this Stingers Academy!

*** As you probably all know, the rise of Covid-19 cases has prompted health officials to halt sports activities.

However, if you know of any virtual sports events that the sports community will enjoy, let us know by sending an email to mocolumnist@ albertafilipinojournal.com.

To all members of the sports community, stay safe!

from 3

Trump could receive second term from U.S....

Dixon noted that state legislatures have control over their electors. In a Supreme Court case last term (Chiafalo v. Washington), the court unanimously decided that states could remove or even impose fines on "faithless electors" who do not vote according to how they are pledged to vote.

Not all states have "faithless elector" laws, but those laws would constrain electors who wished to abstain or otherwise not vote for the person who won the presidential election in the state. In other cases, electors are constrained by party loyalty or peer pressure, so cases of faithless electors, even from states that do not have faithless elector laws, are very rare.

If a contingent election occurs, House members are constrained to choose only from among the top three finishers in the electoral college vote. No other candidate

besides Trump or Biden has thus far earned an electoral vote this year (though some, including Loyola University professor Walter Block, argue that Libertarian Party nominee Jo Jorgensen played a spoiler to Trump, given that as of Monday, her "vote total exceeds Mr. Biden's margin over President Trump in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania, enough to change the outcome.")

Under the 12th Amendment, besides the House deciding the presidency, the Senate selects a vice president. These elections are required to be finished by 12 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2021 for the next president and vice president to be sworn into office. If that fails to take place, the Speaker of the House would serve as president until Congress certifies a winner of the 2020 presidential election.

(CTTO)

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

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

One Million Spots but Nothing for Us MIGRANTS' VOICES

Marco Luciano mluciano2@gmail.com Marco Luciano is the Global Council Representative of Philippine based Migrante International.

He is also the current Secretary General of its chapter Migrante Canada.

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n October 30th the federal government announced that they will be increasing its immigration intake. Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino in a released statement says that Canada is expecting to see more than one million newcomers in the next three years. In March of this year, Minister Medicino announced that Canada will admit 341,000 permanent residents in 2020, 351,000 next year and 361,000 in 2022. However, this drastically changed. In the recent announcement the immigration numbers will increase to 401,000 in 2021, 411,000 by 2022 and 421,000 by 2023. If all goes well as planned, there will be as many as 1.2 million new arrivals in the next three years.

The Minister acknowledged “how newcomers are playing an outsized role in our hospitals and care homes and helping us to keep food on our tables”. In the same statement Medicino said “as we look to recovery, newcomers create jobs not just by giving our businesses the skills they need to thrive, but also starting businessesthemselves. Our plan will help to address some of our most acute labour shortages and to grow our population to keep Canada competitive on the world stage”.

It is expected the majority that will be arriving are through economic class or people that will come to Canada to principally work. But the statement also reads that the new policy “recognizes that importance of family reunification and Canada’s global commitment to protecting those most at risk through refugee resettlement”. There is still uncertainty in light of the Covid-19 pandemic that slowed down the rate of immigration over the summer. Many are worried that this could happen again.

Migrants’ advocates quickly denounced the announcement saying that contrary to what the government was saying, there is “no increase in immigration levels. Instead, there was a 150,000 shortfall in immigrants in 2020, and the government is trying to catch up for it by increasing 50,000 each year for the next three years. But if Covid-19 continues, these promises are unlikely to be kept”. The overall proportion of new immigrants remain the same, with the primary focus on ‘high waged’ immigrants. However, to qualify for these immigration programs, migrants must show 12-24 months of high-waged work. With Covid-19 related job losses, many migrants don’t have access to these jobs and won’t qualify.

No plans have been announced to ensure full and permanent immigration status for all migrants and undocumented people right now.

In a statement released by the Migrants Rights Network, a national migrants advocacy formation, it said that “many migrants including caregivers and former international students were not able to complete requirements for the permanent residency in 2020 due to Covid-19. However, there is no meaningful increase in numbers on fixing of rules for these migrants in the Minister’s announcement”. “The government is playing with numbers. It says there were approximately 404,000 migrant workers in 2019. This leaves out the half a million undocumented people, half a million international students, and nearly 100,000 refugees who live and work here”. The group added.

Canada has created a system of permanent temporariness, which forces people to become undocumented. The exploitative system continues unabated. Migrant workers and undocumented people are doing essential services in our communities and the

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Points of View | Community | Business economy. They were working at the height of the pandemic. They work in farms, meat processing plants, warehouses, grocery stores and retail, care facilities and private homes, cleaning and delivery.

A post-pandemic recovery plan must include full immigration status to ensure that everybody have essential rights and

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protections. The announcement missed the opportunity to provide rights, ensure quality and respond to the needs of migrants and the economy by creating a regularization program. We need a single tier immigration system with full immigration status for all migrants.

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Education | Letter to the Editor | Opinion

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

How Does APEGA Evaluate Your Engineering Experience?

ENGINEER IN ACTION

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

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

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

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

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Mervin Cereno, P. Eng. mmcereno@gmail.com Mervin Cereno is a Filipino immigrant in Canada. A FilipinoCanadian Engineer license to practice Engineering in Alberta.

He is employed in one of most sought Engineering Consulting Firm based in Edmonton as Structural Engineer that designs small to medium-rise commercial and multi-family buildings. He is a Volunteer and Advocates to help Filipino-Canadian Engineers to pursue their Professional Engineering License in Canada.

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

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

SORE TRUTH

Aubrey Reyes Aubrey Reyes is a writer enthusiast.

She speaks out for what she believes in and during her free time, she likes to cook, read, play instruments, and write.

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t some point in life, we’ve all made a mistake. There are times where we are able to dodge something and make it through the issue; however, there are also times when we’re unlucky and mess up. There are some people in this world who are terrified of making mistakes; that shouldn’t be the case. The mistakes we make, which vary from small to massive, allow us to learn from them. “​ It’s not the mistake that matters.

It’s how you deal with it, what you www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

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

Failure to provide an appropriate validator could result in your application being deferred or refused. **Lifted from: https://www.apega.ca/apply/membership/licensee/workexperience/engineers/competency-based-assessment-tool/work-recordvalidator-list A validator is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) who took technical responsibility for your work. Validators will be asked to review your selfassessment and provide a score and commentary for each competency that was assigned. Validators will also be asked to provide overall feedback about your suitability and readiness for registration.

A validator must have first-hand knowledge of the examples you provide and be able to comment on the quality and competency of your work. Supervisors, mentors, managers, colleagues, or clients are all possible validators for your application. You must provide at least three validators who can rate and validate the indicators that you provide for each of the 22 key competencies.

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

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

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.​

Mistakes = A Lesson learn from it, and how you apply that lesson to your life.” I came across this quote and remembered a conversation my teacher had with my class. My class agreed on the fact that the mistakes we make, from when we were little until now, are mistakes that make us who we are today. I know that some parents say that they do not want their children to experience the mistakes they made growing up, however that’s the only way we as teenagers can learn. I know that we can be a little goofy and stupid at times, but mistakes will help us learn to tell the good from bad. A great example of this is teenage vaping. I’ve seen a lot of videos on the internet about teenagers suffering from the side effects of vaping, and swore to never vape ever again after experiencing that pain. They began advising other vapers to stop vaping before things get worse. I am not saying to make as many mistakes as you can until your life is ruined. All I’m saying is that making mistakes is okay to an extent as long as you

know where you went wrong, and you’re willing to learn and change. ​I’ve observed that some people are afraid to make mistakes when they shouldn’t be. As a student with Filipino parents, my worst fear is disappointing them. I’ve talked to my friends and they have the exact same fear. Doing something can make you feel anxious, however, if it doesn’t turn out the way you want it to or it’s supposed to doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue doing it. Fear should never stop you from doing something, especially if it’s something you’re passionate about. Fear is our number one enemy as it stops us from doing certain things because we’re afraid of “failure.” Failure is part of the learning stage as you’re able to observe where things went wrong and fix it.

As mentioned above, creating mistakes is okay as long as you’re aware where you went wrong and you’re willing to learn from it in order to change.

Malaya Canada – A Movement for Freedom and Democracy in the Philippines

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he Malaya Movement in Canada was launched in September 2020. Malaya means “free” in Pilipino. True to the name, the group’s focus is to broaden Canada-based support for the cause of freedom and democracy in the Philippines. No matter how long or short the time has been since we moved to Canada, Filipinos still maintain a strong association with our Motherland. We wish only the best for the Philippines, as well as our families and friends who are still there.

Currently, however, our country is not in a very good place. There is nonstop news of political distress, mismanagement at various levels of the government, problems with human rights violations, and suppression of the press. All these are on top of the COVID crisis and misfortune caused by typhoons and other calamities.

The Malaya Movement seeks to bring together those who will lend their voices and support towards alleviating the problems in the Philippines. The focus of Malaya’s basis of unity is to take an active stand for democracy and Philippine sovereignty. To this end, we seek to provide current and factual information about the Philippines’ economic and sociopolitical situation. We organize campaigns and calls to action to pursue political, economic, and social reforms that benefit the majority of ordinary Filipinos and promote genuine sustainable development in the Philippines.

We encourage all of you to join in this movement towards a free and democratic Philippines that upholds truth and justice.

As Filipinos in Canada, we have a role to play in putting a stop to politically motivated killings, as well as killings related to the war on drugs. We have a role to play in calling for the end of the current government’s campaign to silence dissent and suppress the media.

We have a role to play in fighting

against human rights violations and fighting the perpetuation of political dynasties and corruption.

Current Campaigns Open Letter to Prime Minister Trudeau on Human Rights Violations: Malaya is spearheading an Open Letter to the Office of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, calling for Canada to respond to the killings and human rights violations in the Philippines. To add your signature and support this campaign, please go to: https:// tinyurl.com/malayaopenletter Junk Terror Law: Malaya also has a campaign to write to Members of the Parliament to condemn the Philippines’ on-going human rights abuse, in particular the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020” also known as the “Anti-Terror Law.” The contact information of each MP is included on the site, as well as various scripts and templates to make it easy for anyone to contact their MP by phone, email or tweet. For Alberta, please go to this link to access the contact information and templates: https://junkterrorlawab.carrd.co/ Defend Democracy Education Series Malaya Alberta chapter is also hosting the second webinar in its Defend Democracy Education Series.

It will be on Friday, December 11 at 6:00PM and there will be media speakers from the Philippines and Canada. To register, please go to: https://www.facebook. com/events/830534757723653/ We encourage all of you to join us in our united call for true freedom and democracy in the Philippines. Please sign the letters in the campaigns above, and we hope to see you in the ongoing Defend Democracy Education Series in Alberta, as well as other Malayang Kapihan events all across Canada.

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

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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.

Points of View | Health Update | Community

An election like no other YOU have to hand it to President Donald Trump, he has wrapped himself in drama and controversy since Day 1 of his presidency of the world’s most powerful nation. In the days that followed the elections, he made unsubstantiated allegations of poll fraud in an effort to cast doubt on the results of the elections.

As we go to press, Sen. Joe Biden emerged as the new president of the US and Sen. Kamala Harris as vice president-elect. President Trump continues to hole up in the White House, firmly declaring that he will not concede and vowing to wage a legal war to have a recount in states like Pennsylvannia, Michigan, and Wisconsin where the race was tight until the end. Meanwhile, congratulatory messages to Biden and Harris from the international community continued to pour in, a de facto recognition of the

legitimacy of the election results.

There are many takeaways from the recent US polls. It can be argued that despite the chaos and Mr. Trump’s continuing rejection of the election results, democracy (the US version, at least) has prevailed.

It can also be argued that the Covid-19 pandemic was a blessing for the Democrats as it made mail-in voting a necessity (Trump-ers went to town with their accusation that the Dems “invented” the pandemic as a strategy to beat Mr. Trump).

Whatever the scenario, there are two facts to consider: one, that Americans still have a deep faith in their democracy and will readily sacrifice to preserve it. The second, and perhaps more disconcerting, is that while 75 million Americans voted for Biden, 70 million voted for Trump. Despite the tumultuous 4 years of his presidency, despite

Mga bagong hakbang upang mapigilan ang mabilis na paglago ng COVID-19

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ng mga piniling hakbang sa kalusugan ay magkakabisa sa Nobyembre 13 upang mapigilan ang mabilis na paglago ng COVID-19 sa Alberta at protektahan ang sistema ng kalusugan.

Ang gobyerno ng Alberta ay nagpapatupad ng karagdagang mga hakbang sa kalusugan upang makatulong na protektahan ang mga ospital, panatilihing bukas ang mga paaralan at mga negosyo, at protektahan ang mga mahihinang Albertans.

Mayroong 8,305 aktibong kaso ng COVID-19 sa lalawigan. Ang pagpasok sa ospital at pagpasok sa “intensive care unit” ay nasa pinakamataas na punto mula nang magsimula ang pandemya.

"Dapat tayong gumawa ng aksyon sa ganitong puntong kritikal upang mapigil ang mabilis na paglago ng COVID-19 sa ating lalawigan. Sa pamamagitan ng ating mga pagkilos, maaari nating

suportahan ang sistema ng pangangalaga ng kalusugan, panatilihing bukas ang mga paaralan, protektahan ang mga mahihinang Albertans at panatilihin ang pagpapatakbo ng ekonomiya sa buong lalawigan. Ito na ang ating pagkakataon. Kung ang mga Albertans ay tutugon sa mga ito at iba pang mga alituntunin sa pampublikong kalusugan, hindi na natin kakailanganin ang mas mahigpit pang hakbang sa hinaharap. " Jason Kenney, Premier "Dapat nating bawasan ang pagkalat ng COVID-19. Bilang karagdagan sa mga hakbang na ito, hinihiling ko sa lahat ng mga Albertans na siyasatin ang ating buhay at bawasan ang ating malapit na pakikipag-ugnayan sa panlipunan kung saanman maaari nating gawin.

Kung maaari tayong makipagugnay “virtually” o sa pamamagitan ng iba pang mga paraan, kailangan nating gawin ang pagbabagong

iyon. Sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan, mapoprotektahan natin ang bawat isa, mabawasan ang pagkalat ng sakit at protektahan ang ating sistemang pangkalusugan. " Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health Mga bagong hakbang sa Pampublikong kalusugan Simula Nobyembre 13, ang lahat ng mga restawran, bar, lounge at pub sa mga rehiyong nasa ilalim ng pinalawig na kalagayan ay dapat itigil ang pagbenta ng alak pagdating ng 10:00 ng gabi at magsara pagdating ng 11:00 ng gabi.

Ang paghihigpit na ito ay mananatili hanggang Nobyembre 27.

Magkakaroon din ng dalawang linggong pagbabawal sa mga panloob na klaseng “fitness group”, mga aktibidad ng pangkat sa isport at mga aktibidad sa pangkat ng pagtatanghal sa mga

his tolerance for racism and white supremacy, and despite his inaction on the Covid-19 pandemic which has already resulted in more than 200,000 deaths in the US, he actually got 70 million votes.

This early, the election results should ring warning bells not only for Democrats but for Republicans as well. Should Mr. Trump find himself forced to concede, it would be safe to assume that he will fight tooth and nail to stay relevant and continue to hold the GOP hostage.

He will wield his 70 million votes as a stark reminder to Republicans that he is the best thing that happened to the party since Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. He will set his sights on 2024, and he will make himself out to be the GOP savior.

It will be a challenge for Presidentelect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris to strengthen the “blue wall” and advance their agenda. Aside from the Covid pandemic, Mr. Biden will have to deal with political

issues at home and abroad. The Dems had already lost a few seats in the House of Representatives, and the Senate majority hangs in the balance as an election runoffs in the state of Georgia will be held in January.

Biden and Harris will also have to repair the damage that Mr. Trump wrought on traditional alliances (Canada and the Europoean Union come to mind). They will have to redefine the geopolitical boundaries that Mr. Trump had upended. And they will have to give the economy a boost amid the pandemic.

But it was an election like no other in US history. Even as the socalled “Evangelicals” campaigned feverishly for Donald Trump, it was Biden—a Catholic—who stood on a stage in Delaware citing lines from the Bible that spoke of healing as the new president of the US. Vox populi, vox Dei, as the Latin adage goes.

kalapit na lugar sa Edmonton at Calgary, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Red Deer at Lethbridge.

Ang mga karagdagang hakbang sa kalusugan ng publiko ay ipapatupad din sa lahat ng mga rehiyong nasa ilalim ng pinalawig na kalagayan. Ang mga hakbang na ito ay mananatili hanggang may karagdagang abiso: • 50 ang pinakamataas na pagdalo sa mga seremonya sa kasal o burol.

• Inirerekumenda ang lahat ng mga aktibidad na batay sa pananampalataya na ilimita ang pagdalo ng sang-katlong kapasidad bawat serbisyo.

• Ang mga residente ay hindi dapat magsagawa ng mga pagtitipon sa lipunan sa loob ng kanilang mga tahanan at hindi dapat magplano ng mga pagtitipong panlipunan sa labas ng kanilang komunidad.

• Inirerekumenda sa mga tagapagempleyo sa mga lugar ng tanggapan na magpatupad ng mga hakbang upang mabawasan ang bilang ng mga empleyado sa isang lugar nang sabay-sabay.

Ang lahat ng umiiral na patnubay at ligal na utos ay mananatili sa lahat ng mga lugar.

Ang Alberta Health, AHS at mga lokal na munisipalidad ay magpapatuloy sa malapit na pagsubaybay ng pagkalat sa buong lalawigan.

Hinihiling ng Pamahalaan ng Alberta sa lahat ng mga Albertans na gawin ang nararapat nilang gawin.

Kung ang mga hakbang na ito ay hindi magtagumpay, kinakailangang magpatupad ng mas mahigpit na mga hakbang.

Pagsuporta sa ligtas napagtitipon ng pamayanan

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ng gobyerno ng Alberta ay gagastos ng $ 1 milyon upang matulungan ang mga organisasyong pangrelihiyon at pangkultura na makabawi sa mga gastos na nauugnay sa COVID-19 upang magipagpatuloy nilang gampanan ang kanilang panlipunan, pangkultura at pang-espiritwal na papel sa pamayanan.

Mula sa pagho-host ng mga online na kaganapan, hanggang sa mga pagupgrade ng pasilidad at pag-aalok ng PPE, ang mga pangkat na batay sa pananampalataya at kultura ay nagpursige na ipagpatuloy ang pagdala ng pag-asa, kagalakan at koneksyon sa kanilang mga pamayanan. Ang bagong Faith-based at Cultural Facility Relaunch Grant ay magbibigay ng pondo upang mabawi ang mga gastos na nauugnay sa pagsunod sa mga hakbang sa pangpublikong kalusugan upang matiyak na ang mga mahahalagang relihiyoso at kulturang pagtitipon ay maaaring magpatuloy nang ligtas.

"Ang kakayahang magtipon para sa pagsamba at pagkonekta sa ating komunidad ay kritikal para sa ating kalusugang pangkaisipan at kagalingan.

Ang Faith-based at Cultural Facility Grant ay tutulong upang matiyak na ang mga organisasyong ito ay maipagpatuloy na ibalik sa kanilang mga komunidad, ang mag-host sa mga pagtitipon at ipagdiwang ang mga mahahalagang pista opisyal

habang sinusunod ang mga alituntunin sa pampublikong kalusugan. " Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women "Sa pagitan ng pakikipagtulungan, makakatulong kaming malimitahan ang pagkakalantad sa COVID-19 at protektahan ang bawat isa. Ang “grant” na ito ay magpapadali sa mga organisasyong nakabatay sa pananampalataya na limitahan ang pagkalat sa Alberta, habang nagbibigay sila ng “fellowship” at suporta sa kanilang mga komunidad."

Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health "Tunay na pinahahalagahan namin ang mga pagkukusa tulad ng Faith-based at Cultural Facility Relaunch Grant, na nagbibigay sa amin ng mga paraan upang maipagpatuloy ang pagpapalawak ng mga malalayo at personal na programa at tulong. Maraming salamat sa pagbibigay ng tono at halimbawa para sundin ng marami, sa pagsuporta sa indibidwal at sama-samang pagsisikap sa pagtulong sa mga pangangailangan ng ating lipunan."

Rabbi Menachem M. Matusof, Senior Rabbi & Executive Director, Chabad Lubavitch Alberta "Ang pandemikong ito ay walang kapantay sa ating buhay at nangangailangan ng walang kapantay na tugon. Maraming salamat sa gobyerno ng Alberta sa kanilang suporta sa mga organisasyong nakabatay

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sa pananampalataya, pinapayagan silang magbigay ng pag-asa, paggaling at pagiging positibo habang ang mundo ay nasa gitna ng kawalan ng katiyakan at pagkagambala. " Shaikh Fayaz Tilly, Imam, Muslim Council of Calgary and Muslim Chaplain, University of Calgary "Bilang isang non-profit na simbahan na nakabatay sa Kristiyano, patuloy kaming naglilingkod sa mga mahihinang pamayanan at sinusubukan namin makatulong na harapin ang sakit sa isip at espiritwal na pagdurusa ng mga tao.

Nagkaroon ng tiyak na pagtaas sa mga pangangailangan ng mga tao at ang paghihiwalay ay naging napakahirap. Ang pagiging patuloy na makapagbigay sa mga tao ng isang ligtas na kapaligiran ng suporta ay mahalaga sa mga oras na ito.

Tunay akong nagpapasalamat sa suporta ng aming pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pagkilala sa mga paghihirap at gastos na kasangkot para sa aming mga pamayanan na nakabatay sa pananampalataya at pagpapaabot ng tulong pinansyal upang matiyak na ang aming mga pamayanan ay manatiling ligtas.

Pastor Elizabeth Karp, Harvest Healing Centre Church "Upang mapanatili ang emosyonal at debosyonal na pakikipag-ugnayan ng ating mga kasapi at deboto sa lipunan,

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ang Gobyerno ng Alberta ay tumutulong sa aming mga pamayanan na manatiling positibo at patuloy na ipagdiwang ang aming mahahalagang pagdiriwang sa kultura habang sinusunod ang mga hakbang sa pampublikong kalusugan.

Tinutulungan kami ng Itong suporta ay tumutulong upang itaas ang kamalayan ng pamayanan sa kahalagahan ng kalusugan sa pag-iisip at kagalingan sa pamamagitan ng pagsasanay ng pag-aalaga sa sarili, pagbawas sa paghihiwalay ng lipunan at patuloy na pagdiriwan ng mga mahahalagang pagdiriwang na may mga bagong pamantayan. " Raksh Joshi, president, Hindu Society of Calgary Ang mga lugar ng pagsamba ay hindi karaniwang karapat-dapat para sa umiiral na pagtugon sa pandemya, at nabawasan na mga donasyon at kita sa pag-upa, at tumaas ang mga gastos para sa paglilinis at mga pagbabago sa pasilidad upang payagan ang pisikal na distansya at madagdagan ang bentilasyon. Ang bagong programa na ito ay pinupuno ang agwat sa pagpopondo upang matiyak na ang mga organisasyong ito ay maaaring magpatuloy sa paglilingkod sa kanilang mga pamayanan.

Ang mga samahan ay maaaring mag-aplay ng hanggang sa $ 5,000 bawat pasilidad upang mapunan ang mga gastos na natamo upang sundin ang

Madaling katotohanan • Mayroong 8,305 aktibong kaso at 27,707 na gumaling sa Alberta.

• Mayroong 225 katao sa ospital dahil sa COVID-19, kasama ang 51 sa “intensive care unit”.

• Ang kabuuang bilang ng mga namatay sa COVID-19 ay 393.

mga hakbang sa kalusugan ng publiko.

Kabilang sa mga karapat-dapat na gastos ay ang PPE, paglilinis ng mga supply at serbisyo, mga dispenser na walang contact, mga serbisyo sa pagsasalin at pagimprenta para sa mga signage na nauugnay sa kalusugan, mga pagbabago sa maliit na puwang sa pasilidad upang payagan ang pisikal na distansya at pagtaas ng bentilasyon, at mga pagupgrade ng teknolohiya para sa online sa paghahatid ng mga serbisyo.

Ang isang beses na “grant” na ito ay sasakupin ang mga gastos na naganap mula Abril 1, 2020 hanggang Marso 1, 2021.

Iproseso ang mga aplikasyon pagkatapos ng unang deadline ng Disyembre 15 at pagkatapos magsara ang programa sa Marso 1, 2021, upang matiyak na ang mga samahan na nagkaroon ng gastos na nauugnay sa COVID-19 ay maaaring maibalik sa lalong madaling panahon.

Ang Alberta’s Recovery Plan ay isang matapang, ambisyosong pangmatagalang estratehiya para magtayo, pag-ibaibahan, at lumikha ng libu-libong mga trabaho ngayon. Sa pamamagitan ng pagbuo ng mga paaralan, kalsada at iba pang pangunahing imprastraktura nakikinabang ang ating mga pamayanan.

Sa pamamagitan ng pag-iba-ibang ekonomiya at pag-akit ng pamumuhunan sa napaka-kumpitensyang sistema ng buwis sa Canada, inilalagay namin ang Alberta sa isang landas para sa isang henerasyon ng paglago.

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

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Trivia | Religion | Editor's Corner | Obituary

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

What is the Rule of Midday January 20 for U. S. Presidents? (as compiled by Hermo Toribio Pagtakhan)

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by all returning officers in the states the following is going to happen: 1.The Secret Service divides its attention between the incumbent and the incoming President.

2. The CIA begins to brief both (including top secret intelligence which is traditionally reserved for one individual-the Commander in Chief).

3. The counter intelligence teams of the CIA which ‘spy’ on the CIA also begin to brief both.

4. Whitehouse staff begin to prepare to re-do the house in-line with the taste of the president elect.

5. At Midday on January 20, White House staff remove all his belongings from the house and bring in the belongings of the new president (they wait for no one’s instructions).

6. The deductions for White House rent on Trump’s salary stops in January.

7. The deductions for White House rent begins on Joe Biden’s presidential salary in January.

8. Melania Trump stops being the boss of the White House on January 20 at midday.

9. Dr. Jill Biden becomes the boss of the White House on January 20 at midday.

10. At midday on January 20, all the power organs of the US

John 6:37-40

MAKE OUR DAILY GOSPEL READING TRENDING

The Rule of Mid-day, Jan. 20.

n March 4th 1801, the second president of the United States, John Adams, refused to hand over office to his main rival at the 1800 election, Thomas Jefferson.

The rule of midday January 20 had not been written yet. Despite his stubbornness THE OFFICE SIMPLY LEFT HIM! After Thomas Jefferson was sworn in at an event which the incumbent refused to attend, White House staff started to remove the president’s belongings from the White House (Adams was the first president to reside at the new official residence). All security organs cut off all official communication. All presidential staff stopped taking instructions from Adams – THE OFFICE MOVED. From that time, all incumbents at the White House prepare early to leave in-case they see signs of losing to avoid humiliation by the independent organs of state (the Military, the Secret Service, the CIA, FBI and all White House staff.

They all operate under a code - that of serving a man/woman who has carried the WILL of the people at an election).

As soon as Biden clinches the 270 votes and is officially declared

Inspire before you expire

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.

cut official communication with Trump (the Pentagon, CIA, FBI, and the Attorney General). The Secret Service maintains minimal communication since it is going to guard the ex-president for the rest of his life.

11. The BEAST and AIRFORCE ONE salute Trump for the last time and move their attention to Biden.

The BEAST begins to carry Biden’s blood samples as is the tradition.

Without instructions from any one! It has been so for over 200 years.

make the rest of our life, the best time of our life. Inspire before you expire. Life is like ice cream; enjoy it before it melts. Let us make ourselves a better person everyday, and better than yesterday.

All Souls’ Day reminds us that death takes the body but God takes our soul. Our physical body will end but our soul continues to exist.

Life is changed but not ended.

Our faith tells us that one day we will rise again upon the resurrection of the dead. This conviction is very evident in our gospel for today. There is a judgement day.

Are you guys not wondering why dead people receive more flowers than living ones? It is because regret is stronger than gratitude. Friends, love people, not things. Do good and be good! As we remember the souls of our faithful departed, we turn to God and implore Him for His mercy for our beloved dead. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

Psalm 90:10 says: “The life span of a man is 70, eighty for those who are strong.” This month reminds us the truth about death. Friends, earthly life is temporary. It has an end. One day we will expire; none of us here are immortals. We are finite and will someday be gone. You know what? We are going to die sooner or later. When? In what way? Where?

What time? I don’t know. What is certain is, someday we will face the Blessings reality of death. Therefore, let us Fr. Jhack

from page 4

EDITOR’S CORNER

By Lito Mendoza Velasco

Saklolo: One dollar ko pantawid-buhay mo!

Sa mga nagnanais tumulong mula sa ating hanay dito sa Alberta, saan mang sulok ng Canada, at saan mang dako ng mundo, itaguyod po muli natin ang kasabihang: “PISO MULA SA PUSO!” Kung ang bawat-isa dito sa Alberta ay magbabahagi ng kanyang PISO, maitatawid natin ang ating bansa sa anumang sakuna. ITO ANG ATING MISYON! Kung nais kong tumulong, iyan ay dahil nais ko ito at mahal ko sila.

Hindi ko layunin na sumikat pa. At kung nais mo namang tumulong, salamat po sa’yo!

Huwag itaas ang sarili at gawing lisensya ang pagtingin sa kakulangan ng iba upang magkaroon ng bantayog sa lipunan. Huwag itaas ang sarili at sirain ang iba. www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

Hindi ito paligsahan na dapat at may nauna o ako lamang ang bida!

Alam naman natin ang pangangailangan di ba? Kung sakaling may makita ka na merong inisyatiba, ugaliing lumundag agad upang sumuporta. Nang sa ganun, ibalik din sa’yo kapag nangailangan ka! Huwag ng magsalita ng merong ITSA-PWERA. Na kesyo: “Wala kaming tiwala sa iba!”

Kabayan, sa panahong ito, magbigay ka kung magbibigay ka.

Kung walang sasabihing maganda, manahimik ka. Sa halagang $1.00, maninira ka pa! Huwag ganun kabayan!

MABUHAY KA AT BUMUHAY! ANG TAO AY KAPATID NG KAPWA TAO! Photos: Credit to the owner THE PULSE OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, CANADA

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Business | Points of View | Business

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Filipina Women Living With War Steeped in Stories: Ulat Aklat

Jasmine-Grace Nacu nacu.jgcn@gmail.com Jasmine-Grace Nacu, originally from Las Piñas, Metro Manila, is a former bookseller, current library assistant, and all around professional book lover based in Edmonton, Alberta. When she's not helping you find your next must read at your local library, she's spreading kindness by snail mail and writing reviews on @ steepedinstories on Instagram.

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s we take the time to remember the brave veterans who sacrificed so much during the two World Wars, I invite you to also remember the women who were victims of unspeakable violence during these times of conflict. During World War II, euphemistically called “comfort women,” women and young girls from the different Japanese-occupied territories in Asia, including the Philippines, were abducted and forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army. They were kept in captivity in “comfort camps” where they were repeatedly raped, beaten, tortured, and sometimes killed. Many who survived went on to live their lives forever haunted by the brutality of their experiences and shamed into silence. While other survivors became mad, and some ended up taking their own lives.

In 1991, forty six years after

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the end of World War II, the existence of Filipina “comfort women” was brought to public attention by the Asian Women’s Human Rights Council. This eventually led to the formation of Liga ng mga Lolang Pilipina, an organization that aims to educate the public, and seek and help surviving “comfort women” find justice in the form of a formal apology from the Japanese government, compensation, and an acknowledgement of their sufferings in official histories.

Lola’s House: Filipino Women Living With War was written by Filipina-American author M. Evelina Galang.

Since 1999, she has been working closely with surviving Filipina “comfort women” to research and document their testimonies. Lola’s House contains over a dozen first-hand accounts of surviving Filipina “comfort women.” Horrifying and heart-wrenching to read, this is a crucial piece of history that needs to be told.

As we all must become one day, the surviving “comfort women” are now part of a dying generation. Some claim that the Japanese government has already given compensation and apologized. Whether that has been sufficient or not, only the survivors have the right to decide. Afterall, it is to them that such horrific things have been done. But as one survivor said, it is not about the money, rather it is about justice and acknowledgement. They want their stories to be heard and to be recorded in hopes of preventing history

Photo courtesy: indigo.ca

from repeating itself. We rightly remember and honour our soldiers but lets us also take the time to remember other casualties of war.

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

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Sports | Community | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

Net Rippers topple Defenders, 75-71 in S-SABC Home League finals

By Moses Billacura

ST. ALBERT --- Pointguard Mike Reyes sank his two gift shots in the last 7.8 seconds and made a steal in the dying seconds to help secure the victory for the Net Rippers over the Defenders, 75-71 in the 2020 Servus-St. Albert Ballers Club Home League finals, October 24, at the Servus court, here.

Reyes has proven to be the league’s most valuable player as he engineered the plays and constantly looked the open man to deliver the goods for his team. Ethan Ignacio topscored for the champions with 18 points and Reyes helped with 15 including Vince Laurel who contributed 15 and Earl Pangilinan with 10, to emerge double-digit scores for the Net Rippers.

Jay Tibayan and Julius Rosales scored 29 and 22, respectively to lead the losing side.

League co-organizer Dominic Narbonita thanked the teams and their chief backer, Fil-Can Cars through Red Pascua, for supporting their league which was halted seven months because of the Covid-19 pandemic. When they finally received a go-signal from the City of St. Albert to resume, Narbonita said they finally was able to hold the final game.

“Natapos din,” he said.

Awards were given to the winners Home League Champion Net Rippers, first runner-up Defenders, second runner-up Titans, third runner-up Wolves in a simple ceremony.

Officials and guests like PSA president Gary Perpetua, Leduc basketball organizer Sherwin Robledo, Flip Hoops’ MJ Palomares, Robin Tolentino of Blue Quill League, Red Pascua of Fil-Can Cars, Jake Jekasa of Jekasa International Sportswear and committee members Ian Mayordomo, Kurt Abarientos, Bakks Santos, Dennis Dacles, Rhex Hilario, Jayr Carrrasca, Marci Ventura, Lance

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The Net Rippers celebrate!

Philippine Sports Association president Gary Perpetua congratulated the organizers and players for the success of the tournament. (Photy by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

The Net Rippers, this year's champion, with members of the organizing team.

Red Pascua of FilCan Cars received a plaque of appreciation from the organizing committee members.

Narbonita, Richard Betila awarded the prizes to the team winners and individual awardees.

Ethan Ignacio was picked as the final game MVP. Members of the Mythical Five Selection were Jay Tibayan, Julius Rosales, Ethan Ignacio, Kelvin Basalo and Mike Reyes and the three-point shooter awardees were EJ Elisan, Al Culili, Ethan Ignacio, DJ Magno and Kevin Basalo.

Awarded as members of the Defensive Team were Mark Caabay, Arvy Rebamonte, Mark Repotante,

Lance Narbonita and Gerard Panotes and the Best Assist awardees were Almar Gitalan, Jepoy Jutba, Mav Delmas, Vince Laurel and Marci Ventura.

Boxscores: Net Rippers (75) - Ethan Ignacio 18, Mike Reyes 15, Vince Laurel 15, Earl Pangilinan 10, Lance Narbonita 8, Grad Poserio 4, Lance Macapagal 2, Ian Mayordomo 2, Ken Suello 1.

Defenders (71)- Jay Tibayan 29, Julius Rosales 22, Gerard Panotes 7, Jay Dhe 6, Jasper Mejorada 4, Ralph Lagapa 2, Edward Din 1.

Referees: Richard, Anton, Benji.

COMMUNITY SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: LINGKOD BAYAN! Let’s buy Christmas presents from local businesses

Individual awardees.

Here’s a very good idea we can put to practice from now on: Let’s buy Christmas presents from small local businesses and self-employed people.

Let’s make sure our dollars go to our local business people and NOT multinational companies.

This way, more LOCAL people will have a better Christmas.

God bless all!

Julius Rosales of the Defenders tries to secure the ball in this bit of action in the 2020 ServusSt. Albert Ballers Club Home League finals, October 24, at the Servus court in St. Albert.

(Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Mike Reyes of Net Rippers finds himself tightly defended during the 2020 Servus-St. Albert Ballers Club Home League finals, October 24, at the Servus court in St. Albert. His team won over the Defenders, 75-71.

(Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

LINGKOD BAYAN Campaign po spearheaded by -Hermo Toribio Pagtakhan-

Alberta Filipino Journal Philippine Media Association in Alberta Notify & Proxsmart Global Technologies

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NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Community | Inspiration | Classified Ad

13

Legal Resources for Those Who Cannot Afford Lawyers

By Giselle General

I

t is unavoidable to come across challenges in life where legal advice is needed. Current circumstances have also made accessing legal help even more difficult than usual.

Here is a list of resources that can help inform or mitigate the cost of legal services, or to familiarize yourself with the legal issue before hiring help.

1. Online Resources to Educate: It can be valuable to read about legal rights and responsibilities even before legal problems arise.

The language in these resources are meant for those who are not lawyers, and catered to Alberta, making it easy to understand. In each website, their resources are sub-categorized into different focus topics. a. Landlordandtenant.org, Webpage on Landlord-Tenant Rights: https:// www.landlordandtenant.org b. OakNet- Canadian Law for Older Adults, Webpage on Legal Issues faced typically faced by seniors:

https://www.oaknet.ca c. Willownet, Webpage on Legal Issues faced typically by people facing abuse and domestic violence: https://www.willownet.org d. CondoLawAlberta, Webpage on Condominium Law Issues: https:// www.condolawalberta.ca 2. Legal Aid Alberta: Legal Aid is a province-wide, governmentrun program that helps eligible low-income Albertans in different

LINGAP-Canada Proudly presents

"Living Book" Jon Jon Rivero

LIVING BOOK is a webinar series featuring stories and conversations on aspects of the lives of Filipino-Canadians. We are pleased that Jon Jon Rivero can join us to discuss his documentary: BALIKBAYAN: A Filipino Canadian's Life-Long Journey of Service & Self-Discovery Free Zoom Webinar Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m. MST Register to join https://www. lingapcanada.com/events/living-bookjonjon-rivero?fbclid=IwAR2QOv-dD 4_9JGUzrF2zSU2kkOvFSbahmU NXxM3oiz9BxiOJI2NeNCtZntc About The Event Jon Jon Rivero will share the story of how a promise to his dying father to visit the Philippines was not only a promise to learn more about his

own Filipino Cultural Heritage but how it also took on a new form as he embarked on a life-long project to return with service. After returning to the Philippines 10 times since 2006, the term “balikbayan” has been given a new meaning and has created a sense of belonging, connection, and family not only to his immediate family members but with hundreds of children, students, and staff of Streetlight Philippines in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines. He

a. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service, which is the separate court exclusively for landlord and tenant matters: https://www.alberta.ca/residentialtenancy-dispute-resolution-service. aspx b. Provincial Court: https://www. albertacourts.ca/pc/home c. Court of Queen’s Bench: https:// www.albertacourts.ca/qb 4. Legal Centres in the Area, by Independent Charities:These are non-profit organizations that provide legal help to those who are low-income in the area. Criteria areas of law such as serious criminal may vary depending on someone’s charges, family law, child welfare, financial situation and the area and immigration refugees matters. of law they need help with. Many Their website is www.legalaid.ab.ca are providing legal help over email 3. Alberta Courthouse Information: and phone and might be able to While the courthouse is open for accommodate in-person appointments different court proceedings and for specific circumstances. transactions, the pandemic prompted a. Edmonton Community Legal the courthouse to introduce new Centre: www.eclc.ca procedures, so many processes b. Calgary Legal Guidance: www. are now online. To get the latest clg.ab.ca information, check out these links: c. Lethbridge Legal Guidance: www. will share the journey that proves that regardless of background, we are all the same. We all need human connection; we all need love and healing. This is a journey of trauma and of resilience, of disadvantage and of privilege, and of brokenness and rebuilding. From the streets to the basketball courts, from public begging to public performance and from being insignificant to being part of a loving surrogate family, these are the themes of this true story.

Jon Jon Rivero was the 2016 TED Summit Talent Showcase Winner, a Spoken Word Artist who is a a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and the Global Speakers Federation, co-author of the International Children's Book, My Name Is Trauma, Beatboxer Philanthropist, Martial Arts Black Belt Master, musician and an award-winning filmmaker who is the founder of the Balikbayan

lethbridgelegalguidance.ca d. Medicine Hat Legal Help Centre: www.mhlhc.ca e. Grande Prairie Legal Guidance: www.gplg.ca f. Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic (Red Deer, Lloydminster, Fort McMurray): www.communitylegalclinic. net 5. Legal Centres in the Area Facilitated

by Law Schools: The law schools in Edmonton and Calgary also offer legal services, that are facilitated by law students. These services are also for for those who cannot afford legal help. They are open during the school year and have adapted their services to be provided over the telephone to continue helping during the pandemic. a. Student Legal Services of Edmonton: http://www.slsedmonton.com/ b. Student Legal Assistance Calgary: http://slacalgary.ca/ I hope that the resources above can be a valuable starting point in resolving one’s legal issues while considering financial limitations.

Project Philippines (www. balikproject.com). His feature documentary film Balikbayan: From Victims To Survivors has won numerous awards at international film festivals around the world. In 2006, he was the recipient of the Alberta Rehabilitation Coordinating Council Sunrise Therapist Award, which recognized him as the top clinician contributing to rehabilitation medicine within their first 2 years of practice. Jon Jon is the founder and CEO of Qi Creative Inc. (www.qicreative. com) where he integrates his creative talents and passions to inspire children, adolescents, families, and schools living with special needs and trauma by celebrating their talents and strengths to overcome challenges.

tracey@camindustrial.net

10x5 - Service Techs & Labourers Edmonton.indd 1 AllAFJ photos and articles available online.

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Fashion | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

Conversing with a Filipina Fashionista FILIPINAVIGATION

Riana Torrejon

to move to Paris at 22 to pursue my lifelong dream of working in fashion.

Growing up, I never thought a career in fashion or a creative field was a viable professional path, since in our culture (and in most Asian cultures) it’s very much ingrained within us to pursue a traditional respectable career, like in medicine or law. But I decided to pursue what interested me and not merely follow a path that everyone else expects.

his month, I had the pleasure of interviewing my cousin, Hannah Alegrio. She is an inspiration to me because of her work ethic and ambition, causing her to move to Paris at the age of 22. If you’re interested in the fashion industry, this article is for you!

2. How did you get into the field?

I’ve always wanted to work in a creative/ design industry and have adored fashion since I started walking. I remember playing dress up quite a bit with my mother’s clothes and styling pieces from her wardrobe. When I told my mom I wanted to move to Paris to follow my heart, she was completely supportive. And what better place to learn about fashion than in the global luxury capital, Paris!

Once I moved to Paris, I started to learn the language and began familiarising myself with the luxury fashion market.

I researched different fashion business schools because I don’t have a talent in fashion design, but always knew I could be great in a management role. I found and applied to a school that's ranked one of the best in Europe.

1. Could you tell me about yourself?

My name is Hannah Alegrio – I was born in Davao City, Philippines and immigrated to the US with my family when I was 5 years old. I grew up in Southern California and went to UCLA to study Sociology, but decided

3. You graduated with an MSc Fashion & Luxury Management at Institut Français de la Mode.

Why did you decide to enroll in this and how valuable was it?

What did you learn specifically that changed your vision of the

torrejonriana@gmail.com Riana Torrejon is an undergraduate student at the University of Alberta who is a passionate advocate for human rights. In her spare time, she loves to write and sing. She is also the Fundraising and Events Director for the Child Advocacy Society of University of Alberta and a writer for Happy Columns.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of her greatest inspirations.

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luxury world?

I decided to do a Master’s program at the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM) in International Luxury Fashion Management to expand my knowledge and skillset in the field. After graduating, it opened my eyes to the importance of savoir-faire (know-how) of luxury brands. When I finished my program, I worked for a fashion agency specialising in luxury department stores and had the opportunity to be a shoot production coordinator for their e-commerce shoots. It gave me invaluable exposure to fashion and market trends, as well as understanding a brand’s audience/ customer. I was in this role for about four years, and learned the ins and outs of fashion buying, creative production, and wholesale logistics. It also gave me an awareness of how collaborative the

industry is and how many different moving parts there are to making a fashion business succeed.

4. How would you describe the French luxury and fashion markets today?

In French luxury, savoir-faire is all about craftsmanship and heritage – the major French fashion houses (Chanel, Dior, Hermes) do this well and are successful because of this very DNA. French luxury conveys an aspirational lifestyle.

But in the last few years, continued on page 25►

Ate Hannah in Paris!

Ate Hannah (bottom right) having fun with A collection of outfits from one of Ate Hannah’s projects. her coworkers.

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

Points of View | Business

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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Being Neutral About Body Image GENERAL POINT OF VIEW

Giselle General gqgeneral@gmail.com Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region of 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.

W

ithin the Filipino community, an unavoidable part of our culture is commenting on one’s appearances, whether it is our own, people we know, or even strangers, including celebrities.

From nose shape to skin color, hair color, thinness, or fatness, and more.

Commenting on other people’s appearance as a form of greeting is unfortunately unavoidable and can be hurtful.

Over the past few years, there have been media campaigns about body positivity and loving one’s body, pushing us to do a complete 180 degree change in perspective.

People, women in particular, are being asked to transform our outlook, from feeling down about our bellies, stretch marks and acne, to pushing ourselves to plaster a smile on our faces and claim we fiercely love our ragged imperfect bodies as they are.

What if another alternative is available? What if instead of having intense feeling about our appearance, whether self-loathing or vanity, is to have a neutral emotional state about our bodies? That instead of either jumping up and down when we lose a few inches, or whining and crying about acne on our faces and backs, to acknowledge these changes with a pragmatic mindset, and just keep on going with our lives?

I think there are a lot of potential benefits to this, both for our physical and mental health.

I know that many people are afraid of surgery, even important ones, because of the permanent physical impacts afterwards, such as scars on the skin. I remember from my childhood, when my aunts tried very hard to make the scars on my back fade away after the accident

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we had, by diligently applying an ointment called “sebo de macho” on a regular basis, because they feared the scar would be ugly.

Many women who give birth, and especially those who undergo a c-section during childbirth look at their scars with disgust. Whenever they hear the toxic positivity of “loving your scars”, the mental disconnect is too much, that they feel that the only option is to really love, or really hate your body.

Breast cancer survivors have a tough deal handed to them. In addition to the cancer treatment itself, the decision for surgery to remove breast tissue is made complicated by the fear of having an ugly chest. Instead of 100% focusing on being cancer free, cosmetic surgery becomes an additional decision that needs to be considered. Being neutral about one’s appearance can help give peace of mind when getting medical services, to enable us to focus on one’s overall health and wellness which starts from the inside.

Being neutral about body image can also help let go of painful practices.

I personally find the saying “beauty is pain” incredibly problematic. As a young adult, there were times when I did participate in certain activities and purchased products and services to look nicer, that I found incredibly unpleasant, waxing and threading body hair, wearing high heels, wearing office wear that is either too uncomfortable, or too impractical such as not having pockets, which

stresses me out. This can also save a lot of time and money, as worrying about paying for such products and services can be another stressor.

I thought it is important to talk about this, given the conversations lately about “COVID weight”, where people are claiming to be gaining some weight due to not going outdoors as much or because of changes to their diet.

In the particularly stressful times that we are facing right now, it is even more important to think inwardly, beyond what the weighing scale, pant size, or measuring tape are indicating.

The last thing we need right now is to focus on appearances when other things such as our resiliency, positivity and hope about the world are more important.

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Business

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

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

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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Business

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Community | Culture and Tradition | Business - Law

HUWAG PAGTAKHAN! (“DON’T MARVEL at MR. MARVEL”)

Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan hermopagtakhanlaw@ hotmail.com Cell: (780) 905-9288 (Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan of Edmonton, Alberta is a Lawyer who had practised for more than 25 years in the Philippines and in Alberta and thereafter, was an Index Options Trader in Wall Street. He is currently a Family Counselor with Arbor Memorial Gardens whom he joined in 2013. In 2005 Hermo 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 whom ever may find it useful).

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

Celebrating Undas Todos Los Santos 2020 For the first time, Edmonton’s Filipino Community joined hands in November 1, 2014 to celebrate the Filipino Tradition of Undas or Todos Los Santos or All Saints Day in Edmonton. The event was organized by our Kababayan Hermo T. Pagtakhan, Family Services Counsellor with Arbor Memorial at Evergreen. Dubbed “UNDAS 2014 Sa EVERGREEN”, it was kickstarted by the Edmonton Filipino Community on November 1, 2014, as a revival of the celebration of the Philippine Tradition of “Undas” (All Saints & All Souls Day) in a historic and elegant fashion.

More than 200 Edmonton Filipino Community members and friends, along with Edmonton’s Canada Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), CBC Radio, OMNI TV FilIpino and Philippine-based ABSCBN TFC News Team (Balitang Canada Segment) which, among others, provided television, radio

and media coverage of the event attended at Edmonton’s Evergreen Cemetery and Funeral Home Centre and witnessed Filipino Priest Rev. Fr. Joselito Cantal preside over the Liturgical and Memorial Services and the blessing of the Filipino Garden (Himlayang Filipino). continued on 23 ►

“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. I VOW to USE my TALENT to be a WITNESS for HIM and to USE IT for HIS GLORY! God bless all!”

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egrettably, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Edmonton Filipino Community, under the auspices of Arbor Memorial Gardens at Evergreen was NOT able to hold its yearly community celebration of Undas/Todos Los Santos that is open to the public. In lieu of a public event, we held a special limited gathering of the “UNDAS SA EVERGREEN Organizing Committee” in an effort to continue with our sacred tradition of "Remembering & Honouring Our Dearly Departed at Our UNDAS SA EVERGREEN. This special gathering, which included the usual Liturgical & Memorial Services officiated by our Filipino Priest Rev. Fr. Joselito Cantal, concluded with the blessing of our Memorial Book of Our Dearly Departed as well as our “Filipino Garden (Himlayang Filipino)” was video recorded for streaming online and public viewing. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=fgpwS6nlDqA&t=12s Acknowledgments: Fr. Joselito Jojo Cantal, Mr. Jun Angeles, Mr. LitoVelasco, Mr. Dario Juanillo (Photographer/ Videographer) and the Attendees of the Celebration of UNDAS 2020 EVERGREEN MEMORIAL GARDEN (Mr. Ken Stratton) EVERGREEN FUNERAL HOME (Mr. Steven Wiebe) ****************************** Keeping our Sacred Filipino "UNDAS" Tradition Alive in Edmonton, Canada: A Look Back at Our First Undas Celebration in November, 2014 www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

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

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Arts and Culture | Business

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Zacarias - Remember the Name ARTOSPECTIVE - an artist’s point of view

Ida Beltran-Lucila ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com

Philippine-born, Calgary-based neo-soul singer-songwriter Zacarias recently released anew track “Why Did You?”. A moody ballad about trying to put the pieces of a broken relationship back together, it is described as a smooth groove born from the dark soul of Daniel Caesar and alternative R&B world of Frank Ocean.

Alvin Zacarias in real life, his family moved from Las Piñas to Winnipeg in 1996, and then to Calgary in 2013.

Music has always surrounded his family since his father was a lead guitarist in a band in the Philippines.

Zacarias was the young boy who was always singing, dancing and performing on various occasions.

In high school, he started writing songs. He recalls a pivotal moment of realizing the value of music when he came across the songs of Musiq Soulchild. It was several years later though that he would consider music as a profession, and not just a hobby. Sitting at his work desk in the IT industry, he started questioning his life decisions and direction. And like any anguished man, he remembers looking at the sky, surrendering, and realizing that what he really wanted to do was spread the message of love and positivity, in the best way he could, which was his music.

Zacarias does not veer away from being vulnerable. He is a contemplative person who uses his music to find himself and become.

He wants his songs to make people reminisce and reflect on life moments (whether it be of joy, loss, rejection), explore feelings, and be motivated to make positive change in their lives.

To date, Zacarias has released 19 songs, an album, and an EP. His 2019 debut album “Manilaman”, which hit the No. 1 spot on the CJSW chart, is particularly special in that it tells people about who he is. His music is available in all platforms supported by DistroKid - which includes Spotify, Apple Music, TikTok, Pandora, Amazon, Instagram, YouTube, Tidal, iHeartRadio, Deezer.

Also an emerging producer, Zacarias has collaborated with a number of Alberta artists, and is working on a project with Italian DJ Digma, hip hop artist A.Y.E., and Filipino Canadian MC Twizzie Ramos. He has recently been featured at Canadian Beats, Tinnitus, Music is My Life, Little Dose of Indie,

and was played on CBC's The Key of A today. Even American neo-soul singer Maxwell recently discovered Zacarias on Instagram and gave kudos to him for one of his covers.

For a man who feels he is still getting his bearings within the music industry, he has been quite productive while at the same time being intentional and protective of his music and message.

Undaunted by the challenges of a music career, patience and determination are his guiding values.

The name Zacaria is the Hebrew form of Zechariah meaning “the Lord has remembered”. And here is a Filipino-Canadian singer whose name is Zacarias, who you should know and remember. Visit his work at

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zacarias.ca, follow him on Instagram and Twitter @zacarias4real and as @imzacarias in other social media platforms.

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

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Immigration Consultancy Services | Achievement

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

ALBERTA SHUTDOWN HIRING OF TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS TO SAVE JOBS FOR ALBERTANS The changes do not impact occupations in the following sectors namely: Agriculture, Caregiving, Technology and Emergency Response.

Alberta introduced two new immigration programs: The International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration and Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa streams under the

FROM MIGRATION TO IMMIGRATION

Marjorie Carmona Newman info@ mcncanadaimmigration.com 780-758-2045 Marjorie Carmona Newman is a REGULATED CANADIAN IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT based in Edmonton, Alberta.

She is currently a member of CAPIC’s Policy and Lobbying Committee and previously served as Prairie Chapter representative for the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education Committee. Marjorie was a recipient of CAPIC's Members Service Award for four consecutive years (2015-2019).

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he provincial government of Alberta announced recently that they will shut down the temporary foreign worker program starting November 1, 2020. Thousands of Albertans lost their jobs since the start of the pandemic. That is why the province shut down tits Temporary Foreign Worker Program so that more than 1,000 jobs can be made available to residents in the province.

A Filipino-Canadian business owner, Nelson Rodriguez was not surprised with the announcement.

In an interview Mr. Rodriguez said, that “It’s actually expected. Reason for that is, of course when COVID-19 hit and lockdown was implemented, to be honest with you, in my industry, it killed a lot of business and me, personally, it has affected us in operating our business. Some of our locations are still closed. So, with that, we must be really be careful with the staffing level, as much as we would want to save each position. Again, business

is not normal. Forty to sixty percent were down. Just imagine that, it is a very significant number.

Statistics Canada reported that close to 470,000 foreign nationals have been issued work permits in 2019. Temporary foreign workers in Canada have played an increasingly important role in the Canadian labour market in recent years. However, their contribution to the labour market could be severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nathaniel Baltazar entered Alberta on a work permit seven years ago. He is not happy with the announcement.

Mr. Baltazar said “ Naka apply ako ngayon for permanent residence pero nahihirapan pa rin ako ipa approve or dahil nga sa nangyayari ngayon dito sa Alberta dahil sa pandemic.

Sana naman magkaroon ng option or magkaroon ng program ang government of Alberta para sa mga katulad ko na matatagal na dito sa Alberta.

As of November 1, 2020, dozens of additional occupations categories will be added to the “Refusal to Process List”, removing the vast majority of occupations from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW). These changes will impact 475 occupations in sectors such as accommodation and food services, retail trade, transportation, construction and professional, scientific and technical services.

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP).

Recently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced plans to admit 401,000 new permanent residents next year, a target that if met would be a historic number of newcomers.

IRCC reported that in 2019, Philippines placed third in the top 10 source countries of immigrants.

If you have questions regarding the above article you may contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not a legal advice. To ensure your interests are protected, retain or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of ICCRC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCIC’s.

‘Your Local Mortgage Professional’

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am happy to announce that we have a new Mortgage Professional, Gina Ibasco, who can help those in our community get a mortgage approval and make owning a house a reality. The following is her statement on how she can guide you through the process of buying your home.

My name is Gina Ibasco. I am a Licensed Mortgage Professional under Dominion Lending Centres Mortgage Force Team. My specialty includes helping you buy your first home, upgrade to a bigger home or refinance your mortgage. My favorite part about what I do is helping a client get their first dream home.

The following is a 10-step process where you can learn about what to expect and what you need when making the first and most important purchase of your life.

1. LOOK FOR A MORTGAGE BROKER: Hire a Mortgage Professional that will work for your best interest as a client. Your time is important. It would be beneficial to have someone that you can reach even on weekends, holidays and office hours.

2. PRE – QUALIFY: Pre - qualifying will give you an estimate amount

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JAN THE MAN’S NOTE

Januel Cedrick Ibasco Januel Cedrick Ibasco is a proud Filipino-Canadian who is currently a student at the University of Alberta and is studying to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Sportsmanship is a big slice of his cake. He is highly-spirited when playing golf, volleyball, and basketball and loves reading, writing and volunteering at church. Jan looks forward to taking up law after his undergraduate degree.

of the property you can purchase.

This stage is important as it can save you time looking for a house once

you know how much you are qualified to purchase.

3. DOCUMENT PREPARATION: You will need to provide 2 of your most recent pay stubs, a letter of employment and 2 years of T4s if you work overtime or commission/bonus.

4. PRE - APPROVE: After analyzing your situation, your application will be sent to a lender for a mortgage pre-approval that will assess your eligibility.

As a Mortgage Professional, I have access to different banks and non-banking mortgage institutions. I am a Professional Mortgage Shopper which means I can find the best mortgage for you.

5. FIND YOUR IDEAL HOME: Hire a realtor that you can work comfortably with and can help you find your dream home within your budget.

6. MAKE AN OFFER: Your realtor will help you finalize your offer on the property that you like by getting the buyer and seller’s information, property address, possession date and other extra items included in

the purchase agreement.

7. CONDITION REMOVAL: You will provide all the necessary documents to finalize your mortgage approval. Most common conditions include Financing and Inspection if the house is not brand new.

8.

COMPLETE FINANCING: You will provide the lender with additional documents needed to fund your mortgage.

9. MEET WITH A LAWYER: Sign all the final documents.

It is always in the best interest of the client to hire their own lawyer in case a dispute arises later on.

10. MOVING/CLOSING DAY This is the final step of the process. Your realtor will turn over the keys and you can enjoy your new home.

Buying a house is a stressful yet exciting journey. That is why it is very important to choose the right Mortgage Professional.

The best Mortgage Professional will help you understand and simplify the process. Let me help you get your dream home. I’m just a phone call away and would always be happy to help.

GINA IBASCO Dominion Lending Centres Mortgage Force 780-782-4671 ginaibasco@dominionlending.ca www.ginaibascomortgages.ca

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

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Achievement | Business

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Dream come true: Mae Cusinera builds commercial kitchen

By Moses Billacura

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hey thought about it two years ago.

About what? Having their own commercial kitchen.

When they started their baking business, they had to pay rent at a commercial kitchen but the thought of having their own was always on their minds.

Mae Cusinera finally made it and on November 8, Deacon Ramon Morales led the blessing of the commercial kitchen of Mae Cusinera Breads and Pastries.

But, the path to building one was not a walk in the park.

From what they got working full-time, they started setting aside funds for it and from the part-time baking sales they had, a portion went to the commercial kitchen fund.

Even when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the province, they did not lose hope.

For weeks and months, they

continually worked towards the realization of their project.

But first, they sought guidance from the City of Edmonton on what to do and the city staff was most helpful from the very start. Complying with all the requirements, from zoning, electrical, plumbing, gas, and HVAC, among others, they started to see the realization of their dream with the support of family members.

Even their pet dog Ice was wondering about what was happening with the ongoing painting, carpentry work, etc., but Ice just stayed in one spot, observing until all the work was done.

After the inspections were conducted by the City of Edmonton and Alberta Health Services, they finally received the green light.

And here’s the good news.

Upstart bakers, cooks and chefs can reach out to Mae Cusinera for spots to rent in their commercial kitchen and that way, they themselves can teach those new in the business or those thinking of having a food business about how to properly go about it based on their experience.

And there could be another plus side for them.

You see, Mae Cusinera is some sort of a continuation of the Cusinera

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group legacy back in Pampanga where her mother and her group of Cusineras are in the food catering business. Mae practically grew up in the kitchen, where she started with taking charge of peeling baskets of onions and slicing vegetables, until came a time she herself became a Cusinera too.

And so, it’s no wonder that she had this type of business in her mind all along when she came to Canada.

If you happen to read the December 2018 issue of the Alberta Filipino Journal, Mae Cusinera actually started as Bakeline Ltd. For now, they have exclusive supply contracts with Internet Coffee, Antie Lou’s and Nato’s Karinderya and with the support of the community, Mae Cusinera will steadily grow in the months and years to come.

And it looks like Mae Cusinera is slowly becoming a household name in Edmonton.

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22

Philanthropy

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

PLAN OF ACTION: One Great Initiative

THE PROJECT: ONE GREAT INITIATIVE: PantawidCalamity Fundraiser KEY PROPONENT: Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta MAJOR SUPPORTERS: Concerned and Generous Filipinosin Alberta TARGET BENEFICIARIES: Typhoon Victims TARGET DATE OF IMPLEMENTATION: November 15 to December 16, 2020 TARGET DONATION CENTRES: A4 Oriental Store in Edmonton; Freedom Migrate Immigration Solutions in Calgary TARGET COLLECTION: The more, the better.

INTRODUCTION Filipinos’ courage and resilience are born and tested by the frequent occurrences of either man-made or natural catastrophes. But, life filled with courage yet devoid of natural resources is useless. The succession of typhoon attacks in our country can surely devastate not only the fruits of our labour but most of all, our sanity.

is true; then, a tangible and corporal work of mercy must be performed; relief goods and Thanks be to God. He has promised us operations as well as fundraisers an afterlife. That, if we died because of must be organized. these calamities, if we died in defence of our faith, if we died saving others’ I. NATURE OF THE PROJECT: lives, if we died in His Name, then, As per the agreement made by the we will be rewarded in heaven. We Tinapao Family, a fundraising will receive the gift of eternal life. project will be initiated in order to That has always been our comfort gather support or solicit monetary and consolation from Above. and other forms of donation To prove that the above-mentioned from the Filipino-Canadian communities. This also aims to be a year-round commitment to our kababayans in the Philippines.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we are expecting more calamities to affect our country, but to accept the fact that the Philippines is in typhoon-belt territory. Since this is a long-term project; then, a Pledge Form will be drafted, to be utilized whenever donations are made in the future. Local in Scope but Global in direction.

II. THE PROJECT PROPONENTS The COPAA, as the lead organizers, will make sure that those donations will be properly received, securely stored and later on, sent to the qualified beneficiaries in the Philippines. Transparency will be observed. Accounting and accountability will be published in all forms of communication.

THE CREATION OF STANDING COMMITTEES: ONE GREAT INITIATIVE: Pantawid Calamity Fundraiser.

We have been trained as leaders not to do all things; but, to facilitate any activity that would best serve the welfare of society. There are two management techniques that must be employed: 1) Time Management, and 2) Delegation of responsibilities. Below are the simple steps and guidelines to follow: A. Secretariat and Communication - Responsible for the preparation and securing of A. Letters (Solicitation, Invitation, Posters, Information Dissemination) B. Permits (if needed) C. ID Badges D. Registration E. Coordinating with the key contact persons in the affected areas in the Philippines.

B. Ways and Means - In charge of looking for: 1. Volunteers 2. Food and Snack Donors 3. Key sponsors 4. Trucks for transporting relief goods from the designated donation centre to the Cargo Services) ° ° RECEIVING AND SENDING DONATIONS 1. Donor/s will send any amount of monetary donations to PANTAWID CALAMITY FUND along with the Servus Credit Union, Ltd. 17010-90 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Branch via Transit/Institution Number: 8076899; Account Number: 632531993138. continued on page 23►

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

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

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Those Who Belong To Christ FROM A VANTAGE POINT

Tito S.Venida FOUNDING FATHER

Tito S. Venida is a product of the University of the Philippines. He used to be a student-leader during his college days and became one of the founders of the Tau Gamna Phi, one of the world leading Philippine-produced fraternities.

His immensurable love for the human race has brought him to the conviction of translating his mission from fraternity into Divinity-from a mere brotherhood into sainthood. Tito authored a book entitled Quocunque Jeceris Stabit, which means, wherever you throw, it will stand.

OUR TEXT 24"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."

Galatians 5:24-26, KJV

Spirit, not in conceit, provoking, and envying one another - Galatians 5:25b-26.

THE CONTRAST BETWEEN THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT. ▪▪How the works of the flesh: 1. Oppose the Spirit - Galatians 5:16-17.

2. Prevents one from inheriting the kingdom - Galatians 5:19-21.

▪▪How walking in the Spirit: 1. Helps one to not fulfill the lust of the flesh - Galatians 5:16.

2. Produces the fruit of the Spirit in one's life - Galatians 5:22-23.

3. Frees one from the condemnation of any law - Galatians 5:18, 23c.

▪▪In summarizing his discourse on the flesh and the Spirit, the apostle Paul reminds us of what is true of those who belong to Christ...

1. They have crucified the flesh with its passion and desires - Galatians 5:24.

2. They live in the Spirit - Galatians 5:25a.

3. They should therefore walk in the

I. HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH ▪▪In Principle: 1. When we died with Christ in baptism - Romans 6:3-6.

2. So that now Christ lives in us, and we live by faith - Galatians 2:20.

▪▪In Practice: 1. As we seek to put off the old man, and put on the new - Colossians 3:5-14.

2. As we were taught by Christ Ephesians 4:20-24. The question is, Are we crucifying the flesh in 'practice by living a holy life?

Crucifying the flesh in both principle and practice cannot be done without divine help. And so those who truly belong to Christ are those blessed to...

mentioned and we all are aware, donors want to make sure where their donations would go.

B. Donation Tackers At A4 Oriental Store, a Facebook livestream will be set to broadcast HOW donations will be fairly disposed of or distributed.

1. Lists of targets or prospectives of directly affected areas in the Philippines will be written on a piece of paper and put into a tambiolo or box to qualify for a draw. By doing this, we could be able to avoid being biased. Reasons for doing so: • We should do this in order to avoid throwing resentment against the key organizers or proponents.

• We should do this in order to limit the scope of our intention.

In reality, we cannot embrace all of them at once. We cannot take the entire numbers of affected people by the amount of money or resources we are going to collect. There is always a principle of appropriation. We cannot give what we don’t have.

• We should do this so that donors would feel the joy of of giving or act of charity.

• We should do this because this is going to be a year-round campaign fundraiser for the victims of inevitable catastrophic conditions in the Philippines.

• We should do this because we want the Act of Giving to become a habit. A Pledge Form will be drafted or formatted.

2. Number of recipients per areas may potentially be increased for the next draw depending on the amount of monetary support and the bulk of in kind donations that would be received by the ONE GREAT INITIATIVE: Pandemic Calamity Fund.

In the meantime, we are limiting the acceptance of donations to a monetary category because of Covid-19 issues.

C. Shipping and Receiving Responsible for monitoring the flow of donors, proper boxing, categorizing the kinds of goods, and labelling as to where the boxes are supposed to be going.

D. Finance - Accountable for the ins and outs of monetary donations.

Issuance of receipts (if necessary).

E. Wear and Tear (Physical preparation) In-charge of assembling and disassembling the tents, tables, chairs, banners, and other related facilities needed.

F. Peace and Order and Medics Responsible for the peaceful flow of the event. Physical Distancing should be closely monitored as well as the proper use of PPE. Having the Emergency Medical Kits ready and to be able to promptly call 911 if an untoward incident happens.

G. Media Relations - Responsible and ready to be interviewed. Confident to feed the interviewers with the accurate information, background, and proceeds of the funds pertaining to the project.

This passage, Galatians 5:24-26, alludes to much that is revealed elsewhere as to what it means to be a Christian, a disciple of Christ. For example, those who truly belong to Christ are those who...

II. LIVE IN THE SPIRIT ▪▪In the beginning: 1. It is the Spirit who gives life - John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 3:6.

Religion | Culture and Tradition 2. Which He does in the washing of regeneration (i.e., baptism) - Titus 3:5.

3. So that we are truly born again of both water and the Spirit - John 3:5.

4. Have you been made alive in the Spirit through baptism?

▪▪In the present: 1. By virtue of His indwelling - Romans 8:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 6:19.

2. Who empowers us to put to death the deeds of the body - Romans 8:1213; cf. Ephesians 3:16.

3. Are you living in the Spirit by utilizing His strength?

Because we live in the Spirit, there is great potential for spiritual growth.

But that growth is not automatic. We can be guilty of grieving the Spirit, cf. Ephesians 4:30. Thus, those who belong to Christ...

III. SHOULD WALK IN THE SPIRIT ▪▪Not conceited: 1. Manifested by selfish ambitions, contrary to the mind of Christ, cf.

Philippians 2:3-5.

2. Manifesting instead lowliness of mind that leads to gentleness (meekness), cf. Galatians 5:23. Are you walking in the Spirit? Then free yourself from conceit.

▪▪Not provoking: 1. Manifested by conduct such as immorality or outbursts of wrath, cf. Galatians 5:19-20.

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2. Manifesting instead joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness - Galatians 5:22-23.

3. Are you walking in the Spirit free from provoking others?

▪▪Not envying: 1. Manifested by hatred, jealousies, cf. Galatians 5:20-21.

2. Manifesting instead love that does not envy and thinks no evil, cf. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.

3. Are you walking in the Spirit free from envy?

CONCLUSION ▪▪Those who belong to Christ are they who...

1. Crucify the flesh in both principle and practice.

2. Live in the Spirit from their baptism to the present.

3. Should walk in the Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit.

▪▪Do we truly belong to Christ?

1. It begins with baptism into Christ - Galatians 3:27.

2. It continues with a life of faith Galatians 2:20.

3. It produces a whole new person Galatians 6:15.

Such is the life that Christ offers: made alive in the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, bearing fruit of the Spirit.. Is this not the life you want? - cf. John 10:10.

from page 22

It is advisable to contact Beng or Lito Agasino of A4 Oriental Store at 1(780)655-4196 in Edmonton as well as Stephen Burry of Freedom Migrate Immigration Solutions at 1(403)520-2277 in Calgary prior to sending, transferring, dropping-off and doling out donations.

2. An acknowledgment Receipt will be issued to the donor/s.

3. With the donor/s consent, their act of charity will be recognized and acknowledged through social media, HimigPinoy-101.7 World FM, and Alberta Filipino Journal.

Anonymous Donors: Those donors who do not want their names mentioned in any form of media will just be coded as anonymous donors. Yet, their names will still be kept on the record for check and balance purposes. It is important to observe transparency.

Every amount should be counted/ accounted and transparently reported to the public. ° ° SENDING DONATIONS A. Donation Recipients This is one of the more complicated and tedious matters to attend to as everyone wants to make sure where the donated amount or in kind will go. That is why, more detailed steps and procedures are designed to ensure that collected donations will be distributed in a timely manner and to those who are directly affected beneficiaries through the nearest churches: Catholic or non-Catholic.

1. List of names of the deserving recipients will be collected and brought to the Parish Priest or Pastor’s Offices for inclusion and immediate attention.

2. It is suggested that the act of piety and giving or distributing to a group or individuals will be properly recorded through photos, videos, or both. This will not be done for the sake of publicity or popularity.

But, for simply gaining and keeping the trust of the donors. As has been

All photos and articles available online. Follow us

III. THE PROJECT BENEFICIARIES Recipients of this initiative will be determined by those who have directly been affected by the super typhoons.

Close and consistent contact with the selected coordinators will be properly maintained.

IV. DATE AND TIME OF DISTRIBUTION Sending help or assistance should not be delayed. Hence, those donated goods and any monetary donations shall be immediately sent to the affected families and individuals in as timely a manner as possible.

V. TARGET PLACES A. Donation Centres: 1. A4 Oriental Store in Edmonton.

2. Freedom Migrate Immigration Solutions in Calgary B. Directly affected areas in the Philippines

VI. TARGET BUDGET/AMOUNT TO BE RAISED. The bigger, the better.

CONCLUSION We can always serve without loving.

But we cannot love without serving. It’s always better to help than to be helped. from page 18

HUWAG PAGTAKHAN! When interviewed and asked what prompted him to revive the tradition of Undas in Edmonton, Undas 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 their respects 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, who stay at the cemetery to light candles, pray, lay flowers, and bring food for the consumption of the attendees.

The Undas Tradition is one of the cultural anchors that help Filipinos define their national character.

It is a durable venue for Filipino cultures and expressions and is a symbol of the Filipino sense of community. No matter what corner of the world we may be in, 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

Our Lord Jesus said: “Whatever you do to the least of your brothers, you do it to me.” (Matthew 25:40) ___________________________ Lito Velasco-11-01-2020 copaa vp/afj editor/pmaa vp

lot of our Filipino ‘Kababayans’ here in Edmonton have been asking me through the years WHY we as a Community DO NOT celebrate a very important and significant Philippine National and Religious Holiday here in Edmonton.

So I thought our Community in Edmonton should revive its own Undas celebration this year. In short, I thought of reviving this 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 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 for this tradition in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where they can visit, offer flowers, pay their respects, pray and remember their dearly departed, irrespective of where they are buried and lie in rest.

For this I would like to thank Evergreen Memorial Gardens and Funeral Homes for their valuable support and making My Dream of having a focal point for the Filipino Community in Edmonton a reality.” www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

24

Philippine Consular Corner | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

PHILIPPINE CONSULAR INFO SERIES

Suite 920, 517 10th Ave SW, Calgary AB, T2R 0A8 ▪ Tel: 403-455-9346; 403-455-9457

Philippine Consulate General, Calgary www.philcongencalgary.org

A Friendly Discussion Between AFJ Editor and Philippine Consul General Zaldy Patron in Calgary Lito Velasco: Good evening ConGen Zaldy!

Kumusta po?

Fr. Reymundo Asis, a former pastor of Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Swift Current, Saskachewan just phoned me and said that they are still 4 hours away from Calgary. He and his companion priest Fr. Yodel Cereno have decided to stop-over at one of the parishes to stay overnight as it is quite dangerous to proceed due to the road conditions.

They are stranded. I feel what they feel.

That means, they are struggling too much in order to obtain dual citizenship by 4PM tomorrow (November 10, 2020).

Don’t you have any alternative program to serve those who would be taking a dual citizenship oath from distant places here in your jurisdiction, at least, during winter time?

Second, Fr. Rey Asis also mentioned that he would be going back to PCGCalgary on the 12th of November 2020 in order apply for a Philippine Passport. That’s another problem for them. I just want to know if that is the standing policy of the PCG-Calgary?

If it is true; don’t you have the plan to change it and be adjusted to our current situation? Especially during the winter season and the Covid-19 phenomenon.

Just my simple thoughts po and I hope you don’t mind.

ConGen Zaldy Patron: Hi Lito, they really have to come in person. We get the passport applicant’s biometrics; the dual citizenship applicants have to take the oath in person. We are not allowed to drop these personal appearance requirements even though there is pandemic. Other consular services (notarization, authentication of docs; civil registration; NBI verification) can be done by mail. Thanks.

Lito Velasco: They really have to. Because that is the policy. That is why, they are travelling from Swift Current to your office.

And similarly, all other applicants must do so.

RE: Oath-taking Pattern or Model Our main concern here was the basis or pattern i.e., the Canadian Citizenship.

If the Canadian Government can officiate and the applicants can take an oath via zoom or any other means of video communications; why can’t we do the same?

RE: Passporting I submit to your explanation. No further question as I’ve fully understood that a person’s biometrics should be taken in person.

This is not to discredit what you are doing. We knew for a fact that you have the mandate from the Philippine Government. However, they also have to understand and give you the full authority or power to re-design the program that is in conformity with the geographical location and condition as well as the current situation.

Let’s take it this way, if we really want to serve the people or if we want the government to bring the services to the people; then, I would suggest you go to where the people are during this season and conduct the oath-taking www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

ceremony where they are. My two cents po.

ConGen Zaldy Patron: Lito, we are guided by policies of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

There are things we cannot do on our own. Personal oath-taking for dual citizenship is one of them.

On your suggestion for us to go to the people, we do that during consular outreach services which we used to do yearly. We were in Edmonton two times last year and also did one each in Fort McMurray and Grand Prairie.

We had plans to conduct several of it this year. Unfortunately, the pandemic has affected our plans as we cannot risk the health and safety of our clients and personnel. When the pandemic is over, we hope to resume our consular outreach services.

Lito Velasco Thanks for responding ConGen. This will surely help to enlighten our kababayans. We will definitely bring people’s concerns to your office.

AFJ is the Pulse of the Filipino Community in Aberta.

And, we are looking forward to the situational changes that can be made through your leadership. Policies should attend to people’s needs and welfare. Man is not made for the law.

Of course, I know that you knew that naman po.

Good night! Regards to your family and your Team! Keep safe!

ConGen Zaldy Patron: Good morning, Lito.

In government, certain polices are decided by the national agencies, which the PH Foreign Service Posts carry out.

During this pandemic, there was a policy decision by DOLE in PH to give $200 finance assistance to Filipino TFWs who were unable to receive financial assistance from their host governments. PCG Calgary campaigned for this through info drive and this resulted in more than 293 Filipinos beneficiaries in AB and SK. In addition, it is the DFA’s policy to assist Filipinos in distress. During the ongoing pandemic, about 23 Filipinos sought welfare assistance from the PCG, which we endorsed to the DFA, and they were given financial grants.

Last year, when there was a wild fire in High Level, the DFA also gave financial assistance to some Filipino victims. This year, we repatriated a Filipina with cancer (similar to what we did for Christopher Cruz last year).

From 2018 to Sep 2019, the PCG had repatriated 14 individuals. We also assisted in the shipment of remains of 21 Filipino nationals during the same period. I think these are concrete examples of attending to the people’s needs and welfare.

On the consular outreach, we have been doing it since the PCG opened in 2016.

But we don’t do an outreach during the winter months of November to April for the safety of both the applicants and our personnel.

Knowing that we would not be able to conduct a consular outreach this year (we cancelled the one for Lethbridge in

April when the public health emergency in AB was declared), the PCG opened for two Saturdays each month from July to October to accommodate more consular applicants. I believe these are also manifestations of our desire to attend to our people’s needs and welfare. This decision of having extra Saturday consular services is something that the PCG can do at its level.

Due to the pandemic, the PCG shifted to doing more informative webinars for the benefit of our people. One will be held this Friday - about PH’s Family Law and Foreign Divorce. Previously, we held one on the topics of 1) Mental Health; and the 2) Services of POLO and OWWA. Again, I believe these webinars also help our fellow Filipinos in AB and SK in some ways.

Rest assured that we take our public service commitment seriously and we try to do our best to deliver consular services and projects that address our people’s needs and welfare. Salamat.

ConGen Zaldy Patron: If he cannot make it before 3 pm in Calgary, we can include him in the group taking the oath tomorrow at 3 pm also. Better if you will give me his cell number so we can communicate with him directly. Thanks.

He phoned me na din po ConGen. Tuwang-tuwa dahil tunay daw kayong naglilingkod at nakikinig sa boses ng kababayan na inyong pinaglilingkuran.

Ako naman ay namagitan din lamang at nagkataon na kakilala ko silang talaga. Ganunpaman, ang paglilingkod natin ay para sa lahat.

Muli, maraming salamat po!

To our beloved kababayan, We hope that the conversation really helps us all to make both sides meet

in the middle. This is just proof that everything and every issue can always be settled; the message can always be heard and understood when we communicate. Moreover, war or any kind of conflict can never be stopped by continuously exchanging bullets and high-powered atomic bombs, nor by spreading deadly air through nuclear wars; they can only be resolved by communication: mutual understanding and peace talks!

Lito Velasco: Awesome. I will send his number to you po.

DUE CREDIT TO THE PCG - Calgary

ConGen Zaldy Patron: Oops, I stand corrected. Tomorrow is a holiday so we are closed.

I would like to thank the AFJ - Alberta Filipino Journal for giving me this space to express my gratitude to Consul General Zaldy Patron for the kind consideration extended to me when I missed my appointment at the Consulate last November 10, 2020 due to inclement weather.

Through the Consul I was accorded a rare privilege of taking the oath the day after. Now, I got my dual citizenship status: A Filipino-Canadian!

Lito Velasco: Thank you very much ConGen. Ganito na lang po. I will tell them to come directly here to Edmonton if they run out of time. Then, go back to your office on Wednesday. How is that po?

If you can’t contact him; they might be out of cell coverage.

ConGen Zady Patron: I already talked to him.

Lito Velasco: Ok po. Thanks

Big thanks to the entire crew of the Philippine Consulate in Calgary with special mention to ConGen Zaldy, who are all accommodating, respectful, and efficient in government service. YOU ALL DESERVE TO BE CALLED GOOD PUBLIC SERVANTS! Again, my deepest thanks!

In Christ, Msgr. Reymundo Jimenez Asis Former Pastor at the Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Swift Current, Saskachewan

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

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

PEREZCOPE

Perry Diaz PerryDiaz@gmail.com I am a writer/columnist/journalist.

I have two weekly columns -- "PerryScope" and "Balitang Kutsero." They're published in more than a dozen Filipino newspapers in five countries.

I

n my column last week after Joe Biden took the lead in the presidential election, I wondered where President Donald Trump would be heading after his term? I asked, Quo Vadis, Donald J. Trump?

Where are you going when you step down from the presidency? As it turned out, he is not going to retire.

On the contrary, quitting is farthest from his mind. He’s not conceding the election either. He challenged the election in at least four States; claiming he’d been cheated and filed lawsuits for voter fraud. But a week later, most of these lawsuits were dismissed by the courts, citing lack of evidence. In some cases, the attorneys representing Trump withdrew the lawsuits. They simply didn’t have the legal basis for contesting the election.

But Trump had other things in mind. He’s looking ahead to 2024. He is contemplating running for president after four years of Biden’s presidency. He said that he’d launched his candidacy as soon as Biden is certified of winning the election.

But his surrogates have something more sinister in mind. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had insinuated during an interview with Fox News that Trump will prevail. “There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration,” he said.

Trump’s press secretary Kayleigh McEnany also claimed that Trump would be attending his own inauguration in January from page 14

FILIPINAVIGATION I’ve noticed a clear consumer shift away from luxury fashion and fashion in general due to the environmental problem of the overproduction and overconsumption of goods. This is an industry-wide issue that many brands and companies are thankfully now addressing. The important take away as a consumer to help tackle this problem is to buy less, but better – better quality, longer-lasting pieces – or buy second hand, so that less clothes end up in landfills. It was this notion that compelled me to move to London in early 2019 to pursue a second Master’s in Fashion & Lifestyle Marketing at the British School of Fashion to learn more about sustainability and its impact on consumer behaviour.

Since graduating from this program, and with the pandemic serving as a

Opinion | Media Partner

25

When is Trump going to concede?

2021. She said that she’s confident that Trump’s many legal challenges to contest the election results will eventually turn it around.

Needless to say, she’s referring to the time that Trump’s legal challenges would eventually reach the Supreme Court where Trump believes the High Court will back him up and declare him as the duly elected president. It’s a big gamble but with six Republican justices, three of who were his appointees, the Republicans on the high court would most likely support him. But the justices have a mind of their own. One might ask, “Would they exercise their judicial independence by weighing on the merits of the case?” I’m pretty sure that Chief Justice John Roberts would look at it fairly. That leaves five justices including Trump’s three appointees who would most likely side with Trump simply because they owe their appointments to Trump.

Two justices, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito had most of the time voted for conservative issues.

One might say that they shouldn’t be biased in supporting Trump.

But I’ll bet that when the justices vote, they’ll support Trump. It’s no different to the Bush vs. Gore Supreme Court decision, which ended in a 5-4 decision in favor of Bush. The case involves the recounting of all undervotes, over 61,000 ballots that the vote tabulation had missed. The Bush campaign immediately asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stay the decision and halt the recount.

Justice Antonin Scalia, convinced that all the manual recounts being performed in Florida's counties were illegitimate, urged his colleagues to grant the stay immediately. The five conservative justices on the Court granted the stay for Bush, with Scalia citing "irreparable harm" that could befall Bush, as the recounts would cast "a needless and unjustified cloud" over Bush's legitimacy. In dissent, Justice John Paul Stevens wrote that "counting every legally cast vote cannot constitute irreparable harm."

In the 2020 election, Trump is challenging the legitimacy of the mail-in votes, which would

substantially affect the results of the 2020 election. If the Supreme Court would rule delegitimizing the mail-in votes, it would affect the outcome of the 2020 election.

This is what Trump is hoping would happen if and when the Supreme Court would step in to rule on the legitimacy of the mail-in ballots. If the Supreme Court will rule against the mail-in ballots, the election will result in a Trump victory.

The question is: would the Supreme Court justices invalidate the mail-in ballots of which about Democrats cast 70%? But delegitimizing the mail-in ballots is dangerous.

We’re talking 110 million ballots to be invalidated! That’s not going to happen.

In the event that would happen, the Electoral College might not produce a winner who garners 270 electoral votes. If neither candidate gets 270 electoral votes due to disputed ballots, the House of Representatives would have to decide the election. However, the founders gave only one vote to each state. House delegations from each state will meet to decide how to cast their single vote.

It is interesting to note that the Republican Party dominates the House delegations of 26 states since 2018.

It is exactly the number required to reach a majority under the rules of the House presidential selection. But it’s the newly elected House who will decide a contested 2020 election.

So far, Republicans have retained control of the congressional districts in 26 states they currently hold, while the Democrats have lost control of two states, Minnesota and Iowa.

Evenly divided delegations count as abstentions. With Republican gains in Minnesota and Iowa, these states are moving from Democratic to abstentions. With the Republicans controlling congressional districts in 26 states, Trump will be elected president in the event nobody gets the 270 electoral votes.

While this scenario has a slim chance of happening, it is not impossible and Trump would do anything in his power – by hook or by crook – to make it happen.

catalyst, I shifted my interest to other lifestyle industries, such as wellness and beauty, and am now starting a natural plant-based skincare brand called MULA SA LUPA which marries my passion for sustainability and my Filipino heritage. It’s still early days and I have yet to launch, but my goal is to bring my tropical origins to the beauty sphere while providing accessible sustainable skincare.

logistics, and creative production. Study the subjects you love and research the different brands that inspire and interest you to see what career opportunities they offer. You’d be surprised to see how diverse the roles are.

5. What advice would you give to Filipinx youth who are interested in the fashion industry?

There are many avenues to working in the fashion industry. You don’t necessarily have to study fashion or have a fashion degree, as there are many different careers within the industry itself, such as marketing, writing, finance, management, retail/wholesale,

Last November 15, Trump tweeted, “He won.” Although it seems like he was conceding, it didn’t have the elements of concession. He was merely acknowledging that Biden won the election. And this brings to mind what his aides said a few days ago – Trump is not challenging the results of the election but he’s not conceding that he lost the election.

Hmm… strange. But what comes to mind is what he’s going to do?

He didn’t say, “Okay, I’m conceding the election to Biden. Let’s move on.” That would be the simplest expression of concession, which means that he’s not challenging the outcome of the election. But to merely say, “He won,” doesn’t amount to conceding the election.

He has to say, “I concede the election to Biden.”

By acknowledging the outcome of the election but not conceding defeat signals what he’s going to do next, which is to challenge the outcome before the Supreme Court.

All along, we know that from the amount of litigations he brought before the courts.

Indeed, the Trump campaign said they are pushing on to fight the election results tooth-and-nail. "Our campaign will start prosecuting our case in court to ensure election laws are fully upheld and the rightful winner is seated," Trump said in a statement on November 14. "The American People are entitled to an honest election: that means counting all legal ballots, and not counting any illegal ballots." And by illegal ballots he means mail-in ballots, which he had attacked as tantamount to voter fraud. But the problem is, Trump’s campaign was unable to back its claim with real evidence, not innuendoes. And

that leaves Trump with nothing to pursue his claims of voter fraud.

The losses came as Biden was declared the winner in Georgia, a day after Trump’s own Department of Homeland Security had flatly contradicted him by declaring that the election “was the most secure in American history” and that “there is no evidence” any voting systems malfunctioned.

One by one, his lawyers suffered defeat before the courts. Close to half of the two dozen or so cases brought since Election Day in key swing states have already been withdrawn or tossed by judges.

But the Trump campaign keeps on submitting similar claims in other courts hoping to find a judge who would hear their case.

If Trump could only get past the lower courts, he’d have a chance of getting to the Supreme Court, which he believes he’d get friendlier justices to rule in his favor. But as it stands right now, he may have a difficult time of ever getting there.

Simply put, if Trump wanted to use a lawsuit to challenge the election outcome in a state, he’d need to begin by bringing a case to a lower court. But for a lower court to hear his case, Trump has to come up with solid evidence of voter fraud, which seems to be harder than winning in lotto. Simply put, if voter fraud doesn’t exist, then there is no evidence of voter fraud. And without evidence of voter fraud, there is no case. Period.

At the end of the day, I believe that it’s time for Trump to accept defeat and concede the election to Biden. Now, as to Trump’s plan of running in 2024, may I offer a friendly advice: Retire and write your memoir.

6. Do you have anything additional you’d like to say?

Looking at my educational background, one might think I would end up working in fashion for the rest of my life. However, fashion for me was just a stepping stone to the creative/design industry as a whole. It was a valuable experience that gave me the confidence to start my own company with an ethos that truly aligns with my personal values.

While a good education is essential, a degree doesn’t define you. Be fearless, stay true to yourself, and do something you believe in.

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Points of View | Brain Twisters

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

An Anonymous Article For You THROUGH A TEENAGER’S EYES

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

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

People around the world struggle with the conflicts within their mind.

It is an internal conflict where people feel that they have no one. It is a world where people feel alone even though they are not. Our mental health - not just our own, but also that of the people around us - is a serious topic which we should pay attention to. Every time we go out, we ask people, “How are you?”

and we respond with a “Thank You”.

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

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

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

I myself have struggled with dealing with my mental health. Having my friends and my family around me helped a lot in overcoming the fight within myself. Just by talking to them gave me an overwhelming feeling which helped me work my way through the maze of depression. Once, my mom told me that, “Sitting in a room alone

HOROSCOPE

CR OSSWOR D

is not a good thing because it makes you overthink”. That was an eye opener for me.

And because of that, I started to become more engaged with the things happening around me which helped me turn those problems into happiness. I started caring for myself more, and I started to think of what makes me happy. And lastly, I started to become more engaged with God. A prayer is the greatest weapon against the swords of sadness. The first bible verse I have learned from my mom is from the book of Jeremiah. “Call unto me and I will answer thee.”(Jeremiah 33:3) If you just ask for help from God, He will help you.

God will never reject you even if you are a sinner. God welcomes everyone in His kingdom as long as you accept Him. God is always up there, 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 minds also need a rest after a long day of stress. Having an “unrested brain” can lead to depression and anxiety which can lead to a conundrum between life and death. Finding someone to talk to is very important because this helps us recover while having a “shoulder to cry on”. Also, being the one who listens to someone’s problem can be a huge help 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.

1. Circle sections 5. Johnny ____ of "Finding Neverland" 9. Food fish 12. Cool!

13. Unwritten 14. Unrefined metal 15. Bargain 17. TV network 18. Gridiron number 19. Chore 21. Part of the UK 22. Tycoon's property 25. Lease 28. Paid for everyone 29. Animosity

Copyright @ www.horoscope.com

DOWN

You can never be anyone other than who you are, Aries! That's the way it is, and you can't change it. Other members of your family may have dreamed of getting free of a duty or a moral lesson, but these dreams don't apply to you. Your dreams of being someone else are like phantoms that have come back to haunt you. Simply brush them away!

Deep inside, don't you have an urge to breathe new spirit into your love life? Of course, some things are more easily said than done. Currently, you don't have much time to devote to yourself, much less your partner. Affection could thrive if given half a chance. The day suggests that you commit yourself to making some decisions that will help bring you and your mate closer.

The day ahead may bring a storm of individualism and independence. You usually tolerate the quirks and minor shortcomings of your friends or family members, but today they present real obstacles to your relationships. The only way to remedy the situation is to go on vacation. Spending some time alone will keep you out of trouble.

It's time to get what you need, Scorpio. Your desires don't always go in a direction that does you the most good, and this can cause tension. You feel as though it's impossible to combine your desires with what is good for you, notably in your love life. You wrestle with whether you should remain in your "creative" cave or share your life with someone. It doesn't have to be one or the other.

If you want to make the best of the day ahead, Gemini, try to convince your team or family to work together. This is tricky to do, what with everyone's schedule being so demanding right now. Hard as it is to coordinate their efforts and orchestrate harmony, the strength of your character and your team spirit will make it all work out.

Take cover, Sagittarius, because today promises to be an emotional roller coaster!

Something seems to be askew with your relationships, and you feel torn in opposite directions. One force is pushing you to enrich your inner universe and another force is pushing you into the arms of someone you've recently met. Stay busy to avoid confrontation.

The day ahead won't be easy, Cancer. A glimpse at your love life reveals that you will be bridling at certain inhibitions. You long for peace and stability, and at the moment everything is in suspense. Use the day ahead to gain some perspective on the situation. Until the ice melts and the flow of events resumes, why not devote your energy to some other endeavor?

People are going to think you're a star today, Capricorn! Although you may not feel that way about yourself. What's gotten into you lately? Have you lost confidence in yourself? Are you now compensating for it? Do you feel a need for more success in your life? All this is possible, but you will have to take some risks if you're going to progress.

Lately, you've been nursing a feeling that your partner is inattentive. The tension has been building up and today, Leo, you're likely to boil over with the rage that comes from one too many doubts and suspicions. The forecast for love is stormy, without a doubt. But making up after the quarrel promises to be lots of fun.

Stop asking if you're gifted, Aquarius. This definitely isn't the time for such questions. Now is the time to work on something concrete. You will need the help of others if you're to succeed, so get to work convincing them to ally with you. You may have to reveal more of yourself than you normally do in order to sway people to your side. It's time to get out of your hole and take action!

Some days it's better to be on vacation! That's what you're liable to think today.

All your projects are mired in quicksand, and you feel like you're spinning your wheels. But even if things are momentarily stuck, don't lose faith. Your inner self is gaining stability. When the time is right, it will be strong and reliable.

A partner for life or a brief encounter, which will it be? This is today's question.

Why not choose both? Can you imagine being your partner's lover while keeping your independence? Don't be influenced by old models that force you to choose between these two ideas. Don't forget that in our modern world, your choices aren't as limited as you might think!

October 2020 Crossword's Solution

ACROSS

1. Diarist ___ Frank 2. Stagger 3. Enclosure 4. Range 5. Accomplishing 6. Notable period 7. Sewing guide 8. Made happy 9. Large parrot 10. Ball 11. _____ Moines 16. Perfect gymnastics score 20. Terminal (abbr.)

23. Shore bird 24. Perimeter

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30. Capsize 32. Association (abbr.)

33. Singer Frank ___ 35. Billfold item 36. Tiny 37. Make a selection 40. Actor ______ Baldwin 41. Expire 45. Trumpeter ___ Severinsen 47. Deep respect 49. Shoemaker's tool 50. Genesis site 51. Wound remainder 52. Formerly called 53. Disappointing grades 54. Sensible 25. Speech impediment 26. Buffalo's lake 27. Suckered limb 28. Pekoe, e.g.

30. Spoke 31. Come before 34. Have a cold 37. Uncovers 38. Part of MPH 39. Ringlet 42. Ancient Peruvian 43. Read a bar code 44. Present!

45. Newsman ___ Rather 46. Be beholden to 48. Neckline shape

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!

October 2020 Issue Sudoku's Solution

Copyright @ www.puzzles.ca

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

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

TFCC at Five

Five Years of Connecting, Sharing, and Inspiring the Community

Written by: Shalom Brian Mercader ‘The Landlocked Sea Gypsy’ Shalom is an Engineer from the Philippines where he loved to fish, dive and sail.

He is currently a Power Engineer in Calgary looking for ways to fish, dive and sail again.

T

he year 2020 will be in our memories as a year of disaster and tragedy, with few exceptions. COVID19’s devastation knew no boundaries; people, families, communities, economies, countries, were all affected. As I recall from my Philosophy class many kilos and years ago, every generalization is a fallacy. The principle of duality suggests that for every aspect of life, there exists a balanced interaction of opposite and competing forces. From all the doom and gloom this year has brought to us, it’s understandably difficult to break away from the momentum of the year and see the positive. Allow me to share the light that I have seen.

This year has brought upon more than fifty shades of gray, all the way into bleak darkness, again with few exceptions. Our psychological inertia brings us back to that box of dread, filled with the full range of nasties from nuisance to death when we reflect on the year 2020. There is the lightest shade of grey which exists that does not cross into the boundary where the purest white begins, and that is where the grassroots organization called The Filipino Champions of Canada, better know by the Acronym TFCC, actually flourishes. That lightest shade of grey is that their fifth anniversary happens this 2020, but the saving grace is that their purpose thrives in these difficult times.

By the name, the unfamiliar might think of an honor society complete with the snob appeal, but it is hardly that. Every success story starts with a humbling experience; an underdog, being discriminated, starting from absolute scratch regardless of your social, professional, or academic pedigree. The vision of TFCC was to connect share and inspire the Filipino-Canadian community, which by the end of each talk, opens a wellspring of much needed hope for the Filipino immigrant.

The talks have been outpourings of humbling paths to success, dire experiences, support and resources to overcome challenges, and other useful information that have become community tools for success. In the many Champion’s talks that TFCC has conducted, the central focus has always been the journey. The stories are much like Philippine contemporary cinema, with complete genres but mostly drama and action, all the literary conflicts of man versus man, man versus himself, man versus nature, man versus technology, man versus state, man versus fate. As an immigrant, I can cite an example for all of these, preferably with a sixpack of Red Horse beer and a plate of spicy sisig or crispy pata. Perhaps the greatest fallacy that the emerging immigrant falls for after deciding to leave their country of origin is that they can maintain their level of prominence upon arrival.

They will never know and only later believe the tales of 16-hour workdays, double jobs, and literal sweat and tears that the immigrant more commonly experiences in their journeys. The life and experiences of immigrants is understood to be difficult, but those who never left their comfort zone will never know what that means until they become one. The new immigrant needs to hit the ground running because the cost of living in Canada will come to your doorstep very pleasantly like the Electrolux man, but will tear away at your precious show money or life savings like a wrecking ball. These days the younger generation would say; the (immigration) struggle is real.

As much wealth of information there is available now through the internet, so is the amount of false or expired knowledge that some people come across. There is no real way for you to completely prepare for migration, and that is where TFCC comes in.

TFCC is about championing communities. It is a non-profit, grassroots organization that started in Calgary, Alberta in 2015. It was the seed crystal for the gem that is in the true Filipino spirit. That much-needed community-building platform generated the overwhelming community support that has fueled its events and advocacies in the past five years, and people have noticed. So far, TFCC has ridden high and fast on this wave of bayanihan, a testament that Filipinos are not just the Juans who religiously send money back to the Philippines. The Filipino is here to help build the Canadian community. Bayanihan is so dryly translated as “communal unity and cooperation”, as badly as a hundred or so variations of puto, suman, kutsinta, bibingka, sapin-sapin and what not in the Philippines is reduced to one “rice cake” in English.

There are many immigrant support mechanisms, especially in Canada, and some start even before the immigrant’s journey begins. If I have convinced you of the pains and difficulty of migration, I assure you that Canada has one of the best immigrant support systems for its scale. I recall having to attend two separate preparatory sessions prior to our departure to Canada. One was sponsored by the Canadian Embassy, and the second one was sponsored by the Philippine government. Both were informative, but no immigrant support can inspire, and furthermore, integrate the migrant into the local community like TFCC. There are valuable and very tangible lessons from actual successes and the struggles that preceded. One thing that can never be canned or precooked then packed and frozen to be served later is the hope and encouragement that audiences experience from speakers reliving their struggle.

The hope, experiences, and community connections are there, and there is nothing more authentic or credible.

The second surprise for a first-time attendee to any of their many events, is that there is nothing exclusively Filipino in these events. The foundation and theme of TFCC is so universal in its appeal that you will find other nationalities, and even Canadians in the audience or beside you in one of their Filipino breakfast talks like the one I attended at Max’s. You probably wonder if they like our food, and most do, but don’t bring out the balut and dinuguan until you’re sure beyond their Canadian politeness that they’re game.

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One of the common surprises for most migrants entering Canada is the multiculturalism in Canadian communities. My parents were surprised to find so many other nationalities of immigrants when they first visited. In my youth our family loved to travel on a budget and we loved to sample local cuisine, so Calgary was a smorgasbord like a buy-one-get-20-free deal that we never thought existed before.

The diverse culinary representation is backed in equal proportion by the diversity of cultures.

Filipinos are neither a majority or minority in the immigrant population in Calgary, but what we lack in numbers, we certainly make up for in different ways. The Filipino worker is known as a powerhouse, driven by their personal values and desire to provide for their immediate and/or extended families back in the Philippines. You might also observe that the Filipino vehicle is the most nationally-represented on Calgary roads, with Filipino-themed or flag-derived car stickers. The Filipino community is more than apparent and appreciated, especially in the Province of Alberta where in 2019 we started celebrating June as Philippine Heritage Month.

There were more than 195,000 Filipinos in Alberta in the 2016 Census, more than enough for Filipinos to start gathering to share food, music, and other community events. In its first three years, TFCC organized more than 30 community events including Champions Talks, fundraisers and other community-building events, engaging thousands of participants.

COVID-19 put a damper on the 5th Anniversary celebration of TFCC, but there was no stopping the heart and purpose of TFCC as they went as far out to Jasper, Pincher Creek, Lethbridge, Hinton and Edson, very quietly through the YYC Pinoy Cares Community Outreach program. The community focus shines even brighter in the darkest of times.

This year, TFCC is on its 5th year anniversary with optimistic plans for a much-deserved celebration in early 2021.

On this occasion, TFCC would like to celebrate all our pandemic heroes, front liners and all, who made a difference and positive impact to the community.

The pandemic had disproportionately affected immigrants, Filipinos included.

Those adversities were mere calls into force for the Filipino bayanihan spirit.

There can never be enough gratitude expressed for our front liners, even until after the pandemic. Community needs diversify and become more intense beyond medical needs. Within Filipino communities, humble heroes emerge in full range, from the simply checking on friends, to grocery errands, to more committed efforts such as community outreaches, fundraising, donations and more impactful job loss support through referrals and loan assistance.

Inspiration | Philanthropy

27

TFCC Team headed by Founder & President, Mr. Jerry Caingcoy

TFCC Breakfast of the Champions (Agahan sa Pasko) 2020

TFCC 2019 Annual Gala and Awards - 12 National Awardees with Hon. Consul General Gilberto Asoque

Shalom Brian Mercader , Engineer, UP graduate speaks at the 8th Champions Talk

TFCC First Champions Talk - Cagary, February 2016

The entire world community was affected, and within these larger communities, stronger Filipino microcommunities very smoothly slipped into top-tier bayanihan mode.

We will soon turn the page to a new year where uncertainties and difficulties are woven into the new normal. People are more resilient in communities and gel together in the worst adversities, almost like gravity.

The multiplier effect is strongest in the healthiest and most functional communities. Moving forward, the approach and methods may change, but the community building role of TFCC will have greater significance.

TFCC is driven by a team of community champions themselves: Jerry Caingcoy, Abel Pagaling, Brent Anotado Hanes Marasigan-Anotado,

and Kathy Arellano.

Feel free to checkout their Facebook page find out more about past successes, future community activities, and more importantly for opportunities to participate.

Remember that in our being, we are drawn by gravity to our communities, and communities to other communities.

Hopefully by this same gravity, the light and energy needed to overcome this pandemic will emerge.

For more information about TFCC: Website www.thefilipinochampionsofcanada.ca Facebook TFCC - The Filipino Champions of Canada Instagram tfcc_canada

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Immigration Solutions | Business

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

IMMIGRATION: A Beacon Of Hope

Stephen Burry Stephen Burry is the Lead Consultant and owner of Freedom Migrate Immigration Solutions Limited, an immigration consultancy firm based in Calgary, Alberta. Stephen is licensed with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). He can be reached at 403-520-2277 or call/ text at 587-938-3100. Email: freedommigrate@gmail.com Website: www.freedommigrate.ca

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

Sleepless in YYC Question from Anne in Calgary, AB: I arrived in Canada 5 years ago on a labour market assessment work permit working as a restaurant server.

I was reunited with my family here in Canada and am happy to be with them as I am the last of the family left in the Philippines. I was laid off from my job in March of this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have been out of status since April when my work permit expired. I am an unskilled worker and cannot apply for permanent residency and do not have the required funds to go back to school on a study permit. I am a single mom with two Canadian-born children and am afraid that we will be forced to go home. What should I do?

Answer: Hi Anne, thank you for the question. You may have a couple of options to resolve your status issue and eventually obtain permanent residency. However, because your work permit expired in April of 2020, you have exhausted your ninety (90) day restoration period and now would likely have a hard time successfully transitioning to

a study permit or another work permit with a qualifying job offer.

But not all hope is lost!

You may qualify for the humanitarian and compassionate considerations application for permanent residency.

This application is only used in extreme circumstances and is based on your own unique situation. Essentially you are asking the Canadian government to grant you permanent residency based on compassionate grounds and give you an exemption from the normal rules for permanent residency qualification. You will have to provide proof of your establishment in Canada, your ties to Canada including family members, and prove any hardship or difficulties that you might face in your home country if you were forced to return. Immigration officers also have a legislative requirement to assess the best interests of any children involved. Because you have two Canadian-born children with extensive family inside Canada, that will be considered in your application. As a rule, we always

check to make sure that there are no other potential pathways that might work better for you. Humanitarian and compassionate considerations can be a very lengthy file and may require additional steps to ensure you can stay inside the country.

Your second option may be to apply for a temporary resident permit (TRP) from within Canada to help bridge your status to a study permit or work permit. A temporary resident permit allows you a temporary waiver to stay in Canada while you

Rest assured! Freedom Migrate offers full representation for the entire process. Our prices are very reasonable, and we work hard to build a competitive application.

Keep on Cookin’ Question from Edwardo in Leduc, AB: I have been working in Alberta for the last year as a temporary foreign worker and recently read about the changes to the temporary foreign worker program and the nomination program. I am worried this may affect me! I am working as a cook in a restaurant and my work permit and labour market assessment document expire in one year. I also have two years of experience in Macau as a cook before coming to Canada. What are my options? Can I renew my work permit? Should I apply for a provincial nomination?

Answer: Great question Edwardo! Yes, the Alberta provincial government recently made significant changes to the temporary foreign worker program and have essentially eliminated the program short term to address the higher unemployment rate in Alberta and the changing labour needs of Alberta employers. To be blunt – outside of the extremely limited exemptions – the temporary foreign worker program has been suspended indefinitely. Even though temporary foreign workers currently in Alberta are not directly affected, you will be directly affected when you renew your work permit. Our advice would be for you to pursue an Alberta Opportunity Stream application right away! Because your job occupation as a cook is classified as a semi-skilled job and you have

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bridge to another status option. A TRP may allow you to bridge to a study permit program where you can work your way to qualifying for permanent residency. This option is rare and must be coupled with a plan to bridge to another status document.

been working for 12 months inside Alberta, the Alberta Opportunity Stream program will allow you to apply immediately for a provincial nomination and a special invite for permanent residency. These applications can take some time, thus why we advise you to start immediately so you can ensure you have your nomination in time before your work permit expires. To qualify —among other requirements — you need a combination of either 12 months of employment in your occupation as a cook in Alberta within the last 18 months, or 24 months of experience in your occupation in Canada and/or abroad within the last 30 months. You will need a CLB 5 in an approved English language test, and a valid job offer and employment letter. You also need to meet the minimum education requirements and be currently settled in Alberta.

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

Have a question? Send us your submission to freedommigrate@ gmail.com or call/text 587-9383100 from anywhere in Alberta!

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

Points of View | Poetry

NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Mga Magagawa Natin Sa Panahon ng Pandemiya ni Jonabel Z. Cabasal

Mounting Opposition to Healthcare Privatization Grows Stronger JUST LISTEN

Nicky Gocuan, PMAA ngocuan@yahoo.com Nicky Gocuan has been a Columnist/ Photojournalist for over 15 years. He finished his Degree in Communication Arts at De La Salle University in 1990.

After obtaining his University degree, Gocuan joined the Print Media and has contributed for The Philippine Star, Pilipino Star and later moved to Bagong Pinoy, where he wrote a regular opinion column. He also went on to write a showbiz column for The Tribune and Remate.

Halos mag-isang taon na ang nakakalipas Mundo’y kasalukuyang pa ring dumaranas Ng mga pangamba, pagdalamhati at kahirapan Na dulot nitong Covid 19 na salot sa lipunan.

Mga ngiti at kasabikan mula sa ating mga kabataan Ay di na rin nasisilayan , sambit kadalasan “Hanggang kailan mawawala ang pandemic na ito?

Pag-aaral sa paaralan ay kinasabikan ko na nang husto.”

Mga pagtitipon ay kontrolado na rin Gustuhin mang sa ibang lugar makarating Ngunit sa isip namamayani ang Covid 19 Pati na rin ang posibleng araw ng quarantine.

Mga kamay ay tuyung-tuyo na rin Dulot ng sanitizer na laging gamit natin Sa panahon na mask ay suot Pakiramdam sa lalamunan ay parang laging tagtuyot.

Sa likod ng mga dulot ng Covid 19 Naitanong mo ba sa iyong sarili?

“Anong dapat kong gawin upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng virus?”

May magagawa tayo upang pandemiya ay matapos sa awa ng Diyos.

Simulan sa sarili ang pagiging malinis Sa pangarap na makapasyal, habaan muna ang tiis Wastong paghuhugas ng mga kamay ay dapat ugaliin Ito’y mahalaga upang kalusugan ay mapanatili natin.

29

Gocuan has experience in covering the Police beat, Political beat, and Entertainment beat before landing in the Sports beat.

He later wrote a regular sports column for Remate Tonight.

During this time, he was elected President of the Philippine Basketball Association Press Photographers Club (PBAPPC) for Two Terms and helped uplift the status of the group to become a part of the 5 Man Mythical Committee in the PBA. He is currently the President of The Philippine Media Association of Alberta (PMAA) and Host of a weekly radio program ‘The Fourth Estate” on Tala Luvz Radio in Calgary.

F

irst it was the doctors, then it was the nurses, then the other support workers for the patients in the hospital who handle the maintenance, linen, food. Now, there is an attack on the Privacy of Albertans. What is next? The mounting problems of the Kenney-led Alberta Government continue to rise.

Alberta doctors are starting to leave the province to go to others after the government failed to negotiate a new contract with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) that both parties will be amendable to. Health Minister

Tyler Shandro has put forward a new fee structure that Alberta doctors do not agree with.

As high as 40% of the 1,472 doctors surveyed by the AMA has responded and is considering moving out of the province. Alberta is home to outstanding doctors. If they leave, what happens to our Public Healthcare System? As it is, we already have a shortage of doctors, thus the delay in some procedures. The recent changes do not help the wait times but only increase the animosity in the healthcare system.

To add to the burden, Health Minister Shandro wants to cut 10,300 full-time positions, which will include hundreds of nursing and clinical support positions. All this in the middle of a pandemic.

And it does not end there. Shandro wants to access the Medical Records of Albertans. This is getting out of hand and ridiculous.

The very government that was supposed to protect its citizens now wants to pass Bill 46, which will give the Health Minister the power to access Netcare. There must be a way to stop this. Albertans must not allow this to happen. Why does he want to access and control of the Private Health records of Albertans?

The system is not broken so why change it? Stop touching our public healthcare system and stop trying to privatize it.

If there are going to be changes in the Public Healthcare System, there should be a referendum before change happens and I bet that Albertans do not agree with any of this.

As I have mentioned before, Shandro is picking a fight that is directly affecting the Kenney Government and I am giving Premier Jason Kenney the benefit of the doubt, but here is the challenge for Mr. Kenney: If you do not agree with what Mr. Shandro is doing, then relieve him of his post as Minister of Health. If you do not relieve him, then it just means you are supporting all these moves, which are detrimental not only to Albertans but also to the Province.

Not negotiating is a show of bad faith, so stop blaming the deficit

Health Minister Tyler Shandro

and making it an excuse. The Alberta Medical Association (AMA) in its effort to help in Alberta’s budgeting, offered to hold the Physician budget for the next three years. This means they are not getting any increase for 3 years and if actual costs run over the Government budget, then the Association will implement a fee reduction to help meet the budget.

“Doctors are not looking to be paid more. We do not want to contribute to Alberta’s economic, financial issues. Our issues are about the way we have been treated,” says AMA President Christine Molnar.

The picture has become very clear. In the most recent UCP Alberta AGM, the party voted to put forward Privatized Healthcare.

With the Oil Industry still hurting, as well as mounting job losses, are you ready to pay more out of your pocket for your Healthcare and add this to your monthly bill? If your answer is “No”, then start writing yo your MLA and tell them to stop meddling with the public healthcare system and planning to privatize it. If this does not stop, we are going to lose a very talented pool of doctors. I am not surprised that our healthcare workers have started to show their disgust for the policies that the Kenney government has put forward by recently walking off from their jobs. I won’t be surprised if it happens again. Public Healthcare is not a business. It is a service to the citizens of the Province. Tell the Health Minister to listen to the people and stop playing King!

He is a public servant, not a king.

Sumunod sa mga alituntuning ipinapatupad ng pamahalaan ‘Pagkat hangad nila’y kapakanan ng lahat Karapatan din nating ipaalala sa mga kahera sa pamilihan Gamitan ng sanitizer mga debit machines pagkatapos ng bayaran.

Ikaw, ako , tayo Marami pang mga ninanais abutin sa buhay na ito Tungkulin mo’y gawin at ganun na rin sa akin Upang buhay na normal ay maibalik na rin sa atin.

This poem is about what each of us can do to battle the pandemic. I was inspired to write this poem because I often hear people’s complaints regarding wearing masks. When I entered a store and noticed that the cashiers were not even sanitizing the debit machines after a customer used it, I had to remind them. It was a public place and if you notice the same, you have the right to remind them to sanitize in order to avoid the spread of germs and viruses. This is the so-called social responsibility.

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Para-legal Services | Philanthropy | Greetings

FRONTLINER

ISA KANG BAYANI (YOU’RE A HERO)

Farah Plata Pharmacist Westmount Pharmacy

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL NOVEMBER 2020

This column aims to recognize and appreciate everyone’s heroism when facing the challenges of life with courage and equanimity. Our society truly needs virtuous people like you. Indeed, we can speak of the truth, though, it may be hard; but we can soften it with kindness.”A grand salute to our heroes!

Reynaldo Acub and Ed Environmental Services University of Alberta Hospital

Penelope Jane Cabanban Health Care Aide University of Alberta Hospital

CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE: Moving Ahead Birthdays are everyone’s most cherished moment as this is when we celebrate the covenant between life and its Giver.

Nobody is born alone. There are two causes of life that we have to acknowledge, appreciate, and recognize. The first is the Ultimate Cause or Giver, our God and the second are the proximate causes, our parents. Now, He who doesn’t acknowledge, appreciate, and recognize his or her life is also rejecting its Causes. Lucky are these individuals who truly celebrate life with the significant people around. May you all continue to share the gift of life to others. Active co-existence follows essence.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTHEW BRIONES GAMBLE (17 years old) AND SCARLET MATIONG (8 years old). Palabok Babies.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JO JO LOHNES, RN (right) COACT Leader Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton Greeter: Angela San Pedro

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARNEL GUERERRO. Enjoying life with his wife Cecille.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIA SYLVESTER (Left) Service Worker Labor and Delivery Ward Royal Aexandra Hospital, Edmonton Greeter: Angela San Pedro (right)

Quarantined @ 18 Happy 18th Birthday Angelique Alix

Celebrating a birthday alone is not a celebration Friends who celebrate birthdays together stay together. Much has been said about friendship.

But, the reality for everyone is one and the same: A real friend, regardless of distance, will surely decide to come over to greet a friend in person when circumstances permit. This gesture is a sure way to make each celebrant the happiest person in the world. Similarly, visitors are happy when the celebrants are happy.

Birthday celebrants (from left): Anna De Leon, Lydia Jimenez, and Amie Rodis

Happy Birthday Lydia Jimenez

Happy Birthdays Anna, Lydia, and Amie!

From left: Amelia Daglig, Jencet Montano, Amie Rodis, Elvie Chua, Lydia Jimenez, Baida Pagtakhan, and Dr. Chum

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NOVEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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