Alberta Filipino Journal - October 2018 Issue

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OCTOBER 2018 • Volume 11, Number 10

How did I become involve?

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joins SAP Go in A Bigger and Better Royal Duterte filing COC for senator Alberta Museum Opens

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Quite Instrumental to the artistic design and construction of the RAM, Architect Donna Clare, inhesitantly posed with the Alberta Filipino Journal Team during the Museum’s soft opening.

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BUSINESS

OCTOBER 2018

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

OCTOBER 2018

GOVERNMENT | COMMUNITY | BUSINESS

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www.iccrc-crcic.ca

Meeting Jason Kenney By Chance WHAT's Inside: A reader's guide Edmonton, October 14, 2018 - Jason Kenney couldn’t run away from the attention of the crownd after the celebration of the Mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church last Sunday. Ne ended up answering to the ambush interviews and questions of the parishioners from the Church entrance up to the foyer.

He was then assisted by some of his staff and political allies and had the chance to meet some of the Filipino businessmen and leaders as well. Marjorie Newman and her family were there too.

Kaya Ko; Kaya Mo Radyo Sa Dyaryo From Migration to Immigration Through a Teenager’s Eyes From Dream Into Beam Perezcope A Moving Stick Had Blocked My Way Editor’s Corner Sports Journal A Bigger and Better Royal Alberta Museum Opens General Point Of View Jan The Man’s Note Just Listen Resources on Addiction Issues Migrants' Voices Filipinavigation Make Our Daily Gospel Reading Trending From a Vantage Point Artospective - an artist’s point of view

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Crowd by the Church Entrance All photos and articles available online. Follow us

At the Church Foyer

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COMMUNITY | BUSINESS

OCTOBER 2018

Philippine Media Association of Alberta Induction set

By Moses Billacura

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repa ra tions a re on the way for the inaugural induction of officers and members of the Philippine Media Association of Alberta(PMAA).

PMAA president Nicky Gocuan of the Alberta Filipino Journal announced that they have set November 10 as Induction night at the Palabok House along 51 Avenue in Edmonton.

Invitations have been sent to public and private organization leaders in the province, according to Gocuan, a former reporter of a national broadsheet in the Philippines, The Philippine Star and other daily publications before moving to Canada and writing for the Filipino Journal.

The PMAA was incorporated last May 24 as a non-profit organization that will help in the promotion of the Filipino community in both print and online editions.

Photos by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal

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

OCTOBER 2018

BUSINESS | HEALTH | PARA-LEGAL SERVICES

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Filipinos Success' Stories:

Kaya Ko, Kaya Mo! If I can, You surely can!

By Mia DM

“Live on Air “

The Latorre smile with A musical style

BUSINESS | INSPIRATION | MEDIA PARTNERSHIP

OCTOBER 2018

ng Alberta Filipino Journal sa paglalahad ng katotohanan at nag mumulat sa lahat.

Lubos puso akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng taga subaybay ng aming programa. Sa lahat ng suporta at pakikigulo araw-araw. Kayo po ang aming inspirasyon.

Lunes hanggang Biyernes sa inyong talapitan 101.7 World FM Himig Pinoy.

Download the app today!

101.7 World FM.

Rolan Latorre also known as DJ Rolan is the Guru of 101.7 world FM Himig Pinoy Filipino Radio segment with his co DJ Mia DM. DJ Rolan started as a volunteer DJ under CKER 12 years ago.

Ang Himig Pinoy ay nakalaan para sa kasiyahan ng mga kababayan natin sa Alberta. Ang Lunes ay nakalaan para sa kaalaman at lagging panig sa katotohanan, base sa mga istorya ng tagumpay at pagbibigay ng dagdag kaalaman sa ating mga kababayan. Ang Martes naman ay para sa mga nais maglahad ng inbitasyon sa mga okasyon sa komunidad. Ang Miyerkules ay para sa mga OPM artists kung saan pumipili kami ng natataging talent mula sa industriya ng musika.

Ang Huwebes ay para sa “throwback” kung saan pinapatugtog naming ang mga awitin mulasa 70’s, 80’s at 90’s. Ang Biyernes naman ay “Party Friday” mga awiting para sa kasiyanahan at sayawan.

Bukod sa mga nabanggit na segments ay Himig Pinoy ay katuwang

RADYO SA DYARYO: Magkatulong Sa Pamamahayag At Pag-Aliw Sa Lipunang Pilipino

DJ Rolan, Hannah Adamson, DJ Mia, Tony Surtida, and Douglas Adamson

DJ Mia, Ms. Fire Jean Pulongbarit De Jesus, DJ Rolan

Ang Pagtatagni-tagni ng mga balitang pang-masa sa saliw ng mga awiting Pinoy sa pamamagitan ng Tahanan ng OPM-Himig Pinoy-101.7 World FM. Kakambal nito ang isa sa pangunahing dyaryo sa Alberta-ang Pulso ng Lipunang Filipino sa Alberta – Alberta Filipino Journal!

Freddie Aguilar and his Band at 101.7 World FM - Himig Pinoy

Nanay Cora Velasco and Jean De Jesus- DJ Jo-ann, Teacher Leila, DJ Rolan Ms. Fire 2018 (Miss Earth Philippines)

DJ Mia, Doctor Rod Montano of Great Smile Dental Clinic, DJ Rolan

OCTOBER 2018

IMMIGRATION CONSULTANCY SERVICES | OPINION | CLASSIFIED AD

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Canadian Experience Class Work Experience Requirement

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client came to see me for a consultation with regard to his work experience under the Canadian Experience Class. Let us revisit the eligibility requirement under CEC. To qualify for the Canadian Experience Class, a foreign national needs 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) Canadian work experience in a NOC 0, A or B occupation. Under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)program, which provide that the minimum qualifying experience must be continuous and in the same National Occupation Classification (NOC), experience under the Canadian Experience or CEC category, one does not need to meet either of those requirements. So, the applicant can use non-continuous eligible work experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the CEC program and the work experience can be in more than one NOC. He wasstill confused after I explainedthe difference to him, which is understandable. Pleasenote the different requirements between the FSW and CEC programs.

For clarity, why don’t we examine

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 previously served as Prairie Chapter representative for the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC) in the Governance and Nomination Committee and Education Director. Marjorie is a three-year recipient of CAPIC's Service Award.

the sections from the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations that apply to both programs.

Under the Canadian Experience Class program, IRPR provides that: 87.1 (1) For the purposes of subsection 12(2) of the Act, the Canadian experience class is prescribed as a class of persons who may become permanent residents on the basis of their ability to become economically established in Canada, their experience in Canada, and their intention to reside in a province other than the Province of Quebec.

Member of the class (2) A foreign national is a member of the Canadian experience class if (a) they have acquired in Canada, within the three years before the date on which their application for permanent residence is made, at least one year of full-time work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work experience, in one or more occupations that are listed in Skill Type 0 Management Occupations or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupational Classification matrix, exclusive of restricted occupations; and

Through a Teenager’s Eyes

when you are around. I do not even speak when you are close because I am very shy. I do not even know if I still like you… it’s because I already love you. Under the moon and under the stars, I will love you. I will love you even when the world shakes and even if the whole world turns its back on us, I will be with you. I do not know if you’re the one but I really hope you are. The one who will be with me until I grow old. The one that will love me unconditionally.

The one that I will kiss and hug every moment we’re together. The one that I will hold hands with, under the lamps across the streets and the trees that spring from among the grass. I hope that you are the one that I will ask to be my spouse with the blessing of the Lord. I do not even know why I love you…

KRISTIAN CERENO Kristian Cereno is a Grade 9 Student of St. Mark’s Catholic School in Edmonton. His hobbies include writing poems, composing songs, and playing volleyball. In the long run, he hopes to learn to play hockey the Canadian way.

This Book is For You Chapter 4: I Wish…

I wish upon the gods and stars above, to grant me the only thing I ask for - and that is you. A Wish, a word that I can compare to my “dreams”.

I dream of catching your heart as the fruit of my hard work. It really soothes my heart to the point where I can just forget about my problems, because you are the only thing on my mind. You run across my thoughts and it seems that when you started, you

did not learn how to stop, because if you did, I would not be thinking of you right now. I truly wish the time comes where I can have the courage to tell you how I really feel...

Chapter 5: I Don’t Know…

I don’t know… I do not even know what I am feeling at this very moment. My heart keeps on beating heavily. I can hear every beat in my ear, one after the other. I don’t know why my tongue seems to be cut off

In comparison with the FSW Program: 75 (1) For the purposes of subsection 12(2) of the Act, the federal skilled worker class is hereby prescribed as a class of persons who are skilled workers and who may become permanent residents on the basis of their ability to become economically established in Canada and who intend to reside in a province other than the Province of Quebec.

Skilled workers (2) A foreign national is a skilled worker if (a) within the 10 years before the date on which their application for a permanent resident visa is made, they have accumulated, over a continuous period, at least one year of full-time work experience, or the equivalent in part-time work, in the occupation identified by the foreign national in their application as their primary occupation, other than a restricted occupation, that is

listed in Skill Type 0 Management Occupations or Skill Level A or B of the National Occupational Classification matrix The applicant was happy to learn that he meets the work experience requirement of the Canadian Experience Class.

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

Chapter 6: A Soldier with No Weapons My love, I just want to let you know that I love you very much.

Maybe I should really confess how I feel about you. I am so stupid to not tell you how I really feel. I know that if I do not tell you as soon as possible, someone will probably go ahead of me and I will lose my chance with you. But I am just a soldier with no weapons. No weapons to fight the swords and arrows of time. Time kills me slowly as it moved forward.

Every moment, time is wasted for me. I am like a soldier who does not know what to do. I am just a soldier with no gun but I fight with a pen and paper. I am fighting a war, a war just to get your heart. A war between me and the world around you. My love, I promise, I will try my best to win this war – to get you and have you in my arms. My love… I will fight for you…

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EDUCATION | AFJ TEAM

OCTOBER 2018

Work Experience Requirements for your Application to APEGA’s Professional License

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ilipino engineers are equipped with valuable technical experiences they took with them when they migrated to Canada. These experiences can be credited in pursuing their professional engineering license.

Recently, the APEGA defined a new procedure in documenting and submitting your Experience Record that forma part of your application package. If you started your application before May 2, 2018 – these changes do not apply to the applicant.

The information provided in this article are lifted from the APEGA website (www.apega.ca) and internationally educated engineers that wish to apply must follow these new procedures.

The Work Experience Requirement for registration in the Province of Alberta as Professional Engineer is very crucial in the approval of your license.

The Applicant must complete two forms to confirm their work experience: the Work Record Validator List (WRVL)

FROM DREAM INTO BEAM MERVIN MENDOZA CERENO mmcereno@gmail.com

Mervin Cereno is a Filipino Engineer, Academic and Entrepreneur who chose to migrate to Canada. He is working on his research to complete his Master’s Degree from the University of Alberta. Presently, he is working on his Canadian Professional Experience to eventually earn his Professional Engineering Status in the Province of Alberta.

For more advice on pursuing your application – please contact me at cereno@ualberta.ca or mmcereno@gmail.com.

and the Competency-Based Assessment Tool (CBAT). The WRVL measures the duration of an applicant's experience, while the CBAT captures the content.

The WRVL is used to confirm that

Published by Angeles Publishing Company Inc. 246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2T2 Jose L. Angeles Publisher / Chief Operating Officer Sales & Advertising CP: 780-916-7677 Landline: 780-988-8889 Fax: 780-988-2221 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com Lito Mendoza Velasco Editor-in-Chief / Associate Publisher 780-655-5126 editor@albertafilipinojournal.com Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles Administrator / Office Manager Sales & Advertising 780-993-5503 mangeles@albertafilipinojournal.com Mark Destacamento Promotions, Sales & Advertising Lianne Angeles Proofreader l Contributing Writer 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, Rosalyn Estoque, Perry Diaz

you have obtained at least 48 months of professional-level engineering experience and the WRVL may be referenced by a manager, Human Resources staff, or other person who can confirm your work chronology.

This reference does not need to have in-depth technical knowledge of the work that you performed.

The CBAT is used to confirm that you have achieved proficiency in the 22 competencies and indicators required for registration as a Professional Engineer.

You can provide multiple indicators to support each competency. Each competency must also be validated by a professional member or senior practitioner who took technical responsibility for your work and witnessed you perform the specified indicators.

Competency-Based Assessment Tool (CBAT) When completing your CBAT - on each page of the form, you will need to provide: •at least one situation in which you proved competency •several actions you took within the situation that support your competency •the outcome of your actions. This should include a basic summary of the solution, product, process, or other outcome of the situation and your actions APEGA's Board of Examiners will assess your competence on the information you and your validators provide—and nothing else. In writing your CBAT, you should write it in first person (“I” not “We”) to show that you really take the ownership of your statements in the CBAT. The competencies that the board of examiner will look at in your experiences are listed below and they define it as crucial to the professional practice of Engineering.

They are based on your decisions, behaviors, or applications of skill or knowledge, in response to different employment situations.

Each competency is evaluated against a score from 0 to 5.

•0 demonstrates no awareness for the competency •5 shows a mature level of practice

You will assess yourself on each key competency. You must meet a minimum score of 1 on each key competency while also meeting the minimum overall average level for each competency category.

Applicants need to include specific details of their personal work experience for each competency. A copy and paste of the provided indicators will not be accepted.

Competency Category 1 – Technical Competence 1. Regulation, Codes, and Standards 2. Project and Design Constraints 3. Risk Identification and Mitigation 4. Application of Theory 5. Solution Techniques 6. Safety Awareness 7. Systems and Their Components 8. Project and Life Cycle 9. Quality Control 10. Engineering Documentation Competency Category 2 – Communication 1. Oral Communication 2. Written Communication 3. Reading and Comprehension Competency Category 3 – Project and Financial Management 3.1 Project Management Principals 3.1 Finances and Budget Competency Category 4 – Team Effectiveness 4.1 Resolve Differences Competency Category 5 – Professionalism 5.1 Professional Accountability Competency Category 6 – Social, Economic, Environmental and Sustainability 6.1 Public Impacts and Safeguards 6.2 Engineering and the Public 6.3 Role of Regulatory Bodies 6.4 Sustainability and Practice Guidelines 6.5 Promotions of Sustainability For most Engineers, it seems the procedure and the outcomes mentioned above are not achievable and cannot be easily understood – the only hindrance is how we write and document it. One thing is certain, you were responsible for all the outcomes in your performance as an engineer wherever you practice it before coming to Canada, but you do not know how to compose and write it the way the APEGA wants you to document those experiences.

Work Record Validator List (WRVL) The Work Record Validator List (WRVL) is a high-level, chronological overview of your experience. It includes brief details of your employment positions, responsibilities, and experience.

Each WRVL page must include: •The name of the employer you worked for and the position you held there • The country the work was performed in •Your start date, your end date, and the total months you worked for the company

You must provide at least 48 months of engineering experience supported by validators and references.

However, you are encouraged to provide all your relevant experience.

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

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

If your validator is not registered with an engineering regulatory body in another Canadian jurisdiction, please identify the following: •Professional designation •Registration country Work Record References A reference is a person who can confirm your position and the duration of your experience with a company.

This person can be your manager, a colleague, or a human resources staff member. Your reference does not need to have technical knowledge of your work and does not need to have been your direct supervisor.

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

Detailed guidelines to complete these forms and procedure are outlined in the APEGA website. Flowchart of the Application process is also provided in their website.

Yes, it is given that the procedure is somewhat complicated and needs to be fully understood. You also need to understand why other internationally educated applicants from other countries were able to complete this process and how they eventually gained their Professional Engineering License.

An engineer who graduated from a Canadian University or elsewhere in the world uses the same path in gaining their P. Eng. For more information on Licensing Procedure, please refer to the APEGA website at www.apega.ca.

Contributing Writers: Januel Cedrick Ibasco, Fr. Nilo Belvis Macapinlac, Riana Torrejon, Fr. Jhack Diaz, Mia DM The Alberta Filipino Journal is dedicated in memory of Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros of Winnipeg as she engaged her entire life in service to the Filipino Community.

We welcome submissions-news, articles, pictures and letters. Letters must include signature and phone number; names can be withheld upon request. We reserve the right to edit for length and content. All submissions, unless arrangements are made, become the property of the publisher. Reproduction of contents, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission from the Publisher/Editor. Opinions by columnist, writers, and readers do not in any way reflect those of the Publisher/Editor.

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

OCTOBER 2018

COMMENTARY | BUSINESS

Who will succeed Duterte?

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s soon as rumors that President Rodrigo Duterte was seriously ill began to circulate, political groups began consolidating their forces and allies to position themselves to succeed him.

It started on April 14, 2018, when Duterte told the military and police during a command conference in Malacañang that he’s thinking of stepping down because he was tired.

“I am not angry with anybody. My chase against graft and corruption seems to be endless, and it has contaminated almost all government departments and offices,” he said. He then asked the military and police to find his “right successor.” He said that Vice President Leni Robredo doesn’t have what it takes to lead. He added that he rejects Robredo as his successor even if the Constitution states that she would replace him if he steps down. He said he prefers a junta to lead the country, if he’s ousted by the military.

A few days later, he changed his tune when he spoke before a group of broadcasters. He told them that if a leader "like" Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero or former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. could assume the presidency, he would step down.

A news story on October 9, 2018 said that Duterte had hinted he might be seriously ill. He alluded that his doctors have suspected that he has cancer; however, he said that recent tests showed that he was not cancerous. Which makes one wonder: Was he just joking?

Or, was he trying to smoke out his enemies into the open… and then punish them? Hmm… With the various power blocs anticipating that his demise, sooner or later, would create a power vacuum, it raises the question: Who are the contenders vying to replace Duterte?

Which reminds me when Alexander the Great, lying on his deathbed in 323 BC and surrounded by his generals. One general asked him, “To whom do you give your

Perezcope PERRY DIAZ PerryDiaz@gmail.com

empire?” As they watched him gasped his last breath, Alexander said, “To the strongest.” And since nobody stepped forward to assert that he was the “strongest,” the generals eventually agreed to divide Alexander’s empire among them to avoid a civil war.

While this is in no way saying that I am suggesting that Duterte is the Philippines’ Alexander the Great – although 16 million Filipinos see him as a “great leader” -- he seems to encourage rivalry among his critics and rivals, which is a “divide and rule” strategy strongmen use.

The contenders It didn’t take too long for the various power blocs to start consolidating their forces in preparation for any eventuality. There are at least six groups that are positioning themselves in the event Duterte steps down or is incapacitated.

Perceived as the most powerful and influential group is the nineparty super-coalition that Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, recently formed, which includes her own Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP). Joining forces with Duterte-Carpio are big political players Sen. Cynthia Villar of the NP, former President and now Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and the National People’s Coalition (NPC) that Danding Cojuangco founded when he ran for President in 1992.

The opposition Liberal Party (LP) is the party of Vice-President Leni Robredo, former President Benigno Aquino III, and former Senator Mar

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Roxas. They command the loyalty of the “Yellow Army” or “Yellowistas” whose provenance goes back to the Cory Aquino years.

A major bloc is the Marcos political dynasty -- former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his mother, Congresswoman Imelda Marcos, and sister, Ilocos Sur Governor Imee Marcos -- and their die-hard Marcos loyalists. They have been positioning themselves for an eventual takeover of the presidency, three decades after the Marcos dictatorship was ousted.

The Marcoses are close to Duterte, particularly Bongbong whom Duterte has “anointed” as his preferred successor.

The Magdalo group of former military men that mutinied against the Arroyo administration in 2003 remains a potent group even when they appear to have broken up.

But they took their battle to the Congress. Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano are the two prominent Magdalo members who are now in Congress.

However, the Duterte administration has accused the Magdalo group of secretly recruiting active military personnel. While Magdalo might not have enough strength to take over the government, they are allied with the LP. Speaker and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo leads another political group. She has been trying to revive her old political party, the Lakas-Kampi-CMD. But she might not be able to hold its members together, knowing

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that their loyalty could change easily. Besides, she doesn’t have the logistics that she had during her presidency. Meanwhile, she got herself “insurance” by joining Duterte-Carpio’s super-coalition.

The most troublesome group is the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front (CPPNPA-NDF) that has been fighting the government for more than half a century. Led by exiled CPP Chairman Jose Ma. Sison, they have been perennially preparing for a takeover of the government. But they don’t have the logistics that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has.

Red October Last September, the Duterte administration claimed that the CPP conspired with the LP and the Magdalo group in attempting to build a critical mass that would push for Duterte’s ouster. Known as “Red October,” the plot was to force Duterte to declare martial law nationwide; thus, provoking mass uprisings across the country.

After investigating the plot, top AFP officials cleared the LP and Magdalo of any connivance with the CPP. The CPP dismissed the “Red October” plot. Instead they accused Duterte of creating a scenario to justify a massive crackdown on dissenters.

The CPP’s nemesis, the AFP, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are the groups to watch.

Working in tandem, they’re the strongest and, thus far, the only ones that can maintain peace and order in the country, which is the reason why Duterte favors them to succeed him in the event of his death. With an army of at least 100,000 of armed military personnel and an integrated force of 120,000 policemen, they can grab power any time, at their own choosing. The question is: Would they abandon their pledge to stay out of politics?

But would they remain idle if mass disorder threatens the country’s security and stability? But this is

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precisely what the CPP’s alleged “Red October” plans to happen.

Déjà vu But there is another group that could influence the direction of the country: the “brotherhood” of retired generals. Their collective influence –- gained over years of active military service -– could provide the stability the country needs at this time. And this is probably Duterte’s rationale -- short of declaring a revolutionary government --for appointing retired generals to key positions in his administration.

The “brotherhood” is presumed to have the support of America’s military and intelligence communities based on decades of mutual defense cooperation. This brings to mind where they have been since 1987.

At that time, following the toppling of the Marcos dictatorship, the “brotherhood” provided aid to the revolutionary government of Cory Aquino to steer her through tough times and several coup d’états staged by rogue groups in the military. Is it déjà vu all over again?

Last October 13, when reporters “ambushed” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and asked him about “Red October,” he replied: “It’s no longer existent. It fizzled out because we uncovered and exposed it.” But regardless of whether “Red October” would happen or not, the nagging question remains: Who will succeed Duterte? And just like Alexander the Great, Duterte might not have the “strongest” succeed him. And if there is nobody strong enough to take over Duterte’s “empire,” would a “civil war” ensue among the political contenders?

Meanwhile, Uncle Sam and Uncle Xi Jinping are keenly watching what’s happening right now. With Xi’s promise to Duterte that he’ll protect him from any plan to remove him from office, would Uncle Sam harness his forces to prevent any intervention – military or political – in the situation in the Philippines?

Like they say, “Beware the ides of October.”

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POINTS OF VIEW

OCTOBER 2018

A Moving Stick Had Blocked My Way

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lthough spring showers brought the May flowers that I love so much, fall is my favorite season of the year. Fall means harvest time here at the vineyard.

The black ruby berries hanging on the vines are now begging to be picked. It is also the season when birch, pine, and maple trees rustle with the hillside breeze, its sound doesn’t fail to evoke memories about my first home and my childhood.

In my youth the rustling sound the bamboos in our huge backyard made during autumn-like weather such asthis, was somewhat soothing.

After a hard day’s work of planting rice stalks under the drenching rains and harvesting palay, vegetables, and huge watermelons, when months in the calendar endedwith the letters BERS. The swoosh carried by the evening breeze had often rocked me to sleep.

I had my first thrill and chill when a boy in high school stole a kiss from me. Instead of tears I spewed out anger. I ran after and threw stones at him because I thought that I had lost my virginity from the kiss. Because the kiss was against my will!

Christmas lanterns, firecrackers, rice cakes, moonlit serenades enjoyed with my firewood buddy and best friend,Naty. She believed in Santa Claus because she was too young to understand and that’s how her parents rewarded her for being the token mother to the rest of the children. They were often away peddling wares in different towns.

Poverty made me a nonbeliever inSanta Claus.

Then summer bid adieu!

It was the first day of fall!

Daylight had noticeably gone shorter and temperature had cooled down considerably from the August/ September average temperature of 104/50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wet chill in the air and the fogshrouded vista of low cloud cover on most mornings showed signs of the emerging autumn season. The microclimate of hot days and cold nights where I live was akin to the process of hastening the ripening of bananas and mangoes when I

was growing up. of the process was helped along with a chemical named kalburo or carbide, tightly wrapped in cotton fabric and placed in the middle of the pile of fruits held inside a big container. In a couple of weeks or so, the fruits would ripen into a flawless yellow color with a very sweet smell.

I haven’t heard my husband curse the birds, orsometimes snakes, trapped inside the net that kept the berries snack-proof. No matter how thorough the workers wrapped the net underneath the trellis and closed the bottom of the net by tying it with a twine, hungry birds would squeeze through even small openings. Protecting the berries from the snacking birds is a must if you don’t want them to decimate your future harvest.

We didn’t notice any snake prints on the hillside or on the vineyard floor terraces when my husband and I made rounds to check the irrigation almost daily, neither did we hear even a hushed woof from our dog Lucy, which wouldclue us in on the presence of a predator skulkingaround.

The plump berries in the black ruby color looked ready, almost begging to be harvested in a few days. If not harvested during this time,the birds would take them away tucked intotheir thirsty beaks.

It’s starting to look like it would be an enjoyable and stressfree harvest. Normally it would be at this time thATwe start cleaning the small tools and equipment we use for harvest.

“Come,” my husband exclaimed and waved at me as soon as he saw my silhouette down from where he stood. “Help me clean the bins.

Harvest will be in a couple days.”

“Coming,” I shouted back.

In the midst of cleaning the bins, nature called. I dropped everything and heeded the call. The building that houses the winery has two restrooms so I dashed to the one closest to my working area; the one that the workers used when they worked in the vineyard. I didn’t give a thought of what I would find inside as the restroom hadn’t had any traffic

since after the workers came and pruned the vines last spring.

The cemented ground entrance to the restroom was uncluttered. I didn’t have to jump over shovels, bins, and other small harvest equipment as my husband had stacked them at the cleaning area. Including the time spent washing my hands and drying them with a paper towel I guessed I spent maybe five minutes inside the restroom.

I opened the door and lifted my right foot for my first step out, but quickly retrieved it. A couple of feet outside the door I saw a long stick blocking my way out, but then it moved! The moving stick had a wide head, a narrow neck, a wide body with keeled rough scales, and a rattle on the tail.

I heard my husband’s voice in my head warning me about snakes, “Don’t move until they move out of your way.”

After assessing the situation, I reached out for a shovel inside a drum anchored on the restroom’s outside wall. “IT’ felt the stir and responded by wagging his tail with a hiss audible enough for me to hear.

Now feeling mighty and brave, I thrust the shovel up handle first.

Like a sword I hewed “Its” skull with the sharp nose of the shovel.

My hands felt the thud from the hardness of ITS skin. I pressed the shovel harder to the ground. “ITS” head lurched backwards, its mouth wide open with its tongue out. You @#$%&*^, I will mince you with my sword! You @#$%^&* of a rattler, what is your business being on my way when the mere sight of you makes my skin crawl and makes me vomit!

I was crazy, wild, and unrelenting as I continued to pounce on “IT”. I didn’t stop until it was cut in half.

My husband heard my earsplitting screams. They were louder than when I watched him attempt an Evel Knievel stunt down the steep hill with the ATV following behind him. Both ATV and my husband landed on the ground, with the ATV on top of him. Miraculously, both my husband and the ATV survived the fall with minor bruises only.

It has been over a week already,

but I haven’t gone back where “IT” met its Waterloo. In the future, I’d rather make a small puddle than use that restroom outside the building. An encounter with another “IT” might send me screaming to the couch!

October Harvest

Hurry! Oil change the tractor and bring out the scale Clean all the shears and buckets, small and large bins Before the sun rises early in the morning Blissful folks are coming, and harvest shall begin.

When amber October leisurely wanders in Sodothe icy cold and gray, hazy mornings As the morning dew turns frosty from the chill Clouds gather and hang low draping the brownish hills.

The dawn to dusk summer will be soon forgotten When autumn breezes in with a musical rustling Like it was rejoicing because summer is leaving And to fall’s frosty chills are very welcoming.

Up, vistas of tree leaves are changing their colors From a couple shades of green to russet-orange-yellow Down on the deep forest and vast open meadows Flowers wild with rich hues have already gone mellow.

From the mist that hangs over our vineyard The grapes' intoxicating scent rises above Fruit of the vines with deep purple shine Ready to be picked and crushed at 25 brix in sugar.

Nieves CatahanVillamin, a retired state employee, and sometimes writer, lives with her gentleman farmer husband in Creston, Ca. USA. She was born and raised in Sumacab, Cabanatuan City, Philippines. She immigrated with her family to the United States in 1972.

Author: Bittermelons and Mimosas, a Philippine memoir When Thunderclaps Is Rain Children’s Books: Taguan With Eden and Friends A Rainbow Feast One Moonlit Night of Magical Creatures Available at Amazon.com Or: email nievesvillamin@aol.com

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EDITOR'S CORNER | BUSINESS

OCTOBER 2018

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Umahon sa pagkagumon: Ganap na Pagsuko (Survival From Drug Addiction: Total Surrender) EDITOR’S CORNER Lito Mendoza Velasco

A

ng pagsuko at pagyuko ay pagpapasakop. Ang mapagpakumbaba lamang ang may kakayahang gumawa nito. Dahil hindi sumusuko ang mapagmataas at maangas.

Uri ng Pagsuko: 1. Kusang loob at nais na talagang magbago at maging malaya sa bisyo; 2. Labag sa loob at nais lamang ipakita sa madla o batas na siya ay kunyaring sumusunod.

Alin ka dito?

Uri at epekto ng pagbabago: 1. Pansarili a. Malaya b. Masaya 2. Panlipunan a. Maaasahan b. Produktibo c. Nagmamalasakit Kung hindi ka ganito, sino ang niloloko mo?

• Isang pag-asa at hindi palaasa; • Isang inspirasyon at hindi kunsumisyon; • Isang halimbawa at hindi nagpapakita ng ugaling masagwa; • Isang maka-Diyos at hindi ang mga Drug Lord ang itinuturing na diyos.

Tandaan mo, ang pag-iwas ay hindi pagkaduwag.

Sumusuko ka dahil iyan ang alam mong wasto; hindi dahil sumunod ka lamang pansamantala sa dikta ng ibang nguso. Mahal ka namin! Inaasahan ka ng INANG BAYAN! oooOooo

May tanong ako: Sino ba ang umiinom ng tubig kapag ikaw ay nauhaw? Maaari ba akong uminom ng tubig para sa’yo upang mapatid ang uhaw mo? Pag nawala o natighaw ang iyong pagkauhaw, sino ang naginhawahan, ikaw ba o ako?

Obviously, ang mga kaganapan sa sarili ay nagmumula sa sariling pagpapasiya o desisyon. Kung kaya naman, wasto ang pag-iwas at pagtatakwil sa bisyo. Mula sa desisyon na maging adik at pagkagumon sa bisyo, ikaw ngayon ay sumusuko; hindi dahil sa desisyon ng kapwa mo para sa’yo, kundi, sarili mong paninindigan mo ito. Kung kaya naman, nakatitiyak ka, ikaw mismo ang magtatamasa nito. At kapag naging mabuti kang tao, magiging mabuti din ang lipunan na ginagalawan mo.

So, ano naman ngayon ang mga plano mo upang hindi na muling matukso at bumalik sa masamang bisyo? Paano mo mapapanatili ang tagumpay na ito?

Pagkatapos mong basahin ang mga talata kong ito, gumawa ka ng personal na Resolusyon. Mangako na patuloy mong tutugunan ang inaasahan sa’yo ng Inang Bayan.

Mangako kang aalagaan mo ang iyong katawan bilang templo ng Lumikha sa’yo, at magpapatuloy sa pagtulong sa kapakanan ng ating mga Kababayan.

Ligalisasyon ng Damo: Abangan ang Epekto Tama ba na kapag hindi kayang sawatain ay isabatas? Di ba may kasabihan ang mga pantas na: “Not every legal is moral – Hindi lahat ng naisabatas ay mabuti o ayon sa kagandahang-asal.”

Hindi natin tinatawaran ang kakayahang mag-isip ng mga mambabatas na nagtulak upang maratipika ang ligalisasyon ng “damo” cannabis. Tiyak naman natin na dumaan sila sa mga paham o matalinong talakayan bago sila nakarating sa konklusyon na ang cannabis ay isa palang uri ng gamot.

Tumira din kaya muna sila at napatunayan na nakalulunas nga ito? May bulong-bulungan na ang damo daw ang mag-aahon sa nababayubay na ekonomiya ng Alberta. Kung ekonomiya ang usapin, hindi ito tumututok sa layuning gumamot sa pangkaramdamang pangkatawan upang panatilihin ang kalusugan; kundi para lamang punuan ang kaban ng bayan. Sa makatuwid, ang mismong lipunan ang magkakaroon ng karamdaman.

May naka usap akong nagtatrabaho sa Nursing Home, binibigyan daw nila ang mga alaga nila ng “ihinatol na damo – prescribed marijuana” bilang pampamanhid o “pansamantalang lunas sa sakit – pain reliever.” Tuwing ika-tatlong oras ay pinapahithit nila ng damo upang tumaas ang tama at makatulog. Ang iba naman daw ay tawa ng tawa!

Bilang isa pang tagubilin, taglayin mo ang tatak ng isang ulirang tao: • Isang malaya at hindi bilanggo ng bisyo;

Ang ganda ng epekto: Dadami ang manhid, antukin, at masayahin din namang mga tao sa lupaing dinayuhan ko!

(Sinadya po ng may akda na sulatin ito sa ating sariling wika upang tumimo hindi lamang sa isip kundi sa kaibuturan ng ating puso’t kaluluwa bilang mga Pinoy). oooOooo Freedom of Expression: Freedom against Freedom.

Everybody’s opinion, points of view, and interpellation should be respected and given equal weight prior to making a decision. Awareness must be a proper tool in order to build a good foundation for a valid argument. Fallacy destroys the substance of the message.

One’s freedom must submit to a certain norm and parameter. As much as possible, your AFJ Editor and Publisher, have been trying to Mediate on the issues. Observing fair journalism.

However, there are times, their personal preferences can be dominated by the rules of law.

Well, not everybody likes everybody in society. Some may even say: “That beggar is an eyesore to society; but what do you call the society that puts this beggar into that situation?” Similarly, when one’s lifestyle or business strategies don’t jibe with another person’s expectations, then, he would certainly be reprimanded or ostracized. Nevertheless, either

of them has the right to defend one way or the other and by all means.

Well, not everybody likes everybody in the society. Some may even say: “That beggar is an eyesore to the society; but how can you call the society that puts this beggar into that situation?”

Similarly, when one’s lifestyle or business strategies hasn’t jibe with another person’s expectations; then, he would certainly be reprimanded or ostracized. Nevertheless, either

of them has the right to defend one way or the other and by all means.

AFJ’s Stand: You Dispose; We Expose.

The Alberta Filipino Journal has neither defended nor abhorred any groups or individuals in here. Its team has just been informing the people about current and public affairs; helping them to investigate more, critically think, and discover the authenticity or credibility of the information presented.

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

SPORTS | BUSINESS

OCTOBER 2018

Jun Rocha and his team of senior golfers 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.

F

or the last three years, Filipino golfers in Alberta have successfully organized a Ryders Cup-style tournament at the JR golf course.

But even before that Jun Rocha, the lead organizer, and his friends have formed Team Birdies of Edmonton and Team Eagles of Calgary and

during the golf season, they would compete against each other and vie for the trophies at stake.

“We named it Challenge Cup,” he said.

When he met Ernie Tan, who is working part-time at the JR golf club, they decided to hold a Seniors Tournament and both started

Quickly Bubble TeamUnited Express keep win streak in S-SABC tourney

Quickly Premium Bubble Team Callingwood-United Express/Hotshot Limited remained undefeated with five straight wins in the ongoing 2018 Servus-St. Albert Ballers Club Basketball Tournament at the Servus Credit Union Place in St. Albert.

Quickly Premium of coach Ches Tiongson and United Express/Hotshot

of Dodo de Guzman combined their players this year and came up with the right chemistry to score their fifth victory, October 7.

The tournament is organized by Jonas Viral and his team of volunteers with 16 teams participating. Games are played every weekend, said Viral. (Moses Billacura)

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spreading the word to fellow Filipino seniors that golf is actually a good exercise for them.

Rocha, who immigrated to

Canada in 1990, said they are lucky to meet Ernie because they can easily organize a tournament for the seniors with his help. For this

year, they were able to organize six tournaments at JR. Why at JR?, I asked. He said continued on page 23 ►

GG Hawks place 3rd in FCVC volleyfest GG Hawks of Edmonton managed to finish second after losing to Arriba Vancouver in the women's finals of the 2018 FCVC AllFilipino Volleyball Tournament, October 6-7, in Calgary.

The Red Deer Warriors placed third.

In the men's side, no Alberta team made it to the top three with the visiting Vancouver Elite taking the 1st spot, Arriba Vancouver bagging second place and Toronto winning the third spot.

Edmonton's Oliver dela Paz said they will be hosting the tournament next year in Edmonton and hopes that an Edmonton team will make it to the top three in the men's division.

"Defending champions kami kaso na eliminate kami sa quarterfinals but we still had fun," said dela Paz. The two-day league, dubbed the "Western Cup", was organized by the Filipino-Canadian Volleyball Club(FCVC) and supported by Urban Real Estate, Best

The GG Hawks of Edmonton with their second place trophy.(FCVC photo)

Auto Detailz, Adobo Experience-Memorial Drive, Fantasy Donuts&Pretzels, Cecille Sanchez Mortgage Broker, Powerhoops Canada and Star Magazine. (Moses Billacura)

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OCTOBER 2018

COMMUNITY | BUSINESS | IMMIGRATION CONSULTANCY SERVICES

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Duterte joins SAP Quality Care Group vehicles Go in filing COC in tip-top shape with Wefix for senator

By Moses Billacura

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's special assistant Secretary and sportsman Bong Go, right, gets introduced to what the Edmonton Oilers is all about by his former Davao City sports coordinator and now Alberta Filipino Journal columnist Moses Billacura(left) after the opening of the Malasakit Center, Sept.24, in Davao City. Go has filed his candidacy for Senator, Oct.15, in Manila.(Photo by Roland Jumawan/Offiice of the Special Assistant to the President)

MANILA -- Accompanied by no less than his boss, President Rodrigo Duterte, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go on Monday, October 15, filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for senator.

“First, this is my first time to join an election. Kinakabahan po ako.

Syempre mapapalayo po ako sa Pangulo.

Sisikapin ko in may private capacity, tutulong pa rin ako sa kanya at nasa tabi nya. (I’m nervous. Of course, I will be away from the President. In my private capacity, I will still help him),” the teary-eyed Go said in an interview with Palace reporters.

Before going to Comelec, Go dropped by San Miguel Church at Malacañang complex to seek divine guidance before proceeding to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Intramuros.

From San Miguel Church, Go met with President to thank and formally say goodbye to his boss

for over two decades.

“Formally, magpapalam po ako ngayon at magpapasalamat sa binigay nyang opportunity to serve him, to serve the Filipino people. Siya po ang inspiration ko na makapagsilbi sa mga Filipino. (Formally, I will say goodbye and thank him for giving me the opportunity to serve him, to serve the Filipino people. He is my inspiration to serve the Filipinos),” Go said.

Go added that like his mentor, he wants to "serve the people" and "put the nation and the people first."

“Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa Diyos dahil natutunan ko kay Pangulong Duterte kung ano ang tunay na malasakit at serbisyong publiko. Dalawampu't tatlong taon akong nanilbihan sa kanya at ang karunungan ko ngayon ay utang ko rin sa kanya. Dahil kay Mayor Rody, lalong naging malawak at malalim ang aking pang-unawa (I continued on page 25 ►

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Quality Care Group’s vehicles are now being serviced by Filipino co-owned Wefix Auto.

Director Kris Salumbides of QCG, that runs Quality Sleep Care, Alberta Medical Supplies and Medicus Family Health Clinic and Pharmacy, said the company vehicles are being maintained by Wefix, another Filipino co-owned company, and they have been doing a good job.

Quality Care Group vehicles are mostly busy with their Sleep Study mobile service and installation of medical equipment by Alberta Medical Supplies staff at the homes of patients, majority of them seniors.

Quality Sleep Care and Alberta Medical Supplies have two offices in Edmonton and one in Calgary and Medicus Family Clinic, the first Filipino co-owned clinic, is currently operating in Edmonton.

Photo by Moses Billacura | Alberta Filipino Journal

Salumbides along with fellow directors Jesse Tallon and Jacob Christian have been supporting Filipino events in the province and at the same time patronizing Filipino co-owned companies that can answer their need for other services of their daily operations.

Wefix Auto's Chris Ayson and Laarni Lising are grateful to the Quality Care Group directors for giving them the opportunity to keep their vehicles in good condition.

Ayson with the help of his crew personally see to it that the vehicles they service are also winter ready now that the snow season is fast approaching. (Moses Billacura)

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

BUSINESS | COMMUNITY

OCTOBER 2018

Thanksgiving Day at Fairmont Hotel, Lake Louise A thanking person is truly investing friends! He who plants good attitude will harvest plenty for his livelihood! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Resty and Teri Reyes, owner of Fly Friendly Travel and Tours threw a bountiful lunch for the Deputy Consul General of Alberta and Saskachewan. They were joined by some of their friends: Jun and Hermie Angeles, publishers of the Alberta Filipino Journal, Lito Velasco, Editor of AFJ and his Nanay Cora, DJ Rolan La Torre and DJ Mia DM of 101.7 World FM-Himig Pinoy Edmonton.

Happy Birthday Joanne

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OCTOBER 2018

BUSINESS | ENTERTAINMENT | COMMUNITY

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

BEAUTY AND FASHION | COMMUNITY | PHILANTHROPY

How did I become involve?

H

ow I became a part of the Mrs. Philippine Ambassador 2018 pageant started with a simple invite from Ate Fely, a friend from Calgary.

She sent me a message offering me to join a pageant, because she thought that I had what it takes to be a good competitor.

I wanted to give it some thought but I received another message from the pageantry, saying that I should consider joining the pageant. And so, I got back to Ate Fely a week after and I told her “ok, I will join the pageant”. I figured that it wouldn’t hurt to try something new and maybe have fun in the process.

At the beginning of my little journey, I met and got acquainted with the rest of the contestants

during our meet and greet, and actually became close friends with some of them.

Most of us contestants spent our pageant days thinking about how we would stand out in order to impress the audience and the judges because we know that even though we are friends we were still part of a competition against each other.

I told myself that I would do my best, relax and enjoy the friendly competition, to show sportsmanship and make the best out of it without putting any pressure on my mind whatsoever!

The preparation.

The pageant was more exhausting and a lot more work than I expected.

Most people think that we just walk

around on our stilettos & look pretty but it’s more tiring than you think.

I had to drive to Calgary every weekend and come back the same day.

We had hours and hours of training every Sunday. We trained on how to present ourselves as well as how to sit and walk. But for me, the most exhausting part was keeping a smile on my face the entire time pictures were being taken. My entire face was sore and numb from smiling so much! hahaha :) I spent hours in the mall and online looking around for the best gown, as well as buying crafts and materials for making a unique festival costume. Luckily, I had great deal of help from friends and loved ones in completing all of it on time.

Worldly experience I used to actively avoid meeting people and opportunities to learn and network with them. It was the pageant that made me realize that you learn the most when you are out of your comfort zone.

I learned a lot from this adventure, met some great people and experienced and discovered my potential. Because of this, I told myself that no matter

OCTOBER 2018

what the outcome would be, there is always room for improvement and that I will always try to be my best at anything I do. *I’m not very competitive but I do like a great challenge, and I don’t give up very easy. We have no control over what we go through in life but it is how we handle these challenges that will define who really are.

FRAA 35th Anniversary Milestone The Filipino Retirees’ Association of Alberta (FRAA) 35th Anniversary was culminated with the crowing of Queen of FRAA Collie Tiller and Princesses Anna Black and Archie Nighbor. Deputy Premier of Alberta Sarah Hoffman was present as the guest of honor.

You can make the holiday happen for an Edmontonian in need.

You know them, but not what they’re dealing with.

FRIEND

Donate today at ChristmasBureau.ca

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OCTOBER 2018

SPORTS | IMMIGRATION CONSULTANCY SERVICES | GREETING

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Pradera Verde retains PAL Ladies Interclub title DAVAO CITY – Asian Games champion Yuka Saso powered Pradera Verde to its second straight Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub team championship, Sept.22, scoring a tournament-best 59 points at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club.

The 17-year-old Fil-Japanese eagled the par-5, 12th hole and made four birdies against a lone bogey to anchor Pradera Verde’s final day charge that overhauled Manila Southwoods’ three-point lead.

Rianne Malixi, showing a lot of promise at a tender age of 11, closed out with 52 points and Malaysian Eliza Mae Kho chipped in 50 as Pradera finished with 161 points for a 13-point victory. Malaysian Vinisha Gunaseelan did not count with a 48.

“We’re going for a three-peat next year,” declared Pradera Verde captain Norman Sto. Domingo who scrambled to form a team after losing six players from last year’s champion team.

Depending on their availability, Pradera Verde is expected to bring back the Malaysians next year, according to team owner Lubao Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab.

“We would also like to tap young Filipinas, too,” said Pineda-Cayabyab.

Sto. Domingo made special mention of Malixi who bounced back from a 47-point debut to submit a two-over par 74 Saturday. “Watch out for Rianne. She’s young, but very talented,” he said.

Sto. Domingo also paid tribute for Manila Southwoods for putting up a good fight.

“They are well-balanced and better prepared this year,” Sto. Domingo said.

After setting the pace in the first three rounds, Manila Southwoods chose the wrong time to play its worst round.

Marielle Isabela Tee was the only Southwoods players to score 50 points as top gun Maria Sofia Chabon fell prey to a bacterial infection and failed to count with 45.

Drawing a pair of 47s from Samantha Dizon and Laurea Duque, Manila Southwoods limped home with 145 points.

“We still feel like we won out here, considering (the margin) last year,” said Southwoods skipper Claire Ong, referring to their 43-point defeat in Cebu City.

Major sponsors for the 13th PAL Ladies Interclub include Airbus, Bombardier, People Asia, UM Broadcasting Network and Primax Broadcasting Network.

Other sponsors are TFC, Mastercard, Resorts World, SEDA Hotel, SM Supermalls and Banco de Oro. Donors are Asia Brewery and Philippine National Bank.(pr)

Yuka Saso, Charlyne Chongshinling, Annyka Chanel Cayabyab, Eliza Mae Kho, Seoyun Shin, Zulaikah Nasser, Vinisha Gunaseelan, Rianne Malixi (being carried) in celebration after winning their second straight Philippine Airlines Ladies Interclub team title, Sept.22, in Davao.(pal)

Celebrates Birthday at Work.

Rendering Free Massage to her clients as a gesture of thanksgiving for another year in her life.

Happy Birthday Remelyne J. Apelledo!

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

STATE OF ART - ROYAL ALBERTA MUSEUM

OCTOBER 2018

A Bigger and Better Royal Alberta Museum Opens

By Nicky Gocuan

T

he new Royal Alberta Museum boasts 82,000 square feet of exhibit space. This is double the amount of space they had in their old Glenora location. They have dedicated 30,000 square feet each to natural and human history and 12,000 square feet for a feature exhibitions hall, 7,000 square feet dedicated to the Children’s gallery, and 3,000 square feet was used for the new expanded bug gallery.

The museum has populated their galleries with things they have collected in the past 50 years. RAM wants visitors to gain a greater understanding of this fascinating place called Alberta and want people to

know “What makes Alberta, Alberta.”

RAM does not present their exhibits like a University 101 class but instead, uses a series of events and moments that helped shape us into the Alberta that we are today. The museum has taken an approach to make the objects tell the story while supporting it with text and graphic panels and interactive media.

There are 5,300 objects on display at the human and natural history gallery. This is a large figure but only a small percentage of the under 2.5 million artefacts in their collection.

In the Main hall, you will find the Human history hall which showcases unique, industrious and resilient people who have left a mark on the Province. One of the cabinets

showcases Teresita Pajarillo Oliva, who founded the FNAA (Filipino Nurses Association of Alberta).

Oliva was instrumental in bridging the gap by teaching Filipino nurses the Canadian way of doing things so they could challenge the nursing exams when they came to Canada.

The hall is comprised of 6 galleries and the interior houses different objects.

In the Human history hall, you will find the Introduction of Disease, European Culture, indigenous ones and emergence of the Metis nation.

This is also the place where you will find the Winningest Sports Franchise, Dorothy Hepler’s experience with polio and let’s not forget the exhibit with Alberta’s love affair with their favorite pick up game, which is also

on exhibit plus about 150 stories more in the human history gallery.

As you continue on the main floor you will come to the bug gallery,where you will find a showcase of hundreds of local and exotic little creatures that inhabit the world. The gallery aims to celebrate the beauty of invertebrates and to get to know them a little better.

They make up 95% of the known species in the animal kingdom. This alone will definitely draw attention from kids and adults who want to

understand invertebrates more. There are also 11 media stations, 11 film stations and you will be able to see things you do not normally see. With all that it offers, this new museum is another good reason for why people should visit Edmonton.

The Museum is now open and is located on 9810-103A Avenue in the heart of Downtown Edmonton.

The museum opens at 10 AM and closes at 5 PM except on Thursday, where they close at 8 PM.

Photos by Dario Juanillo | Alberta Filipino Journal

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OCTOBER 2018

COMMUNITY | GREETINGS | LEADERSHIP

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Filipino Senior Citizens of Alberta (FSCA) Crowns New Queen Eleanor Nocum was crowned as the new 2018 Queen at the 36th Anniversary of FSCA which was held at Continental Inn last Saturday September 13, 2018. Outgoing Queen Thelma Cerhit passed on the crown to the new Queen during the Coronation Night. It was an evening of glamour which was attended by members and friends and the community associations. She was escorted by her husband Victor Nocum.

Photos by Dario Juanillo

BIRTHDAY CRAWL

Luz is wearing Philippine-made hat (Salakot)

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Luz Chua Dela Cruz enjoyed the company of AUPE Activists during her birthday last Octkber 10, 2018. Her friends never get tired accompanying her from Chateau La Combe, to Shaw Conference Centre, Underground Restaurant in downtown, and Kusina Filipino Restaurant in Edmonton. Happy Birthday Luz!

From far left: Luz, Annabel, Leticia

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20

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

COMMUNITY | POINTS OF VIEW | ASTROLOGY

OCTOBER 2018

Quezonian Club of Edmonton Celebrates Early Christmas Quezonian Club of Edmonton’s members and friends gathered last Saturday October 13, 2018 at Palabok House Restaurant to renew friendship and revisit among themselves. Newly elected President Totie Mendoza promised to revitalize the group this coming year. Jun Angeles, one of the founders of the association was the emcee for the night and described some of the beauty of the province. He also mentioned Cagbalete island, which is being touted as the next Boracay in the future. It was a night filled with dancing and merriment.

Quezonian members Group pictures

L-R Lito Velasco, Jun Aller, Jun Bernardo, Tessie Bernardo, Jean Aller, Hermie Angeles and Letty Tria, Standing: Jun Angeles and Rolan Latorre of Radio FM107.1

Concepts I'm Learning Outside My Filipino Upbringing GENERAL POINT OF VIEW GISELLE GENERAL

gqgeneral@gmail.com

Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region on the Benguet province, and immigrated to Canada as a teenager in 2007. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, she now dedicates her business training to the nonprofit sector, both in employed and volunteer capacities. She works at the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, which provides free legal help to low-income Edmontonians. She channels her creativity by writing in her personal blog, General Point of View, and has recently published a book of her poems and artwork titled The Humanity of Me.

M

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oving to a new country introduces any newcomer to a new way of living. Norms and ways of thinking that were never questioned because of its familiarity are cast in a new light.

At first, I admit that I felt uncomfortable with these. There is a bit of an undeniable knee-jerk defensive reaction. I couldn’t help but feel threatened that my world view was being challenged. But I realized that I just had to embrace the variety and that every new idea contains a gem of wisdom. Here are some concepts that I am learning outside my upbringing, that is helping me realize there is really no one way to live one’s life.

Having other reasons outside religion to explain things or motivate behaviour In my elementary and high school years in catholic schools in the Philippines we had Religion class.

Human behaviour, what to do or not do is framed from the perspective of following God’s word as stated in the Bible. Living in Canada provided me with the opportunity to be exposed to other reasonings. The concept of ethics is something I wasn’t introduced to until I moved here, as well as philosophy and other schools of thought. continued on page 25 ►

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

COMMUNITY | TRADITION

OCTOBER 2018

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

21

St. Michael Assembly No. 2795 7th Annual Fun Golf Tournament JAN THE MAN’S NOTE JANUEL CEDRICK IBASCO Januel Cedrick Ibasco is a proud Filipino-Canadian and is currently a student at the University of Alberta studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Sportsmanship is a big slice of his cake. He is highly-spirited when playing golf, volleyball, and basketball and loves reading, writing and volunteering at church. Jan looks forward to taking up law after his undergraduate degree.

T

hough it is now the month of October, I figure I would reminisce abouta special event that happened last month regarding the Knights of Columbus St. Michael Assembly No. 2795. To continue, the St. Michael Assembly holds a yearly golf tournament as a farewell to the golf season and the season of summer.

This year’s anticipated date for the golf tournament was originally scheduled for September 16th, however with an unexpected snow fall from Mother Nature, the tournament was rescheduled for September 23rd. Fast forward to just a few days before September 23rd withthe golf course informingthe assembly that they will need to postpone the tournament once more because of leftover snow on the golf course and the severe chilling temperatures.

Pursuant to that, the golf tournament was rescheduled a second time toSeptember 30th.

With a shotgun start time of 9:00 AM at the Montgomery Glen golf course located in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, all the registrants and organizers were pleased that the event came through despite the cold temperatures. Each time the event was postponed, the number of registrants declined from 75 players, to 44 players, to only just 28 players left for the tournament.

For all of you golf lovers out there, this scenario seems a little similar to the FedEx Cup playoffs format!

Since there was still frost on the ground, there was a two-hour waiting period before all the groups would be able to tee off. But when it was all said and done, we all teed off at 11:00 AM and finished in roughly four hours.

The tournament winning putt came from my Dad, Faithful Navigator SK Manuel Ibasco as he sunk a 15-foot putt on our last hole of the day in this best ball tournament for our group to take the outright lead with an eagle!

This tournament was once again a success and I hope those of you reading this can join next season and have a great time.

I would like to thank all the organizers from St. Michael Assembly No. 2795 for taking the time to plan this event and see it throughdespite the two postponements. I would like to specifically thank my Ninong,

SK Ricky Santos for being the lead organizer and facilitator for this event.

Winners of this year’s St. Michael Assembly No. 2795 7th Annual fun golf tournament: Manuel Ibasco, Januel Ibasco, Ariel Gabi, & Joshua Salcedo.

The Committee of the event include: Ricky Santos, FerdieMaingat, OrlyDamaso, Joseph Duenas, RestyCabalo, Armand Bernabe, Edwin Torres, Teddy Tuazon, Antonio Gonzalez, and Lito Reyes.

Keeping our Filipino “UNDAS” Tradition Alive!

Todos Los Santos Undas 2018 sa Westlawn Please join us as we commemorate this special event in our community. Please pre‑register your dearly departed relatives for inclusion in the Prayer Services.

Thursday, November 1, 2018 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

• Prayers and Memorial Service • Dinner reception and entertainment • Everyone welcome!

R.S.V.P. to Westlawn Funeral Home: WestlawnCM@arbormemorial.com 780‑977‑0808 (Johnny Yu)

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TRADITION | COMMUNITY | INSPIRATION

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

OCTOBER 2018

NICKY GOCUAN ngocuan@yahoo.com

As a journalist with over 14 years of experience, I have covered different events from rallies on the street, entertainment and international sports events like the Asian Games. My favorite pastime is singing. I have always believed that life would be boring without music.

Serving our community with honesty and integrity By pre-planning your final arrangements today, you can save time and money that will spare your family from making emotional and financial decisions at their most difficult time.

Contact Hermo T. Pagtakhan today at 780-905-9288 for all your Cemetery and Funeral needs and to receive your FREE Legal Will Kit.

Hermo T. Pagtakhan

Evergreen Funeral Home & Cemetery

by Arbor Memorial 16102 Fort Road R.R. #6, Site 2, Box 20 North Edmonton, AB evergreenmemorial.com

Oliva Writes a Page in Alberta’s History

T

he late Teresita Pajarillo Oliva is honored by The Royal Alberta Museum as it features a cabinet showing the uniform of nurses and an old and new machine to showcase the evolution of nursing in Alberta.

Tessie, as people called her, was the founder of the FNAA (Filipino Nurses Association of Alberta), a group that worked tirelessly to elevate the standards for Filipino nurses in Alberta. Oliva did not only help educate Filipino nurses but the multicultural community as well.

In 2008, when the Canadian government realized that there was a shortage of nurses, Capital Health sought the help of Oliva to bring in foreign nurses from the Philippines. Another country they brought in nurses from was the United Kingdom.

Believe it or not, a majority of the nurses who came from the UK were Filipinos.

If there is a shortage of nurses in Alberta, there is an overabundance of nurses in the Philippines. But because of the differences in practice, most of the continued on page 23 ►

Arbor Memorial Inc.

Resources on Addiction Issues

By Giselle General

CLIENT:

Arbor Memorial

BLEED:

0.125” all around

DOCKET:

D015731

TYPE SAFETY:

0.5” all around

NAME:

Evergreen Filipino Service Ad_Hermo T. P.

COLOUR:

4 Colour Process

AD SIZE:

8.5”w x 14”h

VERSION:

2

Keeping our Filipino “UNDAS” Tradition Alive!

Todos Los Santos Undas 2018 sa Evergreen Please join us as we commemorate this special event in our community. Please pre-register your dearly departed relatives for inclusion in the Prayer Services.

Saturday, November 3rd 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

A

ddiction is a challenge that affects many people in different ways, from the individual who is suffering from the addiction, as well as their loved ones.

Regardless of the cause of the addiction and the specific challenges that are faced, there are many resources that can help provide support. Immediate, short-term and longterm types of support are usually needed and there is no shame inasking for help.

Below is a list of some of these resources: 1. Resources for Alcohol Addiction and Treatment: These resources provide a wide range of assistance ranging from residential programs where someone can be housed and provided with treatment, counselling, and more: a. Last Door Edmonton Addiction Services:

https://lastdoor.org/edmonton-addictionservices/ 1-855-910-6012 b. Our House Addiction Recovery Centre: http://ourhouseedmonton.com/resources. asp 780-427-4291 c. Hope Mission Edmonton (Breakout Recovery Community for Men and Wellspring Recovery Community for Women) 780-422-2018 d. The Salvation Army Edmonton, Transformations Addictions Treatment Program: 780-429-4274 Resources for Eating Disorders: Unhealthy and addictive behaviour towards food and body image can result in harming one’s body, sense of self and relationships. Here are some resources that can help: a. Alberta Health Services Eating Disorder Program: 780-407-6114 continued on page 23 ►

• Prayers and Memorial Service • Celebrations of Holy Mass • Blessing of the Filipino Garden - Himlayang Filipino • Lunch reception and entertainment • Everyone welcome!

R.S.V.P. to Hermo T. Pagtakhan: 780-905-9288 Evergreen Funeral Home & Cemetery

by Arbor Memorial evergreenmemorial.ca

Arbor Memorial Inc.

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

BUSINESS

OCTOBER 2018 from page 22

Oliva Writes... nurses that come from the Philippines end up working as a Licensed Practical Nurse, not as a Registered Nurse. Tessie was instrumental in bridging the gap so that nurses from the Philippines could be recognized as Registered Nurses when they came to Canada.

Today, Filipinos are proud to see that Tessie’s contribution to Alberta did not go to waste. If you visit the Royal Alberta Museum, please take time to visit the cabinet with a nurse uniform as they honor the contributions of the late Teresita Pajarillo Oliva. She was the Champion of Filipino nurses in Alberta.

I am not sure if the FNAA still exists but if not, I wish someone would step up to revive the organization founded by Oliva to help future immigrant nurses in Alberta. **** In my column from last month, I was critical of the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver and I had so many questions as to why they were the ones who came to Alberta for the Consular Outreach in Edmonton instead of the Calgary Consulate. Because of this, in the spirit of fair reporting, I sought answers to my questions when I met with Vice Consul from page 12

Jun Rocha and his... that the club offers cheaper fees compared to the other golf clubs. And a Filipino senior, who relies on his pension, can afford the fees. He is happy to say that they have 68 and 69 year old golfers who

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Zaldy Patron of the Philippine Consulate in Calgary during a breakfast fundraiser.

The honorable Vice Consul clarified that it is true that they ran out of a budget for the trip and it was their office in Calgary that asked for the help of the Consulate in Vancouver. Since Vancouver still had some funds to spare from their own budget, they came to Edmonton to provide their services to our kababayans. So, the Philippine Consulate of Vancouver was doing a favor for Philippine Consulate of Calgary. They were not here merely to travel, and I stand corrected. To answer one of my questions, which was why Vancouver couldn’t give Calgary their budget, it is because this is not allowed in Government, which I totally forgot. If the budget is for Vancouver it cannot just be transferred to Calgary. Vice Consul Patron adds they have already requested additional funds from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Since the Philippine Consulate in Calgary is fairly new, their funds were also very low. The office now serves over 220,000 Filipinos in Alberta. I hope that Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano can act on this matter and provide the Calgary Consular Office with a better working budget to serve our hardworking kababayans. ***** Every summer we always hear people

talking about road construction in Alberta.

Well, spring and summer is usually when they do road construction because the weather is good, with snow on the ground and usually, longer periods of daylight. I am fine with road construction because they are trying to make our roads better and I see where the tax money is going.

What I want to understand is, why does it take them forever to fix the roads?

If the daylight is longer during summer, why are they not working more hours? In other countries, if it is constructing roads or important government projects,those are worked on 24/7. Whereas here,we typically see work stop after 5 PM. Because of our weather,it is important that these roads are completed immediately. There needs to be a sense of urgency. The worst part is that they put up all the road signs and barriers as far as they can even if no one is working in those particular areas. The construction speed limit of 60 remains on a highway like White mud even when no one is working.

Who makes sure that this is being done right? There should be someone checking if no one is. While I am all for the safety of the road workers, it is also not good to slow down the flow of traffic when no one is working on the construction site. I hope the Minister for Infrastructure of Alberta Sandra Jansen looks into this.

have enjoyed playing the sport and have steadily improved their scores through the years.

“Dumami na rin ang senior golfers,” said Rocha, a native of Sucat. “Ang importante, mag enjoy tayo,” he added.

The JR Team led by Rocha and Ernie

won the Challenge Cup in 2016 and 2017 and for this year, last October 6, the Birdies Team headed by Sonny Sison snatched the trophy from the hosts.

I was really happy to know that our Filipino seniors are very active in this sport.

I’m not a senior yet but when the time comes,

23

from page 22

Resources on Addiction... b. Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous: 780443-6077 c. National Eating Disorder Information Centre: http://nedic.ca/ 1-866-633-4220 Self Help and Support Groups: For those who would like to seek help at their own pace, there are several groups that usually involve meetings with other people who are seeking to recover from the same challenges: a. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: www. foodaddicts.org b. Problem Gambling Resources Network: 780461-1259 c. Alberta Gamblers Anonymous: 780-463-0892 d. QuitCore (smoking): 1-866-710-7848 e. Alcoholics Anonymous in Alberta: 780-424-5900 Support and information for Those Affected byAddictions: A parent, spouse, sibling, partner, friend, or child of someone who is suffering from addiction can experience different types of stress and hardships. Here are some resources to get help: a. S – Anon International Family Group, for those affected by sexually addicted people. https:// www.sanon.org/ 587-921-1915 b. Parents Empowering Parents Society U Turn for Youth, a support group for youth wishing to quit drugs and alcohol. 780-463-7427 c. Alberta Health Services Addictions Helpline (24/ 7) 1-866-332-2322 I look forward to playing this beautiful sport and probably by that time, it’s going to be one of the biggest tournaments in the Filipino community.

Thank you to Joey Mirones, who himself has become addicted to the sport, for facilitating my interview with Kuya Jun Rocha.

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

POINTS OF VIEW | ARTS

OCTOBER 2018

The Sky is Falling – Minimum Wage Myths less than the incoming minimum wage of $15 per hour (15.8%).

• 359,100 earn less than $16 per hour (18.8%).

• 159,500 earn the current minimum wage of $13.60 per hour (8.3%).

O

n October 1st the minimum wage in Alberta rose from $13.60 to $15. This is the highest in the country. It was also the fastest to rise in the history of Alberta wage increase. Now, there are a few discussions in our community aboutminimum wage.

Most, if not all, are coming from our small community businesses.

Some say that the minimum wage is bad or that it came too quicklybut some say it’s good and needed by our kababayans. What they agreed on was the importance of a higher wage for the workers. But what are those opposed to it saying?

“Madaming male-lay-off”, madaming business namapipilitan mag sara at tataas ang mgapresyo ng bilihin”. These are all valid and important questions.

In my article last October 2017 (Demystifying Minimum Wage), I attempted to “demystify minimum wage” last year and I will try to do this one more time in this article.

Many of our kababayan business

owners think that this will create some kind of crisis, buying into the United Conservative Party propaganda message that “The Sky is Falling”, making it a political (or anti-NDP) issue. This issue is as basic as the right to live a decent life for the majority of working class Albertans including our kababayans that live here.

Let’s start with the statistics. In the information from Statistics Canada’s monthly Labour Force Survey that was published

by Public Interest Alberta, it says: In the period ending on June 30, 2018 there are 1,913,200 workers in the province More than 300,000 Alberta workers will receive a raise on October 1st because of the minimum wage increase.

• 302,300 employed Albertans earn

More than 60 percent of workers receiving a minimum wage raise are women.

• 189,400 workers earning less than the incoming minimum wage of $15 per hour are women (62.7%).

• 100,100 workers earning the current minimum wage of $13.60 per hour are women (62.8%).

• 223,200 workers earning less than $16.00 per hour are women (62.2%).

More than three-quarters of workers receiving a minimum wage raise are 20 years of age or older.

• 233,300 are 20 years of age or older (77.2%).

• 163,300 are between 20 and 44

years old (54.0%).

• 59,300 are between 45 and 64 years old (19.6%).

• 10,700 are 65 years of age or older (3.5%).

This has already dispelled four major myths.

Myth one: Raising minimum wage is bad for the economy. FALSE. A majorityof the over 1.9 million workforces isalready making above $15 per hour. There are 300,000 affected by it. While it’s not even half of the workers, it would give them a chance to have a better life also so that “no one is left behind”.

Myth two: Raising the minimum wage will result injob loss. FALSE. In 2015, for example, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) predicted that between 53,500 and 195,000 workers making less than $15 per hour would losetheir jobs if the government of Alberta's $15 per hour pledge would be pushed through. Similarly, last year the C.D. Howe Institute released a study that claimed that the increase would result in25,000 job losses.

These predictions were historically never credible.

In the year preceding November 2017 (the latest available data of Stats Can), Alberta's service sector

added 12,400 jobs as part of our province's economic recovery. In 2016, while Alberta's economy was still in recession, our service sector added 26,500 jobs. Despite the recession and the minimum wage increases from 2015 to 2017, there has been a 33% job increase.

Myth three: Most minimum wage earners are teenagers. FALSE. We do not have to look very far to know that this is not true. Many of our kababayan are minimum wage earners. We often hear friends talk about how they have two or three jobs. This is precisely because many Filipinos especially those that are and were temporary foreign workers are still making minimum wage.

The Province of Alberta Minimum Wage profile published that 67.3% of Alberta minimum wage earners are not teenagers, and 17.5% are 50 and older.

Myth Four: The cost of goods and commodities will increase because of the increase of minimum wage.

FALSE (generally). Yes, costs and prices rise all the time without workers receiving a pay increase; wages are just one of many factors contributing to the cost of an item.

But these increases are brought about by the economic recessions andthe boom and bust of our economy.

So regardless of whether we’re getting minimum wage or not, we shouldexpect an increase in the prices of commodities. Minimum wage helps the working poor leverage in our society.

The sky is not falling. It is sitting nicely where it should be.

The Philippines’ Top Design and Lifestyle Brands Take Centre Stage at the 68th Edition of Manila FAME Toronto, Canada – Canadian buyers are invited to the 68th edition of the Manila FAME, which will gather the country’s most promising micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) on October 19-21, 2018 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, Philippines.

Manila FAME stands as a canvas for the country’s skillful artisans, providing a platform that nurtures creative freedom among entrepreneurs and presents accurate reflection of the Philippines’ vibrant and multi-layered cultural heritage.

It is the second longest-running trade show in the Asia-Pacific and is the only trade event in the country that is approved

by Union des FoiresInternationales (UFI), or the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, a Paris-based association of trade fair organizers founded 90 years ago in Milan, Italy in April 1925.

The bi-annual trade show brings together exporters, designers and retail brands from all over the country under one roof to highlight Filipino artistry in the global marketplace.

Manila FAME features finely selected products designed and crafted by homegrown MSMEs in the home, furniture, lighting, holiday and gifts, fashion, visual arts and “food as gifts” sectors for the global market.

Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Mission (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, Manila FAME aims to strengthen the country’s position as a viable source of high-quality, and design-forward home décor and houseware products.

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“Manila FAME has always been a platform to showcase the country’s best, from acclaimed artisans to up-and-coming young designers. It gives the opportunity to international buyers to experience Filipino design and source unique and innovative pieces from local MSMEs. With the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry’s strengthened capacity building programs for Filipino enterprises, exporters are more equipped than ever to cater to the global market,” said Senior Trade Commissioner Maria Roseni Alvero.

Manila FAME provides international entrepreneurs a venue for direct business transactions with buyers from the Philippines and from all over the world. Buyer Care Services, including assistance in travel arrangements, complimentary transportation from the airport and to the trade show venue, and pre-arranged appointments with exhibitors, are available for registered foreign buyers. A line-up of additional incentives are also available for overseas trade buyers accepted into the Very Important Buyer (VIB) Program, including airfare incentives and complimentary hotel stays.

“Through Manila FAME, we hope to recognize exceptional products and designers who continue to innovate and redefine the Philippine design imprint and elevate the Philippine brand internationally,” Senior Trade Commissioner Alvero said.

For any inquiries about this event, please contact the Philippine Trade Office at (416) 855-1775 For more information about Manila FAME, please visit:http://www.manilafame. com/or at toronto@dti.gov.ph.

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

OCTOBER 2018

RELIGION | POINTS OF VIEW Make Our Daily Gospel Reading Trending

God but God also warns against those with riches who exploit the poor in order to enrich themselves.

Deceiving others to gain more money is evil. Friends, use money to help people. Do not use people to make more money. Money is good; but too much love for money makes our life more complicated.

Be careful of the non-economic

end of money: it can buy people’s integrity, it will treat humans as commodities, money can make people selfish and greedy, money can break marriages and destroys relationships. Money is good however putting our trust and confidence to money is idolatry.

Friends, money cannot substitute God. God is irreplaceable. My dear kababayan, instead of loving people and using money, people often love money and use people.

I invite you to invest more in relationships than temporal riches.

Strive for material blessings that are honestly acquired. Remember this: people are more important than dollars.

Finally, the Gospel is demanding us not to be the cause of sin for others. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” We are encouraged to cut, eliminate and destroy anything that causes us to sin. Heaven is a place reserved for the sinless. It is also a venue for sinful individuals who try everything within their means not to be slave by sin. Let us then avoid all the temptation to sin.

Blessings, Fr. Jhack

many patients are at the hallways),” he said.

In a press conference in Comelec, Go said he wanted to increase the current 15 Malasakit Centers, a one-stop shop medical service provider particularly for the poor patients.

“The process of giving assistance too should be shortened. Kaya nga po meron tayong Malasakit Center. Alam mo ang pasyente dapat tutulungan at hindi dapat ipagpapasa-pasa (That’s why we have Malasakit Center. You know, we should help the patients and are not given the runaround),” Go said.

Duterte's top aide said he will also continue to "strengthen the fight against corruption, against crime and criminality, and against illegal drugs."

Though he served as top aide for over 21 years and as assistant manager of Duterte in the 2016

presidential elections, Go admitted that running for senator would be a huge challenge for him.

“Mahirap maging kandidato lalo na po ako ay baguhan (It’s hard to be a candidate especially if you are a neophyte).

I will be facing seasoned politicians.

Hayaan na lang ang Filipino kung sino gusto nila ilagay at makakatulong (Let the Filipinos decide on who they will choose and who can help them),” Go said.

Go, meanwhile, said it would be premature to comment on different surveys being dominated by former and reelectionist senators.

“Hindi ko na po binibilang ang survey. Wait na lang final day of filing kung sino talaga ang tatakbo at hayaan ang Filipino kung sino talaga ang magsisilbi. (I no longer rely on surveys.

Let’s wait for the final day of filing on who will run and let the Filipinos decide on who will serve (them),” he said. ( Jelly Musico/PNA)

Most of my elders work so hard and sacrifice so much that it can be worrisome, like they would just fall apart in exhaustion any second.

This is a significant reason why I don’t always know when or how to rest and relax.

Taking a break is worthwhile.

Keeping my own self healthy, happy, and stable is an important foundation in doing good work and having a positive impact on other people.

‘You can’t pour from an empty cup’ is the saying that comes to my mind. Embracing the word ‘selfcare’ is part of the process, and to remind myself that it is not selfish is another feat altogether.

or acts ‘crazy’ was encouraged. I remember people around me when I was growing up who were quite harsh towards these people.

While hotly debated, the concept of being politically correct is worth considering. Perhaps, part of this is the fact that here in Canada, Filipinos can be subjected to stereotypes also, and the realization that it is hurtful to be subjected to outdated, inaccurate comments. Whether it is based on class, race, sexual orientation, history of severe hardship, physical and mental ability, there seems to be more initiatives here that encourage inclusiveness and I appreciate its value. For myself, the biggest learning curve is filling the gaps in my knowledge about the history and current challenges of the Indigenous peoples that lived in this country before European colonization. That being said, the multitude of activities, events and various types of media to spread awareness is more accessible these days.

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.

Gospel

Mark 9:41-50 To be gifted with riches is a blessing. We all want to live in abundance and prosperity. There is nothing wrong with being welloff because wealth is a grace from from page 13

Duterte joins SAP... thank God because I learned genuine concern and public service from President Duterte. I served him for 23 years, and I owe him the wisdom and understanding I’ve learned through the years),” Go said in a separate statement.

After filing his COC, Duterte raised the hands of his top aide to the delight of their supporters.

If he wins, Go said he wanted to focus on measures that will help provide better medical services for the Filipino people.

“Papalawakin ko po ang medical services kasi nakikita ko sa iba’t ibang hospital na maraming mga pasyente ang nasa koridor (I want to improve medical services because I have seen in different hospitals, from page 20

Concepts I'm Learning...

The role of psychology and upbringing, I learned, plays a huge role in people’s lives, habits, and reasoning. Being traumainformed is something that we are encouraged to apply at work all the time. Cycles of abuse, pain and trauma can cascade to other people and environments if left unaddressed. Conversations about mental health are more prevalent these days, and admittedly, it raises challenging questions about how to determine personal responsibility and influences outside one’s control.

The importance of self-care I think part of this is not just based on being a Filipino, but also the socio-economic status I grew up in. It is an ongoing journey to convince myself that saying ‘no’ can be a good thing.

Inclusiveness, especially for those who are typically discriminated Bullying, hurtful words towards gay and lesbian people were familiar in my childhood years. Snide comments about people with Chinese, Indian or Arab origins was common.

Making fun of someone who looks

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

25

Ang Larawan

– A New Must-Watch Filipinavigation RIANA TORREJON torrejonriana@gmail.com Riana Torrejon is a twelfth-grade student who is a passionate advocate for human rights. In her spare time, she loves to write and sing. She also runs her school’s Student Council, chairs for ECSD’s Student Senate, and is an actress for Emma the Musical. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of her greatest inspirations.

E

veryone! Get your calendars out and mark down the movie screening for “Ang Larawan” on December 7 and 9 at the Garneau theatre. “Ang Larawan” is the English subtitled film adaptation of Nick Joaquin’s—a National Artist for Literature—play “A Portrait of the Artist.” It tells the story of two sisters in financial struggle after their father, a high-profile painter named Don Lorenzo Marasigan, stops producing art after he falls ill.

As many fight over his last piece of artwork, a self-portrait called, “The Artist and His Muse,” the sisters must make a decision over whether to sell the painting or keep it.

I am looking forward to watching this movie myself as I was touched to hear about all the dedication and hard work they put into making it. The whole cast rehearsed for a whole year, and “Ang Larawan” took almost five years to make. Overall, this was a risky and ambitious project, but they really believed in the story.

A notable statement made in an interview by Celeste Legaspi, one of the movie’s cast members and producers, was that it is their

intention in making this movie a national legacy, especially for the younger generations of Filipinos who are beginning to lose or may have already lost ties toour past as Filipinos. Larawan will be a reminder to them of who we are together as a people, with our good traits such as our close-knit families, and bad traits like crab mentality.

Crazy Rich Asians was a crazy big win for Asians everywhere.

According to Reuters, it was the first romantic comedy in almost three years to open with more than $20 million in the U.S. and Canada theatres.

Let’s continue this rising success for Asians by supporting more work with Asian representation. Not only will you be helping support movies with Asian representation on-screen, but the proceeds also help to fundraise for “Emma the Musical,” a play that speaks of the Filipino story during WW2. Two birds with one stone indeed.

And, who doesn’t love a good musical? It’ll be nice to have new earworms to hum during the holidays while we cook our warm meals and stay in from the cold.

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RELIGION

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The Diabolical Illusion 1 Timothy 4:1-2

From a Vantage Point

OUR TEXT 1 Timothy 4:1-2 1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.”

INTRODUCTION Matthew 24:4-5 “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

There is a deception that is threatening the unity in the Body of Christ that is very subtle and very difficult to detect by most of our brethren. Unless we detect it immediately, we will see the following happening in our midst: 1. A Crisis of Faith; 2. A Crisis of Allegiance; 3. A Crisis of Identity; and 4. A Crisis of Leadership.

Therefore, we must stop this deception from destroying the unity in the Body of Christ. For us to do that, we must first understand the nature and purpose of this deception that is called “The Diabolical Illusion” which is also called “The Diabolical Illumination.”

What is an Illusion? An illusion is something that deceives by producing a false impression. It is also a false mental image or conception which may be a misrepresentation of a real appearance or may be something imagined.

What is Diabolical? Diabolical is that which has the qualities of a devil; fiendish; outrageously wicked. It is something pertaining to or actuated by the devil. Under the new world order, the diabolical work of getting the immoral elements ready for violence goes on in every nation, including the United States.

Diabolical Illusion or Diabolical Illumination (diabolus illuminatus) is a device created by the devil to deceive men to make them depart from the faith.

Like cancer, this Diabolical Illusion is slowly spreading in the Body of Christ undetected by most of the brethren.

THE PURPOSE OF DIABOLICAL ILLUSION A. A Departure from the Faith.

• The key to this passage is the simple phrase in verse 1, “Some shall depart from the faith.” The rest of the passage describes elements of such departure.

It is possible to depart from the faith and apostatize if such passages are not false. No man can depart from something he is not in or does not have.

All men do not have faith.

2 Thessalonians 3:2 Only men of that class would find it impossible to depart from the faith for they have no faith to depart from.

Men are warned to take heed, lest their hearts become evil and unbelieving and cause them to depart from God. Hebrews 3:12 THE STORY OF KING AMAZIAH In 2 Chronicles chapter 25, there is the story of a king of Judah by the name of Amaziah. He was the son of Joash and the father of Uzziah who was king during the time of Isaiah, the prophet. Amaziah reigned in Jerusalem for twenty-nine years.

Scripture says of him, initially, that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord but not with a willing or perfect heart. He functioned in accord with the religion of Israel on the outside. He knew it. He understood it. He behaved by its ethics, but not with a perfect heart. He had a heartless external religion.

He performed his religion only on the outside. His heart knew not God on

TITO S.VENIDA

Tito S. Venida is a product of the University of the Philippines. He used to be a studentleader 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.

the inside. So soon, he was lured away into idolatry. That same chapter 2 Chronicles 25 in verse 4 says, he began to worship the gods of Edom to which he bowed down and burnt incense. His life ended tragically. He was murdered by his own people. And the closing comment in verse 27 is that Amaziah turned away from following the Lord.

Departing from the faith is nothing new. It happens today. It happened in the church at Ephesus where Timothy was, when the Apostle Paul wrote this epistle at Laodicea. It happened in the history of Israel with everyone from kings down to peasants.

There are always people who will understand intellectually, who will behave externally according to the revelation of God but who have no heart for that.

In Hebrews 3:12 it says, “Those who depart from God demonstrate an unbelieving heart.” Therefore, the heart is the issue.

1. Rejection of the Truth. a. Lack of Understanding.

• Due to Ignorance.

• “Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.” - George Bernard Shaw.

• Due to Misinformation.

• In this age of information; ignorance is a choice. b. Lack of Application.

• Due to Stubbornness • Knowing the truth without living it is nothing but false knowledge.

• Due to Ineptitude • “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God” (Psalm 14:1a).

2. Rejection of Basic Principles. a. Lack of Interest.

• Failure to study the Word of God. • “He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God” ( John 8:47).

• Failure to meditate in the Word of God. • “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned” ( John 15:6). b.Lack of Commitment.

•Failure to serve others.

• “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).

• Failure to share Jesus to others.

• “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).

B. A decision to heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.

1. Seducing Spirits.

• These are deceiving demons that seduce men. To seduce means to lead astray; to draw into evil; especially to entice to surrender decency.

• Demons are charged with carrying out the program of enticement to forfeit virtue or surrender morality.

• Listen! People will not endure sound doctrine. They will want to go their own way, being taught things that will appeal to their carnal natures. They will

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get themselves teachers who will follow those false teachers into fables, turning away from the simple Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

• There is onecrucial point I want you to pick up on as we go into our text. It begins with the statement that the Holy Spirit is speaking expressly concerning this issue.

• This is a very interesting and important expression. We know that the Holy Spirit does not speak of His own volition but speaks from the mind of the other Persons of the Godhead ( John 16).

• But here we have the Spirit of God with a special emphasis proclaiming the condition of seducing spirits among people who have had knowledge of the Gospel of Christ in these latter times.

• As I have studied this passage numerous times and compared it with the rest of the Biblical teaching on the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit, I have come to one very profound conclusion. That is: • The work of seducing spirits in the latter times will be to interfere with, to take the place of, and even pretend to be the precious Spirit of the Living God. I believe the Holy Spirit would have a special interest in such a situation. Don’t you?

• Seducing spirits have a purpose or business. The purpose of seducing spirits is seduction. When people are seduced, they are not thinking, even when they think they are. They are being carried away on a current swell of their own lusts.

• There are twothings take place when seducing spirits begin to act. First, people depart from the faith. Second, they give heed to seducing spirits and the doctrine of devils.

• I want you to notice that the departure from the faith takes place prior to the act of heeding to seducing spirits. Now we would think it would be just the opposite.

Wouldn’t we?

• In our thinking we would contemplate the seducing spirits drawing men and women away from the Gospel of Christ, but my Bible, King James Version, 1611 Edition, is teaching me that they get into trouble because they have already departed from the faith.

• Or to put it in Romans chapter eight terms, they have already quit walking after the Spirit of God and started walking after the flesh, sothe seducing spirits find them fair game.

• One of the problems with Christians today is that when we start talking about people walking after the flesh, they immediately start thinking about sex or wanting the things of the world like new cars and such.

• No! That is not all what walking after the flesh can mean. You can walk after the flesh in religion too. I believe that many people have departed from the faith today because they are lazy. Yes! You heard me. I said lazy. * They want the Spirit of God working and manifested in their lives without working to get into that position where God can demonstrate Himself with power.

• That takes the work of prayer, Bible study, faithfulness to worship, and the surrender and rejection of sin in their lives. My dear brethren, it takes work of faith and waiting for God to attain an attitude of beatitude.

• Unfortunately, we live in “a right now” generation. * People do not want to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in accord withGod’s plan. So, they depart from the faith looking for a new way of getting a religious high. They cannot justify what they get into by the Word of God, so they try to justify it by experiences and feelings.

• People depart from the faith, yet they still sing songs, go to church, and make a lot of religious noises. Sometimes they seem, on the surface, a lot more kind and loving than those who are still on the narrow path.

• One of the ways you can spot a person who has departed from the faith is you see them putting feelings and experiences on par with the Written Word of God. When it gets right down to it and they are forced to choose between the Word of God and their feelings, they will choose their feelings.

2. Doctrines of Devils.

• It’s chilling to consider the capabilities of devils! Among other things, devils can perform miracles (Revelation 16:14) and devise seducing doctrines. There is such a thing as doctrine of devils.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”

1 Timothy 4:1 • Since the devil can readily quote Scripture (Matthew 4:6), we should not think the doctrine of devils will be filled with apparent gaping holes that can be easily detected with little or no effort!

• Also, the way Satan succeeded in verbally communicating his wishes for Job to curse God (Job 1:11; 2:5) through his wife (2:9) is astounding!

• Even more astounding though, is that Satan spoke through Peter, one of the Lord’s chosen apostles (Matthew 16:22-23)!

• Should we, then, consider it ludicrous for a doctrine of devils to come through respected and popular teachers of our day? Most assuredly not!

• To urge departure from the faith is the first work of demons. This results in departure from holy living and acceptance of doctrines that will damn the soul.

• Men who pretend inspiration and revelation and false teachers of all kinds are the agents of demons (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

• Every religion that denies the reality of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Atonement, the Death and Bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ, sin, repentance, Satan, demons, hell, heaven, angels and the other fundamental doctrines of Scripture are as much of Satan and demons as the Bible and Christianity are of God. 3. Deception through Hypocrisy.

Speakers of lies pretend revelations, act in self-denial, and mortification of the flesh to prove their false doctrines to be true.

• Those who departed from the faith did it “by” or “through” the hypocritical teachings of those who spoke lies, or who knew that they were inculcating falsehoods.

• This apostasy will essentially consist in their giving heed to seducing spirits that lead to error, and in embracing corrupt and erroneous views on demonology, or about invisible beings between us and God. • The Apostle Paul meant to say that this grand apostasy would occur under the influence of a hypocritical, hardened, and arbitrary ministry, teaching their own doctrines instead of the divine commands, and forbidding that which God had declared to be lawful.

• This also applies to religions that discourage or forbid marriage to anyone among laymen or clergy. Marriage is honorable to all and the bed undefiled (Hebrews 13:4; 1 Corinthians chapter 7).

OCTOBER 2018 THE PRODUCT OF DIABOLICAL ILLUSION Atheist Christians as compared to Christian Atheists. The former are Christians who have departed from the faith; while the latter are Christians who are living as if there is no God. As you would see, the devil is very happy with the two.

The following are signs that people have departed from the faith: 1. Fear: • A disquieting tormenting thought. It is often referred to as worry.

• The Greek word for worry is merimnao, which means double-heartedness, double-loyalty, double-mindedness, and double-spiritedness.

• A distrustful unbelieving thought.

Worry is likened to a rocking chair. It allows you to move but it can’t get you anywhere.

• Fear can be expressed in Frustration.

A feeling of worthlessness exhibited in irrationality and irritability.

2. Aggression: • A feeling of being hostile from within.

It is exhibited in destructive criticisms, defense mechanisms, and the blame game.

3. Insecurity: • A feeling of doubt exhibited in loss of confidence and loss of poise and balance.

4. Loneliness: • A feeling of being abandoned or desolation exhibited in isolation and secrecy.

5. Uncertainty: • A feeling of loss exhibited in loss of direction and loss of hope.

6. Resentment: • A feeling of hatred exhibited in pride, prejudice and self-pity.

7. Emptiness: • A state of failure characterized by spiritual barrenness, suicidal tendencies, and death—both physical and spiritual.

THE PRESCRIPTION FOR DIABOLICAL ILLUSION By living to the standard of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in: 1. Word: • We must teach sound doctrine; nothing but the Word of God that saves the soul (Romans 1:16; 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:16; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23).

• In a time of universal deceit, teaching the truth is a revolutionary act!

2. Conversation: • The whole conduct of our lives in both private and public relations must be without covetousness (Hebrews 13:5).

3. Love: • Our love must be without dissimulation and must not work ill towards our neighbor (Romans 12:9; 13:10).

4. Spirit: • If this refers to the Holy Spirit, it means in the use of spiritual gifts and in yieldingto the Holy Spirit in all of life and conduct (1 Corinthians 12).

5. Faith: • We must keep the faith and not depart from it (2 Timothy 4:7). It is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6).

6. Purity: • If we say we are of Christ’s and not purify ourselves, we have departed from the faith for our Lord is pure (1 John 3:3).

Therefore, let us all: 1. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

2. Reach out to those that are lost and are truly in need.

3. Assist them when they need our help.

4. Care for them.

5. Teach them the Scripture (Colossians 1:28; 2 Timothy 2:2).

6. Inform them of the dangers of diabolical illusion (1 Timothy 4:6).

7. Comfort them (2 Corinthians 1:4).

8. Encourage them.

In other words, let us practice what we have heard, and whatwas preached to us. Let us continue in the faith grounded and settled and let us not be moved away from the hope of the Gospel (Colossians 1:23). Amen.

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

OCTOBER 2018

ARTS | CULTURE | BUSINESS

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Emerging Fashion Designer: Fely Agader, the Dragon Lady

D

uring the Philippine Heritage Month Declaration for the City of Fort Saskatchewan last June 2018, I met a Filipina who had an impressive table display of beaded and embroidered handicrafts, notably detached wired beaded butterfly sleeves (which took her 60 hours to create) and an elaborately and painstakingly embroidered dragon jacket. That lady is Fely Agader.

Fely hails from Cavite and grew up in a family engaged in the clothing industry. Her mother sewed uniforms and her aunt designed, sewed and beaded clothes for Lily Monteverde, the film mogul aka Mother Lily. Even at an early age, Fely did embroidery for the family and would sketch her own designs. Having studied Foreign Service at university, Fely worked as an English-Arabic interpreter in Jeddah then in Dubai with Prince Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. She also worked in Hong Kong before moving to Canada in 2006. She is conversant in Arabic, Nippongo, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

In Canada, she started creating embroidered and/or beaded handicrafts, retailing them in farmers markets and craft sales. The detailing of her work led to customized requests which resulted in expanding her business to include wedding trails, christening gowns and creating her own lace.

In 2009, she decided to pursue formal studies in fashion design, to fulfill a lifelong desire and as a means to distract herself while battling (and surviving) cancer. Her first collection, “D Fire”, in her recent graduation fashion show was a play on the dragon

Artospective - an artist’s point of view IDA BELTRAN-LUCILA ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com

her innate sense of creativity, good eye for detail, and craftsmanship. I wish her all the best in her career, and in her life, and live the words of prominent designer Diane von Furstenberg, “I wanted to be a certain kind of woman. I became that kind of woman.”

The Agader Fashion and Designs Show is on November 24, 2018 at the

Pioneer House, 10102 100 Avenue, Fort Saskatchewan. Doors open at 7 pm and the show starts at 8 pm. Free admission. For further inquiries on the show and Fely’s design services, email agaderfely@gmail.com.

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

and yin yang symbols, which are a representation of her personality.

The dragon is known as a symbol of power and strength. It may be silent when undisturbed but fiery when provoked. The yin and yang symbols speak of her philosophy of balance in life. Her collection presented an interesting use and match of different fabrics, with embroidery detailing in unexpected ways. Her designs, geared towards adult women, are “simple, clean cut, but elegant”. It was impressive enough that she has received three internship offers in Edmonton fashion houses. In addition, Fely still plans to spend more time back in the Philippines to do more work on Philippine fabric as she plans to expand her collection on Filipiniana clothes.

On November 24, Fely will hold her first ever solo fashion show featuring 50 designs in celebration of her 50th birthday. With a business tagline of “Skin doesn’t matter” she aims for her collection to appeal across cultures.

In fact, she has designs specifically for Fort Saskatchewan MLA Jessica Littlewood, and Mayor Gale Katchur, who have gamely agreed to walk the runway. In getting to know Fely, I believe that her collection will reflect

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GREETINGS | BUSINESS | ASTROLOGY

OCTOBER 2018

Atty. Joseph Angeles turns 40 with a surprise party at Panciteria

By Moses Billacura

Atty. Katrina Angeles surprised husband and law partner Atty. Joseph Angeles when family and friends showed up for his 40th birthday party at the Panciteria de Manila restaurant.

Jaytee Balmores of the famous Jeepney Jaytee Food Truck and Panciteria's Bayani Alcantara served as masters of ceremony of the event, October 16, that was graced by clients who in the years of practice have become good friends.

Among those who came were Quality Sleep Care directors Kris Salumbides, Jacob Christian, Jesse Tallon, Journal publisher Jun Angeles, realtors Loida Lumanlan and Dorothy Coronel, mortgage broker Ryan Paluca, Fly Friendly Travel and Tour president Resty Reyes, host Benjie Lindo of Benjie Lindo Live Updates and Philippine Business Society of Alberta president Celso Andrade.

Atty.Katrina thanked the cohorts of friends led by Panciteria's Lorena Alcantara for surprising her husband in a very good way.

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HEALTH AND HYGIENE

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BUSINESS

OCTOBER 2018

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