Alberta Filipino Journal - September 2020 Issue

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RESILIENCE IS THE REQUISITE TO SUBSISTENCE

AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

Interview with Ate Reggie P8

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Volume 13, Number 9

Emilio Villareal and wife The Maestro and His Legacy

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ANOTHER SHINING STAR OF A FILIPINO DESCENT! Miss Universe Canada 2020 Delegate Kathryn Marie Legaspi We’ve got the right mortgage for you Contact me:

Belle De Castro Manager, Mobile Mortgage Specialist Tel: 780 231 3126 E: belle.decastro@td.com

P27 ►

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Business

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

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

Community | Business

SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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Updated Summary of COVID-19 Related Resources By: Giselle General

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s the pandemic has been going on for a few months, the challenges can take their toll. It can be overwhelming and stressful not knowing where to get help and support. As a starting point, this is a summary of some resources to get information and relief.

Handy 3-Digit Numbers For Information and Resources - 211: This is a useful Alberta-based directory if you need resources and do not know were to start.

They can give direction on a wide range of inquires such as legal help, financial supports, community programs, shelters, local COVID-19 information, and more. They can also be accessed via live chat online, you can also search their directory of services on their website or by texting 211 https://www.ab.211.ca/ - 311: The City of Edmonton’s 311 service continues to be available to residents to report issues. Since the pandemic has affected city services, such as public transit, libraries, recreation centres, road construction, and more, it can be useful to access 311. You can either call 311, download the 311 app to take a photo of the city issue that you want to report, or send an email. For more information, go to https://www.edmonton. ca/programs_services/311-cityservices.aspx - 811: The Health Link is a vital resource for health concerns, both related to COVID19 and other medical matters. You can either dial 811 and speak to a nurse about a medical issue, or go to the website https://www.albertahealthservices. ca/assets/healthinfo/link/index. html to browse their information, including the online COVID-19 Screening form.

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programs that provide relief and support. https://www.edmonton. ca/programs_services/emergency_ preparedness/covid-19.aspx While there are lots of resources in this article, I encourage everyone to continue their independent research and to verify each resource before using or accessing them. Stay safe and healthy everyone.

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External Apps or Webpages - User-Friendly Web From Edmonton Social Planning Council: This page is an easy-toread and comprehensive outline of all the different COVID-19 related resources, from rent relief, transit, Canada Child Benefit, and more. https://edmontonsocialplanning. ca/covid-19/ - Web Portal from REACH Edmonton: This webpage from REACH Edmonton is a comprehensive resource for many things related to COVID-19. The additional benefit of their page is there are sections specifically catered to newcomers and refugees, as well as frontline workers that are serving community members. https://reachedmonton. ca/covid-19-community-response/ Government Related Resources - Federal Government: This specific link is the official webpage from the Government of Canada regarding all updates and resources about COVID-19, including the different programs that provide relief and support. Onhttps://www.canada.ca/ en/public-health/services/diseases/ coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html - Provincial Government: This specific link is the official webpage from the Government of Alberta All photos and articles available online. Follow us

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Editor’s Corner | AFJ Staff | Business

Published by Angeles Publishing Company Inc. 246 Lindsay Crescent, Edmonton, Alberta T6R 2T2

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

AFJ’S TRADITION OF LEADERSHIP: Rating the Pulse of the Fil-Canadian Businesses in Aberta.

Jose L. Angeles Publisher / Chief Operating Officer Sales and Advertising CP: 780-916-7677 Landline: 780-988-8889 Fax: 780-988-2221 publisher@albertafilipinojournal.com

EDITOR’S CORNER

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

Lito Mendoza Velasco

Lianne Angeles Associate Editor Melanie Rose Atizado Angeles Administrator / Office Manager Sales and Advertising 780-993-5503 albertafilipinojournal79@gmail.com Manny Bautista Advertising, Sales and Marketing Manager 780-802-0848, canadianasset@gmail.com Stephen Burry Distribution Manager - Calgary 1 (587) 938-3100, Freedommigrate@gmail.com Rodel Paguirigan Advertising, Sales and Marketing Manager - Calgary 1 (403) 921-0148, rodelpaguirigan@gmail.com Melanie C. Gomez Website / Graphic Designer Photographers/Videographer: Moses Billacura, Noli Granado, Dario Juanillo Columnists: Marjorie Carmona-Newman, Tito S. Venida Ida Beltran-Lucila, Katrina Marielle U. Cereno Kristian Cereno, Marco Luciano, Moses Billacura Mervin Mendoza Cereno, Nicky Gocuan Giselle General, Riana Torrejon, Hermo Pagtakhan Januel Cedrick Ibasco, Fr. Jhack Diaz Bing J. Jaleco, Aubrey Reyes, Jonabel Cabasal, Jasmine-Grace Nacu

We should all know that in any corner of the world, the sources of livelihood should be taken care of in order to keep us going. We should not ignore the fact that economy is considered as one of the backbones of society. It is next to good manners and right conduct and most of all, Godliness.

The Noble Truths Behind the AFJ One of the noble intentions of the Alberta Filipino Journal family, headed by our publisher Kuya, Tito, Uncle, Lolo, and Sir Jose “Jun” Angeles, is to secure the life’s condition of our fellow Filipinos in Canada, especially, in Alberta. Simply because, we do not want to be a burden to the Canadian government.

Economy is the Backbone of the Society By paying our kababayan, particularly the business sector a visit, it is tantamount to ensuring our economic conditions and stability. As the pulse of the Filipino community in Alberta, one of our primordial roles is to be aware, as well as to inform them that we do take care of everyone’s welfare.

A Filipino is survived by his faith Our observation tells that Filipinos’ entrepreneurial spirit is as solid as our faith in One and the Invisible. Blindfolded, we jump because of the firm conviction and belief that there is always someone who will come to our rescue. That is why, the Filipino businesses are surviving even in the midst of a horrifying catastrophes, plagues, and pandemics. Resilience is one of our ways to excellence.

We are still in good shape Filipinos always have a good laugh amidst a life-and-death situation. The show must always go on! continued on page 5►

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.

重 重慶 慶火鍋

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Editor’s Corner | Business

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Points of View | Community | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

Patron Saints of Nothing and Activism Through Literature Steeped in Stories: Ulat Aklat

Jasmine-Grace Nacu

a visit to the Philippines, he formed a friendship with his cousin Jun that continued through the years via letters. But as Jay got older, he responded less often and eventually the letters stopped coming. Now a highschool senior and already accepted at a university, Jay has no plans beyond spending his final semester playing video games. But Jay’s world is upended with the news of Jun's death. All he knows is there’s no funeral, Jun was killed by the police as part of Duterte’s drug war,

and Jun’s family doesn’t want to talk about it. Jay has many questions but few answers, so he decides to spend his spring break in the Philippines in hopes of uncovering what truly happened to his cousin.

Whether you were born here or immigrated, there’s something in Jay’s story that will resonate with you. Ribay expertly explores the difficulty of being part of two cultures and trying to find your place. What makes this book outstanding is that continued on page 8►

Welcome to AFJ Family Dear Readers and Advertisers, I am very pleased to announce that our team is growing. Just recently, We have just extended our operations in Calgary and Area.

Thank you Manny Bautista, our new Advertising, Sales and Marketing Manager for introducing AFJ to Rodel Paguirigan, who, at this point in time, accepts the position of the Advertising, Sales and Marketing Manager in Calgary Zone. Also, thanks to Lito Velasco, our Editor-in-Chief, for introducing AFJ to Stephen Burry, who willingly accepts the position of the Distribution Manager for Calgary. He also permits to use his Calgary Immigration Consultancy office as AFJ’s office.

AFJ has also recently found individuals who have expressed allegiance and willing to align their personal values to AFJ’s Mission and Vision.

Thank you Jonabel Seba for touching the hearts of our readers by your Poetry and Informative articles.

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

Thank you Jasmine-Grace Nacu for inviting our readers to think critically as you do with your book review.

To all of you: Welcome to the AFJ FAMILY! Jose “Jun” Angeles Publisher

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ugust may be over and with it Buwan ng Wika, but supporting Filipino stories is a year-round celebration. This year we’ve seen the rise of an alarming number of issues in the Philippines including an insufficient COVID response, alleged attacks on freedom of the press, the mounting body count of the extrajudicial killings, and the passing of the Terror Law. But we’ve also seen a rise in criticism of the government and activism both back home and within the diaspora.

Among these voices of dissent is Filipino-American writer Randy Ribay. Hailing from California, he’s an active member of the Malaya Movement, an organization against killings and dictatorship, and for democracy in the Philippines.

Ribay’s 2019 novel Patron Saints of Nothing, a National Book Award finalist, tells the story of Filipino-American Jay Reguero. On

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

Jasmine-Grace Nacu Contributing Writer

Photo credit: randyribay.com

Jonabel Cabasal Contributing Writer

Rodel Paguirigan Advertising, Sales and Marketing Manager Calgary

Stephen Burry Distribution Manager, Calgary

Manny Bautista Advertising, Sales and Marketing Manager

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Reserve your Edmonton Stingers tickets, Raptors' heartbreaking loss, Coach K 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.

I

f you'd like to see Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) champions, the Edmonton Stingers in action next year, reserve your tickets now.

On Ticketmaster, you can place a $50 2021 Season deposit per seat at the Edmonton Expo Centre.

That will give you the chance to personally watch Jordan Baker, Xavier Moon, Travis Daniels and the rest of the Stingers in action!

Let's support the Edmonton Stingers! *** Coach Joseph "Jojo" Sumalinog used to mentor the multi-titled Holy Cross of Davao College Crusaders before immigrating to Canada.

He also used to be a member of the squad that has dominated the Southern Mindanao leagues for years under his dad, coach Tura.

I mentioned his name because he was among the Toronto Raptors fans who saw the game on TV and finished watching it with a broken heart.

As everybody knows in the basketball community, the Raptors lost to the Boston Celtics, 87-92 in Game 7.

Coach Jojo just could not believe the 18 turnovers made by the Raptors in that crucial game. "Sakit sa heart," he said.

In Canada, we only have one team in the NBA and so we wholeheartedly root for that team. There used to be two Canadian teams with the Vancouver Grizzlies but they only lasted six years from 1995 to 2001 and relocated to Memphis.

We wish the Raptors well next season and hopefully, they will not repeat those costly turnovers and give coach Jojo and the millions of basketball fans another heartbreak. *** Coach K. I first heard about Coach K from a basketball tournament organizer in Red Deer, Jerby Caballero.

Jerby asked if I was able to meet him. I said not yet.

So, coach K is Kelvin Dela Pena.

He played high school basketball for Bishop McNally High School which became back-to-back Division 1 champions in 1998 and 1999.

He is an All-Canadian, suited up for Team Alberta and even donned the Philippine colors in the Under 20.

He has a long list of career

highlights as a basketeer in the Philippines.

Backed by training certifications, seminars and courses, he co-founded Rise Up Hoops in Calgary in 2015.

According to his website, riseuphoops.com, they have programs this Fall like the Cohort In-House League for Grades 4 to 12, Fundamentals Training until September 30 and another Fundamentals Training in October to November for ages 5 to 8.

What's interesting to me is their Rise Performance Training that is specifically designed for serious basketeers, I mean, those that really would like to level up their performances.

This is one program that should be considered if you'd like to improve your game.

I have covered the Philippine Sports Association (PSA) Edmonton leagues for years now and I've seen some outstanding players.

In fact, two PSA players are now in the Philippines suiting up for college squads. One is Virson Orquez and the other is Christian Liwanag.

With Coach K's experience, if there are more Orquezes and Liwanags in the making, I'm pretty sure PSA president Gary Perpetua would consider recommending the Rise Performance Training of coach K. Mukhang magandang program ito president Gary specially if we will discover more potential PBA players in the PSA leagues. *** If you have sports news and updates, please don't hesitate to give us a shout. Kindly email mocolumnist@ albertafilipinojournal.com.

Salamat po!

"This is our best chance!"

- Rep. Martinez appeals for support of Olympic campaign MANILA --- “We have not won an Olympic gold in our lifetime, and this is our best chance.”

This was the message conveyed by staunch supporter of the country's Olympic campaign and House of Representatives Committee on Youth and Sports Development Chairman Eric Martinez during the recent budget defense meeting of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Martinez expressed confidence that the country will finally, win its first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2021, and sought support for our athletes’ campaign.

“Could I ask the PAGCOR for its commitment with regards to the support for PSC for these athletes and for this Olympics, so we could nail down that Olympic gold,” said Rep. Martinez.

The Congressman of the 2nd District of Valenzuela is referring to four (4) Tokyo Olympics qualifiers

namely Ernest Obiena, Carlos Yulo, Eumir Marcial, and Irish Magno including aspiring weightlifting Olympian Hidilyn Diaz, a silver medallist in the 2016 Rio Olympiad and a handful who show big chances of qualifying.

Rep. Martinez believes that Obiena, who recently won gold in the 59th Ostrava Golden Strike Tournament in Czech Republic has a strong chance of winning a medal and upset the world’s best, same prediction he has with Filipino artistic gymnast and reigning world champion in men’s floor exercise Yulo, Diaz, and boxers Marcial and Magno saying “we all know that by tradition boxing is our strength in Olympic gaming.”

“This is now the critical time that we push and channel all our resources for their training [with] one year to go,” said Rep. Martinez.

Martinez proposed for direct coordination between the two agencies,

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Sports Journal | Community | Event

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UPAAE hosts “Historya 2” for the Alberta Culture Days about Filipino Migration stories in Alberta

by Karen Lechonsito, UPAAE

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he University of the Philippines Alumni Association in Edmonton (UPAAE) is set to host a virtual presentation of migration stories of Filipinos in Alberta. Dubbed as “Historya 2”, the two-part event on September 28 and 30 from 4pm to 7pm will showcase experiences of Filipinos answering the call of opportunity beyond the Philippines. More than just stories, UPAAE promises to deliver a weaving of the Filipino arts, culture, and tradition into each individual’s tale and lifealtering events.

HISTORYA 2 builds on the success of the HISTORYA: Walking Through the Story of the Filipino People held in September 2018 in Edmonton. The interactive event and exhibit showcased Philippine history and culture as far back as 10 million years ago up to the present. It is grounded on the belief that one’s national history has a bearing on everyday life, affecting values, customs, choices and relationships.

HISTORYA 2: The Filipino Culture and Identity in a Multicultural World, will be an experiential and intercultural learning experience aimed at engaging Albertans in increasing their awareness about Philippine history and culture. It will offer a two-part learning series of visual and intercultural dialogues about historical and cultural experiences of Filipinos as a way of building bridges across cultures. It will consist of three key activities:

Historya 2 will begin on September 28 from 4pm to 7pm with a video presentation of HISTORYA 1 to set the historical and cultural context of Filipino culture. It is followed with My Historya, a story telling session among participants where they share their personal stories and insights of migration presented in an art or musical performance.

The second part on September 30, from 4pm to 7pm will start with Dialogues on the Filipino Diaspora: Philippine history and Filipino culture designed as an interactive learning activity where participants explore historical, economic, social and political conditions in the Philippines that explain push and pull factors of Filipino migration. Culminating the session will be Building intercultural bridges where participants engage in a mutual learning and reflection process about cultural differences and find the bridging points where cultures meet.

UPAAE is excited to bring this online show and forum as another way for everyone, and anyone, to make connections in a new world currently ruled by pandemic norms. The event is free, and tickets are available through Eventbrite Edmonton, or via these links: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ historya-2-the-filipino-cultureand-identity-in-a-multiculturalworld-tickets-119027998949?aff =ebdssbonlinesearch https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ historya-2-the-filipino-cultureand-identity-in-a-multiculturalworld-tickets-119027100261?aff =ebdssbonlinesearch

"I think PAGCOR should sit down seriously with PSC and our committee is more than willing to help also for this Olympics alone. Let's do it for our Olympians and for our Filipino athletes."

PAGCOR Vice President Jimmy Bondoc responded positively on Martinez's request, saying that "we share your dream of finally obtaining that gold for our country. That is possible and I will definitely propose it to the Board."

PAGCOR's remittances to PSC significantly reduced as these are dependent on their income, which was heavily hit by the implemented lockdown.

In the past committee regular meeting attended by PSC Chairman William Ramirez and Chef de Mission Nonong Araneta, the Congress committee promised to back the agency’s request for the return of the P182-million budget for next year’s Tokyo Olympics.(pr)

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Inspiration | Lifestyle | Religion | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

Interview with Ate Reggie FILIPINAVIGATION

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

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

My Ate Reggie is a sweet-hearted and bright woman located in New York. She runs marathons, runs a household, and she isworking in the computing science industry. To me, she’s one inspiring Filipina woman and I’m proud to call her my cousin. Please enjoy this interview we had below: Could you tell me a bit about yourself and the work you do?

I work as a data analyst in AON, one of the big stock brokerage insurance companies in New York. We handle the data for our law, consulting, architectural, and accounting firms.

How did you come to work for this New York based company when you are originally from the Philippines?

I came here (the United States) after graduating from a computing science degree in the Philippines. It was hard at the beginning because my sister and I were new to America, on top of having just graduated.

Luckily, my sister and I have a very supportive family. My father referred me to his old friend working in Human Resources, so I got my first real job from BISYS/Citigroup in the Operations Department. While working for the department, Iexpressed my interest to move up into the IT department.

So,then I worked in Infrastructure Technology for 6 years. It was very demanding 24/7 work. After working 6 years as an IT for Citigroup, I decided to find another job that was less demanding so that I could start a family. So, in 2010, I found out that my sister’s company, AON, was searching for a data analyst. I immediately applied online through the company portal. Fortunately, I got the job after 3 interviews.

What is it like to work in the computing sciences as a Filipino woman?

It's a very competitive and challenging environment, not a lot of women, but it is an opportunity where you can stand out more from your peers.

Proving yourself every day also means growing at the same time.

What has helped you to persevere in the face of adversity?

Never give up: Keep on Trying! Luke 5:1-11 MAKE OUR DAILY GOSPEL READING TRENDING Like it and share it!

A photograph of Mary Reggie Rosales.

My family’s support and guidance.

It means a lot to me. Their values and words of encouragement helped me a lot.

What advice would you give to our generation of Filipino youth?

Always follow your dreams and believe in yourself. You can do anything that you set your mind to. Always remember the road to success is not all smooth. When it is rough, just keep going. It’s all worth it.

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

When things are not going your way, just follow one course and keep moving forward. Never stop learning and always say yes to opportunities that will help you grow personally, professionally, physically, and/or spiritually.

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.

Our Gospel for today has presented to us a very beautiful message of encouragement: “lower your net again.” Try one more time. This is the context of our Gospel: “Peter was fishing all night but caught nothing.

He went back tired, frustrated and discouraged. But Jesus told him, to go fishing again. Try one more time, Peter!”

If I were Peter, my reaction would have been like this: Are you kidding me? I am a fishing expert.

I have been a fisherman since birth and you’re just a carpenter. What is your knowledge on fishing? You know what? It sounds ironic hearing about Jesus, a carpenter, teaching a fisherman about fishing.

Well, the Gospel is telling us this message: When we listen to Jesus, miracles are possible.

Maybe, some of us are like Peter.

We can easily become frustrated, tired, and discouraged. But today, the Lord is telling us: Try again, keep on trying. Give yourself more chances.

Friends, do not surrender to failure.

Failure is not final. Blessings have no expiration date. Listen to Jesus and get ready to float in the ocean of God’s blessings.

Moreover, our Gospel is reminding us that we have a God who always comes to the rescue. In nothingness, He will provide. God wants us to be prosperous. Friends, the secret of fortune and abundance is obedience to God. Obey and you will be blessed.

Like Peter, just say: “If you say so, I will let down the net.” Listen to Jesus and believe that good things are soon to come. Miracles are always possible.

Finally, like the disciples, our primordial role is to become “fishers of men.” Let us not stop fishing though.

Let us delete the phrase “give up” from our vocabulary. Friends, endure everything with patience.

Blessings, Fr. Jhack

Duterte okays filing of criminal charges vs. key PhilHealth execs

By Jelly Musico

MANILA (Philippines News Agency) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night (September 14) approved the recommendation of an inter-agency task force that looked into alleged corruption activities in the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to file criminal and administrative charges against resigned PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Ricardo Morales and other key corporate senior officials.

Duterte read the recommendations of the Task Force PhilHealth during his talk to the people after holding a meeting with core members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang.

“I have to read this because first, the issue of PhilHealth corruption was really an important issue to the Filipinos and everybody,” Duterte said. “I’m sorry for them, but they will have to undergo trial, although they can always prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The presumption of innocence is still attached.”

In its 177-page report and recommendation submitted to Duterte on Monday, the Task Force PhilHealth said the totality of the evidence presented before the task force supports the conclusion that wrongful acts or omission on the parts of certain key corporate officers of the PhilHealth have been committed. www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

Others recommended to be charged are Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Information Officer Jovita V. Aragona, senior Information and Communication Technology officer Calixto Gabuya Jr., Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Arnel De Jesus, SVP Ernesto Limiasco Jr., SVP Israel Pargas, and Division Chief Bobby Crisostomo.

The task force said the officers of the PhilHealth Executive Committee exhibited negligence and administratively and criminally liable under Republic Act (RA) 1319 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Law and Revised Penal Code.

The task force also recommended that the concerned PhilHealth corporate officers be held liable for certain violations of national internal revenue code “in connection to their failure to withhold taxes on IRM (Interim Reimbursement Mechanism) releases".

The task force also recommended that Duterte “strongly admonish and remind the chairman (Health Secretary Francisco Duque III) and members of the PhilHealth board of the grave consequence of their actions or inactions to PhilHealth fund, to the government and its coffers, and to the interest of the ordinary people who rely on PhilHealth”.

Among the specific recommendations of the task force are: The filing of criminal charges against the following persons is hereby recommended in relation to various ICT procurement including the concealment of important information in relation

thereto, violation of Section 3A, RA 1319 against Aragona, Gabuya, and Crisostomo; The filing of charges over violation of Section 3A, Republic Act 1319 against Morales, Aragona, and Gabuya; The filing of charges over violation of Section 3G, Republic Act 1319 against Morales, Aragona, Gabuya, and PRO-NCR personnel; The filing of charges over violation of Article 213 of the Revised Penal Code against Morales, Aragona, and Gabuya; The filing of charges in relation to the disbursement of Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM) funds prior to the effectivity of the pertinent circular and malversation of public funds of property under 217 of the Revised Penal Code against Morales and Limsiaco Jr. The filing of charges over violation of Section 3A, RA 1319 against Morales, De Jesus, Limsiaco, and Pargas; and The filing of charges in relation to the release of IRM funds despite the lack of sufficient standards of implementation against Pargas in relation to the non-withholding taxes of the IRM funds disbursement.

“The filing of administrative charges against the following persons in relation to the above described actions or omission is likewise recommended.

Dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, falsification of official document, disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines, and to the Filipinos, inefficiency, and incompetence in the performance of

official duties and of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the people against Morales, de Jesus, Aragona, Limsiaco, Gabuya, and Crisostomo,” Duterte read from the task force’s report and recommendation. (Story and photo from PNA) from page 6

Steeped in Stories... it acknowledges the complexity of the drug war and examines its different facets. Why are people supportive of this? How much say do we have on issues happening in a country we no longer live in?

Can we really grasp the extent of the drug problem there? These are but few of the questions this book explores.

For many of us FilipinoCanadians, we have loved ones back in the Philippines who are impacted by the current government. It’s important for us to stay informed and involved through our family, friends, community, and organizations.

One way to do this is to listen to Filipino voices. We are seeing more and more activism through art, film, and literature. It’s now more important than ever to raise these voices and stories.

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Points of View | AFJ's Open Invitation

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People Watching at the Courthouse! What the cold brings

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

Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan hermopagtakhanlaw@ hotmail.com Cell: (780) 905-9288 Hermo Toribio Reyes Pagtakhan of Edmonton, Alberta is a lawyer who practised for more than 25 years in the Philippines and in Alberta and thereafter, was an Index Options Trader on Wall Street. He is currently a Family Counselor with Arbor Memorial Gardens whom he joined in 2013. In 2005, Hermo had his Epiphany and metamorphosed into a Servant Leader who has since been sharing his insights and experiences for the benefit of those who may need it and whoever may find it useful.

S

ometime ago before COVID-19 arrived, I accompanied a very good friend to the Edmonton Law Courts Building for pre-trial of his legal matter.

I have not been to the Law Courts Building in more than 10 years and as we entered the building and went through security screening, I noticed significant CHANGES both to the building structure and to the people, in particular, the lawyers.

I love people-watching.

Oftentimes that’s what I do whenever I have to “kill” time, especially in airports, as I try to observe and analyze peoples’ body language, facial expressions, moods and behaviour. That particular day was no exception. While waiting for my friend’s case to be called, we hung around outside the courtroom as I watched people came and went.

I was particularly interested in the lawyers I saw.

ONE significant change I noticed was in their deportment and behaviour, specifically the TOTAL ABSENCE or LACK of COURTESY among them.

EXHIBIT 1: I purposely opened doors whether the elevators or the glass doors for at least five lawyers and you know what? NONE of them even bothered to look at me and say ‘THANK YOU’! No, I am not mistaken. That’s not a typing error. I mean it when I said “NONE”

of them displayed basic courtesy.

EXHIBIT “2”: My friend and I were standing and chatting along the corridor outside the courtroom.

On at least 3 to 4 occasions, lawyers passed by us or squeezed by us WITHOUT EVEN the courtesy of saying “EXCUSE ME”! A couple of them were even talking on their cellphones as they passed by.

Another significant change I noticed in the behaviour of lawyers is that ALMOST ALL OF THEM if not 100% walked and behaved like stoic automatons or the walking dead (imagine robotic or zombielike movements) totally devoid of emotion.

What has become of us as human beings? I began to wonder.

No wonder lawyers and politicians remain the popular butt of jokes.

Just my observation. My two cents’ worth of comments while people-watching.

Stop the Apathy-Do Your Part

by Jonabel Cabasal

I

n these economically fiscal stringent times, it is imperative that we pick up our old habits of yesteryear and do as our parents once showed us. We should not only be responsible for our own lives, but we also need to take a bit of others’ burdens as well. This country was built not on the backs of politicians and the upper echelon of society but rather, on the daily toils of hard working people. The laymen who each and every day without fail do his/her best to help their families and most importantly, their community.

This recent pandemic has created an atmosphere of survivalism and a bit of greed with respect to our own welfare.

The cities and towns we reside in have to adhere to fiscal responsibility.

This is now an almost impossible task.

The funding once counted on to make the wheels of government function have been given a unprecendented toil.

What are we to do? It is obvious with only a short walk through your community to observe what communities have taken on the responsibility of groundskeeping,

gardening, security, play groups for youth, and overall management once held by municipal governments.

The point I now make is; It is NOW time to revert to our youthful, upbringing and once normal behaviour of cleaning up after yourself and taking on the simple nature of charity, love and assistance to those in need, and the immediate and close environment

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of our every day lives. Take on the habit of picking up and even better, not littering in the first place. There are humans in your view each and every day that you may have shunned or ignored. Don’t expect the government or charities that once COULD take care of these under priviliged folks to be able to do it. If parks and recreation have suffered from lack of funding, how

ANADIANS have been inundated in recent weeks with news reports about spikes in the number of new Covid-19 cases all across the country. The warnings issued by the different provincial health authorities, and by the federal government, point to a disturbing realization: Covid-19 is not going away and could likely rear its ugly head anew as the nation heads towards autumn.

Here in Alberta, chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw says the province may need to scale back its relaunch should case rates increase or hospitalizations rise. The Media reports indicate that as many as 16 schools across the province have reported cases involving either students, staff, or visitors.

In other parts of Canada, officials are rethinking their strategies as well. The reassessment is born out partly of the coming of fall, and partly out of the hardheadedness of people—the anti-maskers as they have come to be called—who continue to ignore the dangers of Covid-19 and flaunt so-called “freedoms.”

It is a wonder why, in this day and age, people continue to purposely turn a blind eye to issues such as Covid-19.

And the proverbial blind eye is not confined to misguided individuals; governments churn out public policy that gives more weight to “going back” to normal. In Alberta, Premier Jason Kenney has declared that potential infections in schools is something “we have to live with.”

This is unacceptable, and both parents and school officials are right to be indignant.

As autumn approaches, fears of a resurgence in Covid-19 cases are understandable. The cold brings with it the dangers of a potent virus that becomes more severe in colder months.

The drop in temperature, coupled by dry indoor air, is a recipe for a dreaded surge in cases.

But more than the potential catastrophe of a resurgent Covid-19, the cold will likely bring panic and fear. It will

VIEWPOINT

Bing J. Jaleco bingjaleco@yahoo.com Raleigh “Bing” Jaleco was a veteran journalist and public relations consultant in the Philippines. He started out as a correspondent for Ang Pahayagang Malaya and then moved on to be a reporter, and then an editor, of The Manila Chronicle. He also served as news editor of The Manila Standard, business editor of The Manila Times, and sub-editor at the Manila Bulletin. He landed as a permanent resident in Canada in 2016.

bring uncertainty and cast doubts on a lasting economic recovery. The workplace will again be redefined, and the way Canadians will work and earn a living will have to change again. Canada is already reeling from the effects of the pandemic—the federal government said the deficit will hit $343 billion this year.

Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux had said the deficit could be manageable if no more bid expenditures like the CERB are made.

But Giroux told media that if such programs are extended and Canada goes through another year of massive spending, the deficit problem would be more problematic. At the end of the day, the federal government will have very few options left, and a dreaded tax hike will be inevitable.

As autumn nears, Canadians should be more vigilant about keeping Covid-19 in check. Governments must be more cognizant of the dangers that the pandemic poses.

As Filipinos would say: better to be “OA” (overacting, a euphemism for over-the-top) when dealing with Covid-19 than to be indifferent, even nonchalant about it. The virus won’t just go away folks.

do you think this has affected the homeless and our environment?

With the soon to be seasonal change in Alberta, all that litter and all those folks that are already on the brink of destitution are in an impossible situation.

Do your part. Put litter in its place, love your neighbour, care for all folks regardless of societal class and bring about the change you expect the government to do.

OUR HEALTH DEPENDS ON IT...

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Education | Points of View

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

FAQ for Internationally Educated Engineers Who Want to be Registered as Engineers in Canada

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s the Alberta Filipino Journal becomes digital through its website, https://www. albertafilipinojournal.com – more readers are becoming interested and became more informed in pursuing their licensing path as Engineering Professional in Canada. I received many emails from different nationalities who happened to read the articles I wrote in past issues of Alberta Filipino Journal that were uploaded onto the website. I receive an average of 3 emails per week and I reply to specific queries with regard to the APEGA and ASET application process here in Alberta. Half of those who are trying to connect with me through email are of other nationalities and are immigrants to Alberta who wish to or are pursuing their licensure process. For most Filipinos, their common questions are with regard to their Education Credential Evaluation results that hinder them from furthering their Professional recognition application.

Below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that I received through email, that might benefit other readers: 1. Why does World Education Services (WES) evaluate my academic diploma from the Philippines as graduate of Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Major) as only equivalent to a 2-year Diploma in Canada?

Answer: WES evaluates the education of the applicant based on the documents you have submitted. This includes your Transcript of Record (TOR) and Diploma mailed directly by your College/University where you graduated. Take note, that TOR listed the subject code and the name of the subject you took during

THROUGH A TEENAGER’S EYES

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

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

P

eople around the world struggle with the conflicts within their mind; an internal conflict where people feel that they have no one. We are in a world where www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

ENGINEER IN ACTION

Mervin Cereno, P. Eng. mmcereno@gmail.com Mervin Cereno is a Filipino immigrant living in Canada, with a Filipino-Canadian Engineer license to practice Engineering in Alberta. He is employed in one of the most sought after Engineering Consulting firms based in Edmonton as a Structural Engineer that designs small to medium-rise commercial and multi-family buildings. He is a volunteer and advocates to help Filipino-Canadian Engineers pursue their Professional Engineering License in Canada.

For advice on specific cases in pursuing your application whether in ASET or APEGA, please email me at mmcereno@gmail.com.

your tertiary education side by side with the grade score you achieved.

The evaluator looks only on the similarity of the subject name to Canadian equivalent and will not merit a favorable equivalent if the subject is far different from those courses or subjects that are offered in the Canadian Curriculum. So, it is advisable to include the course and subject description and the syllabus of each subject when submitting your documents to WES. Most Filipino immigrants in Canada who studied high school in the Philippines completed their

Philippine secondary education (high school) in only 4 years, which totals to 10 years from Grade 1.

In Canada, the total years of basic education is 12 years. The math and science subjects for those who graduated in the Philippines will not be sufficient to merit the number of hours that are required to have a Canadian education equivalent because of these total years of basic education.

Hence, it is recommended to submit as many documents and courses you took from your University to prove that you have enough science and math subjects.

If you have Post-Graduate studies (Master Degree) this will greatly help in advancing your Education Credential Requirements.

2. Why is it difficult to write the experience requirement that will comply with the 22 Competency Requirements?

Answer: Writing your Experience Requirement is a personal journal of all your Engineering Experience.

It is advisable to put your specific role in each of your job outlines formed and try to tabulate those experiences to address the required competencies as defined by APEGA. In the past articles that I wrote in the Alberta Filipino Journal, you can find the 5-part series where I gave examples on how to write about your experience that addresses the 22 Competencies. Take note that writing and documenting your experiences must be specific and not a copy-paste approach.

Every experience is unique for each individual. Your experience depends on your field of Engineering and also depends on how you are employed from your previous and present company. It is a matter of

understanding the 22 Competencies and recalling all your experiences during the performance of your job. Somewhere and somehow, you applied all those competencies.

3. Can I start my application even before I land as immigrant in Canada?

Answer: Yes. It is better to start your application early, comply with all the Education requirements and submit all necessary experience requirements including references.

Once you land in Canada, by that time – there are already decisions to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exams, take the National Professional Practice Exams and comply the One Year Canadian Experience requirement – that is, if you have more than 48 months of Engineering Experience prior to immigrating to Canada.

4. I do not have the required 48 months of Engineering Experience because I just graduated from my Engineering degree outside of Canada. Can I start my application to APEGA as Engineer-in-Training?

Answer: Yes. You can start your application to APEGA and eventually become EIT. You need to have a minimum of 48 months of Engineering Experience under the Supervision of a Professional Engineer to eventually become a Professional Engineer. If APEGA give you EIT status, it is likely that your Education requirements are already satisfied and you need to complete and comply with your Engineering Experience Requirements eventually.You need at least One Year of Canadian Experience to satisfy the full requirement to become a Professional Engineer in Canada.

5. How long is the application process to grant Professional Member Status?

An Anonymous Article For You people feel alone even though they are not. Our mental health - not just our own, but also the people around us - is a serious topic which we should focus our attention on.

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

The environment around us affects the way we act. One’s mental health can be defined by the people surrounding him/her. The joy that we see from the man who makes everyone happy can have a different face when he is alone in his room.

That silent girl in the corner who you think is “weird” can have a reason for why she is silent.

Our speech can have a great impact on people. A simple small

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

I, myself have struggled dealing with my mental health. Having my friends and my family around me helped a lot in overcoming the fight within myself. Simply talking to them gave me an overwhelming feeling which helped me work my way through the maze of depression. Once, my mom told me that, “Sitting in a room alone is not a good thing because it makes you overthink.” That was an eye opener for me. And because of that, I started to become more engaged with the things happening around me which helped me turn

those problems into happiness. I started caring for myself more, and I started to think of what makes

me happy. And lastly, I started to become more engaged with God. A prayer is the greatest weapon against the swords of sadness. The first Bible verse I learned from my mom is from the Book of Jeremiah.

“Call unto me and I will answer thee.” ( Jeremiah 33:3) If you just ask help from God, He will help

Answer: There are many factors that will contribute to the delay of your application. Ideally, when all documents are submitted on time and all exam requirements are complied with according to the ideal timeline – a total of 12 months process is doable. But for Internationally Educated Engineers, where you need to have to take your Fundamental of Engineering Exams (FE) or Technical Exams (if required) – these are the most time consuming in the entire process and entirely dependent on the Applicant.

If you have already completed Canadian Engineering Experience (as an Immigrant in Canada) and you eventually decided to apply to APEGA, this will shorten your time of application.

6. How much is the total estimated cost I am expecting to spend for the entire application process?

Answer: The total amount varies depending on each situation. After the Board of Examiner’s decision that the Applicant has to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exams (FE) only and not the Technical Exams – you are looking at about CA$1,500 in total estimated expenses.

But if you are to take the Technical Exams, it will be an average of CA$250 per subject. This will cost you more depending on the number of subjects the BOE will tell you to take.

The above FAQ are some of the common email questions I received over the past several months. If you have some questions that you want to ask based on your specific situation, do not hesitate to send me an email so that I can further help you pursue your application process.

you. God will never reject you even if you are a sinner. God welcomes everyone in His kingdom as long as you accept Him. God is always up there, looking at you even if you turned Him away, or even if you choose someone or something over Him. God will always be there for you.

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

A simple “How are you?” can lead to a person’s turning point in life.

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

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Business | Community | Points of View

11

New regularization program grants PR to some and left others in the cold MIGRANTS' VOICES

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

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

O

n August 14, the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (RICC) announced a new regularization program for frontline workers that are asylum seekers. Immigration Minister Marco Mendecino announced a temporary measure that will provide a pathway to permanent residency for asylum claimants working in the health-care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the RICC website “Under this measure, asylum claimants across the country who are working on the front lines providing direct care to patients in health-care institutions will be able to apply for permanent residency if they meet the criteria”. There is a similar plan for Quebec. The province will have a selection process for those that wanted to reside in Quebec.

However, many advocates thought that the program is very exclusionary. The announcement arrived after months of migrantled lobbying and protest across the

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country calling for a comprehensive regularization program in reaction to the deepening of societal inequities during the COVID-19 crisis. Some refugees said that the regularization program is disappointing. “We had hoped that everyone would be recognized.

We are also in a risky job. We are also full human beings with rights. And we shouldn’t be forced to put ourselves in danger to be recognized as such. We are also essential,” an unidentified refugee said in a statement.

Some advocates believed the

pandemic opens a new opportunity to put in place a comprehensive program of regularization for everyone, whatever the race, religion, sex, age, ability or criminal record, with no exception, and fully respecting family continued on page 24►

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Community | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

The Role of the Youth in the Community During Pandemic (Part 2) Professional STAR is a non-profit organization of students, professionals, entrepreneurs and educators who are engaged in trades, arts and research. It aims to empower the community through self-growth, professional development, continuous education and life-long learning, mentorship, leadership, relationship-building, equality, inclusivity, promotion of positive change and innovation.

Lead Correspondent and Writer: Dessa Mapa International Director for Corporate Communications - Professional STAR Assistant Correpondents: John Mark Galiza President 2020 - NAIT Philippines Students Association Manny Bautista Organizer and Corporate Planning and Strategy - Professional STAR

A

mong the attendees of the July 18 online youth gathering were Bea Rubio and Shelvie Fernan, who were also youth leaders.

Together with Wenloriece and Roxanne, who were featured in the first part of the article last month, Bea and Shelvie also shared with us their activities, experiences and hopes and dreams during the pandemic.

Bea was the former President of the Philippine Students Association of the University of Alberta (U of A PhilSA), and currently sits as one of the Board Alumni members of the organization. While still a student, she has been an executive of the organization for three years now.

Similarly, Shelvie was the President of the Philippine Students Association of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT PSA) when she was still a student. She is now the co-

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founder of Fly and Fetch and is also a Director for Youth Empowerment of Professional STAR. Like most participants, Bea mentioned that she felt anxious and scared, especially knowing that her parents had planned a trip in early January and had already paid for an expensive flight to go back to the Philippines for a one-month visit.

Apart from the worry that she felt for her parents for not being able to refund the plane ticket, thinking of her parents’ health and safety bothered her. Her parents decided to push through with the trip, and luckily, they were able to return to Canada last February safely.

Even if Bea’s family was safe and healthy, she was vigilant enough to watch the news and keep track of recent events. She then hoped that the pandemic would not worsen and

would not reach Canada. However, around mid-March, as the pandemic situation started to reach Canada, she was pulled out of her clinical nursing rotations at one of the hospitals while she continued to work part-time as a Health Care Aide. As her nursing clinical rotation and her sister’s school were cancelled, they adjusted as everything shifted to the online medium. The cancellation of the yearly gala that PhilSA usually organizes, and the cancellation of other school and organization activities that she was looking forward to, brought her disappointment.

As her work hours as a nurse in the hospital resumed, she felt assured that despite the rising cases, the health industry and the government were able to manage the pandemic to keep her from getting exposed to the virus.

Bea has also been busy with helping the organization transition to the next group of leaders. Moreover, the organization that she leads is also organizing fundraising activities to provide help to Filipinos in the home country who were affected by

the pandemic. Bea and her team at PhilSA decided to focus on helping people in the Philippines because they believe that the Canadian government is a lot more supportive of the Filipinos here in Canada, considering that Canada has more resources than the Philippines.

Similarly, Shelvie felt the difficulty of adjusting to the pandemic situation, considering that she is a very extroverted and outgoing person.

Her weekly activities include going to events and meeting people, but the current events and regulations restricted her from engaging in these activities. Currently, she already got accustomed to working from home, which she now enjoys. Furthermore, as a young entrepreneur running a business that involves people travelling, she felt that she needed to make adjustments to her business as well to keep it sustainable while helping people. With all the travel bans that started to affect her business, she pivoted her business to cater to the current needs of the people affected by the pandemic. Apart from being

involved in international shipping, Fly and Fetch temporarily provided a platform for connecting local volunteer delivery persons and people who are more susceptible to catching the virus, such as seniors, cancer patients, people with disabilities and immune-compromised individuals.

Now, the company is about to launch its inter-city and inter-provincial shipping marketplace, Drive and Fetch. Even if the pandemic affected her start-up business, the situation boosted her morale to help and contribute to the community.

Through these challenges that the youth are currently encountering, Bea and Shelvie learned that each person has a different capacity and unique ways of coping and adapting to change. Checking in and caring for oneself and others are crucial in maintaining relationships and providing support to others during these trying times. As with everyone, they also hope that a cure will be found so that we can once again visit our loved ones and show our love for them without restrictions.

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

Community | Business

SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

OUR PLEASURE: MLA JORDAN WALKER NEVER FORGETS Sherwood Park Constituency Office, August 30, 2020. Jordan Walker, a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Sherwood Park invited AFJ Editor Lito Mendoza Velasco and AFJ Sports Editor Moses Billacura in his office for chit-chat (not gossip).

This is the kind of leader that the community deserves to have

and keep. His memory is sharp, unlike other politicians who, after elections, can easily forget names.

This is the kind of a leader who is worth-perpetuating. He truly deserves a position more than what he currently has. People need to join hands to bring him to the HILLS!

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MLA Walker loves Jollibee!

By Moses Billacura

Jordan Walker, a member of the Legislative Assembly representing Sherwood Park, loves Filipino food.

And last month, he finally had a "wonderful meal" with Marjorie Carmona-Newman, a fellow Conservative Party member and AFJ's immigration columnist at Jollibee Edmonton.

"I had spicy chicken and spaghetti. My meal was delicious!," Walker said in his post on FB. Jollibee opened in Edmonton in August last year that was warmly welcomed by Jollibee fans in Alberta Province. Eager to have a taste of the famous Jollibee chicken and other recipes, Filipinos from different cities and towns in Alberta, endured a long line-up, that sometimes would last four hours before reaching Jollibee staff can take the order at the front desk. Jollibee in Calgary opened the following month.

The first Jollibee store opened in Winnepeg in 2016.

Jollibee's founder, Tony Tan Caktiong and his family had a restaurant in Davao and when he finished high school at the

MLA Jordan Walker with Marjorie Carmona-Newman.(MLA Jordan Walker FB page)

Davao Chinese High, they moved to Manila where he continued his studies. Caktiong and his brothers established Jollibee in 1975 and

has become a popular fast-food chain in Southeast Asia, Middle East, Western Europe and North America.

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Points of View | Community | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

On Government Benefits and Universal Basic Income

W

hen I first came to Canada as a teenager, the concept of financial supports and mechanisms organized by the government was first introduced to me. The very first one I heard of was government student loans.

People apply through a governmentapproved loan process, fund a very important goal such as post-secondary education, and have a reasonable established process to pay it back after finishing the program.

The next one that I heard of is this thing called Employment Insurance. I first noticed it in my pay stubs when working. Then, I heard my uncle apply for this when I was living with them here in Edmonton. This idea, this process of having funds that you might receive on a monthly basis for a period of time, while not working and unable to search for work, is such an interesting concept to me.

The next one I heard of, is Alberts Works. It is a financial support program for those who need funds to fulfill basic needs while they are experiencing hardship, whether it is disability, medical issues or simply unable to find work.

When I started working where I am right now, I heard of another type of financial support called AISH (Assured Income for Severely Handicapped). There is an application process and eligibility process for

GENERAL POINT OF VIEW

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

this financial support program.

The goal is for those who have demonstrated that they are unable to find continuous employment to fund

their day-to-day living, because of an ongoing severe illness or disability, to get financial support in order to survive and live life.

With the pandemic right now, another one of these financial benefits is called Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). It is meant to provide financial support to those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

With the surge of applications to get CERB, there is an increase in conversations regarding another mechanism to provide financial support to citizens. It is called Universal Basic Income (UBI). While there is a variety of definitions, one way to describe UBI is an unconditional income that is given by the government to meet basic needs. While different benefits like Child Tax Benefit, Assured Income for Severely Handicapped is based on particular criteria and a potentially tedious application process, UBI does not. In fact, Ontario did a pilot project of the idea between 2017- 2019.

I wonder how our fellow Filipinos feel about this mechanism for government benefits. Will it go against the mindset of having to work hard for every dollar that you bring home? Will there be resentment from those who feel overburdened by taxes? What sentiments from an individual and community level will

come up as further conversations on UBI become more prevalent?

One perspective I heard, is that a potential benefit of the UBI process is reducing bureaucracy when it comes to applying for different kinds of benefits. I remember my grandma in the Philippines, complaining frequently about the different kinds of paperwork for different kinds of government transactions. Living in a place like Canada, application forms can be intimidating, especially if the language is hard to understand. The risk of doing an application wrong can be pretty steep.

Another concern I heard is the risk of fraud or encouraging laziness. Personally, I do not know what to say about this because the experiments about UBI that I've seen demonstrate a fascinating perspective

of human behavior that I haven't considered before. According to the pilot test in Ontario, “Around half of the subjects reported decreased use of alcohol and tobacco, while 79 percent reported better physical well-being and 83 percent reported better mental well-being. Looking at the subjects’ use of health services, around a third of all subjects reported reductions in visits to doctors and hospital emergency rooms. This suggests basic income may be a useful general public health strategy resulting in a reduced load on public health services.”

It is likely that discussions on government benefits, taxation, spending and wellbeing of citizens will continue for a while, as we grapple with the hardships caused by the pandemic.

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Community | Business

SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Filipinos Unite to Break the Mental Health Stigma Written by Adriel Edrada

15

8.5x11 in.

Six guests discuss the Filipino identity in Episode 3 of UNAWA

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$ save up to

Rent today &

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Call 587.400.1216 to book a showing.

bwalk.life Ida Beltran-Lucila explains how art can go beyond a recreational activity to become a tool of empowerment in Episode 2

O

ne simple tool can greatly change the mindset around the stigma of mental health: conversation. Using this tool, Together in Achieving Youth Organizations (TAYO) launched a project in late June to destigmatize conversations around the unique

issues we Filipinos face.

T ​ AYO is a collective organization based in Edmonton that’s composed of various individuals and Filipino youth organizations. In collaboration with Heart of YEG, a mental health and wellness series called UNAWA was launched during this year’s

*Valid for select suites on new move-in on or before January 1, 2021.

Filipino Heritage Month. Drawing inspiration from the Filipino word meaning “to understand�, UNAWA is a YouTube and podcast series that aims to normalize mental health and wellness conversations from the lens of Filipino youth and the community as a whole. Each month

focuses on a wellness topic with the first three episodes covering the Filipino spirit during hardship.

These episodes revolve around our resiliency throughout history, self-care, the role of arts in mental health, and much more. The talks also touch on broader issues such

as adjusting to life in Canada and second-generation Filipinos finding their identities as they grow up in two or more cultures.

Th ​ e idea for this project emerged last year when TAYO held discussions continued on page 23 ►

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Business

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ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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Business

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Community | Heroism | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

FRONTLINER

ISA KANG BAYANI (YOU’RE A HERO)

Angela San Pedro, Mona Wright Service Workers 1 at Labour and Delivery Unit Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton

Michael Sevilla, RN University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton

Roselita Sumalinog Nursing Attendant Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton

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

Mary Grace Zapanta Food Server Rivercree Resort and Casino, Edmonton

Magnolia Penaflor, Registered Nurse and Joventina Malinao, Licensed Practical Nurse University of Alberta Hospital Stollery Children's Hospital

Maria Sylvester, Mona Wright, Angela San Pedro Service Workers 1 at the Labour and Delivery Unit Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton

Jan Michael Co, RN East Edmonton Family/Urgent Care Clinic

Cleo Palma, Service Worker East Edmonton Family/Urgent Care Clinic

Maria Rosario, 5G4 Unit Clerk Stollery Children's Hospital University of Alberta Hospital

Maria Jobel Loreto, Housekeeper Stollery Children’s Hospital, Edmonton

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

Arts and Culture | Business

SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

ARTOSPECTIVE - an artist’s point of view

Ida Beltran-Lucila ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com

O

ne of the regular collaborators of Philippine Arts Council is the Koro Filipino, a long standing choral group in Edmonton.

The Koro Filipino was formed out of a love for karaoke and parties, and has since evolved to a church

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Emilio Villareal - The Maestro and His Legacy and show choir. Pivotal to this evolution, is the work and influence of one Emilio Villareal, also known as Maestro Mil. Intrigued with the story of a prolific artist in the Philippines migrating to Canada, I was fortunate to have spent some time with three of his children in my research for the upcoming documentary Paglalayag: the Philippines to Canada Journey.

I was privileged to glean a picture of this man both as an artist and as a father.

Emilio Villareal (1920-2011) from Cebu, is one whom many consider a musical genius. His musical career spanned several roles and decades. He was a prolific songwriter, whose compositions are classics of Cebuano music. He was also a m ​ usical director, arranger and an orchestra conductor.

Born to a family of musicians,

his father was his very first tutor, teaching him classical pieces and notations.

Eventually, they came up with their very first original song, Alaut, with lyrics by his father Mariano, and music by Mil. At age 11, he was

invited to be the organist in the Basilica del Sto Niño. After high school and with the onset of the war, he wrote his very first love song, Lusapon Beach, invoking the memories of a distant home.

He also became the school

Band Director of the University of San Carlos (1946-48). On the verge of pursuing medical studies, he was presented a generous offer by dyRC (radio station) to be the musical director and staff pianist.

He was the musical director for the Cebu Broadcasting Company for over 40 years, and it was this role that cemented his career status from a local to a national one. With the advent of television, he assumed the role of musical director for Channel 7’s “Sali Kami”. He was also the band leader of the Aristocrats Orchestra and dyRC Orchestra.

A prolific writer who himself has lost count of the number of his compositions, he wrote theme songs for radio drama, the most popular of which was Bisan sa Damgo Lang sung by singing sensation Pilita Corrales. conitnued on page 23►

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Actual Photos

Dine-in | Take-out | Delivery

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Immigration | Arts and Culture

IMMIGRATION: A Beacon Of Hope

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

C

anadian immigration in the second quarter of 2020 has dropped 67% over the previous period last year. New permanent residency applications were down a staggering 80%. To put a real-life visual

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

The Great Decline on that percentage, imagine 6 out of 10 people disappearing! Sharp declines in all areas of Canadian society and an ever-declining economy where there are less people to buy goods and services, and less people selling those goods and services. Sustaining such a decline in immigration over a long period of time would spell economic disaster for Canada. Debtdeficit-decline. As we recover from this pandemic, we are projected to see a net drop in immigration for the entire 2020 year of about 30%.

Those are very optimistic forecasts assuming no second wave and that other countries will also recover and lift mobility restrictions.

The Super-aged Society The 2020’s will be the great retirement decade. A recent report by the Royal Bank of Canada coins Canada in the 2020’s transiting to be among the world’s “super-aged societies”.

Almost 10 million baby boomers will leave the labour force by the end of this decade. That accounts for one in every four Canadians, or almost 25% of the entire Canadian

population. That means the rest of us will have to shoulder a much larger financial burden on society.

Higher cost of goods and services, higher tax rates to sustain pension funds and healthcare services, and decaying consumer markets with less buyers and sellers. We need more taxpayers to share in the increased burden of a super-aged society.

More Canadian Babies!

The frightening reality is that born Canadians are not having enough babies to fill the void. Our birth rate has been steadily declining since the baby boomer birth age ended in the mid 60’s. We now see a consistent decline in our birth rate that hovers around one percent year over year.

We need new Canadians who pay taxes, buy goods and services, start businesses, and create more Canadians.

Scare Politics With that thought in mind, you would think most Canadians would embrace immigration and be demanding the government increase our intake

numbers. Sadly, politics can get in the way. Our reality is that political operatives use immigration as the ultimate scare tactic to discourage diversity and put a dampener on efforts to promote Canada as an inclusive place for likeminded people around the world. The political struggle on immigration has mostly been fought on partisan grounds, with a right leaning attitude that immigration is generally bad, and a left leaning persuasion that immigration is generally good and productive. In our post-COVID world, we need to dispel the partisanship and put immigration policy above the politics. It will be our job to push out the political opportunistic agenda and promote an agenda grounded in reality and truths. Immigrants who come to Canada are highly productive and essential to our economic survival!

Conservatives and liberals alike should embrace sustained levels of immigration and promote it as one of our largest weapons against economic stagnation and decline.

Conservatives should believe that more employed Canadians means more wealth generation and economic activity. Likewise, liberal minded

politicians should see immigration as a means to grow inclusiveness and diversity in our society. Less photo shoots and more policy changes!

The Great Canadian Recovery & Immigration We must think about immigration in the context of our greater economic survival. We have the highest foreignborn population among the G7 nations. Our very survival relies on our ability to attract highly qualified likeminded people who share our principles and values as a society.

Our competitiveness in the global marketplace depends on how many buyers and sellers we have in our local economy to produce exports and absorb imports. Simply put: We need more Canadians and we are not making them fast enough!

Our COVID recovery must include strong immigration policy.

We need more people with more skills having more babies. We need to use this pandemic as our springboard to rejuvenate and expand the Canadian family and prepare us for the next decade and beyond. Our great Canadian recovery depends on it!

Alberta Culture Days 2020 to Feature

“Hulaan Mo” Online Game on Philippine Arts and Culture

4 September 2020 , Calgary – An online game on Philippine arts and culture will become part of the Alberta Culture Days 2020 celebrations across the Province of Alberta, Canada, from 1 to 30 September 2020.

Dubbed as “Hulaan Mo” (Guess It), the online game will introduce the participants to Philippine language, history, architecture, geography, cuisine, customs, traditions, and pop culture. The online game will promote interactive play, collaboration, inquiry and critical thinking and will also have a lecture component.

Organized by the Philippine Arts Council (PAC), Hulaan Mo will be held via Zoom on 26 September at 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Participants can register through PAC’s Facebook page and website.

PAC is an association based in

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Edmonton, Alberta, that aims to raise the profile of the Filipino through the promotion and development of Philippine arts and culture.

Philippine Consul General to Calgary Zaldy Patron has expressed support for Hulaan Mo and encourages the Filipino community, especially the second- and third-generation Filipino-Canadians, to join the online game.

“One of the mandates of the Philippine Consulate General in Calgary is cultural diplomacy where we raise awareness and appreciation about Philippine culture. Hulaan Mo is one platform to make the learning of Philippine arts and culture more interesting,” he said .

Hulaan Mo is also supported by the Alberta Ministry of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women.

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

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Community | Business

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HAWAII IN EDMONTON: Poke & More Hawaiian Poke and More is owned and operated by Ana Gutierez DeLeon. It is located at 7256 101 Avenue in Edmonton. Blending is neverending in terms of authentic flavours.

Ana said: “I am the only Filipina who takes the courage of offering non-Filipino produced foods like Poke & More. It doesn’t mean I am not patriotic or no longer patronizing the Philippines and its products; I simply like to be unique. In business, why do I have to have products that others have already been carrying or selling?”

Ana was also asked by some of our kababayans why she chose this place where it seems to be isolated from the Filipino Community. She simply said: “Well, I told them that this is only what I can afford to start with the business. Well, they are also true because 75% of my customers are non-Filipinos. Being away from the Filipino community doesn’t mean I am alone and isolated as there are other mouths to feed and they really love my place and most of all, my Poke & More.” But still, I am inviting our kababayans to try my food and enjoy my place!” she added.

FSCA Upgrading Technical Skills

E

dmonton, August 30, 2020. The Filipino Senior Citizens of Alberta officers, headed by its president Lucy Manuntag and her husband Cesar, are able to invite the members who continuously thirst for knowledge.

They really want to be technically inclined in order to be accessible, by keeping in touch with their loved

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ones across the miles. They enjoy Zoom Training, which is facilitated by the members of the Professional Star, a philanthropist group that also donated a few set of computer tablets to the FSCA. Visible during the training session are Andy Chua and Lito Velasco of the Congress of the Philippine Associations of Alberta to assist in the facilitation of this project.

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Lifestyle | Philippine Consular Info Services | Poetry

‘Your Biomechanist’

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

PHILIPPINE CONSULAR INFO SERIES

Philippine Consulate General, Calgary www.philcongencalgary.org

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

Philippine Consulate General, Calgary

JAN THE MAN’S NOTE

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

and work experience. With my experience I have worked with Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) patients, College Level Athletes, WCB, and various sport disciplines.

I am a well rounded individual who is passionate about injury prevention and adamant about strength training as a form of rehabilitation to improve overall quality of life.

I specialize in performance rehabilitation. I love to incorporate basic rehab correctives and strength and conditioning with my clients.

Exercise prescription will range from mastering the basics, all the way up to getting a new Deadlift PR. No matter what your goals are, I believe in full body functional strength.

Movement is everything to me, and I am especially passionate about injury prevention. Prevention should be practiced everyday and should be the main focus prior to the start of a season, or before a lifestyle change.

T

he following is a feature of a new up and coming Edmonton local business called Your Biomechanist. The owner is Jessica Yee (formerly Jessica Ibasco), a Registered Kinesiologist with the Alberta Kinesiology Association (AKA) currently residing in Edmonton, Alberta. Below, the owner speaks about the company and its services: I am a kinesiologist and a recent graduate from the University of Alberta (BKin). I have dabbled in many different aspects of movement and the human body. Whether it be rehab or high performance with various populations.

My certifications include: Registered Kinesiologist with the Alberta Kinesiology Association (AKA) Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC) Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist (FRCms) Functional Movement Systems (FMS) Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Golf Performance Certification The experience I have gathered is a mixture of theory and practical application through my education

Kagalang-galang naming Consul General: May mga katanungan sa akin tungkol sa mga batayang pagkilos tungkol sa pagbisita natin sa Pilipinas. Nais nilang magabayan kung ano ang mga alituntunin o mandato ng ating gobyerno doon hinggil sa pag-uwi o pagbisita.

Kailangan nga daw ba nang: 1. Philippine Visa ang isang naturalized Canadian Citizen upang makauwi sa Pilipinas?

2. Kung totoong kailangan, sa inyo ba kukuha?

3. Kailangan din daw ba na nagtataglay ng dual citizenship ID Card o Certificate ang isang naturalized Citizen na uuwi o bibisita sa Pilipnas?

4. Kung totoo, gaano naman katagal ang paghihintay para mahawakan ang mga Sertipiko o ID Card?

Thanks and stay safe!

Gumagalang, Lito Velasco

A- 33 -2020

ADVISORY

Applications for Retention / Re-acquisition of Philippine Citizenship under RA 9225 The Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary wishes to inform the public that due to the high volume of applications received for the retention/re-acquisition of Philippine citizenship under Republic Act 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003, an applicant’s oathtaking ceremony may be scheduled months after his/her submission of the complete application.

The PCG may not also be able to immediately respond to calls or emails from clients following up on the applications that they have submitted.

It will be recalled that the PCG had to close down on 20 March 2020 until 31 May 2020 due to Alberta’s public health emergency declaration to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Applications received by mail during those months have added to the backlog of applicants who are now eligible to take their oath. The PCG is also observing physical distancing at its premises and it can only accommodate a limited number of people for the oath taking ceremonies.

Further, the PCG is prioritizing the applications of those with emergency travel (e.g. death in the family) to the Philippines Thus, the PCG requests applicants to please wait for the PCG’s email notifying them of either of the following: a. If there are additional supporting documents required in order to process their application; OR b. Schedule of the oath taking ceremony, if the documents are complete and the application is approved.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

The AFJ Editor acts as a mediator between our kababayans and the Consul General in Calgary: Dear Hon. Consul General Zaldy Patron, Our kababayans want to know what they need to do when planning to visit the Philippines: I help various populations and am happy to help you improve your overall health and well-being.

Your Biomechanist is primarily based on movement to ensure we prevent an injury from occurring or rehabilitate from something that may have occurred at work or during sport.

I am located out of Evolve Strength South 4825 89 St NW Edmonton, AB. But I also do online coaching and programming as well.

Ema il me a t hello@ yourbiomechanist.com and let's discuss how I can help you!

Still not sure how I can help you? Book a free consult with me!

Let's figure out how I can help you reach that next level. @yourbiomechanist (Instagram) facebook.com/yourbiomechanist

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

Lito Velasco: Is it true that, a Filipino who became Canadian Citizen, has to apply or secure a Philippine Visa in order to visit the Philippines?

10 September 2020

Consul General Zaldy Patron: Yes and only if he/she is married or he/she is a child to a Filipino citizen as stated in our Advisory #30. A former Filipino citizen, at this time, cannot travel to PH at this time nor will be eligible to apply for a visa.

Consul General Zaldy Patron: Yes, if they are dual citizens, then they are Filipinos who can travel to PH.

Lito Velasco: Is it also true that they have to posses or secure a Dual Citizenship status as a requisite when entering the Philippine Territory?

Consul General Zaldy Patron: They can refer to Resolution No. 60 of the IATF - Inter-Agency Task Force. And, please do advise our readers to habitually visit our pcg calgary website and fb page for further details and proper guidance.

Lito Velasco: Is there a government mandate pertaining to the 2 set of questions above?

Basura Mo, Itapon Mo ni Jonabel Cabasal

Sa tuwing ako’y napapadpad sa iba’t ibang mga pook-pasyalan Lubos akong nagagalak sa likas nilang kagandahan Puso ko’y natutuwa na tila gusto’y doon na manirahan Dakilang Lumikha ay ang una kong pinasasalamatan.

Akin pang naaalala ang mga gintong pangaral nina Ama’t Ina Kabilang na rin ang leksiyon ng mga guro noong ako’y bata pa Kapaligiran ay karapat-dapat pangalagaan at ingatan ‘Pagkat hatid nito’y karangalan at kayamanan ng mamamayan.

Bata, matanda, lahat ay may mga tungkuling dapat gampanan Ikaw, ako ,tayong lahat sa mundong ito’y naninirahan Lahat ay apektado sa anumang bunga ng ating mga aksiyon Lalung-lalo na kung dulot sa hangin at sa tubig ay polusyon.

Kaibigan, aking paalala sana’y pakinggan Saan ka man dalhin ng iyong sasakyan Basura mo sana’y huwag itapon kahit saan Tandaan malinis na paligid ay kay sarap pagmasdan at balik-balikan.

May mga panahon na puso ko’y nagdadalamhati Sapagkat mga basura sa katubigan ay kayrami Mga isda at iba pang yamang-tubig ay namamatay Natanong ko sa sarili ,” Bakit nangyayari ang mga ganitong bagay?”

Ituro sa mga anak ang pagmamahal sa kalikasan Ito’y kailangang-kailangan para sa kanilang kinabukasan Sa lahat ng mga gustong matamo sa buhay Malinis at malusog na kapaligiran ang dapat unahin sa listahan.

Kapit-bisig, kapit-kamay tungo sa adhikaing malusog na pamayanan Disiplina ay ating dapat taglayin at alalahanin Wag iaasa sa iba ang iyong mga basura, makipagtulungan din Sa malinis na paligid, pagkatao mo’y nasasalamin.

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Jonabel Cabasal shares a poem on the challenges we face as we learn how to keep this world a great place to live in.

As a woman who cares for the world, I came up with this poem. It’s all about what is noticeable these times - garbage here and there. This really concerns me as I work with children and really think about what their future will be in terms of the environment that they will be living in. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to place an emphasis on the proper care and love for the environment. The integration of recycling, proper waste disposal is being taught/modelled for them to emulate. Everyone has a task to perform in order to make this world a good and healthy place to live in, and it starts in our own communities and families.

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Immigration | Religion | Arts and Culture | Community

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Canadian Immigration COVID-19 A Triskelion Advice Public Policy

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wo important temporary public policies were announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Allow me to share these two important announcements that will benefit our kababayans who are in Canada.

FROM MIGRATION TO IMMIGRATION

New temporary public policy will allow visitors to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada

IRCC announced a public policy last August 24, 2020 that will allow visitors to apply for a work permit without leaving Canada.

This temporary public policy will address certain employers in Canada who continue to face difficulties in finding workers as well as temporary residents who would like to contribute their labour and skills to Canada’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

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

To benefit from this policy please find the eligibility requirements below: • have a valid status in Canada as a visitor on the day they apply • have been in Canada on August 24, 2020 and remained in Canada Public policy • have a job offer • submit an application for an exempting certain employer-specific work permit that out-of-status foreign is supported by a Labour Market nationals in Canada Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment, from immigration requirements no later than March 31, 2021 • meet all other standard admissibility Normally visitors, study and work permit holders in Canada have criteria 90 days after their temporary Please note that foreign nationals who immigration status expires to arrive in Canada as visitors after August apply to Immigration, Refugees 24, 2020 ARE NOT ELIGIBLE under and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to restore it. the public policy. from page 19

Emilio Villareal..

Other favourites were: Langit Ug Yuta, Veronica, Usa Ka Higayon, Nahadlok Ako, or Kahibulongan, to name a few.

In 1990, Mil and wife Enriqueta moved to Edmonton to be with their children and grandchildren. Faced with the common adjustments any immigrant deals with, he once again found solace and purpose with his music by working with the Philippine Choral, now Koro Filipino, from 1991-2000, and the VisMin (Visayas/ Mindanao Association) Choir, from 1991-2010. For both groups, he shared his expertise by acting as musical director, mentoring and providing musical assistance, and at times composing songs for various events.

He led the Philippine Choral in their landmark concert at the Winspear.

He eventually had to give up working with the local choral groups due to health reasons. He, however, continued to play in churches and during Mass, a commitment made since he started playing for the church at age 11, and an acknowledgment that the Lord had given him a special gift with which he, in turn, would use

to serve God and His people. Even in his later years, he continued to write songs, this time of a religious nature. In 2011, he penned his last composition, “Awit ni Dodong”, a final legacy to Cebuano culture and the arts.

A career of almost 80 years, Mil has received numerous recognition: by the United States Information Service and the Clarion Magazine as Most Outstanding Piano ( Jazz) Player (1958); Cebu Pop Music Festival Winner (1980); Most Outstanding Visayan Song Composer, awarded by the City Government of Cebu (1986); Most Outstanding Musical Arranger, awarded by the City Government of Cebu (1987); Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Radio Broadcasting in Cebu, awarded by the World Broadcasting Corporation (1995); Recognition in Pioneer Radio Entertainment, awarded by the Cebu Organization of Media Entertainers (1996); VisMin Awit Presidential Award (1998); Hiyas (Gem) Awards by Karilagan Dance Society (2001); 2010 Halad Honoree. And posthumously, the Garbo sa Sugbo Lifetime Award, and the Mabuhi Ka Sugbuanon, from the Province of Cebu (2012).

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FROM A VANTAGE POINT

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, IRCC implemented a new public policy that allows foreign nationals in Canada an extension to apply for restoration beyond the current 90-day timeframe. Former workers, students and visitors whose status expired after January 30, 2020, and who remained in Canada will now have until December 31, 2020, to apply to restore their status, provided they meet the requirements for the type of status and authorization they are applying to restore.

Tito S.Venida

The public policy allows former work permit holders applying for an employer-specific work permit to work while a decision on their restoration application is pending. An applicant must meet the requirements below: - have a valid job offer - submit a work permit application that is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA exempt offer of employment - notify IRCC through the process set up for eligible foreign nationals.

Tito S. Venida is a product of the University of the Philippines.

He used to be a student-leader during his college days and became one of the founders of the Tau Gamna Phi, one of the world leading Philippineproduced 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.

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

A word of caution: You should not act or rely on the information provided in this column. It is not legal advice.

To ensure your interests are protected, retain or formally seek advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in good standing of ICCRC. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RCICs.

“But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”

Psalm 37:11 Did you ever know that the Triskelion who is usually the strongest is usually the meekest and the most sensitive? Did you ever know that the Triskelion who exhibits the most kindness and peaceful attitude is usually the first to be mistreated?

And did you ever know that the Triskelion who takes care of his or her fellow Triskelion, all the time, is usually the one who needs care the most?

Emilio Villareal passed away in 2011, and left behind his wife of 60 years, Enriqueta Orcullo Villareal, nine children, 21 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is greatly remembered by family, colleagues and mentees, as a man of kindness, generosity and humility.

The extraordinary singer Dulce credits him for her phenomenal rise in the music industry. Mil is a man of great legacy, both in his character and musical prodigy.

Artie Atienza, one of the founders of Koro Filipino, stated in his eulogy, “Mil’s greatness, as far as I’m concerned, was not in what he accomplished himself but in what he was able to make other people accomplish. He inspired people. He encouraged people. He gave them all the support that they would need to do great things.” And as said by Schubert, another prolific composer, “Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.” Such was the life of one Emilio Villareal, from Cebu.

from page 15

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

FOUNDING FATHER

The answer to these three questions lies deep in the Tenets and Code of Conduct of Triskelion.

The name Triskelion starts with the letter “T”. The Triskelion Code of Conduct begins with Capital “T” – “Treat others as you would have them treat you.” And in Tenet No. 8 it is stated, “A Triskelion is a brother or sister to his or her fellow Triskelion.” If we fail to observe these two fundamental principles of TRISKELION, we will never rise to the level of EXCELLENCE that is expected of each and every one of us, from above, and we will linger in the desert of mediocrity, where fools gather in abundance.

Each day is a new beginning giving us opportunity to do random acts of kindness that would make a difference in the lives of people God sends our way. Let us not waste this opportunity because of our own personal agenda and programs. Because, at the end of the day, when all is said and done, each and every one of us will give a personal account before the Lord.

Therefore, “Excel in your chosen field of interest and endeavor” by doing away with selfish and destructive pride. Do every single task to the best of your God-given ability and do not be afraid to fail because it is in our failures that we learn a valuable lesson. The lessons we learn will get us back into the pathway of EXCELLENCE. God bless you and take care!

Fraternally yours, TITO S. VENIDA FOUNDING FATHER

Filipinos Unite to Break the Mental Health Stigma with other youth and Filipino organizations to uncover issues in the Filipino community. “One of them…is the need for us to destigmatize and address mental health issues,” recalls Nicole Nebril, co-host of UNAWA. The first episode was recorded in late June and released on YouTube shortly after. More recently, a podcast version of UNAWA was launched, with Episode 1 available now.

Currently, the three episodes feature many guests including Ida Beltran-Lucila, head of the Philippine Arts Council and the EPIC Initiative, to five Filipino youth organizations such as the University of Alberta Philippine Students’ Association.

Through this simple but powerful tool of conversation, it is our hope that others can relate to the issues brought up in these talks and feel like they’re

not alone in their struggles. As one guest said in Episode 1, “I think it’s just a lost opportunity if we don’t realize that we have a lot of the same problems and that there is somebody…who can empathize with you.” After all, we all feel emotions, both good and bad, so it’s okay to not be okay. With that in mind, one thing we can all do to power through these tough times is to have open conversations with our loved ones about mental health and to listen without judgement. ​You can watch UNAWA on YouTube by searching “tayoyeg” or by using this link: rebrand. ly/TAYOyeg. The podcasts are available on most major audio streaming platforms like Spotify or via anchor.fm/tayoyeg. You can follow TAYO on Facebook and Instagram: @tayoyeg. If you’d like to get involved, please contact us via tayoyeg@gmail.com.

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

24

Opinion | Community

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

Privacy and the Covid World JUST LISTEN

Nicky Gocuan, PMAA ngocuan@yahoo.com As a journalist with over 14 years of experience, I have covered different events from rallies on the street to 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.

T

he World has changed so much since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. No more big gatherings, everyone has to be six feet apart and what’s even worst is hearing Dr. Teresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health, say no kissing your wife and wear a mask when having sex with your wife. Really? Did I hear this right?

What has happened to the world we all know? This has never happened before. Are we getting paranoid by all the information that is being fed to us in the news or things we have read in social media? Gone were the days when we rely on the media to give us the facts but today, the information in our world is very scattered. Too much Fake News, Fake Videos and even Fake People.

So, who can the people rely on?

Reliable facts are important because how do we process something without understanding them?

In anything there should be a check and balance. Without it, there is a problem that will exist. You see, the birth of social media platforms has allowed people to share their life experiences, sharing not only their pictures, their travel and their thoughts. Now, it has gone to the extent of sharing wrong information.

Unfortunately, a lot of social media users fall for it. The bad thing about fake news is it could harm us and can also be turned against our society. This is where chaos comes from and could eventually start Civil Unrest.

It is high time that the Government should start looking at regulations to control the spread of fake news and fake videos because

we do not want to turn our world into a fake world. ****** Privacy is an important thing in our world. In the world of Covid, privacy does still exist and this is why the government is having a hard time tracking people, because some people don’t want to be tracked. Is this action correct? For the sake and safety of everyone, privacy should take a backseat when the interest of the majority is paramount. ***** The Covid-19 Pandemic has affected a lot of businesses and restaurants, particularly those who did not adapt to the changes being implemented by the Government.

Those restaurants or businesses which fail to adapt to change will be left behind or might even close their doors. Today’s business is lucky to have the internet, not only did it open the doors to online shopping, it also opened the doors to ordering

food online and having it delivered to your doorstep. Ordering your food online has never been so easy.

If you have a business and you do not have an ordering system, reconsider this because you are definitely losing out.

I was able to personally witness how a successful restaurant benefited from online orders and pick up.

The convenience is what people have been looking for. So, if your restaurant business is not set up for online ordering, think about it.

Even if most restaurants have dine-in at 50% capacity, some restaurants still would prefer not to open their dining rooms because they do not want to keep cleaning.

It is very clear that a good system can help restaurants generate more income. So if a restaurant is earning well online, they might not entertain walk-ins for a long time, they will just stick to pick-up and delivery.

The Covid-19 Global Pandemic Crisis in the Philippines Virginia (Jean) Cawagas , Forum Moderator,

O

n September 5th, a virtual forum was co-sponsored by LINGAP-Canada and the UP Alumni Association of Edmonton on the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic on the Philippines.

Despite quarantines and other measures, millions of Filipinos have lost their jobs, businesses are shut down, poor families are suffering even more, and thousands of OFWs have been displaced.

This VIRTUAL FORUM was an opportunity for participants to express solidarity for the Filipino people, the government and nongovernment institutions to overcome COVID-19 and to build a healthy, compassionate, and sustainable future for ALL Filipinos. A panel of four speakers was followed by an open forum.

Chibu Lagman first gave a situationer on the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Philippines and various policies and programs of the Government to address the pandemic. Initially, the Government kept reassuring the general public that it was prepared to meet any eventuality. Health authorities echoed President Duterte’s claim that they had things under control and the virus would eventually die “a natural death”. By early March, the pandemic could no longer be ignored as the number of reported cases rose. Policies implemented included activation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), community quarantines or lockdowns and the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act to fund protective hospital equipment, quarantine facilities, testing, and financial assistance to low income households through the LGUs. Chibu noted implementation difficulties, such as the arrests of thousands of violators of lockdown rules, inadequate or sometimes corrupt

info@lingapcanada.com

distribution of cash and emergency food assistance and insufficient testing and contact tracing.

Lucenia Ortiz followed by analyzing the challenges faced by healthcare workers in the Philippines. She noted that Filipino healthcare workers are hailed as superheroes in the fight against COVID. In June there were 3,000 positive cases among health care workers and 33 fatalities. Several public hospitals reported lack of PPE and supplies such as surgical masks, hand sanitizers, gloves, surgical and lab gowns. A TFC news report showed some nurses wearing garbage bags as their PPE. Thousands of overworked doctors and nurses asked the government for a “time out” in August and warned of a collapse of the healthcare system from soaring infections. The Government responded by agreeing to revert Metro Manila to the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine status. In conclusion, Lucenia clarified that the COVID pandemic has illuminated the weaknesses of the Philippine health care system in terms of how it has treated its front-line workers, including low salaries, poor working conditions, outdated health-care technologies, which in turn has encouraged the considerable outflow of health care workers overseas.

Noreen Berkes focused on how Covid-19 has led to the unemployment of OFWS. Considered modern-day heroes, OFWs constitute a major economic lifeline not only for their families but also for their community and the entire country. DOLE has estimated that by December, 2020, over 600,000 OFWs will be displaced in the Middle East, Europe, North America and Asia, of whom some 140,000 have already been repatriated.

Despite the Government’s best efforts, the repatriation process

has not proceeded smoothly as expected. Problems occurred, such as flight delays, travel bans, strict quarantine protocols, delayed testing results, and reluctance of some local governments to accept returning OFWs for fear of spreading the coronavirus.

The impact of COVID-19 on OFWs has been severe, including cut-off of funds to poor families, depleted savings, lack of local employment, and obstacles to early overseas redeployment. Meanwhile, Government agencies are working together to develop programs to assist the repatriated OFWS such as retraining and retooling programs, bank loans to start -up business.

Noreen emphasized the need for psychosocial support and funding for OFWs who are experiencing increased domestic discord and violence, depression, and even suicides.

The last panelist Toh SweeHin (S.H.Toh) began by noting that some lessons can be learned from early “success stories” such as Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, New Zealand and Cuba who

from page 11

MIGRANTS' VOICES reunification. The regularization program that was announced by the federal government is based on narrow criteria of admissibility.

There are hundreds of thousands of non-status migrants currently in Canada. Approximately only less than one thousand will benefit from it, and many of these claimants are already protected from deportation by a moratorium. Undocumented residents, agricultural workers, caregivers, international students, as well as refugees working in the CHSLDs (Quebec’s long-term care centres) in other jobs like janitorial

shared some common features in controlling the pandemic: • Early assertive governmental actions to control the spread of the virus like closing borders to international travellers; rapid systematic prevention, testing, tracing and isolation or quarantine and the quick use of face masks especially in Asia.

• Well coordinated national and local policies, leadership and management such as: ▪ the vital role and authority played by public health and scientific experts whose recommendations were heeded by political leaders to make strategic policies and measures.

▪ effective testing, contact tracing and quarantine policies and measures, such as producing locally manufactured rapid test kits; mass testing like South Korea; mobilizing thousands of village health volunteers in Thailand to trace and support affected people; free quarantine facilities; and use of smartphone tracing apps.

▪ relationships between

Government and citizens built on mutual trust and respect; avoiding panic, fear and use of threats and force; regular, transparent information by health and political leaders; use of social media tools; appealing to citizens to engage in behavior that help to reduce the spread.

After the panel presentations, the open forum provided an opportunity for the participants to dialogue and raise issues and suggestions for action including (i) lobbying the Canadian Government to increase its COVID-related aid through Filipino NGOs active in serving marginalized communities; (ii) Filipino-Canadian associations mobilizing fund-raising campaigns to help affected Filipinos; (iii) increased concern in Canada for the rights the rights of Filipino and other OFWs, especially the undocumented workers, given their economic and social contributions to Canadian society.

[See a full report of the Forum in LINGAP-Canada’s website https:// www.lingapcanada.com/ ]

services, or in other sectors, are all excluded from the program.

For example, workers like security guards in food production whose job is to make sure people respect the government’s rules of social distancing, handwashing, etc. They worked all throughout the crisis, often more than 40 hours per week. They are exposed to many people and put themselves at risk as well. Many refugees work as security guards in Quebec.

On the other hand, many asylum seekers are also happy that the government is recognizing their sacrifices especially those who have worked in other essential non health services, such as agriculture, throughout the pandemic.

On September 23, Prime Minister Trudeau will lay out a new mandate for COVID-19 recovery in a throne speech. He will rely on other political parties, particularly NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh to support this vision to ward off an election. The Migrants Rights Network, a national network of migrants’ grassroots organizations called for a national day of action on the 20th of September to insist that COVID-19 recovery must include full and permanent immigration status for all. Information is at the network’s Facebook page.

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

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL Alberta Government Update | Philippine News | Media Partner

Minamahal na Mga Magulang / Tagapag-alaga ng Mga Mag-aaral ng Alberta: Sa pagsisimula ng pag-aaral nitong taong 2020-21, nais kong makipag-ugnay sa inyo sa pagitan ng mga ilang paalala. Kakailanganin nating lahat ng kaunting tulong sa pagpasok natin sa mga paparating na linggo upang gawing komportable ang karanasan ng ating mga anak sa paaralan habang pinamamahalaan namin ang aming sariling pagkabalisa tungkol sa kung ano ang hitsura ng karanasan sa paaralan sa oras ng COVID-19.

Pagsasaayos sa pamumuhay na may COVID-19 Hayaan niyo akong magsimula sa pagsasabing magulang din ako.

Alam kong nais nating lahat ang pinakamahusay para sa ating mga anak maging babalik man sila sa isang silid-aralan o sinusuportahan natin ang kanilang pag-aaral sa bahay.

Ang pandemikong ito ay mahirap para sa lahat. Ang ating mga anak ay hindi babalik sa paaralan na ang kapaligiran ay pareho sa iniwan nila noong Marso. Ang mga hitsura ng mga bagay o pakiramdam ay hindi pareho sa taong ito.

Para sa aking pamilya, naniniwala ako na ang personal na pagbabalik ng ating mga anak sa mga klase ay bahagi ng pagtiyak sa kanilang pangkalahatang kalusugan. Maaari kang magkaroon ng naiibang pakiramdam at ang iyong mga desisyon ay dapat gawin para sa pinakamagandang interes ng iyong pamilya. Anuman ang iyong pipiliin, ang mga awtoridad sa paaralan ay may programa na naa-angkop sa iyong pasya at ang aking pangkat ay nagtatrabaho upang suportahan ang awtoridad ng paaralan.

Patnubay sa publikong kalusugan para sa mga paaralan Nakikipagtulungan kami sa aming mga kasosyo sa Alberta Education at Alberta Health Services (AHS) upang mabuo ang patnubay para sa muling pagpasok sa paaralan. Ang mga paaralan ng iyong mga anak at ang mga awtoridad sa paaralan ay may mga plano para sa isa-aksyon ang mga patnubay na ito. Naniniwala ako na ito ang tamang susunod na hakbang upang maibalik ang mga mag-aaral ng Alberta sa mga klase sa paraang na mababawasan ang mga panganib sa COVID-19, ngunit isinasaalangalang din ang iba pang mga aspeto ng kanilang kalusugan. Ako at ang aking pangkat ay magbabantay sa pagbabalik karanasan sa paaralan upang magamit ang mga impormasyong sa aming payo sa kalusugan ng publiko kung kinakailangan. Ako ay nakatuon na mag-post ng anumang mga bagong order mula Lunes hanggang Huwebes, at magbabahagi ng impormasyon kapag ang mga bagong order ay nai-post sa online sa pamamagitan ng social media, at sa aking regular na pag-update.

Kung magtutulungan ang lahat upang sundin ang patnubay sa kalusugan ng publiko, mapanatili nating ligtas ang bawat isa. Mangyaring i-screen ang iyong anak araw-araw para sa anumang mga sintomas na nasa listahan na ibinigay ng paaralan. Kung ang iyong anak ay may sakit, mangyaring panatilihin sila sa bahay at maisaayos ang pagsuri sa COVID-19 hanggang sa AHS. Ang mga appointment ay maaaring mai-book online sa www. ahs.ca/covid. Ang ilan sa inyo ay maaaring nakarinig na hindi sulit

ang masuri dahil masyadong matagal makakuha ng resulta. Ang AHS ay nagsusumikap upang mapabuti ang oras ng pag-ikot at pag-abiso sa resulta, sapagkat napakahalaga na makakuha ng isang pagsuri at mga resulta sa lalong madaling panahon.

Ang mga paaralan ay naglagay ng mahusay na paglilinis at pagdidisimpekta, mga plano sa pisikal na pagdistansya at mga plano ng pangkat para sa mga mag-aaral. Ang iyong paaralan ay nakabuo ng isang plano para sa pagpapatupad ng mga hakbang na ito sa loob ng tinutukoy na lugar. Mahalaga na ang lahat ng mga miyembro ng iyong pamayanan sa paaralan ay sundin ang planong ito upang mabawasan ang peligro ng transmisyon ng COVID-19.

Paglilinaw na kinakailangan sa mask Bilang bahagi ng mga hakbang sa kaligtasan upang mabawasan ang COVID-19, iniuutos ng probinsya ang paggamit ng mask para sa mga magaaral sa grade 4 hanggang 12, at lahat ng mga kawani at bisita. Nalalapat ito sa lahat ng mga tauhan sa lahat ng lugar sa labas ng silid-aralang kung saan hindi mapapanatili ang pisikal na distansyang dalawang metro. Ang mga mag-aaral ay kinakailangang magsuot ng mga mask sa lahat ng karaniwang at mga bahaging lugar, kabilang ang mga pasilyo at sa bus ng paaralan.

Kinikilala namin na ang pagsusuot ng mask sa buong araw sa panahon ng pagtuturo ay maaaring magkaroon ng mga epekto sa komunikasyon at pag-aaral para sa mga bata. Ang patakaran sa mask at patnubay na inihayag noong unang bahagi ng Agosto ay palaging nakasaad, na ang mga mask ay hindi kinakailangan kapag ang mga bata ay nakaupo sa kanilang mga mesa. Kung saan hindi posible ang dalawang metro sa pagitan ng mga mesa, dapat ipuwesto ang mga magaaral sa pinakamalayong distansya na posible sa pagitan nila, at sa gayon ay hindi sila magkaharap, tulad ng mga hilera, kaya't malamang na hindi sila umubo o bumahing nang direkta sa mukha ng ibang estudyante. Kung ang malapit na pagtitipon-tipon ng mga mag-aaral, o ang mag-aaral at kawani ay nagaganap dahil sa isang aktibidad na hindi nakaupo, dapat gamitin ang mga hindi pang-medikal na mask sa mukha sa buong oras ng aktibidad.

Ang impormasyon sa itaas tungkol sa mga pangangailangan sa paggamit ng mask ay naging bahagi ng aming patnubay sa loob ng maraming nakaraang linggo, pormal itong pinagtibay noong Agosto 29 sa pamamagitan ng Order 33-2020. Ang kautusang ito ay natapos at naibigay noong katapusan ng linggo bago magsimula ang mga paaralan na may hangaring matiyak na ang mga awtoridad ng paaralan ay maaaring suriin ang utos bago ito magkabisa sa Agosto 31. Ang kautusan ay hindi binabago ang patakaran o ang aking payo para sa patnubay sa mga paaralan.

Humihingi ako ng paumanhin para sa anumang pagkabalisa o pagkalito na maaaring sanhi ng kautusan na ito.

Paano matutulungan ang iyong anak na maghanda Ang pagsuporta sa iyong mga anak ay kritikal upang pamahalaan ang mga pagbabagong ito. Alam kong maaaring mahirap para sa mga bata na panatiliin ang distansya sa mga kaibigan o manatili sa isang pangkat.

Likas sa mga bata sa lahat ng edad na nais maging malapit sa kanilang mga kaibigan at maglaro nang magkasama,

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lalo na pagkatapos ng mahabang panahon na magkahiwalay. Maaari kang makatulong sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-usap sa iyong anak tungkol sa mga pagbabagong makikita nila sa kanilang paaralan, tulungan silang maging komportable sa pagsusuot ng maskara, ipinapakita sa kanila kung paano hugasan ang kanilang mga kamay at turuan sila tungkol sa kahalagahan ng pagpapanatili ng pisikal na distansya kung posible. Mahalaga rin na tulungan ang ating mga anak na tandaan na maging mahabagin sa iba na maaaring makalimutan ang mga bagong patakaran o hindi makapag-mask. Ang pagsuporta sa bawat isa upang ayusin ang bagong normal ay ang aming pinakamahusay na pangmatagalang depensa.

Pagharap sa mga kaso ng COVID-19 sa mga paaralan Sa kabila ng lahat ng mga hakbang na gagawin sa paaralan ng iyong anak, maaaring magkakaroon pa rin ng ilang mga kaso ng COVID-19 sa mga lugar ng paaralan. Ang aking pangkat ay bumuo ng isang mapagkukunang gabay upang matulungan ang mga pamayanan ng paaralan na maunawaan kung anong mga kailangang magagamit kapag tumutugon sa COVID-19 sa mga lugar ng paaralan. Kasama rito ang dapat gawin kapag may mga “symptomatic” na mag-aaral o kawani sa paaralan, kung ano ang aasahan kapag ang isang kaso o pagsiklab ay nakilala at impormasyon na ibibigay sa pamayanan ng paaralan. Ang COVID-19 School Outbreak Resource Guide na ito ay matatagpuan sa online sa alberta. ca/ReturnToSchool Aabisuhan ka kung mayroong anumang mga kaso ng COVID-19 sa paaralan ng iyong anak. Ang aming mga kasosyo sa kalusugan ng publiko sa AHS ay malapit na makikipagtulungan sa mga tagapamahala ng paaralan upang matiyak na ang lahat ng mga malapit na contact ng anumang kaso ng COVID-19 ay makilala at masabihan nang mabilis hangga't maaari. Malalaman mo rin ang anumang karagdagang mga hakbang sa pampublikong kalusugan na ipinatutupad sa paaralan.

Pagsuporta sa kalusugan ng isip Sa malalaking pagbabago sa buhay ng ating mga anak sa nakalipas na maraming buwan, natural na maaari silang maging balisa o takot.

Kung kailangan niyo ang anumang suporta para sa iyong mga anak o para sa iyong sariling kalusugan sa pagiisip, maaari kang makahanap ng mga mapagkukunan sa website ng AHS “Help in Tough Times”. Mangyaring huwag mag-atubiling makipag-ugnay sa alinman sa mga mapagkukunang nakalista doon kung kailangan mo sila.

25

SMC delivers on promise of P2-M life insurance coverage for Cebu medical front liners MANILA --- San Miguel Corporation (SMC) said it has completed providing life insurance coverage to about 5,000 medical front liners from 18 hospitals across Cebu, who are now insured for P2 million each.

“We started this initiative several months ago, at the height of COVID-19 cases in Cebu, when our medical front liners there were really having a hard time. Many of them were also testing positive for the coronavirus. We wanted to do something to help protect them, and to show our solidarity and support for them,” said SMC president Ramon S. Ang. With the insurance packages, obtained through Cocolife, Ang said that medical front liners in Cebu can now have added security as they save lives and fight the virus.

“Saving lives is still our highest priority. Unfortunately, COVID-19 can affect anyone, even our doctors and nurses. As much as possible, we cannot lose any more lives, especially not our medical front liners, because they are the ones tasked to save lives. Through this effort, we hope they feel that their everyday sacrifices are valued and appreciated,” Ang added.

Under the program, SMC pays for all the premiums for the insurance of medical front liners. Thus far, SMC’s P2 million coverage-each insurance package has benefited front liners in the following Cebu hospitals: Perpetual Soccour Hospital (459), Cebu Doctors University Hospital (254), Southwestern University Medical Center (36), St. Vincent General Shopital (99),

Mendero Medical Center (77), Visayas Community Medical Center (62), Adventist Hospital Cebu (189), Chong Hua Hospital (1,303), Cebu South General Hospital (125), Cebu Velez General Hospital (143), Cebu City Medical Center (12), Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (65), Talisay District Hospital (30), Arc Hospital (44), Cebu North (91), Mactan Doctors’ Hospital (155), Allegiant Regional Care (305), Univeristy of Cebu Medical Center (278).

Some 61 Infectious disease specialists and pulmonologists and hundreds of other medical workers were also provided the same insurance coverage.

Since the start of the pandemic, SMC has been at the forefront of private sector efforts to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

Its P500 million medical response package has included donations of RT-PCR COVID-19 testing machines, fully-automated RNA Extraction systems, and PCR test kits to public and private hospitals nationwide. Its donations have raised the country’s PCR testing capacity by 15,000 tests per day.

It has also donated Adult Nasal High-Flow machines, personal protective gear, and additional PCR testing kits and swabbing booths for local government units.

SMC continues to support medical front liners by waiving toll fees for them at all its operating expressways, namely STAR, SLEX, Skyway, NAIAX, and TPLEX. It also provides free fuel for government’s free shuttle service program for medical workers.(pr)

Pagwawakas Nais kong magpasalamat sa iyong patuloy na pagsisikap na matulungang pabagalin ang pagkalat ng COVID-19.

Ang matagumpay na muling pagpasok ay nakasalalay sa lahat ng mga miyembro ng ating pamayanan sa paaralan na nagtutulungan upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng lahat ng mga pumapasok sa paaralan. Tayong lahat ay kasama nito.

Nais kong ligtas na bumalik sa paaralan ang iyong pamilya.

Taus puso, Deena Hinshaw, BSc, MD, MPH, CCFP, FRCP Chief Medical Officer of Health Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa muling pagpasok sa paaralan, mangyaring bisitahin ang: alberta.ca/ReturnToSchool.

www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com

26

Community | Brain Twisters

September 2, 2020 Good Morning Sir Knight Rudy Arcilla, Deputy Grand Knight Babes Gonzales, Sir and Brother Knights, Thanks be to Lord Jesus, the Black Nazarene!

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

and protect him from harm as he travels in Alberta North District and beyond. Amen.

We request Master FYM to relay our heartfelt congratulations to Lady Merle and your family including your mom, Mrs. Mendita.

Fraternally yours, Julito R. Reyes Julito R. Reyes Past State Deputy and Former Master of the Fourth Degree Adviser and Consultant, Nazareno Council 12904, Knights of Columbus

I am extremely proud and happy to announce the appointment of Sir Knight Ferdie Y. Mendita as Master of the Alberta North District in the Simon Fraser Province effective September 1, 2020 and concludes August 31, 2022.

Master FYM will continue to serve as Grand Knight of the Nazareno Council No. 12904 of the Knights of Columbus during the Columbian Year 2020 – 2021.

In terms of protocol when addressing him, if it is council matters, he is addressed Worthy Grand Knight and if it is assembly matters, he is addressed Worthy Master.

Let us show our warm welcome to our very own Sir and Brother Knight FYM to his newly added gold feather in his 4th degree beret by congratulating him and by helping him in his great endeavours as our Grand Knight and Master of the Alberta North.

We humbly ask our Lord Black Nazarene to bless him and his family always, guide him in all his Knights of Columbus undertakings

HOROSCOPE

ACROSS

1. Joke 4. Sports locale 9. French pal 12. One, in Havana 13. Actress Sophia ___ 14. Rather or Aykroyd 15. Johann ___Bach 17. Barnyard bird 18. Identical sibling 19. Greek island 21. Deuces 24. Questions 27. Distress cry (2 wds.)

30. Briny 32. Formal procession

Copyright @ www.horoscope.com

Your impulsive spending habits catch up with you when Venus squares Uranus on Tuesday. Yes, it’s nice to be generous, but you have to remember your own needs as well. You don’t need to buy the first round for everyone or pay for everyone’s meal at dinner. You don’t have to be a big shot, Aries.

Honesty is the best policy. When unexpected issues come up in your relationships on Tuesday, don’t try to sweep them under the rug. Confront what’s been bothering you, Libra. Venus squares Uranus that day, challenging your instinctual need to make everything nice in favor of saying what you feel. A little discomfort is worth it in the long run.

Surprises could come in the form of bills when Venus squares Uranus on Tuesday. Your daily coffee order costs how much?! Sure, you like the finer things in life, but you have to draw the line somewhere. Start making some adjustments to your lifestyle. You don’t have to give up what you love, but you don’t have to do it every day.

Everything gets on your last nerve when Venus squares Uranus on Tuesday and has you itching for a fight, whether its petty arguments or minor changes to your schedule. But ask yourself, “Is this the hill I really want to die on?” The answer is no.

Your week starts off with some serious drama as Venus in fiery Leo squares Uranus in stubborn Taurus on Tuesday. It’s hard for you to make up your mind on a good day, but this transit throws a wrench into your thought processes, which could cause some conflict in your relationships. Don’t act on impulse, Gemini!

Money matters throw you for a loop when Venus in Leo squares Uranus in Taurus on Tuesday. It’s so tempting to make big impulse purchases until your credit card bill arrives. Adulting is hard, but not taking care of the relationship with your personal finances can make your life a lot harder.

Feeling a little rebellious? Your fiery tendencies and flair for dramatics come in hot when Venus squares Uranus in Taurus on Tuesday. Venus is in your sign for the next few weeks, making love and beauty your prime focus. However, don’t blow up your whole life because you’re looking for something to do.

Don’t get attached to anything as Venus in Leo squares Uranus in Taurus on Tuesday, creating some major shake-ups. These changes aren’t bad, but they are surprising and may throw you off your game for a day or two. Go with the flow, Virgo.

August 2020 Crossword's Solution

CR OSSWOR D

History repeats itself when Venus in Leo squares Uranus in Taurus on Tuesday, giving you a blast from the past that you weren’t expecting. You don’t have to repeat the same mistakes you made before, Sag. You can make different choices that serve you better.

Intimacy issues come up in surprising ways as Venus in Libra squares Uranus in Taurus on Tuesday. You may struggle with feeling independent and individualistic or connecting with others. If you feel the need to push people away, Capricorn, try to get to the heart of that issue.

A little change will do you good when Venus in Leo squares Uranus in Taurus on Tuesday, bringing you a day full of surprises. You enjoy these surprises because it breaks up your everyday routine. And who doesn’t want some excitement on a Tuesday?

Jealousy threatens to wreck your peace of mind on Tuesday as the green-eyed monster comes out to mess up your relationships. Venus in dramatic Leo squares Uranus in stubborn Taurus, creating trust issues in some of your close relationships.

Stay calm until you get all the details, Pisces.

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33. ____ Newton-John 34. Makes happy 35. Items of value 36. Alaskan city 37. Teenage dance 38. Fragrance 41. Acknowledge 45. Wrestler's pad 47. Support for an institution 50. Boxer Muhammad ___ 51. Courtroom event 52. Sick 53. Christmas mo.

54. Boulder 55. Fish trap

DOWN

1. Sudden wind 26. Large bodies of water 2. Once more 27. Unlock 3. Mongolian desert 28. Angel's headwear 4. Capone and Gore 29. Theatrical 5. Spoil 30. Skyrocket 6. Roberts and Calpton 31. As well 7. Close 37. Barbecue site 8. Prince Charles's sister 39. Selects 9. Paste, e.g.

40. Store 10. ____ West of Hollywood42. Self-centered 11. Rural hotel 43. Stare 16. Aardvark 44. Bruise 20. Amulet 45. Irate 22. Walk through water 46. Malt beverage 23. Native metals 48. Managed 25. Make a sweater 49. Grand ____ Opry

Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience. The rules are simple, fill in the blanks so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain one instance of each of the numbers 1 through 9.

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

August 2020 Issue Sudoku's Solution

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

Pride and Fashion | Opinion | Business

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Kathryn Marie Legaspi, Miss Universe Canada 2020 Delegate

Kathryn Marie Legaspi Miss Universe Canada 2020 Delegate

Kathryn Legaspi was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology and minoring in Sociology at Macewan University, Kathryn is passionate and driven to understand

the contextual limitations of people in society – particularly people with disabilities. Currently working towards her Speech Language Pathology Assistant Diploma, Kathryn works full time as an educational assistant

and part time as a behavioural interventionist. Kathryn is proud that she manages and balances her work and life commitments.

Driven, Kathryn is involved in helping and assisting children with autism, but hopes to help others with disabilities. Through her volunteer and work experience, she has learned that children with disabilities need to be given the opportunity to grow.

In the future, Kathryn aspires to learn and develop educational programs to enable people with disabilities to grow and flourish in their respective communities. She works with these children day to day and has grown empathy and an earnest drive to learn from what they can teach and particularly what they have taught her. With the recent government budget cuts to education and health in Alberta, Kathryn knows the importance of awareness and hopes Miss Universe Canada can provide this platform for her work field.

Being a 1st generation Canadian, Kathryn knows the meaning of dedication, sacrifice and drive to achieve her aspirations through the lessons of her hardworking Filipino parents. Raised in an ethnically and culturally skewed area, Kathryn understands the meaning of seeing a familiar face

on screen and hopes to inspire others currently going through the difficulties she went through as a child. Previously struggling between her identity of being either Canadian or Filipino, Kathryn is proud to call both cultures her own.

Kathryn aims to win Miss Universe Canada, to represent her city Edmonton and province of Alberta know for its beautiful prairies, backyard mountains and

most of all, it’s Western Hospitality.

Kathryn’s journey to Miss Universe Canada is supported and motivated by her very supportive family, and particularly, her close brother.

Kathryn hopes to make her region proud and most of all fulfill her late Grandmother’s wishes.

If you would like to support Kathryn and her journey to becoming Miss Universe Canada, please contact her email: legaspik12@gmail.com

Music Saves Lives.

SORE TRUTH

Aubrey Reyes Aubrey Reyes is a writer enthusiast.

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

M

usic is a form of language of emotion that is able to represent different feelings and allow certain emotions to come out without any boundaries or limitations. In fact, music has a lot more power than you think.

Music has the power to enlighten you, make you feel down, or even make you feel in love. In addition, music has the great ability to “save lives”. There are people who feel “alone” and/or “depressed” and also feel like nobody understands them.

However, music comes in a form that makes them feel understood.

People can use music to escape from “reality” and go into their “own reality.” A certain amount of people tend to play instruments as it distracts them from the bad things that are happening in their lives. I played piano and was able to express my own creativity in every song I played. I was able to

experiment and make the music I am playing mine. Playing the piano allowed me to learn things about myself such as discovering that I am able to play the piano by myself without any instructors. I was able to read notes at a very young age, and grew up playing songs on the piano by musicians like Jim Chappell, Yiruma, and even Beethoven. In seventh grade, I joined band class and learned how to play percussion.

Band class allowed me to gain more confidence within myself and the music instruments I am playing, as I was challenged to play difficult songs with each instrument I was told to play.

Some can agree that music is valid therapy to reduce depression and anxiety, and that it can also improve one's quality of life.

Scientifically, it was shown that listening to music can cause the brain to release a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which allows you to feel joy, excitement, and happiness.

As for myself, I cannot get out of bed in the morning without playing music to boost my energy. Music has been there since the day I was born. My mom told me that when I was still a baby, she would play some of Lea Salonga’s songs, and it would relax me. Growing up in the Philippines allowed me to be fully surrounded by music, as everywhere I went, a karaoke machine would be present or there would be really loud music playing around the streets.

In fact, this can be the reason why the Philippines is such a fun and a happy place. Almost every single Filipino loves karaoke as singing makes us feel happy.

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Community | Business

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

Potato Corner opens its Second Location at the Premium Outlet Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, couple Nelson and Beng Rodriguez, still have the courage to open a second branch of the Potato Corner at the Premium Outlet’s corner by the Edmonton International Airport.

The first branch is located in the food court of West Edmonton Mall.

“I’ve never been hesitant or scared to proceed with the proliferation

of this business as I firmly believe that this kind of Filipino-produced food is one way of satiating the taste buds not only of our kababayans, but everyone’s. Also, through the opening of this new branch, I and my wife could be of great help to produce jobs to sustain lives.”

Nelson said.

AFJ breaks the silence at the Palabok House

T

he Aberta Filipino Journal’s publisher, Jun Angeles (extreme right), longed for more company immediately after his family returned from almost two-weeks’ vacation and a long-drive all around British Columbia. He gathered some of the available staff and their families at the Palabok House to share a filling meal.

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Para-Legal Services | Greetings

ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2020

CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE: Moving Ahead

Birthdays are everyone’s most cherished moment as this is when we celebrate the covenant between life and its Giver.

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

Happy birthday Linny Aberia of AHCS!

Happy Birthday Alyanna San Pedro!

Happy birthday Al Paras San Pedro!

Alyanna’s Friends

Happy birthday James Umali!

Al San Pesro’s Family and Friends!

Happy Birthdays Mila Muli, Ric Manalang, and Gemma Restauro of FREEDX Edmonton

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Linny’s Friends and co-workers.

Larize, Gemma, Linny, Rhea

James Umali’s Family and Friends.

Happy Birthday Nilo Yalung Aboy!

Nilo Yalung Aboy’s Friends!

FREE-DX EDMONTON celebrates with Mila, Ric, and Gemma.

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SEPTEMBER 2020 ALBERTA FILIPINO JOURNAL

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Business

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