Alberta Filipino Journal - September 2022 Issue

Therehas been a lot of hype building up about the Liberal Government’s plan to regularize undocumented migrants in Canada. In January of this year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released his new mandate letters to his cabinet. These mandate letters outline the priorities that the Federal Government will undertake during their term. The mandate letter is crucial as it guides the immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) headed by the Minister of Immigration, Hon. Sean Fraser in the implementation of its policies.

Town in to and walk around September

10, 2020. AFJ

Publisher Jun Angeles joyfully endorsing the town of Gibbons in Alberta for holding a tradional and largest garage sale in Alberta. This one of kind and simplest manifestation of kindness and generosity. Almost every house’s garage, lawns, yards and even the fire department doors were opened to the public selling foods, tools, cars, bicycles, clothes, and other oldies but goodies stuff.

Jerwin Pagdonsolan dmonton North Agency 15949-97 Street NW 587-401-3956 Pagdonsolan Edmonton North Agency 15949 97 Street (780) 456-6138 ext. 5023 (780)-716-4897

Lito Mendoza Velasco

He who refuses to believe is a believer

Doantagonists have good reasons when they disobey? Well, no matter how naturally good a person is, he can always encounter unruly persons. They are everywhere and act like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (Biblical). Inherent personality and acquired bad habits cannot be reformed and stopped by a well-ratified Constitution, and By-laws cannot be influenced by the good name of an organization. No good governance can pacify the noise the rebellious create. They love to refuse—refusing to believe and obey. They are irritable and turning to someone to blame.

Gaslighting is one of the most common malpractices causing the good reputation of every member to fall into the ditch.

Ignorance vs Ignoring

Does ignorance of the law truly excuse no one? I would rather say that ignoring the law is even more vile. Well, a government that doesn’t attend to the welfare of its people is, once again, even worse. Can’t you see the labourers being led by the Labour Unions, marching on the streets and bringing their grievances to the knowledge of the government officials?

As far as I know, the primordial responsibility of the law and the government is to protect the welfare of the people. (Salus populi suprema lex esto.) If that is true, why is it that the government itself is depriving people of the right they deserve to enjoy themselves. For instance, the issue on salary increase. Why do labourers need the Labour Unions to fight for the workers’ rights and compensation? Is that kind of government ignorant or is it ignoring its people’s welfare? Do people in the government refuse to believe that everyone must co-exist and more importantly, be protective of each other?

AFJ: Reaching out

Publisher pays Canadian Immigration Group, AFJ’s new advertizer, a visit and let each one of them feel the importance of co-existence.

KARILAGAN DANCE SOCIETY: A well-applauded performance

Karilagan Dance Society once again drew a big crowd this year at the 2022 Edmonton Heritage Festival, a 3-day celebration at Hawrelak Park, Edmonton, Alberta. Through the years, KDS has performed and entertained during this fabulous festivity in Edmonton.

For those not familiar with it, Karilagan Dance Society is a nonprofit organization founded in 1971,

composed of Filipino-Canadians who aim to promote and live the Filipino culture and heritage. Over the years, they performed throughout Edmonton and neighboring towns and cities. They have also competed in events in several countries and brought home grand prizes and awards.

They once again contributed to the big success of the Philippine

Pavilion sponsored by the Congress of the Philippines Associations of Alberta.

We salute the parents who sacrificed their time and energy from

the set up of the stage to the supervision of their children’s performance during those three days.

In the absence of Memen Cochingco, the president of the

association, Ms. Grace Malbog-Tan perfectly stepped into her shoes to direct and execute what resulted in a magnificent performance!

Kalabaw League opens; Sole2Soul, Jekasa Sportswear throw support

By Moses Billacura

ThePinasaya Basketball Association's Fil-Can Kalabaw Ball League opened its second season on September 11 at the McCauley gym.

John Hufana, one of the members of the organizing committee, said their non-profit organization now has 48 members who play every Sunday from 6:30 to 10 a.m. and share a meal after the games.

"The Pinasaya Sunday as we call it jokingly, is a unique group in which we consider ourselves one big family as we gather most Sundays after games

with hot meals to share," said Hufana.

Their tournament format makes sure that no one gets benched as they follow a "5 In, 5 Out" rule so everyone can enjoy playing. "As most players say, ‘sulit’ ang membership," he added.

While their membership is still small, Hufana said they are glad to welcome Soul2Sole as their major backer this year, which provided them with uniforms.

"Sole2Soul’s owner Getty was generous enough to support our league’s cause and consequently our members

are kind enough to return the favor by patronizing their Thai Massage business. Sole2Soul is currently in South Edmonton, Kingsway and St. Albert," he said.

Jekasa Sportswear International, a jersey and trophies supplier, also came in to support them.

Hufana, a CEO and GM at Imprimo Systems, said they are just grateful that little by little they are being supported by two members of the business community.

Smashers, GG Hawks, Gold Squad 1, Swoosh rule ABHI-backed EFVL volleyfest

By Moses Billacura

The Smashers and GG Hawks topped their respective divisions in the Alberta Business and Health Institute-backed EFVL Volleyball Tournament, August 27-28, at the Saville Centre in Edmonton.

The Smashers took the women’s intermediate level title at the expense of the Ravens. Arriba Night Birds placed third.

GG Hawks, on the other hand, ruled the women’s competitive division by beating AMD Financial. Pascua Credit landed third.

In the men’s division, Gold Squad 1 emerged champion in the competitive division after defeating Meme Papz. TIPS took the third spot.

Swoosh bagged the intermediate level title after subduing the Royals. Gold Squad

2 bagged third place.

Alberta Business Health Institute executives led by Joel and Rochelle Galzote and Lilibeth Macaso, and tournament commissioner Rodel Gravides of Edson Filipino Volleyball League awarded the trophies and medals to the winners.

UMAC Air Cargo debuts against Canada Vertex in PBAC League on September 18

By Moses Billacura

UMAC Air Cargo Edmonton goes into action in the 2022 Pinoy Basketball Association in Canada (PBAC) Winter League on September 18 at the Legacy Athletics in Edmonton.

UMAC, managed by Homer Lising, meets Canada Vertex Immigration at 9:20 a.m. after the YEG Ballers versus Master Boleros game at 8 a.m. in the 40 years old and above Division 2.

“Gusto lang din ng UMAC na sumuporta sa local basketball league dito sa Edmonton at para din makapag exercise ang ating mga kaibigan,” said Lising, who will be leading as playing team manager.

PBAC commissioner Rey Mendoza said they have drawn the participation of 38 teams this year for the three categories and five divisions and they could not have done it without the support of their league partners Red Pascua and UMAC Edmonton,

including Square Room Inc., Jekasa Sportswear International, 31 Shoe Avenue of Kristofferson Gonzales and Paluto CA of Nilo Yalung Aboy.

Opening games start on September 17, a Saturday, with two games in the 30 years old and above category.

Dawn Wealth Management plays Kabayan Driving School at 8 a.m., followed by Crosstown Auto Flying Eagles against Sky Walker at 9:20 a.m.

Other games set are Blitz vs. Storm at 10:40 a.m., Go Pinoy Team Bordallo against Compound Cut Club Crooks at 12 noon, Origin Hairstylers vs South Edmonton Pinoy Ballers at 1:20 p.m., Aces Staffing Solutions vs. Edmonton South Pinoy Ballers at 2:40 p.m., Tigre ng Norte vs. Force at 4 p.m., Transcend Esthetics vs. South Edmonton Pinoy Ballers at 5:20 p.m. and the Generals vs. Wild Dawgs at 6:40 p.m.

3rd Bungabong Cup set on Oct.8-9

By Moses Billacura

Preparations

are in high gear for the 3rd Bungabong's Cup-Filipino Drives on October 8-9 at the Westlock Rotary Spirit Centre.

Organizer Jerome Bungabong said teams from Saskatoon, Fox Creek, Grande Prairie, Peace River, Spruce Grove, Edmonton, Red Deer, Wetaskiwin, Fort Saskatchewan and host Westlock are seeing action in basketball.

There will also be six teams in volleyball.

Red Deer DT Elite Babaeros are defending their basketball title this year and the Drinkerz Edmonton in volleyball.

Bungabong said he wanted to host the tournament so that his friends can have a different sporting experience compared to other leagues. "So they have the chance to compete with each other and other teams from Alberta," he said.

And the success of the past two tournaments was due to the help of his friends. "It's not easy to organize but when your friends are around to help, it becomes easy," he said.

UMAC Express Cargo's Homer and Anna Leah with Budakhel-Angeline Quinto concert MC Tony, September 4. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Arjay and Gold Squad teammates. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Finance director Joel (extreme left) and marketing director Rochelle Galzote (4th from left) of Alberta Business and Health Institute with their staff during the EFVL Tournament, August 28, at the Saville Centre. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Michelle Baranda (center) of the Crushers celebrates a point won with teammates in the ABHI-backed EFVL Tournament, August 28, at the Saville Centre. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Arjay Laygo of Gold Squad serves during the ABHI-backed EFVL Tournament, August 28, at the Saville Centre. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

ABHI finance director Joel Galzote (extreme left) with Gold Squad 1's Justine Roxas and teammates Justin Daulo, Laurence Veluz, Kenny Amar, Christian Devera, Austin Dela Rosa, Bart McLevin, Ralph Zandueta and Marcus Carreon with their trophy. Contributed photo)

The Pinasaya Basketball Association's Fil-Can Kalabaw Ball League opened its second season on September 11 at the McCauley gym.(Contributed photo)

Organizer Jerome Bungabong.(JB

Alex’s US Open win ‘testament to Filipinos’ indomitable spirit’

Maribel Recto battles Covid-19, survives and vows to serve better

MANILA – Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Noli Eala lauded his niece, Alex Eala, for winning the girls' title of the US Open.

Eala was among those who stayed awake past midnight on Sunday (Philippine Time) to watch and eventually witness Alex's historic moment in Flushing Meadows, New York as she became the first Filipino ever to rule a singles grand slam tournament, in which she beat Czech Republic's Lucie Havlickova, 6-2, 6-4, in the girls’ singles final.

The sports chronicler that he is, the elder Eala even live-tweeted the match.

"The historic win of Alex is a testament to the Filipino spirit and our strength of character," Eala said in a statement.

The 17-year-old tennis wunderkind is a product of Rafael Nadal's academy, and she has to spend basically her teenage days in Mallorca, Spain for training, sacrificing her time with her family.

Eala lauded Alex now that her sacrifices have finally borne fruit.

"Alex worked long hours and days and sacrificed being away from home to pursue her dream and achieve this milestone in her career. She

has proven that the Filipino can be at par with anyone if given a genuine pathway for success. Truly a proud moment for the country," the PSC chairman further said.

On the other hand, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Tolentino believes this is just the beginning for the younger Eala.

“Alex will go a long, long way in her tennis career, which, is just budding,” the Tagaytay mayor said. “We expect Alex to bring more honors to the country, and her accomplishment would definitely inspire young Filipinos to follow in her footsteps.”

Even Senator Alan Cayetano congratulated Eala for her win, saying, "Ipinagmamalaki ka ng ating bansa at ipinagdarasal namin ang iyong patuloy na tagumpay. Inspirasyon ka sa ating mga kabataan dahil sa iyong galing, sipag, at dedikasyon (Our country is proud of you, and we pray for your continuous success. You are an inspiration to the youth because of your talent, diligence, and dedication)."

"We are truly blessed with incredibly talented athletes!" he added. (PNA)

By Moses Billacura

Maribel Recto fought Covid-19 and survived.

“I was tired of breathing but I wanted to survive,” she said in her testimony to her immigration consultancy clients and friends during her recent birthday celebration at the Royal Canadian Legion Dining Hall in Edmonton.

Her oxygen was at an alarming

level and only 25 percent of her lungs was spared by the virus.

That painful ordeal, she said, and her recovery has made her think deeply on her “second life”.

So, the birthday celebration was planned by her friend Kit and Maribel had an awesome celebration that night.

Maribel thanked her clients and

friends for coming and celebrating her “second life”.

And vowed to continue serving the immigration consultancy needs of prospects and clients in Edmonton even, sometimes, it is just “pro bono”.

Her friends Daisy and the Las Chikas performed for her that night including the Jess Valdez Switch Band and G Band.

Alex Eala

Jess Valdez of the Jess Valdez Switch Band belts out a song for Maribel with Virgie. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Immigration consultant Maribel Recto thanks her clients and friends for celebrating her "second life". (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Marriage commissioner Alex Donado dances with Maribel. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Kit Espiritu has been silently preparing for her dear friend's birthday party and just made sure that Maribel Recto will show up. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Daisy (center) with fellow Las Chickas at Maribel's birthday celebration at the Royal Legion. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Clients and friends in attendance. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

IRCC INVENTORIES AND TRANSITIONING TO ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE

IRCC recently made several announcements to reduce backlogs and improve client experience. It was reported that as shown on the table below (as of July 21, 2022), IRCC is managing over 1 million

FROM MIGRATION TO IMMIGRATION

applications from their inventories. In 2021, they finalized 1.7 million decisions across their lines of business.

Minister announced that permanent and temporary residence applicants who are already in Canada and meet certain criteria will be exempt from the immigration medical examination requirement. This will simplify the process and will impact approximately 180,000 clients by helping them save time and money on the medical examination process and helps reduce wait times on their applications.

IRCC has started conducting telephone and video interviews with sponsors and applicants under the Family sponsorship program to be able to process family reunifications applications quickly.

tool to offer online applications for minors under the age of 18 by the end of the year.

Starting September 23, 2022, and following the schedule below, IRCC will begin transitioning to 100% digital applications for most permanent residence programs. Applicants must submit their application online based on the table below. However, if clients are not able to apply online and require accommodations, including for a disability, they will be able to contact IRCC and request an alternative format. Please note that applications that are received after the transition dates will be returned to applicants.

IRCC’s goal is to process 80% of applications within their service standards.

To help reduce wait times, IRCC is working on hiring 1,250 new employees to tackle the backlogs and increase processing capacity. The

Marjorie Carmona Newman is a REGULATED CANADIAN IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT based in Edmonton, Alberta. She is currently a member of CAPIC’s Policy 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).

City invites input on District Planning, Engage Edmonton, and neighbourhood renewal

The City of Edmonton invites residents’ input into projects, policies and initiatives that grow our communities, establish government services and prepare our city for the future. Below are current opportunities for Edmontonians to shape their city.

Changing neighbourhoods to meet changing needs:

Glenwood (163 Street West)

Neighbourhood Renewal. Planning for Neighbourhood and Alley Renewal is getting started. We want your input to understand the best ways to communicate. Share your feedback through the online survey available until September 19. To learn more and complete the survey, visit edmonton. ca/BuildingGlenwoodWest.

132 Avenue Collector Renewal. Renewal work is coming to 132 Avenue. View the final design and let us know your thoughts. Attend an online or in-person session and complete the online survey. Share feedback and perspectives until October 13 at edmonton.ca/132Avenue.

99 Street Streetscape and Waterproofing. Planning is underway for the 99 Street Streetscape and

Waterproofing project. Provide your input on the proposed concept designs from September 13 to September 27 at edmonton.ca/99Street.

Balwin and Belvedere Parks Revitalization. Planning is underway to revitalize five parks in Balwin and Belvedere. Attend an online or inperson event and complete the online survey available from September 14 to October 10 at edmonton.ca/ BalwinBelvedereRevitalization.

Defining what Edmonton will look like in the future:

Engage Edmonton. Edmonton residents are invited to meet City staff at Londonderry Mall on September 17 to share feedback on five major City planning projects: District Planning, Zoning Bylaw Renewal, Mass Transit, National Urban Park and River Valley Planning Modernization. For more information, visit edmonton. ca/EngageEdmonton.

District Planning. Help shape the future of Edmonton’s 15-minute communities by sharing your feedback on the draft District General Policy and 15 district plans at the upcoming pop-up events and in-person open

houses as well as an online survey, available at engaged.edmonton.ca/ DistrictPlanning until October 15. September Mixed Topic Survey. The September mixed topic survey will be sent to the Edmonton Insight Community on September 13 and will include questions about the City's public engagement process. Help us understand how we can better plan and implement public engagement activities for you.

IRCC is also taking measures to modernize the delivery of its services to applicants for permanent residence programs. The Minister announced that access to the online application portal for clients has now been expanded to the majority of permanent residence applicants. IRCC will begin transitioning to 100% digital applications for most of the permanent residence programs starting Sept 23, 2022, with alternative formats available for people who require accommodations.

In August 2021, IRCC launched a new tool that allows most citizenship applications to be submitted online. This tool is open to applicants aged 18 and over, and has now expanded to allow groups of adults to apply together. IRCC plans to expand this

Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

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

City services to continue on National Day of Mourning

The City of Edmonton has determined that all City services will continue at full capacity on the day of the funeral for Queen Elizabeth II, September 19, 2022.

Although a Day of Mourning has been declared, the City of Edmonton is aligning with the provincial government’s decision on this matter. City workplaces and services will continue on regular schedules.

The City continues to honour

the official mourning period and has postponed some planned celebrations in the community and City workplaces.

As per official protocols, flags will be raised at sunset on September 19. The Walterdale and High Level Bridges and other City buildings will continue to be lit purple in honour of Queen Elizabeth II the evening of the 19th. The period of mourning will end at sundown on the day of the funeral.

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

*Credit to City of Edmonton

*Credit to City of Edmonton

A Tough Task Ahead for the Next Alberta Premier

Smith is proposing.

While we know Alberta is rich in oil and other natural resources, we must understand that we are Canadians and part of a great country called Canada. It is a country that has given immigrants hope for a better life to raise a family.

So Conservative members are in a tough bind on who they should select as the new leader.

The pool is full of talent led by Toews who is an Accountant and a Rancher/ Businessman. So why is a background in accounting and

business important? Honestly, how do you run a Government if you cannot balance your books and generate the revenue to sustain the services that people would need?

Apart from Toews, Former Child Services Minister Schulz was able to help families with Daycare subsidies, but we are not sure about her expertise in finances or business. Another candidate is Aheer, who has also a background in business because her family is in property investment, car washes and gas stations. Former Transportation Minister Sawhney

also has a background in economics and business development which makes her a good candidate as well. And then there is Smith, who also has a good background in economics and as a Journalist and Broadcaster.

At the end of the day, Conservative members in Alberta hope that the leader they select can lead this Province to new heights by encouraging more business to come to Alberta. We need a leader that is firm and understands money, economy and how we can make more money as a province. We need someone who can find a way

to Boost our Health Care system and sign a deal with doctors, Cut the Red Tape and Reduce Business Taxes and increase job opportunities for Albertans, Help families with Inflation Costs and provide relief and ensure that we stand firm as a province when dealing with Ottawa.

Alberta has greatly contributed to Canada’s prosperity as a Country. It’s now our turn to ensure that Ottawa takes Alberta’s business interest seriously and support the Oil and Farming industry instead of killing it. The Time is now!

Nicky Gocuan has been a Columnist/ Photojournalist for over 15 years. He finished his Degree in Communication Arts at De La Salle University in 1990. After obtaining his University degree, Gocuan joined the Print Media and has contributed for The Philippine Star, Pilipino Star and later moved to Bagong Pinoy, where he wrote a regular opinion column. He also went on to write a showbiz column for The Tribune and Remate.

Gocuan has experience in covering the Police beat, Political beat, and Entertainment beat before landing in the Sports beat. He later wrote a regular sports column for Remate Tonight. During this time, he was elected President of the Philippine Basketball Association Press Photographers Club (PBAPPC) for Two Terms and helped uplift the status of the group to become a part of the 5 Man Mythical Committee in the PBA. He is currently the President of The Philippine Media Association of Alberta (PMAA) and Host of a weekly radio program ‘The Fourth Estate” on Tala Luvz Radio in Calgary.

Conservative Party Members in Alberta are currently in the process of voting on who they want as their New Party Leader, who will also replace Jason Kenney as the next Premier of Alberta.

Premier Kenney decided to resign after garnering only 51.4 percent approval in the last Leadership review.

There is quite a number of candidates who put their name in to give Conservative Party members a wider choice. The candidates include former Finance Minister Travis Toews, Former Child Services Minister Rebecca Schultz, Former Transportation Minister Rajan Sawhney, Former Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith, Former Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women Leela Aheer and Former Wildrose Leader Brian Jean.

In the said list of Candidates, Danielle Smith is the only candidate who is looking to invoke the Alberta Sovereignty Act, an act that will disregard decisions made by Ottawa if Alberta does not like it. While some people like the idea, a Majority of Albertans seem to dislike the idea based on the last survey where it shows only 23% support it.

Legal scholars have labelled the Act as unconstitutional and a betrayal of the rule of law. if Smith wins the Alberta Leadership Race and becomes Premier and invokes the Act, I really do hope that the Province will have a constitutional crisis.

Everyone in Alberta knows that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau does not like Alberta. It is very evident in his actions. However, there must be a better way to go about things than invoking the Sovereignty Act that

PHILIPPINE IN CALGARY HOSTS WEBINAR ON RECOGNITION OF CREDENTIALS FOR FILIPINO NURSES IN ALBERTA

Calgary, 22 August 2022 – In the hope of educating the Filipino internationally educated nurses (IEN) in Alberta on how they can have their nursing credentials recognized by the provincial authorities, the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary hosted a webinar on the nursing profession in Alberta on 19 August 2022.

Entitled “Webinar on the Nursing Profession in Alberta: Recognition of Credentials and Processes,” the event featured the following speakers who explained their institution’s mandates and roles in the recognition of credentials of the IEN: Ms. Gayle Waxman, Executive Director of the National Nursing Assessment Services (NNAS); Ms. Carrie Gronau, Associate Deputy Registrar of the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA); and Ms. Robyn Stewart, Associate Professor at the Mount Royal University (MRU).

The webinar had two main reactors, namely, Mrs. Lucy Reyes, President of the newly formed Philippine Canadian Nurses Association (PCNA); and Ms. Kathy Howe, Executive Director of the Alberta Association of Nurses (AAN).

The webinar explained the various phases that a Filipino IEN has to undergo

to have his/her nursing credentials recognized in Alberta - from the initial assessment to be done by the NNAS, followed by the evaluation to be conducted by the CRNA, and enrolment in the nursing bridging program offered by MRU.

Consul General Zaldy B. Patron stated that the PCG organized the webinar to educate the Filipino nationals who are registered nurses in the Philippines about the option of going through Alberta’s credentialing process so they can practice their nursing profession in the province.

The webinar is also part of the PCG’s ongoing advocacy for the easier recognition of credentials of Filipino nurses in the two provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, which are under the PCG’s consular jurisdiction. The advocacy is in line with the Credentials Recognition in Canada Project that is being jointly undertaken by the Philippine Posts in Canada.

The PCG encourages the Filipino IENs in Alberta to visit the respective websites of the NNAS, CRNA, and MRU to gather more information about the credentials recognition process in the province.

Business Owners just want to have fun

Soaking up the rest of summer with the PBSA family, thanks to Wilma and Marty Scott Payne for graciously hosting us in their beautiful cabin in the lake.

From left to right: Jo-Anne Aguilar, Wilma Payne, Marjorie Newman and Edge Grabador

Irma and Eugene Uhuad are both first-generation Filipino Canadians. Irma’s parents are Mary and Ino Geneblazo and Eugene’s parents are Grace and Wesley. Irma was born in Victoria, BC and Eugene was born in Edmonton, Alberta. They are the owners of 2 companies: Foam Fighters and EVEL Drinks & Eats. Foam Fighters is an indoor NERF Arena similar to Laser Tag, but employs the use of NERF Blasters, and was created to host birthday parties and events. EVEL Drinks & Eats is a bubble tea and Bao Bun restaurant located close to the University of Alberta. Both companies were created with their two kids, Evan and Ellias, in mind. Foam Fighters was started because they understood the importance of play, especially when playing with their two boys. Irma and Eugene also understand how to host events to make sure kids have fun and make it easy on parents. EVEL Drinks & Eats was created because of their love of bubble tea and the ability to create unique food items. The name EVEL is taken from the initials of their children as well. Foam Fighters has been around for over 4 years while EVEL just opened in July 2022. Irma and Eugene love both of their locations, spend lots of time in the business, and have great employees. If you drop by, they are always open to new conversations.

Eugene & Irma Uhuad with the publisher Jose Angeles and Aaliyah Angeles

Traveling to Europe 2022

After a long couple of years of not traveling because of the pandemic, I decided to go on a Mediterranean cruise with my brother Mark Angeles, my best friend Christine Cayabyab and her brother Calvin, as well as their parents Cristito and Merlita Cayabyab.

We embarked on the biggest ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas which accommodates 6988 passengers at double occupancy and 2300 crew members. The dining room alone has over 50% Filipino working in it.

We started in

Bercelona, Spain then stopped at Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, Florence La Spezia, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Naples (Pompeii). After our cruise we stayed in Casablanca, Morocco for a few days.

We were lucky enough that we did not experience any flight delays or cancellations but we did lose one piece of luggage which we are still trying to get back. Overall, with the great history from all these places and the many Filipinos we met along the way, this trip was amazing!

At one of the many Filipino restaurants in Barcelona

Third largest mosque in Casablanca, Morocco Hassan II Pisa, Italy

Our home for 7 days. The largest ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas Royal Caribbean

Hotel Espana, which was called Fonda Espana back when Jose Rizal stayed in it in 1882 when he visited Barcelona

Another Filipino restaurant located a block away from the famous La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Famila, currently the largest unfinished Roman Catholic Church designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi which started in 1882.

Milton Salinas: Chances and Choices

In the recent MaKaPinoy Fashion Show in July, held at the West Edmonton Mall Centre Stage, I had a chance to see first-hand the work of Milton Salinas. Milton is a Philippine-based designer, stylist, event and wedding specialist, pageant coach, model handler, and creative director. For the MaKaPinoy show, he was one of the featured designers, stylist and the director of the show. Milton struck me as extremely amiable, relaxed and unfazed with setbacks. I was curious to know more about him.

Milton hails from Manaoag, Pangasinan, a municipality known for the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. The youngest of 5 children (2 boys and 3 girls), he was exposed to design at an early age. The family had a handicraft business using indigenous materials and metal welding. His creative genes were passed from his mother, who was a teacher of technology and home economics. He vividly remembers his mother’s paper mache and weaving works, as a Master Teacher.

Very outgoing as a child and growing up in a feminine environment (at home and in the family’s handicraft business), Milton recalls playing with paper dolls, creating designs for his sisters’ Barbie dolls, avidly watch beauty pageants with other children, and reenacting the pageants, draping themselves with curtains and scraps of cloth.

ARTOSPECTIVE - an artist’s point of view

Ida Beltran-Lucila ida_b_lucila@yahoo.com

In school, Milton excelled both academically and in extra-curricular activities. An honour student, he participated in oratory and spelling competitions. He also loved performing, was the lead and choreographer of the dance group performing modern and folk dances, formed a school theatre group, and joined music festivals and cheering competitions. In all these activities, he would design the costumes, source materials in markets and thrift shops, and style what they have gathered.

Following his father’s plans, Milton studied Political Science at St. Louis University to be a lawyer. He ran as Student Council Chair, a

position he held until he graduated. Milton, however, would go home on weekends and continue to work on various municipal cultural activities, i.e. fiestas, festivals, cheering competitions. He choreographed 500 students for street dance festivals, competed and won in provincials, participated in the Dinagyang Festival, and formed a theatre group for the church. All these activities, working with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), enabled him to tour other provinces in the Philippines. In his various roles as choreographer, stylist, and designer, it was a natural progression to pageantry and handling aspiring models and beauty contestants.

Working with the youth in his projects and armed with the Student Council experience, he served as Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman, then as Barangay Kagawad (Councillor) for two terms, and eventually as Barangay Captain.

Milton found himself flitting from one project to another, including events with SM Mall, a fashion show of his personal collections, and directing bazaars and singing competitions like “Magic Idols”. He took every opportunity presented his way, like events and wedding planning, and took a course on fashion styling, which required him to commute to Manila for evening classes, and travel back in the morning. His area of work expanded to international pageants and modelling, events and photography styling, corporate shows, and directing infomercials . Not for long, he was fulfilling a childhood dream of travelling domestically and internationally for competitions and shows like the New York Fashion Week, Miss Earth, and pre-nuptial photo shoots. With the many projects he works on, Milton is often referred to as “curacha” in reference to the movie, where in pop culture refers to a person who’s always on the go and doesn’t seem to need to take a breather.

Milton’s journey is one of following his interests and passion. He reflects on his humble beginnings in this cut-throat fashion industry and is grateful for the support of his family, which continues to be the centre of his life. Although he may seem to have abandoned his political science aspirations, he applies his education in fulfilling clients’ expectations and networking opportunities.

Strong in faith, he is always aware of the notion of chances and choices, i.e. “The chances are here, the choices are yours.” And so for every project, every opportunity, he is intentional in his choices to deliver his client’s wants, and going beyond what the client expects. He takes things in stride, believing that you get what you deserve, and things will come at the right time and right way. He is proud that his relationships with his clients are not just limited to business, but strives to form a connection and friendship with those he works with.

In the meantime, Milton continues to be a Consultant for Special Events in Manaoag, upon the invitation of the Mayor and provincial government, and a voice and leader of the LGBTQ

community in their municipality. This coming November, he will be awarded as Most Outstanding International Fashion Stylist/Designer, Runway Coach & Creative Director by the 21st Annual Gawad Amerika in Los Angeles.

To know more about Milton Salinas, his designs and work - FB and Instagram: Milton Salinas #miltStylesPH, @miltStylesPH.

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

Resources for the LGBT Community and Topics

By Giselle General

The goal of this article is to provide resources for support and help to whose who identify as LGBTQ2s+. Health issues, discrimination, increased likelihood of abuse and suicide, poor treatment in the workplace or schools, is something that should be addressed. And there are times that being part of the LGBTQ2s+ community means that additional context is needed to get the help needed, which can be better met by specific agencies or initiatives. Here is an introduction to resources that can be helpful.

Resources for Community and Support

1. Pride Centre of Edmonton: The Pride Centre offers a library, peer counselling, community groups, advocacy and resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning individuals. The website is: www.pridecentreofedmonton.ca/

2. Queer YEG: Provides a directory of businesses in Edmonton that are welcoming of people of all sexual orientations. It is an active directory where you can check out all the businesses and have your business added to the list as well. These businesses offer a wide range of services from

lawyers, communications, pet care, real estate, restaurants, and more. The website is: www. queeryeg.ca/

3. LGBT Centres in Post-Secondary Institutions: Many post-secondary institutions, such as NAIT and the University of Alberta, not only have student clubs, but also actual departments that aim to provide help and support to the LGBT community. By going directly to the main website, it is easy to find information about online resources and locations of offices for support. As an example, NAIT has a page for LGBTQ Community Resources and they celebrate Pride Week. The University of Alberta has a group called OUTreach as well as the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services.

Religious Institutions that are LGBT Friendly

1. Anglican Churches: A number of Anglican churches in Alberta are welcoming towards LGBT individuals. Someone searching for a church can go to the website http://www.proudanglicans. ca/ Go to the sub-menu Inclusive Anglican Churches in Canada and then narrow down

your search by province.

2. Affirming United Church Congregations: The United Church is a Christian denomination that is fairly widespread in Canada. Someone searching for a church can go to their website

http://affirmunited.ause.ca/alberta/ and search for a church that is within their geographic area.

Resources for Employers, Teachers, and Authority Figures

1. Freedom to Be: A Teacher’s Guide to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Human Rights: As a figure of authority, especially in schools, it is very valuable to be informed, compassionate and conscious of the laws involved in supporting LGTBQ2+ youth. An online copy of this resource can be found here: https://aclrc.squarespace. com/new-page-40

2. Employer’s Guide: Trans-Identified People in the Workplace: This resource tackles topics that are important in order to provide adequate support to employees such as bathroom, privacy, educating other employees and handling an employee’s recovery from surgery. An online copy of this resource can be found by going to http://www.aclrc.com/lgbt and clicking the title.

3. Gay-Straight Alliances in Schools: Parents of children who are wanting to learn more about Gay-Straight Alliances can find out more information straight from the Government of Alberta website, and the link is www. alberta.ca/gay-straight-alliances.aspx The webpage covers key topics about what GSAs do and its importance, how students can set one up in their schools, and information for school administration such as principals.

Additional Suggestion: Pronouns in Email Signatures

My final suggestion is not an actual resource, but a personal activity anyone can do. In your email signature or your name tags at work or at events, you can add your pronouns. Why is this valuable? It signifies to the LGBT community that you are understanding and an inclusive person. As an example, in my personal email, my signature looks like this: Giselle General (pronouns she/her) then my title and contact information.

While this is no way an exhaustive list, the goal is to encourage seeking information and assistance for any type of challenge, no matter how big or small, whether it is common or not. For any readers who are not directly served by the area where the outlined organizations are listed, it is likely that equivalents are available by searching the topic and adding the name of your location.

The “New” Immigration Program Coming Soon

MIGRANTS' VOICES

unscrupulous immigration consultants, lawyers, and employment agencies who misrepresent and mislead people forcing them to eventually become undocumented.

5. Others simply are not able to navigate the complex immigration system without support, and support is difficult and expensive to access.

lobbying the Canadian government for changes and “Status for All” for at least two years demands that the Federal government:

• Develop a simple broad program

• Clarify and simplify the application process

• That there be no Exclusions or Inadmissibility

• That there be no Detentions or Deportations

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.

Aquote from the mandate says: “As Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, you will prioritize ongoing work to strengthen Canada’s immigration and refugee system, including bringing in more newcomers to all regions of Canada who will support Canada’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. You will also act with urgency to provide resettlement opportunities for people under threat, including Afghan citizens and human rights defenders. As well, you will continue to strengthen family reunification and reduce application processing times, especially those impacted by COVID-19.” The mandate has 13 major points. But one specific pertains to undocumented migrants. It says: “Build on existing pilot programs to further explore ways of regularizing status for undocumented workers who are contributing to Canadian communities”.

What is a Regularization program?

Regularization is regularizing irregular or undocumented migrants. There are over 500,000 people, including families, living in Canada without any valid immigration permits. Without permanent resident status, they are unable to assert their rights at work or access basic healthcare, and they face discrimination and exploitation because of the well-founded fear of deportations. Undocumented people are part of communities, and many are from the Filipino community. They experience insecure housing, abuse at work, poverty, and fear. The uncertainty about the future, constant stress of making ends meet and risks of detention and deportation negatively impact undocumented people’s health.

One of the tools to address this harm is regularization of status. Regularization of all undocumented people will increase labour rights and address the labour shortage crisis. Undocumented people in Canada already live and work here and provided with permanent resident status, will be able to move freely to take the needed jobs.

How do people become undocumented?

There are number of ways people are forced to become undocumented:

1. Refusal of refugee claim.

2. Inability to renew temporary permits, including study, work, and super-visas, etc. Most low-waged racialized migrants have no access to permanent resident status.

3. Migrant spouses or partners of abusive Canadian citizens, often women, also become undocumented because their sponsors promise to but never submit applications.

4. Many people are the victims of

The much-awaited regularization program is notable and an extraordinary opportunity for migrants in the country to be “legalized”. However, many advocates and organizations believed the program would only concentrate on workers in particular sectors, rather than all who are currently undocumented. Framing the regularization under the context of Covid Economic Recovery means that not all migrants will be included.

Migrants Rights Network, a national grassroots advocacy group that has been

• Come up with a Comprehensive Communications strategy

Different regularization programs in Canada have been created on a temporary basis since the 1960s. The longest running regularization program that Canada has is the Humanitarian and Compassionate Application that was created in 2004. These programs are very exclusive, and very difficult and complicated to access. I hope this “new” regularization program will be inclusive and that no undocumented migrant will be left behind.

HAPPY 54th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY TAU

GAMMA PHI, TRISKELION GRAND FRATERNITY

Peace of God: The Promised Peace

OUR TEXT

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:7 KJV

And the peace of God: The Bible describes three great aspects of peace that relate to God.

1. Peace from God: The apostle Paul continually used this as an introduction to his letters; it reminds us that our peace comes to us as a gift from God.

2. Peace with God: This describes a fellowship that we enter into with God through the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

FROM A VANTAGE POINT

3. The peace of God: This is the peace spoken of in our text. It is beyond “all mind”; that is, beyond our power of thinking.

What is the peace of God?

The peace which God gives is that which is felt when we have no anxious care about the supply of our needs, and when we go confidently and commit everything into the hands of God. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee" (Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27).

The Peace of God is the Promised Peace to those who are faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:27).

Which passeth all understanding: It isn’t that it is senseless and therefore impossible to understand, but that it is beyond our ability to understand and to explain – therefore it must be experienced. This peace doesn’t just surpass the understanding of the worldly man; it surpasses all understanding. Even the godly man cannot comprehend this peace.

That is, which surpasses all that people had conceived or imagined. The expression is one that denotes that the peace imparted is of the highest possible kind.

the promises or fidelity of his fellowmen, and no calculations which he can make on the course of events, can impart such peace to the soul as faith in God.

Shall keep your hearts and minds: The word rendered here “shall keep" is a military term, and means that the mind would be guarded as a camp or castle is. It would be preserved from the intrusion of anxious fears and thoughts. This is something that the peace of God does for us; it is a peace that is on watch over our hearts and minds.

That is, shall keep us from anxiety and agitation. The idea is, that by thus making our requests known to God, and going to Him in view of all our trials and needs, the mind would be preserved from distressing anxiety.

The way to find peace, and to have the heart kept from trouble, is thus to go and spread out our all before the Lord; (Isaiah 26:3-4, Isaiah 26:20; Isaiah 37:1-7).

Tito S. Venida is a product of the University of the Philippines. He used to be a student-leader during his college days and became one of the founders of the Tau Gamna Phi, one of the world leading Philippine-produced fraternities. His immensurable love for the human race has brought him to the conviction of translating his mission from fraternity into Divinity--from a mere brotherhood into sainthood. Tito authored a book entitled Quocunque Jeceris Stabit, which means, wherever you throw, it will stand.

The apostle Paul frequently used terms which had somewhat of a hyperbolical cast (Ephesians 3:19; John 21:25), and the language here is that which one would use who designed to speak of that which was of the highest order.

The Triskelion, committing his way to God, and feeling that he will order all things aright, has a peace which is nowhere else known. Nothing else will furnish it but a pure and undefiled religion. No confidence that a Triskelion can have in his own powers; no reliance which he can repose on his own plans or on

When people seem to “lose” their heart or mind, it often is connected to an absence of the peace of God in their life. The peace of God then does not act as a guard for their hearts and minds

Through Christ Jesus –By His agency, or intervention. It is only in Christ Jesus that the mind can be preserved in peace. It is not by mere confidence in God, or by mere prayer, but it is by confidence in God as He is revealed through the Redeemer, and by faith in Him. The apostle Paul never lost sight of the Truth that all the security and happiness of a believer were to be traced to the Savior.

L-R-Back: Rey Quilacio, Ted Apolonio, Chuchay De Guzman, Lito Velasco, Louel Magana, Jordan Domogcao, Al San Pedro; Front: Boy Valiao, Leohood Roales, Jun Miranda, Ed Canuto, Lu Ocampo.

L-R: Boy Valiao, Lu Ocampo, Founding Father Tito S. Venida, Tess Venida, Nanay Puring De Guzman, Ted Apolonio; Front: Chuchay de Guzman

- Greetings from TAO-CANADA

Learning to Kindly Say ‘Oopsie’

that it is important to embrace little mistakes. Sometimes, what seems to be a big mistake from our viewpoint is not seen as such by others. Many times, as it turns out, no one even noticed. When I tailored pockets into my dress and one pocket was shorter than the other, no one else knew that – the only thing they saw is that I am not carrying a purse because my outfit can keep my wallet, phone, and keys. They’re too busy being impressed to see a dress with functional pockets!

Giselle General came from the cold, mountainous region of the Benguet province, and immigrated to Canada as a teenager in 2007. She completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta, and has a career in the nonprofit sector. 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, FilipinaYEG, and self-published a book called The Humanity of Me, and is active in numerous volunteerbased initiatives.

People who are goal-oriented, determined, and academically inclined are admired by many. But there’s a crippling downside to this mentality and disposition. This pops up when such people make mistakes.

It might be easy to simply say “real life is not like the classroom”, but it can be far from comforting for someone with an over-achiever mindset. Because in school during our youth, it is predictable, perhaps easier, to do things the right way and excel. Memorizing the lessons, finding the correct answer within the formula, and speaking loudly and confidently during class leads to collecting gold stars and medals, the accolades, and high grades in the report card.

An important but also uncomfortable lifelong lesson is how to treat ourselves when we make mistakes.

My loving and sweet husband is someone who was never pressured to excel academically. For me, he is the perfect person to balance my relentless drive to achieve when it is starting to affect how I view myself.

He’d seen my vicious outbursts when making mistakes, even with simple things such as forgetting to do household chores within a certain time. He realized it is important to tell me on a regular basis ‘it’s just a little oopsie, it’s no big deal’. As he’s seen first-hand, when I make a mistake that I’m too angry about, I become violent. Not towards him, but myself.

For many years, it was a bit difficult to do two-player video games and board games. He is much more experienced in these, and I didn’t react well when I lost. Thankfully he had the ability to say in a lighthearted and kind way ‘remember, this is not school. You don’t need to be a valedictorian in this – besides you already are one! Hope you had fun playing though. I love you!’

Eventually I’ve come to learn

This mindset also helps with risk taking. It helps to feel OK to try something unfamiliar and unknown, and when it doesn’t work out, say “oopsie” and try again, as opposed to being paralyzed with fear of failure.

When I ran for politics last year, this was incredibly helpful. There are so many unknown factors that even all the campaigning resources and tips

from experienced political volunteers were not enough. Many times, I had to figure things out on my own, such as organizing neighbourhood maps,

bus. There were many times I was surprised by new information and I almost beat myself up mentally for not knowing any better. But how was I supposed to know it was something that no one anticipated?

“Oopsie, turns out this neighbourhood didn’t have sidewalks on this block. I have to walk along the road and be more careful.”

“Oopsie, turns out, orange juice can really stain white T-shirts. I’ll have to drink water if I need to hydrate when campaigning! I also have to wash this shirt ASAP.”

“Oopsie, turns out the maps are inaccurate; these houses are much larger and farther apart than I thought. The team will get to deliver flyers to only half of these mansions, hehe! And that’s okay!”

For those who are relentless, the achiever, and the perfectionist types, I hope this gives some comfort and reassurance. Saying ‘oopsie’ is a good way to relive stress, forgive yourself, and to move on and try again.

launching fundraising events online, calculating how much snacks to bring for volunteers, and carrying campaign supplies while taking the

Examining Audism and Sexism in Fitness Spaces and How Can Do Better

By Mari Erika Sikat (she/they)

Mostof us know from conventional education and across media that exercise is beneficial to our health. Although fitness is an amazing tool to improve and maintain our health as an individual and as a community, the culture surrounding fitness is still saturated with toxic beliefs and prejudices that are harmful towards marginalized and Deaf folks. It is unfair that marginalized and Deaf folks still experience poor treatment based on these prejudices and hence feel uncomfortable and unsafe in fitness spaces.

Audism and sexism still exist within fitness spaces. Audism is discrimination that occurs in the form of direct, indirect, and systemic discriminatory behavior, or prejudices, against Deaf people simply based on the ability to hear. Sexism is the prejudice or discrimination typically against women based on one’s gender, upholding stereotypes, gender roles, and the belief that one gender, men, is superior to another. This article will be examining both forms of oppression in one incident.

To give you more context, I am a first-generation, queer, brown, Filipino immigrant in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (colonially known as Edmonton, AB) and an ACE Certified Personal Trainer. I run my own personal training business called “Outlier Training” with an aim to provide accessible, long-term focused health and fitness services to marginalized bodies. I have been training clients at the gym since September 2020. I have encountered many incidents and barriers within my own industry and its spaces while simply being myself. One of these experiences occurred during a training session with a Deaf client and another man at the gym.

My client and I were in the middle of our session at a City fitness centre when a man, without asking for permission or even introducing himself, stepped in and took over the equipment that we have been using (without sanitizing!) to show me how to do the exercise I was coaching my client with, in “correct form.” This random person tried to educate me on how to do the movement while I was visibly wearing my trainer ID badge which is proof that I am a qualified fitness professional in the facility. This person also kept talking without even pausing to ask or realize that my client is Deaf. Our boundaries and personal space were both deeply disrespected by this person’s behaviors. This manner of non-consensually inserting himself and condescendingly explaining to me what I already know as a certified fitness trainer is commonly known as mansplaining. This is one of the struggles that I go through as a visibly queer, femme, brown trainer that I doubt would happen if I was not racialized and feminine presenting. This person claimed that he was concerned about my client’s safety,

Immigration Status in Criminal Law

All of us in Canada desire to call this country our second home. We may have entered Canada through various programs (sponsorship, work permit, study permit, etc) but given enough time, all of us go through permanent residency and then ultimately become Canadian citizens.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of our kababayans who would rather linger being a permanent resident and not attain Canadian citizenship. When I ask them the reason(s) for this, I often hear two. First is the $630 fee associated with it and second is the language skills required for applicants between 18 and 54 years of age.

Though I understand the sentiments, I strongly advise everyone to immediately apply for Canadian citizenship when the opportunity

arises. As a lawyer trained in criminal defence (during articling), criminal charges may result in deportation especially when the accused is not a Canadian citizen.

For example, I have clients who were charged with a criminal offence of Assault with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm (under Section 267 of the Criminal Code of Canada) mainly because they got into an argument and physical confrontation with their daughter or son. I understand that hitting our kids is a mode of discipline employed in the Philippines. However, this constitutes a criminal offence in Canada. When the police investigate and find probable cause against the accused, it will endorse all files to the crown prosecutor to commence a criminal case against the accused.

Given the penalty imposed on

Human Trafficking

the crime of assault (Section 267 of the Criminal Code of Canada), there is a big likelihood that IRCC will commence an immigration case against the accused (after conviction) to have him or her removed from Canada. The difficulty I have observed with IRCC proceedings is that it is harder to argue humanitarian and compassionate grounds because this is not a component of the initial hearings. Once the accused checks off all the requirements for removal, there is nothing that can be done at all levels of trials or appeals. This is excruciating especially when the accused will be leaving behind his family here in Canada. It is only when the appeals are done that a humanitarian and compassionate grounds application can be filed. This entails additional time and effort and would cost a lot of money

to retain a lawyer to represent him. This might be far-fetched for some. One might even say that they do not plan on committing a crime. However, please know that the clients I represented also never, in their wildest dream, thought of committing a crime. Yet, they are faced with a criminal charge.

So you need to ask yourselves this question: Do the fees or language skills outweigh the deportation and separation of a person from his family? I think otherwise. Therefore, I urge everyone to act on their Canadian citizenship once they are eligible to do so.

If you have any legal questions, feel free to email me at irvin.bautista@ gmail.com. Any response to questions made in the next article shall not be considered as a legal advice.

Act (IRPA) contains a provision that prohibits the bringing into Canada of persons by means of abduction, fraud, deception or use of threat of force or coercion. It carries a maximum penalty of a fine of up to $1 million and/or up to life imprisonment. (Public Safety Canada)

The eagerness to earn money despite legal impediments may lead to violence against humanity. However, the Government/States insured the safety of human rights to all individualities. Be vigilant and safe.

from page 22

Examining Audism and Sexism...

but he did not even stop to check in with my client (who he supposedly was trying to help) which might have led to him realizing that my client is Deaf, and therefore all of his talking was a failure of communication. This tendency for hearing people to continue talking in the presence of a Deaf person is also a form of audism that Deaf and Hard of Hearing folks go through every day.

asking them questions that are easily Google-able. We can learn the sign language of our country or region and understand more about Deaf culture through Deaf and Hard of Hearing educators (not hearing!), and ensure they are compensated for that work.

Ihearda story of a victorious case of an Overseas Filipino Worker who had been a victim of a Human Trafficking, against her employer in Hong Kong who brought her to the U.S.A. She was not aware at the time that the her employer’s act was one of Human Trafficking. This anecdote of a friend mine here in New York inspired me to write about Human Trafficking laws.

What is Human Trafficking?

According to the United Nations, Human Trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit. Men, women and children of all ages and from all backgrounds can become victims of this crime, which occurs in every region of the world. The traffickers often use violence or fraudulent employment agencies and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick and coerce their victims.

In December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly approved the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and

Punish Trafficking Persons, known as the U.N. TIP Protocol or “Palermo Protocol”. The TVPA has parallels to the international standard so the U.S. is able to collaborate with other nations to combat human trafficking on a global level.

Human Trafficking in International law may be relevant to the criminal cases of foreign national trafficking survivors because a trafficking crime can occur in more than one country and the recruiters and traffickers can also send their victims to other countries for commercial gain. The same trafficking case could be investigated across multiple jurisdictions in the United States and overseas, so it is important to remember that each country may have its own human trafficking laws. This intersection may impact the immigration avenues available to people trafficked into the United States. (OVCTTAC-Office For Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center).

In accordance with Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by RA 10364 also known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012, the penalties are as follows:

• Any person found guilty of acts of TIP shall be penalized with imprisonment of 20 years and a fine of not less than 1 million but not more than 2 million pesos.

• Any person found guilty of acts that promote TIP shall be penalized with imprisonment of 15 years and a fine of not less than 500 thousand but not more than 1 million pesos.

• Qualified trafficking shall be penalized by life imprisonment and a fine of not less than 2 million but not more than 5 million pesos.

• Any person found guilty of committing attempted TIP shall be penalized with imprisonment of 15 years and a fine of not less than 500 thousand but not more than 1 million pesos.

In Canada, Section 118 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection

After the incident, my client and I approached a City employee. They listened and formally filed the complaint for us and reassured us that if it occurs again, we can find one of them right away and they will approach the person and deal with it. What can we learn from this incident? I would like to remind everyone that not all folks are hearing or able-bodied in public spaces like the gym. Deaf folks deserve respect, safety, and accessibility in fitness spaces and everywhere. Hearing folks, we can do better. Let us respect each other’s personal spaces by confirming or asking for permission to share equipment when in doubt i.e., if you feel unsure whether the bench you would like to use is taken, ask someone to confirm if anyone is using it first. Let us take care of each other’s public health and safety by social distancing, sanitizing equipment before and after use, sanitizing our hands and wearing masks in the gym. We can do our own personal research on topics such as audism and accessibility for Deaf and Hard of Hearing folks instead of

Before approaching a person who belongs in a marginalized group, pause and reflect first if what you will be asking or telling them is based upon harmful beliefs or prejudices. Approach with kindness.

Although everyone can benefit from fitness, we cannot truly be healthy on an individual and community level while excluding the needs of marginalized groups and Deaf folks. We can build a new culture of fitness where everyone is uplifted by questioning and unlearning harmful beliefs and prejudices we have of marginalized and disabled people. Hearing folks, let us do our work by researching and learning from Deaf folks on how we can meet their needs and act from there.

Let us build a society aware of harmful beliefs and actively dismantle systems of oppression so that all of us can thrive and truly live healthy lives as individuals and as a community.

Credits belong to:

Connor Yuzwenko-Martin (he/him), a Queer Deaf Artist, Consultant and Public Relations Specialist for providing me feedback and editing till we get to the final draft of this article.

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

IRVIN BAUTISTA

A

Illusions about inflation

and will take comfort in the fact that the Canadian dollars we send monthly back home will now be valued higher than the same amount we sent a few months ago. Or, we might increase our monthly remittance in the hope of generating some kind of savings for loved ones across the sea.

Never mind that the increase in purchasing power we give our relatives back home will most likely be negated by the rise of prices of basic goods there. At the end of the

day, let’s not get carried away by the exchange rate “magic” of our dollars being valued more today than yesterday. And certainly, let’s not shake the money tree by sending more now simply because the dollar is stronger against the peso. Though we will always look after family back home, we have our own problems here, and disrupting our monthly budgets in the hope of getting more bang for our maple bucks for the folks back home is never a smart move.

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.

THE inflation rate in the Philippines is currently around 6.4 percent, consistent with rising inflation rates in almost every country in the world. High global oil prices and surging demand for goods and services post-pandemic were cited as the main reasons behind the rise, and Philippine economists inflation is expected to peak this month before tapering off in the last quarter.

Inflation—the rate of increase in prices of goods and services over a given period—is often used as one of the barometers of an economy’s health. Which is not always accurate since inflation can be a complex economic concept, and in some cases, inflation over the short term can mean a good thing since it indicates robust economic activity.

But inflation is always a cause of concern because of government’s response to it, starting with an increase in interest rates. Government does this primarily to siphon off excess liquidity in the economy (meaning, there’s too much money circulating in the system). Government might also be expected to defend the peso since inflation usually results in a devalued currency. So far, the peso is at an all-time low against the US dollar, at Php57:US$1.

Which leads me to the question: can inflation back home be good for us here, especially if we remit regularly to the Philippines? With the rise in the value of the US dollar against the peso (and by extension, the CAD:Php exchange rate), shouldn’t we be happy that our remittances will be valued more?

To be sure, inflation is everywhere these days. Canada shed 39,000 jobs in August this year as the inflation rate stood at 7.6 percent last July. Inflation rose here due to similar reasons: high global oil prices and strong economic activity post-pandemic. The government has responded by raising interest rates, and the Bank of Canada is keeping a close tab on economic indicators to make sure the country does not slip into recession or, at the very least, absorb the effects of inflation.

But Filipinos being who we are, sending money back home is like a sacred duty to God and family. And so most of us will continue to remit

NAIN: Dealing with Heartache

How do we respond to the misfortunes of others? Our gospel for today presents to us a very sad and desperate situation—an experience of death. You know what? No words can describe the pain of losing a loved one and most often, no words will suffice to console someone in grief. Amidst this sorrowful situation, Jesus brings the message of compassion and joy. “Young man arise.” The gospel makes it clear that God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone. He desires life, not death. The world bids us farewell but God welcomes us home. Meeting the Lord is a Nain experience because He will always turn whatever is ugly in us into something beautiful and wonderful.

Is Avocado Good for You?

KUSINA DIARIES

when we meet Jesus, it is no longer a procession towards the cemetery but towards God’s sanctuary. This sanctuary is an entrance to eternity where eternal joy and smiles reside. Death cannot be a stumbling block for us to rejoice and smile again. Never allow the experience of funerals prevent you from smiling again. Never allow the experience of failures to prevent you from becoming a better person. Never allow your weakness to prevent you from becoming a strong individual. Never allow your sins to stop you from coming to the Lord.

Leonila learned to take life in stride after realizing that life truly is what we make it. She believes that life, in every moment, brings opportunities for us to be better or do better. She is grateful. Finds joy in everything she does. She loves her life.

Haveyou noticed that avocado has become more popular in the last decade? It is even touted to be a millennial darling. I first noticed it with my daughter when she was in her late teens or early twenties (she’s thirty now). She spread avocado on her multigrain toast and ate it with poached eggs. Wow!

I’ve always loved avocado but that way of eating it was new to me back then. I normally just eat slices of the fruit with sugar or mashed with condensed milk. Yum! That was a perfect dessert or snack for me and is comfort food from my childhood.

Why is avocado so popular? There are factors that fuel the popularity of the fruit among consumers. Those include the pretty pictures of avocado dishes on social media, deliberate advertising combined with increased availability in the market, the wide popularity of Mexican food and the elevated trend in health and wellness.

Avocado contains a lot of nutrients that are needed for your optimal health. It is high in monounsaturated fat, the good fat that helps reduce cholesterol. It is low in carbohydrates, making it a good option for low carb diets and beneficial for diabetics who are looking to control their blood sugar levels.

vitamins C and B complex. These nutrients boost probiotic bacteria in your body and are vital to keeping your digestive system healthy. It is a rich source of antioxidant and antiinflammatory compounds including carotenoids, vitamin E, phenolic and several other vitamins and minerals that are crucial to your health.

How to enjoy I still love my sweet avocado with condensed milk or as a smoothie, but my favorite and ultimate comfort food is tortilla chips served with a combination of sour cream, mashed avocado, cheese and salsa or diced fresh tomatoes for a dip. It is easy to prepare and satisfying for me to have.

that versatile and delicious fruit, be it sweet or savoury, so go and have fun experimenting with it. Here are some ideas from the Healthline website for how you can incorporate more avocado into your diet:

• Use avocado in place of mayo with Greek yogurt in chicken, salmon, egg, and tuna salads.

• Make a classic guacamole using avocados, onions, lime, and cilantro.

• Top chicken breasts with a salad of tomato and cubed avocado.

• Toss frozen avocado chunks into smoothies for a source of healthy fat.

• Top chilis and soups with sliced avocado.

• Incorporate avocado into salads and grain bowls.

• Whip up a dairy-free avocado chocolate mousse.

• Bake them for a crispy treat.

• Pair half an avocado with eggs and berries for a filling breakfast

• Smash avocado on top of toast or a half roasted sweet potato.

• Stuff avocados with chicken salad or bean salad.

• Use avocados in tacos and burritos.

• Blend avocado with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings for a quick and easy creamy dressing.

• Top your favorite burger with sliced avocado.

• Sprinkle an avocado half with a bit of coarse salt and pepper and enjoy it right out of the rind. Jhack Diaz

Friends, never say die. As long as we live, there is hope! When we meet Jesus, sorrow will be turned into joy. Tears will be wiped away. In moments of despair, God is our everlasting hope and joy. The gospel is presenting this message to us:

Today, there are so many people on this planet who are desperate, mourning, sad and depressed. There is so much pain and suffering around us. They might be your family members, friends, co-workers or neighbours. Like Jesus did, bring compassion and reach out to them. Make it a Nain experience.

Blessings

Waving And Bidding Goodbye, But Leaving Her Exemplary Services As An Indelible Mark Left Behind!

Our heartfelt gratitude to the indefatigable services you unselfishly rendered to your people. We believe that a loving and strong-willed person like you deserves a new place where everyone’s heart is filled with peace!

Rest In Peace, our beloved queen!

Leonila Samarita samleonila@gmail.com

Fr. Jhack

“You too can HELP ILLUMINATE the World!”

(Credit to Elizabeth Gilbert)

“Some years ago, I was stuck on a crosstown bus in New York City during rush hour. Traffic was barely moving. The bus was filled with cold, tired people who were deeply irritated with one another, with the world itself. Two men barked at each other about a shove that might or might not have been intentional. A pregnant woman got on, and nobody offered her a seat. Rage was in the air; no mercy would be found here.

But as the bus approached Seventh Avenue, the driver got on the intercom. "Folks," he said, "I know you have had a rough day and you are frustrated. I can’t do anything about the weather or traffic, but here is what I can do. As each one of you gets off the bus, I will reach out my hand to you. As you walk by, drop your troubles into the palm of my hand, okay? Don’t take your problems home to your families tonight, just leave them with me. My route goes right by the Hudson River, and when I drive by there later, I will open the window and throw your troubles in the water."

It was as if a spell had lifted. Everyone burst out laughing. Faces gleamed with surprised delight. People who had been pretending for the past hour not to notice each other’s existence were suddenly

HUWAG PAGTAKHAN!

to be a human being. Sometimes you have a bad day. Sometimes you have a bad day that lasts for several years. You struggle and fail. You lose jobs, money, friends, faith, and love. You witness horrible events unfolding in the news, and you become fearful and withdrawn. There are times when everything seems cloaked in darkness. You long for the light but don’t know where to find it.

But what if you are the light? What if you are the very agent of illumination that a dark situation begs for?. That’s what this bus driver taught me, that anyone can be the light, at any moment. This guy wasn’t some big power player. He wasn’t a spiritual leader. He wasn’t some media-savvy influencer. He was a bus driver, one of society’s most invisible workers. But he possessed real power, and he used it beautifully for our benefit.

When life feels especially grim, or when I feel particularly powerless in the face of the world’s troubles, I think of this man and ask myself, What can I do, right now, to be the light? Of course, I can’t personally end all wars, or solve global warming, or transform vexing people into entirely different creatures. I definitely can’t control traffic. But I do have some influence on everyone I brush up

against, even if we never speak or learn each other’s name.

I believe you can illuminate your world. In fact, I believe this is the only way the world will ever be illuminated, one bright act of grace at a time, all the way to the river."

grinning at each other like, is this guy serious?

Oh, he was serious.

At the next stop, just as promised, the driver reached out his hand, palm up, and waited. One by one, all the exiting commuters placed their hand just above his and mimed the gesture of dropping something into his palm. Some people laughed as they did this, some teared up but everyone did it.

The driver repeated the same lovely ritual at the next stop, too. And the next. All the way to the river.

We live in a hard world, my friends. Sometimes it is extra difficult

(“DON’T MARVEL at MR. MARVEL”)

"No matter who you are, or where you are, or how mundane or tough your situation may seem,

Palabok House pulls off successful Budakhel, Angeline concert

By Moses Billacura

Despite the many community events and the night of the concert set on a long weekend, Palabok House Promotions pulled off one successful Bugoy Drilon, Daryl Ong and Michael Pangilinan (Budakhel) and Angeline Quinto concert, September 4, in Edmonton.

Budakhel and Quinto delivered sterling performances to fans who have been longing to watch live performances after two years of no Filipino concerts due to the pandemic. One excited fan was Nette Mirasol, who with her friends could only allocate funds for non-VIP tickets and yet were among the happiest attendees as they screamed their lungs out to cheer for the performers.

Dr. Rod Montano of Great Smile Family Dental said if not for the long weekend and other events, the concert would have been jam packed . Several rows at the back for non-VIP ticket holders were vacant yet the venue was filled with high energy as fans sang along with the performers.

The fans were also appreciative of local singers Angela Gutierrez and Jimmy Buena, well-introduced by Palabok House Promotion’s regular MC Tony Surtida of 580 AM Radio, who set the mood just right before the main performers.

Manny “Zumba King” Arban, one of the volunteers, said that for several days, they sent word through their social media sites and called on their friends to support the event and eventually saw a modest attendance that night. “Dami din kasing events, tapos, long weekend, out of town yung mga kababayan natin,” he observed.

Yet, Budakhel, Quinto and their musical director Cesar Cailles were all 100 percent in their performance that night, despite the little discomfort that the air conditioning at the venue was not working at peak efficiency. Giant fans were brought in, and it all went fine during the two-hour concert.

And even after the two-hour event, some fans were still singing on their way out, what a way to wrap up the night.

Doc Chum of SkinLueur Aesthetics and Laser Centre (8th from left) and fan Nette Mirasol (9th from left) pose for posterity before watching the Budakhel and Angeline Quinto Concert, September 4, in Edmonton. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Ron and Marsha of Food To Go. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

A fan joins the Crosstown Auto Centre raffle with Gary Perpetua of Philippine Sports Association Edmonton, Allan of Crosstown Auto and Jorge of AFJ. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Volunteer Manny Arban manning the entrance. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Palabok House Promotions' Lydia with volunteer drivers Lito and Andy of the Alberta Filipino Journal having fun that night. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Lydia Jimenez of Palabok House (2nd from right) with her concert supporters. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Angeline Quinto descends from the stage to get closer to fans and is closely guarded by volunteer security Marco. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Happy fans! (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Palabok House pulls off successful..

PAGSUSURI 10Q and BUDAKHEL: Sino sila sa labas ng tanghalan?

By: LMV

Kadalasan,

kung hindi man palagi, hindi nagiging maruming pagmasdan ang isang bagay dahil sa kalikasan o natura nito; kundi, maaaring ito ay nabahiran lamang ng mantsa (stained).

Maihahalintulad din ito sa mga kalagayan at relasyon ng tao sa lipunan. Na, kahit na nga gaano kalinis ang tunay na pagkatao o gaano kaganda ang mga ginawa, kung ang kasama naman niya ay hindi maganda ang pag-uugali o walang GMRC - Good Manners and Right Conduct, wika nga. Tiyak na mababahiran siya ng hindi kaayaayang ugali ng kanyang kasama.

Ito na ang maririnig mo sa mga tagamasid: “Tell me who your comapnions are and I will tell you who you are!” Masaklap, di po ba? Sa halip na magtatagal ang kasikatan sa industriya ng isang iniidolo ng masa eh malamang malaos na. Wala na muling tatangkilik o susuporta dahil sa ipinakitang kagaspangan ng kasama.

Ganunpaman, isinasaalang-alang pa rin natin ang ugali ng bawat-isa. Trabaho lamang naman, di ba? Excuse ba talaga yan? Para sa akin ay hindi. Dahil, magtatrabaho ka na rin lamang naman, eh ayusin mo na! Matutong magtimbang, magsuri, at makisama. Lalo na nga at mula din naman sa mga tagahanga ang pinagkakakitaan ng kasama nila.

Pero, mayroon akong pasubaling muli. Dahil nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataong makilala kahit konting sandali sa likod ng entablado ang mga mahuhusay na musikero at musikera. Masasabi ko, napakababait nila. Sa kabila ng kanilang kahusayan ay nagawa nilang bumaba at makihalubilo sa kanilang mga tagahanga.

Wika nga ni Daryl Ong: “Mas masaya ang buhay kung simple lamang at kapantay mo ang iukng mga kasama. Sila ang dahilan kung bakit kami sumisikat at kumikita. Kung kaya naman, ibinabalik namin sa kanila ang aming pagmamahal at patas na pakikisama.” Kumpleto rin ang kasiyahan ni Daryl kapag kasama ang kanyang wife na si Dea.

Sumagot naman si Bugoy sa maikling interview ng ating publisher kuya Jun Angeles: “Do you have any regrets in life?” Mabilis na sumagot ang singer: “Well, I have no regrets in life. I am more focused on the positive side or blessings in life… we should forget our regrets and better replace it with a positive outlook in order to excel.”

Tulad nina Daryl at Bugoy, simple lamang din ang uri ng pagkatao ni Michael Pangilinan. Basta dala-dala

niya ang kanyang skateboard, masaya na siya. At syempre naman, ang kanyang minamahal na kasintahan, si Gary Concepcion. Mahusay na moderator noong nasa Tap 25 kami. Isinalang niya si Bugoy upang pagtatanungin sa wikang Ingles.

Ayon naman sa aking narinig, sa isang Concert pala ni Angeline Quinto nabuo ang BUDAKHELBUdoy, DAryl, MiKHEL. Hanga ako sa commonality ng mga artistang ito. Nakatapak

sila sa lupa sa kabila ng kanilang katanyagan. Medyo meron lamang talaga akong puna sa iba nilang kasama. Nagmistulang langaw na nakadapo sa kalabaw. Kunsabagay, wala namang permanente. Malay natin, medyo maging mahinahon na sila sa muling pagkikita. Alalahanin nila, ang mga kababayan din natin dito ang nagtataas sa kanila at kung di sila magbago baka sila din ang magbagsak sa kanila. Pati tuloy ang mababait, nadadamay pa.

Michael (third from left) and Daryl (third from right) pose with their fans in front of the Top Shots

AFJ Publisher with BUDAKHELS at Tap 25 Restaurant inside the Rivercree Hotel Resort and Casino

Daryl Ong amidst Pool Players and fans at the Top Shots Billiard Hall in Millwoods

The volunteers, sponsors, production staff, and vendors by the entrance of the Concert Venue - Christ the Way Seventh-Day Adventist Church along Ellerslie Road, Edmonton

With BUDAKHEL at Holiday Inn Express Hotel Lobby along Parsons Road.

L-R: Michael Pangilinan, Angeline Quinto, Bugoy Drilon, Daryl Ong, Lydia Jimenez

The seniors also came to support the concert with Allan Angeles of Crosstown Auto Centre and Jorge Polecina, an Alberta Filipino Journal volunteer. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Goldenbucks Bakeshop's Annalyn (3rd from left) and JR and Empress Empanada's Evan (extreme right) and family. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

Michael and Apple, Nakie and Lorie are not only into basketball. (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

One happy crowd! (Photo by Moses Billacura/AFJ)

A CELEBRATION OF AFTERLIFE

L-R: Josie Yee, Kim Yee, Vicky Hart (celebrant), Liza Aguinaldo August

Edna Divinagracia (fourth standing from right beside publisher Jun Angeles) September 13

Jackelyn Ramirez September

Alyanna Francesca

L-R: Cristito, Christine, Merlita and Calvin Cayabyab

Remembering and celebrating the second death anniversary of Remy Rante. gathered together to a prayer and this as celebration The occasion was marked at North Millbourne Hall last August 26, 2022 and hosted by Bert Rante and family.

Merlita celebrated her 75th birthday in Barcelona, Spain on September 8, 2022 along with part of her family.