Diaryo Filipino September 2015

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SEPTEMBER 2015 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 05

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It’s Official: Canadian economy in recession Cheryl Posadas-Guinsatao

TD Canada Trust

mobile: 403.383.7001 fax: 403.592.9142 email: diestroj@gmail.com

It’s official: Canada’s economy fell into recession in the first half of the year for the first time since the Great Recession of 2009 this is based on Statistics Canada’s report last September 1. In the report, it confirmed that Canada’s real gross domestic product shrank 0.5 per cent between April and June, following a revised downward decline of 0.8 per cent for the first three months of the year.

The two-quarter slump meets the technical definition of recession, fueling the federal election campaign debate over

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who could best lead the country out of the economic mire after the Oct. 19 vote.

“We know why there’s a recession. It’s not because the (federal) government ran a $2-billion surplus. There’s a recession because oil prices have fallen by half,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said when asked about the economic recession this time. “And the recession has been made worse because the NDP government came in and followed up by raising taxes on everybody.”

Harper has been touting his government’s economic record, which was topped off this week by an unexpected $1.9-billion surplus in the 2014-2015 fiscal year in the buildup to a national leaders debate Thursday on the economy.

The surplus was achieved in part by departments under-spending their budgets by $8.7 billion — what is referred to as lapsed funding and which critics deplore as spending cuts by stealth. The Conservatives had budgeted for $7.2 billion in lapsed funding but wound up with $1.5 billion more than anticipated.

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, who won a majority government by a landslide on May 5, has hiked taxes on large corporations to 12 per cent from 10 per cent and increased personal income taxes for those making more than $125,000 annually.

Harper had a previous skirmish with Notley at the beginning of the campaign.

In early August, the Conservative leader criticized the Alberta government for raising taxes and fees and delaying a full budget until the fall. “It’s a disaster,” he said at the time. “One rejected by the Alberta population.”

To answer this, Alberta’s Finance Minis-

ter Joe Ceci offered this statement. “The current economic climate is caused by the global drop in the price of oil and the failure by both the provincial and federal Conservatives to diversify the economy and save when times were good,” Ceci said in an email.

Notley has said Harper needs to accept that Albertans have endorsed her party and that since her government was elected, it has replaced a “regressive” flat income tax with better taxation.

David Taras, a political scientist at Calgary’s Mount Royal University, said the tactic of picking a fight with Notley could be a double-edged sword for the Conservative leader. “Using the same logic, Notley could ask whether the recession in Canada as a whole was brought on by the Conservatives being in power and their failure to invest in jobs,” Taras said.

Meanwhile Statistics Canada noted that overall, the second quarter slump was milder than economists’ consensus forecast for a 1 per cent decline and a monthly uptick in June was seen as continued on page 4

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SEPTEMBER 2015

Editorial Cheryl Posadas-Guinsatao EDITOR IN-CHIEF

S

The Elephant in the Room

“There’s an elephant in the room It is large and squatting, so it is hard to get around it Yet we squeeze by with “How are you?” and “I’m fine…”

And a thousand other forms of trivial chatter.

We talked about the weather We talked about work We talked about everything else except the elephant in the room We all know it’s there We are thinking about the elephant as we talk together It’s constantly on our minds For you see it is a very big elephant It has hurt us all But we do not talk about the elephant in the room Oh please say his name Oh please say Alan again Oh please let’s talk about the elephant in the room For if we talked about his death Perhaps we can talk about his life Can I say Alan to you and not have you look away For if I cannot then you are leaving me alone In a room with an elephant…”

This month after a summer marked by festivals, FIFA, Pan-Am Olympics, forest fires, changing weather, economic recession, lay-offs, election, China’s land invasion issue and the mixture apathy and hostility towards refugees despite repeated drownings in the Mediterranean- the public mood suddenly shifted.

The world was brought to tears by an image of a 3 year old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi who was washed up dead on a beach. He perished in an attempt to escape persecution by crossing the sea from Turkey to Europe. So far this year, he is just one of the more than 2,500 refugees who

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died trying to cross the Mediterranean as the UNHCR reported. Four million Syrians have left their country since the war started in early 2011, many seeking refuge in nearby European countries.

The more you look at this photo, the more the image turns into a slow burning punch to the gut that you can’t get out of your mind even more so to us Canadians that arrived here first as migrants or refugees. When the news broke that the Canadian members of the boy’s family had attempted to apply for refugee status in their behalf, but the form was returned incomplete. The boy’s aunt

also issued a personal plea to Immigration Minister Chris Alexander. I think all Canadian people, who see themselves as generous and welcoming and take great pride in their long history of international peace keeping wondered how it all could have come to this.

After this broke out on the campaign trail, the NDP immediately offered to take in 10,000 refugees, the Liberals 25,000.

The Conservatives who were put on the defensive by the public response pledged to increase military aid in the fight against ISIS. Many European countries member of UNHCR started to open their borders to hundreds

and thousands of refugees.

Even Philippines offer to take a number of refugees on the wait for their papers approval.

Stalin once said, “One death is a tragedy, one million is a statistic.” That image of Aylan help bring home the horror of a crisis. Identifiable victims seem to trigger empathy and compassion, but many victims seem like cold numbers that do not tug at our heartstrings.

However, to inspire pro-social action in the face of large scale crisis, presenting unsettling pictures of identifiable victims may not be the only path to changing public opinions.

As the days passed the image was blurred by terror fears. People predictably think that as they feel more compassion as victim numbers increase, it in turn create concerns about the financial and emotional cost of trying to help so many. Perhaps this will be too expensive or be too emotionally excruciating to think about.

For these reasons, people might try to suppress emotions to avoid these costs. They will think that the things that they can do will be just a drop in a bucket- too little to really make a difference to an insurmountable problem or issue in the society. But this notion was refuted many times. One helping hand make a difference.

Take for example, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) that is a non-profit organization which provides settlement and integration services to all immigrants and refugees in Southern Alberta.

As part of their 34 years mandate to help migrants and refugees, Margaret Chisholm Resettlement House was established as one of its main response to settlement issues.

Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Centre

provides temporary accommodation to newcomers as they begin the resettlement process in Calgary and assisting them in overcoming initial obstacles in adjusting to a new country. The center can accommodate up to 80 people. Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Centre served as a temporary accommodation facility where Government Assisted Refugees (GARS) who are destined to Calgary are brought from the airport and stay for up to 19 days until permanent accommodation is secured. About 4,500 refugees have been helped in this program. Despite of the fire in the center recently and its costly renovation, MCRC looks forward in the arrival of a group of Syrian refugees in the coming weeks.

The image of Alan is just one of the many heartbreaking evidence of the harsh reality the migrants go through. The question that remains to be answered is- will these finally wake us up on the crisis on our doorstep?

Could this be the moment when people finally find it in their hearts to talk, care and eventually act on the issues affecting the world?

I titled this editorial the elephant in the room because the refugee crisis is just one of the many difficult issues that is very obvious but not discussed or addressed, such as mental illness, depression, addiction, bullying, homelessness, domestic violence, abortion, abuse of power, environmental problems, unemployment, terrorism, etc. There’s a denial to face these issues in our everyday life. We avoid it because it’s just seems too much or too many to deal or talk about.

Mother Theresa said, “If I look at the mass, I will never act.” I still

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Writers/Contributors Romeo Honorio Santa Aquino-Posadas Len Chan Lito de Jesus Manuel Perez Charmaine Perez Madame KC Fr. Edmund F. Vargas Razel Guillermo Chona Villaroman Kiko Ibarra Andy Chua Gian Abellana Precy Atienza Gerine Arroyo Ruel Sarmiento

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believe that people need to use their head, heart and feet in every issues facing the world. Meaning they need to know about it (head), they need to feel its implication to them and the future of their loved ones (heart) and to act even in small dosage.

One small step will really make a difference. We really hope that people will not dare look away at the elephant in the room. We must really not.

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SEPTEMBER 2015

The Filipino Canadian Newspaper of Choice in Alberta and Saskatchewan

Feature Article Santa Aquino-Posadas WRITER

“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things maybe, to see them as they are.”- Samuel Johnson

Welcome on-board Alberta Prairie’s excursion passenger train!

About 200 seniors from Calgary enjoyed the excursion coulees, and through grain field and pasture, set up by New Casa Seniors Club last September 13. That Sunday, I look forward to experience the low whine of a steam whistle echoing across the

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Travel Back in Time with Alberta Prairie

prairie and badlands. Rolling along past coulees, and through grain field and pasture, you may even get a glimpse of antelope, deer, birds of prey and other wildlife. Seeing cattle, and evidence of the oil and gas industry that brought post-Secondary World War prosperity.

Stettler is a small central Alberta town with a big secret. They operate a mid-century passenger steam/diesel train that takes on passengers every weekend from May until December. Arriving at the Station under the Stettler

Grain Elevator, visitors like us are whisked back to the early 1900’s. Once you have boarded the train and find your assigned seats, friendly staff welcome you aboard and spend 10 minutes outlining the adventure that awaits you. The trip which is 30 kms from the town of Stettler, AB to the town of Big Valley, AB takes approximately 1 1/2 hours one way.

While riding the train, passengers are encouraged to explore the length of the train, consisting of several passen-

ger cars reflecting various time periods, an open air car, 2 snack/souvenir bars and a saloon bar where a live 2 piece band plays and alcoholic beverages are served. There is other entertainment aboard including a strolling guitar player and a cowboy story teller.

Throughout the trip, several announcements to passengers are made giving details about the train, the terrain and stories of the railway.

Halfway through the trip, the train stops and is boarded by train robbers that ride up beside the train on horseback and demand that passengers relieve themselves of their spare change, our cowboy story teller comes along and arrests the gang and saves the passenger and the money collected is donated to a local charity (all fun and games).

Once the train rolls up to the station in Big Valley, several residents of town, dressed in period clothing are there to greet the passengers who then leave the train and head into town by foot or by wagon to the community centre where a full buffet is served. Once the passengers have eaten they are encouraged to explore

the town which includes an old western boulevard and several museums, before being summoned back to the train by train whistle for the ride back to Stettler. The ride back is once again filled with music, stories and overall fun. The total trip takes approximately 4 1/2 hours to complete.

By the turn of the century, the railway was bringing trainloads of settlers to this harsh and often inhospitable land.

And it wasn’t long before that iron highway was taking the bountiful fruits of their labour to markets in the east and west. Like delicate strands of an enormous web, the railway spread quickly across the land, connecting communities and spawning new ones as they went.

Many of the early lines no longer exist. The iron has long-since been salvaged, leaving only a heavily over-grown right-of-way as a marker. Very few of the original rail lines still remain and Alberta Prairie is an example of what once was. Warm summer mornings were spent pacing the long wooden platform, watching for the puff of smoke in the distance or listening for the train.

The station house was

where residents greeted family and bid farewell to friends. It was the communication hub that, before the radio and television, was where news of the outside world first arrived.

The trains truly were more than carriers of the mail and freight. We truly enjoy the trip aboard the Alberta Prairie Railway, a truly living piece of Canadian History.

Check out their website for more details.

We really seniors enjoyed it. We toured the train, sat in the saloon car, watched the country go by in the open air car and enjoyed the roast beef buffet provided. We travel south from Stettler and find many interesting sights, and discover many fascinating facts about Alberta’s early days. We meet small-town and country people with the warm hearted, hardworking spirit of their pioneer forebears. If there is an image that captures the essence of the Canadian West like nothing else, it is the railway. Those ribbons of steel as the Canadian singer/ song writer Gordon Lightfoot once called them, formed the early sinews that bound this growing nation together.

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Community News

Filipino Community Encourage to Register for OAV Cheryl Posadas-Guinsatao EDITOR IN-CHIEF

Notice is hereby given that under the Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as “The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003”, as amended by Republic Act No. 10590, all citizens of the Philippines abroad, who are not otherwise disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the elections, and who are registered overseas voters, may vote for President, Vice-President, Senators and Party-List Representatives.

In Alberta, every Filipino is asked to register during the Passport Outreach on September 22- 25 at Day Inn 3828 Macleod Trail SW in Calgary or on October 5 – 8 in Edmonton with venue TBA. For more information visit http://www.vancouverpcg. org/overseas-voting-1. html.

All qualified Filipino citizens not registered as voters under Republic Act No. 8189 otherwise known as “The Voters Registration Act of 1996 “, (the system of continuing registration) shall file an application for registration while those who are already registered under the said Act shall file for certification.

For purposes of the May 9, 2016 elections the filing of application for registration/certification shall be from May 6, 2014 (Philippine Time) to October 31, 2015 (Philippine Time).

Requests for Transfer of Registration Records may be filed at the Posts or before the Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) of the COMELEC during the registration period.

The 30-day voting period will commence on April 9, 2016 (Philippine Time) until 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon of May 9, 2016 (Philippine Time) at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate having jurisdiction over the place where the overseas voter is registered as such. (The time for voting to be announced later.)

Meanwhile the Department of Foreign Affairs – Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) advices the public that iREHISTRO is now global. iREHISTRO is a system that provides another way of accomplishing forms for voter registration related process. Prospective applicants still have to appear personally at Foreign Service Posts or Mobile/ Field registration sites, to sign and submit their duly accomplished printed form, and for biometrics capturing. In addition, the processed applications

F

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face of the month

still have to be approved by the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB).

Overseas Filipinos in the Asia Pacific (except China and Taiwan), Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa region now have the option of filling up the forms from the comfort of their homes, workplace, internet café, or anywhere they have access to reliable internet connection. The optional appointment feature of the system allows for better time management since it provides them an easy way to schedule their personal appearance at the Embassy, Consulate General, Mission or Mobile/Field registration site.

All Filipino citizens who expect to be in the Asia Pacific, Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa during the 30-day (09 April – 09 May 2016) overseas voting period for the 2016 National Elections, at least 18 years old on 09 May 2016, not otherwise disqualified by law and who would like to be among the first overseas Filipinos to become part of this historical evolution of the Philippine overseas electoral process, may now go to irehistro.comelec. gov.ph/ov or http://www. comelec.gov.ph to access the iREHISTRO System to register as an overseas voter. The voter registration period ends on October 31.

Charmaine Baquiran

continued from page 1

It’s Official: Canadian economy in recession a sign the economy is turning a corner after five months of declines. Still, expectations for future growth are modest as low oil prices and slow global growth continue to weigh on Canada’s resource sector. By comparison, the U.S. economy grew 3.7 per cent in the second quarter.

“While far from good news, the decline in Q2 GDP was a bit less nasty than expected and the good news is that the economic contraction looks to be in the rear-view mirror,” Doug Porter, chief economist at BMO Capital Markets. “If this period is ultimately deemed to be a recession, it will be of the mildest variety and one of the strangest recessions ever — consumer spending was up in both quarters and so too was employment, far from a widespread softening in the economy.”

But other economists were less optimistic. “With exports still struggling and business investment

falling in response to the fallout in the energy sector, hopes for a sustained rebound beginning in the second half of the year look misplaced,” David Madani, Canadian economist with Capital Economics, wrote in a note to clients.

The consumer, once again, led most of the second quarter growth, while business investment remained a major drag.

Consumer spending rose 2.3 per cent, most of it on autos and houses. Savings rates fell, while payments on mortgages and others loans ate up a higher percentage of incomes.

Government spending rose a modest 1.5 per cent. However, business investment continued to be a major drag, falling 12 per cent, as the energy sector cut spending on machinery, equipment and buildings, though at a slower pace than in the first three months of the year.

The Statistics Canada

report also renewed the ongoing economic debate over the definition of a “technical” recession, which the federal government recently enshrined in its balanced budget legislation as two consecutive quarters of negative GDP. Economists argue the definition is too narrow to reflect what’s really happening this time.

While Canada’s energy sector and the provinces that depend on it, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador, have been slammed by plunging oil prices, the rest of the country, especially Ontario and British Columbia, are reaping the benefits of a lower Canadian dollar.

The last time the economy contracted over two consecutive quarters was in 2009 during the Great Recession, when GDP pulled back by 8.7 per cent in the first quarter and 3.6 per cent in the second.

Charmaine Baquiran is a Calgary native who is no stranger to the dance scene. Starting at the age of three, she was quickly involved with dance studios training her in Ballet, tap and jazz giving her a solid foundation to what would be her career.

At the age of 10 her first job was performing with The Young Candians which gave her numerous opportunities to perform in front of thousands of people during the Calgary Stampede. Throughout the 6 years of her being in the company, Charmaine had the opportunity to perform in front of Queen Elizabeth II for Alberta’s centennial, as well as performing as a principle Dancer when So You Think You Can Dance Canada finalist Allie Bertram was unfortunately injured for a few nights. The opportunity The Young Canadians gave Charmaine taught her to love the stage and all the magic surrounding it.

While being with The Young Canadians per-

forming arts company, Charmaine never stopped training at her home studio, Airborne Dance Center, which helped solidify her training and kept her motivated to keep growing as a dancer.

In 2009 she then received a scholarship to the Edge school, which helped her find a balance with school and dance. If studio training wasn’t enough, Charmaine would go to many different dance conventions such as Triple Threat, the Pulse on Tour, and Coastal Dance Rage.

By the age of 15 she was travelling every weekend to different cities assisting some of the best choreographers in the business such as Blake McGrath, Shannon Mather, Nappytabs, etc. She was then given an opportunity to dance for Blake McGrath in Toronto for the Summer Rush concert. Once being on that stage she knew this is what she is meant to do.

Once Charmaine graduated high school at the Edge she quickly moved to Los

Angeles at the ripe age of 17.

Moving to LA was a huge shock for the ambitious Charmaine. Competing with the big dogs came to be a bit discouraging especially her being a big fish from a small pond. It wasn’t until Dana Foglia, one of Beyonce’s dancers/ choreographers, spotted Charmaine at her audition and asked her to join her apprenticeship which then led to Charmaine joining her company, Dana Foglia Dance. Since then Charmaine has been blessed with so many opportunities. You can catch Charmaine on the movie, choreographed by Shannon Mather, “God the father”, as well as a dancer on the hit VH1 show, “Hit the Floor”, choreographed by the amazing Michael Rooney. Charmaine has travelled to Germany to perform with music sensation Helene Fischer. Her favorite accomplishment was this recent VMA performance with Beyonce. continued on page 5

diaryofilipino.com Charmaine has worked with some of the best choreographers from the business but she’s still working hard and training and she’s excited to see what the future has in store for her. Below is the short interview, we have of her.

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1. What are your goals as a daughter and as part of the Filipino community?

My goal as a daughter is to make my parents proud of me. My goals in general are to inspire people to not be scared to reach their dreams. I want to inspire the dance community in Calgary to reach what they think wouldn’t be possible. Coming from Calgary, I never thought I would experience half of the jobs I’ve encountered in my life, but I completely believed in myself and trained as hard as I could to be where I am today.

The thing I love doing most in my life (dancing) happens to be my job. I am living the dream.

2. Any interesting or memorable life events?

I just recently finished filming Season 3 of VH1’s Hit television show “Hit The Floor”.

3. I felt honored to be the face of the month for DF’s September issue.

My hope is that my story will inspire the younger generation to reach their goals and not let anything

5

SEPTEMBER 2015

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come in the way of that.

There were so many people that didn’t believe in believe in me and thought I wouldn’t make it but I didn’t let them stop me.

I’m still just starting and I’m going to continue to work hard to achieve all of my goals. I believe in myself and with my

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family’s support, I can do anything!

4. Any advice for DF readers?

“Don’t let anything come in between you and your goals. Never stop believing in yourself. As long as you tell yourself you can do it, it will happen. “

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SEPTEMBER 2015

The Filipino Canadian Newspaper of Choice in Alberta and Saskatchewan

Main Ingredient Marietta Pangan-Dutkoski ASST EDITOR IN-CHIEF

2015 September The Main Special Feature:

Chef Gilmars Bacani

After we have featured Chef GilMars “Mars” Bacani last year, we are very proud to say see him in the limelight once again after adding few more stars in his chef uniform.

Early last year, Chef Mars has been promoted to overseeing not just one but couple more branches of Silvera for Seniors senior care homes as Chef and a Dining services Supervisor in Shawnessy, Spruce Community and Westview Community.

He is also promoted as Board of Director for Chefs Associates at the Calgary Academy of Chefs and Cook and a very active Committee Member (Employee Representative) of the Alberta Cook Provincial Apprenticeship Committee, (PAC).

On top of all of these he is now hailed as the National Vice President for new and forthcoming association for culinarians in Canada- The Philipppine Culinary Federation of Canada (PCFC). These accolades and achievements didn’t come overnight or with-

out sweat for Chef Mars.

Mars grew up in Caloocan Philippines and finished his secondary level at Manila Central University Philippines. He enrolled in the BS Medical Technology program at Martinez Memorial College and finished his internship at East Avenue Medical Center, Philippines.

He used owned numerous laundry shops and was a director (on leave) of MAB International Services, a recruitment agency in the Philippines.

Mars love for cooking led him to have completed basic and advance cooking at the Center for Advanced Training in Food and Beverage Services (CATFABS) under the mentorship of Executive Chef Roberto Francisco.

Chef Mars’ first culinary job was as kitchen support staff under Executive Sous Chef Alvin Pangan and Chef de Partie Vince Lacson. Mars is also a member of the Hotel and Restaurant Chefs Association of the Philippines (HRCAP).

“Mars” Bacani migrated to Calgary in 2008, together with his

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lovely wife Olivia and sons Nathan and Jasper. He left the country believing his children will have a better future in Canada.

After arriving in Calgary, he apprenticed under the wings of Executive Chef Martin Makulowich who sent Mars to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in the Cook Apprenticeship program where he eventually received the coveted Red Seal Certificate for a Canadian Chef (a coveted certificate for a Canadian Chefs).

Chef Mars is both hardworking and talented, not long before he earned the position of head banquet chef and saucier at the Stampede Casino, and also Garde Manger at Olives Restaurant & Lounge, both in Calgary, Alberta.

The rest is history for our featured chef who is still an active member of the Hotel and Restaurant Chefs Association of the Philippines (HRCAP). So here’s a chef hat’s off to you- his excellency in the sauce culinary field, no other than Chef and Saucier Mars Bacani.

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Don Ibarra CONTRIBUTOR

International Recruiter (Based in Calgary, AB Canada)

Emails: jobhiringsglobal@shaw.ca jobhiringsglobal@gmail.com

or reach him at +1 (587) 718-8000

Every year Filipinos around the world, especially those in the Philippines, mark September 1st as the beginning of the countdown to Christmas. This countdown, which spans from September to December, otherwise known as the “Ber months”, is one of the most important traditions that makes Filipinos unique. It of course upholds the Philippines being the only predominantly Christian nation of Asia, who celebrates Christmas early.

Celebrating Christmas has always been fun. Starting with the “ber months”, meaning Christmas season is here, Filipinos love to hear season songs and always say “amoy pasko na” (in English, it smells like Christmas already)

More than anybody else in the world, Christmas season starts off with saying the words ber months and it literally starts the first day of September wherein as early as this date, radios and television programs already play Christmas songs making the feel even more near holiday season.

Month long of celebration by feeling and making feel that Christmas is here and near is always good feeling for Pinoys all over the world and not just in the Philippines. September signifies its start and during these days, the crowd sets and prepares

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The “Ber” Months and the Countdown to Christmas to be busy. Streets start to get filled with different sounds and music about Christmas season and people and offices start to vie for different sorts of corporate giveaways.

Again, whenever September comes, while other cold countries it signifies the start of near autumn and fall, in the Philippines, it is the start of the blowing of the “amihan” (our version of seabreeze) where the climate literally starts to change and the wind starts to blow a bit colder smears especially in the morning. This feeling somehow has become a year-after-year Filipino tradition.

What do Pilipinos do during the “Ber” Months around the world? In these months, as the cold weather kicks in, from September 1st to December 25th, Filipino and Filipino -American Communities in the United States make preparations for the coming of Christmas. These preparations include planning Christmas events ( if you have a big family, this includes planning which house to celebrate Christmas in - sometimes in those parties you get to meet relatives of yours that you never met in your life), and the question of what food to prepare on Christmas day (food is obviously a very important tradition in Pilipino families that

make it extra special as the main dishes usually include “Lechon” or Roast Pig, tons of Lumpia, Pancit and deserts), and most importantly of course, what presents to get for loved ones for the exchange gifts.

Some Pilipino families already hang up Christmas Decorations on September 1st, and in most Pilipino households, a celebrated tradition is the hanging of the symbol of the Pilipino Christmas - the “Parol.” The parol is inspired by the star that lit up the night sky in the story of “The Nativity of Jesus Christ”. In the Philippines, Christmas lights and parols are to be hanged not only on the houses, but also out in the streets. The production of beautiful parols is increased to meet the orders of the Pilipino families around the world.

The “Ber Months” really are an important period of preparation for the coming Christmas in the Philippines and to Pilipinos around the world.

During the “Ber Months,” no matter how many obstacles Pilipino families have faced from the beginning of the year until now, they intend to work things out. As they say “Christmas is the only time to bring a dysfunctional family under one roof for some Adobo,” spread love, and celebrate together as one. Many

families have activities which keeps the family together, like teaching the kids how to cook their favorite Pilipino dish, teaching them the celebrated Pilipino Christmas songs such as” Noche Buena” and “Pasko Na Naman,” and activities like how to make the paper parol.

Also, many Filipinos worldwide make plans during this time to go back home to the Philippines to spend time with their families. Many would have stayed where they live, but many would say that you will feel the warmth of Christmas if you were spending it in the Philippines. You will feel what Christmas truly means – it is the time of giving the gift of love, and of giving thanks to the blessings of life with family and friends!

People in the Philippines like to celebrate Christmas for as long as possible! The playing of Christmas carols in shops can start in September!

The formal Christmas celebrations start on 16th December when many people go the the first of nine pre-dawn or early morning masses. The last mass is on Christmas day.

The Christmas celebrations continue to the First Sunday in January when Epiphany or the Feast of the Three Kings is celebrated. So the countdown begins…

Alberta News

Alberta, BC Immigrant Nominee Program Stops Accepting New Applications Until 2016

Effective August 27, 2015 Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program(AINP) will not be accepting new applications until January 27, 2016. “We are pausing application intake for AINP because it is oversubscribed, with approximately 10,000 applications awaiting assessment and hundreds more being submitted each month,” said AINP Managing Director, Brad Trefan.

Applications postmarked after August 27, 2015 will be returned.

Complete AINP applications postmarked on or before August 27, 2015 will be accepted for processing.

“It is clear the demand for AINP far exceeds the 5,500 nomination certificates allotted by the federal gov-

ernment in 2015. A pause on application intake gives AINP the additional time it needs to reduce wait times for applicants who have already submitted applications and are waiting on a decision. This pause will also provide an opportunity to make improvements to the program.”

The temporary pause will help the AINP assess existing applications in the queue and prevent the queue from growing further. In the meantime, the province has encouraged individuals interested in immigrating to Alberta through the Federal Express Entry system.

Meanwhile, the province of British Columbia (B.C.) has also placed a tempo-

rary halt on accepting new applications to the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) Skills Immigration stream and Express Entry stream.

The BCPNP had a total of 5,500 nominations for 2015, to be used to nominate potential immigrants who the province believes will benefit the provincial labour market. Of these, 1,350 are “enhanced” — dedicated to the federal Express Entry immigration selection system. The BCPNP has received more applications for Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC than it has nominations for 2015 and, as such, has placed a moratorium on new applications until 2016.

The BCPNP will, however, continue to accept applications under the Health Care Professional (Skilled Worker and Express Entry BC) and Northeast Pilot Project categories.

The recently-opened Enterpreneur Immigration Stream will continue to accept registrations for prospective applicants, up to a maximum of 200 per month.

The BCPNP will reopen the Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC categories in early 2016 with a new points-based intake system to prioritize high-impact applicants and ensure occupations and skills are aligned with B.C.’s labour market needs.

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Edmonton

Edmonton community mourn Filipino priest untimely death Cheryl Posadas-Guinsatao EDITOR IN-CHIEF

Father Gary Lee, current pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Drayton Valley, St. Agnes Parish in Mayerthorpe and St. Elizabeth Parish in Evansburg, passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack on Friday, September 4.

Parishioners in Edmonton and Drayton Valley are sending their prayers for Fr. Lee who died at age 39.

“So shocked to hear of his passing today. May he rest in Christ,” wrote Father Carlos Nunez, one of many heart-felt tributes being shared over twitter.

Lee was born in Davao City in the Philippines and entered the Queen of Apostles College Seminary in the Diocese of Tagum in 1993, receiving a Bachelors degree in philosophy in 1997.

He came to Canada in 2000, entering the St. Joseph Major Seminary before being ordained a deacon in 2005, the same year he earned his master’s degree in divinity.

After serving as a deacon for St. Agnes Parish and

St. Anthony’s Parish, Lee was ordained a priest in 2006.

“I remember our conversations at Newman, and when he finished his diaconate at my then parish, St. Agnes. May God rest his soul,” wrote Grant Gary.

Every year, Father Lee spent his vacation in the Diocese of Tagum, Davao Del Norte Philipppines.

Filipino Canadian couple Alex and Ana Donado described Father Gary Lee as one of the best and happy Filipino priests who served in the Province of Alberta. Hardy del Castil-

lo, Knights of Columbus San Lorenzo Chapter of Calgary, said “It was so sad and sudden. I was going to invite him to preside one of the Filipino Mass sponsored by the Knights in St. Joseph. Sayang!”

Archbishop Richard Smith celebrated a mass for Lee with his family and parishioners on last Septemebr 9 at Holy Trinity Academy 5749 45 Avenue, Drayton Valley at 7 p.m. and vigil prayers were also scheduled Thursday September 10 at St. Joseph Basilica in Edmonton.

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We did it! Mabuhay!

Maraming Salamat!

Fiesta Filipino 2015 warmed the heart of downtown Calgary on September 5. Thousands of us braved the rain to bring celebration, song, dance, culture, laughter, camaraderie – the Filipinos’ simple but relentless love of life. Mabuhay!

Maraming salamat!

We at the Philippine Festival Council of Alberta give our hearty gratitude to all volunteers, performers, sponsors and supporters whose dedication, tenacity and ingenuity made the event not only possible but

magnificent. It was our first experience holding an event of this magnitude. Of course, it was not perfect. The rain, while it did not stop us, created many challenges. Many things went well. And there are many things we can improve upon together. We thank you for your understanding.

We thank everyone who came and enjoyed the day at the plaza. A fiesta is a time when a community renews itself, affirms its identity and strengthens the relationships that help people

collectively survive and thrive through times of plenty and scarcity. Our community showed this on what could have been just a dreary and cold Saturday. We will show it time and time again, fiesta or no fiesta.

Keep on following us for news and updates.

Email: info@fiestafilipinoyyc.com Website www.fiestafilipinoyyc.com Facebook https://www. facebook.com/FiestaFilipinoYYC

diaryofilipino.com

Travel & Adventure

Angelito de Jesus WRITER

Victoria - the capital city of British Columbia known as the Garden City is not an exaggeration or a fanfare chosen to exalt the prominence and pride of the residents. With mild winters and warm dry summers—Victoria climate is similar to the Mediterranean. It is an ideal condition for lush vegetation to flourish.

The city within 40km is surrounded by ocean and seas and nearly one third are forests, undoubtedly, any outdoor summer activities can still be enjoyed all year round.

Whether you have an affinity with nature—marine life and natural landscapes are sure to please anyone. The lush greeneries in bloom all year round characterizes much of the surrounding walkways, bikeways and parks.

Being there can surmise by anyone to be the most livable city. According to Martin Prosperity ranking, Victoria is the best city for Singles and Empty Nesters and in the top five overall for Singles, Professionals, Empty Nesters and Retirees.

Exploring as much as possible under limited stay, I devoured as much features I possibly can while taking photos for visual reference. The best way to explore is always by foot, my first day there, I logged in 15 km or around 13 hours of walking and exploring. My goal was to explore the inner harbor. Without particular interest of any attraction, I wandered around and absorbed the scenes, culture, crowd, sound and smell. The Legislative building and the infamous Empress hotel lie at the center of attraction at the inner harbor. The marina nearby was well organized enhances a pleasing ambiance. Sidewalk vendors selling wood carvings and knitted crafts, Buskers competing for precious space play their instrument and sung enthusiastically was an enjoyable experience.

As I jaunted through the neighborhood, I passed by many well manicured gardens of Victorian style homes. I even walked around their yard and taking photos unaware that I was trespassing— I am sure that the homeowners are probably used to see people wandering around their yard sometimes. The attraction gave me a nostalgic feel of the bygone era. The well paved and properly marked sidewalks with lush vegetations was an attraction in itself.

I came up to Laurel Point Park located across the inner harbor; it presents some gorgeous view of the downtown area along the seawall. It’s a perfect place to just hang out and luxuriate in the sound of the gentle waves and

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SEPTEMBER 2015

The Filipino Canadian Newspaper of Choice in Alberta and Saskatchewan

refreshing sea breeze. The colorful vegetation continually attracts my attention as I fervently snapping pictures. I continued my walk and headed towards Fisherman’s Wharf, I had no idea what to expect.

To my surprise, it was a fun place to pass some time in this quaint fishing village. There are many floating houses where people that work there live. The restaurants sea food menu was tempting and I cannot just leave the place without trying their famous fish and chips.

Moving on along the seawall, I stumbled upon Ogden Point Breakwater, it’s almost a kilometer breakwater leading to a light house. It was built primarily to calm the water for hundreds of cruise ships that dock here during summer months. It’s an engineering feat as described for the way it was constructed. It was built in 1916 as anticipation of increase in shipping activity that would result from opening the Panama Canal. It’s quite unfathomable upon gazing at the chart that described it. More than 1 million tons of rocks as a base and over 10 thousand huge granite blocks were used to build this; it boggles my mind considering the amount of material that was dumped into the deep water and the heavy machineries that was used. It’s a popular place to watch marine life and cast in a line and hope to bring home the big one.

The seawall viewable from the breakwater caught my attention. There were hundreds of huge driftwoods scattered at the shore. It got me curious—I got closer and walked around them and noticed some amazing shapes, forms and textures—an excellent subject for my photographic collections of textures, so I snapped away furiously. Just a short distance away, there were a few kite borders enjoying the strong wind that carries them back and forth the wavy sea.

Nearby where the kite borders were hanging out, I noticed a high staircase leading to the road above.

Little did I know that I would come upon Beacon Hill Park. The statue of Terry Fox prominently commemorates his heroism for his contribution to cancer research. This is mile zero – a starting point of his cross Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

A short distance from the statue situated the tallest totem pole in the world measuring 127 feet, 7 inches. It was carved

by Mungo Martin, David Martin and Henry Hunt and dedicated to Victoria on July 2, 1956 as a memento of the nation’s infancy and a symbol of

Victoria

The Garden City

Butchart Garden Chateau

Parliament building in downtown Victoria

Floating houses at Fisherman’s Wharf

Downtown Victoria outdoor eateries

Victorian Architecture

proud race and native art signifying the purest of the Canadian origin.

I meandered around Beacon Hill Park further and appreciated the colorful and lush vegetation immensely; the well manicured garden, clean and forested park enhances my experience there.

There were waterfalls and amply placed benches around it where one can enjoy watching the birds close up frolicking and taking dips in the pond.

several prominent citizen, Jennie Butchart among them, commissioned a garden designer Ishida from Yokohama to widen its breadth.

Today, the gardens were designated as a national historic site celebrating 100 years of its inception. With a vast collection of flowering plants and trees, it attracts millions of visitors from all over the world annually. It is a single must see place to see while in Victoria.

After walking for nearly 10 hours and several hundreds of photos, I was

Butchart Gardens A world renowned

horticultural phenomenon; Butchart Garden was built out of an old limestone quarry. It was rich in limestone deposits required for cement production. The quarrying started when the Butchart couple from Owen Sound, Ontario came to Victoria to expand their cement business to the west. After the quarry has been exhausted; Jennie Butchart started developing the garden and became very popular attraction in Victoria, throughout the years they needed to expand and enhance. With

tired, hungry and ready to head out. The night scene at the inner harbor transformed into a city of lights. The legislative buildings were brightly lit up and taking the shape of the entire building. Across from the legislature, the Steamship Grill and Tap House beckons, without hesitation—I went in and enjoyed a nice sea food dinner while overlooking the inner harbor—a thought of spending time to explore more of the island came into my mind— planning is in the works.

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Philippine News

SENIOR

Philippine Election 2016,

COMELEC National Campaign calls for “NO BIO NO BOTO”

After 15 February 2013, when Republic Act No. 10367 was signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III, all voter registration records must have biometrics information.

This means that

when you go your local COMELEC office to file an application, your biometrics data will be captured using the COMELEC’s Voter Registration Machine (VRM). The VRM makes use of a digital camera, a fingerprint scanner and a

signature pad to capture your biometrics data.

Due to this new law, all previously registered voters without biometrics are required to subject themselves to biometrics capture through the validation procedure. All concerned is given until 31 October 2015 to comply with this requirement.

The absence of biometrics in the voter’s registration record would cause COMELEC to deactivate the concerned registration records. When that happens, the concerned voter shall not be allowed to vote in the May 2016 elections.

This new biometrics requirement has led to the #NoBioNoBoto campaign, which aims to spread awareness to all concerned.

To verify if your registration record has biometrics data, you may use the Precinct Finder facility in this Site. For more and detailed information visit: www.comelec.gov.ph Source: Comelec comlec.gov.ph

Filipino’s reacts to Pope Francis announcement on changes in marriage AFTER Pope Francis’s controversial statement allowing priests during the Year of Mercy to “absolve” sins committed by contrite women who have had abortions, the leader of the Catholic Church has now radically revised the process by which Catholics may annul their marriages to make it easier, faster and cheaper.

This is especially significant for Filipinos back home who cannot remarry because divorce is not yet legal in the Philippines. The only option for estranged couples is to seek marriage annulment in court, the price of which is not affordable to most Filipinos. But even if the marriage is annulled judicially, Catholic couples cannot re-marry through Catholic rites unless the Church declares their previous marriage null and void. Without

going through Church annulments, Catholics who remarry through civil rites are banned from receiving the Holy Communion, deemed by many as “a painful exclusion from the church’s chief sacrament.”

“Some procedures are so long and so burdensome and people give up”, Pope Francis said in 2014, as reported by CNN. The Catholic Church announced on Tuesday, September 8, that the following changes will become part of Catholic canon law on December 8, 2015 — the beginning of Francis’ declared “Year of Mercy”: 1. Eliminating a second review by a cleric before a marriage can be nullified.

2. Giving bishops the ability to fast-track and grant the annulments themselves in certain circumstances — for

example, when spousal abuse or an extramarital affair has occurred.

3. The process should be free, except for a nominal fee for administrative costs, and should be completed within 45 days.

Pope Francis reaffirms the “indissolubility of the marriage bond,” but also says that “charity and mercy demand that the Church, as mother, be close to her children who consider themselves separated.”

As CNN stated in its report, this move is part of a series of reforms

by Pope Francis “as he seeks to make the church more responsive to the real needs of lay Catholics, especially those who have long felt marginalized by the hierarchy”. The Pope said that in the end, the Church’s many laws and institutions must be aimed at one chief purpose — “the salvation of souls.” -

PEACE, LOVE, AND FORGIVNESS

O God --- You show me the path.

In your presence there is fullness of joy

Precy Atienza CONTRIBUTOR

We are now in our midst of our life, and we are starting to censor everything that we are doing, the reality that will happen the next day.

There is a great mystery that always happened in our daily life. Peace always begin to ourselves, we need to build a good attitude, towards others. So that we can attain peace.

We need to be understanding, have tolerance and reconciliation that we need to express, our feelings and ideas without attacking others. Recognize our weaknesses and try and improve.

“Be humble and be patient with someone, in humble circumstances and do not keep him waiting for your alms.”

(Sirah 29:8) Choose gentleness over aggression, tenderness over violence, violence over bitterness, this is only the way how to attain peace, where ever we go.

At the end of the day share the peace of love, start with family members share the responsibility of doing good deeds.

“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness

(Psalm 16:11)

will find life and honor.”

(Proverbs 21:21) Forgiveness is the only way to restore peace, when love is not in or heart, we can’t share the gift of life.

If sometimes we say some nasty words or show a very untoward gestures this always affects us because we can’t get back all the bad words that came out of our mouths.

Be careful in saying something. “Let us love not in words or speech but in truth and action.” (1 John 3:18) A loving person wants the best for other people even though they dislike a certain person.

On the path of love we need to pay attention to others and discover their needs. Keep our eyes and heart open and learn to be attentive to the needs of others. The Lord gives us special signs of forgiveness it is the sacrament of reconciliation.

Sharing our thoughts is very special for everyone because it’s a joy of our heart, to share our experiences. Everyone must live to be happy and live in friendship and peace.

We receive many marvellous blessings. Strengthening our self-esteem and at the same time accept our

personal limitation and short comings in our lives.

People are bound to sacrifice for the sake of love, it is a mission on how to transform this to peace and forgiveness. It’s based on truth, freedom, and justice. The solidarity and the unity of all the children, family and community and to attain happiness, the respect for life show that kindness, we can and move on with our lives.

To disobey. To make fun of others, to lie, or to take revenge and to hurt others. This shows our wickedness, let us accept and ask forgiveness to all the wrong doings and harm that we have done.

Nothing is impossible, all our wrong doings will be forgiven. And this forgiveness will give us peace, love, and joy in our lives.

“God is love. God is light. In God there is no darkness. When we love one another our heart is in the light. We are one with God because God is love, God is light. When we don’t love one another, we walk in darkness, and God’s light is not in us.

Let us all live as children of light.” (John 5; John 2; Ephesians 5)

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Sports

National

First Filipino-Canadian Senator celebrates 3 years in the Senate of Canada Congratulations to CJR Rise Up Hoops for being the Champion of the 2nd Inter-City Basketball Tournament held at Rundle College, Calgary. (Photo by Mel Montiero) Congratulations too to MVP player Aris Dela Paz.

Cyril Ashworth, Cris Tantengco, Paolo Librea, Jason Caag and Josh Santua led the Crosstown Auto-Crooks, back-to-back champions in the Philippine Sports Association(PSA) tournaments, in edging the Crosstown Auto-RAM Boys by just two points in the final game, 97-95. The RAM Boys led by Derrick Rodriguez, Lem and Liam Baui, and Virson and Virlou Orquez tried to stage a big comeback but time was no longer on their side. The Leduc Knights placed third in the invitationals organized by Glenn Kubaron. Orquez emerged as tournament’s most valuable player while Ashworth and Tantengco shared final’s MVP honors in the recent Red Deer All Filipino baskeltball league in Blackfalds last September 5. (Photo courtesy of Ches Tiongson)

Ottawa, September 6, 2015 – The Honourable Tobias C. Enverga Jr., Senator from Ontario, celebrates the third anniversary of his appointment, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, to the Senate of Canada today.

“This year has been the busiest year I have spent in the Senate since my appointment,” said Senator Enverga in a statement.

“As a member of three standing committees with demanding legislative agendas, sponsoring a government bill ixn the Senate and introducing my own private member’s bill in the upper house, it has been a highly productive year for me,” the Senator continued.

Senator Enverga introduced and moved second reading of the government’s Bill C-40, An Act respecting the Rouge National Urban Park, which is now law and establishes the first urban national park in Canada - a park that is 16 times larger than Central Park in New York.

The Senator also introduced his own Bill S-228, An Act respecting Hispanic Heritage Month, which would designate October as a month to celebrate all those with Hispanic heritage living in Canada, and he spoke in Senate Chamber about establishing an

International Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week; celebrating the 25th annual International Development Week, World Down Syndrome Day, National Vision Health Month, the Philippine Heritage Band and Philippine Independence Day flag raising on Parliament Hill. He also paid tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal and CNN Hero Phymean Noun from Cambodia.

Senator Enverga was a member of the Senate Standing Committees on Aboriginal Affairs; Agriculture and Forestry; and Social Affairs, Science and Technology. In addition to studying bills, Senate committees are highly respected for their special studies of policy questions.

“I am very proud of the work that Senate committees do, particularly the special studies they conduct on various issues that are relevant to Canadians,” said Senator Enverga.

“This is especially true when we make recommendations to the government and it listens. One example is Bill C-17, Vanessa’s Law, which puts into law many recommendations from the four-part Social Affairs, Science and Technology committee study on prescription pharmaceuticals in Canada.” Other special studies the Senator took part in include the importance of bee health to sustainable food produc-

tion in Canada, and First Nations on-reserve housing and infrastructure.

“This year has also seen great strides in Canada-Philippines relations.

The official state visit

by President Benigno S. Aquino III was a high-level manifestation of the closer ties that are being made between our two governments. Another milestone was the trade mission to the Philippines that I participated in, led by the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, which saw several significant government-to-government and private sector commitments being made,” said Senator Enverga. “I also visited several Canadian funded reconstruction projects on Panay Island with our Ambassador Mr. Neil Reeder, and I am happy to say that the Typhoon Haiyan Fund is being well spent to improve the lives of those affected by the super typhoon’s destruction.” In addition, the Philippines became the largest source country for permanent residents to Canada in 2014 with over 40,000 new permits being approved for Filipino citizens.

Senator Enverga has delivered more than 80 speeches and attended over 200 events in the nation’s capital and in the community, usually during evenings and weekends. “My duty as a Senator is to represent the Province of Ontario and to represent Filipino Canadians from all over the country, to give them a voice at the federal level of government. It is important for me to meet you and to hear from you what your concerns are. I continue to be humbled by the responsibilities given to me, and I urge you to continue to share your concerns with me so that I can serve you better. I am proud to represent you in the Senate of Canada,” Senator Enverga ended.

For more information visit www.senatorenverga.com.

For more information please contact:

Lars Andersen Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr.’s office Tel: 613-996-8895

lars.andersen@sen. parl.gc.ca

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CONTEST Among the potential presidential Contest Criteria: Random drawing from all entries Facebook and print votes (email:contest.diaryofilipino@ gmail.com) contestants who chose both leading Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates of the month. Source ranking will be based on monthly surveys (i.e.

Pulse Asia etc)

Prizes Monthly Winner (October 2015- April 2016): Will receive Diaryo Filipino T-shirt and decal Grand Winner: May/June 2016: Will receive $50 Gift Certificate, Diaryo Filipino T-shirt, mug, decal and 1 year subscription of Diaryo Filipino the newspaper of choice in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

and vice presidential candidates in 2016 Who will you vote for?

Candidacy Declared President # Jejomar Binay # Grace Poe # Mar Roxas # Miriam Defensor-Santiago Vice President: # Francis Escudero # Antonio Trillanes IV

Considering Candidacy # Peter Cayetano # Jinggoy Estrada # Joseph Estrada # Panfilo Lacson # Ferdinand Marcos Jr # Bong Revilla # Manuel Villar

Declined Candidacy #Rodrigo Duterte

Considering/Declined Candidacy:

Featured PROFILES: For President: Jejomar Binay On September 2011, Vice President Jejomar Binay confirmed his plans of running as president.

In May 2015, Binay remarked that he would run for president because the country has to have leaders with “experience and competence”, insinuating Grace Poe’s relative inexperience in politics.

Poe replied aside from experience and competence, the country’s leaders have to be honest, this time insinuating Binay’s corruption cases while he was mayor of Makati. A day later, Binay suggested that Poe should be his running mate,which was rebuffed by Poe, saying that she doesn’t see it happening right now, emphasizing that honesty and scrutiny is important, and

that they differ on those aspects. Binay, in a 24 Oras interview, said that he respected Poe turning down his offer, and clarified that his statement on experience and competence did not refer to anyone in particular.

In June 2015, Binay resigned from the Aquino cabinet, but said that he would issue a statement later. His daughter, representative for Makati Abigail Binay personally delivered the resignation letter to Malacañang Palace. Two days later, Binay addressed the public from his Coconut Palace offices, branding the current administration as “manhid at palpak” (insensitive and bumbling), but did not mention Aquino by name. He also accused the administration of committing sins against him and the people. On July 1, the United Nationalist Alliance launched Binay’s presidential campaign at the Makati Coliseum.

For Vice President: Francis Escudero In a Rappler interview published in April 2012, Senator Francis Escudero said that “Let me be honest, candid, yet factual about it. I would be very interested in seeking a higher office in 2016 for the simple reason that I’m halfway through my last term.”

By May 2015, Escudero admitted that he had discussed with Poe on their possible tandem for the election. Escudero has not yet decided on whether to run for a higher post or not, although Poe said that they would not run against each other.

Escudero is set to announce his vice presidential bid on a September 17 gathering at Club Filipino in San Juan.

RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte reportedly enjoys the support of several netizens who laud his performance, especially on maintaining peace and order but he was quick to shrug off calls for him to run as President on February 2014, saying he is not qualified for higher public office. A year later, Duterte said on a Baguio federalism forum that he’ll only run for president “if only to save the republic.” Duterte cited the need of about 10 to 15 billion pesos as a campaign war chest that’s keeping him from running. Days later, Duterte “re-entered” PDP-Laban; he maintained he never left the party, but had to stand in a local party banner in the 2013 local election to ensure victory.

[88] PDP-Laban president Aquilino Pimentel III later said that Duterte is among his party’s options in nominating for the presidency, noting that the party’s position on federalism coincides with Duterte’s advocacy.

A few days after reports of Vice President

Binay eyeing him as his running mate, Duterte issued a statement that he is planning to retire after his term as Davao City mayor ends, saying that “as I have said before, my daughter would be willing to run again. I will retire from this term from public life... I am old.”

Duterte later said that he was considering suggestions from his friends and supporters to run for president during June 21, 2015 airing of his weekly program in a local channel. He also added that he will stop expressing non-interest in starting a presidential campaign.

However at the ASIA CEO Forum in Makati held in June 25, Duterte said that he would not run for presidency and said that he never desired to do so.

He said that his family including her daughter, Sara Duterte who also served mayor from 2010 to 2013, advised him against from running. He also said that he would retire from politics if his daughter would run as mayor of Davao City in 2016.[92] About a month later, Duterte,

Sources: Wikipedia, Araullo, Atom (September 13, 2011). ABS-CBN News Online.

Avendaño (May 18, 2015)(2015-06-24). Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Ager, Maila (May 18, 2015).. INQUIRER.net.

Diaz, Jess (May 19, 2015). The Philippine Star.

Sisante, Johanna Camille (May 20, 2015).. GMA News Online.

GMA News Online. May 21, 2015 Cabacungan, Gil (2015-06-23).

Flores, Helen (2015-07-02) The Philippine Star.

Fonbuena, Carmela (April 20, 2012) Rappler.com Macaraig, Ayee (May 14, 2014). Rappler.com.

Interaksyon.com. 2015-09-15.

Hogaza, Mary Rose (February 5, 201. Manila Bulletin.

responding to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima’s statement that she would not run with him as a matter of principle, said that he would campaign against the Liberal Party if de Lima is drafted, calling her as “hypocritical”, and principles as “rotten.”

On August, while at a meeting with military officers, Duterte spoke with Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison.

Duterte said that he told Sison that he would run for president if the CPP’s armed wing, the New People’s Army, abandons its over-40-year insurgency, saying “Armed struggle as a means to achieve change is passe in the modern world we are living in today,”. Duterte disclosed that Sison was asking him of his plans for 2016, and told him that he didn’t have plans yet.[94] By early September, Duterte announced that he is “not running for president”, saying that “I will retire from public life for good.

Micua, Leonardo V. (February 19, 2015). Philippine News Agency (Interaksyon.com).

Esmaquel, Paterno II (2015-02-21)Rappler.com.

Fernandez, Amanda (February 21, 2015).GMA News Online.

ABS-CBNnews.com.

Dioquino, Rose-An Jessica; Aguinaldo, Sandra (22 June 2015). GMA News.

Alvarez, Kathrina Charmaine (June 25, 2015).. GMA News.

Tupas, Jefry (2015-07-22). . The Manila Times Online.

Nawal, Allan (2015-08-09).. Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Rappler. Retrieved September 8, 2015.

diaryofilipino.com

17

SEPTEMBER 2015

The Filipino Canadian Newspaper of Choice in Alberta and Saskatchewan

Science

Calgary Expo’s Spinoffs, Back to Back This September

Ruel Sarmiento CONTRIBUTOR

The end of summer is upon us. But before we retreat back to our warm beds and take a sip on that cup of hot chocolate, let us celebrate geekdom one more time.

Returning on its second year, Saskatoon Comic and Entertainment Expo or Sask Expo will be

For Tickets, please call 403-471-2729 or 403-651-7443

Balikbayan Boxes Travel & Tours Air Parcel Money Remittances

Open 7 days a Week

Mon. to Sat. = 9:00am to 6:00pm Sun. = 10:00am to 4:00pm

We pick up outside Calgary!

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held at Prairieland Park’s Halls D,E, and A on September 19 and 20. The original Captain James T. Kirk himself, actor William Shatner, will grace the event, alongside with Breaking Bad’s fan-favorite baddie, Giancarlo Esposito, Billy Boyd of the LOTR trilogy, Edward James Olmos of Agents of Shield and Battlestar Galactica, Filipino-Canadian comic

Dahil Kailangan Makarating

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book artist Francis Manapul, and Birds of Prey writer Gail Simone.

If you were disappointed at Stan Lee’s cancelled appearance at Calgary Expo this year, don’t fret, pack your bags and head to Edmonton. Less than a week after Sask Expo, Edmonton Expo will kick-off its fourth outing at Edmonton Expo Centre on September 25-27. The event will also be jampacked with celebrity media guests, creators, and artists. Agents of Shield’s Chloe Bennet, GoTG and The Walking Dead’s Micheal Rooker, Fringe’s John Noble, Power Rangers’ David Yost and Walter Emanuel Jones, Spiderman writer Tom DeFalco, TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman, and a lot more will be present at the expo.

These events are organized by the Alberta Entertainment Expo. For tickets and information, go to edmontonexpo.com and saskexpo.com

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We will match our Competitor’s prices!

18

SEPTEMBER 2015

Makialam ni Kiko Ibarra

Balikbayan Boxes: Bakit Nagkakaisyu?

DF

Kiko Ibarra CONTRIBUTOR

Tuluyan nang ipapatupad ang “No Opening of Box” policy sa balikbayan boxes ng Bureau of Customs (BOC) kapag naisabatas ang panukala na inihain ni Se. Koko Pimentel.

Ito’y bilang pagkilala sa mahalagang kontribusyon ng Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) sa pambansang ekonomiya ng bansa.

Layon din ng Senate Bill No. 2927 na iligtas sa pagbubuwis at anumang obligasyon ang isang balikbayan box kada buwan sa bawat OFW. Ani ni Se.Pimentel, para sa OFWs ang balikbayan ay testimonya ng kanilang sakripisyo at pagsisikap sa abroad na maibigay sa pamilya ang konting kaginhawaan sa buhay habang sila’y malayo sa pamilya. Dapat din aniyang tiyakin ng estado

na makakatulong ang umiiral na mga batas sa OFWs maging sa kanilang naiwang pamilya.

Tinataya aniyang nasa 400,000 balikbayan boxes ang dumarating sa bansa kada buwan mula sa OFWs na una nang binantaan ng BOC na bubuksan dahil saulat na ito’y nagagamit sa smuggling kasama na ang bawal na gamut at mga armas.

Magugunita na umani ng batikos mula sa publiko ang nasabing panukala dahilan para mapwersa ang BOC na bawiin at ikahon ang nasabing plano.

Alinsunod sa panukala ni Pimentel, iinspeksyunin lamang ng BOC ang isang balikbayan box, na may sukat na 24 inches by 24 inches by 30 inches sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng trained dogs, x-ray at iba pang teknolohiya gaya nito.

Ang bagong isyu sa balik-

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bayan box ay nagpaalala muli sa akin ng mga nauna pang isyu patungkol dito.

Mula sa lebel ng pamilyang nakatatanggap, nagkakaroon na agad ng awayan, inggitan at pag-aagawan. Kahit na ang nagpadala ay naglagay na ng mga nakatakdang pangalan sa bawat bagay na pinadala. Dahil mahigit dalwang buwan bago ito makarating, nalilimutan na ng nagpadala ang para kay kanino ang mga ito.

Mula naman sa nagpapadala, nariyan din ang isyu ng bayad sa bawat balikbayan box, sa tagal bago ito makarating at ang takot na ito’y mawala at di na makita pa.

Nagkaroon din ng siyu ang mga forwarders ng balikbayan boxes noong magkatrapik sa lansagan sa perya at nabinbin ang pagrerelease ng mga containers na kinalalagyan ng

mga balikbayan boxes.

Nandiyan din ang nakawan sa laman ng mga balikbayan boxes na inililipad. Pagkuha sa NAIA airport doon nadidiskubre na natamper na ito at mga nawawalang kagamitan.

Bakit nga ba nagkakaisyu ang pagpapadala ng balikbayan boxes? May nagsabi sa akin na marahil ito’y patunay lamang na mahilig ang mga Pinoy sa mga imported na products. Ito rin aniya ng iba ay patunay na magaling ang Pinoy sa paghahanap ng bargain o sales item sa ibayong dagat. May ilan ding nagsabi na laging may isyu ang balikbayan boxes dahil katumbas nito’y ilang libong piso.

Anuman ang dahilan kung bakit may isyu palagi ang balikbayan boxes – isa lang ang malinaw. Ang balikbayan boxes ay bahagi na ng buhay ng mga Pilipino. Sa lahat ng mga

10 words 1. Estado - state 2. Panukala - policy/bill 3. Isyu - issue 4. Ipadala - to send 5. Katumbas - equal to 6. Buwis - tax 7. Pagkilala - recognition 8. Buksan - to open 9. Sukat - size 10. Ibayong dagat - foreign land nagpapadala ng balikbayan boxes, saludo kami sa inyong pagmamahal sa mga naiwan ninyong pamilya. Sa mga tumatanggap ng balikbayan boxes, na-

wa’y maisaisip ninyo ang paghihirap at pagkalinga ng inyong mga mahal sa buhay na nasa ibayong dagat.

Reign in the Global Fest’s best! midst of rain!

YMOR

Romy Photo

Romy Honorio

CONTRIBUTOR

Luzonians and Mindanaonians! Thousands if not hundreds of Pinoys were visibly visible (ha!).

We then began to trek uphill to locate our group. Pancit, turon, pandesal and candies were out and ready when we reached them. The amphitheatre-like lawn facing the main stage was already 80 percent occupied. Performers from different countries entertained the crowd that waited patiently for the main event.

As the sky darkened we began to worry about one of the teens in our care. He was left alone in a long line for mini doughnuts. Oldies like us speculated and expected the worst. We somehow underestimated things about being a teen. Moments before the fireworks, the “lost sheep” appeared before us - smiling and with his pop

and waffles. “Yes, I know where to find you guys”, he answered my question.

9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.....boom, pop, boom! The pinnacle event of the evening went with lukewarm review. In comparison to the Philippines fireworks display, this one was nothing (my honest and unsolicited observation).

The wow factor was nonexistent.

I inferred that all Pinoys in the crowd were elated by the three best awards bestowed to P-nas: People’s Choice, Kid’s Choice and Best-of awards.

Moreover, our cultural pavilion won the One World Festival Award — an honour shared with Scotland.

We walked away from the venue with our heads held high and a sense of great accomplishment.

We proved once again to Calgarians that Pinoy is 2015 Global Fest’s best.

Mabuhay kabayan!

first then the reason for our joyful gathering – our very own fiesta!

The amount of precipitation the day before and during the event was not enough to dampen community spirit. It was estimated that no less than 6,000 Pinoys braved the element. The white tents scattered around the Plaza bulged with people and items for sell.

Food vendors experienced shortages of supplies.

A number of starving people exhibited patience and grace. Smiles were everywhere. The music entertained the masses.

Everyone was energized by the sheer number of people walking shoulder to shoulder.

A number of performances were marked with bravery and poise. The Ifugao dancers in ankle deep frozen water was a truly admirable showcase.

In the same token, singing in the same pond was beyond ordinary. What kept these performers motivated to do their best was the applause, approval and joy coming from the soaked audience.

Despite the less than perfect weather paired with “ambon,” people expressed goodwill and deep appreciation for the event.

Kudos goes to the organizers, sponsors, vendors, city and people who made the fiesta possible.

Pinoys reign in the midst of rain!

Romy Photo

In terms of revelry and attendance, Global Fest is one step behind the Calgary Stampede.

Thousands walked a mile with their blankets, bag of food, lawn chairs and night jackets. Traffic enforcement efficiently facilitated the flow of entertainment-starved Calgarians.

It took about 45 minutes of walking before my wife and I reached the park to take part in the Festival’s finale. The lines of people were long and fourfold. Our nostrils welcomed the smell of food lingering throughout the site. The sounds of various melodies were inviting.

Once again we were amazed by the number of people. The thrill of being in the crowd was fascinating. Everyone’s energy and power was invigorating. Meeting old and new friends also added colour and joy to the experience.

The booths/tents represented by various countries were all packed.

Beautiful, unique and worth-keeping items flooded the display racks of each tent. I was so tempted to get a butterfly tattoo on my cheek but my wife’s elbow was sharper than the needle.

The Philippine “pavilion” catered with care to the curiosity of Canadians, Calgarians, Visayans,

Fiesta Filipino 2015 was planned months in advance, entailing numerous hours of preparation.

Enlisted sponsors were very excited. Vendors prepared their items weeks in advance and hundreds of volunteers were on hand ready to facilitate the Calgary’s first Filipino fiesta.

The city‘s support was fantastic and promotion was phenomenal. With that, expectations were high. Our community was pumped. People trickled down the plaza. Music filled the air. The aroma of food floated in the ether.

A standard was set with a program full of surprises.

Fiesta Filipino was born. Like a birth of a baby, water (rain) came

diaryofilipino.com

J

Juan More Hirit

English speaking Juan

Sumulat si Juan sa kanyang ina.

“Dear Mom, Had it not been for the smelling salt, I would have collapsed a moment ago; Junior has become an uncontrollable little monster!

Remember when he accidentally fell and hit his head on the marble floor at home last week?

A bloody mess that was!

This week, he was summoned by the principal of that shabbily run academy for smacking a classmate’s face!

And the academe — what a pretentious bunch of baboons!

Oh dear, I never imagined being a butler can be a such an unbearable source of torturous aggravation.

Your son, Juan Kinabukasan, sumagot ang tatay ni Juan.

Dear Juan, WALANGHIYA KA! MAGPADALA KA NG PERA! NASA OSPITAL ANG NANAY MO, DUMUGO ANG ILONG SA KAKABASA NG PESTENG SULAT MO! Nagmamahal, Tatay Promdi (from the province) Juan Juan: Pare pupunta ako sa Manila para hindi naman ako kahiyahiya – ano ba ang elevator?

Pedro: Alam ko yan, kuwarto yan na sasakyan mo para hindi ka na maglakad paakyat ng ilang palapag ng isang building.

Juan: Ano naman pare ang escalator?

Pedro: Yan naman ay hagdanan na gumagalaw para dalhin ka pataas.

Juan: Eh ano naman ang calculator?

Pedro: Sorry pare ha… di pa ako nakakasakay dyan eh.

SEPTEMBER 2015

The Filipino Canadian Newspaper of Choice in Alberta and Saskatchewan

19

Mannychanic

Manny Perez CONTRIBUTOR

5 Benefits of a Radiator Flush Radiator flush provides a number of benefits to your vehicle’s cooling system.

It is a fairly inexpensive procedure that should be performed once a year or per your owner’s manual’s recommendations. There is a significant difference between a flush and a simple draining of the radiator so make sure you are getting what you are paying for.

Flush vs. Drain Flushing your system pushes 4 to 5 gallons of anti-freeze through the system which pushes or flushes out all of the old anti-freeze and any contaminants that have build up in your cooling system. A flush guarantees that all of the old anti-freeze is removed from the system. Draining the radiator on the other hand only removes about 50% of the total anti-freeze in the system and leaves the majority of contaminants that have built up.

It also means that the new anti-freeze will be mixing with the old.

W

WIKIPEDIA

Radiators are used for cooling internal combustion engines, mainly in automobiles but also in piston-engined aircraft, railway locomotives, motorcycles, stationary generating plants and other places where such engines are used.

To cool down the engine, a coolant is passed through the engine block, where it absorbs heat from the engine. The hot coolant is then fed into the inlet tank of the radiator (located either on the top of the radiator, or along one side), from which it is distributed across the radiator core through tubes to another tank on the opposite end of the radiator. As the coolant passes through the radiator tubes on its way to the opposite tank, it transfers much of its heat to the tubes which, in turn, transfer the heat to the fins that are lodged between each

The benefits of having your radiator flushed are: Removes Rust and Scale Deposit - Over time rust and scale deposits build up within the radiator.

A flush helps to remove these deposits which get pushed out with the old anti-freeze. This is important since these build ups can cause overheating or even damage your radiator.

Lubricate the Water Pump - The additives in the coolant lubricate the vehicles water pump. This will lengthen the life of the water pump.

Removes Contaminants A flush completely drains the system of the old anti-freeze which means that any contaminants that have made their way into the system will be flushed out as well. The additives in the coolant can lose important anti-corrosive properties over time which leads to the build up of particles. A radiator flush will remove these particles from the system.

Inspection of System Most places will perform

a complete inspection of your cooling system when they do a radiator flush.

They will use pressure tests to check for leaks in the system. This should be included in the price of

the flush and if it isn’t it might be best to go somewhere else.

Protect Against Rust and Foam- The new anti-freeze will have additives that help prevent rust and

build up. It will also prevent foaming in the system which helps it operate efficiently.

Note: Always follow your manufactures recommendation.

RADIATOR row of tubes. The fins then release the heat to the ambient air.

Fins are used to greatly increase the contact surface of the tubes to the air, thus increasing the exchange efficiency. The cooled coolant is fed back to the engine, and the cycle repeats. Normally, the radiator does not reduce the temperature of the coolant back to ambient air temperature, but it is still sufficiently cooled to keep the engine from overheating.

This coolant is usually water-based, with the addition of glycols to prevent freezing and other additives to limit corrosion, erosion and cavitation.

However, the coolant may also be an oil.

The first engines used thermosiphons to circulate the coolant; today, however, all but the smallest engines use pumps.

“Through the 2015 immigration plan we will welcome a record number of individuals who will contribute to our economy and labour market.”

- Hon. Chris Alexander, MP Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

Respond to Canada’s need for immigrants.

Become a Regulated Immigration Consultant

Full-time | Part-time | Online Contact our program adviser at 1.844.628.5784 or apply online today.

Ashton College

www.ashtoncollege.ca

20

SEPTEMBER 2015

Spiritual

Horoscope

Servant-leadership Fr. Edmund Vargas WRITER

There is an African fable about crabs…. “Some crabs were aimlessly crawling around in a basket interior, always moving, agitated at their captivity, but going nowhere. One resourceful crab, tired of treading in a circle, decided to climb the basket wall and escape the tedium. He forced his claws into the tiny nicks and crannies, creating a ladder where there was none and began to climb to freedom. The other crabs watched the show in amazement. “What is this fellow up to? Does he think he is too good to stay in here with his fellow sufferers? How dare he wants to leave?” And so, when our innovative friend was about to put his claw on the very top of the wall and escape, the

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other crabs suddenly rose up in unison and pulled him down into the basket, smashed him to the floor and trod on his broken back until he was dead…”

What happens with crabs happens also with humans, unfortunately. This is what is commonly referred to as crab mentality.

This is motivated by the craving for human glory…

Human glory depends on competition. Human glory stems from being richer, smarter, more recognized, more powerful, more intelligent. The greater our feats, the more glory receive. This is upward mobility. We climb the ladder of success. But this same glory can spell one’s doom.

Human glory breeds rivalry which inspires and generates violence leading to destruction, even death.

“Where there is jealousy and strife, there also are inconstancy and all kinds

of vile behavior… Where do conflicts and disputes among you originate? Is it not your inner cravings that make war within your members? What you desire you do not obtain and so resort to murder?”(James 3:16) Jesus gives us the antidote to vainglory’s evil and deadly effects. If upward mobility is the nature of poison, the downward mobility is through the way of humility. “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35) By today’s social standards, Jesus would be considered a “loser”, a man without any ambition. When we think and reflect of our own role in own society, do we consider ourselves “servants”? Do we consider ourselves “losers” like Jesus, willing to lose our lives for the sake of others?

VIRGO CAPRICORN TAURUS It gets easier to go slowly and Take a deep breath and know Life in general gets lovelier. be careful about all those little things that matter.What you’ve been doing still works, but things can work better still if you listen to the right person’s advice.

LIBRA Focus on one that looks the

most practical and see what happens before the month ends.Those old attractions may spark your interest but not hold it. You’re feeling smarter about your love life good for you.

you’re doing fine.People will like what you want and say, so go for exactly what you really want around you. A potentially important insight could happen at work now, too.

AQUARIUS You’re in your element with

your friends around you, with everything fascinating and nothing boring. Little comments can lead to the biggest enlightenments, and casual connections can have the biggest results.

PISCES SCORPIO Ideal love may not exist, but Do what you can, enjoy being popular, and don’t let anything or anyone disappoint you. Daily life runs smoothly, almost on automatic pilot. Plus, a karmic insight and some private “ah ha” moments could instantly improve how you look at the world.

your heart cherishes that ideal. Still, don’t let a partner run you down. You won’t be able to explain it all, but you can answer a crucial question or two.

SAGITTARIUS Don’t overcommit or make

someone new, but someone wiser and better suited (in a karmic way) may be in your sights. Be alert in any new romance. It could be time to break out of an old emotional box.

offers that will be too hard to deliver. Your inner child may be hard to suppress, so don’t get too wild and crazy.

T Gerine Arroyo

ARIES You may crave something or

There could be new recipes, fancier clothes, jewelry, or more outings for music or art.

You’ll make sure it’s functional, practical, and sexy.

GEMINI A career dream might be

momentarily put on hold, but that’s also for the good. Pay attention, though, and maybe recognize a new passion or creative outlet that’s important to your future.

CANCER You may be dreaming of

bigger, more exotic entertainment, but there’s a wealth of good times nearby.

Sometimes the world comes to you. Life at home may see some smart improvements that solve a mystery or two.

LEO Big feelings and big actions

are possible.Without getting involved, you can piece together a relationship puzzle and pleasantly surprise everyone. Sometimes old answers can satisfy a new question and sometimes a new outlook totally fixes an old misunderstanding.

Travel Tips

CONTRIBUTOR

PUERTO RICO Flight time from Calgary: almost 8 hrs.

Language: Spanish & English Currency: US dollars Puerto Rico’s award winning beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, perfect for relaxing or enjoying your favorite water sport. With sunny, tropical weather year round, Puerto Rico is always buzzing with great outdoor experience.

FLAMENCO BEACH, CULEBRA Get your adrenaline rush while hiking, rock climbing or rappelling , then splash your day away in a heavenly waterfall Bioluminescent Bays Are home to large colonies of dinoflagellates that light up the water like fireflies. Only five of these bays exist in the world and three of them are located in Puerto Rico.

MUST TRY Coconut Sorbet is a famous island treat, especially around Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, where street carts vendors offer frozen scoops of Coco as a refreshing antidote to the tropical heat.

El Jibarito- a steak sandwich between two huge fried plantains

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21

from the Readers: Madame KC

KC

MadameKC CONTRIBUTOR

“How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.”

Dear Madame KC,

turns out bad.

I met and became friends with Tom last year and then it turned into a relationship. We were together for a couple of months. I thought he was the one until one day he told me he had cheated on me with 3 girls in one weekend.

Everyone tells me I’m too young to give up(22) but I don’t care. Every guy makes me sick and I don’t wanna waste my sweetness and kindness on people who will just hurt me!

rary. As we go through life, we have many bad experiences but each one of these exists so that we can learn more about ourselves and the type of people we want to be with.

B.H.Gurl

One guy hurt you, so what. You might have thought he was the one, but I guess he wasn’t.

All that means is that the right one is going to appear one day.

Ever since I have quit dating and I have a somewhat of a dislike for men and I really hated them.

Dear B.H.Gurl,

If you isolate yourself, you will not be available to meet him and then what?

I always think that all men are sluts and I know all aren’t but every one I come in contact with

Your trust in men has really been shattered but please remember that this is only tempo-

In the meantime, while you are getting over this, take really good care of yourself, work on your

He said nothing major, just kissing(??!!) but I still broke up with him.

Please write back soon and tell me how I can get over him.

pride and self-confidence.

Treat guys only as friends and companions but do not get emotionally involved.

Believe it or not, one day, your pain will leave you and the perfect guy will appear. I guarantee it.

Sincerely, Madame KC

SEND YOUR STORIES TO madamekc.diaryofilipino@gmail.com

“Love comes to those who still hope even though they’ve been disappointed, to those who still believe even though they’ve been betrayed, to those who still love even though they’ve been hurt before.”

Showbiz

Mainit na kwento ng mga Samonte at Elizondo, mas tinututukan pa rin…

“PASION DE AMOR,” MAS IINIT PA SA PAGSISIMULA NG BAGONG KABANATA

Patuloy na tinatangkilik sa buong bansa ang local adaptation ng ABS-CBN ng worldwide telenovela sensation na “Pasion De Amor” tampok ang maiinit na tambalan nina Jake Cuenca at Arci Munoz, Ejay Falcon at Ellen Adarna, at Joseph Marco at Coleen Garcia.

Nanatili itong nasa top 5 na weekday programs na pinakapinapanood sa bansa base sa datos ng Kantar Media, at nasa top 5 din na pinakatinututukan ng netizens online sa video-on-demand service na iWant TV.

Noong nakaraang Lunes (Sep 7), wagi pa rin ito sa sa national TV rating na 23% kumpara sa bagong lunsad nitong kalabang programa na may 10.3%.

Dahil sa mainit na pagtanggap ng publiko kung kaya’t magbubukas ang panibagong kabanata sa buhay ng mga Samonte.

Humanda na sa pagbaliktad ng kanilang mga mundo dahil ang dating inaapi ay babangon na ngayon at magkakaroon ng kapangyarihan.

Kasabay nito ay ang pagpasok din ng mga panibagong karakter na sina Eduvina, Maryo, at Elle na gagampanan nina Pilar Pilapil, Pen Medina, at Kazel Kinouchi. Ano kaya ang magiging papel nila?

Hindi pa riyan nagtatapos ang mga pasabog dahil ang babaeng puno’t dulo ng galit at paghihiganti nina Juan, Oscar, at Franco ay magbabalik na. Paano nga ba nakaligtas si Gabriela (Teresa Loyzaga) mula sa pagkakahulog sa bangin?

Sa kanyang pagbabalik, anong kasamaan ang idudulot niya sa magkakapatid?

Paano siya tatanggaping muli ng mga anak na sina Norma, Sari, at Jamie?

Huwag bibitaw sa mas umiinit pang teleserye sa primetime, ang “Pasion De Amor,” Lunes hanggang Biyernes bago mag-“TV Patrol” sa ABS-CBN. Para sa updates, i-like ang www. facebook.com/pasiondeamor.tv sa Facebook, i-follow ang @pasiondeamor_TV sa Twitter o di kaya’y i-follow ang @pasiondeamor.abscbn sa Instagram.

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SEPTEMBER 2015

The Filipino Canadian Newspaper of Choice in Alberta and Saskatchewan

Showbiz

AlDub fever reaches new heights with the pair’s first ever meeting

BAGONG SEASON NG “YOUR FACE SOUNDS FAMILIAR,” WAGI SA RATINGS

Tinutukan ng buong bansa ang unang linggo ng bagong season ng “Your Face Sounds Familiar” sa ABS-CBN, kung saan bumida ang level up na transformations at performances ng bagong walong celebrity performers.

Ayon sa datos mula sa Kantar Media, nakakuha ang pilot episode ng programa noong Sabado (Sept 12) ng national TV rating na 31.7%, o halos doble sa nakuha ng kalabang “Celebrity Bluff” (16.2%) ng GMA. Hindi rin nagpahuli ang Sunday episode

diaryofilipino.com

(Sept 13) nito na nagtala ng national TV rating na 27.3%, kumpara sa 23.2% ng “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.”

Maging sa online world ay patok din ang “Your Face” dahil naging trending topics ang opisyal na hashtags ng episodes na #YFSFNewSeason at #AllNewYFSF sa Twitter sa buong bansa at maging worldwide.

Itinanghal na unang weekly top scorer ng bagong season ang komedyanteng si Eric Nicolas para sa kanyang eksakto, nakakaaliw, at nakakabilib

na panggagaya kay Willie Revillame mula sa itsura, kilos at boses. Bilang winner na nakakuha ng kabuuang puntos na 42 mula sa jurors na sina Gary Valenciano, Jed Madela, at Sharon Cuneta, nag-uwi si Eric ng P100,000, na ang kalahati ay mapupunta sa kanyang napiling charity, ang Child Haus Foundation.

Sumunod sa scoreboard sina Sam Concepcion bilang Eminem na nakakuha ng 27 points, Kakai Bautista bilang Sia (18 points), Kean Cipriano bilang Harry Styles (15 points), Denise Laurel bilang Jennifer Lopez (12 points), Myrtle Sarrosa bilang Sandara Park (8 points), KZ bilang Vina Morales (5 points), at Michael Pangilinan bilang George Michael (5 points).

Sa darating na weekend (Sept 19 at 20) naman, abangan ang performances ni Sam bilang Jason Derulo, Eric bilang Louis Armstrong, Kean bilang Randy Santiago, Myrtle bilang Jessa Zaragoza, Denise bilang Christina Aguilera, Kakai bilang AiAi delas Alas, KZ bilang Pink, at Michael bilang Janno Gibbs.

Sino ang magiging top scorer sa susunod na round?

Huwag palampasin ang linggo-linggong transformations ng walong celebrity performers sa all-new season ng “Your Face Sounds Familiar,” tuwing Sabado pagkatapos ng “MMK” at tuwing Linggo pagkatapos ng “Rated K.” sa ABS-CBN. Para sa updates ukol sa programa, bisitahin ang yourfacesoundsfamiliar.abs-cbn. com, i-like ang www.facebook.com/yourfaceph, at sundan ang @YourFacePH sa Twitter at Instagram.

Eat Bulaga’s Kalyeserye sets record on Twitter for 5M tweets with #ALDUBBATTLEForACause

AlDubNation was in a frenzy during Saturday’s episode of Eat Bulaga as Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza a.k.a. Yaya Dub from the show’s much-anticipated KalyeSerye segment, finally met after their showdown during the “Bulaga Pa More” wildcard edition last September 5.

Fans had been anticipating the pair’s eventual meet up for weeks and suspense had been building as the day of their showdown neared.

Both the couple and the fans hopes were quelled, however, with the intervention of Wally Bayola’s character, Lola Nidora, who prevented the two from actually meeting each other up close.

Attesting to AlDub’s immense popularity, the couple were a hot topic on Twitter, with over 1 million tweets for the episode’s hashtag #ALDUBBATTLEForACause even before the show began to air.

The number of tweets rose to 2 million during the Eat Bulaga’s broadcast and reached over 5 million by the end of the

day, setting a new record for the highest number of tweets recorded in the Philippines.

Last Saturday’s record significantly surpassed that of another AlDub hashtag the previous Saturday, #AlDubMaiDenHeaven, which in turn, had exceeded the 3.34 million tweets garnered by the hashtag #PapalVisit during Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines in January 2015.

GMA Artist Center star Alden Richards, who is also seen on GMA’s comedy-musical variety program Sunday PinaSaya, is grateful for his fans’ overwhelming support.

Just recently, the actor’s Twitter account reached an impressive 1 million followers, which Alden immediately acknowledged with a tweet saying, “1Million followers!!!

Maraming maraming salamat po!!!”

For AlDub fans around the world who are wondering if Lola Nidora will ever let the two meet and be happy, stay tuned to Eat Bulaga’s KalyeSerye only on GMA Pinoy TV.

To see your favourite Kapuso shows on GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International, check the airing schedules in your territory through the website www. gmanetwork.com/international/programguide.

Willie Revillame signs a record deal with GMA Records

Vehnee Saturno, Felipe S. Yalong, Willie, Rene A. Salta

Kapuso noontime show host Willie Revillame inked a record deal with GMA Records last September 4.

The contract signing was attended by GMA Records Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Records Managing Director Rene A. Salta, album producer and award-winning composer Vehnee Saturno.

Willie feels grateful for the opportunity to share his music with his supporters all over the world. “Matagal na ito eh, almost two years ago noong gumawa kami ng mga songs at

nakatago lang. Hinihintay lang namin ang tamang panahon. Now, it’s the right time at ito na nga ang tamang panahon sa GMA Records. Right time, right songs, with the right people. Ire-release na po ito malapit na, ang carrier single ay Nando’n Ako.” The Kapuso host reveals that the carrier single is about how love conquers all, “It’s a beautiful song para sa mga nakahiwalay sa mga mahal niya sa buhay pero ang spirit nito, lahat ng pagmamahal ay nandoon. Kahit anong mangyari, kahit may unos o bagyo, nandoon siya.” He will be singing the song on Wowowin this Sunday.

Willie says this is one way of showing his gratitude towards the people who continue to support him and his program which consistently wins over competition in nationwide ratings.

From August 9 to 30 (with the date of August 30 based on overnight data), Wowowin marked an average household TV rating of 18.0% and ruled over its counterpart programs ASAP 20 and Kapamilya Mega Blockbusters, which both garnered 14% in National Urban TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM) ratings. This is according to the more widely recognized TV ratings supplier, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

Moreover, the undisputed program Wowowin was also consistently ahead of its competitors in the viewer-rich areas of Mega Manila and Urban Luzon.

Wowowin airs worldwide on GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.