Filipino Journal Alberta Edition September 2013

FREE COPY

Volume 6, Number 9 • September 2013

Face to Face with Karen Leibovici Edmonton's Future Mayor

Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

Amba with the Alberta Filipino Journal Team

Page 15 ►

Ward 5 (Westend) Vote for Allan Santos

Page 4 ► L-R: Jun Angeles - Alberta Filipino Journal Publisher; H.E. Leslie B. Gatan-Philippine Ambassador to Canada; Mrs. Debbie Miares Gatan-Ambassador’s lovely wife; Cecille Magpayo - Executive Producer TV PILIPINO; Hermie Angeles and Jose “Pepito” MagpayoAlberta Filipino Journal Editor.

Ward 11 Miss Universe Canada 2013 (Millwoods) Vote for Roberto Maglalang “Pinoy Singing Sensation” winners overwhelmed by the support of Filipino communities

Page 9 ► Page 12 ►

Page 6 ►

Pinoy Singing Sensation grand prize winner Cheenee Morales with Tony Surtida and Christy Raspado.

Page 4 ►

Miss Universe Canada 2013 Riza Santos

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

September 2013

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September 2013

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

September 2013

Miss Universe Canada 2013 Riza Santos overwhelmed by the support of Filipino communities

by: Jerry Caingcoy Jerry Caingcoy is a City of Calgary employee, internationally certified Montessori educator and an avid tennis player.

T

he reigning Miss Universe Canada 2013, Riza Santos hosted a highly successful dinner and dance show on September 8, 2013 with the overwhelming support of the Filipino communities in Calgary and from as far as Edmonton and Toronto. Hundreds of guests and various sponsors lined-up at the reception of the grand ballroom of Glenmore Inn Convention Centre as early as 4 p.m. The guest of honour was no less than the Philippine Ambassador to Canada, Leslie Gatan and wife, Honorary Consul of Southern Alberta, Ferdinand Aguirre, local government officials, media personalities and Filipino businessmen alongside with family, friends and supporters.

The event was dubbed as “Believe: Inspirational Evening with Riza” – organized by her ever supportive and lovely mother, Dina Santos and close friends. This event

Ambassador Gatan accepts Plaque of Appreciation from Miss Universe Canada 2013 Riza Santos

Riza receiving a plaque of appreciation from the Legislature from MLA Wayne Cao.

came to fruition in support to Riza Santos when she competes at the forthcoming Miss Universe 2013 pageant in Moscow this November.

Part of the proceeds will go to a child with a debilitating disease from the Philippines whom Riza Santos wants to help.

The National Anthem of Canada was powerfully sung by Riza Santos herself followed by the Philippine National Anthem.

Dr. Rose Geonzon, the President of VISMINSA Charities delivered her welcome remarks highlighting Riza Santos’ impressive achievements.

The sumptuous dinner was served as the program sailed on. The grand entrance of Riza Santos

elicited a thunderous applause with a standing ovation from the crowd.

Her inspiring message especially to young women in following their dreams by believing in themselves captured the audience.

She sashayed down the runway wearing each of her crown as Miss Earth Canada 2006, Miss World Canada 2011 and as the reigning Miss Universe Canada 2013 to the admiration of all. A fantasy fashion show participated by local Filipino beauty queens and vocal rendition

by Filipino artists in Calgary added entertainment value to the evening.

The highlight of the event was the keynote speech of Philippine Ambassador to Canada, Leslie

All photos & articles available online!

The Alberta Filipino Journal team from left: Jun Angeles - Alberta Filipino JournalPublisher; Cecille Magpayo-Executive Producer of TV PILIPINO; Jon Salvador- Alberta Filipino Journal Columnist; H.E. Leslie B. Gatan-Philippine Ambassador to Canada; Debbie Mijares GatanAmbassador’s lovely wife, Jose “Pepito” Magpayo - Alberta Filipino Journal Editor and Hermie Angeles.

Gatan. He encouraged the Filipinos in Canada to be actively involved in whatever community activities in order to build a strong, cohesive and progressive Filipino community.

He added that we should encourage one another to excel in whatever field we are into and to be proud of every Filipino achievement in Canada. Public dance followed to cap the night with a ballroom exhibition from dance enthusiasts.

It was indeed an inspirational evening - a testament that we Filipinos have what it takes to succeed in whatever we do, wherever we are. There is no other person who can epitomize the outstanding, world-class Filipino

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skills and talents than our very own, Riza Santos, Miss Universe Canada 2013. She is probably the only one in the history of Canadian beauty pageant, if not in the whole world, to have received three major beauty titles. She is from a family of engineers, held various scholarship grants and numerous awards as a student at the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering.

She completed her soldier training at the Canadian Army and is popular in the ramp modelling, print ad and television industry both in local and international scenes.

Riza Santos is one exceptional Filipino that we can all say, “I am proud to be Pinoy!”

September 2013

by Erlinda

Dolly Tan

erlindatan@yahoo.com

She was the Editor-in-Chief during her university days and has not stopped writing since. She has four gold fish and one betta. She delights in watching movies the traditional way by sitting at the theatre with popcorn rather than at home. She loves books and is right now reading Dan Brown’s Inferno.

Yes, we are nannies!

(Few weeks back, I was asked to give a talk at the Cultural Night celebration in our church attended by some Canadian nationals. Below is the excerpt of my talk.)

I

moved to Edmonton from Vancouver three years ago.

One day on my first week here, I decided to ride the train from the Southend to the Northend so I could see the city. While I was waiting at the LRT station, a guy approached me. I could tell from his appearance and accent that he was an immigrant like me. Here’s our short conversation: Guy: Hi! Are you Philippines?

Me: I’m Filipino. Philippines is the country.

Guy: Oh, okay. So… you’re a nanny?

Me: No, I’m not.

Guy: You’re not a nanny? Oh I know! You work at Tim Hortons!

Me: No. (I said with a smile.)

Guy: Not at Tim Hortons? Ahhh, McDonald’s?

Me: No. I’m actually looking for work. I’m new here.

Then, nicely I said “Have a good day.” And left.

When I arrived home, I sat at the couch and thought about it. The conversation hit me. I think it hit me to the core that I had to reflect.

Then I realized God put me there that afternoon for a reason. And I was glad that He did. The incident changed me. It transformed me into a bona fide OFW (overseas Filipino worker). It made me “belong” even if I wasn’t working yet.

I told myself, yes we are nannies. We are nannies because…..

we are! This is who we are. I can’t change that.

But our being nannies is just a consequence of who we really are. God created us compassionate, loving and patient people. That’s why we qualify to be nannies. We come from very strong family ties.

We have very strong relationships.

We have very close friendships. In Edmonton, we have a very tight-knit community.

We love our parents so much, in our culture we don’t put them in elderly homes. They stay with us until they leave this life. When we talk to them or to any elderly, we put a word of respect at the end of the sentence. We don’t just say “Good morning.” We say “Good morning po.”

Not only that, we kiss their hand to show respect. We take the hand this way and put it in our forehead. And as we do this, they say to us “God bless you.”

Also, we address an older woman with respect by attaching the title “Ate” to her name. And to an older man, “Kuya.”

We left our country well equipped with these strong values inherited from our parents. These traits among others, qualify us to be nannies.

The reason Mary Ann, the other Filipino in the ward, couldn’t make it tonight is, it’s the birthday of the elderly lady she’s taking care of.

And this lady wouldn’t eat if Mary Ann is not there. This is the kind of jobs our nannies do. They affect lives directly. Some of the kids they take care, spend more time with them than with the parents. One way or another, our nannies help mold children in our society.

I’m proud of them and the job that they do. I’m an engineer.

But I’m not important in the office.

My office will not shut down if I quit. I build houses and pipelines, our nannies build relationships and future.

I am paid per hour. But their job is priceless. You cannot quantify love. You cannot quantify compassion. You cannot quantify patience.

Yes I come from a country with poverty. But we are rich with people who are loving, compassionate and patient. Our people is our greatest asset. When God gave you gorgeous rocky mountains - He gave us people. When God gave you breathtaking wildlife - He gave us people. When God gave you oil and gas - He gave us people.

And on behalf of the Filipino community in Edmonton, I’d like to thank you for sharing your country with us. Thank you for sharing your blessings.

Calgary Police Service Front Counter Hours Expand Filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo

To enhance customer service for citizens across Calgary, effective last Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013, front counter hours for district offices will change.

Districts and Westwinds Headquarters front counter hours will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

The Calgary Police Service will continue to monitor the

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

impact of this change to keep a close eye on service levels, public utilization and the impact.

As always, other options still exist for members of the public to access the Service, such as online reporting at www. calgarypolice.ca or by calling our non-emergency line at 403-2661234.

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UPAAE is Growing

T

he UP Alumni Association Edmonton group is growing. There were many new faces in the last general meeting and such vibrant, confident and engaging personalities quickly emerged as each person introduced him/herself. It was very encouraging to know that UP Alumni in Edmonton are searching for fellow UP alumni, and excited to find UPAAE group by searching the internet, articles in the Filipino Journal, or invitations by colleagues. It was interesting to meet fellow UP alumni from various campuses (lots from Los Baños!) and to know what each is doing and planning to do in Edmonton. It was fun to meet alumni with student numbers ranging from 0000 to 2006 (yes, we have a member who attended UP at a time when UP did not yet issue student numbers – or maybe he just won’t tell). It is turning out to be a very promising and dynamic group, especially knowing that we can count on the diversity and zeal from a growing number of people, and that we are blessed with people who can provide maturity and wisdom as well as the creativity and daring enthusiasm of youth.

It is an exciting time to be a

part of UPAA Edmonton as it gets off the ground because members have the opportunity to shape the group’s future, to shape it together.

As more and more people join the group, share stories of the past and expectations for the future, there is a distinct feeling that the forming an association for UP alumni is long overdue, and now is the time for new beginnings and second chances: new lives in Canada with second chances in careers, family lives, finances. New friends in Edmonton, second chances in relationships, past decisions, past lives. Two of the things that UP stands for is equality (i.e., it transcends all economic classes) and its concern for social justice.

These are what we envision UPAA Edmonton will be known for – an organization that works together to make Edmonton, and beyond, a better place for all.

Future Plans. The group provides support to each other, but it is not being formed for just socialization. So far, some suggested plans are to provide assistance in preparation for IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – for both written and oral examinations, provide information sessions for foreign contract workers with guest

speakers from Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education, provide Philippine culture and language classes for second generation Filipino-Canadians, as well as other interested people in Edmonton, and in general, participate in events that impact the community.

GenMeet and Contact: The next general meeting will be on October 27, 2013, 2:30PM at Sacred Heart Parish Church basement (10821-96 street, Edmonton T5H 2J8). For more information, you can follow us at: http://upaaedmonton. wordpress.com, UPAA Edmonton in Facebook, or Twitter at @ upaaedmonton. You can also write to us at: upaa.edmonton.gmail.com.

Global Run Project Update. The Global Run project where UPAAE supports UP Alumni Cesar Guarin’s endeavour to run across the world has been postponed to the April/ May timeframe next year. The Global Run project team in the Philippines deemed it prudent to move the dates since the winter season is not the best time to run long distance in Alaska, Alberta, and the Canadian Rockies. To everyone looking forward to participating in the Fun Run and Welcome Reception for the Filipino Global Runner – see you next year!

The UPAAE will still be supporting the Edmonton leg of this global run.

Attracting immigrants with the skills and talents Alberta needs is an important part of addressing labour pressures – now and in the future.

“Overview of Immigration to Alberta.” Government of Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education. n.p. n.d. Web. June 2013.

Respond to Alberta’s need for immigrants.

Become a Regulated Immigration Consultant

Full-time | Part-time | Online Speak with our adviser today. Contact Cairrie Williamson at cwilliamson@ashtoncollege.com.

Ashton College | Vancouver, BC 604 899 0803 | 1 866 759 6006 w w w. a s hton col l e g e. com

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

September 2013

An Appeal to the Filipino Canadians Last flood damaged City I believe it is the time to Malcolm Tweddle, Lee Ridge, building set to re-open

I

never dreamt that I will pursue a political ambition.

Back home, I have numerous friends who are quite famous but none is ever engaged in politics as they are mostly businessmen, technocrats or academicians.

I have decided to step up to the plate and take the challenge of helping develop this wonderful city of Edmonton. Since the time I considered Edmonton as my home, I have always aspired to see this city to be at par with vibrant cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Los Angeles, Houston, and New York. When Prime Minster Harper said that Calgary is the best city in Canada, I told myself why not Edmonton?

fast tract the development of Edmonton. We are missing the opportunities that will allow us to leap frog our growth to a place where sales taxes is almost nil, property tax is hardly a dent in family income, consumer prices are almost at par with those in the United States and public transportation is fast and efficient.

Let us rally behind those who would- be-leaders who are visionaries. Those who have plans and programs and can make hard decisions that would make Edmonton the best city to live in North America.

Running for public office takes so much of my time. Yet I will never regret this decision.

Those beautiful ladies from to the Retirees Association who hold their weekly gathering at Edmonton General Hospital have told me repeatedly that taking up this challenge already provides them with pride as it shows there are Filipino-Canadians who would offer their selfless dedication to do public service.

Am running for Councilor in Ward 11 which is between 50th and 99th streets, and from 82 Avenue and up to Sakaw and Menisa boundaries on the south. The election will be held on Monday of October 21 and polling places include schools like Ecole Joseph Moreau, Avonmore, Hazeldean,

Green View, Kameyosek, Grace Martin, Don Knott, Meyokumin, Ecota,Sakaw and Menisa.

Let us participate in this rare occasion where we can have Filipino –Canadians in Edmonton public office. We will not disappoint you. Thank you.

Note: Roberto Maglalang was a consistent honor student from elementary grades. In high school, he was Student Council Vice President and Editor-in chief.

He studied at UST and Ateneo for his bachelor’s and graduate program in Economics. He got his Certificate on Personnel Management from University of Manchester, England. He is aCertified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and Fellow on Personnel Management. He taught Economics and Personnel Management at UST, San Beda and St.Scholastica’s College Manila and was guest lecturer at UP’s SOLAIR and MBA Program. He became an executive of Petron Corporation, Borden Chemicals and Phislteel Group of Companies. He was HR Manager at Home Depot and HR Director at River Cree Resort and Casino. He is currently the Corporate Services Manager of Hi-Flyer Food and Olympus Food (Canada). His wife Cherry manages Little Asia Noodle House in Edmonton.

All photos & articles available online!

Filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo

On September 3, Old City Hall re-opened and some of the employees displaced as a result of the June flood begun returning to the building.

“Since the flood, a priority has been ensuring all citizens were able to continue to participate in Council and committee meetings and could access business services such as building permits or licenses ,” explains Sharon Purvis, Director of Corporate Properties & Buildings. “We were also committed to returning our displaced colleagues to safe and fully functioning buildings as quickly as possible. Old City Hall is the last building to reopen and we’re pleased to be able to welcome back our displaced colleagues.”

Old City Hall has been unoccupied since flooding in June damaged the mechanical and electrical systems that service the building. Old City Hall’s electrical and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems as well as all safety systems have been repaired and tested and verified as functioning normally, enabling staff to return to work.

However, it will take longer before staff who normally work on the first, third and fourth floors of Old City Hall to return to the building. “For improved

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efficiency and to reduce impact to employees, we will be undertaking building interior lifecycle needs such as replacing carpet and repairing and re-painting walls in parts of Old City Hall while the building is partially vacant,” says Purvis. “The carpets on the first, third and fourth floors of Old City Hall are 16 years old and past their useful life. They were previously scheduled for a lifecycle replacement in the 20112014 period.”

As work is still being completed at Old City Hall, all Committee Meetings will continue to be held at the Deerfoot Junction III location. Council Meetings will resume in Council Chamber beginning on September 9.

Although all of the key City buildings damaged by the flood are re-opened, work on these buildings continues.

Restoring functionality to the damaged basement levels of the three buildings in the Municipal Complex (Municipal Building, Old City Hall and the Administration Building) and additional work on damaged buildings electrical and mechanical systems remains to be completed. The City’s focus is now turning to ways to mitigate future risk to buildings and service delivery.

September 2013

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

Pangarap at Panaginip

Lito Mendoza Velasco Lito Velasco, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy A homoviator, a catalyst of change. He moves in the light of his Philosophical, Political and Theological backgrounds. He loves challenges and believes he learns and improves his critical thinking from those challenges.

Marso 2001, isa sa kasamahan kong seminarista ang nakatalagang makakatanggap ng ordinasyon. Isa ako sa mga seminaristang magaasiste para sa Banal na Misa sa espesyal na selebrasyong iyon.

Sa ganitong pagkakataon, sabik ang lahat ng mga dumadalo upang masaksihan ang ganitong okasyon sa buhay ng isang nagnanais magpari. At syempre, mas inaasahan ang pagkasabik ng mismong tatanggap ng ordinasyon. Ngunit, tila yata kakaiba ang nagaganap ng oras na iyon. Dahil, handang-handa na ang lahat; nainip na rin ang Obispo, eh hindi pa dumarating ang kandidato para sa ordinasyon.

Nagdesisyon ang Obispo.

Sinimulan ang seremonya kahit wala pa ang seminarista. Ipagdasal na lamang daw ang kaligtasan, saan man siya naroroon. Umawit ang Bayan sa pamumuno ng Seminary Choir. Eh ano pa nga ba, may tension sa pagitan ng lahat. May katanungan sa isip ng bawat-isa. Nasaan na ang deakono? Kanya-kanya nan g hinala at haka-haka. Halos mapahiya na sa kahihiyan ang mga magulang, kapatid, at mga kamag-anak nito.

Nanghihinayang kung hindi na matutuloy sa pagpapari.

Dyarannn!

Biglang may bumulaga sa amin mula sa entrance ng Cathedral. Oo nga, dumating na ang aming hinihintay. Huh, laking pasasalamat ng lahat! Pinapasok siya ng Obispo upang tuluyan ng ganapin ang ordinasyon. At siya ay naging ganap na pari.

Pagkatapos ng Ordinasyon.

Binigyan siya ng pagkakataon na magdaos ng Misa ng Pasasalamat (Thanksgiving Mass).

Ang nilalaman ng kanyang Sermon o Homiliya Bayan ng Diyos, mga minamahal kong kapatid kay Kristo Hesus, magandang hapon sa inyong lahat! Salamat sa pagdalo at pakikibahagi sa isa sa pinakamahalagang yugto ng aking buhay.

Kanina lamang ay muntik na kayong himatayin dahil sa pag-aakalang ako ay tuluyan ng nagtaksil sa aking Pangarap—Pangarap na maging isang ganap na pari. Ipagpaumanhin ninyo ang aking pagkaantala.

Ganito po yon. Dahil nga alam ko na ordinasyon ko kaninang umaga, nagpasiya akong kausapin ang aking sarili at usisain kong handa na nga ba ako sa uri ng buhay na aking haharapin. Kung kaya nga, minarapat kong mapag-isa. Lingid sa kaalaman ng aking pamilya, umupa ako kagabi ng isang kuwarto sa Hotel na malapit sa aming bahay

at doon nga ay nagnilay. Madaling araw na ng ako’y dalawin ng antok.

Dahil nga sa sobrang pananabik; naghalo na ang nerbiyos at ligaya sa aking mga puso. Lupaypay ang aking katawan at tuluyang nakatulog.

Di umano ay dinalaw ako ng isang nakakapagod na Panaginip.

Parang pelikula.

Naglalakbay ako patungo sa tuktok ng mataas na bundok. Nahirapan ako sa paglalakbay na iyon. Lakad at takbo, umulan at umaraw, duguan ang mga parte ng aking katawan; subalit hindi ako huminto sa paglalakbay.

Dyarannn! Naabot ko rin ang aking Pangarap. Ang makarating sa tuktok ng bundok. Magpapasalamat na sana ako sa Panginoon dahil sa tagumpay na aking natamo. Subalit, bigla akong nagalit sa kanya.

Ikinagalit ko ng husto ng makita ko ang aking dinaanan. Tanaw na tanaw ko mula sa tuktok ng bundok na halos katabi lamang pala ng aking tinahak ay ang napakaganda at malinis na daan. May mga anghel na nag-aawitan at may mga palamuti o dekorasyon sa tabingdaan. Ito ang aking isinigaw sa Panginoon: “Lord, meron naman palang mas magandang daan, eh bakit ninais mo akong maghirap ng husto sa aking paglalakbay?

Ikaw ba ay Diyos na makatarungan, mapagmahal, at maawain? Di ba, alam mo naman ang nararapat at wasto para sa akin?” Umiiyak ako ng pagkakataong iyon dahil sa galit at awa sa sarili.

Walang anu-ano, nakarinig ako ng tinig mula sa itaas at sinabi: “Anak, tama ka. Alam ko kung ano ang nararapat at wasto para sa’yo. Ako nga ang Diyos na makatarungan, mapagmahal, at maawain. Naglingkod din muna ako at gumawa ng mga himala bago bumalik sa kaharian ng Ama. Alam ko na magiging isa ka sa maglilingkod upang magbalikloob ang mga makasalanan. Hindi lamang iyon, kailangan mo ring mahikayat na manampalataya ang mga hindi na naniniwala sa Akin. Di ba ang itatawag nila sa’yo ay Alter Christus (Another Christ)? Hindi mo ba nakita ang naganap sa akin?

Ang pagtampalasan, pangungutya at paghampas nila sa aking buong katawan; ang pagpapako sa krus at ang aking kamatayan (Passion and Death)? Hindi ba napakahirap noon?

At ngayon nga, sinasabi ko sa’yo. Napatunayan mo sa akin kung gaano ka katotoo sa iyong Pangarap at Pangako na tutuparin ang Kalooban ng nagsugo sa’yo.

Salamat sa Kooperasyon mo sa plano ng Ama. Nalampasan mo ang pagsubok ng tawirin mo ang daan paakyat sa kinalalagyan mo ngayon. Datapuwa’t hindi ka rin mamamalagi sa bundok na ito mahal kong kapatid. Bumalik ka sa paanan ng bundok. Balikan mo ang iyong Misyon at ngayon ay papahintulutan na kitang gamitin ang nakikita mong landas o daan.

Samyuin mo ang halimuyak ng mga bulaklak at nawa’y ang awit ng mga anghel ang siyang sa’yo ay aaliw habang ikaw ay naglalakbay.

Naniniwala ako, na anuman ngayon ang hirap na iyong sasalubungin dahil sa paglilingkod, bale wala na sa’yo dahil hinubog ka na sa hirap, pagti-tiyaga,

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at kababaang-loob. Ang iyong determinasyong magising mula sa iyong panaginip ang nagdala sa’yo upang maabot ang iyong pangarap.”

At, pagkatapos na pagkatapos ko ngang marinig ang tinig at mensaheng iyon, ako ay kaagad na nagising. Dali-dali akong nagtungo sa Cathedral upang tanggapin ang regalo ng ordinasyon. Nasagot na ang aking mga katanungan. Handa na akong maging isang Lingkod sa Bayan ng Diyos dito sa paanan ng bundok. Handa na ako upang kayo ay paglingkuran.

mga karanasan ng pagtatagumpay na maaari nating ibahagi sa iba, ay bunga ng ating mga paghihirap at sakripisyo.

May relasyon din yata ito sa darating na eleksyon. Nakikita ko kung gaano nagpakahirap ang mga kandidato. Umulan man at umaraw, walang hinto sa pagkatok sa mga tahanan. Ipinapaliwanag ang tutunguhin ng kanilang Ward sa oras na sila ay manalo sa halalan. Nakikiusap na mailagay ang kanilang mga lawn signs at posters. At, syempre napapahiya at kinukutya din naman. Ang mas masaklap, may mga Ward, kapwa-Filipino ay magkalaban.

Ayaw magbigayan. Well, pareho naman daw silang may tuktok ng bundok na gustong maabot.

Ang Mensahe: Edukasyon, Relihiyon, Bisnis, at Pulitika • Kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga.

• Kapag may hirap, may ginhawa.

• Maglilingkod; hindi Filipino, kalian ka ba talaga paglilingkuran.

• Koopersayon; hindi kumpetisyon. gigising? Hala ka, baka ka bangungutin!

Sino nga po ba ang umasenso Pangarap na nakaayon sa kalooban na hindi dumaan sa hirap at ng Lumikha at ng Bayan, nagiging pagsisikap? Marahil ay alam natin bukal at simula ng tunay na na karamihan sa atin ay nakakaalam damayan! na ang mahabang panahon na Hindi na ito isang panaginip. Isa ginugol natin sa pag-aaral; ang itong katotohanan! mga barya-baryang matagal na Ito ang isang tunay na pangarap! panahon nating tinipon; lahat ng

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HOT LIGHTS

by Jairus Bilo

solid turf-like in anxiety origami. polling a dirt city for another milk shower. my kid is a withdrawal for an offshoot sanpaku but you won it at jamaican patty another 3 am prefab i'm death for you pretty high tuned, i think patty love. completely!

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

September 2013

Voices from a Distant Time

by Miya Villarena A native of Quezon City, Miya Villarena is a current student at the University of Alberta.

Her hobbies include drawing, writing, and playing chess, as well as keeping in touch with her Filipino heritage.

A

fter a long hiatus it feels good to sit in front of the computer and to just let the words flow freely from the mind – the center of creativity.

Often, individuals with an eye for the best stories to put on paper are plagued with the inability to translate their thoughts directly into words. This phenomenon, called by many as “writer’s block”, comes with the symptoms of restlessness, confusion concerning the work in progress, and finally, feelings of inadequacy and lack of inspiration.

Overcoming writer’s block has been a long and arduous process for me, as I am sure it is for everyone else, but it all starts with the idea that you do not need to be inspired to write.

Waiting for inspiration to hit you can take up all the time you

need to finish one essay, or critique, or novel. However, if you take a professional stance and drill it in your head that you have deadlines to meet and a message to deliver, then you will overcome writer’s block slowly, but surely.

However, do not misquote me.

I simply stress the fact that you do not need to be inspired to write.

However, I firmly believe that works inspired by personal passions are more valuable. After all, I cannot deny that when I write fiction or this article, I am motivated by several factors.

Likewise, if my readers are familiar with the great works of literature penned by men and women like Jonathan Swift and Jane Austen, they wrote novels that showcased their inner resentments against the “societal plagues” of the time (i.e poverty, sexism, and cultural expectations). For example, Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice is a commentary on the role of women during the Regency Period in England. In Pride and Prejudice, Austen conveys her disgust at the expectations laid on women, and points out the fallacy of the rigid hierarchy in the social system.

Similarly, Jonathan Swift expresses sentiments about Irish poverty in A Modest Proposal, where he suggests that the Irish turn to cannibalism of their children to satiate their hunger.

However, Swift does not seriously propose that the Irish eat their own children; rather, he mocks the rich’s treatment of the poor, aptly portrayed

as the predation of the upper classes on the lower classes.

Personally, I enjoy the satire in both Austen and Swift’s works as they speak out against the unfair system of their time. Not only is their criticism subtle, but it is also powerful, because their words are immortalized in their legacy.

Immortality. Something no one can achieve.

That is, unless their name comes with an underlying sense of greatness or pride in an accomplishment that rings out through centuries.

As with these pioneers in the Western tradition, the pen is also prevalent in Filipino history as part of our independence movement.

It is also why we commemorate these Filipino orators, poets, propagandists, and revolutionaries as part of Buwan ng Wika (Language Month).

Surely any Filipino or Filipina will know the significance of the names Jose Rizal, Marcelo Del Pilar, or Graciano Lopez Jaena, among many others, and their legacy, or even the price they paid for our country’s freedom. Influenced by Enlightenment ideals, these Filipino writers critiqued the unjust ways of society, exposing the immorality, racism, and corruption which came along with the Spaniards. They were primarily advocates of non-violent methods to gain their goals, yet their words stirred up the Filipino spirit and instilled the importance of nationalism in the laymen’s mind.

This, in Spain’s eyes, was treason,

Elijah Aseron Manlolo Baptism

Fr. Dean Dowle, Abby and Jose with Elijah

Abby and Jose with Elijah flanked by Ninong Joey Vallada and Ninang Leah Vallada.

Ronald Cantiveros

Publisher/Chief Operating Officer VP-Business Development Managing Editor

Jose (Jun) Angeles, Jr.

Official Photographer

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief- Filipino Journal 1987-2008

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L- R Ninong Jun and Ninang Hermie, Ninang Leonnie and Ninong Ben Carandang, the family Abby, Elijah & Jose, and Ninang Vangie and George Aguilar

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Jose “Pepito” Magpayo

know where our allegiance belongs.

The fathers of our nation were mindful concerning the price of any kind of reform in favour of our country and people during the Spanish rule. Most of them tried to fight with their words. In those days, we Filipinos were united under the umbrella of nationalism – the struggle for independence. Today, we should also be united, to protect our history and legacy from internal and external adversaries.

How do we do this, you may ask? There is no clear answer, except that we must always seek to reform when we see evil in our midst. Our nation is in danger of collapsing if we lose all sense of morality in justice in favour of corruption and underhanded means.

Words are more powerful than actions sometimes – or words provide a gateway to accomplishing certain things which cannot be done otherwise. Inspiration comes with passion that cannot be caged at times when we do not expect it to arrive. Perhaps, in my own opinion, this is why I write for this paper. I want to inspire people to stand up for our country- the Philippines and to provide a sense of national pride amongst us expatriates here in Canada. Although we are far from home, we cannot remain silent.

We should be part of the voice for our country, a voice that rings out through the centuries - a voice of hope, the resounding triumph of justice over oppression.

Congratulations to Elijah Aseron Manlolo and his parents Abby and Jose Manlolo who was baptized at the St. Joseph Basilica last Sunday, August 25, 2013 by Fr. Dean Doyle of Toronto. Reception followed at the Pinoy Grill after the ceremony. Baptism was attended by family, relatives and friends.

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Associate Publisher - Alberta 246 Lindsay St. Edmonton, AB T64 2T2 email: angeles.associates@gmail.com 1-780-988-8889 or 1- 780-916-7677.

and ultimately, it became the cause of these writers’ alienation from society or execution.

Dr. Jose Rizal, for instance, promulgated his interest in reformation through propaganda, which avoided bloodshed.

Ultimately, it is undeniable that his influence catalyzed the emergence of Filipino revolutionaries who would take back our country from Spain.

Illustratively, in Rizal’s widely acclaimed novels Noli Me Tángere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Filibusters), he uses Crisostomo Ibarra as his mouthpiece to showcase his displeasure at governmental corruption. Ibarra’s journey weaves the reader into Rizal’s personal tragedies and allows them to relate with his nationalistic sentiments, including his love for Leonor Rivera, immortalized as the beautiful Maria Clara. Little did Rizal know that one day – in our century – his name would be repeated endlessly in History classes, revered as our “Pambansang Bayani” or National Hero. When he became part of La Solidaridad’s staff with Marcelo Del Pilar as Laong Laan, Rizal evidently knew of the power of words to change the times.

This year we have successfully celebrated another Buwan ng Wika, where we not only reflect on the legacy of men like Dr. Rizal, but also take pride in the diversity of the Filipino language. Though we speak different tongues, we are all united in blood and country. Though we may be scattered around the world, we

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

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Contributing Writers: Johnny Cantiveros Gem & Lita Anis Danilo Donor Miya Villarena Naresh Bhardwaj Jerry Caingcoy Erlinda Dolly Tan

Melanie Angeles Perry Diaz Jon Salvador Lito Mendoza Velasco Dolly Punsalan Castillo Jairus Bilo Thomas A. Lukaszuk

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Published by Molave Publishing Company, Inc. 46 Pincarrow Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1E3 •Tel: 888-489-8894 Fax: (204) 489-1575 •info@filipinojournal.com •www.filipinojournal.com Publications Mail Agreement No. 40032612 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Molave Publishing Company, Inc. 46 Pincarrow Road, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1E3

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September 2013

“Pinoy Singing Sensation” winners

By Erlinda Dolly Tan

T

his year’s grand champion of the “Pinoy Singing Sensation (PSS) -Season 4” is a 23-year old nurse from Sarangani, South Cotabato who moved to Canada last year to join her family. Cheenee Morales bested 17 other contestants from all over Alberta. Her winning song “I Believe” by Fantasia Barrino received a big applause and standing ovation from the audience.

This year’s PSS winners, from left: Cheenee Moralesgrand prize winner, Dreamie Holman-2nd prize winner and Melanie Agostinho-3rd prize winner.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

The PSS Finals was held last August 31st at the Gateway Alliance Church in Edmonton.

The panel of judges included Filipino legendary composer Vehnee Saturno who flew all the way from Manila to grace the occasion.

Cheenee is a Community Support Worker at Excel Society, a non-profit organization in town that provides support for people with mental, physical and developmental disabilities.

Cheenee started singing when she was five. Their neighbor in the Philippines who sold transistor radios would put a table outside of the store as a makeshift stage where Cheenee would sing and dance to entertain people. In appreciation, the audience gave her money and she would go home with some “earnings.”

Her first official victory came at Grade 6 when she won a school singing contest. This was followed by another victory in high school.

Her biggest to date was winning the PSS Finals.

She was discovered in Edmonton when she joined and won a karaoke singing contest at Lola Emma’s restaurant, Southside of the city.

Indeed, she had gone a long way from singing on top of a makeshift stage in the Philippines to winning in a real stage in Canada.

The $1,000 second prize went to Dreamie Holman, an Edmontonian lass who originally came from Pasay City. She is happily married and is busy looking after two lovely kids. She is an experienced performer and had joined PSS for the love of the stage.

The $500 third prize went to Melanie Agostinho, who recently moved to Edmonton from Vancouver. A proud mother of two, she is an experienced lounge singer and had joined several competitions in the past.

PSS is the brainchild of Tony Surtida, president and CEO of Le Tigre Entertainment Productions. Surtida is a long time resident of Edmonton who moved from Quezon City in 1989. He is a product of De La Salle University where he holds a diploma in Political Science. He has organized big events for the Filipino community such as sports and musical competition and some charity fund raising.

Completing the panel of judges were 2001 Voice of Asia Champion, Ms. Ladine Roxas, Edmontonian Glen Bermundo and Nina Aller.

SAMAHAN NG MGA ESPIRITISTA Edmonton- Christian Holy Spirit Fellowship chsf.edmonton@gmail.com (780) 974-0678

Cheenee took home $2,500 as grand prize.

“The best part, aside from the cash incentive” she said, “is making new friends in the Filipino community. This is the long-term prize I received.”

Calgary– Calgary Christian Spiritist Church leovallavillanoza@yahoo.ca (403) 397-4548

SAMAHAN NG MGA ESPIRITISTA This year’s PSS winners, from left: Melanie Agostinho3rd prize winner, Dreamie Holman-2nd prize winner and Cheenee Morales-grand prize winner.

PSS grand prize winner Cheenee Morales and her family.

They are originally from Sarangani, South Cotabato.

Edmonton- Christian Holy Spirit Fellowship chsf.edmonton@gmail.com (780) 974-0678 Calgary– Calgary Christian Spiritist Church leovallavillanoza@yahoo.ca (403) 397-4548

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TO THE DEALER: Kruger Products L.P. will reimburse the face value of this coupon plus regular handling fees provided you accept it from your customer at the time of purchase of item(s) specified and you and your customer have complied with all terms of this offer. Any other applications may constitute fraud. Failure to provide, on request, proof of purchase of sufficient stock during previous 90 days to cover coupons presented will void coupons. Coupons submitted become our property. GST/QST/HST/PST included in coupon face value where applicable. Reimbursement will be made to authorized dealers who honour the coupon. No facsimiles. For redemption, mail to: Kruger Products L.P., Box 3000, Saint John, N.B., E2L 4L3.

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Coupon valid in Canada only. Provincial law may require the retailer to charge the applicable tax on the full value of the purchase before the reduction (403) 397-4548 in coupon value. Unauthorized reproduction of this coupon is unlawful.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

September 2013

AINP - Alberta Work Experience Program – Deadline Nov. 28, 2013

Immigration News

by Columbio (Jon) Salvador, BSc.

Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant

(About the writer: Jon Salvador is a licensed immigration consultant and a member in good standing with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). He has more than 20 years of management and business experience in Canada. Prior to establishing his immigration consulting company, he worked for a U.S. based computer company and then at TELUS, the 2nd largest telecom company in Canada in various management positions.

He is originally from Manila, Philippines and graduated from DLSU (De La Salle University) in Manila with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also studied Business Management at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. If you would like to request articles on other immigration topics for future “Alberta Filipino Journal” publications, you can contact Jon at (403) 241-6276 or at jon@nuerainc.ca or the publisher of this newspaper.

Due to popular demand, I am republishing and updating the information regarding the new AINP – Alberta Work Experience (AWE) Program. It was launched on June 20, 2013 and will end on Nov. 28, 2013. This is a very good program for foreign workers – whose

employers are not willing to nominate them to become Permanent Residents (PR) of Canada. This program allows eligible Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in Alberta to apply to nominate themselves for permanent residency in Canada. Depending on the skill category of the TFW (ie. NOC category: O, A, B or C), the worker must have at least 2 years or more of Alberta work experience in the indemand occupations and meet other program and federal government selection criteria.

This new category is accepting applications only until November 28, 2013 (ie. the date of the application package is post-marked or dropped off in person at the AINP office). It is a time-limited opportunity. So if you are eligible… you should apply as soon as possible!

A. Alberta Work Experience Program - Selection Criteria 1. The TFW must be currently residing in the province of Alberta.

2. At the time of application, the TFW must be working full-time in Alberta and have a valid Work Permit with temporary resident status from Citizenship and Immigration Canada to work in Alberta in one of the selected eligible occupations.

3. The TFW must intend to continue to reside in and work permanently in Alberta in one of the eligible occupations.

4. At the time of application, the TFW must show that he/she has been working full-time (ie. at least 30 hrs./ week – excluding overtime) in Alberta in one of the eligible occupations. If the current occupation is a 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level: a. NOC: 0, A or B occupations, the TFW must show you have been

working full-time in Alberta in an eligible occupation for two (2) out of the past three years; or b. NOC: C occupation, you must show you have been working full-time in Alberta in an eligible occupation for three (3) out of the past four years.

5. The TFW must submit a complete Alberta Work Experience Category Application for Nomination and other required supporting documents.

B. List of Eligible In-Demand Occupations under the Program The eligible occupations have been identified using the 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) code and skill level. If an applicant’s current occupation’s skill level changed from the 2006 NOC system to the 2011 NOC system, the application will be considered on the basis of the NOC code that is most beneficial to the applicant.

Reference Tables on www.FilipinoJournal.com C. What work experience in Alberta are considered to be eligible Authorized work experience obtained in another eligible occupation will be considered where the occupation falls within the same industry/ occupational group (ie. within the same NOC Skill Type column of the NOC Matrix) as your current occupation.

For example, if an applicant is working as a Finance Clerks Supervisor (NOC 1212) at the time of application, the applicant would need to demonstrate two out of three years work experience (as NOC 1212 is a skill level B occupation). o If the applicant had experience during the three years as an Accounting Clerk (NOC 1431), the applicant’s

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experience in these occupations would be eligible for consideration, as both occupations are on the eligible occupations list and both occupations are under the “Business, Finance and Administrative Occupations” column of the 2006 NOC Matrix. If the individual’s prior experience was as an Accountant (NOC 1111) instead of NOC 1431, the applicant’s work experience would also be eligible, as NOC 1111 is on the eligible occupations list as well, and falls under the “Business, Finance and Administrative Occupations” column. o If the applicant’s experience during the three years was as a Customer Service Representative – Financial Services (NOC 1433), this experience would not be eligible as this is not an eligible occupation, even though it is still in the same column in the matrix. o Any work experience in an occupation outside of the “Business, Finance and Administrative Occupations” column, regardless if experience was gained working in an occupation on the eligible occupations list, would also not be eligible.

NOTES: 1. Unauthorized employment (e.g. a violation of terms and conditions of a work permit) will not be counted towards meeting this work experience criteria.

2. If you work in a regulated occupation in Alberta, you must demonstrate that you have the required certificate, licence, and/or registration. The eligible occupations list above shows which occupations require certification, licensing or registration.

D. Required English Language Test Scores The TFW must submit official test

FilipinoJournal. com

results showing that he/she meet the minimum language standards, and the test results cannot be more than two years old at the time of application to the AINP. The only English Language official test results that the AINP will accept are listed below: 1. IELTS – General Test Exams with minimum scores of: a. Listening: 4.5 b. Reading: 3.5 c. Writing: 4.0 d. Speaking: 4.0 2. CELPIP – General Test Exams with minimum scores of: a. Listening: 2H b. Reading: 2H c. Writing: 2H d.Speaking: 2H This program is great news for TFWs whose employers do not want to or cannot nominate them under the regular AINP program. The program is also great news for semi-skilled workers – who were previously not eligible under the regular AINP program (ie. Accounting and Related Clerks, Shippers & Receivers, Machine Operator, Mineral and Metal Processing, etc.). Unfortunately, the eligible lists in this program do not include: Food Counter Attendants, Cashiers and Kitchen Helpers.

Submit your applications before Nov. 28, 2013.

Legal Disclaimer: This news article is designed for general information only. The information presented in this article should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a consultant/client relationship. Each individual situation is different and people should seek proper advice on their specific cases with a licensed immigration consultant of their choice.

September 2013

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Winnipeg!

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The Filipino Journal is published twice a month in Winnipeg. We are committed to help you attain your marketing, sales, and company objectives. Your company advertisement in our newspaper will surely appeal to 50,000 Filipino’s and Canadian readers. Advertisers can expect to get their message to its readers and consumers in this area. People read the Filipino Journal because of its very informative news, entertainment sections and useful everyday information on living in Canada.

Filipino Journal is the no.1 Filipino-Canadian Newspaper in Alberta that published 10,000 copies once a month. We are the largest and fastest growing Filipino-Canadian newspaper, with 70,000 Filipino’s and Canadian readers.

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We can help you reach out to, collaborate with, and market effectively to targeted audiences in their on-line haunts.

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Corporate Facebook Pages – building and managing effective Facebook presences; Twitter Services – using Twitter the right way.

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increase brand awareness; create buzz; promote and advertise products and services; generate sales; establish expertise; drive more web site traffic showcase and demonstrate product effectiveness.

Facebook, MySpace, Flickr and YouTube get millions of visitors daily. Tap into this vital social phenomenon and reach a vast new audience, contact the Filipino Journal today to find out how.

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Ron Cantiveros (204) 489-8894 ron@FilipinoJournal.com

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

All photos & articles available online!

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September 2013

September 2013

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

Let's get social

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

September 2013

Aaliyah Angeles Turns Two in July

Time flies and little baby Aaliyah is now two.

Soon three is just looming around the corner.

Congratulations to the proud parents Mike & Katie and her sister Aylah.

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Sep

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There are more ways to become a Permanent Resident The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) is now offering temporary foreign workers more ways to become a permanent resident of Alberta.

Apply before November 28, 2013.

To learn about program updates and if you qualify to apply, go to www.AlbertaCanada.com/AINP

All photos & articles available online!

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September 2013

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

15

Face to Face with Karen Leibovici Edmonton's Future Mayor

By Jun Angeles

VOTE OCTOBER 21st.

KAREN LEIBOVICI FOR MAYOR

T

he freshly delivered placards and signs neatly adorned the new campaign headquarters of Karen Leibovici at the corner of Jasper Avenue and 112 Street. I was early for the morning interview with Karen and I was readily welcomed

by Warren Michaels, one of Karen's diehard volunteers. Somebody turn on the percolator and soon the freshly dripped coffee's aroma drifted the room.

My wife and I are Karen's supporters way back in her early years as MLA and now as Councillor for Ward 5. We were part of her Filipino team. We believe in her ability not only to lead but her ability to listen and her decisiveness as good decision maker.

Today, she's an experienced, smart, diligent, hard working politician, who's dedicated herself in the service of Edmonton. For 20 years she has continuously served elected office, two terms as a provincial legislator, four terms as a city councillor. I learned that she also served as a national President of the most influential association of municipal politicians in Canada.

This is the body of 2,000 mayors and councillors nationwide. She spearheaded efforts that resulted in an agreement with Ottawa that will result in cities and towns receiving an extra $20 billion in coming years. And for five years she chaired the $550 million fund Ottawa set up to support municipal environmental project across Canada.

Karen wants to continue her career in politics, this time she wants to run as our next mayor of Edmonton.

I believe on her capacity to become a mayor. She knows city hall and the bureaucracy like the back of her hand.

She is known as a decision maker who scrutinizes carefully every proposal to spend tax dollar which comes before her prompting reporters to call her a fiscal hawk.

Karen has a great passion for Edmonton. "I love this city and care about its future more than anything else" Karen showed up on time.

Dressed in her typical light grey business suit, she greeted us with her warm smile. We sat in a corner and exchanged pleasantries. I've learned that she was born in Montreal and educated with a social work degree.

Most of her early experience involved with social services in school immigrant communities and unions.

Fortunately her husband got a job in Edmonton and the family then moved to the Edmonton.

I asked Karen for a message to the Filipino Community. She spoke with passion "Edmonton is a vibrant community, thanks in part due to

people from many countries who have chosen to make it their home like so many Filipinos. They have enriched the city with their culture its customs and its language and made this a better place to live and work."

"I was appointed Edmonton's first equal opportunities officer when I first joined the city staff back in 1980.

I've always been committed to doing what I can to assist newcomers to Canada, to gain skills and experience and find jobs. And as mayor I will continue that commitment. Also, I will encourage City Hall to reflect greater diversity in its hiring practises.

Right now, I believe new comers need to be better represented among our employees and in recent years, one in five of those coming to Edmonton from other countries have been under the age of 14, my hope is that they will be able to get a good education resulting in a bright future."

"Our most recent census figures show that 50,000 new immigrants moved to Edmonton between 2006 and 2011. In both Calgary and Edmonton just over 60% of those people came from Asia. Here in Edmonton, the second mayor source of immigrants was Africa. European immigrants came third. Collectively, they have enriched Edmonton as the Heritage Days Festival which just ended has shown. It was a wonderful showcase of all those peoples- their wonderful food, music, dance, arts and crafts. It was a great celebration of immigrants like the Filipino community."

"Across Canada 1.2 million people from other countries immigrated to Canada during the five year period which brought the number of people who have come to Canada elsewhere to nearly 6.8 million."

"With the support of Filipinos in electing me as a mayor, I will continue to work for them and other immigrants to Canada. I've held public office for the past 20 years. I've done my best to help newcomers to Edmonton as Edmonton Councillor, now I hope to continue that work as Mayor. My job as mayor of Edmonton would be to ensure that Filipinos and other new Canadians, new citizens get jobs, find housing, get good medical care and are happy and successful."

It was nice chatting with Karen.

She got the passion to serve without any reservation. I enjoyed the morning coffee and wish to stay longer and listen to her vision of Edmonton.

But I need to get more placards to post. With Karen, Edmonton will not only be better, Edmonton will be the best place to live and raise a family not only in Canada but in the whole world. Go Karen go! We support you all the way.

Let's get social

Contact my campaign office to volunteer, donate or request a lawn sign.

OFFICE 780.700.0201 EMAIL campaign@karenformayor.ca TWITTER @karenleibovici 11204 Jasper Ave Edmonton, AB T5K 2V2

YOUR VOTE. IT MATTERS. KARENFORMAYOR.CA

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

September 2013

Globalfest 2013 Philippine Pavilion Highlights

Amba Visit September 2013

Masskara Festival

A sumptuous lunch reception hosted by the family of Perla Woo at the Calgary Tower. In photo front row left: Vangie Buera; Grace Aguirre; Debbie Mijares Gatan; Elvie Valeroso; Dina Santos. Back row left Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan; Malou Casuga; Honorary Consul Ferdie Aguirre; Miss Universe Canada 2013 Riza Santos; Perla Woo; Jun Buera and Leo Casuga. Not in photo Cecille Magpayo; Ruel Santos, Jose “Pepito” Magpayo.

Photo from Pepito’s Galaxy Samsung S4.

Riza Santos and Honorary Consul Ferdie Aguirre @ The Philippine Pavilion

University of Calgary Filipino Students’ Association

Jose “Pepito” Magpayo, Debbie Mijares Gatan and Cecille Magpayo @The Calgary Tower.

Winner of Pabitin Game

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Cecille Magpayo and Debbie Mijares Gatan by the Lake Louise on Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta

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Mrs. Debbie Mijares Gatan white-hatted upon arrival at the Calgary International Airport, a long standing Calgary Cowboy Tradition

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September 2013

17

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

2013 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X 4x4

My Ride

by Ron

Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

The exterior look of the Nissan Frontier is rugged and sporty with the rough yet polished body contours, a hefty roof rack and large BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires. The interior cabin of the Frontier is pretty Spartan with basic features on the centre stack entertainment and navigation console. While the interior might be pretty basic, the audio Rockford-Fosgate 10-speaker stereo system is

premium. Perfect for blasting tunes as you zip along country roads or stuck in Winnipeg construction traffic.

As an outdoor sports enthusiast, all I wanted to do when the Frontier showed up was load up my camping gear and mountain bikes for a weekend in the Whiteshell. Maximum payload capacity is 1,069lbs for the rear bed and 125lbs for the roof rack. If you have a small boat

or trailer, the Frontier Pro-4X can tow that as well. Maximum towing capacity for the Frontier is 6,100lbs.

Fuel efficiency ratings from Nissan Canada are 14.0L/100kms in the city and 9.4L/100kms on the highway. Over the Labour Day long weekend of mixed city and highway driving, I was getting approx. 16.5L/100kms for fuel consumption.

It was only too bad I didn't

have a chance to take the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X out to Seddon's Corner like I did with the Ford F-150 Raptor. The wheat field was fun, but not as fun as the quarry pits.

Base price of the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab 4x4 is $34,948. Model as tested, was $36,533 which included the leather package and blue metallic/ pearl paint.

I

t happened again. The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X 4x4 showed up on the driveway last week and the weather forecast called for sun all week. That meant lots of dry and dusty country roads and less muddy adventures. When it comes to off-road sports trucks, the more mud and dirt the better.

I just had to settle for harvested wheat fields for some off-roading excitement.

The mid-size 2013 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab 4x4 offers the perfect balance of offroad sports excitement while offering some urban comfort during the daily commute. The 4.0L 24-valve DOHC V6 engine with 261hp can power through the urban jungle or prairie wheat fields with ease.

Photo by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

Malvar-Calina Garden Wedding Ma Teresa Malvar and Hector Calina of Wetaskiwn exchanged wedding vows last Saturday August 24, 2013 in a Garden Wedding and Reception at the Calina's residence in Wetaskiwin. Dance and reception followed at the Moose Hall. Congratulations.

L-R: Lerma Calina, mother of the groom, bride Ma. Teresa Malvar, groom Hector Calina, father of the groom Manolito Calina and brother of the groom Noah.

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The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

September 2013

Horoscope Career will pose challenging situations along with travels but you would infer good results through your quality efforts.

Financial issues may not end on expected lines. Stay away from stepping into big ventures. Personal relationship will be stable. Health would be normal. The day will ensure moderate returns.

No matter what decision you make in regard to a major area of your life, inevitably someone will not be happy with your decision. Be pro-active, take a deep breath and take charge. A caring attitude with your family members will ensure smooth bonding.

Today is an excellent time to set some goals for you. Begin by setting one goal which is easily attainable. Have a flexible communication to infer a wonderful rapport in your coemployees. Spiritual and intellectual pursuits will bring you closer to one you love.

You need to put more effort into your work. Engage your brain. Working smarter will keep you from the dull work that you hate. Reconnecting with a person from your past is more important to your future than you think it is. Financial front offers a positive picture as there will be good inflow of funds.

Anything is possible right now, Taurus, you can change your life simply by changing your attitude. Be open to accept new experiences, and try to let go so you can embrace what comes next, everything has a blessing you just don’t know until you try. Family will enjoy lovely bonding.

Every action you do now will set the standard for the future, so you want to make sure the precedence you set now is what you want to continue with. Financial issues may not give you the desired results. A lot of expenses would be experienced. You will derive happiness through family relationship.

When the time is right to make changes in your life, and you will know when it is, you will need to take matters in to your own hands and make change that allows you to be more dynamic, and show the world more of the real you. Devote quality time for spending with loved ones to resolve issues confronting them.

You will need to help come up with a compromise in a group situation today, but luckily your diplomacy skills are stronger than ever! You have a habit of living mostly in the future, always looking toward the next project and the next stage of the journey. Your feeling of love is much appreciated.

Recognizing other people’s strengths can improve your relationships. Being able to channel the efforts of others toward a common goal can make you a great leader. There may be an increase in your savings. A good day to satisfy your aspirations. You will taste success in your career front.

It’s a great time for you to get what you want today, because luck is definitely on your side. Take your emotional energy to the gym or on your run, and process it fully through your body.

To know what you truly feel is power.

When you require more “life lessons” in a certain area, you will experience a strong emotional connection to a person or thing. This is the time to be curious and open to what this person can teach you. Adopt an honest cum transparent approach to charm your partner in personal relationship.

You are ready for the confrontation, and you are confident that you will prevail. And your confidence is well-founded.

With love, be honest and sincere with a partner and you will earn his or her trust, which in turn will help keep interactions harmonious.

PAHALANG 1 Ingat 7 Bighani 11 Pagkakasundo 12 Katay 13 Dinampot 14 Uri ng puno 15 Ibulay 16 Igapi 17 Raw 18 Ikuro 19 Babaing tulisan 22 Canned Goods: tagalog

PABABA 24 Pangalan ng lalaki 27 Banda 28 Malubha 30 Berdeng skoma sa palaisdaan 31 Kolektahin 32 Hilo 33 Pinangyarihan ng kaganapan, english 34 Sigla 35 Huwag ng isama

1

Taniman ng palay

10 Alis ng balat

2

Sabi nila

16 Kabyaw

3

Hindi na nakisama

18 Uno

sa asawa

20 Matulad

4

Automated Data Unit

21 ____ Agustin,

Movement, daglat

basketball player

5 Angkan

22 Pagsasaboy ng tubig

6

Enzyme na

23 Pangalang babae

matatagpuan sa

25 Virus mula sa unggoy

mammals

26 Bansa sa Asya

7 Awayin

28 Warm Feeling

8 Saysay

29 Purto _____, komonwelt

9 Ibukod

31 Unlapi

Volunteer Photographers Wanted Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer & Fort McMurray Volunteer photographers needed. Build your portfolio or use your expertise to aid the Filipino Journal by photographing special events and concerts. Must have own equipment and transportation. Photo editing skills would be helpful but not required.

Sudoku Puzzles are games of patience, numbers and genius! The satisfaction of solving a challenging Sudoku Puzzle is one of the greatest accomplishments any sudoku game player can experience.

Here is the puzzle. Good luck!

The Filipino communities are growing in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer & Fort McMurray. More & more events being passed along our way, we are looking to complement our team with volunteer photographers to cover all those events.

As with any community newspaper, we focus on local events such as community gatherings, picnics, sporting events, press conferences, dinners. Some gigs can be as quick as 15-20 minutes and other can be long, painful & boring. Our goal is to find photographers that we can assign work to on any given story. The majority of the events are during the evenings and weekend.

As far as compensation is concerned, we’re offering several options and considerations: 1. promotional compensation with photo credits on all photography used in our print and online editions.

3. advertising compensation with supporting photography services ad in our print edition.

4. royalties on any photographs sold through our website (in development).

Interested photographers can submit their name and portfolio to info@FilipinoJournal.com

All photos & articles available online!

Solutions for Palaisipan & Sudoku will be posted online www.FilipinoJournal.com

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September 2013

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

colleagues, I attended the grand opening and ceremonial ribbon cutting of the new Vauxhall Regional Water Treatment

Plant, toured and learned about combining at a wheat farm near Taber, and visited a corn field as part of Cornfest enroute to

Lethbridge where we visited an API poppy farm and the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden. During the weekend of August 30th we visited the Stettler Museum and toured a bison ranch in Big Valley where we got to see those majestic creatures up close and learn about

19 the growing importance of bison to Alberta’s agricultural economy.

I was very happy that I was able to join Premier Redford and my colleagues on this final leg of the summer tour. Thank you to everyone I met along the way.

Tour of Alberta On Tuesday, September 3rd I brought greetings on behalf of Premier Redford and my colleagues at the Alberta Legislature to thousands of spectators who lined the course

The Legislature

by Naresh Bhardwaj MLA, Edmonton Ellerslie

As the MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie, I am always available to assist constituents. If you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached in my constituency office at 780-414-2000, or in my Legislature office at 780-644-3845. Also, please subscribe to my E newsletter at http://bhardwaj. mypcmla.ca/

as cyclists from around the world inaugurated the race for the Tour of Alberta, the largest and most highly-ranked bike race ever held in Canada.

With Premier Redford and Caucus colleagues at the Grand Opening and Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting for the new Vauxhall Regional Water Treatment Plant

Building Alberta Tour The Building Alberta Tour wrapped up on September 1st and I had a fantastic time visiting parts of southern Alberta.

During the weekend of August 23rd with Premier Redford and a large number of my caucus

Learning about wheat combining with Premier Redford

The world is watching as 117 world-class riders compete in the Tour of Alberta cycling race that is spanning nearly 900 kilometers through Edmonton, Calgary and Alberta’s prairies, badlands, foothills and the Rocky Mountains. Organizers estimate the economic impact of the event will be about $35 million for the province.

Edmonton Elections Goes Mobile Edmonton Elections has gone mobile with the launch of the new 2013 Edmonton Election mobile app. The mobile app is available for download via the iPhone and Android app stores, and will be available for BlackBerry soon. A fourth version of the app, which can be read by any mobile device platform is also available at edmonton.ca/election.

“Edmonton Elections is always actively pursuing new, innovative ways to get information out to voters in order to reduce barriers to voting,” says Alayne Sinclair, Returning Officer. “There is a demand from residents to receive information using new tools and mobile technology is a great way to reach busy Edmontonians on the go.”

The app mirrors the election information offered on edmonton.ca/ election in a mobile friendly format.

It contains everything voters will need to know to successfully cast their ballot in the 2013 Edmonton Election, including: where to vote, who is eligible to vote, voter identification requirements, advance voting, the official candidate list, candidate forums and election results.

The mobile app also offers integration with google maps and social media. Using these features, mobile app users can obtain detailed directions to their designated voting station location and easily share important election information with their social networks.

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20

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

September 2013

Deputy Premier and Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education

T Honourable Thomas A. Lukaszuk

deputy.premier@gov.ab.ca

emporary foreign workers play a critical role in improving and contributing to Alberta’s economy. We need these foreign workers, and we need many of them to stay.

The Alberta Government has created a new opportunity for eligible foreign workers who are already here in Alberta to stay permanently. Equally important, this new category will help these workers become permanent residents sooner.

Under the Alberta Work Experience category of the Alberta

Calgary Fire Department honours its fallen with annual memorial service Filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo

The Calgary Fire Department honoured its fallen members at the 7th Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Thirty-two Calgary firefighters have died on the job or due to presumptive illness over the course of the Department’s 128year history.

“Although we are honouring those that are no longer with us, we take solace in knowing they live on in the hearts of the families who supported them, the firefighters that worked alongside them and in the memories of those they saved,” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi during the service.

“Thanks to their efforts and the continued efforts of all firefighters, we are able to stand here today feeling safe and protected.”

The fallen were remembered at the Police Officers and Firefighters Tribute Plaza by fellow firefighters, members of the

public and family members.

“Everyday our firefighters risk their lives,” said Fire Chief Bruce Burrell. “Sometimes we, along with the public, forget what the outcome of this risk can be. So it is extremely important that we take the time to honour our fallen firefighters and remember the risks that they take everyday.”

In 2012, the Calgary Fire Department responded to more than 52,000 calls for firefighting services and other life saving assistance.

The Police Officers and Firefighters Tribute memorial is inscribed with the names of nine Calgary Fire Department members who lost their lives while on duty.

This year four new names will join the list of Calgary firefighters who lost their lives due to presumptive illness - illnesses that are presumed to be the result of firefighting.

Immigrant Nominee Program, temporary foreign workers can now nominate themselves, without having to go through their employer. There are still eligibility requirements in place, such as working in a key, in-demand occupation for two or more years.

A language requirement is also part of the criteria for this new program.

Both the Eligible Occupation List and information on the English language testing system can be found online at albertacanada.com/ AINP-awe.

While our priority is always to

ensure Albertans and Canadians are hired first, I want to be sure we have the workers our growing province needs. Keeping needed foreign workers here permanently, in addition to training Albertans and Canadians, will help address some of our current labour challenges and better meet our long-term labour market needs.

Alberta is projected to be short 114,000 workers by 2021. This new category will not only help address that shortage, but also benefit the lives of foreign workers who are able to stay in Canada permanently.

These firefighters are recognized with commemorative plaques displayed at Fire Department Headquarters.

Former Fire Chief Wayne Morris, will be added to the list of honoured this year. Chief Morris is known for being instrumental in having the Tribute Plaza built and for supporting firefighters and their families through the onset of illness. As a result, the Calgary Firefighters Benevolent fund exists today.

Today’s annual service included a moment of silence, laying of wreaths and ringing of the bell in honour of each fallen Calgary firefighter. In recognition of the memorial service, fire stations across the city have lowered their flags to half-mast.

The Calgary Fire Department also paid tribute to their 32 fallen at the Canadian Firefighters Annual Memorial Ceremony in Ottawa on September 8, 2013. More than 1,100 Canadian firefighters, who lost their lives serving Canada since 1848, were honoured.

Air-Powered Guns

Dear Friends, In February 2012 Biskeg Na Pangasinan Friendship and Aid Association, organized a charity benefit show called “Too School for Cool”. It consisted of various local talents, both dancing and singing. With all the hard work of the performers, volunteers and generous ticket buyers as well many local sponsors, we were able to raise enough money to buy 1500 backpacks full of school supplies to give to the children in Philippines.

With the same cause of buying school supplies for children in Philippines, we organized the first ever “Miss Humanity” in November 2012. Twenty young women (from the ages of 15-24) battled it out to raise money for school supplies and gain the first ever Ms. Humanity title. This time around we raised enough money to buy 2200 backpacks full of school supplies as well as raincoats to go along.

Now presenting the second annual Miss Humanity beauty pageant, MISS HUMANITY 2013! Help us raise our goal of $20,000.00 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews: 13:16 Where: Gateway Alliance Church 13931 140 Street NW Edmonton, AB When: October 5, 2013 @ 6:00PM We are asking for Donation in kind or in cash to support our project.

As donors, we will acknowledge your name or company in our program. We will also include your name or company in donor’s list printed in our souvenir program.

We thank you for your support!

For more information please call Dyianna De Villa at 780-710-8738 or email biskeg2004@gmail.com

Sincerely, BISKEG NA PANGASINAN

Miss Humanity Sponsor – (value: $500) □ Four complimentary Tickets □ Full page souvenir program advertising □ Mention during the “benefit concert” Program □ Representative to crown the Miss Humanity 1st Runner up Sponsor – (value: $300) □ Full page souvenir program advertising □ Mention during the “benefit concert” Program 2nd Runner up Sponsor – (value: $200) □ Full page souvenir program advertising □ Mention during the “benefit concert” Program Full page advertising (value: $100) Halfpage advertising (value: $50) Quarter page advertising (value: $30)

I see this new program as a winwin-win situation for temporary foreign workers, their employers and Alberta.

Growing up in this great province, I had the privilege of seeing how openly we welcome many different people who take part in building Alberta. Temporary foreign workers are a valuable workforce we cannot afford to lose.

Visit AlbertaCanada.com/ AINP-awe today for full application and Alberta Work Experience criteria. The application deadline is November 28, 2013.

Filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo

Over the summer, the Calgary Police Service has responded to a number of reports of firearms, which turn out to be air-powered guns. Police are reminding owners of air-powered guns to be aware of how they are used and transported.

BB, pellet, and Airsoft guns are often made to imitate real firearms and are so realistic looking, they are easily mistaken by the public as the real thing.

Although a balanced approach is the aim when responding to a call involving a potential firearm, public and officer safety is a priority and often necessitate a large amount of resources until the weapon is confirmed to be a replica.

“When the public calls us with concerns of a firearm being seen, or used, in a public place, we must respond as though it is real, which often requires a significant police presence involving a number of our units such as patrol, HAWCs, K9, and TAC,” says Inspector Mike Tillotson. “However, we still encourage people to report any potential sightings of firearms.

Real or air powered, they pose a concern for public safety. Stray ammunition can easily cause real

harm or damage to people, pets or property.”

In Calgary it is a bylaw offence to fire any weapon within city limits, including on your own property. It is also against city bylaws to transport an airpowered gun with a round of ammunition in the chamber.

These guns can be used at approved shooting ranges within the city, as well as outside city limits providing permission has been obtained from the private land owner and in accordance with proper handling and safety procedures.

Laws Surrounding AirPowered Guns • Majority of BB, pellet, and Airsoft guns are not firearms as defined by the Criminal Code of Canada, or the firearms act.

• However, any gun or replica thereof, used in an offence, is considered to be a firearm and treated as such under the criminal code.

• It is a bylaw offence to fire any weapon within city limits, including on your own property.

• It is against city bylaws to transport an air-powered gun with a round of ammunition in the chamber.

Chinook CTrain Station reopens on schedule Filed by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo

The Chinook CTrain Station reopened for service last Tuesday, Sept. 3 after being closed since January for reconstruction.

The bus terminal that was temporarily relocated to 3 Street S.W. will be moved back to the station once the station opens on Tuesday.

The new station features a wider pedestrian walkway, an atgrade track crossing, three heated passenger shelters on the platform and a heated bus terminal passenger shelter.

“The removal of the 30-yearold station building will improve access to the station and will provide a more pedestrian friendly

environment,” says Calgary Transit Director Doug Morgan.

“The heated shelters and station canopy are a great addition to the station as it will help protect our customers from the winter elements. Sightlines have been improved for customer safety and we have enhanced our security camera coverage at this station.”

Over 12,000 customers use Chinook Station every week day, making it among the top 10 most heavily used CTrain Stations on the transit system.

The station reconstruction is part of a larger program to prepare all the stations for the future operation of four-car CTrains.

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September 2013

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

21

Association of Batangueños of Alberta UMAC August Singing (ABA) Observes Karibok sa Tag-Araw Contest Winners

T

he Association of Batangueños of Alberta (ABA) enjoyed the company of friends at recently concluded picnic at Emily Murphy Park celebrating summer or "Karibok sa Tag-Araw.

"Batangueños from the province of Batangas observed their annual tradition signifying summers' abundance of harvest of fruits, vegetables, rice, coffee and coconuts as reasons to celebrate.

ABA – Edmonton members having fun at the Emily Murphy Park for their annual summer picnic with the theme “Kariboksa Tag-araw”.

Congratulations to the winners of UMAC Singing Contest for the month of August which was held at Palabok House August 28, 2013.

ABA Edmonton and some of the guests that graced the affair.

ABA –Edmonton members posing for picture after a very successful event.

L-R: Eivenlour David, 2nd prize, Julius Ilagan, 3rd prize and Sunshine Bautista, 1st prize and a chance to compete for the Grand Prize Championship on September 25, 2013.

Carol Banawe, well known Filipino singer will be UMAC guest.

Game participants so busy trying to translate those hard Tagalog words into English.

Are you guys ready to pop the balloons?

We didn’t just have picnic at the park, we did some dancing too!

Run Gaudy, Leo is just behind you!

Hey! The twins joined the apple eating contest.

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22

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

Franchesca Donates Hair on Her 6th Birthday

September 2013

She's so happy she did it again!

Franchesca, the beautiful daughter of Ron and Mary Ann Suguitan of Edmonton donate her long lustrous black hair for the Cancer Society as an act of goodwill.

So on her 6th birthday her mom Mary Ann cut her hair again and make it into a wig for cancer patients.

Donating hair is not new to Franchesca.

When she turned 4 in Whitecourt, she headlined by the Whitecourt time for donating her long beautiful hair to cancer patients.

Congratulations to Franchesca and to your mom and dad for teaching you to be a donor, an act charity.

Alberta Cancer Foundation receives Franchesca's hair.

L-R: Cancer Coordinator, The Suguitan Family- Mary Ann, Ron Aeron and Franchesca

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September 2013

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

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24

The pulse of the Filipino Community in Alberta, Canada

September 2013 TELUS STORE OR AUTHORIZED DEALER

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Strathmore 55 Wheatland Trail 331 3rd Ave.

Okotoks 31 Southridge Dr. 118 Elizabeth St.

Edmonton Downtown 9915 108A Ave. NW 11315 104th Ave. NW

Malls Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre Edmonton City Centre Kingsway Garden Mall Londonderry Mall Millwoods Town Centre Northgate Shopping Centre South Edmonton Common Southgate Centre West Edmonton Mall

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*Wireless signal range will vary and can be affected by conditions in the home, including interference from other electronic devices and the materials used in construction. Wireless connections require a wireless access point, charged separately. **Offer available until November 4, 2013 to residential customers who have not subscribed to TELUS TV in the past 90 days and cannot be combined with any other offer. TELUS reserves the right to modify channel lineups and packaging, and regular rates without notice. HDTV-input-equipped television required to watch HD. Minimum system requirements apply. Final eligibility for the services will be determined by a TELUS representative. The Essentials is required for all TELUS TV subscriptions. Rate for Optik TV Essentials is $20/month for the first 6 months. Regular rate (currently $29/month) applies from month 7. All rates are $5 more with no other TELUS services. Regular rates of Filipino TV (currently $10/month) and The Filipino Channel (currently $5/month if taken with Filipino TV) apply from month 7. TELUS, the TELUS logo, Optik, Optik TV and the future is friendly are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.© 2013 TELUS. C3 FFH Philipine Journal.Alberta.indd 1

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