October2012

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Volume 5, Number 10 • October 2012

Alberta Publications Mail Agreement 40032612

H. E. Philippine Ambassador to Canada Leslie B. Gatan visits Alberta

H. E. Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan is presented with Alberta Filipino Journal jackets for him and his Karen Hanner of Tourism Calgary performs the Calgary long time cowboy tradition, the "White Hat" Ceremony on H.E. wife, Mrs. Debbie Mijares Gatan. In photo are Hermie Angeles, Cecille Magpayo - Producer/Host TV Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan, Hon. Consul Eric Gerardo Tamayo & Hon. Dr. Josyline Javelosa, Philippine Agri-Trade Filipino, Jose Jun Angeles, AFJ Publisher.

Attache'. Jun Angeles and Cecille Magpayo, Associate Producer of "Kusina ni Lola" on TV Pilipino and TV Filipino witnessed the ceremony.

Photos by Christopher & Nikki Richter

Pages 14-15 ► Meet & Greet with H. E. Leslie B. Gatan, Philippine Ambassador to Canada.

Motivated by a billionaire knight!

H.E. Philippine Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan is presented with a Calgary Flames jersey from Benjamin and Lourdes Ang, owners of Solid Industries, Ltd. in Calgary.

Jam for a Cause benefit concert a success

Page 4 ►

Page 16►

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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October 2012

Ron Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

Motivated by a billionaire knight!

Sir Richard Branson visits Winnipeg for a day.

I

t's not every day that you get to hang out and listen to a billionaire, let alone a knight.

A knight!!

Sir Richard Branson spent a day in Winnipeg and was the guest of honour at the joint Virgin Radio and Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Fairmont Hotel. As a business owner, and entrepreneur, I was excited to listen and learn a few things from Sir Richard Branson.

The "Screw It, Let's Do It" mentality was humorously highlighted at lunch by Branson's story on how he started Virgin Atlantic Airlines. After being bumped on an American Airlines flight from Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands, Branson filled his first chartered plane by selling seats for only $29 for a one-way ticket to the Virgin Islands. All this because he promised to see his wife, then-girlfriend that day and wasn't willing to miss the flight.

When my parents started the Filipino Journal over 28 years ago, I grew up knowing

that the main reason they started the newspaper was because they wanted share positive stories of Filipinos in Winnipeg. At that time, there were a lot of negative stories in mainstream media about new Filipino immigrants, and felt it was important to highlight the positive contributions of Filipinos in Winnipeg. By publishing their own community newspaper, allowed my parents to stay focused on our small and growing community. We featured business owners, students’ achievements in academic, athletic and community initiatives.

After 28 years in business, our focus at the Filipino Journal remains committed to all the Filipinos all across Manitoba. How does this all tie into Sir Richard Branson's visit? It was one answer that struck a deep chord in my thinking. Branson said that people start and build businesses in order to make a difference in people's lives. While we may be a small ethnic community newspaper in the grand scheme of things, I truly believe that what we do as a media

Front row with Sir Richard Branson hosted by Virgin Radio's Ace Burpee at the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

company makes a difference in our community. Our community is you, our readers, followers, fans, business associates and most importantly, our advertisers who have supported our family business for over 28 years.

In Branson's short visit to Winnipeg, fundraising proceeds of over $300,000 was raised for one of Branson's favourite charities, Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY). Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) is a non-profit street-level agency working with street-entrenched and homeless youth up to the age of 29. RaY is non-judgmental and non-partisan, employing a harm reduction approach to all interactions with youth in need.

Announced prior to Branson's visit to Winnipeg was "Phones for Change" by the Virgin Group's nonprofit foundation, Virgin Unite. The program will provide Virgin Mobile phones to at-risk and homeless youth and financial management education.

Sir Richard Branson is the epitome of being an entrepreneur.

He's worth over $5.4 billion and the Virgin Group empire consists of over 200 companies in over 30 countries. The most notable worldwide brands include Virgin Mobile and Virgin Atlantic Airlines.

In Winnipeg, the former Hot 103 FM station was recently re-branded as 103.1 Virgin Radio.

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Romney’s ‘Romnesia’

PEREZCOPE

by Perry

Diaz

PerryDiaz@gmail.com

T

he day after the second presidential debate last October 16, President Barack Obama told a cheering crowd of supporters that his rival, Mitt Romney, was suffering from a very rare condition. No, it’s not the avian “Big Bird” syndrome nor the Simian immunodeficiency virus. Nobody knows where it originated. And, to date, only one other person is afflicted with this condition, Romney’s vice presidential running mate, Paul Ryan. But because it has not been manifested before in other human beings, it is understandable that Obama called this condition, “Romnesia.”

As reported in the news, Obama told a cheering crowd of around 10,000 supporters in Fairfax, Virginia: “Now that we’re 18 days out from the election, ‘Mr. Severely Conservative’ wants you to think he was severely kidding about everything he said over the last year.” “He’s forgetting what his own positions are, and he’s betting that you will, too. I mean, he’s changing up so much and backtracking and sidestepping.

We’ve got to -- we’ve got to -we’ve got to name this condition that he’s going through. I think -- I think it’s called ‘Romnesia.’ ” The crowd roared in approval!

The third debate between Obama and Romney last October 22 was no different from the

second debate – Romney continued to manifest Romnesia.

He basically retreated from his positions on foreign policy and parroted Obama’s positions on just about every aspect of foreign policy. It makes one wonder: Was it a case of “Romnesia” or an endorsement of Obama’s foreign policy?

Clinch and hug Romney knew that debating Obama in an area where he has zero exposure and no experience would be politically suicidal. So, like in a boxing bout, he clinched and hugged Obama each time Obama attacked him.

However, Obama made it a point to remind Romney of his past positions on foreign policy issues such as the Afghanistan withdrawal timetable, Syria, Egypt, and other flashpoints in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Romney responded by just staring back idiotically at Obama.

But it is interesting to note that Romney did not bring up the Benghazi “act of terrorism” again, which caused him monumental embarrassment during their second debate when he wrongly claimed that it took Obama two weeks to admit that the Benghazi attack was an “act of terrorism.”

In fact, Obama declared that it was indeed an “act of terrorism” during a press briefing at the Rose Garden the day after the incident.

Horses and bayonets But nothing is more awkwardly embarrassing during their third debate than when Romney put on a show that Obama was weakening the country’s military capability. He zeroed in on the U.S. Navy saying that it is smaller today than it was in 1917 when there were 313 ships and today there are only 285. Obama responded, “Well,

Governor, we also have fewer horses and bayonets… because the nature of our military has changed. We have these things called aircraft carriers where planes land on them. We have these ships that go underwater, nuclear submarines.” Touché.

If there is anything that Romney achieved, it’s that he did not lose by knockout; the pollsters gave Obama a “unanimous decision” victory. It was probably a relief to Team Romney that their man was able to avoid a political knockout. Yes, they’d rather see their man foolishly embarrassed than floored.

Indeed, the third debate proved without a shadow of a doubt that Obama’s foreign policy has maintained the United States’ leadership in world affairs.

And because of Romney’s tacit endorsement of Obama’s foreign policy, the final two weeks of the presidential campaign would be confined to domestic issues, most importantly the state of the economy. But where does Romney stand?

Lies and hoaxes With no clear definition of what he stood for and no specifics on how he is going to improve the economy, Romney has to resort to playing games to mislead the voters. Indeed, by feigning “Romnesia” and flooding the

airwaves and networks with untruthful infomercials and attack ads against Obama, he just might be able to hoodwink the voters into buying the snake oil he’s peddling.

And there is the underground campaign that’s hitting the Internet and bombarding millions of emails with lies and hoaxes about Obama. This reminds me of Adolf Hitler’s Propaganda Minister, Joseph Goebbels, whose mantra was: “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people eventually come to believe it.”

Recently, I received an email with a link to an anti-Obama video. I checked with Snopes. com to verify the credibility of information on the video. It turned out to be a hoax. I responded to the sender, “It’s very sad that a lot of people fall for these hoaxes and lies. Gullibility is worse than stupidity.” The sender replied, “Who are the ‘gullible that are worse than stupid’ that you mentioned?” I answered, “A stupid person has a low mental intelligence. A gullible person is an intelligent individual but he or she is easily taken for a fool.”

The sender did not respond.

Then there was one person who called me an “ultra liberal Democrat.” I couldn’t help but respond. I told him that I’m a longtime fiscal conservative and social

moderate Republican who still believes in the Grand Old Party of Abraham Lincoln. I told him that I supported the presidential bids of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole, and George W. Bush. I told him that I supported Obama in 2008 because of the disastrous policies of George W. Bush, which led to the financial meltdown that year. I told him that I’m supporting Obama again this year because Romney’s policies would be detrimental to the country’s economy. I told him that Romney’s tax plan to give $8 trillion over 10 years in tax breaks to the rich would put the tax burden on the back of the middle class and working poor, which I find to unconscionable. It is no longer about conservatism; it’s about greed.

With 14 days to Election Day, the campaign is down to the wire in seven battleground states – Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, New Hampshire, Virginia, and Florida. Romney and Ryan would continue to manifest their affliction with “Romnesia” to hide their right-wing agenda and Obama and Biden would continue to expose their real positions.

At the end of the day, the American voters would decide intelligently. They would vote their conscience and elect the president whom they believe would serve all Americans.

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An Art of Giving Thanks

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.

Ask and you will be given

A magazine vendor in Manila was very excited while anticipating for the advent of her birthday. There was only one thing she asked for from God. She kept on praying that the Good Lord would provide her just a piece of roasted chicken (Andok’s Litson Manok). She did not notice that one of her co-vendors was observing her whenever she was fervently reciting prayers of petition to the Almighty. “Oh my dear Lord and my God, through the intercession of Mama Mary, I would be the happiest person ever if you would give my heart’s desire during my birthday; I would like

to have at least a piece of roasted or fried chicken so I can invite my neighbors and friends.” That was her daily litany.

One day, while she was contemplatively reciting her prayers, she was interrupted by Monyito, her co-vendor. “Hey sister Kulasa, what are you doing?

I noticed that in the past few days you have been pretty busy reciting and murmuring words. I even heard that you were asking a gift from your Lord and God.” Monyito sarcastically commented.

Nevertheless, Kulasa just opted to ignore what her co-vendor was saying. Instead, she pulled her Rosary beads out of her pouch and recites a decade of Glorious Mysteries. Her co-vendor, maybe, a devil’s advocate or an atheist, was so uncomfortable by seeing anybody asking favor from God. He was very upset by such a gesture of faith.

One time, he could not stand by just observing the old lady wasting time by saying the prayers of petition to the invisible God. Once again, Monyito tried to bug AlingKulasa: “Hey Sister Kulasa, did you not notice that you’ve already missed your customers while you were mentally focused and wasting time by saying prayers to the illusory God? Don’t you know that there is no God? But as usual, AlingKulasa just takeMonyito’s mockery words for

granted. She even held her Rosary beads very tightly and tried to finish the prayers she had started.

The Challenge: Give thanks and you will be showered with what you need.

To make the long story short, AlingKulasa’s birthday arrived.

She woke up early in the morning, saying a partial thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of life; she went directly to the door of her shanty, and was surprised when she saw three freshly cooked roasted chicken (it is likened to a Superstore or Safeway’s rotisserie roasted Chicken here in Canada).

“Thanks to You my Almighty God for answering my prayers as You have given me this wonderful gift during my special day in my life!

I am very much fulfilled today Lord!”

“Bwahahahaha! You’re such a foolish old lady Sister Kulasa!

You are thanking your Lord and God for having this roasted chicken on your birthday. Don’t you know that I have been hearing what you wanted to have for your birthday? That made me triggered to buy these three roasted chicken today. I wanted you to be happy and fulfilled during your birthday Sister Kulasa! Look, you should be thankful to me because I was the one who provided these gifts for you; it is not your God! There is no God Sister!”Monyito said.

However, Monyito

was terribly surprised when AlingKulasa, instead of thanking him, turned around and faced on her small altar on the wall to loudly and proudly express her Thanksgiving to God! “Why are you still thanking to your God Sister Kulkasa? I told you, I was the one who gave these gifts to you, and not the non-existent god!”

“I can’t believe it Monyito!

That the Lord and my God would be quite generous and provident to me today, during my very special day! Imagine, I never thought that He would be using an evil just to give me a gift and make my birthday a happy, fulfilled and complete day!

My dear fellows, have your faith been challenged like what Sister or AlingKulasa has encountered?

God allows evil to exist.

Without good there’s no evil. Evil is co-terminus with good, but not vice versa. What do you think?

By the way, please just continue glorifying and thanking the Source of all Goodness—the Almighty!

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all of you too!

(For comments and suggestions, please call me at 780-655-5126.

Thanks for letting the Filipino blood streams in your vessels).

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Catholic bishops supportive of Mindanao peace accord

Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said the country’s Catholic bishops, particularly those in Mindanao, support the creation of a Bangsamoro homeland for Muslim Filipinos and were positive about the “Framework Agreement” signed by the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Cruz noted however that the Moro homeland should not have been called Bangsamoro as this means the “Nation of Moros."

He said Moros is a pejorative term in Spanish (in the Philippine context) which means bad people.

However supporters of the peace deal say that Muslim Filipinos in Mindanao have overcome these and have used it to describe their regional identity.

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A Seven-Year Itch

by Dr.

S

Eusebio Koh

even is often referred to as the complete number, biblically and colloquially.

In the bible, God completed His creation in seven days. There are seven days in a week. There are seven continents and there are the seven seas. There are seven deadly sins and so on and so forth.

Seven years after his election to the papacy in April 2005, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI began to show his muscle and temper as the former Vatican enforcer Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. On April 18, 2012, the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith ordered the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) to shape up and place itself under the authority of three U.S. bishops.

LCWR represents about 80% of the 57,000 Catholic sisters in America. These sisters are known to be doing charitable and missionary work among the poor and infirmed. Their average age is 74 with decades and decades of service in their lifetime.

What the Vatican is worried about are the growing dissent of LCWR over such issues as ordination of women priests, ordination of married priests, celibacy, homosexuality, and even feminism. Because the sisters are often on the frontline contact with those most in need of the sacraments and assistance, I would not be surprised if on occasion they have acted as priests.

The LCWR was indeed taken

aback by this turn of events. At the annual assembly this past August in St. Louis, the LCWR president Franciscan sister Pat Farrell said in her speech, “I think it (the LCWR response) would be humble, but not submissive, rooted in a solid sense of ourselves, but not selfrighteous; truthful, but gentle and absolutely fearless.

“It would ask probing questions. Are we being invited to some appropriate pruning and are we open to it? Is this doctrinal process an expression of concern or an attempt to control?

“Concern is based on love and invites unity. Control through fear and intimidation would be an abuse of power.

“Does the institutional legitimacy of canonical recognition empower us to live prophetically? Does it allow us the freedom to question with informed consciences? Does it really welcome feedback in a church that claims to honor the sensus fildeum?”

Two weeks before he passed away last August 31, Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini gave an interview on what’s ailing the Church. He said among many things that the Church is 200 years behind the times. He mentioned the shabby way the church has treated extended families, i. e. families resulting from divorce and remarriage. He was bewailing the loss of the future generations’ giving rise to pompous and empty churches and cathedrals, especially in the Western world.

I may add that the Church is 200 years behind in treating a good half of our population, the women. Modern women are definitely at par with men intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally despite being physically weaker. There are women in all professions and human endeavors—doctors, teachers, lawyers, caregivers, businesspeople, protestant pastors, writers, politicians, etc.— except the Catholic priesthood.

The old excuse that Jesus

selected the twelve disciples to be all male is a red herring.

Two thousand years ago, women were treated as chattel, movable property, a shade better than slave, people who take order, and are of no consequence.

The women religious, if anything, are doing work and solicitations closer to what Jesus was doing in his ministry. They are closer at heart and in mind to the teachings of Jesus. Perhaps it is best that they do not display the pomp and splendor of the hierarchy in the Vatican.

Unfortunately, many of them are approaching retirement and they depend on the Vatican for their wherewithal. If the Vatican is truly concerned with the welfare of the LCWR, then it should come out and guarantee that the sisters are taken care of in comfortable retirement. Better still is to let LCWR have full control over their affairs—governance and finances.

Among the old boys’ club, feminism is a bad word. Like the term “civil rights” in the ’60s, feminism is about justice and freedom denied to a huge segment of our population. The Church can use some wisdom and correct centuries of injustice to women.

I hope we do not wait 400 years when Pope John Paul II apologized to Galileo for what was done to him by the Church. In case you don’t know, here’s what happened. For promoting the Copernican theory of the planets as we know it today, Galileo was tried in 1633 by the Roman Inquisition, found guilty of heresy and sentenced to indefinite imprisonment.

The Church has many skeletons in the closet; foremost is the sexual abuse scandal including pedophile priests. The confrontation with the LCWR is a distraction—just like the introduction of the new Roman Missal. We are so busy learning the new responses at Mass, we ignore the real problems. God help us!

The Order of Carmelite Nuns of the the Holy Trinity of the Philippines receives $10,000 donations from Fr. Joseph Wrobleskin of St. John Parish.

The Order of the Carmelite Nuns of the Holy Trinity from the Philippines received a donation cheque in the amount of $10,000.00 from Father Josef Wroblewski Pastor of St. John The Evangelist Parish. From left: Sister Nanette Mendones, Mother Superior Trinidad Bunac and Rudy Arcilla, St. John's Pastoral Council. The amount will help the poor and typhoon ravaged Filipinos mostly in Ligao where the Carmelite Nuns used to house, feed and educate children as they qualify as a Catholic Charitable Entity.

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Aquino approves raise in government fees

Effective October 1, state agencies, including government owned and controlled corporations can now raise existing fees and impose new charges if necessary as President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Administrative Order No. 31.

AO 31 states that the rates of

fees and charges collected must be just and reasonable to enable the government to effectively provide services without straining the National Government’s resources.

The order added that equity requires that persons receiving or benefiting from rendered services share the cost of providing such services.

The order assigned the Task Force on Fees and Charges to monitor compliance of the concerned agencies.

Also directed by the President to prepare AO 31’s implementing rules and regulations were the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

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Bernardo's Short Film Thriller "CHORES" Premier at the Edmonton International Film Festival Terence Bernado's short film "CHORES" a thriller about a man who goes around his daily chores in a remote and isolated farm senses that someone is watching him. The film grossly engage the audience from beginning to end with surprisingly spill binding scenes.

Bernardo's film is one of the over 100 entries at the Edmonton

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International Film Festival which was held from September 28 to October 6, 2012.

Terence Bernardo, born and raised in Edmonton is a high school alumni of Archbishop McDonald High School in Edmonton and now resides in New York City making a name in the musical, commercial and film industries.

Step on Board the Mill Woods to City Centre LRT Video The City of Edmonton has released an animated video that describes preliminary details of the Southeast to West LRT. The video shows the locations of stops and stations of the southeast portion of the route from Mill Woods Town Centre to City Centre West.

The video, based on the Concept Planning phase, provides an overall look and feel of how new tracks and low-floor trains could integrate with Edmonton neighbourhoods.

The video does not include details from the current

Preliminary Design phase or future developments. It also does not reflect the results of past and ongoing consultation with the public and various community groups throughout the city. The video will be updated to incorporate valuable information resulting from public consultation when the Preliminary Design phase is completed. Preliminary design will continue through 2013.

About the Southeast to West LRT Project The Southeast to West LRT (SE to West LRT) is a low-floor

urban line that will run between Mill Woods in southeast Edmonton through downtown to Lewis Farms in the west end. Public input helped shape the route, stop/ station locations and other details during the Concept Planning phase.

Council approved the Southeast and West LRT Concept Plans on January 19, 2011, and the Downtown LRT Concept Plan on February 15, 2012.

All 27 km of the Southeast to West LRT are currently in the Preliminary Design phase.

Edmonton’s Urban Forest Receives National Honour

Bernado's family and friends

Lining up to watch the film Chores

Efforts to improve the city’s urban tree canopy received national recognition as Edmonton was awarded the Urban Forestry Award at the national Communities in Bloom Awards on October 13, 2012.

“It is an absolute honour for Edmonton to win the Communities in Bloom Urban Forestry Award,” said Jeannette Wheeler, Principal of Forestry for the City of Edmonton.

“To be recognized nationally and internationally for the planning, research, trials and hard work that we do everyday to maintain a vibrant urban forest is truly overwhelming.”

Applications were submitted from across the country with all 120 Communities in Bloom

municipalities eligible for entry.

The Urban Forestry award was determined by a committee who reviewed all entries before choosing Edmonton as the leader for urban forest management in Canada.

Criteria for the Urban Forestry award includes a municipality’s plans to involve businesses and the community in tree planting and overall tree care. Edmonton’s application highlighted the City’s relevant bylaws, community events, the Urban Forest Management Plan, and the council-approved Root for Trees initiative that aims to increase Edmonton’s tree canopy by 20%.

This is the first time Edmonton has received the Urban Forestry award although it was a finalist in 2010.

Communities in Bloom (CiB) is a non-profit organization founded on the basis of beautifying towns, cities, and green spaces through environmentally responsible practices, while fostering a sense of pride and involvement in the community. This national program allows participating communities from across Canada to have their hard work and dedication recognized based on different criteria including environmental action, floral displays, heritage conservation and urban forestry.

To find out more about Edmonton’s award winning urban forest practices visit edmonton.ca/ trees.

You’re having lunch in your office and decide you need some greens for your salad. If you're like most people, you'd have to go to the store to buy what you need. But if you work at Manasc Isaac Architects, you can go to the rooftop garden and pick fresh vegetables.

The firm is 1 of 7 winners of the City of Edmonton’s Small Business Eco Challenge.

The challenge encourages small businesses to take steps to reduce their environmental impact in any or all of the 6 The Way We Green challenge areas: energy and climate change, food resiliency, solid waste reduction, land conservation, water

protection and air quality.

Small businesses that entered the challenge had many unique ways of reducing their environmental footprints, from lunch room vericomposting to Smart Cars for staff use to an intranet page where staff could buy, sell or trade useful items.

Winners receive cash prizes and framed certificates while creating ongoing environmental benefits and taking pride in being a Small Business Eco Winner.

“Small business is a vital and vibrant contributor to Edmonton's strong economy,” says Councillor Amarjeet Sohi who presented

the awards. “By reducing their environmental impact these businesses are demonstrating their innovation and leading by example.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the Small Business Eco Challenge.”

Nomination could be submitted in the small business categories of 1-10 employees, 11-50 employees and 51-100 employees.

Prizes were presented October 19, 2012.

Discover Your Inner Animal at the Carnivale of Carnivores Edmonton Small Business Grows Green In a magical masquerade presented by the Valley Zoo Development Society, you’re invited to discover your inner animal at the Carnivale of Carnivores.

Date: Saturday October 27, 2012 Time: 6:30pm Location: Celtic Hall, 10104-32 Avenue The evening will include Gypsy fire dancing, arabesque gymnastics, a performance of Homage to Birds of Prey created for this event, and up close encounters and photos with the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s Birds of Prey. Aside from the array of entertainment, guests can expect an evening of dancing and music, locally inspired hors d’oeuvres, fortune tellers, storytellers and really large puppets. Included in the evening of entertainment is a live auction.

All proceeds from this event will go to supporting the Valley Zoo

Development Society, including the development of Nature’s Wild Back Yard. This is the third phase of the zoo’s revitalization and follows the development of Arctic Shores, which opened in February, and the Entry and Wander, which is scheduled to open in 2013. The Valley Zoo Development Society has committed to raising funds of $9 million for Nature’s Wild Back Yard.

Natures Wild Back Yard will be a place where the zoo’s youngest guests will have the opportunity to get closer to animals and to experience the delight of watching, interacting and bonding with animals.

Individual tickets are $125 each or packages of 10 tickets can be purchased for $1,125. Buy your tickets online or by phone at 780-496-6924.

Ronald Cantiveros

Publisher/Chief Operating Officer VP-Business Development Managing Editor

Rod Escobar Cantiveros Sales & Advertising

Jose (Jun) Angeles, Jr.

Associate Publisher - Alberta 246 Lindsay St. Edmonton, AB T64 2T2 email: angeles.associates@gmail.com

Jose “Pepito” Magpayo Associate Editor/Marketing afjcalgary@shaw.ca (403) 264-5605

Rosalinda Linsangan Natividad-Cantiveros

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

aLfie vera mella

www.FilipinoBrideAndGroom.com Published Annually

For a complete list of the winners and their environmental actions, please visit www.edmonton. ca/ecochallenge.

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A Division of Bowes Publishers Ltd. Leduc, AB Printer Noli Granado Christopher & Nikki Richter

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.

Contributing Writers:

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Official Photographer

Johnny Cantiveros Melanie Angeles Carl Benito Gem M. Anis Perry Diaz Danilo Donor Jon Salvador Perry Diaz Dolly Punsalan Castillo

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Hailey's Grand Debut Celebration A dream debut for Hailey Abenojar's 18th Birthday became a reality at the Fantasyland Hotel, Beverly Hills Ballroom last Saturday October 20 ,2012. Proud parents Brian and Shawnie Abenojar introduced Hailey to over 200 guests at a dinner party.

Hailey with her two brothers and parents Shawnie and Brian

Hailey and the Cupcakes

First Dance with Dad Brian

Hailey with friends and classmates

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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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Filipino Journal SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES

Social media marketing brings your company to the fastest growing networking hubs on the Internet.

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

Social Media Marketing services include: Social Media Strategy - finding your potential clients on-line and figuring out how to reach them.

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

Our social media marketing services can: * * * * * * *

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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Spousal & Family Sponsorships - Frequently Asked Questions  prove that you have sufficient income to provide basic requirements for your spouse or common -law partner’s dependent child. To do this, you must provide documents that show your financial resources for the past 12 months.: This requirement applies only when dependent children who have dependent children of their own are included on the application.

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.

A

s requested by many TFWs who have married or are living common-law with Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents (PRs), I am re-publishing the news article with regards to Spousal and Family Sponsorship program. Listed below are the frequently asked questions (FAQs) and the answers. If you have any questions that are not covered in this issue, please feel free to send me an email at jon@nuerainc.ca (NOTE: The Spousal Sponsorship program is currently under Federal Government review. Due to many “fake marriages”, tighter rules are expected to be introduced in the near future. So, if you are a TFW who has married a Canadian citizen or in a common-law relationship ... you need to act quickly before the laws are changed.)

Q1. Who can sponsor a spouse (married or common-law) to become a PR in Canada?

A. To be eligible to sponsor a spouse or family members, the person must:  be 18 years of age or older  be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident  be sponsoring a spouse or common-law partner or family member  live in Canada and continue to live in Canada after the sponsored person obtains PR status  sign an agreement, along with your spouse or common-law partner, confirming that each of you understand each other’s obligations and responsibilities.  sign an undertaking promising to provide for your spouse or common-law partner’s basic requirements and, if applicable, those of his or her dependent children

You may NOT be eligible to sponsor, if:  you have an undertaking for a previous spouse or common-law partner and three years have not yet elapsed since he or she became a PR.  you receive social assistance for a reason other than disability  you are in default of an undertaking, immigration loan, performance bond, family or child support payments  you are an undischarged bankrupt  You were convicted of a sexual assault or an offence involving family violence, unless you were granted a pardon or five years have passed since the completion of your sentence  You are under a removal order  You are detained in a penitentiary, jail reformatory or prison  You have already applied to sponsor your current spouse or common-law partner and a decision on your application has not yet been made.

Q2: I recently became a Permanent Resident (PR) of Canada. Who can I sponsor to come to Canada?

A: If you are a PR or a Canadian citizen you can sponsor the following people: a. your spouse or common-law partner b. your dependent child of your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent child c. a dependent child of a dependent child d. your parents and grandparents: via Super Tourist Visa – valid for 10 years e. brother, sister, nephew, niece, grandson, granddaughter under 18 yrs old and not a spouse or a common-law partner A spouse is a person you are legally married to and have a valid married certificate.

By definition, a common-law partner is a person (same sex or opposite sex) you have lived with continuously as “husband and wife” for at least one (1) year. Short absences are allowed for business travel or travel for family reasons. You need supporting documents that prove that you have been living together for at least one year such: as joint residential lease/rental contract, joint ownership of home, joint bank accounts, joint utility or phone bills, joint credit cards, proof of joint purchases, etc.

A child is considered a “dependent child” when the person:  is under the age of 22 and does not have a spouse or common-law partner;  is over the age of 22 and has been continuously enrolled as a full-time student and depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22;  became a spouse or a common-law partner before the age of 22 and has been continuously enrolled as a full-time student and depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since becoming a spouse or common-law partner, or  is over the age of 22 and depended substantially on the financial support of a parent since before the age of 22 because of a physical or mental condition.

Q3. What responsibilities am I taking

when I sponsor a spouse and dependents?

A. When you agree to sponsor a spouse or common-law and dependents, you must sign an undertaking. The undertaking is a promise to provide financial support for your spouse and dependents basic living requirements and those of his or her dependent children.

Basic living requirements are food, clothing, shelter and other needs for everyday living. Dental care, eye care and other health needs not covered by public health services are also included. The undertaking ensures the applicant and his or her dependent children do not have to apply for social assistance.

The length of the financial undertaking depends on the age and sponsor’s relationship with the person(s) who is/are being sponsored. The table below shows how long the financial undertaking will be valid and enforced: a. Your spouse or common-law partner Three (3) years after the day he or she becomes a permanent resident

Alberta and separated from your spouse for at least one year... you can divorce your previous spouse in the Philippines by filing the necessary legal documents in Alberta.

Your spouse in the Philippines has to be properly notified that you are filing for a divorce in Canada.

b. Dependent children over 22 years of age Three (3) years after the day he or she becomes a permanent resident

Q6: I am a Temporary Foreign Worker and my Work Permit (WP) has already expired. I recently got married to a Permanent Resident ... can my spouse still sponsor me under the spouse or commonlaw partner In Canada Class program even though my WP has expired?

A: Yes. Your spouse can still sponsor you even though your work permit has already expired -under a special public policy that creates exceptions for spouses or commonlaw partners in Canada Class, if you are still in Canada. In your application, you and your spouse have to provide evidence that the marriage is genuine and not entered into just for the purpose of staying in Canada.

c. Dependent children under 22 years of age 10 years after the day he or she becomes a permanent resident, or until the child reaches 25 years of age, whichever comes first NOTE: If payments from a federal, provincial or municipal assistance program are made while your financial undertaking is still valid, you (the sponsor) will be considered in default of your undertaking.

You may have to repay the government for any benefits received by the person you sponsored and until the monies are paid, you will not be allowed to sponsor any other relative.

Q4: Are there relationships that are not eligible under spousal sponsorship?

A: Yes, you cannot be sponsored as a spouse, a common-law partner or a conjugal partner if:  you are under 16 years of age  you (or your sponsor) were married to someone else at the time of your marriage  you have lived apart from your sponsor for at least one year and either you (or your sponsor) are the common-law or conjugal partner of another person  your sponsor immigrated to Canada and, at the time he/she applied for permanent residence, you were a family member who should have been examined to see if you met immigration requirements, but you were not examined or  your sponsor previously sponsored another spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner, and three years have not passed since that person became a permanent resident.

Q5: I am legally married in the Philippines but have been separated for several years with my spouse. There is no divorce in the Phils. I have been living “common law” with another person in Canada for more than one year. Can I sponsor my common-law partner even though I am not legally “divorced” in the Phils.?

A: Yes, you can sponsor your common-law partner in Canada – as a common-law partner. However, you cannot marry him/her until you first legally divorce your previous spouse. If you have been legally living in

In Canada, a couple is considered in a common law relationship, if they have been continuously living together as husband and wife (conjugal relationship) for at least one year. This applies also to same sex couples who have been living together as “husband and wife” for at least one year. A conjugal relationship exists when there is a significant degree of commitment between two people – that they support each other emotionally, financially, etc., that they present themselves in public as a couple.

Proof of commitment and living together would include but not limited to: living in same address, joint names in apartment lease agreements, joint names in telephone or utility bills, joint bank accounts, etc.

Q7. I have been legally in Canada as a Tourist for 1 year, I have been living as a common-law partner with a Canadian citizen and we have a child born in Canada. My Tourist Visa has recently expired... can I apply for permanent residence (PR) under the spouse or common-law partner In Canada Class program?

A. Yes, you can apply for PR under the special public policy relating to the spouse or common-law partner In Canada Class program. However, your application may not be approved, if there are reasons that prevent you from staying in Canada that are not related to your lack of legal status such as medical inadmissibility, or inadmissibility due to criminality or security problems.

Q8: I am a Permanent Resident of Canada. Is it faster to apply for spousal sponsorship inside or outside Canada?

A: It is normally faster to apply to sponsor a spouse from outside Canada. Couples living in Canada can chose to apply in or outside Canada. There are some differences between the application programs: Inside Canada a. average of 12 to 18 months to process routine applications b. no right of appeal –(not recommended, if difficult to prove your marriage is genuine) c. the sponsored person should stay in Canada while your application is being processed If you leave Canada and cannot re-enter, the application will be abandoned. d. Sponsored person in Canada can apply even after Work Permit has already expired e. you can send an application for an open work permit with the sponsorship application. The work permit will be issued

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as soon as you are eligible for it.

Outside Canada a. average of 6 to 12 months to process routine applications b. you have the right of appeal c. sponsored person in Canada should maintain valid Work Permit before and during the whole process d. you can leave and re-enter Canada while your application is being processed as long as you meet all requirements to enter Canada e. if you want to work in Canada while your application is being processed, you must maintain valid Work Permit .

Q9: I just found out that my recently sponsored spouse is cheating on me. Can I cancel my spousal sponsorship after it is approved?

A: No, you cannot cancel your spousal sponsorship after it is approved. You can cancel it before it is approved. If you change your mind about sponsoring a spouse or family member, you must write a letter to the appropriate Case Processing Centre before a Permanent Resident visa is issued.

Once permanent resident visas are issued, the promise that you made to support your spouse or family member is valid for the term of your application.

The application is an unconditional promise of support. You have signed a contract when you submitted the spousal sponsorship application. Problems like infidelity, relationship breakdown or moving to another province does not cancel the application. The application also remains in effect even if your financial situation changes and you can no longer afford to provide financial support. If the situation involves misrepresentation, fraud, or any significant anomalies on the part of the sponsored spouse, etc. you should consult with a Canadian lawyer.

Q10: How do I check, if the consultant whom I am dealing with and paying a fee is a licensed immigration consultant?

A: Licensed immigration consultants in Canada are listed in the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) website consultant’s’ directory: http://www.iccrc-crcic.ca/home.cfm If the person giving you advice is not listed in the ICCRC website consultant’s directory, then chances are the person is NOT a licensed immigration consultant. They may be just “agents” of an immigration company and not properly licensed. As per the new Canadian law Bill C-35, it is illegal for unlicensed immigration consultants to provide immigration advice and charge fees.

You can report suspected illegal activities to ICCRC at: 5500 North Service Road, Suite 1002 Burlington, Ontario, L7L 6W6 Tel: 1-877-836-7543 (toll free) Fax: 1-877-315-9868 (toll free) Email: info@iccrc-crcic.ca 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.

October 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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H. E. Philippine Ambassador to Canada Leslie B. Gatan visits Alberta

By Jose “Jun” Angels, Jr., Publisher

H. E. Philippine Ambassador to Canada Leslie B. Gatan, made a positive move to visit Alberta, a leading economic province in Canada known for its oil and gas and agricultural industries.

Alberta also employs thousands of OFW's from different sectors of industries, a lot of them in the oil and gas sectors. The Team Philippine Canada (TPC) Annual Economic Diplomacy workshop was also held in Edmonton coinciding his tour of the province particularly Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary. He was able to have dinners with the leaders of different Filipino associations in Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary.

The Mapua Alumni Association of Alberta (Calgary), the Alberta

Filipino Journal, TV Filipino and Benjamin & Lourdes Ang, owners of Solid Industries hosted the "Meet and Greet the Ambassador "at the Greenwood Inn in Calgary last Monday, October 8, 2012. The programme proper was ably emceed

by Jose “Pepito” Magpayo, both national anthems by Joel Valderrama, blessings by Filipino Seniors leader Freddie Rudio, while the welcome remarks by Mapua Alumni President Oliver Sicat and by Benjamin & Lou Ang owners of Solid Industries, Ltd. Jose Jun Angeles, publisher of Alberta Filipino Journal made the closing remarks. At the Meet and Greet, the Ambassador was presented with a Calgary Flames jersey by Benjamin & Lourdes Ang of Solid Industries,

Jose "Pepito" Magpayo, organizer of the "Meet & Greet with the Ambassador" ably emceed the programme proper.

Ltd. and Filipino Journal jackets from the Alberta Filipino Journal presented by Jun Angeles, Hermie Angeles and Cecile Magpayo. The Ambassador was fitted with the Calgary long traditional cowboy hospitality by presenting him and his

Jose “Jun” Angeles, Jr. made the closing remarks and presented the Ambassador with Filipino Journal jackets.

consular team with “The White Hat Ceremony” by the Tourism Calgary representative, Karen Hanner.

The Ambassador brought the good news of Philippine progress with regards to the Philippine economic recovery, as the best performing

Asean country, the call center capital of the world. Philippines was able to pay its debts to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and lend $1B to Europe. He took pride of the

More on page 13 ►

Ambassador Gatan completes Economic and Consular Mission to the Maritimes

A

mbassador Leslie B. Gatan led Team Philippines in Canada on an economic and consular mission to the Maritime Provinces of historic Prince Edward island and scenic New Brunswick from 24 to 30 September 2012, thus rounding out his tour of Atlantic Canada -- which started in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as in Nova Scotia, in April 2012.

In the Cradle of Canadian Confederation Ambassador Gatan visited historic Prince Edward Island – known as the cradle of the Confederation, and held calls on and meetings with the Honorable Lieutenant Governor H. Frank Lewis, the Hon. Premier Robert Ghiz, His Worship Clifford Lee, Mayor of Charlottetown, the Honorable Allen Roach, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, the Honorable Janice Sherry, Minister of Environment, Labor and Justice, and Mr. Lee Brammer of Innovation PEI. Ambassador Gatan further held meetings with business leaders and

managers and visited manufacturing facilities in the province, including the Mussels King facility at Morell, the Master Packaging Plant at Borden, the Cavendish Farms in New Annan, and the Testori Americas Corporation in Summerside. The Ambassador met such prominent business leaders such as Mary Jean Irving and Ellen Dockendorff.

The Ambassador toured the campus and modern facilities of the Holland College and met with President Brian McCauley and Justin Dunn.

The visit of the Ambassador and his delegation was facilitated by the Chief of Protocol Mary Ellen Morieke and Mrs. Leticia Da Rosa, the latter among the pioneering Filipino migrants in the province.

The Ambassador saw firsthand how Filipino migrants and workers continue to demonstrate the kind of work ethic and skill sets Filipinos are known for in the world.

On the occasion of the visit of the Ambassador, the Philippine Embassy Consular Section conducted a parallel

From Top left clockwise: Ambassador Gatan with New Brunswick Premier David Alward; with PEI Lt. Governor H. Frank Lewis, with Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee, New Brunswick Lt. Governor Graydon Nicolas; with Fredericton Mayor Bard Woodside, and the area supervisor and Filipino crew at a fastfood restaurant in Fredericton.

consular service to Filipino nationals at the Jack Blanchard Family Centre.

The Ambassador announced that the provision of the consular service would be scheduled on a yearly basis, to service the needs of the growing Filipino community in the province.

The Ambassador and his delegation were feted by the community, which, even without any formal representative organization, showcased a deep sense of unity and camaraderie that would evidently be unique and unparalleled in Canada.

Joining the Filipino workers during the get-together were the employers as well as His Worship Mayor Lee themselves.

Hope and Luck and the Harvesting of Potatoes The potato continues to be intricately linked to the wealth and livelihood of Atlantic Canada, demonstrating the proverbial luck in harvesting the spud from planting veritable pebbles. At New Brunswick, Ambassador Gatan and his mission explored ways to have the famed luck extend to possible linkages in trade, commerce and investment between Filipino and New Brunswick enterprises. New Brunswick is the new land of hope particularly for the increasing number of Filipino migrants and workers in the province.

Ambassador Gatan called on the Honorable Graydon Nicholas, Lieutenant Governor of New

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Brunswick, as well as His Worship Mayor Brad Woodside. The Honorable Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Dale Graham hosted a luncheon for the Ambassador and his delegation, and were joined by the Honorable Sue Stultz, and subsequently joined by the honorable Premier David Alward. The official meetings were facilitated by the Chief of Protocol Anne Reynolds.

Ambassador Gatan visited the corporate headquarters of McCain Foods in Florenceville-Bristol and met with Chairman Allison McCain and other McCain corporate officials.

The delegation also presented a country briefing before the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce headed by Krista Ross.

Meanwhile, consular services were provided for in Fredericton at the Willie O'Ree Place in collaboration with the Filipino community leaders in the city. During a dialogue with the community, Ambassador Gatan and Labor Attache Francisco Luna addressed the queries and concerns of Filipino temporary workers. They were joined by provincial immigration officers and consultants.

The community members gathered welcomed the announcement from the Ambassador that consular services would be rotated among the major cities in New Brunswick on a yearly basis in recognition of the growing number of Filipino moving to Canada and requiring consular assistance and services.

October 2012

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

billion dollars remittances that are coming from different parts of the world mainly from USA and Canada helping the Philippine economy.

Ambassador Gatan encouraged investors to invest in the Philippines and reiterate that the Philippine stock market is the best in Asia and second

in the world. He concluded that if this kind of progress continues, we will see the Philippines as the 16th richest country of the world.

A question and answer followed after Gatan address and concluded the evening with Jun Angeles closing remarks.

It was a wonderful evening for Dr.Cabawatan, to be able to meet Ambassador Gatan who is one of his town mates from Sta. Maria, Isabela and consider him his idol and role model not only for him but for the young people of Sta. Maria, Isabela.

The Meet & Greet event was organized by Jose “Pepito” & Cecille Magpayo, producers of “TV Filipino” in coordination with the Mapua Alumni Association of Alberta, Benjamin & Lourdes Ang, owners of Solid Industries, Ltd as corporate sponsor with the Alberta

Jose "Jun" Angeles with lovely wife hermie, Ambassador Gatan, Cecille & Jose "Pepito" Magpayo and Noel Granado, official photographer.

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Filipino Journal with Jose Jun Angeles, Publisher.

Official photographers were Noli Granado, Christopher and Nikki Richter and covered for television by TV PILIPINO on Shaw cable 89 and TV FILIPINO on OMNI TV cable 4 and TELUS TV channel 5.

Noel Granado, Jose "Pepito & Cecille Magpayo, Riza Santos-Miss World Canada, Hermie Angeles, Lourdes Lebardo Ang-owner of solid Industries, Ltd., Dina Santos, Jose "Jun" Angeles, Jr. and Rujel Santos.

Ambassador and the beauties of Mapuans.

Ambassador with Frededdie and Greenwood Hotel & Suites.

Ambassador, Radel Nagera, Vic Cuesta, Allan & Jean Kee, Joe Villa, Jose Pepito Magpayo

Ambassador, Rhae, Diane, Trisha, Maricel, Fe of A&W Restaurant @South Trail Crossing SE, Calgary

Benjamin & Lourdes Ang, Owners of Solid Industries Ltd. welcomes the disgnitaries and distinguished Guests.

Compadres & Comadres, Ambassador, Magpayo, Jose Pepito Magpayo.

Jose Pepito Magpayo, Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan, Member of IBANAG Group, Jon Salvador, Cecille Magpayo, Hermie Angeles, Jun Angeles.

Jose Pepito Magpayo, Consul Eric G. Tamayo, Cecille Magpayo, Jun Angeles, Hermie Angeles

From Washington, D.C. Agri-Attache’ - Dr. Josyline Javelosa.

IBANAG group

MAPUA Alumni Group with Spouses.

Quick visit at Philippine Financial (T&T Office) Lourdes Ang, Jazmine, Mrs. Chelle Briones Bauzon, Victoria, Amba, Consul Eric Tamayo.

Thank you Josie and Dom Tolentino, we are forever grateful to you for booking the function at Greenwood Inn. The food was excellent!!!

Nikki Richter, Rhae, Di, Trisha, Maricel, Fe, Cecille Magpayo

Consul Eric Gerardo Tamayo, Philippine Embassy

Dr. Cabawatan, IBANAG Group In Calgary

President Oliver Sicat of Mapua Alumni Association introduces the Ambassador.

Riza Santos

Ambassador with Lourdes Lebardo Ang and Benjamin Ang, Owners of Solid Industries, Ltd.

His Excellency Tour of the MA Steel Foundry Plant.

Ambassador and Riza Santos

Visit to MA Steel Foundry - owned by Filipino-Chinese from Davao - Carlos and Isidro Ang.

His Excellency Tour of Solid Industries Facilities.

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Ligaya Rudio at

Ambassador with Mapua Alumni Association of Alberta.

Cecille

Photos by Grani Atelier

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October 2012

Jam for a Cause benefit concert a success

D

oor opened at exactly 5:30pm at the Edmonton Oilfield Technical Society last Saturday October 20,2012. Young crowd started to line up to get into the hall for the second time to support and experience the new wave of upcoming Filipino bands jammed for a cause. This time the groups "SAGA", "Juan Man Army", C.O.P.","BS", "MISTAH", "JARX", "HEADCAKES", and ÄPHRODITE" display their talents up to the wee hour of the morning. These bands started to make names in Edmonton hoping that these band be given

a break to tap the music industry.

But for now, the concert raised money help support the Stollery Children's Hospital and the flood victims of the Philippines through ABS-CBN Bantay Bata and GMA Charity. Brian Aller the organizer of the group was supported by the Alberta Regional Songfest Society, the Filipino Canadian Political Action Group and the Alberta Filipino Journal. Jun Angeles of the Alberta Filipino Journal made the opening remarks congratulating the people behind the concert and expressing his admiration to the young crowd for their support in contributing to the concert's huge success.

“Pangako Sa’yo” to be shown in Cambodian TV network TV giant network ABS-CBN recently sealed a deal with Cambodian Television Network (CTN) for the Khmer adaptation of the 2000 hit romance teleserye “Pangako Sa’yo.”

CBNnews.com report, among the most notable ones was the Chinesedubbed version of "Pangako Sa'yo" which rated second overall among local and foreign programs that aired in the country at the The show which time. will be shot early To date a next year will have an number of ABS-CBN all-new cast instead shows have already of the original stars been picked up by Jericho Rosales and several countries like Kristine Hermosa.

Indonesia, Vietnam, The CTN adaptation Turkey, Russia, also marks a special and a few French milestone for the provinces in the Kapamilya network, past, and have been as it is the first time dubbed in English, a Filipino series Khmer, Mandarin, would be remade and Bahasa Melayu, not just dubbed for Vietnamese, Turkish, another country. series has been tapped several Russian, and French. They have The popular teleserye ended times to cater to an international also been subtitled in Bahasa its two-year run in 2002 yet the audience. According to an ABS- Melayu and Romanian.

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Aurelio Aquino Celebrates 80th Birthday Aurelio Aquino celebrates his 80th birtrhday at Hotel MacDonald Sunday, October 14, 2012 with his family and friends.

Aurelio with his family and friends

Aurelio Aquino

Aurelio with his daughter Millet

Aurelio with his Grandchildren and Family

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Luxury at first sight 2012 Cadillac SRX AWD Premium edition

by Ron

Cantiveros

ron@filipinojournal.com

A

t first glance, I knew I was going to have fun driving this luxury crossover! Just one look at the hard lines of the front chrome grill, large Cadillac emblem, 20” aluminium rims and the aggressive styling of the 2012 Cadillac SRX AWD screamed fun and excitement as I picked up the SRX for my week-long road review. I couldn’t wait to hop in the driver’s seat and run through my weekly new car checklist. As with many luxury automobiles, there are features upon features and the 2012 Cadillac SRX is no different.

October 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

The list of premium equipment in this crossover is long so let’s start with the panoramic sunroof. The sunroof extends all the way to rear passenger cabin and the view is fantastic.

Throw in heated and ventilated 8-way leather power seats in the front and heated seats for the rear passengers. Also included is park assist, variable power liftgate control, rear camera, pop-up navigation system, HID headlights and a lot more! The analogy clock is always a nice touch too.

Interior styling of the Cadillac SRX offers double-stitched leather and wood accents. The centre stack console is sharp and elegant with the 8” LCD pop-up navigation display. The ventilated seats are great for Manitoba summers while the heated seats are an absolute treat during our long and cold Manitoba winters.

Speaking of winter, one other great feature is the heated steering

wheel. Perfect for the time you forget your gloves.

Seating room in the back is comfortable as I had more than enough leg room. The heated seats in the back are a welcome bonus. Looking for cargo space?

The 60- 40 rear seats drop down to give you a flat cargo floor.

Under the hood, the Cadillac SRX is powered by a 3.6L V6 6-speed automatic transmission and cranks out 308hp and 265 lbft of torque.

The Cadillac SRX comes in seven different trim levels and starts at $42,160 and tops out with our tester model, the SRX AWD Premium package at $54,580. Our test vehicle came with the added 20” aluminum rims for an extra $1,945. Total price of our tester MSRP $56,525.

Among the list of cars in the same category as the Cadillac SRX include the Lexus RX350, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK350, Ford Edge and Acura MDX.

2012 Scion iQ If you love small cars, you'll love the new Scion iQ. It's definitely a head turner and while you enjoy this little road rocket cruising through the streets of Winnipeg but you may feel the pot holes.

The 2012 Scion iQ sporty looking compact with a 1.3L 4-banger pumping out 94hp. The iQ comes in one trim level and starts at

$16,760. Over $4,200 in available options including 16" alloy wheels, premium Pioneer audio and XM Satellite radio. One more thing, the iQ comes with 11 air bags. Yes, eleven air bags. Don't worry, the Scion dealership in Winnipeg is opening soon in the Waverley Auto Mall.

Working behind the wheel and running errands in the Exchange. Thanks to Winnipeg Free Press photographer, Mike Deal for having his camera handy as he was walking across the street.

My Inner Off-Road Junkie Unleashed Beast Mode in the Ford F-150 Raptor SVT The one week that I had this beast was the one week Manitoba was bone dry. After asking several farmer friends if I could help aerate their fields, I was told there's no mud for miles. I settled for driving 2012 Ford F-150 Raptor SVT to Seddon's Corner

by Beaujejour, Manitoba for a little dusty off-road fun. Under the hood is a 6.2L V8 and pumps out 411hp and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and can demolish any gravel road in our fine province, and perfect for the low-speed off-road adventures at Seddon's Corner.

The front camera system worked like a charm as I drove up, down and through the gravel pits. The front camera system engages during low-speed and helped navigate along steep inclines and around large boulders.

Go figure, the day after I return the Raptor, Winnipeg gets hit by an early rain, sleet, slush and snow storm. Mud was everywhere. The 2012 Ford F-150 Raptor SVT 4x4 SuperCrew media vehicle, as tested was $64,749.

Stay calm and keep driving. I kept saying to myself, "The truck will not flip over. The truck will not flip over". Taking the Ford F-150 Raptor through its paces at Seddon's Corner.

Photos by Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal

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October 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

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Team Philippines-Canada consolidates economic diplomacy initiatives

Team Philippines Canada – First Row (L-R): Honorary Consul General Esmeralda Agbulos, Consul General Jose Ampeso (Vancouver), Ambassador Leslie Gatan, Consul General JuneverMahilum-West (Toronto), Consul General Neil Ferrer (Ottawa); Second Row (L-R): Labor Representative Bernie Julve, Honorary Consul General-Designate Sean Sears (Halifax), Tourism Representative Rene de los Santos, Consul Susana Paez (Toronto), Agriculture Attache Dr. JosylineJavelosa (Washington, D.C.), First Secretary Eric Tamayo (Ottawa), First Secretary Flerida Ann Mayo (Ottawa), Tourism Representative Vernie Morales (Chicago), Consul Anton Mandap (Vancouver), Labor Representative Frank Luna (Toronto) and First Secretary Porfirio Mayo, Jr. (Ottawa)

A

gainst the backdrop of Canada’s fastest growing provincial economy, members of Team PhilippinesCanada (TPC) convened in Edmonton, Alberta on 6 October 2012 for the annual Economic Diplomacy Workshop of Philippine foreign service posts in Canada.

Led by Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan, workshop participants included officers of the Philippine

Embassy in Ottawa, the Philippine Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver and their Labor Attachés, Department of Tourism representatives based in Chicago and San Francisco, and the Agriculture Attaché holding office in Washington, D.C. Honorary Consul General Esmeralda Agbulos extended logistical support to TPC, together with members of the Filipino community in Edmonton.

Ambassador Gatan and Minister Neil Ferrer opened the workshop with an overview of Philippine economic interests in Canada. First Secretary Eric Tamayo followed through with a presentation on the outlook for the Philippine economy.

TPC also benefitted from briefings on Philippine agribusiness in Canada by Dr. JosylineJavelosa, Philippine tourism promotion by Director

Ambassador Gatan keynotes the economic diplomacy workshop

VernieVerlarde-Morales, Philippine medical tourism by First Secretary Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo and an overview of Philippine Labor and Migration by Atty. Bernardino Julve.

At the end of day, TPC laid guideposts for economic diplomacy thrusts across Canada in 2013.

Among areas that will require TPC’s focus are employment prospects for Filipino labor and the protection of temporary workers, agribusiness and investments that foster inclusive economic growth and food security, and the promotion of Public-Private Partnership

(PPP) projects. To better market Philippine destinations, seminars and familiarization visits for tour operators as well as a pilot TPC Tour are in the offing.

“In all our economic diplomacy initiatives, we derive our mandate from the President’s Social Contract with the Filipino people and the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy. Team Philippines-Canada follows the lead of Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario in reaching beyond our grasp to serve our country’s best interests in Canada,” Ambassador Gatan affirmed.

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Horoscope You will be happy with your ability to take major decisions.

Your perspective could shift and bring a new idea to your attention. You’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable with this new way of thinking though before you decide to act upon it. You could expect career success with your efforts.

Today you might pinch yourself to see if what you’re experiencing is real, Cancer. There may even be an opportunity to showcase your determination and allow others to see what a valuable asset you are.

Your constant battle to gain balance bodes well for dealing with finances. Work through the situation as you do with any other, by weighing your options and deciphering the risks and benefits. Communication has to be smooth regarding personal life.

The universe can make magic when it wants to and lucky for you, Capricorn, it is your time to be the beneficiary of what seems like a miracle. You will make it a great day through social contacts. The day is quiet gainful. It will be a flexible day at work front.

Career success can be achieved with your efforts. You are ready to take on the next challenge of life, especially if it involves travel or new cultural experiences. This has been a time not only of success and good fortune but also of learning more about yourself.

There will be flexibility concerning long-distance travels.

You will find success with hard work. You can create some extra excitement in your life by spending time with the more freaky or iconoclastic individuals in your life.

Career front will be successful. Personal life may give you concern. Some change in attitude towards your ideals and spiritual values occurs now. A new attitude toward the religious beliefs that you were taught as a child is very likely to develop now.

Making decisions or long-range plans is favored now. When you take time to connect with someone you normally would not see, the extra effort is always worth it. Career growth is anticipated and you will implement moral values at work front. Personal life will be promising.

Your natural warmth is enhanced by a new sense of selfconfidence, Gemini. Pay close attention to how you’re managing your time and make adjustments where they’re necessary. Maintain a valuable approach towards personal life. This should be a very fortunate and enjoyable day for you. Make the most of it!

Today gives a momentary boost to ego and confidence, a brief reminder of how good you can be when you’re on.

What you have been worrying about isn’t something you need to be worrying about -- it’s merely a minor setback.

You will find the day better for personal life and finances.

Start a controversial conversation today and watch the drama unfurl. Celebrate your obnoxious side today and get something started! After all, anyone can sit quietly in the corner and take life as it comes. You will be able to overcome obstacles with hard work.

A small change you made weeks ago has created a huge improvement in your life, and you will start noticing the rewards of your efforts today. Following through on promises can determine how others view you and contribute to your success. Your quest for balance has been very successful, and this is one of the few final elements to incorporate into your life.

PAHALANG

PABABA

1

Pagbaba ng dyip

27 Save our Ship

1

Wari

22 Sesyon

5

Bukod sa rito

28 Tirso

2

Dungis

23 Luluto ng sinaing

9

Takal sa butil

30 Bahagi ng puno

3

Pakuluan

24 Tistis

11 Kalas

32 El ____ Peach Flower

4

Notang Musikal

25 Maliit na isda

12 Ilista

34 Mga taong naninirahan

5

____ Milby: aktor

26 Libay

13 Acid

kontinente ng Asia

6

Utusan

29 Asarol

14 Baboy: Ingles

36 Katapusan: Ingles

7

Salungat ng kaliwa

31 General Administration

15 Balance: daglat

37 Masitera

8 Daloy

Dept.

17 ____ Piñas City

10 Patusukan

33 Yugto ng karera

18 Kaparangan

11 Katalagahan

21 Moral

16 Japanese Name

22 Kinukudkod

19 Man’s name

26 Minsan pa

20 ____ Ban Sunglasses

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!

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

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October 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

Staying warm in the winter

Minister’s Ethnic

by Deputy Premier Thomas A. Lukaszuk

A

s the snow begins to fall again in Alberta, it is important that everyone makes sure to stay warm this winter.

Planning ahead when working outside is key to avoiding problems and staying healthy.

In cold weather you should dress in layers of warm clothing, with an outer layer that protects against the wind. Be sure to cover exposed skin by wearing a hat, mittens and a scarf, or facemask.

Understanding heat loss can help you plan to ensure that you lose as little heat as possible.

Good quality clothing that traps air creating a thicker heating layer is important. Wet clothing or

footwear can cause heat loss nearly equal to that of bare skin.

Most people will dress to be warm when they are “inactive”.

Once we start working, we often start sweating. Sweat dampened clothes lose their insulation value.

Remove items as you warm up, but don’t forget to put the items back on when you stop working (don’t wait until you get cold).

Healthy, fit, well-hydrated individuals will be able to adapt better to the cold. Medical conditions, a person’s age, and how long someone has lived in a cold climate can also affect how well you withstand the cold. Anyone who has ongoing problems with exposure to cold air should consult a physician.

Be aware that working in the cold can exaggerate other issues.

Working in the cold can put extra strain on your body. Your body is already working hard to stay warm, so extra tasks such as shovelling snow put extra strain on the heart and muscles. Avoid getting gasoline on your skin while fuelling your car or snow blower. Gasoline

Lucy Liu apologizes, says she was taken out of context Hollywood actress Lucy Liu of “Charlie’s Angels” fame has issued an apology for a controversial comment she made on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” on October 11.

When the TV host asked Liu if she enjoyed running indoors or outdoors, she replied: “I run on a machine—it’s easier for me. Also, if I get really dark, I’ll start to look a little Filipino. It wouldn’t match if I start getting darker, you know what I mean? I can get really dark if I’m in the sun too much.”

Liu’s remark quickly elicited criticisms in online blog posts and social media sites for being “racist”

with the intention to insult an entire country.

In a statement given to the newspaper Inquirer Liu said, “I am so sorry that my comment was taken out of context, as I would never insult another group or ethnicity.”

However, Liu has not answered the Inquirer’s follow-up question: Why she used the phrase “a little Filipino” if she had been concerned only about the consistency of her character’s skin color.

Liu is shooting her new TV series, “Elementary,” in which she plays Dr. Joan Watson to Jonny Lee Miller’s Sherlock Holmes.

Makati remains richest LGU The city of Makati posted a total of P9.38 billion revenue collection from January to September of this year thus maintaining its status as the richest local government unit (LGU) in the country.

The collection is 5 percent higher than its posted revenue for the same period in 2011.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said that the revenue hike can be partly attributed to the increased transparency and efficiency in the city government’s systems and processes achieved through harnessing information

technology. The bulk of the collection came from local sources, led by Business Tax that increased by 14 percent to P4.85 billion from P4.25 billion, followed by Real Property Tax with P3.26 billion, or 1 percent lower than P3.30 billion collected as of September 2011. The city has enjoyed a deficit-free status for 26years now.

The city recently passed the criteria for Silver Seal of Good Housekeeping by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and won the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award at the regional level.

evaporates quickly and greatly increases heat loss. Other solvents have the same effect.

In most of Canada, wind chill is included in the forecast when it reaches –25, as this is the point where frostbite becomes a risk.

A wind chill warning is issued

by Environment Canada when conditions become hazardous.

A sign of danger is numbness in your fingers, toes, ears and nose.

This means your nerves are not working properly. Do not accept a loss of feeling. Deal promptly with the problem and gently rewarm the area by holding the affected skin to unaffected skin (put your fingers under your arms for example).

Remember!

Whether it is hot or cold, weather conditions can change throughout the day, and even hour-by-hour, so you have to keep watching and keep adapting.

Please visit: http://humanservices. alberta.ca/documents/WHS-PUB_ GS006.pdf for more information about working in the cold.

Court allows hospital arrest for Arroyo The Sandiganbayan First Division has allowed the detention of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on hospital arrest.

According to the resolution, the Pampanga lawmaker will shoulder her hospital expenses while detained at the governmentowned Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). Arroyo and nine others have arrest warrants for charges of plunder in connection to the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office intelligence funds.

The court also ordered that the visits of Arroyo’s family and supporters be fully controlled by the Philippine National Police.

Her use of communication gadgets shall also be under the authority of the Police Security and Protection Group.

Interviews by the media will only be allowed if authorized by the Sandiganbayan.

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October 2012

Makikiisa Nga Ba sa ’Yo ang Pagkakataon?

(On Literal Thinking’s Being More Practical than Figurative Thinking) sa buhay e kusang dumarating ito basta ba maghintay ka lang? At na magkakaisa-isa ang swerte at pagkakataon sa paligid mo para tulungan kang matupad ito?

by aLfie vera mella elfideas102@yahoo.com "Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen."—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882), poet and essayist "When you want something, all the universe conspire in helping you to achieve it."—Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist (1988) Totoo nga ba na kapag meron kang gustong makamtan

Sorry, but I don't think so.

What more likely conspires for something to happen is the individual's determination to achieve something and his resolve to realize this by working hard for it and taking clear and calculated steps that are necessary to help him achieve his goal. Gone were the days when the preferred path to achieving something was simply to pray or wish and wait in vain. In a highly competitive and dynamic society in which we are living now, the best way to

achieve goals is to think literally— meaning, one should analyse the situation and then think of the steps needed to accomplish this; when the steps have been identified, work hard to be able to take these steps—by using one’s skills, knowledge, time, effort, and network opportunities with people who may help along the way.

One cannot accomplish something by merely praying, wishing, and waiting without planning, assessing (and upgrading if needed) one’s skills and abilities, and using all these.

For instance, someone unemployed who wanted to have a good job and is really working hard to get it by submitting

application forms to companies and has the competence and qualifications required for the job has the greater possibility of getting the job than someone who is all-hope and all-talk but no skills and no determination and no plans of upgrading his knowledge and honing his talents.

Emerson's and Coelho's statements are beautiful words in the realm of figurative language, great for rhetoric. However, in a practical and logical sense, they should not be taken literally. After all, literal thinking is usually more practical and applicable than figurative thinking.

Or, in Simple Words When you want something, don’t expect the universe to conspire to make it happen. YOU make it happen—with your own skills, abilities, determination, willingness to upgrade yourself, Sa Madaling Salita and honest and respectful way of Makakamtan mo ang mga dealing with other people.

City crews continue to deal with Calgary’s first winter blast

Incarcerated Young Offenders Give Back to the Community

Filed by Jose Pepito Magpayo

Filed by Jose Pepito Magpayo

City of Calgary crews have continued their response to the first blast of winter. Crews have remained on the main commuter routes for much of the day with plows and salt to assist with the commute home this afternoon. Crews will now begin to make their way onto the secondary routes.

An end to the snowfall combined with predicted warm temperatures over the next few days means a snow route parking ban is not required.

The City will continue to monitor weather forecasts and inform Calgarians of any changes should the operational need arise.

Drivers are reminded to leave at least 10 metres or about three car lengths between your vehicle and the working sanders, graders and plows.

Do not pass working equipment.

As Calgarians get used to winter driving conditions again, drivers are reminded to take the following steps before beginning their commute: • tune up and winterize your vehicle • consider installing appropriate tires to the season • clean snow and ice off your vehicle

and ensure your lights and your windows are clear • give yourself extra time to reach your destination • reduce your speed and turn on your headlights • drive defensively • leave extra distance between you and the car ahead of you • when road conditions are difficult, consider using Calgary Transit • consider delaying your trip until the roads are in better condition Now that winter is upon us, Calgarians can get informed about potential parking bans by: • signing up for automatic email alerts • downloading the free applications for iPhone, Blackberry and Android • viewing The City’s online interactive map • visiting calgary.ca • calling 311 • tuning in to local media (TV and radio newscasts) For information on The City’s snow and ice control program, visit calgary. ca.

Police expand in-car digital video program Filed by Jose Pepito Magpayo

Smile, you’re on camera.!

The Calgary Police Service is rolling out high-tech cameras to improve officer and public safety.

A three-year pilot project has led the CPS to install in-car digital video in a total of 350 police vehicles by the end of 2014.

Following a request for proposals, the Panasonic Arbitrator 360 was selected as the best model to suit the needs of the CPS. Two hundred cameras will be installed in 2012/2013 into police patrol vehicles and in the two HAWCS

helicopters. The remaining 150 cameras will be installed over the course of 2014.

Cameras will automatically record when lights are activated, or if a police vehicle is in a collision.

The officers will wear wireless microphones that have the ability to capture audio up to 1,000 feet away.

The footage captured by these cameras will be held until required as evidence during investigations or for Criminal and Civil proceedings.

The cost of the program is approximately $2 million.

Students at West View School, a facility that educates young offenders who are currently incarcerated, are looking to give back by fundraising to build a school in one of West Africa’s most troubled countries.

The goal is to raise more than $20,000 to build a school in Mamudia, Sierra Leone, with CAUSE Canada; an international relief and development agency based in Canmore.

A special fundraiser, “Dine for a Difference” will take place this Thursday, with funds going to the project.

Conceived by Tahra Chaudhary, a teacher at West View School, located inside the Calgary Young Offender Centre, Project Africa was developed with the goal of engaging her social studies classroom in an “Adopta-Village” program. The vision was steered by a Sierra Leonean student in her class who suggested a group focus on his home country.

After an initial attempt to fundraise with a student-tostudent bake sale, which netted around $150, the students realized they would need to do more to build a school. The first attempt provided motivation to think of more creative ways to contribute.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the Calgary Police Service, who have both been long time partners of the Calgary Young Offenders Centre, were drawn to the opportunity to bring these experiences to the young people and instantly saw merit in the project. Today the project has grown to also include partnerships with Calgary Community Corrections, Sheriffs and Security

nais sa buhay kung magpaplano ka, gagamitin mo ang iyong talino at kakayanan, kikilos ka nang tama, pananatilihin mo ang magandang pakikitungo sa mga taong nakakasalamuha mo, at higit sa lahat, patuloy mong pagyayamanin ang nalalaman at kakayanan sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral at paggamit sa mga ito sa bawat pagkakataon.

Operations, Adult Offender Branch and CAUSE Canada.

Every student and staff member at the centre has become involved in one way or another.

With the help of those community partners, Project Africa’s young participants have held bake sales, organized a by-donation garage sale, and prepared an art auction, among other innovative fundraisers.

All funds raised by Project Africa will go towards building the school, which will be a part of CAUSE Canada’s child sponsorship program, CAUSE Kids. CAUSE Kids helps children break free of the cycle of poverty, by satisfying their basic right to education and providing a school with meal programs, gardens, uniforms, school supplies, healthcare, infrastructure and more.

As of October 2012, students, staff and community partners have raised $15,000 for Project Africa.

Staff, faculty and community partners are currently in the process of planning a trip to Sierra Leone to visit the school once completed. It is important to all those involved that the experience of the school is brought back and shared with the students in the Centre.

Media Contacts: Tahra Chaudhary: West View School, 403-662-3547 Sgt. Clare Smart: Calgary Police Service, 403-428-7979 Christina Carrick: Cause Canada, 250-857-6045 Chelsey Dawes: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, 403-2377476

‘Go Girl’ program encourages young women to make healthy lifestyle choices Filed by Jose Pepito Magpayo

The City of Calgary is hosting a girls-only workshop in the name of enabling healthy lifestyle choices and encouraging positive selfesteem.

“It’s critical that girls participate in physical activities during the critical teen developmental years,” says Michelle Tait, Recreation Supervisor at Village Square Leisure Centre.

For over a decade, The City has been offering Go Girl - a one day workshop for girls aged 10-16 years old as a way to boost confidence, get girls to explore their creative side and assist them in making healthy, active recreational choices for life.

During the workshop girls get an opportunity to participate in a variety of sport, dance, wellness and arts. Girls can try activities including Zumba, self defence, rock climbing, hip hop and yoga in a safe and supportive girls-only environment.

Where: Village Square Leisure Centre (ages 10 – 13 yrs) Southland Leisure Centre (ages 10 – 13 yrs.)

Cardel Place (ages 10 – 16 yrs.)

Westside Recreation Centre (10 – 16 yrs.)

When: Saturday, November 10, 2012 Cost: $20 Visit calgary.ca/gogirl for workshop details, themes and registration information.

Onward/ By 2036, 90 per cent of people living in Calgary will report that they participate in active lifestyles that include informal and structured recreational opportunities.

Daily physical activity is an important component of health and wellness.

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October 2012

The Pulse of the Filipino Community

by Gem & Lita Anis

W

Experience Lucerne, Switzerland

here is it - North central Swizertland What is there to see - The Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, KKL, Old Town, Spreuer Bridge Also known as "The City of Lights" Interesting Trivia - It was in Luzern where the legendary William Tell shot an apple off of his son's head Interesting fact - Bucherer, the flagship store of Switzerland's best known watch and high-end jewellery dealer, began in Luzern in 1888.

We're charmed by Lucerne's (Luzern in German) sense of historical tradition and modernity existing side-by-side at ease, by its misty lake and by its impressive mountain panorama.

Located on the shore of Lake Lucerne within sight of Mt. Pilatus and Mt. Rigi in the Swiss Alps, Lucerne, with a population of 77,491, is divided by the River Reuss into a well-preserved Old Town and a New Town. The two areas which could be leisurely discovered on foot are connected by the world's oldest covered wooden footbridge, the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbruecke), 670 ft. long, built in 1333 to ward off enemy attacks and which later became the city's most famous landmark and also one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the country.

Inside the bridge in its roof are a series of more than 100 17th century paintings depicting events from Lucerne's history.

Unfortunately, a 1993 fire allegedly caused by a cigarette destroyed much of the bridge and badly damaged many of the art works. Their charred remains were put back and rehung serving as a reminder of that significant chapter in the bridge history.

Adjoining the Chapel Bridge is the octagonal Water Tower (Wasserturm), a fortification from the 13th century which has served as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower, and treasury. Today it is used as the guild of the artillery organization of Luzern.

Across the Reuss River is another wooden bridge, the Spreuer Bridge, built in 1407 with its 17th century roof paintings detailing 67 scenes called "The Dance of Death" (Totentanz) that features the Grim Reaper's invitation to dance with him, i.e, an invitation to death.

Lying next to the Reuss riverbank and close to the Chapel Bridge is the Jesuit Church, the first large baroque church built in Switzerland noted for its exquisite roccocco interiors, marble stucco and lovely paintings.

In a small park at the "Lowendenkmal" at the east end of the medieval town is the sculpture of the mortallywounded lion curved out of a wall of sandstone rock above a pond

to commemorate the more than 600 mercenary soldiers from central Switzerland who lost their lives in 1792 while serving the French King Louis XVI during the French Revolution.

Luzern particularly the well-preserved Old Town is a city of picturesque town squares bordered with historic houses and buildings clad in frescoes. Modernity however has also changed the architectural landscape of the city. Worth a visit is the stunning and futuristic KKL (Culture & Convention Centre) located right next to the train station on the lakefront. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and built for a period of five years from 1995-2000, the KKL has a hall called Lucerne Hall which can be converted into different sizes rendering ideal for concerts or for conventions and banquets.

Whether you're shopping or just browsing don't miss Bucherer, a successful family enterprise for elegant timepieces and jewellery designed and handcrafted locally.

A trip up to one of Lucerne's mountains, the Pilatus or the Rigi, is a must depending on your stay duration. You can also experience circumnavigating the lake by road or cruising by paddle wheel steamers (passenger boats).

Gem & Lita at the Old Town.

The baroque interior of the Jesuit Church.

Chapel Bridge, Water Tower & Mt. Pilatus.

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The dying lion of Lucerne.

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The Pulse of the Filipino Community

October 2012

An Amazing sentence in English “I do not know where family doctors acquired illegibly perplexing handwriting; nevertheless, extraordinary pharmaceutical intellectuality counterbalancing indecipherability transcendentalizes intercommunication’s incomprehensibleness.”

The person who made this sentence must be a vocabulary GENIUS.

Reason

by Lolo Jose (from my fb friends)

This is the sentence where the first word is one letter long, the second word is two letters ; third word is three letter long... the eight word is eight letters long and so on... the twentieth letter is twenty letters long!

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October 2012