Filipino Now Nov15-Dec15 2022

THE BIRTHING OF THE FIRST FILIPINO CREDIT UNION

By: Zeala Cortes

In pre-Spanish colonial Philippines, the archipelago was a Babaylan led society, a term used to refer to the mothers and grandmothers who kept the peace, order, and more importantly harmony in the community. Presuma bly, the word Babaylan stems from the indigenous 17-letter Alibata alphabet, which our ancestors used before Spain seized the Philippines in 1521. The Ta galog word for female is Babae, most likely derived from the word Babaylan Babaylan also refers to the pre-colonial Philippine tradition of female mystical healers, whose spiritual connectedness was a source of political and social power. They also served as intermedi aries between the spiritual and materi al worlds in their communities. Their leadership roles are multi-fold: war rior, healer, priestess and sage.

Fast forward to the present day and we find that traditional Filipino families

are still run by the matriarch, either the mother or the grandmother, as evi denced by the throngs of women care givers, nurses and food attendants who have left the country to become their family’s sole breadwinner, making sure the entire extended families’ financial needs are met.

What better way to lead the very first Filipino Credit Union in Canada than by a board of directors composed of five (5) accomplished women, namely Eula Stein as chairperson, Josephine Cal deron as vice chairperson and directors Montanya Anonuevo, Nita Serrano and Leslie Roxas. These women understand what the Filipino Canadian commu nity is going through, what the society needs; as well as, the importance of justice, peace, and most importantly to show by example, loving relentlessly.

In fact, according to Montanya Anonuevo, the credit union’s chief

technology officer and a member of the first graduating class of AMA Computer College, the premier computer science school in the Philippines, the focus of the credit union will be to provide financial services to the marginalized members of the Filipino community in B.C., particularly those who do not have access to credit because of their temporary working status, and there fore easily fall prey to usurious lenders. Fast fact, many caregivers do not have bank accounts, with all their transac tions dealt in cash, and rely on informal lending schemes. They are not able to build their credit, are very poor in financial literacy, and many do not own their own homes.

Another sector the credit union will be focusing on is the remittance market to the Philippines. Over US$3.6 billion in remittances are sent to the Philip pines from Canada every year. Many

Is the PH Executive Secretary the “Little President”?

By: Mr. April Salazar

The Office of the Executive Secretary of the Philippines (formerly the Executive Of fice) is the highest-ranking official in the Office of the President of the Philippines and a member of the Philippine Cabinet. The Exec utive Secretary’s Office is unique in that it has both line and staff functions.

Because of the nature of the position, the officeholder has been dubbed the “Little President.” Its mandate is to “directly assist the President in the management of government affairs as well as to direct the operations of the Executive Office.” The Executive Secretary leads it. The role of the Executive Secretary is listed and

“The Executive Secretary can issue orders in the President’s name, review and modify decisions made by other cabinet secretaries on appeal, and perform various functions as permitted or delegated by the Chief Executive. If necessary, the Executive Secretary can also serve as the top coordinator of the Executive Branch’s activities.”

defined in Book III, Chapter 9, Section 27 of

Executive Order No. 292, the Administrative Code of the Philippines, with eighteen powers and duties, to be exact, that must carry out the functions assigned by law to the Executive Office and shall perform such other duties as may be delegated to him. A woman has never been appointed as Executive Secretary in the Philippine government’s history. Even during the terms of former Presidents Corazon Aquino and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, their counterparts were men. The Executive Secretary wields enormous power because the officeholder is the President of the Philippines’ chief alter-ego, the Chief Executive. The Executive Secretary can issue orders in the President’s name, review and modify decisions made by other cabinet secretaries on appeal, and perform various functions as permitted or delegated by the Chief Executive. If necessary, the Executive Secretary can also serve as the top coordinator of the Executive Branch’s activities.

On September 27, 2022, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. appointed retired Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin as the new Executive Secretary. Executive Secretary Bersamin stepped down as Chairman of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) after two years and seven months. He replaced Atty. Victor Rodriguez, who stepped down last September 17. Bersamin is also the 40th Executive Secretary appointed by 14 Philippine Presidents since the office’s inception on October 12, 1936, with Jorge B. Vargas serving as the inaugural holder.

With the approval of the Commission on Appointments, a person or a current government employee is appointed by the President as Executive Secretary due to his excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail. A proven track record of meeting

deadlines and excellent time management skills. A good ability to function in a fast-paced, occasionally stressful environment. a thorough understanding of office administration, clerical techniques, and record-keeping methods. However, the Executive Secretary’s term is subject to change at the President’s discretion and pleasure.

Perhaps Executive Secretary Bersamin’s ten-year tenure on the Supreme Court of the Philippines, first as an associate justice from 2009 to 2018 and then as the 25th Chief Justice of the Philippines from 2018 until his retirement in 2019, has given him credibility to fill the qualification in his newly appointed position.

Under his leadership as GSIS Chairman under the Duterte administration, the pension fund was named one of the world’s “Most Valuable Government Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic” by the 2020 Stevie International Business Awards. GSIS was also named one of the Top 5 Most Trusted Government Agencies in the 2021 Philippine Trust Index during Bersamin’s tenure for remaining engaged with its members and pensioners despite the pandemic.

After Atty. Rodriguez, Bersamin will play a vital role as the “Little President” due to the immense power bestowed upon him; he is given the President’s confidence and considered “primus inter pares”—the first among equals.

Bersamin will also serve as the President’s gatekeeper, ensuring that no one has easy access to PBBM without his approval and clearance. He has the authority to issue orders in the name of the President. He is now like Heimdall, who will guard the Palace and has administrative responsibility for matters in the President’s Office. Bersamin now has the authority to charge protocol matters in State and ceremonial functions and promulgate such rules and regulations as required to carry out the objectives, policies, and procedures of the Office of the President Proper.

The powers that be are embroiled in Bersamin’s position, with visions and hearings open to both positive and negative comments from colleagues and peers, particularly those vying for power. Nonetheless, as Heimdall, he will briefly wield the President’s power as the “Little President,” granting him the ability to channel his energies for various purposes, such as uniting the administration into one actual government.

Source: CNN Philippines

The First Months of the Marcos Administration: Prelude to what will come

By: Mr. April Salazar

In September 2022, public opinion polling organization Pulse Asia released a survey revealing that President Ferdinand “Bong bong” Marcos Jr.’s administration received high

Overall, the first months of the Marcos administration were marked with successes and failures in various areas, which could be considered benchmarks of how the government should perform in the coming months and years.

approval ratings on addressing various issues in the Philippines. The said survey was published as the new leadership marked its first 100 days or three months after it officially began in June.

While 100 days might not be enough to gauge the current administration’s performance, expectations were high, considering the landslide victory of President Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, and other pro-administration candidates in the 2022 presidential election.

The Pulse Asia survey results show that the Marcos administration received the highest approval ratings in calamity response and controlling the spread of COVID-19. Ten storm systems entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility from July to September, leaving some fatalities but notably much lower than the death toll from Severe Tropical Storm Paeng in October. Paeng recorded 150 fatalities. Netizens criticized the president for the high death toll caused by the failure to evacuate people in affected areas.

While the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, the Marcos administration has continued relaxing health restrictions. President Marcos permitted the voluntary use of face masks in indoor and outdoor spaces through executive orders. The government also allowed the resumption of face-to-face classes in schools

and increased physical gatherings to encourage economic movement and recovery. However, Marcos still needs to appoint a secretary for the Department of Health. Maria Rosario Vergeire currently holds the position in an acting capacity. Formalizing the leadership at the DOH is crucial as we continue going through the pandemic and anticipate public health issues that might emerge in the coming months.

Pulse Asia’s survey also reveals that the Marcos administration performed lowest in addressing poverty reduction (39%) and controlling inflation (31%).

In August, the Philippine Statistics Administration released the Preliminary Results of the Family Income and Expenditure Survey in 2021, which revealed that poverty incidence among Filipinos was recorded at 18.1 percent. It translates to around 19.99 million Filipinos living below the poverty threshold of about PHP12,030 per month for a family of five.

While the PSA gathered the figures during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the survey should serve as a reminder of the government’s mandate of intensifying its efforts to combat poverty in the country.

The accelerating rate of inflation worsens the situation of those living below the poverty line, resulting in rising food costs in the country. From 6.4% at the onset of the current administration, the inflation rate rose to 6.9% in September and 7.7% in October, the highest recorded inflation since December 2008. Inflation for food increased to 9.8% from 7.7% in September.

To address inflation and its effects, President Marcos preferred designating himself as the secretary of the Department of Agriculture instead of appointing an official to the post. We have yet to find out if this strategy would have favorable outcomes for consumers and, more importantly, farmers.

Overall, the first months of the Marcos administration were marked with successes and failures in various areas, which could be considered benchmarks of how the government should perform in the coming months and years.

Whatever the government has achieved and failed to achieve during the past months does not yet fully define what the Marcos administration is. However, it should guide us on what to expect more from the government and seek accountability in cases of lapses and abuses.

The

Filipino Now

Useful and relevant news on business, finance, technology and geopolitics.

Editor

Thina Abando

Writers and Contributors

Zeala Cortes

Thina Abando

April Salazar

Ms. Jennifer Blatherwick

Royce Salen

Pastora Eva Manabat

Layout and Design

Albion Marketing

Publisher

Filipino Star Magazine

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Source: REUTERS

THE LIVING WORDS: BEWARE OF ENVY!

By: Pastora Eva Manabat

Envy may be defined as “resentment at the success or happiness of others.” To want to be successful like your friend or some one else is understandable. But to have an at titude that says, “If I can’t have it, I don’t want anyone else to have it either”. That kind of atti tude is wrong, it is being selfish. Selfishness is self-centeredness. When you are being selfish, you are not glorifying God with all your heart, soul and mind.

The Bible views Envy and calls it “ rottenness to the bones “. ( tagalog “bulok sa buto”). Prov erbs 14:30. It was out of envy that the religious leaders sought to kill Jesus. Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

Among the life-destroying “ works of the flesh “ ENVY is listed.

Galatians 5:19-21, 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent be havior, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 ENVY, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

TAGALOG ( BUNGA O GAWA NG LAMAN )

19 Hindi maikakaila ang mga gawa ng laman: pakikiapid, kahalayan at kalaswaan; 20 pag samba sa diyus-diyosan, pangkukulam, pagka poot, pag-aaway-away, pagseselos, pagkakagalit at kasakiman, pagkakampi-kampi at pagkaka baha-bahagi, 21 PAGKAINGGIT, paglalasing, walang habas na pagsasaya, at iba pang katulad nito. Muli ko kayong binabalaan: ang gumaga wa ng mga ito ay hindi magkakaroon ng bahagi sa kaharian ng Diyos.

Get Rid of envy desire the FRUIT of the Holy Spirit

Galatians 5: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, ‼️NO ENVY of one another.

TAGALOG

22 Subalit ang bunga ng Espiritu ay pag-ibig, kagalakan, kapayapaan, pagtitiyaga, kabaitan, kabutihan, katapatan, 23 kahinahunan, at pagpipigil sa sarili. Walang batas laban sa mga ganito.

24 At ipinako na sa krus ng mga nakipag-isa kay Cristo Jesus ang kanilang laman at ang masasamang hilig nito. 25 Kung binigyan tayo ng buhay ng Espiritu, mamuhay rin tayo ayon

sa Espiritu. 26 Huwag tayong maging palalo, huwag nating galitin ang isa’t isa, at HUWAG RIN TAYONG MAINGGIT sa isa’t isa.

In 1 Samuel 18 ENVY contributed to the down fall of King Saul. He had begun his rule well, but because he disobeyed God’s command he was rejected as king. Instead of humbly accept ing God’s decision, he became consumed with ENVY and hatred toward David. Because of envy Saul distanced himself from God and even sought counsel from a medium or spiritist at the end, he took his own life after a shameful defeat by the Philistines .ENVY had destroyed him.

ENVY CAN RUIN (DEBASTATE, DESTROY) A LIFE

Never take it lightly it is harrmful desiring to pull down the envied person. Someone says “When you turn green with envy you are ripe for trouble”.

Another word in the Bible closely associated with envy is covetousness. To covet is to have an excessive desire to possess what belongs to another. Exodus 20:17 “You shall not cov et your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”

ENVY is often the root of spreading rumors or gossip. This Whisperer or rumourmonger loves to hear shocking or scandalous information about others. It is sounding delicious in their hearing

It is very rare we hear rumors that honours someone’s reputation, Gossipmongers really enjoy the rumour mill they just harvest it even if unconfirmed. In Proverbs 26:22 says, “The gossip’s words are like choice food; that goes down to one’s inmost being”.

TAGALOG

Ang tsismis ay tulad ng masarap na pagka in,masarap pakinggan,masarap namnamin.

Rumors and Fake News

Rumors is a widely spread story or statement and most of the time do not contain elements of truth or facts. Fake news is false or mislead ing information presented as news. Fake news often has the aim of damaging the reputation of a person or entity, or making money through advertizing renue- (Wikipedia )

The term fake news means “news articles that are intentionally and verifiably false” designed to manipulate people’s perceptions of real facts, events, and statements. It’s about information presented as news that is known by its promot er to be false based on facts that are demon strably incorrect, or statements or events that verifiably did not happen.

CITS Fake News “deliberately misleading or

biased information; manipulated narrative or facts; propaganda.”

“Read before you retweet. Remind yourself that there are human beings in the picture.” (Cam pus library )

Another Fruit of ENVY

Slander is usually the fruit of envy, and because it is almost always done behind the back of an other person, it is the seedbed of hypocrisy. Slander means evil speaking, evil speech, evil report.

Back-biting lies. Defamation. Disparagement. Speaking about others in such a way as to belit tle or defame their character.

The English word slander refers to a misrep resentation intended to “blacken” another’s reputation. Slander is the act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations maliciously calculated to damage another’s reputation. The slanderer says nice things to the person’s face but disparaging things behind his back, with the motive of making himself look good in ev eryone else’s eyes.

1 Peter 2:1 “Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.”

The Practice of Slander is Demonic

The practice of slander is deminic. People who engage in slandering other people are being led by demons—not the Spirit of God.

James 3:13-16

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

For where ENVY and self-seeking exist, confu sion and every evil thing are there.”

“Sino sa inyo ang marunong at nakakaunawa? Ipakita niya ito sa pamamagitan ng wastong pamumuhay na bunga ng kapakumbabaan at karunungan. Ngunit kung ang naghahari sa inyong puso ay INGGIT at makasariling han garin, huwag ninyo iyang ipagmalaki at huwag ninyong ikaila ang katotohanan.

“Ang ganyang karunungan ay hindi galing sa Diyos, kundi makasanlibutan, makalaman at mula sa DIYABLO.”

Sapagkat saanman naghahari ang INGGIT at makasariling hangarin, naghahari din doon ang kaguluhan at lahat ng uri ng masamang gawa.” James (Santiago)3:13-14, 16.

Since a good name and a person’s good reputa tion is such a valuable thing that can be ruined through slanderous lips, God considers it evil and he hates it.

Before They Click: Keeping our Children Safe Online

By: Ms. Jennifer Blatherwick

Jennifer Blatherwick is a parent of five chil dren and a school trustee in Coquitlam. The views expressed in this article belong solely to the author.

Although parents would be relieved if the in ternet was a safe place of learning, we all know that there are many dangers. One of the bright, beautiful qualities of childhood is curiosity, but when combined with their trusting nature, young people can be very vulnerable online. We do our best as parents to keep threats away from our children, but we cannot be there every moment. How do we teach our children to stay safe and protect themselves?

One of the first steps is just to start talking about online safety, even if those conversations are awkward or imperfect. Parents hesitate to bring up difficult topics with our chil dren. Perhaps they are too young, we think, and hard conversations about ugly topics will be too much for them. Maybe we will use the wrong words, and rolling their eyes, they will run straight into the mis takes we warned them against. Even when we hear about tragic incidents, it is hu man nature to instinctively push dark thoughts away from us, and pretend it can never happen to our family.

But giving our children the knowledge and tools to protect themselves can help prevent the most tragic of situations. This last month, the BC Supreme Court sentenced Danish man, Aydin Coban, who was charged and convicted in a case where he harassed and extorted a British Columbia teen online over a period of more than three years. Eventually, the young girl took her own life. Her mother sat in the courtroom, witnessed during the trial, and waited for justice for her daughter.

She also works through the Amanda Todd Legacy Society, named after her daughter, to spread awareness and education about online safety and mental health. If there is anything she would wish for parents to learn from her family’s story, it is to make sure that we talk to our children about how to stay safe in the dig ital world. The Society is dedicated to “provid ing prevention and awareness related to cyber bullying, digital safety and exploitation so that other children and families would be able to be informed and have strategies on how to reach out for support,” Todd says.

Just start the conversation – start it today.

>> continued from page 5. Beware of Envy!

Envy is a poisonous root in our soul that can kill other. Envious people cannot bear to see their neighbours-especially get something more or better than themselves, for instance, intellec tual endowments, physical beauty and strength, or recognition and popularity, material advan tages and various Blessings.

Envy is one of the sins that can exclude us from the Kingdom of God

Even imperfect, awkward conversations are better than no conversations. Children listen – even when as parents we are sure that what we said went in one ear and out the other. If you want a good starting point, check with your child’s school, they will be discussing cyber safety with children, and parents can read into those resources themselves. Three points for helpful conversations:

Start early (but it’s never too late). Us ing age-appropriate language, talk about how people online can pretend to be someone else. Very young children can also be taught how im portant it is to never give out personal details, not create user names connected to their real life, and use different user names for different websites.

Older children and teens can be involved in more detailed, serious conversations. Be pre pared to have the conversation over and over, as the internet evolves, and your child’s ma turity increases. Many parents choose to have the conversation every year just before school,

tantly, if you don’t know something, tell them, and offer to learn about it together.

Listen to your little digital expert. If you are worried about your child feeling lectured and tuning you out, this is the key point. Ask what they know, if any of their friends have encountered threatening or manipulative situa tions on the internet. Many children and teens are far more adept at apps and technology than their parents. Even if you are up-to-date on the latest in the virtual world, showing that you re spect their experience and are willing to listen to their thoughts on internet safety fosters good communication and critical thinking on their part. Honesty and listening will be key in creat ing vital conversations about safety if they ever encounter a dangerous situation online. Although there are dangers online, there are far more innocent people in the digital world than there are criminals. With that strength of num bers, there are actions you can take to make the internet safer for children everywhere.

Remind children not to pass content on. Make it clear early that passing on exploitive content – even if it is through messaging, or to friends, is still a crime, and helps to perpet uate harm. Children can struggle to understand that the online world has real consequences, and your straight forward warning can help them to do the right thing in a situation that seems unreal to them.

and then again right before summer. Not that talks need to be limited to twice a year! Attach ing a yearly or biannual date is a way to take special care to ensure the talk happens, and if you struggle with it, set a recurring reminder in your phone. As with any difficult conversation, try different techniques to encourage a good conversation – teenagers may communicate better during a drive or a walk than sitting down around the kitchen table.

Be honest. Parents don’t need to describe every frightening detail of worst-case scenari os, but it can help to describe real-world en counters of how predators approach children online. Many encounters can start on common, child-friendly websites like Roblox, TikTok, or Discord, where predators will trick children by pretending to be children themselves – even using doctored pictures and videos of real chil dren in their profiles and messages to increase their believability. Children will become at tached to online friends in a similar way to how they feel about in-person friends. Though those relationships have positive effects for a lonely child, we need to let them know how malicious people will try and trick them on the internet. Make sure that you let your child know that if they are uneasy or doubt anything, they can come to you for help or guidance. Most impor

Speak carefully about the victims of online abuse and exploitation. When discussing the incidents, hear ing critical or negative language about the victims can make children more vulnerable, because it makes them less likely to come forward to an adult if they do encounter a dangerous situation.

Report suspicious behaviour or content

If you or your child witness anything online that is harmful, dangerous or exploitive, you can send the information to CyberTip. The online tool is operated by the Canadian Center for Child Protection, which is a non-profit “ded icated to reducing child victimization through technology, education, public awareness, along with supporting survivors and their families”.

If you want to get started with some expert support, there are two education sessions for students and parents coming in up in Novem ber:

Social Media Awareness, Digital Foot prints and Cyberbullying

(Student Sessions with Parents - after school hours)

November 15, 2022 - 6:30 to 7:30 pm

Register online: https://event-wizard.com/ SocialMediaAwarenessStudentParentsN ov152022/0/register/

November 30, 2022 - 6:30 to 7:30 pm

Register online: https://event-wizard.com/ events/SocialMediaAwarenessStudentPar entsNov302022/

Gal. 5: 20 .For the envious this means a dev astating fate in the future. They will be denied entrance into the kingdom of Jesus Christ, even if they are Christians. In the face of eternity we cannot tolerate envy at any price. This poison ous, sinful root has to be eradicated if we wish to be with Jesus forever. Because the Word of God speaks so clearly about envy, we have to take the Apostle Peter’s admonition seriously: “So put away all malice and envy” (1 Pet. 2: 1)

Jesus wants to free us from envy, His blood is sufficient to heal this sinful ailment.

When we are redeemed from this tormenting envy, we will become happy and able to taste His kingdom of peace and joy here on earth.

PROVERBS

14:30

A SOUND HEART IS THE LIFE OF THE FLESH, BUT ENVY THE ROTTENESS OF THE BONES

remittance companies, however, find it difficult to get banking services from the big banks and credit unions and are spending from $100,000 to $200,000 a year on AML (Anti Money Laun dering) compliance and armored car cash pick ups. Being a financial institution made by Fili pinos catering to the needs of Filipinos in B.C., they understand the importance of remittances to families back home in the Philippines, and the Philippine economy as a whole. The system and processes of the credit union will be built with remittance companies in mind.

Agents will be able to deposit the proceeds of remittance transactions at any ATM in the Exchange network for credit to their account, which can then be transferred online to the main account of the remittance company, also maintained with the credit union. The Exchange network includes almost all credit unions throughout Canada including Coast Capital, Vancity, Prospera Credit Union to name a few, as well as some commercial banks such as HSBC, Bank of China (Canada) and KEB Hana Bank Canada. This eliminates the need for agents to make 3rd party deposits or the agents having to wire funds to the Philip

Above: The branch is situated at the ground floor of Henderson mall, Coquitlam.quitlam.

pines. From an AML compliance standpoint, this process will simplify and streamline the remittance process and ensure that all laws are properly followed.

Back home in the Philippines, we also see the emergence of women leadership, particularly in banking and finance. The presence in the industry of Teresita Sy Coson is quite palpa ble. She is the chief executive of Banco de Oro, the Philippines’ largest bank, and the daughter of SM founder Henry Sy. Another force to reckon with is Helen Yuchengco Dee, the eldest daughter of Ambassador Alfon so Yuchengco, who the leadership of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and the

Yuchengco business empire, which also in cludes China Bank. Last, but not the least, is Mercedes Tan Gotianun, the chairperson emer ita of Filinvest Development, with interests in banking, hospitality, power and property. She was the former head of Family Bank, which was later sold to BPI.

In Canada and in the Philippines, women pow er is undeniable!

The branch can be used by the community for events.

SoCIALS!

By: Thina Abando

Photos by: Lysander Jose

W

Oct. 12, 2002 Invitation 2002

For professional photos, email: lysanderjosejr@gmail Call: 604.813.4327 Wedding, 2002

Chris Concepcion Best Man

been a significant aspect in their lives.

Many couples can learn a lot from these two; they are examples of couples who lived their story and were not tempted to compete or

compare their rela tionship with others. Their relationship was wrapped with patience, trust, and respect, tied by their faith in God.

Their long-lasting love has given their daugh ter Fiola the strong foundation she needs to be the gracious and elegant woman she is now. Her parents are her superstars, the epitome of a relation ship she would like to

Now, Jun and Mrs. Z belong to the A-list er couples who had rode out the tide and became strong with time, just like Cath erine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, as well as Keely Shayne Smith and Pierce Brosnan. They are now Vancouver’s JayZ and Beyonce, growing successfully together but remaining crazy for each other.

Mariel Javier & Chris Ross Bridesmaid & Groomsman have her own in the future.

Mr. Dan Guevara Family Friend

Mr. Tony & Mrs. Josie Calderon | Ptr. Nita & Oscar Serrano. Ninong | Ninang | Sponsors

Annie Jalac Miles Ninang | Sponsor

Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club Carving Station for prime rib & rack of lamb

Mallari-Buan-Cortes-Stein Family

Seafood Buffet of Crab legs, Salmon Wellington, Oysters & Mussels

One Fil-Coop Founders Mrs. Z’s couture wedding gown by Oleg Cassini. President of UFCABC

(L-R) Eunice, Sam, Boying, Michael, Alda, Eula, Lori & Mrs. Z.

Jay Jayag & Joyce Markham

Groomsman & Bridesmaid

Officiated by Pastora Eva Manabat

CMMI Church Pastors

THE FILIPINO NOW • SPECIAL REPORT

Filipinos Choosing Canada

By: Thina Abando

For a few years, it has been a growing trend for many Filipinos to study in Canada and then plan for migration or permanent residence. The used to be “American Dream” has now been replaced by the “great Canadian Dream.” It may sound like a no-brainer, but if you do your pros and cons, Canada will make it to the top of your list for having a better op portunity for you to immigrate and the elusive

experience.

Studying in Canada will significantly increase your chances of getting your permanent residency due to the additional points you can get. Thus, this route is a viable and easy way for most Filipinos wanting to make a life in Canada.

Moreover, what can one dream of coming to Canada expect? This country is one of the most multicultural countries with the most ethnically diverse nations in the world, making it very easy to start a new life and blend in. There are many opportunities

peek of a better quality of life. The Philippines has been Canada’s leading permanent resi dence (PR) source in previous years. And going through the study route has been the top option for faster entry.

According to the British Council Philippines, one of the organizations that conduct the International English Language Testing System or IELTS, pointed out in 2018 that Canada has become the top destination for Filipino test takers. The student pathway has become the ideal strategy for Filipinos to fast-track their Canadian Dream.

Canada’s standard process for immigration is called the Express Entry; an online system used to accept candidates for the country’s leading immigration programs such as Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class. This points-based system computes a score for each candidate using various factors such as age, language, education, and work

in terms of work or building a career. The ambiguous work-life balance that each human being wants to practice is more achievable here. The feeling of contentment can be felt positively, leading to a healthy life. Not to mention that Canada is famous for its impressive scenery and excellent land mass. Its natural environment is breathtaking. Another major factor that makes Canada more attractive than any other country is its robust health care, it is among the highest quality in the world, and everybody has access to any medical treatment they need. The best

part is that it’s free.

As a digest on why more and more Filipinos want to come to Canada, many of our fellow kababayans can vouch for it. In any province you go to, there is a solid Filipino community that is very warm and welcoming. Creating life here in Canada can be summed up as getting a better deal in life and having a bright future for you and your family.

Photo by: Bayanihan Foundation Worldwide

SOROPTIMIST

By: Ms. Royce Salen

The Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Edu cation and Training Awards for Women assist women who provide the primary financial support for their families. Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and em ployment prospects.

Apply for the Live Your Dream Award

What We Do

Every year, Soroptimist distributes more than $2 million in education grants to about 1,500 women all over the world.

Soroptimist International of the TriCities alone has given out over $100,000 in educational grants over the past 15 years.

Over half of our Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families we serve have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction. Live Your Dream Awards recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education such as books, childcare, tuition, and transportation.

Every year, our club participates in this program and honours women in our community making the commitment to further education.

Live Your Dream Awards | Scholarships for Women | Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards if you:

• Provide primary financial support for yourself and your dependents. Dependents can include children, spouse, partner, siblings and/or parents;

• Have financial need;

• Are enrolled in/have been accepted to a vocational/skills training (trade school) or undergraduate degree program;

• Are motivated to achieve your education and career goals;

• Have not previously been the recipient of a Live Your Dream (formerly called the Women’s Opportunity Award);

• Are not a Soroptimist member, an employee of Soroptimist International of the Americas or immediate family of either;

• Do not have a graduate degree.

• Submit two references with your application.

Apply by November 15th, 2022

Applications are through the portal on the Soroptimist of the America’s website. https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/liveyour-dream-awards/apply-for-the-live-yourdream-awards.html

“Alive n Kissin” – Kiss Tribute Band – Burger & Beer Night Don’t miss this rocking evening! Burgers and Beers everywhere…

You don’t want to miss the hottest event in the Tri Cities this year. Your ticket gets you entrance into a great fundraiser for Soroptimist, as well as a beer, a beverage and a chance to win a great door prize.

‘ALIVE & KISSIN’ are a Vancouver, BC based tribute band bringing the over the top, loud,

rock n’ roll party energy of classic KISS concerts to the local stage. Full Makeup, Full Costumes, Full Throttle Theatrics & FULL VOLUME!! Get your dancing shoes on! Lots of fun for you and your friends as you rock out with the best Kiss tribute band. Buy your tickets now.

“Alive n Kissin” – Kiss Tribute Band –Burger & Beer Night

Date: November 19 @ 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Location: Golden Parrots Pub 170 Golden Drive, Coquitlam, BC, V3K 6J1

Organizer: Soroptimist International of the TriCities

Cost: $35.00

The Coquitlam Inaugural Council Meeting and Oath Taking

Trish Mandewo placed 6th in the Coquitlam Council race.

Mrs. Z, Mayor Richard Stewart, Eula & Dale Stein

Jennifer Blatherwick, School Board Trustee SD43 , Rosey Manhas, PAC President for SD43

Councillor Trish Mandewo, Eula Stein, newly elected councillor Matt Djonlic