Filipino-Canadians Now Over 1M Strong.

Filipino-canadians o VER 1 M s TR on G

By: Zeala Cortes

The Illustrados are a class comprised of native born intellectuals who studied in Europe and chose to come back home to the Philippines to progress the ideals of nationalism and reform, in order to gain independence from the clutches of Spain. The indios, insulares, mestizas; essentially are a cut across ethno-linguistic blend of cultures, or as more commonly referred to in today’s lingo, as the “halfers” and are often “racially ambiguous”. They were a result of the blurring of lines brought about by generations of mixed marriages between the natives, Malay, Chinese and Spaniards, and they fervently sought the reform of a more equitable arrangement of both political and economic access under the mighty rulership and sovereignty of Spain. They were also known as the “rich intelligentsia” because many were children of wealthy landowners and were educated in Spain. They were exposed to Spanish

liberal and European nationalist ideals, and as all of them chose to return back to the motherland, they were considered the key figures in the development of Filipino nationalism.

Famous illustrados include Jose Rizal, Antonio Juan Luna, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and Graciano Lopez Jaena. Most of them had mixed bloodlines. The only pure native blood would most likely be our national hero, Jose Rizal. The writings and paintings of this small group of intellectuals are often credited in providing the intellectual grounding and seeding of the Philippine Revolution of 1896.

Here and now, the majority of Filipinos living abroad have chosen not to return home and have instead decided to grow new roots in their adopted countries. In Canada, it is estimated that there about 1 million Filipinos (source: Statistics Canada 2021). In the last few years, it

has been reported that over 400,000 Filipinos arrive each year. This number includes temporary workers and students, making us the fastest growing visible minority group in Canada.

This is the time to once again do what our forefathers have done, to be an illustrado, except not in the Philippines, but in the foreign country you chose to live in with kababayans as your neighbors, friends and your community. This is a call to each and every Filipino abroad, a call to be the pioneer the way-shower, championing our common pursuit of Filipino idealism and identity. To have a strong identity is to revisit or perhaps revive the past… this is also a call for bayani (hero) -han (active verb), an individualized form of heroism that is paradoxically an integral part for the inner workings and accomplishment as a group. A sentiment that each and

laYoFFs aT coasT capiTal.

Vancouver Edition

ThE MahaRlika WEalTh Fund.

liVE YouR dREaM

EMPOWERING FILIPINOS

The Maharlika Wealth Fund. an avenue for prosperity.

By: Trina Mallari

Manila, Philippines – The country’s Economic Team let by Budget Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, with Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Socioeconomic Planning Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, Bangko Sentral Monetary Board Member V. Bruce Tolentino, and GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso, met to convene on the institutionalization of the proposed Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF).

The government will use the MWF, a sovereign wealth fund, to invest in a variety of markets, including foreign exchange, fixed-income securities, domestic and international corporate bonds, commercial real estate, and infrastructure projects, among others.

• Land Bank of the Philippines – P50 billion

• Development Bank of the Philippines – P25 billion

• Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) – 10% of its online gaming proceeds

It wouldn’t be a surprise if former officials of the first Marcos administration think the projected MWF development mandate sounded familiar. The National Development Co. (NDC) which was created in 1919 but used in the Marcos Sr. era to pursue commercial, industrial, agricultural and mining venture to provide impetus to national economic development.

The President’s father started a good idea decades ago. Hopefully, we will now see his original plan come to fruition to help the poor.

Budget Secretary Pangandaman expressed hope for the MWF’s role in the administration’s Agenda for Prosperity on behalf of the Economic Team. Finance Chief Diokno, meanwhile, commented that the country should have set aside a fund similar to the MWF years ago for future generations.

Initially, it was planned to begin with a PHP 250 Billion start-up investment from Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) such as the GSIS, SSS, Landbank of the Philippines, and Development Bank of the Philippines. This was then supposedly supplemented by annual contributions from the BSP, DOF, and other sources. Although the Economic Team assured the public that enough safeguards would be put in place to ensure accountability and transparency in managing the MWF, many alleyed fears that the MWF could follow in the footsteps of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MdB) fund which accomplished very little and became a vessel for corruption, bribery and money laundering and be known as one of the world’s greatest financial scandals.

In response to the simmering public backlash, lawmakers pushed for key amendments to the Maharlika bill, primarily:

1. GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) and SSS (Social Security System) would be removed as sources of seed money for the MWF.

2. GSIS and SSS can still invest in the fund should their respective board of directors permit them to do so, but contribution was no longer mandatoy.

3. The seed money would come from the earnings of the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas), specifically the profits, to bridge the gap left by the exit of GSIS and SSS from the seed funding. If passed into law, the BSP would be required to invest Maharlika with all of its announced dividends for the first two years after the fund’s creation. After the first two years, the BSP will only be required to pay Maharlika 50% of its declared dividends; the other 50% will be deposited into a special account designed to increase the BSP’s P200 billion capitalization. The amended central bank charter requires that the announced dividends that the BSP pays to the government be used to increase the central bank’s greater capital needs so that it can carry out its duties.

Alongside the BSP, other government institutions would also be contributing to the initial capital for the MWF:

T ah o

T ah o k a yo d ya

S a O Taho!

Photo credits: ABS-CBN News

“The President’s late father started a good idea decades ago. Hopefully, we will now see his original plan come to fruition to help the poor.”

layoffs at coast capital. Is this what community banking has become?

By: Jun Cortes

Surrey, B.C. Canada - Just last month, Coast Capital Savings Federal Credit Union (Coast Capital), the 3rd largest credit union in Canada and the largest federally incorporated credit union, announced last month employee layoffs which they reported would impact 4% of its workforce. While no specific numbers were released, this is estimated that around 200 families have been impacted.

While it is certainly not uncommon for large companies to undergo restructuring or downsizing in order to remain competitive and financially viable, with layoffs being a part of this process, Coast Capital is supposed to be a community-based credit union. Shouldn’t the needs of the community be the focus, and not the bottom line?

This move did not go unnoticed, garnering a wide array of snide comments online. The credit union has just reported that it’s net income of $98.8 Million in 2021 has been the highest ever and a whopping 180% increase from the prior year’s net income of $35.3 Million during the pandemic.

growth and credit unions give back to these communities in return, through the funding of projects, donations and employing members of the community. The first Filipino credit union, which is currently in the processing of being established, promises to always maintain these values of being community-centric, being the funnel of prosperity, which much needed by Filipinos in Canada.

The recent global pandemic has certainly changed the business models of most companies, especially banks and credit unions. What the pandemic has taught us is people are now more open to banking online. If the needs of members and depositors can be met without the need to visit a branch, then that is what they prefer. This would mean upgrades to the existing technology, which isn’t cheap. Fintech (Financial Technology) is a highly specialized field that deals with the custodianship and movement of money electronically in today’s modern world.

What the pandemic has taught us is people are now more open to banking online. If the needs of members and depositors can be met without the need to visit a branch, then that is what they prefer.

Many long-time members were concerned the credit union has lost its soul. It’s roots as a community bank before all the mergers in the early 2000’s, which propelled the credit union to become Canada’s 3rd largest and be federally incorporated, have been forgotten. The culture and their focus are changing. This is a move that, when made by large commercial banks, may garner praise from the shareholders, but when executed by a credit union, leaves nothing but a bad taste in the mouths of the credit union’s members and the community that helped it grow to where it is now.

Communities are very important to credit unions. Communities are behind the

Coast Capital, for instance, spends over $60 Million annually on technology and has committed to improving the way its members manage their money online with access to technology.

The first Filipino credit union is being built with technology as it’s backbone, and the love for community as it’s soul. Its business model will require a single branch for now and will specialize in borderless banking. This is what the Filipino community needs and what the Filipino community has been looking for. It is high time that we see Filipino excellence come to fruition to bring forth the best of both worlds – the heart and soul of a community credit union with the technology of a commercial bank. We urge all Filipinos to be one with this marvelous dream of prosperity within the Filipino-Canadian community, in the hopes that this becomes reality in 2023.

The

Filipino Now

Editor

Thina Abando

Writers and contributors

Thina Abando

Trina Mallari

Zeala Cortes

Lou Tang

Jun Cortes

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Pacquiao wins exhibition but fight garners little attention

By: Lou Tang

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao made a comeback to the ring for an exhibition fight on December 11, 2022 against well-known YouTube sensation and purported “martial arts expert” DK Yoo at the Korea International Exhibition Centre in Goyang, South Korea.

The Pay-Per-View exhibition fight was a lot of fun to watch, with Pacquiao knocking down the Korean fighter several times, attempting to go for the knockout late in the bout. This was just an exhibition fight, going a total of 6 rounds. There was no declared winner, but it was clear who was the more skilled boxer and who was just happy to be in the ring against one of the greatest athletes of all time.

The 43-year-old fighter turned politician, who had stepped away from boxing to launch a failed bid for the Philippine presidency, is an illustrious eight-division world champion. His opponent, DK Yoo, a martial artist and YouTube star, has been dubbed the “Korean Bruce Lee” in his homeland. It was clear Yoo was no match for Pacquiao despite being visibly taller and heavier, but it was only his second time inside a boxing ring and the lack of experience and skill showed.

The South Korean was visibly drained and winded throughout the fight as the speedy Pacquiao moved in and out with explosions of rapid fire punching. Any time DK Yoo managed to get through with more than a jab, Pacquiao, who never appeared to be in any trouble, immediately punished him with a stronger return.

Despite Pacquiao’s star power, he was still unable to generate a crowd that was even close to being sold out for his fight. As the fighters made their way into the ring during the telecast, the empty seats in the thousands were visibly glaring. PPV number haven’t been released either, suggesting they may not have been spectacular.

Leaders of the reform movement in Spain: Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar and Mariano Ponce.

everyone is a hero and that if we contribute actively to the community, we can all accomplish ease, excellence, prosperity and harmony.

The Bayanihan spirit is a cornerstone of the Filipino culture and is characterized by the community coming together to help one another, often by sharing the workload and making tasks easier. This is often exemplified by the tradition of moving a traditional Filipino home, called a “bahay-kubo”, by lifting it on wooden poles and carrying it to a new location. This age-old value is in contrast to the socalled “crab mentality”, which is a selfish and individualistic mindset that focuses on personal gain or self adoration, at the expense of others.

Could the apparent lack in interest be due to the fact that this was just an exhibition with nothing on the line? Could it be because it was held in Asia instead of more lucrative markets like the USA? Could it be that since it was against a YouTube star, people expected it for free and would rather just wait for it to be posted on YouTube? Could the global financial crisis and inflation be the reason the audience is spending less on entertainment?

Whatever the reason, the results of this fight do not bode well for Pacquiao’s boxing career and for boxing in general. Perhaps only a Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch can get people excited for boxing again.

The decline in Bayanihan values and the rise of crab mentality have had a negative impact on the Filipino society. It has resulted in a culture of selfishness and disrespect, as well as a lack of cooperation and collaboration. This is harmful because it undermines the community’s strength and can lead to social and economic problems.

To resist this mentality and revive the Bayanihan spirit, Filipinos must reinstate the virtue of lending a helping hand without expecting anything in return. This can be accomplished through cultivating a spirit of collaboration, compassion and respect for others. By doing this, Filipinos can unite to support one another and create a more cohesive, stronger, and more prosperous community here in our new homeland.

AFP via Getty Images

Continuation from Page 1 ... Bayanihan na kabayan!

Be careful with what you post on social media!

Former da secretary Manny pinol vindicated. cyberbully convicted up to 5 years in prison.

By: Ms. Trina Mallari

With the rise of social media, we are now seeing more and more instances of cyberbullying and cyber harassment. While we recognize that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and free speech on social media, it should not result in reputational, mental, physical and material harm to another person.

In the Philippines, cyberbullying is a very serious criminal offense, falling under Republic Act 10175 for online libel and Republic Act 10627 for bullying. cyberbullying can land you in jail!

In a recent ruling in a Quezon City Regional Trial Court in the Philippines, Journalist Frank Cimatu was convicted over a Facebook post he made in 2017 targeting former Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol. Cimatu was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt of cyber libel charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and sentenced with up to five years, five months, and 11 days of imprisonment, and was ordered to pay Piñol P300,000 in moral damages.

Cimatu’s post on Facebook had the intention to “injure the reputation, credit and virtue of Piñol and expose him to public hatred, discredit, contempt and ridicule.” The decision read “Taking into consideration the words used by Cimatu and the subject Facebook post which appears to be an imputation of a crime, the same is defamatory and thus, satisfy the first element of the crime of Cyberlibel.” The judge further ruled that Cimatu failed to show any proof that “his post was done in good faith.”

Cyber Bullying comes in many forms, including Cyber Lynching, which is group bullying or a cyber mob. This is what we commonly see on social media, which most commonly leads to the use of angry, vulgar and violent words against the victim and bullying via text and instant messaging apps. Think twice before you decide to participate in this behaviour. You may also be criminally responsible in this criminal act. There have also been many cases where cyberbullying has resulted in the mental breakdown of victims, and eventually suicide.

4. This warrant of arrest can be submitted to Interpol, your local police in Canada and the US Department of Homeland Security.

What should you do if you see a post that can be considered cyberbullying?

1. Do not add fuel to the fire. You may also be implicated in the crime.

2. If you see your friends posting something that can be considered cyberbullying, warn them not to do this since there could be legal consequences.

3. Show and share this news article as a source material. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse to commit the crime of cyberbullying.

4. Be more responsible for what you post. Be a more compassionate human being.

5. If you want to help the victim, be a witness and provide screenshots, which shows the URL of the instances of cyberbullying. This evidence will help the victim’s case to stop the cyberbullying.

There have also been many cases where cyberbullying has resulted in the mental breakdown of victims, and eventually suicide...

In Canada, cyberbullying is also taken very seriously. Bill C-13, the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act, was introduced by the Canadian government in 2015 to tackle cyberbullying. The Act includes amendments to Canada’s Criminal Code, the Evidence Act, the Competition Act and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act.

Cyberbullying in Canada may include the following actions:

- Posting embarrassing or intimate photos of someone online.

- Sending threatening or cruel text/instant messages or emails.

- Creating a website to mock or embarrass someone.

- Pretending to be another person by using their name or other personal information.

- Tricking a person into divulging personal or embarrassing information and forwarding it to other people.

What should you do if you are the victim?

1. In the Philippines, there is a special police division in Camp Crame who handles these cases. You can call them and they will guide you through the process of reporting. A certification of the proof of cyberbullying and harassment will be issued by their office. Even if you live outside of the Philippines, as long as you are a Filipino citizen, you still have rights that need to be upheld.

2. Screenshot, document and collect evidence of the cyberbullying.

3. Hire a lawyer in the Philippines to pursue the cyberbullying case using the certification to obtain a warrant of arrest for the cyberbullies.

Anyone convicted of a cyberbullying offence in Canada can be sentenced up to 5 years in jail. If, in the course of cyberbullying, the accused person made someone fear for their safety or the safety of others, they may be criminally charged with criminal harassment, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The other common criminal code offences typically associated with online bullying are uttering threats, intimidation, defamatory libel, false messages, indecent or harassing telephone calls, incitement of hatred.

Be careful with what you post on social media. Not only are there legal ramifications of your actions, but you may unknowingly be contributing to cyberbullying and ruining the lives of innocent people.

It’s time we all stand up together for what is right, the legal way!

SoCIALS!

By: Thina Abando

T

After teaming up with Kaplaza Coop, Filipino Star Magazine and Miss Jam Morales, they came up with a show format that mixes classical music performances and pop songs appropriate for the season and the audience, in the hope that this endeavor inspires everyone to be like children, kind, excitable and generous!

Ms. Dorothy & Jack Zhang

CMMI Volunteers

(L-R) Yafania,Karina Lian, Serene Wang, Chole Hui, Ms.Dorothy Uytengsu, Eula Stein, TJ Markham, Frank Zhao, Jack Zhang, Jackson Wu, Michael Anonuevo

his concert began with the good-hearted gesture of Ms. Dorothy Uytengsu and her piano students to put together a benefit concert for a good cause. The students came together and asked their parents’ support to make this concert a reality!Ms. Jam Morales

Study Now Canada Allied Survices Evangeline & Mr. Legaspi

Jam Morales & the Filipino Community

Frank Zhao First place winner at 2022 Crescendo International Competition & his mom

Chole Hui, First place winner at the 2020 Crescendo International Competition

The children played there hearts out to the delight of the predoninantly Filipino crowd. We saw a mixture of performances, from recognizable classical pieces to R&B and beatbox, culminating with a finale that featured all the young performers on the stage all at the same time, like a mini orchestra.

We would love to thank all the generous sponsors and volunteers who made this event a resounding success! Ninety five percent of the tickets are for free courtesy of the sponsors & volunteers!

The concert was also able to raise funds for both CMMI Church and the Damayan Society for Migrant Education & Resources.

This was truly a coming together event that transcends beyond race, color and religion.

Rene Alcantara, Nita Serrano, Mrs.Z, Jam, Ms. Annie Jalac Miles

Paolo & Councillor Maita Santiago

Reeve Ryan Guest Performer

TJ Markham (Right), First place winner at the 2022 Crescendo International Competition, with Michael Anonuevo (Left).

Singing 12 days of Christmas with audience participation

Miss Dorothy and her student performers

Girly, Mrs. Z & Pastor Joey Magundayao

Reem Alnuweiri Emcee

Joyce Markham with Jam Morales

Yafania debuting her first single “You are the right guy”which she also submitted to the Wish Foundation

UFCABC officers showing their support for the coming together concert

IMMIGRATION

THE FILIPINO NOW • SPECIAl REPORT

The international student landscape in canada

By: Thina Abando

Canada boasts as one of the leading destinations for international students. Canada’s education system emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion for international students. With programs and courses designed to empower students regardless of age and location. Canada offers internationally recognized degrees from prestigious universities and colleges. If you are an international student planning to live and work in Canada, you have a large selection of ideal cities. According to the Canadian International Education Bureau (CBIE) research, international students choose Canada because of its high standard of education and reputation as a multicultural and tolerant society.

Since 2010 there has been a steady increase in international students coming to Canada, with just a slight drop in 2020 due to the pandemic. According to statista.com, there has been a 36% increase in international students from 2010 to 2021. Based on their data in 2021, the top ten origin countries where international students come from are India, China, France, Iran, Vietnam, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, the USA, Nigeria, and Mexico, respectively. It was accounted for based on the study permit holders with valid student permits. India has 217,410 student permit holders in Canada, China with 105,265 international students in Canada and 26,630 international students from France. The numbers continue to grow as we move forward to 2023.

With the increasing number of international students in Canada, let’s look into which provinces have the most significant number of students choose. Ontario, Canada, has the highest number of international students (192,906), followed by British Columbia, with 70,920 international students. Then Quebec ranks third among the top Canadian provinces with the most international students (59,700),

recruit more international students to become financially independent. Due to Canada’s low fertility rate, the growth of the major group of Canadian-born college-bound students ages 18-24 has stagnated over the past decade. Canada’s population has grown 11% over the past decade, but its 18-24 age group has increased by only 4%. As such, Canadian institutions need income from international students to fund their increasing operating costs. According to a Canadian government study, international students contribute approximately $22 billion to the national economy annually and maintain over 170,000 jobs. (CIC,2020) Apart from this significant impact, international students are set to have a more considerable impact on Canada’s economy in the coming decades, with about 80 different economic class pathways such as Express Entry, Atlantic Immigration Pilot, and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These passes offer unique streams for international students and may also award extra points for international students. This is because federal research shows that international studentturned-immigrants are doing significantly better in the Canadian economy.

while Alberta, Canada, gets the 4th spot with 24,636 international students studying there. These numbers are expected to increase as more students want to gain their degrees and diploma in Canada. Furthermore, about 60% of international students are interested in getting permanent residency in Canada after graduation, according to CBIE.

According to CIC News, Canada ranks 3rd behind USA and Australia as the country of choice for international students. Canada’s growth of international students is due to the growing middle-class population worldwide as more students seek education and, in some cases, immigration opportunities abroad.

According to UNESCO, there were about 2 million international students in 2000, and now he has over 5 million. Moreover, Canadian colleges and universities have little choice but to

The increase in international students in Canada has been a win-win situation for most of the people at stake. The students get an excellent and world-class education with the opportunity to work and live in Canada after, while the Canadian government benefits economically. This trend is expected to rise in the following years and bring more lucrative opportunities.

Law of Attraction

THE FILIPINO NOW • SPECIAl SERIES

By: Zeala Cortes

The age long question “Why is there suffering?” prompted Buddha, formerly known as Prince Siddhartha, to take a journey of the consciousness and decided to plant himself up against a fig tree. His description of himself being one with the tree, without eating, drinking or sleeping, were remarkable. He staunchly held his lotus seating position while insisting on his journey in accessing the caverns of his mind to find the answers to his questions.

The fig tree became known as the bodhi tree because the Buddha reached enlightenment (bodhi) after meditating beneath one such tree for 49 days.

In an abridged version of the story, he reached nirvana after facing his last opponent, which was actually himself. The message that he got from “All That Is“, God, Source, is that you make your own reality weather you know it or not. From this very long meditation, his best words of wisdom in my opinion are “Be the change you want to see”.

The graphical depiction above attempts to demystify life, the value of suffering (contrast), then taking the conversation or situation to

How to Create the Reality that You desire

Live Your Dream!

zero point, meaning eliciting no emotion. As an example, instead of using the word “suffering”, “contrast” is a more appropriate term. In such a format, some semblance of clear presentation is established.

I correlated Contrast with the Gift of God. What I mean with that, is when you are feeling bad, remember that you are also automatically shooting forth a rocket of desire which is just the opposite of your feel-bad experience. That’s what expansion is all about! That’s what growth is, as energy, as consciousness, we are expanding and once we realize and actualized that, we manifest heaven on earth!

know that you have the power of choice, specially when it comes to choosing a better feeling emotion, then you will be creating by default.

Newsflash! The negative ego is really just one giant soap bubble. By challenge your habit of thought, you can burst the soap bubble of illusion. Consciously shift the perspective from Self to your Co-creator, or whoever you are interacting with. That’s what Namaste means, the “God in me sees the God in you.”

Seek First To Understand Then Be Understood. This is Stephen Covey’s 5th habit in his book

The Theory of Relativity can be applied to time, everything, and everywhere, because in that one fractal moment in time, everything is happening all at once. That’s quantum science, which we are at the very early stages of understanding. We have been using Newtonian physics for centuries and this limitation in mathematics fails to expound what we commonly refer to as scared geometry, which is the basis of life and human experience.

At any given fractal moment, you have the power to choose an emotion. That makes you the creator of your own reality. If you don’t

7 Habits of Highly Effective People, first published in 1989. Essentially, this is the habit of emphatic communication which means the ability to sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone else might be thinking or feeling during the communication process. Your point of focus is not what you have to tell the other person, which is limited in form and substance. The negative ego always assumes and jumps to conclusions. Positive ego puts emphasis on the positive emotions the self is being the channel of.

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