Publisher’s Note
More than half of my life has been spent discovering my purpose in life. I finished my elementary and high school days with awards, achieved a Computer Engineering degree, pursued a project management profession, married someone who didn’t fit my Mr. Right criteria (turned out to be the best thing that came into my life and I thank God for His perfect gift), had 2 little wonderful angels, serving God through a faith-based community and now serving the Filipino community through this endeavour. Yes, a busy life … a busy, purpose-driven life!
The people behind Kubo Magazine have waited for a long time for the right time and place to launch the maiden issue. Finally, that time has come, and boy, that was a long wait! But definitely worth it. A lot of people are asking– why Kubo? My answer, why not Kubo? It is an icon of Filipino culture much like a bilao (winnowing basket) or salakot (widebrimmed hat). But I chose Kubo because it represents a dwelling place. It is a single-room dwelling where all activities happen in one space. There are no dividers or walls, a representation of unity and harmonious living. What better time to launch it than during this Christmas season when people come together and reunite with family and friends. And what better venue to launch it than at the Toronto Paskuhan Festival, where Filipino-Canadians gather as one community and enjoy the best of Filipino Christmas from food to entertainment, and most of all the giving. Let us not forget to
generously share our blessings to the families and children affected by the recent calamities in the Philippines. Their Christmas will never be the same. The people behind this magazine are unapologetic about celebrating everything Filipino. Our hard working staff writers will bring you inspiring life stories and informative articles. Each issue will be filled with pictures about life’s milestones, scenic and beautiful places in the Philippines and the lovely and talented Filipino people from all over the world. So let Kubo Magazine be your home away from home as we bring you the best of our culture, its people and the country you call home. Claire Dela Gana Publisher
From the Editor’s Desk
is full of relevant stories, interesting lives, bustling communities, and stunning images that we at KUBO would like to showcase in the form of paragraphs and pictures. Our Kubo Magazine graciously opens our doors wide for both budding and experienced writers, artists, and photographers. We would like to feature all kinds of talents the best way we can. Send your contributions to editor@ ikubomedia.com for review. In the light of recent tragedies in the Philippines (Bohol earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda), we dedicate our maiden issue to our beloved motherland, the Philippines. We pray for endurance, tenacity, strength, and hope amidst the devastation that wrought grim despair in the hearts of Filipinos everywhere. Against all odds, I am certain that the Filipino spirit will rise above calamities and desolation,
Anne Simon is a full time Project Coordinator at CAMH, a part time staff writer for Kubo and also working towards her Masters degree in Information Systems & Design at the U of T. Despite her busy schedule, she values her time with family and friends, and immensely believes in work-life balance. She loves to experience and learn about different cultures through reading and traveling. Her favourite place to visit is the Philippines and plans to explore all its beautiful beaches and historical sites. Mariyah Gonzales is a first generation Canadian in Toronto with dreams of the bright lights in Manila. Her degree from Western University focused on the ties between culture and the environment and she believes in food that is good, clean and fair. A writer and photographer, you’ll often find Mariyah involved in capturing food and the grace and healing it can bring to the table. Website: mariyahgonzales.wordpress.com Twitter: mariyahaisha Instagram: @mar_gonzales Veronica Javier is a Registered Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work. Veronica has over 6 years of communitybased social work experience, including in youth-led organizations, faith-based community settings and a clinical healthcare setting. Veronica has been a writer since the tender age of 12 and is an avid writer of short stories and poetry. Her first published work appeared in Images in Time (1998) with the Poetry Institute of Canada. When Veronica is not busy, she is dancing like no one is watching and/or getting lost in a fictional novel about supernatural creatures.
Mula sa Bulwagan Joi Lardizabal runs her own company that specializes in English as a Second Language for international students. She is also an author, a blogger, a special events coordinator, a teacher trainer, a church planter, a praise and worship leader, and a youth mentor. Married to a busy IT consultant/pastor, Joi is a doting mom to Noreen (19) and Nathan (16), and their pet Plott hound, Mazy (4). Started writing for magazines since she was 16, and teaching English for 25 years, Joi loves to read and write short stories and poetry. Her current burning passion is missions. The “foyer” in a kubo (hut) is called “bulwagan” in Tagalog. This is where the owner of the kubo entertains his guests. And so we warmly welcome all of you wonderful readers to our maiden issue of KUBO magazine — new, fresh, spicy, and exciting! The world
Meet the Staff
through the Spirit who provides Peace that exceeds all human understanding. Let us continue the season of giving as we also celebrate Christmas with our family, as we look forward to a New Year bursting with beautiful promises fulfilled. Joi Lardizabal Editor
Jane Taguicana has been with Canada’s national wire service, The Canadian Press, for nearly 14 years. She takes pleasure in belting out a tune, dancing to her heart’s content and conquering her fears. She had climbed all 1,100 steps of the CN Tower, visited a pyramid on top of a mountain in Mexico and dreams of one day living in the loveliest castle in the world (Leed’s Castle in England.) Jane is the youngest of 10 (yep, ten!), a mum of two and a devoted wife of Sidney. Twitter: @JaneTaguicana Chris is currently a full time technical writer and a part time creative writer for Kubo. He has developed website content, user guides, marketing collateral, proposals, and articles on family & lifestyle. In his spare time he likes to read, play video games and spend time with his close friends. He stays physically active by working out and playing for a basketball and baseball league. In the future he hopes to manage his own business and obtain an MBA from a prestigious university.
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